The objective of this study was primarily to assess the different performance impacts of two ionophore coccidiostats (narasin and salinomycin) used to manage coccidiosis. While both products may be efficacious in controlling disease challenges, previous literature has suggested that some ionophores are less well tolerated by the broiler chickens. In this study, we were particularly interested to know how the use of different coccidiostat programs translates into broiler health and performance, as measured by zootechnical parameters such as the feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and final body weight.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present study was conducted to investigate how raw rapeseed cake (RRC), hydrobarothermally-treated rapeseed cake (HRC) and fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) fed to laying hens over a period of 12 weeks affected their performance, and the quality, fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability of eggs. A total of 304 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 36 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design to four treatment groups with 38 replicates per treatment and two hens per replicate. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of the study was to determine whether the level and form of Cr in the diet of chickens influences its accumulation in tissues as well as intestinal absorption of P and its deposition in tissues. The experiment was carried out on 405 one-day-old male Ross 308 chickens that were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Control group was fed the diet without supplemental chromium; experimental groups were fed the diet with 3 or 6 mg/kg chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) and with 3 or 6 mg/kg chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis experiment investigated the potential inclusion of fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) in turkey diets. The turkeys received diets either not supplemented (C) or supplemented with raw rapeseed cake (RRC) or FRC at 150 g/kg diet. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW comparable with that noted in the control group.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe have postulated that supplementation with Cr can increase serotonin levels and improve the antioxidant status of chickens, with no adverse effect on the secretion of other hormones. The study aimed to determine what form and dose of Cr more favorably affect the level of selected hormones (insulin, glucagon, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, histamine, T3 and T4) and the antioxidant status (level of malondialdehyde and lipid peroxides, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase) of chicken tissues. The experiment was carried out on chickens randomly divided into five treatment groups.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study evaluated the effects of including 15% of raw or fermented rapeseed cake (RRC and FRC, respectively) in turkey diets on the growth performance, antioxidant and immune status, and intestinal morphology of birds. Rapeseed cake was fermented using the commercial 6-phytase enzyme preparation, and dried. A total of 1,350 day-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments with 9 replicates per treatment and 50 birds per replicate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that there are doses of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) that improve antioxidant defence in chickens without compromising their growth performance and health.
Results: The results of our study suggest that, irrespective of the concentration, the administration of Ag-NPs (5 nm) at a dose not exceeding 54 mg/bird has no negative effect on the growth performance of chickens. The administration of Ag-NPs (5 nm) in the amount of 2.
Background: The enzyme phytase is able to initiate the release of phosphates from phytic acid, making it available for absorption within gastrointestinal tract and following utilization. The aim of the study was to determine effects of Escherichia coli phytase administration on morphological, densitometric and mechanical properties of femur in 16-week-old turkeys. One-day-old BUT Big-6 males were assigned to six weight-matched groups.
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