Excessive phosphorus excretion by intensive livestock operations is a growing concern worldwide. Identification of non-lethal, low phytic acid mutations in corn, and more recently barley, result in a substantial reduction in phytic acid, with a corresponding increase in inorganic phosphorus. In the present study, four varieties of the low phytic acid (LP) barley including LP 422, LP 635, LP 955 and LP 1070 and a conventional barley (CDC DOLLY) were examined with Broiler Chickens from 2 to 17 days of age. LP barley lines exhibiting a range of various phytic acid reduction indicated increasing phosphorus retention (P<0.01), which was reflected by increasing tibia ash in phosphorus deficient diets. Phosphorus excretion was reduced accordingly (P<0.01). Body weight gain (P<0.05) and feed conversion (P<0.01) also improved with phytic acid reduction; feed conversion in particular was significantly better for chicks given the lowest phytic acid barley line (LP 955) than a commercial variety. Retention of major nutrient fractions (phosphorus excepted; dry matter, fat, protein, amino acids) indicated no significant effect with phytic acid reduction.

Nanoparticle of Silver, with creating free radicals, can destroy many bacteria, viruses and fungi; therefore they have been recommended as a disinfectant in livestock’s production system. In this study 240 Ross 308 strain chicks in a completely randomized design (CRD) in four treatments at 0(control), 4, 8 and 12 ppm levels of silver nanoparticles in drinking water with four replicates within 16 separate floor pens and 15 birds in each pen were reared. At the end of growing period from each pen two Broilers with the average weight were selected and after taking blood sample, sacrificed and their kidney were examined with light microscope by H&E staining. Histopathology showed dose depended changes such as congestion, presence of inflammatory cells including heterophile and lymphocytes, necrosis in tubular cells, proliferative glomerulonephritis and fibrosis. Lesions in the treatments 3 (8ppm) and 4 (12ppm) were more sever than the group 2 (4ppm). Also, increased serum uricacid in treatment 4 (12ppm) compared to control group was significant (p<0.05). It can be concluded that using of nanosilver higher than 8ppm in drinking water can induce sever lesions in kidney of Chickens.

Studying Broiler preference to feed color is important for improving comfort and welfare of Broilers and it may be beneficial for improving performance. The aim of the first experiment was to examine day-old chick's preference in different light colors to different feed colors. One hundred and sixty Ross 308 newly hatched Broilers, never exposed to feed, were allocated into pens illuminated with different light colors: white, yellow, green and red. Under each color of light four colored feed choices (red, green, yellow and control) were offered. Choice was recorded the moment the bird attempted to obtain feed. In the second experiment, 80 chicks were chosen and separated equally in four pens illuminated with white color. Light intensities were the same in all pens at both experiment. The pens were separated using black plastic to keep stray light from interfering with neighboring pens. In each pens there were 4 dishes containing different feed color and chicks were allowed to choose the preferred color of feed for consumption. All chicks were fed a standard NRC ration and all pens were given ad libitum access to feed and water. The amount of feed intake from each colored feed in each pen was determined as a proportion of total pen feed intake until 21th days of rearing period. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between preferences of chicks to different feed colors. However, it was observed that under white light chicks tend to prefer green feed compared to control (P=0. 08). The results in the second part of experiment showed that the feed intake from green feed were significantly higher compared to other colored feeds. Also, birds had the lowest proportion of feed intake from the red-colored ration under white lighting.