Abstract: In order to further explore the impact of antimicrobial peptides on broiler performance, a comparative study was conducted between a group receiving 150 mg/kg of antimicrobial peptides and a group supplemented with neomycin sulfate. Results indicated that broilers in the antimicrobial peptide group exhibited slightly superior performance compared to those in the antibiotic group. Specifically, their average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were 5.49% and 5.47% higher, respectively. Mortality and culling rates were also reduced by 39.84% and 33.76%, respectively. This study was supported by the China Feed Industry Information Network, which focuses on feed solutions for animal husbandry.
Keywords: antibacterial peptide; broiler; production performance
With the global push towards green and pollution-free poultry products, the limitations of antibiotics have become increasingly evident. Since January 2006, the EU has banned the use of antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed. As a result, alternatives to antibiotics have become essential.
The primary component of the antibacterial peptide is cecropin, a cationic peptide originally discovered by Swedish researchers in 1980. Cecropin is a key component of innate immunity in organisms, known for its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including effectiveness against fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Unlike traditional antibiotics, cecropin does not easily lead to drug resistance and can enhance the body's immune response.
Our company has successfully synthesized this substance through artificial design and expression in Bacillus subtilis. The cecropin antibacterial peptide exhibits unique antibacterial properties and nutritional benefits. In vitro studies confirm its ability to effectively inhibit harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. Importantly, it has no toxic or side effects and leaves no harmful residues in animals, aligning with the development of green and eco-friendly food. This makes it a promising solution for developing sustainable feed additives.
This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of adding cecropin antibacterial peptide to broiler diets on their performance.
Materials and Methods:
1.1 Test Animals and Design
The study involved 2,346 healthy Rose 308 broiler chickens, evenly divided into two groups based on body weight, with 1,173 birds per group. The control group received neomycin sulfate, while the experimental group received cecropin antibacterial peptide. The experimental design is outlined in Table 1.
| Group | Treatment | Addition Amount (mg/kg) |
|-------|-----------------|-------------------------|
| Antibiotic Group | Neomycin Sulfate | 250, 250, 300 |
| Antibacterial Peptide Group | Cecropin Antibacterial Peptide | 150, 150, 150 |
1.2 Feeding Management
The trial took place at the broiler breeding base of Hebei Health Feed Co., Ltd. Birds were raised on the ground with free access to feed and water. Lighting conditions were set at 24 hours/day for the first three days, reducing to 23 hours/day from the fourth day onward. Temperature was maintained at 35°C for the first two days, 34°C for the first week, 30°C for the second week, and 23°C for the third week to ensure optimal growth conditions. Standard immunization protocols were followed, with twice-daily disinfection before and after chick arrival.
1.3 Test Diet
Diets were formulated according to the Chinese broiler feeding standards outlined in the Chicken Feeding Standards (2004). The basic diet composition and nutritional levels are detailed in Table 2. Antimicrobial peptides were sourced from the National Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, while other ingredients came from Health Feed Company.
Table 2 shows the dietary composition and nutritional levels for different age groups.
| Ingredient Composition | 0-21 Days | 22-41 Days | 42-47 Days |
|------------------------|-----------|------------|------------|
| Corn | 61.70% | 63.50% | 67.45% |
| Cardamom | 20.50% | 19.00% | 16.00% |
| Cottonseed Meal (43%) | 2.50% | 2.50% | 4.00% |
| Peanut Meal | 1.50% | 2.00% | 0 |
| Secondary Powder | 4.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% |
| Domestic Fishmeal | 2.00% | 1.50% | 0 |
| Stone Powder | 1.30% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate | 0.80% | 0.70% | 0.60% |
| Oil | 1.00% | 1.40% | 2.50% |
| Salt | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.02% |
| DDGS | 3.50% | 2.00% | 2.00% |
| Choline | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Premix | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Total | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Nutritional Levels:
- Metabolic Energy (Mcal/kg): 2.90, 3.00, 3.10
- Crude Protein (%): 18.18, 17.33, 15.22
- Lysine (%): 0.89, 0.84, 0.71
- Methionine (%): 0.30, 0.28, 0.25
- Calcium (%): 0.84, 0.75, 0.63
- Available Phosphorus (%): 0.34, 0.30, 0.23
Premix per kilogram of total feed includes:
- Vitamin A: 14,400 IU
- Vitamin D: 1,800 IU
- Vitamin E: 20 mg
- Vitamin K: 1.5 mg
- Vitamin B1: 2.25 mg
- Vitamin B2: 9 mg
- Calcium Pantothenate: 15 mg
- Niacin: 30 mg
- Vitamin B6: 3 mg
- Vitamin B12: 0.025 mg
- Folic Acid: 0.75 mg
- Choline: 1,000 mg
- Manganese: 60 mg
- Zinc: 40 mg
- Iron: 80 mg
- Copper: 8 mg
- Iodine: 0.35 mg
- Selenium: 0.15 mg
This comprehensive approach ensures that the study provides valuable insights into the potential of cecropin antibacterial peptides as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics in broiler farming.
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