British Poultry Science最新文献

1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) concentrations on growth performance, heat sensitivity biomarkers and water and ion metabolism of meat ducks under heat stress (HS).2. A total of 400, 28-d-old Cherry Valley male meat ducks were randomly divided into five treatment groups (eight pens per treatment with 10 birds/pen), with dietary different DEB values, 120, 160, 200, 240 and 280 mmol/kg.3. Ducks in the 240-mmol/kg DEB group had a tendency (p = 0.098) for increased body weight at 41 d of age. The 240-mmol/kg DEB group displayed the numerically highest daily gain, the best FCR and lowest mortality among all treatment groups. Serum corticosterone (CORT) concentration in ducks from the 240-mmol/kg DEB group was significantly lower than that in the 280-mmol/kg DEB group (p < 0.05) and chlorine concentration had a tendency to fall (p = 0.083).4. The 240-mmol/kg DEB group significantly upregulated the expression of aquaporins (AQP) mRNA in the small intestine (AQP3 and AQP7), kidney (AQP3, AQP7, AQP9 and AQP10) and thenasal salt gland (AQP3 and AQP10). In addition, it upregulated the expression of ion transporter (Na-K-Cl cotransporter and Na-/K-ATPase) mRNA in the small intestine, kidney and nasal salt gland.5. Based on the overall benefits in growth performance, biochemical measures, tissue AQP and expression of ion transporters, an optimal level of DEB in diets for heat stressed ducks was 240 mmol/kg.

1. To solve the problem of difficult real-time detection of salt content in the process of salted duck egg preservation, X-ray imaging technology (including digital radiography technology DR and computed tomography technology CT) was adopted to explore non-destructive detection methods for salt content in salted eggs.2. By analysing the differences in greyscale values of DR images of saltwater samples with different salinities, the feasibility of DR technology in quantitative detection of salt content in salted eggs was verified. The greyscale changes of DR under different preservation times were used to create a linear quantitative model of greyscale-salinity (Validation R2 = 0.96). This was established using image subtraction combined with CT technology allowing the spatial distribution characteristics of salt diffusion from albumen to yolk in salted eggs to be assessed.3. The results showed that X-ray imaging technology can realise efficient non-destructive detection of salt content in eggs, providing an important basis for optimising the high-pressure pulsating preservation process.4. This study improved the production efficiency and quality of salted eggs. It provided theoretical support and practical guidance for the technological innovation of non-destructive detection and the optimisation of preservation technology in the salted egg industry.

1. This review discusses the functional role of resistant starch (RS) in poultry. It was hypothesised that RS-microbiota interactions and microbial fermentation-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) mediate improvements in nutrient digestion, immune modulation, gut and bone integrity.2. The fermentation of RS in the distal gastrointestinal tract produces microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) which selectively modulate gut microbial community. Individual SCFA are linked with different bacteria groups and taxa. The bacteria, in turn, may increase the production of SCFA. Different RS and concentrations in diets may yield variable quantities and profiles of SCFA under distinct physiological conditions and in different animal species.3. These SCFA regulate cytokine production via activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs), GPR43(FFAR2) and GPR41 (FFAR3) and/or inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) in immune and mononuclear cells. These play crucial roles in modulating the immune system, gut health and bone health.4. Overall, RS-microbiota interactions and SCFA production provide a mechanistic basis for improving intestinal and skeletal health in poultry, particularly under inflammatory challenges.

1. Organic acids have shown promise as safe and natural growth enhancers when added to broiler diets. 2. The current study aimed to assess how adding organic acids and their salts (OA+S) affected the intestinal microbiota, growth performance, antioxidant status and blood biochemical markers in broiler chickens.Four groups, each consisting of 90 chicks divided into six replicates (15 chicks per replicate), were randomly selected from 360 one-day-old chicks with similar initial body weights. 3. Birds fed a basal diet and received either: T1 (no addition; CTRL), T2 (1.5 g/kg feed formic acid + sodium formate, FFA), T3 (1.5 g/kg citric acid + sodium citrate, CCA) or T4 (0.75 g/kg each of FFA and CCA, MIX).Broilers fed MIX had the best BWG and FCR (p ≤ 0.05).4. All treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved performance compared to the control group. Antioxidant enzyme concentrations were higher in broiler chicks administered a combination of OA and their salts (FFA and CCA) relative to CTRL. 5. The levels of creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not affected (p > 0.05) among all groups.6. The addition of FFA significantly elevated thyroid hormone levels (p ≤ 0.05); however, they remained within the normal range. 7. Feeding MIX enhanced immune responses to avian influenza H5, H9 and Newcastle disease ND titre compared to birds fed CTRL. 8. Lactobacillus spp. and total bacterial counts were higher in the FFA supplemented group than in CTRL.9. Broilers fed FFA had enhanced growth, better antioxidant status, improved gut microbiome and improved serum biochemical indicators, making it a safe and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial growth promoters.

1. The demand for natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry has led to growing interest in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides derived from algae. This study evaluated the effects of algae (Spirulina platensis)-derived polysaccharides (ADP) on growth performance, blood profiles, carcase characteristics, meat quality, amino acid composition and antioxidant status in broilers.2. A total of 320, 1-d-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers were randomly allocated to one of the five dietary treatments; a control diet (0% ADP) and diets supplemented with 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45% and 0.60% of ADP. Each treatment included four replicates containing 16 birds each. The feeding trial was conducted over 42 d and was divided into three phases, including starter (1-14 d), grower (15-28 d) and finisher (29-42 d).3. Dietary inclusion of ADP at 0.30% significantly improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the finisher (1.77 kg and 1.71, respectively) and overall (2.82 kg and 1.56, respectively) periods. There were no adverse effects observed on haematological, serum biochemistry or carcase characteristics.4. Supplementation with 0.45-0.60% ADP reduced cooking loss to 34-40% and improved meat cohesiveness by about 5%. Its inclusion elevated the levels of key amino acids, such as threonine, histidine, isoleucine, arginine and glutamic acid in the breast muscle. Additionally, ADP linearly increased hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, including total superoxide dismutase (317.60-337.12 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (39.98-48.70 U/mg protein), catalase (7.09-7.71 U/mg protein) and decreased malondialdehyde concentrations (0.63-0.68 nmol/mg protein) demonstrating enhanced oxidative status. These improvements were attributed to the prebiotic and antioxidant properties of Spirulina-derived polysaccharides, which enhance nutrient utilisation, maintain gut integrity and strengthen redox balance.5. This study provides preliminary evidence that polysaccharides derived from S. platensis, particularly at 0.30-0.45%, can be used as safe and effective feed additives in broiler diets. These compounds have the potential to enhance performance, oxidative stability and certain aspects of meat quality without adverse effects.

1. Wooden breast (WB) is a common muscle abnormality in the pectoralis major (PM) muscle of broilers that results in significant economic losses for the poultry industry, although its incidence varies in different broiler lines. However, there are few reports on the genes and pathways involved in WB using RNA-seq or microarray data across multiple lines.2. The current study obtained three datasets (GSE127806, GSE144000 and GSE79276) from different broiler lines in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was then performed using GSE127806 and GSE144000 datasets and identified consensus modules significantly correlated with WB (p ≤ 0.05). Preservation analysis showed that one consensus module was strongly preserved (Zsummary < 2), and two others were moderately preserved (2 < Zsummary < 10) in the GSE79276 dataset.3. Functional enrichment analysis revealed seven key genes (FN1, SPP1, CD44, TNC, BAK1, TNFRSF1A and CTSK) related to WB were significantly enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway and in the apoptosis pathway in one consensus module. The genes ACO2, MDH2 and SUCLG1 were significantly enriched in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle pathway. From the protein-protein interaction analysis, hub genes linked to WB were identified. Seven of these genes are known to participate in muscle contraction (TNNI1, TNNT1, TNNT2, TNNT3, TPM3, TMOD3 and TMOD4) and three others in the TCA cycle (ACO2, MDH2 and SUCLG1).4. This study identified key genes and pathways associated with WB, deepening the understanding of the mechanism by which fibrosis (mediated by genes such as FN1) influences WB. It further revealed the important role of the TCA cycle and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of WB.

1. This study examined the rhythmatic immune response of chickens in the early stages of Campylabacter jejuni infection over time. Chickens were inoculated with C. jejuni at 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00 h, respectively.2. The C. jejuni populations in the caecal and the levels of IL-8, IL-18, IL-1β, IgA, IgY and cytokine signal transduction inhibitor 3 protein (SOCS3) in serum for each individual were measured at different hours after inoculation (hpi). Cosine and regression analyses were assessed for rhythmicity and correlations.3. The log₁₀CFU of C. jejuni number in the caecal content was the lowest (7.4-8.1) at 10:00 h and highest (9.4-9.8) at 18:00 h. Inoculation status and time points post-inoculation had significant effects on IL-8, IL-18, IL-1β, IgA, IgY and SOCS3 levels (p < 0.001). The IL-8, IL-18, IL-1β and IgY levels at 16 hpi were the lowest compared to other post-inoculated time points.4. The IL-8, IL-1β, IgA and SOCS3 levels of the control and treated groups showed rhythmic changes at 18:00 (p < 0.05). Caecal C. jejuni colonisation was significantly correlated with levels of IL-18, IL-1β, IgA, IgY and SOCS3 (r = 0.35-0.76; p < 0.05), among which IgY had the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.76; p < 0.0001).5. Chickens were more sensitive to C. jejuni inoculation administered at 18:00 h. Moreover, the changes of IgA, IL-8 and IL-1β levels were lowest at 16 hpi and more likely to show circadian rhythms in chickens inoculated at 18:00 h.

1. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of pepsin digestibility for estimating apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and true ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids (TIDCAA) in animal-origin meals (AOM) for broilers.2. Two poultry offal and bone meals (POBM1 and POBM2) and one swine offal and bone meal (SOBM) were assessed using in vivo and in vitro methods.3. In vivo trials determined AMEn and TIDCAA using a completely randomised design with 16 treatments, 8 replicates and 10 birds per replicate, while pepsin digestibility was measured in vitro.4. Pepsin digestibility showed variable correlations with nutrient values. In POBM1, only arginine showed a significant negative correlation with AMEn and TIDCAA. For POBM2, significant positive correlations with TIDCAA were observed only for lysine, histidine and glycine and for SOBM, a quadratic pattern was observed for TIDCAA, with no significant effect on AMEn.5. The results indicated that pepsin digestibility may be a useful predictor of amino acid digestibility in AOM, but its reliability for estimating AMEn was limited and dependent on ingredient type.

1. Using whole-genome comparative analysis, this study elucidated the genetic differentiation characteristics and domestication selection mechanisms between Bashang long-tail chickens and their wild ancestor, the red junglefowl.2. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis investigated genome-wide recombination patterns, while population genetic structure analysis was conducted to assess the degree of differentiation between the two populations. Additionally, a multi-method selective sweep analysis was performed to identify genomic regions under selection.3. The LD decay rate in Bashang long-tail chickens was significantly slower than in red junglefowl, which indicated reduced genome recombination due to long-term artificial selection. Population structure analyses, including neighbour-joining trees, principal component analysis and admixture assessments consistently revealed significant genetic differentiation between the two groups.4. By integrating fixation index, Tajima's D and nucleotide diversity ratio metrics, 102 high-confidence selective sweep regions were identified, encompassing 22 key candidate genes, including three genes (ALX1, RASSF9 and NTS) with potentially adaptive missense mutations, which exhibited strong selection signals. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in key biological pathways, including carbohydrate/protein metabolism and neural regulation.5. This data provided genomic signatures of domestication-driven adaptation variations accumulated during the domestication of Bashang long-tail chickens, offering new perspectives on the genetic mechanisms underlying chicken domestication. The study provided potential molecular markers for conserving local chicken genetic resources and molecular breeding.

1. This study investigated whether the recessive ce gene, which causes the celadon shell colour in Japanese quail eggs and affects the shell structure and quality of both fresh eggs and eggs stored for 28 days at 4°C.2. Analyses were conducted on 54 fresh and 54 stored eggs from four quail groups, including those with typically wild-type shell pigmentation: Jumbo, Pharaoh and Texas, as well as Celadon laying eggs with reduced protoporphyrin (ce). Results included shell weight, ratio of shell to egg weight, shell strength with simultaneous acoustic measurement and shell microstructure using computed microtomography (both 2D and 3D). The quality of fresh and stored eggs was evaluated based on egg weight, yolk weight and proportion (%), yolk index, albumen quality, vitelline membrane strength and elasticity, pH and water activity of yolk and albumen and yolk viscosity. Egg weight (water) loss was measured in stored eggs.3. Celadon eggs had a higher number of shell pores, but the average pore area and its area-equivalent circle diameter were smaller. No differences in eggshell strength were found between Celadon and wild-type pigmented eggs, which was confirmed by acoustogram analysis. Celadon shells displayed a negative Euler number, which indicated strong connections between adjacent pores. This structural enhancement may be an adaptation to compensate for reduced protoporphyrin content.4. Celadon quail eggs were similar in quality to those of the other groups and could be stored with similar results. The greatest weight loss during storage was observed in Texas quail eggs, which exhibited the highest porosity (based on the number and surface area of pores) and the greater morphometric water vapour conductance.