Impact of Copper Nanoparticles on Productive Performance, IGF-1 Gene Expression, Oxidative and Immune Status, and Carcass Traits in Two Different Broiler Breeds

Intestinal carriage of mcr-1 and mcr-5 mediated colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in avian species: First report from broiler breeders and laying hens in Algeria.

Early life fecal microbiota transplantation enhances fermentation potential by changing the microbial profiles in broiler chickens.

Assessment of Galleria mellonella as an in vivo virulence model for Brachyspira species associated with avian intestinal spirochaetosis.

From farm to fork: Transmission dynamics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in broiler production chain and implications for public health.

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the meat composition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism, SIRT1–LKB1–AMPK signaling, and lipid profiles between the slow-growing Daweishan miniature (M1) and fast-growing Arbor Acres (A1) broiler breeds. Methods: Breast muscle samples were collected at 30 days of age (n = 6/breed) for chemical analysis, targeted metabolomics, ELISA, and LC–MS-based lipidomics.ResultsChemical composition showed higher moisture and fat contents in A1 broilers, whereas M1 chickens had greater protein contents (p < 0.05). The concentrations of NAD+ and its key precursors, including nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and nicotinamide riboside (NR), were higher (p < 0.05) in the M1 as compared to the A1 chicken breed. ELISA results showed an increased concentration of SIRT1, LKB1, and AMPK in M1 chickens, which was positively associated with NAD+ and its precursors. Lipidomics identified 1,772 lipids across 69 subclasses, with 378 and 310 differentially expressed molecules. The M1 chickens showed downregulation of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters, with mixed regulation of fatty acids. Correlation analysis suggested that NAD+-driven SIRT1–LKB1–AMPK signaling associated with lipid catabolism, inhibits lipogenesis, and remodels fatty acid composition.ConclusionThese results indicate that M1 chickens exhibit enhanced metabolic regulation and protein-rich muscle with distinct lipid remodeling, whereas A1 broilers favor rapid growth and fat accumulation. The study provides mechanistic insight into breed-specific differences in muscle metabolism and meat quality, highlighting NAD+ and its signaling axis as key regulators of lipid homeostasis in chicken breast muscle.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a compound probiotic on production performance and antioxidant capacity in post-molting broiler breeders. A total of 6800 healthy 69-week-old Arbor Acres breeders were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (4 replicates of 850 birds each). Both groups were fed an identical basal diet, whereas the drinking water was supplemented with 75 g/t of the compound probiotic for the Experimental group only. The trial included a 7-day adaptation followed by a 49-day experimental period. Results demonstrated that drinking water supplementation with dietary compound probiotic preparation improved the laying performance rate, fertilization rate, and hatchability compared to the control (p < 0.05). The serum total antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), while a concurrent trend of reduction in MDA content was also noted (p = 0.086). Significant decreases in serum total protein and globulin levels were observed (p < 0.05). Antioxidant profiles in reproductive tissues were also improved, with increased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and oviduct, enhanced total antioxidant capacity in the ovary and oviduct, and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde content in the oviduct (p < 0.05). Furthermore, serum immunoglobulin M, and cecal butyric acid and isobutyric acid contents were higher in the compound probiotic preparation group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing drinking water with the compound probiotic during the post-molting period enhanced production performance, antioxidant status, and immune and gut health in aging broiler breeders, supporting the preservation of valuable poultry genetic resources.

This study was made to investigate the on-farm welfare of commercial broiler breeder hens using data collected during ante-mortem inspections of flocks at a commercial slaughterhouse in Bursa, Türkiye, during spring season between February to April. In total, 160 hens randomly selected from four flocks (Ross308; 40 hens from each flock) were subjected to a comprehensive visual examination by an observer to assess welfare conditions. Feather coverage on various body parts and tails of the hen was assessed to determine the level of feather loss. Keel bone condition was evaluated through palpation and visual inspection to identify any deviations or keel fractures. It was found that the flocks' average dead-on-arrival (DOA) mortality rate ranged from 0.072 to 0.125%. Body weight uniformity values in the flocks indicated less variability among the hens (from 8.98 to 14.07%). The distribution of hens having various levels of feather damage was found to be significantly different among the body regions of hens in all flocks. Severe feather damage was commonly observed on all flocks' back, tail, breast-abdomen, and belly-cloaca as a percentage of 78, 83, 97, and 90%, respectively. The average prevalence of keel bone deviation and fracture across the flock was found to be 13 and 33%, respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed a very high prevalence of severe feather damage and keel-tip deformities in the observed broiler breeder flocks. Further study involving more flocks and higher densities hens would be very beneficial.

Determination of the cecal microbiota profile of Anadolu-T broiler breeder chickens using 16S metagenomic sequencing

This study investigated the effects of flock age, egg size, and incubator type on embryo development and hatchability traits in the Indian River broiler breed in South Africa. A total of 4752 hatchable eggs from the breeder flocks at 25, 40, and 55 weeks of age were incubated in Linco and Buckeye incubators. Before incubation, eggs were graded into small (49 g), medium (50-59 g), and large (60-69 g) size groups. The general linear model procedure in Minitab 17 was used to analyse data and the means were separated using Fisher’s LSD test (p&lt;0.05). The breeder flocks at 40 weeks of age had higher (p&lt;0.05) hatchability of total eggs set (91.06%), hatchability of fertile eggs set (92.52%), and first-grade chicks (90.93%) followed by 55 week flocks (72.69, 77.37, and 71.18%, respectively) and 25 week flocks (56.39, 64.07, and 55.61%, respectively). The higher proportion (p&lt;0.05) of cull chicks was observed in flocks at 25 (0.78%) and 55 weeks of age (1.52%) compared to 40 weeks of age (0.13%). Flocks at 55 weeks yielded heavier (p&lt;0.05) chicks (44.14g) at hatching. The highest (p&lt;0.05) fertility (98.52%) and lowest total embryo mortality (7.41%) were observed in flocks with 40 weeks of age. Small-sized eggs had the highest (p&lt;0.05) fertility (94.21%) compared to medium-sized eggs (92.80%). Large-sized eggs hatched heavier (p&lt;0.05) chicks (44.21g) compared to medium (39.69g) and small-sized (33.86g) eggs, whereas the other hatchability traits were similar (p&gt;0.05). Incubator type had no significant effect on the incubation and hatchability traits. In conclusion, flock age and egg size were the main determinants of Indian River broiler breed incubation and hatchability traits and should be considered when incubating eggs.

Automated tracking of broiler breeder activity and functional area use in a commercial housing system: differences between sexes and time of day.

Validation of a photoelectric sensor system to detect oviposition timing in individually caged broiler breeder hens.

Effects of dietary sclareol supplementation in aged broiler breeders on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota.

Integrated lipidomics and transcriptomics to elucidate heterogeneity between intramuscular and abdominal fat and identify serum and liver markers for their differential deposition in chickens.

Effects of commercial genetic selection on gene expression in the developing neuroendocrine system of broilers

Distribution and characteristics of extended spectrum β‑lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in stages of integrated broiler production in Korea.

Genetic variation is the basis for phenotypic diversity among chickens and is essential for genetic improvement. In Nigeria, indigenous and improved indigenous breeds like FUNAAB Alpha still perform below exotic breeds such as Ross 308. This has limited their adoption by farmers and caused a gradual loss of valuable native genetic traits. To address this challenge, this study examined SNPs in the TSHβ gene; a gene known to influence growth and identified other genes that may interact with it. The study was carried out on two hundred birds (100 FUNAAB Alpha and 100 Ross 308 chickens). From the result of this study, four SNPs were identified within the TSHβ gene: three in the 5′ UTR and one synonymous SNP in the coding region. Haplotype results showed four haplotypes confined to Ross 308, indicating higher allelic diversity in the breed. VEP analysis revealed that SNP 4 had a notable effect on TSHβ expression in chicken. Pathway analysis shows TSHβ and its interactions with other potential candidate genes within the HPT axis in chicken. In conclusion, this study identifies TSHβ as a functional and pleiotropic gene involved in growth regulation in chickens and highlights the SNP at position 67 of the TSHβ nucleotide sequence of chickens as a potential molecular marker for improving local chicken breeds in Nigeria.

Influenza A virus (IAV) is mainly transmitted from one to another host through excretions and secretions in the form of droplets and aerosols. It is also possible that the virus is transmitted indirectly through a contaminated environment. The likelihood of transmission through the environment depends on several factors, including the survival time of the virus in secretions/excretions on contaminated surfaces, including feed. However, the transmission of IAV through feed has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, the half-life of the IAV virus at the level of nucleic acid in feed was compared under certain conditions. Different concentrations of IAV subtype H3N2 (100 to 106 EID50) were applied to feed samples from a broiler breeding farm, which were then heat treated at -20, 4, 25 and 37°C, for 24, 48 and 72h. The IAV concentration in all samples was measured by determining RNA for the matrix protein by RT-qPCR and the half-life of the virus was calculated. The half-life of the virus in the feed samples was compared with that of the Brain Hart Infusion (BHI) protective medium, used as a control. The half-lives identified for feed and BHI environment were 19 h and 41 h respectively for 37°C, and 56 h for BHI at 25°C. The half-lives for the other temperatures were insignificant for the two matrices. The half-life was longer for the feed compared to the BHI medium at temperatures above 25°C. The viral titre had a sharp drop at temperature of 37°C with a steeper slope in the case of the BHI environment compared to the feed. The evaluation of the infectivity of the virus remaining in the two matrices by inoculating suspensions on embryonated eggs highlighted the fact that the feed does not allow the viability of the virus to be preserved even in the case of testing immediately after inoculation. Therefore, the transmission of IAV subtype H3N2 may not play a significant role in the spread of the virus.

BackgroundThe decline in reproductive performance of aged hens is mainly attributed to oxidative damage in reproductive organs, hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Glycyrrhizin (GL) has been proven to enhance antioxidant capacity, regulate lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mammals, but its efficacy in hens remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether dietary GL supplementation improves reproductive performance in hens during the late laying stage by modulating intestinal microbiota composition, hepatic lipid metabolism and ovarian antioxidant status.ResultsDietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg GL significantly improved the egg production rate, egg quality, and hatching rate in aged breeder hens (P < 0.05). GL supplementation also increased the serum levels of HDL-C, TP and ALB, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity in both serum and ovary (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary GL elevated the serum progesterone (P4) levels by enhancing the transcription level of steroid synthesis key enzymes (CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD) in the ovary (P < 0.05). Dietary GL also promoted the synthesis and transport of vitellogenin (VTG) by upregulating the VTG-II (P < 0.05) and APOV1 (P = 0.077) expression levels in the liver, thereby increasing the number of grade follicles and small yellow follicles. Moreover, dietary GL enhanced hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation by upregulating PPARα and CPT-I (P < 0.05), and downregulating ACC expression levels (P < 0.05). In agreement, liver metabolomics analysis revealed that dietary GL supplementation significantly altered hepatic metabolism, with 389 differentially identified metabolites (P < 0.05). The key metabolites (e.g., taurocholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, nicotinuric acid, glycodeoxycholic acid (hydrate)) were identified, and they were mainly functionally enriched in beta-alanine metabolism nicotinate, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism (P < 0.05). Finally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary GL reversed age-induced changes in gut microbiota composition, characterized by a significant increase in Lactobacillus abundance and a decrease in Bacteroides (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results collectively demonstrate that dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg GL improved reproductive performance by reversing age-induced changes in gut microbiota, enhancing hepatic vitellogenin synthesis, and ameliorating ovarian function in aged breeder hens. This study suggests that dietary GL is a potential strategy to improve reproductive performance in broiler breeder hens during the late laying period.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-025-01288-5.

Identification of molecular markers associated with comb traits through genome-wide association study on a specialized strain of yellow feathered broilers