Effect of Diet Supplemented with Different Levels of Moringa Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, Hematological Parameters, Serum Lipids, and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing broiler chickens' diet with graded levels of moringa powder on growth performance. A total of 192 one-day-old broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly distributed into four dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised four replicates with 12 chicks in each. Moringa powder was added to their diet by 0.0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%. The diet and water were offered ad libitum during the feeding trial, which lasted 42 days. One chicken was selected from each replicate at the end of the experiment to measure the carcass characteristics and meat quality, as well as the serum biochemical parameters of broilers. Regarding the overall growth performance, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio substantially improved (P<0.05) in broilers whose diet was supplemented with moringa powder, compared to the control group. Furthermore, the carcass yield considerably increased (P<0.05) in broilers whose diet was supplemented with 0.5% and 0.75% moringa powder, in comparison with the control group. In addition, birds fed with a diet supplemented with moringa powder showed a significant increase in their hemoglobin level (P<0.05). Moreover, the findings showed that a diet supplemented with moringa powder led to a significant decrease in the total cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein, and the A/G ratio (P<0.05) but increased total protein and globulin levels (P<0.05), compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of 0.75% moringa powder in the diet as a growth promoter reduces the cost of production by improving growth performance and enhancing the health status of birds.

Broiler Heart Muscle Monoaminergic Receptors Alteration in Response to Chronic Heat Stress: Based on Transcription Analysis

Chronic heat stress affects numerous physiological and behavioral mechanisms. Epigenetic changes following prolonged cyclic heat stress, creating new opportunities for molecular biology research. One of these changes involves monoamines, such as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and their transmission. Broiler chickens are highly susceptible to heat stress, and their hearts become insufficient during the growth phase, leading to hypertrophy of the left heart. RNA-seq data were obtained from NCBI with accession number SRP082125. The expression level of genes was determined with DESeq2 packages. Gene Ontology qualification, including biological processes, cellular components, and molecular role (MF), was performed from the Gene Ontology Resource. Cyclic heat stress in broilers significantly altered monoamine receptor expression. Twenty-nine genes of the monoamine pathway changed their expression in the left heart. Significant downregulation of expression was statistically associated with the ADRB1, HTR2A, and PNMT genes and upregulation of the MAOA gene (P<0.01). STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network; based on network analysis, the HTR2C, HTR2A, and HTR5A genes were identified as the major nodal genes in the network followed by MAOA, DRD2, DRD5, HTR1B, DRD1, DRD3, and HTR2B genes occupying the second important place in the network module. In conclusion, heat stress treatment prevented cardiac hypertrophy and altered the expression of monoamine genes. This would imply that monoamine transmission plays an important role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, and that cyclic-chronic heat treatment modulates the cardiac monoaminergic system. These molecular biomarkers could be useful for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

Comparison of Penton and Hexon Genes of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 11 in Molecular Detection of IBH in Broilers

Fowl Adenoviruses (FAdVs) are widely distributed pathogens across the globe. The FAdVs from serotypes FAdV 2, 3, 8a, 8b, 9, and 11 are responsible for inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). Recently, increased mortality and IBH-suspected lesions were observed in 8-10-day-old broiler chickens in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. In this regard, the present study aimed to compare penton and hexon genes of ADDV11 in the molecular detection of IBH in broiler chickens. In total, 100 liver specimens were collected from 10 suspected farms, and their DNAs were extracted. Two polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were applied; one targeting the L1 region of the hexon gene and another aiming at the penton gene. Based on the findings, 60% of samples showed positive results in both PCRs and phylogenetic analysis clustered the studied viruses into serotype 11 (species D) FAdV. The detected FAdVs also shared a multitude of homologies with previously published serotype 11 viruses from Iran and those identified in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Canada. This research not only provides an update on circulating FAdVs in Iran, but also introduces the penton gene as an alternative target for IBH diagnosis. Considering that IBH is a primary disease in Iran with both horizontal and vertical routes of transmission, urgent preventive measures are needed.

Effect of Adding Cordyceps sinensis Extract and Probiotic to the Diet on Productive Performance of Broiler

Following a substantial increase in poultry breeding, the demand for their meat has risen. Poultry meat is one of the primary sources of protein in human nutrition, which contributes to food security. However, implementing intensive breeding programs and exposing birds to multiple stressors have led to the overuse of antibiotics and worse poultry health. This study was carried out at the poultry farm of the Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq from 28/10/2021 to 8/12/2021 (42 days), to show the effect of the addition of Cordyceps sinensis extract and a probiotic to the diet of broilers on their productive performance. For this purpose, 210 one-day-old unsexed chicks of strain (Ross 308) were used with an average weight of 40 g. They were randomly divided into seven groups of treatments, and each treatment had three replicates (10 chicks per replicate). The treatments included T1, which was the control group without any addition to the diet, T2 and T3 with the addition of C. sinensis extract at a level of 300 and 600 mg/kg feed, respectively, T4 and T5 with the addition of a probiotic at the level of 3 and 6 g/kg feed, respectively, T6 with the addition of C. sinensis extract at a level of 300 mg/kg feed + the probiotic at a level of 3 g/kg feed, T7 with the addition of C. sinensis extract at a level of 600 mg/kg feed + the probiotic at a level of 3 g/kg fodder and 6 g/kg feed. The results showed a significant superiority (P≤0.05) in favor of the T6 and T7 treatments, which included the mixture of C. sinensis extract and the probiotic, in terms of the average body weight at the sixth week, over the rest of the treatments except for the T3 treatment which included the addition of C. sinensis extract at a level of 600 mg/kg feed. Regarding weight increase, the T3 treatment, which included the addition of . sinensis extract at a level of 600 mg/kg feed, was significantly superior (P≤0.05) to the T4 treatment, which included the addition of the booster at a level of 3 g/kg feed. Regarding the feed consumption rate, it was observed that all the added treatments significantly decreased it (P≤0.05), compared to the control T1 and the cumulative feed conversion factor (0-6 weeks). It was noticed that the treatments of the mixture T6 and T7 led to a significant (P≤0.05) improvement, compared to the other experimental treatments. It is concluded from this that the addition that C. sinensis extract and the probiotic improved the productive performance of broilers without any adverse effects.

Evaluation of Phosphorus Storage and Performance of Broilers Using Phytase Synthetic Enzyme

Phytic acid is a stored form of phosphorus in cereals, 65 to 70% of phosphorus in plant sources is phytate, and broilers are only able to use part of the phosphorus in plant sources. To meet the needs of chickens, it is necessary to use other artificial resources, which not only impose part of the cost of the breeding period because of its presence in the manure but is one of the factors polluting the environment. This study aimed to use different levels of phytase enzyme to reduce dietary phosphorus levels. 600 Ross 308 broilers were used in this experiment with five treatments and six replications, and in each replication, 20 chickens were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). Experimental treatments include 1) basal diet (control) 2) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus 3) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus + 1250 (FTU) phytase enzyme 4) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus + 2500 (FTU) phytase enzyme 5) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus + 5000 (FTU) phytase enzyme. The evaluated traits included weekly feed intake, weekly weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, ash, calcium, and bone phosphorus. The use of phytase enzyme in different diets had no significant effect on food intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). However, the use of phytase in different diets significantly affected the percentage of Gizzard, Heart, Liver, Proventriculus, and Spleen (P<0.05). The most changes were the increase in the ratio of feed intake and weight gain in the fourth week compared to the third week so that the changes in the ratio of feed intake ranged from 1.85 to 1.91, and this ratio for weight gain also ranged from 3.12 to 3.86 was recorded, and the lowest feed conversion ratio was obtained at the same age. The percentage of raw ash in broiler chickens was significantly increased by adding dietary phytase. The lowest amount of ash, calcium, and phosphorus belonged to the second group (diets with low phosphorus and no enzyme). The difference between the other groups and the control was not significant. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio with the addition of phytase enzyme were not affected by phosphorus reduction and had no significant effect on carcass characteristics. Environmental pollution can be prevented by reducing the level of dietary phosphorus and reducing excreted phosphorus.

Effect of Supplementation of Diets with L-Carnitine and Methionin on Broiler Chicken Productive Performance

The poultry industry is one of the pillars of food security in the world, as it is relied upon to provide meat and eggs to meet the increasing food demands. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine and methionine supplementation to the standard diets of broiler chickens in productive performance of broiler (Ross 308). One Hundred- fifty broiler chicks unsexed (Ross 308) with an initial weight with 43 g, were obtained from Al-Habbaniya hatchery (commercial hatchery). All the animals were within an average weight of 40 g (one-day old chicks). The experimental groups were as follows: the animals in T1 group received basal diet without any addition, the animals in T1 group received basal diet supplemented with lead acetate 400 mg/kg feed , the animals in T3 group received diet supplemented with carnitine 300 mg + lead acetate 400 mg, the animals in T4 group received basal diet supplemented with methionine 100 mg + lead acetate 400 mg, the animals in T5 group received basal diet supplemented with methionine 100 mg + carnitine 300 mg + lead acetate 400 mg. Body weight gain and feed consumption were weekly recorded. Feed conversion ratio was also calculated. Results showed that Birds in (T5) fed diets with (carnitine + methionine) observed highest live body weights comparison with T3 (carnitine + lead acetate) and T4 (adding methionine+ lead acetate). Data of results showed no significant differences were recorded in body weight gain. Also, Results obtained increase with feed consumption for treatment T5, while birds in T1 and T4 recorded lowest means in feed consumed. However, birds in T4 and T5 observed best feed conversion ratio as compare with T1, T2 and T3. Therefore, it can conclude that addition carnitine and methionine enhanced broiler productive performance.

Effect of Licorice Essential Oil (Glycyrrhizaglabraglabra) on Performance and Some Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens

Due to its beneficial components, such as glycyrrhizin, licorice is regarded a medicinal and fragrant plant. This research was designed to investigate the efficacy of licorice essential oil as an alternative to chemical antibiotics on broiler production, carcass features, cellular and humoral safety, and numerous biochemical variables in broiler blood serum. A total of 160 day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four treatment groups using a totally randomized approach. Each treatment consisted of 4 replicates, with 10 chicks in each replication. The experimental treatments included a control group, a group receiving an elemental diet containing 0.1% licorice essential oil, a group receiving an elemental diet containing 0.2% licorice essential oil, and a group receiving an elemental diet containing 0.3% licorice essential oil. Broilers had ad libitum access to feed and water in accordance with a three-phase feeding schedule consisting of a starter, grower, and finisher diet. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in body weight, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio between birds given the control or essential oil licorice at various stages of the experiment. However, birds receiving 0.1% licorice essential oil had a lower gallbladder relative weight and 0.3% licorice essential oil had less abdominal fat than the control group (P<0.05). Blood glucose, cholesterol, and LDL concentrations all fell considerably in licorice essential oil-treated birds relative to controls (P<0.05). The cellular immune response of birds fed licorice-containing diets did not differ from that of control birds (P>0.05), however there was a significant difference in the humoral immune response at 0.1% licorice essential oil compared to the control group (P<0.05). In overall, the results of this experiment demonstrated that incorporating licorice essential oil into a bird's diet improves its health and safety.

Evaluation of the Effect of Peppermint Extract and Probiotics on Biochemical Factors in the Blood of Ascites-Induced Chickens

Ascites syndrome occurs in growing broiler chickens in all parts of the world, which is one of the important causes of losses in many flocks, and its prevalence has been seen mostly in meat herds. The most important factor in the occurrence of ascites syndrome is the lack of oxygen in body tissues (hypoxia). Increasing the growth rate requires increasing the volume of blood flowing in the body to deliver nutrients to the organs and expel gases and metabolic products. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to compare the effect of peppermint extract and probiotics on the biochemical factors of the blood of chickens caused by ascites. The treatments were divided into 8 groups of 7 male chickens with 3 repetitions in each group at 21 days. The experimental treatments included control and treatments of peppermint, probiotic, peppermint and probiotic, induced ascites, induced ascites and peppermint, induced ascites and probiotics, induced ascites and peppermint and probiotics. At the end of 42 days, the blood factors of uric acid, triglyceride, glucose, cholesterol, ALT, ALP, and AST were measured by blood sampling. The experimental treatments significantly affected the investigated traits (P<0.05). Considering that in the treatment of induced ascites+ peppermint compared to the treatment of induced ascites, weight gain was significant, and in the blood factors of cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, glucose, and functional liver enzymes including ALT, AST, ALP recorded a significant decrease. Therefore, the effectiveness of peppermint extract in improving induced ascites in chickens was determined. Peppermint extract had a positive effect on induced ascites and improved the performance indicators of broiler chickens, and this extract can be used as a preventive of ascites.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Therapeutic Curcuma on Productive Traits in Broiler Chickens

Given the significant evolution in the global food consumption pattern, animal protein needs have increased. This pattern has been leading to intensified efforts to develop the poultry industry that adopts scientific methods and advanced technologies since poultry meat is an important source of animal protein. Therefore, this study aimed to use different levels of therapeutic Curcuma in the diets provided to broilers and its role in production traits. This study was conducted at the University of Baghdad / College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. This experiment used 315 unsexed Ross 308 chicks one day old. The chicks were randomly distributed into seven treatments, with three replicates per treatment, at a rate of 15 chicks for each replicate. The treatments were T₁, which represents the control treatment without any addition, and T₂ added 0.3% of Therapeutic Curcuma powder, while T₃ added 0.6% of Therapeutic Curcuma powder). Moreover, T₄ represents adding 0.9% of Therapeutic Curcuma powder, and T₅ includes adding 1.2% of Therapeutic Curcuma powder. Finally, T₆ was characterized by adding 1.5% of Therapeutic Curcuma powder, while T₇ added 1.8% of Therapeutic Curcuma powder. The effect of using Therapeutic Curcuma powder in the above treatments showed that the use of Therapeutic Curcumapowder in broiler diets significantly increased (P<0.05) in the productive traits represented by body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, it is possible to use Therapeutic Curcuma powder with a percentage of 0.9%, which improves the production traits.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Maca Root (Lepidium Meyenii) to the Diet on the Productive Performance of Broilers Exposed to Oxidative Stress

This experiment was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Iraq, for the period from 1/10/ 2021 to 4/11/ 2021. The current study aimed to use different levels of maca roots (Lepidium meyenii) to reduce the effects of experimentally-induced oxidative stress by using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in broiler chickens. In the present experiment, 225 unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used, distributed randomly to 15 cages, with five experimental treatments for each treatment of 45 birds, and each treatment included three replicates for each replicate of 15 birds. The experimental treatments were as follows: the first treatment was considered as the control group (basic diet + drinking water free of H₂O₂). The second group: basic diet and water supplemented with 0.5% H₂O₂ at a concentration of 0.5%. The third group: adding 1 g of maca roots/kg of the basic diet + drinking water containing 0.5% H₂O₂. The fourth group: adding 1.5 g of maca roots/kg of the basic diet + drinking water containing 0.5% H₂O₂. The fifth group* adding 2 g of maca roots/kg of the basic diet + drinking water containing 0.5% H₂O₂. The most important results of the study can be summarized as follows: the recorded data showed significant superiority (P≤0.05) for the first, third, fourth, and fifth treatments in the average live body weight in the fifth week and the total weight gain compared to the second treatment. In addition, the first, fourth, and fifth treatments revealed the best cumulative food conversion ratio and the best productivity index measure, with a significant difference (P≤0.05) compared to the second treatment.

Concurrent Occurrence of Infectious Bursal Disease and Multicausal Respiratory Infections Caused by Newcastle Disease and Avian Metapneumovirus in Broilers

Control strategy of respiratory complex infections should address precipitating and predisposing causative agents in general and immunosuppressive agents in particular. In both clinical and subclinical forms, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is one of the most immunosuppressive diseases of young chickens. This study aimed to investigate the concurrent occurrence of subclinical infectious bursal disease (IBD) and multicausal respiratory complex infections caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) in broilers. In this study, 800 tissue samples (e.g., trachea, cecal tonsil, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen) and 400 sera samples were collected from broilers with confirmed respiratory signs selected from 20 broiler farms in west Azerbaijan province, Iran, from October 2018 to February 2019. Pathogens in the tissue samples were detected using RT-PCR for the VP2 gene of IBDV, F gen of NDV, and N gene of aMPV. The amplified products were sequenced afterward. At the end of the husbandry period, sera samples were used to detect antibodies against IBDV, aMPV, and NDV using ELISA and HI tests. Molecular results showed that the 45% (9/20), 30% (6/20), and 15% (3/20) of tissue samples were positive for IBDV, NDV, and aMPV, respectively. Regarding co-infection, 5% (1/20) of farm isolates were positive for IBD and ND, while 10% (2/20) of farms isolates were positive for IBD and aMPV. Co-infection of IBD, ND, and aMPV was not detected in farm isolates. Serological results indicated that the IBD co-infected flocks had almost higher (P<0.05) antibody titers against IBD; however, IBDV-NDV co-infected flocks and IBDV-aMPV co-infected flocks had lower antibody titer against NDVand aMPV, respectively. It can be concluded that lower antibody titer against ND and aMPV in IBD-ND and IBD-aMPV co-infections indicated suppressive effects of IBD on these diseases. Therefore, vaccination against IBD even in regions without clinical form of IBD is inevitable for the reduction of immunosuppressive effects of subclinical IBD on immune responses against these diseases.