ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of housing environment on performance parameters of the Lohmann LSL Classic (LW) and Lohmann Sandy (LS) strains. The deep litter (DL), free access to outdoor Mentha piperita (MP), Petroselinum crispum (PC), and Medicago sativa (MS) housing environments were examined. A total of 260 four-week-old birds were randomly allotted to DL and outdoor plant-associated groups, with four and three replicates, respectively, and 10 birds per replicate. Data collection for weekly feed intake began at 4 weeks until the end of the study. Weekly hen weights were measured from 4 weeks of age until the age of 50% egg production; and then later, at 52 weeks of age. From the day of the first egg until the last day of the study, eggs laid in each nest box tier (upper, middle, bottom, and floor) were recorded and weighed at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 3:00 p.m. Housing environment influenced the age at first egg and 50% egg production, hen-day egg production, feed intake during the egg-laying period, feed conversion ratio, average egg weight, and egg size distribution (p<0.01; p<0.05). Age at first egg and 50% egg production, hen-day egg production, feed intake, average egg weight, and egg size distribution varied between strains (p<0.01; p<0.05). Most of the eggs were laid in the morning and on the upper nest box tier (p<0.01). Additionally, average egg weight varied among the egg-laying time and nest box tiers, and most of the eggs laid were in the large egg size (56-65 g) category (p<0.01). It was concluded that access to Medicago sativa offers hens the most ideal environment for production performance. The two strains were quite similar in terms of overall performance outcomes. LW (LW LS (LS DL, , (DL) MP, MP (MP) PC, PC (PC) MS (MS examined 26 fourweekold week old plantassociated plant associated groups replicates respectively 1 replicate 50 later 5 upper, (upper middle bottom floor 900 9 00 9:0 am a m a.m. 1200 12 12:0 noon 300 3 3:0 pm p p.m henday egglaying laying period ratio p<0.01 p001 0 01 (p<0.01 p<0.05. p005 p<0.05 . 05 p<0.05) p<0.01. (p<0.01) Additionally tiers 5665 56 65 (56-6 g outcomes (DL (MP (PC 2 90 9: a.m 120 12: 30 3: p<0.0 p00 (p<0.0 566 6 (56- p<0. p0 (p<0. (56 p<0 (p<0 (5 p< (p< ( (p

ABSTRACT The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD; trial 1) and the apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of the amino acids (AA) (trial 2) in canola meal (CM) were evaluated with the addition of exogenous multi-carbohydrase (MC) and phytase (Phy). A total of 80 28-day-old broilers were allotted in a completely randomized design to receive treatments up to 35 days of age. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to determine the enzyme effects on the ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and fibre; as well as energy use and the AID and SID of AA, in five replicate cages. Supplementation with exogenous enzymes showed a positive interaction (p<0.05) between MC and Phy for nitrogen and energy. The isolated inclusion of Phy or MC showed a favorable effect (p<0.05) for dry matter, calcium, phosphorus and fiber. The enzyme inclusion on the AID and SID of AA in CM, established by comparing the means, suggested a better response to the addition of MC or Phy. Supplementation with Phy or MC was shown to be a viable alternative to increase the ATTD of nutrients and energy. The isolated inclusion of Phy or carbohydrate resulted in higher apparent and standardized digestibility of AA from CM. (ATTD 1 (AID (SID (AA CM (CM multicarbohydrase multi carbohydrase (MC . (Phy) 8 28dayold dayold 28 day old 3 age matter calcium fibre cages p<0.05 p005 p 0 05 (p<0.05 fiber means (Phy p<0.0 p00 (p<0.0 p<0. p0 (p<0. p<0 (p<0 p< (p< (p

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acidifier on broilers’ performance. A total of 648-day-old broilers were assigned to four treatments (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg acidifier in the diet). In the grower period, the acidifier inclusion resulted in a higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) than in the control. On the 40th day of age, 3 g/kg of acidifier increased ADWG and average daily feed intake (ADFI). The highest ADWG was observed in the 3 g/kg of acidifier treatment for the whole period. Orthogonal contrast between acidifier and control indicated that cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration in the serum was lower in the acidifier-fed broilers. Inclusion of 2 and 3 g/kg of acidifier reduced Salmonella population in the ileum. Adding 2 and 3 g/kg acidifier to the diet increased crypt depth compared to other treatments. Weight and length of the tibia were also significantly increased by acidifier. The quadratic effect showed that the acidifier had a significant effect on the tibio-tarsal index. The mRNA expression of PPARγ and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) genes in the ileum of broilers that were fed 3 g/kg acidifier was significantly higher than in other treatments. Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 1 gene showed a significant enhancement effect by the acidifier: with increasing levels of acidifier, its expression also increased. In conclusion, the acidifier improved the performance, upregulated the expression of ileal fatty acid-binding protein 1 (FABP1), TLR4, and PPARγ genes, as well as increased the tibia length, and reduced the Salmonella population in the ileum. performance 648dayold dayold 648 old 0, 0 (0 gkg g kg diet. . diet) period (ADWG th age ADFI. ADFI (ADFI) highdensity high density HDL (HDL acidifierfed tibiotarsal tibio tarsal index TollLike Toll Like TLR4 TLR (TLR4 AcidBinding Acid Binding conclusion acidbinding acid binding FABP1, FABP1 FABP , (FABP1) 64 ( (ADFI (TLR (FABP1 6 (FABP

ABSTRACT The selection of an appropriate production system plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, welfare, and productivity of American Pekin ducks. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of various rearing production systems on the performance of American Pekin Ducks. A total of 180 straight run ducklings (10 days old) were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: intensive production system (IPS), free-range production system (FRPS), and pool with yard production system (PYPS). The distribution was carried out following a completely randomized design. We investigated the morphological parameters, growth performance, serum chemistry, meat cholesterol and triacylglycerol, cellular immunity, intestinal morphology, and carcass traits of Pekin ducks. The results indicate that PYPS birds exhibited significantly better morphometric parameters compared to IPS and FRPS ones. Ducks raised in PYPS had the highest growth rate till the 75th day as compared to those reared in IPS and FRPS. Triacylglycerol, total lipids, blood and meat fat and triacylglycerol were higher in IPS; whereas albumin, AG ratio, total proteins, glucose, and globulin were higher in PYPS. Similarly, cellular immunity (phagocytic activity, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes) was increased in PYPS. Intestinal morphology and overall carcass traits were better in birds reared under PYPS than in those of IPS and FRPS. American Pekin ducks raised in PYPS showed improved growth, serum chemistry, cellular immunity, and carcass traits. These results suggest that the PYPS could be a promising production system for raising ducks in sub-tropical regions. health welfare 18 10 (1 old groups IPS, , (IPS) freerange free range FRPS, (FRPS) . (PYPS) design chemistry ones th Triacylglycerol lipids albumin ratio proteins glucose Similarly phagocytic activity eosinophils basophils monocytes subtropical sub tropical regions 1 ( (IPS (FRPS (PYPS

ABSTRACT Managing fertile eggs and minimizing seasonal impacts is crucial in poultry farming. This study evaluated the effects of the storage time of fertile eggs, broiler breeder strain, and age on hatchability and first-week broiler performance. Twelve treatments were carried out in a factorial arrangement with two broiler breeder strains (Cobb MV and Ross 308AP), two breeder age intervals (between 30-40 weeks and between 50-60 weeks), and three egg storage times (4, 7 and 9 days). The Ross 308AP strain showed the highest hatchability (91.74%) at 30-40 weeks, while Cobb MV had the greatest weight gain (162.75g) from days 1 to 7 at 50-60 weeks. Longer egg storage affected weight gain at 7 days for Cobb MV. Nine-day storage reduced chick weight (45.46g) from breeders aged 50-60 weeks. Lower first-stage embryonic mortality was observed in Ross 308 AP (3.83%) in breeders aged 30-40 weeks (4.13%), and in eggs stored for 4 days (4.01%). The Ross 308AP had the greatest percentage of infertile eggs (10.25%), and breeders aged 50-60 weeks showed greater percentages of infertility (10.14%). The Cobb MV had lower second-stage embryonic mortality but higher percentages of discarded chicks. Hatchability and first-week broiler performance depend on storage time, breeder age and strain. farming firstweek first week 308AP, , 308AP) 3040 30 40 30-4 5060 50 60 50-6 weeks) 4, (4 days. . days) 91.74% 9174 91 74 (91.74% 162.75g 16275g g 162 75g (162.75g Nineday Nine day 45.46g 4546g 45 46g (45.46g firststage stage 3.83% 383 3 83 (3.83% 4.13%, 413 4.13% 13 (4.13%) 4.01%. 401 4.01% 01 (4.01%) 10.25%, 1025 10.25% 10 25 (10.25%) 10.14%. 1014 10.14% 14 (10.14%) secondstage second chicks 304 30- 506 5 6 50- ( 91.74 917 (91.74 16 3.83 38 8 (3.83 41 4.13 (4.13% 4.01 0 (4.01% 102 10.25 2 (10.25% 101 10.14 (10.14% 91.7 (91.7 3.8 (3.8 4.1 (4.13 4.0 (4.01 10.2 (10.25 10.1 (10.14 91. (91. 3. (3. 4. (4.1 (4.0 10. (10.2 (10.1 (91 (3 (4. (10. (9 (10 (1

ABSTRACT Considering the importance of backyard broiler production in Zambia, this study aimed to characterize this practice in the Serenje district (Zambia). A structured questionnaire was administered to 55 households. Results revealed a male predominance (56.36%) in broiler ownership, with most (69.09%) falling within the 30 to 50 years age group. Most (72.73%) had received at least secondary education. Notably, broiler producers primarily depended on farming (41.82%) and formal employment (32.73%) for income. Marketing channels predominantly involved direct sales to consumers (78.18%), minimizing intermediary involvement. The study highlighted the seasonal demand for broilers. Broiler consumption was common (90.91%) among producers, with most (85.45%) consuming broiler meat up to twice a week. Biosecurity practices varied, and mortality management predominantly involved burning or burial (67.27%). While most (96.36%) farmers practiced vaccinations, disease outbreaks persisted (92.73%), with limited consultation of veterinarians (67.27%). Access to information on broiler production primarily relied on agricultural agencies and organizations (49.09%). Common challenges included feed costs (94.55%), diseases (92.73%), and price fluctuations (87.27%). This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of backyard broiler production in an urban setting, shedding light on its potential impacts on public health and the overall poultry industry. Zambia Zambia. . (Zambia) 5 households 56.36% 5636 56 36 (56.36% ownership 69.09% 6909 69 09 (69.09% 3 group 72.73% 7273 72 73 (72.73% education Notably 41.82% 4182 41 82 (41.82% 32.73% 3273 32 (32.73% income 78.18%, 7818 78.18% , 78 18 (78.18%) involvement broilers 90.91% 9091 90 91 (90.91% 85.45% 8545 85 45 (85.45% week varied 67.27%. 6727 67.27% 67 27 (67.27%) 96.36% 9636 96 (96.36% vaccinations 92.73%, 9273 92.73% 92 (92.73%) 49.09%. 4909 49.09% 49 (49.09%) 94.55%, 9455 94.55% 94 (94.55%) 87.27%. 8727 87.27% 87 (87.27%) setting industry (Zambia 56.36 563 (56.36 69.09 690 6 0 (69.09 72.73 727 7 (72.73 41.82 418 4 8 (41.82 32.73 327 (32.73 781 78.18 1 (78.18% 90.91 909 9 (90.91 85.45 854 (85.45 672 67.27 2 (67.27% 96.36 963 (96.36 927 92.73 (92.73% 490 49.09 (49.09% 945 94.55 (94.55% 872 87.27 (87.27% 56.3 (56.3 69.0 (69.0 72.7 (72.7 41.8 (41.8 32.7 (32.7 78.1 (78.18 90.9 (90.9 85.4 (85.4 67.2 (67.27 96.3 (96.3 92.7 (92.73 49.0 (49.09 94.5 (94.55 87.2 (87.27 56. (56. 69. (69. 72. (72. 41. (41. 32. (32. 78. (78.1 90. (90. 85. (85. 67. (67.2 96. (96. 92. (92.7 49. (49.0 94. (94.5 87. (87.2 (56 (69 (72 (41 (32 (78. (90 (85 (67. (96 (92. (49. (94. (87. (5 (6 (7 (4 (3 (78 (9 (8 (67 (92 (49 (94 (87 (

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a blend of essential oils from eucalyptus, citrus, bromohexene HCl, thymole and camphor on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, intestinal morphology, serum biochemistry, and immune response of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old chicks were divided into four groups, each with six replicates containing ten birds. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design (CRD). Different concentrations of the oil blend (0mL/kg, 0.15mL/kg, 0.30mL/kg and 0.45mL/kg) were added to the diet. The findings showed that, in comparison to the other groups, the birds that were given a blend of essential oils at concentrations of 0.30 and 0.45 mL/kg showed improved weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass yield, villus height, crypt depth, and greater immune response against Newcastle disease vaccination (p<0.05). Nonetheless, there was no statistically significant difference in the yields of the breast and thighs, feed consumption, mortality, weights of the liver, wing, heart, and gizzard, or abdominal fat between the treatments. The addition of a blend of essential oils at the doses of 0.30 and 0.45 mL/kg significantly lowered the pH of the meat in comparison to the other groups (p<0.05). All blood biochemical markers, including total serum protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and uric acid, revealed no variations between the treatments. In conclusion, adding 0.30mL/kg of a blend of essential oils to broiler diets may be the optimum level to improve overall performance without adversely affecting the blood biochemical profile. eucalyptus citrus HCl characteristics quality morphology biochemistry chickens 24 dayold day old CRD. CRD . (CRD) 0mL/kg, 0mLkg mLkg 0mL kg mL (0mL/kg 015mLkg 0 15mL 0.15mL/kg 030mLkg 30mL 0.45mL/kg 045mLkg 45mL diet 030 30 0.3 045 45 0.4 gain efficiency yield height depth p<0.05. p005 p p<0.05 05 (p<0.05) Nonetheless thighs consumption mortality liver wing heart gizzard treatments markers protein albumin globulin glucose cholesterol triglyceride acid conclusion profile 2 (CRD 0mL/kg 03 3 0. 04 4 p00 p<0.0 (p<0.05 p0 p<0. (p<0.0 p<0 (p<0. p< (p<0 (p< (p

ABSTRACT The use of enzymes is a concrete fact in broiler feeding. The global economic situation has been undergoing major changes, especially in the cost of agricultural commodities such as corn and soybean meal, the main ingredients in broiler diets in many parts of the world. This study aimed to assess the effect of increasing doses of phytase by assigning an optimized non-linear increasing nutritional matrix to the diet of broilers from 1 to 42 days of age, using economic production indicators as response variables. 900 one-day-old chicks were distributed in a randomized block design with six treatments and ten replications. Different nutritional matrices were studied: a positive control diet without phytase; diets with increasing levels of this enzyme (350, 500, 1,000, 1,500 FTU); and a negative control diet (-100 kcal/kg EMA) without phytase supplementation. Performance from 1 to 42 days of age and economic viability were assessed. It was observed that the negative control and the overdose (1,500 FTU) of phytase showed worse feed conversion than the positive control diet. In the economic analysis, there was a reduction in feed costs with increasing doses of the enzyme, as well as lower production costs per carcass kilo. The data found in this study shows that performance indicators do not always reflect economic efficiency responses. Specifically, the production cost was lower in broiler diets (1 to 42 d) formulated with increasing doses of phytase (up to 1,500 FTU kg-1). feeding changes meal world nonlinear non linear 4 variables 90 onedayold one day old replications studied 350, 350 (350 500 1000 000 1,000 1500 1,50 100 (-10 kcalkg kcal kg EMA supplementation assessed (1,50 analysis kilo responses Specifically ( d up kg1. kg1 . kg-1) 9 35 (35 50 00 1,00 150 1,5 10 (-1 (1,5 kg-1 3 (3 5 0 1,0 15 1, (- (1, kg-

ABSTRACT This study determined the effect of layer age, egg-laying time, cage tier, and cage direction (outward-inward) on egg quality parameters of commercial layer chickens reared in enriched cages. A total of 944 layers (approximately 100 eggs every four weeks, from the 26 to the 58th week) obtained from Lohmann LSL-Classic layers reared at the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Application and Research Centre were analyzed. Laying hen age significantly affected all the egg quality variables (p<0.01). Egg weight, shell-breaking strength, egg surface area, Haugh unit, and yolk color score differed across egg-laying time (p<0.05; p<0.01). There was variability in all the external egg quality traits among the cage tiers (p<0.05), but not for internal egg quality (p>0.05). Furthermore, it was found that cage direction had a significant effect on egg weight, shell thickness, egg surface area, and all the internal egg quality traits, except for yolk color score (p<0.05; p<0.01). In conclusion, our results highlight significant changes in egg quality traits due to layer age, egg-laying time, cage tier, and cage direction. egglaying laying tier outwardinward outward inward (outward-inward cages 94 approximately 10 weeks 2 th week LSLClassic LSL Classic analyzed p<0.01. p001 p p<0.01 . 0 01 (p<0.01) weight shellbreaking breaking strength area unit p<0.05 p005 05 (p<0.05 p<0.01) p<0.05, , (p<0.05) p>0.05. p>0.05 (p>0.05) Furthermore thickness conclusion 9 1 p00 p<0.0 (p<0.01 (p<0.0 p>0.0 (p>0.05 p0 p<0. (p<0. p>0. (p>0.0 p<0 (p<0 p>0 (p>0. p< (p< p> (p>0 (p (p>

ABSTRACT Methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) are nutrients in broiler diets, responsible for strengthening protein synthesis, immunity, and metabolic regulation. To estimate the ideal digestible Met + Cys:digestible Lysine (Lys) ratio for broilers under a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inflammatory challenge, 384 male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized 4×2 factorial design, with four ratios of dig. Met + Cys:dig. Lys (0.69, 0.73, 0.77, and 0.81) and two conditions (with or without challenge). Each treatment had eight replicates, with six birds per experimental unit (EU). The evaluated parameters included broilers’ weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR); jejunum mRNA transcript levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-Κb), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione synthetase (GSS), and methionine adenosyltransferase 2 (MAT2); relative weights of liver and spleen, and fat mass (%) and lean mass (%). A linear regression model would estimate the ideal ratio if an effect had occurred. No interaction (p>0.05) was observed between the factors for all the data, nor did the different ratios had any effect (p>0.05) either. LPS-administered exhibited reduced performance, heavier liver and spleen, and lower GSS expression. Hence, the lowest dig Met + Cys:dig Lys ratio (0.69) was sufficient to maintain the performance parameters, the relative weight of lymphoid organs, fat and lean mass, and NF-Kb, GPX, SOD, GSS, MAT2, and CBS mRNA transcript levels in the jejunum. (Met Cys (Cys diets synthesis immunity regulation Cysdigestible (Lys LPS (LPS challenge 38 42 4 4× design Cysdig. Cysdig 0.69, 069 0 69 (0.69 073 73 0.73 077 77 0.77 0.81 081 81 challenge. . challenge) replicates EU. EU (EU) WG, WG , (WG) FI, FI (FI) FCR (FCR) kappaB kappa B NFΚb, NFΚb NF Κb (NF-Κb) GPX (GPX) SOD (SOD) (GSS) MAT2 MAT (MAT2) spleen % (% %. occurred p>0.05 p005 p 05 (p>0.05 data either LPSadministered administered expression Hence 0.69 organs NFKb, NFKb Kb, Kb NF-Kb 3 06 6 (0.6 07 7 0.7 0.8 08 8 (EU (WG (FI (FCR (NF-Κb (GPX (SOD (GSS (MAT2 ( p>0.0 p00 (p>0.0 0.6 (0. 0. (MAT p>0. p0 (p>0. (0 p>0 (p>0 p> (p> (p

ABSTRACT The goal of the current study was to determine how selenium-supplemented diets affected the growth performance, carcass traits, and blood biochemistry of Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens. Organic and inorganic selenium (SE) was fed to the birds at 0.30ppm, whereas the control diet was not supplemented with selenium in either organic or inorganic form. A total of 225 day-old RIR chicks were indiscriminately distributed in three groups according to the experimental diets, in a completely randomized design. Each treatment group was repeated 5 times (replicates), and each replicate had 15 birds. Parameters of growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood biochemistry were assessed. Birds fed an inorganic selenium-supplemented diet had higher feed intake than those fed an organic selenium-supplemented diet or the control diet, whereas birds fed an organic selenium-supplemented diet had higher body weight gains and better feed conversion ratios. Birds fed organic SE in the diet showed higher breast and thigh weight than those receiving inorganic Se, whereas dressing percentage, drumstick yield, and weights of liver, gizzard, heart, and wing were not significantly different across treatments. The organic Se group showed higher values for total protein and globulin in the blood relative to those fed inorganic Se and the control diet. Similarly, organic Se fed birds showed higher blood Se concentration than the other two groups. However, no significant differences in albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid were observed among the diets. These results lead to the conclusion that organic Se may be utilized in diets to improve the poor performance of RIR chicken. seleniumsupplemented traits (RIR chickens (SE 030ppm ppm 0 30ppm 0.30ppm form 22 dayold day old design replicates, replicates , (replicates) 1 characteristics assessed ratios percentage yield liver gizzard heart treatments Similarly However albumin glucose cholesterol triglycerides chicken 2 (replicates

ABSTRACT In this study, the performance characteristics and egg quality of brown (Hy-Line Brown (HB)) and white (Isa Tinted (IT)) laying hens housed in three different cage densities were investigated. Low (5 hens/cage LCD), medium (7 hens/cage MCD) and high (10 hens/cage HCD) cage densities were used in the research. A total of 396 laying hens were used in the experiment by placing 198 HB and 198 IT layers in cages. The performance characteristics, egg production (EP), feed consumption (FC) and livability (L) were recorded at the same time every day. Egg weight (EW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly, while body weight (BW) was evaluated monthly. Monthly analyzes were performed to determine egg internal and external quality characteristics. According to the results of the research, as the cage density increased, the EP, EW, FC, FCR, BW and L of both hybrids decreased. However, the ratio of broken-cracked eggs was less in HCD. It has been determined that the performance characteristics of HB laying hens are better than ITs. The effect of cage density on egg internal and external quality parameters was insignificant (except for shape index). The shape index was found to be similar at MCD and HCD, both showing higher values than LCD. The effect of hybrid (HB, IT) on egg external quality parameters was found to be significant only on EW (HB: 63.60 g; IT: 62.50 g); while among the internal quality parameters, only the effect on egg yolk was found to be significant (IT>HB). study HyLine Hy Line (HB) Isa (IT) investigated 5 ( henscage LCD, LCD , LCD) 7 10 (1 HCD research 39 19 cages EP (EP) FC (FC (L day (EW FCR (FCR weekly (BW monthly increased decreased However brokencracked broken cracked ITs except index. . index) HB, (HB 6360 63 60 63.6 g 6250 62 50 62.5 g) IT>HB. ITHB IT>HB (IT>HB) (IT 1 3 (EP 636 6 63. 625 62. (IT>HB

ABSTRACT We evaluated the effect of alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1α-OH-D3) and phytase supplementation on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood factors, and the expression of vitamin D receptors (VDR) and Calbindin 28k (CaBP-D28k) genes in broiler chickens. In the current experiment, 400 one-day-old male chicks of the Cobb 500 strain were allocated into a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates (20 chicks per replicate). Experimental treatments were: 1- Control (no additional supplements), 2- Addition of 14 mg/kg DM 1α-OH-D3 to the diet, 3- Addition of 5 mg/kg phytase, and 4- Addition of 14 mg/kg 1α- OH-D3 + 5 mg/k phytase. Compared to the control diet, adding 1α-OH-D3 and phytase could significantly improve the feed conversion ratio and weight gain (p≤0.05). The combination also decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity relative to the control (p≤0.05) The relative expression of VDR and CaBP-D28k genes in the treatments that used 1α-OH-D3 and 1α-OH-D3 along with the phytase enzyme had a significant elevation compared to the control group (p<0.05). Overall, using 1α-OH-D3 along with the phytase enzyme can lead to a higher growth performance than using each one of them separately. The use of 1α-OH-D3 together with phytase led to a greater improvement of the growth performance and expression of the VDR and CaBP-D28k genes when compared to their separate use in broiler chickens’ diets. alphahydroxycholecalciferol alpha hydroxycholecalciferol 1αOHD3 αOHD 1α OH D3 α (1α-OH-D3 characteristics factors (VDR k CaBPD28k CaBPDk CaBP D28k (CaBP-D28k chickens experiment 40 onedayold day old 50 20 (2 replicate. replicate . replicate) 1 no supplements, supplements , supplements) 2 mgkg mg kg 1α-OH-D diet 3 OHD3 OHD OH-D mgk p≤0.05. p005 p p≤0.05 0 05 ALP (ALP (p≤0.05 p<0.05. p<0.05 (p<0.05) Overall separately diets 1αOHD (1α-OH-D CaBPD Dk ( p00 p≤0.0 (p≤0.0 p<0.0 (p<0.05 p0 p≤0. (p≤0. p<0. (p<0.0 p≤0 (p≤0 p<0 (p<0. p≤ (p≤ p< (p<0 (p (p<

ABSTRACT This study’s main objective was to determine the novel impact of supplementing Brachiaria decumbens leaf meal on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, and stress biomarkers of commercial broilers raised in hot and humid environments. A total of 300 male Ross 308 day-old broilers were divided into six different treatment groups at random. In Treatment 1, commercial diets without any additional additives were given to the broilers. In Treatment 2, broilers were fed commercial diets containing 100 mg/kg of the antibiotic oxytetracycline. Similar commercial diets supplemented with 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of B. decumbens leaf meal were respectively given to Treatments 3, 4, 5, and 6 without the use of antibiotics. Growth performance, serum lipid profiles, acute phase proteins, hormones, and heat shock proteins all differed significantly (p<0.05) among the treatments. The greatest final body weight, body weight gain, and lowest feed conversion ratio were generally seen in T3, for broilers supplemented with 25 mg/kg of B. decumbens leaf meal. Moreover, T3 broilers supplemented with 25 mg/kg of B. decumbens leaf meal showed the lowest AGP, corticosterone, and HSP 70 concentrations, while T6 broilers treated with 100 mg/kg of B. decumbens leaf meal had the lowest LDL and highest HDL values. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that supplementing broilers with B. decumbens leaf meal only requires a small amount to improve growth and reduce the effects of stress, but that a higher concentration is necessary to improve lipid profiles. studys s performance biochemistry environments 30 dayold day old random 1 2 10 mgkg mg kg oxytetracycline 50 75 B 3 4 5 antibiotics profiles hormones p<0.05 p005 p 0 05 (p<0.05 treatments gain T Moreover AGP corticosterone 7 concentrations values p<0.0 p00 (p<0.0 p<0. p0 (p<0. p<0 (p<0 p< (p< (p