Evaluation of Carcass Attributes and Physical, Chemical, and Qualitative Characteristics of Breast Meat of Broiler Chickens Fed on Pulicaria jaubertii Powder

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

Effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) Powder on Characteristics of Carcass and Breast Meat Quality Parameters in Male Broiler Chickens

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

Role of Clove and Tulsi on broiler health and meat production

The role of Clove (Cv) and Tulsi (Ts) supplementation on broiler growth performance and gut health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters has already been established. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the role of Cv and Ts on the serum biochemical profile and meat quality traits in broilers. A total of sixty (60) one-day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four homogenous groups (15 birds per group). They were then fed Cv powder and Ts extract from day (d) 8 to d 28 with drinking water i.e. zero level of Cv or Ts (T0), 0.5% Cv + 2% Ts (T1), 1.0% Cv + 3% Ts (T2), 1.5% Cv + 4% Ts (T3). Blood and meat samples were collected on d 14, 21, and 28 to analyze the serum-biochemical profile and meat quality. Supplementation of Cv and Ts improved serum-biochemical profile by reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in broilers. However, they did not affect the serum protein levels while the 0.5-1% Cv and 2-3% Ts supplemented groups had higher glucose levels on d 21. Production of breast and thigh meat increased with increased size, and density of myofibers while fed 0.5-1% Cv and 2-3% Ts. On the contrary, 1.5% Cv powder and 4% Ts extract supplementation improved thigh meat color, breast and thigh meat pH as well as the water-holding capacity. The current study findings suggest that Cv and Ts can be used in combination to improve broiler health, production, and meat quality.

Effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and chronic heat stress on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiology in broiler chickens

This study was conducted on 600 one-day-old male broiler chicks, using a 2 × 6 factorial design (ambient temperature, A x feed additive, F), for a period of 42 days. The chicks assigned to different groups were exposed to thermoneutral (TN, 24 ± 1 °C) and constant heat stress (HT, 36 ± 1 °C) conditions, and were only fed on a basal diet, and a basal diet supplemented with either 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol, 50 IU/kg α-tocopherol, or 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of cumin essential oil (CEO). The results showed that heat stress adversely affected performance and carcass characteristics, and increased both the mortality rate and footpad lesions. Moreover, constant chronic heat stress showed negative effects on serum biochemistry and the intestinal microbiota, increased antioxidant activity in both the plasma and breast meat, and increased counts of the pathogenic microorganisms in the small intestine. On the other hand, dietary CEO supplementation positively affected these parameters. CEO had a slight effect on performance, carcass characteristics, mortality rate and the incidence of footpad lesions. When compared to the control group, it was determined that CEO generally had a positive effect on lipid peroxidation in the plasma and tissues and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, CEO positively affected serum biochemistry and counts of beneficial microorganisms in the small intestine.

Adverse effects of heat stress during summer on broiler chickens production and antioxidant mitigating effects

Broiler chicken meat is a good source of protein consumed universally, and is one of the most commonly farmed species in world. In addition to providing food, poultry non-edible byproducts also have value. A major advantage of broiler chicken production is their short production cycle, which results in a greater rate of production in comparison to other species. However, as with any production system, there are constraints in broiler production with one of the most pressing being energy requirements to keep the birds warm as chicks and cool later in the growth cycle, as a result of the cost needing mechanical heating and cooling. While this is feasible in more advanced economies, this is not readily affordable in developing economies. As a result, farmers rely on natural ventilation to cool the rearing houses, which generally becoming excessively warm with the resultant heat stress on the birds. Since little can be done without resorting to mechanical ventilation and cooling, exploring the use of other means to reduce heat stress is needed. For this review, we cover the various factors that induce heat stress, the physiological and behavioral responses of broiler chickens to heat stress. We also look at mitigating the adverse effect of heat stress through the use of antioxidants which possess either an anti-stress and/or antioxidant effects.

Dietary Phytogenic Extracts Favorably Influence Productivity, Egg Quality, Blood Constituents, Antioxidant and Immunological Parameters of Laying Hens: A Meta-Analysis

The present study aimed to assess the impact of dietary phytogenic extracts on laying hen productivity, egg quality, blood constituents, antioxidant, and immunological parameters through a meta-analytical approach. A total of 28 articles (119 data points) reporting the influence of dietary phytogenic extracts on the productive performance, egg quality, blood constituents, immunological, and antioxidant parameters of laying hens were embedded into a database. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed model, with different studies treated as random effects and phytogenic extract levels treated as fixed effects. This meta-analysis revealed that dietary phytogenic extracts quadratically (p < 0.05) improved egg production and egg mass as well as decreased (p < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) with no adverse effect on egg weight and egg quality. Feed intake and egg yolk percentage tended to increase linearly (p < 0.1). Total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) declined quadratically (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased linearly (p < 0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased linearly (p < 0.01), with increasing levels of dietary phytogenic extract. In addition, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) increased linearly (p < 0.05) in line with the increase in dietary phytogenic extract level. It was concluded that the inclusion of phytogenic extracts in the diet of laying hens had a positive effect on productive performance, feed efficiency, egg mass, immunity, and antioxidant activity without interfering with egg quality. The optimum level of feed photogenic extract for egg production and feed efficiency was determined to be around 300 mg/kg feed.

Growth Performance, Histological Changes and Functional Tests of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Supplemented with Tribulus Terrestris Powder

The current experiment aimed to investigate the effects of TT powder on performance parameters and functional tests, as well as on morphological and histological changes in the liver, kidney and ileum in broiler chickens. Commercial broilers (total = 168 females) were used, equally divided into three dietary treatments (C = 0.0, T1 = 0.75, and T2 = 1.5 g/kg diet). The growth performance (1−35 days of age), absolute and relative weight, liver and kidney functional tests, intestinal morphology (14 and 35 days of age), and histomorphology of the ileum (35 days of age) were evaluated. At 35 days of age, histopathological changes in the ileum, liver, and kidney were also examined. The results showed that the growth performance and absolute and relative weights of the liver and kidney had no negative effects when dietary supplementation with TT powder was given at 0.75 g/kg diet (T1), whereas a decrease was observed at T2 (p < 0.05). Liver and kidney functional tests showed no significant effects in all feed treatments (14 days), while T1 showed lower (p < 0.05) ALT and AST levels (35 days). T1 exhibited higher weights, lengths, and weight-to-length ratios of the small intestine, and relative lengths of the duodenum (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric measurements of the ileum were higher (p < 0.05) in chickens fed the 0.75 g TT/kg diet, and except for in the goblet cell count and epithelial thickness, there were no differences between treatments (p > 0.05). In T1, hepatocytes were more normal but hepatic sinusoids were dilated, whereas in T2, lymphocytes had infiltrated around the central vein and lining endothelial cells had been lost. The kidney was improved in T1 and T2 compared with the control group. Ileal villi were shorter in T2, and some villi fused with enterocyte necrosis and inflammatory cells accumulated in the lumen. We concluded that TT powder (0.75 g/kg feed) has a safe effect and is healthy for broilers.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh meat of broiler chickens fed gradually increasing levels of supplemental blueberry extract

The effect of gradually increasing supplemental levels of blueberry extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of broiler chickens was investigated. One hundred ninety-two 7-day-old chickens were randomly distributed into four groups having four replicates with 12 birds in each replicate. Basal diets were prepared for starter (days 8 to 21) and finisher (days 22 to 42). Basal diets were offered to the control group only, whereas other treatments received basal diets fortified with 0.5, 1, and 2% blueberry extract (BB0.5, BB1, and BB2 groups, respectively). The duration of experiment was 35 days (days 8 to 42). During finisher and overall growth phases, broilers in the BB2 group had greater body weight gain than those in the BB0.5 and control groups, whereas the BB1 group had higher body weight gain than the control group (P < 0.001). Body weight gain remained unaffected during the starter phase. Feed intake was greater in the BB2 group than in the control group at days 8 to 21, 22 to 42, and 8 to 42 (P = 0.002, P = 0.035, and P = 0.001, respectively). The control group had poor FCR than the BB2 group in the starter phase (P = 0.034). At days 22 to 42, feeding blueberry extract (BB0.5, BB1, and BB2) improved the FCR of broilers compared with the control group, whereas the BB2 group had better FCR than the BB0.5 group (P < 0.001). At 8 to 42 days, broilers in the control group had poor FCR compared with the BB1 and BB2 groups, whereas the BB0.5 group had poor FCR than the BB2 group (P < 0.001). Slaughter weight was lower in the control group than in the blueberry extract groups, whereas the BB2 group had greater slaughter weight than the BB0.5 group (P < 0.001). Dressing percentage of broilers in the control and BB0.5 groups was lower than that in other groups (P < 0.001). Gizzard yield was higher in the BB0.5 and BB2 groups than in the control group (P = 0.021). In addition, feeding 2% blueberry extract increased the concentration of different fatty acids in breast and thigh meat of broiler chickens. Findings suggest that feeding 2% blueberry extract may improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of broilers.