Age Of Birds Research Articles

Transcriptomic analysis of ileal adaptations and growth responses in growing hens supplemented with alanyl-glutamine dipeptide

The growing phase of laying hens is crucial for growth and development due to its direct impact on their productivity during laying phase. During initial growth phase, intestinal tract undergoes rapid development which requires plenty of nutrients to help laying hens grow and mature. This study investigated the effect of Alanyl-Glutamine (Aln-Gln) levels on growth performance, ileal morphology and transcriptomic analysis of growing Hy-line brown hens. A total of 480 day old Hy-line brown chicks having similar body weight (BW) were randomly divided to be fed diets having 0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% Aln-Gln for 6-wks (8 replicates/group, 15 birds/replicate). One bird from every pen was slaughtered and morphological parameters of ileum were evaluated. Results taken on day 42 revealed an improved average daily gain (ADG), final body weight (FBW) and feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) in the birds that consumed 0.2% and 0.3% Aln-Gln supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Ileal morphological assays showed that villus height, villus width and villus to crypts ratio (V/C) were significantly increased at 42 days of age in birds fed diets with 0.2% Aln-Gln (P<0.05). The RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was executed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among groups that found 2265 DEGs (1256 up-regulated; 1009 down-regulated) in ileum tissue. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) and Genomic Pathway Enrichment Analysis, majority of DEGs indicated change in metabolic pathways. Genes related to growth factors, intestinal morphology and protein metabolism were up-regulated in test groups as compared to control group. In conclusion, addition of Aln-Gln to the diet improved growth performance and ileum development in growing hens; transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of genes related to growth and intestinal morphology.

Seroprevalence of Avian Influenza in Guinea Fowls in Some Districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

The guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) holds significant agricultural importance in Ghana, particularly in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions. Despite their economic and cultural significance, guinea fowls face a potential threat from avian influenza, a global concern for its adverse impact on poultry populations. This study assessed the seroprevalence of the virus in mature guinea fowls in the Upper East Region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three districts within the Upper East Region from April to June 2023. Blood samples were collected from 397 guinea fowls that are over 4 weeks old, and seroprevalence was determined using ID Screen Influenza A Antibody Competition Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study analysed demographic factors such as sex, age and source of birds, employing statistical methods to establish associations. Among the sampled guinea fowls, 24.7% tested positive for avian influenza antibodies, whereas 75.3% were seronegative. Age did not show statistically significant associations with seroprevalence, but intriguing patterns were observed. Adult guinea fowls exhibited higher seroprevalence (23.7%) compared to growers (1.0%). The source of birds showed no significant association, but birds from slaughter points demonstrated higher seroprevalence (11.6%) compared to households (5.0%) and live bird markets (8.1%). In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of monitoring avian influenza in guinea fowls to implement effective control measures. The presence of antibodies suggests guinea fowls may contribute to virus transmission in the Upper East Region. The study recommends ongoing nationwide surveillance to assess the true prevalence of avian influenza in guinea fowls across Ghana.

Factors affecting the concentration of metals and metalloids in the kidneys of a top predator, the Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo) wintering in farmland in Poland.

During late autumn and winter, raptors in the western Palearctic face challenges due to food scarcity and dropping temperatures. That time they can be exposed to various elements including toxic ones ingested with food. Kidney samples from 22 females and 19 males of a medium-sized raptor, the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo found dead in farmland of Eastern Poland in winter were analyzed for a concentration of 21 elements. Elemental concentrations were analyzed regarding the age and sex of birds. Results revealed that only 4.9% of individuals had kidney lead levels exceeding 8.0mg, while 9.8% showed cadmium levels above 8.0mg/kg, indicating potential poisoning. The study also highlighted the limited entry of arsenic into agricultural ecosystems exploited by Common Buzzards. Sex differences were noted, with females accumulating more lead and vanadium than males which can be associated with foraging niche partitioning between sexes driven by body size dimorphism. Sulfur showed complex interactions with cadmium, mercury, and zinc, with a positive correlation between sulfur and zinc levels in the kidneys, emphasizing dietary needs during food scarcity. A positive correlation was found between zinc and lead concentrations, indicating zinc's role in mitigating lead's impact. The study also revealed positive correlations between selenium and highly toxic elements like mercury (Spearman correlation, rs = 0.41) and cadmium (rs = 0.51), suggesting a mitigating effect of selenium on exposure to heavy metals. This study enhances understanding of year-round environmental contamination exposure for raptors and sheds light on bioaccumulation in a top predator.

Call for Your Life: Acoustic Structure and Age‐Sex Differences in Distress Calls of Red‐Necked Nightjars

ABSTRACTPredatory interactions result in strong selection pressures acting on multiple aspects of animal behaviour. Anti‐predator strategies are therefore common in most animals, typically signalling at various stages of a predation event. Many species of caprimulgids perform conspicuous anti‐predator displays, including stereotyped behaviours and vocal signals. Here, we described distress calls of red‐necked nightjars (Caprimulgus ruficollis), produced when birds are trapped and unable to escape during a predatory interaction. Distress calls are harsh, low‐frequency guttural vocalisations with irregular amplitude modulations. The age and sex of birds partially explained the acoustic variation observed, whereas size‐related morphological features were poor predictors of the acoustic structure. Age‐sex differences in distress calls may respond to physiological constraints associated with sexual dimorphism and/or developmental variation. Alternatively, directional selection associated with differential predation risk on each age‐sex class may have resulted in the observed differences in distress calls. The extremely deep voice and the harsh quality of distress calls fit the structure of aggressive signals and may resemble those produced by a larger animal. We propose that these calls serve as a last resort strategy to reduce post‐encounter risk of predation, either as a startling effect to facilitate escape or to attract other predators that could intimidate the captor.

Incidence of erysipelas in waterfowl in Poland – clinical and pathological investigations

ABSTRACT 1. Erysipelas in geese and ducks is an infectious disease causing considerable economic losses in the poultry sector in Poland. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of erysipelas cases in age groups of geese and in periods of the calendar year and to assess macroscopic lesions in birds infected with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. 2. The study used 286 geese and 16 ducks delivered to the laboratory for diagnosis in the years 2019–2021. The birds came from 99 different farms. E. rhusiopathiae from clinical samples were cultured on Columbia blood agar and identified by real-time PCR. Pathological lesions were characterised during anatomopathological examination. 3. Distribution of erysipelas cases in age groups of geese and periods of the calendar year differed significantly from the assumed even distribution. Most cases were noted in August and September in birds aged between 11 and 13 weeks. Necropsy of birds infected with E. rhusiopathiae showed anatomopathological lesions characteristic of generalised infection, affecting multiple organs. 4. The uneven distribution of erysipelas cases in geese in different age groups and periods of the calendar year suggested that both the age of the birds and climatic conditions are predisposing factors for infection.

PSV-11 Significance of specialty protein ingredients in feeding programs for broiler chickens on nitrogen utilization and excretion- A meta-analysis

Abstract The utility of specialty protein ingredients (SPI) in feeding programs for broiler chickens is premised on poor utilization of conventional vegetable proteins (CVP). The SPI includes ingredients of animal origin such as processed animal proteins (PAP), insect proteins (IP) and further processed conventional vegetable proteins (PCVP) characterized with greater concentration of crude protein/amino acids, and low anti-nutritional factors. The objective of this study was to apply meta-analysis approach of published studies that incorporated SPI to provide insights into their effectiveness on nitrogen utilization and excretion in broiler chickens. The data were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, hand searching and cross-referencing, and resulted in 44 publications meeting inclusion criteria such as being a broiler study and treatments diets being isocaloric and isonitrogenous Model development was performed in PROC GLIMMIX of SAS and treated the study as a random effect. The SPI protein source (PAP, IP, and PCVP), bird age (starter 0 to 14 d, grower 14 to 24 d and finisher 25 to 42 d), nitrogen intake and level were the main X variables of interest, while outcome (Y) variables explored included nitrogen excretion, nitrogen retention, nitrogen efficiency, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). To address heterogeneity in sample size and errors between treatment means from different studies, the WEIGHT statement in PROC GLIMIXX was employed to weight variables using the inverse of their squared variance. The inclusion or rejection of models developed was based on the evaluation of root mean square prediction error and concordance correlation coefficient. Comparatively, the slopes of PAP, IP and PCVP (soybean meal) linearly reduced and quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increased ADG during the starter phase against their respective controls. The extent ADG was greatest with intake of PCVP followed by PAP. During the grower phase, ADG was highest for PAP, followed by IP with PCVP being the least (P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, PCVP had the greatest ADG during the finisher phase (P &amp;lt; 0.05). On nitrogen excretion, provision of PAP during the stater phase increased the nitrogen excretion while it reduced the excretion during the grower and finisher phase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative to control. The intake of IP up to 10% inclusion reduced nitrogen excretion only during the starter and grower phase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) when compared with respective controls. The intake of PCVP reduced nitrogen excretion in all growth stages compared with respective controls (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion specialty proteins (PAP and PCVP) and insect protein at an inclusion level of &amp;lt; 10%, were effective ways of reducing nitrogen excretion while improving growth performance. Combining these strategies may have a synergistic effect.

489 Antibiotic Resistance of cecal Escherichia coli isolates from Lohmann LSL lite pullets and laying hens fed omega-3 fatty acids or yeast bioactives, reared at different spacing allowance

Abstract Poultry diets provide components that alter gut microbiota composition. We investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes of E. coli isolates from ceca digesta of pullets and hens reared at different spacing allowance (SA) and dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids (N-3 FA) and yeast bioactives (YB) from placement to 17 wk of age (woa). A total of 2,632-day old chicks were placed in cages at two SA (24 cages each): High SA (HSA, 348 cm2/bird; ~50 birds/cage) and Low SA (LSA, 284 cm2/bird; ~68 birds/cage). Birds were fed corn and soybean-based diets (C), C + 3% co-extruded full fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (N-3 FA) and C + 0.05% YB processed with β-1,3-glucan hydrolase. At 4, 16 and 35 woa, ceca samples were collected to isolate E. coli using Chromocult agar. Their susceptibility to 14 antibiotics were determined by automated Sensititre system according to CLSI and CIPARS guidelines to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Number of antibiotics resistant E. coli isolates were analyzed using general linear mixed model procedure of SAS with diets, SA, sampling age and associated interactions as fixed factors. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to determine the relationship between these treatments, and differences between treatments were considered significant at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Out of 428 presumptive E. coli isolated, 153 of 428 isolates (35.7%) were resistant to one antimicrobial class but no resistance against ciprofloxacin, azithromycin and nalidixic acid were detected. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistant E. coli decreased as the birds aged from wk 4–35 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). At wk 4 (P = 0.002) and 16 (P = 0.011), the least prevalence of ampicillin (AMP) resistance was in ceca digesta from N-3 FA-fed birds. At 35 woa, no AMP and cefoxitin (FOX) resistance were detected in birds fed YB (Table 2). At 16 woa, the prevalence of streptomycin resistance was greater in N-3 FA-fed than in YB-fed birds (P = 0.02), which was less than control-fed birds. Of the 428 isolates, 59 (13.8%) were resistant to more than two antimicrobial classes, with most from TIO-FOX-AMP-TET and STR-SULF-TET. At wk-4, SA had a significant effect on multiple resistance spectrum with LSA having the lowest MDR E. coli (P = 0.02) mainly from N-3 FA-fed pullets. This study showed an overall low AMR prevalence which decreases with age of the bird. This study is the first to report that feed additives (N-3 FA or YB) influence the AMR profile of cecal E. coli in pullets and layers. Prevalence of AMP resistance was least in N-3 FA-fed birds, whereas least STEP- and SULF resistance was observed in YB-fed birds. Our next study would help understand the molecular and evolutionary aspect of this resistant E. coli and their potential to cause colibacillosis.

Feather mercury content of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma gouldi): Relationships with age, breeding success, and foraging behaviour, in known age individuals

Seabirds have been touted as excellent bioindicators of mercury pollution. We utilised grey-faced petrel (Pterodroma gouldi) feathers to assess interannual differences in total mercury (THg) concentrations in adults (2020−2021) and chicks (2019–2021) breeding in the Auckland region of New Zealand. For adults, we also correlated feather THg with bird age (3–37+ years) and breeding outcome (i.e., Non breeder, Egg failed, Chick reared) recorded for that season i.e., 2020 and 2021. Interannual differences in chick feather THg were matched with bulk stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) to map the influence of adult foraging behaviour on chick feather THg values.Adult feather THg levels were similar across the years investigated i.e., mean ± S.D. 38.2 ± 12.8 (2020), and 39.5 ± 14.7 (2021) ug g−1 (some of the highest THg values recorded for seabirds). A slight, but significant decrease in THg accumulation was evident as age increased but feather THg had no significant influence on breeding outcome.Interannual differences in chick feather THg concentrations were 7.78 ± 1.6 (2019), 4.23 ± 1.45 (2020) and 6.97 ± 4.41 (2021) μg g−1, (p < 0.01); and correlated with a significantly lower δ13C value i.e., −17.2 ± 0.4 ‰ (2019), −17.8 ± 0.3 ‰ (2020) and -17.6 ± 0.2 ‰ (2021). This suggests that the lower feather THg values in 2020 chicks resulted from more oceanic, rather than shelf-edge, prey being consumed by chicks that year. Values of δ15N in chick feathers remained consistent among years i.e., 15.2 ± 1.2 ‰ (2019), 15.2 ± 0.2 ‰ (2020) and 15.3 ‰ (± 0.4). Due to these interannual differences, we recommend using grey-faced petrel chicks to monitor Hg pollution over adults. Chicks are also subject to cultural harvests by Māori communities, offering partnership opportunities to generate mutually beneficial information streams for Māori communities and scientists alike.

Effect of Age, Deboning Time of Carcass, and Different Cooking Conditions on the Woody Breast Myopathies in Chicken: A Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis review undertakes a comprehensive examination of various approaches for identifying myopathic fillets and meticulously evaluates the effects of bird age, deboning time, and different cooking and storage conditions on woody breast (WB) myopathic conditions in broiler deboned fillets. The data, meticulously collected from 20 articles based on predefined inclusion criteria sourced from various databases and online resources, reveal significant insights. For instance, the analysis uncovers that deboning time significantly affects Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (MORS), Blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (BMORS), and descriptive analysis values (p < 0.001). Instrumentation techniques, such as compression force and shear force, along with different cooking conditions, strongly impact BMORS shear force values (R2 = 86.80%), with significance levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.001. Deboning time also substantially impacts MORS shear force values (R = 64.03%). In contrast, the effects of deboning time, bird age, and cooking conditions on descriptive sensory evaluation are minimal when compared to woody breast fillets (age of birds: R2 = 26.53%; cooking conditions: R2 = 32.57%; deboning time: R2 = 10.06%). The overall effect of bird age on chicken breast meat quality shows significant differences for the evaluated parameters (Hedges' g [95% CI] = -0.72 [0.17, 1.26], I2 = 93%, p < 0.01). The sous vide cooking method significantly affects shear force energies and sensory descriptive evaluation for woody breast fillets (Hedges' g [95% CI] = 5.30 [-50.30, 83.40], I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). These findings, with their significant implications, provide valuable insights for optimizing processing conditions in the poultry industry to reduce woody breast occurrences and enhance meat quality, instilling confidence in the robustness of the research.

Clinical and Serological Observation of the Newcastle Disease on Commercial Meat Chicken Flocks in Basrah Province, South of Iraq

The current study was conducting to observed Newcastle Disease (ND) in Basrah and evaluated the competence of vaccination schedules used in commercial meat chicken farms. Monitoring of ND was dependent on 20 poultry houses located in Al Zubair, Al Mudaina, Al Qurnah, Garmat Ali Safwan, and Aluhais. The Incidence was recorded based on the clinical history of the disease in the poultry house, clinical signs, and post-mortem findings. ELISA test was estimated to detect Ab titer against ND, including maternal immunity and immune state after vaccination. The results indicated that the Incidence of ND was 80%. ND was not recorded in 20% of poultry houses. Results of the ELISA test showed differences of Ab against ND at different ages of birds, especially at a late stage. Ab titers were very low. The mean of maternal-derived antibodies was 6000 in Belgian, 308 Rose and 2000 for Iranian 501 coop. On the other hand, ND vaccines, available in local markets, showed a good quality (Ma5 + Clone 30) compared with different types, especially ( lasota + IB) Henkar.

Dehydrated and live black soldier fly larvae as environmental enrichment in indigenous slow-growing chickens: performance, gut health, and chitinolytic enzyme activity

The demand for sustainable and ethically farmed animal products is on the rise as consumers become more environmentally and animal welfare conscious. The need to diminish the consumption of soybean meal is urgent, and companies are looking for ways to respond to this necessity by looking for alternatives to soybean meal. This study assessed the impact of introducing whole dehydrated and live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) into the diet of an indigenous chicken breed as environmental enrichment. A total of 144 39-day-old male Bianca di Saluzzo chickens were distributed among 18 pens and assigned to three different experimental groups. The control group received a diet where soybean meal was entirely replaced by alternative ingredients. The two experimental groups were given the same diet supplemented with 5% of the expected daily feed intake of whole dehydrated BSFL or whole live BSFL. Throughout the trial period (from the bird age of 39–174 days of age), live weight was recorded every 21 days, and the average daily gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. The time required for the birds to consume the larvae was recorded three times a week. At age 147 and 174 days, 12 birds per treatment were selected based on mean live weight and slaughtered. Measurements included hot and chilled carcass weights, organ weights (spleen, liver, heart, stomach), breast and thigh muscle weights, and the corresponding yields were calculated. Acid protease activity was measured in proventriculus extract, and chitinase and chitosanase activity was calculated based on the release of reducing sugars from chitin or chitosan. The results showed little improvement in final live weights and daily feed intakes of the animals fed the insect larvae compared with control birds. Larva supplementation had no negative impact on the overall well-being of the animals assessed by blood analysis and histopathological assessment of the intestinal tract, spleen, and liver. No differences were found between the dehydrated vs live insect larvae consumption times, with all larvae being eaten up very rapidly (< 3 min). The birds fed BSFL showed an increase in chitinase activity. These findings support the potential use of whole BSFL as a form of environmental enrichment, particularly in their dehydrated form, being more convenient to use and store, which would also encourage the uptake of this practice by farmers.

Parasite airlines: mapping the distribution and transmission of avian blood parasites in migratory birds

During their journeys, migratory birds encounter a wider range of parasites than residents, transporting them over vast distances. While some parasites are widely distributed, transmission is not inevitable and depends on the presence of competent arthropod vectors as well as parasite compatibility with native bird species. Distinguishing between parasite distribution and transmission areas is crucial for monitoring and assessing risks to native bird species, as distribution areas, with the appropriate conditions, could become potential transmission areas. In this study, blood samples from 455 reed-living birds of the genera Acrocephalus, Locustella, and Emberiza, collected in the nature reserve “Die Reit” in Hamburg, Germany were screened, targeting haemosporidian parasites, trypanosomes, and filarioid nematodes. Determination of migratory bird age was employed to ascertain the transmission area of the detected parasites. Transmission areas were determined, based on information provided by resident and juvenile birds as well as findings in competent vectors. Long-distance migratory birds of the genus Acrocephalus showed a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites compared with partially migratory birds such as Emberiza schoeniclus. Notably, an age-dependent difference in parasite prevalence was observed in Acrocephalus spp., but not in E. schoeniclus. Nematodes were absent in all examined bird species. Proposed transmission areas were identified for nine haemosporidian lineages, showing three different types of transmission area, either with limited transmission in Europe or Africa, or active transmission in both regions.

Implications of the storage conditions and production system on the physical properties of eggs: a multivariate data analysis study

SummaryThe objective of this study was to apply multivariate data analytical methods to evaluate the effect of both storage conditions (cold and room temperature) and production systems (cage and free range) on the physical properties of chicken eggs produced under tropical conditions. The results of this study indicated that most of the physical quality parameters (Haugh units, egg weight, albumin height, yolk colour, shell breaking and shell thickness) measured in the egg samples stored at room temperature (RT) were lower compared with egg samples stored in cold room (CT) conditions. The weight loss rate (WLR) was higher in the egg samples from RT compared with CT conditions. Both egg samples from either CT storage conditions or FR production system had the best quality parameters (high Haugh units, heavy egg weights and low WLR). The highest classification rate using linear discriminant analysis was obtained for the prediction of systems of production where egg samples from cage (C) and FR were 83% and 80% correctly classified. However, the classification of weeks of storage provides with intermediate classification results based on the physical parameters measured where 75% and 72% of the samples were correctly classified as stored in CT or RT storage conditions, respectively. The utilisation of multivariate data analysis allowed for the analysis of all the variables at the time without the need to isolate effects such as birds age, housing systems or by the solely interpretation of a single parameter.

Learning shapes the development of migratory behavior

How animals refine migratory behavior over their lifetime (i.e., the ontogeny of migration) is an enduring question with important implications for predicting the adaptive capacity of migrants in a changing world. Yet, our inability to monitor the movements of individuals from early life onward has limited our understanding of the ontogeny of migration. The exploration-refinement hypothesis posits that learning shapes the ontogeny of migration in long-lived species, resulting in greater exploratory behavior early in life followed by more rapid and direct movement during later life. We test the exploration-refinement hypothesis by examining how white storks (Ciconia ciconia) balance energy, time, and information as they develop and refine migratory behavior during the first years of life. Here, we show that young birds reduce energy expenditure during flight while also increasing information gain by exploring new places during migration. As the birds age and gain more experience, older individuals stop exploring new places and instead move more quickly and directly, resulting in greater energy expenditure during migratory flight. During spring migration, individuals innovated novel shortcuts during the transition from early life into adulthood, suggesting a reliance on spatial memory acquired through learning. These incremental refinements in migratory behavior provide support for the importance of individual learning within a lifetime in the ontogeny of long-distance migration.

STUDY OF DIAGNOSIS, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND IN-VITRO ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OFSALMONELLA ISOLATED FROM OSTRICH (STRUTHIO CAMELUS)

The ostrich meat is considered healthy as it contains low cholesterol and fat levels. Foodborne diseases caused by the bacterium Salmonellaare a significant public health concern. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence, the risk factors involved, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella isolates recovered from captive ostrich feces in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. There is not a single research on this issue in Pakistan up to date in ostrich. A total of 100 ostrich fecal samples were collected- and specifically cultured on Salmonella Shigella agar. The antimicrobial susceptibility was checked for different antibiotics throughthe Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The 21% fecal samples were found positive for Salmonella. The disease was found to besignificantly(p&lt;0.05) associated with risk factors; water type(p=0.027), bird’s capacity(p=0.042), cage hygiene(p=0.024), age of bird(p=0.041) andother bird species around (p=0.031) while enclosure size and diet were found non-significant. The bacterium was found highly susceptible to Amoxicillin followed by Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, Cefotaxime, andEnrofloxacin respectively.Further Salmonella species-level diagnostic studies along with susceptibility checks of more therapeutic agents are suggested to future researchers.

The effect of reducing dietary energy on performance, intestinal morphology and intestinal peptide and amino acid transporters in broiler chicks

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has investigated the impact of different factors such as gender and age of birds, protein and amino acid levels, protein origin and the physical form of the diet, on the mRNA expression of intestinal peptides and amino acid transporters. Nevertheless, there have been no attempts to examine the impact of dietary energy density on the mRNA abundance of intestinal amino acid and peptide transporters in humans or animals. This is the first reported case in both humans and animals.ObjectivesThis experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of two levels of metabolizable energy ([ME]; 2950 and 2850 kcal ME/kg diet) on performance and jejunal morphology and mRNA expression of amino acid (B0AT, b0,+AT, CAT1 and y+LAT1) and peptide (PepT1) transporters in broiler chickens during the starter period (0–10 days of age).MethodsTwo hundred and seventy day‐old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with nine replicates and fifteen birds in each replicate. At 10 days of age, the outcome variables were measured, which included the assessment of the mRNA abundance of PepT1, b0,+AT, B0AT, y+LAT1 and CAT1 in the jejunal section using real‐time PCR.ResultsThe findings of this study revealed no significant impact of the dietary treatments on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and the jejunal mRNA abundance of PepT1, CAT1 and y+LAT1 (p &gt; 0.05). However, a reduction in dietary ME level from 2950 to 2850 kcal ME/kg diet resulted in a decrease in the mRNA level of B0AT and b0,+AT (p ≤ 0.05). The reduction in dietary energy level did not lead to any significant changes in villus width, villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area and villus height to crypt depth ratio (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe results demonstrated that decreasing dietary energy density may alter the expression of amino acid transporters in the intestine while having no impact on the growth performance and morphometric structure of the intestine.

Measurement of Dynamic Electric Consumption Trend in a Broiler House in Arkansas

Highlights We quantified the diurnal and seasonal electric load pattern during four consecutive growouts of heavy broilers over an 11-month period on a commercial farm. Consumption was measured separately for ventilation fans, lights, feed motors, well pump motors and radiant tube heater blowers. Ventilation fans were the largest consumer of energy and the largest contributor to peak demand on the farm. Average monthly electric demand ranged from 31% to 77% of the corresponding monthly peak demand, calculated from the largest 15-min period. The electricity cost of raising heavier-weight broiler chickens is higher in the summer ($22 per 1,000 kg live weight) than in the winter ($5 per 1,000 kg live weight). Abstract. Characterizing electric energy use in a commercial broiler house—partitioned by bird age, season, and electric load type—can provide engineers with insight for designing energy conservation practices, as well as help to analyze and design on-site renewable energy production sub-systems. This study monitored electric energy consumption in a commercial broiler house in Arkansas, raising heavy broilers (with a capacity of 17,000 birds) during an 11-month period that included four, 8-week flocks. Average electricity use (RMS voltage and current) was measured at a sampling interval of 5 min for all of the major load types, including ventilation, lighting, feed motors, and well-water pump motor. Results indicated that electric consumption for ventilation fans was the greatest load, accounting for over 88% of the total. The endwall fans (for tunnel ventilation) contributed to the peak electric demand (VA) in nine of the 11 months. Over the 11-month monitoring period, broiler chicken production had an average electric energy consumption (per unit live-weight mass produced) of 43 kWh per metric ton of live weight (in a winter flock) to 184 kWh per metric ton (in a summer flock). The corresponding electric costs were $5 per metric ton and $22 per metric ton in winter and summer flocks, respectively (based upon an electricity unit cost of $0.12/kWh). Keywords: Electricity demand, Energy efficiency, Poultry housing.

Detection of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) antibodies in backyard poultry by using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes infectious bursal disease in poultry and poses a major challenge to the poultry industry globally. This study aimed to measure seroprevalences and so detect exposure to IBDV in backyard poultry in the selected zone of Horro Guduru Wollega. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to November 2022. Blood samples were collected for serum extraction from 384 backyard chickens in the Horro and Horro Bulluq districts. IBDV antibody detection was conducted using an indirect ELISA serological diagnostic test. Questionnaires assessed poultry owners? knowledge and health/hygiene management practices regarding the disease. The over all seroprevalence of IBDV was 14.84%. Significant variations in seroprevalence were seen based on district, bird age, bird sex, and flock size. Limited owner experience (just 1-3 years), disposing of carcasses in pits, and poor hygiene on the backyard premises were associated with higher IBDV seroprevalence. In conclusion, IBDV seroprevalence was linked to chicken management practices. Recommendations include improving poultry management among owners to control IBDV. The study indicates backyard poultry in the region have considerable IBDV exposure, and control should focus on improving management practices identified as high-risk, such as pit disposal of carcasses and poor hygiene.

No colonization resistance to Campylobacter jejuni in broilers fed brown algal extract-supplemented diets.

Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis is the most commonly reported zoonosis within the EU, with poultry products regarded as the primary source of transmission to humans. Therefore, finding strategies to reduce Campylobacter colonization in broilers holds importance for public health. Recent studies suggest that supplementation of broiler feed with brown algal extracts, particularly laminarin, can provide beneficial effects on broiler gut health, growth performance, and gut microbiota. However, its effect on gut microbiota development and subsequent reduction of Campylobacter loads in broiler caeca during the later stages of the birds' lives remains unclear. Experimental colonization of Ross 308 broilers with two different strains of C. jejuni was conducted, with groups fed either a basal diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 725 ppm algal extract from Saccharina latissima to provide 290 ppm laminarin. Fecal samples were collected for bacterial enumeration, and caecal samples were obtained before and after the C. jejuni challenge for the determination of microbiota development. No significant differences in fecal C. jejuni concentrations between the groups fed different diets or exposed to different C. jejuni strains were observed. This suggests that both strains colonized the birds equally well and that the laminarin rich algal extract did not have any inhibitory effect on C. jejuni colonization. Notably, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed detailed data on the caecal microbiota development, likely influenced by both bird age and C. jejuni colonization, which can be valuable for further development of broiler feed formulations aimed at promoting gut health.

Studies on pancreatic pathology of poultry in different diseases in relation to season, age, sex and varieties of birds

Studies on pancreatic pathology of poultry in different diseases in relation to season, age, sex and varieties of birds