The effect of an environmental enrichment device - the PECKABLOCK ™ - on the behaviour and growth performance of broiler chicks

2000 ◽  
Vol 2000 ◽  
pp. 132-132
Author(s):  
J.H. Guy ◽  
N.R. Guy ◽  
R.A. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Potential Problem ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
Natural Behaviour ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Novel Material ◽  
Nutritional Needs ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Different Levels

Rearing houses for broiler poultry breeders are relatively barren buildings which provide for the basic environmental comfort and nutritional needs of the birds, but offer little in the way of additional novel stimuli (FAWC, 1998). The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) recommends that environmental enrichment should be available in rearing houses. The Peckablock is a cereal-based enrichment device which is suspended in front of broiler breeders and provides birds with a novel material at which to peck, mimicking their natural behaviour. The manufacturers claim that this stimulus, plus the reward of cereal grains that are loosened and have fallen into the undertray, can help to ameliorate the potential problem of cannibalism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of providing Peckablocks on the behaviour and performance of commercial broiler chicks at two different levels of light intensity.

scholarly journals Evaluation of commercially available aroA delated gene E. coli O78 vaccine in commercial broiler chickens under Middle East simulating field conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussein M. Galal ◽  
M. I. Abdrabou ◽  
Ahmed H. I. Faraag ◽  
C. K. Mah ◽  
Azza M. Tawfek
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Antibiotics Use ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
And Performance

AbstractThe broiler industry in the Middle East (ME) faces many challenges related to bacterial infections, including M. gallisepticum, M. synoviae, E. coli, and other gram-negative bacteria, exacerbated by various errors in the brooding process. Antibiotics use in the first three days of life, such as Linco-Spectin 100 SP, tilmicosin, enrofloxacin, tylosin, colistin, and doxycycline, is the trend in the market to control such challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the newly introduced aroA E. coli vaccine (Poulvac E. coli) and its ability to reduce over-reliance on the heavy use of antibiotics in the ME. The study was conducted on 160 broiler chicks, divided into eight even groups. Each group was treated differently in terms of antibiotic therapy and ages at the time of Poulvac E. coli administration and the challenge of virulent avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), serotype O78. Spray application of Poulvac E. coli at seven days of age plus Linco-Spectin 100 SP during the first three days provided the best results for zero mortality after challenge with APEC, while Poulvac E. coli at seven days with enrofloxacin during the early three days resulted in 10% mortality. Poulvac E. coli hatchery vaccination protected birds against mortality but reduced body weight gain compared to the 7-day group vaccinated with Linco-Spectin 100 SP during the first three days. Poulvac E. coli given on day one or day seven did not affect the immune response to concurrent respiratory viral vaccines and, in some cases, improved response. This study shows that Poulvac E. coli at seven days of age, together with Linco-Spectin 100 during the first three days, has produced the best results in terms of protection and performance in the ME high presence of avian pathogenic E. coli field challenge.

Effect of different levels of roasted guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) korma with or without ß-mannanase supplementation on performance and carcass traits of broilers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Wankhede ◽  
A.D. Deshmukh ◽  
D.H. Rekhate ◽  
S.J. Manwar ◽  
S. Sajid Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Different Levels

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of roasted guar korma with or without mannanase supplementation on performance and carcass traits of broilers. Nine hundred and sixty day old commercial broiler chicks (Vencobb-400 strain) were divided into sixteen treatment groups of 60 each for six weeks. The diet without roasted guar korma served as control. The rest of the diets were formulated by incorporating 10%, 12.5%, 15%, 17.5 % and 20% levels of roasted guar korma, partially replacing soybean meal with and without enzyme (ß-mannanase) at two levels (500 g/t and 750 g/t). Body weight gain at the starter phase was found to be non significant however at the finisher phase the differences were significant (P less than 0.05) for T2 (563.35 g) and T5 (533.55 g) than the rest of the groups including control. Differences of feed consumption were significant (P less than 0.01) at the end of starter as well as finisher phases whereas FCR differences were found to be non-significant. Dry matter digestibility was observed significantly better in T5 group. Significantly (P less than 0.01) better nitrogen retention was observed in T5 and T6 groups than the groups having higher levels of roasted guar korma. Eviscerated weight differed significantly (P less than 0.01) whereas non-significant differences were observed for giblet per cent, abdominal fat per cent, edible meat per cent and dressing per cent. It was concluded that 12.5 per cent of roasted guar korma with supplementation of ß mannanase @ 500g/t can be safely added in the broiler diet without any adverse effect on performance, nutrient digestibility as well as carcass trait.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DRIED TAMARIND PULP ON MEAT CHOLESTEROL, CARCASS YIELD, DRESSING PERCENTAGE AND ABDOMINAL FAT OF BROILER CHICKEN

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.V. Patil ◽  
G.B. Shinde ◽  
A.B. Kanduri ◽  
P.H. Pawar
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chicken ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Carcass Yield ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Group I ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Dressing Percentage ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Control Group Group

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of different levels of dried Tamarind pulp on meat cholesterol, carcass yield and dressing percentage of broiler chicken. 300 healthy day old commercial broiler chicks of Vencob’ strain were selected and divided into five groups of 60 chicks in each group, three replicates of 20 birds in each group. The chicks of control group (Group I) were fed with standard broiler diet without dried Tamarind pulp, whereas dried Tamarind pulp was supplemented @250 gm, 500 gm, 1000 gm and 1500 gm per 100 kg of broiler ration respectively to groups -II, III, IV and V.The meat cholesterol was found to be significantly lower in treatments groups than in control group. However, carcass yield and dressing percentage of treatment groups were significantly higher than control Group.The carcass yield and dressing percentage were increased and meat cholesterol level was decreased on supplementation of dried Tamarind pulp in broiler rations.

scholarly journals Long-term access to live black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) stimulates activity and reduces fearfulness of broilers, without affecting health

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allyson F. Ipema ◽  
Eddie A. M. Bokkers ◽  
Walter J. J. Gerrits ◽  
Bas Kemp ◽  
J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Black Soldier Fly ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Natural Behaviour ◽  
Environmental Stimulation ◽  
Black Soldier Fly Larvae ◽  
Fly Larvae ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Commercially housed broilers frequently experience limited environmental stimulation and various health issues, compromising their welfare. Providing environmental enrichment can alleviate these problems by facilitating natural behaviour and activity. We investigated the effect of providing live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to broilers housed at commercial densities (33 kg/m2) on behaviour, fearfulness, health and performance. One-day-old broilers were distributed over five treatments with eight pens/treatment: a control treatment without BSFL; two treatments where 5% of the daily nutrient intake was replaced with live BSFL, provided four or seven times a day; and two treatments where 10% of the daily dietary intake was replaced with live BSFL provided four times a day or in transparent, movable tubes with holes. In all BSFL treatments foraging behaviour, and thereby broiler activity, was increased. Prolonged access to live BSFL, either by providing larvae seven times a day or in tubes, caused the largest increase in activity while also decreasing the time spend in tonic immobility, indicating reduced fearfulness. Broiler final weight and health were not affected. Overall, long-term access to live BSFL seems most effective in improving broiler welfare by facilitating natural behaviour and reducing fearfulness, without hindering broiler performance and health.

scholarly journals Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on the water use and waste in grower-finisher pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpi Misra ◽  
Eddie A. M. Bokkers ◽  
John Upton ◽  
Amy J. Quinn ◽  
Keelin O’Driscoll
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
High Enrichment ◽  
And Performance ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Reduced Water ◽  
Different Levels

AbstractThe grower-finisher stage accounts for 64% of the total on-farm herd water use. Part of this is consumed by the pigs, but a part is also wasted. Drinking water usage and wastage is affected by different factors. We investigated how different group sizes and different levels of enrichment affect water usage (ingested plus wasted), water wastage, behavior and performance in grower-finisher pigs. Pigs (n = 672), 11 weeks of age (77 ± 2 days) were used for the experiment. The effect of group size: SMALL (12 pigs), MEDIUM (24 pigs), and LARGE (48 pigs) was assessed across two levels of enrichment (LOW—wooden post, hanging rubber toy, HIGH—Same as LOW + fresh grass). There was no effect of group size on water use or wastage. Pigs with HIGH enrichment (10.4 ± 0.4 L/pig/day) used less water than LOW enrichment (11.0 ± 0.4 L/pig/day; p < 0.001). The water wastage/drinker/hour was lower in pens with HIGH enrichment than LOW (p = 0.003). The drinking bout number (p = 0.037) and total occupancy/hour (p = 0.048) was also higher for pens with LOW than HIGH enrichment. Aggressive and harmful behaviour were performed less in LARGE groups and pens with HIGH enrichment. Thus, HIGH enrichment allowance reduced water usage and wastage so may have benefits for the environment, as well as animal welfare.

scholarly journals Effects of B-Carotene Biofortified Cassava Grits (Mahihot esculenta Crantz) Based-Diets on Retinol Bioavailability and Performance of Broiler Chicks

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
O. A. Ogunwole ◽  
S. O. Oladimeji ◽  
F. D. Abayomi ◽  
P. Kulakow ◽  
P. Iluebbey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
And Performance

scholarly journals Dissemination of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Campylobacter spp. within an Integrated Commercial Poultry Production System

2006 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 3441-3447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umelaalim Idris ◽  
Jingrang Lu ◽  
Marie Maier ◽  
Susan Sanchez ◽  
Charles L. Hofacre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Campylobacter Coli ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Broiler Breeders ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Multiple Levels

ABSTRACTWhile characterizing the intestinal bacterial community of broiler chickens, we detected ε-proteobacterial DNA in the ilea of 3-day-old commercial broiler chicks (J. Lu, U. Idris, B. Harmon, C. Hofacre, J. J. Maurer, and M. D. Lee, Appl. Environ. Microbiol.69:6816-6824, 2003). The sequences exhibited high levels of similarity toCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter colisequences, suggesting that chickens can carryCampylobacterat a very young age.Campylobactersp. was detected by PCR in all samples collected from the ilea of chicks that were 3 to 49 days old; however, it was detected only in the cecal contents of chickens that were at least 21 days old. In order to determine whether the presence ofCampylobacterDNA in young chicks was due to ingestion of the bacteria in food or water, we obtained commercial broiler hatching eggs, which were incubated in a research facility until the chicks hatched. DNA sequencing of the amplicons resulting fromCampylobacter-specific 16S PCR performed with the ileal, cecal, and yolk contents of the day-of-hatching chicks revealed thatCampylobacterDNA was present before the chicks consumed food or water. The 16S rRNA sequences exhibited 99% similarity toC. jejuniandC. colisequences and 95 to 98% similarity to sequences of other thermophilicCampylobacterspecies, such asC. lariandC. upsaliensis. The presence ofC. coliDNA was detected by specific PCR in the samples from chicks obtained from a commercial hatchery; however, noCampylobacterwas detected by culturing. In order to determine whether the same strains of bacteria were present in multiple levels of the integrator, we culturedCampylobactersp. from a flock of broiler breeders and their 6-week-old progeny that resided on a commercial broiler farm. The broiler breeders had been given fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and we sought to determine whether the same fluoroquinolone-resistant strain was present in their progeny. The isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, which confirmed that the parental and progeny flocks contained the same strain of fluoroquinolone-resistantC. coli. These data indicate that resistantC. colican be present in multiple levels of an integrated poultry system and demonstrated that molecular techniques or more sensitive culture methods may be necessary to detect early colonization byCampylobacterin broiler chicks.

scholarly journals Efficacy of exogenous phytase supplementation on production performance of commercial broiler

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 31-39
Author(s):  
E Parvin ◽  
MA Khatun ◽  
T Yeasmin ◽  
MM Sharmin
Keyword(s):  
Basal Diet ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Diet Control

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing of exogenous phytase enzyme on productivity of commercial broilers. Four strains of commercial broiler such as Fast feather, Arbor acres, Cobb-500 and Hubbard classic each having 78 numbers were reared for a period of 5 weeks. A total number of 312 day old broiler chicks were distributed into two dietary treatments i.e. basal diet (Control-T0) and basal diet supplemented with phytase enzyme 1g/kg feed (supplemented-T1). The results indicated that broilers fed on diets supplemented with phytase have gained more body weight when compared with control group (P<0.05). The first and second highest body weights were recorded for the strains Cobb-500 and First feather broilers, respectively, which feed on diet containing phytase.   Feed consumption varied significantly between the broilers on different dietary regimes. Significant differences (P<0.01) were found in feed conversion ratios among the birds fed on diet with phytase enzyme. The lowest feed conversion ratio was in Cobb-500 fed on phytase diet where as the highest was in Fast Feather provided with only basal diet during the 5th week of age. Average feed conversion ratios were 1.73 and 1.86 for the supplemented and control group respectively. Use of phytase as feed additive in the diet resulted in high profitability/ broiler. Net profit per live broiler was the also higher in treatment group compared with control groups of birds. The highest net profit per live broiler was observed in Arbor Across strains fed on phytase diet. The result of the present study suggests that the addition of dietary phytase enzyme in the diet of broiler may increase the production performance and reduce the cost of production.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (3): 31-39

scholarly journals Effect of energy to protein ratio using alternative feed ingredients on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Alqazzaz ◽  
A.A. Samsudin ◽  
L.H. Idris ◽  
D. Ismail ◽  
H. Akit
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Protein Ratio ◽  
Feed Ingredients ◽  
Black Soldier Fly Larvae ◽  
Different Levels

Present study was conducted to evaluate the different levels of energy to protein ratios (EPR) using food waste and black soldier fly larvae meal (FWBSFL) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers. A total of 160 one-day old broiler chicks were divided randomly to four groups and each group had 8 replicates with 5 chicks per replicate. The control diet was formulated using conventional feed ingredients with EPR of 154 for the starter period and 167 for the finisher period. The other treatments were diets with normal, low, and high EPR (154,143, and 166 for the starter period; 167, 155, and 177 for the finisher period) using FWBSFL. Feed consumption and body weight gain as well as digestibility of crude protein, crude fiber, and fat were decreased due to feeding of FWBSFL diets. Different levels of EPR using FWBSFL decreased growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document