Intermittent feeding programme and addition of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> based probiotics to the diet of growing broiler chickens: Influence on growth, hepatic enzymes and serum lipid metabolites profile

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effects of Intermittent feeding programme (IFP) and Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic (BSP) addition in diet on liver malic enzyme and isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, lipid metabolism and performance in broiler chickens. Five hundred and four one-day old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated in four experimental treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4). Groups T1 (control diet) and T3 (Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic diet) were fed ad libitum, whereas groups T2 (control diet) and T4 (Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic diet) served as IFP from day 8 to the end of the experiment. The data on initial body weight, weekly feed consumption and body weight gain were recorded up to six weeks of age. Carcass composition, blood parameters and hepatic enzyme activity were measured at the end of the experiment. Although body weight gain was not significantly different among any of the treatments, the birds raised under IFP consumed significantly (P<0.05) lower feed (207 g) and utilized their feed more efficiently (1.78) than those of the control group fed ad libitum (1.84). Carcass weight as a percentage of live weight was not affected by probiotic supplementation on the diet, but IFP significantly reduced (P<0.05) broiler carcass weight. However, the liver malic and isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme activity was not significantly different between IFP and BSP groups. 411Archiv Tierzucht 56 (2013) 40, 410-422 BSP may influence the pathway of fat metabolism through promotion and/or suppression of serum lipid metabolites.

The effect of intermittent feeding and cold water on performance and carcass traits of broilers reared under daily heat stress

“…This result was contrary to the [19]. Intermittent feeding did not significantly affect live weight gain [18][19][20]; however in our study, IF chickens gained more live weight compared to AL chickens at 4, 5 and 6 wk of age.…”

“…IF chickens use their gizzard and crop to store their feed and maintain their efficiency and performance for extended periods [18]. In the present study, although the live weight of chickens fed intermittent was higher than the AL group at 5 wk of age, however this difference was found insignificant at the end of 6th wk.…”

“…When the temperature of consumed water is lower than body temperature, which helps to keep the metabolic temperature and increases appetite for water and feed [14]. Cold water intake increases the slaughter weight and average weekly gain [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. However, in our study, no significant difference was found between slaughtering weights of broilers consumed normal and cold water.…”

Possible Kefir Biological Effects: 4: Effect of Kefir Beverage on The Histopathological and Macroscopical Changes in Adipose Tissue of High Fat-Fed STZ- Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rat

“…However, some studies observed that rat body weight gain was similar in both groups (control and kefir); No significant differences were found (Elena et al, 2007;Sahin and Yardimci, 2009;Ataşoğlu et al, 2010;Kızak and Çelik, 2012;Aliakbarpour et al, 2013;Salaj et al, 2013;Piccolo et al, 2015).…”

Effects of physical form of diet and intensity and duration of feed restriction on the growth performance, blood variables, microbial flora, immunity, and carcass and organ characteristics of broiler chickens

“…In broiler chickens fed ad libitum, the feed costs often exceed 60% of the total production costs. In addition, over-feeding often leads to a reduction in the quality of carcass and increase in fat deposition (Aliakbarpour et al, 2013). Feed restriction programs followed by re-feeding periods have been introduced in the management of broiler chickens to reduce feed cost and improve feed efficiency through the compensatory growth mechanism.…”