Research

14 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dietary Sugarcane-Derived Polyphenol Mix Reduces the Negative Effects of Cyclic Heat Exposure on Growth Performance, Blood Gas Status, and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens

by Majid Shakeri, Jeremy J. Cottrell, Stuart Wilkinson, Hieu H. Le, Hafiz A. R. Suleria, Robyn D. Warner and Frank R. Dunshea

Animals 2020, 10(7), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071158 - 08 Jul 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

Heat stress (HS) compromises growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens by interrupting lipid and protein metabolism, resulting in increased oxidative damages. The experiment attempted to investigate whether dietary polyphenols (Polygain (POL)) could ameliorate the aforementioned adverse effects of HS on performance [...] Read more.

Heat stress (HS) compromises growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens by interrupting lipid and protein metabolism, resulting in increased oxidative damages. The experiment attempted to investigate whether dietary polyphenols (Polygain (POL)) could ameliorate the aforementioned adverse effects of HS on performance and meat quality. One hundred and twenty one day-old-male chicks were allocated to two temperature conditions, thermoneutral (TN) or HS, and fed with either a control diet (CON) or the CON plus four different doses of POL (2, 4, 6 and 10 g/kg). Heat stress caused respiratory alkalosis as evidenced by increased rectal temperature (p < 0.001) and respiration rate (p < 0.001) due to increased blood pH (p < 0.001). Heat stress decreased final body weight (p = 0.061) and breast muscle water content (p = 0.013) while POL improved both (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). Heat stress amplified muscle damages, indicated by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p < 0.001) and reduced myofibril fragmentation index (p = 0.006) whereas POL improved both (p = 0.037 and p = 0.092, respectively). Heat stress impaired meat tenderness (p < 0.001) while POL improved it (p = 0.003). In conclusion, HS impaired growth performance and meat quality whereas POL ameliorated these responses in a dose-dependent manner, and effects of POL were evident under both temperature conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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17 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Supplementing Grape Pomace to Broilers Fed Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Enriched Diets on Meat Quality

by Raluca Paula Turcu, Tatiana Dumitra Panaite, Arabela Elena Untea, Cristina Șoica, Mădălina Iuga and Silvia Mironeasa

Animals 2020, 10(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10060947 - 29 May 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3300

Abstract

The effects of using grape pomace as natural antioxidant in polyunsaturated fatty acids enriched broiler diets (4% flaxseed meal) on color, texture and lipid peroxidation of meat were evaluated. The 4-week feeding trial was conducted on 200, Cobb 500 broilers, assigned to 5 [...] Read more.

The effects of using grape pomace as natural antioxidant in polyunsaturated fatty acids enriched broiler diets (4% flaxseed meal) on color, texture and lipid peroxidation of meat were evaluated. The 4-week feeding trial was conducted on 200, Cobb 500 broilers, assigned to 5 groups and housed in an experimental hall with floored pens. Compared to the control group, the diet for the experimental groups included 3% or 6% of two grape pomace varieties, white and red. Diet formulation enrichment with red grape pomace influenced the meat color parameters, underlining an accentuated total color difference (ΔE) for both breast and thigh as compared to the control. The dietary supplementation with grape pomace led to the increase of meat hardness regardless of the amount and variety added. The grape pomace inclusion in broiler diets positively influenced meat color and texture. Regarding the lipid oxidation parameters, there was a decrease of the value of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in thigh meat in all experimental groups. Additionally, significant differences were highlighted for breast in 3% white grape pomace and 6% red grape pomace supplemented groups when compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of broiler diets enriched in PUFA with grape pomace improved meat color and texture, which are essential parameters for consumer’s choice. Also, the grape pomace supplementation indicated an improvement of thigh meat oxidative stability, especially regarding the TBARS value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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21 pages, 1619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran Supplemented with Agrimony Extract on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

by Boris Semjon, Martin Bartkovský, Dana Marcinčáková, Tatiana Klempová, Lukáš Bujňák, Marek Hudák, Iveta Jaďuttová, Milan Čertík and Slavomír Marcinčák

Animals 2020, 10(6), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10060942 - 29 May 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3475

Abstract

The impact of the broiler diet modification on the following parameters was evaluated: meat quality, carcass traits, and bone and blood parameters. One hundred twenty one-day-old COBB 500 broiler chickens were assigned to three experimental groups (40 birds per group) with four replications [...] Read more.

The impact of the broiler diet modification on the following parameters was evaluated: meat quality, carcass traits, and bone and blood parameters. One hundred twenty one-day-old COBB 500 broiler chickens were assigned to three experimental groups (40 birds per group) with four replications (10 per pen) for 35 days of fattening. The control (C) was fed a basic feed mixture. The diet supplemented with 10% of fermented feed (FF10) and additionally supported by 0.2% of agrimony extract (FF10 + AE) was applied to the second and third groups, respectively. FF10 showed both a lower average daily feed intake and total feed consumption when compared to that of C (p < 0.05). Lower concentration of alkaline-phosphatase and calcium and higher total lipids and triglycerides in blood were observed in FF10 + AE. Breast and thigh meat showed a lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 and n-6 in the FF10 + AE group (p < 0.01). The increase of gamma-linolenic acid content in breast and thigh meat samples obtained from the experimental groups was significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05; respectively). Lower lipid oxidation was observed in the thigh muscle of the FF10 + AE group on the first day of storage (p < 0.01). The current study indicates that FF10 + AE supplementation can be successfully applied to enhance broiler performance and meat quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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14 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Microalgae on Growth Performance, Profiles of Amino and Fatty Acids, Antioxidant Status, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

by Sabry El-Bahr, Saad Shousha, Ahmed Shehab, Wassem Khattab, Omar Ahmed-Farid, Islam Sabike, Osama El-Garhy, Ibrahim Albokhadaim and Khaled Albosadah

Animals 2020, 10(5), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10050761 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 5409

Abstract

The study used 96 broiler chickens to evaluate the impact of three species of microalgae on performance, profiles of fatty and amino acids, antioxidants, and meat quality of breast muscles. Birds were divided into four groups (24 birds/each) with 4 replicates (6 birds [...] Read more.

The study used 96 broiler chickens to evaluate the impact of three species of microalgae on performance, profiles of fatty and amino acids, antioxidants, and meat quality of breast muscles. Birds were divided into four groups (24 birds/each) with 4 replicates (6 birds each). Birds in the first group were fed basal diet and served as a control (C). Birds of 2–4 groups were fed basal diet mixed with same dose (1 g/kg diet) of Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Spirulina platensis (SP), and Amphora coffeaformis (AC). At the age of 36 days, performance parameters were reported, and breast muscle samples were collected and stored frozen at −80 °C. AC shared CV in the superiority of increasing final body weight and body weight gain compared to SP and control. AC shared SP in the superiority of increasing the level of essential fatty and amino acids and decreasing the microbial growth in breast muscle compared to CV and control. All studied microalgae reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels, cooking loss, and aerobic plate count (APC) and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in breast muscle compared to control. The current study indicated that studied microalgae, notably AC, can be used to enhance performance and meat quality in broilers chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

11 pages, 1823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Gene Expression in the Muscle and Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens Stimulated In Ovo with Synbiotics

by Aleksandra Dunislawska, Maria Siwek, Anna Slawinska, Adam Lepczynski, Agnieszka Herosimczyk, Pawel A. Kolodziejski and Marek Bednarczyk

Animals 2020, 10(4), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040687 - 15 Apr 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

To better understand the effects of synbiotics administered at early stages of embryonic development in poultry, it is necessary to analyze direct effects (meat quality) and the molecular background. The molecular interpretation of poultry meat properties after in ovo administration of synbiotics remains [...] Read more.

To better understand the effects of synbiotics administered at early stages of embryonic development in poultry, it is necessary to analyze direct effects (meat quality) and the molecular background. The molecular interpretation of poultry meat properties after in ovo administration of synbiotics remains to be reported. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the molecular background of meat quality based on gene expression and basic physiological parameters. Eggs were injected with (S1) Lactobacillus salivarius with galacto-oligosaccharides or (S2) Lactobacillus plantarum with raffinose family oligosaccharides. The pectoral muscle was collected at two time points (day 7 and day 42) and subjected to RNA isolation. Gene expression analysis was performed by RT-qPCR for a panel of eight genes associated with metabolism. The concentration of glucose and hormones (insulin, glucagon, and leptin (S1 p = 0.04)) was also increased. The obtained results showed that metabolic gene expression in the muscle was more differential due to synbiotic stimulation on day 7 (FST in S1 p = 0.03; PDK4 in S1 p = 0.02 and S2 p = 0.01; CEBPB in S1 p = 0.01 and S2 p = 0.008; PHKB in S1 p = 0.01; PRKAG3 in S1 p = 0.02) than on day 42 (PDK4 in S1 p = 0.04). On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that in ovo stimulation with S1 triggered the most potent and favorable changes in the pectoral muscle gene expression in broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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19 pages, 654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Injection of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides at 12 Days of Egg Incubation Modulates the Gut Development and Resistance to Opportunistic Pathogens in Broiler Chickens

by Katarzyna Stadnicka, Joanna Bogucka, Magdalena Stanek, Radomir Graczyk, Krzysztof Krajewski, Giuseppe Maiorano and Marek Bednarczyk

Animals 2020, 10(4), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040592 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the impact of an automatic in ovo injection of the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) extracted from the seeds of Lupinus luteus L, on the chicken performance and resistance in a production environment. At day 12 of incubation, a [...] Read more.

The aim was to investigate the impact of an automatic in ovo injection of the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) extracted from the seeds of Lupinus luteus L, on the chicken performance and resistance in a production environment. At day 12 of incubation, a total of 57,900 eggs (Ross 308) were divided into two groups: 1/ Control, injected with 0.9% NaCl and 2/ RFO group, injected with 1.9 mg/egg of the lupin seed extract, dissolved in 0.2 mL NaCl. The performance parameters, biochemical indices (lipid profile, hepatic parameters), gut histomorphology and duodenum structure, oxidative stability of the meat and microbiological counts of the major commensal microbiota species were analyzed. Mortality, body weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected. By day 42, several health indices were improved with RFO and were reflected in a beneficial lipid blood profile, increased villi surface and better combating opportunistic pathogens through reduction of Clostridia and decreased coccidia counts. The RFO increased meat oxidation, but only at the beginning of the storage. The RFO sourced from local legumes can be considered a promising prebiotic for broiler chickens. In ovo delivery of prebiotics and/or synbiotics should be further optimized as an important strategy for the earliest possible modulation of chicken resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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16 pages, 715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Splenic Gene Expression Signatures in Slow-Growing Chickens Stimulated in Ovo with Galactooligosaccharides and Challenged with Heat

by Elzbieta Pietrzak, Aleksandra Dunislawska, Maria Siwek, Marco Zampiga, Federico Sirri, Adele Meluzzi, Siria Tavaniello, Giuseppe Maiorano and Anna Slawinska

Animals 2020, 10(3), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10030474 - 12 Mar 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3394

Abstract

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) that are delivered in ovo improve intestinal microbiota composition and mitigate the negative effects of heat stress in broiler chickens. Hubbard hybrids are slow-growing chickens with a high resistance to heat. In this paper, we determined the impact of GOS delivered [...] Read more.

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) that are delivered in ovo improve intestinal microbiota composition and mitigate the negative effects of heat stress in broiler chickens. Hubbard hybrids are slow-growing chickens with a high resistance to heat. In this paper, we determined the impact of GOS delivered in ovo on slow-growing chickens that are challenged with heat. The experiment was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. On day 12 of incubation, GOS (3.5 mg/egg) was delivered into the egg (n = 300). Controls (C) were mock-injected with physiological saline (n = 300). After hatching, the GOS and C groups were split into thermal groups: thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS). HS (30 °C) lasted for 14 days (days 36–50 post-hatching). The spleen (n = 8) was sampled after acute (8.5 h) and chronic (14 days) HS. The gene expression of immune-related (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IL-17) and stress-related genes (HSP25, HSP90AA1, BAG3, CAT, and SOD) was detected with RT-qPCR. Chronic HS up-regulated the expression of the genes: IL-10, IL-12p40, SOD (p < 0.05), and CAT (p < 0.01). GOS delivered in ovo down-regulated IL-4 (acute p < 0.001; chronic p < 0.01), IL-12p40, CAT and SOD (chronic p < 0.05). The obtained results suggest that slow-growing hybrids are resistant to acute heat and tolerant to chronic heat, which can be supported with in ovo GOS administration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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10 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effects of Pre-Slaughter High-Frequency Electrical Stunning Current Intensities on Lipid Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Capacity in the Liver of Yangzhou Goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus)

by Xin Zhang, Morgan B. Farnell, Qian Lu, Xiaoyi Zhou, Yuhua Z. Farnell, Haiming Yang, Xiaoli Wan, Lei Xu and Zhiyue Wang

Animals 2020, 10(2), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020311 - 17 Feb 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2373

Abstract

Limited research has been performed to evaluate the effects of high-frequency electrical stunning (ES) methods on the lipid oxidative stability of the meat goose livers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high-frequency-ES current intensities on lipid oxidative stability and antioxidant [...] Read more.

Limited research has been performed to evaluate the effects of high-frequency electrical stunning (ES) methods on the lipid oxidative stability of the meat goose livers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high-frequency-ES current intensities on lipid oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity in the liver of Yangzhou goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus). Forty 92-day-old male Yangzhou geese were randomly divided into five treatments (n = 8). Geese were not stunned (control) or exposed to ES for 10 s with alternating current (AC) at 500 Hz in a water bath. Current intensities were set at 30 V/20 mA (E30V), 60 V/40 mA (E60V), 90 V/70 mA (E90V), or 120 V/100 mA (E120V), respectively. The malondialdehyde level at day 0 was the highest in 120 V (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes’ activity on day 2 was the highest in E60V. The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH·) elimination ability was lower in the E120V than that in the E60V at two days and four days postmortem (p < 0.05). A combination of 60 V/40 mA/ 500 Hz/ 10 s per bird could be applied in the ES of Yangzhou geese to improve the lipid oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity in the livers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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11 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Biodegradation Role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae against Harmful Effects of Mycotoxin Contaminated Diets on Broiler Performance, Immunity Status, and Carcass characteristics

by Muhammad Arif, Atia Iram, Muhammad A. K. Bhutta, Mohammed A. E. Naiel, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Sarah I. Othman, Ahmed A. Allam, Mahmoud S. Amer and Ayman E. Taha

Animals 2020, 10(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020238 - 03 Feb 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 3885

Abstract

A feeding trial (35 days) was carried out to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall as a mycotoxin biodegradation agent on the performance, feed efficiency, carcass traits, and immunity response against diseases in broilers fed aflatoxin B1 contaminated diets. For this [...] Read more.

A feeding trial (35 days) was carried out to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall as a mycotoxin biodegradation agent on the performance, feed efficiency, carcass traits, and immunity response against diseases in broilers fed aflatoxin B1 contaminated diets. For this purpose, 200 one day old broilers were randomly allotted into four groups, each with five replicates (10 birds per replicate). Four starter and finisher experimental rations were formulated by using (A) 0, (B) 1.25, (C) 2.5, and (D) 3.75 g kg⁻¹ of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Experimental diets were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (100 ppb kg⁻¹ diet). The experimental chicks were kept under standard managerial conditions, and the vaccination program was followed against infectious bursal disease (IBD), infectious bronchitis (IB), and Newcastle disease (ND) diseases. At the end of the feeding trial, carcass, organ weight, and blood samples were collected randomly to determine the carcass traits and antibody titer against ND and IBD viruses. Throughout the experiment, the addition of 3.75 g kg⁻¹ of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall (Group-D) in feed resulted in the highest weight gain, final weight, feed intake, and the lowest FCR values followed by C group compared with the other groups. All carcass traits were significantly (p > 0.05) improved by increasing the inclusion levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in broiler diets. It could be concluded that the broiler diet supplemented with 2.5 or 3.75 g kg⁻¹ of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a biodegrading agent resulted in improved growth performance, immunity activity and carcass traits, and supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae at these levels can be used effectively in broiler diets without negatively affecting bird health status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

14 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Partial Substitution of Fermented Soybean Meal for Soybean Meal Influences the Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

by Shuangshuang Guo, Yuanke Zhang, Qiang Cheng, Jingyun Xv, Yongqing Hou, Xiaofeng Wu, Encun Du and Binying Ding

Animals 2020, 10(2), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020225 - 30 Jan 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4900

Abstract

The usage of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in poultry feed is limited due to the high cost. The present study was conducted to examine the carcass traits and meat quality of broiler chickens that were fed diets with partial replacement of soybean meal [...] Read more.

The usage of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in poultry feed is limited due to the high cost. The present study was conducted to examine the carcass traits and meat quality of broiler chickens that were fed diets with partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with FSBM. The 336 one-day-old chicks were assigned to four groups with 0% (control), 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% FSBM addition in corn-SBM-based diets. Compared with the control, 2.5% and 5.0% FSBM decreased leg muscle yield, breast drip loss, and cooking loss (p < 0.05). The 7.5% FSBM increased the ultimate pH of breast and thigh muscles, and all FSBM treatments decreased muscle lightness and breast malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05). The 2.5% FSBM increased breast total superoxide dismutase activity, while 7.5% FSBM reduced breast hydrogen peroxide level (p < 0.05). All FSBM treatments elevated breast contents of bitter and sour tasting amino acids, and 2.5% and 7.5% FSBM increased breast glutamic acid and total free amino acids (p < 0.05). The 5.0% and 7.5% FSBM elevated thigh isoleucine and leucine contents (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FSBM replacing SBM affected meat quality with the decrease of lightness and increase of pH, water-holding capacity, antioxidant properties, and free amino acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

16 pages, 1019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In ovo Injection of a Galacto-Oligosaccharide Prebiotic in Broiler Chickens Submitted to Heat-Stress: Impact on Transcriptomic Profile and Plasma Immune Parameters

by Micol Bertocchi, Marco Zampiga, Diana Luise, Marika Vitali, Federico Sirri, Anna Slawinska, Siria Tavaniello, Orazio Palumbo, Ivonne Archetti, Giuseppe Maiorano, Paolo Bosi and Paolo Trevisi

Animals 2019, 9(12), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121067 - 02 Dec 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3180

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a galactooligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic in ovo injected on intestinal transcriptome and plasma immune parameters of broiler chickens kept under thermoneutral (TN) or heat stress (HS) conditions. Fertilized Ross 308 eggs were injected in ovo with 0.2 mL [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of a galactooligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic in ovo injected on intestinal transcriptome and plasma immune parameters of broiler chickens kept under thermoneutral (TN) or heat stress (HS) conditions. Fertilized Ross 308 eggs were injected in ovo with 0.2 mL physiological saline without (control, CON) or with 3.5 mg of GOS (GOS). Three-hundred male chicks/injection treatment (25 birds/pen) were kept in TN or HS (30 °C) conditions during the last growing phase, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. At slaughter, from 20 birds/injection group (half from TN and half from HS), jejunum and cecum were collected for transcriptome analysis, and plasma was collected. No differences in plasma parameters (IgA and IgG, serum amyloid) and no interaction between injection treatment and environment condition were found. GOS-enriched gene sets related to energetic metabolism in jejunum, and to lipid metabolism in cecum, were involved in gut barrier maintenance. A homogeneous reaction to heat stress was determined along the gut, which showed downregulation of the genes related to energy and immunity, irrespective of in ovo treatment. GOS efficacy in counteracting heat stress was scarce after ten days of environmental treatment, but the in ovo supplementation modulates group of genes in jejunum and cecum of broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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13 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of In Ovo Delivered Prebiotics on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Gut Health of Kuroiler Chickens in the Face of a Natural Coccidiosis Challenge

by Harriet Angwech, Siria Tavaniello, Acaye Ongwech, Archileo N. Kaaya and Giuseppe Maiorano

Animals 2019, 9(11), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110876 - 28 Oct 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2920

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the efficacy of prebiotic delivered in ovo on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health in the face of a natural coccidiosis infection in Kuroiler chickens. On d 12 of incubation, 150 fertile eggs were [...] Read more.

A study was carried out to assess the efficacy of prebiotic delivered in ovo on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health in the face of a natural coccidiosis infection in Kuroiler chickens. On d 12 of incubation, 150 fertile eggs were divided into a prebiotic group injected with trans-galactooligosaccharides (Bi²tos) and a control group uninjected. Hatched chicks from each group were further divided: One group received antibiotic chick formula while the other was left untreated, giving rise to 4 groups—Control (C), Antibiotic (A), Bi²tos (B), and Bi²tos + Antibiotic (AB). Prebiotic improved growth performance at six weeks of age, AB birds were the heaviest at the end of the rearing period. The highest intestinal lesion scores and oocyst counts were recorded in C birds. B group had a slightly higher carcass weight and cuts yields tended to be higher in treated groups compared to C. Meat from B group displayed a higher amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to C and a positively lower n-6/n-3 ratio compared to C and A. In conclusion, prebiotics with or without antibiotics reduced severity of intestinal lesions and oocyst excretion induced by natural infection with Eimeria, with positive effects on Kuroiler chicken productive traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated and Sustainable Approach to the Poultry Production Chain by Enhanced Animal Resilience and Improved Meat Quality and Safety)

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