Objective: This study was conducted to compare between the nanoparticles of copper (Cu-NP) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) effect on immunity, pro-inflammatory cytokine, oxidant/antioxidant balance, different behavioral patterns, growth rate, and weight gain by adding them in drinking water of broilers. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty broiler chicks of 1-day-old were randomly divided into three groups: the first group was the control, the second group received CuSO4 in drinking water (10 mg/l), and the third group received Cu-NP in drinking water (10 mg/l) with replicates (n = 25) for 5 weeks of age. Blood samples collected for estimating immunoglobulins (A, G, and M), superoxide dismutase, pro-inflammatory (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, heterophil/ lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA), corticosterone hormone, and lymphoid organs index weight. Moreover, behavioral observations were undertaken from the 2nd week until the 5th week of age for measuring different behavioral patterns (feeding, drinking, crouching, body care, and comfort behaviors). Chicks were individually weighed weekly (gm); also, the weight gain, the intake of food, and the ratio of feed conversion were calculated. Results: Cu-NP administration has improved the blood profile, lymphoid organs index weight in Cu-NP treated broilers in relation to control and CuSO4 treated groups. Conversely, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, H/L ratio, MDA, and corticosterone hormone were reduced by Cu-NP treat¬ment. Moreover, Cu-NP has a positive effect on all behavioral patterns more than other groups which significantly reflect on the weight of the body, gaining of weight, and the intake of food in the Cu-NP treated group of birds. Conclusion: The findings in this study stated that when the drinking water of broilers was supple¬mented with Cu-NP, there might be an improvement in the immunity, behavior, and productive performance more efficiently than CuSO4. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(1.000): 16-25]

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) feed supplementation on serum biochemical parameters of broilers challenged with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Materials and methods: Two hundred and forty day-old Ross 308 hybrid broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 60 chicks each and raised in deep litter housing. Broiler starter (BS) and broiler finisher (BF) mash were formulated each with 5% MOL included as part of the feed ingredient for broilers in groups A and B while BS and BF for broilers in groups C and D were formulated without MOL. Broilers in groups A, B and C were challenged intraocularly at 35 days of age with with 0.05 mL of a live vvIBDV, while those in group D served as control. Blood was collected from 10 broilers in each group via the wing vein at 35, 38 and 42 days of age to determine their serum biochemical profile.Results: The level of melondialdehyde (MDA) was observed to significantly decrease in groups A and C. There was a significant decrease in the level of AST in group A, B, C and D. The values of ALT significantly decreased in group A, B, C and D. Conclusion: Supplementing broilers feed with MOL neither protect the liver from damage nor prevent lipid peroxidation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 155-165]

Objective: The present work was conducted on Cobb-500 broilers fed with either probiotics (Yogurt, Promax&reg;) or antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox&reg;, Renamycin&reg;) to assess the effects on body weight and biochemical parameters.Materials and methods: A total of 30 day-old broiler chicks were purchased and acclimatized for 7 days in the experimental shed. After initial acclimatization, the broilers were allotted into five equal groups (n=6). Group A was considered as control and was fed commercial ration and fresh drinking water. Groups B and C were fed commercial ration and probiotics (Yogurt, Promax&reg;) respectively mixed in water. Groups D and E received commercial ration and antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox&reg;, Renamycin&reg;) respectively with water. Body weight of each bird was recorded on day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. At the end of trial period, the birds were sacrificed to collect blood in order to prepare serum samples for biochemical analyses considering total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipids (HDL), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).Results: Body weight in all treatment groups (B, C, D and E) was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to control (A) group. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly (P<0.05) decreased in probiotics treated groups as compared to control and antibiotic growth promoters treated groups. AST and ALT values increased significantly (P<0.05) in antibiotic growth promoters treated groups as compared to control whereas, these values decreased in probiotics treated groups. Creatinine levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in antibiotic growth promoters treated groups as compared to all others groups. Conclusion: Significantly increased body weight is observed in probiotics and antibiotic growth promoters supplemented broilers. Probiotics also improve the lipid profile and other biochemical parameters as compared to growth promoter. Probiotics (like Yogurt and Promax&reg;) seem to be better choice than antibiotic growth promoters as feed supplements. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(3.000): 288-294]

Broiler production is a promising sector to achieve food security and economic development in Egypt. It has a big share in animal protein supply which can relieve the problem of animal protein shortage. This study focused on estimating broiler farms profitability after the major financial changes that took place in Egypt, by studying how different housing systems and broiler breeds can affect farm production and profitability. Farm records and research questionnaires were used to collect data from broiler farms in two governorates (Al Sharkia and Ismailia). Different broiler breeds and housing systems were compared. Results showed that despite the high cost of production, broiler production is still a profitable business appealing for further private or governmental investments. The veterinary management, housing system and breed have a positive effect on the productivity. The highest production was obtained for Cobb breed and closed systems, whereas Ross breed achieved the highest net profit. Despite the challenges faced by producers, it was concluded that broiler farms in the study area are acting in the second stage of production where resources are probably used for the existing conditions.

Bile acid (BA) is a feed additive that can increase fat digestibility in poultry. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to assess the effectiveness of supplementation with bile acid on growth performance, carcass trait, fat digestibility, and blood lipid profile of broiler by meta-analysis evidence. Peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were found using databases such as PubMed, and Scopus. The meta-analysis required information on moderators (inclusion level, and treatment duration), a sufficient description of randomization, performance data, and associated measures of variance such as standard deviation (SD) or standard error (SE). All analyses were carried out using the Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) program. Data from the 10 studies included in the meta-analysis were pooled and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Results indicate that dietary BA supplementation decreases FCR (SMD = –0.50, 95% CI: –0.76 to -0.23, p<0.001), and tends to decrease abdominal fat (SMD = SMD = -0.39; 95% CI =  -0.78 to 0.01; p=0.055). Contrastingly, BA supplementation increases fat digestibility (SMD = 1.67; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.26; p<0.001) and dressing carcass (0.44; 95% CI -0.08 to 0.8; p=0.016) compared with the controls The meta-analysis explains that bile acid is an ingredient that could be used as a feed additive in broiler.

The experimental trial was carried out to evaluate the impact of a mixture of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis probiotic supplementation via the drinking water (AVI-GROW®) on growth performance, carcass traits, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology, blood biochemical indices, and litter quality of broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (as hatch) were randomly allocated into two groups, each with three replicates (80 chicks/replicate). The control group (T1) and the supplemented group (T2) were fed a basal diet, however, T2 was supplemented with (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water at the rate of 1mL/L drinking water every 12 hours for 2 days after every vaccination and change of diet. The experiment lasted 31 days. Supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water in T2 significantly (P≤0.05) improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as villus crypt ratio of the small intestine as compared to the control. The dressing percent, breast, thigh and drumstick yields were improved in T2 than in control. Additionally, blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol, ALT, and AST concentrations were reduced, while total protein concentration was significantly (P≤0.05) increased in T2 as compared to control. Moreover, cecal clostridial counts were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 as compared to control. Supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) in (T2) reduced nitrogen content in birds' excreta and litter. Conclusively, the supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water could improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology, blood biochemical indices, and litter quality in broiler chickens.

The current study was designed to investigate the impacts of heat stress (HS) on performance parameters of broiler chicken reared at different stocking densities, also study assessed the effects of anti-stress (vitamin) supplementation in the mitigation of different levels of stress. A total of 720 7th-day-old Cobb ® chicks were randomly distributed into 18 groups, (two replicates within each group). The experiment with a factorial arrangement of treatments (3x3x2), 3 levels of stocking densities (RSD: 10 chicks/m2, MSD: 14 chicks/m2, and HSD: 18 chicks/m2), 2 levels of vitamin supplementation (0 mg/l and combination of 250 mg/l ascorbic acid plus 0.5 ml/l Vit E + Se) and three temperatures (Thermoneutral temperature (TN), sudden chronic heat stress exposure (CHS) and gradual chronic heat stress exposure). Broilers were kept either under thermoneutral conditions (24 ± 1 ºC) during the whole life period or slowly introduced to CHS from 7th to 21st d of age and kept at high temperature thereafter and the third chamber had chicks that were exposed to CHS (32 ± 2 ºC for 8 h/day) during the period from 21st: 42nd day of age. Chicks were reared on a deep litter system and had free access to feed and water. Performance parameters (FI, BW, BWG, and FCR) were determined on the 42nd day of age. The results showed HSD had adverse effects on the growth performance of broilers reared under thermoneutral or CHS conditions where the differences between densities were significant (P<0.05) under TN and sudden CHS conditions and insignificant in case of gradual CHS exposure conditions for most of the performance parameters. Vitamins supplementation had improved growth performance (BW and FCR) of broilers kept under MSD or HSD and exposed to thermoneutral or sudden CHS conditions as compared to corresponding not supplemented birds. While it was effective in combating the adverse effects of gradual HS exposure in RSD and MSD kept broilers only. In addition, there was no significant difference between RSD not supplemented broilers and MSD-supplemented birds under TN conditions; concluding that broilers can be stocked at MSD under thermoneutral conditions if they were supplemented with vitamins.

A serious infection in avian species can be caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). Because of the harmful consequences that antibiotics have on public health, reducing their usage in the animal industry is a major global concern. As an alternative to antibiotics, nanoparticles (NPs) have been used more and more recently to target bacteria. Zinc oxide (ZnO), one of these NPs, exhibited antibacterial activity even at low concentrations. Consequently, at 14 days, 75-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were separated into 5 equal groups (15 birds each divided into triplicate, 5 bird per replicate). The groups were calssified as G1, G2, G3, G4 & G5. G1 was infected with C. perfringens type A; G2 was infected & given zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs); G3 was infected with C. perfringens & given doxycycline as an antibiotic; G4 received ZONPs continuously for 35 days; & G5 was the negative control. For two successive days, 4×108 colony forming units (CFU) of C. perfringens type A/mL/bird were given orally to birds in infected groups. ZONPs in the treatment groups received a total dose of 150 µg/bird. Bird performance is measured for 35 days, & data is gathered on body weight (BW), feed conversion (FC), feed conversion rate (FCR), clinical signs score, & mortalities. Moreover, immune organ indices & the microbial loads in the caecum & intestine were assessed. Remarkably, BW improvements (P < 0.05) were noted in ZONPs treated group & ZONPs / C. perfringens infected group, in contrast to those in G1. Compared to G1, treatment with ZONPs lowered the colonization of C. perfringens in the caeca & intestine, lessened the severity of clinical symptoms, & decreased mortality. Thymus, bursa, & spleen relative weights varied considerably (P < 0.05) between treatment groups. When ZONPs were administered alone or in conjunction with infection, the spleen’s relative weight was considerably (P < 0.05) larger in treated birds than in control & antibiotic-treated birds. In conclusion, ZONPs positively affect the BW & FCR, improve the relative weight of immune organs, & can decrease the C. perfringens count in the intestine, positively impacting performance, general health, & gut health integrity. However, ZONPs also reduce the population of gut microbes. On the other hand, birds that received antibiotic treatment showed adverse effects on a few metrics. Therefore, more investigation into the use of ZONPs in broiler diets and their safety for the health of humans and avian species is still advised.

The experimental protocol aimed to assess the influence of nucleotides and/or β-glucan on the production performance, growth-related gene expression in the broiler chickens’ liver tissue, intestinal histomorphology, and some biochemical parameters. One hundred forty-four newly hatched chicks were categorized into four groups based on the supplements: a control group, a group supplemented with nucleotides (200 mg/kg diet), a group with β-glucan (1 g/kg diet), and a group with both nucleotides and β-glucan. The study's findings showed that, when compared to the control group, all dietary supplemented groups showed a substantial (P < 0.05) improvement in production parameters without having a negative impact on the general health of broilers. Additionally, the treatments positively impacted the expression of some genes associated with growth performance in the broiler chickens’ liver tissue, such as the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone receptor (GHR). The supplemented groups also demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) enhancement in intestinal histomorphology, characterized by increased villi length, crypt depth, and goblet cell number. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of nucleotides and/or β-glucan led to a significant (P < 0.05) elevation in total protein and albumin levels, with no significant effect on globulin, AST, and ALT. The conclusion can be drawn that adding nucleotides along with β-glucan to the diet led to enhancements in growth performance, the expression of genes related to growth (GHR and IGF-1), intestinal histomorphology, and certain biochemical parameters (specifically total protein and albumin).

Aflatoxins are one of the most dangerous toxic residues in various foods including poultry. This study was conducted to assess the reducing effect of gamma radiation on the levels of aflatoxin B1 in poultry meat, skin, and liver. To this end, a total of 80 poultry samples including meat, skin, and liver were surveyed for the incidence of aflatoxins, where only positive samples (27 samples of muscle, skin, and liver; 9 samples each) were selected for testing the effect of treatment by gamma radiation. The levels of aflatoxins were estimated in the examined samples using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) whereas positive samples were exposed to 0 kGy, 5 kGy, or 10 kGy, and the differences in aflatoxin contents before and after exposure were calculated. The obtained results clarified that radiation achieved reduction rates in aflatoxin B1 level in muscle samples with a mean value 99.259±0.741, and 100.00±0.00% when treated with 5 kGy and 10 kGy, respectively. Whereas in skin samples, 98.676±1.324 and 100.00±0.00 % when treated 5 kGy and 10 kGy, respectively. While in liver samples, reduction rates accounted for 84.312±7.406 and 88.249±10.882 were obtained when treated with 5 kGy and 10 kGy, respectively. In conclusion, the exposure of poultry meat, skin, and liver to gamma radiation (5kGy or 10 kGy) has a significant reducing effect (p<0.05) in aflatoxins B1. The results were discussed from the hygienic point of view and compared with the national and international standards to assess their reliability for consumption.