Productive, internal organ and intestinal histomorphological characteristics of broiler chickens in response to dietary rapeseed meal: A meta-analysis.

The use of rapeseed as a source of protein in broiler chicken diets has been highlighted. However, there are inconsistent findings on the performance data of broiler chickens fed rapeseed meal (RSM). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to resolve the inconsistent findings on the effect of RSM on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens, identify knowledge gaps and create new insights using published data.

Meta-Analysis of Positive Effects of Dietary Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Performance of Commercial Laying Hens.

Turmeric improves performance in nonruminants, but results in laying hens are not consistent. This meta-analysis assessed the performance of laying hens fed turmeric powder (TP)-based diets. Nineteen studies retrieved from Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used for the meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis of the meat physicochemical parameters of broiler chickens fed insect-based diet.

A total of 23 studies were identified in a literature search performed in the Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases for meta-analysis. The criteria used include studies that were published from 2015 to 2023 and those reporting the effects of insect meal utilisation in poultry diets. Data on live weight (LW), carcass weight (CW), moisture, meat pH, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), proximate composition (protein, fat and ash content) and shear force in broilers were subjected to OpenMEE software, and data were pooled using a random-effect model.

The potential significance of antioxidants in livestock reproduction: Sperm viability and cryopreservation.

Male reproductive efficiency is primarily defined by the generation of high-quality and viable sperm cells in farm animals. However, the literature shows that male fertility has declined in recent years due various factors including heat stress, which causes the development of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which damages sperm cells. This review aimed to examine the potential significance of antioxidants in increasing and preserving sperm quality and viability.

Copping out of novel feeds: HOW climate change pledgers and food summits overlooked insect protein.

The intention with this critical review is to appraise recent work done on insect proteins as animal feeds, and to discuss the possible factors which led to the ruling out of insect proteins by food and feed commissioners, as well as climate change pledgers. Of late, edible insect larvae have gained popularity as a promising protein source. On the basis of proximate analysis, insect species such as , , , and have been reported to contain substantial amounts of protein, essential amino acids and minerals.

Fats and major fatty acids present in edible insects utilised as food and livestock feed.

Common food sources including meat, fish and vegetables are the main source of fats and fatty acids required by human body. Edible insects such as worms, locusts, termites, crickets and flies have also been identified as a potential source of essential fatty acids since they are highly documented to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as α-linolenic and linoleic acids which are vital for the normal functioning of the body. The approval of insects as edible food by the European Union has sparked research interest in their potential to form part of human and animal diets due to their abundant protein, amino acids, fats, and minerals.

The accumulation of heavy metals in feeder insects and their impact on animal production.

Insects have emerged as a novel feed protein source that could help to produce enough food to feed the growing global population. Good-quality protein content, minerals and bioactive compounds are the main reasons for the use of insects in livestock. Nonetheless, insects should be proven to be safe for use before being used as feeder insects for livestock.

Effect of amaranth leaf meal on performance, meat, and bone characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chickens.

This study aimed to determine the effect of amaranth leaf meal (ALM) inclusion levels on the productivity of Ross 308 broiler chickens. A total of 200, day-old, Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a complete randomized design, with each group having four replicates with ten chicks each. Amaranth leaf meal inclusion levels used in this study were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%.

The Influence of Different Amaranth Leaf Meal Inclusion Levels on Performance, Blood Profiles, and Gut Organ Characteristics of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to determine the effect of varying inclusion levels of amaranth leaf meal on the performance, blood profiles, and gut organ characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chickens. A total of 200, day-old, Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a complete randomized design, with each group having four replicates with ten chicks. Amaranth leaf meal (ALM) inclusion levels used in this study were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%.

Probiotics as Alternatives to In-feed Antibiotics and Its Influence on Growth, Serum Chemistry, Antioxidant Status, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Lesion Scores in Disease-Challenged Broiler Chickens.

In commercial poultry production, chickens are reared under intensive conditions, which may allow infections to spread quickly. Antibiotics are used at sub-therapeutic doses in livestock and poultry feed to prevent diseases and improve productivity. However, restrictions on the use of antibiotics at sub-therapeutic concentrations in livestock feed due to growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), together with antibiotic residues in meat and eggs has prompted poultry researchers and feed producers to look for viable alternatives.

The Possibility of Including Donkey Meat and Milk in the Food Chain: A Southern African Scenario.

Animal proteins are essential for the optimal growth and health of humans. Meat and milk are common sources of protein, mostly produced by ruminants. The agrarian challenges experienced around the world warrant sourcing alternative proteins from animals that can withstand harsh environmental conditions to produce quality proteins.

Survey of Ethnoveterinary Medicines Used to Treat Livestock Diseases in Omusati and Kunene Regions of Namibia.

The aim of this study was to find, evaluate, and document ethnoveterinary medications used to treat livestock ailments in Namibia's Omusati and Kunene regions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a total of 100 people. The results of the survey will be useful in creating the groundwork for future scientific research and validation.

Chemical Composition and Metabolomic Analysis of Grains Harvested at Different Stages.

This study aimed at investigating the impact of early versus normal grain harvesting on the chemical composition and secondary metabolites of species grown in South Africa. Mature harvested grain had higher ( < 0.05) DM, CF, NDF and ADF content compared to prematurely harvested grain.

Meat Quality Parameters of Boschveld Indigenous Chickens as Influenced by Dietary Yellow Mealworm Meal.

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of yellow mealworm larvae () meal inclusion in diets of indigenous chickens. A total of 160 mixed-sex indigenous Boschveld chickens were randomly divided into four categories: control soybean meal (SBM) and yellow mealworm with percentage levels of 5, 10 and 15 (TM5, TM10 and TM15, respectively). Five replicate pens per treatment were used, with eight birds per pen/replicate.

Review on Ethnoveterinary Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Livestock represents an important sector for the livelihood of sub-Saharan African countries' inhabitants. In these countries, farmers raise livestock to meet household food demands and as additional sources of incomes, but its production is hampered by rampant animal diseases. The impact of animal diseases is particularly severe for poor communities that, although relying heavily on livestock, have limited access to modern veterinary services and therefore rely on indigenous medicines for the treatment of livestock ailments.

Insects' Production, Consumption, Policy, and Sustainability: What Have We Learned from the Indigenous Knowledge Systems?

Edible insects can be produced sustainably, with less environmental impact than other forms of livestock. Globally, over 2000 edible insect species have been reported and are regarded as a great source of nutrition, both as food and feed. Over the years, rural people have used indigenous knowledge to either store or process such insects.

The Influence of Drying Methods on the Chemical Composition and Body Color of Yellow Mealworm ( L.).

To preserve the quality of the yellow mealworm, different drying methods are being explored by farmers and processors. However, the energy costs associated with these methods are usually high for smallholder insect-rearing farmers. Thus, the core aim of this study was to investigate different drying procedures and their impact on the chemical composition of yellow mealworm larvae.

Local Chicken Breeds of Africa: Their Description, Uses and Conservation Methods.

There has been a research gap in the genetic, physiological, and nutritional aspects of indigenous chickens of Africa over the past decade. These chickens are known to be economically, socially, and culturally important to the people of Africa, especially those from marginalised communities. Although they are associated with poor productivity in terms of the number of eggs laid, most consumers prefer their flavoursome meat.

The Effects of Tannins in Monogastric Animals with Special Reference to Alternative Feed Ingredients.

Over recent years, the monogastric animal industry has witnessed an increase in feed prices due to several factors, and this trend is likely to continue. The hike in feed prices is mostly due to extreme competition over commonly used conventional ingredients. For this trend to be subdued, alternative ingredients of both plant and animal origin need to be sourced.

Assessment of the phenolic compounds of pearl and finger millets obtained from South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Millet grains are rich in phenolic compounds which have health benefits. This study aims to elucidate the phenolic properties of pearl and finger millet grown in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The milled samples were analyzed by Waters Synapt G2 Quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer (MS).

Characterization of the Phenolic Compounds in Different Plant Parts of Grown under Cultivated Conditions.

Phenolic compounds that are present in amaranth crops have gained a lot of interest from researchers due to their health benefits potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds present in different plant parts of using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Moreover, data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance of the statistical analysis software, whereas commercial statistical package version 4.

The Current Status of the Alternative Use to Antibiotics in Poultry Production: An African Perspective.

Over the years the growth and health of food-producing animals have been enhanced by the use of antibiotics. These have helped reduce on-farm mortalities, lower incidences of diseases and more importantly improve productivity. Generally, the utilization of antibiotics in feed has been reevaluated since bacterial pathogens have established and shared a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms that can easily be spread within microbial communities.

The Probable Use of as Feed Material for Monogastric Animals.

This review presents, discusses, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential use of amaranth as feed for monogastric animals. Amaranth is an ancient nutritious crop that has been cultivated for multiple purposes. In America, Asia, and Africa, the leaves of amaranth species are used as vegetables.