Effects of dietary probiotic (Bacillussubtilis) supplementation on productive performance, immune response and egg quality characteristics in laying hens under high ambient temperature,

The effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and genetic groups on rabbit performance under hot environmental conditions was studied. A total of 80 rabbits aged 8 weeks were distributed into a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, including four genetic groups and three concentrations of dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400 g/t feed). The utilized probiotic contained 4 × 10 colony-forming units/g of Bacillus subtilis. Jabali local breed (J), imported Spanish V-line (V) and their crossbreds (¼J¾V and ¾J¼V) were included in the current study. Final weight and body weight gain were not significantly affected by dietary probiotic levels or genetic group. The feed conversion ratio was better for purebreds than that of crossbreds. A significant improvement in percentage of dressed carcass, mid and hind parts was recorded for rabbits fed a diet containing 400 g probiotic/t feed compared with those fed a basal diet or low probiotic level. Probiotic supplementation had a significant decrease in serum cholesterol. Rabbits given 400 g probiotic/t feed had higher hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets. Adding 400 g probiotic/t feed to rabbit's diet significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved cell-mediated immunity compared to the other treatments 48 h post-injection.

1. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of naked neck gene (Na) on carcase measurements and some immunological responses of chickens. 2. The presence of naked neck gene in a single or double state increased body weight. 3. The naked neck genotypes (NaNa or Nana) exhibited higher relative weight of dressed carcase, drumstick and breast muscles compared to normally feathered individuals (nana). The proportion of abdominal fat was decreased in both naked neck genotypes compared with normally feathered ones. 4. A higher (non-specific) cell-mediated immune response was evoked in Na gene bearing birds. 5. Higher concentrations of antibodies occurred after injection of sheep red blood cells into naked neck birds, particularly at 14 d post-secondary injection. 6. The NaNa birds had a higher heterophil/lymphocyte ratio than Nana and nana siblings.