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SUMMARY: This study examines how the combination of layer breeder age and oxygen concentration in the incubator impacts Chorioallantoic (CAM) vascularization, embryo and chick organs, blood profiles, and organ histology at hatch. Nine hundred (900) eggs from 33 to 50 wk ISA breeders were incubated at different O2 levels (15%, 17%, and 21%). Results showed significant interactions between breeder age and oxygen levels, affecting liver and heart weights, blood indices, and CAM vascularity. Hypoxic conditions led to adaptive changes in embryonic organs, with notable differences between breeder age groups, suggesting that mild hypoxia can influence compensatory growth, depending on exposure stages.

SUMMARY: This experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of in ovo injection of Citrus aurantiifolia seeds extract (CASE) into broiler incubating eggs. Five hundred and four (504) Cobb 500 breeder eggs with evidence of living embryos were selected for air chamber injection on embryonic d 18. The experimental treatments included control (without injection), Ext0.5µg (eggs injected with 0.5 μg/ml of CASE), Ext0.75µg (eggs injected with 0.75 μg/ml of CASE), Ext1µg (eggs injected with 1.0 μg/ml of CASE). After hatching, 360 chicks were distributed to their respective treatments with 6 replicates and raised for 6 wk in a completely randomized design (15 birds per replicate). The hatch events time decreased with increasing levels of CASE injection while at day old, the concentration of hematological parameters and chick quality score increased in all the in ovo injection treatments (P < 0.05). The injection of CASE at 0.5 µg/ml into the incubated eggs increased the weight of chicks at hatch and the ratio of the weight of chicks at hatch to the weight of the incubated egg (P < 0.001) and showed improved values of body weight gain and feed conversion ratio at 42 d. At hatch time, the injection of CASE showed a higher concentration of T4 (thyroxine) and a marked increase in plasma SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, CASE injection caused a significant improvement in the jejunal morphometry (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the in ovo injection of Citrus aurantiifolia seed extract during the prehatch period in broiler eggs is effective at 0.5 µg/ml.

The present study examined the effects of breeder age and oxygen (O₂) concentrations during the late chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) growth stage on embryo development, hatching dynamics, chick quality, bone mineralization and hatchability. A total of 1200 eggs from 33- and 50-week-old ISA layer breeders, weighing 53.85 g and 60.42 g on average respectively, were incubated at 37.7°C and 56 % relative humidity. From embryonic day (ED) 13 to 15, experimental eggs were exposed to hypoxia (15 % or 17 % O₂ for 1 hr/day) while the control was at 21 % O₂. Results showed significant interactions (p = 0.040) between breeder age and oxygen level, with embryos exposed to 15 % and 17 % O₂ exhibiting slower growth by ED 17. However, embryo weight at internal pipping (IP) was unaffected (p > 0.05). At hatch, chick weights were higher in hypoxic groups due to increased yolk sac retention (p = 0.024), while yolk-free weights were influenced only by breeder age (p < 0.001). Hypoxia at 15 % O₂ reduced chick length, toe length, and tibia parameters (p < 0.05), likely due to impaired calcium and phosphorus absorption. Embryos exposed to 15 % O2 had longer internal and external pipping events, delaying hatch time. Embryonic mortality was highest (p < 0.001) at 15 % O₂, contributing to the reduced hatch of fertile eggs. This research demonstrates that controlled hypoxic conditions can slow embryonic development, conserve yolk nutrients, improve organ maturation and chick weight across breeder ages.

Summary: The quality of meat and eggs, as well as consumer acceptance, is influenced by microbial load, flavor, and lipid oxidation. Recently, consumer preferences have shifted toward naturally healthy, disease-free poultry products that have no negative side effects. Natural additives are now gaining popularity in research due to the presence of microbial-resistant bacteria associated with synthetic products and feed additives. Garlic and its bioactive components (BCs) have been found to improve the quality of meat and egg yolks by affecting the activities of important enzymes such as squalene oxidase and HMG-CoA reductase, which are responsible for cholesterol and lipid synthesis. However, the extent to which the organosulphur compounds (OSCs) in garlic can enhance lipid stability and reduce total cholesterol depends on various variables including preparation technique, shelf life, rate of inclusion, and duration of supplementation in bird diets. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the impact of garlic supplementation on the lipid profiles and fatty acids in poultry.

SUMMARY: Nutraceuticals of natural origin (for example, garlic) have proven to enhance the immunity, health and performance of birds just as the synthetic types (antibiotics). However, health-related concerns about the use of synthetic feed additives call for more studies to be conducted on the use of phytogenics, which are natural growth promoters obtained from plants. Thus, a 5-wk feeding trial was carried out to assess the response of layer chicks to the dietary inclusion of allicin-rich extract. Six hundred 21-day-old Bovans Brown layer chicks were allocated to 6 treatments with 5 replicates (20 chicks each) using a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments consisted of negative control (T0), positive control (T1) was supplemented with antibiotics, whereas the experimental groups T2 was supplemented with garlic powder (0.50 g/kg), and T3, T4, and T5 were supplemented with an allicin-rich extract from garlic in the proportion of 0.10, 0.30, and 0.50 mL/kg in the diet, respectively. The results showed that feed intake was increased (P ≤ 0.001) at the highest level of inclusion (0.50 mL/kg) during wk 8. Lymphocyte percent of the blood was superior (P = 0.042) in all the groups compared to the negative control. Mean corpuscular volume was significantly (P = 0.025) lower in T2 compared to the control groups. The total protein concentration of the serum was statistically (P = 0.015) higher in the allicin-rich extract groups compared to the positive control. Histopathological examination revealed that liver toxicity increased as the levels of allicin-rich extract increased. It can be concluded that allicin-rich extract supplementation improved the immunity of chicks by inhibiting microbial infections and inflammations.

In this study, we aim to evaluate the chemical characteristics, and nutritional quality of raw meat from broiler chicken fed a black soldier fly larvae meal. Three hundred twenty female broiler chicks were divided into four dietary treatments (8 replicates/treatments). Birds were fed maggot meal at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%. At 42 days of age, 16 birds/treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered. The chemical characteristics and nutritional quality of the meat were assessed. Abdominal fat, intramuscular lipid levels, and cholesterol levels increased (p < 0.05) in chicken-fed larvae meal. The latter had a higher level of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids but a lower level of omega 3 (ω3) compared to the control. The atherogenicity index (AI) and the thrombogenicity index (TI) decreased with maggot meal incorporation. The unsaturation index was better at 4% and 8% maggot meal. Chickens fed with 8% maggot meal would present less risk for cardiovascular health.

SUMMARY: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fish meal replacement by black soldier larvae meal on biochemical parameters, thyroid hormone and productive parameters of egg-type chickens from day-old to 68 wk of age. A total of 480-day-old Isa Brown egg-type chickens were assigned to 4 dietary treatments with larvae meal to replace fish meal at 0% (T0:), 50% (T50), 75% (T75), and 100% (T100). Each treatment had 6 replicates of 20 birds. Fish meal was used at the 8% level as the control diet. Data were collected on feed intake, live weight, biochemical parameters, eggs production, serum triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Results showed that there was a similarity in the feed intake of the birds across the treatments. Higher body weights and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded in the birds fed 100 and 75% larvae meal during the rearing period. Overall, egg production was similar in birds fed 100 and 75% larvae meal and significantly higher (P < 0.05) as compared to other groups. Total protein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, serum T3 and T3/T4 ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increase in the level of larvae meal. It was concluded that fish meal can be replaced with larvae meal up to 100% in layer diet for improved body weights and egg production.

The chicken hatching egg is a self-contained life-supporting system for the developing embryo. However, the post-hatch performance of birds depends on several factors, including the breeder management and age, egg storage conditions and duration before incubation, and the incubation conditions. Studies have determined the effect of incubation factors on chick post-hatch growth potential. Therefore, chick physical quality at hatch is receiving increasing attention. Indeed, although incubation temperature, humidity, turning and ventilation are widely investigated, the effects of several variables such as exposure of the embryo to high or low levels, time of exposure, the amplitude of variations and stage exposures on embryo development and post-hatch performance remain poorly understood. This review paper focuses on chick quality and post-hatch performance as affected by incubation conditions. Also, chick physical quality parameters are discussed in the context of the parameters for determining chick quality and the factors that may affect it. These include incubation factors such as relative humidity, temperature, turning requirements, ventilation, in ovo feeding and delay in feed access. All these factors affect chick embryo physiology and development trajectory and consequently the quality of the hatched chicks and post-hatch performance. The potential application of adapted incubation conditions for improvement of post-hatch performance up to slaughter age is also discussed. It is concluded that incubation conditions affect embryo parameters and consequently post-hatch growth differentially according to exposure time and stage of exposure. Therefore, classical physical conditions are required to improve hatchability, chick quality and post-hatch growth.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects and possible interactions of storage and nonventilation during incubation for eggs from Sasso broiler breeder flock on pre- and post-hatch incubation results.A total of 1,260 Sasso eggs from a 58-wk-old broiler breeder flock were individually numbered, weighed and stored for 7 d or for 18 d in a climate-controlled room (16°C, 75% RH). After storage, eggs were weighed, and randomly assigned equally into 2 incubators. One of the incubators was ventilated (V) for the entire incubation and the second was nonventilated (NV) for the first 12 d. At d 18, the eggs were weighed, candled, and fertile eggs were transferred from the turning trays to hatching baskets. During the last 3 d of incubation, hatching eggs were checked individually every 3 h for hatching events and hatchability of fertile eggs. After pull out at d 21.5, post-hatch performances was determined until 1 wk of age.Results showed that, embryo weights from eggs in NV incubator was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both stored eggs compared to those from eggs in ventilated incubator, but embryos from eggs stored for 18 d were smaller (P < 0.05) than those from eggs stored for 7 d. Hatchability was higher (P < 0.0001) in NV incubator compared to V incubator in both 7 d and 18 d stored eggs and an interaction was found between incubation ventilation and storage duration on both hatchability and embryonic mortality (P < 0.0001). Chick weights from NV incubator at 7 d post-hatch was greater (P = 0.0009) than those from V incubator. Serum Tri-iodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxin (T4) concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NV compare to V group.It was concluded that the effect of long-term pre-incubation storage on embryonic physiology and post-hatch growth interacted significantly with incubation ventilation and that nonventilation can compensate for the negative effects of storage on some hatching and post-hatch performances.

ABSTRACT: Considering the value of guinea fowl keets, successful incubation of eggs is particularly desirable in this poultry species. This study evaluated the effect of egg storage duration on egg quality, heat production, hematological parameters during embryonic development and post hatch performance of guinea fowl broilers. A total of 800 hatching eggs of guinea fowl were used for this study. Before incubation, 12 eggs per treatment were used to analyse egg quality. Then, eggs were numbered, weighed, and assigned to 2 treatment groups of 400 eggs each according to storage duration of 5, and 10 d at a temperature of 18°C. The eggs were set for incubation at 37.7°C and 55% relative humidity for 28 d in a forced-draft incubator. To determine heat production as a measure of metabolism, 60 eggs in each replicate were transferred to respiratory cages post hatch two 12 wk old guinea fowl were also used to determine heat production. CO2 and O2 were recorded to calculate heat production at internal pipping, hatch and at 12 wk of age. The hatched keets were reared for 12 wk and data were collected on feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio. Blood samples were collected at hatch and at 12 wk of age from 24 guinea fowls per treatment to analyze haematological parameters. The results showed that embryos and guinea fowls at 12 wks of age from eggs stored for 5 d had higher (P ˂ 0.05) heat production and body weights. However, a significant higher (P ˂ 0.05) level of basophile, eosinophils, and lymphocytes was observed in guinea fowls from 10 d storage egg. It was concluded that extended duration of egg storage negatively influenced the metabolic rate of embryos. It also impacted hematological parameters which may suggest influence on immune response during embryonic and post-hatch growth.

It is not rare that newly hatched chicks remain without feed for about 24 to 48 h before they are placed on farms due to a series of logistic operations. Furthermore, the spread in hatching time can also mount up to 30 to 48 h for late v. early hatchers. In other words, the practice is a complex combination of spread of hatch and delayed feed access. The present study was aimed to investigate the combined effects of hatching time with a delay in feed access of 48 h, starting from their hatch-time (biological age). When chicks had access to feed immediately after hatch, late hatchers had a higher feed intake and relative growth rate up to day 5 compared with their early hatched counterparts. Feed deprivation during the first 48 h resulted in retarded early growth rate, which was further aggravated by an impaired feed intake after refeeding. In addition, the differential effects of hatching time on relative growth rate and feed intake observed in immediately fed chicks were eliminated by the 48 h feed delay. The yolk utilization after hatch was faster for the late hatchers up to biological day 2 regardless of the feeding treatments. Hatching muscle glycogen content was higher in the late hatchers compared with that of their early counterparts at hatch and at biological day 2 independent of feeding treatment. Moreover, the liver glycogen content of the late hatchers was also higher at hatch. For the immediately fed chicks, the proportional breast muscle weight of the late hatchers was higher at biological day 2 and 5. For the starved chicks, on the other hand, this effect was only observed after they had access to feed (biological day 5). The different plasma T3 levels at hatch may have contributed to the different post hatch performance. It is concluded that the spread of hatch influenced post hatch performance, especially appetite and growth at least until day 5. Moreover, the delay in feed access interacted with the hatching time and caused adverse effects on the post hatch performance.

ABSTRACT: Improving the reproductive performance of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) based on the management of environmental factors is important for developing meleagriculture. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary crude protein levels and photoperiod during the 12th to 26th wk of age on growth performance, calcium and phosphorus mobilization, and fertility of local Pearl Gray male guinea fowl. In total, 120 twelve-week-old male guinea fowl were divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates each and 5 birds per replicate using a completely random design. The experimental groups included: a group fed a diet containing 15% crude protein and subjected to 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness (16LL), a group fed a diet containing 19% crude protein and subjected to 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness (16HL), and a group fed a diet containing 15% crude protein and subjected to 18 h of light and 6 h of darkness (18LL) during the 12th to 26th wk of age. The results showed that guinea fowl in the 16HL treatment had a significantly (P = 0.003) lower feed conversion ratio than those in the 16LL and 18LL groups. Calcium and phosphorus levels in the tibia and femur were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in guinea fowl of the 16HL and 18LL groups than in that of the 16LL group. Birds in the 16HL and 18LL treatments had significantly higher peripheral testosterone levels (P < 0.00001) than those in the 16LL treatment. The 16HL and 18LL treatments had significantly higher (P < 0.05) sperm volume, sperm concentration and motility, and fertility rate than the 16LL group. Therefore, a decrease in crude protein level from 19 to 15% in the diet of male guinea fowl between the 12th and 26th wk of age negatively affects the growth performance and fertility of these birds, but this is corrected by an increase in the photoperiod before sexual maturity.

ABSTRACT: Documentation on the domestic geese (Anser anser) in Benin is scarce, making it objectively difficult to exploit. Its production depends on small flocks raised by livestock farmers in different areas. The aim of the study was to describe the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of geese encountered in northern Benin. To this end, a total of 576 adult geese (353 males and 223 females) from 102 farms in 4 agro-ecological zones of northern Benin were evaluated for 11 quantitative and 5 qualitative body traits. There are 6 plumage colors with white (42.01%), white-brown magpie (24.65%) and white-grey magpie (17.19%) as dominant colors. The proportions of white-grey (75%) and multicolored (51.85%) in Far northern zone of Benin (FNZB) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in the cotton zone of northern Benin (CZNB), Food-producing zone of southern Borgou (FZSB) and West-Atacora Zone (WAZ). The red coloring of the tarsi was more dominant in the FZSB (63.09%) and the FZSB (61.79%) (P < 0.05). Orange (57.47%) and yellow (28.82%) colored beaks were dominant but did not vary (P > 0.05) from one agro-ecological zone to another. Quantitative traits such as body length, tarsus length, wing span and thoracic circumference of geese varied (P < 0.05) between 71.34 to73.22 cm, 10.08 to 10.6 cm, 131.95 to 135.42 cm and between 42.07 to 43.86 cm respectively. Males differed significantly from females (P < 0.05) for all morphometric traits. The live weight of geese in the FNZB showed higher values than those of other agro-ecological zones (P ˂ 0.05). In addition, white phenotype geese (3.76 kg) were heavier (P ˂ 0.05) than other phenotypes. All correlations between weight and body measurements of domestic geese were positive, but the correlations between live weight and wing span (r = 0.68) were the strongest. These correlations could be used to assess the live weight of the geese population studied and for selection based on live weight. This study provides a reference for morpho-biometric traits and will be complemented by molecular characterization.

ABSTRACT: Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), although native to Africa and despite its many potentials, does not represent the dominant species on the continent because of its seasonal reproductive nature and high keets mortality. This study was conducted to assess the effect of crude protein levels on growth performance, bone characteristics and reproductive activity of Pearl Gray male breeder guinea fowl from 12 to 26 wk of age. A total of 120 twelve-wk-old guinea fowls were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 8 replicates each and 5 birds per replicate using a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised low level (LL), normal level (NL), and high level (HL) with diets respectively containing 15, 17, and 19% crude protein (CP). The results showed that guinea fowl in the HL treatment had a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.008) than those in the other treatments. The birds fed the HL diet had significantly higher concentrations of testosterone (P < 0.05) than in the other treatments. High levels of calcium and phosphorus were observed in the femur of the HL group relative to the LL group. The birds in the LL treatment had a significantly higher (P = 0.007) femur robusticity index than those in the HL treatment. In conclusion, feeding 19% crude protein to Pearl Gray male guinea fowl from 12 to 26 wk of age improves growth performance, the density and strength of the femur and tibia and the reproductive tract. The CP level for the best performance of male guinea fowl from 12 to 26 wk of age is 19%.

TOXICO-pathological effects of herbal plants have always been a major concern, but little information is provided on the toxico-pathological effects of medicinal plants used against coccidiosis. This study aimed to assess the histopathological effects of Carica papaya seeds (CPS), Azadirachta indica leaves (AIL), and Sarcocephalus latifolius root (SLR) used as coccidiostat in traditional poultry farms with various doses using the chick embryo model. A total of 420 Sasso breeder eggs at ED4 of incubation were inoculated with the extract of these plants following a 3×4 factorial design with 3 plant extracts (CPS, AIL and SLR) and 4 inoculation doses (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg egg-weight). From ED6 to ED19, the weights of the albumen and embryo were recorded, and the weights of ED19 embryo organs such as liver, heart, kidney, and lungs were measured. Additionally, histopathological lesions were examined. The results indicated that the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, coumarins, steroids, and triterpenes with statistically significant free-radical-scavenging ability differed among the plant extracts (p < 0.0001). Toxico-pathological examination revealed a dose-dependent slight toxicity (p < 0.0001) of the Azadirachta indica leaves extract compared to the other plants. Additionally, the relative organ weight showed kidney hypertrophy (p = 0.001) and liver hypertrophy (p = 0.0001), as well as dilation of hepatic and cardiac vessels. The conclusion drawn was that chicken embryos are more susceptible to in ovo inoculation with Azadirachta indica leaves compared to Carica papaya seeds and Sarcocephalus latifolius root., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest We the authors (Ferdinand. G. Tchodo, Hervé B. Dakpogan, Benjamin Adjei-Mensah, Ombortime N'nanle, Simplice Karou, Wéré. Pitala, Kokou Tona, and Batomayena Bakoma) of the accompanying article, write to declare that there is no personal or professional conflict of interest with our work., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Efficient poultry production can be accomplished using combined technologies. A combination of in ovo and ethno-veterinary technologies can deliver significant benefits, including reduced labour and production costs. This study evaluated the effect of in ovo administration of soursop leaf extract (SLE) on the hatching performance and physiology of Noiler chicks. A total of 550 eggs were incubated, and 460 fertile eggs were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 3 replicates on the 18th d of incubation. The eggs were then injected with 0.75 µg SLE, 1.5 µg SLE, and saline solution (negative control) at a rate of 0.2 ml in the air space. The noninjected group served as the positive control. At the end of the hatching period, the various groups were evaluated for embryo mortality, hatchability, hatch duration, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and chick quality. The results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in embryonic mortality, hatchability, organ weight, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glucose among the treatment groups. However, chick weight, chick quality, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the extract-injected group. Additionally, incubation and hatch times were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the SLE group compared to the other groups. In ovo administration of soursop leaf extract resulted in reduced incubation duration, hatch time, and embryo mortality. In conclusion, the in ovo injection of SLE improved hatch performance and chick quality., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES The authors declare that there are no competing interests with this work., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The combined effects of breeder age and oxygen (O 2 ) concentrations on embryo development, hatching events, chick quality, embryonic mortality and hatchability were investigated. A total of 900 hatching eggs of average weight of 53.85 ± 2.40 g and 60.42 ± 2.02 g from 33 to 50 wks ISA layer breeders were incubated for six days at 37.7 °C temperature and 56 % relative humidity (RH) before exposure to hypoxic stimulation of 15 % and 17 % O 2 (experimental groups) and 21 % O 2 (control group). In a 2 x 3 factorial experiment, air-N 2 flushing to reduce O 2 was 1 h daily from embryonic day (ED)7-9. The study investigated fresh egg weight before setting, egg weight loss and embryonic parameters at ED11, hatching events, chick quality, embryonic mortality and hatchability. Results showed that regardless of breeder age, early mild hypoxia reduces (P < 0.001) embryonic growth rate immediately after exposure and 50 wks breeders were more susceptible because of higher (P < 0.001) egg weight loss. There was an interaction effect (P < 0.05) on hatching durations, hatch time, hatch window, chick weight, yolk-free chick weight and pipping muscle. Results also showed a combined effect (P < 0.05) on high early and pipping embryonic mortality while causing a decrease in the hatch of fertile eggs. Early hypoxic stimulation decreased (P = 0.05) yolk sac weight at hatch due to the catch-up growth mechanism during embryogenesis. Conclusively, an early mild hypoxic stimulation can potentially improve chick quality in both young and old layer breeders if an optimal condition can be achieved., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that often affects livestock. Identifying plants with inhibitory effects on the development of the parasite could help in finding new natural treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial potentials of extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves (AILs), Combretum micranthum leaves (CMLs), Carica papaya seeds (CPSs), Sarcocephalus latifolius roots (SLRs), and Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VALs). The in vitro anticoccidial efficacy of the extracts was evaluated through oocyst sporulation inhibition and sporozoite viability inhibition assays of Eimeria oocysts. The setup was examined for 72 h (every 24 h) of incubation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the SLR, CPS, and AIL extracts exhibited the maximum oocyst sporulation inhibition (75.85 ± 1.21%, 74.53 ± 1.65%, and 71.58 ± 0.24%, respectively) at a concentration of 75 mg/mL of plant extracts against the Eimeria species. The Sarcocephalus latifolius root extract showed the highest radical scavenging capacity (76.25 ± 0.53) and reducing power (86.21 ± 4.28). The biochemical screening of the selected plant extracts revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and carbohydrates. The SLR extract contained the highest amounts of phenols (56.11 ± 0.33 µg/mL) and flavonoids (36.65 ± 1.85 µg/mL). In conclusion, the selected hydro-ethanolic extracts from these plants possess excellent anticoccidial and antioxidant activities, which can be attributed to the presence of medicinally important phytochemicals. Further research is needed to identify and isolate the active anticoccidial compounds from these plants, which could be utilized in the development of drugs against coccidiosis.

Climate change has emerged as a significant occurrence that adversely affects broiler production, especially in tropical climates. Broiler chickens, bred for rapid growth and high meat production, rely heavily on optimal environmental conditions to achieve their genetic potential. However, climate change disrupts these conditions and poses numerous challenges for broiler production. One of the primary impacts of climate change on broiler production is the decreased ability of birds to attain their genetic potential for faster growth. Broilers are bred to possess specific genetic traits that enable them to grow rapidly and efficiently convert feed into meat. However, in tropical climates affected by climate change, the consequent rise in daily temperatures, increased humidity and altered precipitation patterns create an unfavourable environment for broilers. These conditions impede their growth and development, preventing them from reaching their maximum genetic influence, which is crucial for achieving desirable production outcomes. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates the existing challenges faced by broiler production systems. Higher feed costs impact the industry's economic viability and limit the availability of quality nutrition for the birds, further hampering their growth potential. In addition to feed scarcity, climate change also predisposes broiler chickens to thermal stress. This review collates existing information on climate change and its impact on broiler production, including nutrition, immune function, health and disease susceptibility. It also summarizes the challenges of broiler production under hot and humid climate conditions with different approaches to ameliorating the effects of harsh climatic conditions in poultry., (© 2024 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)