• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1617-1626
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding essential oils to the diet of weaned pigs on performance, nutrient utilization, immune response and intestinal health. A total of 96 weaning pigs ($8.37{\pm}1.58$ kg) were allotted to one of three dietary treatments. The treatments consisted of an unsupplemented basal diet (negative control, NC) or similar diets supplemented with 0.01% of an essential oil product which contained 18% thymol and cinnamaldehyde (EOD) as well as a diet supplemented with 0.19% of an antibiotic mixture which provided 150 ppm chlortetracycline, 80 ppm colistin sulfate and 50 ppm kitasamycin (positive control, PC). Each treatment was provided to eight pens of pigs with four pigs per pen. Over the entire 35 d experiment, ADG and fecal score were improved (p<0.05) for pigs fed the PC and EOD compared with the NC. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility as well as lymphocyte proliferation for pigs fed the PC and EOD diets were increased significantly compared with NC (p<0.05). IGF-I levels in plasma were significantly increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed the PC diet compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Interleukin-6 concentration was lower (p<0.05) and the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ level was higher (p<0.05) in the plasma of pigs fed the EOD diet than the NC diet. Plasma total antioxidant capacity level increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed the EOD diet compared with pigs fed the NC. Villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum was greater (p<0.05) in pigs fed the PC and EOD diets than the NC. The numbers of E. coli in the cecum, colon and rectum were reduced (p<0.05) in pigs fed the PC and EOD diets compared with the control. In the colon, the ratio of Lactobacilli to E. coli was increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed the EOD diet compared with NC diet. Total aerobe numbers in the rectum were decreased (p<0.05) in pigs fed the PC and EOD diets compared with the control. Collectively, these results indicate that blends of essential oils could be a candidate for use as an alternative to traditional antibiotics in weaning pig diets.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.54-63
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of degummed soybean oil (DSO) by acid soybean oil (ASO) in diets with or without the inclusion of emulsifier on broiler performance, relative organ weight, lipase activity, intestinal morphometry, and nutrient digestibility. Methods: A total of 704 1-day-old male broiler chicks were allotted to a 2×2 completely randomized factorial design (with or without emulsifier × two lipid sources [ASO and DSO]), with eight replicates and 22 birds each. The metabolizable energy level in diets with emulsifier was reduced by 40 kcal/kg from 1 to 21 d and 50 kcal/kg from 22 to 49 d. Results: Broilers fed diets containing ASO without emulsifier had higher (p = 0.005) weight gain than DSO-fed animals and with the inclusion of emulsifier had worse (p = 0.018) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed diets with emulsifier worsened FCR regardless of lipid source from 1 to 21 days (p = 0.006) and from 1 to 49 days (p = 0.0002). There was an increase (p = 0.026) in the relative pancreas weight, at 14 days, in birds fed diets containing ASO. Lipase activity and morphometry of the duodenum and jejunum, at 14 and 21 days, were not affected (p>0.05). The dietary inclusion of emulsifier improved the digestible energy (p = 0.053) in the presence of ASO. For the digestibility coefficients (gross energy, crude protein, and mineral matter), no interference was observed (p>0.05). Conclusion: The inclusion of emulsifier to energy-restricted diet with ASO maintained broiler performance in the first week, but worsened FCR in subsequent phases. The ASO can be considered as an alternative lipid source to DSO and does not interfere with the morphophysiological characteristics and performance of broilers. The combination of ASO and emulsifier increased the digestible energy content by 6.2%.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.69-95
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• 2023

In order to evaluate the effects of ARG sources (arginine [ARG] and Guanidinoacetic acid [GAA]) and phenylalanine (PHE) supplementation on performance, susceptibility to ascites, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in the cold-stressed broilers fed a canola meal (CM)-based diet, a 2×2 factorial experiment with four treatments was conducted. The dietary treatments included CM-based diet + 2.57 g/kg ARG, CM-based diet + 2.57 g/kg ARG + 1.5 g/kg PHE, CM-based diet + 1.8 g/kg GAA and CM-based diet + 1.8 g/kg GAA + 1.5 g/kg PHE. The corn-CM diet without supplementation was used as a negative control (NC) group in the fifth treatment that excluded the factorial arrangement. The results showed that adding ARG to diets without PHE supplement increased (p < 0.05) feed intake. Also, birds fed diets containing ARG had higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) compared to those fed GAA added diets. Supplementation of PHE improved (p < 0.05) the FCR compared to groups fed diets without added PHE. Further, ARG addition increased (p < 0.05) plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentration, carcass, breast and leg yields, duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD, and dry matter digestibility, while decreasing (p < 0.05) ascites mortality and right ventricle (RV) to total ventricle (TV) ratio compared to GAA added groups. Supplementation of PHE also declined susceptibility to ascites by reducing (p < 0.01) RV to TV ratio while increasing (p < 0.05) plasma NO level. The digestibility of ether extract also increased (p < 0.05) in broilers fed GAA supplemented diets versus those fed ARG added diets. The findings suggested that ARG may improve BWG and lower ascites incidence in broilers fed a diet based on CM under cold stress because of its antihypertensive effects. Moreover, the findings of this study demonstrated the importance of including PHE formulation in ARG-deficient diets to attenuate the adverse effects of cold stress on broilers. It was also concluded that GAA could be efficaciously used in cold-stressed broilers fed an ARG-deficient diet.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.335-346
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• 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary rosemary on performance, microflora population in cecum and noxious gas emission from litter of broiler. A total of 216 broiler chicks at 7 days old were fed the commercial diet (control), added 0.5% level of dried rosemary leaves (5 g/kg diet, T1) and 1.0% level of dried rosemary leaves (10 g/kg diet, T2) for 4 weeks. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved by feeding rosemary at 7 to 35 days of age (P<0.05), but there was no difference between T1 and T2. Amount of feed intake and mortality were not different among the three group. There was an increase in the microflora population of Lactobacillus (P<0.05) and decreased in E. coli and salmonella (P<0.05) in the cecum contents at 21 and 35 days of age. Emission of ammonia gas from litter was significantly decreased by supplementary rosemary at 21 to 35 days of age (P<0.05), but there was no difference between T1 and T2. These results indicated that feeding 0.5 to 1.0% level of dried rosemary leaves during broiler production improved in the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio because of increasing nutrient digestibility from feed, also increase in intestinal beneficial bacteria and decrease in harmful bacteria in the cecum contents, and decreasing emission of ammonia gas from litter.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.89-99
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• 2007

A Feeding trial was conducted to study the effects of three different sources and two levels of dietary gelatinized carbohydrate (GC) on nutrient utilization, growth, tissue composition and tissue enzyme activities of fingerlings of Catla catla (15.1-15.3 g). Six isocaloric (17.1-17.5 kJ/g) semi-purified diets were prepared either with rice, corn or tapioca at 40 or 50% GC each. The crude protein (CP) level used in the diet was 35% and 25% for 40% and 50% GC level, respectively to study the protein sparing effect of GC. The degree of gelatinization was higher for corn and tapioca than rice under similar cooking conditions. After a 60-d feeding trial, dry matter, carbohydrate, protein and lipid digestibility were higher in tapioca fed groups at both the levels of GC. However, the highest specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were observed in the corn fed groups at 50% GC level indicating better utilization of nutrients from gelatinized corn. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was almost similar in corn and tapioca fed groups between two levels of GC but in rice fed groups, FCR was lower in 40% GC than 50% GC level. The results indicated higher protein-sparing effect in corn and tapioca fed groups than rice fed groups. The order of gelatinized carbohydrate utilization in Catla catla fingerlings at 50% GC level was corn>tapioca>rice. At 40% GC level, corn and tapioca were comparable and more efficiently utilized than rice. In the corn fed groups, 50% GC was comparable with 40% GC level, whereas in rice and tapioca fed groups the 40% GC was better in terms of nutrient utilization. Liver glycogen content and hepatosomatic index were significantly (p<0.05) higher in those groups fed high GC (50%) irrespective of carbohydrate sources. Higher intestinal amylase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were observed in higher GC fed groups than the lower GC groups. No mortality was found in any groups at any levels of GC.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.1226-1241
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• 2023

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in physiological processes by regulating the antioxidant defense system and enhancing immunity. Chromium is an essential mineral involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and also plays a role in maintaining normal insulin function. Based on these advantages, we hypothesized that the addition of selenomethionine (SeMet) and organic chromium (OC) to broiler diets would increase Se deposition, antioxidant capacity and immune response in meat. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of OC and SeMet on growh performance, nutrients digestibility, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, meat quality characteristics, and taxonomic analysis of broilers. A total of 168 one-day-old broiler chicken (Arbor Acres) were randomly allotted to 3 groups based on the initial body weight of 37.33 ± 0.24 g with 7 replicate per 8 birds (mixed sex). The experiments period was 28 days. Dietary treatments were folloewd: Basal diets based on corn-soybean meal (CON), basal diet supplemented with 0.2 ppm OC and 0.2 ppm SeMet (CS4), and basal diet supplemented with 0.4 ppm OC and 0.4 ppm SeMet (CS8). Supplementation of OC and SeMet did not affect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility. However, CS8 supplementation increased in duodenum villus height and villus height : crypt depth, and increased in breast meat Se deposition. In addition, CS8 group showed higher uric acid and total antioxidant status than CON group. Taxonomic analysis at phylum level revealed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes of CS4 and CS8 were lower than CON group. In genus level, the relative abundance of fecal Lactobacillus and Enterococcus of CS4 and CS8 groups were higher than CON group. In short, 0.4 ppm OC and 0.4 ppm SeMet supplementation to broiler diet supporitng positive gut microbiome change, also enhancing antioxidant capacity, and Se deposition in breast meat.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.484-493
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• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of diets of broiler chickens with hot-melt extruded CuSO₄ (HME-Cu) on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, small intestinal morphology, meat quality, and copper (Cu) bioavailability. Methods: A total of 225 broilers (Ross 308), one-day old and initial weight 39.14 g, were weighed and distributed between 15 cages (15 birds per cage) in a completely randomized experimental design with 3 treatments (diets) and 5 replicates per treatment. Cages were allotted to three treatments including control (without supplemental Cu), IN-Cu (16 mg/kg of CuSO₄), and HME-Cu (16 mg/kg of HME processed CuSO₄). Results: The HME-Cu treatment tended to increase the overall body weight gain (p<0.10). The apparent digestibility of Cu was increased by supplementation of HME-Cu at phase 2 (p<0.05). The Escherichia coli count in cecum tended to decrease with the supplementation with Cu (p<0.10). In addition, the HME-Cu treatment had a higher pH of breast meat than the control and IN-Cu treatments (p<0.05). Significant increases in the cooking loss, water-holding capacity, and lightness in the breast were observed in the HME-Cu treatment compared to the control (p<0.05). The Cu content of excreta increased with the Cu supplementation (p<0.05). The concentration of excreta Cu in broilers was decreased in the HME-Cu compared to the IN-Cu in phase 2 (p<0.05). The Cu concentration in the liver was increased with the HME-Cu supplementation, compared with the control diets (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that HME-Cu supplementation at the requirement level (16 mg/kg diets) in broiler diets did not affect the growth performance and the physiological function of Cu in broilers. However, supplementation of Cu in HME form improved the meat quality and the bioavailability of Cu.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.2_spc
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• pp.332-346
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• 2022

Shortage of protein feed resources is the major challenge to the world farm animal industry. Insects are known as an alternative protein source for poultry. A wide range of insects are available for use in poultry diets. Insect larvae thrive in manure, and organic waste, and produce antimicrobial peptides to protect themselves from microbial infections, and additionally these peptides might also be functional in poultry feed. The feed containing antimicrobial peptides can improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and immune function in poultry. Insect meal contains a higher amount of essential amino acids compared to conventional feedstuffs. Black soldier fly, mealworm, housefly, cricket/Grasshopper/Locust (Orthoptera), silkworm, and earthworm are the commonly used insect meals in broiler and laying hen diets. This paper summarizes the nutrient profiles of the insect meals and reviews their efficacy when included in poultry diets. Due to the differences in insect meal products, and breeds of poultry, inconsistent results were noticed among studies. The main challenge for proper utilization, and the promising prospect of insect meal in poultry diet are also addressed in the paper. To fully exploit insect meal as an alternative protein resource, and exert their functional effects, modes of action need to be understood. With the emergence of more accurate and reliable studies, insect meals will undoubtedly play more important role in poultry feed industry.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1340-1347
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• 2010

To study the effects of ${\alpha}$-galactosidase (${\alpha}$-Gal) supplementation on performance and energy metabolism, 216 Arbor Acres male broilers were placed in 36 cages of 6 birds each and allotted to 4 diets for 42 d, with 0-21 d as starter period and 22-42 d as grower period. The 4 diets were based on corn non-dehulled soybean meal in a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement, with 2 levels of ${\alpha}$-Gal (0 vs. 60 U/kg feed) and 2 levels of ME (normal metabolizable energy (NME) and low metabolizable energy (LME)). Bird performance was obtained at 21 and 42 d of age with samples of feces collected for nutrient digestibility from 19-21 d and 40-42 d. At 21 and 42 d, 1 bird from 6 cages of each treatment was killed to determine liver weight, intestinal pH and chyme viscosity. With the addition of ${\alpha}$-Gal the 42 d body weight (BW) and 0-42 d average daily gain (ADG) were significantly improved (p<0.05). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) of birds fed the LME diet was significantly increased compared to those fed the NME diet during starter (p<0.01) and grower (p<0.05) periods and overall (p<0.01). There was an interaction of ${\alpha}-Gal{\times}ME$ on 0-21 d ADFI (p<0.01). Supplementation of ${\alpha}$-Gal significantly improved (p<0.01) feed efficiency during the grower period and overall. Feed efficiency of birds fed the LME diet was significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared to those fed the NME diet during the starter period and overall. With the addition of ${\alpha}$-Gal apparent metabolizable energy (AME) was improved (p<0.01) by 2.1% and 1.8% during starter and grower periods, respectively. There was a main effect (p<0.05) of ${\alpha}$-Gal on the digestion of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) during the starter period and crude protein (CP), NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) during the grower period. With the addition of ${\alpha}$-Gal, the relative weight of liver was reduced (p<0.01) during the two phases. The duodenal and jejunal pH were significantly decreased (p<0.01) with the supplementation of ${\alpha}$at the two phases. ${\alpha}$-Gal addition reduced (p<0.01) chyme viscosity of the ileum during the starter and grower periods. Overall, ${\alpha}$-Gal showed a major effect on nutrient efficiency, improved ADG and feed efficiency, whereas LME decreased feed efficiency. The incorporation of ${\alpha}$-Gal into a LME diet could at least partially offset ME deficiency of non-dehulled soybean meal.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.807-818
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• 2008

This study was conducted to prove the optimum feeding method of Lactobacillus in broiler chickens by investigating the intestinal viability of ingested Lactobacillus and the effect of feeding levels and frequency of Lactobacillus on growth performance in broiler chickens. In experiment 1, A total of one hundred, 5 weeks old male broiler chickens(Abor Acre) were fed Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 expressed green fluorescent protein(GFP) at 104cfu/g diet to investigate the retention time of ingested Lactobacillus in the intestine for 1 day. The percentage of Lactobacillus expressed GFP in intestinal contents was 26% at 1 day after fed Lactobacillus expressed GFP. The percentage of Lactobacillus expressed GFP in intestinal contents was decreased in length of time. In experiment 2, A total of four hundred eighty, 1-d-old male broiler chicks(Abor Acre) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 30 birds each to prove the optimum feeding level of Lactobacillus. The treatments were control(free antibiotics), Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 5.0×10cfu/mL, 5.0×103cfu/mL, and 5.0×105cfu/mL. The final body weight and body wight gain of Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 5.0×103cfu/mL were the highest in all groups(P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was not significantly difference among the groups. The number of intestinal lactic acid bacteria in Lactobacillus treated groups tended to be improved or significantly increased as compared to that of control(P<0.05). Protein and fat digestibility in Lactobacillus 5.0×103cfu/mL and 5.0×105cfu/mL treated groups were significantly improved(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed on the availability of dry matter and crude ash in Lactobacillus treatments compared to those of control. In experiment 3, A total of six hundred 1-d-old male broiler chicks(Abor Acre) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 30 birds each and were fed Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 at intervals of 1, 2, 3, and 5 day for five weeks. Feeding level of Lactobacillus was 5.0×103cfu/mL The final body weight and body wight gain of Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 5.0×103cfu/mL were the highest in all groups(P<0.05). The final body weight and body weight gain were significantly increased, when Lactobacillus was fed at intervals of 1 days, or 2 days. There were no significant differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the all groups. The number of intestinal lactic acid bacteria in Lactobacillus treated groups tended to be improved or significantly increased as compared to that of control(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed on the number of coliform bacteria and Salmonella of ileum and cecum. Consequently, supplemental Lactobacillus influenced positive effects on the growth performance, nutrient availability and intestinal microflora. The optimum feeding level of Lactobacillus was 5.0×103cfu/mL, and the constant feeding of Lactobacillus was effective.