This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in mitigating stress and improving performance, carcass yield, carcass quality parameters, sensory acceptability, microbiological quality and economic profitability of broilers reared at different stocking densities. Two hundred and forty chicks were divided into four groups; two groups were reared at a low stocking density (LSD, 10 bird/m2), including one group that was provided with Protexin® probiotic (Enterococcus faecium) supplemented in water (LSDP). Similarly, the other two groups were reared at a high stocking density (HSD, 15 bird/m2), including one group that was provided with the same probiotic supplementation (HSDP). Throughout the growing cycle, bird performance was monitored. At the end of the growing cycle, stress indicators were measured in blood. Besides, carcass and giblet weights, dressing yield, carcass quality parameters, sensory acceptability, microbiological quality and economic profitability were assessed. As a result, HSD mostly impaired broiler performance, increased stress indicators, reduced carcass yields, carcass quality parameters and sensory acceptability, while boosted profitability and slightly lowered microbiological quality. On the other hand, probiotic supplementation reversed the negative effects of HSD. As probiotic supplementation boosted broiler performance, reduced blood stress indicators, increased carcass and giblet yields, carcass quality parameters and sensory scores, besides, it improved the microbiological status of broiler meat in terms of fecal coliforms and E. coli MPN. To conclude, rearing broilers at high stocking density induced stress, compromised performance and reduced carcass quality. These negative impacts could be successfully faced by using probiotic supplementation in drinking water.

Potential biomarkers for chronic seasonal heat stress in Kagoshima Berkshire pigs reared in the subtropical region were investigated by comparing the biomarker changes in the summer (a period of chronic heat stress) and winter (a thermoneutral period) seasons. Pigs were allocated to summer- and winter-finishing cohorts, 12 each. The evaluations included assessment of carcass traits and internal organs’ normality carried out at the time of slaughter, and measurement of biomarkers in whole blood: derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential as markers of oxidative stress, and serum amyloid A and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio as markers of acute and chronic inflammation, respectively. The summer-finished pigs reared under subtropical field conditions showed lower carcass quality than the winter-finished pigs, indicating a potential adverse effect of summer temperatures on the swine industry. Marginal changes were observed in d-ROMs and the A/G ratio between the summer- and winter-finishing cohorts. The results demonstrate that d-ROMs and the A/G ratio could be used as sensitive markers for heat stress under field conditions.

Objective: Efficacy of AV/CSP/29 premix (Ca, P supplement with Vit. A and D3 along with synergistic herbs) (M/S Ayurvet Ltd.) was evaluated in commercial broiler chicks. Materials and methods: A total of 144 day-old chicks were randomly divided into three groups. Group T0 (n=48) control group, supplemented with basal diet without any additional source of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Group T1 (n=48) was administered with AV/CSP/29 premix at 500 gm/ton of feed and Group T2 birds (n=48) were supplemented with Brand A at 500 gm/ton of feed for 0 to 42 days. Parameters viz., growth, performance, serum biochemical and carcass quality traits were evaluated. Results: More gain in body weight was observed in the AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds as compared to other groups. Similarly, FCR was improved in the AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds. Blood Ca and P concentrations were comparatively improved in AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented birds. Parameters viz., carcass yield, dressing percentage, tibial mineralization, water holding capacity and extract release volume were also found to be better in AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds. Conclusion: The results from the current study suggest that feeding of AV/CSP/29 premix to broiler chickens may have a beneficial effect on bone quality and in improving overall performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 268-273]

Objective: To examine the effects of giardiasis on production and carcass quality, using growing lambs as a domestic ruminant model. Design: Randomized block. Animals: Giardia-free lambs: 23 in infected group, 24 in control group. Procedure: Six-week-old, specific-pathogen-free lambs were infected with Giardia trophozoites; control lambs received saline solution. Clinical signs of infection, body weight, and feed intake were determined for 10 weeks. Carcass weight and quality were determined at slaughter weight of 45 kg. Results: Giardia infection persisted from weeks 7 to 16. For 5 weeks after challenge exposure, abnormal feces were more frequently observed in infected lambs. Giardia infection was associated with a decrease in rate of weight gain and impairment in feed efficiency. Time to reach slaughter weight was extended in infected lambs, and the carcass weight of Giardia-infected lambs was lower than that of control lambs. Conclusion: Giardiasis has a negative effect on domestic ruminant production. Clinical Relevance: Giardiasis in domestic ruminants is an economically important disease, thus necessitating control or elimination of the infection.