Athar Mahmud

Dietary arginine stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immunity in chickens vaccinated and challenged against hydropericardium syndrome virus.

The effects of dietary supplement of arginine on protective humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of broiler chicks vaccinated and challenged against hydropericardium syndrome virus (HPSV) were investigated and compared with those of 2 reference drugs (cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine). Percentage ratios of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) to BW, postvaccination and challenge serum antibody responses to HPSV, cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity reaction, peripheral lymphoproliferation, postchallenge detection of HPSV in the tissues of infected birds, and ability of chicks to resist virulent HPSV challenge were the parameters utilized to determine the effects of arginine on protective immune responses of chicks. A total of 600 chicks were used in this study. Arginine-supplemented chicks showed significant (P < 0.05) stimulation of lymphoproliferation and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity reactions compared with untreated control chicks. Similarly, significantly higher body and lymphoid organ weights were (P < 0.05) recorded in arginine-supplemented chicks compared with untreated control chicks. The highest survival rate was recorded in arginine-supplemented HPS-vaccinated chicks compared with immune-suppressed (cyclophosphamide- and cyclosporine-treated and HPS-vaccinated chicks) and untreated unvaccinated control chicks after virulent HPSV challenges. Postchallenge tissue samples from arginine-supplemented and HPS-vaccinated chicks yielded negligible HPSV detections by virus isolation in cell culture or PCR method, or both, compared with untreated control chicks. Thus, it was concluded that dietary supplementation of arginine had beneficial effects on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of broiler chicks against HPSV.

Effect of Dietary Lysine Regimens on Growth Performance and Meat Composition in Aseel Chicken

A study was designed with the objective, to evaluate the effect of dietary lysine (Lys) regimens on growth performance and meat composition of Aseel chicken. In total, 540 day old chicks, 180 from each variety, were randomly assigned to 9 experimental groups in a 3 (Varieties: Mianwali (MW), Peshawari (PW), and Lakha (LK)) × 3 (Lys regimens: L1, L2 and L3:1.35, 1.30 and 1.25%) factorial arrangement under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with sex as block. Each experimental group was replicated 6 times with 10 birds in each with average weight of 29 gram. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed:gain ratio (F:G) parameters of growth performance and Dry Matter (DM), Ash, Crude Protein (CP) and Ether Extract (EE) parameters of meat composition were evaluated. The results indicated better (p=0.0006) WG and (p=0.0006) F:G was observed in MW verities. Among different Lys regimens, higher and medium level in the diet improved WG (p<.0001), F:G (p<.0001) and reduced (p=0.0001) FI. Similarly increased (p<.0001; 0.0150) ash content in thigh and breast due to increased level of lysine in the early life period. Dry matter was found to be higher (p=0.0036) only in medium Lys regimen, whereas meat CP was observed to be higher (p=0.0064) in control diet. It was concluded that, 1.30% digestible Lys level regimen can be used to improve the early growth rate of Aseel chicken. Similarly, Mianwali variety due to its better early growth can be used as a meat type chicken.

Comparative evaluation of egg morphometry and quality in Aseel hens under different rearing systems

Abstract The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of 3 different rearing systems (free‐range [FR], semi‐intensive [SI], and confinement) on egg quality traits in 4 varieties of Aseel hens (Lakha, Mushki, Peshawari, and Sindhi). A total of 252, 29‐week‐old Aseel hens was allotted to 12 treatment groups, in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement under randomized complete block design, replicated 3 times with 7 birds each. Data regarding egg physical and internal quality traits were recorded fortnightly and analyzed by using the ANOVA technique under a factorial arrangement. The results indicated higher (P < 0.05) egg weight, length, breadth, volume, and surface area in Sindhi, whereas shape index and Haugh unit score were found to be greater in Lakha. Rearing systems revealed similar effects (P > 0.05) on egg quality traits. Interaction of the rearing system and Aseel variety exhibited variations (P < 0.05) in egg length, breadth, volume, and surface area, whereas shape index, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, and yolk index remained unaffected (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that Sindhi and Lakha hens demonstrated better egg physical and internal qualities. Likewise, no adverse effect of the FR system on egg quality was observed, and small poultry farmers can raise Aseel hens in alternative rearing systems (SI and FR) to earn their livelihoods.

Organic and inorganic selenium in Aseel chicken diets: Effect on hatching traits

&NA; A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) sources (organic and inorganic Se at 0.30 ppm and basal diet at 0 ppm level of supplemented Se) on hatching traits in four varieties of Aseel chicken, Lakha, Mushki, Peshawari, and Mianwali. In total, 84 adult molted hens (50 wk old), 21 from each variety, were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups in a 3 (Se diets) × 4 (Aseel varieties) factorial arrangement under a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was replicated 7 times with individual hens in each. Settable egg, fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, A‐grade chick, and embryonic mortality parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that the birds fed an organic Se supplemented diet had greater (P < 0.05) settable eggs, fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, and A‐grade chicks and reduced embryonic mortality than those fed inorganic or no Se. Among varieties, Mushki had lower (P < 0.05) fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, and A‐grade chicks than rest of three varieties. Interaction of Se sources and varieties indicated that dietary organic Se supplementation improved (P < 0.05) hatch of fertile eggs in Peshawari and Mianwali, whereas hatchability only in Peshawari variety and reduced embryonic mortality in Mianwali. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of organic Se could be used to improve hatching traits as well as reduce embryonic mortality in native Aseel chicken.

Composting of poultry dead birds and litter

Composting is the enhanced biological decomposition of organic materials in a primarily aerobic environment. During the process, microorganisms break down organic materials to stable, usable organic substances in a process which consumes oxygen and releases heat, water, and CO2. Under controlled conditions, the composting process is described in two phases, primary and secondary. Chemical and physical properties of the raw wastes affect the rate of composting. Particle size and surface area of the waste material influence the type of microorganisms involved and the degree of biological activity in the composting process. Composting allows safe disposal of birds and manure and reduces environmental degradation. Composting of poultry manure and dead birds is still a debatable topic, however, with some scientists in favour of composting due to its overwhelming advantages while others are against composting due to certain disadvantages/environmental hazards. The present article is an effort to encompass the overall composting process, its applications as well as troubleshooting various associated issues.

Assessing behavior in Aseel pullets under free-range, part-time free-range, and cage system during growing phase

Abstract The objective of this study was to explore the effects of free‐range (FR), part‐time free‐range (PTFR), and cage system (CS) on behavioral repertoire in Lakha (LK), Mushki (MS), Peshawari (PW), and Sindhi (SN) varieties of Aseel chicken during the growing phase (9 to 18 wk of age). In total, 144 Aseel pullets were allotted to 12 treatment groups in a 3 × 4 (rearing system × Aseel variety) factorial arrangement, according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each treatment group was replicated 3 times with 4 birds in each replicate (12 birds per treatment group). The pullets were randomly marked weekly for identification, and their behavior was observed through the focal animal sampling method. Time spent on different behavioral activities was recorded and converted to a percentage. The data were analyzed using 2‐way ANOVA under a factorial arrangement using SAS 9.1, and the behavioral parameters were evaluated. The results indicated greater (P < 0.05) sitting, standing, drinking, preening, and aggressiveness in CS; walking, running, and jumping in PTFR; and foraging and dustbathing in both FR and PTFR, whereas feather pecking was found to be reduced in FR compared with PTFR and CS. Among varieties, PW showed the least feeding/foraging and feather pecking behavior, and greater standing, running, and jumping behavior (P < 0.05). However, SN spent less time in walking and preening, and more time in sitting, drinking, and aggressiveness. Dustbathing was found to be similar in all Aseel varieties (P = 0.135). In conclusion, the PTFR system could be suggested as a substitute for conventional housing systems because it better accommodates normal behavior in Aseel pullets.

Organic and inorganic selenium in Aseel chicken diets: Effect on production performance

SUMMARY The present study was planned to explore the effects of different selenium‐supplemented diets on production performance in 4 varieties of Aseel chicken, including Lakha (LK), Mushki (MS), Peshawari (PW), and Mianwali (MW). The selenium (Se) from Se‐enriched yeast (SY) and sodium selenite (SS) was supplemented into a corn‐soybean meal basal diet at 0.3 mg/kg, whereas control diet had no supplemental Se. In total, 84 adult molted Aseel hens (50 wk old), 21 from each variety, were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of 3 Se diets (organic, inorganic, and control) and 4 Aseel varieties (LK, MS, PW, and MW), under a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each treatment had 7 replicates with individual hens per replicate. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), FCR/dozen eggs, and FCR/kg egg mass parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that the hens fed organic Se‐supplemented diet showed greater (P < 0.05) EP and EM, and improved (P < 0.05) FCR/dozen eggs and FCR/kg egg mass compared with those fed inorganic and without Se. Among varieties, MW hens showed greater (P < 0.05) BW and produced heavier (P < 0.05) eggs, whereas PW hens showed improved (P < 0.05) FCR/dozen eggs compared with those of other Aseel varieties. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Se‐enriched yeast, as an organic Se source, could be used to ameliorate the poor production performance of Aseel chicken.

Subsequent Effect of Dietary Lysine Regimens Fed in the Starter Phase on the Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Chemical Composition of Aseel Chicken in the Grower Phase

This study was designed to examine carryover effect of dietary lysine (Lys) levels fed during the starter phase on the growth performance of three varieties of Aseel chickens. A total of 378 birds (126 from each variety) derived from a previous experiment, in which birds were distributed according a randomized block design in a 3×3 factorial arrangement, were evaluated from 7-18 weeks of age. Treatments consisted of three varieties of Aseel chicken [(Mianwali (MW), Peshawari (PW) and Lakha (LK)] fed three dietary Lys regimes (high, medium and low) during the starter phase (0-6 weeks). In the present experiment, the performance parameters, carcass traits, and meat chemical composition six replicates of seven birds per treatment were evaluated. The MW variety exhibited higher weight gain and better feed to gain ratio (p<0.05). Previous medium dietary Lys regimen improved weight gain, feed to gain ratio, final weight gain (p≤0.05). Birds previously fed medium dietary Lys showed higher thigh dry matter content (p<0.05), and those previously fed low Lys significantly higher thigh crude protein (CP) content (p<0.05). The highest breast muscle CP % were observed birds previously fed the high Lys regime (p<0.05), those of the MW variety (p<0.05). Higher slaughter weight and carcass weight and yield were obtained in the birds previously fed to medium dietary Lys level (p<0.05), and the MW variety showed overall better carcass traits (p<0.05). It is concluded that medium Lys levels in the starter feed promote subsequent better growth performance and that the MW variety has better carcass traits, it may be used as for rural chicken meat production.

Different Selection Strategies for the Improvement of the Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Japanese Quails

I Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. II Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. III Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan.

Productive performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of Japanese quail reared under different levels of glycerin

This study evaluated subsequent effects of glycerin on productive performance, egg quality, and hatching traits in Japanese quail. A total of 200 birds was arranged according to a completely randomized design into 5 treatment groups having 5 replicates of 8 birds each (6 females and 2 males). Treatments consisted 5 levels of glycerin, i.e., 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% and the control group. Birds were fed with different levels of glycerin during a rearing period of 6 wk and their subsequent effects on productive performance, egg quality, and hatching traits were observed. Data were collected regarding productive performance for 16 wk; however, egg quality and hatching traits were recorded during pre-peak (at fourth wk), peak (at 12th wk), and post peak (at 16th wk) phase. Productive performance, egg quality, and hatching traits did not differ significantly throughout the experimental period. It was concluded that glycerin can be used as a replacement energy source, having no effect on productive and reproductive performance in Japanese quail.