Impact of Nanoclay in Feed And Aluminium Sulphate in Litter on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Litter Chemistry of Nigerian Noiler Cockerel Chicks

Impact of Nanoclay in Feed And Aluminium Sulphate in Litter on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Litter Chemistry of Nigerian Noiler Cockerel Chicks | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Impact of Nanoclay in Feed And Aluminium Sulphate in Litter on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Litter Chemistry of Nigerian Noiler Cockerel Chicks Celestine Ezenwosu, Anselm E. Onymonyi, AMARACHI LINDA OBINNA, and 6 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6724489/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 11 Nov, 2025 Read the published version in Tropical Animal Health and Production → Version 1 posted 4 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The study aimed to assess the impact of nanoclay in the feed and aluminium sulphate in the litter on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and litter chemistry of Nigerian noiler cockerel chickens. A total of 360 Nigerian Noiler cockerels, aged 8 weeks and weighing between 1050-1067g, were assigned to six treatment groups in a 3×2 factorial arrangement in completely randomised design (CRD), six replications of 10 birds each. The treatments administered comprised: T1: 0 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2: 15 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T3: 30 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4: 0 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter, T5: 15 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter, T6: 30 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter. The results indicated that birds provided with sodium bentonite and housed on litter treated with aluminium sulphate exhibited superior weight increase, lower feed conversion ratios, and reduced feed costs per kilogramme of gain compared to the control group. Birds on T5 had the greatest feed intake value of 8258.52 g (p 0.05) to the 2021.33 g reported in T6, while both values were the highest (p < 0.05) among the treatments. The treated groups exhibited reduced feed conversion ratios (FCR) and feed costs per kilogramme of growth relative to the control group's values of 4.64 and 1273.18 (₦) for both parameters. Serum biochemical indices (protein, albumin, globulin and BUN) showed greater improvement in the treated groups relative to the control. The reported litter ammonia gas value of 29.00 ppm was the highest among the treatments. The study concluded that the inclusion of sodium bentonite in the meal and litter treated with aluminium sulphate enhanced litter quality without adversely affecting the growth performance and serum biochemical markers of the birds. Ammonia gas Environmental challenges Poultry farming Nanoclay Noiler birds Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction Poultry farming is a rapid method for producing safe, affordable, and high-quality animal protein, significantly contributing to food security and the economy, particularly in Nigeria where backyard farming is prevalent among smallholder operations (Birhanu et al. 2023 ). However, poultry farming faces environmental challenges, notably the emission of gaseous pollutants from litter, which negatively impacts bird rearing near human habitats. These pollutants, particularly ammonia gas (NH3), adversely affect bird productivity, human environments, and contribute to haze formation globally (Zhou et al. 2021 ; EPA 2023). Ammonia is produced when nitrogen-rich compounds like uric acid are degraded by litter microbes (Munk et al. 2017 ). While ammonia generation is typical in poultry farming, excessive levels can reduce productivity and lead to nitrous oxide emissions, which are linked to climate change. High ammonia levels in poultry houses harm the environment, farm workers' health, and bird welfare, leading to poorer feed conversion ratios, reduced body weight, increased infection susceptibility, and respiratory issues in birds, as well as decreased egg production in hens (Ni et al. 2023 ; Ramesh et al. 2024). Litter is a primary source of volatilised ammonia gas, prompting animal welfare experts to stress the need for improved litter conditions. Poorly managed litter can lead to the growth of various disease-associated microorganisms (Ritz et al. 2014 ). The use of nano clay minerals has been shown to mitigate ammonia emissions during production. These nano clays are distinctive mineral compounds with a large surface area, high absorbency, strong cation exchange capacity, and many active sites (AlBeitawi et al. 2017a). Additionally Sodium bentonite is an affordable nano clay mineral that can improve poultry productivity (Ezenwosu et al. 2024 ). This naturally occurring clay is known for its high water absorption, swelling properties, and non-toxic nature (Martsouka et al. 2021 ). Its addition to poultry feed enhances litter quality by lowering pH and moisture content (Ezenwosu et al. 2024 ) and reduces pollutant emissions, such as ammonia (NH3), in poultry housing (Slamova et al. 2011). Specifically, incorporating sodium bentonite into feed reduces ammonia gas production by modifying litter parameters. Chicks fed diets with 4% and 6% sodium bentonite showed increased weight gain and better feed conversion ratios compared to those without it. Furthermore, a recent study found that varying concentrations of aqueous sodium bentonite suspension (1%, 2%, and 3%) improved the growth performance of grill chickens without adversely affecting their carcass qualities (Al-fagieh 2024). Chemical litter treatment can effectively lower NH3 emissions from litter during production by reducing the litter pH, which creates an acidic environment that inhibits microbial growth and the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds into NH3 (Ezenwosu et al. 2022 ). Aluminium sulphate, or alum, is used as a litter acidifier to decrease NH3 emissions during poultry production, providing an economical solution for reducing ammonia formation (Moore et al. 1999 ). The treatment of chicken litter with alum lowers both pH and moisture content, leading to decreased ammonia production (Sahoo et al. 2017 ). Additionally, alum application has been shown to reduce pH, decrease microbial populations, and enhance the productive performance of birds (Rothrock et al. 2008 ). It has also been linked to lower mortality rates, improved performance, and increased financial returns for poultry farmers (Moore, 2011). However, there is a lack of studies investigating the combined effects of sodium bentonite in diet and aluminium sulphate in litter on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and litter chemistry of cockerel chickens. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of Nanoclay in diet and aluminium sulphate in litter on these parameters in Nigerian Noiler cockerel chickens. Materials and Methods All birds utilised in this study were managed and reared according to the guidelines established by the ethical committee of the Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, regarding the use of animals for research (No. ANS/UNN/45/15/ March, 2024). The research was conducted at the Poultry Farm research unit within the Animal Science Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Nsukka is situated within latitude 7˚ 12.5 ′N and longitude 6˚ 45′E and 7˚ E and on the altitude of 447m overhead the sea level. Okonkwo and Akubuo (2007) noted that Nsukka, the study area, exemplifies a typical tropical environment characterised by a daily mean temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius and relative humidity levels between sixty-five and eighty percent. The duration of the study was 8 weeks. Assessment resources The study utilised sodium bentonite and aluminium sulphate as the two test materials. Aluminium sulphate, with the chemical formula Al 2 (SO4)3, is recognised as a versatile salt. Sodium bentonite is a clay characterised by its strong colloidal properties, which enable it to rapidly absorb moisture, resulting in an increase in volume and the formation of a gummy, thixotropic compound. The sodium bentonite was obtained locally in Imo State, Nigeria, at no expense. The chemical constituents of sodium bentonite are as follows: 3.85% CaO, 20.47% Al2O3, 2.95% MgO, 0.19% K2O, 2.78% Na2O, 66.55% SiO2, and organic matter. 13.42 percent sand 0.03% MnO and 3.19% Fe2O. The mass percentage of each element in aluminium sulphate utilised for litter treatment is as follows: 15.66 % aluminum, 29.10% sulfur and 56.14% O2. Birds and managements A total of 360 Nigerian Noiler cockerels, aged 8 weeks and weighing between 1050-1067g, were assigned to six treatment groups in a 3×2 factorial arrangement inside a fully randomised design (CRD), including six replications of 10 birds each. The treatments administered comprised: T1: 0 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2: 15 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T3: 30 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4: 0 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter, T5: 15 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter, T6: 30 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter. The food incorporated sodium bentonite at three concentrations (0, 15, and 30 g/kg), whereas the litter was treated with alum at two levels (0 and 400 g/3 kg of litter). The study endured for duration of 8 weeks. The birds were immunised against Gumboro and Newcastle disease. Birds were provided with clean drinking water and nourishment ad libitum. Biosecurity protocols, including access restrictions at the experimental location, were implemented to preserve the flock's health. A veterinarian periodically inspected the birds for signs and symptoms of disease. The birds were raised in an open-sided facility with a deep litter system, including 30 pens apiece. A thermometer was utilised to measure the temperature of the experimental housing, maintained at 25 ˚C. The experimental home has a relative humidity between sixty-five and seventy. Litter treatments Litter treatment with aluminium sulphate was conducted following the methodology of Ezenwosu et al. (2024). A 6 kg electronic weighing balance was employed to measure each 400 grammes of aluminium sulphate and 3 kg of litter prior to their amalgamation. Wood shavings from the Iroko tree were employed as litter materials at a depth of two inches. During the experimental phases, the treated litter remained unaltered following the application of aluminium sulphate, which was incorporated into the litter post thorough grinding. Furthermore, 200 g of aluminium sulphate utilised for litter treatment in each replication of the various treatment blends was first dispersed on the plain floor, and the remaining 200 g was subsequently uniformly integrated with the litter (fresh wood shavings) following thorough mixing. This occurs due to heightened microbial activity beneath the litter compared to above, facilitating the conversion of nitrogen-containing substances, such as uric acid, into ammonia. One week before to the birds' implantation, the litter was treated with aluminium sulphate to avert unnecessary inhalation of alum by the birds. Hand gloves were utilised to avert direct contact with the alum during the mixing of trash and aluminium sulphate. Trial dietary regimens The dietary components and their derived nutritional values are presented in Table 1. The proximate components of the diet were determined using AOAC (2012) techniques. Table 1 : Constitution and nutrient concentrations of the foundational diet Component Proportion Maize 36.00 Wheat offal 28.00 Soybean meal 4.00 Groundnut cake 4.00 Palm kernel cake 24.00 Bone meal Oyster shell 1.60 2.00 Grower’s premix 0.25 Methionine 0.10 Lysine 0.10 Total 100 Calculated nutritive values (%) Crude protein (%) 16.00 Energy (Mcal/KgME) 2600.00 Crude fiber (%) 6.80 Crude fat (%) Available phosphorus (%) Calcium (%) 3.50 0.45 1.00 Analyzed nutrional values Crude fiber (%) 6.89 Ether extract (%) 3.48 Dry matter (%) Moisture (%) 88.00 9.00 Crude protein (%) 16.02 Nitrogen free Extract (%) 61.62 Data acquisition and examination At the outset and throughout the inquiry, the birds were weighed with an electronic scale with a maximum capacity of 6 kg. The body weights of the birds were recorded weekly during the feeding experiments, and their daily feed consumption was noted. The average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain were calculated by dividing the total body weight acquired by the birds and their feed intake by the duration of the feeding experiment in days. The bird's feed consumption was divided by their weight gain to get the feed conversion ratio. Feed cost per kilogramme of growth equals feed conversion ratio multiplied by cost per kilogramme of feed. Litter samples were gathered from four distinct places, spanning from the uppermost layer to the lowest, to guarantee adequate sample representation in each replication. The litter samples obtained from various locations in each replication were combined with a hand trowel to guarantee sample uniformity. The collected litter samples for moisture and pH analysis were promptly and securely transported to the laboratory in appropriately labelled glass beakers. The litter moisture content % was calculated by comparing the weight of the litter sample before and after drying for forty-eight hours at 65°C. To ascertain the pH of the litter, twenty grammes of the sample were mixed with 400 ml of reverse-osmosis water, vigorously agitated for twenty minutes, and the pH was then measured using a pH meter (SevenEasy pH, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland). The generation of ammonia gas in the different pens was measured using a digital ammonia measuring equipment (Smart Sensor GM8806, Benetech, Nanjing, China). The digital ammonia measurement instrument was placed at the four corners and the epicentre of the litter materials in each pen. Three birds were randomly chosen from each replication for blood sampling. Five millilitres of blood were collected from the wing veins of the selected birds using a sterile syringe and needles. Blood samples were centrifuged for ten minutes at 1000 rpm within two hours of collection, after a coagulation period at room temperature (25 °C). Subsequent to serum extraction, it was transferred to polypropylene tubes and preserved at -20 °C to maintain its viability for biochemical analysis. Blood urea was quantified via the colorimetric method: Blood Urea Nitrogen = Urea ÷ 2.14 (mg/dl). The serum creatinine concentration was determined by a colorimetric technique, whilst the serum protein and albumin concentrations were assessed using a biuret method (Benjamin, 1985). Serum globulin was calculated by subtracting the albumin value from the total protein value. Bilirubin was quantified via a commercial assay (Dia lab, Wiener Neudorf, Austria). The collected data underwent analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean differences were distinguished using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (1995) via IBM SPSS Statistics version 28, with a significance level set at five percent (p<0.05). The statistical mode utilised is defined below: Xijk = µ + Ai + Bj + (AB)ij + ∑ijk Where A and B denote the two variables. Xijk = Comprehensive assessment of the therapies' effects µ = Overall mean Ai = Impact of sodium bentonite Bj = Impact of alum (AB)ij = Interaction between sodium bentonite and alum ∑ijk = Experimental error RESULTS Table 2 and Figure 1-3 show the results of the interaction effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet and aluminum sulfate to litter treated with alum on weekly growth performance of Noiler cockerel chickens. Weight gain values at week 6 and 8 were significant (p0.05) from 194.61, 193.23, 190.33 and 239.16 observed for those on T2-T4 and T6, but, lower than the value of 449.61 obtained in T5 which was also similar with T6. At week 8, weight gain values recorded in T2-T6 were identical (p>0.05), but higher than the value obtained in T1 which was also similar with T2, T3 and T6. The same trend observed in the values for weight gain was also observed in the values for ADWG. Feed intake and ADFI values were not significant (p>0.05). At week 6, FCR values of birds on T1-T2 and T4 were similar (p>0.05), but higher than T3, T5 and T6, which also had similar value obtained in T2. Table 2 Interaction effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet and aluminum sulfate to the litter on weekly growth performance of Noiler cockerels Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 SEM P-values WG (g/bird) Week 1 206.51 226.97 176.49 167.84 240.26 201.65 11.62 0.984 Week 2 229.00 127.79 220.13 175.80 212.35 229.12 14.66 0.234 Week 3 217.38 323.15 277.60 262.99 267.40 223.69 26.42 0.876 Week 4 227.54 237.61 252.14 236.40 329.24 404.42 35.07 0.221 Week 5 232.34 286.98 278.24 272.92 323.73 352.13 25.25 0.286 Week 6 141.97 b 194.61 b 193.23 b 190.33 b 449.61 a 239.16 ab 35.50 0.035 Week 7 146.91 203.66 234.73 193.83 221.32 217.15 12.62 0.411 Week 8 100.00 b 148.33 ab 146.66 ab 179.33 a 180.66 a 154.00 ab 8.76 0.001 ADWG (g/bird) Week 1 29.50 32.42 25.21 23.97 34.31 28.80 1.66 0.800 Week 2 32.71 18.25 31.44 24.26 30.33 28.28 2.12 0.112 Week 3 31.05 46.16 39.89 37.56 37.19 31.90 3.76 0.671 Week 4 32.50 33.90 36.01 33.77 47.03 57.77 5.00 0.448 Week 5 33.18 40.90 39.74 38.98 46.24 50.30 3.60 0.332 Week 6 20.27 b 27.79 b 27.64 b 22.53 b 64.22 a 37.21 ab 5.18 0.022 Week 7 20.98 29.09 33.52 27.78 31.51 31.01 1.80 0.121 Week 8 14.28 b 21.18 ab 20.94 ab 25.61 a 25.80 a 23.08 ab 1.24 0.017 FI (g/bird) Week 1 742.52 723.86 714.61 709.76 745.60 623.57 44.64 0.567 Week 2 917.74 811.34 802.77 845.14 864.78 708.67 35.09 0.843 Week 3 890.55 1010.17 912.53 1020.28 1117.16 853.55 37.77 0.187 Week 4 925.25 877.92 963.52 1007.01 986.42 1099.18 49.19 0.788 Week 5 931.34 886.66 922.70 953.63 1231.77 981.20 42.54 0.986 Week 6 793.07 913.44 793.59 820.22 1252.33 871.52 77.02 0.679 Week 7 837.54 950.21 970.10 1003.90 943.77 1023.40 23.21 0.721 Week 8 920.00 1166.66 1029.33 1316.66 1150.00 1182.66 41.11 0.189 ADFI (g/bird) Week 1 106.07 103.16 102.08 101.39 106.46 89.07 6.37 0.876 Week 2 131.04 115.97 114.67 120.73 123.57 101.23 5.01 0.923 Week 3 126.95 144.30 131.11 145.75 159.59 121.90 5.39 0.923 Week 4 132.17 125.41 137.88 144.04 140.80 157.02 7.03 0.721 Week 5 133.04 126.66 131.61 136.23 175.91 139.88 6.08 0.378 Week 6 113.29 130.48 113.36 116.88 178.90 124.27 10.99 0.289 Week 7 119.66 135.74 138.48 143.38 134.81 146.16 3.30 0.900 Week 8 131.42 166.66 147.00 188.09 164.28 168.94 5.87 0.732 FCR Week 1 3.81 3.31 4.06 4.18 3.59 3.12 0.30 0.096 Week 2 4.65 7.13 3.84 5.41 4.00 3.17 0.45 0.079 Week 3 4.12 3.90 3.48 3.97 5.03 3.89 0.31 0.208 Week 4 4.28 3.87 3.89 4.31 3.10 3.53 0.23 0.312 Week 5 4.32 3.50 3.92 3.56 4.04 2.80 0.24 0.189 Week 6 5.62 a 4.60 abc 4.07 bcd 5.13 ab 3.09 c 3.64 cd 0.25 0.029 Wek 7 6.03 4.66 4.50 5.19 4.33 4.71 0.27 0.089 Week 8 9.27 7.82 7.12 7.58 6.53 7.29 0.29 0.872 abcd Means on the different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05), T1= 0 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2= 15 g NaB /kg+0 g alum /3kg litter, T3= 30 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4= 0 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum /3 kg litter, T5=15 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum/3 kg litter and T6= 30 g NaB /kg diet + 400 g alum/3kg litter, SEM=Standard error of the mean, ADWG: Average daily weight gain, ADFI= Average daily feed intake and FCR: Feed conversion ratio, FI: Feed intake, WG: Weight gain. Table 3 shows the results of the main effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels. Weight gain, FCR, average ADWG, and feed cost per kg gain were significant (p0.05). Weight gain of birds fed 15 and 30 NaB/kg were the same (p>0.05), but higher the value of 1590.80 observed for birds on control diet. Final body weight of birds fed 15 and 30 NaB/kg were the same (p>0.05), but higher than the value of 2917.67 observed for birds on control diet. ADWG values followed the same patterns observed in body weight gain. FCR and feed cost per kg values of birds on control diet were higher than the values obtained for those on 15 and 30 g NaB/kg. Table 3 also shows the results of the main effect of application of alum to the litter on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels. Feed intake, final body weight, weight gain, FCR, ADFI and ADWG values were significant (p0.05). Feed intake, weight gain, ADFI, FBW and ADWG values obtained for birds on 0 g alum/3kg litter were lower compared to values observed for birds on 400 g alum/3kg litter. FCR value of 4.28 observed for birds on litter without alum treatment was higher than the value of 4.02 obtained for birds on litter treated with aluminum sulfate. Table 3 : Main effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet and alum to the litter on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels Parameters FI (g/bird) WG (g/bird) FCR ADFI (g/bird) ADWG (g/bird) FBW (g/bird) Feed cost/kg gain (₦) Sodium bentonite 0 g/kg 7331.28 1590.80 b 4.62 a 130.91 28.40 b 2632.28 b 1266.33 a 15 g/kg 7799.40 1975.53 a 4.01 b 139.10 36.27 a 2997.19 a 1101.02 b 30 g/kg 7226.48 1900.29 ab 3.82 b 129.04 33.93 ab 2917.67 a 1046.00 b SEM 137.14 69.34 0.11 2.44 1.23 45.69 32.64 p-values 0.087 0.021 0.001 0.412 0.048 0.003 0.000 Aluminum sulfate 0 g/3kg litter 7135.91 b 1676.71 b 4.28 a 127.314 b 29.93 b 2724.47 b 1174.54 400 g/3kg litter 7768.86 a 1967.70 a 4.02 b 138.71 a 35.13 a 2973.60 a 1101.48 SEM 137.14 69.34 0.11 2.44 1.23 45.69 32.64 P-values 0.000 0.012 0.001 0.031 0.002 0.020 0.430 ab Means on the different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, Means on the different t (p<0.05), T1= 0 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2= 15 g NaB /kg+0 g alum /3kg litter, T3= 30 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4= 0 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum /3 kg litter, T5=15 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum/3 kg litter and T6= 30 g NaB /kg diet + 400 g alum/3kg litter, SEM=Standard error of the mean, ADWG: Average daily weight gain, ADFI= Average daily feed intake and FCR: Feed conversion ratio, FI: Feed intake, WG: Weight gain. Results of the interaction effect of sodium bentonite in diet and application of aluminum sulfate to the litter on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels are presented Table 4. Values for feed intake, weight gain, weight gain, FCR, feed cost/kg gain, ADFI and ADWG were significant (p0.05) from T2-T4, and T6, but, both were lower than the 8258.52 recorded in T5 which was also similar to T4. Weight gain values of 1501.75, 1749.14, 1779.25 and 1679.85 observed for birds on birds on T1-T4 were similar (p>0.05), but significantly lower than the values of 2201.91 and 2021.33 recorded in T5 and T6, with T6 also similar with T2-T4. Birds on T5 had final body weight of 3201.91 which was similar (p<0.05) with the value of 3021.73 obtained for those on T6, but both were significantly higher than the values of 2568.75, 2792.47, 2695.81, 2695.81 obtained for those on T1-T3 and T4, with T6 also the same (p0.05), but were higher than 3.82 and 3.64 recorded in T5 and T6 which were also the same with T2-T3. Values for feed cost/kg gain followed the same pattern observed in FCR. ADFI of birds on T1 did not differ (P>0.05) 130.73, 126.94, 137.57 and 131.13 recorded in T2-T4 and T6, but both were lower than 147.47 obtained in T5 which was also similar with T4. Values of ADWG of birds on T1-T4 were the same (p>0.05), but lower than 39.31 recorded in T5 and T6, with T6 also having the same value with T2-T4. Table 4 Interaction effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet and alum to the litter on overall growth performance of noiler cockerels Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 SEM P-values Initial body weight (g/bird) 1067.00 1043.33 1033.00 1022.83 1000.00 1004.50 14.49 0.897 Feed intake (g/bird) 6958.27 b 7340.29 b 7109.18 b 7704.29 ab 8258.52 a 7343.78 b 137.14 0.000 Weight gain (g/bird) 1501.75 c 1749.14 bc 1779.25 bc 1679.85 bc 2201..91 a 2021.33 ab 69.34 0.002 Final body weight (g/bird) 2568.75 d 2792.47 bcd 2812.25 bc 2695.81 cd 3201.91 a 3021.73 ab 45.69 0.026 FCR 4.64 a 4.21 ab 3.99 ab 4.59 a 3.82 b 3.64 b 0.11 0.001 Feed cost/Kg gain (₦) 1273.18 a 1155.36 ab 1095.08 ab 1259.48 a 1046.63 b 998.27 b 32.64 0.029 ADFI (g/bird) 124.25 b 130.73 b 126.94 b 137.57 ab 147.47 a 131.13 b 2.44 0.000 ADWG (g/bird) 26.81 c 31.23 bc 31.77 bc 29.99 bc 39.31 a 36.09 ab 1.23 0.047 abcd Means on the different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, FCR=Feed conversion ratio, ADFI=Average daily feed intake, ADWG=Average daily weight gain, T1= 0 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2= 15 g NaB /kg+0 g alum /3kg litter, T3= 30 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4= 0 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum /3 kg litter, T5=15 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum/3 kg litter and T6= 30 g NaB /kg diet + 400 g alum/3kg litter, Table 5 presents the findings of the interaction impact between sodium bentonite application in the food and aluminium sulphate in the litter on the blood protein profile of Noiler cockerels. The results of serum creatinine, protein, albumin, globulin, urea, and blood urea nitrogen were statistically significant (p<0.05). Birds on T1 had a creatinine value that was significantly elevated (p<0.05) compared to the values of 0.30, 0.32, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.28 recorded for those on T2-T6. Serum protein levels were significantly elevated (p0.05) in birds on T5 and T6, however both were greater than 16.51, 19.20, 18.90 and 20.10 found in T1-T4. Birds on T3 exhibited the greatest blood globulin levels (p<0.05) all the treatments. Birds on T1 exhibited the highest serum urea and blood urea nitrogen levels across the treatments. Table 5 Interaction effect of sodium bentonite in diet and litter treated with alum on serum protein profile of Noiler cockerels Parameters Normal range T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 SEM Pvalues Creatinine (mg/dl) 0.1-0.4 0.38 a 0.30 c 0.32 b 0.28 d 0.30 c 0.28 d 0.05 0.001 Protein (mg/dl) 30-50 30.82 e 35.00 d 35.90 c 36.10 c 39.70 a 39.00 b 0.49 0.000 Albumin (g/l) 10.45 16.51 d 19.20 c 18.90 c 20.10 b 23.69 a 23.93 a 0.45 0.000 Globulin (g/l) 15-27 14.14 d 15.85 b 17.00 a 15.95 b 16.01 b 15.07 c 0.15 0.000 Urea (mg/dl) 19-30 28.23 a 16.94 b 16.35 b 10.17 b 8.16 b 18.65 b 0.22 0.002 BUN (mg/dl) 3.3-7.2 9.80 a 5.78 c 6.50 b 6.85 b 6.75 b 5.90 c 0.23 0.000 Means on the different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, BUN=Blood urea nitrogen The results of the primary effect of sodium bentonite application in the food on the litter chemistry of Noiler cockerel chickens are displayed in Table 6. During weeks 1-4 and 5-8, the percentages of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia gas were statistically significant (p<0.05). Measurements of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia during weeks 1-4 and 5-8 were elevated at 0 g NabB/kg compared to those documented at 15 and 30 g NaB/kg diets. Table 6 Main effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet on litter chemistry of Noiler cockerels Parameters 0 g NaB 15 g NaB 30 g NaB SEM P-values Moisture (%) Week 1-4 25.50 a 17.91 b 16.16 b 0.83 0.000 Week 5-8 28.50 a 19.25 b 18.09 b 0.85 0.000 pH Week 1-4 5.48 a 3.98 b 3.73 b 0.21 0.002 Week 5-8 6.96 a 5.07 b 4.75 b 0.25 0.000 Ammonia gas (ppm) 24.66 a 16.75 b 16.16 b 0.78 0.000 Means on the different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, NaB=Sodium bentonite The outcomes of the primary effect of alum treatment to the litter on the litter chemistry of noiler cockerels are displayed in Table 7. During weeks 1-4 and 5-8, the percentages of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia gas were dramatically affected by the alum-treated litter. The percentage values of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia during weeks 1-4 and 5-8 were considerably elevated in untreated litter compared to those seen in treated litter. Table 7 Main effect of application of alum to the litter on litter chemistry of Noiler cockerels Parameters 0 g alum 400 g alum SEM P-values Moisture (%) Week 1-4 21.88 a 17.83 b 0.83 0.000 Week 5-8 23.11 a 19.44 b 0.85 0.000 pH Week 1-4 4.96 a 3.83 b 0.21 0.001 Week 5-8 6.31 a 4.88 b 0.25 0.020 Ammonia gas (ppm) 21.11 a 17.27 b 0.78 0.010 Means on the different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean Results of the interaction impact of administration of sodium bentonite in food and alum to the litter on litter chemistry of Noiler cockerels are shown in Table 8. During weeks 1-4 and 5-8, the percentage values for litter moisture, pH, and ammonia gas were statistically significant (p0.05). The moisture, pH, and ammonia levels in litter during weeks 1-4 and 5-8 were elevated in T1 compared to those measured in T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 litter. Table 8: Interaction effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet and alum to the litter on litter chemistry of Noiler cockerels Parameter T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 SEM P-values Moisture (%) Week 1-4 29.33 a 19.00 c 17.33 cd 21.66 b 16.83 de 15.00 e 0.83 0.000 Week 5-8 30.00 a 20.66 bc 18.66 c 23.00 b 17.83 c 17.50 c 0.85 0.010 pH Week 1-4 6.30 a 4.30 b 4.30 b 4.66 b 3.66 bc 3.16 c 0.21 0.020 Week 5-8 8.56 a 5.50 b 4.86 b 5.36 b 4.65 b 4.63 b 0.25 0.000 Ammonia gas (ppm) 29.00 a 19.00 c 17.33 cd 21.33 b 15.50 de 15.00 e 0.78 0.000 Discussion Birds fed sodium bentonite in diet and on litter treated with aluminum sulfate had the highest feed intake values. The discoveries agree with Salari et al. ( 2006 ), who gave chickens diets containing sodium bentonite and noted that they ate more feed than the group that was not treated. Additionally, Eid et al. ( 2021 ) found that birds on litter treated with alum had increased body weight, feed intake and had better FCR compare to control groups. Both at the level of interaction and individual main effect of each of the two test materials, the birds on the dietary sodium bentonite and litter treated with alum showed improvements in feed efficiency (FCR), weight gain and cost required to produce a kg of meat. Clay minerals like kaolin and sodium bentonite have been shown by other researches to improve poultry performance (Ezenwosu et al. 2023 ). According to Abd. (2014), chicks fed 4% and 6% bentonite increased higher in weight and improved FCR than those fed a diet devoid of sodium bentonite. The pellet-binding ability of sodium bentonite may be the cause of the increased feed intake in treated groups. According to Santurio et al. ( 1999 ), the increase in feed consumption in treated groups might be the result of sodium bentonite acting as a pellet binder, which enhanced feed intake in addition to pellet quality. The current study indicated that birds on sodium bentonite improved in FCR, weight gain, and feed cost per kg increase, which may be attributable in part to the prolonged digester retention that the colloidal composition of sodium bentonite induces in the birds' stomachs. More enzyme activity is exposed to the digester as it passes more slowly through the GIT, improving its use, nutritional absorption, and digestibility (Yalçın et al. 2017; Safaei et al. 2014 ). According to Monks ( 1992 ), sodium bentonite absorbs liquids, thickens and delays the flow of fluid through an animal's gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the animal's performance improves since it has more time to absorb nutrients from the food. Additionally, investigations by Attar et al. (2017) opined that sodium bentonite increased the height of the villi and jejunum, which may indicate a bigger surface area for luminal absorption of nutrients. Farm animals need structures called villi to absorb nutrients (Chen et al. 2020 ). By increasing their surface area, sodium bentonite improves nutrient absorption over time, improving growth performance metrics like weight increase, feed cost per kilogram gain, and FCR. Based on the above research findings, it might be scientific to assert that the better growth performance traits the treated group had over the control group was linked the improved nutrient digestibility and absorption caused by dietary sodium bentonite. The capacity of sodium bentonite to absorb aflatoxins or other toxins in the diet is another way that it improves the productive performance of birds (Darmawan et al. 2023 ). According to earlier research, aflatoxin causes acute clinical symptoms, increases liver damage, weakens the immune system, and ultimately lowers performance. Aflatoxin has been shown to reduce the functions of several enzymes that are involve in digestion of proteins, starches, and fats in birds and thereby lowering weight gain. Nonetheless, prior research has shown that adding bentonite to the diet reversed the harmful influence of diet contaminated with toxins and enhanced weight gain (Ghazalah et al. 2021 ). Sodium bentonite enhances avian performance from an enzymatic perspective by encouraging in the gut, the synthesis of several enzymes that are involve in digestion process (Mgbeahuruike et al. 2021 ). Safaeikatouli et al. ( 2012 ) found an increase in the functions of aminopeptidase, maltase and alkaline phosphatase in the small intestine’s membranes. The improvement in chicken growth performance can be explained by these beneficial effects on enzyme secretion and activation, as observed by the rise in ADWG and reduction in FCR values in birds fed sodium bentonite (Alagawany et al. 2021 ). Moreover, air quality around production pens can significantly affect bird output, with control group birds potentially showing lower feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, weight, and diet cost per kilogram of gain due to higher ammonia gas levels in pen litter during feeding trials. Yi et al. ( 2016 ) found that birds in high ammonia environments had reduced productivity. Zhang et al. ( 2015 ) reported that broilers exposed to ammonia levels up to 75 ppm experienced decreased intestinal villus height and crypt depth. Miles et al. ( 2006 ) noted that ammonia levels over 25 ppm could lead to reduced weight, lower feed intake, and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR). Choi and Moore (2008) confirmed that ammonia volatilization from litter negatively impacted chicken productivity due to nitrogen pollution. Ammonia gas is harmful to various organs, including the liver (Sa et al. 2018), gut (Wang et al. 2019 ), brain (Dasarathy et al. 2017 ), spleen (Zhao et al. 2020 ), and respiratory tract (Liu et al. 2020), which can impair metabolic processes and reduce performance. Control group birds may have lower productivity due to ammonia-induced stress (St-Pierre et al. 2003). Aziz and Barnes (2009) demonstrated that ammonia causes oxidative stress, as broilers in high ammonia environments had elevated blood levels of MDA, a stress biomarker. The improved productivity noted in the treated groups during the feeding trials may be attributed to the reduced ammonia gas emissions in their pens. The incorporation of alum with litter and the dietary addition of sodium bentonite can reduce the rate of ammonia generation in poultry, consequently facilitating the growth of contemporary chicken production. When litter is treated with alum, volatile ammonia is transformed into nonvolatile ammonium ions, enhancing the environment and promoting activity in the pens as it enhances birds' physiological states, promotes relaxation, and diminishes the possibility of ammonia intoxication and its adverse consequences on their performance (Mohammed 2022 ). Alum decreased the pH of litter, which in turn reduced infections and eventually boosted the productive capacity of birds (Rothrock et al. 2008 ). Moore et al. (1996) ascribed the enhancement in avian productivity on litter treated with alum to a reduction in ammonia gas emissions, along with a decline in pH and litter moisture levels. Bentonite, being a clay, can enhance the consistency of chicken excrement through colloid formation. Yalçin et al. ( 2017 ) observed that the incorporation of sodium bentonite into the avian diet enhanced their performance. Sodium bentonite mitigates ammonia gas generation by enhancing food digestibility and decreasing the excretion of undigested nitrogen, which serves as a substrate for ammonia-producing bacteria present in the litter. The mean values for the serum protein profile in noiler cockerels were generally within the normal reference range according to Merck (2012) and Ross et al. ( 1978 ), except for a noted value of 9.80. The BUN value was vaguely elevated, and the globulin value was below the normal range in control-treated birds. Creatinine levels, consistent with Merck (2012), ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 mg/dl, with higher levels in control birds, indicating potential renal health issues. Elevated serum creatinine may suggest impaired kidney function or muscle waste, as noted by Ross et al. ( 1978 ). Birds on sodium bentonite showed reduced creatinine levels, potentially due to the mineral's ability to adsorb creatinine in the gastrointestinal tract, as demonstrated by Zhang et al. ( 2009 ). The treated group maintained normal serum levels of total protein, globulin, and albumin, while control birds had low globulin levels. Increased protein levels in treated groups align with findings from Mohsen et al. ( 2010 ), who observed similar trends in birds fed sodium bentonite. The rise in blood protein may be linked to improved protein digestibility and nutrient utilization, as suggested by Mohsen et al. ( 2010 ) and supported by Eser et al. ( 2012 ), who noted enhanced enzymatic activity from clay minerals. Additionally, Enaiat et al. ( 2009 ) found that alum chloride in chicken litter increased total blood protein. Albumin, synthesized by the liver, is crucial for transporting compounds and maintaining oncotic pressure (Fischbach and Dunning, 2009). Low total protein levels may indicate malnutrition or mal-absorption issues (Stuart, 2011 ), while variations in albumin levels can reflect hydration status or liver function (Esubonteng, 2011 ). The mean globulin levels in healthy birds across treatment groups were within the normal range (15–27 g/l), but control birds showed lower levels (14.14 g/l). The increase in serum globulin in treated groups suggests enhanced immunity, potentially leading to better performance. Lower globulin levels within the normal range may indicate inflammation or inadequate antibody synthesis, while elevated levels can be associated with various disorders. Mean urea readings were normal but significantly higher in control birds, with urea being a byproduct of protein catabolism, synthesized in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated blood urea in avian species, as noted by Rosenthal ( 1977 ), may result from increased canavanine turnover. D'mello and Walker ( 1991 ) indicated that canavanine's rapid degradation affects nitrogen retention in birds. Elevated serum urea in control birds may also be due to renal impairment, supported by findings from Chaudhari et al. (1996). Chandra et al. ( 1984 ) linked dehydration from persistent diarrhea to increased blood urea levels. Elevated urea may indicate inadequate protein metabolism (Aletor et al. 1998 ), with the control group of grower noiler cockerels showing marginally elevated blood urea nitrogen, suggesting potential dehydration or renal issues. Conversely, reduced blood urea nitrogen can indicate over hydration or hepatic failure. The treated group had the lowest mean urea and blood urea nitrogen values, with declining renal function correlating with increased serum urea concentration. Bentonite may aid renal health by facilitating urea migration from blood to the gut and inhibiting its absorption in the colon (Cao et al. 2009 ). The study found that the addition of sodium bentonite in feed and litter treated with alum significantly reduced ammonia gas emissions, attributed to lower litter moisture and pH levels. Madrid et al. ( 2012 ) noted that alum as a top-dressing agent led to lower ammonia emissions in treated litter compared to untreated. Other research indicated that clays like sodium bentonite can decrease harmful intestinal gases, including ammonia (Slamova et al. 2011; Ezenwosu et al. 2022 ). The decomposition of uric acid in bird excrement generates ammonia, exacerbated by high litter pH and moisture. Rappet and Muller (2005) suggested that increased litter pH accelerates microbial breakdown of nitrogen compounds into ammonia, while the enzyme uricase (Nahm 2003 ) is most active at pH nine. The current study shows that alum treatment lowers litter pH, inhibiting the conversion of nitrogenous waste into ammonia (Lee et al. 2015 ). Aluminium sulphate effectively reduces ammonia emissions by lowering pH and moisture (Rothrock et al. 2008 ). Sahoo et al. ( 2017 ) confirmed that alum-treated groups had lower litter moisture than controls. Reducing litter pH and moisture can slow the transformation of ammonium ions into ammonia (Li et al. 2013). Other studies have also used aluminium sulphate to decrease litter wetness (Nagaraj et al., 2007 ). Ammonia emissions are reduced when litter pH is below seven, but increase significantly above eight (Reece et al. 1979 ). Sodium can help lower litter pH and moisture; Safaeikatouli et al. ( 2011 ) found that a diet with fifteen grams of sodium bentonite per kilogram significantly reduced litter pH. They also observed lower moisture levels in treated groups after twenty and thirty-five days. Lonkar et al. ( 2018 ) noted that dry litter promotes a healthier environment for birds and reduces injuries. Overall, sodium bentonite improves litter quality and chicken feces consistency by forming colloids in the gastrointestinal tract, with higher pH and moisture in control litter likely leading to increased ammonia production compared to treated groups. CONCLUSIONS Impact of nanoclay in the feed and aluminium sulphate in the litter on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and litter chemistry of Nigerian Noiler cockerel chickens was assessed. The incorporation of sodium bentonite and litter treated with aluminium sulphate effectively decreased ammonia gas generation, pH, and moisture levels in the litter, without adversely affecting the birds' performance. Consequently, the use of 15 g NaB/kg and treatment of litter with aluminium sulphate at 400 g/3 kg of litter might be utilised by poultry farmers throughout production to diminish ammonia gas emissions and enhance growth performance and biochemical parameters in chickens. Declarations RECOGNITION The authors express gratitude to Dr. N.P. Uberu, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Professor A.E. Onyimonyi for their cooperation in facilitating the success of this research. Author’s contribution All authors contributed to the study conception and design, materials and methods, data collection and analysis were performed by (Ezenwosu, Celestine) and (Obinna, Amarachi Linda). The first draft of the manuscript was written by (Ezenwosu, Celestine) and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Data availability : The data generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Code availability : Not applicable. Ethics approval: This study complied with all the guidelines for the care and use of the laboratory animal model of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Funding: The authors did not receive any funding assistance from any institution or body (none funding assistance for this research). Consent for publication : The authors have their permission to publish the paper in Tropical Journal of Animal Health and Production at no cost (no publication fees to the authors). Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. References A.O.A.C. (2012). Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 19th Edition. Association of Official Analytical Chemists International, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. Harrigan W F and McCance M E 1976 Laboratory Methods in Food and Dairy Microbiology. Academic Press Incorporated, London Alagawany, M., El-Saadony, M.T., Elnesr, S.S., Farahat, M., Attia, G., Madkour, M. and Reda, F.M. (2021). Use of lemongrass essential oil as a feed additive in quail's nutrition: its effect on growth, carcass, blood biochemistry, antioxidant and immunological indices, digestive enzymes and intestinal microbiota. 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International Journal of Poultry Science , 5: 31-34. Santurio, J.M, Mallmann, C.A, Rosa, A.P., Appel, G., Heer, A., Dageforde, S. and Bottcher, M. (1999). Effect of sodium bentonite on the performance and blood variables of broiler chickens intoxicated with aflatoxin. British Poultry Science , 40: 115- 119. Slamova, R. and Trckova, M. (2011). Clay minerals in animal nutrition. Applied Clay Science, 51:395–398. doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2011.01.005. St-Pierre N. (2003) Integrating quantitative findings from multiple studies using mixed model methodology. International Journal of Dairy Science. 84, 741-755. Stuart, I. F. (2011). A Laboratory Guide to Human Physiology: Concepts and Clinical Applications 14th Edition ISBN: 0077296176 McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math. Wang, S., Li, X., Wang, W., Zhang, H. and Xu, S. (2019). Application of transcriptome analysis: Oxidative stress, inflammation and microtubule activity disorder caused by ammonia exposure may be the primary factors of intestinal microvilli deficiency in chicken. Science Total Environment , 696, 134035. Yalçin, S., Gebeġ, E.S., Ġahin, A., Duyum,, H.M., Escribano F. and Ceylan, A. (2017). Sepiolite as a feed supplement for broilers. Applied Clay Science, 148:95–102. doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2017.08.007. Yi, B., Chen, L., Sa, R., Zhong, R., Xing, H. and Zhang, H. (2016). High concentrations of atmospheric ammonia induce alterations of gene expression in the breast muscle of broilers (Gallus gallus) based on RNA-Seq. BMC Genomic Data , 17, 598. Zhang, J., Li, C., Tang, X., Lu, Q., Sa, R. and Zhang, H. (2015). Proteome changes in the small intestinal mucosa of broilers (Gallus gallus) induced by high concentrations of atmospheric ammonia. Proteome Sci. 2015, 13, 9. Zhang, Y.T, Wang, X.F., Long, L/H., Liu, T. and Cao, Y.X. (2009). Montmorillonite adsorbs creatinine and accelerates creatinine excretion from the intestine. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology , 61:459–64. Zhao, F., Qu, J., Wang, W., Li, S. and Xu, S. (2020). The imbalance of Th1/Th2 triggers an inflammatory response in chicken spleens after ammonia exposure. Poultry Science , 99, 3817–3822. Zhou, Y., Zhang, M., Liu, Q. and Feng.J. (2021). The alterations of tracheal microbiota and inflammation caused by different levels of ammonia exposure in broiler chickens Poultry Science , 100 (2): 685-696. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 11 Nov, 2025 Read the published version in Tropical Animal Health and Production → Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 12 Jun, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 05 Jun, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 23 May, 2025 First submitted to journal 22 May, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6724489","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":466999808,"identity":"bcb86529-b933-4d7f-b3c5-1746d1ec0582","order_by":0,"name":"Celestine Ezenwosu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Celestine","middleName":"","lastName":"Ezenwosu","suffix":""},{"id":466999809,"identity":"e2bbc7b9-c082-4860-ba5a-56ee36171216","order_by":1,"name":"Anselm E. Onymonyi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Anselm","middleName":"E.","lastName":"Onymonyi","suffix":""},{"id":466999810,"identity":"f3b03f2e-875c-4be2-9868-18479a47141c","order_by":2,"name":"AMARACHI LINDA OBINNA","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA3klEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAD9gYwxdhAvBaeAyRrkUggUgv/tMPPPvxgsLHnl3xj9riAwUZ2wwHewy/wmn07zXhmD0Mas+TsHHPjGQxpxhsO8KVZ4LXmdoIxAw/DYTaD2zlm0kBG4oYDPGYG+HTI307/zPiH4T+P/c0zIC3/CWsBGm7MzMNwQMJAggek5QBIi/EDfFoMb+cUM8sYJBtInEkrk+YxSDaeeZjHDK9X5G6nb2Z8U2Fnz99+eJs0T4WdbN/xHuMPePVAnIfMYGZgkyCsBQ0wE2HLKBgFo2AUjCAAACekQIsKKfTKAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"AMARACHI","middleName":"LINDA","lastName":"OBINNA","suffix":""},{"id":466999811,"identity":"fa759d23-74fa-4bb3-aef1-a4c60e48d551","order_by":3,"name":"Winifred N. Anizoba","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Winifred","middleName":"N.","lastName":"Anizoba","suffix":""},{"id":466999812,"identity":"7c75071f-3c4d-4e49-8ad6-2aab1845cff4","order_by":4,"name":"Maureen C. Ugwu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Maureen","middleName":"C.","lastName":"Ugwu","suffix":""},{"id":466999813,"identity":"72bc0b67-abd9-460d-ba9d-c3758824948c","order_by":5,"name":"Charles O. Osita","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Charles","middleName":"O.","lastName":"Osita","suffix":""},{"id":466999814,"identity":"c7a2c3bc-ed96-4a1a-a616-b6bf0a01f74e","order_by":6,"name":"Stanley O. Agbara","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Agriculture","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Stanley","middleName":"O.","lastName":"Agbara","suffix":""},{"id":466999815,"identity":"572bf8ce-cd37-40fb-931c-f38019726813","order_by":7,"name":"Mercy Yusuf","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"National Biotechnology Development Agency","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mercy","middleName":"","lastName":"Yusuf","suffix":""},{"id":466999816,"identity":"2ab2582a-9910-44fc-b30e-6ac26980c461","order_by":8,"name":"Romanus C. Ezeokonkwo","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Nigeria Faculty of Veterinary Medicine","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Romanus","middleName":"C.","lastName":"Ezeokonkwo","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-05-22 11:29:06","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6724489/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6724489/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04722-y","type":"published","date":"2025-11-11T15:58:32+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":84227664,"identity":"560696f7-87e2-4be4-a157-a0a979704126","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-09 13:11:22","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":42136,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eInteraction effect of application sodium bentonite in diet and alum to the litter on average weekly daily weight gain of Noiler cockerels\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6724489/v1/4fb0acce7b554af1aa8d5980.png"},{"id":84227665,"identity":"0600b916-cd2d-4dbe-8487-b932f68f8490","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-09 13:11:22","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":36014,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eWeekly interface of impart of NaB in feed and aluminium sulphate on litter on AWDFI of Noiler birds\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6724489/v1/ea1232f51186bdcfc3c45f6a.png"},{"id":84228835,"identity":"00eee99f-63c6-4992-b9dd-097254695afc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-09 13:27:22","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":36425,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eWeekly relations of impart of NaB in feed and aluminium sulphate to the litter on FCR of Noiler birds\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6724489/v1/14f97b73cbc6032df67c3af2.png"},{"id":96105161,"identity":"245a32fb-ce27-49e4-96e0-ae6908c6e943","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-17 16:09:27","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1294102,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6724489/v1/89927b28-d578-4561-b84c-33982dd947ef.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Impact of Nanoclay in Feed And Aluminium Sulphate in Litter on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Litter Chemistry of Nigerian Noiler Cockerel Chicks","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003ePoultry farming is a rapid method for producing safe, affordable, and high-quality animal protein, significantly contributing to food security and the economy, particularly in Nigeria where backyard farming is prevalent among smallholder operations (Birhanu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). However, poultry farming faces environmental challenges, notably the emission of gaseous pollutants from litter, which negatively impacts bird rearing near human habitats. These pollutants, particularly ammonia gas (NH3), adversely affect bird productivity, human environments, and contribute to haze formation globally (Zhou et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; EPA 2023). Ammonia is produced when nitrogen-rich compounds like uric acid are degraded by litter microbes (Munk et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). While ammonia generation is typical in poultry farming, excessive levels can reduce productivity and lead to nitrous oxide emissions, which are linked to climate change. High ammonia levels in poultry houses harm the environment, farm workers' health, and bird welfare, leading to poorer feed conversion ratios, reduced body weight, increased infection susceptibility, and respiratory issues in birds, as well as decreased egg production in hens (Ni et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Ramesh et al. 2024).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLitter is a primary source of volatilised ammonia gas, prompting animal welfare experts to stress the need for improved litter conditions. Poorly managed litter can lead to the growth of various disease-associated microorganisms (Ritz et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The use of nano clay minerals has been shown to mitigate ammonia emissions during production. These nano clays are distinctive mineral compounds with a large surface area, high absorbency, strong cation exchange capacity, and many active sites (AlBeitawi et al. 2017a). Additionally\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSodium bentonite is an affordable nano clay mineral that can improve poultry productivity (Ezenwosu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). This naturally occurring clay is known for its high water absorption, swelling properties, and non-toxic nature (Martsouka et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Its addition to poultry feed enhances litter quality by lowering pH and moisture content (Ezenwosu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) and reduces pollutant emissions, such as ammonia (NH3), in poultry housing (Slamova et al. 2011). Specifically, incorporating sodium bentonite into feed reduces ammonia gas production by modifying litter parameters. Chicks fed diets with 4% and 6% sodium bentonite showed increased weight gain and better feed conversion ratios compared to those without it. Furthermore, a recent study found that varying concentrations of aqueous sodium bentonite suspension (1%, 2%, and 3%) improved the growth performance of grill chickens without adversely affecting their carcass qualities (Al-fagieh 2024). Chemical litter treatment can effectively lower NH3 emissions from litter during production by reducing the litter pH, which creates an acidic environment that inhibits microbial growth and the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds into NH3 (Ezenwosu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAluminium sulphate, or alum, is used as a litter acidifier to decrease NH3 emissions during poultry production, providing an economical solution for reducing ammonia formation (Moore et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e). The treatment of chicken litter with alum lowers both pH and moisture content, leading to decreased ammonia production (Sahoo et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, alum application has been shown to reduce pH, decrease microbial populations, and enhance the productive performance of birds (Rothrock et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). It has also been linked to lower mortality rates, improved performance, and increased financial returns for poultry farmers (Moore, 2011). However, there is a lack of studies investigating the combined effects of sodium bentonite in diet and aluminium sulphate in litter on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and litter\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003echemistry of cockerel chickens. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of Nanoclay in diet and aluminium sulphate in litter on these parameters in Nigerian Noiler cockerel chickens.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eAll birds utilised in this study were managed and reared according to the guidelines established by the ethical committee of the Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, regarding the use of animals for research (No. ANS/UNN/45/15/ March, 2024). The research was conducted at the Poultry Farm research unit within the Animal Science Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. \u0026nbsp;Nsukka is situated within latitude 7˚ 12.5 \u0026prime;N and longitude 6˚ 45\u0026prime;E and 7˚ E and on the altitude of 447m overhead the sea level. Okonkwo and Akubuo (2007) noted that Nsukka, the study area, exemplifies a typical tropical environment characterised by a daily mean temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius and relative humidity levels between sixty-five and eighty percent. The duration of the study was 8 weeks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssessment resources\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study utilised sodium bentonite and aluminium sulphate as the two test materials. Aluminium sulphate, with the chemical formula Al\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (SO4)3, is recognised as a versatile salt. Sodium bentonite is a clay characterised by its strong colloidal properties, which enable it to rapidly absorb moisture, resulting in an increase in volume and the formation of a gummy, thixotropic compound. The sodium bentonite was obtained locally in Imo State, Nigeria, at no expense. The chemical constituents of sodium bentonite are as follows: 3.85% CaO, 20.47% Al2O3, 2.95% \u0026nbsp;MgO, 0.19% K2O, 2.78% Na2O, 66.55% SiO2, and organic matter. 13.42 percent sand 0.03% MnO and 3.19% Fe2O. \u0026nbsp;The mass percentage of each element in aluminium sulphate utilised for litter treatment is as follows: 15.66 % aluminum, 29.10% sulfur and 56.14% O2.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirds and managements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 360 Nigerian Noiler cockerels, aged 8 weeks and weighing between 1050-1067g, were assigned to six treatment groups in a 3\u0026times;2 factorial arrangement inside a fully randomised design (CRD), including six replications of 10 birds each. The treatments administered comprised: \u0026nbsp;T1: 0 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2: 15 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T3: 30 g NaB/kg diet + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4: 0 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter, T5: 15 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter, T6: 30 g NaB/kg diet + 400 g alum/3 kg litter. The food incorporated sodium bentonite at three concentrations (0, 15, and 30 g/kg), whereas the litter was treated with alum at two levels (0 and 400 g/3 kg of litter). The study endured for duration of 8 weeks. The birds were immunised against Gumboro and Newcastle disease. Birds were provided with clean drinking water and nourishment ad libitum. Biosecurity protocols, including access restrictions at the experimental location, were implemented to preserve the flock\u0026apos;s health. A veterinarian periodically inspected the birds for signs and symptoms of disease. The birds were raised in an open-sided facility with a deep litter system, including 30 pens apiece. A thermometer was utilised to measure the temperature of the experimental housing, maintained at 25 ˚C. The experimental home has a relative humidity between sixty-five and seventy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLitter treatments\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLitter treatment with aluminium sulphate was conducted following the methodology of Ezenwosu et al. (2024). A 6 kg electronic weighing balance was employed to measure each 400 grammes of aluminium sulphate and 3 kg of litter prior to their amalgamation. Wood shavings from the Iroko tree were employed as litter materials at a depth of two inches. During the experimental phases, the treated litter remained unaltered following the application of aluminium sulphate, which was incorporated into the litter post thorough grinding. Furthermore, 200 g of aluminium sulphate utilised for litter treatment in each replication of the various treatment blends was first dispersed on the plain floor, and the remaining 200 g was subsequently uniformly integrated with the litter (fresh wood shavings) following thorough mixing. This occurs due to heightened microbial activity beneath the litter compared to above, facilitating the conversion of nitrogen-containing substances, such as uric acid, into ammonia. One week before to the birds\u0026apos; implantation, the litter was treated with aluminium sulphate to avert unnecessary inhalation of alum by the birds. Hand gloves were utilised to avert direct contact with the alum during the mixing of trash and aluminium sulphate.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrial dietary regimens\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dietary components and their derived nutritional values are presented in Table 1. The proximate components of the diet were determined using AOAC (2012) techniques.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1\u003c/strong\u003e: Constitution and nutrient concentrations of the foundational diet\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"379\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eComponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProportion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaize\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWheat offal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSoybean meal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGroundnut cake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePalm kernel cake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBone meal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOyster shell\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrower\u0026rsquo;s premix\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMethionine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLysine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalculated nutritive values\u003c/strong\u003e (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrude protein (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEnergy (Mcal/KgME)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2600.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrude fiber (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 271px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrude fat (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAvailable phosphorus (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCalcium (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 276px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalyzed nutrional values\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 276px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrude fiber \u003cstrong\u003e(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 276px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEther extract \u003cstrong\u003e(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 276px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDry matter \u003cstrong\u003e(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture \u003cstrong\u003e(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 276px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrude protein \u003cstrong\u003e(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 276px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNitrogen free Extract \u003cstrong\u003e(%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData acquisition and examination\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outset and throughout the inquiry, the birds were weighed with an electronic scale with a maximum capacity of 6 kg. The body weights of the birds were recorded weekly during the feeding experiments, and their daily feed consumption was noted. The average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain were calculated by dividing the total body weight acquired by the birds and their feed intake by the duration of the feeding experiment in days. The bird\u0026apos;s feed consumption was divided by their weight gain to get the feed conversion ratio. Feed cost per kilogramme of growth equals feed conversion ratio multiplied by cost per kilogramme of feed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLitter samples were gathered from four distinct places, spanning from the uppermost layer to the lowest, to guarantee adequate sample representation in each replication. The litter samples obtained from various locations in each replication were combined with a hand trowel to guarantee sample uniformity. The collected litter samples for moisture and pH analysis were promptly and securely transported to the laboratory in appropriately labelled glass beakers.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe litter moisture content % was calculated by comparing the weight of the litter sample before and after drying for forty-eight hours at 65\u0026deg;C. To ascertain the pH of the litter, twenty grammes of the sample were mixed with 400 ml of reverse-osmosis water, vigorously agitated for twenty minutes, and the pH was then measured using a pH meter (SevenEasy pH, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe generation of ammonia gas in the different pens was measured using a digital ammonia measuring equipment (Smart Sensor GM8806, Benetech, Nanjing, China). The digital ammonia measurement instrument was placed at the four corners and the epicentre of the litter materials in each pen.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree birds were randomly chosen from each replication for blood sampling. Five millilitres of blood were collected from the wing veins of the selected birds using a sterile syringe and needles. Blood samples were centrifuged for ten minutes at 1000 rpm within two hours of collection, after a coagulation period at room temperature (25 \u0026deg;C). Subsequent to serum extraction, it was transferred to polypropylene tubes and preserved at -20 \u0026deg;C to maintain its viability for biochemical analysis. \u0026nbsp; Blood urea was quantified via the colorimetric method: Blood Urea Nitrogen = Urea \u0026divide; 2.14 (mg/dl). The serum creatinine concentration was determined by a colorimetric technique, whilst the serum protein and albumin concentrations were assessed using a biuret method (Benjamin, 1985). Serum globulin was calculated by subtracting the albumin value from the total protein value. Bilirubin was quantified via a commercial assay (Dia lab, Wiener Neudorf, Austria).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collected data underwent analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean differences were distinguished using Duncan\u0026rsquo;s New Multiple Range Test (1995) via IBM SPSS Statistics version 28, with a significance level set at five percent (p\u0026lt;0.05). The statistical mode utilised is defined below:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXijk = \u0026micro; + Ai + Bj + (AB)ij + \u0026sum;ijk \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere A and B denote the two variables. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Xijk = Comprehensive assessment of the therapies\u0026apos; effects\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026micro; = Overall mean\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAi = Impact of sodium bentonite\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBj = Impact of alum (AB)ij = Interaction between sodium bentonite and alum \u0026sum;ijk = Experimental error\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003eTable 2 and Figure 1-3 show the results of the interaction effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet and aluminum sulfate to litter treated with alum on weekly growth performance of Noiler cockerel chickens. Weight gain values at week 6 and 8 were significant (p\u0026lt;0.05). Body weight gain of birds on T1 (control) did not differ (p\u0026gt;0.05) from 194.61, 193.23, 190.33 and 239.16 observed for those on T2-T4 and T6, but, lower than the value of 449.61 obtained in T5 which was also similar with T6. At week 8, weight gain values recorded in T2-T6 were identical (p\u0026gt;0.05), but higher than the value obtained in T1 which was also similar with T2, T3 and T6. The same trend observed in the values for weight gain was also observed in the values for ADWG. Feed intake and ADFI values were not significant (p\u0026gt;0.05). At week 6, FCR values of birds on T1-T2 and T4 were similar (p\u0026gt;0.05), but higher than T3, T5 and T6, which also had similar value obtained in T2.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"600\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 99.8333%;\" colspan=\"10\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eInteraction effect of application \u0026nbsp;of sodium bentonite in diet and \u0026nbsp;aluminum sulfate \u0026nbsp;to the litter on weekly growth performance of Noiler cockerels\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWG (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e206.51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e226.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e176.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e167.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e240.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e201.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.984\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e229.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e220.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e229.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.234\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e217.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e323.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e277.60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e262.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e267.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e223.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.876\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e227.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e237.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e252.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e236.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e329.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e404.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.221\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e232.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e286.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e278.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e272.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e323.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e352.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.286\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141.97\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e194.61\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e193.23\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e190.33\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e449.61\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e239.16\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.035\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e146.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e203.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e234.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e193.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e221.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e217.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.411\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e148.33\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e146.66\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179.33\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e180.66\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e154.00\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eADWG (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.800\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.112\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.671\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.448\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.332\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.27\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.79\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.64\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.53\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.22\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.21\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.121\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.28\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.18\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.94\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.61\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.80\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.08\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.017\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFI (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e742.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e723.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e714.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e709.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e745.60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e623.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.567\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e917.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e811.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e802.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e845.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e864.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e708.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.843\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e890.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1010.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e912.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1020.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1117.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e853.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.187\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e925.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e877.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e963.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1007.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e986.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1099.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.788\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e931.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e886.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e922.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e953.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1231.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e981.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.986\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e793.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e913.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e793.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e820.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1252.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e871.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.679\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e837.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e950.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e970.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1003.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e943.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1023.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.721\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e920.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1166.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1029.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1316.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1150.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1182.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.189\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eADFI (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e103.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.876\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e115.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.923\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e159.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.923\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e132.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e157.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.721\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e133.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e136.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.378\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e113.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e130.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e113.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e116.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e178.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e124.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.289\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e135.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e138.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e143.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e134.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e146.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.900\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e147.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e188.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e168.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.732\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFCR\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.096\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.079\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.208\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.312\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.189\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.62\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.60\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.07\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.13\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.09\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.64\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.029\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWek 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.089\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 114px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.872\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"10\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 600px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003eabcd\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eMeans on the different superscript are significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05), T1= 0 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2= 15 g NaB /kg+0 g alum /3kg litter, T3= 30 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4= 0 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum /3 kg litter, T5=15 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum/3 kg litter and T6= 30 g NaB /kg diet + 400 g alum/3kg litter, SEM=Standard error of the mean, ADWG: Average daily weight gain, ADFI= Average daily feed intake and FCR: Feed conversion ratio, FI: Feed intake, WG: Weight gain.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 3 shows the results of the main effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels. \u0026nbsp; Weight gain, FCR, average ADWG, and feed cost per kg gain were significant (p\u0026lt;0.05), while the feed intake and ADFI values were not significant (p\u0026gt;0.05). Weight gain of birds fed 15 and 30 NaB/kg were the same (p\u0026gt;0.05), but higher the value of 1590.80 observed for birds on control diet. \u0026nbsp;Final body weight of birds fed 15 and 30 NaB/kg were the same (p\u0026gt;0.05), but higher than the value of 2917.67 observed for birds on control diet. ADWG values followed the same patterns observed in body weight gain. FCR and feed cost per kg values of birds on control diet were higher than the values obtained for those on 15 and 30 g NaB/kg.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 3 also shows the results of the main effect of application of alum to the litter on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels. Feed intake, final body weight, weight gain, FCR, ADFI and ADWG values were significant (p\u0026lt;0.05), while the values for feed cost per kg gain were not significant (p\u0026gt;0.05). Feed intake, weight gain, ADFI, FBW and ADWG values obtained for birds on 0 g alum/3kg litter were lower compared to values observed for birds on 400 g alum/3kg litter. FCR value of 4.28 observed for birds on litter without alum treatment was higher than the value of 4.02 obtained for birds on litter treated with aluminum sulfate.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"720\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 720px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3\u003c/strong\u003e: Main effect of application of sodium bentonite in diet \u0026nbsp;and alum to the litter on overall growth performance of \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Noiler cockerels \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFI\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWG\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFCR\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eADFI\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eADWG\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFBW (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFeed cost/kg gain\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(₦)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSodium bentonite\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 g/kg\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7331.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1590.80\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.62\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e130.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.40\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2632.28\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1266.33\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 g/kg\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7799.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1975.53\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.27\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2997.19\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1101.02\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 g/kg\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7226.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1900.29\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.82\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e129.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.93\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2917.67\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1046.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.087\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.412\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.048\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAluminum sulfate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 g/3kg litter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7135.91\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1676.71\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.28\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127.314\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.93\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2724.47\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1174.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e400 g/3kg litter\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7768.86\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1967.70\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.02\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e138.71\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.13\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2973.60\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1101.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 90px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.031\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.430\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003eab\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eMeans on the different superscript are significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, Means on the different t (p\u0026lt;0.05),\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eT1= 0 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2= 15 g NaB /kg+0 g alum /3kg litter, T3= 30 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4= 0 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum /3 kg litter, T5=15 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum/3 kg litter and T6= 30 g NaB /kg diet + 400 g alum/3kg litter, SEM=Standard error of the mean, ADWG: Average daily weight gain, ADFI= Average daily feed intake and FCR: Feed conversion ratio,\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;FI: Feed intake, WG: Weight gain.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults of the interaction effect of sodium bentonite in diet and application of aluminum sulfate to the litter on overall growth performance of Noiler cockerels are presented Table 4. Values for feed intake, weight gain, weight gain, FCR, feed cost/kg gain, ADFI and ADWG were significant (p\u0026lt;0.05) across the treatments. \u0026nbsp;Feed intake value of birds on T1 did not differ (p\u0026gt;0.05) from T2-T4, and T6, but, both were lower than the 8258.52 recorded in T5 which was also similar to T4. Weight gain values of 1501.75, 1749.14, 1779.25 and 1679.85 observed for birds on birds on T1-T4 were similar (p\u0026gt;0.05), but significantly lower than the values of 2201.91 and 2021.33 recorded in T5 and T6, with T6 also similar with T2-T4. Birds on T5 had final body weight of 3201.91 which was similar (p\u0026lt;0.05) with the value of 3021.73 obtained for those on T6, but both were significantly higher than the values of 2568.75, 2792.47, 2695.81, 2695.81\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eobtained for those on T1-T3 and T4, with T6 also the same (p\u0026lt;0.05) with T2-T3. FCR of birds on T1-T4 were the same (p\u0026gt;0.05), but were higher than 3.82 and 3.64 recorded in T5 and T6 which were also the same with T2-T3. Values for feed cost/kg gain followed the same pattern observed in FCR. ADFI of birds on T1 did not differ (P\u0026gt;0.05) 130.73, 126.94, 137.57 and 131.13 recorded in T2-T4 and T6, but both were lower than 147.47 obtained in T5 which was also similar with T4. Values of ADWG of birds on T1-T4 were the same (p\u0026gt;0.05), but lower than 39.31 recorded in T5 and T6, with T6 also having the same value with \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;T2-T4.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"750\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 99.866%;\" colspan=\"10\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eInteraction effect of \u0026nbsp;application of sodium bentonite in diet and alum to the litter \u0026nbsp;on overall growth performance of noiler cockerels\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInitial body weight (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1067.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1043.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1033.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1022.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1000.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1004.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.897\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFeed intake (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6958.27\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7340.29\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7109.18\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7704.29\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8258.52\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7343.78\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight gain (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1501.75\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1749.14\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1779.25\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1679.85\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2201..91\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2021.33\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFinal body weight (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2568.75\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2792.47\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2812.25\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2695.81\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3201.91\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3021.73\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.026\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFCR\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.64\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.21\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.99\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.59\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.82\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.64\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFeed cost/Kg gain (₦)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1273.18\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1155.36\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1095.08\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1259.48\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1046.63\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e998.27\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.029\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eADFI (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e124.25\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e130.73\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126.94\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.57\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e147.47\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131.13\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eADWG (g/bird)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.81\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.23\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.77\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.99\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.31\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.09\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.047\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"10\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 750px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003csup\u003eabcd\u003c/sup\u003eMeans on the different superscript are significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, FCR=Feed conversion ratio, ADFI=Average daily feed intake, ADWG=Average daily weight gain, T1= 0 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2= 15 g NaB /kg+0 g alum /3kg litter, T3= 30 g NaB /kg + 0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4= 0 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum /3 kg litter, T5=15 g NaB /kg + 400 g alum/3 kg litter and T6= 30 g NaB /kg diet + 400 g alum/3kg litter,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 5 presents the findings of the interaction impact between sodium bentonite application in the food and aluminium sulphate in the litter on the blood protein profile of Noiler cockerels. The results of serum creatinine, protein, albumin, globulin, urea, and blood urea nitrogen were statistically significant (p\u0026lt;0.05). Birds on T1 had a creatinine value that was significantly elevated (p\u0026lt;0.05) compared to the values of 0.30, 0.32, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.28 recorded for those on T2-T6. \u0026nbsp;Serum protein levels were significantly elevated (p\u0026lt;0.05) in birds subjected to T6 compared to other treatments. Serum albumin were equal (p\u0026gt;0.05) in birds on T5 and T6, however both were greater than 16.51, 19.20, 18.90 and 20.10 found in T1-T4. Birds on T3 exhibited the greatest blood globulin levels (p\u0026lt;0.05) all the treatments. Birds on T1 exhibited the highest serum urea and blood urea nitrogen levels across the treatments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\" width=\"781\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 99.866%;\" colspan=\"11\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eInteraction effect of sodium bentonite in diet and litter treated with alum on serum protein profile of \u0026nbsp;Noiler cockerels\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNormal range\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePvalues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCreatinine (mg/dl)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1-0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.38\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProtein (mg/dl)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30-50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.82\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.00\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.90\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.10\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.70\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAlbumin (g/l)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.51\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.20\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.90\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.10\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.69\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.93\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlobulin (g/l)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15-27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.14\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.85\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.95\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.07\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUrea (mg/dl)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19-30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.23\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.94\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.35\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.17\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.16\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.65\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBUN (mg/dl)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.3-7.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.80\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.78\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.50\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.85\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.75\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.90\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"11\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 781px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMeans on the different superscript are significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, BUN=Blood urea nitrogen\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results of the primary effect of sodium bentonite application in the food on the litter chemistry of Noiler cockerel chickens are displayed in Table 6. During weeks 1-4 and 5-8, the percentages of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia gas were statistically significant (p\u0026lt;0.05). Measurements of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia during weeks 1-4 and 5-8 were elevated at 0 g NabB/kg compared to those documented at 15 and 30 g NaB/kg diets. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\" width=\"546\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 99.8168%;\" colspan=\"8\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 6\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMain effect \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;of application of sodium bentonite in diet on litter chemistry of \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Noiler cockerels\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 g NaB\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 g NaB\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 g NaB\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 73px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1-4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.50\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.91\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.16\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.50\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.25\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.09\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epH\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1-4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.48\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.98\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.73\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.96\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.07\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.75\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAmmonia gas \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; (ppm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.66\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 84px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.75\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.16\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 546px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMeans on the different superscript are significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05), SEM=Standard error of the mean, NaB=Sodium bentonite\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe outcomes of the primary effect of alum treatment to the litter on the litter chemistry of noiler cockerels are displayed in Table 7. During weeks 1-4 and 5-8, the percentages of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia gas were dramatically affected by the alum-treated litter. The percentage values of litter moisture, pH, and ammonia during weeks 1-4 and 5-8 were considerably elevated in untreated litter compared to those seen in treated litter.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\" width=\"618\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 99.8382%;\" colspan=\"6\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 7\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMain effect of \u0026nbsp;application of alum to the litter on litter chemistry of Noiler cockerels\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;0 g alum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e400 g alum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1-4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.88\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.83\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.11\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.44\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epH\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1-4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.96\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.83\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5-8\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.31\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.88\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 182px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAmmonia \u0026nbsp;gas (ppm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.11\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 133px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.27\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 49px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 618px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMeans on the different superscript are significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05), SEM=Standard error \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;of the mean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults of the interaction impact of administration of sodium bentonite in food and alum to the litter on litter chemistry of Noiler cockerels are shown in Table 8. During weeks 1-4 and 5-8, the percentage values for litter moisture, pH, and ammonia gas were statistically significant (p0.05). The moisture, pH, and ammonia levels in litter during weeks 1-4 and 5-8 were elevated in T1 compared to those measured in T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 litter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\" width=\"660\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"9\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 660px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 8:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eInteraction effect of \u0026nbsp;application of sodium bentonite in diet \u0026nbsp;and alum to the \u0026nbsp;litter \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; on litter chemistry of \u0026nbsp;Noiler cockerels\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1-4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.33\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.00\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.33\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.66\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.83\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.00\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.66\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.66\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.83\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.50\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epH\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 1-4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.30\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.30\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.30\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.66\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.66\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.16\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeek 5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.56\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.50\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.86\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.36\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.65\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.63\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAmmonia \u0026nbsp;gas (ppm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.00\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.33\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.33\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.50\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 58px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.00\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 76px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eBirds fed sodium bentonite in diet and on litter treated with aluminum sulfate had the highest feed intake values. The discoveries agree with Salari et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e), who gave chickens diets containing sodium bentonite and noted that they ate more feed than the group that was not treated. Additionally, Eid et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) found that birds on litter treated with alum had increased body weight, feed intake and had better FCR compare to control groups. Both at the level of interaction and individual main effect of each of the two test materials, the birds on the dietary sodium bentonite and litter treated with alum showed improvements in feed efficiency (FCR), weight gain and cost required to produce a kg of meat. Clay minerals like kaolin and sodium bentonite have been shown by other researches to improve poultry performance (Ezenwosu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). According to Abd. (2014), chicks fed 4% and 6% bentonite increased higher in weight and improved FCR than those fed a diet devoid of sodium bentonite. The pellet-binding ability of sodium bentonite may be the cause of the increased feed intake in treated groups. According to Santurio et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e), the increase in feed consumption in treated groups might be the result of sodium bentonite acting as a pellet binder, which enhanced feed intake in addition to pellet quality. The current study indicated that birds on sodium bentonite improved in FCR, weight gain, and feed cost per kg increase, which may be attributable in part to the prolonged digester retention that the colloidal composition of sodium bentonite induces in the birds' stomachs. More enzyme activity is exposed to the digester as it passes more slowly through the GIT, improving its use, nutritional absorption, and digestibility (Yal\u0026ccedil;ın et al. 2017; Safaei et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). According to Monks (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e), sodium bentonite absorbs liquids, thickens and delays the flow of fluid through an animal's gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the animal's performance improves since it has more time to absorb nutrients from the food. Additionally, investigations by Attar et al. (2017) opined that sodium bentonite increased the height of the villi and jejunum, which may indicate a bigger surface area for luminal absorption of nutrients. Farm animals need structures called villi to absorb nutrients (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). By increasing their surface area, sodium bentonite improves nutrient absorption over time, improving growth performance metrics like weight increase, feed cost per kilogram gain, and FCR. Based on the above research findings, it might be scientific to assert that the better growth performance traits the treated group had over the control group was linked the improved nutrient digestibility and absorption caused by dietary sodium bentonite. The capacity of sodium bentonite to absorb aflatoxins or other toxins in the diet is another way that it improves the productive performance of birds (Darmawan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). According to earlier research, aflatoxin causes acute clinical symptoms, increases liver damage, weakens the immune system, and ultimately lowers performance. Aflatoxin has been shown to reduce the functions of several enzymes that are involve in digestion of proteins, starches, and fats in birds and thereby lowering weight gain. Nonetheless, prior research has shown that adding bentonite to the diet reversed the harmful influence of diet contaminated with toxins and enhanced weight gain (Ghazalah et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Sodium bentonite enhances avian performance from an enzymatic perspective by encouraging in the gut, the synthesis of several enzymes that are involve in digestion process (Mgbeahuruike et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Safaeikatouli et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) found an increase in the functions of aminopeptidase, maltase and alkaline phosphatase in the small intestine\u0026rsquo;s membranes. The improvement in chicken growth performance can be explained by these beneficial effects on enzyme secretion and activation, as observed by the rise in ADWG and reduction in FCR values in birds fed sodium bentonite (Alagawany et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoreover, air quality around production pens can significantly affect bird output, with control group birds potentially showing lower feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, weight, and diet cost per kilogram of gain due to higher ammonia gas levels in pen litter during feeding trials. Yi et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) found that birds in high ammonia environments had reduced productivity. Zhang et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) reported that broilers exposed to ammonia levels up to 75 ppm experienced decreased intestinal villus height and crypt depth. Miles et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e) noted that ammonia levels over 25 ppm could lead to reduced weight, lower feed intake, and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR). Choi and Moore (2008) confirmed that ammonia volatilization from litter negatively impacted chicken productivity due to nitrogen pollution. Ammonia gas is harmful to various organs, including the liver (Sa et al. 2018), gut (Wang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e), brain (Dasarathy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), spleen (Zhao et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), and respiratory tract (Liu et al. 2020), which can impair metabolic processes and reduce performance. Control group birds may have lower productivity due to ammonia-induced stress (St-Pierre et al. 2003). Aziz and Barnes (2009) demonstrated that ammonia causes oxidative stress, as broilers in high ammonia environments had elevated blood levels of MDA, a stress biomarker.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe improved productivity noted in the treated groups during the feeding trials may be attributed to the reduced ammonia gas emissions in their pens. The incorporation of alum with litter and the dietary addition of sodium bentonite can reduce the rate of ammonia generation in poultry, consequently facilitating the growth of contemporary chicken production. When litter is treated with alum, volatile ammonia is transformed into nonvolatile ammonium ions, enhancing the environment and promoting activity in the pens as it enhances birds' physiological states, promotes relaxation, and diminishes the possibility of ammonia intoxication and its adverse consequences on their performance (Mohammed \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Alum decreased the pH of litter, which in turn reduced infections and eventually boosted the productive capacity of birds (Rothrock et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Moore et al. (1996) ascribed the enhancement in avian productivity on litter treated with alum to a reduction in ammonia gas emissions, along with a decline in pH and litter moisture levels. Bentonite, being a clay, can enhance the consistency of chicken excrement through colloid formation. Yal\u0026ccedil;in et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) observed that the incorporation of sodium bentonite into the avian diet enhanced their performance. Sodium bentonite mitigates ammonia gas generation by enhancing food digestibility and decreasing the excretion of undigested nitrogen, which serves as a substrate for ammonia-producing bacteria present in the litter.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean values for the serum protein profile in noiler cockerels were generally within the normal reference range according to Merck (2012) and Ross et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1978\u003c/span\u003e), except for a noted value of 9.80. The BUN value was vaguely elevated, and the globulin value was below the normal range in control-treated birds. Creatinine levels, consistent with Merck (2012), ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 mg/dl, with higher levels in control birds, indicating potential renal health issues. Elevated serum creatinine may suggest impaired kidney function or muscle waste, as noted by Ross et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1978\u003c/span\u003e). Birds on sodium bentonite showed reduced creatinine levels, potentially due to the mineral's ability to adsorb creatinine in the gastrointestinal tract, as demonstrated by Zhang et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). The treated group maintained normal serum levels of total protein, globulin, and albumin, while control birds had low globulin levels. Increased protein levels in treated groups align with findings from Mohsen et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), who observed similar trends in birds fed sodium bentonite. The rise in blood protein may be linked to improved protein digestibility and nutrient utilization, as suggested by Mohsen et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) and supported by Eser et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), who noted enhanced enzymatic activity from clay minerals. Additionally, Enaiat et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) found that alum chloride in chicken litter increased total blood protein. Albumin, synthesized by the liver, is crucial for transporting compounds and maintaining oncotic pressure (Fischbach and Dunning, 2009). Low total protein levels may indicate malnutrition or mal-absorption issues (Stuart, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e), while variations in albumin levels can reflect hydration status or liver function (Esubonteng, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). The mean globulin levels in healthy birds across treatment groups were within the normal range (15\u0026ndash;27 g/l), but control birds showed lower levels (14.14 g/l). The increase in serum globulin in treated groups suggests enhanced immunity, potentially leading to better performance. Lower globulin levels within the normal range may indicate inflammation or inadequate antibody synthesis, while elevated levels can be associated with various disorders. Mean urea readings were normal but significantly higher in control birds, with urea being a byproduct of protein catabolism, synthesized in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated blood urea in avian species, as noted by Rosenthal (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1977\u003c/span\u003e), may result from increased canavanine turnover. D'mello and Walker (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e) indicated that canavanine's rapid degradation affects nitrogen retention in birds. Elevated serum urea in control birds may also be due to renal impairment, supported by findings from Chaudhari et al. (1996). Chandra et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1984\u003c/span\u003e) linked dehydration from persistent diarrhea to increased blood urea levels. Elevated urea may indicate inadequate protein metabolism (Aletor et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1998\u003c/span\u003e), with the control group of grower noiler cockerels showing marginally elevated blood urea nitrogen, suggesting potential dehydration or renal issues. Conversely, reduced blood urea nitrogen can indicate over hydration or hepatic failure. The treated group had the lowest mean urea and blood urea nitrogen values, with declining renal function correlating with increased serum urea concentration. Bentonite may aid renal health by facilitating urea migration from blood to the gut and inhibiting its absorption in the colon (Cao et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study found that the addition of sodium bentonite in feed and litter treated with alum significantly reduced ammonia gas emissions, attributed to lower litter moisture and pH levels. Madrid et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) noted that alum as a top-dressing agent led to lower ammonia emissions in treated litter compared to untreated. Other research indicated that clays like sodium bentonite can decrease harmful intestinal gases, including ammonia (Slamova et al. 2011; Ezenwosu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). The decomposition of uric acid in bird excrement generates ammonia, exacerbated by high litter pH and moisture. Rappet and Muller (2005) suggested that increased litter pH accelerates microbial breakdown of nitrogen compounds into ammonia, while the enzyme uricase (Nahm \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e) is most active at pH nine. The current study shows that alum treatment lowers litter pH, inhibiting the conversion of nitrogenous waste into ammonia (Lee et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Aluminium sulphate effectively reduces ammonia emissions by lowering pH and moisture (Rothrock et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Sahoo et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) confirmed that alum-treated groups had lower litter moisture than controls. Reducing litter pH and moisture can slow the transformation of ammonium ions into ammonia (Li et al. 2013). Other studies have also used aluminium sulphate to decrease litter wetness (Nagaraj et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Ammonia emissions are reduced when litter pH is below seven, but increase significantly above eight (Reece et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1979\u003c/span\u003e). Sodium can help lower litter pH and moisture; Safaeikatouli et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e) found that a diet with fifteen grams of sodium bentonite per kilogram significantly reduced litter pH. They also observed lower moisture levels in treated groups after twenty and thirty-five days. Lonkar et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) noted that dry litter promotes a healthier environment for birds and reduces injuries. Overall, sodium bentonite improves litter quality and chicken feces consistency by forming colloids in the gastrointestinal tract, with higher pH and moisture in control litter likely leading to increased ammonia production compared to treated groups.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eImpact of nanoclay in the feed and aluminium sulphate in the litter on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and litter chemistry of Nigerian Noiler cockerel chickens was assessed. The incorporation of sodium bentonite and litter treated with aluminium sulphate effectively decreased ammonia gas generation, pH, and moisture levels in the litter, without adversely affecting the birds\u0026apos; performance. Consequently, the use of 15 g NaB/kg and treatment of litter with aluminium sulphate at 400 g/3 kg of litter might be utilised by poultry farmers throughout production to diminish ammonia gas emissions and enhance growth performance and biochemical parameters in chickens.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRECOGNITION\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors express gratitude to Dr. N.P. Uberu, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Professor A.E. Onyimonyi for their cooperation in facilitating the success of this research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u0026rsquo;s contribution\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the study conception and design, materials and methods, data collection and analysis were performed by (Ezenwosu, Celestine) and (Obinna, Amarachi Linda). The first draft of the manuscript was written by (Ezenwosu, Celestine) and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e: \u0026nbsp; The data generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCode availability\u003c/strong\u003e: \u0026nbsp;Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval:\u003c/strong\u003e This study complied with all the guidelines for the care and use of the laboratory animal model of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors did not receive any funding assistance from any institution or body (none funding assistance for this research).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e: The authors have their permission to publish the paper in Tropical Journal of Animal Health and Production at no cost (no publication fees to the authors).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest:\u003c/strong\u003e The authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA.O.A.C. 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The imbalance of Th1/Th2 triggers an inflammatory response in chicken spleens after ammonia exposure. \u003cem\u003ePoultry Science\u003c/em\u003e, 99, 3817\u0026ndash;3822. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhou, Y., Zhang, M., Liu, Q. and Feng.J. (2021). The alterations of tracheal microbiota and inflammation caused by different levels of ammonia exposure in broiler chickens \u003cem\u003ePoultry Science\u003c/em\u003e, 100 (2): 685-696.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"tropical-animal-health-and-production","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"trop","sideBox":"Learn more about [Tropical Animal Health and Production](https://www.springer.com/journal/11250)","snPcode":"11250","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11250/3","title":"Tropical Animal Health and Production","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Ammonia gas, Environmental challenges, Poultry farming, Nanoclay, Noiler birds","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6724489/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6724489/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe study aimed to assess the impact of nanoclay in the feed and aluminium sulphate in the litter on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, and litter chemistry of Nigerian noiler cockerel chickens. A total of 360 Nigerian Noiler cockerels, aged 8 weeks and weighing between 1050-1067g, were assigned to six treatment groups in a 3\u0026times;2 factorial arrangement in completely randomised design (CRD), six replications of 10 birds each. The treatments administered comprised: T1: 0 g NaB/kg diet\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0 g alum/3 kg litter, T2: 15 g NaB/kg diet\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0 g alum/3 kg litter, T3: 30 g NaB/kg diet\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0 g alum/3 kg litter, T4: 0 g NaB/kg diet\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;400 g alum/3 kg litter, T5: 15 g NaB/kg diet\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;400 g alum/3 kg litter, T6: 30 g NaB/kg diet\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;400 g alum/3 kg litter. The results indicated that birds provided with sodium bentonite and housed on litter treated with aluminium sulphate exhibited superior weight increase, lower feed conversion ratios, and reduced feed costs per kilogramme of gain compared to the control group. Birds on T5 had the greatest feed intake value of 8258.52 g (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), comparable to those on T4. The weight gain of 2201.91 g seen in birds on T5 was statistically equivalent (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) to the 2021.33 g reported in T6, while both values were the highest (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) among the treatments. The treated groups exhibited reduced feed conversion ratios (FCR) and feed costs per kilogramme of growth relative to the control group's values of 4.64 and 1273.18 (₦) for both parameters. Serum biochemical indices (protein, albumin, globulin and BUN) showed greater improvement in the treated groups relative to the control. The reported litter ammonia gas value of 29.00 ppm was the highest among the treatments. The study concluded that the inclusion of sodium bentonite in the meal and litter treated with aluminium sulphate enhanced litter quality without adversely affecting the growth performance and serum biochemical markers of the birds.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Impact of Nanoclay in Feed And Aluminium Sulphate in Litter on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Litter Chemistry of Nigerian Noiler Cockerel Chicks","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-06-09 13:11:18","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6724489/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2025-06-12T04:47:21+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-06-05T12:03:25+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-05-23T09:27:57+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Tropical Animal Health and Production","date":"2025-05-22T07:28:41+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"tropical-animal-health-and-production","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"trop","sideBox":"Learn more about [Tropical Animal Health and Production](https://www.springer.com/journal/11250)","snPcode":"11250","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11250/3","title":"Tropical Animal Health and Production","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a76e6c4d-87ff-425b-9104-5bf63c985b61","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 9th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-17T16:03:44+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6724489","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04722-y","journal":{"identity":"tropical-animal-health-and-production","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Tropical Animal Health and Production"},"publishedOn":"2025-11-11 15:58:32","publishedOnDateReadable":"November 11th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-06-09 13:11:18","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04722-y","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04722-y","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6724489","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6724489","identity":"rs-6724489","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}