Poultry

Open AccessReview

Broiler White Striping: A Review of Its Etiology, Effects on Production, and Mitigation Efforts

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Jessie Lee

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Michael J. Mienaltowski

Poultry 2023, 2(2), 292-304; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020022 - 12 May 2023

Abstract

With an increase in the demand and production of chicken products, broilers have been bred to grow larger at a faster rate. This has led to several myopathies, one of which being white striping, which is now common to almost all broilers and [...] Read more.

With an increase in the demand and production of chicken products, broilers have been bred to grow larger at a faster rate. This has led to several myopathies, one of which being white striping, which is now common to almost all broilers and is characterized as the deposition of fat within the broiler breast muscles. The purposes of this review are to examine the change in chicken production over the years, and to consider normal muscle growth physiology and the suspected pathological process and causes of white striping, as well as white striping visualization and detection in fast-growing broilers. With the increase in growth rate and size, multiple biochemical processes are affected in broilers, leading to hypoxia and inflammation, subsequent formation of foam cells from macrophages, and the deposition of fat in the form of white stripes along the muscle tissues. The negative effects of white striping include increased fat content and calories and decreased protein content, as well as reductions in palatability and drip loss. Thus, this review also explores the effects of white striping on meat quality, and finally evaluates several strategies attempted to mitigate white striping. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Effective Strategies for Mitigating Feather Pecking and Cannibalism in Cage-Free W-36 Pullets

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Poultry 2023, 2(2), 281-291; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020021 - 08 May 2023

Abstract

Pecking is one of the most concerning poultry welfare issues in the layer houses, especially in the cage-free (CF) housing system. Pecking behavior may lead to severe feather pecking (SFP) and cannibalism when birds feel frustrated, stressed, and dominant over other birds. Since [...] Read more.

Pecking is one of the most concerning poultry welfare issues in the layer houses, especially in the cage-free (CF) housing system. Pecking behavior may lead to severe feather pecking (SFP) and cannibalism when birds feel frustrated, stressed, and dominant over other birds. Since pecking is caused by multi-factorial problems (e.g., hormonal influence, environment, dietary composition, and genetic differences), it is very important to find optimal strategies for reducing pecking damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pullet age and management practices on pecking behavior and to identify the optimal pecking mitigation strategy. Four climate-controlled rooms were used, each housing 200 Hy-Line W36 pullets, for a total of 800 pullets from 0 to 16 weeks of age (WOA). Pecking mitigation strategies were tested at different ages, including an isolated chamber (IC) at 14 WOA, an IC with lotion (water, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, calendula, and methyl anthranilate), and a pecking block from 15 to 16 WOA. Data on severe feather pecking (SFP) and mortality were collected daily from 13 to 16 WOA during the pecking block, IC, and IC with lotion treatments and from 0 to 16 WOA for the entire pullet cycle of age treatment. Results show that the SFP significantly increased with the bird’s age (p < 0.01). The SFP started with 5 WOA. About 16% of birds were found with severe peck damages by 16 WOA. In this study, pecking blocks did not show a reduction in pecking order, possibly due to pecking at alarming rates. Isolating birds with SFP damages into the IC and applying lotion resulted in a significant decrease in SFP (p < 0.05) and cannibalism (p < 0.05). This study provides a reference for commercial CF egg producers to develop on-farm management strategies for mitigating pecking damage and cannibalism. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Diagnosing Infectious Diseases in Poultry Requires a Holistic Approach: A Review

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Poultry 2023, 2(2), 252-280; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020020 - 25 Apr 2023

Abstract

Controlling infectious diseases is vital for poultry health and diagnostic methods are an indispensable feature to resolve disease etiologies and the impact of infectious agents on the host. Although the basic principles of disease diagnostics have not changed, the spectrum of poultry diseases [...] Read more.

Controlling infectious diseases is vital for poultry health and diagnostic methods are an indispensable feature to resolve disease etiologies and the impact of infectious agents on the host. Although the basic principles of disease diagnostics have not changed, the spectrum of poultry diseases constantly expanded, with the identification of new pathogens and improved knowledge on epidemiology and disease pathogenesis. In parallel, new technologies have been devised to identify and characterize infectious agents, but classical methods remain crucial, especially the isolation of pathogens and their further characterization in functional assays and studies. This review aims to highlight certain aspects of diagnosing infectious poultry pathogens, from the farm via the diagnostic laboratory and back, in order to close the circle. By this, the current knowledge will be summarized and future developments will be discussed in the context of applied state-of-the-art techniques. Overall, a common challenge is the increasing demand for infrastructure, skills and expertise. Divided into separate chapters, reflecting different disciplines, daily work implies the need to closely link technologies and human expertise in order to improve bird health, the production economy and to implement future intervention strategies for disease prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Infectious Diseases)

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Open AccessReview

Mitigating the Adverse Effects of Lead and Cadmium Heavy Metals-Induced Oxidative Stress by Phytogenic Compounds in Poultry

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Rohollah Ebrahimi

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Mahdi Ebrahimi

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Majid Shakeri

Poultry 2023, 2(2), 235-251; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020019 - 13 Apr 2023

Abstract

Environmental pollution has increased over the past few decades, posing serious risks to all biological systems, including the poultry sector. Oxidative stress in chickens caused by dietary, environmental, and pathological variables influences how well chickens perform as well as the quality of meat [...] Read more.

Environmental pollution has increased over the past few decades, posing serious risks to all biological systems, including the poultry sector. Oxidative stress in chickens caused by dietary, environmental, and pathological variables influences how well chickens perform as well as the quality of meat and eggs. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are two examples of heavy metals that are harmful for chicken health. They can cause oxidative stress by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and blocking antioxidants from protecting cells from increased amounts of free radicals. The oxidative state of heavy metals, their interactions with endogenous antioxidants, and chemical processes all affect how hazardous they are to the body. Today, scientists have investigated and applied a variety of nutritional tactics to lessen the harmful effects of oxidative stress on animal health brought on by heavy metals. Researchers have recently become interested in the chemicals because of their chelating and growth-stimulating functions, as well as the antioxidant qualities of useful plant components. The deleterious consequences of oxidative stress induced by two heavy metals on chickens is discussed in this review, along with phytogenic use as a potential intervention strategy to lessen these effects and maintain the redox equilibrium in poultry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Poultry)

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Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Housing Environment on Physical Egg Quality of White Egg Layers

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Benjamin N. Alig

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Ramon D. Malheiros

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Kenneth E. Anderson

Poultry 2023, 2(2), 222-234; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020018 - 12 Apr 2023

Abstract

Currently, the egg industry is experiencing a shift in demand for eggs from cage-free environments. This study aims to evaluate the egg quality parameters of white eggs laid in several different housing environments utilized in the industry. Egg quality parameters from battery cages, [...] Read more.

Currently, the egg industry is experiencing a shift in demand for eggs from cage-free environments. This study aims to evaluate the egg quality parameters of white eggs laid in several different housing environments utilized in the industry. Egg quality parameters from battery cages, barren colony cages, enriched colony cages and cage-free pens were compared. Overall, most egg quality parameters were found to be different across housing environments. Battery cages produced the heaviest eggs and eggs with the highest Haugh unit (p < 0.05). Cage-free hens produced eggs with the darkest yolks, lowest Haugh units, strongest shells and highest solids percentage compared to other environments (p < 0.05). This study did not detect differences between any housing environment in shell color, shell elasticity, vitelline membrane strength or vitelline membrane elasticity (p > 0.05). Moreover, this study did not detect any differences in egg quality parameters between enriched and barren colony cages (p > 0.05). It appears that white egg-laying hens had superior egg quality performance in caged environments and that cage-free pens only improved yolk color. Furthermore, it appears that simply adding enrichments to cages does not affect any egg quality parameters. From the results of our study, we believe that current intensive environments, such as cages, are the most beneficial for white egg layer egg quality and that as the industry moves toward cage-free, new strategies will need to be developed to preserve egg quality. More research is needed, particularly evaluating free-range environments. Full article

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Housing Environment on Egg Production, USDA Egg Size, and USDA Grade Distribution of Commercial White Egg Layers

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Poultry 2023, 2(2), 204-221; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020017 - 03 Apr 2023

Abstract

The housing environment has become a critical issue for consumers of eggs and egg products. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how various housing environments can affect the modern laying hen. In this study, alongside the 40th NC layer performance test, four different [...] Read more.

The housing environment has become a critical issue for consumers of eggs and egg products. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how various housing environments can affect the modern laying hen. In this study, alongside the 40th NC layer performance test, four different housing environments were chosen based on industry prevalence, which include conventional cages, barren, enrichable colony cages, enriched colony cages, and cage-free environments. Hens in these environments were raised following standard feeding and lighting practices. This study found that conventional cage and enriched colony cage hens had the highest egg production level, while hens from the barren colony cages had the lowest production level. Feed efficiency followed a similar trend, where conventional cage and cage-free hens had the best feed efficiency, followed by enriched colony cage and barren colony cage hens. This study also found that conventional cage hens had the largest eggs, while cage-free hens had the smallest eggs. Cage-free and conventional cage hens had the lowest mortality rate, while hens in the barren colony cage had the highest mortality rate. From the data shown, it appears that standard, conventional cages provide white egg layers with the most optimal environment for production performance. However, a further evaluation of health and stress is needed to determine which environment provides the hen with optimal welfare. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Blood Parameters, Kidney Histology and Growth Performances in Gallus gallus Domesticus (Brahma) Hens Fed a Diet Supplemented with Dacryodes edulis (Safou) Powder Leaves

by

Herve Tchoffo

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Nathalie Ngwemetah

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Donatien Albert Atsamo

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Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo

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Christelle Yolande Djoukouo Signe

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Blandine Kambou

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Arius Baulland Nguedia Dongmo

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Nadege Djuissi Motchewo

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Ferdinand Ngoula

Poultry 2023, 2(2), 187-203; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020016 - 01 Apr 2023

Abstract

The leaf extracts of Dacryodes edulis possess high concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins with various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. These activities can be used in animal production to avoid the energy lost in favor of growth and [...] Read more.

The leaf extracts of Dacryodes edulis possess high concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins with various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. These activities can be used in animal production to avoid the energy lost in favor of growth and reproduction. A total of 48 Brahma hens (45 days old), weighing on average 400 ± 12 g, were randomly distributed into four dietary treatment groups (12 birds each) with four replicates per group. The control group (T0) received 0% D. edulis, while the three test groups (T0.25, T0.50, and T0.75) were given feed with D. edulis powder leaves at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75%, respectively, for a period of 60 days. Water and feed were supplied ad libitum. At the end of the study period (60 days), eight birds per treatment (two per replicate) were fasted, weighed, and slaughtered. Blood samples and organs were collected for analysis of growth characteristics, oxidative stress, and toxicity indices. This study revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in feed intake and live body weight with 0.75% D. edilus powder leaves. Abdominal fat was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) lower with 0.75% D. edilus powder leaves compared to the control group. Serum Aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in birds exposed to 0.75% D. edulis leaf powder compared to the control group. The use of D. edulis leaf powder as feed additive in feed could reduce oxidative stress and improve growth performance in Brahma. More research can be conducted on D. edilus, and it can be used in broiler feed at 0.75% concentration, which has shown a significant increase and decrease, respectively, in live body weight and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Precision Feeding and Management of Farm Animals)

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Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Genotypic Characterization of New Emerging Avian Reovirus Genetic Variants in Egypt

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Poultry 2023, 2(2), 174-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020015 - 31 Mar 2023

Abstract

Avian reovirus (ARV) strains cause a variety of symptoms in chickens, including viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, a disease that has emerged as a significant cause of economic losses in commercial chicken flocks in recent years in various countries, including Egypt. Furthermore, ARV strains are frequently [...] Read more.

Avian reovirus (ARV) strains cause a variety of symptoms in chickens, including viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, a disease that has emerged as a significant cause of economic losses in commercial chicken flocks in recent years in various countries, including Egypt. Furthermore, ARV strains are frequently isolated from birds suffering from malabsorption. In the actual study, seventy-five samples were collected in 2021 and 2022 from broiler and vaccinated broiler breeder flocks at different farms in Giza Province, Egypt, with reovirus-like symptoms such as significant weight fluctuation and arthritis/malabsorption. ARV was screened using real-time PCR, and fifteen positive samples were detected (20%), which were then subjected to embryonated chicken egg (ECE) isolation and molecular characterization (11/15 sample) of a partial segment of the sigma (σ)C gene (S1-gene). Phylogenetically, nine strains were found to belong to genotypic cluster IV, with 82–89% identity with Israeli ARV 2018, and two strains belong to genotypic cluster V with a 78% nucleotide identity with Japan ARV 2021. No correlation between lesions and genotype was found. The strains under study had a low sequence identity (43–55%) when compared with various commercial vaccines belonging to genotypic cluster I (e.g., strain S1133). These findings imply that novel ARV genotypes representing clusters IV and V have recently been introduced to Egyptian poultry farms. A homologous vaccine is suggested; because this variation raises the possibility that commercial vaccines may not offer protection against circulating ARVs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Infectious Diseases)

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of the In ovo Administration of L-Ascorbic Acid on Tissue L-Ascorbic Acid Concentrations, Systemic Inflammation, and Tracheal Histomorphology of Ross 708 Broilers Subjected to Elevated Levels of Atmospheric Ammonia

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Ayoub Mousstaaid

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Seyed Abolghasem Fatemi

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April Waguespack Levy

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Poultry 2023, 2(2), 158-173; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020014 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 1

Abstract

The effects of in ovo injection of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on tissue L-AA concentrations, systemic inflammation, plasma mineral concentrations, and tracheal histomorphology of Ross 708 broilers subjected to elevated atmospheric ammonia (NH₃) levels after hatch were investigated. The [...] Read more.

The effects of in ovo injection of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on tissue L-AA concentrations, systemic inflammation, plasma mineral concentrations, and tracheal histomorphology of Ross 708 broilers subjected to elevated atmospheric ammonia (NH₃) levels after hatch were investigated. The four in ovo treatments included non-injected (control), saline-injected (control), or saline containing 12 or 25 mg of L-AA. The in ovo treatments were applied at 17 days of incubation by injecting a 100 μL volume of each pre-specified treatment into the amnion. At hatch, 12 male chicks were randomly allocated to each of the 12 replicate battery cages belonging to each treatment group. The cages were arranged in a randomized complete block design within a common room. All birds were exposed to 50 ppm of NH₃ at 35 days of posthatch age (doa), and the concentration of NH₃ in the room was recorded every 20 s. At 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 doa, one bird from each cage was arbitrarily selected and euthanized for determinations of liver and eye L-AA concentrations at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 doa; plasma nitric oxide concentrations at 0, 14, 21, and 28 doa; and plasma calcium and trace mineral concentrations at 0 and 21 doa. Tracheal histomorphology evaluations were performed at 0, 21, and 28 doa. There were no significant treatment differences for plasma nitric oxide and mineral concentrations, and for liver and eye L-AA concentrations at each sampling timepoint. In ovo injection of either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA decreased tracheal attenuation incidence at 0 doa compared to the non-injected or saline-injected control groups. Furthermore, the percentage of mild tracheal inflammation scores was lower at 28 doa in response to the in ovo injection of 12 mg of L-AA compared to the non-injected or saline-injected control groups. These results indicate that in ovo injection of 12 mg of L-AA reduces tracheal inflammation in broilers subjected to elevated atmospheric NH₃. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Basic and Applied Aspects of Incubation Oriented to the Needs of the Embryos)

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Open AccessReview

Effects of Perching on Poultry Welfare and Production: A Review

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Poultry 2023, 2(2), 134-157; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020013 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 3

Abstract

Perching is one of the essential natural behaviors for avian species. Providing an optimal perching design (e.g., shape, dimension, and materials) for commercial poultry production is critical for maintaining bird health, welfare, and production efficiency. This review paper summarized poultry perching studies and [...] Read more.

Perching is one of the essential natural behaviors for avian species. Providing an optimal perching design (e.g., shape, dimension, and materials) for commercial poultry production is critical for maintaining bird health, welfare, and production efficiency. This review paper summarized poultry perching studies and discussed the relationship between perch design, bird welfare, and production efficiency. Providing perches at an early stage may ensure optimum use during adulthood, reduce perching accidents, and lower the risk of floor eggs in cage-free (CF) hen houses. Therefore, a perch space of 15 cm per bird is recommended for the CF hen house. Similarly, rectangular perches are preferred to circular perches as the rectangular perch provides hens with an excellent tendon-locking mechanism to prevent slipping. In addition, perches with softer materials such as polyurethane and rubber coverings are recommended to increase the contact surface on the chicken’s toes. Perching behavior (PB) promotes a musculocutaneous system and reduces the incidences of footpad dermatitis and lesions. Generally, providing perching may reduce aggression and stress in birds and improve welfare and production efficiency. In the case of broilers, it is found that the broiler perches less during the latter stage of their lives because they are comparatively heavier and exhibit a more inactive lifestyle. Studies have investigated the effect of the surface temperature of the perch on broilers’ welfare. Perches with lower temperatures help improve performance and welfare by relieving heat stress and leg issues. Overall, PB is required to improve bird health and welfare. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Benefits of Exogenous Xylanase in Wheat–Soy Based Broiler Chicken Diets, Consisting of Different Soluble Non-Starch Polysaccharides Content

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Vasil Radoslavov Pirgozliev

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Stephen Charles Mansbridge

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Isobel Margaret Whiting

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Atanas Georgiev Atanasov

Poultry 2023, 2(2), 123-133; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2020012 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

Four wheat-based diets with either low soluble non-starch polysaccharide (NSPs, 13 g/kg) content (low viscosity, LV) or high NSPs content (33.5 g/kg; high viscosity, HV), without and with exogenous xylanase (XYL), were fed to male Ross 308 broiler chickens from 7 to 21 [...] Read more.

Four wheat-based diets with either low soluble non-starch polysaccharide (NSPs, 13 g/kg) content (low viscosity, LV) or high NSPs content (33.5 g/kg; high viscosity, HV), without and with exogenous xylanase (XYL), were fed to male Ross 308 broiler chickens from 7 to 21 days age. The enzyme was supplemented at 100 FXU/kg diet, and its preparation was based on endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced by Aspergillus oryzae. Each diet was fed to eight pens, with five birds in each pen, following randomisation. Chicks fed XYL had an improved feed efficiency, hepatic coenzyme Q10, cecal butyric acid concentration, nitrogen digestibility (p < 0.05) and increased dietary ME (p < 0.001). Compared to HV, birds fed LV diets had reduced weight of proventriculus, gizzard and the pancreas and higher blood glutathione peroxidase and dietary ME (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed on nutrient digestibility and growth performance variables. This also suggests that birds may tolerate a greater dietary NSPs content; thus, further benefits may be obtained by the application of XYL in low energy wheat-based diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Poultry)

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary β-Mannanase Supplementation on Egg Quality during Storage

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Camila Lopes Carvalho

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Ines Andretta

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Gabriela Miotto Galli

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Nathalia de Oliveira Telesca Camargo

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Thais Bastos Stefanello

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Marcos José Migliorini

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Raquel Melchior

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Marcos Kipper

Poultry 2023, 2(1), 111-122; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010011 - 08 Mar 2023

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if adding β-mannanase to the diet can improve the quality of storage eggs from laying hens. Lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old), housed in cages with four birds each, were randomly assigned to one of [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to determine if adding β-mannanase to the diet can improve the quality of storage eggs from laying hens. Lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old), housed in cages with four birds each, were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control group (diet without additives), or birds fed with 300 g/ton of β-mannanase. The experiment was carried out on a commercial farm (14 thousand birds). The study took 84 days to be completed, and each of its three productive phases lasted 28 days. On the final day of each phase, 125 eggs were randomly collected. The quality of the fresh eggs was assessed, and after each storage interval, the remaining eggs were kept and randomly divided to evaluate their quality (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days). Analysis of variance was used to compare means considering differences at 5 and 10%. When compared to the control group, β-mannanase was able to prevent the loss of egg weight and albumen weight during storage (p < 0.05). Yolk color (palette) also improved by 2.5% (p < 0.001), while lightness, red intensity, and yellow intensity all increased in comparison to the control group by 1.9% (p < 0.001), 7.7% (p < 0.001), and 4.10% (p < 0.001). Additionally, compared to the control treatment, β-mannanase was able to lower the yolk pH and TBARS levels by 2.4% (p < 0.001). As a result, adding β-mannanase to laying hen diets is a successful method for enhancing egg quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Poultry Nutrition)

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Open AccessOpinion

Poultry Welfare at Slaughter

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Awal Fuseini

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Mara Miele

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John Lever

Poultry 2023, 2(1), 98-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010010 - 03 Mar 2023

Abstract

Billions of poultry are slaughtered globally each year to provide protein for a rapidly expanding human population. The large number of birds produced in conventional systems presents animal welfare issues during production, transport, and at the time of slaughter. While we recognise the [...] Read more.

Billions of poultry are slaughtered globally each year to provide protein for a rapidly expanding human population. The large number of birds produced in conventional systems presents animal welfare issues during production, transport, and at the time of slaughter. While we recognise the significance of welfare issues during rearing and transport, this paper highlights the welfare of poultry at the time of slaughter. The impacts of manual handling, inversion and shackling, use of inappropriate electrical stunning parameters, and the use of aversive gas mixtures during controlled atmosphere stunning are some of the evident welfare lapses; if the entrance to the water bath is wet and not isolated, bird welfare can also be compromised during water bath stunning because of pre-stun shocks. We also highlight the use of aversive stunning methods such as carbon dioxide gas at high concentrations, which has been shown to compromise bird welfare. In conclusion, we offer some reflections on ways to improve the welfare of birds during pre-slaughter handling, stunning, and neck cutting. Full article

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Two-Window Approach to Monitor and Assess Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Poultry

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Poultry 2023, 2(1), 82-97; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010009 - 25 Feb 2023

Abstract

As previously reported, inflammatory activity initiated by intradermal injection of multiple growing feather (GF)-pulps of a chicken with lipopolysaccharide, and the subsequent periodic sampling of GFs and blood, enables the longitudinal evaluation of in vivo tissue- and systemic-inflammatory activities by ex vivo laboratory [...] Read more.

As previously reported, inflammatory activity initiated by intradermal injection of multiple growing feather (GF)-pulps of a chicken with lipopolysaccharide, and the subsequent periodic sampling of GFs and blood, enables the longitudinal evaluation of in vivo tissue- and systemic-inflammatory activities by ex vivo laboratory analyses. To demonstrate the suitability of this two-window approach to monitor and assess vaccine responses, two groups of chickens were immunized by intramuscular injection of mouse IgG (mIgG), mIgG in alum adjuvant (Alum&mIgG), or PBS-vehicle (Group I and II at 7- and 7- and 11-weeks, respectively). Plasma levels of mIgG-specific antibodies were monitored by ELISA for 28 days post-primary- and secondary-immunizations. To examine the cellular responses, 20 GF-pulps per bird were injected with mIgG on Day-10 or Day-5 post-primary- or -secondary-immunization, respectively. Two GFs were collected before- and at various times (0.25 to 7 days) post-injection for leukocyte population- and cytokine mRNA expression-analyses. The observed primary- and secondary-antibody response profiles were as expected for a T-dependent antigen. Leukocyte- and cytokine-profiles established in GF-pulps revealed temporal, qualitative, and quantitative differences in local naïve, primary, and secondary leukocyte-effector responses to antigen. This study demonstrates the unique opportunity in the avian model to monitor both cell- and antibody-mediated immune responses using minimally invasive techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Poultry)

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Open AccessArticle

Individual and Combined Effects of a Direct-Fed Microbial and Calcium Butyrate on Growth Performance, Intestinal Histology and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

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Poultry 2023, 2(1), 63-81; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010008 - 22 Feb 2023

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a Bacillus direct-fed microbial and microencapsulated calcium butyrate fed individually and in combination, as compared to an antibiotic growth promoter, on growth performance, processing characteristics, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota of Ross 708 broilers reared from 0 [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of a Bacillus direct-fed microbial and microencapsulated calcium butyrate fed individually and in combination, as compared to an antibiotic growth promoter, on growth performance, processing characteristics, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota of Ross 708 broilers reared from 0 to 47 d post-hatch. Dietary treatments included: (1) a negative control with no antimicrobial (NC), (2) a positive control diet containing bacitracin methylene disalicylate (PC), (3) a diet containing a Bacillus direct-fed microbial (CS), (4) a diet containing microencapsulated calcium butyrate (BP), and (5) a diet containing both CS and BP. Treatments were replicated with 10 pens of 20 birds each. From 0 to 15 d post-hatch, the FCR of broilers fed the PC, CS, BP, and CS + BP diets were lower (p < 0.05) than those fed the NC diet, but treatment effects (p > 0.05) were not observed on subsequent performance. BP supplementation improved (p < 0.05) total breast meat weight and yield at processing. Intestinal histology was not influenced (p > 0.05) by the treatment. Analysis of the jejunal microbiota collected at 15 d post-hatch revealed that the genus SMB53 was significantly lower for the CS group, and Sporanaerobacter was lower in the CS and CS + BP groups compared with the NC (p < 0.05). The jejunal microbiota from broilers in the CS + BP group had higher (p < 0.05) alpha and beta diversities compared with broilers fed the NC and CS diets. The results reflected synergistic effects between CS and BP in modulating the jejunal microbiota at 15 d that may have been related to enhanced feed efficiency (i.e., lower FCR) observed during this period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Poultry)

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Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Dilution Susceptibility Testing of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae According to CLSI Document VET06 Reveals High Resistance against Penicillin G, Erythromycin and Enrofloxacin

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Claudia Hess

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Ivana Bilic

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Delfina Jandreski-Cvetkovic

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Michael Hess

Poultry 2023, 2(1), 54-62; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010007 - 21 Feb 2023

Abstract

Erysipelas is a re-emerging disease in different poultry species. Antibiotic treatment is crucial to combat outbreaks in poultry flocks, but only very limited data on susceptibility are available. Recently, the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute established standardized guidelines and minimal inhibitory concentration breakpoints [...] Read more.

Erysipelas is a re-emerging disease in different poultry species. Antibiotic treatment is crucial to combat outbreaks in poultry flocks, but only very limited data on susceptibility are available. Recently, the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute established standardized guidelines and minimal inhibitory concentration breakpoints for E. rhusiopathiae when using the broth microdilution method. In the present investigation, these guidelines were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of 30 E. rhusiopathiae isolates derived from field outbreaks in poultry flocks towards penicillins, macrolides, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones. All isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. The majority of isolates belonged to two serovars, 1b and 5. More than 40% of the isolates proved resistant to penicillin G, with values ranging from 0.25 to 8 µg/mL. Furthermore, the majority of isolates were found resistant to erythromycin (76.7%; MIC 2–4 µg/mL) and enrofloxacin (60.0%; MIC ≥ 2 µg/mL), altogether limiting treatment options. In contrast, most of the isolates proved susceptible to ampicillin and ceftiofur with MICs ≤ 0.25 µg/mL and ≤2 µg/mL, respectively. A great variety of antimicrobial resistance patterns was found, and multidrug resistance was detected in one-third of the isolates. The presented data are helpful to raise awareness for the antimicrobial resistance of a zoonotic pathogen in context of the One Health concept. Full article

Open AccessProject Report

Evaluation of a Triple Buffered Peptone Broth for Detection of Salmonella in Broiler Feed

by

Douglas E. Cosby

,

Mark E. Berrang

and

Arthur Hinton, Jr.

Poultry 2023, 2(1), 46-53; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010006 - 17 Feb 2023

Abstract

The pH of pre-enrichment media containing feed/ingredients can become acidic during incubation due to bacterial utilization of feed carbohydrates. This decrease in pH can result in cell injury or death, negatively impacting the detection of Salmonella. Our objective was to evaluate a [...] Read more.

The pH of pre-enrichment media containing feed/ingredients can become acidic during incubation due to bacterial utilization of feed carbohydrates. This decrease in pH can result in cell injury or death, negatively impacting the detection of Salmonella. Our objective was to evaluate a new triple buffered peptone (TBP) against buffered peptone water (BPW) and lactose broth (LB) for the recovery of Salmonella from feed. Liquid cultures of nalidixic acid resistant strains of Salmonella (Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Kentucky or Typhimurium) were added to the pre-enrichment media alone, to pre-enrichment media containing feed or to artificially inoculated feed stored 1 or 7 d to evaluate the effect of the medium on the recovery of Salmonella. Three replicates per treatment were conducted. After incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, the pH of the medium was measured prior to plating onto brilliant green sulfa agar plates supplemented with 200 ppm nalidixic acid (BGS_NA). Plates were incubated and evaluated for presence of typical Salmonella colonies. The experiment was replicated. TBP was observed to exhibit significantly better buffering capacity than BPW or LB. Additionally, TBP was able to recover Salmonella 100% of the time compared to BPW (97.9%) and LB (61.5%). TBP shows promise to maintain neutral pH during pre-enrichment which may allow for a more accurate detection of Salmonella in feed. Full article

Open AccessCommunication

Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model for Insect Vector Transmission of the Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni in Broiler Chickens: A Pilot Study

by

,

,

and

Poultry 2023, 2(1), 40-45; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010005 - 10 Feb 2023

Abstract

There is growing pressure to find a way to eradicate or reduce the levels of foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter in broiler chickens, whilst limiting the use of antimicrobials. For Campylobacter, there is currently no vaccine and on-farm biosecurity alone is insufficient [...] Read more.

There is growing pressure to find a way to eradicate or reduce the levels of foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter in broiler chickens, whilst limiting the use of antimicrobials. For Campylobacter, there is currently no vaccine and on-farm biosecurity alone is insufficient to prevent colonization of broiler chicken flocks. Dipteran flies are proven carriers of Campylobacter and their entry into broiler houses may contribute to its transmission to broiler chickens. As there is currently no experimental vector transmission model for Campylobacter and chickens, we decided to examine experimentally whether Galleria mellonella could be used as vector to transmit Campylobacter to broiler chickens. More recently, the use of live insect feed has been proposed both for its nutritional qualities and improving bird welfare through the encouragement of natural foraging behaviours and it is unclear any risk this poses in terms of pathogen transmission. In this study, day-old chicks (n = 29) were obtained from a commercial hatchery. At three weeks of age, birds were split into 4 This groups; Group 1 was infected via oral gavage with 10⁶ cells of C. jejuni-M1, Group 2 was fed Galleria mellonella infected with 10⁶ cells of C. jejuni-M1, Group 3 was fed uninfected Galleria mellonella, whilst the remaining group was unchallenged. Cloacal swabs were taken at 2, 4, and 6 days post-infection (dpi) to follow transmission and at 8 dpi birds culled and C. jejuni load quantified in the caeca and liver. At 8 dpi, all birds in both the Campylobacter gavage group and those in the group fed the Campylobacter infected Galleria mellonella were Campylobacter positive, whereas those fed uninfected Galleria mellonella and the control group were all Campylobacter negative. The mean caecal Campylobacter load in the Campylobacter gavage group was 1.7 × 10¹⁰ per gram compared with 8.6 × 10⁹ in the group fed the Campylobacter-infected Galleria mellonella. No liver positives were found in any of the groups. Our findings indicate that feeding broiler chickens with the vector Galleria mellonella infected with C. jejuni-M1 is sufficient to establish colonisation with C. jejuni. We propose that Galleria can be used as an easy and flexible model for vector transmission of foodborne pathogens in chicken. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Broiler Breeders with Colibacillosis in Mississippi

by

,

,

,

,

and

Poultry 2023, 2(1), 24-39; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry2010004 - 27 Jan 2023

Abstract

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in poultry, a leading cause of poultry mortality worldwide. It is crucial to control APEC in broiler breeders as it is vertically transferred to progeny via eggs. However, there is only limited knowledge on the current [...] Read more.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in poultry, a leading cause of poultry mortality worldwide. It is crucial to control APEC in broiler breeders as it is vertically transferred to progeny via eggs. However, there is only limited knowledge on the current APEC population in breeders. This study characterized 28 APEC strains isolated from broiler breeders with colibacillosis. The genotypic-virulence characteristics as well as antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance patterns of the isolates were determined. Results showed that O88 is the most prevalent serogroup and B2 is the predominant phylogenetic group. Among virulence genes, genes for iron acquisition (iroN and iutA), protectins (iss and ompT), and toxin production (hlyF) exhibited the highest prevalence. Further, 93% of the isolates carried at least one antimicrobial resistance gene with highest prevalence for tetracycline gene tetA. Among the isolates, 10.71% exhibited multidrug resistance. All isolates carried at least one heavy-metal resistance gene with the highest prevalence for arsenic gene arsC and the highest resistance towards silver. Our findings provide insight into the characteristics of current APEC populations in broiler breeders in Mississippi. This will help future research on the pathogenesis of APEC and the development of effective prevention and control strategies against APEC in broiler breeders. Full article

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