Bird Carcass Research Articles

Identification of novel bacterial biomarkers to detect bird scavenging by invasive rats.

Rapid advances in genomic tools for use in ecological contexts and non‐model systems allow unprecedented insight into interactions that occur beyond direct observation. We developed an approach that couples microbial forensics with molecular dietary analysis to identify species interactions and scavenging by invasive rats on native and introduced birds in Hawaii. First, we characterized bacterial signatures of bird carcass decay by conducting 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing on chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) tissues collected over an 11‐day decomposition study in natural Hawaiian habitats. Second, we determined if field‐collected invasive black rats (Rattus rattus; n = 51, stomach and fecal samples) had consumed birds using molecular diet analysis with two independent PCR assays (mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I and Cytochrome b genes) and Sanger sequencing. Third, we characterized the gut microbiome of the same rats using 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing and identified 15 bacterial taxa that were (a) detected only in rats that consumed birds (n = 20/51) and (b) were indicative of decaying tissue in the chicken decomposition experiment. We found that 18% of rats (n = 9/51) likely consumed birds as carrion by the presence of bacterial biomarkers of decayed tissue in their gut microbiome. One species of native bird (Myadestes obscurus) and three introduced bird species (Lophura leucomelanos, Meleagris gallopavo, Zosterops japonicus) were detected in the rats’ diets, with individuals from these species (except L. nycthemera) likely consumed through scavenging. Bacterial biomarkers of bird carcass decay can persist through rat digestion and may serve as biomarkers of scavenging. Our approach can be used to reveal trophic interactions that are challenging to measure through direct observation.

Response of vertebrate scavengers to power line and road rights-of-way and its implications for bird fatality estimates

Linear infrastructures, such as power lines and roads, are an important source of bird mortality. However, little is known on the potential effect of these infrastructures on local scavenger guilds, their foraging activity and the resulting bird carcass removal patterns. This is an important source of bias in studies aiming to quantify bird fatalities due to linear infrastructures. We used camera-traps to record scavenger identity and persistence patterns of bird carcasses placed close to linear infrastructure and nearby controls in two Mediterranean agricultural regions. We found that linear infrastructure influence on scavenger identity varied depending on the region. Contrary to expectations, linear infrastructure presence had either none or a positive effect on carcass persistence, meaning that carcasses placed within power line or road rights-of-way were not removed faster than the ones placed in controls. We conclude that linear infrastructure effect on vertebrate scavenging patterns is likely to be region-specific, and that reliable correction factors for carcass removal-bias in bird fatality estimates require site-specific experiments to characterize local scavenging processes.

Productive performance and carcass yield of egg type male chickens raised with outdoor access in the tropics.

This study aimed to compare growth and slaughter performance of layer-type slow-growing Rhode Island Red male chickens grown with and without access to an area with vegetation in the tropics. Raised until 115days of age, a total of 156, 1-day-old birds were randomly allocated to two treatments: total confinement (TC) and partial confinement (PC), with 6 replicates of 13 birds each. Birds grown under TC conditions reached a live weight of 2016.68g while those raised with access to outdoors attained 1981.07g, without statistical differences. Feed intake and daily feed intake were higher (P < 0.05) in birds farmed with TC management, during the last 17days of the trial. Treatments did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect bird's other productive parameters and carcass traits. Results from this study suggested that slow-growing Rhode Island Red males may be raised with access to outdoors without any adverse effect on productive performance and carcass quality in the Mexican Tropic. Based on the results of this study, a rearing period of 84days of age is recommended for Rhode Island Red male chickens raised in both TC and PC production systems.

Campylobacter and Salmonella levels and chemical composition of commercial whole bird carcass pre-chiller rinses

In order to assess the impact of pre-chiller temperatures on whole bird carcass rinses (WBCR), trials were conducted to analyze the effects of pre-chiller temperatures on the microbial and chemical composition of the pre-chiller water and the incidence of Campylobacter , Salmonella , and total aerobes on WBCR. WBCR and water samples were tested before and after the pre-chiller to assess the microbiological impact of different temperatures on the microbiological quality of the carcasses. Results demonstrated higher pre-chiller temperatures (>70 °F) impacted the microbial load of the WBCR (correlations: P < 0.05). APC populations of WBCR were less at the post pre-chiller sampling location of both systems (2.98 and 2.85 Log 10 CFU/mL) than prior (3.34 and 3.24 Log 10 CFU/mL) and the load of Salmonell a in pre-chiller 1 (65 °F) was higher post pre-chiller (-0.61 to 0.06 Log 10 CFU/mL). Campylobacter load of post pre-chiller 2 (>70 °F) was higher than that of both pre-chiller 1 locations. Correlations between time and load of aerobes, Salmonella , and Campylobacter on WBCR taken from post pre-chiller 2 were present (0.04, 0.11, and 0.91 Log 10 CFU/mL per 1.5 h; P < 0.05). In addition, there was a correlation between time and load of Campylobacter on WBCR taken from post pre-chiller 1 and pre pre-chiller 2 (0.14 and 0.16 Log 10 CFU/mL per 1.5 h; P < 0.05). Salmonella prevalence was higher than the central mean for WBCR collected post pre-chiller 1 and lower in those collected pre pre-chiller 2 (P < 0.05) Campylobacter prevalence was lower in WBCR collected pre-chiller 1 and higher post pre-chiller 2 than the central mean (P < 0.05). These results indicate that there may be a significant microbiological benefit to running the pre-chiller at lower temperatures, specifically for reducing Campylobacter loads. This information should allow processors to reduce the microbiological loads prior to second processing. • Microbial load in pre-chillers >70 °F did correlate to that in carcass rinsates. • Campylobacter load and prevalence of WBCR was more affected by higher temperatures. • Salmonella and APC load of WBCR were less affected by temperature. • A microbiological benefit to running the pre-chiller at lower temperatures. • Focus on reducing the microbial contamination prior- and post-pre-chiller system.

Biomolecular analyses reveal the age, sex and species identity of a near-intact Pleistocene bird carcass

Ancient remains found in permafrost represent a rare opportunity to study past ecosystems. Here, we present an exceptionally well-preserved ancient bird carcass found in the Siberian permafrost, along with a radiocarbon date and a reconstruction of its complete mitochondrial genome. The carcass was radiocarbon dated to approximately 44–49 ka BP, and was genetically identified as a female horned lark. This is a species that usually inhabits open habitat, such as the steppe environment that existed in Siberia at the time. This near-intact carcass highlights the potential of permafrost remains for evolutionary studies that combine both morphology and ancient nucleic acids.

Seasonal Difference in Carcass Persistence Rates at Wind Farms with Snow, Hokkaido, Japan

Carcass persistence rates strongly affect estimation of avian fatalities resulting from collisions with wind turbines. Our aim was to compare bird carcass persistence rates based on trials during different seasons at wind farms where the ground was snow covered in winter. Carcass persistence was found to be considerably shorter during late winter than during summer/autumn, and was considered to result from food shortages for terrestrial vertebrate scavengers during winter, and the higher visibility of carcasses resting on snow-covered ground in late winter. It is critical to represent carcass persistence rates in different seasons at wind farms.

A New Approach to Assessment of Bird Carcass Removal (Scavenging) Time on Wind Farm in Egypt

Abstract Wind farms developing rapidly in order to meet the high demand for energy from green sources. However, the impact of wind farm operation on the environment still needs to be established. The risk to wild birds is drawing the attention of stakeholders and bird conservation organizations. Carcass search is the main method used to assess the impact of wind farm operation on wild birds of various systematic groups and sizes. Assessment of the overall risk that wind farms pose to birds depends primarily on accurate calculation of carcass removal times and the detection ability of the searcher. Most studies have assessed the carcass removal time using pet bird species, pigeons, or various local birds. In Egypt, all studies conducted in operating wind farms up to 2016 had used chickens to assess the carcass removal time and in this way to the estimate the total number of bird fatalities within wind farms. The use of birds killed by a wind farm in carcass removal trials provides the actual time of carcass disappearance, in contrast with the use of other bird species. The removal times of carcasses of parakeets, quails, partridges and chickens were shorter than those of carcasses of White Stork, White Pelican, Honey Buzzard, Black Kites and eagles used in the current study and in another study in Australia. The results of the present study indicate that carcasses of birds killed within the studied wind farm remain for two to three months, while the carcasses of other in species other localities remain no more than 1 to 15 days, which unquestionably influences the calculation of total fatalities and leads to overestimation of the overall risk that wind farms for birds.

Aerobic plate count, Salmonella and Campylobacter loads of whole bird carcass rinses from pre-chillers with different water management strategies in a commercial poultry processing plant

Salmonella and Campylobacter are significant issues for poultry processors because of increasing regulatory standards as well as public health concerns. The goal of this study is to report the effects of two different pre-chiller systems that utilize different temperatures and water recirculation systems on whole bird carcass rinsates. Both pre-chiller tanks were contained within a single poultry processing facility and operated at different temperatures and water systems. The incidence of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp., as well as the aerobic plate counts on whole bird carcass rinses are reported in this study from each pre-chiller system. The results from this study reveal that there are significant differences in how microbial populations and pathogens change over time in each pre-chiller system. Furthermore, we identify that these patterns are different per system. Such data are impactful as it indicates that measuring carcasses within a plant must consider both temperature and water recirculation as it may prevent comparability of different lines within a single processing facility.

The Influence of Welfare Training on Bird Welfare and Carcass Quality in Two Commercial Poultry Primary Processing Plants.

Simple SummaryEnsuring acceptable welfare of broilers at the slaughterhouse is paramount in meeting legislative and retailer specifications, and in producing high quality meat. Animal welfare training for staff working in red meat slaughterhouses has been shown to improve animal welfare measures and product quality, however there is little evidence of the effects of welfare training in poultry processing plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of introducing a welfare training program for staff on bird welfare and carcass quality in a commercial Costa Rican and British poultry slaughter plant. The results we obtained show that staff welfare training has a positive effect on several bird welfare outcomes. Some carcass quality measures also improved post training, although this result was not consistent. These data could help the development and targeting of future welfare training courses and encourage the uptake of welfare training in the poultry slaughter industry.The number of broilers slaughtered globally is increasing. Ensuring acceptable welfare conditions for birds at the time of slaughter is paramount in meeting legislative and retailer specifications, and in producing high quality meat. There is knowledge that welfare training programs for members of the farming and red meat slaughter industry can improve animal welfare measures and product quality, however there is little evidence of the effects of welfare training in poultry processing plants. In our study, a comprehensive welfare training program was introduced to a Costa Rican and a British commercial broiler primary processing plant, both of which slaughter birds by way of neck cut post electrical water bath stunning. The effects of this program on some welfare and product quality measures were investigated, both immediately and six months post training. The welfare measures that showed significant improvements post training included; flapping at shackling, pre-stun shocks, stun parameters and effective neck cut. Product quality measures including broken wings and red pygostyles also improved, however the positive effect of training was not seen in all quality measures. Welfare training does have the potential to improve broiler welfare and product quality at slaughter, and these data could help the development and targeting of future welfare training courses and encourage the uptake of welfare training in the poultry slaughter industry.

Comparison of 16S rDNA Next Sequencing of Microbiome Communities From Post-scalder and Post-picker Stages in Three Different Commercial Poultry Plants Processing Three Classes of Broilers.

Poultry processing systems are a complex network of equipment and automation systems that require a proactive approach to monitoring in order to protect the food supply. Process oversight requires the use of multi-hurdle intervention systems to ensure that any undesirable microorganisms are reduced or eliminated by the time the carcasses are processed into final products. In the present study, whole bird carcass rinses (WBCR) collected at the post-scalder and post-picker locations from three different poultry processing facilities (Plant A: mid-weight broiler processing, B: large-weight broiler processing, C: young broiler (Cornish) processing) were subjected to next generation sequencing (NGS) and microbial quantification using direct plating methods to assess the microbial populations present during these stages of the poultry process. The quantification of aerobic plate counts (APC) and Enterobacteriaceae (EB) demonstrated that reductions for these microbial classes were not consistent between the two sampling locations for all facilities, but did not provide a clear picture of what microorganism(s) may be affecting those shifts. With the utilization of NGS, a more complete characterization of the microbial communities present including microorganisms that would not have been identified with the employed direct plating methodologies were identified. Although the foodborne pathogens typically associated with raw poultry, Salmonella and Campylobacter, were not identified, sequence analysis performed by Quantitative Insights of Microbiology Ecology (QIIME) indicated shifts of Erwinia, Serratia, and Arcobacter, which are microorganisms closely related to Salmonella and Campylobacter. Additionally, the presence of Chryseobacterium and Pseudomonas at both sampling locations and at all three facilities provides evidence that these microorganisms could potentially be utilized to assess the performance of multi-hurdle intervention systems.

The use of probiotics based on strains of the genus &lt;i&gt;Bacillus&lt;/i&gt; in quail feeding

The use of trial specimens of probiotics based on strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and their consortium was experimentally proved to be effective for quail feeding during their growth. The dynamics of live weight gain of quails was monitored. The experiment lasted for 60 days and was carried out in compliance with the standard methods. Quails that were studied were of the Japanese breed formed in four groups of 80 heads in each: one control group and three experimental ones at the age of one day. Quails were kept in a battery cage with all the required environment conditions met. All the groups were fed on the main (control) diet, developed taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of quails. However, birds of experimental groups 1-3 were additionally fed on probiotics based on strains Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and their consortium in the amount of 150 g/t of feed, respectively. The effect of new strains of probiotics and their consortium was tested during the study by the following parameters: the survival rate of birds, intensity of chicken growth, meat productivity and hematological indicators. The optimum variant of probiotics introduction into the diet of quails during their growth period was determined. The recommendations for the preparation of compound feeds with the use of probiotic supplements were developed. The chemical composition of quail feed and meat was studied in the biological laboratory by conventional methods of zootechnical analysis. The introduction of the consortium of strains Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in the amount of 150 g/t led to an increase in the survival rate of quails by 4.0%. The average daily live weight gain increased by 2.57%, feed consumption per one unit of produce decreased by 6.48%. When feeding quails on the consortium of probiotic strains Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in this rate, the mass of the eviscerated bird carcass increased by 3.61%, the protein content in the meat and its biological value increased by 1.06 and 11.11%, respectively. The hematological characteristics of the chickens remained within the physiological norm.

Experimental subaqueous burial of a bird carcass and compaction of plumage

‘Exceptional fossils’ of dinosaurs preserving feathers have radically changed the way we view their paleobiology and the evolution of birds. Understanding how such soft tissues preserve is imperative to accurately interpreting the morphology of fossil feathers. Experimental taphonomy has been integral to such investigations. One such experiment used a printing press to mimic compaction, done subaerially and without sediment burial, and concluded that the leaking of bodily fluid could lead to the clumping of feathers by causing barbs to stick together such that they superficially resemble simpler, less derived, filamentous structures. Here we use a novel, custom-built experimental setup to more accurately mimic subaqueous burial and compaction under low-energy, fine-grain depositional environments applicable to the taphonomic settings most plumage-preserving ‘exceptional fossils’ are found in. We find that when submerged and subsequently buried and compacted, feathers do not clump together and they maintain their original arrangement. Submersion in fluid in and of itself does not lead to clumping of barbs; this would only occur upon pulling feathers out from water into air. Furthermore, sediment encases the feathers, fixing them in place during compaction. Thus, feather clumping that leads to erroneously plesiomorphic morphological interpretations may not be a taphonomic factor of concern when examining fossil feathers. Our current methodology is amenable to further improvements that will continue to more accurately mimic subaqueous burial and compaction, allowing for various hypothesis testing.

Microbiome Profiles of Commercial Broilers Through Evisceration and Immersion Chilling During Poultry Slaughter and the Identification of Potential Indicator Microorganisms.

Commercial poultry abattoirs were evaluated to determine the efficacy of the multi-hurdle antimicrobial strategy employed to reduce the microbial load present on incoming broilers from the farm. As next generation sequencing (NGS) has been recently employed to characterize the poultry production system, this study utilized 16S High throughput sequencing (HTS) and quantitative plating data to profile the microbiota of chicken carcasses and determine the efficacy of the multi-hurdle antimicrobial system. Aerobic plate count (APC) and Enterobacteriaceae (EB) microbial counts were quantified from whole bird carcass rinsates (WBCR). The remaining rinsates underwent microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA gene fragments on an Illumina MiSeq and were analyzed by Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology (QIIME). The key stages of processing were determined to be at rehang, pre-chill, and post-chill as per the Salmonella Reduction Regulation (75 Fed. Reg. 27288–27294). The APC microbial data from rehang, pre-chill, and post-chill were mean log 4.63 CFU/mL, 3.21 CFU/mL, and 0.89 CFU/mL and EB counts were mean log 2.99 CFU/mL, 1.95 CFU/mL, and 0.35 CFU/mL. NGS of WBCR identified 222 Operational Taxonomic Units’ (OTU’s) of which only 23 OTU’s or 10% of the population was recovered post-chill. Microbiome data suggested a high relative abundance of Pseudomonas at post-chill. Additionally, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Weeksellaceae Chryseobacterium have been identified as potential indicator organisms having been isolated from all processing abattoirs and sampling locations. This study provides insight into the microbiota of commercial broilers during poultry processing.

Estimates of genetic parameters and cluster analyses for carcass and meat quality traits in birds

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters for bird carcass and meat quality traits, as well as to explore the genetic patterns of the breeding values of this population using cluster analyses. Data from 1,846 birds were used to estimate the genetic parameters of production and quality traits using the multiple-trait animal model, and cluster analyses were performed. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.08± 0.03 for meat pH measured 24 hours after slaughter to 0.85± 0.09 for body weight. The genetic correlations between production traits were high and positive. The genetic correlations between meat quality traits were low and were not informative due to the high standard errors (same magnitudes as those of the genetic correlations). The genetic correlations between meat production and quality traits were negative, except between production traits and meat lightness intensity. Based on breeding values (EBVs), the evaluated population can be divided into four groups through cluster analyses, and one group is suitable for selection because the birds presented EBVs above and around the average of the population, respectively, for production and quality traits. Therefore, it is possible to obtain genetic gains for production-related traits without decreasing meat quality.

Prey or play: interactions between walruses and seabirds

Several anecdotal reports indicate that walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) occasionally attack seabirds, which potentially impacts local bird populations. However, the manner in which walruses interact with seabirds and the motivational basis of such interactions have not been investigated. Here, we describe and characterize the behaviour of wild Pacific walruses (O. r. divergens) directed at seabirds in water near the summer haulout in the Chukchi Sea. Although most walruses showed no interest in seabirds nearby, some individuals intentionally approached them both alone and in groups. A total of 74 seabird encounters for 71 individually identified walruses were registered. Behavioural analysis based on detailed observations, photography and video recording showed that the most common types of walrus behaviour toward a bird were approach by surfacing and splash, approach by surfacing and hit and attack from below. Immature individuals initiated 82% of encounters. The motivation to approach a bird was low in adult individuals, with the majority of encounters involving adults initiated by males. Walrus encounters with live birds showed a very low rate of bird kill. Encounters with dead birds were followed by further manipulations with bird carcasses, which included both the consumption of bird soft tissue and object play taking the form of drop–catch behaviour. In addition eight cases of the object-oriented play with a bird carcass in a group of walruses were observed. Object play in wild walruses is reported for the first time. Our results indicate that in seabird encounters, walruses display diverse behavioural patterns, not limited to predatory responses.

Use of bird carcass removals by urban scavengers to adjust bird-window collision estimates

Use of bird carcass removals by urban scavengers to adjust bird-window collision estimates

Genetic response of growing cockerels to sorghum offal substitute for sorghum meal in a research environment

One hundred and fifty (150) Day old Anak cockerel chicks were used in this study, to evaluate the effect of feeding Sorghum Offal (SO) in the bird's performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics. They were distributed into five dietary treatments, with varied levels of weight for weight replacement (2, 3, 4, and 5 contained 15, 35, 55 and 75 % sorghum offal in place of sorghum meal) respectively. While treatment 1 with zero replacement serving as control. The response of the birds, in terms of feed intake weight gained, feed conversion efficiency, and apparent nutrient digestibility and retention were determined. The organ weights and weight of cut parts were also recorded. The result showed that weight of organs such as spleen, heart, liver, kidney and proventriculus increased significantly across the row. The study indicated that the substitution of sorghum offal for sorghum meal at levels up to 35 % can be tolerated by cockerel chicks. KEYWORDS : Nutrient utilization, digestibility, Sorghum offal, carcass characteristics, performance, response.

Effects of dietary lysine on broiler performance and carcass yield - meta-analysis

There has been a great evolution and improvement in the nutrition of poultry and lysine has been used the reference amino acid to increase animal protein deposition. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed with the objective of studying the effect of different dietary lysine levels on the performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens. In total, 21 studies published in Brazil since 1999 were included. Bird performance considered daily weight gain (178 observations) and feed conversion ratio (188 observations) results. Carcass quality was evaluated relative to carcass yield (24 observations), abdominal fat (24 observations) and breast meat yield (30 observations). Data were checked for normality and were submitted to analysis of variance. Weight gain and carcass yield increased with the addition of 1.05% of lysine to the diet, whereas feed conversion ratio and abdominal fat were reduced as dietary lysine concentration increased. The results, therefore, indicate that lysine is essential in bird nutrition and significantly affects bird performance and carcass yield.

Poultry carcass decomposition and physicochemical analysis of compounds in different Composter types

This study aimed to assess five composter types in poultry carcasses decomposition and to perform a physicochemical analysis of the compounds obtained. Composter types used were six-hole brick, wood, screen, windrow with three PVC pipes with six holes and windrow with three PVC pipes with 10 holes. Composting was followed by four periods using wood shaving like substrate with one bird carcass placed in each composter. Pile turning was performed every 10 days and temperature in each layer was measured on 1st, 7th, 14th, 19th and 29th day, at 3 p.m., as well as room temperature. Temperature during pile turning was also measured at five points per layer and carcass weighing performed to calculate decomposition percentage. Physicochemical parameters evaluated in substrates were moisture, ash, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, pH, organic carbon and C/N ratio, up to 30 days. Data were analyzed by repeated measures model, using MIXED method of SAS software. All values of final physicochemical composition of substrates were found according to values of IN-25, except nitrogen. The composter types were efficient in decomposition of poultry carcasses.

Taphonomic Study of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Bone Modification Resulting from the Burial and Feeding Behavior of the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus)

ABSTRACTActualistic and observational studies of bird bone disarticulation, wear, and damage contribute to understanding the development of fossil assemblages and distinguishing non‐cultural from cultural deposition. The American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) is known for seeking small bird carcasses to lay eggs and provide food for its brooding larvae. In this study, we examine the resulting body parts of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) carcasses to investigate the taphonomy resulting from the burial and feeding behavior of the beetles. Evidence of breakage, cracking, embedding, flaking, furrowing, pitting, polishing, and staining was observed on the bones of carcasses balled and brooded by the beetles. Based on the results, the implication of potential bird carcass intrusion in archaeological sites, where the beetle is found, is discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.