Groups Of Birds Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF GROOMING ON PERMANENT ARTHROPOD ASSOCIATES OF BIRDS: CATTLE EGRETS, LICE, AND MITES.

Birds have a diverse community of "permanent" arthropods that complete their entire life cycle on the body of the host. Because some of these arthropods are parasites that reduce host fitness, birds control them by grooming, which consists of preening with the beak and scratching with the feet. Although preening is the primary component of grooming, scratching is essential for controlling arthropods on the head and neck, which cannot be preened. Several unrelated groups of birds have evolved comb-like pectinate claws on the middle toenail of each foot. We tested the role of these claws in the control of arthropods by experimentally removing teeth from the claws of captive western cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) infested with chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera), feather mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes), and nasal mites (Acari: Mesostigmata). After a period of 4 mo, we compared the abundance of arthropods on experimental birds to that of control birds with intact teeth. We used video to quantify the grooming rates of the captive birds, which groomed twice as much as wild birds. Experimental and control birds did not differ significantly in grooming time. Both groups virtually eradicated the chewing lice, but not feather mites or nasal mites. We found no support for the hypothesis that pectinate claws increase the efficiency of arthropod control by grooming. Experiments with wild birds are needed to test the hypothesis further under conditions in which birds devote less time to grooming.

Long-term changes in qualitative composition of the Buzuluk Pine Forest avifauna (Orenburg Province area) based on retrospective and present-time observations

We conducted a comparative analysis of qualitative composition of the Buzuluk Pine Forest avifauna, mainly based on data collected by ornithologist E.P. Knorre for the period 1928–1941, and modern observations done between 2000 and the present. Retrospective data were obtained from the now-defunct Buzuluk Bor Reserve with an area of 10 503 hectares (now Borovoye-Opytnoe Forestry in the Orenburg Province). Present-time personal avifaunistic observations (using standard methods with referring to literature sources) were carried out on an area of 49 000 hectares, both in Borovoye-Opytnoe and in several adjacent forestries that were part of the Buzuluk Bor National Park within the Orenburg Province. Comparing the historical and current bird lists, we used a relative assessment of changes in the composition of various bird groups based on the observed and expected frequencies according to the χ2 test. Long-term data on average annual temperatures and precipitation from a nearby state weather station were also used. As a result, it is shown that by now the list of birds of E.P. Knorre decreased from 153 to 109 species (28.8%). When comparing by orders, the water birds were found to be the most affected group. The number of species in orders Podicipediformes, Ciconiiformes, Gruiformes decreased by 80–100%, and it dropped by more than 50% in orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. There was also a slightly smaller decrease in the number of species in orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes – by about 40%. An assessment of the relative changes in various bird groups from Knorre’s list based on expected and observed frequencies showed significant differences in the portion of avifauna associated with water. It decreased between 23.5% and 9% in the group ‘Limnophiles’ (χ2 = 11.7, df = 1, p = 0.0006) and between 24.8% and 9% in the group of orders represented by waterfowl and waterbird species (χ2 = 13.4, df = 1, p = 0.0002). The change in the portion of birds of prey was statistically non-significant. The same portion assessment method did not statistically confirm the decrease in the rest ecological and order groups. Comparison of groups by occurrence status found no significant changes in the portions of all groups of birds in the past and present, but the largest reduction was recorded in the group of migrating species. The portion of migrants decreased from 8.7% to 3.0% (χ2 = 3.2, df = 1, p = 0.07, Yates corrected χ2 = 2.2, p = 0.1). A dramatic decline in group of bird species associated with wetlands was suggested to be due, among other factors, to the progressive desiccation of the Buzuluk Pine Forest, as E. Knorre himself wrote in his report. The ongoing aridization of the climate, as shown by the graph of average annual air temperatures, has been taking place since at least the 20s of the twentieth century and led to the drying-up of wetlands, and also to migration of groundwater to deeper horizons. The emerging trend towards a reduction in the portion of migrants could be explained by the fact that a number of migratory bird species, mainly ducks and waders, disappeared in the study area, and several other migrants began breeding species. In addition, large-scale fires and logging led to formation of burned wasteland areas inside the forest at the beginning of the twentieth century and also probably contributed to fragmentation and desiccation of this biome.

Effect of Vitamin D3 Enrichment by Ultra Violet Blue (UVB) Radiation and Dietary Zinc Supplementation on Egg Production and Feed Consumption in Layer Birds

Nutritionists have recently been involved in enriching or altering the nutritional profile of poultry products, such as meat and eggs, in relation to increased consumer interest in the nutritional value of foods. Newer technologies like development of designer eggs were exploited beyond their traditional food value. Designer eggs are those that have modified contents from standard egg according to the consumers’ preference or according to current market demand. The present study to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3 enrichment by UVB radiation and dietary zinc supplementation on egg production and feed consumption in layer birds was conducted at Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, for a period of 12 weeks from 01 February 2020 to 01 May 2020. A total of sixty-four laying hens, belonging to crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) housed in animal house attached to the department were used in the experiment. The treatments of this study included a control diet (according to BIS 2007) fed group (group I), a group with zinc supplementation alone (group II), a group with UVB exposure without zinc supplementation (group III) and a group with both UVB exposure and zinc supplementation (group IV). The four treatments were tested in 28-week-old crossbred hens in a completely randomised experimental design. Each of the experimental treatments had four replicates with four birds with all standard managemental conditions. The statistical analysis showed that egg production was not significantly affected by UVB light exposure and dietary zinc supplementation. However, the effect of UVB exposure and zinc supplementation via feed was highly significant (p≤0.01) for feed consumption. The highest overall mean feed intake (113.18±0.14 g/day) was recorded with those birds exposed to UVB and fed with inorganic zinc. While the lowest value (107.17±0.24 g/day) was recorded in group of birds fed with zinc supplementation in diet without UVB exposure. As a future prospective we can study the egg production rate and feed consumption rate in layer chicken that are intended for different types of designer egg production.

Effect of heat stress on growth, carcass and sensory parameters in synthetic broiler and native cross chicken

Poultry production in the tropics is mainly affected by environmental stressors, viz. temperature and humidity. The present investigation aimed to study the growth, carcass and meat quality of the two different genetic groups of chicken under control (spring season) and heat stress conditions (summer). During the spring season, the mean temperature of the poultry house was found to be 23.68±0.39°C, while it was 34.41±0.52°C during summer. Under both conditions, the body weights of both the genetic groups were recorded at 0, 7, 21 and 42 days of age. The carcass traits were recorded after 6 weeks of age and sensory evaluation was done by meat product preparation. The results showed no significant difference in the growth performance, carcass traits and sensory parameters of control and heat stress groups of native cross birds which might be due to better adaptability and heat tolerance potential, however, the synthetic broiler variety IBL80 was significantly affected by heat stress causing a 16.82% reduction in marketable weight as compared to the control group. According to the findings of the current study, native cross chickens had a higher capability for heat tolerance even if fast-growing synthetic broilers were superior in terms of growth performance and carcass production.

Genetic diversity of the Carpathian capercaillie in space and time

Abstract Knowledge about changes occurring in the genetic structure of populations is extremely important in the case of endangered species. Research studies conducted in space and time allow us to identify factors that are influencing gene flow. Especially in the case of species occurring in the form of dispersed, more or less isolated populations, this is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The Carpathians are one of the most important capercaillies stronghold in Central Europe. The population here is fragmented, and at least, some groups of birds are small and isolated. This study aimed to determine whether the genetic structure of the capercaillie in the Polish part of the Carpathians has changed over the last decade. The research was conducted in three Polish national parks: Babia Góra National Park (BAB), Gorce (GOR) and Tatra (TAT). A total of over 1,300 non-invasive samples were collected for genetic analyses in two periods: 2010–2013 and 2021–2022. Individuals were identified using microsatellite markers. It was found that during the research period, there were approximately 200 capercaillie individuals in the Parks. The level of genetic variability in individual strongholds has not changed significantly. However, traces of a new gene pool were found in BAB, which could have appeared from other areas of the Carpathians where the species is being reintroduced. GOR shows features of a sink population: low genetic variability, low number of individuals and gradual decline in emigration. During the period covered by the study, the genetic structure has changed little: the studied strongholds are partially genetically isolated, but gene flow between BAB and GOR appears to be increasingly limited. TAT is a hybrid and transition zone for gene flow between smaller strongholds. The results emphasize the importance of areas with stable, numerous populations for the survival of smaller, peripheral groups of the capercaillie in mountain areas.

Concentration of metals and metalloids in livers of birds of various foraging guilds collected during the autumn migration period in Poland.

During migration, birds explore various habitats at stopover sites that differ in food resources and contamination levels. In this study, hepatic concentrations of 21 elements (metals and metalloids) in 11 species of birds, representing various foraging habitats (such as aquatic, aquatic/terrestrial, and terrestrial) and migration modes (migratory and sedentary) representing various foraging guilds (omnivores, piscivores, and molluscivores), were analyzed. The samples (N = 84) were collected during the autumn migration period in Poland. The concentrations of elements determined in this study exhibited high inter-species variability, reflecting the diversity in contamination levels depending on food resources used by specific bird groups. Many of the investigated individuals from different species showed exceeded levels of subclinical toxicity and moderate clinical poisoning due to Cd and Hg. Higher concentrations of As, Hg, and Ba and lower V concentrations were found in migratory birds as compared to sedentary birds. Species foraging in terrestrial habitat had different concentrations of some elements compared to aquatic and aquatic/terrestrial species. Some specific inter-species differences in hepatic elemental concentrations were found. Differences in elemental concentrations among various groups can primarily be attributed to their foraging guilds, with certain elements, particularly As, V, and Hg, playing a significant role in the dissimilarity of elemental concentrations between foraging habitat groups and migratory mode groups. The data collected confirmed the limited ability of As to enter ecosystem pathways. The results of this study contribute to understanding the year-round exposure of migratory birds to environmental contamination, which can have carry-over effects on their performance in wintering and breeding grounds.

Parameters of plasticity and stability of laying hens under the interaction “genotype × environment”

The article presents the research results on the evaluation of the polygenically determined quantitative trait “laying” under the influence of the interaction “genotype × environment” on the comprehensive genetic material of chickens. Meat and egg hens of the original maternal form of domestic breeding, descendants of the first and second generations of different genesis, and improved synthetic populations performed it. The laying hens of the experimental groups were determined during seven months of egg laying. By using a two-factor variance analysis, a probable influence of genotypic affiliation (P < 0.05) and the month of egg laying (P < 0.001) on the level of manifestation of laying hens of the studied groups was established. The probable difference in the gradation of “condition” factors made it possible to evaluate the parameters of plasticity and stability in the studied groups of birds. The regression coefficient (bi) characterizes the average reaction of a group of individuals to a change in environmental conditions, that is, their plasticity, which makes it possible to predict the variability of the trait under the studied conditions. High bi-indicators indicate a more significant response of a group of chickens to a change in environmental conditions, influenced by active factors. That is, the larger the value of bi, the steeper the regression line, and the more sensitive the group is to changes in detention conditions. A zero or close to zero value of bi indicates that the group reacts poorly to changes in environmental conditions (in our case, the months of egg-laying). Plasticity analysis makes it possible to identify genotypes of birds with significant adaptability to changes in environmental conditions. The laying hens of the created synthetic population, the offspring of the first generation of different genetic origins, and the F2 hens of the “K-51” group were more plastic in laying. This indicates the slightest response of this bird to changes in environmental conditions. The “Ross” birds of the “K-22” and “K-32” groups of different generations and the original maternal form F10 were less plastic according to this feature; that is, they were more sensitive to the influence of active factors. The variant of stability (S2i) of the feature shows how reliably the selection feature of the studied group of birds corresponds to the plasticity estimated by the regression coefficient. The closer the S2i indicators are to zero, the less the empirical values of the characteristic differ from the theoretical values located on the regression line. The “Ross” hens of the second generation of the “K-22” and “K-32” groups were distinguished by their high laying stability (S2i=2.42–2.65). The least stable in terms of this polygenic trait was the “Kobb” chickens of the “K-51” and “K-5” groups (S2i=6.01–9.53). Hybrids of the first generation were characterized by more excellent laying stability than mothers.

Modeling Magnitude Discrimination: Effects of Internal Precision and Attentional Weighting of Feature Dimensions.

Given a rich environment, how do we decide on what information to use? A view of a single entity (e.g., a group of birds) affords many distinct interpretations, including their number, average size, and spatial extent. An enduring challenge for cognition, therefore, is to focus resources on the most relevant evidence for any particular decision. In the present study, subjects completed three tasks-number discrimination, surface area discrimination, and convex hull discrimination-with the same stimulus set, where these three features were orthogonalized. Therefore, only the relevant feature provided consistent evidence for decisions in each task. This allowed us to determine how well humans discriminate each feature dimension and what evidence they relied on to do so. We introduce a novel computational approach that fits both feature precision and feature use. We found that the most relevant feature for each decision is extracted and relied on, with minor contributions from competing features. These results suggest that multiple feature dimensions are separately represented for each attended ensemble of many items and that cognition is efficient at selecting the appropriate evidence for a decision.

Implication of abandoned post‐quarry sites on avifauna composition for strategic landscape restoration in Ndarugu, Kiambu, Kenya

AbstractAbandoned post‐quarry sites have potentiality to be remodeled into natural‐wilderness areas, a desire especially in rapidly urbanizing and transforming landscapes. However, paucity of ecological information on post‐quarry sites limits nature‐based restoration, especially in the sub‐Saharan tropical landscape. This study investigated avifauna composition of post‐quarry sites in Ndarugu, Kenya, relative to non‐quarried sites for conservation role prioritization. Birds were censused in 166 point count stations using the fixed‐radius distance method. Land use land cover types within each point provided the variables for explaining bird occurrence. Observed bird species were classified into functional guilds, avifaunal composition assessed, and bird data subjected to multivariate analysis. In total 158 species, 128 in post‐quarry and 123 in non‐quarried sites, were recorded. Bush‐ and forest‐related species were dominant, constituting over 55% of total observed birds, in both site categories. Six wetland‐related species were detected only in quarried sampling sites. Mann–Whitney statistical tests returned a significant effect of land use category on bird species richness, abundance, and diversity, all higher in post‐quarried than in non‐quarried sites (p < 0.05). Emergent natural shrubs, quarry cliffs, and cultivated farms were most influential to bird community structuring. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis revealed four functional groups of birds whose species richness increased with number of post‐quarried sampling sites in a cluster. Unique physical features of post‐quarry sites and emergent vegetation types, can be partially mimicked in nature‐oriented rehabilitation planning for long‐term social and ecological benefits.

The role of neophobia in a pioneer olfactory enrichment for amazons, macaws, and toucans

Introduction: Despite sensory enrichment being critical for ensuring the well-being of captive wild animals, smells are not being included in enrichment protocols for birds. For this group, neophobia can be a problem when it comes to implementing new enrichment devices. Objective: Here, we aim to explore how participation in an olfactory enrichment and latency times varied between bird taxonomic groups (Amazona spp. / Ara spp. / Ramphastos spp.). Methods: For this, we exposed 257 birds to a scent enrichment, and we register which individuals engaged with it and the time they took to interact with it. Results: We discovered that toucan’s participation in the enrichment was significantly higher compared to amazons and macaws. Furthermore, latency time to interact with the enrichment was significantly higher in amazons. Our findings could suggest that toucans are neophilic species which could benefit from higher exploration rates. Amazons on the contrary seem to be particularly neophobic, possibly because of their less opportunistic feeding habits compared to toucans and their higher vulnerability to be preyed compared to macaws. Conclusion: These results point out that olfactory enrichment is appealing for toucans while a more natural design using smells inside familiar objects could be more successful for psittacids.

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds.

Birds are useful as bioindicators of metal pollution, but the variety of species and tissue distribution may influence the study of heavy metal burdens in birds. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in wild birds' carcasses to acquire information on species differences and the tissue distribution of metals in wild birds in Thailand. Species differences in metal buildup were observed in the livers and kidneys, but not in the feathers. A significantly higher accumulation of Cd was found in the livers and kidneys of the granivorous birds compared to those in the water birds. In all the groups of birds, the Pb level in the livers (>15 ppm) and feathers (>4 ppm) exceeded the threshold limits, causing potential lead poisoning and disturbing the reproductive success. The Cd accumulation in the kidneys was above 2-8 ppm, indicating increased environmental exposure to Cd in these birds. The Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Fe concentrations in the livers could be estimated using the kidneys, while the Pb level in the liver may be predicted using feathers. Furthermore, water birds' feathers may be potentially appropriate bioindicators for long-term exposure. Research on the origin of metal contamination is needed to reduce the threat of heavy metals to the health of both birds and other wildlife species.

Environmental and geographical factors influence the occurrence and abundance of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, in Hawai‘i

Hawaiian honeycreepers, a group of endemic Hawaiian forest birds, are being threatened by avian malaria, a non-native disease that is driving honeycreepers populations to extinction. Avian malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium relictum, which is transmitted by the invasive mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. Environmental and geographical factors play an important role in shaping mosquito-borne disease transmission dynamics through their influence on the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes. We assessed the effects of environmental (temperature, precipitation), geographic (site, elevation, distance to anthropogenic features), and trap type (CDC light trap, CDC gravid trap) factors on mosquito occurrence and abundance. Occurrence was analyzed using classification and regression tree models (CART) and generalized linear models (GLM); abundance (count data) was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Models predicted highest mosquito occurrence at mid-elevation sites and between July and November. Occurrence increased with temperature and precipitation up to 580 mm. For abundance, the best model was a zero-inflated negative-binomial model that indicated higher abundance of mosquitoes at mid-elevation sites and peak abundance between August and October. Estimation of occurrence and abundance as well as understanding the factors that influence them are key for mosquito control, which may reduce the risk of forest bird extinction.

Hybrid de novo genome assembly of the sexually dimorphic Lady Amherst's pheasant.

Pheasants are an important group of birds, valued for their economic benefit as poultry birds, game birds, and as ornamental species for their plumage. Lady Amherst's pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae is an ornamental species, valued for its elaborate and beautiful plumage. In this study, we present a high-quality de novo hybrid genome assembly of C. amherstiae. Previous attempts to sequence the genome of this species resulted in draft-level assemblies, which are not available in the public domain. Using a combination of Illumina short reads and Oxford Nanopore's long-reads, we assembled a high-quality genome of N50 ~3.9Mb and near complete BUSCO assessment. We observed a correlation between effective population size and past climatic conditions, with an increase in population size during the warm interglacial periods. We further observed significant fluctuations in genes involved with the immune system and visual perception. C. amherstiae is a highly dimorphic species, and significant fluctuations in gene families involved in immune response, visual perception, among others, suggesting a role of mate choice and sexual selection in the evolution and maintenance of exaggerated traits in the males.

Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in black-necked pheasants, gray and chukar partridges with cannibalism treated with silymarin and tryptophan

Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were studied in black-necked pheasants, gray partridges and chukar partridges divided into 4 groups (n=12 in each group; n=6 by sex): first group (negative control) – clinically healthy birds, second group – birds treated with tryptophan, third group – birds treated with sylimarin, fourth group (positive control) – birds with signs of cannibalism. In the pheasants and chukars with signs of cannibalism, cholesterol levels were higher than these in the control group. On the opposite, the triglyceride levels in the other three groups of birds with canniba­lism were substantially lower than those in the healthy group. Supplementation with tryptophan tended to increase blood cholesterol and triglycerides in pheasants, gray and chukar partridges. In the groups treated with silymarin, the levels of the studied indicators were significantly higher in comparison to birds with cannibalism.

Clinical and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens on the background of application of probiotic feed additive “BACELL-M®”

The paper presents the results of the study of morphobiochemical, clinical-zootechnical and histological parameters of the organism of broiler chickens of KOBB-500 cross against the background of application of probiotic supplement “BACELL-M®”. The poultry population (n=10) was divided according to the principle of pair-analogs into experimental (n=5), with inclusion of probiotic additive in the diet and control (n=5) groups - diet without probiotic additive. Both groups were fed with “BEST®” brand mixed fodder. It is found that introduction of this additive into the diet of broiler chickens of the experimental group in the dosage of 100g of probiotic additive per 1 kg of mixed fodder improves general blood parameters, histological development of organs and directly affects productivity in the form of weight gain in comparison with the control group of birds. Due to the introduction of the studied additive in the diet of young poultry blood parameters were in the range of norm, in clinical and zootechnical parameters productivity was higher, as well as the additive improved the growth and development of the spleen. Thus, probiotic additive “BACELL-M®” can be recommended for use in the technology of growing broiler chickens.

Wood sorbent in feeding quails

Based on the results of the studies, it has been found that the live weight of quails increased relative to the control by 6.9 (P<0.001) and 4.5% (P<0.01); survival rate - by 2.5 and 1.3%, according to the sequence of groups. Food conversion rate per unit of production was reduced by 6.5% and 3.9%, respectively. The internal organs of all groups of birds developed within the normal range, significant differences were noted in the length of the caecum in the second group of the experiment - this indicator decreased by 17.2% (P<0.01). In the third group, there was a downward trend by 1.6%. The length of the intestine significantly decreased by 15.0% (P<0.001) and 17.4% (P<0.01) %, respectively. The data obtained during the experiment indicate that the use of an active carbon feed additive with sorption properties and a phytocomponent has a positive effect on the main zootechnical indicators and does not adversely affect the development of the internal organs of the bird.

Effect of 2020-21 and 2021-22 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Epidemics on Wild Birds, the Netherlands.

The number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5-related infections and deaths of wild birds in Europe was high during October 1, 2020-September 30, 2022. To quantify deaths among wild species groups with known susceptibility for HPAI H5 during those epidemics, we collected and recorded mortality data of wild birds in the Netherlands. HPAI virus infection was reported in 51 bird species. The species with the highest numbers of reported dead and infected birds varied per epidemic year; in 2020-21, they were within the Anatidae family, in particular barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) and in 2021-22, they were within the sea bird group, particularly Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and northern gannet (Morus bassanus). Because of the difficulty of anticipating and modeling the future trends of HPAI among wild birds, we recommend monitoring live and dead wild birds as a tool for surveillance of the changing dynamics of HPAI.

A Note on Status and Breeding Biology of Birds-of-Paradise (Aves: Paradisaeidae)

Based on the extraordinary plumage colours and courtship display, the birds-of-paradise are most significant bird in the world. To know its breeding biology fully, these birds can be study bird to everybody. After reviewing many write-ups, it was possible to mention its status and remarkable breeding biology. Noted, 27 species of these birds were in the order Passeriformes and family Paradisaeidae. Most of the birds were showed polygamous, and only two were (crinkle-collared manucode, Manucodia chalybatus, halmahera paradise-crow/Silky-crow, Lycocorax pyrrhopterus) monogamous. Observation suggested 15 genera of this bird group. Based on the information, 22 species were found least concerned (81.48%), near threatened 4 (14.81%), and vulnerable 1 (3.70%). Habitat loss, limited range, and for bright plumage of male birds, some species are showing their risky life in nature.

Novel phylogenetic clade of avian Haemoproteus parasites (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) from Accipitridae raptors, with description of a new Haemoproteus species.

Avian haemosporidian parasites (order Haemosporida, phylum Apicomplexa) are blood and tissue parasites transmitted by blood-sucking dipteran insects. Three genera (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) have been most often found in birds, with over 270 species described and named in avian hosts based mainly on the morphological characters of blood stages. A broad diversity of Haemoproteus parasites remains to be identified and characterized morphologically and molecularly, especially those infecting birds of prey, an underrepresented bird group in haemosporidian parasite studies. The aim of this study was to investigate and identify Haemoproteus parasites from a large sample comprising accipitriform raptors of 16 species combining morphological and new molecular protocols targeting the cytb genes of this parasite group. This study provides morphological descriptions and molecular characterizations of two Haemoproteus species, H. multivacuolatus n. sp. and H. nisi Peirce and Marquiss, 1983. Haemoproteus parasites of this group were so far found in accipitriform raptors only and might be classified into a separate subgenus or even genus. Cytb sequences of these parasites diverge by more than 15% from those of all others known avian haemosporidian genera and form a unique phylogenetic clade. This study underlines the importance of developing new diagnostic tools to detect molecularly highly divergent parasites that might be undetectable by commonly used conventional tools.

THE IMMUNE MODULATING POTENTIAL OF SUPPLEMENTING COBB500 BROILER CHICKENS WITH CRICKET AND SHRIMP CHITIN AND CHITOSAN

This study explored the potential impacts of cricket-derived chitin and chitosan on the immune systems of Cobb500 broilers. One hundred and fifty broiler chicks of the Cobb500 strain were randomly assigned to any one of the five dietary groups in order to accomplish this. While the first set of birds (group 1) were only served the basal diet with no supplementation, the second to fifth sets of birds (groups 2 to 5) were served a diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of the following: cricket-chitin, cricket-chitosan, shrimp-chitin, and shrimp-chitosan. The bursa and spleen were weighed relative to the body weight, and qPCR was used to determine the spleen's relative expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), toll-like receptor 15 (TLR15), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes. After 42 days of dietary cricket-chitin, the bulk of the index immunological organs increased (P<0.05). At day 21, TLR4, TLR15, IL-1β, and iNOS expression were unaffected by chitin and chitosan, but at day 42, they were down-regulated (P<0.05). However, during day 21, dietary shrimp-derived chitosan enhanced (P<0.05) the relative expression of TLR4, TLR15, and IL-1β, whereas the expression of TLR15 was lowered (P<0.05) but that of TLR4 was increased by cricket-chitin and shrimp-chitin. According to our findings, feeding broiler chicks with 500 mg/kg of shrimp chitosan and cricket-derived chitin can positively boost their immunity.