• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.116-121
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• 2013

The effects of oligosaccharide supplementation on the growth performance, flock uniformity and GIT development of broiler chickens were investigated. Four diets, one negative control, one positive control supplemented with zinc-bacitracin, and two test diets supplemented with mannoligosaccharide (MOS) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS), were used for the experiment. Birds given MOS or FOS had improved body weight (BW) and feed efficiency (FCR), compared to those fed the negative control diet during the 35-d trial period. The effect on FCR became less apparent when the birds got older. FOS and MOS supplementation reduced the pancreas weight as a percentage of BW, with an effect similar to that of the antibiotic, at 35 d of age. Birds given MOS tended to have a heavier bursa (p = 0.164) and lower spleen/bursa weight ratio (p = 0.102) at 35 d of age. MOS and Zn-bacitracin showed a clear improvement on flock uniformity, compared to FOS. The mortality rate was not affected by FOS or MOS.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Poultry Science Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.118-119
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• 2002

This experiment was conduct to determine the influences of different levels of dietary energy and crude protein on growth performances during growing period (2 to 10 wk of age). A total of 360 egg breeder chicks (Hy-Line Brown) was divided into 5 groups with 4 replicates of 18 birds per replicate and fed the experimental diets containing three levels of energy and three levels of protein. With the increase in dietary crude protein levels, body weight significantly increased (P〈0.05). But dietary energy levels did not greatly affect growth performances. There were no significant differences to flock uniformity and tibia strength among treatments.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.115-119
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• 2015

The study was carried out to assess the production performances of Japanese quail parent stock raised under open housing system and the study was conducted in a local farm with 2000 Japanese parent stock quail birds (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Observed body weight gain was recorded in each weekend up to 7 weeks of their age; birds gained weight 15.73, 31.45, 47.20, 90.80, 125.27, 153.14 and 175.20 grams, respectively. There have been observed sharp decline of fertility and hatchability of birds with increase of their age. Optimum fertility was recorded at third week and optimum hatchability at fifth week of their age. Average flock uniformity was found 83.68%. The hen day egg production of the flock was recorded 81, 83, 85, 86, 89, 89, 89, 89 and 88% in each weekend, respectively. It may therefore be concluded that Japanese quail parent stock performs well under open housing system in Bangladesh and future study can be taken to better understand their production performances.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.73-81
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• 2003

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary energy and protein levels on the growth rate of egg breeder pullets. A total of 360 Hy-Line Brown pullets aged 2 to 6 weeks (Phase I) were fed 5 rations differing in dietary protein (17, 19 and 20%) and energy (2,800, 2,950 and 3,050 kcal/kg, TMEn) leveIs for a period of 5 weeks and those aged 6 to 10 weeks (Phase II) were fed 5 rations differing in dietary protein (15, 16 and 17%) and energy (2,800, 2,900 and 3,000 kcal/kg, TMEn) levels in order to evaluate the optimum dietary energy and protein leveIs for egg breeder pullets reared in cages. Their body weight gains were significantly influenced by the dietary protein levels (P<0.05). The dietary energy levels did not greatly affect the growth performances throughout the experimental period. The low energy and protein regimen based on NRC requirement (control) was found to produce smaller pullets and lower tibia bone measurements as compared to the higher regimen groups. With the increase in dietary energy and protein levels, tibial bone strength and ash content also gradually increased (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the flock uniformity among the treatments. These results indicate that increases in dietary energy and protein levels above the NRC requirements appeared to be more effective in obtaining the optimal growth and bone developments of egg breeder pullets reared in cage.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.536-546
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• 2024

Objective: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of grain-based pecking blocks on productivity and welfare status at two commercial broiler welfare-certified farms. Methods: Production and welfare indicators were assessed at two farms (designated Farm A and B). Both farms had two windowless houses with forced tunnel-type ventilation and housed broilers at stocking densities of approximately 16.7 birds/m² (Farm A) and 16.8 birds/m² (Farm B). Each house was divided into two or three equal sections and was provided with or without pecking blocks. Grain-based pecking blocks, measuring 25 × 25 × 25 cm, were given to broilers in both farms at 1 block per 1,000 birds. Various parameters including productivity (body weight and flock uniformity), corticosterone levels (in fecal droppings and feathers), footpad dermatitis, hock burn, feather dirtiness, gait score, litter quality, body surface temperature, and volatile fatty acids in fecal samples were assessed at 26 days of age, whereas litter quality was analyzed at 13 and 26 days of age. Results: There were no significant effects of providing pecking blocks on productivity (body weight and uniformity), fecal and feather corticosterone, welfare indicators (i.e., footpad dermatitis, hock burn, feather cleanliness, and gait score), and litter quality (i.e., moisture, nitrogen, and pH). No differences in body surface temperature between the control and enrichment treatments were noted in Farm B, but body surface temperatures of the head (p = 0.029) and legs (p = 0.011) in the enrichment vs. control group were elevated in Farm A. Butyrate concentration in the enrichment vs control group was higher in Farm B (p = 0.023), but this effect was not detected in Farm A. Conclusion: It is concluded that grain-based pecking blocks did not affect performance and welfare indicators. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential impact of grain-based pecking blocks on gut health indicators.