Broad-breasted White Turkeys Research Articles

Histomorphology and ultrastructure of the proventriculus of the broad breasted white turkey (Meleagris gallopavo, Linnaeus 1758).

This study aims to examine the functional morphology of the proventriculus of the broad breasted white turkey (BBWT) (Meleagris gallopavo, Linnaeus 1758) using gross anatomy, light microscopy, gross/histomorphometric analysis, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The proventriculus was characterized internally by many elevated papillae with a mound, leafy flower, and lotus flower-shapes. Each papilla was enclosed by concentrically organized mucosal folds with distinct or indistinct proventricular gland openings on its top. Longitudinal folds and grooves at the junction of the proventriculus with the esophagus exhibited various sized and shaped openings of esophageal glands with irregular outlines. Histologically, the surface epithelium of the proventriculus was covered by a thin layer of cuticle, particularly evident at its junction with the gizzard. The lamina epithelialis and propria, and secretory units of proventricular lobules were infiltrated by aggregations of lymphocytes and lymphoid follicles (nodules). Variably shaped glandular lobules of proventricular glands occupied the submucosa, surrounded by thin strands of smooth muscle fibers derived from muscularis mucosa. Triangular, cuboidal, or columnar-shaped secretory oxyntico-peptic cells lined the secretory units. Many telocytes (pyramidal or fusiform-shaped cell bodies with lengthy telopodes) were observed in interstitial tissue. Further, two types of argyrophilic endocrine cells were identified within the glandular epithelium. The morphology of the M. gallopavo proventriculus reflects its dietary habits and behavior.

Effect of short- and long-term feed restriction on ghrelin concentrations in turkeys

One-day-old broad-breasted white turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were reared as recommended by industry standards. In Experiment 1, starting at 5 wk of age (WOA), birds were placed in individual cages with free access to feed and water. Blood samples were taken after 18h of fasting (FASTING) and at 90 ± 5min after feeding (1.5h after feeding). In Experiment 2, birds were weighed, randomly assigned to 2 treatments, and placed in individual cages. In treatment 1 (n = 10), birds were fed ad libitum (FF), while birds in treatment 2 (n = 11) were placed on a restricted diet to allow for an average daily gain of 10.0g per d from 4 to 11 WOA (RES). In Experiment 1, concentrations of ghrelin (P = 0.012) and glucose (P < 0.001) were increased 1.5h after feeding compared with concentration during FASTING, whereas concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P < 0.001) and corticosterone (P = 0.002) were decreased 1.5h after feeding. Concentration of insulin, free fatty acids, and ketone bodies followed a normal physiological response to fasting and feeding. Similarly, in Experiment 2, concentrations of ghrelin (P < 0.001) and glucose (P = 0.038) were increased in FF birds, whereas concentrations of corticosterone were decreased (P = 0.002) in FF birds. It could be concluded that in turkeys, preprandial (18h of fasting) and long-term feed restriction is associated with decreased concentration of ghrelin-thus, the opposite effect of that reported in chickens and mammalian species.

THE EFFECT OF FEEDING SOYBEAN AND CORN FREE DIETS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF TURKEY POULTS TO EIGHT WEEKS OF AGE

In recent years, small poultry producers have been interested in finding alternatives for corn and soybean meal for a variety of reasons. Perceived health concerns related to genetically modified organism (GMO) status are the primary considerations behind this trend. Secondly, the recent high price of corn and soybean and their unavailability locally in the Pacific Northwest are other reasons to identify alternative feed ingredients. For these reasons, an experiment was performed to identify the feasibility of including locally grown alternative feed ingredients in a GMO free starter-grower turkey rations. The experiment compared the growth rates and feed conversions of broad breasted white turkeys fed either a corn based –soybean free and a wheat based (corn-soybean free) to a control (corn-soybean based) diets. Day old turkey poults were randomly assigned to one of the three diets. Body weights, feed conversion, and mortality were determined at two, four, six and, eight weeks of age. The final body weights of poults fed the control diet were significantly (P = 0.001) higher than those fed either the corn based-soybean free or wheat based (corn-soybean free) diets. Body weights of birds fed the corn based-soybean free and wheat based (corn-soybean free) diets, 3.1kg and 3.2kg, respectively were not different. Feed efficiency was not different among the three dietary treatments. Excluding soybean from the diets decreased growth rates in turkey poults but did not affect feed conversion.

Serological and haematological values in geriatric broad-breasted white turkeys

ABSTRACTBlood samples from 1-, 5- and 10-year-old broad-breasted white turkeys were used to determine haematological and serum values. There were 8 turkeys in each age group.Mean haematocrit, haemoglobin and creatinine values were higher in the 1-year-old than in 10-year-old turkeys.Mean alanine aminotransferase was greater in 1 year old than in 10 year olds and greater in 5 year olds than in 10 year olds. Aspartate aminotransferase values were significantly different between all age groups.Mean alkaline phosphatase was less in 1-year-old than in 10-year-old turkeys. There were no significant differences between the three groups for cholesterol, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium and bilirubin.All male turkeys had higher haemoglobin and haematocrit values than age-matched females.These data will help establish basic background references values in geriatric turkeys used in research.

H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses from the US 2014-2015 outbreak have an unusually long pre-clinical period in turkeys.

BackgroundFrom December 2014 through June 2015, the US experienced the most costly highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak to date. Most cases in commercial poultry were caused by an H5N2 strain which was a reassortant with 5 Eurasian lineage genes, including a clade 2.3.4.4 goose/Guangdong/1996 lineage hemagglutinin, and 3 genes from North American wild waterfowl low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. The outbreak primarily affected turkeys and table-egg layer type chickens. Three isolates were selected for characterization in turkeys: the US index isolate from December 2014 (A/northern pintail/WA/40964/2014), and two poultry isolates from April 2015 (A/chicken/IA/13388/2015 and A/turkey/MN/12528/2015).ResultsFour week old broad-breasted white turkeys were inoculated with one of three doses (102, 104 or 106 50% egg infectious doses [EID50] per bird) of each of the isolates to evaluate infectious dose and pathogenesis. The mean bird infectious dose of A/northern pintail/WA/40964/2014 and A/turkey/MN/12528/2015 was 105 EID50 per bird, but was 103 EID50 per bird for A/chicken/IA/13388/2015, suggesting the latter had greater adaptation to gallinaceous birds. All three isolates had unusually long mean death time of 5.3–5.9 days post challenge, and the primary clinical signs were severe lethargy and neurological signs which started no more than 24 h before death (the average pre-clinical period was 4 days). Infected turkeys also shed high levels of virus by both the oropharyngeal and cloacal routes.ConclusionsThe unusually long mean death times, high levels of virus in feces, and increased adaptation of the later viruses may have contributed to the rapid spread of the virus during the peak of the outbreak.

Vplyv fytog�nn�ho adit�va na nutricn� zlo�enie m�sa moriek

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a blend of phytogenic additive on nutritional and mineral composition of breast, thigh muscles and liver in fattening turkeys. A total 300 female turkeys were monitored in the trial. 1-day old broad-breasted white turkeys hybrid XL were randomly divided into two groups (150 pcs per each). Turkeys in control group were fed by standard diet for fattening and in experimental group from the 1st to the 12th week by complete feed mixture with supplementation of a blend of essential oils from origanum, anise and citrus fruits as well as a prebiotic rich fructooligosaccharides in dosage 1 kg per 1000 kg of feed mixture. Turkeys were housed in group on deep litter. Experiment lasted 18 weeks. Samples of breast and thigh muscles, and liver for nutritional analysis were collected during turkey’s dissection (10 samples per each group). After the determination of nutrients, there were found significant (P 0.05) content of DM and fat was recorded in liver. After analysis the macro and microelements, significant (P 0.05) concentrate only in content of manganese in experimental group. Occurrence of manganese was not observed in both muscles.

Vplyv fytog�nneho adit�va na ukazovatele krvn�ho s�ra a profilu mastn�ch kysel�n v m�se v�krmov�ch moriek

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a phytogenic additive on blood serum indicator levels and fatty acids profile of breast, leg muscles and liver in fattening turkeys. The experiment was realized in private turkey farm and in the Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. A total of 300 clinically healthy female turkeys (broad-breasted white turkey, hybrid XL) were used in the experiment. Female turkeys were randomly divided into two groups (150 pcs per each). In the control group, turkey were fed with standard complete feed mixtures for fattening, in the experimental group, standard diets from the beginning to 12th week were supplemented with the a blend of essential oils from origanum, anise and citrus fruits as well as a prebiotic rich fructooligosaccharides in dosage 1kg per 1000 kg of feed mixture. Fattening lasted 18 weeks. Blood serum was collected at the end of the experiment, during the slaughter of birds. Samples of breast and leg muscles, and liver for fatty acids composition evaluation were collected during birds dissection (10 samples per each group). After the 12 weeks of phytoadditive supplementation, a tendency of lower activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (53.963 vs. 3.499 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (6.238 vs. 1.012 U/L) in experimental group of turkeys was found (P<0.01). The same tendency was analyzed in content of phosphorus (P<0.05). Compare to the control group, in the experimental group have been detected significantly (P<0.01) lower concentration of capric acid in leg muscle, lauric and myristic acid in both evaluated muscles, palmitoleic acid and stearic acid in the liver. Additionally, the phytoadditive supplementation markedly (P< 0.01) increased content of following SFA: lauric, myristic and palmitic acids in the liver, pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic and stearic in both evaluated muscles. In the case of unsaturated fatty acids have been detected that the phytogenic feed additive in breast and leg muscles of birds markedly increase the content of cis-11,14-eicosadienoic acid (0.209 vs 0.276 and 0.242 vs 0.298 % of crude fat, respectively); compare to control group, leg muscle of individuals from experimental group have higher (P>0.01) content of cis-8,11,14-eicosadienoic and arachidonic acids. The phytoadditive supplementation significantly (P<0.01) decreased content of some unsaturated fatty acids in turkeys tissues, as well. In experimental group of turkey have been recorded lower level of elaidic and oleic acids in the breast muscle and cis-11,14-eicosadienoic and arachidonic acids in the liver, compare to birds from control group.

Interaction of Ionophore and Vitamin E in Knockdown Syndrome of Turkeys

Monensin and vitamin E concentrations, as well as histopathology of skeletal muscles and myocardium, were evaluated in broad-breasted white turkeys kept in commercial facilities. Turkeys with knockdown syndrome had myopathy of skeletal muscles, but no lesions in the myocardium. Generally, concentration of monensin in serum was highest in turkeys diagnosed with knockdown syndrome given more than 90 mg/kg of monensin in the diet, followed by turkeys diagnosed with knockdown syndrome given <90 mg/kg of monensin in the diet, healthy turkeys fed a diet that contained <90 mg/kg of monensin, and finally healthy turkeys fed a diet free of monensin (not detectable). However, the concentration of monensin was highly variable within each group, and the median was lower than the average. Vitamin E concentrations in the livers varied from low-normal to below normal and were statistically higher in healthy turkeys fed a diet free of monensin than in the livers of birds from the 3 groups exposed to monensin. This suggests that the concentration of monensin in serum positively correlates to the severity of clinical signs and pathology and to the amount of monensin in the feed. Although the methodology developed to detect serum monensin concentrations is beneficial and accurate for case investigations, it is recommended that several samples from each flock be evaluated because of variation within a flock. The current study also suggests that monensin in the feed could induce lower concentrations of vitamin E in the liver of turkeys and can predispose the turkeys to knockdown syndrome.

Acid-Base Balance of the Domestic Turkey During Thermal Panting ,

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of thermal panting in domestic turkeys on arterial blood values for the acid-base variables, pHa, bicarbonate concentration ([HCO−3]a), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pa CO2), and hemoglobin concentration [Hb]. In addition, body temperature and partial pressure of oxygen (Pa O2) were measured to determine the effectiveness of panting in their control. Nine adult (23 wk) broad-breasted white turkey toms, all from the same hatch and reared contemporaneously in the same facility, were acclimated to room conditions of 19°C and 65% RH. After a 1-wk control period, a 3-wk heat-stress period (32°C, 65% RH) was induced, for a heat-stress group of 9 turkeys. Thermal panting began at this time and continued to its end. A 1-wk recovery period followed (19°C, 65% RH) during which panting ceased. An age-matched group of 8 turkeys was similarly acclimated (19°C, 65% RH) but was continued at this level to the end of the experiment. During the heat-stress period, the bicarbonate concentration increased, whereas pHa and Pa CO2 did not change significantly. Body temperature changes were not significant. Parabronchial ventilation was not compromised by panting, as noted by a significant increase in Pa O2. Hemoglobin concentration decreases were significant. The only significant change that occurred for the age-matched group was an increase in [Hb]. Domestic turkeys, reared in confinement, have the ability to resist changes in blood pH and prevent the development of respiratory alkalosis while panting in response to thermal stress. Normal body temperature and oxygenation of the blood are also maintained.

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF TURKEYPOX VIRUS AND PLASMODIUM HERMANI ON TURKEY POULTS

Two experiments were conducted to examine the interactive effects of two disease agents of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), turkeypox virus and the malarial organism, Plasmodium hermani, on the health of turkey poults. Groups of domestic broad-breasted white turkey poults of 1 and 10 wk of age were infected with either turkeypox virus, P. hermani, both turkeypox virus and P. hermani, or were maintained as uninfected controls. The strains of turkeypox virus and P. hermani had been isolated from wild turkeys in southern Florida (USA). The goals of these experiments were two-fold and included both an examination of age differences in response to infections, and an examination of the effects of dual versus singular infections with the two agents. Both singular and concomitant infections of turkeypox virus and P. hermani were more detrimental to poults infected at 1 wk of age than to those infected at 10 wk, based on mortality, weight gain, and parasitemia. Dual infections of turkeypox virus and P. hermani were found to be slightly more harmful to 1-wk-old poults than were singular infections. No such interactive effects were noted in the poults infected at 10 wk of age.

Cellular and molecular remodeling in a heart failure model treated with the beta-blocker carteolol.

Broad-breasted white turkey poults fed furazolidone developed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) characterized by ventricular dilatation, decreased ejection fraction, beta1-receptor density, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase, myofibrillar ATPase activity, and reduced metabolism markers. We investigated the effects of carteolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, by administrating two different dosages (0.01 and 10.0 mg/kg) twice a day for 4 wk to control and DCM turkey poults. At completion of the study there was 59% mortality in the nontreated DCM group, 55% mortality in the group treated with the low dose of carteolol, and 22% mortality in the group treated with the high dose of carteolol. Both treated groups showed a significant decrease in left ventricle size and significant restoration of ejection fraction and left ventricular peak systolic pressure. Carteolol treatment increased beta-adrenergic receptor density, and the high carteolol dose restored SR Ca2+-ATPase and myofibrillar ATPase activities, along with creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and ATP synthase activities, to normal. These results show that beta-blockade with carteolol improves survival, reverses contractile abnormalities, and induces cellular remodeling in this model of heart failure.

Effects of pranidipine, a calcium channel antagonist, in an avian model of heart failure.

We have previously demonstrated that turkey poults fed furazolidone (Fz) in high concentrations (700 ppm) develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which approximates the human condition [1-3]. We wanted to study the effects of a calcium channel blocker in an animal model with a documented decrease in beta-receptor density, increased levels of circulating catecholamines, and abnormal calcium metabolism. The effects of a third generation calcium channel blocker has not been studied in our model. We hypothesized that the model would be predictive of the human condition and provide additional insights into the potential use of Ca2+ channel blockers in the setting of DCM. In the present study, we examined the effect of pranidipine, a new dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, in the setting of DCM on the gross and microscopic morphology of the heart and the overall contractile performance of the myocardium. A state of symptomatic to mild cardiomyopathy was induced in Broad-Breasted White turkey poults by administration of Fz for three weeks. Blood pressure, heart rate, fractional shortening, and body weight were monitored and compared in DCM animals treated with pranidipine and those given a placebo. After four weeks of treatment or no treatment with pranidipine, animals were euthanized and heart weight, cardiac dimensions, and microscopic morphology were compared. Progressive left ventricular (LV) dilatation and wall thinning was prevented with pranidipine treatment. In addition, microscopic examination demonstrated myocyte hypertrophy regression in DCM animals treated with pranidipine. In DCM animals, treatment with pranidipine resulted in significantly smaller left ventricular dimensions. We conclude that the calcium channel blocker pranidipine was not detrimental to global cardiac function in animals with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Susceptibility of Convalescent Turkeys to Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Pulmonary lesions resulting from Aspergillus fumigatus inoculation were assessed in convalescent turkeys and compared with those in previously noninoculated (control) turkeys. In addition, lesions observed in small Beltsville white (SBW) turkeys were compared with those in broad-breasted white (BBW) turkeys challenged with the same inoculum. Turkeys were challenged by unilateral posterior thoracic air sac (PTAS) inoculation, rechallenged via the contralateral air sac after 5 wk, and then necropsied 1 wk later. Pulmonary lesions induced by the initial challenge had resolved in 6 of 10 SBW and 9 of 10 BBW turkeys. However, convalescence did not protect against pulmonary aspergillosis subsequent to rechallenge; 10 of 10 SBW and 9 of 10 BBW developed granulomatous pulmonary lesions on the side of reexposure. A greater proportion of control SBW turkeys developed pneumonia and airsacculitis following challenge as compared with the BBW breed. Lesions were limited to the lower respiratory tract in all turkeys and were confined to the ipsilateral lung and PTAS in the singly inoculated control turkeys. This study demonstrates that convalescence from pulmonary aspergillosis does not confer protection against rechallenge but may, instead, decrease resistance to subsequent infection.

An animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy: characterization of dihydropyridine receptors and contractile performance.

Broad-Breasted White turkey poults exhibit a low incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Ejection fraction in DCM turkeys with moderate to severe dilatation was decreased from 67 +/- 5% (control, n = 20) to 42 +/- 4% (DCM, n = 12; P = 0.001). Moderate to severe DCM hearts demonstrated peak left ventricular pressure 67 +/- 4 mmHg (n = 11) vs. 156 +/- 9 mmHg (n = 10; P < 0.0001). With moderate to severe dilatation, there was normal calcium responsiveness in saponin-skinned fiber experiments. (+)[methyl-3H]-PN200-110 binding early in the course of cardiac dilatation was increased 62% (Bmax = 1,798 +/- 212 fmol/mg protein, n = 9 vs. control Bmax = 1,113 +/- 48 fmol/mg, n = 26; P < 0.0001). The concentration to reach 50% effect (EC50) for nifedipine contractile response was 0.5 log unit higher for isolated DCM muscle vs. control at the early stage of dilatation, consistent with the increase in calcium channel number identified by ligand binding. However, more advanced heart failure resulted in a decrease in number of DHP binding sites by 24% compared with control and by 53% compared with the early dilated group (Bmax, moderate dilatation = 844 +/- 71 fmol/mg, n = 7; P < 0.05). Finally, with gross dilatation, there was a second increase in calcium channel number by 40% (Bmax, severe dilatation = 1,556 +/- 201 fmol/mg, n = 7; P < 0.01) compared with control, which is an increase of 84% vs. moderate dilatation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Skeletal Myopathy Produced with Experimental Dosing of Turkeys with Monensin

Monensin was given via gavage to 5- and 6-week-old broad-breasted white turkeys. The birds were allotted into four groups--three groups given monensin and one group of controls--in two experimental trials. Treated turkeys in Trial 1 received one dose of monensin per day for 4 days at 4.7 mg monensin/kg body weight, 8.8 mg/kg, or 17.6 mg/kg. Treated turkeys in Trial 2 received one dose of monensin per day for 5 days at 1.93 mg/kg, 4.7 mg/kg, or 8.8 mg/kg. Turkeys receiving the lowest dose showed no clinical signs of myopathy. Birds receiving 4.7 mg monensin/kg developed ataxia after the third dose and rear limb paresis and paralysis after the fifth dose. Turkeys receiving 8.8 mg/kg were ataxic after the second dose and paretic or paralyzed after the fourth dose. Turkeys receiving 17.6 mg/kg were ataxic 3 hours after the first dose and paretic or paralyzed 8 hours after the first dose. Histologically, a necrotizing skeletal myopathy was present in the muscles of the rear limbs. A dose-related response was observed in the percentage of myofibers damaged in birds that survived until the end of the trials. Intrafiber edema and vacuolation were observed in histologic sections from myocardium of turkeys from the two highest dose groups.

Effect of Intermittent Lighting and Time of Hatch on Large Broad-Breasted White Turkeys

To determine if intermittent lighting would reduce leg abnormalities in turkeys, males reared in intermittent lighting of 2 h light:4 h dark were compared to toms subjected to a low intensity, step-down lighting program (15-h photoperiod). Also, to determine if housing poults as soon as possible following hatch would affect later production characteristics, effects of four hatching treatments were assessed.Toms in intermittent as compared with low intensity, step-down lighting programs showed a significant reduction in the incidence of leg abnormalities. There were no significant differences in body weight, feed efficiency, mortality, tibial dyschondroplasia lesions, growth plate closure, and tarsometatarsal length and width for the two lighting programs. Toms exposed to intermittent lighting had heavier testes.It is concluded that intermittent lighting can be used in light-tight, environmentally enclosed turkey houses to reduce leg anomalies without affecting other production traits. Under the experimental conditions employed in the present study, there was no advantage to removing poults from incubator trays as they hatched, as hatching treatments had no effect on production traits of either turkey toms or hens.

Hematoporphyrin binding to cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from spontaneously atherosclerotic turkey.

Porphyrins are known to be accumulated in vivo by tumors and atherosclerotic plaques. We studied the interaction of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) from spontaneously atherosclerotic Broad Breasted White Turkeys (BBWT) with free hematoporphyrin (Hp) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-Hp complexes. A significantly higher binding of LDL-Hp to SMC as compared to free Hp was observed. These data indicate that porphyrin binding to vascular SMC represents a possible mechanism for porphyrin accumulation by atherosclerotic plaques. This process is mediated, at least in part, by LDL.

Hematozoan parasites of Rio Grande wild turkeys from southern Texas.

One hundred twenty-three of 300 blood samples (41%) taken from Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) from three locations in southern Texas (Welder Wildlife Refuge, Chaparrosa Ranch, and Campo Alegre Ranch) and subinoculated into domestic broad-breasted white turkey poults were positive for a Plasmodium (Novyella) sp. Analysis of blood films from 350 turkeys revealed Haemoproteus meleagridis in 76% of the birds. A significantly greater mean parasite intensity was observed in birds from Welder Wildlife Refuge. Birds from the Campo Alegre Ranch exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of H. meleagridis than birds from Chaparrosa. The Plasmodium sp. was infective for canaries (Serinus canaria), bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), and ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), but would not produce infection in white leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus) or Coturnix quail (Coturnix coturnix). Attempts to infect Culex tarsalis and C. pipiens were unsuccessful. Asexual erythrocytic synchrony was not observed when blood-induced infections were monitored in two domestic turkey poults every 4 hr for 72 hr. Exoerythrocytic stages were not found upon examination of impression smears and tissue samples taken from brain, liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and bone marrow. The Plasmodium sp. is most similar morphologically to three species in the subgenus Novyella, P. hexamerium, P. vaughani, and P. kempi. The most striking similarities are to P. hexamerium, and involve mean merozoite number, erythrocytic schizont location, and vertebrate host susceptibility. It differs from P. vaughani in being able to infect turkeys and in type of parasitized erythrocytes. Differences to P. kempi include mean merozoite number, and ability to infect pheasants, and its inability to develop in C. pipiens and C. tarsalis.

Efficacy in Turkeys of Spray Vaccination with a Temperature-Sensitive Mutant of Bordetella avium (Art Vax [Trademark

Broad-breasted white turkeys were vaccinated with a temperature-sensitive mutant of Bordetella avium (Art Vax) at 2 and 15 days of age and challenged at 22 days of age by contact with infected birds. Necropsy was performed at 35 days of age. Two vaccination protocols (eyedrop/oral and spray cabinet/spray bottle) and two challenge isolates (Arkansas 105 and North Carolina [NC] isolates) were used. Neither the spray nor the eyedrop/oral methods of vaccination prevented infection of the anterior trachea with either of the virulent challenge strains. The spray and eyedrop/oral methods of vaccination were equally effective in reducing the severity of gross lesions in the trachea. The vaccine reduced the severity of gross lesions in the tracheas of turkeys challenged with the NC isolate to a level approximately equal to that observed in unchallenged vaccinated controls, but the vaccine only moderately reduced the severity of lesions in birds challenged with the 105 isolate.

Biochemical properties of the hypertrophied myocardium in the spontaneously hypertensive Broad Breasted White Turkey (BBWT)

Biochemical properties of the hypertrophied myocardium in the spontaneously hypertensive Broad Breasted White Turkey (BBWT)