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This study aimed to assess the impact of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in broilers' diet, alone or in combination with vitamin E, on meat quality parameters, nutritional value, and oxidative stability during storage time. An experiment was conducted on 180 COBB 500 broiler chickens (14 days old), assigned into six treatments, following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A corn–soybean meal diet was supplemented with three levels of C. vulgaris (0% in group C1, 1% in E1, 2% in E2), two levels of vitamin E (0% in C1, 250 ppm in C2), and a combination of them (1% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E3), 2% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E4)). Dietary incorporation of C. vulgaris, including those supplemented with vitamin E, resulted in a significant increase in meat protein content. DPA and DHA levels increased by 2.01-fold and 1.60-fold in the 2% C. vulgaris + vitamin E group. The PUFA/SFA ratio was increased across all dietary treatments (p < 0.0001). HPI and h/H registered the highest values as a result of 2% C. vulgaris supplementation, being linked with a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels. Supplementation with 2% C. vulgaris and vitamin E exhibited a 1.45-fold increase in vitamin E concentration in thigh meat compared to the control group, being the highest level registered in thigh meat in this experiment. Metmyoglobin concentrations registered lower values in the thigh meat of the experimental groups, while deoxymyoglobin increased in the same groups when compared to the control group. The inclusion of C. vulgaris (1% and 2%) in combination with vitamin E (250 mg/kg) in broiler diets exhibited the best prevention of lipid oxidation after 7 days of refrigerated storage, defined by the highest efficiency factors assessed in terms of secondary oxidation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study evaluated the impact of incorporating flax seeds or a flax and mustard seeds' mixture into goats' diets to enhance milk polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The incorporation of mustard seeds also aimed to slow the lipid oxidation process. A three-week feeding trial was conducted on 18 lactating goats, randomly distributed in three groups: control (C), FS (replacing 12% of the oil source with flax seeds), and FMS (replacing a quarter of flax seeds with mustard seeds). Flax seed inclusion improved the quality of milk fat by reducing saturated fatty acid concentration (p = 0.004) and increasing PUFA levels (p = 0.001). Both experimental groups significantly lowered the omega 6/omega 3 fatty acid ratio (p < 0.001). The FMS group showed a significantly higher total vitamin E concentration (p = 0.007). The fat oxidation parameters revealed that after 24 h of storage at room temperature, the p-anisidine value increased for the FS group compared to the C group, while the FSM group showed no significant difference, suggesting that the combined inclusion of flax and mustard seeds may prolong milk storage time by mitigating secondary oxidation products. This highlights the potential benefits of incorporating the studied seeds into goats' diets for improving milk quality and extending its shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to compare the nutrient composition, antioxidant potential, and polyphenol bioaccessibility of the fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry. Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the individual phenolic compounds of fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry were assessed. Results showed that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols (61.06 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (8.47 mg QE/g), and tocopherols (1172.20 mg/kg) than fruit (27.99 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 5.23 mg QE/g flavonoids, 38.48 mg/kg tocopherols) and pomace (22.94 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 1.89 mg QE/g flavonoids and 157.19 mg/kg tocopherols), with superior in vitro antioxidant activity. Chlorogenic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds in black chokeberry undigested samples (2.713 mg/g in fruit, 17.954 mg/g in leaves, and 1.415 mg/g in pomace) but are poorly absorbed (bioaccessibility index in intestinal phase of 28.84% for fruit, 8.81% for leaves, and 31.90% for pomace). Hydroxybenzoic acids were highly stable in leaves and fruit during simulated digestion and had high bioaccessibility. In conclusion, residues from black chokeberry processing are also valuable sources of bioactive compounds, but the pomace had higher polyphenol bioaccessibility than leaves and might be a promising supplement for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of sea buckthorn meal alone and in combination with bilberry leaves on growth performance, health status and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens. A total of 90 healthy 1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups and housed in digestibility cages under controlled environmental conditions. The dietary treatments included a basal diet (T0), a basal diet +1% sea buckthorn meal (T1) and a basal diet + 1% sea buckthorn meal and bilberry leaves (T2). The results showed that experimental diets did not influenced the growth performance. At 42 d, T2 had the highest serum iron level among the three groups. Compared to T0, T1 and T2 significantly reduced Enterobacteriaceae, E.coli and staphylococci in the cecal and intestinal contents and improved the lactobacilli populations number. The most effective way to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the cecal content was through the diet that contained sea buckthorn meal alone. In conclusion, adding sea buckthorn meal in the diet of broiler chickens can be an effective solution to promote a healthy gut microflora. This aligns with the current strategy of reducing agro-industrial food waste by repurposing it in other industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the impact of dietary bilberry leaves on the performance, health status, and gut microbiota of broilers reared in both thermoneutral conditions and under heat stress. Sixty Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into two groups (C-TN, BL-TN) and reared in thermoneutral conditions for the first trial. For the second trial, two other groups (C-HS and BL-HS) were reared in heat stress (32 °C), with 30 chickens in each group. The experimental diets were supplemented with 1% bilberry leaves compared to the control diets. The broilers fed a diet with bilberry leaves had lower levels of cholesterol compared to the control birds. At the end of the experiment, six broilers per group were slaughtered, and intestinal contents were collected for bacteriological analyses. The results revealed that bilberry leaves increased body weight and average daily feed intake in the BL-TN group compared to the C-HS group. However, the broilers fed a bilberry leaves diet and reared in heat stress had a significantly lower average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain than the C-TN group. Additionally, the number of staphylococci colonies decreased significantly in the group fed with a BL-supplemented diet and reared in TN compared to C-TN, while lactobacilli increased significantly in BL-TN compared to C-TN. In summary, bilberry leaves can be used as a natural supplement in a broiler's diet to regulate serum cholesterol in heat stress and maintain the health of intestinal microflora in thermoneutral conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cranberries, like other plants from the berry family, are very popular due to their composition rich in bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant activity. The leaves belonging to that species can be considered a cost-effective alternative in the context of reducing antibiotics strategy in animal nutrition. Studies on their potential effects as feed additive are limited in poultry nutrition. The aim of the current study is to assess the effects of inclusion of cranberry leaves in an omega 3 enriched diet of broilers on productive parameters and evaluate the markers of antioxidant defence system. An experiment was conducted on 120 Cobb 500 broiler chickens, housed in an experimental hall with permanent wood shave litter, in boxes of 3 m2. The dietary treatments were based on corn and soybean meal, and the experimental group fed diets supplemented with 1% cranberry leaves (E1) and other with combination of cranberry leaves (1%) and walnut meal (6%) (E2). The results showed that the presence of cranberry leaves in an omega 3 enriched diet affected the final body weight of broilers (C-3140 g; E1-2649 g and E2-2538 g); the average daily gain (C-92.91 g; E1-88.32 g and E2-84.63 g) compared to other two groups. No significant differences were recorded for average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The antioxidant compounds from cranberry leaves structure positively affected the MDA concentrations determined in serum and liver samples (C--0.153 ppm; E1-0.133 ppm for serum samples and C-0.359 ppm; E1-0.319 ppm for liver samples). By inclusion in an omega enriched diet, no significant differences were detected compared to C for serum (E2-0.155 ppm) and almost 10% decreasing values were recorded for MDA values determined in liver samples (0.324 ppm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research was nutritional evaluation through the phytochemical analysis of blackberry and raspberry leaves, the screening of their biological activity (antioxidant capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation), and the investigation of the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) of blackberry and raspberry leaves on the bioaccessibility of polyphenol subclasses. The concentrations of the analyzed liposoluble antioxidants were higher (p < 0.05) in blackberry leaves compared to raspberry leaves, while a significant (p < 0.05) higher content of water-soluble antioxidants was registered in raspberry leaves (with a total polyphenol content of 26.2 mg GAE/g DW of which flavonoids accounted for 10.6 mg/g DW). Blackberry leaves had the highest antioxidant capacity inhibition of the superoxide radicals (O2•−), while raspberry leaves registered the highest inhibition of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), suggesting a high biological potency in scavenging-free radicals under in vitro systems. The maximum inhibition percentage of lipid peroxidation was obtained for blackberry leaves (24.86% compared to 4.37% in raspberry leaves), suggesting its potential to limit oxidative reactions. Simulated in vitro digestion showed that hydroxybenzoic acids registered the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of leaves, with gallic acid being one of the most bioaccessible phenolics. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that the most significant release of phenolic compounds from blackberry and raspberry leaves occurs either during or after the gastric phase. Knowledge about the bioaccessibility and stability of polyphenol compounds during digestion can provide significant insights into the bioavailability of these molecules and the possible effectiveness of plant metabolites for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the effect of dietary chromium and zinc (Cr-Zn) supplementation on performance, serum biochemical parameters, carcass development and intestinal microflora of broilers reared under high heat stress (HS). An experiment was carried out on 60 Ross 308 broiler chickens, assigned to two experimental groups (C and Cr-Zn) with 30 chickens/group and maintained under high heat stress (32°C). Compared to the control diet (C), the experimental diet included the addition of a premix with 20 mg chromium picolinate +2.5 g Zn/kg premix (Cr-Zn). Dietary Cr-Zn did not affect the performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens reared under HS conditions. The use of Cr-Zn in broiler diet led to a significant reduction of Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, staphylococci in the caecal and intestinal content. Both in the caecum and in the intestinal contents of Cr-Zn broiler chickens, the number of lactobacilli was significantly higher than in the C broilers. The combination of Zn and Cr in broiler feeding has a positive impact on maintaining the balance of intestinal microflora during heat stress [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of organic sources of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) and inulin in diets for laying hens on absorption of these minerals and their deposition in egg and tissue. The study was conducted on 90 Lohmann Brown laying hens in the period from 46-52 weeks of age, assigned to 3 groups with 30 hens/group and 3 hens/cage. The hens from the control group (C) received a diet based on corn, rice bran and soybean meal with 16% of crude protein, as well as 60 mg Fe/kg and 71.9 mg Mn/kg of diet in form of inorganic salts. The formulation of the experimental diets (E1 and E2) differed from C group diet by the replacement of inorganic Fe and Mn salts by organometallic chelates of these elements, at a level of 25% lower than in the premix for group C. As source of inulin, group E1 diet also included 0.5% of dry Jerusalem artichoke, while group E2 diet included 0.5% of a product based on chicory root extract. At the end of the experiment, 6 hens from each group were slaughtered and blood serum and liver samples were collected and assayed for concentration of Fe and Mn. In the final week of the experiment, 18 eggs/group were collected for determination of Fe and Mn concentration in egg yolk. Concentration of measured blood serum parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, Fe and Mn) in experimental (E) groups were lower than in group C, but no significant differences (P>0.05) were registered. Absorption coefficients of Mn had higher values in E groups than in group C, with significant increase (P0.05) between groups were observed for Mn and Fe concentration in egg yolk.

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of four botanical mixtures (AFC): AFC 1 (containing red corn, pumpkin pulp and marigold), AFC 2 (containing alfalfa meal, pumpkin pulp and marigold), AFC 3 (containing kale, alfalfa meal, marigold and spinach leaves), AFC 4 (containing buckthorn, red corn, pumpkin pulp and marigold), in terms of proximate analysis (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash), amino acid (AA) profile, vitamin E concentration and lutein and zeaxanthin content, in order to determine the potential of AFCs as feed additives in laying hens nutrition. The crude protein content for the analysed botanical mixtures ranged between 9.07-18.18% DM, and crude fiber between 10.41-30.83% DM. The amino acid profile of the mixture AFC 4 revealed a content of limiting essential amino acids required for laying hens: lysine 5.719% CP, methionine 1.058% CP and threonine 4.415% CP. The highest content of lutein and zeaxanthin was found in the mixture AFC 4 (66.659 mg/100 g), which also had the highest amount of vitamin E (640.93 mg/kg). With regard to safety of the botanical mixtures, lead and cadmium concentrations were determined. Concentration of lead ranged from 0.28-0.75 µg/g DM and 0.06-0.09 µg/g DM for concentration of cadmium, which was within the legislation of maximal limits of EU regulations. It can be concluded that the botanical mixture AFC 4 had the highest concentration of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E, with an adequate content of essential amino acids. Furthermore, all four botanical mixtures had high amounts of xantophylls and should be tested in laying hens trials in order to establish their effects on lutein and zeaxanthin concentration in egg yolk.

In this study alfalfa meal effects on production performances, efficiency factors, carcass part, organs development and intestinal microflora were tested. For that, 60 Cobb 500 broiler chickens were divided into two groups of 30 broilers/group and fed a control or experimental diet in the grower and finisher phases. The birds were raised in an experimental room, with controlled microclimate conditions and fed a control diet (C) based on corn, soybean meal and wheat or an experimental diet containing 5% alfalfa meal (A). The production performances showed that the experimental group, containing 5% alfalfa had a significant effect (P<0.05) on feed conversion ratio. Viability rate was higher in the A group, which influenced the European Production Efficiency Factor and the European Broiler Index but without significant effect. At the end of the trial, six broilers from each group were slaughtered, the carcass part and the organs were measured and samples of intestinal and caecal content were collected for microbiological analyses. The thigh muscle, liver and gizzard were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the A group compared with the C group. The effect of alfalfa meal was very efficient in increasing the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal and caecal segment such as Lactobacilli spp., and significantly decreased the total count of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp., Enterococcus spp., and Coliforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of different herbal plants and their associate essential oils as feed additives is of great importance for various purposes in poultry production. This trend started since 2006 due to ban on use of certain antibiotics in poultry diets, in the European Union, because they are suspected of contributing substantially to increasing resistance among human pathogens. Some investigations have shown that a number of plant feed additives and their essential oils, have shown significant beneficial effects on animal production, health status and meat quality. These natural feed additives not only act as antibiotic replacements for the animals, but also exert beneficial properties in the poultry products, especially, antioxidant properties in meat. However, the overall efficacy of herbal plants and their associate essential oils, together with their nutritive value with impact on the health status of animals and humans (via the food chain), requires constant research on standardization of correct dosages for particular functions to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposoluble vitamins play an important role in poultry metabolism. Vitamin A assures normal growth and development, reproduction performances, and immune function. Vitamin D is requested for proper calcium absorption, prevents oxidative stress, and helps the immune system. Also, vitamin E, which cannot be synthesized by poultry, is crucial for growth and reproduction, improves the immunity system, efficient against oxidative stability. Vitamin K is a key factor for the blood clotting process, has anti-inflammatory effects, and improves bone quality and feed efficiency. Vitamin requirements in laying hens' diets increased compared to the minimum levels published 28 years ago in National Research Council, therefore became vital to update it. Due to the poultry and feed industry's increasing challenges and demands the present requirements must sustain the development and productive potential of modern poultry strains. Therefore it is mandatory that experimental data with different inclusion levels of liposoluble vitamins and with positive effects on growth, production, and health parameters be taken into consideration. Certainly, updated information about liposoluble vitamin variability and efficiency transfer rate from diet to egg would help tremendously the farmers interested in foods biofortification by dietary vitamin supplementation. Overall, liposoluble vitamins are considered essential micronutrients very important to assure balanced poultry nutrition that provides an optimized animal status health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae represent a new field of interest for laying hens' nutrition as they constitute a novel and valuable nutrient source, due to their nutritional composition and richness in polyphenols, polysaccharides and fatty and amino acids. Many studies have studied the effect of using microalgae in laying hen nutrition and their ability to improve health, production and egg quality. Propolis, like microalgae, is a natural source of nutrients with a long tradition in natural medicine. The literature has shown many benefits of using propolis in the diets of laying hens, such as improved productive performance and egg production, health, egg quality. This review makes it clear that including microalgae and propolis in laying hen diet can be an undeniable future nutritional strategy, enhancing standard feed formulations to the benefit of health and egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress represents a real menace of the poultry industry all around the world. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts an increasing temperature by 1.5°C as early as 2024. The normal body temperature of a chicken is about 41°C, and its thermoneutral comfort zone ranges between 18-25°C. To avoid the overheating and to dissipate the excess heat the poultry's body conducts a demanding struggle, therefore it affects production and immune parameters, and also eggs' quality. Reduced appetite and feed intake due to an impaired digestion and metabolism caused by intestinal morphology damage requires different strategies against the negative impacts of heat stress. Dietary herbal supplementation with natural and inexpensive ingredients can be considered an efficient strategy. There are globally available, with scientific demonstrated thermoregulatory effects, and also with antioxidant properties that enhances the production parameters and the health status of poultry. Herbal utilization offers medium and long-term economic and natural potential to minimize the negative effects of heat stress in local and global poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]