Effects of fermented rapeseed meal on performance, intestinal morphology, the viscosity of intestinal content, phosphorus availability, and egg quality of laying hens

Fermented rapeseed meal has the potential to partial replace soybean meal in feed mixtures for poultry without a negative impact on the health condition and performance of birds. This is due to the fact that the fermentation process can reduce the amount of antinutritional factors, improve the use of nutrients and impart probiotic properties to rapeseed meal. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of fermented rapeseed meal on the performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, the viscosity of intestinal content and total phosphorus availability. A total of 108 Lohmann Brown laying hens at 26 wk of age were used in the 90-day study. All hens were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 12 replicates (cages) each, as follows: control group received no rapeseed meal, the URSM group received 3% unfermented rapeseed meal and the FRSM group received 3% fermented rapeseed meal. In the case of performance, egg traits, sensory evaluation of eggs, the viscosity of intestinal content and the availability of total phosphorus, if the distribution was normal, a 1-way analysis of variance was performed. If the distribution was not normal, the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. In the case of histomorphometric evaluation of the intestine, if the distribution was normal, the Student t test for independent samples was performed. If not, a Mann-Whitney U test was performed. The performed analyses showed that the supplementation of fermented rapeseed meal had no negative effect on the performance of birds and the quality of eggs. Fermented rapeseed meal was also associated with improved histomorphometric parameters of the small intestine compared to the group receiving unfermented rapeseed meal in the feed. Laying hens from FRSM group were characterized by significantly lower viscosity of intestinal content (P < 0.05) compared to URSM group. Phosphorus in FRSM group was significantly more available to the birds (P < 0.05) compared to URSM group. These results suggest that supplementation with fermented rapeseed meal may be beneficial, especially in times of unstable prices of soybean meal and problems with its availability.

Performance and antioxidant traits of broiler chickens fed with diets containing rapeseed or flaxseed oil and optimized quercetin

This study evaluated the effect of quercetin (Q) added to feed mixtures, at concentrations directly optimized for the peroxidability of dietary rapeseed (RO) and flaxseed oil (FLO), on performance and selected biomarkers of oxidative stress of broiler chickens. Ninety-six one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicken males were randomly assigned to four groups (six replicates per treatment, four birds per cage, n = 24 per group): Group RO received diets containing rapeseed oil (RO) and group FLO received diets containing flaxseed oil (FLO); Group RO_Q and group FLO_Q received these same diets containing RO or FLO oils, supplemented with optimized quercetin (Q). Blood, pectoral muscles, and liver samples of chickens were collected after 35 days to determine: (1) the global indicators of antioxidant capacity: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), antiradical activity (DPPH·/ABTS·+), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); (2) the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and (3) the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). Data showed that the FLO diet did not affect the final performance parameters in relation to RO, but the optimized Q tended to improve the total body weight gain and the final body weight of broiler chickens (P = 0.10). The antioxidant traces analyzed in the blood (GSH-Px), plasma (FRAP, ABTS·+, DPPH·, TAS), serum (DPPH·), and pectoral muscles (SOD, CAT) of chickens were not altered by either Oil or Q factor. FLO supplementation increased MDA content in the liver of chickens (P < 0.05) and increased liver CAT activity, which was not improved by optimized Q. Meanwhile, the Oil × Q interaction suggests that optimized Q could reduce the liver burden and negative effects of oxidized lipid by-products associated with FLO diets. Our results indicate that optimizing the addition of natural polyphenols to feed may be a valuable alternative to the application of polyphenolic antioxidants in animal nutrition, allowing for an economical use of the antioxidant additives when customized to the peroxidability of fat sources, which is line to the conception of sustainable development covering 'The European Green Deal' and 'Farm to Fork Strategy'.

Influence of solid state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis 67 strain on the nutritional value of rapeseed meal and its effects on performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

The study aimed to evaluate the influence of solid-state fermentation on the nutritional value and enzymatic activity of rapeseed meal and its effects on the performance of broiler chickens and meat quality, including physicochemical properties (proximate analysis, pH, water holding capacity), antioxidant capabilities, dipeptide composition of the meat and sensory traits. Three dietary treatments were evaluated using broiler chickens: a control without incorporation of rapeseed meal; a second treatment with the incorporation of 3% unfermented rapeseed meal; and a third with the incorporation of 3% rapeseed meal fermented with Bacillus subtilis 67. The study showed that fermented compared to unfermented rapeseed meal was characterized by a significantly higher content of dry matter, crude ash, crude fat and metabolic energy (P < 0.05), and a significantly lower content of crude fiber and glucosinolates (P < 0.05). The B. subtilis 67 strain shows cellulolytic and xylulolytic activity. Fermented rapeseed meal has a positive effect on body weight of birds, daily gain, and European Production Efficiency Factor (P < 0.05). Both rapeseed meal treatments significantly reduced the pH of leg muscles and the water-holding capacity of breast muscles (P < 0.05). The fermented meal had a negative impact on some sensory parameters of poultry meat. There was no significant influence of fermented rapeseed meal on the composition of dipeptides in poultry meat and its antioxidant status.

Recent innovations in various methods of harmful gases conversion and its mechanism in poultry farms

Poultry breeding takes place in intensive, high-production systems characterized by high animal density, which is a source of harmful emission of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and greenhouse gases, which in turn sustain animal welfare. This study identified and examined the characteristics of chemical compounds emitted in intensive poultry farming (laying hens, broilers) and their toxicity, which led to recommending methods of deodorization. Emphasis was placed on the law relative to air purification in poultry farms. Various methods of air treatment in poultry farms have been described: the modification of animal diet to improve nutrient retention and decrease the amount of their excrement; chemical oxidation technologies (ozonation, photocatalysis, Fenton reaction); various types/brands of biofilters, bioscrubbers and membrane reactors. Numerous studies show that biofilters can reduce ammonia emissions by 51%, hydrogen sulfide by 80%, odors by 67%, while scrubbers brings down ammonia emissions by 77% and odors by 42%, and the application of UV light lowers ammonia emissions by 28%, hydrogen sulfide by 55%, odors by 69% and VOCs by 52%. The paper presents both the solutions currently used in poultry farming and those which are currently in the research and development phase and, as innovative solutions, could be implemented in the near future.

Valorization of postextraction residues-analysis of the influence of new feed additives with micronutrients on eggs quality parameters

This paper presents attempts to enrich hens eggs with ions of copper, manganese, and zinc through the use of new feed additives (19 mg Cu²⁺; 124 mg Mn²⁺ and 85 mg Zn²⁺) such as biomass of alfalfa and goldenrod after extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide enriched with microelements via biosorption. Mechanical parameters of eggs (shell thickness and strength, Haugh unite), hen's laying performance, microelements content in albumen and yolk were examined and the transfer factor from feed to eggs was determined. The highest transfer of microelements content in albumen occurred in the group of hens fed with enriched goldenrod in a 100% dose (daily dose of microelements from biomass; Cu²⁺ 106%; Mn²⁺ 104%; Zn²⁺ 104% more in comparison to the inorganic salt group), while the highest yolk enrichment with microelements manifested itself for hens fed with enriched goldenrod in a 50% dose (daily dose of microelements from biomass; Cu²⁺ 32%; Zn²⁺ 22% more in comparison to the inorganic salt group). These groups also had the highest total microelements concentration. Mechanical properties of eggs varied insignificantly during the trial. Production parameters did not differ statistically among all experimental group. Eggs produced with need additives had better organoleptic parameters than fed with conventional premixes, which is why they were preferred by the respondents. The presented technology allows obtaining low-cost feed materials characterized by high bioavailability of components. The produced feed additives can serve as potential material for biofortification of eggs with nutrients.

Effect of Biochar Diet Supplementation on Chicken Broilers Performance, NH3 and Odor Emissions and Meat Consumer Acceptance

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of biochar diet supplementation for broiler chickens on (1) ammonia and odor emissions from manure, (2) feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain, and (3) selected meat quality and sensory parameters. Beechwood biochar (BC, 2 and 4%) and BC-glycerin-aluminosilicates mix (BCM, 3 and 6%) were tested as dietary additives. A total of 750 chicken broilers (Ross 308) were divided into five dietary groups with five replicates per group (n = 5, 30 birds in each replicate) and reared on a littered floor for 5 weeks. Both feed additives showed a significant reduction of ammonia emissions by up to 17%, while the reduction of odor emissions was not statistically significant. The feed conversion ratio increased by 8% for the highest concentration of the mixture. The change of the treated broilers' average body weight ranged in the last week of the experiment from 0 to -7%, with the most negative effect for the highest dose of the mixture. Sensory analysis of the sous-vide cooked breasts showed no significant differences.

The Effect of Dietary Humic Preparations on the Content of Essential and Non-Essential Chemical Elements in Hen Eggs

Simple Summary

In addition to protein, fatty acids and vitamins, hen eggs also contain many minerals, including macroelements, microelements and trace elements. Currently, many different organic mineral supplements are introduced into the diet of laying hens, which can affect the content of chemical elements (essential and non-essential) in the albumen and yolk. These effects are not fully understood. In the present work, the effect of the addition of humic preparations to the standard feed mixture on the content of essential and non-essential chemical elements in albumen and yolk of hen eggs was assessed. The obtained results indicate that only some elements significantly increase in the albumen and yolk when more of them are in a feed mixture enriched with humic preparations.

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with two humic preparations, Humokarbowit (HKW) and Humobentofet (HBF), on the mineral content of the albumen and egg yolk of Lohmann Brown hens. The content of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S), microelements (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Si, Sr, Zn) and trace elements (Ag, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Ga, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Ti, Tl, V, W, Y and Zr) in the feed mixture (FM), albumen and yolk were presented. The material was collected from laying hens kept in a cage system in two groups, control (C) and enriched (E), with standard feed and feed enriched with humic preparations, respectively. The enriched feed mixture was characterised by a significantly higher Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Co, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Mg, Ni, S, Sb, Si, Zn and Zr content compared to the standard, basal mixture. Only some of these elements were found in significantly increased levels in albumen (Bi, Co, Ni, S) and yolk (Bi, Fe, K, Sb). Another noteworthy finding was a significantly lower concentration of Na in the content of eggs from the E-Group, which corresponds to the content of this important macronutrient in the feed. In addition, a significant increase in the concentration of elements such as Al, I, Li, Sr, Ti, Tl, Y, W was noted with a reduction in Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Rb, Sn in Group-E, which indicates a complicated egg formation processes, including biotransfer-essential and non-essential chemical elements.

The effect of an enriched laying environment on welfare, performance, and egg quality parameters of laying hens kept in a cage system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the welfare and performance of laying hens kept in a furnished cage system equipped with additional feeders. A total of 72 Lohmann Brown hens were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups. Each group consisted of 6 cages housing 3 birds per cage (18 birds per group). Group I was a control group without an extra feeder in the cages. Experimental groups GII, GIII, and GIV contained one, 2, and 3 additional feeders in the cages, respectively. The assessment of bird welfare was based on production, physiological and behavioral parameters, as well as on the basis of external appearance. The experiment lasted 12 wk. The obtained results suggest that enriching laying hens' cages with additional feeders improved the welfare of the hens. Enrichment of cages significantly reduced the number of feather pecking and aggressive behaviors in the GII and GIV groups (P < 0.01) and the GIII group (P < 0.05). Breast plumage was significantly (P < 0.05) better in the GII group compared with that in the control group. The control group also had the worst general plumage (P < 0.01). The GII and GIV groups were also characterized by significantly (P < 0.05) lower blood corticosterone concentrations compared with the control group. No negative changes in egg production and quality parameters were observed in the experimental groups. Only eggs from the GIV group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower breaking strength than those from the control and GII group. The results suggest that the best solution is to place 1 additional feeder in furnished laying hens' cages.

Biofortification of Hens Eggs with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by New Dietary Formulation: Supercritical Microalgal Extract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina platensis, formulation containing microalgal extract, post-extraction residue, and formulation without algal extract (containing only emulsifier) on the content of FAs in the eggs of laying hens. The experiment was conducted on 90 laying hens (ISA Brown) as a completely randomized design. Hens were assigned to five experimental groups (six replicates). The FAs content in eggs was determined after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of the experiment. There were no statistically significant differences in FA profiles after 30 days of the experiment. It was shown that after 60, 90, and 120 days of the experiment, the investigated additives had a significant impact on the content of such acids as: dodecanoic acid (C12:0), C15:0, nonadecanoic acid (C19:0), myristoleic acid (C14:1 n-5), α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n-3), DPA, C20:2 n-6, and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA C22:6 n-6). There were also significant differences in total PUFA n-3, PUFA n-6, and n-6/n-3 ratio in eggs. The obtained results suggest that the use of algae extract and emulsifier in laying hens nutrition has the greatest impact on the FA profile in the eggs.