Broiler Farms Research Articles

Jejunal microbiota of broilers fed varying levels of mineral phosphorus

Efforts to achieve sustainable phosphorus (P) inputs in broiler farming which meet the physiological demand of animals include nutritional intervention strategies that have the potential to modulate and utilize endogenous and microbiota-associated capacities. A temporal P conditioning strategy in broiler nutrition is promising as it induces endocrinal and transcriptional responses to maintain mineral homeostasis. In this context, the current study aims to evaluate the composition of the jejunal microbiota as a functional entity located at the main absorption site involved in nutrient metabolism. Starting from a medium or high P supply in the first weeks of life of broilers, a depletion strategy was applied at growth intervals from d 17 to 24 and d 25 to 37 to investigate the consequences on the composition of the jejunal microbiota. The results on fecal mineral P, calcium (Ca), and phytate contents showed that the diets applied to the depleted and non-depleted cohorts were effective. Microbial diversity in jejunum was represented by alpha diversity indices which appeared unaffected between dietary groups. However, chickens assigned to the dietary P depletion groups showed significantly higher abundances of Facklamia, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae compared to non-depleted control groups. Based on current knowledge of microbial function, these microorganisms make only a minor contribution to the birds' adaptive mechanism in the jejunum following P depletion. Microbial taxa such as Brevibacterium, Brachybacterium, and genera of the Staphylococcaceae family proliferated in a P-enriched environment and might be considered biomarkers for excessive P supply in commercial broiler chickens.

Advancing Safe Broiler Farming in Bangladesh: An Investigation of Management Practices, Financial Profitability, and Consumer Perceptions

This study examined the rearing and management methods, financial profitability, and consumer perceptions towards safe broiler production in Bangladesh. Employing stratified random sampling, 60 participants (30 farmers and 30 consumers) from two sub-districts in Mymensingh district were interviewed. A mix of descriptive, mathematical, and statistical approaches was used for data analysis and representation. This study identified key components of safe broiler management, including brooding, housing, feed and water management, lighting, litter maintenance, medication and vaccination, and biosecurity and hygiene control. A benefit–cost of 1.40 obtained from profitability analysis indicated the profitability of safe broiler farming. Consumer awareness of safe broiler meat was assessed using the Likert scale, highlighting the significance of nutrition, packaging, freshness, taste, and natural ingredients in purchasing decisions. The Logit model revealed that factors such as meat size, freshness, taste, and family income significantly impacted consumer purchasing choices. The main challenges faced by safe broiler producers included high prices and limited availability of feed, day-old chicks, medicine and vaccines, and lack of knowledge. To ensure efficient safe broiler production in Bangladesh, this study recommends the implementation of stable input supplies, accessible credit, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement.

Species Profiles and Antimicrobial Resistance of Non-aureus Staphylococci Isolated from Healthy Broilers, Farm Environments, and Farm Workers.

Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS), particularly antimicrobial-resistant NAS, have a substantial impact on human and animal health. In the current study, we investigated (1) the species profiles of NAS isolates collected from healthy broilers, farm environments, and farm workers in Korea, (2) the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant NAS isolates, especially methicillin resistance, and (3) the genetic factors involved in the methicillin and fluoroquinolone resistance. In total, 216 NAS isolates of 16 different species were collected from healthy broilers (n=178), broiler farm environments (n=18), and farm workers (n=20) of 20 different broiler farms. The two most dominant broiler-associated NAS species were Staphylococcus agnetis (23.6%) and Staphylococcus xylosus (22.9%). Six NAS isolates were mecA-positive carrying staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) II (n=1), SCCmec IV (n=1), SCCmec V (n=2), or non-typeable SCCmec element (n=2). While two mecA-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from farm workers had SCCmec II and IV, a mecA-positive S. epidermidis isolate from broiler and a Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolate farm environment carried SCCmec V. The occurrence of multidrug resistance was observed in 48.1% (104/216 isolates) of NAS isolates with high resistance rates to β-lactams (>40%) and fusidic acid (59.7%). Fluoroquinolone resistance was confirmed in 59 NAS isolates (27.3%), and diverse mutations in the quinolone resistance determining regions of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE were identified. These findings suggest that NAS in broiler farms may have a potential role in the acquisition, amplification, and transmission of antimicrobial resistance.

Econometric analysis of profit efficiency of broiler farms in Ondo state, Nigeria

Researchers have recently focused their attention on the chicken producers' inability to produce in sufficient quantities and quality, which contributes to the high price of locally produced chickens. The study investigated the profit efficiency of broiler farms in Ondo state, Nigeria. In order to collect cross-sectional data from sixty owners of broiler poultry farms in the study area between October 2021 and January 2022 for the 2021 production year, a multistage survey technique was used. The data were an-alyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and Cobb-Douglas stochastic profit frontier model. Average stock size and mortality rate of farmers were 1826 birds and 3.3% respectively while Ross strain of birds was most preferred birds. The result indicated that broiler farming is a lucrative busi-ness with a profitability index of 45.5 %. The results reveal that the cost of feed, cost of labour used and day-old chicks were the variables that significantly explained the profit efficiency of broiler poul-try farms while household size, years of experience and other income source were the profit inefficien-cy variables. The study recommends government supports to broiler farms in form of input subsidies to enhance efficiency

Genome-Wide and 16S rRNA Sequencing-Based Analysis on the Health Effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei XLK401 on Chicks.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, serves as a growth promoter used in the poultry industry, contributeing to broiler development. However, practical studies are needed to determine the probiotic potential and growth-promoting effects of specific L. paracasei strains. This study aims to determine whether L. paracasei XLK401 influences broiler chicken growth and the mechanisms involved. Notably, we identified several bile salt and acid tolerance-related genes (Asp23, atpD, atpA, atpH, and atpF) in L. paracasei XLK401. This bacterium demonstrates robust probiotic properties under acidic conditions (pH 2.0) and 0.3% bile salt conditions. It also contains a variety of antioxidant-related genes (trxA, trxB, and tpx), carbohydrate-related genes, gene-encoding glycosidases (e.g., GH and GT), and three clusters of genes associated with antimicrobial compounds. Supplementation with L. paracasei XLK401 significantly increased the body weight of the chicks. In addition, it significantly increased hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC) while significantly decreasing the levels of oxidative damage factors and inflammatory factors (MDA and IL-6), resulting in improved chick health. Improvements in body weight and health status were associated with significant increases in α-amylase activity and the remodeling of the host gut microbiota by L. paracasei XLK401. Among them, actinobacteria abundance in chicken intestines after feeding them L. paracasei XLK401 was significantly decreased, Bifidobacterium sp. abundance was also significantly decreased, and Subdoligranulum sp. abundance was significantly increased. This suggests that L. paracasei XLK401 can regulate the abundance of certain bacteria without changing the overall microbial structure. In addition, in the correlation analysis, Subdoligranulums sp. were positively correlated with SOD and negatively correlated with IL-1β and MDA. Overall, our study demonstrates that L. paracasei XLK401 effectively promotes healthy chick growth. This is made possible by the modulation of gut microbe abundance and the underlying probiotic effect of L. paracasei XLK401. Based on these findings, we postulate L. paracasei XLK401 as a potential efficient growth promoter in broiler farming.

In-vivo anticoccidial efficacy of green synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles using Ficus racemosa Linn leaf extract. (Moraceae) against Emeria tenella infection in broiler chicks

Coccidiosis is an acute gastrointestinal parasitic disease and causes approximately $2.80 to $3.27 per m2 loss in a broiler farm of a 33-day-old flock. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were green synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus racemosa as a reducing and capping agent to reduce the emerging resistance in coccidia spores against conventional treatments and boost the immune level in broilers. These IONPs were evaluated for their impacts on the growth performance, biochemistry, blood profile, and histology in the coccidiodized broiler chicken with Emeria tenella under in vivo conditions. The characteristics and stability of particles were obtained using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray absorption (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential and zeta size. The results indicated that IONPs at the moderate dose of 15 mg/kg (p = 0.001) reduced the coccidial impacts by eliminating oocyst shedding per gram feces (up to 91%) and reducing clinical symptoms (lesions (LS = 0), bloody diarrhea (No), and mortality (0%) in chicken at day 10 of treatment as compared to the negative control group-B (infected & non-treated). A dose-dependent and time-dependent trend were observed during treatments (10, 15, and 20 mg/kg) of 1–3 weeks using IONPs against the coccidial impacts on the growth parameters (body weight gain, mean feed consumption, feed conversion ratio) and biochemistry (plasma glucose, total protein, uric acid, ALT, AST, and ALP) in chickens. Additionally, F. racemosa IONPs at a dose of 15 and 20 mg/kg significantly recovered the parasitized and highly damaged hepatocytes, liver tissues, and ceca tissues after 1–3 weeks of treatment in broiler chickens. Overall, the 15 mg/kg concentration of IONPs exhibited fast recovery and growth enhancement in coccidiodized broilers. Therefore, the 15 mg/kg dose of green synthesized IONPs using leaf extract of F. racemosa could be a potential and safe anticoccidial agent with targeted implications in the poultry industry.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of antimicrobial usage and biosecurity on broiler and Sonali farms in Bangladesh.

Antimicrobial use (AMU) is a major contributing factor to the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and animals. To control AMR, indiscriminate antibiotic use needs to be restricted, preventive measures such as biosecurity must be prioritized and proper action plans must be implemented. This study aimed to quantify and associate AMU and biosecurity status of broiler and Sonali farms in Bangladesh. Data on all antimicrobial treatments administered during a batch production cycle and antimicrobials purchased over a year were collected from 94 conventional broiler and 51 Sonali (cross-breed) farms from the northern and southeast regions of Bangladesh. Flock-level AMU was quantified using Treatment Incidence (TI) per 100 days based on the Defined Daily Dose (TIDDDvet) expressing the number of days per 100 animal-days at risk that the flock receives a standard dose of antimicrobials. The biosecurity status (external and internal) of these farms was assessed by means of the Biocheck.UGent scoring system and the correlation between biosecurity and TIDDDvet were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Median flock TIDDDvet was 60 and 58 for broilers and Sonali flocks, indicating that the birds were treated around 60% and 58% of their lifetime with an antimicrobial dose, respectively. Minimum and maximum values of TIDDDvet ranged from 18 -188 and 31-212 in broilers and Sonali, respectively. Fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and aminopenicillins were the most frequently used antimicrobial classes. The mean external and internal biosecurity scores were 39% and 61% for broilers and 44% and 61% for Sonali, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the external biosecurity score in broiler farms in the two regions (p≤0.001), whereas, the internal biosecurity score was borderline not statistically significantly different (p=0.065). The biosecurity score was negatively correlated with AMU in broiler and sonali farms both for external (R2 =-0.38; -0.36) and internal biosecurity (R2 =-0.33; -0.32), respectively. As most of the farmers treated their birds with antimicrobials for a very large part of the production, it could be concluded that there is a high overuse of antimicrobials both in broiler and Sonali poultry production in Bangladesh. This study also highlighted a low level of farm biosecurity practices. Overuse of antimicrobials and low level of biosecurity practice may be due to a lack of knowledge, ignorance, avoid loss and/or lack of monitoring by governmental agencies. Therefore, urgent action is required to increase awareness and biosecurity levels and to reduce AMU in these production systems.

Measurement of Efficiency Levels in Open House System Broiler Breeders in Malang Regency, Indonesia

Broiler farming in Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia, has experienced rapid growth, significantly contributing to the regional economy. In this region, the open cage system is among the broiler cage systems that are commonly used. Therefore, this study aims to analyze 1) factors affecting growth, 2) factors causing technical inefficiency, and 3) technical, allocative, and economic efficiency. The results showed that factors such as day-old chicks (DOC), feed, and drugs positively affected broilers' development. However, there was a variation in the level of technical efficiency of 0.047 due to inefficient sources, which included the age of breeders, education level, work experience, number of family members, and employment status. Despite the variation in efficiency levels, the average breeder demonstrated high technical, allocative, and economic efficiency with values of 0.93, 0.99, and 0.92, respectively. This performance indicated that the average breeders had yet to reach peak efficiency but were categorized as high-efficiency. To further enhance productivity, broiler farming required additional DOC feed and adequate training for broiler breeders to maximize productivity and resource utilization. Based on these results, recommendations were made to provide loans to broiler farms with simple terms and conditions, specifically for purchasing DOC, feed, labor, medicines, and fuel.

Analisis Pendapatan Peternak Ayam Broiler di Kecamatan Ringinrejo Kabupaten Kediri

Income Analysis of Broiler Breeders in Ringinrejo District, Kediri Regency
 A lot of broiler chicken farming businesses experience up and down. Breeders don't always get high profits. The purpose of this study is to analyze the quantity of income and to analyze the product factors that influence the quantity of product of broiler farms for partnership and independent patterns in Ringinrejo District, Kediri Regency. The research is conducted in Selodono and Sambi Village, Ringinrejo District, Kediri Regency, East Java Province. The types of data used are qualitative and quantitative data sourced from primary data and secondary data. The method of data collection is carried out by observation and interview. The results show that the partnership pattern receives lower income for each kg chicken than the independent pattern, which is Rp 1.068,00 while the independent pattern is Rp 3.099,00. Furthermore, the result of the analysis shows that the quantity of DOC and the quantity of feed partially have a positive and significant effect on the quantity of product, while the area of the cage has a negative and significant effect. The other variables partially have no significant effect on the quantity of product. The independent pattern of broiler farming is more profitable because income of the independent pattern is higher than the partnership pattern. Before starting production, breeders have to look at the market conditions to find out the purchase price and the selling price of livestock.

Antibiotic resistance in Italian poultry meat production chain: a one-health perspective comparing antibiotic free and conventional systems from the farming to the slaughterhouse

In this study a multidisciplinary approach was applied in order to determine the diffusion of resistant bacteria and selected antibiotic resistance genes in antibiotic-free and conventional broiler farms. Litter samples coming from the two farming types and surface sponges obtained from carcasses at slaughterhouse level were screened by end-point PCR targeting specific resistance for tetracycline, ampicillin, sulfonamide, aminoglycoside, carbapenem, nitrofurantoin, vancomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, lincomycin, linezolid, chloramphenicol molecules. Microbiological investigations were conducted from the carcasses to determine phenotypical and genetic resistance patterns from pathogenic and commensal Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. At farm level, catA1, sul2, blaTEM and aadA2 genes were amplified in all samples, while from carcasses the most representative genes were sul2, blaTEM, along with the vatD, relative to quinupristin-dalfopristin resistance. Gram-negative isolates included Aeromonas, Salmonella, Proteus spp. And Escherichia coli, while the Gram-positive were represented by Enterococcus strains. Phenotypical and genetic analysis revealed multidrug resistance patterns in Salmonella, E. coli and Serratia isolates, followed by the Enterococcus species. The comparison between antibiotic-free and conventional farming systems showed some difference regarding the distribution of resistance genes at farm level but no significance was obtained comparing the phenotypical resistance profiles of bacterial strains from both groups of samples, suggesting a poor influence of farming model on the diffusion of antibiotic resistance in poultry meat production chain.

A survey of frequency of virulence and aminoglycoside antibiotic-resistant genotypes and phenotypes in Escherichia coli in broilers in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Although Escherichia coli (E. coli) is considered a normal microflora in the poultry intestine, certain strains namely, Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC), cause colisepticaemia (fatal disease) in poultry. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the virulence genes, i.e. (iroN, ompT, iss, iutA, and hlyF) and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) genes, i.e. (strA and strB) in Escherichia coli strains in broilers in Khartoum State. A total of 25 E. coli isolates were collected from broilers farms. All isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility tests using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. In addition, all isolates were tested for the presence of virulence genes and modifying enzyme genes using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that the prevalence of positive strains to virulence genes were 14 (56%), 21 (84%), 14 (56%), 0 (0%) and 0 (0%) to iroN, iutA, hlyF, ompT and iss, respectively. Combined virulence genes include iroN, hlyF and iutA were detected in 14 (56%). The rates of resistance were as follows: Gentamycin: (32%), Kanamycin: (20%) and Streptomycin (16%). Of the genes tested, strA (72%) was the most commonly recognized gene followed by strB (56%). It could be concluded that this is the first report of molecular survey of virulence and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) resistant genes in APEC isolates from broiler in Sudan. Therefore, prohibition of non-curative application of antibiotic, dishearten their abuse and to be frequently observant by suppling suitable research-based policy for the poultry industry is warranted.

Costs And Benefits of the Improvement of Biosecurity on Pig and Broiler Farms

The control of the risk factors of animal diseases should be considered as the primary safeguard in livestock farms to prevent the introduction and circulation of pathogens, which can lead to severe productive and economic consequences

Investigation of Trehalose Supplementation Impacting Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium perfringens from Broiler Farming.

In 2006, the European Commission banned the use of antibiotic promoters in animal feed. However, there is a new situation in poultry disease where it is necessary to study feed additives, which can overcome the diseases that were previously controlled through the addition of antibiotics and antimicrobial growth promoters in the feed. Therefore, trehalose was investigated to determine whether it impacts the growth performance and pathogenic bacteria (C. jejuni and C. perfringens) inoculation in broilers. In the first experiment, the tolerance of broilers to the addition of trehalose to their feed was investigated. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in body weight changes, daily weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion ratio during the feeding period. Within a 35-day feeding period, it was concluded that a trehalose dosage up to 10% does not exert a negative effect on broiler farming. Moreover, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the broilers' growth performance, as well as C. jejuni and C. perfringens counts in the intestines and feces of broilers observed over a 5-week feeding period. However, Lactobacillus counts significantly increased in these groups with 3% and 5% trehalose supplementation. The findings indicate that trehalose supplementation in the feed cannot directly decrease C. jejuni and C. perfringens counts but may enhance gut health by raising Lactobacillus counts in chicken gut, particularly when enteropathogenic bacteria are present.

Prevalence and characterisation of antimicrobial resistance pattern of ESBLproducing Escherichia coli isolated from poultry in Banaskantha district, India

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs among bacterial pathogens is an emerging problem. Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics has grown significantly. The present study aims at isolation, identification, phenotypic confirmation of ESBL-producer, and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry faecal samples. A total of 120 samples were collected from 30 different poultry farms in Banaskantha district. 108 out of 120 samples were confirmed as E. coli using microscopic, biochemical tests, followed by species-specific 16S rRNA PCR; among them, broiler 65 (92.85%) and layer 43 (86%) were confirmed as E. coli. The phenotypic ESBL-production was detected in 54 (50%) isolates with broiler (29.62%) and layer (20.28%) farms. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern revealed the highest resistance was identified against Cefpodoxime 100%, followed by Tetracycline 97.22%, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid 95.37%, Nalidixic Acid 94.44%, Enrofloxacin 91.66%, Co-trimaxazole 90.74%, Ampicillin 78.70% and Amikacin 57.40%. The 95.37% and 77.77% isolates showed susceptibility to Imipenem and Cefoxitin, respectively. Thus, it may be concluded that in the current study, isolates revealed multidrug resistance against antimicrobial agents commonly used in veterinary and human practice. This implies that the existing practice of misuse and improper use of antibiotics in poultry accelerates antimicrobial resistance in poultry.

Assessment of Extension Advisory Services in Contract and Non-Contract Broiler Farming

Poultry is one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of agriculture today in India. Poultry in India has emerged as the most dynamic and diversified subsector. Estimates from all India poultry breeders association indicates that poultry will contribute for USD 17.31 billion of the total India’s gross value and satisfies the hungers of 50 million people through direct or indirect employment. Within the poultry sector, broiler and layer segment constitutes about 65.3 and 34.7 percent with the monthly turnover of 400 million chicks and 8400 million eggs respectively [1]. As per the 19th Livestock census, Karnataka ranks 5th place in both egg and meat production in India and it has about 534.42 lakh poultry (512.54 lakh in rural area and 2.19 lakh in urban areas) and 96.60 lakh fowl in backyard poultry comprising of 17.84 lakh cocks, 43.99 lakh hens and 34.77 lakh chicken below five months. The share of backyard fowl population in total fowl population was 11%. The State stands 7th in egg production and 10th in chicken meat production in the country. The present study was conducted to assess the extent of extension advisory services in contract and non-contract broiler farming. The study was conducted in 3 districts of Karnataka and the data was collected from 60 contract and 60 non-contract broiler farmers through pretested interview schedule. The study revealed that Cent percent of the Contract Broiler Farmers (CBF) depends on Integrator for the extension advisory services, non-contract broiler farmers depend upon private poultry consultant for extension advisory services. The returns are assured and almost fixed in contract broiler farming, whereas in Non-Contract Broiler Farming (NCBF) they vary widely depending upon the market price, Establishment of regulatory bodies and expansion and strengthening of the EAS is essential for further improvement.

Evaluation of Bursal Index and Bursal Lesion Scores in Broiler Flocks

Background and Aims: The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is recognized as a vital organ that plays a crucial role in birds immunity. In order to determine the immunological status of the birds, this study was conducted to evaluate the bursal index, and bursal lesion scores in broilers.Materials and Methods: Therefore, a total of 200 broilers, 35-45 days of age, from 10 broiler flocks were randomly selected, weighed, then sacrificed. At necropsy, the bursa of Fabricius were obtained, examined, and weighed. Bursal index (BI) was calculated. Representative pieces of tissues from bursa of Fabricius were preserved in 10% neutral buffer formaldehyde for further histopathological evaluation.Results: The results obtained from (BI) calculated during the study period for all 22 broiler farms, revealed that more than 81% of the birds were included in bad group and less than 19% in mediocre group. Degree of microscopic lesions between different groups and even within one group varied from 0 (normal) to 5 (atrophy of BF) and included lymphoid necrosis in follicles, hyperplasia and folding of bursal inner epithelium, and formation of fibrous connective tissue within the follicles. Average bursal lesion scores for all groups under study was recorded as 2.09%.Conclusions: On the basis of all results including (BI) and bursal lesion scores it is concluded that bursal lymphoid structures suffer various degree of pathological lesions indicating suppressed immunity in broiler farms along with poor performance.

Molecular identification and in vitro assessment of zoonotic-potential of a novel Orthobunyavirus isolated from broiler chicken in Malaysia.

We have previously isolated a novel avian Orthobunyavirus, Kedah Fatal Kidney Syndrome (KFKS) virus from a broiler farm in Kedah, Malaysia in 2020 with a severe kidney lesion in chickens. The virus was designated as KFKS2_CS virus. Sequence analysis of partial nucleocapsid (N) and nonstructural (NSs) sequence of this virus showed the highest sequence identity with previous KFKS1 from Malaysia (100%) and 97% with a zoonotic Umbre (UMB) virus, which was reported to cause encephalitis in immunocompromised humans in India. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this virus was clustered together with previous KFKS1 virus from Malaysia, UMB and Cristoli viruses. This study aimed to assess the zoonotic potential of this KFKS2_CS virus in vitro by determining its ability to inhibit the production of interferon (IFN) in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cells using reverse-transcriptase polymerase reaction (RT-PCR). This virus blocked the production of interferon-a in this human brain cells. In conclusion, this KFKS2_CS virus may have a zoonotic potential and become a public health concern in the future.

Deciphering the Association between Campylobacter Colonization and Microbiota Composition in the Intestine of Commercial Broilers.

Campylobacter is a major food safety concern and is transmitted mainly via poultry meat. We previously found that some commercial broiler farms consistently produced Campylobacter-negative flocks while others were consistently Campylobacter-positive for consecutive production cycles although the farms operated under similar management practices. We hypothesized that this difference in Campylobacter colonization might be associated with the gut microbiota composition. To address this, six commercial broiler farms were selected based on their Campylobacter status (three negative and three positive) to evaluate the microbiota differences between each farm category. For each farm on each production cycle (2-3 cycles), 40 ceca collected from five-week-old broilers were processed for microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Cecal microbiota species richness, phylogenetic diversity, community structure, and composition of Campylobacter-positive farms were noticeably different from those of Campylobacter-negative farms. Rikenella, Methanocorpusculum, Barnesiella, Parasutterella, and Helicobacter were significantly more abundant among Campylobacter-positive farms. In contrast, Ruminococcaceae, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Eggerthellaceae, Lactobacillus, Monoglobus, and Blausia were more abundant in Campylobacter-negative farms. Eggerthellaceae, Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Monoglobus, and Parabacteroides were significantly negatively correlated with Campylobacter abundance. These findings suggest that specific members of cecal microbiota may influence Campylobacter colonization in commercial broilers and may be further explored to control Campylobacter in poultry.

Molecular Epidemiology of Antibiotic Resistance among Escherichia coli Isolated from Broiler Chickens Sold at Selected Markets in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Unwarranted and improper uses of antibiotics in broiler farms contribute to the challenge of antibiotic resistance, making even previously treatable infections, difficult to treat. We conducted a cross sectional study from November 2021 to May 2022 from broiler chicken markets in four districts of Dar es Salaam to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance among E. coli isolates from broiler chickens. A total of 160 E. coli isolates recovered from cloacal swabs were identified by culture and biochemical tests and confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, targeting seven classes of antibiotics, was performed by disk diffusion method and eleven representative antimicrobial resistance markers corresponding to each antibiotic class were screened by PCR. The highest resistance was found against trimethoprim (75%) and erythromycin (74.37%), while the most common resistance gene was dfrA1 (74.37%) and blaTEM (73.75%). The study also found a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates (84.4%) from at least three antibiotic classes. The results highlight the significant contribution of poultry farming to the spread of antibiotic resistance, with potential consequences for both farmers and human health. Prompt measures are necessary to protect human and animal health..

Investigation of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Broiler Flocks in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq


 
 
 
 Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute contagious upper respiratory tract infection of ‎chickens and other birds, caused by Gallid herpesvirus1 (GaHV-1), which has economic ‎importance in the poultry industry. There was no scientific data about the incidence of the ‎disease in broiler farms in Sulaymaniyah province/Iraq. Therefore, this study aimed to ‎investigate ILTV infection in broiler farms in that region. Clinically infected birds from 89 ‎broiler flocks that had respiratory distress, coughing, gasping, tracheal rales, nasal ocular ‎discharge, and congested trachea with purulent exudate, hemorrhagic tracheitis with/or without ‎necrotic changes were investigated. The DNA was extracted from the pooled samples, ‎including tracheal secretion, trachea, and lung tissue. Primers specific to the thymidine kinase ‎gene (tdk) of ILTV- were used in PCR to detect the virus. A phylogenic tree was generated to ‎track the virus’s origin. The study revealed that the rate of infection with ILTV among broiler ‎farms was 2.2% (2/89) in the region. The sequencing analysis showed that the ILTV isolated in ‎the area was closely related to the reported strains in the United States and Brazil (MN643591.1 ‎and S83714.1); and had a sequence identity of 98.27% to the taxon ‎JQ217378.1. In conclusion, the study reported that one of the causes of the respiratory viral ‎infection in broiler flocks even at younger ages was related to ILTV. Partially sequenced tdk ‎gene of the virus showed that the circulated serovar in the region had some nucleotides and ‎amino acids differences with the worldwide reported serovars. This should be taken into ‎consideration in the poultry industry by doing further investigation‎.