<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The growth, haemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens fed varying levels of Guanidino Acetic Acid (GAA) were evaluated over the course of an eight-week feeding trial. In low ME (2700Kcal/kg) basal diets, the Guanidino Acetic Acid was supplemented at 0, 0.6, and 1.2g/kg, designated as diets I, II, and III, respectively. The average final weight of chickens fed diet III was the highest at the end of the feeding trial. The best feed conversion ratio was observed in birds fed diet III. The packed cell volume and haemoglobin were highest in birds fed diet I. Significantly higher Cholesterol and Albumin were recorded in diets III and II, respectively. All the antioxidant parameters were significant except Catalase. The glutathione peroxidase increased with increased Guanidino acetic Acid supplementation while Catalase reduced with increased GAA supplementation. According to the findings of this study, Guanidino Acetic Acid improved the health of broilers while having no negative effects on their health. It is therefore concluded that supplementation of Guanidino Acetic Acid at 1.2g/kg with low metabolizable energy promoted superior growth effect of the chickens and also reduce cost of production.
</abstract>

Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidants status of broiler chickens fed diet with low metabolizable energy supplemented with graded levels of Guanidino Acetic Acid (GAA)

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study evaluated the effect of some herbal plants as natural feed additives on broiler production parameters, carcass parts, and breast meat quality. A total of 150 broiler chicks, Cobb 500 hybrid, were allocated to five treatments with 30 broilers /group, for 42 days. The experimental treatments were: Control (C); a diet containing 5% alfalfa meal (A); a diet containing 5% alfalfa meal and 1% basil (AB); a diet containing 5% alfalfa and 1% thyme (AT) and a diet containing 5% alfalfa and 1% sage (AS). Bodyweight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected in AS group compared with C and A groups. Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher only in A and AB groups. Experimental groups had significantly greater (P&lt;0.05) gizzard weight. The total polyphenols content and the antioxidant capacity were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in AB, AT, and AS groups versus the C group. The cholesterol concentration was significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased in AB, AT, and AS meat samples compared with C and A samples. Instrumental colour measurements indicated significant alterations (P&lt;0.05) among the groups regarding the values of L*, a*, b*, H°, C*, and ΔE*. The texture analysis showed that hardness, gumminess, and chewiness were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in AB, AT, and AS groups than in C and A groups.
</abstract>

Herbal Plants as Feed Additives in Broiler Chicken Diets

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the storage time on the hatching traits of eggs obtained from a two-line dual-purpose combination for production of male chickens that will be utilized for meat. The trial was carried out in the experimental poultry farm of the Institute of Animal Science-Kostinbrod, with a total of 150 Lohmann Brown Classic layers, at the age of 54 weeks. Hatching eggs were gathered for three weeks and were stored for 5, 10 and 15 days at 15-18°C ambient temperature prior incubation. The storage time had no effect on the fertility of the set eggs, however, it adversely affected the hatchability. Prolonged storage led to significant decline in the total hatchability (P=0.0027) and the hatchability of the fertile eggs (P&lt;0.0001) which was lowest after 15 days of storage prior incubation. The viability of the chickens was influenced by the storage of the eggs prior incubation (P&lt;0.0001), and decreased considerably when the chicks were hatched from eggs stored for 15 days.
</abstract>

Effect of Storage Time On the Hatchability of Eggs of Two-Line Dual-Purpose Combination for Production of Male Chickens for Meat

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of synbiotic and organic acids on oxidative stability of breast broiler meat. The experiment consists on 120, 2 days old Ross 308 chicks, housed in metabolic cages (6 chicks/cage). A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement was considered with 4 treatments and 5 replicates (30 animals per group). Two different levels of synbiotic (0 and 10 g/kg) and two different levels of organic acids (0 and 1.5 g/kg) were added to the standard diets in order to constitute the four experimental diets. For further analysis, breast meat from 6 animals per group were collected in 42nd experimental day. No significant differences were noticed for any oxidative parameter measured in breast samples except TBARS (significant decreased values for OA supplemented groups), at the end of experiment. After 4 days of refrigeration (4°C), the secondary oxidative products (panisidine, TBARS) were significant smaller for E groups, compared to C. After 7 days of refrigeration (4°C), the OA groups had significant smaller values for primary (CD) and secondary oxidation products. Synbiotic and organic acids supplements presented positive effect on meat quality by increasing oxidative stability of breast meat during storage.</abstract>

Oxidative stability of breast meat from broilers fed diets supplemented with synbiotic and organic acids

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
It was studied the main indicators of the functionality of reproductive system and their interrelation with the productivity indices of imported cows populations Holstein breed, belonging to 3 ecological types: the Dutch, the French and the German and our indigenous Moldovian type Black-Motley breed. The service period, was the shortest in cows of Moldovian type of Black-Motley breed with 38.1 days (P˂0.001), 30.2 days (P˂0.001) and by 14.5 days (P˂0.01.), compared to the Holstein German, Dutch and French ecological types, respectively. The difference of the duration of calvings interval between indigenous population and French ecological type was 18.2 days (p&lt;0.01), compared to the German 46 days (P&lt;0.001) and to the Dutch 36,5 days (P&lt;0.001). There has been a difference of 9,9% in birth coefficient, between Moldovian type and Holstein German ecological type (p˂0.05). The best result of the coefficient of reproductive capacity has the indigenous type, opposite of German ecological type, which has the lowest performance (P˂0.001). Between the service period and the productivity indicators of the milk, regardless of the origin of the animal populations, were predominantly established, authentic positive correlative interrelationships, from weak to strong and statistically negative between productivity indices and the coefficient of the reproductive capacity of cows.
</abstract>

Reproductive performance of cows of different ecotypes of black-and-white breeds

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of the study was to develop a dual-purpose cross suitable for rearing in alternative systems and to examine its growth performance and carcass composition in comparison to the parent lines. The experiment was carried out in the experimental poultry farm in the Institute of Animal Science - Kostinbrod. The cross was developed using females of a layer type line L and cocks from line BB. The latter was based on Bresse Gauloise that is also dual purpose but mainly used for meat. The chickens from the lines and the cross were reared in mixed-sex groups on deep litter, at stocking density of 25 birds/m2, and fed with standard broiler feed until the age of 9 weeks. Then the males were separated and sent to slaughter while the females were left for layers. Crossing hens from layer type line L with BB cocks resulted in dual-purpose chickens with a live weight and feed efficiency that were better in comparison to L line, but lower when compared to the BB line. These parameters were however, lower than the typically observed in this type of poultry. Nevertheless, the chickens displayed good carcass composition and deposited low content of abdominal fat, thus revealing good potential to be successfully realized in market.
</abstract>

Development of dual-purpose cross for meat and egg production I. Growth performance and carcass composition of the crossbred chickens in comparison to the parent lines

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study investigated the response of intake, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, N utilisation and growth performance in goats fed concentrate partially substituted with <italic>Parkia biglobosa</italic> foliage (PBF). Fifteen goats were randomly assigned to a control concentrate diet (PBF0) which was partially substituted with 25% PBF (PBF25) or 50% PBF (PBF50) on dry matter (DM) basis. Concentrate, TST and non-fibre carbohydrates intakes (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.001), digestible organic matter (DOM; linear, P=0.001) and urinary N (linear, P=0.039) decreased with increased PBF level. Condensed tannins intake, fibre fractions and cellulose digestibility, faecal N (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.05) and ruminal pH (quadratic, P=0.001) increased with increasing PBF level. Average daily gain, DM and crude protein (CP) digestibility, N intake and retention (quadratic, P&lt;0.05), organic matter and hemicellulose digestibility, DM and nutrient intakes, energy concentration, ruminally-fermented DOM and microbial protein synthesis (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.05), and digestible CP and volatile fatty acids (linear, P&lt;0.05) increased as PBF level increased. Feed:gain ratio and total N excretion (quadratic, P&lt;0.05), and ruminal total N and ammonia N (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.05) decreased in PBF25. It is concluded that PBF is a cost-effective alternative supplement which could reduce the quantity of concentrate for goat feeding by 50%.
</abstract>

Partial substitution of concentrate with <italic>Parkia biglobosa</italic> foliage improves feed utilisation and performance of goats

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of <italic>Ficus carica</italic> leaf powder and vitamin C on the antioxidative status of the meat and brain of two hybrids of broiler chicken. Two hundred- and forty-day-old chicks, each of Arbor Acres (AA) and Cobb 500 (C5) hybrids of broiler chicken were randomly assigned to diets. Diet 1 and 2 had no supplement; diets 3 and 4 supplemented with vitamin C (200mg/kg of basal), diet 5 and 6 received 1g <italic>Ficus carica</italic> Leaf Powder (FCLP)/Kg of basal diet while diets 7 and 8 had 1g FCLP/kg of basal diet + 200mg of vitamin C. The interactive effect of hybrid, vitamin C and FCLP significantly influenced the dressing percentage, gizzard, pancreas, heart and proventriculus. Brain catalase and glutathione were significantly influenced by the hybrid, vitamin C and FCLP inclusion. Dietary supplementation of FCLP and vitamin C significantly lower the lipid peroxidation of the meat. There was significant interactive effect of the factors on lipid peroxidation while meat catalase and glutathione were significantly increased by the inclusion of FCLP. This study revealed that the dietary inclusions of broilers’ diets with 1g FCLP and 200mg vitamin C/kg of feed could influence carcass and organs weights as well as improve meat quality and brain antioxidant status of broiler chicken, with the C5 hybrid showing better antioxidative status.
</abstract>

Carcass and antioxidative status of the brain and meat of two hybrids of broiler chicken fed <italic>Ficus carica</italic> leaf powder and vitamin C supplemented diets

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This research was carried out to evaluate the influence of cage tiers height on cloaca temperature, performance and egg quality of Isa-Brown laying birds. A total of One hundred and eight (108) Isa-Brown laying birds were selected from a healthy stock. The poultry house contained conventional battery cages arranged in a three-tier design. One unit of the battery cage made up of three (3) tiers with three (3) cells per tier was setup to accommodate three (3) birds per cell and a total of 27 birds per unit cage. This setup was replicated for three additional cage units. The performance of the birds was evaluated in terms of the egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, hen day production, and total feed consumed. The results revealed no significant (P &gt;0.05) difference among cage tiers in terms of egg weight and feed conversion ratio but egg mass, hen day production and total feed consumed were significantly influenced. Highest egg mass (38.96g), highest Hen Day production (78.66%) and highest daily feed intake (99.01g) were recorded in birds raised in the upper tier of the cage. For the period of the study, cloaca temperature ranged between 36 °C and 41 °C. Cloaca temperature was not significantly (P &gt;0.05) affected by cage tiers height. In comparison to layers raised in low-tier cages, those raised in high-tier cages had higher egg production and better feed efficiency. These findings suggest that cage tier heights play an important role in the production performance of laying hens but cloaca temperature was not affected. However, further researches on the effect of cage tiers height on cloaca temperature should be carried out in a controlled setting
</abstract>

Influence of cage tiers height on cloaca temperature, performance, and egg quality of Isa-Brown laying hens reared in a humid tropical climate

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Antibiotics and zinc oxide are therapeutic agents widely used in the livestock industries, reducing significantly the negative effects of weaning by improving the growth rate and decreasing mortality. Although, due to the potential public and environmental risks associated with antibiotic resistance and soil pollution their use in the E.U. has been drastically reduced or banned, thus, alternative solutions been necessary to be develop. The addition of polyphenols to animal feed has shown promising results, as they have a broad antimicrobial activity including against <italic>E. coli</italic> F4 (K88). Moreover, it has been observed to hold a wide range of beneficial properties such as antidiarrhoeic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. In the present study <italic>in vitro</italic> experiments were performed in order to investigate the antimicrobial activity of several polyphenolic extracts obtained from mustard seed meals of two origins (Poland and Moldavia), grape seed meal, sea buckthorn seed meal, rapeseed meal, and rapeseed meal fermented with S. cerevisiae, against <italic>E. coli</italic> F4 (K88) proliferation measured at different intervals for 24 hours. The results revealed that polyphenols have a considerable antimicrobial effect in high concentrations. The inhibition was dependent also on polyphenol composition and even the origin place. Withal, it was observed that the polyphenols extracted from rapeseed meal and fermented rapeseed meal presented noticeable differences in inhibition, in similar concentrations, this suggesting that the fermentation process considerably affects the profile of rapeseed meal polyphenols. Likewise for the Moldavian mustard seed extract which significantly inhibited bacterial growth from very low concentrations although it had a low concentration of total polyphenols. Thus, the polyphenolic content of fermented rape seed meal extract presented an enhanced antimicrobial activity against <italic>E. coli</italic> F4 (K88) compared with the non-fermented rape seed meal extract. Although the total polyphenol concentration was lower in FRSM than in RSM. Polyphenols extracted from Moldavia mustard seed meal exhibited remarkable efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth. Notably, even at a concentration as low as 3.71 µg/ml, the polyphenols demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, effectively combating bacterial development. Overall, our study demonstrated that polyphenols represent a promising substitute for antibiotics and zinc oxide and might represent an encouraging long-term solution in overcoming the weaning crisis in pigs. <italic>In vivo</italic> experimentations are needed to validate these results.
</abstract>

Antimicrobial potential of polyphenols obtained from agro-industrial by-products

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Initially, the nutritional value of the three main by-products of <italic>Cannabis sativa</italic> (hempseed cake, second-rate quality hemp seed and hemp hay), cultivated under Greek conditions and collected from four plantations in the Macedonian region was estimated. A second part of the study was the investigation of the effects of diet inclusion with hempseed cake (HSC) on the performance of Holstein dairy cows. The HSC used for this experiment was the one analyzed in the first part of the study. A total number of 20 lactating cows were allocated into two equal groups in a randomized block design. Cows of both groups were offered a total mixed ration (TMR) on the same feed allowance. The diet of the experimental group was formulated with 3.5 % hemp cake, at a quantity of 1kg of hemp cake per cow per day. Milk yield was recorded individually, and feed refusals were recorded on a pen basis daily, during the first 40 days of lactation. Individual milk samples were analyzed for their chemical composition, lipid oxidative stability and fatty acid composition and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, as well as feed samples of each group. Individual blood samples were received for biochemical indices assessment. All data were subjected ANOVA statistical analysis. The results of hemp by-products chemical profile showed similar nutritional values among the different cultivation regions. The experimental results indicated that the inclusion of HSC did not affect milk production and composition (P &gt; 0.05). However, diet inclusion with HSC favorably influenced milk fatty acid profile. Finally, serum NEFA concentration was lower for the HSC group while serum urea levels were higher (P &lt; 0.05).
</abstract>

Evaluation of hemp cake (<italic>Cannabis sativa</italic>) and other hemp by-products of Greek origin and efficacy in dairy cow nutrition

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Current nutritional strategies of livestock industry are focused on evaluating the effects of terrestrial sources rich in natural bioactive compounds that can be used in farm animal feed and the subsequent implications on the quality of resulting animal products. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize from a nutritional point of view some natural plants used as phyto-additives in poultry nutrition: oregano, mint, basil, sage, fenugreek, thyme, turmeric, cumin and rosemary. The results of this study on plants nutritional evaluation showed a varied proximate analysis. Of all the plants, cumin, fenugreek and basil were the richest source of crude protein. Thyme had a large ether extractives content, followed by rosemary, sage and cumin. The obtained results revealed that oregano has the strongest antioxidant capacity (849.77 mmols equiv. asc. acid; 863.57 mmols equiv. vit. E), the highest total polyphenols concentration (86.77 mg GAE/g) and lutein and zeaxanthin (304.23 μg/g) of the analysed plants. Nevertheless, all plants had high concentration of total polyphenols, except cumin, a large amount of xanthophylls and vitamin E. After oregano, sage and thyme have been noted for their antioxidant capacity and major antioxidant compounds. Basil and sage revealed the highest amount of essential trace elements.</abstract>

Nutritional characterization of some natural plants used in poultry nutrition

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The mycotoxins ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEA) are frequent contaminants of cereals responsible for important toxic effects in human and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of the sea buckthorn meal extract in alleviating the toxic effect of ochratoxin A and zearalenone on oxidative stress and inflammation using porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our results have shown that both zearalenone and ochratoxin causes oxidative damage and alter the inflammatory response. The use of the sea buckthorn meal extract can improve some markers of the oxidative stress (total antioxidant status) and inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6) altered by exposure to the mycotoxins ZEA and OTA and our results indicate that this waste represents a promising biological method that can be used for the alleviation of the mycotoxins negative effects.
</abstract>

Effect of sea buckthorn meal extract in alleviating the toxic effect of ochratoxin A and zearalenone in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Grape seed cakes (GSC) resulted from grape seed oil extraction represent a by-product rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fibres, minerals, vitamins etc known for their beneficial anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidative and immune-modulatory effects. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of dietary grape seed cakes bioactive compounds on several anti-inflammatory and antioxidative biomarkers in spleen of pigs during fattening phase. Twelve crossbred TOPIG hybrid fattening pigs were allocated to two experimental treatments: 1) commercial diet (control group) and 2) a diet including 5% grape seed cakes (GSC group) for 24 days. At the end of experimental period (day 24) pigs were sacrificed and spleen samples were collected and stored at –80°C until analysis. The results showed that GSC diet lowered the gene expression as well as the protein concentration of pro-inflammatory markers: interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β, -52.66%, p&lt;0.05) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ, -42.13%, p&lt;0.05) and had a tendency to decrease that of interleukin 6 (IL-6, -13.25%), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α, -9.06%) and interleukin 8 (IL-8, -11.08%) when compared to control diet confirming the anti-inflammatory properties of GSC’s active ingredients. The total splenic antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx) were higher in spleen of pigs fed GSC diet than in control group suggesting also the antioxidative potential of GSC. The results related to the molecular mechanism showed a higher expression of gene encoding for PPAR-γ and for Nrf2 in spleen of pigs receiving the GSC diet (Fc 1.81 and 1.58) suggesting that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of this diet is probably exerted by PPAR-γ and Nrf2 pathway. Further, other percent of dietary GSC inclusion need to be investigated in order to obtain a more complex response related to biomarkers which characterise the fattening/obesity process.</abstract>

Active ingredients from oil by-products modulate spleen inflammatory and antioxidant response in pigs

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The study evaluated the effects of a <italic>Lactobacillus</italic> strains probiotic mix on performance, carcass traits, organs size, and intestinal microflora in broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old unsexed broilers were allotted into 2 groups with 5 replicates (20 broilers/replicate). During the feeding trial (35 d) the broilers were fed with a control (basal diet) or probiotic (basal diet plus 3% probiotic mix <italic>L. acidophilus</italic> and <italic>L. plantarum</italic>, 1:1 ratio). The probiotic supplementation did not significantly influence the performance, carcass traits and organs size of broilers at slaughter age. No effect of probiotic supplementation on visceral weight or length was observed, except a higher of jejunum (P=0.007) and ileum (P=0.013) weights, and a tendency to higher the caecum length (P=0.070). The probiotic mix had no significant effect on the intestinal pH, but it improved the microflora by decreasing the <italic>Enterobacteria</italic> and <italic>E. coli</italic> counts and increasing the <italic>Lactobacilli</italic> counts and <italic>Lactobacilli</italic>: <italic>E. coli</italic> ratio in the ileum and caecum (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the probiotic mix (<italic>L. acidophilus</italic> and <italic>L. plantarum</italic> mix, 1:1 ratio) did not significantly affect the productive performance but had a positive effect on broilers’ gut microflora.
</abstract>

Performance and intestinal microflora response of broilers to a probiotic mixture supplementation

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>During two feeding trials, the effect of dietary phytogenic mixture on the performance and oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver of broilers reared under thermoneutral conditions (TN) and heat stress (HS) was studied. A number of 60 Cobb 500 chicks/trial were sheltered in environmentally-controlled digestibility cages. On the 14 days of age, the chicks were weighted and assigned to four groups (2 groups/trial with 30 chicks/group). In the first trial, two groups (C-TN and PM-TN) were kept in thermoneutral conditions. In the second trial, other two groups were kept (C-HS and PM-HS) in heat stress (32 ±1 °C). The structure of diets was the same in both experiments. Compared with the control diet (C), the experimental diet (PM) contained the addition of 1% phytogenic mixture (bilberry leaves, peppermint leaves, fennel leaves and sea buckthorn meal). Irrespective of temperature conditions, dietary PM did not affect broiler’s performance. The dietary supplementation of PM delayed protein and lipid oxidation in the liver tissue of broilers in both trials by increasing the hepatic catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity.</abstract>

Dietary phytogenic mixture for broilers reared under thermoneutral and heat stress conditions

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 Aims   Archiva Zootehnica (AZ) is an international and interdisciplinary open access journal published in English, owned by INCDBNA Balotesti. AZ publishes...

 Aims   Archiva Zootehnica (AZ) is an international and interdisciplinary open access journal published in English, owned...

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