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The study evaluated the effects of nutritional strategies on broilers challenged with Eimeria from d 14 to 26. A total of 840 Cobb male broilers were fed five diets in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement: 1) nutrient adequate diet (PC; 0.84% calcium [Ca], 0.42% available phosphorus [avP]); 2) Ca-P deficient diet (NC; 0.64% Ca, 0.22% avP); 3) NC + 1500 FTU/kg phytase of diet (NC + PHY); 4) NC + 5000 IU/kg 25-hydroxycholecalciferol of diet (NC + 25OHD); and 5) NC with both supplements (NC + PHY + 25OHD), with and without Eimeria challenge. All treatments had six replicate cages with 14 birds per cage. At 5 days post inoculation (DPI), the challenged birds exhibited higher serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-d (FITC-d) levels than the unchallenged birds (P

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a novel soluble yeast cell wall (YCW) on growth performance, gut health, intestinal morphology, and immune response in broiler chickens for 42 days. A total of 480 one-day-old Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates and each replicate of twenty broiler chickens: a control group (CON) without feed additive supplementation, and three groups supplemented with YCW at 0.025 % (YCW1), 0.050 % (YCW2), and 0.100 % (YCW3). Results showed that 0.025 % and 0.100 % YCW supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) final body weight (BW) and overall body weight gain (BWG) while reducing overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CON group. The YCW supplementation also improved (P < 0.05) the balance of gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus) and decreasing Salmonella, a potential foodborne pathogen in humans in the ceca. Although intestinal morphology was not significantly affected, YCW supplementation numerically increased the villus height: crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) compared to the CON group. Furthermore, YCW reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and INF-γ) and tight junction protein claudin-1 (CLDN-1) (P < 0.05), suggesting balanced immune response and improved intestinal barrier function. In conclusion, the supplementation of soluble YCW in broiler diets positively influenced growth performance, gut microbiota composition, and immune response, demonstrating its potential as a viable alternative to antibiotics for improving broilers’ health.

Mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON), are common contaminants in feed ingredients such as corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and pose significant risks to poultry health. This study investigated the effects of feeding naturally DON contaminated DDGS on growth performance, body composition, immunological response, and gastrointestinal health in young pullets. A total of 360, 4-week-old Hy-Line W36 pullets were randomly assigned to diets with increasing levels of naturally DON contaminated DDGS (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) over 28 days, resulting in dietary DON concentrations ranging from below the limit of quantification to 15.4 ppm. Diets with DON concentration exceeding 8.9 ppm, corresponding to 15% and 20% DDGS inclusion, resulted in significantly lower body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) from experimental day 14 to day 28 compared to DON concentration below 5.9 ppm (0, 5 and 10% DDGS groups; P = 0.024 and P = 0.007, respectively). Body composition analysis showed a higher tissue fat percentage in the 20% DDGS group (15.4 ppm DON) by day 28 compared to lower inclusion levels (P = 0.021). Immunologically, a significant increase in the CD4+:CD8+ ratio in spleen was observed in the 20% DDGS group compared to the 0% DDGS group (P = 0.013), whereas both 15 and 20% DDGS inclusion levels significantly increased the ratio in cecal tonsil (P < 0.001). Additionally, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) expression significantly increased in the cecal tonsil by day 28 with 15 and 20% DDGS inclusions (P = 0.002). Gut health was compromised as gut permeability increased linearly with increasing DDGS inclusion (linear, P = 0.043), aligning with significant alterations in the expression of the tight junction protein occludin (OCLN; P = 0.007). Antioxidant responses in the liver showed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in early exposure (day 13, P = 0.038), followed by decreased SOD activity (P = 0.001) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels (P < 0.001) by day 28. In conclusion, feeding DON-contaminated DDGS at higher inclusion levels (15% and 20%) with final diet DON concentrations exceeding 8.9 ppm over 28 days adversely affects growth performance, immune function, and gut integrity in young pullets.

ABSTRACT: A study evaluated the effects of phytase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD), and cocci vaccination on broilers fed a diet reduced in calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (avP) under Eimeria challenge. A total of 840 one-day-old male broilers were assigned to a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement based on cocci vaccination and dietary treatments. Half of the birds were vaccinated against coccidia on d 1, and all birds were orally challenged with Eimeria spp. (sporulated oocysts: 12,500 of E. maxima, 12,500 of E. tenella, and 62,500 of E. acervulina) on d 14. Dietary treatments included: 1) a nutrient adequate diet (PC); 2) a diet reduced by 0.2% in Ca and avP (NC); 3) NC plus 1,500 FTU/kg of phytase (NC+PHY); 4) NC plus 3,000 IU/kg of 25OHD (NC+25OHD); 5) NC with both PHY and 25OHD (NC+PHY+25OHD). SAS was used for data analysis, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Pre-infection growth performance was comparable across the treatments. However, vaccinated birds exhibited higher body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) from 0 to 6 d postinoculation (DPI; P < 0.05). The NC diet reduced BWG from 6 to 12 DPI and increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 6 to 12 DPI and the overall period (0–26 d) compared to the PC birds. In contrast, the supplementation with phytase, 25OHD, or both, returned BWG and FCR to levels seen with the PC diet (P < 0.01). Vaccinated birds also had reduced gut permeability at 5 DPI, increased intestinal villus height, and lower expression levels of the tight junction proteins junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) and occludin (OCLN) at 6 DPI (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the cocci vaccine resulted in lower E. acervulina but higher E. tenella oocyst shedding at 6 DPI (P < 0.01). Interaction effects were observed for duodenal lesion scores and ileal crypt depth at 6 DPI (P < 0.05). In conclusion, coccidial vaccination improved growth performance, decreased intestinal permeability, enhanced intestinal morphology, and modulated tight junction protein gene expression under Eimeria infection. Reducing dietary Ca and avP levels adversely affected growth performance and FI during the recovery phase, but these negative effects could be mitigated by supplementing with phytase or 25OHD.

ABSTRACT: Balanced ratios of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can enhance chicken growth, immunity, and muscle synthesis. However, these ratios can be affected by changes in crude protein (CP) levels or the substitution of protein sources, leading to BCAA antagonism. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on chicken growth. In Experiment 1, a total of 960 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 6 treatments with 8 replicates. Three different BCAA ratios were used in High or Low CP diets as follows: 1) Low Leu group (Low level of leucine with increased valine and isoleucine levels), 2) Med Leu group, and 3) High Leu group (High level of leucine with reduced valine and isoleucine levels) for a total of 6 diets. In Experiment 2, a total of 640 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 4 treatments with 8 replicates. The four diets had either High or Low CP and one of two protein sources with the same medium levels of BCAAs: 1) the soybean meal (SBM) group, which had SBM as the main protein source (protein bound AA), and 2) the wheat middlings with non-bound AAs (WM+AA) group (non-bound AA), which had additional non-bound AAs to replace SBM. The High Leu diet had a negative effect on overall growth performance, carcass weight, breast muscle weight, and body mineral composition compared to the Low Leu and Med Leu groups, particularly in the High CP diet (P < 0.05). The SBM group showed increased growth performance, breast muscle weight, expression levels of genes promoting muscle growth, and improved bone mineral composition compared to the WM+AA group, and the High CP group intensified the negative effect of the WM+AA diet (P < 0.05). In summary, balanced BCAA ratios and SBM-based diets have positive effects on chicken growth and muscle accretion, whereas excessive leucine and non-bound AA levels in the diets may negatively affect growth performance and meat yield in chickens.

One important feature of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is its high leucine:lysine ratio, which can inhibit chicken growth by causing branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) antagonism. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of BCAA imbalance of inclusion of DDGS and whether additional dietary valine and isoleucine could alleviate the negative effects in broilers. A total of 640 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were allocated into 4 treatments with 8 replicates and reared until d 42. The four different dietary groups were as follows: 1) control (CON) group (corn-soybean meal-based diet); 2) 30% DDGS (30D) group (replacing soybean meal with 30% DDGS); 3) 30D + additional valine and isoleucine (30DB) group; and 4) the group of 30DB + additional valine and isoleucine to provide the same leucine:valine and leucine:isoleucine ratios as the CON group (30DBB). The analyzed leucine:lysine ratios of the CON group were 1.36/1.41/1.46 (starter/grower/finisher phase), whereas the average leucine:lysine ratios of the 30% DDGS groups were 1.61/1.70/1.78 (starter/grower/finisher phase). The 30% DDGS groups (30D, 30DB, and 30DBB) negatively affected body weight (BW) from d 7 to 42 and BW gain (BWG), feed intake, carcass weight, breast muscle weight, and jejunal and ileal villus height:crypt depth during the overall period (d 0 to 42) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 30% DDGS groups significantly altered expression levels of jejunal tight junction proteins, breast muscle mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway-related genes, BCAA catabolism genes, and AA transporters compared to the CON (P < 0.01). The 30% DDGS groups showed differences in beta-diversity indices compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). The 30DBB group showing the lowest d 21 and 42 BW and overall BWG had the largest differences compared to the CON group in most measurements. In conclusion, excessive replacement of soybean meal with DDGS can significantly increase leucine levels, which may negatively affect chicken growth. Additionally, inappropriate ratios of valine and isoleucine can further decrease growth performance.

ABSTRACT: Avian coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp, is a devastating disease in laying hens. Previous studies have suggested that amino acids may be involved in Eimeria infection of broiler chickens. However, their metabolic features in laying hens, as well as the effect of multiple Eimeria species challenges on poultry hosts have not been elucidated yet. Here, a targeted metabolomics approach was employed to identify altered amino acid metabolism and mechanisms in laying hens with multiple Eimeria species challenges. Laying hens, Hy-Line W-36 aged 25 wk, were randomly assigned to a control group and groups inoculated with varying levels of mixed Eimeria species (E. maxima, E. tenella, and E. acervulina). Serum samples from each group were collected at 6 d and 14 d of postinoculation (6 and 14 DPI) for metabolite profiling. Metabolomic analysis revealed notable metabolic variations between control and infected groups, especially at 6 DPI stage. Varying levels of Eimeria dosages did not show a significant metabolic difference, and metabolites were sensitive to low-level infection. With statistical analysis, differentially expressed compounds (3-methylhistidine, alanine, aspartate, lysine, asparagine, methionine, ornithine, and tryptophan) were selected, and their metabolic network was identified by pathway enrichment analysis. In the network, the lysine biosynthesis pathway was upregulated, while the arginine and proline metabolic pathway was downregulated under infection. Other pathways showed complex patterns of metabolic relationships. Based on the results, biological implications of metabolic changes were elucidated and discussed. Last, the results were further confirmed with our previous study (phenotype and gene expression results) using the same set of samples. Our finding provides in-depth information on altered amino acid metabolism and mechanisms in laying hens upon multiple Eimeria species infection.

ABSTRACT: Intensive broiler production systems face challenges like enteric diseases, impacting global food security. Strategies to enhance broiler immunity and gut health, particularly amidst antibiotic growth promoter restrictions, are crucial. The present study investigated the combined effects of fenugreek seeds (FS) and Bacillus-based direct-fed microbials (DFM) on immune-related gene expression in the ileum and alteration of microbial population in the cecum of broiler. The study involved 160 Ross 308 broiler chicks, which were divided into four groups consisting of 5 replicates, each containing eight birds. The chicks were grown for a period of 42 d, during which they had ad libitum access to feed and water. Dietary treatments were: Control (basal diet), FS5 (basal + 5g/kg fenugreek seeds), FS5DFM (basal + 5g/kg fenugreek seeds + 0.1g/kg Bacillus-based DFM), and DFM (basal + 0.1g/kg Bacillus-based DFM). Ileum tissue and cecal contents were collected on d 42 for gene expression and gut microbiome analysis. Ileal gene expression analysis revealed the downregulation of IL-6, IL-8L2, CASP6, PTGS2, and IRF7 in both FSs and DFMs groups compared to the control, suggesting individual immunomodulatory effects. However, avian β-defensin genes exhibited complex regulation, highlighting the need for further investigation. Cecal microbiome diversity remained stable, with subtle shifts in specific taxa influenced by FSs and DFMs. Interestingly, the combination of the FSs and DFMs uniquely impacted specific taxa, including Clostridiales vadin BB60. These findings suggest that both FSs and DFMs demonstrated potential for improving broiler immunity through inflammation reduction. The combination of FSs and DFMs offers a synergistic effect in immune modulation and specific microbial modulation, warranting further investigation with pathogen challenge models for comprehensive understanding.

This study determined the interaction between soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) to improve the sustainability and efficacy of feeding programs for laying hens during peak production while ensuring the best health and efficiency. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 200 golden-brown hens were fed for four weeks (33 to 36 weeks) and randomly distributed into four groups, each containing four replicates of ten birds, with one group receiving a control diet (P0) and the others receiving diets that contained four combinations of SHs and enzymes (ENZs). e.g., 3% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P1), 3% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P2), 9% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P3), and 9% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P4). Although most egg quality measures remained similar, the P2 group showed enhanced (p = 0.630) egg weight, albumen weight, and height. Moreover, the P2 group improved gut (p < 0.05) shape by increasing villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area throughout intestinal sections, while the P4 group markedly improved total cholesterol and LDL (p = 0.022) levels. The P1, P2, and P4 groups exhibited a significant enhancement in dry matter (p = 0.022) and crude fiber (p = 0.046) digestibility, while the P2 group demonstrated superior crude protein digestibility (p = 0.032), and the P1 and P2 groups showed increased crude fat digestibility compared to the other groups. In conclusion, adding 3% of SHs and 30 mg/kg of ENZs (β-mannanase) to the feed may help laying hens, enhance gut health and some egg quality indices, and decrease blood cholesterol and LDL levels without compromising nutrient digestibility.

ABSTRACT: Vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (VD)) and vitamin E (VE) have proven to have immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions along with capacities to improve the reproductive function in chickens. Coccidiosis in laying hens at different stages of growth has been shown to negatively affect performance, immune response, and oxidative status, thus increasing the cost of production. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary VD or VE on performance, gut health, immune response, and oxidative status of laying hens at peak production. Laying hens (23 wk-of-age, n = 225) were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups (n = 9 hens/replicate) with 5 replicate groups each: 1) unchallenged control (UC), 2) pair-fed control (PF), 3) challenged control (CC), 4) challenged control top-dressed with 5,000 IU of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (VD) per kg of diet, and 5) challenged control top-dressed with 100 IU of DL-α-tocopherol (VE). At 25 wk-of-age, hens grouped in CC, VD, and VE were challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. to induce coccidiosis. VD or VE supplemented hens did not impact bird body weight; however, egg production increased by 10.36% and 13.77%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the gut health of the hens was improved with either VD or VE supplementation, as indicated by lowered gut permeability and intestinal lesion scores (P < 0.05). VE significantly reduced the heterophil count (P = 0.0490) alongside numerically increasing the peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and monocyte counts (P > 0.05). Both VD or VE increased the TAC at 14 DPI compared to UC (P

ABSTRACT: Chickens have undergone genetic improvements in the past few decades to maximize growth efficiency. However, necrotic enteritis (NE), an enteric disease primarily caused by C. perfringens, remains a significant problem in poultry production. A study investigated the differences in intestinal health between the nonselected meat-type chicken Athens Canadian Random Bred (ACRB) and the modern meat-type Cobb 500 broilers (Cobb) when challenged with experimental NE. The study utilized a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two main effects of chicken strain and NE challenge model (nonchallenged control, NC; NE challenge with 2,500/12,500 Eimeria maxima oocysts + 1 × 109 C. perfringens, NE2.5/NE12.5). A total of 432 fourteen-day-old male ACRB and Cobb were used until 22 d (8 d postinoculation with E. maxima on d 14, dpi), and the chickens were euthanized on 6 and 8 dpi for the analysis. All data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, and Student's t-test or Tukey's HSD test was applied when P < 0.05. The NE12.5 group showed significant decreases in growth performance and relative growth performance from d 14 to 20, regardless of chicken strain (P < 0.01). The ACRB group exhibited significant decreases in relative body weight and relative body weight gain compared to the Cobb group from d 14 to 22 (P < 0.01). On 6 and 8 dpi, both NE challenge groups showed significant decreases in intestinal villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal goblet cell count, and jejunal MUC2 and LEAP2 expression (P < 0.01). Additionally, the NE12.5 group had significantly higher intestinal NE lesion score, intestinal permeability, fecal E. maxima oocyst count, intestinal C. perfringens count, and jejunal IFNγ and CCL4 expression compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NE negatively impacts growth performance and intestinal health in broilers, parameters regardless of the strain.

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential synergistic impact of the combination of fenugreek seeds (FS) and Bacillus-based direct-fed microbials (DFM) on growth performance, intestinal health, and hematological parameters of broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 160 one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two levels of FS (0 and 5 g/kg) and two levels of Bacillus-DFM (0 and 0.1 g/kg), with five replicates of 8 birds each.ResultsThe result showed that dietary supplementation of FS at 5 g/kg did not improve the growth performance of broilers but impaired the early growth performance by reducing body weight gain and increasing feed conversion ratio, which was recovered during finisher phase. Dietary supplementation of Bacillus-based DFM at 0.1 g/kg did not affect the performance variables but increased the feed conversion ratio. The interaction of fenugreek seeds and Bacillus-based DFM showed synergistic effects on growth performance during the later stages of production. However, antagonistic effects were observed on the blood parameters and the gut morphology.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that FS and DFM had different effects on the broiler health and production depending on the phase of production. The interaction between FS and DFM revealed synergistic effects on growth performance during the finisher phase, but antagonistic effects on blood parameters and gut morphology. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the dosage and combination of FS and DFM for broiler health and production.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a ubiquitous mycotoxin in corn-based animal feed, particularly in tropical regions, impairs liver function, induces oxidative stress and disrupts cellular pathways, potentially worsening bone health in modern broilers. A 19-day experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding increasing levels of AFB1-contaminated feed (n = 360). While growth performance remained unaffected up to Day 19, significant reductions in tibial bone ash content were observed at levels exceeding 260 ppb. Micro-computed tomography results showed that AFB1 levels at 560 ppb significantly decreased trabecular bone mineral content and density, with a tendency for reduced connectivity density in femur metaphysis. Moreover, AFB1 above 230 ppb reduced the bone volume and tissue volume of the cortical bone of femur. Even at levels above 75 ppb, AFB1 exposure significantly downregulated the jejunal mRNA expressions of the vitamin D receptor and calcium and phosphorus transporters. It can be concluded that AFB1 at levels higher than 230 ppb negatively affects bone health by impairing bone mineralization via disruption of the vitamin D receptor and calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, potentially contributing to bone health issues in broilers.

Fenugreek seeds (FSs) are a natural source of bioactive compounds that may modulate the immune system and gut microbiota in broilers. This study examined the effects of dietary fenugreek seed powder on immune-related gene expression and cecal microbiota composition in broilers. A total of 144 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to three dietary groups, CON (0 g/kg FS, FS5 (5 g/kg FS) and FS10 (10 g/kg FS), each with 6 replicates of 8 birds. Ileum tissues and cecal contents were collected on day 42 for the mRNA expression of inflammation and antimicrobial defense-related genes and cecal microbiome diversity, respectively. The results indicated that fenugreek seeds downregulated mRNA-level inflammation and antimicrobial defense-related genes: IL6, IL8L2, CASP6, PTGS2, IRF7, AvBD9, AvBD10, and AvBD11. Moreover, fenugreek seeds altered the cecal microbial community by increasing the population of Firmicutes and decreasing the population of Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota and Verrucomicrobiota at the phylum level and increasing Alistipes, Bacteriodes and Prevotellaceae at the genera level. These findings suggest that fenugreek seeds have a positive impact on the immunological profile and microbiome of broiler chickens, possibly through the interplay of the immune system and the gut microbiome.

This study investigates the chemical composition of soyhulls (SHs) as an alternative feed ingredient and their effect on nutrient and amino acid (AA) digestibility in laying hens during peak production. A total of 200 golden brown hens (28 weeks old) were subjected to random allocation across 5 dietary treatments: a corn–soybean meal (SBM) reference diet and 4 test diets with 25% SHs from different mills (SH1, SH2, SH3, and SH4). Each treatment was replicated four times with ten birds per replicate. Digesta samples were collected during three phases (28–32, 32–36, and 36–40 weeks of age) to measure apparent metabolizable energy (AME), the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients, and the standard ileal digestibility (SID) of AAs. The SBM diet had 30.0% crude protein (CP) and 3.78% crude fiber (CF), while the SH diets had 21.0 to 21.5% CP and 11.6% CF. The findings revealed that the AME was lower (p < 0.05) with SH diets (2404 kcal/kg) compared to the SBM diet (2627 kcal/kg) in all three phases. The SH diets had a lower AID of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, ether extract (EE), and crude fiber (CF) than the SBM diet by an average of 2.88, 2.25, 4.93, 4.99, and 3.36%, respectively. The AID of nitrogen-free extract (NFE) was higher in the SH diets than the SBM diet by 3.42% in all three phases (p < 0.05). The SH diets had lower uric acid excretion (about 66.93 mg/100 mL) than the SBM diet (about 76.43 mg/100 mL) on average in all three phases. The SH diets had a lower SID of arginine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, cysteine, valine, and tyrosine than the SBM diet by 2 to 10%, while the SID of methionine was higher in the SH diets than the SBM diet by 2.2% on average in all three phases (p < 0.05). The SH from Sadiq Brother Feed (SH1) had the highest AME and AID of DM, ash, CP, EE, CF, and the SID of AA among the SH diets. These results indicate that SH can partially replace SBM in laying hen diets, but the source and quality of SH should be considered.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different Eimeria inoculation doses on the growth performance, gut ecosystem, and body composition of broilers in floor pens for 35 days. A total of 750 15-day-old broilers were allocated to five experimental groups with six replicate pens. The five experimental groups included unchallenged control (CON); Eimeria dose 1 (ED1): E. acervulina: 31,250/E. maxima: 6250/E. tenella: 6250; Eimeria dose 2 (ED2): E. acervulina: 62,500/E. maxima: 12,500/E. tenella: 12,500; Eimeria dose 3 (ED3): E. acervulina: 125,000/E. maxima: 25,000/E. tenella: 25,000; and Eimeria dose 4 (ED4): E. acervulina: 250,000/E. maxima: 50,000/E. tenella: 50,000. On D 21, BW were linearly reduced by increased Eimeria inoculation doses (p < 0.01). On D 35, the Eimeria challenge groups had significantly lower BW compared to the CON group. Increased Eimeria inoculation doses linearly decreased crude fat (CF) (p < 0.01) on D 21. Increased Eimeria inoculation doses tended to increase the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (p = 0.098) on D 21. On D 35, lean:fat was linearly reduced by increased Eimeria inoculation doses (p < 0.05). Eimeria infection negatively influenced growth performance and gut health in broilers in the acute phase, and the negative effects were prolonged to D 35 in floor pen conditions.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of fenugreek seeds (FS) as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens. In the first experiment, one-day-old Ross (n = 160) straight-run broilers were fed FS at 0 g, 2.5 g, 5 g, and 10 g/kg of diet during the starter (from 1 to 21 days) and finisher phase (from 22 to 35 days) with four replicates of ten birds each. In the second experiment, one-day-old Ross (n = 144) male broilers were fed 0 g, 5 g, and 10 g FS per kilogram of diet during the starter (from 1 to 21 days) and finisher phase (from 22 to 42 days) with six replicates of eight birds each. In addition to growth performance, hematological parameters and intestinal histomorphology were measured in the second experiment. FS linearly reduced the body weight gain (BWG) (p < 0.001), feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05), and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) during the starter phase in both experiments. However, no significant effects on BWG, FI, and FCR were observed during the finisher phase. Moreover, the overall BWG and FI were linearly reduced (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of FS, but BWG and FI were similar in the 5 g/kg FS group and control group. The inclusion of FS had a linear increase in white blood cell (WBC), heterophil, and lymphocyte count (p < 0.005) and the decrease in hematocrit % (p = 0.004) and total bilirubin (p = 0.001). The villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio of jejunum and ileum were significantly lower in 5 g FS and 10 g FS treatments (p < 0.001) compared to the control. The result indicates that the dietary inclusion of FS reduces the early growth performance, increases the WBC counts, and negatively affects the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.