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This study examined how broilers up to 38 days of age fared regarding growth efficiency and carcass characteristics concerning selenium nanoparticle activities (SeNPs). A total of 180 one-week-old broiler (Cobb 500) chicks without sex were randomly allocated into three groups, each with six replications of 10 chicks. The trial took 38 days to complete. The three study dietary groups were fed ad libitum feed and water throughout their 38-day of age, along with corn-and-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0 (control), 1.5, and 2.0 ml SeNPs (concentration = 5%) /kg diet, respectively. According to the current findings, the SeNP supplementation groups had greater body weight, weight gain, and performance indicators than the control group after 38 days of the feeding experiment. The findings demonstrated that dietary interventions did not affect the amount of feed consumed (FC) per chick per day or the feed conversion ratio (FCR). The conclusion is that adding SeNPs to broiler diets at 1.5 or 2.0 ml/kg increased productivity. In contrast, lower levels of selenium (Se) (1.5 ml/kg diet) showed encouraging results and could be employed as a useful feed additive in broilers., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This study evaluated the effects of whole flaxseed (WFS), fish oil (FO), and different sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (inorganic, organic, and nano-source) on egg production, quality, sensory attributes, and serum protein metabolites in laying hens. A total of 144 hens were divided into six groups with six replicates of four hens each. Hens were fed six diets as follows: 1) control diet; 2) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO; 3) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg vitamin E (VE); 4) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + inorganic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (ISeZnFe); 5) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + organic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (OSeZnFe); 6) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + nano-source of Se, Zn, and Fe (NSeZnFe) from 40-50 weeks of age. Laying hens fed 7.5% WFS, 1.5% FO, and different sources of trace elements in their diets had no negative effects on laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight change, or survival rate compared to that of hens fed the control diet. Dietary treatments did not negatively affect the external and internal egg characteristics or egg sensory attributes. Feeding 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+ISeZnFe positively influenced yolk color in fresh eggs. Dietary treatments had a significant impact on egg nutritional composition, with the highest levels of macronutrients found in eggs from hens fed the 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+NSeZnFe treatment. The highest plasma globulin concentrations were observed in hens fed organic and nano-source trace elements. The same diets reduced plasma uric acid levels. Based on these findings, the inclusion of organic or nano-source trace minerals in diets containing WFS and FO positively affected egg quality and hen protein metabolites., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (2024 Japan Poultry Science Association.)

Introduction: The present study evaluated the effect of preslaughter stress intensities on the behavioral, physiological, blood biochemicals, and hormonal responses in goats., Methods: Twenty-seven intact male goats (Ardi breed, 10 months of age, 27 kg liveweight) were divided into three treatment groups viz ., the control (C) group, ear pulling (EP) group, and leg pulling (LP) group. Various behavioral, physiological, blood biochemical and hormonal responses were recorded before and after handling., Results and Discussion: The EP and LP goats had a higher frequency and intensity of vocalization as compared to control goats. The preslaughter handling stress intensities had a significant effect on the before and after handling values of heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and ear temperature. Further, among groups, the glucose value increased significantly upon preslaughter handling as compared to the baseline value. The LP goats had significantly higher after-handling value for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as compared to the before-handling value. The catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and β-endorphin concentrations increased significantly upon preslaughter handling. The higher physiological, behavioral, blood biochemical, and hormonal response indicated higher preslaughter stress in EP and LP goats. Both levels of intensity revealed unfavorable responses in goats that may adversely affect animal welfare and meat quality. Thus, to ensure minimal adverse effects on behavior, physiology, blood enzymes, and hormonal responses, it is recommended to follow animal welfare principles when implementing preslaughter handling practices., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Al-Owaimer, Suliman, Alobre, Swelum, Al-Badwi, Ba-Awadh, Sazili, Kumar and Kaka.)

To investigate the effect of age in male quail on testicular weight and histology, sexual libido and semen characteristics, a study was performed on 100 quails at 10, 16, 22, 28 and 34 weeks of age. The body and testicular weights were significantly (p < .05) higher at 16 and 22 than at 28 weeks of age. The circumference and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were significantly (p < .05) higher at 28 and 34 than at 10 and 16 weeks of age. Histological evaluation of testicular slices revealed advanced and effective seminiferous tubes as early as 10 weeks, while spermatogenic activity peaked at 16 weeks of age. The highest semen volume, sperm motility and sperm concentration were observed at weeks of age and then decreased gradually with age. At the same time, the testosterone level and libido were significantly (p < .05) higher at 22 than at 10 weeks of age. Furthermore, the age was positive (p < .05), correlated to seminiferous tubule circumference and diameter, and negative (p < .05), correlated to sperm concentration. In conclusion, the age of quail markedly affected the testicular histological structure, libido, testosterone level and semen characteristics., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In the current study, the proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) was used to enhance the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) probiotic as a growth promotor in broiler chicken. The effects of serratiopeptidase on the efficacy of different levels of B. subtilis as a growth promotor in broiler chicks were evaluated regarding growth performance traits, villus histomorphometric characterization, and intestinal microbiota count. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 120) were allocated into 4 groups having 3 replicates/group. In the control group (C), the basal diet was kept without supplementation. In treatment groups (P100, P150, and P200), the basal diet was supplemented with 100, 150, and 200 mg probiotics, respectively besides 30 mg proteolytic enzyme in the 3 treated groups for 4 wk. The performance parameters were significantly affected by the supplementation of serratiopeptidase to the B. subtilis treatment groups. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dressing percent were significantly improved in the treatment groups as compared to the control group. Significantly, the lowest feed intake was recorded for the P200 group. The highest body weight gain and dressing percentage were recorded for the P200 group. An improved FCR was recorded in the P200 group (1.7) as compared to the control group. The different levels of B. subtilis supplemented with serratiopeptidase revealed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the morphology of the intestine by showing increases in villus height and width and crypt depth of the small intestine. The microbial count revealed that E. coli and salmonella colonies were significantly reduced in the P200 group as compared to the control and other treatment groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of B. subtilis with serratiopeptidase as a growth promoter in broiler chicks significantly improved the overall performance, and intestinal health and reduced microbial load contributing to optimizing the performance of broiler chickens. The greatest improvement was observed in the P200 group fed with B. subtilis as a probiotic and serratiopeptidase enzyme (200 mg:30 mg)., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Citrus citrus peeling has a wide range of vitamins and trace minerals that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is hypothesized that the addition of citrus peeling to broiler quail diets can improve their production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization. A trial was performed to study the impact of a methanolic extract of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails. A healthy day-old 300 quails were randomly assigned with 5 replicates each replicate had 15 birds and used CRD for the trial. Different dietary supplementations were presented to different groups. The control group was not supplemented with any supplementation in their feed. While, the 3 other groups were supplemented by 0.5 mL/kg, 1 mL/kg, and 1.5 mL/kg of methanolic extract of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) in the basal diet (DCSP0.5, DCSP1, and DCSP1.5 groups, respectively). All the birds were allowed ad libitum feeding and water. The feed intake and FCR were significantly higher in the control group, followed by DCSP0.5, and then DCSP1. The significantly lowest feed intake and FCR were observed in the DCSP1.5 group. The weight gain and dressing % were significantly improved with the increasing level of methanolic extract of Citrus sinensis. The significantly highest weights of thymus, spleen, and bursa were recorded in the DCSP1.5 group, followed by the DCSP1. The antibody titers against infectious bursal disease, New Castle disease, and infectious bronchitis disease were significantly higher in the DCSP1.5, DCSP1, and DCSP0.5 groups than in the control group. It was concluded from the study that supplementation of quails with methanolic extract of citrus at a dose rate of 0.5 to 1.5 mL/kg of feed can improve feed intake, weight gain, FCR, dressing percentage, relative weight of lymphoid organs, and digestibility coefficient. Supplementation of Citrus sinensis has also concluded positive impacts on antibody titers against various viral diseases. The best improvement in the evaluated parameters was observed at a dose of extract of citrus was 1.5 mL/kg of feed., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

For the evaluation of the effects of various quantities of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) (kcal/kg diet) in Japanese quail lay chicken meals on performance, digestion coefficients, and nutritional value. An experiment was undertaken in the summer season; 216 eight-wk-old Japanese quail laying hens were allocated at random to 1 of 9 groups in a factorial design (3 × 3) experiment involving 3 levels of CP (18, 20, and 22%) plus 3 levels of ME (2,800, 2,900, or 3,000 kcal/kg ME diet). The testing period lasted from 8 to 20 wk. The findings demonstrated that the relationship between protein and energy levels significantly impacted all productive outcomes except the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01). Throughout the overall period 8 to 20 wk of age, the greatest measurements of egg weight (11.9 g) and egg mass (8.33 g) occurred in hens fed 20% CP with 2,900 kcal/kg diet, yet the lowest values of egg weight (11.2 g) and egg mass (6.72 g) were noticed in hens fed 22% CP with 2,900 kcal/kg diet. The data showed that the combination of dietary energy and protein levels had a substantial (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) effect on all egg quality trials evaluated. The results indicated that the interaction between dietary energy and protein concentrations substantially impacted DM and EE digestion ratios (P < 0.01). Finally, when feeding layer Japanese quail between the ages of 8 and 20 wk during the summer, a dietary energy content of 2,900 kcal ME/kg with 20% CP is recommended., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study investigated the impact of Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) as a dietary supplement on growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity of growing Japanese quails. In a 28-day experiment, 240 unsexed 7-day-old quail chicks were used. The quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment sets, each comprising 6 replicates and 10 quail chicks. Group (1) fed the basal diet with no supplements, group (2) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g A. platensis/kg diet, group (3) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g A. platensis/kg diet, and group (4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet. The results of this study revealed that the birds that were fed 0.50 g. or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had superior final body weights, body weight gains, feed conversion ratios, and carcass criteria compared to control, furthermore, had significant (P < 0.05) lower levels of liver enzymes and kidney function markers compared to control. Furthermore, birds fed 0.50 g or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels compared to control. Dietary supplementation of A. platensis at 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased total antioxidant capacity, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity levels. Using A. platensis at 0.5 or 1 g/kg diet levels during the Japanese quails' growth period can improve growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chemical composition, amino acids (AAs), and fatty acid (FAs) profiles, and health and nutrition values of breast muscle of ROSS 308 broiler chickens were studied after being slaughtered at 28, 35, 42, and 49 d of age (n = 126 males and 126 females/slaughter age). The slaughter age significantly affected some AAs levels including glutamic acid, valine, isoleucine, histidine, and leucine, and some FAs level including capric acid, tetradecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, total saturated fatty acids, 9-pentadecenoic acid, hexadecatetraenoic acid, α-linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, adrenic acid, omega 6, sum polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ʃ PUFAs), and unsaturation index. Subsequently, the slaughter age significantly affected some health indexes including the n-6/n-3 ratio, thrombogenic index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, and health-promoting index. Valine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, and glutamic acid levels increased with increasing slaughter age until 35 d of age and then decreased with increasing slaughter age until 49 d of age. Moreover, the health indices of fatty acids were best at slaughter age of 35 d, followed by 49 d, and the lowest health-promoting indices were at 42 d, followed by 28 d. The sex did not affect (P ˃ 0.05) all the evaluating parameters including chemical composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and related health indices. There was no significant interaction effect between sex and slaughter age in all evaluating parameters except in stearidonic acid level. In conclusion, amino acids and fatty acids profiles and health and nutritional values of male and female ROSS 308 broiler chicken breast muscle can be affected by slaughter age. The study provides valuable insights into the nutritional value of meat, including its composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles, and associated health indices, for both male and female fast-growing ROSS 308 broiler chickens, as the slaughter age increases., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Feed additives that increase nutrient availability in feeds have gained a lot of interest., Aim: An experiment was conducted to determine whether amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation affected broiler performance., Methods: Two hundred eighty broiler chicks were selected and distributed randomly into 28 replicate pens with four treatment groups and seven replicates under a completely randomized design. A total of four diets were developed, having 0, 100, 100, and 100 + 100 g of control (AP0), amylase (A1), protease (P1), and amylase + protease (AP1)/ton of feed, respectively. Four replicates of each treatment were fed each diet. Each diet was randomly allotted to each group. Ad-libitum feeding was provided to the birds. The feeding program had starter and finisher diets. Upon completion of the experiment, three birds from each pen were slaughtered to analyze the carcass characteristics and organ weight., Results: Differences were insignificant between 100 g/ton of amylase supplementation and FI, body weight gain (BWG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR) ( p > 0.05). Supplementation with 10 0g/ton of protease did not significantly affect FI, BWG, and FCR ( p > 0.05). Similarly, 100 + 100 g/ton of amylase + protease addition had no significant effect on FI, BWG, and FCR ( p > 0.05). None of the treatments significantly affected carcass weight, abdominal fat percentage, dressing percentage, drumstick, wings, breast, and thigh weights ( p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant effects ( p > 0.05) on the weight of the heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen., Conclusion: In conclusion, amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation at a rate of 100 g/ton of feed did not influence BWG, FI, FCR, carcass characteristics, or organ weight., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Pulicaria jaubertii (PJ) is a medicinal plant used as a synthetic antioxidant and as a traditional medicine due to its bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of PJ on carcass traits and breast meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty male broilers (1 day old) were divided into four groups (0, 3, 6, and 9 g of PJ/kg of basal diet). Performance indicators were evaluated during the feeding stages, and carcass characteristics and physiochemical and qualitative parameters of breast meat were measured at 36 days old. The results showed that PJ improved performance parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency index ( p < 0.05) in the finishing stage. The diets supplemented with PJ were associated with better carcass characteristics ( p < 0.05), but some body parts, such as legs (6 and 9 g PJ) and backs (3-9 g PJ) decreased ( p < 0.05). Temperature and initial pH were decreased by PJ ( p < 0.05). Meat color was not affected by PJ ( p > 0.05), although the yellowness and saturation index were lower at 9 g PJ. Total saturated fatty acid content was higher at 3 g PJ, while total polyunsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio were lower at 3 and 6 g PJ ( p < 0.05). Total monounsaturated fatty acid content increased at 6 and 9 g PJ. Omega-6 fatty acids and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 were lower at 3 g PJ. PJ resulted in higher weight loss on cooking (6 and 9 g PJ) and shear force (3-9 g PJ). In conclusion, PJ had a positive influence on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile, and some meat quality traits were generally improved by PJ, but knowledge of its mode of action is still limited and therefore requires further investigation.

Natural antibiotic substitutes have recently been used as growth promoters and to combat pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of adding Magic oil (nano-emulsified plant oil) at different growing periods on growth performance, histomorphology of the ileum, carcass traits, and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens. A total of 432-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 water supplementation treatment groups based on growing periods, with 4 groups of Magic oil programs compared to probiotic (Albovit) as a positive control and nonsupplemented group as a negative control, with 9 replicates each with 8 birds (4♂ and 4♀). The periods of adding Magic oil Magic oil were 35, 20, 23, and 19 d for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Birds' performance was evaluated during 0 to 4, 4 to 14, 21 to 30, 30 to 35, and overall days old. Carcass parameters, blood chemistry, and ileal histomorphology were examined on d 35. The findings showed that birds in the T4 group of the Magic oil supplementation program (from 1 to 4 and 21 to 35 d of age) consumed 1.82% and 4.20% more food, gained 3.08% and 6.21% more, and converted feed to meat 1.39% and 2.07% more than Albovit and negative control, respectively, during the experiment (1-35). Magic oil particularly T1 (Magic oil is supplemented throughout the growing period) and T4 programs improved intestinal histology compared to the negative control. There were no changes (P > 0.05) between treatments in carcass parameters and blood biochemistry. In conclusion, water supplementation with Magic oil for broilers improves intestinal morphometrics and growth performance similar to or better than probiotic, especially during brooding and overall periods. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of adding both nano-emulsified plant oil and probiotics on different parameters., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Using natural zeolites as a food additive in poultry diets offers an intriguing perspective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite addition and particle size on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, moisture of excreta and litter, and intestinal measurements during 35 days., Methods: A total of 560 1-day-old female Ross-308 broilers were divided into five treatment levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g zeolite/kg diet) ( n = 16 replicates/treatment, n = 8 replicates /particle size of each treatment). Performance was calculated weekly. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, small intestine (SI) measurements, litter pH, and moisture content were determined on day 35., Results: Litter pH, breast redness, cooking loss, chewiness, total weight, and SI length were all affected by zeolite treatments ( p < 0.05). Particle size had an impact on the gastric pH and texture analysis. Their interaction had an effect on color redness, litter pH, and cooking loss. Performance was unaffected by either the main or interaction effects., Conclusion: Zeolite as a feed additive may be useful in broiler diets, particularly large particles. The performance and production efficiency factor improved numerically ( p > 0.05) with increasing zeolite doses up to 10 g zeolite/kg diet.

The aim of this review is to investigate the basic principles of red meat cooking technologies, including traditional and modern methods, and their effects on the physical, thermal, mechanical, sensory, and microbial characteristics of red meat. Cooking methods were categorized into two categories: traditional (cooking in the oven and frying) and modern (ohmic, sous vide, and microwave cooking). When red meat is subjected to high temperatures during food manufacturing, it undergoes changes in its engineering and quality attributes. The quality standards of meat products are associated with several attributes that are determined by food technologists and consumers based on their preferences. Cooking improves the palatability of meat in terms of tenderness, flavor, and juiciness, in addition to eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. The process of meat packaging is one of the important processes that extend the life span of meat and increase its shelf life due to non-exposure to oxygen during cooking and ease of handling without being exposed to microbial contamination. This review highlights the significance of meat cooking mathematical modeling in understanding heat and mass transfer phenomena, reducing costs, and maintaining meat quality. The critical overview considers various production aspects/quality and proposed methods, such as, but not limited to, hurdle technology, for the mass production of meat.

Gum Arabic, one of the soluble fibers, is considered a source of natural prebiotics that can be fermented by the activity of the intestinal microbiota and, therefore, may have a positive effect on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of gum Arabic on performance, carcass characteristics, physicochemical properties, and quality of broiler breast meat. Six dietary treatments (T1-T5) with a basal diet (CON) containing 0.12%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% gum Arabic, respectively. A total of 432 one-day-old male broiler chickens were conducted for 35 days. Performance and carcass characteristics, as well as physical, qualitative, and chemical indicators of breast meat, were evaluated. The results showed that the treatments improved overall performance ( p < 0.05), such as body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and performance index, except for feed intake, which was lower at T1, T2, and T5 than at CON. Carcass characteristics, body components, and breast meat color or initial pH were not affected by dietary treatments ( p > 0.05), but ultimate pH (T1 and T2) and color lightness were comparatively lower, and color change (T2-T3) was comparatively higher. Cooking water loss (T2-T4) and shear force (T1-T5) were higher in the treatments. Cohesiveness and resilience were higher in T2, while gumminess and chewiness were lower in T4 and T5. T1 breast meat had higher crude protein content and lower crude fat content, but the other chemical compositions were not affected by the treatments. Some fatty acids in the breast meat were more affected by treatments compared to CON. In conclusion, the present findings showed that gum Arabic (0.12% to 0.75%) has favorable effects on growth performance and some quality indicators of breast meat (such as cooking water loss, shear force, protein, and fat content), especially at the level of 0.12% with no alterations on the carcass characteristics and body components or physical indicators of breast meat.

Introduction: Lasalocid is a feed additive widely used in ruminant nutrition and plays a crucial role in improving livestock productivity, digestibility, immunity, and overall wellbeing. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of lasalocid (LAS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and gas production of growing goats., Methods: A total of 60 growing Aardi male goats with an average body weight of ~17.12 kg (3-month-old) were used for an 84-day trial. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 5 replicates of 3 goats each. All four groups were provided with a basal diet supplemented with lasalocid (LAS) at 0 (without supplementation; LAS0), 10 (LAS10), 20 (LAS20), or 30 (LAS30) ppm LAS/kg dry matter (DM). Feed intake was measured weekly, and goats were weighed every 2 weeks for an evaluation of the performance parameters. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of biochemical variables. In vitro nutrient digestibility and gas production were evaluated., Results and Discussion: The supplementation of LAS at level 30 ppm/kg DM increased ( P < 0.05) the body weight gain and average daily gain without linear or quadratic effect. The serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the LAS20 group than in other groups with linear and quadratic effects, while low-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly lower in the LAS20 group than in LAS0 and LAS30 with a linear effect. Different levels of lasalocid supplementation had no effect on the ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro gas production, and nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, the addition of LAS (20-30 ppm/kg DM) to the goat's diet can improve the growth performance and lipoprotein profile., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Basmaeil, Suliman, Al Garadi, Al-Badwi, Abdelrahman, Al-Harbi, El-Waziry, Alhidary and Swelum.)

Introduction: This research aimed to examine the effects of water-added betaine (BET) and/or nano-emulsified vegetable oil (MAGO) on carcass and meat quality characteristics of broilers raised under thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions., Methods: On day 21, 640 birds (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of two thermal conditions (thermoneutral 22 ± 1°C and heat stress 32 ± 1°C) each containing four treatment groups: Control, BET, MAGO, and a mixture of both (BETMAGO) in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (eight groups). Each group has eight replicates, with ten birds each. The birds' carcass and meat quality characteristics were evaluated at 35 days., Results and Discussion: The dressing percentage, breast, leg, wing, heart, initial pH, color change, cooking loss (CL), water-holding capacity (WHC), shear force (SF), and texture profile with exception of springiness significantly affected by the treatments. The results showed that HS had negative effects on carcass weight and relative weights of the breast, spleen, and heart. Moreover, HS increased dressing percentage, wing, initial pH, final core temperature, initial lightness, WHC, and hardness. Significant differences in interactions between treatments and temperature were observed in the spleen, WHC, and SF., Conclusion: Water supplemented with BET effectively improved carcass dressing percentage, breast weight, and meat quality in terms of water-holding capacity and tenderness under HS conditions. More studies on the use of BET and/or MAGO at different levels were recommended., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Suliman, Hussein, Al-Owaimer, Alhotan, Al-Garadi, Mahdi, Ba-Awadh, Qaid and Swelum.)

Introduction: High-quality meat is one of the consumer demands. Therefore, several studies have concluded that supplementing broilers with natural additives can improve meat quality. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of nano-emulsified plant oil (Magic oil ® ) and probiotic (Albovit ® ) as water additives (at the rate of 1 ml/L and 0.1 g/L, respectively) during different growing periods on processing characteristics, physicochemical properties, and meat quality traits of broilers chickens., Methods: A total number of 432-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups according to the growing periods in which magic oil and probiotics were added to drinking water, each with nine replicates and eight birds per replicate (4♂ and 4♀). On day 35, birds' processing characteristics, physicochemical properties, and meat quality traits were examined., Results and Discussion: The results showed that treatments had a significant ( P < 0.001) impact on cooking loss, cohesiveness, and chewiness. The male broiler chickens had higher ( P ≤ 0.05) initial lightness, initial whiteness index, water holding capacity, shear force, live weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, as well as lower gizzard and neck percentages than females. The interactions between treatments and sex showed a significant ( P < 0.001) impact on cooking loss, shear force, hardness, springiness, and chewiness. In conclusion, supplementing male broiler chickens with Magic oil and probiotic, particularly from 0-30 days of age had favorable meat chewiness as a result of lower cohesiveness and hardness higher springiness, and the most convenient cooking loss value. Magic oil and probiotic, especially in males, is advisable to be supplemented in water of growing broilers chicken programs from 0 to 30 days of age. Moreover, further studies under commercial conditions are recommended to locate the most favorable combination of Magic oil/probiotic supplements for the best processing characteristics and meat quality attributes outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Suliman, Hussein, Alsagan, Al-Owaimer, Alhotan, Al-Baadani, Ba-Awadh, Qaid and Swelum.)

Background and Aim: The multivariate discriminant (MVD) analysis was a successful statistical tool with a discriminatory capacity for tracing sheep breeds based on meat characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to identify three Saudi sheep breeds based on the physical and histochemical aspects of meat using MVD analysis., Materials and Methods: Eight male lambs from each breed, Najdi, Neami, and Harri, were selected randomly at 90 days of age and allocated into three groups for breeding in a completely randomized design. The feeding and rearing management were similar for an experimental period of 90 days. The experimental diet consisted of a concentrated mixture with identical amounts of calories and nitrogen. Fifty-one meat characteristics were measured in the preliminary MVD, representing hot and cold carcass weight, meat cuts and quality measures, body component weights, fat deposit weights, and histochemical characteristics., Results: Out of the total meat characteristics measured, only 19 characteristics had significant discriminant power. The most powerful characteristics were temperature, empty intestinal weight, pH 24 , external carcass length, heart weight, and L1, based on partial R-square and Wilks' lambda values. The phenotypic associations between the characteristics had strong associations. The obtained principal components efficiently classified the eight individuals of each breed into distinct groups using robust discriminant characteristics., Conclusion: This method allowed us to determine the breed of sheep carcasses and cuts by considering the physical characteristics of the meat. Therefore, butchers and consumers should use scientific techniques for assigning carcasses and meat to their sheep breed after slaughtering., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Suliman, et al.)

In a 90-day study, 32 growing lambs aged 3 months were utilized to evaluate the effects of various levels of spirulina dietary supplement on productive performance, nutritional digestibility, and meat quality in growing Najdi lambs. The lambs were put into 4 groups of 8 lambs each at random. The diet consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) without spirulina (CONT), and the TMR diet supplemented with spirulina at the levels of 2 ppm (SPP2), 4 ppm (SPP4), and 8 ppm (SPP8). The treatment groups, especially SPP8, showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight and average daily gain (p < 0.05) compared to the CONT group. Dry matter intake and acid detergent fiber were also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in SPP8 compared to other treated groups and CONT. The N absorption, N retention, and percentage of N digestibility coefficient were greater (P < 0.05) in lambs in the treatment groups than in the CONT. Blood biochemistry variables were not significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by the treatments, with the exception of the serum concentration of triglyceride and bilirubin. Carcass profile and meat quality, including back fat, body wall fat, and cooking loss, were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with dietary spirulina. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that spirulina dietary supplementation at the level of 8 ppm increased weight gain, nutritional digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and meat composition in growing Najdi lambs., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

A total of 150 broiler chicks were used to determine the impact of dietary cinnamon bark powder (CBP; Cinnamomum verum ) on breast meat quality, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of birds under coccidiosis, as one of the protozoan parasitic diseases. A total of 5 replicates of birds received 1 of the following 6 groups for 34 days: control groups (1 and 2) received a basal diet without the addition of CBP or salinomycin; group 3 received a basal diet with 0.066 g salinomycin; groups 4-6 were given a basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 g CBP/kg feed, respectively. On day 21, 4 × 10 4 /100 µL of Eimeria tenella oocysts/bird were challenged, except for the negative control (NC). At the end of the experimental trial, five birds/group were sampled for carcass characteristics and breast attributes. Overall, emeriosis negatively affects slaughter body mass, carcass yield, and the majority of carcass characteristics in birds, and cinnamon can mitigate these effects. Cinnamon groups, particularly at the 2 g level, alleviated the negative effect on performance caused by coccidia infestation to the same or greater extent as the negative control and salinomycin treatment groups. Furthermore, when compared with the other experimental groups, the addition of cinnamon improved some physicochemical properties with some affecting meat quality, such as decreasing MFI and increasing toughness in cinnamon-treated groups. In summary, it can be concluded that CBP can enhance the shelf life, carcass, and quality of birds' meat by maximizing the productive performance efficiency and breast meat productivity of birds under coccidiosis infestation. Further research is required to investigate the use of cinnamon to optimize the quality of meat and the productivity of both healthy and diseased broilers.

The effects of nano-emulsified vegetable oil (NEVO) and betaine (BET) supplements on growth performance and meat qualities of broilers reared under cyclic heat stress (HS) were investigated. Two hundred and eighty-eight mixed-sex broilers at 21 d were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments formed by two environmental temperatures (thermoneutral (TN; 24 ± 1 °C) and cyclic high-temperature (HT; 35 ± 1 °C)) and three dietary treatments (control (CON), NEVO, and BET). The cumulative performance (21-35 d) revealed a reduction in average daily gain (ADG) ( p < 0.05) in the CON compared to NEVO. NEVO and BET groups had a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) and performance efficiency factor (PEF) compared with the CON ( p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). The environmental temperature affected daily feed intake (DFI), ADG, FCR, and PEF. The addition of BET improved breast fillets yield, temperature, pH 15min, and pH 24hr ( p < 0.05) in comparison with the CON. Moreover, the TN group had lower fillet temperature and higher pH 15min compared to the HT. Moreover, HT increased shear force (SF), hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of the fillets compared to TN. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with BET and NEVO could effectively improve performance parameters and meat characteristics under HS conditions.

This work aimed to assess the effect of using the RNL on performance indices, carcass trait, and meat quality of broiler chicken infected with Eimeria tenella compared with commercially used anticoccidials salinomycin. Moreover, we compare these selected variables between infected medicated groups and a non-infected unmedicated group (UUT) and an infected unmedicated group (IUT). A total of 150 1-day-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers were divided into 6 groups. Birds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed basic diets supplemented with 1, 3, and 5 g of RNL/kg diet, respectively. Group 4 received a basic diet with 66 mg of salinomycin. The control groups (5 and 6) were given a basic diet with no RNL or salinomycin added. All groups except the negative controls were challenged with Eimeria tenella at 21 days old. Birds in RNL groups outperformed those in the IUT group in performance indices, and they have a similar effect to the salinomycin group. Enhancement-infected birds with RNL affected some chickens' carcass traits. Drip loss, water-holding capacity, and meat tenderness were improved by RNL inclusion (1 g) in the diet. In conclusion, the meat of infected birds receiving 1 g RNL&nbsp;had increased quality attributes, with preferable tenderness and springiness when compared to the IUT group. RNL could therefore also be considered a promising non-conventional feed source in the future. Further research is needed to optimize the use of RNL to improve broilers production and meat quality in both infected and non-infected conditions.

On the commercial level, the poultry industry strives to find new techniques to combat bird's infection. During the first week, mortality rate increases in birds because of several bacterial infections of about ten bacterial species, especially colisepticemia. This affects the flock production, uniformity, and suitability for slaughter because of chronic infections. Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes various disease syndromes in poultry, including yolk sac infection (omphalitis), respiratory tract infection, and septicemia. The E. coli infections in the neonatal poultry are being characterized by septicemia. The acute septicemia may cause death, while the subacute form could be characterized through pericarditis, airsacculitis, and perihepatitis. Many E. coli isolates are commonly isolated from commercial broiler chickens as serogroups O 1 , O 2 , and O 78 . Although prophylactic antibiotics were used to control mortality associated with bacterial infections of neonatal poultry in the past, the commercial poultry industry is searching for alternatives. This is because of the consumer's demand for reduced antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Despite the vast and rapid development in vaccine technologies against common chicken infectious diseases, no antibiotic alternatives are commercially available to prevent bacterial infections of neonatal chicks. Recent research confirmed the utility of probiotics to improve the health of neonatal poultry. However, probiotics were not efficacious to minimize death and clinical signs associated with neonatal chicks' bacterial infections. This review focuses on the causes of the increased mortality in broiler chicks during the first week of age and the methods used to minimize death., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies have shown positive outcomes associated with the incorporation of cloves into broiler chicken diets. This study aimed to evaluate carcass characteristics, meat quality, and sensory attributes of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with different clove seed levels. A total of 240 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were fed 1 of seven dietary treatments. The control group diet contained 0% clove seeds, whereas the treatment group diets contained up to 6% clove seeds. The chickens' final BW was significantly different between the treatments, which decreased linearly with increasing levels of clove seed inclusion. Broiler chickens fortified with clove seeds did not significantly affect the chickens' carcass characteristics and body composition. However, an increment in weights of carcass components (liver, heart, and gizzard) was observed in low clove seed levels. In addition, water-holding capacity, cooking loss percentages, and tenderness of the meat were improved owing to clove seed inclusion (1 or 2%) compared with the control group. Further studies are warranted to optimize the outstanding use of cloves toward broiler chicken performance enhancement and to produce a high quality of meat., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the animal production industry, plant-derived antimicrobial phytobiotics are used as an alternative to antibiotics. Here we investigated the role sanguinarine-based phytobiotic in broiler recovery from Necrotic Enteritis (NE) infection. A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to four treatments: negative control CTR (no challenge, no phytobiotic supplementation); positive control NE (NE challenged); phytobiotic SG (sanguinarine phytobiotic, 0.12 g/kg); and SG + NE, (sanguinarine phytobiotic, 0.12 g/kg and NE challenge). Sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation caused significant changes between the groups in performance, livability and histological measurements, however, these changes were not significantly different between SG + NE and NE groups. Significant improvement was detected in NE lesion score of the duodenum and ileum of SG + NE birds compared to NE challenged birds at the end of the production cycle at 40 days old, indicating improved post-NE recovery with the addition of phytobiotic. Sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation in NE challenged birds significantly compensated for a NE associated reduction of Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes. Functional profile of sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplemented birds microbiota was distinct from CTR functional profile. NE challenge was associated with a significant increase in cecal propionic acid, while sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation resulted in an increase in cecal acetic acid., (© 2020 The Authors.)

Because of concerns over the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, this study was designed to determine the effectiveness of phytobiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic use based on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. The effects of an antibiotic and 3 phytobiotic feed additives (PFA), Mix-Oil Mint (MO mint ), Mix-Oil Liquid (MO liq ), and Sangrovit Extra (Sang ext ), were compared. At day of age, 280 Ross chicks were randomly allocated into 6 treatments. At 15 d, all chicks except negative control were exposed to S. typhimurium. The offered 6 diets were as follows: T1, negative control; T2, infected with S. typhimurium; T3, infected + avilamycin (0.1 g/kg); T4, infected + MO mint (0.2 g/kg); T5, infected + plant extract in liquid form MO liq (0.25 mL/L); and T6, infected + Sang ext (0.15 g/kg). During the cumulative starter period, PFA improved performance over that of the control, and the food conversion ratio (FCR) was lower for T3 and T5 compared with T1 (P < 0.05). During the cumulative finisher period (15-35 d), a lower body weight gain (P < 0.01) was observed in T2. T1 had the best FCR and production efficiency factor, but they were not significantly different from those of T3, T4, and T6 (P < 0.001). At 35 d, T1 and T4 had a higher breast percentage as compared with those of T2 (P < 0.05). Blood glucose decreased significantly (P > 0.05) in T2 and T5 compared with that in T1 and T4. Alanine transaminase concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in T4 and T5 compared with that in T1, T2, and T3. Treatments had significant effects on breast temperature and pH (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the myofibril fragmentation index occurred in T1 and T6. Hardness and chewiness were influenced by treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PFA could effectively compare with that of antibiotic avilamycin in the maintenance of growth performance and improvement in meat characteristics of broilers challenged with S. typhimurium., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The poultry industry needs efficient antibiotic alternatives to prevent necrotic enteritis (NE) infections. Here, we evaluate the effects of probiotic and/or prebiotic dietary supplementation on performance, meat quality and carcass traits, using only an NE coinfection model, in broiler chickens. Three hundred and twenty-four healthy Ross 308 broiler chicks are allocated into six groups. Taking a 35 d feeding trial, the chicks are fed a basal diet with 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 0.12, 0.5 + 0.12, and 0.2 g Kg -1 for the control (T 1 ), Avilamycin (Maxus; T 2 ), live probiotic (CloStat ( Bacillus subtilis );T 3 ), natural phytobiotic compounds (Sangrovit Extra (sanguinarine and protopine); T 4 ), CloStat + Sangrovit Extra (T 5 ), and spore probiotic strain (Gallipro Tect ( Bacillus subtilis spores); T 6 ) treatments, respectively. Occurring at 15 days-old, chicks are inoculated with Clostridium perfringens. The obtained results reveal that all feed additives improve the performance, feed efficiency, and survival rate, and reduces the intestinal lesions score compared with the control group. The T 6 followed by T 3 groups show a significant ( p < 0.05) increase in some carcass traits, such as dressing, spleen, and thymus percentages compared with other treatments. Also, T 5 and T 6 have significantly recorded the lowest temperature and pHu values and the highest hardness and chewiness texture values compared to the other treated groups. To conclude, probiotics combined with prebiotic supplementation improves the growth, meat quality, carcass characterization and survival rate of NE-infected broiler chickens by modulating gut health conditions and decreasing lesion scores. Moreover, it could be useful as an ameliorated NE disease alternative to antibiotics in C. perfringens coinfected poultry.

This study evaluated the effects of feed additives on the growth, blood biochemistry and intestinal health of broiler chicks. A total of 378 of broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to seven groups. Chicks were fed a basal diet with 0.0 (control negative), 0.0 (control positive), 0.1, 0.5, 0.12, 0.5 + 0.12 and 0.2 g Kg - 1 of Maxus, CloStat, Sangrovit Extra, CloStat + Sangrovit Extra and Gallipro Tech, respectively for 35 days. After 15 days, the chicks were inoculated with Clostridium perfringens. All feed additives were found to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency. The best feed conversion ratio was found in the Negative Control, CloStat + Sangrovit Extra and Gallipro Tect groups, respectively. A notable increase in villus length, total villus area, small intestine weight, ilium weight and total lesion score was found in chicks supplemented with Bacillus subtilis . Besides, the dietary inclusion of phytobiotic compounds showed potential in reducing the serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration and increasing the glucose levels. All intestine and liver histopathological signs were reduced in chicks fed a probiotic-supplemented diet. Our findings indicate that supplementation with probiotics and phytobiotics alone or in combined form can be used to enhance performance, intestine health and blood constituents against C. perfringens infection in broiler chicks., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The influence of muscle type and postmortem storage period on meat chemical composition and quality attributes of three breeds of camels (Baladi Saudi, Pakistani, and Somali) were investigated in this study. Crude fat and ash content were significantly higher in the Pakistani than in the Baladi Saudi and Somali breeds, except for higher moisture content observed in the Somali breed. The longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles had a greater crude protein than the biceps femoris (BF) muscle. Storage period exhibited a significant reduction in pH values and improvement in color components of meat. The Somali breed produced higher cooking loss % and shear force, with a lower water holding capacity than the Baladi Saudi and Pakistani breeds. The LL muscle had better cooking loss %, water holding capacity, and shear force, whereas storage period (7 days) exhibited a significant reduction in the myofibrillar fragmentation index. Baladi Saudi and Pakistani breeds and LL muscle samples presented better meat sensory attributes, while storage period had no significant influence on the overall sensory characters of meat. In conclusion, there were significant differences between the chemical and structural characteristics of the LL, BF, and SM muscle samples among the three breeds of camel. Baladi Saudi and Pakistani had better meat quality traits than the Somali breed. In addition, LL muscles had better nutritional values and meat quality parameters than BF and SM muscles. Improvement in meat quality attributes were achieved with the storage process of 7 days. It is observed that, the Saudi Baladi camels have a merit of low fat content over both Somali and Pakistani camel breeds. It is also concluded that no significant effects were observed between the treatments as a result of storage when sensory attributes were considered. Moreover, breed, muscle and storage period were interacted significantly only with regard to lightness color space and shear force. This is useful knowledge for the meat industry for optimizing processing and storage procedures for various camel muscles.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a low metabolizable energy (low-ME) diet supplemented with a multienzyme blend (KEMZYME ® ) on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of chickens. A total of 108 broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to three experimental groups with six replicates per treatment and five birds per replicate; the groups were treated as follows: a control diet with no additive and standard metabolizable energy (ME; 3200 kcal kg - 1 ); a low metabolizable energy (low-ME; 3000 kcal kg - 1 ) diet; and a low-ME diet  +  0.5 g kg - 1 diet of enzyme (low-ME-Enz). Live body weight (LBW) at 43 and 47 d and body weight gain (BWG) during the periods from 38 to 43, 43 to 47 and 33 to 47 d decreased with the low-ME and low-ME-Enz diets in comparison with the control-diet ( p < 0.05 ). The values of the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly increased with low-ME diets with or without enzyme at all growing stages. There were no significant differences among treatments in terms of carcass traits. With the exception of the jejunum weight, dietary treatments did not affect any digestive tract segments. Meat hardness decreased with the low-ME-Enz diet compared with the other diets ( P = 0.039 ). Meat yellowness of the breast muscle increased ( P = 0.001 ) with the low-ME-Enz diet in comparison with the other treatments at 24 h post-slaughter. In conclusion, the low-ME diet supplemented with KEMZYME ® did not influence most of performance parameters and carcass traits of chickens; however, adding enzymes to the low-ME diet is an effective strategy to improve the meat quality criteria and small intestine characteristics., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Elsayed O. S. Hussein et al.)

The effects of packaging atmosphere, storage temperature and oregano essential oil (EO) on growth of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat smoked turkey were studied. Smoked turkey slices were inoculated with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A (5.95, 5.28 and 5.26 log CFU/g) then vacuum packaged (VP), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP: 40% CO 2 and 60% N 2 ) and MAP with oregano essential oil (MAPEO), respectively. The treated slices were then stored at 0, 5, 10 and 15 °C for 179.88 days and the L. monocytogenes Scott A's growth and microbial shelf life were monitored. The combination of MAP or MAPEO and storage temperature did not allow growth of L. monocytogenes higher than log 1 CFU/g during all storage periods. While in VP temperature combinations, the multiplication of bacteria were ≥ 1 log CFU/g. In VP, MAP and MAPEO smoked turkey, the growth of L. monocytogenes increased regardless of storage temperature. In MAPEO samples the inoculum in the product was suppressed by ca. 5 log CFU/g at 0, 10 and 15 °C at 180, 117 and 81 days of storage, respectively. The inhibition of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat smoked turkey by the combinations of MAP and MAPEO was enhanced by storage at 0 or 5 °C. The MAPEO system can be used effectively to control growth of pathogen in processed food when maintaining fixed temperature measures is difficult.