Response of growing Japanese quails to dietary concentration of L‐threonine

The influence of dietary levels of L ‐threonine (Thr) on growth and immune response was investigated in growing (0–5 weeks of age) Japanese quails (n = 288). Three dietary treatments were formulated using three levels of Thr [9.6, 10.2 and 11.2 kg^?1 diet dry matter (DM)] at a fixed protein level of 233 g kg^?1 and an energy level of 12.15 MJ (2900 kcal) metabolizable energy (ME) kg^?1 feed dry matter. A metabolism trial with a 3‐day collection period was conducted at the third week of age employing all the birds. The cell‐mediated (using PHA‐P) and humoral (SRBC response) immune responses were measured at the fourth week of age. Carcass traits were assessed at the end of fifth week of age. Body weight gain was lower (P < 0.01) in birds received 9.6 g Thr kg^?1 DM than in groups fed 10.2 g or 11.2 g kg^?1 DM in the diet, but there was no significant difference in gain between the groups fed 10.2 or 11.2 g Thr kg^?1 DM in the diet. Feed intake differed significantly owing to Thr levels being lowest (P < 0.05) at 9.6 g Thr kg^?1 DM in the diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency and energy efficiency improved at the 11.2 g kg^?1 level from 0 to 3 weeks of age; however, from 3 to 5 weeks of age, better FCR emanated from a diet with 9.6 g Thr kg^?1 DM. The nitrogen balance did not differ (P > 0.05) with Thr level. Carcass traits, relative weight of immune organs and cell‐mediated (PHA‐P) and humoral (SRBC response) immune responses did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) as a result of the dietary treatments. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of dietary level of methionine on growth performance and immune response in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

BACKGROUND: Methionine (Met) being the first limiting amino acid in maize/soybean‐based quail diets, its supplementation provides scope for improvement of protein quality and reduction of dietary protein concentration. The question remains to what extent it can be incorporated in the diet of genetically improved quails. Therefore the effect of dietary Met level was assessed on growth performance and immune response in growing Japanese quails (n = 400) divided equally into 20 groups. Five dietary treatments (～230 g kg^?1 crude protein and 12.14 MJ kg^?1 metabolisable energy) were formulated with 3.5, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 g kg^?1 Met respectively, and each was offered to four groups of birds from 0 to 35 days of age. RESULTS: Live weight at day 35 increased (P < 0.0001) up to 5.0 g kg^?1 dietary Met level but did not improve further at higher Met levels (5.5 and 6.0 g kg^?1). Improved (P < 0.039) feed conversion ratio was achieved at 5.5 g kg^?1 Met level, which was statistically similar to that at 5.0 g kg^?1 Met level during 0–14 days of age. Cellular (phytohaemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris) immune response increased (P < 0.0001) with increasing dietary Met concentration, whereas humoral (sheep red blood cells) immune response did not differ. CONCLUSION: The optimal requirement of Met was 5.0 g kg^?1 for growth and 5.5 g kg^?1 for maximum cellular immune response. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional evaluation of transgenic high‐methionine lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L) with broiler chickens

The nutritive value of transgenic lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius L) with higher contents of methionine was evaluated with broiler chickens. The crude protein, methionine and cysteine contents in the conventional and transgenic lupins were 322 and 324, 2.0 and 4.5, and 3.6 and 3.7 g kg^?1 dry matter respectively. In the feeding trial, conventional and transgenic lupins with hulls were incorporated into a maize–soyabean meal diet at 250 g kg^?1 level and the diets were fed to female broiler chicks from 6 to 20 days of age. All diets were balanced to contain similar levels of apparent metabolisable energy (AME), lysine and sulphur‐containing amino acids. The levels of free methionine added to the maize–soyabean meal control, conventional lupin and transgenic lupin diets were 2.2, 2.8 and 2.2 g kg^?1 respectively. Weight gain and feed intake were not influenced by dietary treatments, but feed/gain tended to be higher (P = 0.09) in birds fed lupin diets compared with those fed the control diet. Feed/gain of birds fed the conventional lupin diet was higher (1.82 vs 1.74) than for those fed the transgenic lupin diet. These results showed that the supplemental methionine required in poultry diets containing 250 g kg^?1 lupin can be lowered by 0.6 g kg^?1 diet by the use of high‐methionine lupins. The AME values of conventional and transgenic lupins were determined to be 9.42 and 10.18 MJ kg^?1 dry matter respectively. The higher AME value in transgenic lupins may be related to the lower content of soluble non‐starch polysaccharides (45.6 vs 60.7 g kg^?1 air‐dry basis). Data on ileal amino acid digestibility indicate that the amino acids in transgenic lupins are as digestible as those in conventional lupins. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimising dietary energy and amino acid levels in the diets of naked neck broilers for growth,nutrient utilisation and immune response in a hot climate

The need for a critical amino acid (AA) profile for growth, immune response and N utilisation of naked neck broilers during summer was studied. Day‐old naked neck chicks (n = 198) from a single hatch were distributed into 24 groups (four dietary regimens (DRs) with six replicates each) having eight birds in each replicate. The first diet was based on crude protein (CP) and metabolisable energy (ME) (13.40 MJ) as per NRC recommendations (DR1). In the second diet, the CP content was reduced through supplementation of synthetic AAs to achieve critical AA contents as suggested by NRC with 13.40 MJ ME (DR2). In the third diet critical AAs were supplemented to achieve their level at 108% of NRC with 12.6 MJ ME (DR3), while in fourth diet critical AA concentration was reduced to 94% (DR4) of NRC with 12.6 MJ ME to match the ratio of ME to AA concentration as that of NRC (1994). Diets were formulated separately for starter (0–3 weeks) and finisher (3‐6 weeks) phases. A metabolism trial was conducted at the third week of age. At 3 and 6 weeks of age eight birds (four of each sex) per treatment were killed to study the growth of immune organs (Bursa of Fabricius, thymus and spleen). Immune response was studied at the fourth week of age. During the starting phase, the birds fed DR1 and DR2 having 13.40 MJ ME kg^?1 diet had higher body weight (P < 0.044) gain (P < 0.048) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.001) as compared to DR3 and DR4 (12.6 MJ ME kg^?1 diets). However, better (P < 0.001) CP efficiency (CP intake kg^?1 gain) and lower feed cost kg^?1 gain (P < 0.001) was recorded in DR4. A similar trend was also observed during the finisher phase. Dietary regimens had no effect on dry matter (DM) metabolisability, N intake or output and N retention. There was no difference in the weight of immune organs (bursa, thymus and spleen) between dietary treatments at either 3 or 6 weeks of age. The cell mediated and humoral immune response was also not different between the NRC and modified NRC levels. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Validating the current amino acid and energy requirements of coloured broiler chickens

Background: Coloured broilers are gaining popularity in the Indian subcontinent. However, very scanty reports are available on their dietary requirements for amino acid (AA) and energy. An experiment was conducted involving three levels of amino acids (115, 100 and 85% AA level of the NRC), at three levels of energy (13.40, 12.55 and 11.72 MJ kg^?1 diet) for 0–28 days of age. Results: Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 115% AA group was better than those fed diets with 100 and 85% AA. Dietary energy levels did not influence body weight gain up to 14 days of age but thereafter it was higher (P < 0.01) in birds offered the 13.40 MJ ME kg^?1 diet. The exponential regression equation had better curve fitting for daily body weight gain over daily AA intake and the power regression model for FCR. Nitrogen retention was higher in birds offered the diets with 115 and 100% AA than 85% AA, although nitrogen retention was not affected by dietary energy level. Thymus weight (P < 0.036) and in vivo response to PHA‐P (P < 0.006) was significantly higher in birds offered the 85% AA diet. Dietary energy levels had no effect on the immune response of the birds. Weight of gizzard, proven‐triculus and small intestine was higher in birds offered the 85% AA diet. Conclusion: Body weight of coloured broilers may be optimised by feeding higher level of AA and immune response can be optimised by feeding 12.55 kJ ME kg^?1 diet and 15% lower level of AA as suggested by the US National Research Council. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Response of laying Japanese quails to graded levels of essential amino acids profile with reduced dietary protein

The effect on egg production of graded levels of ideal amino acids, combined with reduced protein in the diet, was investigated in 312 laying quails aged 6–18 weeks. The quails were offered six diets, each of which contained one of three levels of amino acids (85, 100 and 115% of essential amino acids (EAAs)) together with 5% or without fishmeal (FM) (3 × 2 factorial design). Each diet was offered to 26 replicated groups of two quails each. Hen‐day and hen‐housed egg production did not differ as a result of EAA level, protein type or their interaction during the overall period of egg production. Egg weight improved linearly (P < 0.01) with increased EAA levels, while egg mass output per bird per day remained similar at the 100 and 115% EAA levels. Quails fed higher (100 and 115%) EAA levels had an improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) compared to birds fed 85% EAA. The gain in body weight during the laying period was higher (P < 0.01) at the 100 or 115% than at 85% EAA levels The ratio of egg mass or egg mass and live weight gain, together, to protein intake improved (P < 0.01) linearly with a decrease in EAA levels in the diets, while better (P < 0.01) energy efficiency (EE, energy intake: egg mass) and net EE (energy intake: egg mass plus gain) was obtained in higher EAA levels (100 or 115%). Protein and energy efficiencies remained similar due to protein type or interaction. Shape index, albumen index, yolk index, yolk colour and relative shell weight did not differ due to EAA levels, protein type or their interaction. Eggs laid from quails fed diets with 100% EAAs without FM and 115% EAAs with or without FM had higher shell thickness than those on 85% EAAs irrespective of protein type. The retention of nitrogen and calcium retention was higher (P < 0.01) at the 115% EAA level. The results indicated a dietary level of 100% EAA (185 g kg^?1 crude protein (CP)) with 12.13 MJ kg^?1 was suitable for laying quails of 6–18 weeks of age. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional value of animal feed grade wheat as replacement for maize in lamb feeding for mutton production

The utilization of abundantly available animal feed grade wheat (AFW) as a replacement for conventional and costly cereal supplement in lamb feeding to lower the cost of mutton production was explored. Thirty‐five growing lambs divided into five equal groups and were fed diets containing 0, 118, 235, 353 or 470 g kg^?1 AFW replacing equal quantity of maize. The diets were fed in the form of composite feed mixture, which had a roughage (Prosopis cineraria leaves) to concentrate ratio of 25:75. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not different in these groups, ranging from 35 to 42 g kg^?1 body weight, while AFW inclusion linearly (P < 0.05) reduced DMI. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and cellulose were not affected by AFW addition, whereas neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility coefficients were reduced (P < 0.05). The digestible CP content (142.7–162.7 g kg^?1 diet) increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increased AFW inclusion levels. However, AFW additions did not affect metabolizable energy (ME) value of diet (10.2–10.5 MJ kg^?1 diet DM). Digestible CP intake was similar but digestible DM and OM intake tended to decrease (P < 0.05) linearly when expressed in terms of g kg^?1 W^0.75. ME intake (MJ d^?1) was not different among the diets but showed linear (P = 0.041) reducing trends with increasing AFW levels in diet. The efficiency of ME and N utilization for unit gain was also not affected by AFW incorporation. N retained as g d^?1, percentage of intake and percentage of absorbed ranged from 15.4 to 19.5 g, 49.7% to 60.3% and 62.6% to 74.6%, respectively. Intake and utilization of dietary N was not affected but urinary N excretion reduced (P < 0.05) linearly by AFW. Daily microbial N (MN) flow estimated by urinary purine derivative excretion was significantly (P < 0.01) higher for lambs fed a diet with AFW 235 g kg^?1 (3.05 g MN) and 353 g kg^?1 (2.51 g MN) compared to without AFW diet (1.31 g MN). MN when expressed as g kg^?1digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) and microbial protein g kg^?1 digestible organic matter apparently fermented in rumen (DOMR) followed a similar trend. During the growth trial, lambs fed diets containing AFW (353 g kg^?1), which replaced 75% maize had higher total gain (14 kg, P < 0.05) and average daily gain (ADG 154 g, P < 0.05). However, feed efficiency (feed consumed kg^?1 live weight gain) was not different. Rumen pH and microbial enzyme activities studied 4 h post feeding revealed that AFW did not affect rumen pH, which ranged from 5.95 to 6.30. Similarly, carboxymethyl cellulase and β‐xylosidase enzyme activities were not different among treatments, but AFW inclusion linearly (P = 003) increased carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme activities. The α‐amylase enzyme activity differed significantly (P < 0.05) and was highest (22.6 IU) in groups where AFW replaced maize completely. It was concluded that, in lambs reared under intensive system for mutton production on high concentrate diets, conventional and costly energy supplements like maize can be replaced up to 75% with a low‐cost animal feed grade wheat to economize on cost of production. However, more studies are required to confirm these inclusion levels for greater economic returns. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutrient utilisation and performance of broilers in response to processed flaxseed dietary levels and vitamin B6 supplementation

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of processing and dietary inclusion level of flaxseed on broiler performance and nutrient utilisation. Flaxseed was included in the diet fed to day‐old broilers for the first 3 weeks as whole seed, ground seed, autoclaved whole seed, ground autoclaved whole seed or whole seed pelleted with the other ingredients, at levels of 0, 100, 120 and 140 g kg^?1. Chicks fed the pelleted flaxseed‐containing diets had heavier body weights, consumed more feed and had better feed/gain ratios than those fed the other flaxseed‐containing diets during the 3 weeks period (P < 0.01). The flaxseed level in the diet also had very significant (P < 0.01) effects on body weight and feed/gain ratio at the end of weeks 1 and 3, with the diets containing 100 g kg^?1 flaxseed resulting in better performance than the other flaxseed‐containing diets. Among the flaxseed containing diets, the pelleted diets led to higher apparent ether extract digestibilities, with values of 778 and 770 g kg^?1 for the diets containing 100 and 140 g kg^?1 flaxseed respectively. This better utilisation of ether extract by young broilers may explain the significantly (P < 0.05) higher AME_n (apparent metabolisable energy) value of 2924 kcal kg^?1 for the pelleted 140 g kg^?1 flaxseed‐containing diet. This was 15.4–17.5% higher than for the diets with the same level of flaxseed but provided as raw or autoclaved whole seed. The pelleting of flaxseed allowed an inclusion rate of 100 g kg^?1 without any reduction in the performance and nutrient utilisation of broilers. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of dietary taurine on egg production,egg quality and cholesterol levels in Japanese quail

BACKGROUND: Taurine is a semi‐essential amino acid and has many biological properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with taurine on egg production, egg quality, and cholesterol level in serum and egg yolk of quails. A total of 108 quails aged 6 weeks were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments. Each treatment consisted of four replicates of nine quails. The diets were supplemented with 0, 100, and 500 mg kg^?1 of taurine for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Dietary 500 mg kg^?1 taurine significantly affected egg production rate and feed conversion ratio, but had no significant effects on body weight gain, feed consumption, or egg weight. Dietary taurine had no significant effect on egg quality parameters studied. Serum triglyceride concentration was reduced significantly with supplementation of taurine at 100 and 500 mg kg^?1. Egg yolk cholesterol content was reduced significantly, and the contents of serum taurine and egg yolk taurine were increased significantly with taurine supplementation at 500 mg kg^?1. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study indicated that adding 500 mg kg^?1 taurine reduced yolk cholesterol concentration and increased yolk taurine content without adverse effects on performance and egg quality of laying quails. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of fibre level and fat supplementation in expander‐processed diets on grower–finisher pig performance

Seventy‐two entire male pigs (40.4 ± 1.0 kg) were used to study the effects of increasing crude fibre (CF) level in the diet and maintaining the digestible energy (DE) content of the diet by increasing dietary fat inclusion on pig performance and nutrient digestibility in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. Productive performance and nutrient digestibility were determined in individually fed pigs offered expander‐processed pelleted diets ad libitum containing three levels of CF (50, 60 and 70 g kg^?1) and two levels of fat supplementation (25 and 50 g kg^?1) until slaughter at 100 kg. All diets were expander processed at 105 °C for 5 s at 35 bar pressure having been previously conditioned at 85 °C for 5 s. All diets were formulated to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (13.5 MJ kg^?1) and lysine (10 g kg^?1) and the fat source was a 60:40 blend of tallow and palm oil. The increase in dietary CF level decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of crude protein, organic matter (OM) and energy, while the inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat decreased (P < 0.01) OM and energy digestibility. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet increased (P < 0.01) ether extract digestibility at the 50 and 60 g kg^?1 CF levels; however, fat inclusion had no effect at the 70 g kg^?1 CF level. There was no CF × fat interaction in any growth criteria. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet significantly reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (2.28 versus 2.43 kg day^?1, SEM 0.039), average daily gain (ADG; 0.877 versus 0.927 kg day^?1, SEM 0.017) and DE conversion ratio (36.1 versus 35.0 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.40). The increase in dietary CF level decreased (linear, P < 0.05) feed intake (2.45 versus 2.32 versus 2.29 kg day^?1, SEM 0.040), ADG (0.940 versus 0.896 versus 0.872 kg day^?1, SEM 0.021) and kill‐out proportion (740 versus 741 versus 730 g kg^?1, SEM 3.6). In conclusion, increasing both the CF level and supplementary fat inclusion rate had a negative effect on pig growth performance and nutrient digestibility. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Intestinal function and body growth of broiler chickens on maize‐based diets supplemented with mimosa tannins and a microbial enzyme

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tannin (0, 5, 15, 20 and 25 g kg^?1 diet) and a microbial enzyme supplement (MES) on the feed consumption, body growth and digestive physiology of broiler chickens between hatch and 22 days of age. Feed intake, body weight and body weight gain declined (p < 0.001) with an increase in dietary tannin content. Feed conversion efficiency was increased (p < 0.001) in line with dietary tannin level, up to 15 g kg^?1 diet. There were no significant effects of dietary treatment on the protein content of pancreatic tissue or activities of pancreatic and jejunal enzymes. The ileal digestibilities of energy, protein, arginine, alanine and leucine were reduced (p < 0.001) as dietary tannin level rose to 20 g kg^?1 diet and beyond. The digestibilities of methionine and phenylalanine were also negatively affected (p < 0.01) at the highest level of dietary tannins, while phosphorus digestion was improved (p < 0.05) on diets containing tannin. Apart from an increase (p < 0.01) in the protein content of the jejunal mucosa of birds on the diet with 20 g tannin kg^?1 diet, there were no significant effects of the MES on most of the variables assessed. The results demonstrate the negative effects of tannin, especially at high levels of inclusion in the diet. However, neither tannins nor MES influenced the activities of digestive enzymes assessed, suggesting that a wider range of factors may be involved in regulating the effects of tannins on poultry. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

The Influence of Feeding Yellow-, Green- and Brown-Seeded Peas on Production Performance of Laying Hens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the feeding value of yellow-, green- and brown-seeded peas as protein and energy supplements in laying hen diets. In experiment 1, all three types of peas were included in laying hen diets at 0, 200, 400 and 600 g kg^-1 replacing wheat and soya bean meal. Layers fed diets containing peas at 200 g kg^-1 produced more (P⩽0·05) eggs, had higher (P⩽0·05) egg mass output and better (P⩽0·01) feed conversion than those fed the wheat soya bean meal control diet. With 400 g peas kg^-1 in diets, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion were similar (P⩾0·05) to the control diet. Total replacement of soya bean meal with peas (600 g peas kg^-1 in diets) reduced (P⩽0·01) egg production, egg mass and feed conversion. A progressive (P⩽0·01) improvement in yolk colour as the level of peas in the diet increased was observed. Shell quality decreased (P⩽0·05) with increasing levels of yellow or brown peas in the diets, however, it seemed not to be affected by green peas. Daily feed intake, egg weight and mortality rates were not affected by dietary treatments. The influence of feeding diets containing yellow or brown peas supplemented with varied levels of methionine on production performance of laying hens was investigated in experiment 2. The dietary treatments consisted of a 400 g kg^-1 yellow or brown pea diet supplemented with three levels of methionine to 100, 115 and 130% of the NRC requirements. Methionine supplementation to either 15 or 30% above NRC requirement for laying hens had no significant (P⩾0·05) effect on all production parameters. It can be concluded that the inclusion of yellow, green or brown peas into laying hen diets up to 400 g kg^-1 does not affect production performance. The NRC recommendation of methionine requirement for laying hens is adequate to support maximum egg production for diets containing moderate quantities of peas. © 1997 SCI.     

The nutritional value of cassava root meal in laying hen diets

Two hundred and eighty-eight laying hens (144 Hisex white, 144 Hisex brown) were randomly allocated to one of twelve dietary treatments and fed ad libitum for ten 28 day periods. The diets, fed either as mash or pelleted, were a control diet and five other diets with increasing levels of added cassava root meal (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 g kg^?1 diet). At the end of the experiment, four Hisex white birds from each treatment were taken for the measurement of water intake. The AME content of the diets was measured by the total collection method. The inclusion of high levels of cassava root meal had no detrimental effect on egg production or food intake. However, as the level of cassava increased, there was a tendency towards a decrease in food consumption in the meal-fed birds. Water consumption was significantly greater in the birds given pelleted feed than in those given mash. Also, at the higher levels of cassava inclusion in the meal-fed birds, water consumption was greater. The AME content of the cassava root meal was 14.1 MJ kg^?1 dry matter.     

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers fed periwinkle flesh (Pachymelania aurita), palm kernel cake and oil‐based rations

The effect of supplementation of palm kernel oil in periwinkle flesh and palm kernel cake‐based diets on carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers was evaluated. Birds were assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The first diet, which was the control, contained 20 mg kg^?1 fishmeal but it did not contain palm kernel cake and periwinkle flesh. The second diet contained 20 mg kg^?1 fishmeal, 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake but no periwinkle flesh. The third diet contained 60 mg kg^?1 periwinkle flesh, 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake and no fishmeal. Present in the fourth diet were 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake, 30 mg kg^?1 periwinkle flesh, no fishmeal and 20 mg kg^?1 palm kernel oil. Similarly, the fifth diet contained 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake, 30 mg kg^?1 periwinkle flesh, no fishmeal and 40 mg kg^?1 palm kernel oil. Carcass measures and cuts were significantly influenced (P < 0.05) by dietary treatments. Diets 2, 3 and 5 gave significantly higher plucked dressed weights, total edible meat and total bone weights, respectively. Also carcass cuts were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in birds on periwinkle and palm kernel oil diets, with abdominal fat being highest in diet 5 having 40 mg kg^?1 palm kernel oil. However, proximate composition, physical and sensory properties were not significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatment. Results showed that carcass characteristics improved as compared to the control group. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of dietary black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L.) on performance,egg traits,egg cholesterol content and egg yolk fatty acid composition in laying hens

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary black cumin seed on performance, egg traits, egg cholesterol content and egg yolk fatty acid composition in laying hens during a 12 week period. For this purpose a total of 160 Lohmann Brown laying hens 36 weeks of age were allocated to four dietary treatments with one control group and three treatment groups. Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L.) was used at the level of 5, 10 and 15 g kg^?1 in the diets of the first, second and third treatment groups, respectively. RESULTS: Dietary treatments did not significantly affect body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg quality characteristics and blood parameters. Diets containing 10 and 15 g kg^?1 black cumin seed increased egg weight (P < 0.01), improved feed efficiency (P < 0.01) and decreased egg yolk cholesterol, saturated fatty acids (% of total fatty acid methyl esters) and the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) compared to the diet of control group. CONCLUSION: Dietary black cumin seed at the level of 10 and 15 g kg^?1 had beneficial effects on egg weight, feed efficiency, egg cholesterol content and egg yolk fatty acid composition. Therefore it can be used at the level of 10 and 15 g kg^?1 in the diets of laying hens. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

The nutritional quality of two types of fish silage for broiler chickens

Fish waste was ensiled either by acidification with formic acid or by fermentation with a bacterial starter culture and molasses. The resulting liquids were mixed with wheat bran (85:15 w/w liquid: bran) and dried (70°C) to produce acid silage meal (ASM) and fermented silage meal (FSM). ASM and FSM were incorporated into wheat-based diets at 25, 50 and 100 g kg^?1 at the expense of soya bean meal. There were two control diets, one which contained soya bean meal as the predominant protein supplement and a second in which fish meal (50 g kg^?1) was added at the expense of some of the soya bean meal. Starter diets (13.25 MJ ME kg^?1, 12 g kg^?1 lysine) were fed from 1-day-old to 21-days-old and finisher diets (13.25 MJ ME kg^?1, 9.5 g kg^?1 lysine) were fed from 22 to 42-days-old to six replicates each of five birds. Birds were reared in raised-wire cages, and feed intake, liveweight and mortality were recorded. There were no significant effects of dietary inclusion of either ASM and FSM on the performance of broiler chickens relative to those fed on control diets. FSM contained less crude protein and amino acids than ASM. The recovery of amino acids relative to the total crude protein content from FSM was only 78.7%, presumably as a result of formation of Maillard reaction products during drying.     

Effect of aflatoxin,ochratoxin and their combination on protein and energy utilisation in white leghorn laying hens

The effect of dietary aflatoxin B₁ (AF) at levels of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg^?1, ochratoxin A (OA) at levels of 1, 2 and 4 mg kg^?1 and their corresponding combinations on protein and energy utilisation as well as energy partitioning was studied in white leghorn laying hens. Protein retention was adversely affected at all levels of AF and OA either singly or in combination, though the effect was more evident with OA and AF + OA. Minimum protein retention was recorded in hens fed the combination of toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg^?1 AF + 4 mg kg^?1 OA). Aflatoxin at 1 and 2 mg kg^?1 and OA and AF + OA at all levels caused a significant reduction in metabolisable energy (ME) value of the diets. The minimum ME value was recorded for the diet containing both toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg^?1 AF + 4 mg kg^?1 OA). A significant depression in egg energy deposition was observed with dietary inclusion of 1 and 2 mg kg^?1 AF, 2 and 4 mg kg^?1 OA and all levels of AF + OA in period I. In period II the reduction in egg energy deposition was significant at all levels of toxins either singly or in combination. Body energy deposition was adversely affected in hens fed the highest levels of AF (2 mg kg^?1) and OA (4 mg kg^?1) and all levels of AF + OA in period I. However, in period II a significant decrease in body energy deposition was observed at all levels of toxins except 1 mg kg^?1 OA. A significant increase in maintenance energy (ME_m/W^0.75 day^?1) requirement was recorded in hens fed 2 mg kg^?1 AF, 4 mg kg^?1 OA and all levels of AF + OA. It is suggested that AF and OA either singly or in combination affect not only protein and energy utilisation in laying hens but also energy partitioning i.e. egg and body energy deposition and maintenance energy requirement. However, the combination of toxins (AF + OA) has more severe adverse effects on all parameters than the individual toxins because of their synergistic toxicity effect. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Protein and energy requirements for starting and finishing broiler guineafowl (Numida meleagris) in the tropics

Two experiments were conducted to determine the optimum protein and energy levels for starting and finishing guineafowls. Eighty one-day-old guinea-fowl keets were tested in groups of 20 on four starter rations (made up of four protein contents 28, 26, 24, and 22% (w/w) with corresponding energy levels 13.8, 13.4, 13.0, and 12.6MJ kg^?1 diet), for a period of 6 weeks and later changed to four finisher rations. The finisher rations were made up of four protein levels (24, 20, 16 and 12% w/w) and four corresponding energy levels (12.6, 12.2, 11.7, 11.3MJ kg^?1 diet). These were fed from 7 to 12 weeks. The result of this study indicated that the optimum protein and energy levels for starting guineafowl in the tropics were 22% (w/w) crude protein and 12.6 MJ kg^?1 ME diet while that of finishing guineafowl 16% (w/w) crude protein and 11.7MJ kg^?1 ME diet.     

Effects of L‐carnitine supplementation to diets with different fat sources and energy levels on fatty acid composition of egg yolk of laying hens

BACKGROUND: The present study was carried out to determine the effects of feeding diets with two different levels of metabolisable energy (ME) (11.51 or 10.88 MJ ME kg^?1 diet) and three different sources of fat (palm oil, sunflower oil or fish oil) with or without supplemental L ‐carnitine (0 or 500 mg kg^?1 diet) on the fatty acid (FA) composition of egg yolk and the passage of n3 polyunsaturated FAs to egg yolk in laying hens. RESULTS: The ∑n3, particularly C22:6n‐3, FA contents of egg yolk were significantly reduced by adding of L ‐carnitine (C2) to different fat sources (P < 0.01). The ratio of n6/n3 was reduced from 53.77 to 17.72 in eggs yolks when ME was lowered in the diet with C2‐sunflower oil (SFO) whereas it was enhanced from 2.19 to 9.31 in C2‐E2 (low energy) diet with fish oil (FO) (P < 0.001). The diet with E2 or C2 containing FO resulted in a decrease of the C22:5n‐3, C22:6n‐3 and ∑n3 FA contents of egg yolk (P < 0.001). On the other hand, supplementation of C2 to diets with SFO or palm oil (PO) caused to a decrease in the C22:6n‐3 and ∑n3 FA contents of egg yolk (P < 0.01). A significant increase of the ratio of n6/n3 in egg yolk can be seen by feeding with E2 diet by adding of C2 to all fat sources like in E1 (normal energy) diet (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dietary treatments resulted in major changes in FA composition of egg yolk. The supplemental C2 in diet decreased the C22:5n‐3, C22:6n‐3 and ∑n3FA contents in egg yolk. The use of FO in diets with E2 significantly reduced the passage rate of C22:6n‐3 FA to egg yolk. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of egg yolk from chickens fed diets supplemented with purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of purslane on egg production, egg weight, feed efficiency, yolk fatty acid composition, and egg cholesterol content in laying hens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty 80‐week‐old layers were allocated randomly to receive diets supplemented with 0 (control), 10 g kg^?1 or 20 g kg^?1 dried purslane for 84 days. Egg weights and egg production in the groups were recorded daily, whereas feed intake was measured weekly. RESULTS: Diet supplemented with 20 g kg^?1 purslane significantly decreased body weight of the chickens compared to the control. Inclusion of purslane at the level of 10 g kg^?1 or 20 g kg^?1 into the diet significantly (P < 0.05) improved egg weight compared to the control. Chickens fed the diet including 20 g kg^?1 purslane had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher egg production and improved feed efficiency compared to the control. Cholesterol content of eggs from the hens fed 0, 10 or 20 g kg^?1 did not differ and was 10.45, 9.51 or 9.51 mg g^?1 dried egg yolk, respectively. Inclusion of purslane at the level of 20 g kg^?1 into the diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased ω‐3 fatty acids such as C18:3(ω‐3) and C22:6(ω‐3). The ratio of ω‐6 to ω‐3 also was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the eggs from chickens fed 10 g kg^?1 or 20 g kg^?1 purslane supplemented diets compared to the control. CONCLUSION: This study showed that adding dried purslane to the diet of laying hens significantly increased egg production and egg weights although there was no reduction in the egg cholesterol concentration. This study also showed that inclusion of purslane into diet enriched eggs with ω‐3 fatty acids and decreased the ratio of ω‐6/ω‐3 in the yolk. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry