Research

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19 pages, 2511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Malondialdehyde Damage to the Growth Performance and Digestive Function of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatu♂)

by Jiongting Fan, Yumeng Zhang, Hang Zhou, Yu Liu, Yixiong Cao, Xiaomei Dou, Xinlangji Fu, Junming Deng and Beiping Tan

Animals 2023, 13(19), 3145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193145 - 08 Oct 2023

Viewed by 967

Abstract

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the dominant component of lipid peroxidation products. Improper storage and transportation can elevate the lipid deterioration MDA content of diets to values that are unsafe for aquatic animals and even hazardous to human health. The study aimed to investigate the [...] Read more.

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the dominant component of lipid peroxidation products. Improper storage and transportation can elevate the lipid deterioration MDA content of diets to values that are unsafe for aquatic animals and even hazardous to human health. The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary MDA on growth performance and digestive function of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatu♂). Six isoproteic and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain 0.03, 1.11, 2.21, 4.43, 8.86 and 17.72 mg/kg MDA, respectively. The study shows that the increased dietary MDA content linearly reduced the growth rate, feed utilization, body index and body lipid content of hybrid grouper, while the low dose of dietary MDA (≤2.21 mg/kg) created no difference. Similarly, dietary MDA inclusion linearly depressed the activities of intestinal digestive and absorptive enzymes as well as antioxidant enzymes, enhanced the serum diamine oxidase activity, endotoxin level and intestinal MDA content. A high dose of MDA (≥4.43 mg/kg) generally impaired the gastric and intestinal mucosa, up-regulated the relative expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 but down-regulated the relative expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in hindgut. In conclusion, the effect of MDA on hybrid grouper showed a dose-dependent effect in this study. A low dose of dietary MDA had limited effects on growth performance and intestinal health of hybrid grouper, while a high concentration damaged the gastrointestinal structure, depressed the intestinal digestive and antioxidant functions, and thereby impaired the growth and health of hybrid grouper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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19 pages, 1693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behaviour in Slower-Growing Broilers and Free-Range Access on Organic Farms in Sweden

by Lina Göransson, Stefan Gunnarsson, Anna Wallenbeck and Jenny Yngvesson

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2967; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102967 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3354

Abstract

Two slower-growing hybrids (Rowan Ranger and Hubbard) are currently reared in organic broiler production in Sweden, but knowledge of bird welfare on commercial farms is limited. This study examined chicken behaviour, including free-range use and features of this, in order to enhance knowledge, [...] Read more.

Two slower-growing hybrids (Rowan Ranger and Hubbard) are currently reared in organic broiler production in Sweden, but knowledge of bird welfare on commercial farms is limited. This study examined chicken behaviour, including free-range use and features of this, in order to enhance knowledge, describe the current situation and identify practical solutions on Swedish organic broiler farms. Eight of 12 available farms were visited once each, when average flock age was 55 ± 6 days. Farmer interviews were followed by avoidance distance tests, group behavioural observations, and assessment of use of environmental enrichment and free-range by the chickens. On average, almost half of all birds observed indoors were in a sitting posture. However, even when approaching slaughter age, the chickens were agile enough to perch and used some of the variety of items provided for perching, but the quantity of environmental enrichment equipment appeared to be insufficient. Free-range areas generally lacked sufficient vegetation cover or artificial shelters, and chickens were predominantly observed ranging near the house. Further research should explore feasible ways for farmers to make key improvements to the indoor and outdoor environment, in order to improve broiler welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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12 pages, 3517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Non-Cage Housing Systems on the Production Performance, Serum Parameters and Intestinal Morphology of Laying Hens

by Yi Wan, Huan Yang, Hongyi Zhang, Ruiyu Ma, Renrong Qi, Junying Li, Wei Liu, Yan Li and Kai Zhan

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061673 - 04 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4293

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of plastic-net housing system (NRS) and floor-litter housing system (LRS) on the production performance, serum parameters and intestinal morphology of Shendan laying hens. A total of 1200 30-week-old hens were randomly allocated to the NRS and LRS groups, [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of plastic-net housing system (NRS) and floor-litter housing system (LRS) on the production performance, serum parameters and intestinal morphology of Shendan laying hens. A total of 1200 30-week-old hens were randomly allocated to the NRS and LRS groups, each of which included five replicates with 120 chickens in each replicate. The experiment was conducted from 32 to 40 weeks of age. Indoor airborne parameters were measured every 2 weeks, and indoor ground contamination was measured monthly. The laying rate and mortality of hens were recorded daily, and egg quality traits and serum parameters were measured every 2 weeks. At 40 weeks of age, four birds per replicate from each experimental group were selected for intestinal morphological observation. The results showed that the airborne bacteria number in the LRS was significantly higher than that in the NRS (p < 0.05) for most of the experimental period (except at 32 and 38 weeks of age), and the bacterial numbers on the surfaces of the floor and floor eggs in the LRS were approximately 10 times higher than those in the NRS (p < 0.05). Compared with the LRS, the NRS improved the laying rate (p < 0.05), reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations and increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, indicating favourable effects on antioxidative status. The NRS was significantly associated with an increased villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VCR) in the small intestine (p < 0.05) and increased VCR in the caecum (p < 0.05). Overall, the lower rate of bacterial contamination in the NRS than in the LRS indicated better environmental hygiene. The NRS enhanced the laying performance and antioxidant capacity of hens and was superior to the LRS in improving intestinal health. The current findings support the advantages of the NRS for the health and welfare of Shendan chickens during the peak laying period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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15 pages, 1198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Outdoor Stocking Density on Growth, Feather Damage and Behavior of Slow-Growing Free-Range Broilers

by Hannah N. Phillips and Bradley J. Heins

Animals 2021, 11(3), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030688 - 04 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2091

Abstract

Access to pasture is a main benefit of free-range broiler housing systems, yet the level of outdoor stocking density on broiler animal welfare remains unsettled. The growth, feather damage, pasture ranging and behaviors were assessed for 150 mixed-sex, slow-growing Freedom Rangers from 5 [...] Read more.

Access to pasture is a main benefit of free-range broiler housing systems, yet the level of outdoor stocking density on broiler animal welfare remains unsettled. The growth, feather damage, pasture ranging and behaviors were assessed for 150 mixed-sex, slow-growing Freedom Rangers from 5 to 11 weeks of age of with free access to either a high outdoor stocking density pasture (0.5 m² per bird) or a low outdoor stocking density pasture (2.5 m² per bird). The probability (mean, 95% CI) of tail feather damage was greater for the high-density (23.1%, 16.3 to 31.7%) compared to the low-density group (11.9%, 7.1 to 19.3%). The percent of observations resulting in sunbathing and aggressive attacks (i.e., pecking and fighting behaviors) were greater for the high-density (1.0%, 0.6 to 1.8% and 0.5%, 0.2 to 1.3%, respectively) compared to the low-density group (0.3%, 0.1 to 0.7% and 0.1%, 0.0 to 0.4%, respectively). Furthermore, an interaction between treatment and age indicated that birds in the high-density group displayed greater stretching (during weeks 7 to 10) and panting (during weeks 6 and 9). Results of this study suggest that additional outdoor pasture space may be positively associated with broiler welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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14 pages, 1372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Broilers as a Method of Face Fly (Musca autumnalis De Geer) Larva Control for Organic Dairy Production

by Hannah N. Phillips, Roger D. Moon, Ulrike S. Sorge and Bradley J. Heins

Animals 2020, 10(12), 2429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122429 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2202

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate Freedom-Ranger broiler chickens as a method to control face fly (Musca autumnalis De Geer) larvae in cow dung pats on pasture. Ninety-nine pats in three replicates were inoculated with first-instar larvae and exposed to [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate Freedom-Ranger broiler chickens as a method to control face fly (Musca autumnalis De Geer) larvae in cow dung pats on pasture. Ninety-nine pats in three replicates were inoculated with first-instar larvae and exposed to one of four treatment conditions for 3 to 4 days: (1) an environment-controlled greenhouse (GH); (2) pasture without broilers (NEG); (3) pasture with 25 broilers stocked at a low density of 2.5 m² of outdoor area per broiler (LOW); and (4) pasture with 25 broilers stocked at a high density of 0.5 m² of outdoor area per broiler (HIGH). Broiler behaviors and weather conditions were recorded twice daily. Survival rates of larvae (mean, 95% CI) were similar for pats in the NEG (4.4%, 2–9%), LOW (5.6%, 3–11%), and HIGH (3.2%, 2–7%) groups, and was greatest for larvae reared in the GH (54.4%, 36–72%) group compared to all other groups. The proportion of broilers observed pasture ranging was 14.0% (6–28%) but was negatively related to solar radiation. Broilers were never observed foraging in pats. Results indicate that use of broilers may not be an effective method for controlling larvae of dung pat breeding flies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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16 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Husbandry Conditions and Welfare Outcomes in Organic Egg Production in Eight European Countries

by Lisa Jung, Christine Brenninkmeyer, Knut Niebuhr, Monique Bestman, Frank A. M. Tuyttens, Stefan Gunnarsson, Jan Tind Sørensen, Paolo Ferrari and Ute Knierim

Animals 2020, 10(11), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112102 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3867

Abstract

In the European research project HealthyHens, welfare indicators as well as husbandry and management conditions were recorded in 107 organic laying hen farms in eight countries. Farms were visited at peak and end of lay. Egg production was on average comparable to breeder [...] Read more.

In the European research project HealthyHens, welfare indicators as well as husbandry and management conditions were recorded in 107 organic laying hen farms in eight countries. Farms were visited at peak and end of lay. Egg production was on average comparable to breeder specifications. A mean mortality of 5.7% and mean prevalences of footpad lesions of 30.5%, keel bone damage of 44.5%, 57.3% of flocks with on average >200 Ascarid eggs per gram faeces and 28.2% of flocks with >100 mites/trap were recorded. A large variation between flocks indicated options for improvement. Based on the results, the following measures can be recommended: (i) decreasing mite and worm infestation and (ii) providing an attractive covered veranda, because of their association with decreased mortality; (iii) maximising access to the free range, because of its relation to decreased A. galli infection and less injurious pecking; (iv) feeding sufficient protein levels and (v) providing adequate litter as preventive measure against feather pecking and cannibalism; (vi) ensuring that the birds have sufficient weight and (vii) preventing accidents by adequate hen house facilities and light conditions to reduce keel bone damage. These primarily management-based measures have the potential to improve bird welfare both in terms of behavioural and health aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

22 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bird Health, Housing and Management Routines on Swedish Organic Broiler Chicken Farms

by Lina Göransson, Jenny Yngvesson and Stefan Gunnarsson

Animals 2020, 10(11), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112098 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5553

Abstract

Slower-growing broilers on organic farms have replaced fast-growing hybrids to increase bird welfare. Due to limited knowledge of broiler welfare and management on organic farms in Sweden, the study aim was to gather information regarding health, housing and management routines, in order to [...] Read more.

Slower-growing broilers on organic farms have replaced fast-growing hybrids to increase bird welfare. Due to limited knowledge of broiler welfare and management on organic farms in Sweden, the study aim was to gather information regarding health, housing and management routines, in order to describe the current situation on these. Farm visits performed in 2018 included 8 out of 12 established organic farms, on which either Rowan Ranger or HubbardJA57/HubbardJA87 were reared. Chickens in the observed flocks were 55 ± 6 (44–62) days of age. Observations included farmer interviews, indoor environment assessments, clinical examinations and gait scoring. Clinical examinations revealed no severe remarks, however minor to moderate plumage dirtiness, food pad dermatitis and hock burns were found in 47%, 21% and 13% of the birds, respectively. Although no severe walking impairments were observed, minor to moderate gait abnormalities were seen in two-thirds of the birds. Gait in birds assessed outdoors was significantly better than in birds observed indoors. Body weight uniformity was low in all flocks. This study provides increased knowledge of certain chicken health and welfare aspects, housing and management on Swedish organic farms. Future research should further investigate important aspects related to bird welfare, such as the high mortality rates observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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14 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Percentage of Camelina sativa Cake in Laying Hens Diet: Performance, Welfare, and Eggshell Quality

by Susanna Lolli, Guido Grilli, Lorenzo Ferrari, Giovanna Battelli, Sara Pozzo, Incoronata Galasso, Roberto Russo, Milena Brasca, Remo Reggiani and Valentina Ferrante

Animals 2020, 10(8), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081396 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

Although camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is a good source of protein, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, its antinutritional compounds limit its use in animal feeding. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of feeding laying hens with up [...] Read more.

Although camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is a good source of protein, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, its antinutritional compounds limit its use in animal feeding. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of feeding laying hens with up to 20% of camelina cake from a breeding line containing a low level of glucosinolates on performance, welfare, and eggshell quality. Two hundred and forty Hy-Line^® hens from 18 to 51 weeks of age were divided into three treatments: control (C), camelina cake 10% (CAM10), and camelina cake 20% (CAM20). Egg number was recorded daily, while egg weight, feed consumption, and mortality were recorded weekly. At 24 and 43 weeks of hen age, shell resistance to fracture was measured. Our results demonstrate no detrimental effects for CAM10 and CAM20 diets on feed intake, growth performance, and welfare. No difference in egg production was detected among the diets. The significant (p < 0.05) interaction of diet and age factors suggest that the addition of camelina cake, up to 20%, likely protects the eggshell of older hens. Our findings confirm that camelina cake might be an alternative and sustainable protein source for hens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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Review

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23 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessReview

Valorization of Food Waste as Animal Feed: A Step towards Sustainable Food Waste Management and Circular Bioeconomy

by Pinku Chandra Nath, Amiya Ojha, Shubhankar Debnath, Minaxi Sharma, Prakash Kumar Nayak, Kandi Sridhar and Baskaran Stephen Inbaraj

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081366 - 16 Apr 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 11488

Abstract

The growing population and healthy food demands have led to a rise in food waste generation, causing severe environmental and economic impacts. However, food waste (FW) can be converted into sustainable animal feed, reducing waste disposal and providing an alternative protein source for [...] Read more.

The growing population and healthy food demands have led to a rise in food waste generation, causing severe environmental and economic impacts. However, food waste (FW) can be converted into sustainable animal feed, reducing waste disposal and providing an alternative protein source for animals. The utilization of FW as animal feed presents a solution that not only tackles challenges pertaining to FW management and food security but also lessens the demand for the development of traditional feed, which is an endeavour that is both resource and environmentally intensive in nature. Moreover, this approach can also contribute to the circular economy by creating a closed-loop system that reduces the use of natural resources and minimizes environmental pollution. Therefore, this review discusses the characteristics and types of FW, as well as advanced treatment methods that can be used to recycle FW into high-quality animal feed and its limitations, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using FW as animal feed. Finally, the review concludes that utilization of FW as animal feed can provide a sustainable solution for FW management, food security, preserving resources, reducing environmental impacts, and contributing to the circular bioeconomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health, Welfare and Sustainability of Organic Production)

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