Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100633
C. Hisasaga , S.K. Orlowski-Workman , K.J. Tarrant
The broiler industry has observed an increase in the incidence and severity of myopathies in recent years, which has negatively affected meat quality and compromised consumer acceptance of fresh and processed products. Among these, a myopathy known as woody breast (WB) has become of concern to both the scientific community and the poultry industry, prompting numerous studies on the etiology of the myopathy. WB has been described as a disorder that causes hardening and discoloration of the chicken pectoralis major muscle, subsequently decreasing the meat quality. Palpation of the breast muscle of live birds has been used to estimate the presence and severity of woody breast in broiler populations. To assess its accuracy, this experiment aimed to evaluate how effectively the method can estimate the incidence and severity of WB pre-mortem. Furthermore, this study supports previous statements that demonstrate birds with WB are heavier in weight than those without WB. Our study provides insight into the reliability of using external palpations for scoring woody breast in live broilers. While the palpation method on live birds can be used to gain general information about breast scores, internal evaluation of WB scoring is needed to fully understand the incidence and severity of myopathy, as live scoring can be variable.
{"title":"Applied research note: Reliability in using live palpation scores to evaluate woody breast severity in commercial broilers","authors":"C. Hisasaga , S.K. Orlowski-Workman , K.J. Tarrant","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The broiler industry has observed an increase in the incidence and severity of myopathies in recent years, which has negatively affected meat quality and compromised consumer acceptance of fresh and processed products. Among these, a myopathy known as woody breast (WB) has become of concern to both the scientific community and the poultry industry, prompting numerous studies on the etiology of the myopathy. WB has been described as a disorder that causes hardening and discoloration of the chicken pectoralis major muscle, subsequently decreasing the meat quality. Palpation of the breast muscle of live birds has been used to estimate the presence and severity of woody breast in broiler populations. To assess its accuracy, this experiment aimed to evaluate how effectively the method can estimate the incidence and severity of WB pre-mortem. Furthermore, this study supports previous statements that demonstrate birds with WB are heavier in weight than those without WB. Our study provides insight into the reliability of using external palpations for scoring woody breast in live broilers. While the palpation method on live birds can be used to gain general information about breast scores, internal evaluation of WB scoring is needed to fully understand the incidence and severity of myopathy, as live scoring can be variable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100633"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100646
Dhananjai Muringattu Prabhakaran , Mohammad Bilal Islam , Amritha Ajayan , Shijinaraj Manjankattil , Claire Peichel , Grace Dewi , Timothy J. Johnson , Sally Noll , Anup Kollanoor Johny
Salmonella Infantis is a major serotype of foodborne Salmonella that is emerging in poultry production. Finding novel antibacterial candidates to reduce S. Infantis colonization in broilers is critical to minimize outbreaks associated with chicken products. The current study (1) characterized two MDR outbreak strains of S. Infantis (AR0919, AR0923), individually and in Combination, for their growth and multiplication in various environmental conditions and to colonize the cecum of 2-day-old broiler chicks and dissemination to the liver (S. Infantis characterization study) and (2) determined the in vitro effects of a dairy-originated probiotic, P. freudenreichii, on the two MDR strains of S. Infantis, individually and their Combination, on pathogen motility, epithelial cell adhesion, and invasion, and growth in various environmental conditions (P. freudenreichii intervention study). The strains behaved similarly in vitro, individually and in Combination (P>0.05). The in vivo study revealed that both MDR strains had a similar cecal colonization rate, individually and in Combination (P>0.05). Strain AR0923 exhibited a higher rate of dissemination to the liver. A significant reduction in the motility, adhesion to, and invasion of Caco-2 cells and growth in co-culture media and cecal contents (both the strains and the Combination) was observed (P<0.05). The results suggest that the two S. Infantis strains are infective in broiler chicks, and P. freudenreichii is a potential probiotic candidate against S. Infantis in vitro. Studies in commercial broiler chickens are underway.
{"title":"In vitro determination of the effects of dairy-origin Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis strains infective in broiler chicks","authors":"Dhananjai Muringattu Prabhakaran , Mohammad Bilal Islam , Amritha Ajayan , Shijinaraj Manjankattil , Claire Peichel , Grace Dewi , Timothy J. Johnson , Sally Noll , Anup Kollanoor Johny","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Salmonella</em> Infantis is a major serotype of foodborne <em>Salmonella</em> that is emerging in poultry production. Finding novel antibacterial candidates to reduce <em>S</em>. Infantis colonization in broilers is critical to minimize outbreaks associated with chicken products. The current study (1) characterized two MDR outbreak strains of <em>S</em>. Infantis (AR0919, AR0923), individually and in Combination, for their growth and multiplication in various environmental conditions and to colonize the cecum of 2-day-old broiler chicks and dissemination to the liver (<em>S</em>. Infantis characterization study) and (2) determined the <em>in vitro</em> effects of a dairy-originated probiotic, <em>P. freudenreichii</em>, on the two MDR strains of <em>S</em>. Infantis, individually and their Combination, on pathogen motility, epithelial cell adhesion, and invasion, and growth in various environmental conditions (<em>P. freudenreichii</em> intervention study). The strains behaved similarly <em>in vitro</em>, individually and in Combination (<em>P</em>>0.05). The <em>in vivo</em> study revealed that both MDR strains had a similar cecal colonization rate, individually and in Combination (<em>P</em>>0.05). Strain AR0923 exhibited a higher rate of dissemination to the liver. A significant reduction in the motility, adhesion to, and invasion of Caco-2 cells and growth in co-culture media and cecal contents (both the strains and the Combination) was observed (<em>P</em><0.05). The results suggest that the two <em>S</em>. Infantis strains are infective in broiler chicks, and <em>P. freudenreichii</em> is a potential probiotic candidate against <em>S</em>. Infantis in vitro. Studies in commercial broiler chickens are underway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100646"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100636
A. Renner, E.B. Estanich, E.A. Lynch, K.M. Bowen, L.E. Knarr, T. Waugerman, J.S. Moritz
Thermal processes during steam conditioning and pellet die extrusion aid in pelleting but may degrade exogenous feed enzymes. This study determined how ambient temperature interacts with varying steam conditioning temperatures to influence moisture addition throughout pelleting, the pelleting process, and enzyme activity. A split-plot design was implemented using two whole-plot units (Ambient Temperature: -1 and 16°C) and three sub-plot units (Conditioning Temperature: 66, 74, and 82°C). Corn and soybean-based mash feed was within 5°C for all treatments before conditioning and contained a commercial phytase and xylanase. Increasing conditioning temperature increased conditioned mash and hot pellet moisture content, regardless of ambient temperature (P < 0.05). Pellet production rate was affected by the interaction of ambient and conditioning temperatures (P = 0.0357). Production rate did not change across conditioning temperature at -1°C ambient temperature; however, increased three percent from 74°C to 82°C at 16°C ambient temperature. Pellet mill motor load decreased with increasing conditioning temperature (P = 0.0002) and tended to decrease with 16°C ambient temperature (P = 0.0647). Unlike phytase, xylanase activity decreased in cooled pellets with increasing conditioning temperature and higher ambient temperature (P < 0.05). Increasing conditioning temperature and 16°C ambient conditions likely produced steam that provided increased lubrication at the pellet die and decreased xylanase activity. Perhaps the steam within our system experienced a Leidenfrost effect or there was less flash-off of moisture within the conditioner during warm ambient temperatures. These data suggest conditioning and ambient temperatures influence steam dynamics, the pelleting process, and nutrition.
{"title":"Interaction of ambient temperature and conditioning temperatures on moisture addition throughout pelleting, the pelleting process, and enzyme activity","authors":"A. Renner, E.B. Estanich, E.A. Lynch, K.M. Bowen, L.E. Knarr, T. Waugerman, J.S. Moritz","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100636","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100636","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermal processes during steam conditioning and pellet die extrusion aid in pelleting but may degrade exogenous feed enzymes. This study determined how ambient temperature interacts with varying steam conditioning temperatures to influence moisture addition throughout pelleting, the pelleting process, and enzyme activity. A split-plot design was implemented using two whole-plot units (Ambient Temperature: -1 and 16°C) and three sub-plot units (Conditioning Temperature: 66, 74, and 82°C). Corn and soybean-based mash feed was within 5°C for all treatments before conditioning and contained a commercial phytase and xylanase. Increasing conditioning temperature increased conditioned mash and hot pellet moisture content, regardless of ambient temperature (P < 0.05). Pellet production rate was affected by the interaction of ambient and conditioning temperatures (<em>P</em> = 0.0357). Production rate did not change across conditioning temperature at -1°C ambient temperature; however, increased three percent from 74°C to 82°C at 16°C ambient temperature. Pellet mill motor load decreased with increasing conditioning temperature (<em>P</em> = 0.0002) and tended to decrease with 16°C ambient temperature (<em>P</em> = 0.0647). Unlike phytase, xylanase activity decreased in cooled pellets with increasing conditioning temperature and higher ambient temperature (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Increasing conditioning temperature and 16°C ambient conditions likely produced steam that provided increased lubrication at the pellet die and decreased xylanase activity. Perhaps the steam within our system experienced a Leidenfrost effect or there was less flash-off of moisture within the conditioner during warm ambient temperatures. These data suggest conditioning and ambient temperatures influence steam dynamics, the pelleting process, and nutrition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100636"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100656
Mokhtar Fathi , Kianoosh Zarrinkavyani
Heat stress poses a major challenge to poultry production, emphasizing the critical need for efficient interventions to counter its negative impacts and support animal health and performance. The present study evaluated the efficacy of cinnamon nanoparticles in improving growth performance and alleviating heat stress in broiler chickens. A total of 500 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. From day 1 to 25, broiler chickens were maintained under standard environmental conditions. Starting on day 25 until day 42, birds were subjected to daily heat stress exposure at 34 ± 2°C for 8 h per day (09:00–17:00). Each treatment included five replicates with 20 birds per replicate. The experimental treatments consisted of a control group receiving a basal diet without supplementation, and four groups supplemented with 150, 300, 450, or 600 mg of cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs) per kilogram of feed. The CNPs were synthesized using an ultrasound-assisted method. Supplementation with CNPs significantly improved growth performance in a dose-dependent manner. Final body weight and body weight gain increased linearly, with the highest values observed at 600 mg/kg (2590 g and 1693 g, respectively) compared to control (1979 g and 1129 g). Although feed intake (FI) was numerically higher in the supplemented groups, the differences were not statistically significant across all levels. Feed conversion ratio improved significantly, decreasing from 1.73 in control to 1.40 at 600 mg/kg, while mortality rate was reduced from 10 % to 4 %. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly with CNPs supplementation. Glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase activities showed linear improvements, reaching 229.91 mU/mL and 139 U/mL respectively at the highest dose, whereas malondialdehyde concentration decreased, and indicating reduced oxidative stress. Hematological indices were positively modulated; red blood cell counts increased significantly and white blood cell counts, heterophil percentage, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio decreased, suggesting improved immune status and reduced physiological stress. Moreover, cecal lactic acid bacteria populations increased significantly with higher CNPs levels, while coliform counts remained unchanged. In conclusion, dietary cinnamon nanoparticles effectively mitigated heat stress effects in broilers by enhancing growth performance, antioxidant defenses, hematological health, and beneficial gut microbial, suggesting their potential as a natural feed additive in poultry production under heat stress conditions.
{"title":"Effects of Cinnamon Nanoparticles on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Hematological, and Gut Microbial Composition in Broiler Chickens Under Heat Stress Conditions","authors":"Mokhtar Fathi , Kianoosh Zarrinkavyani","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heat stress poses a major challenge to poultry production, emphasizing the critical need for efficient interventions to counter its negative impacts and support animal health and performance. The present study evaluated the efficacy of cinnamon nanoparticles in improving growth performance and alleviating heat stress in broiler chickens. A total of 500 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. From day 1 to 25, broiler chickens were maintained under standard environmental conditions. Starting on day 25 until day 42, birds were subjected to daily heat stress exposure at 34 ± 2°C for 8 h per day (09:00–17:00). Each treatment included five replicates with 20 birds per replicate. The experimental treatments consisted of a control group receiving a basal diet without supplementation, and four groups supplemented with 150, 300, 450, or 600 mg of cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs) per kilogram of feed. The CNPs were synthesized using an ultrasound-assisted method. Supplementation with CNPs significantly improved growth performance in a dose-dependent manner. Final body weight and body weight gain increased linearly, with the highest values observed at 600 mg/kg (2590 g and 1693 g, respectively) compared to control (1979 g and 1129 g). Although feed intake (FI) was numerically higher in the supplemented groups, the differences were not statistically significant across all levels. Feed conversion ratio improved significantly, decreasing from 1.73 in control to 1.40 at 600 mg/kg, while mortality rate was reduced from 10 % to 4 %. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly with CNPs supplementation. Glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase activities showed linear improvements, reaching 229.91 mU/mL and 139 U/mL respectively at the highest dose, whereas malondialdehyde concentration decreased, and indicating reduced oxidative stress. Hematological indices were positively modulated; red blood cell counts increased significantly and white blood cell counts, heterophil percentage, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio decreased, suggesting improved immune status and reduced physiological stress. Moreover, cecal lactic acid bacteria populations increased significantly with higher CNPs levels, while coliform counts remained unchanged. In conclusion, dietary cinnamon nanoparticles effectively mitigated heat stress effects in broilers by enhancing growth performance, antioxidant defenses, hematological health, and beneficial gut microbial, suggesting their potential as a natural feed additive in poultry production under heat stress conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100656"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100645
Mark C. Jenkins, Carolyn C. Parker, Christina Yeager
Outbreaks of avian coccidiosis arise after newly-placed chicks ingest high numbers of Eimeria oocysts present in litter. Preventing coccidiosis depends on reducing the number of Eimeria oocysts ingested to a level that either induces or boosts immunity without causing enteric disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if feces in auxiliary feed trays (AFT) contained Eimeria oocysts and, if so, were these oocysts capable of causing a patent infection. Sampling of feces present in AFT or litter was conducted in a total of 16 houses from 11 different commercial broiler farms during a coccidiosis vaccine program. Without exception, appreciable numbers (∼ 103 oocysts/gram) of E. maxima and non-E. maxima (E. acervulina, E. mitis, E. praecox, E. tenella) oocysts were found in AFT. Nearly all litter samples (14/16) were positive for E. maxima oocysts, while all litter samples (16/16) were positive for non-E. maxima oocysts. As indicated by ITS1 PCR, E. acervulina, E. mitis, E. praecox, and E. tenella oocysts were generally present in all AFT and litter. Experimental infection of susceptible chickens with Eimeria oocysts recovered from AFT revealed that E. acervulina and E. mitis, but not E. maxima, E. praecox, nor E. tenella oocysts were viable and infectious. This finding is consistent with a shorter patent period and thus more rapid progression to full sporulation of E. acervulina and E. mitis. These results indicate that fecal material in AFT represents a potential source of Eimeria infection in young chicks, and removing the trays within 7 days post-placement may reduce coccidiosis outbreaks.
{"title":"Eimeria oocysts in auxiliary feed trays represent a potential source of infection to young broiler chicks","authors":"Mark C. Jenkins, Carolyn C. Parker, Christina Yeager","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Outbreaks of avian coccidiosis arise after newly-placed chicks ingest high numbers of <em>Eimeria</em> oocysts present in litter. Preventing coccidiosis depends on reducing the number of <em>Eimeria</em> oocysts ingested to a level that either induces or boosts immunity without causing enteric disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if feces in auxiliary feed trays (AFT) contained <em>Eimeria</em> oocysts and, if so, were these oocysts capable of causing a patent infection. Sampling of feces present in AFT or litter was conducted in a total of 16 houses from 11 different commercial broiler farms during a coccidiosis vaccine program. Without exception, appreciable numbers (∼ 10<sup>3</sup> oocysts/gram) of <em>E. maxima</em> and non-<em>E. maxima</em> (<em>E. acervulina, E. mitis, E. praecox, E. tenella</em>) oocysts were found in AFT. Nearly all litter samples (14/16) were positive for <em>E. maxima</em> oocysts, while all litter samples (16/16) were positive for non-<em>E. maxima</em> oocysts. As indicated by ITS1 PCR, <em>E. acervulina, E. mitis, E. praecox</em>, and <em>E. tenella</em> oocysts were generally present in all AFT and litter. Experimental infection of susceptible chickens with <em>Eimeria</em> oocysts recovered from AFT revealed that <em>E. acervulina</em> and <em>E. mitis</em>, but not <em>E. maxima, E. praecox</em>, nor <em>E. tenella</em> oocysts were viable and infectious. This finding is consistent with a shorter patent period and thus more rapid progression to full sporulation of <em>E. acervulina</em> and <em>E. mitis</em>. These results indicate that fecal material in AFT represents a potential source of <em>Eimeria</em> infection in young chicks, and removing the trays within 7 days post-placement may reduce coccidiosis outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100645"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145747728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100647
Mallory Zumwalt, Mazette Croom, Rosemary L. Walzem, Samson Oladokun
The poultry industry faces a significant challenge known as the "broiler breeder paradox," where genetic selection for rapid growth adversely affects breeder reproductive performance. Currently, feed restriction is used to address this issue; however, it can lead to stress and welfare concerns in birds. A promising approach to alleviate these challenges involves modifying the host gut microbiota with genetically engineered probiotics. This study focuses on the effect of an E. coli Nissle, 1917 probiotic modified to express N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine acyl transferase (NAPE-EcN) on host microbiota. That probiotic is hypothesized to mitigate feed restriction-related stress by positively modulating the host microbiota. We investigated the effects of 5 weeks of daily NAPE-EcN administration on large intestinal microbiota composition and diversity in breeder pullets. Differences due to strain (Breed 1 vs. Breed 2) and persistence of week 5 microbiota profile 3 weeks after cessation of NAPE-EcN administration (week 5 vs. week 8). Results indicated that breed differences significantly impacted NAPE-EcN's effects on the microbiota profile, with greater effects observed in Breed 2. Additionally, NAPE-EcN suppressed specific bacterial taxa linked to metabolic disorder in Breed 2, suggesting potential for benefit in breeder management. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing gut health in poultry and potential to improve the management of metabolic disorders in broiler breeders.
{"title":"Applied research note: Microbiota shifts following withdrawal of probiotic expressing N-acyl-phosphatidyl ethanolamine acyltransferase activity in gut","authors":"Mallory Zumwalt, Mazette Croom, Rosemary L. Walzem, Samson Oladokun","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The poultry industry faces a significant challenge known as the \"broiler breeder paradox,\" where genetic selection for rapid growth adversely affects breeder reproductive performance. Currently, feed restriction is used to address this issue; however, it can lead to stress and welfare concerns in birds. A promising approach to alleviate these challenges involves modifying the host gut microbiota with genetically engineered probiotics. This study focuses on the effect of an E. coli Nissle, 1917 probiotic modified to express N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine acyl transferase (NAPE-EcN) on host microbiota. That probiotic is hypothesized to mitigate feed restriction-related stress by positively modulating the host microbiota. We investigated the effects of 5 weeks of daily NAPE-EcN administration on large intestinal microbiota composition and diversity in breeder pullets. Differences due to strain (Breed 1 vs. Breed 2) and persistence of week 5 microbiota profile 3 weeks after cessation of NAPE-EcN administration (week 5 vs. week 8). Results indicated that breed differences significantly impacted NAPE-EcN's effects on the microbiota profile, with greater effects observed in Breed 2. Additionally, NAPE-EcN suppressed specific bacterial taxa linked to metabolic disorder in Breed 2, suggesting potential for benefit in breeder management. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing gut health in poultry and potential to improve the management of metabolic disorders in broiler breeders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100647"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145747729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100654
Adamu M. Isa , Yanyan Sun , Aixin Ni , Yuanmei Wang , Yunlei Li , Lei Shi , Hui Chen , Panling Wang , Pingzhuang Ge , Yunhe Zong , Hui Ma , Jilan Chen
The objective of this study was to characterize the oviposition patterns in Columbian Rock (CR) and White Leghorn (WL) breeder hens and to identify candidate genes for the oviposition traits. Hens were selected for this study based on their divergence in egg number and clutch size. The selected hens were categorized into Columbian Rock large clutch (CRLC), Columbian Rock small clutch (CRSC), White Leghorn large clutch (WLLC) and White Leghorn small clutch (WLSC). Egg production and clutch traits were recorded until 52 weeks of age for all hens in the two breeds while oviposition time was monitored for 14 days (d) in the hens selected for divergent clutch traits and laying rate. Furthermore, the expression of 16 candidate genes associated with egg laying was analyzed in the ovary tissues of the four groups. Results indicated a higher laying rate in White Leghorn than Columbian Rock. Furthermore, all desirable egg production indices were favorable in the large clutch groups compared to those in the small clutch group irrespective of breed (p ≤ 0.001). The majority of the hens in CRLC laid eggs between 08:00 and 08:30 hours (h), whereas the majority of hens in CRSC laid eggs between 11:00 and 11:30 h. Similarly, over 83 % of oviposition in WLLC occurred prior to 11:30 h, in contrast to less than 60 % in hens of WLSC. In both breeds, lag in oviposition differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between the large and small clutch groups. The expression of beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1A, pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1, and regulator of G protein signaling 3 in the pre-hierarchical follicles was higher in the CRLC group than in the CRSC. The expression of aromatase was higher in WLSC than in WLLC, suggesting a group-specific expression pattern. Hens with large clutches demonstrated a narrow oviposition window and consistently shorter oviposition lag, leading to shorter internal cycle lengths and an overall higher egg-laying efficiency.
{"title":"Characterization of oviposition pattern in Columbian Rock and White Leghorn breeder layer chickens divergent in laying rate and clutch size","authors":"Adamu M. Isa , Yanyan Sun , Aixin Ni , Yuanmei Wang , Yunlei Li , Lei Shi , Hui Chen , Panling Wang , Pingzhuang Ge , Yunhe Zong , Hui Ma , Jilan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to characterize the oviposition patterns in Columbian Rock (CR) and White Leghorn (WL) breeder hens and to identify candidate genes for the oviposition traits. Hens were selected for this study based on their divergence in egg number and clutch size. The selected hens were categorized into Columbian Rock large clutch (CRLC), Columbian Rock small clutch (CRSC), White Leghorn large clutch (WLLC) and White Leghorn small clutch (WLSC). Egg production and clutch traits were recorded until 52 weeks of age for all hens in the two breeds while oviposition time was monitored for 14 days (d) in the hens selected for divergent clutch traits and laying rate. Furthermore, the expression of 16 candidate genes associated with egg laying was analyzed in the ovary tissues of the four groups. Results indicated a higher laying rate in White Leghorn than Columbian Rock. Furthermore, all desirable egg production indices were favorable in the large clutch groups compared to those in the small clutch group irrespective of breed (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.001). The majority of the hens in CRLC laid eggs between 08:00 and 08:30 hours (h), whereas the majority of hens in CRSC laid eggs between 11:00 and 11:30 h. Similarly, over 83 % of oviposition in WLLC occurred prior to 11:30 h, in contrast to less than 60 % in hens of WLSC. In both breeds, lag in oviposition differed significantly (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) between the large and small clutch groups. The expression of <em>beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1A, pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1</em>, and <em>regulator of G protein signaling 3</em> in the pre-hierarchical follicles was higher in the CRLC group than in the CRSC. The expression of <em>aromatase</em> was higher in WLSC than in WLLC, suggesting a group-specific expression pattern. Hens with large clutches demonstrated a narrow oviposition window and consistently shorter oviposition lag, leading to shorter internal cycle lengths and an overall higher egg-laying efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100654"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-22DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100644
Rodolfo Riboty , Daniel Huaringa
This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary mycotoxins and two commercial mycotoxin-detoxifying agents (MDA) on growth performance and serum biomarkers in broilers. A total of 200 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments (5 replicates; 10 birds each): a diet with non-contaminated corn (NC), a diet with naturally mycotoxin-contaminated corn (PC), and the contaminated diet supplemented with either a bio transforming, biological components-based detoxifier (PC+MDA1) or a yeast-based functional carbohydrates detoxifier (PC+MDA2). Six mycotoxins (AF, T-2, ZEA, OTA, DON, FB) were quantified in ingredients and complete feeds using LC-MS/MS and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ELISA. Performance variables (BWG, FI, FCR, mortality, EPEF) and serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, UA, creatinine, GGT) were analyzed by ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD (P < 0.05). Greater cumulative intake of all mycotoxins in the PC diet resulted in reduced BWG (-5.2%; P=0.028), poorer FCR (+4.6%; P=0.008), and lower EPEF (-14.8%; P=0.031) compared with NC. Broilers receiving PC + MDA1 and PC + MDA2 showed BWG valued intermediate between NC and PC, while PC + MDA2 significantly improved FCR relative to PC. Increases in ALT, AST, ALP (P<0.01), and UA (P=0.042) indicated hepatic and renal stress in birds fed with PC diets, and these responses were partially attenuated by both detoxifiers. In conclusion, even low dietary levels of multiple mycotoxins may impair broiler performance and health, and the inclusion of functional detoxifiers can reduce these effects under field-relevant conditions.
{"title":"Evaluation of two mycotoxin-detoxifying agents in broilers fed naturally contaminated corn with elevated mycotoxin levels","authors":"Rodolfo Riboty , Daniel Huaringa","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100644","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary mycotoxins and two commercial mycotoxin-detoxifying agents (MDA) on growth performance and serum biomarkers in broilers. A total of 200 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments (5 replicates; 10 birds each): a diet with non-contaminated corn (NC), a diet with naturally mycotoxin-contaminated corn (PC), and the contaminated diet supplemented with either a bio transforming, biological components-based detoxifier (PC+MDA1) or a yeast-based functional carbohydrates detoxifier (PC+MDA2). Six mycotoxins (AF, T-2, ZEA, OTA, DON, FB) were quantified in ingredients and complete feeds using LC-MS/MS and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ELISA. Performance variables (BWG, FI, FCR, mortality, EPEF) and serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, UA, creatinine, GGT) were analyzed by ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD (P < 0.05). Greater cumulative intake of all mycotoxins in the PC diet resulted in reduced BWG (-5.2%; P=0.028), poorer FCR (+4.6%; P=0.008), and lower EPEF (-14.8%; P=0.031) compared with NC. Broilers receiving PC + MDA1 and PC + MDA2 showed BWG valued intermediate between NC and PC, while PC + MDA2 significantly improved FCR relative to PC. Increases in ALT, AST, ALP (P<0.01), and UA (P=0.042) indicated hepatic and renal stress in birds fed with PC diets, and these responses were partially attenuated by both detoxifiers. In conclusion, even low dietary levels of multiple mycotoxins may impair broiler performance and health, and the inclusion of functional detoxifiers can reduce these effects under field-relevant conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"35 1","pages":"Article 100644"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100586
Revathi Shanmugasundaram
The poultry industry continues to expand, addressing mycotoxin contamination in feed becomes compulsory. Mycotoxins pose a significant threat to poultry health as they contaminate both pre- and post-harvest crops. The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins decreases individual tolerance levels, even at subclinical levels, which can be considered to increase the pathology of individual mycotoxins in poultry. Mycotoxin interactions within the animal system are mainly additive in nature. The ultimate goal of achieving sustainable poultry production is to reduce the mycotoxin load in feed and its impact on downstream poultry food safety. This poultry science association annual conference symposium paper focuses on understanding the complex interactions among mycotoxins, notably fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and aflatoxin, and their cumulative effects on poultry health. The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in poultry feed ingredients exacerbates their effects on each other and impacts chicken production performance and health, necessitating a reevaluation of current mitigation strategies. Key discussions included the cascading effects of feed safety and mycotoxin interactions impacting poultry health, including intestinal epithelial barrier function, immunosuppression, and gut microbiome composition, leading to necrotic enteritis and foodborne pathogen contamination. Challenges faced by the poultry industry, such as the limited efficacy of traditional mycotoxin binders against fumonisins and deoxynivalenol, were discussed. The urgent need for real-time biomarkers to detect subclinical mycotoxicity was emphasized. Additionally, potential intervention strategies, including probiotics, mycotoxin deactivating enzymes, and mycotoxin binders, were discussed to mitigate mycotoxin impacts in poultry.
{"title":"Current approaches to the ongoing challenges of mycotoxins in poultry diets: Understanding and combating mycotoxins for sustainable poultry production","authors":"Revathi Shanmugasundaram","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The poultry industry continues to expand, addressing mycotoxin contamination in feed becomes compulsory. Mycotoxins pose a significant threat to poultry health as they contaminate both pre- and post-harvest crops. The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins decreases individual tolerance levels, even at subclinical levels, which can be considered to increase the pathology of individual mycotoxins in poultry. Mycotoxin interactions within the animal system are mainly additive in nature. The ultimate goal of achieving sustainable poultry production is to reduce the mycotoxin load in feed and its impact on downstream poultry food safety. This poultry science association annual conference symposium paper focuses on understanding the complex interactions among mycotoxins, notably fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and aflatoxin, and their cumulative effects on poultry health. The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in poultry feed ingredients exacerbates their effects on each other and impacts chicken production performance and health, necessitating a reevaluation of current mitigation strategies. Key discussions included the cascading effects of feed safety and mycotoxin interactions impacting poultry health, including intestinal epithelial barrier function, immunosuppression, and gut microbiome composition, leading to necrotic enteritis and foodborne pathogen contamination. Challenges faced by the poultry industry, such as the limited efficacy of traditional mycotoxin binders against fumonisins and deoxynivalenol, were discussed. The urgent need for real-time biomarkers to detect subclinical mycotoxicity was emphasized. Additionally, potential intervention strategies, including probiotics, mycotoxin deactivating enzymes, and mycotoxin binders, were discussed to mitigate mycotoxin impacts in poultry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"34 4","pages":"Article 100586"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144886138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2025.100616
K.C. Klasing , W.A. Dozier III , G.G. Mateos , M.E. Persia , R.L. Walzem , N. Sakomura , M. Reis , G. Viana , R. Riveros , R.G. Elkin , C.R. Angel , D.R. Korver
The most recent (9th) edition of the National Research Council’s “Nutrient Requirement of Poultry” report was published in 1994. A new edition of this report is being prepared for release in 2025, by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). The 10th edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Poultry publication is substantially updated in terms of the volume of information included, reflecting the goal to serve a more educational purpose than previous reports. Wherever possible, nutrient requirement values have been updated to reflect the most current research. However, for many of the individual nutrients, little work has been done to determine the requirements of modern poultry strains. A preview of the updated NASEM report was presented during the Informal Nutrition Symposium at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Poultry Science Association. Topics included overviews of each chapter, as well as identification of the substantial research gaps for most nutrients, and a discussion of the use and need for mathematical models to allow for prediction of nutrient requirements of the ever-changing genetics of commercial poultry.
{"title":"Informal nutrition symposium: Overview of the nutrient requirements of poultry, 10th revised edition","authors":"K.C. Klasing , W.A. Dozier III , G.G. Mateos , M.E. Persia , R.L. Walzem , N. Sakomura , M. Reis , G. Viana , R. Riveros , R.G. Elkin , C.R. Angel , D.R. Korver","doi":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japr.2025.100616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The most recent (9th) edition of the National Research Council’s “Nutrient Requirement of Poultry” report was published in 1994. A new edition of this report is being prepared for release in 2025, by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). The 10th edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Poultry publication is substantially updated in terms of the volume of information included, reflecting the goal to serve a more educational purpose than previous reports. Wherever possible, nutrient requirement values have been updated to reflect the most current research. However, for many of the individual nutrients, little work has been done to determine the requirements of modern poultry strains. A preview of the updated NASEM report was presented during the Informal Nutrition Symposium at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Poultry Science Association. Topics included overviews of each chapter, as well as identification of the substantial research gaps for most nutrients, and a discussion of the use and need for mathematical models to allow for prediction of nutrient requirements of the ever-changing genetics of commercial poultry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15240,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Applied Poultry Research","volume":"34 4","pages":"Article 100616"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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