Influence of the genotype of the hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) on main parameters of egg quality, chemical composition of the eggs under uniform environmental conditions

The objective of this study was to identify and compare the quality characteristics and concentrations of various compounds in eggs from several pure breeds and lines of hens reared under the same environmental conditions and fed a commercial feed. A total of 280 hens aged 52 to 56 wk belonging to 14 different breeds or lines of hens worldwide were included in this study. Their eggs were characterized by wide differences in various egg quality parameters. Breeds and lines of hens with a higher lutein content in eggs were characterized by a lower beta-carotene content (e.g. Hy line brown, Cochin miniature, Ayam Cemani) (P < 0.001). Additionally, vitamin D, cholesterol, and fatty acid contents were also different between eggs, from 1.51 to 1.79 μg/100g; from 14.1 to 15.4 mg/g fat, PUFA from 19.6 to 22.8 g/100g fat, and SFA from 32.8 to 37.8 g/100g fat respectively (P < 0.001). Lysozyme content also exhibited significant variation among breeds, with some showing a 2-fold higher content in eggs compared to others (0.31% - cochin miniature, 0.66% Faverolle) (P < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that intensively selected hen breeds like Hy-line Brown Hybrid had an improved egg quality seen by the increase in many parameters (e.g., egg weight, Haugh unit, Lutein, vitamins D, MUFA) compared to pure breed hens. In conclusion, genetic differences between breeds and lines of hens have a significant impact on the quality of eggs.

The effect of amylase supplementation on individual variation, growth performance, and starch digestibility in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the variance of starch digestibility in broilers individually fed diets without or with supplemental exogenous amylase. A total of 120 d-of-hatch male chicks were individually reared from 5 to 42 d in metallic cages and fed maize-based basal diets or diets containing 80 kilo-novo-α-amylase units/kg (60 birds or replicates per treatment). Beginning on d 7, feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded; partial excreta collection was conducted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 42 d, when all birds were sacrificed for individual collection of duodenal and ileal digesta. Lower feed intake (4,675 vs. 4,815 g) and feed conversion ratio (1.470 vs. 1.508) were observed in amylase-fed broilers during the overall period (7-43 d; P < 0.01), whereas body weight gain was not affected. Amylase supplementation improved total tract starch (TTS) digestibility (P < 0.05) on each day of excreta collection (except for d 28, where no difference was found), averaging 0.982 vs. 0.973 compared to basal-fed broilers from d 7 to 42. Both apparent ileal starch (AIS) digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy (AME_N) were increased (P <0.05) from 0.968 to 0.976 and from 3,119 to 3,198 kcal/kg, respectively, with enzyme supplementation. Activity of amylase in the duodenum was higher (18.6 vs. 50.1 IU/g of digesta) in supplemented birds. Amylase supplementation led to a reduced coefficient of variation for both TTS (averaged 2.41 vs. 0.92% from 7 to 42 d) and AIS digestibilities (1.96 vs. 1.03%), as well as AME_N (0.49 vs. 0.35%), when compared to the nonsupplemented group, indicating lower individual heterogenity. An age effect was detected for TTS digestibility, as both groups saw an increase during the first weeks (slightly more pronounced in the supplemented group); older birds (d 30 onwards) presented a lower TTS digestibility compared to ages between 7 and 25 d. In conclusion, amylase supplementation in maize diets for broilers can attenuate individual bird variation for starch and energy utilization by increasing amylase activity and enhancing starch digestibility.

Effect of emulsifier and multicarbohydrase enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler diets containing rapeseed meal

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of emulsifier and multicarbohydrase enzyme supplementation on performance, nutrient utilization, and apparent metabolizable energy-nitrogen (AME_N) value of broiler diets containing rapeseed meal (RSM) as well as their influence on the gut morphological structures, excretion of total and free sialic acid, and cecum concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 384 male broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments. The diet of the control treatment (CON) consisted of soybean, maize, and RSM (5% in starter, 7% in grower, 15% in finisher) with soybean and palm oils. The diets used for the experimental treatments were the control diet supplemented with an emulsifier (EMU), enzyme (ENZ), or both (EMU + ENZ). The duodenum (n = 10/treatment) and ileum (n = 10/treatment) digesta samples were assessed to determine nutrient digestibility: crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), starch, Ca. Throughout the experimental period, EMU + ENZ treatment indicated the lowest total average feed intake and feed conversion ratio, with the highest average weight gain among the studied treatments (P < 0.05). The EMU + ENZ treatment also resulted in higher (P < 0.05): apparent prececal digestibility (APD) of CP, total tract neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradation, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of EE, villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.1). The highest APD of EE was noted in the EMU treatment (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the AME_N values of the diets. A greater jejunum villi surface area was found in groups supplemented by enzyme compared to CON (P < 0.05). The EMU + ENZ treatment presented lower sialic acid excretion in the ileum and concentration of cecum SCFAs compared to the CON treatment (P < 0.05). The obtained results indicate that simultaneous usage of additives had beneficial effect on production parameters, nutrient digestibility, NDF degradation, as well as gut mucosa morphology. Based on the SCFAs concentration results, separate or simultaneous addition of emulsifier or/and enzyme did not provoke excessive fermentation activity of cecal bacteria.

Research Note. Amylase supplementation improves starch and amino acids digestibility of faba bean for broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of amylase on the nutritional value and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AME_N) of faba bean (FB) seeds in broiler chicken nutrition. The study was conducted on a total of 84, one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308). The birds were fed a reference corn-soybean meal diet form d 1 to 16, and they were divided into three groups (1st day). The first group (1) was fed the same reference diet as in the first part, whereas 50% of the reference diet was replaced by FB seeds in experimental groups (2 and 3). Group 3 was supplemented with amylase, which contained 0.14 g/kg dry matter (DM). At the end of the study period, excreta and digesta samples were collected from all groups to estimate the nutritional value. Some fraction of starch found in the seeds was part of starch which is resistant to digestion (143.9 g/kg DM). The addition of exogenous amylase to the diet increased the apparent ileal digestibility of DM, CP, and starch in FB seeds. The AME_N value increased as a result of enzyme addition (P < 0.05). The group 3 showed higher apparent ileal digestibility of essential amino acids (Lys, Leu, Phe, His) as well as nonessential amino acids (Tyr, Ala, Pro) in FB seeds. It could be concluded that FB seeds supplemented with exogenous amylase have a greater nutrition value for broiler chickens.

Emulsifier and Xylanase Can Modulate the Gut Microbiota Activity of Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Modern broiler nutrition, due to widely accepted goals of sustainable production, is concerned with the improvement of nutrient utilization. To achieve this, in our study, we used feed additives that improve the value of feed components. Due to the significant amounts of non-starch polysaccharides (which are not digested under broiler intestinal tract conditions and negatively affect broilers performance) in popular feed components like wheat, enzymes are needed. Furthermore, the use of emulsifiers to improve fat digestion is necessary, as young birds do not secrete sufficient enzyme and bile salts. Previous studies have shown that an additional increase in carbohydrate digestibility can be obtained by using an emulsifier containing xylanase in the feed. Presumably, the increase in carbohydrate digestibility occurred after adding the emulsifier. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of xylanase, emulsifier, and a combination of both in wheat diets with high level of tallow on the gastrointestinal tract microbiota activity of 480 one-day-old male ROSS 308 broiler chickens. The simultaneous usage of both additives in wheat-based diets with beef tallow reduces the ileum microbiota activity and enhances cecum microbiota activity. Presumably, the addition of both additives results in a cumulative effect on the gut microbiota activity.

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of xylanase (XYL), emulsifier (EMU), and a combination of both (XYL + EMU) in wheat diet with a high level of tallow on gastrointestinal tract microbiota activity, excretion of sialic acids, and selected gut segments morphology of 480 one-day-old male ROSS 308 broiler chickens. The activities of bacterial enzymes in the ileal digesta were lower in experimental groups compared to the control (CON) group. Enzyme activity in the cecum was significantly higher than in the ileum. The additives did not affect the excretion of sialic acid. The number of duodenum goblet cells on the villi decreased in all of the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The simultaneous use of XYL + EMU deepened the ileum crypts (p < 0.05). The total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration in the cecal digesta was higher in experimental groups. The abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli did not change among experimental groups. The relative abundance of Clostridium was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups with emulsifier addition. In conclusion, the simultaneous usage of EMU and XYL in wheat-based diets with beef tallow reduces the ileum microbiota activity and enhances cecum microbiota activity. Presumably, the addition of both additives results in a cumulative effect on the gut microbiota activity.

The effect of protease and Bacillus licheniformis on nutritional value of pea, faba bean, yellow lupin and narrow-leaved lupin in broiler chicken diets

1. This study investigated the nutritional value (digestibility of ileal crude protein and amino acids (AAs)) and the AMEN value of legumes (pea, faba bean, yellow lupin, and narrow-leaved lupin) with or without protease. 2. Two hundred, one-day-old, male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to ten groups. Each group received one of five different protein raw materials - either peas, faba beans, yellow lupins or narrow-leaved lupins, with or without protease produced from Bacillus licheniformis. The birds were kept in individual cages. Nutrient digestibility was calculated using the difference method. The total duration of the study was 23 d, and the study involved two phases - accommodation phase (d 1-18) and experimental phase (d 18-23). 3. The effect of protease on response traits was not consistent between the legumes. The enzyme increased the digestibility of some AAs in the pea (arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, alanine, and proline), faba bean (lysine, arginine, glycine, and asparagine), and yellow lupin diets (lysine, valine, and serine), but this effect was not observed in the narrow-leaved lupin diet. The change in AMEN values due to protease addition was only statistically significant for the pea diet (P < 0.05), whereas in the case of other legume species, the difference was insignificant (P > 0.05). 4. Exogenous protease increased the digestibility of AAs present in pea, faba bean, and yellow lupin seeds but not in narrow-leaved lupin diets. The AMEN value of peas increased with protease supplementation, but no effect of protease was found for the AMEN values of faba bean and both the lupin diets.

Effect of Phytase Derived from the E. coli AppA Gene on Weaned Piglet Performance, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility and Bone Mineralization

Simple Summary

Plants store phosphorus mainly in a form that is indigestible to pigs: phytate. Unabsorbed minerals excreted into the environment are considered to be environmental pollutants. Our study focuses on the effects of novel types of phytase enzymes in diets deficient in external phosphorus on the performance, digestibility of crude protein, dry matter and minerals, and bone mineralization of weaned piglets. Using novel phytases, we noted a positive impact on body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, the digestibility of phosphorus and calcium, and phosphorus and calcium content in bones. There was no significant improvement in the content of dry matter or digestion of crude protein. This study reveals novel phytases to be useful additives for weaned piglet diets because of their superior performance results and phosphorus absorption.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of novel appAT1 and appAT2 phytase inclusion at 250 phytase units (FTU)/kg on weaned piglet performance, the apparent total tract digestibility of P and Ca, and bone mineralization. Piglets (48 males) were randomly divided into four treatment groups: a positive control (PC), with recommended levels of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), a negative control (NC) deficient in P and Ca, and two experimental groups with NC diets supplemented with phytase derived from the appA gene of Escherichia coli. Diets fed in a mashed form were divided into prestarter (0–21 days) and starter (22–42 days) periods. During the whole period of the study, the experimental diets improved (p < 0.05) the body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the NC diet. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of the dry matter and crude protein was not significantly different among the diets. Phytase-supplemented diets improved the ATTD of P (p < 0.05) and the ATTD of Ca (p < 0.05). Bone ash content in the third metacarpal and P and Ca content were improved among the phytase supplemented diets compared to the NC diet.

The effect of faba bean extrusion on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolizable energy, excretion of sialic acids and meat quality of broiler chickens

Soybean meal in broiler chicken diets can partly be replaced by faba bean seeds. Unfortunately, high levels of antinutritional factors and resistant starch found in these seeds can have a detrimental impact on both broiler chickens' performance and nutrient digestibility. It is, however, possible to increase the usefulness of faba bean for broiler nutrition by a technological process known as extrusion. In this study, the authors made and attempt to investigate the effect of different forms of faba bean seeds (raw or extruded) on broiler chicken performance, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values (AMEN), nutrient utilization and meat quality, as well as on the excretion of total and free sialic acids. In the trial, the total of 160 1-day-old male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used. Experimental birds were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, each containing 10 replication (floor pens); one replication included nine birds. The first group contained 300 g/kg diet of raw faba bean seeds, whereas the second group - 300 g/kg diet of extruded faba bean seeds. The applied extrusion process was found to exert a positive impact and led to a decrease in phytic phosphorus, H, NDF, ADF and resistant starch content in studied faba bean seeds. Experimental birds fed diets containing extruded faba bean seeds were characterized by a lower feed intake (2299 g) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) (1.52 g/g) in comparison with the other group (feed intake 2466 g; FCR 1.61 g/g). Extrusion of faba bean seeds improved dry matter retention, dietary AMEN value, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and starch, as well as most amino acids. In addition, the above-mentioned process resulted in a decrease in the excretion of total and free sialic acids. Extruded faba bean seeds failed to have a significant impact on broiler meat quality. It was concluded that application of extrusion can increase the use of faba bean seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

Influence of graded levels of meals from three lupin species on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

1. This study investigated the effect of different levels of seeds of lupin species (Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus luteus and Lupinus albus) on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolisable energy of poultry diets. 2. A control diet containing corn-soybean meal and test diets containing 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg of three lupin species were fed to broiler chickens during a 35-day study period. There were 10 replicate cages of 8 broiler chickens per treatment. 3. Growth performance of the birds fed with yellow and white lupin diets was found to be similar to that of the birds in the control group. The use of narrow-leaved lupin seeds in the diet quadratically decreased the body weight gain of birds and increased feed conversion ratio during all the experimental periods (0-14, 15-35 and overall 0-35 days of age). 4. A significant interaction between lupin species and their inclusion levels for apparent metabolisable energy and apparent ileal digestibility of starch was observed, showing a negative effect of increasing levels of narrow-leaved lupin. Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated that the presence of raffinose and non-starch polysaccharides is a key factor affecting the nutritive value of lupin, 5. Yellow and white lupins could be utilised as an alternative ingredient for soybean meal in the diet of broiler chickens without any adverse effects on growth performance. The narrow-leaved counterpart diet reduced broiler performance, and hence did not provide a satisfactory outcome.

Influence of graded inclusion of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal viscosity of laying hens

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal (WLM) addition on the intestinal viscosity, bird performance and nutrient utilisation of laying hens. 2. The experiment was conducted with 360 laying hens aged 21 weeks fed one of 6 treatments, including a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) and 5 experimental diets containing 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 g/kg WLM. 3. A linear increase in feed intake (p < 0.001) was observed with higher levels of WLM from 0 to 300 g/kg. Laying rate decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) and egg weight (at 6th, 12th and 18th weeks of the trial) decreased linearly with WLM inclusion from 0 to 300 g/kg. Birds fed 60 g/kg or more of WLM laid lighter eggs (p < 0.05) than CON hens. When 240 g/kg or more WLM was included into the diet, laying rate was affected negatively (p < 0.05). 4. As WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg, apparent metabolisable energy and pre-caecal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein decreased quadratically (p < 0.05). When 300 g/kg of WLM was used, there was a tendency (p < 0.1) to decrease pre-caecal starch digestibility. WLM dose exerted a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on total sialic acid excretion. As WLM increased, the viscosity of ileal digesta linearly increased (p < 0.05). 5. In the 6th and 12th weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05), eggshell thickness decreased linearly when 240 g/kg of WLM was added. At the 6th, 12th and 18th weeks, a linear decrease in eggshell content was observed (p < 0.05) after WLM addition. 6. In conclusion, the graded inclusion of WLM into laying hens' diets resulted in depressed performance, AME_N and eggshell quality.

Effect of Extrusion on Nutrients Digestibility, Metabolizable Energy and Nutritional Value of Yellow Lupine Seeds for Broiler Chickens

The aim of investigations was the estimation of nutritional value of currently cultivated yellow lupine cultivars in raw and extruded form, and their usefulness for broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted with male Ross 308 chickens. In a digestibility trial 60 fifteen-day-old birds were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (20 replications in each). Birds were kept in individual pens. Digestibility was calculated using the difference method. From day 16 to 21, diets contained lupine meal in raw or extruded form and the basal diet in the ratio 20:80. Subsequently, the total digestibility of dry matter and crude fat, also apparent nitrogen retention and AMEN value of lupine seeds were determined on chickens fed different forms of lupine. The ileal digestibility of crude protein and amino acids of lupine seeds was also analyzed. In the second experiment the one-day-old birds were randomly assigned to ten dietary treatments (10 replications in each) and were fed diets with increasing amounts of raw or extruded lupine from 10 to 30%. The chickens in control treatments were fed a diet without lupine. Extruded yellow lupine meal was characterized by lower phytic P content in comparison to raw yellow lupine meal. The content of remaining ingredients and antinutritional substances was similar. Yellow lupine seeds post extrusion were characterized by better total crude fat digestibility, nitrogen retention and AMEN values, compared to raw seeds. Higher ileal digestibility was confirmed in numerous amino acids, except lysine, threonine and valine (P≤0.05). By feeding the broilers with diets consisting of 10 to 30% of lupine seeds post extrusion (experiment II), improved apparent fat digestibility, apparent nitrogen retention and AMEN values were achieved in young chickens (P<0.01). Using 10 and 20% of lupine in the diets showed significant positive effects of extrusion on body weight gains, feed intake and feed conversion rate. The performance indices of chickens were drastically decreased by use of 25% ratio of both raw and extruded yellow lupine in the diet. This effect was heightened by a 30% share in feed mixtures.

Effect of different doses of coated butyric acid on growth performance and energy utilization in broilers

We recently applied four dietary treatments in experiments I and II to determine the effect of protected calcium butyrate (BP) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A group of one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks (total 960, 480 per trial) were used in the study. In experiment I, the basal diets were fed with protected BP inclusion (0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 g/kg of finished feed) (BP) or without (C). In experiment II, 4 different diets were tested: 1) basal diet with no supplementation (C), 2) basal diet supplemented with protected BP (0.3 g/kg) (BP), 3) basal diet supplemented with avilamycin (6 mg/kg, active substance) a common antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) (Av), and 4) basal diet supplemented with the combination of both avilaymicin and BP. In experiment I, considering the entire study period, the use of BP improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) irrespective of the dose. Apparent total tract crude fat digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEN) were improved after BP supplementation (P<0.05). In experiment II, A or AB diets improved (P<0.05) body weight gain compared to the control treatment. The diets Av, BP, and AvB improved (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio compared to the control treatment. Birds from the treatment diet were characterized by having the thickest mucosa (P<0.05). On days 14, 35, and 42, the use of AB diets improved AMENcontent compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility of amino acid data showed that Av or AvB treated birds were characterized by higher Asp, Glu, Cys, Gly, and Ala ileal digestibility than the control animals (P<0.05). The use of Av, BP, or AvB increased ileal digestibility of Thr, Ser, and Pro (P<0.05). There is an indication that BP, alone or in combination with avilamycin, improve the digestion and absorptive processes and consequently birds performance results.

The effect of protease, amylase, and nonstarch polysaccharide-degrading enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and growth performance of broiler chickens fed corn-soybean meal-based diets

A study was conducted to determine if amylase and protease addition would improve nutrient digestion during the first 2 wk of growth. The experimental treatments included a control corn-soybean meal-based diet and diets supplemented with either amylase or amylase plus protease. No effect of enzyme supplementation was observed on BW gain and feed conversion ratio. This was corroborated by similar ileal starch and protein digestibility values, which averaged 96.8, 96.8, and 96.9% and 83.9, 80.1, and 79.6%, respectively, for the control and for the amylase or amylase plus protease supplemented diets. Total tract digestibility of starch averaged 97.8, 97.7 and 97.7% for the 3 diets and was followed by a similar diet with AMEn values of 3,129, 3,129, and 3,106 kcal/kg. In another study, a 2(3) factorial arrangement of 8 dietary treatments was used to evaluate the effect of corn particle size (conventional or coarse vs. fine) and the addition of a nonstarch polysaccharide enzyme, amylase, or both on growth performance and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 d of age. Chickens fed a diet containing a conventionally ground corn (geometric mean diameter of 736 µm) showed higher (P < 0.001) BW gain (808 vs. 750 g/bird) and lower feed conversion ratio (1.27 vs. 1.32) than those consuming a fine corn-containing diet (geometric mean diameter of 482 µm). This was further substantiated by a lower AMEn content (2,852 vs. 2,972 kcal/kg). Addition of amylase had no effect on growth performance of chickens fed a conventional corn-containing diet, but improved BW gain, feed conversion ratio, and diet AMEn in those fed the finely ground corn, possibly due to increased starch digestion in the upper gut. Addition of nonstarch polysaccharide enzymes was effective for both diets, with the most pronounced effects observed in feed conversion ratio for the conventional corn-containing diet (1.27 vs. 1.23) and BW gain (750 vs. 789 g/bird) for the fine corn-containing diet. This was followed by the same magnitude of difference in diet AMEn content, which increased from 2,972 to 3,042 and 2,852 to 3,009 kcal/kg following enzyme addition.