University of Kentucky
The effect of mycotoxin containing diets on broiler chickens under heat stress depends on the response variables being evaluated
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Animal Sciences *Equine Specialization
Institution 24-25
University of Kentucky
KY House District #
6
KY Senate District #
13
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Tayo Adedokun, PhD.
Department
Dept. of Animal and Food Sciences
Abstract
Climate change and the rise of global temperatures are challenging the poultry industry by amplifying heat stress and decreasing the quality of feed. This study explored how corn quality (regular corn vs. mycotoxin contaminated corn fines [CF]) and heat stress affect broiler chickens’ nutrient and energy utilization. The experiment housed 384 male Cobb breeder chicks with four dietary treatments (increasing levels of CF: 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% of the regular corn) in two temperature conditions (82-84°F control and 92-95°F cyclic heat stress for six hours per day). Experimental diets were fed for 21 days after which treatment effects nutrient was determined. Heat stress negatively affected performance with a reduction (P < 0.05) in average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Diets with increasing levels of CF were also found to incrementally reduce energy utilization. Calcium and phosphorus retention increased in birds fed diets containing high mycotoxin contamination levels. Birds exposed to the highest level of mycotoxin were found to utilize calcium more efficiently than birds fed diet containing regular corn. It can be concluded that heat stress and mycotoxin contaminated corn fines had consequential impacts on nutrient utilization in broiler chickens, although interactions were limited. This study highlights the consequential effect of changing climatic conditions on crop quality as well as the effect of heat stress on broiler chicken’s ability to effectively utilize nutrients and energy in the diets.
The effect of mycotoxin containing diets on broiler chickens under heat stress depends on the response variables being evaluated
Climate change and the rise of global temperatures are challenging the poultry industry by amplifying heat stress and decreasing the quality of feed. This study explored how corn quality (regular corn vs. mycotoxin contaminated corn fines [CF]) and heat stress affect broiler chickens’ nutrient and energy utilization. The experiment housed 384 male Cobb breeder chicks with four dietary treatments (increasing levels of CF: 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% of the regular corn) in two temperature conditions (82-84°F control and 92-95°F cyclic heat stress for six hours per day). Experimental diets were fed for 21 days after which treatment effects nutrient was determined. Heat stress negatively affected performance with a reduction (P < 0.05) in average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Diets with increasing levels of CF were also found to incrementally reduce energy utilization. Calcium and phosphorus retention increased in birds fed diets containing high mycotoxin contamination levels. Birds exposed to the highest level of mycotoxin were found to utilize calcium more efficiently than birds fed diet containing regular corn. It can be concluded that heat stress and mycotoxin contaminated corn fines had consequential impacts on nutrient utilization in broiler chickens, although interactions were limited. This study highlights the consequential effect of changing climatic conditions on crop quality as well as the effect of heat stress on broiler chicken’s ability to effectively utilize nutrients and energy in the diets.