Effects of genotype and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast meat quality of chickens

In this study, we investigated the effects of genotype and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) supplementation on the growth, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast meat quality of chickens. The study lasted for 18 weeks and involved 360 unsexed day-old chicks divided into nine groups with 40 chicks each, replicated four times with 10 chicks per replication. The genotypes studied were Naked-neck * Tetra H, Normal-feathered * Tetra H, crosses and Tetra H * Tetra H, while the diets included a standard commercial ration (C), Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) at 1 g/kg (C+1), and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) at 2 g/kg (C+2). Results showed that both diet and genotype influenced growth performance indicators like final body weight, body weight change, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, particularly during the grower and entire phases. When compared to the control diet, the Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) chicks supplemented at 1 g/kg showed better performances. The genotypes also affected dressing percentage, breast, thigh, keel bone, and gizzard components, with higher values found in the Naked-neck by Tetra H cross. The supplemented chicken group exhibited an improvement in the dressing percentage and breast muscle in comparison to the control. Blood parameters were also significantly influenced (P < 0.01) by genotype, diet, and their interaction. Supplementation significantly (P < 0.01) increased protein levels while reducing the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Incorporating Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) at a rate of 1 g/kg into the diet of chickens brought a significant improvement in the protein content, and a reduction in the fat content, of their breast muscles. In general, the study indicates that adding up to 2 g/kg of Phytolacca dodecandra (endod) to chicken feed enhances growth performance traits, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast muscle protein levels, without any negative consequences.

Current and future interventions for improving poultry health and poultry food safety and security: A comprehensive review

Poultry is thriving across the globe. Chicken meat is the most preferred poultry worldwide, and its popularity is increasing. However, poultry also threatens human hygiene, especially as a fomite of infectious diseases caused by the major foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria). Preventing pathogenic bacterial biofilm is crucial in the chicken industry due to increasing food safety hazards caused by recurring contamination and the rapid degradation of meat, as well as the increased resistance of bacteria to cleaning and disinfection procedures commonly used in chicken processing plants. To address this, various innovative and promising strategies to combat bacterial resistance and biofilm are emerging to improve food safety and quality and extend shelf-life. In particular, natural compounds are attractive because of their potential antimicrobial activities. Natural compounds can also boost the immune system and improve poultry health and performance. In addition to phytochemicals, bacteriophages, nanoparticles, coatings, enzymes, and probiotics represent unique and environmentally friendly strategies in the poultry processing industry to prevent foodborne pathogens from reaching the consumer. Lactoferrin, bacteriocin, antimicrobial peptides, cell-free supernatants, and biosurfactants are also of considerable interest for their prospective application as natural antimicrobials for improving the safety of raw poultry meat. This review aims to describe the feasibility of these proposed strategies and provide an overview of recent published evidences to control microorganisms in the poultry industry, considering the human health, food safety, and economic aspects of poultry production.

Bioactive compounds, antibiotics and heavy metals: effects on the intestinal structure and microbiome of monogastric animals – a non-systematic review

The intestinal structure and gut microbiota are essential for the animals‘ health. Chemical components taken with food provide the right environment for a specific microbiome which, together with its metabolites and the products of digestion, create an environment, which in turn is affects the population size of specific bacteria. Disturbances in the composition of the gut microbiota can be a reason for the malformation of guts, which has a decisive impact on the animal‘ health. This review aimed to analyse scientific literature, published over the past 20 years, concerning the effect of nutritional factors on gut health, determined by the intestinal structure and microbiota of monogastric animals. Several topics have been investigated: bioactive compounds (probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and herbal active substances), antibiotics and heavy metals (essentaial minerals and toxic heavy metals).