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This study investigated the effect of glutamine (Gln) on antioxidant capacity of cold-stressed chicks. A total of 192 1-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were divided into 4 groups: group I was fed basic diet, groups II, III, and IV were fed with addition of 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% Gln. The house temperature was maintained at 25 ± 2 °C. Compared with group I, on day 7, the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in serum and jejunum, GSH-Px in duodenum of group II, the CAT and GSH-Px activities in ileum of group III, the GSH-PX and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities in jejunum in group IV were increased (P < 0.05). The malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content in serum was decreased (P < 0.05). On day 14, the jejunum CAT and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in group II were increased (P < 0.05), and the serum MDA content was reduced (P < 0.05). CAT activity of jejunum and ileum, and GSH-PX activity of serum and jejunum were increased in group III (P < 0.05). The jejunum GSH-PX activity was increased in group IV (P < 0.05). The experiment confirmed that adding Gln to the diet can improve the antioxidant capacity of cold-stressed chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peel/rind of Punica granatum is approximately 60% of the total fruit weight which is generally wasted every year, although, it is known to have a variety of medicinal benefits. The present study was conducted to find the antioxidant activity and antidiabetic potentials of P. granatum peels extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. The diabetes was induced in albino rats using alloxan at the concentration of 150 mg kg-1 body weight. After 15 days, the treated groups with glabinclemide and different varieties of methanolic and aqueous extracts showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level as compared to diabetic control while slight differences were seen in body weight. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lowdensity lipoprotein, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, serum creatinine and total proteins were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in response to oral dosing of three varieties of P. granatum peel methanolic and aqueous extracts which were comparable to healthy control. Moreover, the aqueous extracts and wild P. grantaum were more effective than methanolic extracts and other species against hyperglycemia and biochemical profiles of treated rats. It was concluded that the extracts of peels of P. granatum possess significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potentials due to presence of phytochemical and have no side effects. Based on the outcome of the study it can be recommended that the peel of P. granatum can be further used for the development of antidiabetic drugs or in folk medicines traditionally to treat the diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the phenotypic and genetic parameters of indigenous Naked Neck (NN), exotic Black Australorp (BA), and their crossbred (NNBA) chickens. A total of 270 day-old chicks (30 per group) were raised under identical conditions from day 1 to 48 weeks of age. Growth performance, including body weight, daily and total gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), was highest in BA, followed by NNBA, and lowest in NN. Carcass composition also varied significantly, with BA and NNBA having higher dressing percentages (62.98% and 62.68%, respectively) compared to NN (60.60%). BA produced the heaviest eggs (54.0 g), followed by NNBA (50.9 g) and NN (47.93 g). BA also had the best egg quality, hatchability, and FCR (3.15), with NNBA showing intermediate results. NN had the poorest performance in all traits. Age at sexual maturity was earlier in NNBA (161.23 days) compared to NN and BA. The study concluded that NNBA crossbreds outperformed NN in growth, carcass traits, and egg production, indicating their potential for enhancing rural poultry farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of ginger-derived phyto-protease enzyme on growth performance, immunity, gut health and nutrient digestibility in broilers. A total of 360 day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates each: a control group (T1) and groups supplemented with 50 g/ton (T2), 100 g/ton (T3) and 150 g/ton (T4) of the enzyme. Over a 35-day period, birds were provided with free access to feed and water under controlled conditions. The highest feed intake was observed in T3 during the second week, while T4 showed the lowest intake overall. Body weight gain was significantly highest in T4, demonstrating enhanced growth performance. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowest in T4, indicating improved feed efficiency. Carcase quality analysis revealed higher dressing percentages and organ weights (bursa, spleen and thymus) in T4 compared to the control. Gut pH levels were significantly lower in T3 and T4 across different segments of the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing nutrient absorption. Antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus were significantly higher in T4 on days 21 and 35, indicating improved immunity. Histomorphological analysis of the intestines showed increased villus height and width in T4, with reduced crypt depth, further supporting enhanced nutrient absorption. These findings suggest that the highest inclusion rate of ginger-derived phyto-protease enzyme (150 g/ton) optimally enhances growth performance, immunity, gut health and nutrient digestibility in broilers. This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating ginger-derived phyto-protease in poultry diets to improve overall health and performance. Highlights: Highest enzyme concentration (150 g/ton) improved feed intake, weight gain and FCR. Highest enzyme level boosted antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus. Enzyme supplementation improved gut pH, nutrient digestibility and villus morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hundred and forty day-old broilers were randomly assigned to six experimental groups in a 2 x 3 factorial design. The birds were fed diets containing soybean hulls (SH) at the levels of 4% and 6% and β-Mannanase (BM) at the concentration of 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Results indicated significant effects of SH and BM supplementation on body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG), with birds fed 4% SH and 0.1% BM exhibiting higher (p < 0.05) body weight and weight gain compared to other groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p < 0.05) in birds receiving 4% SH with 0.1% BM supplementation. However, no significant effects were observed on carcase traits across treatment groups. Regarding nutrient digestibility, birds supplemented with 0.1% BM showed improved (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) digestibility compared to those without BM supplementation. No significant variations were observed in dry matter, crude fibre and ether extract utilisation among treatment groups. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were not influenced by SH and BM supplementation, indicating no adverse effects on blood parameters. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential advantages of incorporating 4% SH and 0.1% BM in broiler diets for enhanced growth performance and nutrient utilisation. HIGHLIGHTS: Broilers with 4% SH and 0.1% BM had significantly higher body weight and weight gain. 0.1% BM enhanced crude protein digestibility in broiler diets. No adverse effects on blood parameters with SH and BM supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of increasing levels of soybean hulls in broiler chicken diets on growth performance, carcase composition, organ weights, nutrient digestibility, amino acid digestibility, and intestinal histomorphology to determine the optimal inclusion level for maximising poultry health and performance. A total of 680, 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Hubbard) were randomly assigned to five treatments with eight replicates, each consisting of seventeen birds, and housed in an environmentally controlled room with nipple drinkers and trough feeders. The experimental diets, containing 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% dietary soybean hulls (SH), were fed to the broilers for 35 days. During the starter phase, the growth performance of chickens fed 2% SH was not significantly different from the control group, but differences emerged during the later stages. Chickens fed 2% SH showed significantly higher body weight and weight gain compared to higher SH levels. Carcase yield decreased with increasing SH content in the diet, while wing meat yield was highest in birds fed 0% and 2% SH. The relative weights of gizzard, jejunum, and ileum varied significantly among groups. Higher SH levels led to decreased nutrient digestibility but increased excreta nitrogen and ether extract content. Ileal amino acid digestibility varied among SH levels. Intestinal histomorphology revealed significant differences in villi height and crypt depth among groups. Overall, diets with 2% and 4% SH demonstrated superior nutrient utilisation and intestinal health compared to higher SH levels. These findings suggest an optimal inclusion level of SH in broiler diets to optimise performance and intestinal morphology. HIGHLIGHTS: Diets with 2% and 4% soybean hulls (SH) demonstrated superior nutrient utilisation and intestinal health. Chickens fed 2% SH showed significantly higher body weight and weight gain compared to higher SH levels, indicating the importance of optimal dietary composition. Carcase yield decreased with increasing SH content, while wing meat yield was highest in birds fed 0% and 2% SH, highlighting the impact of SH levels on meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidia poses significant challenges to poultry farming, impacting productivity and welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera supplementation in managing coccidial infection in quails. A total of 360 one-day-old quails chicks were divided into five groups (six replicates with twelve birds per replicate) and challenged with mixed sporulated oocysts of Eimeria species (E. tenella, E. nicatrix, E. maxima, E. mitis). The groups included a positive control (infected, untreated), negative control (uninfected, untreated), and three treatment groups: Amprolium (1 g/l water), Aloe vera 2% (AV2), and Aloe vera 4% (AV4). Results demonstrated significant (p < 0.01) improvement in feed consumption, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Aloe vera supplemented groups compared to the positive control. Histomorphological analysis revealed restoration of gut health in supplemented groups, characterised by increased villus height, crypt depth, and improved villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, mortality and lesion scores significantly reduced(p < 0.01) in 4% Aloe vera supplemented quails. Aloe vera supplementation showed promising efficacy in mitigating the negative impact of coccidial infection on quail performance and gut health. These results demonstrated that supplementing the diet with 4% Aloe vera effectively restored productive performance, as well as lesion score and microscopic intestinal histological features, in Eimeria-infected quails. HIGHLIGHTS: Aloe vera improves feed consumption and weight gain in coccidial-infected quails. 4% Aloe vera restores gut health, reducing mortality and lesions in quails. Aloe vera supplementation mitigates coccidial impacts, boosting quail performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of dried sprouted wheat grains (SWGs) on the growth performance, serum biochemical profile and liver histopathology of broiler chickens at starter to finisher phases of growth. A total of 320, day-old Ross-308 as hatched broiler chicks (43.23 ± 2 g) were randomly assigned to four different replicated (n = 4; 20 birds/replicate) dietary treatments. All birds were reared in cages (5l × 5w × 3h feet) that served as an experimental unit and fitted with drinker, feeder, bulb and saw dust as bedding material. Dietary treatments were designated as TRT1 that served as control (CON) and birds in this group were fed a standard diet only, TRT2 (CON + 5 g/kg SWG), TRT3 (CON + 10 g/kg SWG) and TRT4 (CON + 15 g/kg SWG). It was noticed that birds supplemented on higher level of SWG (15 g/kg of diet) had significantly improved body weight gain (BWG) (1806 g) and feed efficiency (1.67) compared to birds in other groups. Similarly, birds in TRT4 had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein both at starter (99.4 mg/dL) and finisher (110 mg/dL), and lower (p <.05) total cholesterol (82 mg/dL), triglyceride (84.5 mg/dL) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (25.6 U/L). Liver histopathological investigations did not reveal any adverse impact of supplementing SWG at even at higher level (15 g/kg of diet) of supplementation. It could be deduced from present findings that supplementation of dried SWG could strategically be used in broiler feed for improved BWG, feed efficiency and without any adverse impact. Further studies are recommended to explore the implication of SWG supplementation at higher level and its impact on nutrients utilisation and digestive enzymes. Highlights: Sprouted wheat grains (SWGs) enchanted birds growth and favourably modulated its blood lipid profile. SWG did not alter the liver histopathology of the broiler birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trial investigated the effects of anise seed powder and protease, alone and combined, in Japanese quail diets. 540 seven-day-old quails were divided into four groups: Control (basal diet), Anise Seed Group (1000 mg/kg anise seed powder), Protease Enzyme Group (30,000 IU/kg Bacillus subtilis-derived protease enzyme), and a combination of anise powder and protease. The combination significantly increased weight gain and dressing percentage compared to the control. Quails receiving protease, anise powder, or both showed higher antibody titers against infectious diseases. The population of beneficial Lactobacillus increased in groups receiving protease and the combination. Additionally, the presence of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both protease enzyme and anise powder. In summary, combining protease and anise powder improved growth performance, immune responses, increased Lactobacillus population, and decreased pathogenic bacteria in quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on laying hens aged 30–35 weeks. Hens were assigned to four groups: a control group with only basal diet and three experimental groups with basal diet supplemented with 250 (GSE 250), 500 (GSE 500) and 750 (GSE 750) mg/kg GSE. GSE-supplemented groups showed significantly lower feed intake in week 1 and 3 in GSE 750. No significant differences were observed in feed efficiency, egg weight, shell thickness, yolk weight, albumin weight, or Haugh Unit, suggesting GSE did not significantly impact these parameters. Egg production significantly increased in groups supplemented with 500 and 750 mg/kg GSE compared to the control group. Additionally, GSE-supplemented birds exhibited significantly lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, indicating potential antioxidant effects. The study further revealed a significant increase in Lactobacillus at GSE500 and GSE 750 levels and a significant reduction in E. coli levels with GSE 750 supplementation, suggesting potential benefits on gut microbiota. In conclusion, GSE positively influenced egg production, promoted Lactobacillus growth, and reduced lipid peroxidation and E. coli populations. However, reproductive efficiency in golden laying hens was not significantly affected. These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential benefits of GSE in poultry nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst increasing concerns regarding the incorporation of non-traditional protein sources in poultry diets as replacements for protein sources vital for human consumption, such as soybean meal, the utilization of Azolla leaf meal has garnered significant attention and popularity. The experiment commenced with 192 Japanese quail chicks (one day old), originated from a single hatch. Each chick was individually weighed and then randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, namely control, supplementation of Azolla at the rate of 20 g/kg (Azolla 20), 40 g/kg (Azolla 40), and 60 g/kg (Azolla 60). Weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and dressing percentage were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Azolla 40 and Azolla 60 compared to the control. No significant (P > 0.05) difference was found in antibody titre against New Castle disease virus, maleanodialdehyde (MDA) and faecal E. coli excretion. Further, villus height, crypt depth and ratio between them improved significantly (P < 0.05) in Azolla 60 compared to the control. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a favourable impact of incorporating Azolla meal into the Japanese quail diet, leading to improved growth rates attributed to its positive influence on intestinal morphology. However, no significant effects were observed on immune response, lipid peroxidation, or faecal E. coli levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oyster mushroom stem waste supplementation on the grown performance of quails. For this a total of 240 days old quails were purchased from a reputed hatchery. Equal number of chicks was assigned to four groups and each group was further replicated three times. Each replicate consisted of 20 chicks. Group PO-0 was considered as control and was fed with commercial ration with no supplementation. Group PO-1 was fed with commercial ration supplemented with 10 g mushroom waste/kg of feed. While group PO-2 and group PO-3 was fed with commercial ration supplemented with 20g and 30g of mushroom waste/kg of feed respectively. The study revealed that there was no notable impact on feed intake. However, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in weight gain observed in the PO-3 group, accompanied by a considerably lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the same group. No instances of mortality were recorded in either the control or experimental groups. Nevertheless, there was a noteworthy improvement in dressing percentage observed in the PO-3 group. Additionally, the antibody titers against NDV, IBV, and IBDV were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the PO-3 group. Similarly, the histological features of the cecum, including villus height, width, and their respective ratio, were significantly higher in PO3 compared to the control group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that supplementing the diet with various levels of oyster mushroom stem waste led to improved growth performance, enhanced immunity, and improved gut morphology in quails, all without affecting liver and kidney functions. The most favorable outcomes were achieved when oyster mushroom stem waste was incorporated at a 3% level in the feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment is to study the effect of glutamine (Gln) on the metabolic functions of cold stress chicks (1-14 days old) from the perspective of serum biochemical indicators. A total of 192 healthy 1-day-old broilers with no significant difference in weight, were randomly divided into four groups, each group with four replicates and 12 broilers per replicate. Group I was a control group, the broilers were fed the basal diet, and the broilers in Group II, III, IV were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively 2.0% Gln. The broilers were kept at 25±2 ℃ for 14 days. Samples were taken and analyzed at 7 and 14 days of age. On the 7th day, compared with group I, the serum level of LDH in group II, III and IV were significantly decreased. Serum triiodothyronine content in group II, III, and IV was significantly increased. Also, compared with the control, the glucose level was significantly decreased in group II, and the serum uric acid content in II, III, and IV was significantly decreased. On the 14th day, compared with group I, the K+ in the group III and IV decreased significantly, and the P3+ in the group II and IV decreased significantly. The LDH level in group IV was significantly reduced, and the AST level in group II was significantly reduced. The albumin and globulin levels in group IV were decreased significantly. Under this experimental condition, adding Gln to the diet has a certain improvement effects on serum biochemical indices of cold stressed chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]