Dr. Avishek Biswas - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Dr. Avishek Biswas
Indian journal of poultry science, 2014
Biologia, 2021
Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at hi... more Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at high altitude and the present study investigates the effect of aqueous extract of Salix alba leaves on growth performance, antioxidant level and immune status of broiler chickens reared at high altitude cold desert (3500 m). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the extract revealed the presence of salicin and caffeic acid. In vitro efficacy evaluation revealed that the extract had a significant cytoprotective effect on lymphocytes. For in-vivo study, a total of 105 one d old RIR cross-bred broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven groups: 1) Control fed basal diet and 2) Six treatments fed basal diet + S. alba extract @100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg kg−1 body weight of chicken, respectively. Chickens in the Salix 300 group had greater body weight (p < 0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other treatments. Furthermore, chickens had greater (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (TAC), free radical scavenging activity, interleukin-2, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 concentration as compared to the control group. Net profit was also increased in all the treatments that were fed diet with S. alba extract due to less mortality in chickens. These findings indicated that inclusion S. alba extract at dose concentration of 300 mg kg−1 body weight of chicken, exhibited a beneficial effect on growth performance through immunomodulation and up-regulation of antioxidants, and therefore, it has a potential to be used as a phytogenic feed additive for improving broiler performance at high altitude.
World's Poultry Science Journal, 2010
In the cold, arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude is 3048-3658 m above mean sea lev... more In the cold, arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude is 3048-3658 m above mean sea level (MSL) and the temperature ranges from +35°C to -35°C, poultry farming is very difficult. Poultry farming in Leh-Ladakh has been a venture that has generally taken a back seat in this cold, arid region for a number of reasons. In this region, the Buddhist community makes up most of the population, and, because of their largely vegetarian lifestyle; they generally avoid killing animals in principal. Another reason is the lack of availability of any specific high yielding variety of layer or broiler breed in this high altitude region. Typically, the existing local poultry breeds exhibit very poor egg and meat production. Further factors which have influenced poultry production are the unavailability of poultry feed and the existence of harsh climatic conditions. The status of poultry rearing in this region is not encouraging, with the current total population of poultry birds limited to ...
World's Poultry Science Journal, 2010
Poultry farming is very difficult in the cold arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude ... more Poultry farming is very difficult in the cold arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude is 3048-3658 m above mean sea level (MSL) and the temperature ranges from +35°C to -35°C. Poultry farming in Leh-Ladakh has been a venture that has generally taken a back seat in this cold, arid region for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Buddhist community makes up the majority of the population in this region, and, because of their largely vegetarian lifestyle; they generally avoid killing animals on principal. The second reason is the lack of availability of any specific high yielding variety of layer or broiler breed suited to such high altitude. Evaluation of the feeding value of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoidesspp.sinensis) through feed analysis considered five factors; crude protein, lysine, methionine+cystine, calcium and phosphorus. The comprehensive values of sea buckthorn seeds, leaves and fruit residues rank in the fifth, sixth and ninth position among the 16 types of fee...
British Poultry Science, 2010
1. The effect of soybean meal substitution by different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg q... more 1. The effect of soybean meal substitution by different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits of white and coloured dwarf dam lines was investigated. 2. A total of 144 dwarf hens (38 weeks of age) from the same hatch were randomly divided into 12 groups of 12 birds (4 dietary treatments x 3 replicates). 3. A 2 x 4 factorial design was used to study the effect of 2 lines (Factor A) and substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with 4 concentrations (0, 10, 15 and 20%) of sunflower meal (SFM) [Factor B] on egg quality traits of dwarf dam line hens. 4. All the diets were designed to be isocaloric (113 MJ ME/kg) and isonitrogenous (180 g/kg crude protein) The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks. 5. Analysis of variance indicated a highly significant line effect. There were non-significant effects of substitution of soybean meal with different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits except for Haugh unit. 6. White plumaged dwarf broiler breeder dam line produced significantly fewer, but larger, eggs than coloured dwarf dam line hens.
British Poultry Science, 2011
A study was conducted to estimate the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on growth performance... more A study was conducted to estimate the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on growth performance and biochemical profiles of blood and meat in broiler chickens. A total of 240 d-old broiler chicks (Vencobb-100) were randomly divided into 12 groups, each of 20 chicks (4 treatments x 3 replicates). The basal diet (T₁) contained 215 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP), 12·76 MJ kg⁻¹ ME, 32 g kg⁻¹ total calcium and 5 g kg⁻¹ total phosphorus. T₂, T₃ and T₄ were formulated to contain an additional 75, 150 and 250 mg Cu kg⁻¹ diet, respectively. Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO₄, 5H₂O) was used as the source of Cu. Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride, and an elevated concentration of HDL-cholesterol, were observed in the chickens fed with 250 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (T₄) of feed at the 3rd and 6th week of the experiment. Total cholesterol in meat decreased significantly in the birds fed with dietary Cu at 250 mg kg⁻¹ (T₄) of feed. Growth performance was measured in terms of live weight gain, cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the end of d 21 and d 42 of the experiment, and the result was found to be commercially beneficial for the chickens receiving 150 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (T₃) of diet. The concentration of Cu in breast muscle and liver increased significantly at the end of experiment. From this study it can be concluded that supplementation with dietary Cu may be beneficial for production performance and plasma biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2022
This study investigated the effects of bael leaf powder (BLP) on growth performance, immunity, se... more This study investigated the effects of bael leaf powder (BLP) on growth performance, immunity, serum biochemistry, and caecal microbiology of broiler chickens. Following completely randomised design, a total of 288-day-old CARIBRO-Vishal broiler chickens were randomly divided into six treatment groups consisting of experimental diets formulated as follows — T1 (basal diet), T2 (basal diet + 250 mg bacitracin methylene disalicylate-BMD/kg diet), T3 (basal diet + 5 g BLP/kg diet) T4 (basal diet + 10 g BLP/kg diet), T5 (basal diet + 15 g BLP/kg diet), and T6 (basal diet + 20 g BLP/kg diet). Proximate analysis of green bael leaves revealed 65.6% moisture and on dry matter basis, BLP contained 14.31% protein, 1.89% fat, 16.30% crude fibre, 4.25% calcium, and 2.08% phosphorous. This study revealed no adverse effects of BLP supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. The BLP supplementation at 20 g/kg diet resulted in higher relative weights of bursa and thymus with better cell mediated (higher foot web index) and humoral immune (higher antibody titre against sheep RBCs) responses in broiler chicken. Lower abdominal fat deposition was observed in broiler chicken fed 20 g BLP/kg diet. Significantly lower serum uric acid, creatinine, AST, and ALT were observed in BLP supplemented chicken which indicates nephro-protective and hepato-protective functions of BLP. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and tissue cholesterol content of broiler chicken decreased progressively with increasing dietary BLP levels. The supplementation of 20 g BLP/kg diet resulted in lower E. coli and Coliform counts, whereas, increasing trend was observed in Lactobacillus count in caecum of broiler chicken. In conclusion, the BLP supplementation at 20 g/kg diet exerted immunomodulatory, anti-hyperlipidaemic, and antibacterial effects in broiler chicken without any adverse effects on the growth performance.
Attempts were made to determine the effects of antioxidants on body weight, cloacal gland and foa... more Attempts were made to determine the effects of antioxidants on body weight, cloacal gland and foam production in male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). For this study 189 birds (6 wks) of heavy body weight line of male Japanese quails from the same hatch were randomly selected and equally divided in to 9 groups. Effects of three levels of Vit.E (0, 150 and 300 IU/kg diet), three levels of selenium (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) and their combinations were examined on body weight, area of cloacal gland, and foam production at different time interval. The birds were fed the experimental diets from 6th week onwards and the data was collected from 8th to 20th weeks of age. At the end of study (20 week) higher doses of selenium (1.0 mg/kg feed) along with Vit.E is responsible for significantly (P<0.05) increase in the area of cloacal gland and more (P<0.05) production of cloacal foam from male Japanese quails. No significant differences were observed in body weight. From t...
Journal of Applied Phycology, 2018
This study evaluates the effect of dietary inclusion of the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii (AF... more This study evaluates the effect of dietary inclusion of the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii (AF-KWP) on production performance, immune responses, and egg quality traits in laying birds. Day-old female chicks (n = 200) of single hatch were distributed randomly into four dietary treatments groups of 50 birds in each treatment following a completely randomized design. Each treatment was five (5) replicates with 10 chicks each. One group (T 1) served as control, while in other three treatments K. alvarezii (AF-KWP) was included at 1.25% (T 2), 1.50% (T 3), and 1.75% (T 4), respectively. The results revealed significant improvement in age at sexual maturity, egg production, egg weight, shell thickness, and some internal egg qualities due to inclusion of AF-KWP powder. The values for TBARS, free fatty acids, peroxide, and cholesterol contents were significantly lower in yolk from eggs from hens fed AF-KWP preparation. Similarly, the cell-mediated as well as humoral immunity of birds improved significantly and progressively with increased levels of AF-KWP up to 1.50% in the layer diet. Results indicated that K. alvarezii (AF-KWP) can be incorporated up to 1.50% level in diet of pullets for reduction of age of sexual maturity (egg laying age), improved productive performance and egg quality traits in laying hens.
Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, Jan 3, 2016
An attempt was made to investigate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) on physical and cloacal gl... more An attempt was made to investigate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) on physical and cloacal gland size, foam production, biochemical composition of foam and semen biochemical characteristics of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). Two hundred twenty-five (225)-day-old male Japanese quail were randomly distributed to three dietary treatment groups for a period of 20 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates, each containing 25 chicks. Three experimental diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg (T1 , T2 and T3, respectively), and diet T1 was considered as control. Sodium selenite was used as the source of selenium. All the birds were provided with feed and water ad libitum. Cloacal foam characteristics, that is cloacal gland index and foam weight, were significantly higher in T2 group. However, body weight, frequency of foam discharge and testes weight (left and right) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Physical characteristics of semen, ...
Journal of Applied Phycology, 2019
This study evaluated the physico-biochemical and microbial characteristics of broiler chicken mea... more This study evaluated the physico-biochemical and microbial characteristics of broiler chicken meat after dietary supplementation of Kappaphycus alvarezii (AF-KWP). Day-old chicks (280) were randomly distributed into 35 groups with 8 chicks in each group (7 dietary treatments × 5 replicates). Seven experimental diets were formulated by adding 0 (control, T 1), 0.25 AF-KWP (T 2), 0.50 AF-KWP (T 3), 0.75 AF-KWP (T 4), 1.00 AF-KWP (T 5), 1.25 AF-KWP (T 6) and 1.50 AF-KWP (T 7), respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were recorded in pH and drip loss (%) among the control and dietary-treated groups. Water holding capacity (WHC), cholesterol, fat, and extract release volume (ERV) found significantly (P < 0.05) improved in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWPsupplemented groups (T 7 and T 6) compared with control (T 1), T 2 (0.25% AF-KWP) and T 3 (0.50% AF-KWP) groups. Antioxidant parameters, i.e., 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+) and 2,2-diphynyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), of meat significantly increased (P < 0.05) in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWP dietary-supplemented groups (T 7 or T 6) compared with control and other dietary-treated groups (T 2 , T 3 , and T 4). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in free fatty acid and peroxide values among the control and dietary AF-KWP-supplemented groups, whereas 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activity of meat improved (P < 0.05) in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWP-supplemented groups (T 7 or T 6). Microbial loads in terms of standard plate count (SPC), coliforms, and Staphylococcus were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWP (T 7 or T 6)-supplemented groups compared with control (T 1) group. From the above, it may be concluded that K. alvarezii (AF-KWP) can be incorporated at 1.25 or 1.50% level in broiler diet for improved physico-biochemical characteristics, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activities, and reduction of microbial counts in broiler chicken meat.
Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduct... more Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. A study was conducted to determine the effect of foam extract on sperm motility in the male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Adult male quails (<12 weeks) of heavy body weight strain were housed in individual cages and divided into 5 groups according to the size of their cloacal glands. The data indicated that the size of the cloacal gland was positively correlated with the frequency of foam secretion and total foam production. One gram of freshly collected clean foam was mixed with 1.0 mL of normal saline and homogenized for 10 minutes. After centrifugation at 35 000 rpm, the supernatant was used as 100 % foam extract. The extract was diluted to 1:40, 1:20, 1:10, and 1:4 with normal saline to produce 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 25 % foam extracts, respectively. 5 % foam extract enhanced sperm survival at room temperat...
South African Journal of Animal Science, 2019
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of pro... more The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, on histo-morphologic measurements of the small intestine and on the gut health status of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments for six weeks. The dietary treatments were basal diet (T 1); basal diet + bacitracin methyl di-salicylate (BMD) at 20 mg/kg diet (T 2); basal diet + L. acidophilus (10 6 and 10 7 cfu/gm diet) (T 3 and T 4); and basal diet + B. bifidum (10 6 and 10 7 cfu/gm diet) (T 5 and T 6), respectively. The villus height (VH), width (VW), crypt depth (CD) and the ratio between villus height and crypt depth (VH: CD) were significantly increased at 21 days and 42 days in L. acidophilus-supplemented groups (T 3 or T 4). No significant differences were observed in protein, albumin and serum mineral (Ca and P) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in any of the dietary probiotic treatment groups. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine concentrations were increased, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in probiotic-supplemented groups. Coliforms and total anaerobes counts were significantly reduced at 21 and 42 days at the ileum and caecal in T 4 , whereas the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacilli count was significantly increased in all the probioticsupplemented groups. The results of the present study indicate that L. acidophilus at 10 6 cfu/g feed inclusion in basal diet may improve blood biochemical parameters and histo-morphometry in the intestine and gut health in broiler chickens, resulting in a valid feed additive to replace antibiotic growth promoters.
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 2014
ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) supplementation on per... more ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) supplementation on performance and haemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken at cold arid high altitude region of Leh- Ladakh, India. One hundred and twenty (120) day old broiler chicks hatched locally at high altitude, cold hypoxic conditions of Ladakh at 12000 ft above mean sea level (AMSL) were randomly selected and divided into 12 groups of 10 chicks each (4 dietary treatments x 3 replicates) in completely randomized design. Chicks were placed in a solar poultry house with mesh floor and reared under uniform husbandry conditions (14 h light/day and 25–32°C). The basal diet (T1) contained crude protein (CP) 210g/kg, 3200 Kcal/kg ME, 30 g/kg total calcium and 0.5g/kg total phosphorus. Experimental diets T2, T3 and T4 contained an additional 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg of vitamin C/kg feed, respectively. During the experiment, feed and water were provided ad libitum. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in body weight, feed conversion ratio and cumulative feed intake among the different experimental groups. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose and total protein in chicks that received dietary vitamin C supplementation decreased significantly (P<0.01) in comparison to control group. By contrast albumin and uric acid concentrations significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas the serum concentrations of creatinine, triglyceride, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) showed no significant alterations. From the above study it may be concluded that, supplementation of dietary vitamin C would be beneficial for production performance and haemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken at cold arid high altitude conditions.
British Poultry Science, 2006
1. The effect of increasing dietary selenium (Se) on production performance and immune responses ... more 1. The effect of increasing dietary selenium (Se) on production performance and immune responses in growing (0 to 6 weeks) Japanese quail was investigated. 2. One-day-old chicks (240) were randomly selected and divided into 12 groups with 20 chicks in each group (3 dietary treatments x 4 replicates). The basal diet contained 0.2 mg Se/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg. 3. Body weight gain, food intake and food conversion ratio and mortality were not affected by Se supplementation. 4. On d 28, antibody responses to inoculated sheep red blood cells were determined. Antibody titres were significantly higher after feeding the two Se-supplemented diets. 5. During week 4, the response to intradermally injected phytohaemagglutinin, an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was shown to be increased in the groups fed on the Se-supplemented diets. 6. After 6 weeks, the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus were greater in the chicks given the Se-supplemented diets but there was no effect on the relative weight of spleen and liver. 7. It is concluded that supplementing the diet with Se has a beneficial effect on immune responses but does not affect production performance in growing Japanese quail.
Antibiotics have revolutionized the intensive poultry production system as a feed additive by pro... more Antibiotics have revolutionized the intensive poultry production system as a feed additive by promoting growth, production and meat quality through improving gut health and reduction of sub-clinical infections during last five decades. However, currently, the usage of antibiotics in poultry production is under severe scientific and public scrutiny, because antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) has been linked to the possible development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which may pose a threat to human health. After European Union ban on in feed antibiotics as growth promoter in poultry, since 2006, prebiotics offer a potential substitute to in feed antibiotics. In this effort, the objective of this present study was to investigate the potentiality of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharides-MOS and fructo-oligosaccharides-FOS) in replacement of antibiotic growth promoter and their relationship with physio-biochemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass traits of broiler...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2007
The objective of this study was to investigate the age dependent development of cloacal gland and... more The objective of this study was to investigate the age dependent development of cloacal gland and certain other measures (i.e. fertility, appearance of cloacal foam, body weight, egg production and mortality) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Fifty-eight pairs of Japanese quails heavy body weight strain were randomly selected from flock of the same hatch. The results indicated that cloacal foam appeared around 6th week and by the end of 11th week, all the male birds were producing the cloacal foam. From 8 to 10th week, a rapid increase in the area of cloacal gland was recorded thereafter remained nearly constant between 11 to 43 weeks of age. In the second year (55 wks onwards), with the advancement of age, a fluctuation in the area of cloacal gland was noticed. The maximum regression of the cloacal gland was occurred at the end of both years (July-August: 55 to 60 weeks or June-July: 96 to 104 weeks of age) when summer days associated with humidity. The percent fertil...
Background:Flaxseed in a richest terrestrial source of w-3 fatty acid – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA... more Background:Flaxseed in a richest terrestrial source of w-3 fatty acid – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which can be incorporated in chicken meat when it is included in chicken ration. ALA can further be acted up on by desaturating enzymes to generate PUFA such as EPA and DHA which increase the health value of chicken meat. However, dietary flaxseed results in concurrent increase in lipid oxidation due higher unsaturation and negative impact on chicken growth performance. These negative effects of flaxseed feeding can be reversed by chromium supplementation in broiler chicken. Thus, this study investigated growth performance and efficiency, lipid composition, lipid metabolism, health indices, and serum lipid chemistry of broiler chicken fed flaxseed meal (FSM) and chromium (Cr).Results:Feeding of 100 g FSM exerted negative effects on the growth performance during starter phase only (0-3 weeks) and overall growth efficiency parameters in broiler chicken, whereas, Cr supplementation revers...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2012
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing diets with Ashwagandha (... more This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing diets with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in combination with ascorbic acid on production performance of broiler. Day-old vaccinated commercial broiler chicks (n=240), were procured from a private hatchery. The chicks were distributed into 4 treatments having 4 replicates of 15 chicks in each replicate. Three diets i.e., T1, T2 and T3 were formulated to contain 1% Ashwagandha powder, 0.05% ascorbic acid and combination of 0.5% Ashwagandha powder + 0.025% ascorbic acid respectively. One control group (C) was also taken without supplementation of Ashwagandha powder and ascorbic acid. The birds in supplemented groups gained (P<0.05) more weight compared to the control group. Highest weight gain was observed in T1 group followed by T3, T2 and C The supplementation of Ashwagandha, ascorbic acid and their combination increased the feed intake (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) values at 4th or 6th week...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2005
A study was conducted to determine the effect of antioxidants on immune response in Japanese quai... more A study was conducted to determine the effect of antioxidants on immune response in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Nine experimental diets were prepared to contain three levels of vitamin E (Vit.E) (0, 150 and 300 IU/kg diet), three levels of selenium (Se) (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) and their combinations (150 IU Vit.E + 0.5 mg Se; 150 IU Vit.E + 1.0 mg Se; 300 IU Vit.E + 0.5 mg Se; 300 IU Vit.E + 1.0 mg Se). A total of 378 quails of 6 weeks age were fed the diets, eggs collected and chicks hatched. The day old chicks were also fed the nine experimental diets. Chicks were examined at 28 day of age for humoral immunity and 35 day for cell mediated immunity. Significantly (P<0.05) higher humoral immune response was observed with diets having lower levels of Se (0.5 mg/kg) along with higher levels of Vit.E (300 IU/kg). Whereas, significantly (P<0.05) better cell mediated immune response was noticed with diets having higher levels of Vit.E (300 IU/kg) along with hi...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2014
Biologia, 2021
Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at hi... more Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at high altitude and the present study investigates the effect of aqueous extract of Salix alba leaves on growth performance, antioxidant level and immune status of broiler chickens reared at high altitude cold desert (3500 m). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the extract revealed the presence of salicin and caffeic acid. In vitro efficacy evaluation revealed that the extract had a significant cytoprotective effect on lymphocytes. For in-vivo study, a total of 105 one d old RIR cross-bred broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven groups: 1) Control fed basal diet and 2) Six treatments fed basal diet + S. alba extract @100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg kg−1 body weight of chicken, respectively. Chickens in the Salix 300 group had greater body weight (p < 0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other treatments. Furthermore, chickens had greater (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (TAC), free radical scavenging activity, interleukin-2, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 concentration as compared to the control group. Net profit was also increased in all the treatments that were fed diet with S. alba extract due to less mortality in chickens. These findings indicated that inclusion S. alba extract at dose concentration of 300 mg kg−1 body weight of chicken, exhibited a beneficial effect on growth performance through immunomodulation and up-regulation of antioxidants, and therefore, it has a potential to be used as a phytogenic feed additive for improving broiler performance at high altitude.
World's Poultry Science Journal, 2010
In the cold, arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude is 3048-3658 m above mean sea lev... more In the cold, arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude is 3048-3658 m above mean sea level (MSL) and the temperature ranges from +35°C to -35°C, poultry farming is very difficult. Poultry farming in Leh-Ladakh has been a venture that has generally taken a back seat in this cold, arid region for a number of reasons. In this region, the Buddhist community makes up most of the population, and, because of their largely vegetarian lifestyle; they generally avoid killing animals in principal. Another reason is the lack of availability of any specific high yielding variety of layer or broiler breed in this high altitude region. Typically, the existing local poultry breeds exhibit very poor egg and meat production. Further factors which have influenced poultry production are the unavailability of poultry feed and the existence of harsh climatic conditions. The status of poultry rearing in this region is not encouraging, with the current total population of poultry birds limited to ...
World's Poultry Science Journal, 2010
Poultry farming is very difficult in the cold arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude ... more Poultry farming is very difficult in the cold arid Himalayan region of India, where the altitude is 3048-3658 m above mean sea level (MSL) and the temperature ranges from +35°C to -35°C. Poultry farming in Leh-Ladakh has been a venture that has generally taken a back seat in this cold, arid region for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Buddhist community makes up the majority of the population in this region, and, because of their largely vegetarian lifestyle; they generally avoid killing animals on principal. The second reason is the lack of availability of any specific high yielding variety of layer or broiler breed suited to such high altitude. Evaluation of the feeding value of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoidesspp.sinensis) through feed analysis considered five factors; crude protein, lysine, methionine+cystine, calcium and phosphorus. The comprehensive values of sea buckthorn seeds, leaves and fruit residues rank in the fifth, sixth and ninth position among the 16 types of fee...
British Poultry Science, 2010
1. The effect of soybean meal substitution by different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg q... more 1. The effect of soybean meal substitution by different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits of white and coloured dwarf dam lines was investigated. 2. A total of 144 dwarf hens (38 weeks of age) from the same hatch were randomly divided into 12 groups of 12 birds (4 dietary treatments x 3 replicates). 3. A 2 x 4 factorial design was used to study the effect of 2 lines (Factor A) and substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with 4 concentrations (0, 10, 15 and 20%) of sunflower meal (SFM) [Factor B] on egg quality traits of dwarf dam line hens. 4. All the diets were designed to be isocaloric (113 MJ ME/kg) and isonitrogenous (180 g/kg crude protein) The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks. 5. Analysis of variance indicated a highly significant line effect. There were non-significant effects of substitution of soybean meal with different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits except for Haugh unit. 6. White plumaged dwarf broiler breeder dam line produced significantly fewer, but larger, eggs than coloured dwarf dam line hens.
British Poultry Science, 2011
A study was conducted to estimate the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on growth performance... more A study was conducted to estimate the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on growth performance and biochemical profiles of blood and meat in broiler chickens. A total of 240 d-old broiler chicks (Vencobb-100) were randomly divided into 12 groups, each of 20 chicks (4 treatments x 3 replicates). The basal diet (T₁) contained 215 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP), 12·76 MJ kg⁻¹ ME, 32 g kg⁻¹ total calcium and 5 g kg⁻¹ total phosphorus. T₂, T₃ and T₄ were formulated to contain an additional 75, 150 and 250 mg Cu kg⁻¹ diet, respectively. Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO₄, 5H₂O) was used as the source of Cu. Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride, and an elevated concentration of HDL-cholesterol, were observed in the chickens fed with 250 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (T₄) of feed at the 3rd and 6th week of the experiment. Total cholesterol in meat decreased significantly in the birds fed with dietary Cu at 250 mg kg⁻¹ (T₄) of feed. Growth performance was measured in terms of live weight gain, cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the end of d 21 and d 42 of the experiment, and the result was found to be commercially beneficial for the chickens receiving 150 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (T₃) of diet. The concentration of Cu in breast muscle and liver increased significantly at the end of experiment. From this study it can be concluded that supplementation with dietary Cu may be beneficial for production performance and plasma biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2022
This study investigated the effects of bael leaf powder (BLP) on growth performance, immunity, se... more This study investigated the effects of bael leaf powder (BLP) on growth performance, immunity, serum biochemistry, and caecal microbiology of broiler chickens. Following completely randomised design, a total of 288-day-old CARIBRO-Vishal broiler chickens were randomly divided into six treatment groups consisting of experimental diets formulated as follows — T1 (basal diet), T2 (basal diet + 250 mg bacitracin methylene disalicylate-BMD/kg diet), T3 (basal diet + 5 g BLP/kg diet) T4 (basal diet + 10 g BLP/kg diet), T5 (basal diet + 15 g BLP/kg diet), and T6 (basal diet + 20 g BLP/kg diet). Proximate analysis of green bael leaves revealed 65.6% moisture and on dry matter basis, BLP contained 14.31% protein, 1.89% fat, 16.30% crude fibre, 4.25% calcium, and 2.08% phosphorous. This study revealed no adverse effects of BLP supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. The BLP supplementation at 20 g/kg diet resulted in higher relative weights of bursa and thymus with better cell mediated (higher foot web index) and humoral immune (higher antibody titre against sheep RBCs) responses in broiler chicken. Lower abdominal fat deposition was observed in broiler chicken fed 20 g BLP/kg diet. Significantly lower serum uric acid, creatinine, AST, and ALT were observed in BLP supplemented chicken which indicates nephro-protective and hepato-protective functions of BLP. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and tissue cholesterol content of broiler chicken decreased progressively with increasing dietary BLP levels. The supplementation of 20 g BLP/kg diet resulted in lower E. coli and Coliform counts, whereas, increasing trend was observed in Lactobacillus count in caecum of broiler chicken. In conclusion, the BLP supplementation at 20 g/kg diet exerted immunomodulatory, anti-hyperlipidaemic, and antibacterial effects in broiler chicken without any adverse effects on the growth performance.
Attempts were made to determine the effects of antioxidants on body weight, cloacal gland and foa... more Attempts were made to determine the effects of antioxidants on body weight, cloacal gland and foam production in male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). For this study 189 birds (6 wks) of heavy body weight line of male Japanese quails from the same hatch were randomly selected and equally divided in to 9 groups. Effects of three levels of Vit.E (0, 150 and 300 IU/kg diet), three levels of selenium (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) and their combinations were examined on body weight, area of cloacal gland, and foam production at different time interval. The birds were fed the experimental diets from 6th week onwards and the data was collected from 8th to 20th weeks of age. At the end of study (20 week) higher doses of selenium (1.0 mg/kg feed) along with Vit.E is responsible for significantly (P<0.05) increase in the area of cloacal gland and more (P<0.05) production of cloacal foam from male Japanese quails. No significant differences were observed in body weight. From t...
Journal of Applied Phycology, 2018
This study evaluates the effect of dietary inclusion of the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii (AF... more This study evaluates the effect of dietary inclusion of the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii (AF-KWP) on production performance, immune responses, and egg quality traits in laying birds. Day-old female chicks (n = 200) of single hatch were distributed randomly into four dietary treatments groups of 50 birds in each treatment following a completely randomized design. Each treatment was five (5) replicates with 10 chicks each. One group (T 1) served as control, while in other three treatments K. alvarezii (AF-KWP) was included at 1.25% (T 2), 1.50% (T 3), and 1.75% (T 4), respectively. The results revealed significant improvement in age at sexual maturity, egg production, egg weight, shell thickness, and some internal egg qualities due to inclusion of AF-KWP powder. The values for TBARS, free fatty acids, peroxide, and cholesterol contents were significantly lower in yolk from eggs from hens fed AF-KWP preparation. Similarly, the cell-mediated as well as humoral immunity of birds improved significantly and progressively with increased levels of AF-KWP up to 1.50% in the layer diet. Results indicated that K. alvarezii (AF-KWP) can be incorporated up to 1.50% level in diet of pullets for reduction of age of sexual maturity (egg laying age), improved productive performance and egg quality traits in laying hens.
Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, Jan 3, 2016
An attempt was made to investigate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) on physical and cloacal gl... more An attempt was made to investigate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) on physical and cloacal gland size, foam production, biochemical composition of foam and semen biochemical characteristics of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). Two hundred twenty-five (225)-day-old male Japanese quail were randomly distributed to three dietary treatment groups for a period of 20 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates, each containing 25 chicks. Three experimental diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg (T1 , T2 and T3, respectively), and diet T1 was considered as control. Sodium selenite was used as the source of selenium. All the birds were provided with feed and water ad libitum. Cloacal foam characteristics, that is cloacal gland index and foam weight, were significantly higher in T2 group. However, body weight, frequency of foam discharge and testes weight (left and right) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Physical characteristics of semen, ...
Journal of Applied Phycology, 2019
This study evaluated the physico-biochemical and microbial characteristics of broiler chicken mea... more This study evaluated the physico-biochemical and microbial characteristics of broiler chicken meat after dietary supplementation of Kappaphycus alvarezii (AF-KWP). Day-old chicks (280) were randomly distributed into 35 groups with 8 chicks in each group (7 dietary treatments × 5 replicates). Seven experimental diets were formulated by adding 0 (control, T 1), 0.25 AF-KWP (T 2), 0.50 AF-KWP (T 3), 0.75 AF-KWP (T 4), 1.00 AF-KWP (T 5), 1.25 AF-KWP (T 6) and 1.50 AF-KWP (T 7), respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were recorded in pH and drip loss (%) among the control and dietary-treated groups. Water holding capacity (WHC), cholesterol, fat, and extract release volume (ERV) found significantly (P < 0.05) improved in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWPsupplemented groups (T 7 and T 6) compared with control (T 1), T 2 (0.25% AF-KWP) and T 3 (0.50% AF-KWP) groups. Antioxidant parameters, i.e., 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+) and 2,2-diphynyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), of meat significantly increased (P < 0.05) in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWP dietary-supplemented groups (T 7 or T 6) compared with control and other dietary-treated groups (T 2 , T 3 , and T 4). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in free fatty acid and peroxide values among the control and dietary AF-KWP-supplemented groups, whereas 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activity of meat improved (P < 0.05) in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWP-supplemented groups (T 7 or T 6). Microbial loads in terms of standard plate count (SPC), coliforms, and Staphylococcus were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in 1.50 or 1.25% AF-KWP (T 7 or T 6)-supplemented groups compared with control (T 1) group. From the above, it may be concluded that K. alvarezii (AF-KWP) can be incorporated at 1.25 or 1.50% level in broiler diet for improved physico-biochemical characteristics, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activities, and reduction of microbial counts in broiler chicken meat.
Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduct... more Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. A study was conducted to determine the effect of foam extract on sperm motility in the male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Adult male quails (<12 weeks) of heavy body weight strain were housed in individual cages and divided into 5 groups according to the size of their cloacal glands. The data indicated that the size of the cloacal gland was positively correlated with the frequency of foam secretion and total foam production. One gram of freshly collected clean foam was mixed with 1.0 mL of normal saline and homogenized for 10 minutes. After centrifugation at 35 000 rpm, the supernatant was used as 100 % foam extract. The extract was diluted to 1:40, 1:20, 1:10, and 1:4 with normal saline to produce 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 25 % foam extracts, respectively. 5 % foam extract enhanced sperm survival at room temperat...
South African Journal of Animal Science, 2019
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of pro... more The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, on histo-morphologic measurements of the small intestine and on the gut health status of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments for six weeks. The dietary treatments were basal diet (T 1); basal diet + bacitracin methyl di-salicylate (BMD) at 20 mg/kg diet (T 2); basal diet + L. acidophilus (10 6 and 10 7 cfu/gm diet) (T 3 and T 4); and basal diet + B. bifidum (10 6 and 10 7 cfu/gm diet) (T 5 and T 6), respectively. The villus height (VH), width (VW), crypt depth (CD) and the ratio between villus height and crypt depth (VH: CD) were significantly increased at 21 days and 42 days in L. acidophilus-supplemented groups (T 3 or T 4). No significant differences were observed in protein, albumin and serum mineral (Ca and P) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in any of the dietary probiotic treatment groups. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine concentrations were increased, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in probiotic-supplemented groups. Coliforms and total anaerobes counts were significantly reduced at 21 and 42 days at the ileum and caecal in T 4 , whereas the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacilli count was significantly increased in all the probioticsupplemented groups. The results of the present study indicate that L. acidophilus at 10 6 cfu/g feed inclusion in basal diet may improve blood biochemical parameters and histo-morphometry in the intestine and gut health in broiler chickens, resulting in a valid feed additive to replace antibiotic growth promoters.
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 2014
ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) supplementation on per... more ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) supplementation on performance and haemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken at cold arid high altitude region of Leh- Ladakh, India. One hundred and twenty (120) day old broiler chicks hatched locally at high altitude, cold hypoxic conditions of Ladakh at 12000 ft above mean sea level (AMSL) were randomly selected and divided into 12 groups of 10 chicks each (4 dietary treatments x 3 replicates) in completely randomized design. Chicks were placed in a solar poultry house with mesh floor and reared under uniform husbandry conditions (14 h light/day and 25–32°C). The basal diet (T1) contained crude protein (CP) 210g/kg, 3200 Kcal/kg ME, 30 g/kg total calcium and 0.5g/kg total phosphorus. Experimental diets T2, T3 and T4 contained an additional 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg of vitamin C/kg feed, respectively. During the experiment, feed and water were provided ad libitum. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in body weight, feed conversion ratio and cumulative feed intake among the different experimental groups. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose and total protein in chicks that received dietary vitamin C supplementation decreased significantly (P<0.01) in comparison to control group. By contrast albumin and uric acid concentrations significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas the serum concentrations of creatinine, triglyceride, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) showed no significant alterations. From the above study it may be concluded that, supplementation of dietary vitamin C would be beneficial for production performance and haemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken at cold arid high altitude conditions.
British Poultry Science, 2006
1. The effect of increasing dietary selenium (Se) on production performance and immune responses ... more 1. The effect of increasing dietary selenium (Se) on production performance and immune responses in growing (0 to 6 weeks) Japanese quail was investigated. 2. One-day-old chicks (240) were randomly selected and divided into 12 groups with 20 chicks in each group (3 dietary treatments x 4 replicates). The basal diet contained 0.2 mg Se/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg. 3. Body weight gain, food intake and food conversion ratio and mortality were not affected by Se supplementation. 4. On d 28, antibody responses to inoculated sheep red blood cells were determined. Antibody titres were significantly higher after feeding the two Se-supplemented diets. 5. During week 4, the response to intradermally injected phytohaemagglutinin, an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was shown to be increased in the groups fed on the Se-supplemented diets. 6. After 6 weeks, the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus were greater in the chicks given the Se-supplemented diets but there was no effect on the relative weight of spleen and liver. 7. It is concluded that supplementing the diet with Se has a beneficial effect on immune responses but does not affect production performance in growing Japanese quail.
Antibiotics have revolutionized the intensive poultry production system as a feed additive by pro... more Antibiotics have revolutionized the intensive poultry production system as a feed additive by promoting growth, production and meat quality through improving gut health and reduction of sub-clinical infections during last five decades. However, currently, the usage of antibiotics in poultry production is under severe scientific and public scrutiny, because antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) has been linked to the possible development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which may pose a threat to human health. After European Union ban on in feed antibiotics as growth promoter in poultry, since 2006, prebiotics offer a potential substitute to in feed antibiotics. In this effort, the objective of this present study was to investigate the potentiality of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharides-MOS and fructo-oligosaccharides-FOS) in replacement of antibiotic growth promoter and their relationship with physio-biochemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass traits of broiler...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2007
The objective of this study was to investigate the age dependent development of cloacal gland and... more The objective of this study was to investigate the age dependent development of cloacal gland and certain other measures (i.e. fertility, appearance of cloacal foam, body weight, egg production and mortality) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Fifty-eight pairs of Japanese quails heavy body weight strain were randomly selected from flock of the same hatch. The results indicated that cloacal foam appeared around 6th week and by the end of 11th week, all the male birds were producing the cloacal foam. From 8 to 10th week, a rapid increase in the area of cloacal gland was recorded thereafter remained nearly constant between 11 to 43 weeks of age. In the second year (55 wks onwards), with the advancement of age, a fluctuation in the area of cloacal gland was noticed. The maximum regression of the cloacal gland was occurred at the end of both years (July-August: 55 to 60 weeks or June-July: 96 to 104 weeks of age) when summer days associated with humidity. The percent fertil...
Background:Flaxseed in a richest terrestrial source of w-3 fatty acid – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA... more Background:Flaxseed in a richest terrestrial source of w-3 fatty acid – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which can be incorporated in chicken meat when it is included in chicken ration. ALA can further be acted up on by desaturating enzymes to generate PUFA such as EPA and DHA which increase the health value of chicken meat. However, dietary flaxseed results in concurrent increase in lipid oxidation due higher unsaturation and negative impact on chicken growth performance. These negative effects of flaxseed feeding can be reversed by chromium supplementation in broiler chicken. Thus, this study investigated growth performance and efficiency, lipid composition, lipid metabolism, health indices, and serum lipid chemistry of broiler chicken fed flaxseed meal (FSM) and chromium (Cr).Results:Feeding of 100 g FSM exerted negative effects on the growth performance during starter phase only (0-3 weeks) and overall growth efficiency parameters in broiler chicken, whereas, Cr supplementation revers...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2012
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing diets with Ashwagandha (... more This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing diets with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in combination with ascorbic acid on production performance of broiler. Day-old vaccinated commercial broiler chicks (n=240), were procured from a private hatchery. The chicks were distributed into 4 treatments having 4 replicates of 15 chicks in each replicate. Three diets i.e., T1, T2 and T3 were formulated to contain 1% Ashwagandha powder, 0.05% ascorbic acid and combination of 0.5% Ashwagandha powder + 0.025% ascorbic acid respectively. One control group (C) was also taken without supplementation of Ashwagandha powder and ascorbic acid. The birds in supplemented groups gained (P<0.05) more weight compared to the control group. Highest weight gain was observed in T1 group followed by T3, T2 and C The supplementation of Ashwagandha, ascorbic acid and their combination increased the feed intake (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) values at 4th or 6th week...
Indian journal of poultry science, 2005
A study was conducted to determine the effect of antioxidants on immune response in Japanese quai... more A study was conducted to determine the effect of antioxidants on immune response in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Nine experimental diets were prepared to contain three levels of vitamin E (Vit.E) (0, 150 and 300 IU/kg diet), three levels of selenium (Se) (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) and their combinations (150 IU Vit.E + 0.5 mg Se; 150 IU Vit.E + 1.0 mg Se; 300 IU Vit.E + 0.5 mg Se; 300 IU Vit.E + 1.0 mg Se). A total of 378 quails of 6 weeks age were fed the diets, eggs collected and chicks hatched. The day old chicks were also fed the nine experimental diets. Chicks were examined at 28 day of age for humoral immunity and 35 day for cell mediated immunity. Significantly (P<0.05) higher humoral immune response was observed with diets having lower levels of Se (0.5 mg/kg) along with higher levels of Vit.E (300 IU/kg). Whereas, significantly (P<0.05) better cell mediated immune response was noticed with diets having higher levels of Vit.E (300 IU/kg) along with hi...