Effects of humate and <i>Yucca schidigera</i> supplementation on slaughter weight, carcass performance, intestinal morphology, ileal digestibility and antioxidant capacity in broilers.
Combining humate and Yucca schidigera may improve growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens, but further research is needed to confirm these effects over the long term.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the thymulin (facteur thymique serique) corpusSummary and findings
This study examined the effects of humate and Yucca schidigera supplementation on various performance metrics in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Ross 308 broilers were allocated to four dietary groups over a 42-day feeding trial. The HY group showed the highest slaughter weight at 2967.65 g and carcass weight at 2049.21 g.
Abstract
This study examined the effects of humate (H; Farmagülatör DRY™), <i>Yucca schidigera</i> (Y; Vizyonmix BF2338 Biopowder), and their combination (HY) on slaughter weight, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology, ileal digestibility, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Ross 308 broilers were allocated to four dietary groups: control (C), H (300 mg/kg humate), Y (100 mg/kg <i>Yucca schidigera</i>), and HY (both additives). After a 42-day feeding trial, the HY group demonstrated the highest slaughter weight (2967.65 g), carcass weight (2049.21 g), breast weight (885.40 g), and thigh weight (710.10 g; <i>P</i> <i>=</i> <i>0.001</i>). It was determined that the highest carcass (69.00%), breast (29.80%), and thigh (23.90%) yields were obtained in the HY group, followed by the Y, H, and C groups, respectively (<i>P</i> <i><</i> <i>0.05</i>). At day 42, among the intestinal morphology parameters (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), villus height and width increased in the groups supplemented with feed additives compared with the C group, whereas crypt depth decreased (<i>P</i> <i><</i> <i>0.001</i>). The highest villus height and width, as well as the lowest crypt depth, were observed in the HY group. The HY group showed the highest ileal digestibility of crude protein (87.11%), crude fat (88.08%), and organic matter (80.92%) on day 21 (<i>P</i> <i><</i> <i>0.001).</i> In terms of antioxidant parameters, both HY and Y groups exhibited higher levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant status, and high density lipoprotein, along with lower levels of triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol, total oxidant status, lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde <i>(P</i> <i><</i> <i>0.05</i>). These findings suggest that combining humate and <i>Yucca schidigera</i> has synergistic effects, improving slaughter weight, carcass characteristics, intestinal health, and antioxidant defense, thereby highlighting their potential as effective feed additives in broiler production.
Background
This paper investigates the impact of humate and Yucca schidigera on broiler chicken performance metrics, which is relevant as feed additives are commonly used in poultry production. Previous studies have shown that various feed additives can influence growth and health in poultry, but the specific effects of humate and Yucca schidigera were not well characterized. Understanding these effects could inform better practices in broiler production.
Methods
The study utilized a controlled feeding trial with 240 Ross 308 broilers divided into four groups: control, humate (300 mg/kg), Yucca schidigera (100 mg/kg), and a combination of both. The trial lasted for 42 days, measuring outcomes like slaughter weight, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology. Primary outcomes included slaughter weight and carcass weight, while secondary outcomes included digestibility and antioxidant capacity.
Results
The HY group achieved a slaughter weight of 2967.65 g, significantly higher than the other groups (p=0.001). The carcass weight for the HY group was 2049.21 g, with breast and thigh weights of 885.40 g and 710.10 g, respectively (p=0.001). The highest carcass yield was 69.00% in the HY group, with significant differences noted (p<0.05). Additionally, the HY group exhibited superior ileal digestibility of crude protein at 87.11% on day 21 (p=0.001).
Interpretation
The findings indicate that the combination of humate and Yucca schidigera may enhance growth performance and intestinal health in broilers, aligning with previous literature on feed additives. However, while statistically significant, the clinical relevance of these findings in broader agricultural practice remains to be fully established. Limitations such as the study's focus on a single species and potential confounding factors may impact the generalizability of the results.
Key findings
- HY group had the highest slaughter weight at 2967.65 g, n=240, p=0.001.
- HY group showed the highest carcass weight at 2049.21 g, n=240, p=0.001.
- Breast weight in the HY group was 885.40 g, n=240, p=0.001.
- Thigh weight in the HY group was 710.10 g, n=240, p=0.001.
- Ileal digestibility of crude protein in the HY group was 87.11% on day 21, n=240, p=0.001.
- The highest carcass yield in the HY group was 69.00%, n=240, p<0.05.
Limitations
- single species study (broilers) limits generalizability
- potential confounding factors related to diet and environment not addressed
- short duration of 42 days may not capture long-term effects
- no assessment of economic impact or practical application