UGA Poultry Nutrition Newsletter - June 2025

 

This month, our comprehensive search captured 74 new publications in poultry nutrition from 61 journals (March 10th  to April 10th, 2025, Web of Science), featuring top contributions from Poultry Science (6), Frontier in Veterinary Science(6), Animals (5), Veterinary Medicine and Science (5), etc. (Download the complete list here)

In this issue, we handpicked 15 studies focusing on broilers (7), layers (2), geese (1), meta-analysis (2), in ovo (1), and literature reviews (2). These studies span 15 research institutes across 11 countries. Additionally, we’ve updated the poultry events calendar to assist your planning and curated the latest industry news to keep you informed.

 

Higher scores of liver hemorrhagic syndrome in broilers (scale: 0-5) were associated with increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidation (carbonyl/sulfhydryl content), and elevated levels of AST, GGT, and ALT, while decreased activities of SOD, GSH Px, and total antioxidant capacity. Ankara University (Türkiye) / Link

In broilers, inclusion of 25 or 50 g/kg of raw potato starch (RPS) or 35 g/kg of high amylose corn starch (HCS) at three different feeding durations (21/14/7 days) did not affect growth performances. However, HCS improved DE, ME, and AMEn. Longer feeding duration (14 and 21 days) with  25 g/kg RPS or 35 g/kg HCS upregulated the expression of gut integrity markers (MUC-2 and PYY). University of Georgia (USA) / Link

AA broilers were fed Low (L; 15 &25%), medium (M; 30 & 40%), and high (H; 55.77 & 62.38%) wheat diets during the grower (11-21 d) and finisher (22-39 d). The high wheat diet increases tibia mechanical properties but also increases FI and FCR than L and M. Both H and M tended to reduce BW. The changes in growth performance might be due to the alteration of cecal microflora. Henan Agricultural University (China) / Link

In broilers, a meta-analysis study showed that dietary curcumin improved BWG, FCR, intestinal morphology, carcass yield, meat quality, and antioxidant markers in blood including SOD and TAC. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (Mexico) / Link

In broilers, liver growth occurs through three distinct periods: D4-8 relying on stored nutrients; D10-14: transitioning to feed as the primary energy source, and D16-20: fully dependent on feed. liver grows faster proportionally to the body, primarily occurs during D4-8. The liver continues to grow throughout all three periods. University of Delaware (USA) / Link

In broilers, high dietary n-3 PUFA and cycling heat stress (7h at 34°C ± 1°C) induced respiratory alkalosis and oxidative stress, which can be mitigated by supplementation with antioxidants: vitamin E (200 IU/kg), C (250 mg/kg), and Selenium (0.15 mg/kg). University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) / Link

Antimicrobial peptides (200 g/ton) improved FI, BWG and FCR in necrotic enteritis broilers while reducing mortality. AMPs also improved duodenum and ileum morphology, carcass yield and quality. University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Pakistan) / Link

A meta-analysis showed that the addition of probiotics and prebiotics reduced the growth and shed of Salmonella. Specifically, the prebiotic mannan-oligosaccharides had the greatest effect, reducing Salmonella colonization and shedding through immune modulation, altering the intestinal microbiome and preventing Salmonella binding to the intestinal wall. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (Saudi Arabia) / Link

This meta-analysis covers the 18 studies conducted from 2011 to 2024 to examine the effect of probiotics (multistrain and single-strain) on the broiler breeders’ performance and reproductive traits. Multistrain probiotics (up to 1 g/kg) improved daily feed intake, eggshell quality, and FCR (Xuefeng black bone), egg production and hatchability (Ross-308), and reduced the dead sperm (Hubbard). While single-strain probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) increased fertility (Cobb 500 and Xuefeng black bone) and improved egg yolk in breeders. Universitas Brawijaya (Indonesia) / Link

   

In layers, dietary 3.6% calcium (Ca) with 0.43% non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) results in best feed-to-egg ratio from 30 to 35 wks. At 41 wks., 0.43% NPP (main effect) increased the number of small yellow follicles, and serum MDA trended higher, suggesting a slight oxidative stress, but did not alter serum Ca or P levels. Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (China) / Link

The addition of pomegranate seed oil (1.0 and 1.5%) in laying hen diets increased the foaming capacity of eggs while reducing foam density. However, eggs from hens fed 1.0% pomegranate seed oil led to reduced volumes of sponge cakes after baking and lower dry matter content. University of Agriculture (Poland) / Link