S. Mehmood

Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Serum Mineral Chemistry as Affected by Dietary Sodium and Sodium Salts Fed to Broiler Chickens Reared under Phase Feeding System.

A basal diet (0.8 g/kg dNa) was formulated in which each of the two sources (NaHCO3 and Na2SO4) were supplemented in such a way to attain four levels (1.7, 2.6, 3.5, and 4.4 g/kg) of total dNa, respectively, under 4×2 factorial arrangement. Eight dietary treatments were replicated four times, with 40 birds in each replicate (n = 1,280). The diets supplemented with Na2SO4 to attain higher levels of dNa showed highest BW gain and feed intake (FI) during d 1 to 10 (interaction effects) while 2.6 g/kg dNa exhibited improved BW gain and gain:feed (FG) during d 11 to 20. Linear rise in daily water intake (DWI) was associated with diets containing increasing dNa during d 1 to 42 (p≤0.036). During the first 10 d, DWI:FI was found highest in NaHCO3 diets while Na2SO4 diets showed highest DWI:FI during last 10 d of the experiment (p≤0.036). Increasing dNa and changing Na2SO4 with NaHCO3 salt increased pH and resulted in poor growth performance. Dressing weight (p≤0.001) and abdominal fat (p≤0.001; quadratic effect) were reduced, whereas breast (p≤0.001) and thigh (p<0.001) weights were aggravated with increasing dNa (linear effects). Present findings suggested higher levels of dNa from Na2SO4 as the supplemental salt in broiler diets would produce better growth performance, especially in first ten days of life, and improve carcass and body organ characteristics.

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.

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.

Influence of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal Used as Phytogenic Feed Additive on the Serum Metabolites and Egg Bioactive Compounds in Commercial Layers

I Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan. II Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. III Department of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. IV Quality Operations Laboratory, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. V Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of Punjab, Lahore, 54000, 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.