Feed additives in poultry nutrition

Background and Aim: Silicon dioxide and betaine supplements are essential in the poultry diet to improve growth and laying performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of activated silicon dioxide (ASD) and betaine supplementation on quails' growth performance during the starter period and on follicular development and productive parameters at the onset of the laying period. Materials and Methods: The research used 1064 quails, aged 7 days. Four treatments were employed: A basal diet (control), a diet supplemented with 200 ppm ASD, a diet supplemented with 0.12% betaine, and a diet supplemented with a combination of 200 ppm ASD and 0.12% betaine (ASD+Betaine). Each diet group included seven replicates of 38 quails. The observed parameters were the quails' growth performance during the starter period and follicular development and egg production during the onset of the laying period. Results: The results showed that combined supplementation with ASD+Betaine improved ...

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on overall performance of broiler. A total of 96-day old Cobb-500 chicks were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups namely T0, T1, T2and T3having three replications in each treatment group. Brooded chicks were randomly separated into replications wise separate pen to rear up to 4 weeks. Each treatment group contains 24 birds (8 birds in each replication). Experimental birds in T1, T2 and T3 were provided fenugreek seeds meal with 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% of feed while T0was provided with standard feed and considered as control group. The results of this study were indicated that final live weight gain and feed efficiency of birds was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 compared to T2,  and T0 respectively. The result also indicated that feed efficiency was increased at dose rate of 1.5% fenugreek seeds meal in T3 compared to T2, T1 and control T0 group respectively. In case of meat yield parameters there was significant (P<0.05) difference among treatment groups except liver weight. The carcass weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 group compared to the control group. The lowest feed cost was found in T0 and highest profit in T3group. Based on the current study, it is concluded that fenugreek seed meal at a dose of 1.5% can be used as growth promoter for the production of broiler chicken.

Dietary fiber (DF) was considered an antinutritional factor due to its adverse effects on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. However, with increasing evidence, scientists have found that DF has enormous impacts on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, digestive physiology, including nutrient digestion, fermentation, and absorption processes of poultry. It may help maintain the small and large intestine's integrity by strengthening mucosal structure and functions and increasing the population and diversity of commensal bacteria in the GIT. Increasing DF content benefits digestive physiology by stimulating GIT development and enzyme production. And the inclusion of fiber at a moderate level in diets also alters poultry growth performance. It improves gut health by modulating beneficial microbiota in the large intestine and enhancing immune functions. However, determining the source, type, form, and level of DF inclusion is of utmost importance to achieve the above-noted benefits. This paper critically reviews the available information on dietary fibers used in poultry and their effects on nutrient utilization, GIT development, gut health, and poultry performance. Understanding these functions will help develop nutrition programs using proper DF at an appropriate inclusion level that will ultimately lead to enhanced DF utilization, overall health, and improved poultry growth performance. Thus, this review will help researchers and industry identify the sources, type, form, and amount of DF to be used in poultry nutrition for healthy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly poultry production.

This study was conducted to assess the apparent defects and grading of hides and skins in Eastern Gojjam zone at three woredas (Dejen, Sinan and Awable). Three warehouses from each woreda were purposively selected and used to generate the data from cow hide, sheep and goat skins. 10% of the total stocks were taken randomly from each warehouse and a total of 180 hides, 2250 sheep skin and 765 goat skins were examined by using close observation. Hides and skins were graded according to the standard set by the Ethiopian Quality and Standard Authority. From these amounts, 74 (41.1%) hides, 750 (33.3%) sheep skins, 151 (31.4%) wet salted and 88 (30.9%) air dried goat skins were grade I; 90 (50%) hides, 1380 (61.3%) sheep, 261 (54.4%) wet salted and 168 (58.9%) air dried goat skins were grade II; 16 (8.9%) hides, 120 (5.3%) sheep skins, 67 (14%) wet salted and 29 (10.2%) air dried goat skin were grade III; and 1 (0.2%) wet salted goat skin was grade IV. The leading observed defects that downgrade the hides were filthiness with a value of 142 (17.9%), gouge mark with a value of 140 (17.7%) and poor pattern with a value of 107 (13.5%). Poor pattern and salt pitting on the hide showed a significant difference at P<0.05 significant level. However there is no significant difference on other defects. The observed primary defects on the sheep skin were filthiness with a value of 494 (22%), poor pattern with a value of 319 (14.2%) and gouge mark with a value of 221 (9.8%). Fly cut, poor pattern, salt crystallization and hard spot showed a marked statistical difference at p<0.05 significant level. The most important defects observed on the wet salted goat skin were filthiness with a value of 136 (28.3%), poor pattern with a value of 88 (18.3%) and fly cut with a value of 75 (15.6%). In this case, poor pattern, filthiness, scores, salt crystallization and salt pitting have shown a significant difference between woredas at P<0.05 significant level. Filthiness with a value of 88 (28.8%), poor pattern with a value of 40 (14%) and fly cut with a value of 32 (11.2%) were the forefront defects of air dried goat skin. Fly cut, poor pattern, corduroying, filthiness and weak spot have shown a statistical significant difference at P<0.05 significant level. This indicates that most defects on hides and skins occurred during slaughtering operations. Therefore, more attention should be taken during slaughtering of animals to get quality hides and skins for national as well as international market, and maximize the country’s foreign currency exchange.

Background and Aim: The potential solution is to use agro-industrial by-products as an unconventional source of raw materials for broiler feed. This study aims to determine the effects of substituting prickly pear (FB; Opuntia ficus-indica) husks for corn and FB seed cake for soybean meal on the production performance, slaughter characteristics, and chemical composition of broiler meat. Materials and Methods: Two hundred day-old chicks of equal sex ratio (1:1) of Big Fast strain, weighing on average 37±2g, were randomly divided into four homogeneous groups of 50 subjects each. Each group was subdivided into 10 packs of five animals, which were banded and numbered. Rations with substitution rates of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of corn and soybean meal by dehydrated husks and FB cake were randomly distributed among the groups. Results: Average daily gains and body weights on 48 days were improved (p&lt;0.05) in 10% and 20% groups, while the 30% group performed identically to the control. Co...

Kunyit (Curcuma longa) merupakan tanaman obat tradisional yang biasa digunakan sebagai bumbu masakan dan sebagai bahan obat meliputi antimikroba, antioksidan,antitumor, dan anti inflamasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui aktivitasantimikroba dan antioksidan dari beberapa organ tanaman kunyit meliputi akar, rimpang,batang, dan daun. Semua bagian diekstraksi dengan etanol dan etil asetat. Seluruh ekstraketanol dan etil asetat diuji aktivitas antimikrobanya menggunakan metode difusi cakramkertas terhadap Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, dan Candida albicans.Kloramfenikol dan nistatin masing-masing digunakan sebagai kontrol positif untuk ujiantibakteri dan antijamur, sedangkan masing-masing pelarut untuk ekstraksi juga digunakansebagai kontrol negatif. Aktivitas antioksidan dilakukan menggunakan metode 1,1-difenil-2pikril hidrazil (DPPH) dan asam askorbat digunakan sebagai standar. Hasil aktivitas antimikroba menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etil asetat dari daun dan b...

Medicinal plants and their derivatives are human-friendly, nutritional supplements, and their
use in the poultry industry is increasing today. Cynara scolymus is a very high-quality antioxidant
medicine plant that has recently attracted the attention of poultry and nutrition
researchers to supplement their rations and reduce feed costs. In the present study, the
effect of powder and extract of C. scolymus on broilers has reviewed. This review shows that
the impact of C. scolymus on production performance, carcass characteristics, liver enzymes
activity, and meat characteristics of broiler chickens are not significant. However, the negative
impact of this compound on these properties has not reported. Moreover, cholesterol
levels reduced by the dietary C. scolymus supplementation. The impact of C. scolymus powder
and extract on chickens’ broiler immunity was not significant in the cited literature, but
dietary C. scolymus powder increases Newcastle antibody titers and lowers blood pressure.
Dietary C. scolymus under heat stress increased anti-sheep red blood cell titers. No substantial
studies have conducted on the effect of C. scolymus on broilers. Therefore, it is not possible
to determine a single dosage for the use of C. scolymus powder or extract in broiler
diets to the improvement of the broiler characteristics. More researches are needed to
determining the appropriate dosage to achieve maximum performance

A 42-d study was conducted to determine the effect of different processing methods of rubber seed meal (RSM) which include soaking, cooking, toasting and fermentation as substitute for soybean meal on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, relative organ weight and carcass qualities of broiler chickens. Three hundred, 1-day old Arbor acre broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments containing the four different processed RSM (soaked, cooked, toasted and fermented RSM) and control diet without RSM, with five replications of twelve birds each in a completely randomized design. Proximate composition revealed that the fermented RSM had higher crude protein content, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration recorded lowest in the cooked RSM than other processed RSM. Birds fed cooked and fermented RSM recorded higher weight gain and feed intake with better feed efficiency than those on toasted and soaked RSM group compared to the control group. The cost/kg weight gain of birds fed cooked and fermented RSM diets was lower than those fed control, soaked and toasted RSM diets. With the exception of crude protein digestibility which was lower in the group fed SRSM, apparent nutrient digestibility variables were similar among the control and other processed RSM diets. Carcass and organ variables were better compared among the control, cooked and fermented RSM groups. Conclusively, cooking and fermentation tend to improve the nutritive potentials of rubber seed than soaking and toasting. Birds fed cooked and fermented RSM maintained superior performance and better carcass qualities at higher savings in terms of cost/kg gain. ÖZ: Etlik piliçlerde soya küspesi yerine ikame olarak, ıslatma, pişirme, ezme ve fermantasyon gibi farklı üretim yöntemleri kullanılarak üretilen kauçuk tohumu küspesinin (KTK) performans, zahiri besin madde sindirilebilirliği, nispi organ ağırlıkları ve karkas kalitesi üzerine etkilerini saptamak için 42 günlük bir çalışma yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada 1 günlük yaşta 300 adet Arbor acre broyler civcivler, 4 farklı metotla (ıslatma, pişirme, ezme ve fermente) üretilen KTK içeren ve KTK içermeyen kontrol grubu olmak üzere, her birinde 12 civciv bulunan 5 tekerrürlü, 5 deneme grubuna rastgele yerleştirilmiştir. Diğer işleme metotları ile karşılaştırıldığında Weende analizleri açısından yalnızca ham protein düzeyi fermente KTK'da daha yüksek iken, hidrojen siyanid düzeyi pişmiş KTK'da en düşük bulunmuştur. Kontrol grubu ile karşılaştırıldığında pişmiş ve fermente KTK ile beslenen piliçlerde canlı ağırlık ve yem tüketimi daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Ayrıca kontrol, ezilmiş KTK ve ıslatılmış KTK gruplarından daha iyi yemden yararlanma oranı elde edilmiştir. Pişmiş ve fermente KTK ile beslenen piliçlerde maliyet/kg canlı ağırlık artışı kontrol grubu, ıslatılmış KTK ve ezilmiş KTK ile beslenen gruplardan daha düşük olmuştur. Islatılmış KTK ile beslenen grupta daha düşük olan ham protein sindirilebilirliği dışında, zahiri besin madde sindirilebilirliği değerleri kontrol ve diğer işlenmiş KTK grupları arasında benzer bulunmuştur. Karkas ve organ parametreleri kontrol, pişmiş ve fermente KTK gruplarında daha iyiydi. Sonuç olarak, pişirme ve fermantasyon kauçuk tohumunun besin değerlerini ıslatma ve ezmeye göre iyileştirmiştir. Pişmiş ve fermente KTK ile beslenen piliçler daha iyi performans ve maliyet/kg ağırlık kazancı ile birlikte daha iyi karkas kalitesi göstermişler.

This study was carried out on 180 day-old cockerels to determine their growth response and faecal egg counts to herbal supplement administration. The birds were brooded and allotted to four treatment groups of 45 birds with three replicates of 15 birds each. The experimental treatment was based on the frequency of administration of the herbal supplement: Control, Weekly, Fortnightly, and every three weeks. Data on growth response and microbial counts were taken. Data obtained were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomised Design. Herbal supplement had significant (P<0.05) effect on the bacteria and oocyst count of cockerels. Bacteria count was highest in the control treatment, while values were significantly similar in cockerels administered with herbal supplement. Oocsyt count was significantly (P<0.05) influenced with highest values obtained in control with lowest values statistically similar in treatment 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The effect of herbal supplement on the growth response of cockerels revealed that most parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by herbal supplement except Feed: Gain and average weight gain. The best Feed: Gain value and average weight gain was obtained in birds administered the herbal supplement weekly (treatment 2). Conclusively, herbal supplement (extracts) can serve and be used as antibiotic alternatives in poultry for better performance and utilization of feed in terms of feed: gain and weight gain particularly to control the growth of harmful bacteria.

The aim of this review article is to discuss the results of experiments on the use of microalgae as the feed material in poultry nutrition. Microalgae are unicellular, photosynthetic aquatic plants. They are introduced to poultry diets mainly as a rich source of n 3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docohexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid, but can also serve as a protein, microelements, vitamins, and antioxidants source, as well as a pigmentation agent. The results of the majority of experiments have shown that microalgae, mainly Spirulina and Chlorella, also as defatted biomass from biofuel production, can be successfully used as feed material in poultry nutrition. They can have beneficial effects, mainly on meat and egg quality, i.e. the increased concentration of n 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids in these products, but also in regards to performance indices and immune function. Positive results were also obtained when fresh microalgae biomass was used to replace antibiotic growth promoter in poultry diets. In conclusion, because of their chemical composition, microalgae can be efficiently used in poultry nutrition to enhance the pigmentation and nutritional value of meat and eggs, as well as a partial replacement of conventional protein sources, mainly soybean meal.

To investigate the influence of emulsifiers on broilers fed low-energy diets, the birds were distributed into three sets—the control was fed the basal diet, the second group was fed diets 50 kcal/kg less than control, and the third group was fed diets 50 kcal/kg less than control and supplemented with 500 g/ton of emulsifiers. The used mixture of exogenous emulsifiers contains phosphatidyl choline, lysophosphatidyl choline, and polyethylene glycol ricinoleate. Although the feed intake was not meaningfully affected by dietary low-energy level with emulsifier inclusion (P = 0.42), the weight gain and FCR were clearly enhanced (P = 0.005 and P = 0.044, respectively). Protein and lipids utilization were decreased by reducing energy level, but they were increased by emulsifier supplementation (P = 0.022 and P = 0.011, respectively). Liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) and muscle palmitic acid concentrations were decreased by reducing the energy level and emulsifier’s su...

Insects could be a potential replacement of protein-rich ingredients in poultry diets. Among these insects, black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has a high content of protein and fat, which reinforces the potential of using it in poultry feed formulation and makes it one of the most promising insect species for commercial production. Protein content as well as amino acid profile in H. illucens larvae is comparable to those in many protein-rich feedstuffs such as fish meal and soybean meal. BSF can convert organic wastes into a precious source of nutrients, such as proteins, lipids, and chitin, which contribute to reducing the environmental burden and pollution potential arising from organic waste accumulation. This review emphasizes the significance of this insect as a "green" technology in the extremely variable recycling of organic waste and generates a sustainable protein source as well as the importance of its use as a substitute of protein-rich feedstuff in poultry feed manufacturing.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF POST-WEANED PIGS (Sus domesticus) FED WITH COMMERCIAL RATION SUBSTITUTED WITH VARYING LEVELS OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) LEAF MEAL by PHOEBE JANE SANTILLAN EDQUILA, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, March 2014.
Thesis Adviser: Julnar E. Pepito, Ph.D.
A 25-days feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of substituting commercial ration with varying levels of taro  (Colocasia esculenta) leaf meal in the growth performance of post-weaned pigs at Central Mindanao University Swine Project.
A total of nine (9) post-weaned pigs were used as experimental animals. These animals were all uncastrated males and Landrace x Duroc breed line. This study was composed of three (3) treatments and three (3) blocks. Blocking factors were based on live weights. Below were the varying levels of treatments that were used in the study:
Treatment 1 = 100% Commercial Ration + 0% Taro Leaf Meal
Treatment 2 = 85% Commercial Ration + 15% Taro Leaf Meal
Treatment 3 = 70% Commercial Ration + 30% Taro Leaf Meal

Data gathered were as follows: initial weight, final weight, body weight gain, total feed consumption, taro leaf meal consumption, feed efficiency and return above feed cost of the post-weaned pigs. The data excluding total feed consumption, taro leaf meal consumption and return above feed cost were analyzed statistically using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and significant differences among treatment and block means were tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT).
Results revealed non-significant difference among treatment and block means on the final weight, body weight gain and feed efficiency of pigs used in the study. However, initial weight revealed highly significant differences (P<0.01) among block means, and non-significant difference among treatment means.
Taro leaf meal can be substituted to commercial starter ration up to 30% showing no adverse effects on the health and growth performance of post-weaned pigs. Moreover, it is economical since pigs in Treatment 3 showed to have high return above feed cost of Php 1,210.21 compared to pigs in Treatment 1 with Php 1,200.00 and Treatment 2 with Php 1,153.44. In areas where taro is abundant or available, it can be an alternative feed source to reduce cost of commercial feeds. On the other hand, it was observed that after sun drying and grinding 1.00 kilogram of taro leaves, the recovery rate was only 12%. Nevertheless, further study is recommended to use higher levels of taro leaf meal, and other methods of processing taro leaves to obtain additional results.

The Bangladesh Livestock Journal (BLJ) is an independent, yearly basis online & print version, open access, peer reviewed, non-profit  journal that publishes original research, short communications, review articles or essays, and book reviews relevant to natural sciences.  Manuscripts submitted to the Editor-in-Chief or Executive Secretary/Joint Executive Secretary  are first reviewed by Journal’s Editorial board, or Reviewer and, if necessary, by outside experts. All articles will be subject to thorough, critical, objective and fair review by the Editors. Authors must adhere to the format described in ‘Guidelines to Author’ Section; incomplete manuscript has to be rejected. The Editorial board reserves the right to reject any manuscript.

La epigenética estudia los procesos de expresión géni- ca que no requieren de la modificación de la secuencia de  AdN, es decir, se ocupa de las diferentes trayectorias que un genotipo puede tomar a lo largo del desarrollo del organismo. Estos mecanismos están implicados en procesos biológicos básicos como la diferenciación celular o la selección sexual, en el desarrollo de enfermedades complejas como el síndrome de Rett y en trastornos psiquiátricos como la esquizofrenia y la depresión, entre otros. Los estudios epigenéticos están proporcionando evidencias de que los eventos ambientales y los factores psicosociales pueden modificar el epigenoma.

A probiotic is a culture of live microorganisms that can manipulate and maintain a beneficial microflora in the gut. Prebiotics are nondigestible feed ingredients that can positively affect the animal organism by stimulating the activity and growth of beneficial native bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate the pathogenic ones. Some studies have shown their beneficial effects when they have been used separately or simultaneously in the form of synbiotics, to obtain enhanced mutual effect. These supplements were proposed with success as alternatives to antibiotic growth-promoting feed additives but further studies are needed to better understand their mode of action and effects. This review article presents growing interest in using these antibiotic alternatives, the potential mechanism of their action in the live organism, and discusses some recent data on the effects of these supplements in poultry nutrition.

This study was conducted to assess management practices and constraints of small-scale commercial poultry farms in and around Debre Markos, and performance evaluation of Sasso C44 broilers fed diets containing graded levels of dried blood-rumen content mixture. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess management practices and constraints faced by small-scale commercial poultry farms using a structured questionnaire through interview, group discussion and spot observation. The data related to management practices were analysed using SPSS software Version 20. The constraints faced were ranked by the respondents and the factors were analysed following the procedure of Garrett’s ranking technique. The effect of feeding dried blood rumen content mixtures on the performance of broiler chicks was evaluated using 225 unsexed day old broiler chicks which were randomly distributed to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 100% roasted soybean meal (RSBM)+0% dried blood rumen content mixture (DBRCM) (T1), 80% RSBM + 20% DBRCM (T2), 60% RSBM + 40% DBRCM (T3), 40% RSBM + 60% DBRCM(T4) and 20% RSBM + 80% DBRCM (T5) during the starter phase (1-28 days) and finisher phase (29-56 days) of growth. The data were analysed using SAS software Version 9.2. The result showed that there were 49 farms and the sources of the chicks were Andassa (18.3%), Ethiochick (79.6%) and Gerado (2.1%) poultry farms. The mean flock size per farm was 844.3; among which 83.3 % were Bovans brown, 5.3% Bovans white, 7.7% Koekoek and 3.7% Sasso T44. The majority (75.5%) of the producers kept egg type chicks under intensive management system in deep litter housing. About 98% of the producers used commercial feeds and offered the feed three times per day. All poultry producers provided water regularly and tap water represented 93.9% of the water source. All farms were accustomed to vaccinate their chicks more than once. More than half of the producers used biosecurity measures. About 77.6% and 65.3% of the farms had no access for rodents and predators, respectively. Cleaning and sanitizing of the house, the feeders, and waterers were done by the majority of the producers. Nearly 59.2% of the producers did run their farms by their own money. Almost 53.1% and 69.4% of the producers took training and got extension service respectively. About 85.7% of the producers recorded farm activities. However, the production was hindered by different constraints such as a high cost of feed, unavailability of feed and feed ingredients, unavailability of land, lack of market linkage and promotion, and high purchasing cost of day old chicks which ranked between 1 to 5. The results of the feeding trial revealed that the daily DMI ranged from 75.8 to 80.4g/bird during the entire experimental period. Birds in T5 had lower (P<0.05) DMI 75.8g compared with T1 (79.0g), T2 (78.9g) and T3 (80.4g). The mean daily body weight gain of birds ranged from 26.4 g to 31.6 g and no difference (P≥ 0.05) was detected among treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranged from 2.5 to 2.9 and did not differ (P≥ 0.05) among treatments. The edible carcass weight and its dressing percentage ranged from 977.9 -1159.3 g and 63.1- 66.6%, respectively, with no significant differences (P≥ 0.05) observed among the treatments. The edible and nonedible offal components were similar (P≥ 0.05) among treatments. The highest (P< 0.05) and the lowest (P<0.05) total feed cost was observed for birds in T1 and T5, respectively. Birds in T4 and T5 showed the highest (P<0.05) economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency compared toT1. Based on the results obtained it could be concluded that alleviating the constraints faced and improving the existing management practices are the most imperative measures to improve small scale commercial poultry farms. Using DBRCM as a replacement for roasted soybean meal at 60% during the starter phase and at 80% during the finisher phase in Sasso C44 broiler production can reduce the cost of feed required to raise broilers to market age and maximizes the economic efficiency due to its local availability and cost effectiveness without affecting the total body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, performance index and carcass characteristics of birds.

Keywords: Broilers, constraints, dried blood rumen content mixture, management practices

This study was conducted to assess management practices and constraints of small-scale commercial poultry farms in and around Debre Markos, and performance evaluation of Sasso C44 broilers fed diets containing graded levels of dried blood-rumen content mixture. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess management practices and constraints faced by small-scale commercial poultry farms using a structured questionnaire through interview, group discussion and spot observation. The data related to management practices were analysed using SPSS software Version 20. The constraints faced were ranked by the respondents and the factors were analysed following the procedure of Garrett’s ranking technique. The effect of feeding dried blood rumen content mixtures on the performance of broiler chicks was evaluated using 225 unsexed day old broiler chicks which were randomly distributed to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 100% roasted soybean meal (RSBM)+0% dried blood rumen content mixture (DBRCM) (T1), 80% RSBM + 20% DBRCM (T2), 60% RSBM + 40% DBRCM (T3), 40% RSBM + 60% DBRCM(T4) and 20% RSBM + 80% DBRCM (T5) during the starter phase (1-28 days) and finisher phase (29-56 days) of growth. The data were analysed using SAS software Version 9.2. The result showed that there were 49 farms and the sources of the chicks were Andassa (18.3%), Ethiochick (79.6%) and Gerado (2.1%) poultry farms. The mean flock size per farm was 844.3; among which 83.3 % were Bovans brown, 5.3% Bovans white, 7.7% Koekoek and 3.7% Sasso T44. The majority (75.5%) of the producers kept egg type chicks under intensive management system in deep litter housing. About 98% of the producers used commercial feeds and offered the feed three times per day. All poultry producers provided water regularly and tap water represented 93.9% of the water source. All farms were accustomed to vaccinate their chicks more than once. More than half of the producers used biosecurity measures. About 77.6% and 65.3% of the farms had no access for rodents and predators, respectively. Cleaning and sanitizing of the house, the feeders, and waterers were done by the majority of the producers. Nearly 59.2% of the producers did run their farms by their own money. Almost 53.1% and 69.4% of the producers took training and got extension service respectively. About 85.7% of the producers recorded farm activities. However, the production was hindered by different constraints such as a high cost of feed, unavailability of feed and feed ingredients, unavailability of land, lack of market linkage and promotion, and high purchasing cost of day old chicks which ranked between 1 to 5. The results of the feeding trial revealed that the daily DMI ranged from 75.8 to 80.4g/bird during the entire experimental period. Birds in T5 had lower (P<0.05) DMI 75.8g compared with T1 (79.0g), T2 (78.9g) and T3 (80.4g). The mean daily body weight gain of birds ranged from 26.4 g to 31.6 g and no difference (P≥ 0.05) was detected among treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranged from 2.5 to 2.9 and did not differ (P≥ 0.05) among treatments. The edible carcass weight and its dressing percentage ranged from 977.9 -1159.3 g and 63.1- 66.6%, respectively, with no significant differences (P≥ 0.05) observed among the treatments. The edible and nonedible offal components were similar (P≥ 0.05) among treatments. The highest (P< 0.05) and the lowest (P<0.05) total feed cost was observed for birds in T1 and T5, respectively. Birds in T4 and T5 showed the highest (P<0.05) economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency compared toT1. Based on the results obtained it could be concluded that alleviating the constraints faced and improving the existing management practices are the most imperative measures to improve small scale commercial poultry farms. Using DBRCM as a replacement for roasted soybean meal at 60% during the starter phase and at 80% during the finisher phase in Sasso C44 broiler production can reduce the cost of feed required to raise broilers to market age and maximizes the economic efficiency due to its local availability and cost effectiveness without affecting the total body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, performance index and carcass characteristics of birds.

ABSTRACT
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary vitamin E on performance, digestibility and hematological parameters for a period of eight weeks with 96 day-old marshal broiler chicks. Basal diets was supplemented with different levels of vitamin E which are 0.5g/kg, 1.0g/kg and 1.5g/kg. Each test diet was fed for 8 weeks ad libitum in starter and finisher form. Result of the present study shows significant difference (p<0.05) in body weight gain with highest and lowest mean values are (712.60g and 653.36g) respectively. Whereas feed intake showed significant difference (p<0.05).
Haematological parameters revealed that PCV is affected by varying levels of vitamin E supplementation, also differential counts lymphocytes, monocytes and heterophils showed significant difference (p<0.05) across the treatments. Haemoglobin decreased with increasing level of inclusion of vitamin E supplementation. Serum result from present study shows that only LDL is significantly different (p<0.05) across the treatment while serum cholesterol increase with increasing level of supplementation with treatment 3 having the highest mean value of 113.07mg/dl and treatment 1 with the lowest at 1005.56md/dl. Digestibility of nutrients result of present study shows that there are no significant difference in dry matter digestibility as digestibility was fair across all treatments, also crude protein digestibility was highest in treatment 3 with mean value of 65.84±2.76and lowest in the control diet with mean value of 56.38±7.04. Varying levels of vitamin E did not significantly change the ether extract values.
KEY WORDS: Vitamin E, Broilers, Haematological parameters, Digestibility, Performance, Serum chemistry.

This study evaluated the effect of ground ginger and garlic on the growth performance, carcass quality and economics of
production of broiler chickens. 100 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to five treatments identified as T1, T2, T3, T4
and T5. Each treatment was replicated four times with five birds per replicate. Birds on T1 served as control, those on T2
and T3 received ground ginger and garlic in powder form at 14g/kg of the diet respectively, while those on T4 and T5 were
given ground ginger and garlic in water-based infusion at 50ml/liter of drinking water respectively. Significant variations
(p<0.05) existed between the control and other treatments in mean final body weight, daily body weight gain, daily feed
intake and feed conversion ratio (FBW, WBWG, DFI and FCR respectively). The birds fed with garlic had better FCR
(2.17) than those fed ginger (2.42) or control (2.53). The birds fed the powder form showed better performance (p<0.05) in
FBW, WBWG, DFI and FCR of 2493.75g, 340.00g, 105.96g and 2.19 respectively than those fed the water-based infusion.
The usage of the test ingredients had a significant effect (p<0.05) on abdominal fat weight and dressing percentage. A
better performance was observed when they were given in powder form. T3 had the highest revenue and net return, and
also gave the least cost-benefit ratio. The inclusion of the test ingredients in the diets of broiler chicks boosted the traits
monitored without any adverse effect and is recommended in the diets of broiler chicks.

Studies have shown that about 70% of total cost of poultry production is incurred on poultry feeds production. Therefore a very good measure must be taken in formulating ration for poultry birds (broiler starter, broiler finisher, chicks, growers and layers) to ensure optimum use of resources which can in turn ensure reduction in the total cost of production for a standard ration. In order to meet these requirements, this work employs linear programming technique to model and analyze the best combination of locally available feed ingredients that meets the optimum feed requirements for proper growth of poultry birds. To be more specific, this study employs the use of simplex method implemented using an object oriented programming language (C#) to represent linear programming model of the problem. This result of this study shows that for broiler starter, the ration contains 65% wheat offal, 27.83% yellow corn, 3.47% fish meal, 2.43% salt, 1.15% bone meal, 0.08% lysine and 0.05% methionine making use of the locally available feed ingredients. Also for chicks, the ration contains 66.69% wheat offal, 24.30% yellow corn, 5.29% fish meal, 2.54% salt, 1.16% bone meal and 0.03% methionine making use of the locally available feed ingredients. For Growers, the ration contains 58.09% wheat offal, 31.47% yellow corn, 6.63% fish meal, 2.68% salt, 1.09% bone meal and 0.04% methionine making use of the locally available feed ingredients. And for layers, the ration contains 52.73% wheat offal, 31.62% yellow corn, 7.07% fish meal, 6.17% bone meal 2.39% salt making use of the locally available feed ingredients.

Broiler chicken welfare, health and performance are strictly linked with skeleton development. Lameness compromises welfare of broiler chickens and causes considerable economic loss since lame birds have difficulty accessing feed and water, become dehydrated and eventually die. Leg disorders are therefore considered to be one of the main factors associated with in-field mortalities between 21-42 d in broiler rearing at European poultry farms. In chickens and other farm animals, bone development is strictly correlated with dietary content of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), as well as calcium and phosphorus availability. However, lameness is also associated with many other factors, such as diseases, genetics, species, gender, growth, aging, as well as physical loading, rearing period and management. Therefore, the aim of the current paper is to review selected non-infectious and infectious factors, which contribute to bone quality in poultry.

Antibiotics have been used in poultry feed for improving growth performance, preventing some specific pathogenic microorganism and increasing some useful microorganism in intestinal micro flora over the years. Nowadays, the possibility of using new natural alternative additives instead of antibiotics in animal diets is being researched due to potential development of antibiotic resistant human pathogenic bacteria. One such alternative is plant extracts. False yam tuber extract (FYTE) could be one of such plant extracts, because of its terpenic constituents.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of false yam tuber extracts on poultry health and productivity