Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > AN > AN23270
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 64(2)

Differences in broiler bone, gut, and tissue mineral parameters, as influenced by broilers grouped based on bodyweight

Chinwendu L. Elvis-Chikwem https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2160-4324 A , Gavin A. White https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3829-6188 A , Emily Burton https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2784-6922 B and Cormac J. O’Shea https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1797-1941 A C *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.

B School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK.

C Department of Bioveterinary and Microbial Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest, Athlone N37 HD68, Ireland.

* Correspondence to: Cormac.OShea@tus.ie

Handling Editor: Kris Angkanaporn

Animal Production Science 64, AN23270 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN23270
Submitted: 17 August 2023  Accepted: 7 December 2023  Published: 19 January 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context

Variation in bodyweight is an undesirable feature in broiler production. Compositional differences between high- and low-bodyweight (BW) chicks in bone parameters and tissue mineral concentrations may provide insight into underlying causes of variation in BW.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate differences in bone measurements, tissue mineral concentrations, and gut parameters of Ross 308 male broiler chicks with identical diet and environmental conditions, but with distinct BW on Day 21 (D21).

Methods

A 3-week growth study was conducted involving 40 male, day-old chicks from the Ross 308 line. Chicks were reared in a deep-litter house with a controlled environment and the same commercial diet. On D21, BW data collected from chicks were used as a criterion to rank them into high- and low-BW groups (n = 11/group). Retrospective BW measurements were compared between groups. Birds were selected for assessing bone parameters, liver mineral profile, gut pH, gizzard neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents.

Key results

Retrospective BW measurements among the high- and low-BW groups showed a consistent difference in BW between the two groups in early life. Tibial concentrations of manganese and strontium were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the low-weight (LW) group relative to the high-weight (HW) group. Concentrations of manganese, cadmium and caesium in the liver tissue showed significant differences, with the LW group having higher concentration of these trace elements. The LW chicks had lower gizzard digesta pH, higher gizzard NDF and a statistical tendency for higher ADF concentrations compared to the HW group.

Conclusions and implications

In summary, broilers ranked on the basis of D21 BW showed differences in tibial bone, gut, and tissue mineral parameters. The LW group had lower gizzard pH and higher gizzard fibre content than did the HW group, which may be attributed to factors such as behavioural activities relating to more litter consumption among the LW group than the HW group.

Keywords: animal production, bone strength, broilers, growth, minerals, uniformity, variation.

References

Akyolcu MC, Ozcelik D, Dursun S, Toplan S, Kahraman R (2003) Accumulation of cadmium in tissue and its effect on live performance. Journal de Physique IV France 107, 33-36.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Alkhtib A, Scholey D, Carter N, Cave GWV, Hanafy BI, Kempster SRJ, Mekapothula S, Roxborough ET, Burton EJ (2020) Bioavailability of methionine-coated zinc nanoparticles as a dietary supplement leads to improved performance and bone strength in broiler chicken production. Animals 10(9), 1482.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Arnold SM, Zarnke RL, Lynn TV, Chimonas M-AR, Frank A (2006) Public health evaluation of cadmium concentrations in liver and kidney of moose (Alces alces) from four areas of Alaska. Science of The Total Environment 357(1–3), 103-111.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Aziz-Aliabadi F, Hassanabadi A, Golian A, Zerehdaran S, Noruzi H (2023) Evaluation of the effect of different levels of fiber and fat on young broilers’ performance, pH, and viscosity of digesta using response surface methodology. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science 13(2), 333-343.
| Google Scholar |

Berzina N, Markovs J, Isajevs S, Apsite M, Smirnova G (2007) Cadmium-induced enteropathy in domestic cocks: a biochemical and histological study after subchronic exposure. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 101(1), 29-34.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Bokkers EAM, Koene P (2004) Motivation and ability to walk for a food reward in fast-and slow-growing broilers to 12 weeks of age. Behavioural Processes 67(2), 121-130.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Bucław M (2016) The use of inulin in poultry feeding: a review. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 100(6), 1015-1022.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Casalino E, Calzaretti G, Sblano C, Landriscina C (2002) Molecular inhibitory mechanisms of antioxidant enzymes in rat liver and kidney by cadmium. Toxicology 179(1–2), 37-50.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Chen YP, Chen X, Zhang H, Zhou YM (2013) Effects of dietary concentrations of methionine on growth performance and oxidative status of broiler chickens with different hatching weights. British Poultry Science 54(4), 531-537.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Dibner JJ, Buttin P (2002) Use of organic acids as a model to study the impact of gut microflora on nutrition and metabolism. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 11, 453-463.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Dono ND, Sparks NH, Olukosi OA (2014) Association between digesta pH, body weight, and nutrient utilization in chickens of different body weights and at different ages. The Journal of Poultry Science 51(2), 180-184.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Elvis-Chikwem CL, Burton E, White G, Derecka K, O’Shea CJ (2020) Evaluating the causes of variation in performance of broiler chicks at first week of life. In ‘Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science Conference 2020, Nottingham, UK’. p. 35. (British Society of Animal Science)

Elvis-Chikwem CL, White G, Burton E, Derecka K, Vazquez Reina S, Hankin J, O’Shea C (2021) 180 Evaluation of the tibial bone ash and mineral concentration of Ross 308 broilers with divergent bodyweights on D7. Animal – Science Proceedings 12(1), 150.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Estevez I, Newberry RC, De Reyna LA (1997) Broiler chickens: a tolerant social system. Etologia 5(1), 19-29.
| Google Scholar |

FAO/WHO (2002) Codex Alimentarius; Schedule 1 of the proposed draft codex general standards for contaminants and toxins in food. Joint FAO/WHO, Food Standards Programme, Reference CX/FAC 02/16, Codex Committee, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Feddes JJ, Emmanuel EJ, Zuidhoft MJ (2002) Broiler performance, body weight variance, feed and water intake, and carcass quality at different stocking densities. Poultry Science 81(6), 774-779.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Ferket PR (2004) Alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production: responses, practical experience, and recommendations. In ‘Nutritional biotechnology in the feed and food industries’. (Eds TP Lyons, KA Jacques) pp. 57–67. (Nottingham University Press)

Gous RM (2018) Nutritional and environmental effects on broiler uniformity. World’s Poultry Science Journal 74(1), 21-34.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Hu Y, Zhang W, Chen G, Cheng H, Tao S (2018) Public health risk of trace metals in fresh chicken meat products on the food markets of a major production region in southern China. Environmental Pollution 234, 667-676.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Ipek A, Karabulut A, Sahan U, Canbolat O, Yilmaz-Dikmen B (2009) The effects of different feeding management systems on performance of a slow-growing broiler genotype. British Poultry Science 50(2), 213-217.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Islam KMS, Schaeublin H, Wenk C, Wanner M, Liesegang A (2012) Effect of dietary citric acid on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 96(5), 808-817.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Jha R, Singh AK, Yadav S, Berrocoso JFD, Mishra B (2019) Early nutrition programming (in ovo and post-hatch feeding) as a strategy to modulate gut health of poultry. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6, 82.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Jiménez-Moreno E, González-Alvarado JM, de Coca-Sinova A, Lázaro RP, Cámara L, Mateos GG (2019) Insoluble fiber sources in mash or pellets diets for young broilers. 2. Effects on gastrointestinal tract development and nutrient digestibility. Poultry Science 98(6), 2531-2547.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Jin S, Fan X, Yang L, He T, Xu Y, Chen X, Liu P, Geng Z (2019) Effects of rearing systems on growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality, lymphoid organ indices, and serum biochemistry of Wannan Yellow chickens. Animal Science Journal 90(7), 887-893.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Korish MA, Attia YA (2020) Evaluation of heavy metal content in feed, litter, meat, meat products, liver, and table eggs of chickens. Animals 10(4), 727.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Lee SA, Febery E, Mottram T, Bedford MR (2021) Growth performance, real-time gizzard pH and calcium solubility in the gut of broiler chickens is dependent on the interaction between dietary calcium concentration and limestone particle size. British Poultry Science 62(6), 827-834.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Lewis MR, Rose SP, Mackenzie AM, Tucker LA (2003) Effects of dietary inclusion of plant extracts on the growth performance of male broiler chickens. British Poultry Science 44(S1), 43-44.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Li J-L, Jiang C-Y, Li S, Xu S-W (2013) Cadmium induced hepatotoxicity in chickens (Gallus domesticus) and ameliorative effect by selenium. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 96, 103-109.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Loddi MM, Moraes VMB, Nakaghi LSO, Tuca FM, Hannas MI, Ariki J (2004) Mannan oligosaccharide and organic acids on performance and intestinal morphometric characteristics of broiler chickens. In ‘Proceeding of World’s Poultry Congress’, Istanbul, Turkey. (World Poultry Science Association (WPSA))

Lundberg R, Scharch C, Sandvang D (2021) The link between broiler flock heterogeneity and cecal microbiome composition. Animal Microbiome 3(1), 54.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Maenz DD, Engele-Schaan CM, Newkirk RW, Classen HL (1999) The effect of minerals and mineral chelators on the formation of phytase-resistant and phytase-susceptible forms of phytic acid in solution and in a slurry of canola meal. Animal Feed Science and Technology 81(3–4), 177-192.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Molenaar R, Reijrink IAM, Meijerhof R, Van Den Brand H (2008) Relationship between hatchling length and weight on later productive performance in broilers. World’s Poultry Science Journal 64(4), 599-604.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Montanhini Neto R, Surek D, da Rocha C, Dahlke F, Maiorka A (2013) The effect of grouping one-day-old chicks by body weight on the uniformity of broilers. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 22(2), 245-250.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Morgan NK, Walk CL, Bedford MR, Burton EJ (2014) The effect of dietary calcium inclusion on broiler gastrointestinal pH: quantification and method optimization. Poultry Science 93(2), 354-363.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Niewold TA (2007) The nonantibiotic anti-inflammatory effect of antimicrobial growth promoters, the real mode of action? A hypothesis. Poultry Science 86(4), 605-609.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Noy Y, Pinchasov Y (1993) Effect of a single posthatch intubation of nutrients on subsequent early performance of broiler chicks and turkey poults. Poultry Science 72(10), 1861-1866.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Noy Y, Sklan D (1997) Posthatch development in poultry. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 6(3), 344-354.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Pang Y, Applegate TJ (2007) Effects of dietary copper supplementation and copper source on digesta pH, calcium, zinc, and copper complex size in the gastrointestinal tract of the broiler chicken. Poultry Science 86(3), 531-537.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Rahmani HR, Speer W, Modirsanei M (2005) The effect of intestinal pH on broiler performance and immunity. In ‘Proceedings of the 15th European Symposium on poultry nutrition’, Balatonfüred, Hungary, 25–29 September 2005. pp. 338–340. (World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA))

Ravindran V, Abdollahi MR (2021) Nutrition and digestive physiology of the broiler chick: state of the art and outlook. Animals 11(10), 2795.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Shafey TM, McDonald MW, Dingle JG (1991) Effects of dietary calcium and available phosphorus concentration on digesta pH and on the availability of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc from the intestinal contents of meat chickens. British Poultry Science 32(1), 185-194.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Shahnazari M, Lang DH, Fosmire GJ, Sharkey NA, Mitchell AD, Leach RM (2007) Strontium administration in young chickens improves bone volume and architecture but does not enhance bone structural and material strength. Calcified Tissue International 80, 160-166.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Skinner JT, Waldroup PW (1995) Allometric bone development in floor-reared broilers. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 4(3), 265-270.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Sunder GS, Panda AK, Gopinath NCS, Raju MVLN, Rao SVR, Kumar CV (2006) Effect of supplemental manganese on mineral uptake by tissues and immune response in broiler chickens. The Journal of Poultry Science 43(4), 371-377.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Sunder GS, Panda AK, Gopinath NCS, Rao SVR, Raju MVLN, Kumar CHV (2007) Bioavailability of manganese in broiler chickens as influenced by the levels of supplementation and age during juvenile period. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 77(3), 269-272.
| Google Scholar |

Suttle NF (2010) ‘The mineral nutrition of Livestock.’ 4th edn. (CABI Publishing: Oxfordshire, UK)

Svihus B (2011) The gizzard: function, influence of diet structure and effects on nutrient availability. World’s Poultry Science Journal 67(2), 207-224.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Svihus B (2014) Function of the digestive system. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 23(2), 306-314.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Svihus B, Lund VB, Borjgen B, Bedford MR, Bakken M (2013) Effect of intermittent feeding, structural components and phytase on performance and behaviour of broiler chickens. British Poultry Science 54, 222-230.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Tkalec M, Prebeg T, Roje V, Pevalek-Kozlina B, Ljubešić N (2008) Cadmium-induced responses in duckweed Lemna minor L. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30, 881-890.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Toman R, Massanyi P, Lukáč N, Ducsay L, Golian J (2005) Fertility and content of cadmium in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) following cadmium intake in drinking water. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 62(1), 112-117.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Tona K, Onagbesan O, De Ketelaere B, Decuypere E, Bruggeman V (2004) Effects of age of broiler breeders and egg storage on egg quality, hatchability, chick quality, chick weight, and chick posthatch growth to forty-two days. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 13, 10-18.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Toudic C (2007) Evaluating uniformity in broilers-factors affecting variation. Hubbard technical bulletin, Recuperado el 23.

Vasdal G, Granquist EG, Skjerve E, de Jong IC, Berg C, Michel V, Moe RO (2019) Associations between carcass weight uniformity and production measures on farm and at slaughter in commercial broiler flocks. Poultry Science 98(10), 4261-4268.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Walk CL, Bedford MR, McElroy AP (2012) In vitro evaluation of limestone, dicalcium phosphate, and phytase on calcium and phosphorus solubility of corn and soybean meal. Poultry Science 91(3), 674-682.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Wang Z, Cerrate S, Coto C, Yan F, Waldroup PW (2007) Evaluation of Mintrex® copper as a source of copper in broiler diets. International Journal of Poultry Science 6(5), 308-313.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wang D, Huang H, Zhou L, Li W, Zhou H, Hou G, Liu J, Hu L (2015) Effects of dietary supplementation with turmeric rhizome extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant capability, and meat quality of Wenchang broiler chickens. Italian Journal of Animal Science 14(3), 3870.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Yair R, Uni Z (2011) Content and uptake of minerals in the yolk of broiler embryos during incubation and effect of nutrient enrichment. Poultry Science 90(7), 1523-1531.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Zaefarian F, Abdollahi MR, Cowieson A, Ravindran V (2019) Avian liver: the forgotten organ. Animals 9(2), 63.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Zuidhof MJ, Fedorak MV, Ouellette CA, Wenger II (2017) Precision feeding: innovative management of broiler breeder feed intake and flock uniformity. Poultry Science 96(7), 2254-2263.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |