Uzair

This study explored the potential of hemp seed cake (HSC) as an ingredient in broiler chicken diets. The assessment focused on production performance characteristics, carcass weight, dressing percentage (DP), and apparent nutrient retention to determine the overall impact of HSC on broiler performance. Three hundred male broiler chicks (Ross-308, one day old) were distributed into five groups with different percentages of HSC inclusion: 0% (HSC0), 5% (HSC5), 10% (HSC10), 15% (HSC15), and 20% (HSC20), using a completely randomized design (CRD) over 35 days. Each group comprised six replicates, with 10 chicks per replicate (pen). Feed intake (FI) was markedly elevated in the HSC10 group, but body weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were considerably enhanced in the HSC5 and HSC10 groups relative to the other groups (p<0.05). Carcass weight and DP were significantly higher in the HSC10 group compared with the other groups. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude fiber (CF) was markedly enhanced in the HSC5 and HSC10 groups, whereas organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) were higher in the HSC10 group compared with the other groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HSC20 group had the lowest ash content compared with the other groups (p<0.05). These results indicate that the inclusion of HSC at 5-10% can enhance growth performance, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and nutrient digestibility in broilers, and thus is an economically viable protein source for poultry.

This study evaluated the effect of Phyllanthus niruri combined with B-complex vitamins and vitamin C administered through drinking water on the growth performance and meat lipid profile of broilers. A total of 200 male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4) with supplementation levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/L of drinking water, respectively. Each group contained four replicates of 10 birds each, in a completely randomized design (CRD). The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp., USA). The experiment lasted 20 days, from 15 to 35 days of age. The results showed significantly higher weight gain (p<0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p<0.05) in the T2, T3, and T4 groups compared with the T0 and T1 groups. Regarding the lipid profile, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups compared with the remaining groups. Conversely, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the T0 group compared with all other groups. In conclusion, supplementation with Phyllanthus niruri and vitamins improved growth performance and the lipid profile of broiler meat. The optimal response was achieved at 3 g/L of drinking water, suggesting that this phytogenic-vitamin combination is a promising nutritional strategy for producing healthier broiler meat.

This study assessed the impact of four stocking densities (14.35, 10.76, 8.61, and 7.18 birds/m²) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, hematological and serum biochemical indices, and economic efficiency of broilers raised in open-sided housing under natural heat stress (32-38 °C; relative humidity 65-80%). A total of 360 male chicks (Ross-308) were randomly allocated to four treatments, with six replicates of 15 birds each, in a completely randomized design over 35 days. Broilers raised at 8.61 and 7.18 birds/m² showed higher (p<0.05) feed intake and body weight gain than those raised at 14.35 and 10.76 birds/m². Feed conversion ratio was improved in birds provided 8.61 and 7.18 birds/m². Carcass characteristics and cut-up part yields were not significantly affected by stocking density. Hematological analysis revealed higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocyte percentage, and serum protein levels in birds reared at lower densities (8.61 and 7.18 birds/m²). Broilers kept at 14.35 birds/m² had higher levels of heterophils, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, corticosterone, ALT, AST, and ALP. In terms of economics, 8.61 birds/m² produced the highest net profit and cost-benefit ratio, even though 7.18 birds/m² generated higher overall income. According to these results, under the environmental and management conditions of the present study, 8.61 birds/m² appeared to provide the most favorable balance between growth performance and economic return in broilers raised in open-sided housing during a hot season.

This study examined the impact of poppy seed (PS, Papaver somniferum) supplementation on the growth performance, organ weight, intestinal histomorphology, and economics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) production. A total of 240-day-old unsexed Japanese quails obtained from a local market were divided into four groups: C, PS10, PS15, and PS20 in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further divided into 6 replicates, with 10 quails per replicate. Group C was designated as the control group, while groups PS10, PS15, and PS20 were supplemented with PS at respectively 10, 15, and 20 g/kg in their feed for 35 days. The results showed significantly increased feed intake (449.4 g), weight gain (125.0 g), and better feed conversion ratio (3.50) in the PS20 diet group compared with the C. Similarly, significantly higher organ weight, villus height (0.990 mm) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) (6.08), and the lowest crypt depth (0.164 mm) were observed in the PS20 diet group. Similarly, PS20 showed the highest gross return, net return, and cost-benefit ratio (CBR), and the lowest mortality rate as compared with all other groups. The results of this study suggest that adding PS to quails’ feed can improve growth performance, reduce mortality, and enhance intestinal morphology, making it a promising approach to enhancing quail productivity.