Journal of Applied Poultry Research最新文献

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) cause a range of clinical symptoms, and viruses are becoming of great economic significance for the poultry industry. Hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE), lung disorders, and bleeding in the muscles and organs are among the diseases that are typically brought on by FAdVs. This study aims to investigate the spread of FAdV infections on broiler farms in Iran. The results of this research indicate that most of the diseases related to avian adenovirus (FAdV) in Iran include inclusion body hepatitis, adenoviral gizzard erosion, and Hepatitis-Hydropericardium Syndrome. According to the findings of this study, the most common disease related to FAdV in Iran is more than 70% inclusion body hepatitis, and after inclusion body hepatitis, adenoviral gizzard erosion is the most common in Iran. Additionally, it was found that serotypes 11 and 8b, as well as genotypes d and e, are the most common genotypes and serotypes linked to inclusion body hepatitis in Iran. Additionally, serotype 1 (FAdV-1) was shown to be the most often isolated serotype related to AGE disease in Iran throughout this study. Serotype 4 (FAdV-4) has been identified as the primary serotype linked to HHS isolates in Iran based on the findings of the previously described investigation. There is an urgent need to effectively monitor the FAV in slaughter-aged chickens across this country. Field isolates can also be recognized and classified using molecular techniques and virus isolation methods. Vaccinating broiler flocks in advance is the only effective strategy to control this disease. Regularly following vaccination schedules and the use of potent vaccinations are also recommended.

Filth flies, especially house flies, can harbor and disseminate human pathogens to food and food contact surfaces. To determine the potential of flying insects to carry Salmonella and Campylobacter from poultry grow out houses, a total of 2,164 flying insects were caught and segregated based on flying insect family type and farm location in the Upstate, Middle, and Coastal parts of South Carolina in the United States for two 14-d sampling periods at 3 separate farms. Captured flying insects included house flies in the family Muscidae inside the poultry house (N = 289), house flies just outside the poultry house (N = 1023), and house flies 100 meters from the poultry houses (N = 547). Other flying insects included wasps in the family Vespidae species (spp.) captured just outside the poultry house (N = 71), Vespidae 100 meters from the poultry house (N = 126), flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae just outside the poultry house (N = 13), and flesh flies 100 meters from the poultry house (N = 9), blow flies in the family Calliphoridae 100 meters from the poultry house, darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae just outside the poultry house (N = 30), and darkling beetles 100 meters from the poultry house (N = 56). Populations of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and total aerobic organisms (APC) were recovered from flying insects as well as the number of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. positive flying insects at a 100 m distance from the broiler farms. Along with insect groups, chicken feces in the grow-out houses from 3 farms, cow manure around farm 1 and farm 2, and dog feces around farm 1 were also sampled. While no Campylobacter jejuni was recovered from any of the samples, including flying insect groups, chicken feces, cow manures, and dog feces, Campylobacter coli positive samples were detected in the cow manure samples in both collection periods, 100m-Calliphoridae, out-house flies and 100m-darkling beetles in 1 out of 2 collection periods on farm 2. Moreover, positive Serogroup B Salmonella spp. were detected in the groups in-chicken feces, in- house flies, and out- house flies on farm 2 and positive Serogroup C Salmonella spp. were detected in the groups of in- chicken feces, out- house flies, and 100m- house flies on farm 3. These data suggest that house flies may be a vector in the transmission of Salmonella spp. to and from broiler farms.

Infectious Bursal Disease is caused by a virus of the Birnaviridae family, belonging to the genus Avibirnavirus, which continues to represent a challenge for poultry production worldwide. In South America, genogroup 4 viral strains (dIBDV) have previously been detected in commercial broiler flocks. The emergence of variants needs to be constantly monitored to assess the risk of outbreaks even in vaccinated animals. The aim of this study was to identify the regional prevalence of dIBDV and evaluate its impacts on immune system organs and the performance of infected flocks in Parana state, Brazil. Thirty broiler flocks were evaluated, with an average of 24,949 birds per flock, aged between 18 and 23 d. Five Bursa of Fabricius samples were collected per flock for IBDV detection and genotyping. Positive samples for dIBDV in RFLP were submitted to sequencing of a fragment of the hypervariable region of the VP2 gene. Five samples of bursa of Fabricius, thymus, spleen, cecal tonsils and bone marrow were also collected per flock for histopathological analysis. Of the 30 flocks evaluated, in 10 (33%) IBDV from genogroup 4 (dIBDV) was detected. Flocks infected by dIBDV had significantly higher Bursa of Fabricius lesions than flocks negative for dIBDV. Flocks positive for dIBDV had their performance negatively impacted, through worsening feed conversion and an increase in mortality compared to negative flocks for dIBDV. In conclusion, genogroup 4 IBDV is capable of causing productive and health losses in broilers in Paraná, Brazil. The results of this study can help to better understand the dynamics of dIBDV infection in Brazil and to direct actions in the control of the disease.

Modifying pellet die thickness (PDT) has been shown to affect the frictional heat exposure of feed. The inclusion of Azomite (AZM) in broiler diets containing dicalcium phosphate has been shown to maintain apparent ileal amino acid digestibility (AIAAD). This is likely due to AZM's proposed die-scouring and lubrication properties that decreased the frictional heat exposure of feed which can change protein conformation and reduce AIAAD. Therefore, it was hypothesized that PDT and AZM would interact to influence AIAAD and broiler performance. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of AZM (0.0% or 0.25%) and PDT (32 and 45 mm; with a constant pellet diameter of 4.5 mm) on broiler performance and AIAAD from 0 to 21 d of age using a corn and soybean meal-based diet. Live performance was not influenced by AZM, PDT, or their 2-way interaction (P > 0.05). However, AIAAD was affected by AZM and PDT interactions (P < 0.05), with 11 amino acids demonstrating increased AIAAD in only the 45 mm control treatment. The AIAAD increase was likely not enough to influence performance. It was presumed that increased frictional heat deactivated trypsin inhibitors (TI) and chymotrypsin inhibitors (CTI), ultimately increasing AIAAD. Quantitative analysis of TI and CTI activity, utilizing a novel assay based on the current American Oil Chemists’ Society (Ba 12–75) and the American Association of Cereal Chemists International (22-40.01) accepted procedures, showed no practically influential amount of either inhibitor before or after pelleting. The authors, therefore, speculate that the increased AIAAD was due to corn aleurone layer cell wall lysis via increased frictional heat exposure of the 45 mm PDT and the absence of AZM.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with unprotected benzoic acid (BA) or benzocal-50 (protected BA) on the growth performance and intestinal health in mixed-sex Ross 308 broilers under a high stocking density. A total of 768 one-d-old mixed-sex Ross 308 chickens (BW: 43.52 ± 0.68 g) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments (6 replicates with 32 broilers in each): 1) basal diet (NC); 2) basal diet with 30 mg/kg of avilamycin (PC); 3) basal diet with 1,000 mg/kg of BA (PBA); and 4) basal diet with benzocal-50 (330, 330, and 300 mg/kg in the starter (d 1-14), grower (d 15–28), and finisher (d 29–41) phases) (EBA). The normal stocking density during the finisher phase for broilers is 25.0 kg BW/m², but this study used a density of 29.0 kg BW/m² for a high stocking density. The results revealed an increase in the ADG of the EBA treatment compared to the PBA treatment during d 8 to 14 (P < 0.05). In the grower (d 15–28) and finisher (d 29–41) phases, chickens fed the EBA treatment exhibited lower intestinal digesta pH values than those in the NC treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the EBA treatment displayed greater AID of dry matter and crude protein than the PC treatment (P < 0.05). The EBA treatment resulted in an upregulation of sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter and peptide transporter (PEPT1) mRNA expressions in the jejunum on d 14, an increased sodium-glucose transport protein 1 mRNA expression in the jejunum on d 28, and enhanced PEPT1 mRNA expression in the jejunum on d 41, when compared to the NC treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the EBA treatment improved cadherin 1 mRNA expression in the jejunum on d 28 than the NC and PC treatments (P < 0.05). Overall, supplementing benzocal-50 to broilers under a high stocking density led to a decrease in gut pH, contributing to reduced fecal score and an overall enhancement in the gut barrier function.

The poor quality and safety of poultry feed in developing countries pose significant concerns as they negatively impact poultry performance and present potential health risks to human consumers. Aflatoxicosis, resulting from postharvest contamination of feed ingredients by certain mold species, severely affects birds' overall health and productivity. To address these challenges, various feed additives have become increasingly important in poultry nutrition. Phytogenics, natural plant-derived products, have gained popularity for their ability to mitigate aflatoxicosis by their rich composition of bioactive compounds that offer beneficial effects on physiological and immunological functions. In light of the growing significance of aflatoxicosis in poultry nutrition, this review provides an overview of aflatoxins and their harmful effects on poultry health. It highlights the role of phytogenic compounds as growth and health stimulators, emphasizing their potential application in poultry nutrition. Furthermore, the review explores the antioxidant and immunological mechanisms through which phytogenics mitigate aflatoxicosis in poultry, including specific compounds and pathways involved. The findings reveal that aflatoxins induce inflammation, and oxidative stress in poultry, resulting in cellular damage and immune dysfunction. Phytogenics play a crucial role in ameliorating the harmful effects of aflatoxins in birds by countering aflatoxin-induced oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and restoring gut health and immune functions. In conclusion, phytogenics offer an invaluable tool for the mitigation of aflatoxicosis in poultry and serve as potent natural and safe alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants, promoting sustainable production practices.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercially available Bacillus-based direct fed microbial (DFM, Amnil®, United Animal Health, Sheridan, IN) on Pekin duck performance and welfare. The study consisted of 5 dietary treatments, each consisting of 10 replicate pens and 25 straight-run day-of-hatch ducks/pen. The treatments included a commercial-type basal diet (CON), or the basal diet supplemented with 125 ppm (A-125), or 250 ppm (A-250), or 500 ppm (A-500), or 750 ppm (A-750) DFM. On D 14 and 35 performance was evaluated. Gait scores (GS), footpad lesions (FPL), complete cell blood counts, nitrogen digestibility, and total plasma corticosterone levels (CORT) were measured at D 35. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) overall were higher in the CON than all other treatments. Body weights did not differ between treatments. The H/L Ratio and total plasma corticosterone levels for CON were higher than all of treatments. Nitrogen digestibility for CON was lower than all other treatments. Gait Scores and Footpad Lesion Scores did not differ between treatments. Utilization of the DFM at any inclusion rate improved feed efficiency, reduced stress susceptibility, and improved nitrogen digestibility. While gait scores, footpad scores, and body weights were not affected by supplementation, feeding this DFM to Pekin ducks can improve their performance and welfare.

The current study aimed to evaluate the internal quality of Israeli eggs, exploring the influence of various pre-laying factors, mainly the housing system type and flock size, on internal egg quality. The study used a stratified random sample of eighty flocks, representing Israel's layer population, categorized by housing system (cage/non-cage) and flock size (≤/>10,000). A total of 1,600 eggs were tested using Haugh unit (HU) measurements. Additional 2,800 eggs were used to monitor internal egg quality over a period of 28 days at storage temperatures of 20°C and 4°C. The housing system (cage/non-cage) had no effect on internal egg quality as measured by HU, but for caged farms, egg quality was higher in small flocks. Internal egg quality was primarily influenced by the layer flock age, with older hens producing larger but lower-quality eggs. Additional factors impacted internal egg quality, but to a lesser extent: Newcastle disease (ND) when diagnosed in a flock, lowered egg quality. Higher percentage of protein in the feed (above 17%) improved egg quality; and the Dekalb strain had a higher egg quality compared to the Hy-Line breed (with no significant difference found between the major breeds Lohmann and Hy-Line). Eggs kept at low storage temperature (4°C) maintained their quality, in comparison to eggs kept at room temperature (20°C). This research sheds light on factors affecting internal egg quality in the Israeli egg industry and highlights the importance of proper storage conditions to preserve egg quality for consumers.

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate number of replicates to identify significant differences in carcass and cut yields in broiler chickens. At 42 d of age, a total of 480 broiler chickens were selected, weighed, and processed to obtain the hot carcass yield. Subsequently, after cooling, the cold carcass yield was determined. The cold carcass was dismembered into boneless and skinless breast, tenders, legs, and whole wings, which were individually weighed to obtain the cuts yield. The collected data underwent normality analysis and subsequent determination of descriptive statistics, as well as analysis of variance, in both cases to determine mean values, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV). The required number of replicates to detect differences between means for different magnitudes was determined. The CVs obtained were stable, with the highest CV observed for tenders’ yield (11.34%) and the lowest for the hot carcass (2.35%). To achieve significant differences in both, cold and hot carcass, a minimum of 8 replicates is needed for 5% differences in 97% of experiments. For breast fillet characteristics, 10 replicates are required to detect a 10% difference in 99% of experiments. Due to higher variation, tenders yield necessitates at least 10 replicates to detect a 20% difference in 90% of cases. For wing yield, 8 replicates suffice for 94% accuracy when differences exceed 15%. Lastly, 10 replicates enable detection of 7.5% differences in leg variables in 95% of experiments. Effective experimental planning, based on the statistical power of the test, is essential for determining the requisite number of replicates. Researchers must prioritize the specific carcass characteristic relevant to their study and design the number of replicates, accordingly, ensuring more reliable and realistic results.

The study assessed the carcass characteristics and meat quality of spent laying ducks (Khaki Campbell hybrid ducks) compared to broiler ducks (Muscovy ducks), with a focus on their suitability for the meat market. Sixty carcasses of each breed underwent evaluation for carcass characteristics, pH₂₄, chemical composition, physical properties, and sensory characteristics. The findings showed that spent laying duck carcasses had lower weights and percentage cuts compared to broiler ducks, except for drumsticks, feet, backsides, neck and head, and remainders. Spent laying duck leg meat had higher moisture, fat, and pH₂₄ levels, while breasts contained more total non-essential amino acids, such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid. In contrast, broiler duck breast meat had higher protein, ash, soluble collagen, myoglobin content, total soluble protein, myofibrillar protein proportions, and total essential amino acids, particularly lysine and arginine. Broiler duck leg meat had the highest total collagen and stromal protein levels. In terms of physical properties, raw broiler duck breast meat and spent laying leg meat were more dark red in color. Cooked breast meat from both duck breeds was also darker than duck leg meat. Spent laying duck leg meat had the highest drip loss, while broiler duck leg meat had higher cooking loss and shear force but lower drip loss. Sensory evaluations indicated that both duck breeds' breasts and broiler duck legs received higher overall preference scores compared to spent laying duck leg meat. To enhance spent laying duck meat quality, particularly its water-holding capacity, further improvements and the development of value-added products are recommended to increase utilization in the meat market.