• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.143-150
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of light intensity on broiler chick growth performance, blood parameters, and stress levels. A total of 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (47.97±0.166 g) were subjected to three different intensities of light (20, 30, and 50 lx), with each treatment being conducted with four replicates. On the seventh day, the growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and breast muscle and liver weights) and blood parameters were determined; the levels of serum corticosterone, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α were also evaluated. The body weight, weight gain, liver weight, and breast muscle weight of chicks exposed to a light intensity of 50 lx were significantly increased compared with those of chicks subjected to 20 lx (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet counts and the biochemical profile exceptions being the levels of glucose and inorganic phosphorus in the blood of the chicks in the three light intensity groups. However, serum corticosterone and IL-6 levels were the highest in chicks exposed to a light intensity of 20 lx (P<0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that broiler chicks exposed to higher light intensity (50 lx) show significant improvements in terms of weight gain and corticosterone and IL-6 levels. Thus, high light intensities enhanced the growth performance, stress levels, and immune status of broiler chicks.

• ANNALS OF ANIMAL RESOURCE SCIENCES
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.97-107
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• 2017

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health of broiler chickens when a dietary supplementation of multienzymes was added to diets, containing different energy levels. A total of 480 broiler chickens of similar body weight (Ross 308, 1-day-old) were randomly subjected to four treatments. The dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with: multienzyme (amylase+protease+ mannanase+xylanase+phytase), 0.05% enzyme, and different energy levels (3010 and 3060 kcal/kg). The experimental diets were fed to the chicks in a mash form for 35 days in two phases (1-21 d, phase I; and 22-35 d, phase II). During the overall period, chicks fed with diets supplemented with multienzymes had a better weight gain (p<0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed with diets without enzymes. There was no difference in the growth rate and FCR among the chicks fed with diets supplemented with enzymes, even though the dietary energy levels were different. The apparent fecal and ileal digestibility of dry matter, gross, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus were significantly enhanced (p<0.05). The population of cecal and ileal Lactobacillus spp. was significantly increased (p<0.05), and Clostridium spp. and coliforms were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in diets supplemented with enzymes. Villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the small intestine was also significantly enhanced (p<0.05) in diets supplemented with enzymes. In conclusion, multienzyme supplementation had positive effects on the weight gain of broilers, FCR, digestibility of nutrients, and on the growth of intestinal microbiota.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.779-788
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• 2019

An experiment was conducted with 240 broiler chickens (ROSS 308) to evaluate the influence of supplementation of a probiotic feed mixture (PFM) including Bacillus subtillus, Streptomyces galilaeus, and Sphingobacteriaceae on growth performance and quality of chicken meats. Broiler chickens were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: 1) CON (no PFM as control), 2) CP3 (0.3% commercial probiotics), 3) PFM3 (0.3% PFM), and 4) PFM5 (0.5% PFM 0.5). They were then reared for 35 days. Body weight was significantly increased in CP3, PFM3, and PFM5 compared to that in CON (p<0.05). In addition, PFM3 and PFM5 had higher body weights then CP3 (p<0.05). Weights of F-sac, thymus, and spleen and IgG levels were significantly higher in CP3, PFM3, and PFM5 than those in CON (p<0.05). In addition, they were higher in PFM3 and PFM5 than those in CP3 (p<0.05). Broiler chickens fed diet with PFM3, PFM5, and CP3 also had higher numbers of Lactobacillus in cecum than broiler chickens fed CON diet (p<0.05). However, their numbers of E. coli, Salmonella, coliforms, and total aerobic bacteria were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Water holding capacity of breast meat was significantly improved in PFM3 and PFM5 compared to that in CON and CP3 (p<0.05). These results suggest that dietary 0.3% probiotic feed mixture including Bacillus subtillus, Streptomyces galilaeus, and Sphingobacteriaceae may improve growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.13-22
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• 2021

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density on the growth performance, immune status, and meat quality of broilers. In total, 385 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to one of four distinct stocking densities: 26 birds/㎡, 22 birds/㎡, 19 birds/㎡, and 16 birds/㎡. They were fed the diet ad libitum for 5 weeks. Immunoglobulin (Ig) and corticosterone levels were evaluated, and growth performance, blood parameters, and breast meat quality were determined. It was observed that the weight gain and feed intake of growers (21~35 d) and broilers (0~35 d) were significantly reduced as the stocking density increased (P<0.05). However, the feed intake of starters (0~21 d) significantly increased as the stocking density increased (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the biochemical profiles among the four different stock densities. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the stress parameters: (heterophils / lymphocytes ratio and corticosterone), IgA, and IgM; however, IgG significantly increased with stocking density (P<0.05). The pH, water holding capacity, and cooking loss of the muscle were all unaffected by the stocking density, but the shear force (tenderness) increased slightly as the density increased. The findings of this study suggest that a lower stocking density (16 birds/㎡) significantly improved the shear force of breast meat and IgG in broilers.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.227-238
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• 2021

This study investigates the effect of perch type and height on the growth performance, footpad dermatitis (FPD), blood parameters, behavioral characteristics, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 912 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (48.23±0.264 g) were subjected to a three x two factorial design of three types of perch (wood, steel, plastic) and two levels of perch height (10→30 cm change, 10 cm fixed) over a five-week experiment. Growth performance, perch availability, litter quality, FPD incidence, serum biochemical parameters, and meat quality of the broilers were evaluated. There were no significant differences in the body weight, feed conversion ratio, and biochemical parameters (except for aspartate aminotransferase), pH, color, and water holding capacity. The incidence of FPD was significantly higher in the plastic perch group than in the wood and steel perch groups (P<0.05) at five weeks of age. Perch use was high in the order of wood, steel, and plastic groups in the daytime and nighttime at one, three, and five weeks of age (P<0.05). Perch use was higher in the 10 cm fixed group than the 10→30 cm group (P<0.05). The shear force of the breast significantly increased in the order of wood, steel, and plastic groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, the group with a fixed perch height of 10 cm had high perch usage. Additionally, the use of wooden perches was higher than that of other materials, and it lowered the incidence of FPD in broilers.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.267-275
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• 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with ginseng berry, stems, and leaves on the growth performance, organ development, and blood biochemical characteristics of broilers. One hundred twenty one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to five groups: control (CON), ginseng berry 0.5% (GB1), ginseng berry 1.0% (GB2), ginseng stems and leaves 0.5% (GLS1), and ginseng stems and leaves 1.0% (GLS2). During the grower period (1-21 d), the body weight gain of all ginseng by-product fed groups was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the control group. During the finisher period (22-35 d), the feed intake in GLS2 was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in the other groups, but there was no significant difference in weight gain or feed conversion ratio. No significant differences were detected among treatments when the growth performance was analyzed throughout the entire period (1-35 d). There was no significant difference in the serum biochemical profile, except for blood glucose. Glucose levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in GLS groups, and tended to be lower in GB groups when compared to the control. Major organ weights showed no significant differences among treatment groups when compared to each other. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ginseng by-products may improve the early growth of broiler chickens and reduce blood glucose levels.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.255-264
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• 2022

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with ginseng by-products on growth, organ development, blood biochemical profiles, immune response, and stress parameter of broilers reared in high ambient temperatures. One hundred one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) were used. At week two, the birds were randomly allocated into five dietary groups; control (CON), 0.5% ginseng berry (GB1), 1.0% ginseng berry (GB2), 0.5% ginseng leaves and stems (GLS1), and 1.0% ginseng leaves and stems (GLS2). The temperature was maintained at 32±1℃from 9 AM to 5 PM. Growth, serum immunoglobulins and corticosterone levels were monitored and analyzed. No significant differences among groups were observed in growth. However, during the finisher period (21~35d) and overall period (7~35 d), body weight gain in all supplemented groups tended higher than CON group. Blood biochemical profiles did not significantly differ among treatment groups except in bilirubin level. Serum immunoglobulins and corticosterone level showed no significant differences among groups. IgM and IgG levels were numerically higher in GLS1 than in other groups, but the difference was not significant. Corticosterone level also tended lower in all supplemented groups than in CON group, and larger decreases were observed in groups with higher ginseng by-product concentration. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ginseng by-products shows potential to reduce heat stress in growing broilers with no negative effect on productivity.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

We investigated the effects of stunning methods and gas treatments during slaughter on the quality characteristics of chicken breast and small intestine. Broilers (Ross 308) were stunned and slaughtered using halal, CO₂, or N₂ gas stunning methods (for 10 birds). After slaughter, the pH, proximate composition, color, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and shear force of chicken breast muscle and small intestine were determined. Compared with the halal treatment, CO₂ treatment resulted in higher pH and lower cooking loss (P<0.05), and the pH, color, and shear force of chicken breast muscle with N₂ treatment were similar to those of the halal treatment (P>0.05). Compared with the halal treatment, the gas treatments resulted in lower pH and lightness and higher redness, yellowness, thickness, and shear force of the small intestine (P<0.05). However, compared with the CO₂ treatment, the N₂ treatment resulted in lower pH, redness, and yellowness, and higher lightness, thickness, and shear force. Overall, compared with the halal method, our results suggest that the use of N₂ gas suppresses the discoloration and deterioration of the texture of chicken meat and small intestine caused by CO₂ gas treatment in the gas stunning method.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary combined supplementation of antioxidants as catechin and vitamin C on growth performance, meat quality, blood profiles and stress responses of broilers exposed to high temperature. For this experiment, a total of 360 21-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used. Treatments were assigned with 6 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate in a 2 × 3 factorial design with vitamin C (0, 250 mg/kg) and catechin (0, 600, 1,200 mg/kg). The heat stress environment was maintained at temperature 32±1℃ and relative humidity 60±5% for 24 hours until the end of the experiment. The supplemented antioxidants had no significant difference in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). The content of total cholesterol in blood had no interaction, but decrease (P<0.01) in the supplemented catechin group. Also, the supplementation with catechin showed increase in the SOD activity of blood, and lower corticosterone and IgM levels of broilers. The contents of HSP70 and MDA in liver decrease (P<0.05) with the supplementation of antioxidants, and HSP70 showed an interaction between groups. DPPH radical scavenging ability in breast meat increased (P<0.01) in catechin, but meat quality did not show difference according to treatments. Respiratory rate decreased (P<0.05) in catechin, but no interaction with vitamin C. In conclusion, the combination of vitamin C and catechin can alleviate stress under high temperature, such as HSP70 and MDA, but further study on the optimal supplemental level is needed.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 2014

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different fat source feeding on growth performance, visceral organ weight, meat color, excreta microflora and blood profiles in broilers. A total of 768 1-d-old ROSS 308 broilers (mixed gender) with an initial average body weight of 39.68 ± 0.14 g were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 12 replicate pens per treatment and 16 broilers per pen for 32 days. Dietary treatments were: 1) SBO, basal diet + 5% soybean oil, 2) PF, basal diet + 5% poultry fat, 3) TAL, basal diet + 5% tallow, and 4) LARD, basal diet + 5% lard. During d 1 to 14, broilers fed TAL diet had a higher (P<0.05) body weight gain (BWG) than broilers fed with PF and LARD diets, moreover, broilers fed TAL diet had a higher (P<0.05) feed intake than broilers fed SBO, PF and LARD diets. Overall (d 0-32), BWG in SBO and TAL treatments was greater (P<0.05) than that in LARD treatment. The meat color a^* (redness) of broilers fed with LARD diet was increased (P<0.05) compared with broilers fed with PF and TAL diets. No difference was observed in visceral organ weight of liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, breast muscle, abdominal fat, gizzard and excreta concentrations of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli. The blood LDL cholesterol concentration in TAL treatment was higher (P<0.05) than that in LARD treatment. In conclusion, broilers supplementation with tallow could improve not only the body weight gain and feed intake but also blood LDL cholesterol concentration. Moreover, broiler fed lard could increase a^* (radness) of meat color, while the soybean oil supplementation improve body weight gain in broilers.