Effects of Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.

Effects of preparation parameters on growth and properties of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film

The Ga_(2)O_(3) films are deposited on the Si and quartz substrates by magnetron sputtering, and annealing. The effects of preparation parameters(such as argon–oxygen flow ratio, sputtering power, sputtering time and annealing temperature)on the growth and properties(e.g., surface morphology, crystal structure, optical and electrical properties of the films) are studied by x-ray diffractometer(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer(UV-Vis). The results show that the thickness, crystallization quality and surface roughness of the β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film are influenced by those parameters. All β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films show good optical properties. Moreover, the value of bandgap increases with the enlarge of the percentage of oxygen increasing, and decreases with the increase of sputtering power and annealing temperature, indicating that the bandgap is related to the quality of the film and affected by the number of oxygen vacancy defects. The I–V curves show that the Ohmic behavior between metal and β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films is obtained at 900℃. Those results will be helpful for the further research of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) photoelectric semiconductor.

Effect of dioscorea opposite waste on growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and rumen bacterial community in weaned lambs

This study investigated the effects of dioscorea opposite waste(DOW) on the growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota of weaned lambs. Sixty healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han lambs(male,(22.68±2.56) kg initially) were used as the experimental animals. Four levels of concentrate: 0(control, CON), 10%(DOW1), 15%(DOW2) and 20%(DOW3), were replaced with DOW in the basal diet as experimental treatments. The results showed that lambs fed the DOW2 diet had a higher(P<0.05) dry matter intake(DMI) than the other groups. There was no significant difference(P>0.05) among DOW groups in average daily weight gain(ADG), and replacing concentrate with DOW linearly or quadratically increased(P<0.05) the ADG, while lambs fed the DOW2 diet showed greater(P<0.05) ADG than the CON group. The relative plasma concentration of growth hormone(GH), insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and insulin were affected by DOW, replacing concentrate with DOW linearly or quadratically(P<0.05) enhanced the plasma concentration of GH, IGF-1 and insulin, which was significantly higher(P<0.05) in the DOW2 group than in the CON, DOW1 and DOW3 groups. In addition, the DOW treatment showed a lower(P<0.05) concentration of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) than the CON group. Replacing concentrate with DOW quadratically decreased(P<0.05) the ruminal ammonia nitrogen(NH3-N) and increased(P<0.05) the total of volatile fatty acids(TVFAs) at 0 and 4 h after feeding as well as linearly decreased(P<0.05) the NH3-N at 8 h after feeding. Replacing concentrate with DOW linearly decreased(P<0.05) the propionate and increased the aceate before feeding, and linearly decreased(P<0.05) propionate and quadratically increased(P<0.05) the aceate at 4 and 8 h after feeding. Lambs fed the DOW2 diet increased the phylum Firmicutes and genera Succiniclasticum and Ruminococcus_1 groups, whereas decreased(P<0.05) the relative abundance of phylum Deferribacteres and genera intestinimonas and Ruminiclostridium. In summary, replacing the concentrate with 15% DOW was beneficial for improving the rumen fermentation and ADG by increasing the DMI and modulating the rumen microbial community.

Effects of Integrated Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Growth Parameters of Rice Varieties

We investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of indica rice variety Manawthukha and japonica rice variety Genkitsukushi.In a split-plot design,the two rice varieties were assigned as main plot factors,and the integrated treatments were the subplot factors,including no-N fertilizer(N0),50%chemical fertilizer(CF)(CF50),100%CF(CF100),50%CF+50%poultry manure(PM)(CF50PM50),50%CF+50%cow manure(CM)(CF50CM50),and 50%CF+50%compost(CP)(CF50CP50).CF100 was equivalent to N at 85 kg/hm2.Manure was applied based on the estimated mineralizable nitrogen(EMN)level,which is dependent on total N(%)of each manure type.Manawthukha rice plants were taller with higher tiller number and dry matter content.However,higher soil-plant analysis development(SPAD)values were measured in Genkitsukushi throughout the crop growth period,resulting in higher seed-setting rate(%)and greater yield.At the same N level,CF50PM50 application in both rice varieties resulted in higher SPAD values,plant height and tiller number than CF100.CF50PM50 containing total N more than 4%supplied synchronized N for the demands of the rice plants,resulting in maximum dry matter,yield and yield components.CF50CM50 and CF50CP50 treatments containing total N less than 4%resulted in lower yields which were similar to CF100.These results indicated that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers enhanced growth parameters and yields of Manawthukha and Genkitsukushi,while reducing the dose of chemical fertilizer.

Growth performance and physiological parameters of the second generation selected and control groups of Pinctada martensii

In May of 2007,the second generation selected （SS） and control （SC） groups of pearl oyster Pinctada martensii were established by selecting 10% breeders with the largest and mean shell length,respectively,from the first generation selected group.Growth performance of the SS and SC groups were compared on the basis of measurement data at Days 8,18,60,95,195 and 365.On Day 365,100 individuals （60.0–75.0 mm at shell length） were sampled from each group and then subjected to the experiment where physiological parameters such as filtrate rate,oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were measured at 15,20,25 and 30°C.The results show that the SS group had significantly larger mean shell length and shell height than the SC group at Days 8,18,60,95,195 and 365 （P 0.05）.The genetic gains at different ages varied from 6.0% to 17.0% for shell length and 5.7% to 14.6% for shell height,respectively.At 15,20,25 and 30 ° C,the SS groups had significantly larger filtrate rate than the SC group （P 0.05）.At 15 and 25 °C,the differences in oxygen consumption rate between the SS and SC groups were not significant （P 0.05）.At 20 and 30 °C,however,the oxygen consumption rate of the SS group was significantly larger than the SC group （P 0.05）.At 15,20,25 and 30 °C,there were no significant differences in ammonia excretion rate between the SS and SC groups （P 0.05）.The present results indicate that there existed considerable genetic variability in the base population and a further selection could be likely fruitful.Mass selection for faster growth might produce animals that had higher intake of metabolizable energy by virtue of faster filtrating behavior.

Effects of Four Pesticides on Grain Growth Parameters of Rice

Effect of four commonly used pesticides, triadlmefon, jingganmycin, triazoplos andimidacloprid, on grain growth parameters was examined using a growth equation in thepresent paper. Two hundreds of spikes, not damaged by pests were simultaneously markedper plot during the heading stage of rice. Rice plants were sprayed at 1 d after marking.Thereafter, 20 spikes were sampled at 4 d intervals and dried in an oven. Then, 10superior and inferior grains were picked from each spike, and brown rice was weighedafter shelling, respectively. First, second and third order derivates were deduced fromthe following grain growth formula:bt-aKwe1+=, where W was the weight of 100 grains brownrice at time t; K was maximum of grain growth; a and b were parameters of the formula. Theparameters were calculated as following:Where R0, △t, GT and Vmax were initial growth power, active growth stage, accumulativeweight of dried content during △t and maximum growth rate, respectively. The resultshowed that GT and K of superior grain following 22.5 and 45 ga.i.ha-1 of imidaclopridsprays were significantly reduced, and △t was significantly decreased for 112.5 and 225ga.i.ha-1 jingganmycin treatments. In addition, the high dose of imidacloprid signifi-cantly reduced the weight of 1000 rice grains by 9.77%. However, there was no significantdifference for the weight of 1000 grains between the high dose of jingganmycin and thecontrol, indicating that effective duration of jingganmycin on grain filling was shorterthan that of imidacloprid.

Parameters in wind-wave frequency spectra and their bearings on spectrum forms and growth

The spectrum variance m0, peak frequency ω0 and peakness factor p are expressed in terms of nondimensional fetch and duration by making use of relations which are derived through comparing and analyzing existing empirical formulas for the growth of significant wave height and period. The main features of spectrum growth as specified by these parameters agree with those of the JONS-WAP experiments. For given wind speed and fetch, the high frequency parts beyond the peaks of shallow water spectra almost coincide with that of the corresponding deep water spectrum, whereas the low frequency parts differ appreciably. The method developed in this paper predicts smaller significant wave height as well as smaller wave period for shallow water spectra in contrast to the theoretical result of Kitaigorodskii ef al, in which the peak frequency, and consequently the significant wave period, remains basically unchanged for different water depths. Spectra are further reduced to a form in which only significant wave height and period are left as parameters, the peakness factor being replaced by the wave steepness through an empirical relation between them. Spectra in this form have been verified by observations.

Parameter calculation and result storage for phase-field simulation in α-Mg dendrite growth of Mg-5-wt% Zn alloy

Parameter calculation and result storage, as two necessary steps in phase-field simulation play an important role in ensuring the accuracy of simulation results. A strategy of parameter calculation and result storage is presented for phase-field simulation in α-Mg dendrite growth of Mg-5-wt% Zn alloy under isothermal solidification. Based on the phase diagram and empirical formulas, key parameters of the phase-field model, such as equilibrium partition coefficient k, liquidus slope m, solutal diffusion coefficient in liquid Dl, and solutal diffusion coefficient in solid Ds, can be obtained.Both structured grid method and structured point method can be used to store simulation results, but using the latter method will reduce about 60% storage space and 37.5% storage time compared with the former. Finally, convergent simulation results of α-Mg dendrite growth are obtained and they are in good agreement with the experimental results about optical micrograph, which verify the accuracy of parameters and stability of storage method.

Effects of Dietary Protein and Fat Levels on Growth Performance and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Male Mink

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and fat levels on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of male minks during the growing period. A total, of 90 healthy male minks at the age of 60 d were randomly assigned into six groups with 15 replicates per group and one mink per replicate. The minks were fed six experimental diets with two protein levels （32% and 36% ） and three fat levels （ 10% , 20% and 30% ） for a 7-day preliminary period and then for 60-day experimental period. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily weight gain （ADWG） were significantly higher in low-protein, middle-fat group and low-protein, high-fat group than those in low-protein, low-fat group and high-protein, low-fat group （P 〈 0. O1 ）. The final weight and ADWG were increased with dietary fat level increasing, and the two indices of 20% and 30% fat groups were significantly higher than those of 10% fat groups （ P 〈 0. O1 ）. The ratio of feed intake to weight gain （F/G） in low-protein, high-fat group was the lowest, which was significantly lower than that in low- protein, low-fat group and high-protein, high-fat group （P 〈 0.05 ）. Serum urea nitrogen （UN） in low-protein, high-fat group was significantly lower than that in other groups （P 〈 0. 01 ）. Serum alanine transaminase （ALT） activity in 32% protein groups was significantly higher than that in 36% protein groups （P 〈 O. 05）. Serum triglyceride （TG） content in low-protein, high-fat group and high-protein, high-fat group was significantly higher than that in low-protein, low-fat group and high-protein, low-fat groups （P 〈 0.05 ）. Serum TG, total cholesterol （TCHO） and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） contents increased with the increase in dietary fat level, and they were all the highest in low-protein, high-fat group. The growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of minks were not affected by the interaction between dietary protein and fat levels （P 〉 O. 05 ）. Considering all the factors, when the dietary protein is 32% and the fat level is 20% to 30% under the condition of this experiment, the dietary protein and fat utilization rates are higher, and the male minks during the growing period can get a better growth performance.

Effects of industrial and residential sludge on seed germination and growth parameters of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge （industrial and residential） on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University （IFESCU）, Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings （shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass） were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters （pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium） and heavy metals （chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc） of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage （90%） was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2：1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients （N, P and K） were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1：1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2：1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth ofA. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.

Prevention of Harmful Algal Blooms by Control of Growth Parameters

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) were investigated to prevent the outbreak of HAB in both freshwater and seawater. Parameters inducing HAB were volcanic eruption, sunlight, aeolian dust, environmental factors (current, pH, dissolved oxygen, food web, turbulence, growth phase), enzyme, iron, nutrients (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, minerals) while the critical growth parameter for the outbreak of HAB was iron (Fe). HAB development was halted in freshwater and seawater due to the sulfur compounds (H2S, sulfates) inducing the deficiency of the dissolved Fe in the water. The atomic ratio of N/P is commonly known to be 16/1 in freshwater and 176/1 in seawater for HAB. Therefore, nitrogen can be a relatively limiting factor in seawater while phosphorus in freshwater. HAB could be prevented by control of growth parameters such as pH, temperature, sunlight, turbulence, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and sulfur compounds prior to reaching the early exponential phase of algal growth.

Effect of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Growth, Mineral Composition, and Nutritional Value of Wheat & Lentil Sprouts

Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.

Relationships between Microbial Growth Parameters and Shelf Life of MAP Sliced Onions

Microbial counts （total aerobic psychrotrophic count （TPC）, lactic acid bacteria （LAB）, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts） and sensory properties of sliced onions stored at different temperatures and air compositions were investigated. Microbial counts were fitted to the modified Gompertz equation and the growth parameters of microorganisms (the initial cell number （N0）, maximum cell number (Nmax), maximum specific growth rate (μmax), lag-phase （（λ）） were obtained as derived parameters. The relationships between growth parameters of microorganisms and the microbial or sensory shelf life were built. The results showed that microbial counts increased and sensory qualities decreased during storage. TPC was predominant bacteria associated with spoilage of sliced onions under tested temperatures and air conditions. High correlation coefficients （r） were found between the lag time （λ） of TPC, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts and the microbial or sensory shelf life. The correlations between microbial or sensory shelf life and μmax of five microorganisms were between -0.69 and -0.86. The initial microbial counts （N0） of five microorganisms strains only showed a little correlation, and the maximum microbial counts (Nmax) showed no obvious correlation with shelf life except for LAB and yeasts.

Effect of Growth Parameters on Core Length of Φ76．2mm Heavily Sb－doped Si Crystals

An M-shaped interface was observed in the top part of Φ76. 2 mm , (111) , dislocation-free, heavily Sb-doped Si single crystals, which is beneficial for crystals to keep dislocation-free condition at the beginning ofbody growth. Effects of seed rotation, crucible rotation , crown shape and growth rate on M-shaed interfacewere studied. Under proper conditions, impurity core length can be shortened from 6 cm to 1 cm , the yield israised by more than 5 %.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc-Methionine on Growth Performance and Serum Parameters of Jirong Rabbits

A 45-day growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of 4 concentrations （0, 40, 80, 120 mg·kg^-1 Zinc- Methionine （Zn-Met） supplementation on growth and serum biochemical indexes of Jirong rabbits （60-day-old）. A total of 72 Jirong rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, 3 replicates with 6 rabbits each. The Met value in the basal diet was 0.60%. ADGs of group Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly different than that of control, increased by 3.16%, 7.53%, 8.14% during 0-15 days and 7.58%, 15.60%, 15.71% during 16-30 days and 8.27%, 12.43%, 11.44% during 31-45 days （P〈0.05）, but it was not significantly different in ADG among group Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ （P〉0.05）. The fur area and the density of hair of groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were not significantly different than that of control （P〉0.05）. The content of serum zinc, AKP, ALB for groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly different than that of control （P〈0.05）. The serum TP and SUN in group Ⅱ, Ⅲ and IV were not significantly different than that of control （P〉0.05）. The results show that dietary supplementation of Zn-Met is much more efficient than dietary without Zn-Met for 60-day-old Jirong rabbits.

Efficiency of Bio-Fertilizing as One of the Natural Alternatives to Improve the Growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni Trees and for Sustainability

A field experiment was carried out at Ismailia Research Station, Ismailia Governorate from 2020-2022 to improve the growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni by using a combination of mineral fertilizer (NPK) and biological fertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megatherium, and Bacillus circulant) as recommended dose under new sandy soils conditions. Split plot designed with four treatments (Control, (50% Mineral fertilizer (M.) + 50% Biological fertilizer (Bio.)), 100% M. and 100% Bio.) of each species. Vegetative growth, leaf area, tree biomass, stored carbon, basal area, tree volume, and in the soil both of microbial account and mineral content were determined. The experimental results showed no significant differences between studied species among the most studied parameters except for Khaya senegalensis which gave the highest significant difference in root biomass and below-stored carbon than Swietenia mahagoni. Evidently, the highest significant growth parameters were 100% mineral fertilizer followed by (50% M. + 50% Bio.) as compared with control. No significant difference between 100% M. and (50% M. + 50% Bio.) of shoot dry biomass (15.19 and 12.02 kg, respectively) and above-stored carbon (0.28 and 0.22 Mt, respectively). Microbial account and mineral content in soil were improved after cultivation of tree species compared to before planting and control, especially with 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer treatment. In conclusion, a treatment containing 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer has led to the ideal Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni growth in sandy soil for cheaper and sustainable.

Growth, Mortality Parameters and Exploitation Rate of West African Ilisha (<i>Ilisha africana</i>Bloch, 1795, Clupeidae) off Benin Coastal Waters (West Africa): Implications for Management and Conservation

West African Ilisha was the third most abundant species of Clupeidae off Benin coastal waters after Sardinella spp and Ethmalosa frimbriata. The fishing effort of these fisheries increased with a dominance of small-sized specimens in the catches. This paper allowed updating some demographic parameters and the exploitation rate of Ilisha africana collected between July 2013 and June 2014 from the coastal waters of Benin for management and conservation of these fisheries. The growth pattern showed a negative allometric growth with an abundance of small-sized specimens. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) estimations were: L∞= 21.31 cm standard length;K = 1.20 year-1;and t0 = -0.138 year. The total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) were 4.040 year-1, 2.27 year-1 and 1.77 year-1 respectively. The Z/K ratio was 3.667 and the exploitation rate (E = F/Z) was 0.44 showing an under exploitation of this species. The estimated potential longevity (tmax) was 2.5 years. In addition, the fisheries management should be devolved from the state to the local level to compel fishermen to take greater responsibility for the sustainability and conservation of the fisheries such as size-limit regulation by gradually increasing fishing gears mesh size.

The Effects of Frying Oils Supplemented with Vitamin E on Blood Parameters and Growth Performance of Rats

This study aimed at investigating effects of frying oils supplemented with vitamin E on blood parameters and growth performance of rats. Three experimental diets containing fresh corn oil or frying oil (FO) with or without vitamin E were fed to Wistar rats over a 90-day. Blood Chemistry, blood parameters (hematocrit and erythrocyte osmotic fragility) and growth performance were determined. Neither FO alone nor vitamin E had any considerable impact on the growth performance. Hematocrit of FO group did not change significantly compared to animals fed fresh oil. Although, vitamin E increased hematocrit to 16.37%, but still it had no considerable effect on restoring hematocrit to normal values. Serum triacylglycerol (TAG) did not change significantly among FO animals, while significant increase in TAG was noted between FO and vitamin E treated animals compared with other treatments. Serum total cholesterol (TC) did not change significantly among experimental animals compared with the control. Vitamin E resulted in an insignificant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) level compared to the control. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) level did not display any considerable difference among the three treatments. Frying oil with or without vitamin E had no significant effects on growth performance, lipid chemistry, and blood parameters. The only significant effect of FO was shown on erythrocytes hemolysis at higher concentration. Vitamin E supplementation had no impacts on undesired effects caused by frying oil.

Effects of Graded Levels of Joy Perfume Tree (<i>Pentadiplandra brazzeana</i>) Powder in Drinking Water on Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens

The restriction of antibiotic growth promoters in livestock nutrition has led to a growing interest in plant feed additives. This study was designed to assess the production performance of broiler chickens fed on graded levels of Pentadiplandra brazzeana powder in drinking water. A total of 448 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups with 4 replicates of 16 birds each (08 males and 08 females). Pentadiplandra brazzeana root was grounded and incorporated at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g/L of drinking water. Control rations consisted of diet without any supplement (T0) and antibiotic (1 g/kg) medicated diet (T0+). Throughout the experimental period (49 days) feed intake was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by graded levels of Pentadiplandra brazzeana except for 5 g/L of water that significantly (p < 0.05) decreased feed intake. Weight gain was significantly higher (p < 0.05) with 1, 2 and 3 g/L, while feed conversion ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.05) with the same treatments compared to the control group (T0). Chickens fed on 1 g Pentadiplandra brazzeana/L recorded a higher (p < 0.05) carcass yield compared to the control ration (T0). Haematological parameters were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected irrespective of the level of incorporation of the test spice in drinking water. Serum content in urea was significantly lower (p < 0.05) with 3 g Pentadiplandra brazzeana/L compared to all other treatments. ASAT, ALAT, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected by the inclusion of Pentadiplandra brazzeana powder in drinking water. Feeding chickens with up to 4 g of Pentadiplandra brazzeana significantly increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count. E. coli and salmonella counts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with the spice in water as compared to the control diet. In conclusion, the administration of up to 3 g of Pentadiplandra brazzeana powder through drinking water can be used as alternative to antibiotics to improve growth performance of broiler chickens.

Impact of Composts Maturity on Growth and Agronomic Parameters of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>)

Several methods have been developed in the literature which allow the maturity of composts to be assessed before it is used in agriculture. The objective of this study is to assess the maturity of the composts produced at the platform of the NGO ENPRO in Lomé on the growth and agronomic parameters of maize (Zea mays L., var. IKENE). To do so, three types of compost (gargabe, fruit waste, animal litter) were made for at least 3 months. The chemical analysis, phytotoxicity and agronomic tests carried out made it possible to assess the maturity of these composts. Indeed, the evolution of the C/N ratio, of the electrical conductivity, the phytotoxicity tests and the growth parameters of the composts show that the composts N°1 and N°2 are mature at the end of the 3rd month of composting while the compost N°3 can only be considered mature at the end of the 5th month of composting. But, with a yield of 2.39 ± 0.28 t/ha and a mass of 1000 grains of 346 ± 4 g, the treatment at 5 t/ha of compost N°3, has the best agronomic parameters compared to other types of compost and treatment without organic amendment. These results also show that compost with a high electrical conductivity has an inhibitory effect on the growth of corn plants (Zea mays L., var. IKENE). Basic chemical analysis, phytotoxicity tests and height growth of maize (Zea mays L., var. IKENE) are relatively efficient methods for evaluating the maturity of composts.