Effects of allicin on ascites syndrome traits and angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene expression in broilers reared in the Mexican highlands.

Ascites syndrome (AS) is a deadly condition in fast-growing chickens, preceded by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), where the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (ATR1) plays a role. We investigated whether allicin (ALLI), a garlic derivative, could (a) interact with broiler ATR1, (b) affect ascites-related traits [haematocrit content (Hct%), blood oxygen saturation (SaO), and the right-to-total ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV)], (c) modify ATR1 expression in the lung, heart, and liver, alongside ascites mortality and growth performance in Ross 308 broilers raised at high altitude and under cold temperatures promoting PAH/AS. Three groups ( = 70 each) were studied: 0-ALLI (untreated), 1-ALLI (allicin 1 mg/kg bodyweight/daily at 14-27 days of age by oral-oesophageal route), and 2.

Comparison of four nonlinear growth models in Creole chickens of Mexico.

Animal growth is a complex and dynamic process that involves physiological and morphological changes from hatching to maturity. It is defined as the increase in body size per time unit. Mathematical functions, called growth models, have been used to explain growth patterns.

Soybean meal substitution by dehulled lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) with enzymes in broiler diets.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of i) dehulling of lupine seed on chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and ii) soybean meal substitution by dehulled lupine seed in broiler diets with enzymes on productive performance, size of digestive organs and welfare-related variables.

Methods: Experiment 1, chemical composition and AME were determined in whole and dehulled lupine seed. Experiment 2, two hundred eighty-eight one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used.