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Shaping Goose Meat Quality: The Role of Genotype and Soy-Free Diets
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genotype and diet on geese from crossbreeding meat lines Tapphorn (T) and Eskildsen (E). This study was conducted on 240 crossbred geese assigned to two dietary groups: an SBM diet group fed a standard soybean-based diet and an LPS diet group fed a yellow lupin-based diet. Birds were reared under identical management conditions and slaughtered at 17 weeks of age. The following traits were recorded: meat colour (CIELab), pH24, cooking loss, breast and thigh muscle texture (shear force and energy), and sensory traits. The results showed a significant effect of both genotype and diet on meat quality. The LPS diet lowered shear force and energy (by ~11%, p < 0.001), reduced cooking loss in breast muscles (by ~5%, p < 0.001), and improved the juiciness and flavour of thigh muscles. The ET genotype positively influenced the meat colour intensity (lower L*, higher a*), while the lupin-based diet improved technological parameters, especially the water-holding capacity. The results confirm that replacing soybean meal with yellow lupin protein is an effective nutritional strategy that can improve goose meat quality and sustainability without compromising the sensory quality. These outcomes support developing soy-free feeding strategies in goose production to meet consumer expectations and reduce reliance on imported feed.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative methods for controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens: a field trial
Abstract Currently, coccidiostats are the primary and standard method of combating coccidiosis in poultry farms. However, consumer organizations still point to the need to phase out all chemotherapeutic substances from animal nutrition to protect human health. The research material consisted of 720 cocks of the Cobb 500 hybrid, which were divided into three groups (C – coccidiostat/control, V – vaccine, and H – herbals). The following parameters were analyzed: body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, foot pad dermatitis (FPD), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and the number of oocysts per 1g of feces (OPG). On day 42, the BW of the C group was higher compared with the V and H groups. The C group was also characterized by the best FCR and the highest EPEF. In the V group, oocysts were noted in feces from the 14th day of rearing, and the highest oocysts content was observed on the 21st day of life. In the C and H groups, the highest number of oocysts was recorded in the feces on the 28th day. The investigated alternative methods to coccidiostats showed good antiparasitic potential. Therefore, combining a couple of anticoccidiosis methods in preventive programs may be the best solution in broiler chickens production.
Effects of two alternative feeding diets on growth, feed efficiency and meat quality in crossbreeding goose populations
Abstract This study evaluated the effects of two dietary protein sources - standard soybean meal (SBM) and local protein sources (LPS: yellow lupin and rapeseed meal) - on growth performance, feed efficiency, and meat quality in two goose reciprocal crossbred populations of Eskildsen (E) and Tapphorn (T). The research material consisted of 240 geese (120 from each of the two groups TE and ET). The following traits were recorded: growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass composition, and meat chemical composition, including fatty acid profiles. Results showed that LPS-fed geese had reduced body weight gain (BWG) during the first 28 days; however, this difference diminished over time. While final body weights were similar, cumulative feed intake was higher and FCR less efficient in the LPS group. The TE genotype exhibited superior growth and carcass weights compared to ET, suggesting a maternal heterosis effect. Although protein and mineral content were unaffected, meat from LPS-fed geese had higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower fat content, indicating potential nutritional benefits. In conclusion, yellow lupin can serve as a viable alternative to SBM in goose diets. On the other hand, effects of population on these studied traits are usually significant. It indicates formulating feeding strategies should be included genetic origin of population.
Effects of hygiene methods on the microbiome and resistome of poultry litter
Abstract The inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry farming and the presence of antibiotic residues in the environment significantly impact the development of resistance among microorganisms present in the production ecosystem. The environment of the henhouse, including chicken manure, creates excellent conditions for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs). The presence of ARBs in the litter often leads to the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Considering the risks associated with the agricultural use of manure, all sanitation treatments applied to poultry litter before its agricultural use should effectively eliminate physicochemical (antibiotic residues, heavy metals) and microbiological (ARBs, ARGs) hazards. This review aims to analyse the current practices in rational manure management, aligned with bio-economy principles, and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance and pathogens in the poultry production ecosystem. This review considered biological, chemical and physical processes for poultry litter treatment applicable in livestock settings, including the use of biopreparations, humic substances, and aluminosilicates during chicken rearing. Post-rearing methods such as the application of organic additives, minerals (calcium compounds), and silver-based nano preparations are also discussed, along with biological and physical methods such as storage, anaerobic digestion, composting and pasteurisation.
Effect of emulsifier and multicarbohydrase enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler diets containing rapeseed meal
Influence of Effective Microorganisms and Clinoptilolite on Gut Barrier Function, Intestinal Health and Performance of Broiler Chickens during Induced Eimeria tenella Infection
The prohibition of certain coccidiostats in poultry has created a need to seek an alternative to control Eimeria infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of effective microorganisms (EM) in a multi-strain probiotic (Bokashi®), with clinoptilolite as a feed supplement on the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and redox enzymes in the caecal tissue of chickens infected with E. tenella. The integrity of the intestinal barrier was tested by determining the concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) in the chicken’s serum. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 male chickens received diets with a 0.5% or 0.8% concentration of the probiotic together with clinoptilolite. The experiment used 5 treatment groups, and a control group, each with 5 replicates with 20 birds. The results indicate that the use of the 8 kg/t of feed multi-strain probiotic together with clinoptilolite in the diet of poultry caused a significant reduction in the number of E. tenella oocysts in the faeces and caecum and significantly improved the growth rate of chicken broilers infected with E. tenella. In addition, the probiotic and clinoptilolite enhanced antioxidant processes in the caecal mucosa and reduced oxidative stress induced by E. tenella infection.
Influence of the genotype of the hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) on main parameters of egg quality, chemical composition of the eggs under uniform environmental conditions
The effect of feed supplementation with zinc glycine chelate and zinc sulphate on hepatic proteome profiles in chickens
Wpływ zróżnicowanych warunków termicznych towarzyszących podczas ekstruzji na powstawanie izomerów kwasu fitynowego oraz strawność składników pokarmowych oznaczonych w doświadczeniu na kurczętach rzeźnych
Influence of a multi-strain probiotic and zinc-glycine chelate, administered in ovo, on immune response in newly hatched chicks
IntroductionThe supplementation of chicken embryos with bioactive compounds may elicit a beneficial effect on the development of their gut microbiome and enhance protection against infectious agents after hatching. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of in ovo co-supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic and zinc-glycine chelate on the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, acute-phase proteins, and immunoglobulins in the peripheral blood and tissues of broiler chickens on the day of hatching and 7 days post hatching. The effect of supplementation on the growth parameters of chickens was assessed as well.MethodsThe study was conducted on 1,500 hatching eggs from a broiler breeding flock (Ross × Ross 308) at 36 weeks. ELISA kits were used to determine levels of acute-phase proteins and immunoglobulins. Expression of immunoglobulins was determined by means of qRT-PCR.ResultsThe results indicate enhanced synthesis of acute-phase proteins in the liver and increased levels of serum amyloid A in the small intestine tissue, as well as IgA and IgM mRNA and suppressed synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α. During the cumulative experimental period (days 0–42), the mean body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) in the group supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic were statistically significantly lower than the control group.DiscussionIt may be concluded that the combined in ovo use of a multi-strain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate modulates the immune response, helps maintain the balance between the synthesis of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, inhibits inflammatory processes, and stimulates immune system development.
Implementation of a metabolizable energy regression model for black soldier fly larvae fat in broiler chicken diets: effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and selected physiological indices
A conventional hatchery vs “on-farm” hatching of broiler chickens in terms of microbiological and microclimatic conditions
The Effect of Glutamine as Feed Additive on Selected Parameters of the Nonspecific Immune Response in Pigs
The use of feed additives containing glutamine can influence the growth and development of piglets during the weaning period. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feed supplementation with 0.5% L-glutamine on selected parameters of the nonspecific immune response of pigs. The research was carried out on 60 pigs (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace), from 28 days of age to slaughter. The obtained results showed an increased percentage of phagocytic cells (monocytes and granulocytes) and oxygen blast cells in pigs between 28 and 70 days of age, proving that non-specific immune mechanisms were stimulated, which contributed to the improvement of the processes of antigen elimination from the body. The increase in the percentage of cells expressing SWC3, CD11b/CD18+, CD14+ and CD14+CD16+ molecules on granulocytes and monocytes during this period resulted in the enhancement of the host defense mechanisms by stimulating phagocytosis and enhancing the mechanisms of a non-specific immune response. The high concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β as well as Il-10 in the experimental group indicates the cellular phenotype of the Th1-type response, and the maintenance of the immune balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and ensuring the homeostasis of the organism.
The Effect of Exogenous Amylase Supplementation on the Nutritional Value of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) for Broiler Chickens
The present study aimed to investigate whether the exogenous addition of amylase enhances the nutritional value of pea seeds for broiler chickens. In total, 84 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used for the experimental study. During the first phase of the experiment (1–16 d), all birds in each treatment were fed with a corn–soybean meal reference diet. After this time, the first treatment (control) was still fed the reference diet. In the second and third treatment, 50% of the reference diet was replaced with 50% pea seeds. In addition, the third treatment was supplemented with exogenous amylase. Animal excreta were collected on 21 d and 22 d of the experiment. The birds were sacrificed at the end of the experiment (23 d), and samples of ileum content were collected. The experimental results showed that the exogenous addition of amylase significantly improved (p < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of the crude protein (CP), starch, and dry matter (DM) of pea. In addition, an improvement in the AID of essential amino acids in pea seeds (except Phe) was observed. The trend in the AMEN values was also noted (p = 0.076). It can be concluded that supplementation with exogenous amylase improves the nutritional value of pea seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.
The effect of different medium-chain fatty acids, calcium butyrate, and salinomycin on performance, nutrient utilization and gastrointestinal tract of chicken of Polish Green-Legged Partridge hen
Abstract The present study aimed to determine the effect of diets supplemented by feed additives, on the growth performance and digestive tract functioning in chicken of Green-Legged Partridge hen (GLPH). Two types of diets were used. Both the “low-digestible” (LD) diet characterized by high level of crude fiber and lard, and the “high-digestible” (HD) diet characterized by low content of crude fiber and soybean oil were supplemented by different additives such as 0.34% DM (dry matter) salinomycin, 0.30% DM medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), 1.00% DM calcium butyrate (CB), or 0.85% DM medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). The experiment was conducted on 960 one-day-old male chickens of GLPH, randomly divided into 10 treatment groups. One group consisted of 12 replications (each with 8 birds). Chickens fed HD diet presented significantly higher body weight gain (BWG) in 15–56 days and also 0–56 days of experiment and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) during whole time (0–56 days) of experiment (P<0.05). Addition of CB and MCFA did not affect the differences in BWG (15–56; 0–56 days) and FCR (15–56 days) in comparison with the control diet. Significant interaction between the type of diet and additives (P<0.05) was observed for feed intake (FI) throughout the experiment. The highest FI was found on LD diet with CB. On LD diet, all additives resulted in significantly worse nitrogen retention, however, on HD diet, it was observed only for salinomycin. The additives had no impact on fat digestibility when chickens were fed HD diet. There was significant (P<0.05) lower-fat digestibility when LD diet with MCT, CB, and MCFA was used. The greatest value of nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEN) was found on HD diet (P<0.05). The addition of MCT, CB, and MCFA increased the percentage share of ileum, and MCT also significantly increased the percentage share of the liver. The lactic acid bacteria and C. perfringens counts were lower on HD diet (P<0.05). The addition of MCT and CB increased the count of lactic acid bacteria in caeca (P<0.05). Many interactions between experimental factors in this experiment showed that the efficacy of using different feed additives depends on the type of diet. The results suggest that MCFA may be the most beneficial feed additive for GLPH chicken as an alternative for antibiotic growth promoters (AGP).
