Broiler Poultry Farms Research Articles

Role of migratory birds as a risk factor for the transmission of multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli to broiler poultry farms and its surrounding environment

Multidrug resistance (MDR) considered as global crisis facing poultry industry. Migratory birds play very important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant pathogen during their fly way specially to poultry farms. Therefore, 750 samples from migratory birds and 300 samples from broiler chicken farms and its environment were collected during the winter seasons of five years (2019 to 2023). The samples were subjected to the isolation of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli with the detection of antimicrobial resistance (phenotypic and genotypic) with insight to the genetic similarity between the isolates from migratory birds and broiler chickens’ farms. Different members of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated; Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, Providencia, Serratia, Hafnia. 298 (28.4%) of S. enterica strains belonging to 27 serovars. S. Typhimurium, S. Kentucky, S. Enteritidis and S. Shangani were the common 4 serotypes between migratory birds and farms. Meanwhile, we found 489 (46.6%) isolates of E. coli belonging to 24 serogroups and O91, O128, O26, O125, O55, O103 and O159 were the common 7serogroups between migratory birds and farms samples. The majority of Salmonella (91.6%; 274 out of 298) and E. coli (92%; 450 out of 489) were MDR. The MDRI range of Salmonella and E. coli was 0.08- 1.The genetic similarity between the isolates of migratory birds and broiler chicken farms were detected by ERICPCR and hot map. This study suggests the continuous applications of surveillance programs for migratory birds and biosecurity measures in poultry farms.

Economic Analysis of Broiler Poultry Production in Uttar Pradesh

Poultry farming is an important income-generating activity for farmers. The present study looked into the costs and returns of broiler poultry farming in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Primary data collected from 60 broiler units in the district was used for analysis. The overall average cost of production was around `138.46 per bird and `111.41 per kg live weight. The cost of production was highest for small farms and lowest for large farms. Chick and feed costs together accounted for more than 75 per cent of the total cost of production. The net return realized per kilogramme of broiler chicken was `11.34, 15.05, and 17.14 in small, medium, and large farms, respectively, with an overall average of `13.27. The overall average value of NPK content of poultry faecal matter produced in the farms in a year was `12241.88. Only a few (11.67 per cent) farmers were using poultry waste for compost making. Many (41.67 per cent) of them were disposing of it as waste. The study stressed the need for interventions to reduce chick and feed costs, training on scientific poultry farming, and proper management of poultry waste. Keywords: Broiler poultry, costs, returns, waste disposal. JEL Codes: D20, Q10, Q12.

Development and use of Biocheck.UGent™ scoring system to quantify biosecurity in conventional indoor (turkey, duck, breeder) and free-range (layer and broiler) poultry farms

To assess and enhance the application of biosecurity measures in poultry farming, an objective measurement tool (Biocheck.UGent™) was already available for broiler and layer. This study describes the development, validation and application of a risk-based weighted scoring tool for breeder, turkey, duck, free-range layer and free-range broiler production. In collaboration with an expert panel (n= 38), five different questionnaires were developed, following the format of the existing Biocheck.UGent scoring tools. Weights were attributed to external (7–9 subcategories) and internal (3–4 subcategories) biosecurity categories, as well as to the corresponding individual questions within each subcategory. The biosecurity measures were prioritized and weighed based on their relative importance in preventing disease transmission. Upon completion of the questionnaire, and upload of all answers to the Biocheck.UGent website, the algorithm generates a biosecurity score varying between ‘’0’’ which equals the total absence of any biosecurity measure up to ‘’100’’ which refers to full application of all biosecurity measures. The final scoring systems are available online (https://biocheckgent.com/en) for free and have been used to assess biosecurity in 70 breeders, 100 turkeys, 23 ducks, 16 free-range broilers, and 15 free-range layer farms originating from 12 countries so far. On average, the overall biosecurity score (mean ± std. dev) was 78 ± 7 % for breeders, 73 ± 11 % for turkeys, 71 ± 8 % for ducks, 73 ± 8 % for free-range layers and 70 ± 13 % for free-range broilers. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in biosecurity (both at the overall and subcategory levels) across different poultry types. The overall farm biosecurity score for breeders was significantly higher than that for turkey (p <.001) and duck production (p = 0.001). External biosecurity levels were highest in breeders in comparison to turkeys (p < 0.001), ducks (p = 0.008) and broiler free-range (p = 0.005). There was a notable difference in internal biosecurity levels between duck and turkey (p = 0.041) production as well. The study contributed to the poultry biosecurity database which allows benchmarking of the biosecurity levels of the users’ farm results to national or international averages, indicating room for improvement and aiding to motivate stakeholders to enhance their biosecurity levels.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Study Based on the Fusion Gene of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Broiler Poultry Farms in Markazi Province, Iran.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant and extremely spreadable viral illness affecting a wide variety of avian species. ND can rapidly spread within poultry farms and result in considerable economic losses for the global poultry industry. This disease is endemic in Iran, and despite intensive vaccination efforts in the poultry industry, outbreaks of ND occur unexpectedly. This study aimed to isolate the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from poultry farms with breathing problems in Markazi province, Iran, and investigate the evolutionary relationship and molecular characteristics of the isolates during 2017-2019. To this end, tissue samples (lung, brain, and trachea) were taken from 42 broiler farms exhibiting respiratory symptoms. The samples were inoculated into 9-11-day-old embryonated eggs, and the virus was isolated from 20 (47.6%) of the 42 farms. Subsequently, RT-PCR was used to amplify partial fusion gene sequences from the new isolates. The amplified products were sequenced and compared phylogenetically to the standard pilot dataset (125 selected sequences) generated by the NDV consortium. As determined by phylogenetic analysis, all nine isolates belonged to subgenotype VII.1.1 of genotype VII and were highly similar to isolates from other parts of Iran and China. Moreover, all isolates possessed a polybasic cleavage site motif (112RRQKRF117), characteristic of virulent strains. Furthermore, the present isolates shared a high nucleotide identity (96%) with viruses previously isolated from other provinces of Iran, as determined by BLAST searches and multiple alignments. In addition, they shared a high degree of sequence similarity but were distinct from the existing NDV vaccines. Therefore, the genetic dissimilarity between current vaccine strains and circulating NDVs must be considered in vaccination programs.

Studying the sources of infection of broiler chickens by salmonella using ERIC-PCR and agglutination reaction with fluorescencelabeled antigens (FLA).

The study aims to develop diagnostic algorithms for using ERIC-PCR and IRA, which make it possible to identify the routes of Salmonella introduction into a poultry farm. The authors studied the genetic differences of 15 isolates of Salmonella spp., isolated from pathological material, feed raw materials and swabs from poultry houses of broiler poultry farms (parent stock and replacement young animals) in the West Siberian region. The species of Salmonella cultures were confirmed by sequencing and using biochemical tests and agglutination sera. Bacterial DNA was isolated using the standard silicosorption method. Analysis of the genomic DNA of the studied collection of Salmonella using the ERIC-PCR method allowed us to group the resulting strains and isolates into three genotypes that differ in amplicon patterns on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparison of IRA results with blood sera of birds from the parent flock and replacement young animals of poultry farm No. 1 made it possible to identify antibodies to both Salmonella genotype one and Salmonella genotype 2 in most of the examined poultry flocks. Analysis of the correlation of antibody titers to Salmonella antigens of the 1st and 2nd genotypes made it possible to exclude a cross-reaction in some poultry houses. The correlation was negative. It was positive in two poultry houses, and there was no correlation in one. The immunofluorescence agglutination reaction system makes it possible to precisely distinguish the seroprevalence of different Salmonella strains at individual agricultural enterprises. The totality of data from serological analysis suggests that some birds have an increased susceptibility to infection with Salmonella of both genotypes, which means that these individuals have genetic characteristics or characteristics of the intestinal microbiota associated with exposure to infection with Salmonella.

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

Mortality of Chickens in Lower Broiler Poultry Farm Concentration Districts of Punjab

Mortality of Chickens in Lower Broiler Poultry Farm Concentration Districts of Punjab

The potential role of migratory birds in the transmission of pathogenic Campylobacter species to broiler chickens in broiler poultry farms and live bird markets

BackgroundCampylobacter species (spp.) are one of the most important zoonotic bacteria possessing potential hazards for animal and human health worldwide. Migratory birds are implicated as significant carriers for microbes and a play very important role in the dissemination of Campylobacter to broiler chickens and their environment. The purpose of this investigation was to detect the prevalence, antibiotic resistant patterns, virulence and diversity of pathogenic Campylobacter spp. in 7 migratory bird species (Northern shoveler, Common pochard, Common teal, Northern pintail, Eared Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and Garganey) and broiler chickens that were collected from broiler poultry farms and live bird markets.ResultsThe prevalence of Campylobacter was 12.5% (25/200), of which 15% (15/100) was recovered from 5 migratory bird species only and 10% (10/100) from broiler chickens. At the level of migratory birds, eight isolates (53.3%) were Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and 7 isolates (46.7%) were Campylobacter coli (C. coli) meanwhile, in broiler chickens C. jejuni and C. coli were 50% (5/10) for each. All isolated strains had phenotypic resistance to doxycycline, while all of the isolates were susceptible to amikacin. The multidrug resistance to three, four or five antimicrobial classes was found in 72% (18/25) of the isolated strains. The multiantibiotic resistance index between the examined isolates was 0.22–0.77, with 10 antibiotic resistance patterns. The virulence of isolated Campylobacter strains (from both migratory birds and broiler chicken birds) was detected by targeting the VirB11, ciaB and iam genes which were recorded at 16%, 52% and 100%, respectively. Additionally, 100% and 84% of the antibiotic resistance genes were identified as tetA and BlaOXA-61, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study revealed the diversity between all the isolated strains from migratory birds and their similarity to broiler chicken isolates. The findings of the present study highlight the impact of migratory birds visiting Egypt and other countries on pathogenic Campylobacter spp. carrying pathogenic virulence and resistance genes, necessitating the application of biosecurity measures to prevent migratory birds from entering farms during their migration period.

Determination of antimicrobial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolates from farm workers in broiler poultry production and assessment of antibiotic resistance awareness levels among poultry farmers in Lusaka, Zambia.

The challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogens have continued to increase worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries. Human-livestock interactions are implicated in the complex AMR causal web. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts of Lusaka Province, Zambia to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns, ESBL production of E. coli isolated from stool samples of broiler poultry farm workers, and to assess poultry farmers' antibiotic resistance awareness. Sixty-six human stool samples were collected and processed for E. coli isolation, antibiotic resistance testing, and screened for ESBL production. In addition, 80 farmers were assessed for their level of awareness on antibiotic resistance. A total of 58 single E. coli isolates were obtained which showed high (87.9%) resistance to tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (48.3%), and ampicillin (46.8%); followed by nalidixic acid (19.0%), ciprofloxacin (12.1%), cefotaxime (8.6%) and chloramphenicol (5.2%). The prevalence of AMR E. coli was 67.2%, and 29.3% were MDR. Two (3.4%) isolates were identified to be ESBL producers, harboring the CTX-M gene. The study results also showed that broiler farmers were aware and knowledgeable of antibiotic resistance, although knowledge about its impact on human health was low. This study demonstrated the presence of resistant and ESBL producing E. coli among poultry farm workers.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial usage, spread and resistance emergence in commercial poultry farms of Rajshahi district in Bangladesh.

Inappropriate and injudicious use of antimicrobials in broiler and layer farms has become a common practice in lower and middle-income countries including Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess poultry farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antimicrobial usage (AMU), and their beliefs in factors that affect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread and emergence in humans through commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 farmers (95.6% male; meanage = 35.14 ± 10.25 years) in the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh who were recruited from three upazilas (sub-districts) through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from June to November 2021 via face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The proportion of farmers who reported having received information regarding AMU from veterinarians was higher in layer compared to broiler farms (65.9% vs. 44.9%, p &lt; 0.001). A higher proportion of layer compared to broiler farmers believed that antimicrobial residues and pathogens in poultry can pass to humans through the consumption of contaminated eggs (28.1% vs. 5.8%, p &lt; 0.05). The mean score of the farmers' attitude towards addressing AMU was 4.49 (SD = 1.37) out of 7, with the higher score indicating a better attitude. The mean score of better attitudes towards addressing AMU was significantly higher among educated participants (bachelor's or higher levels of education (p = 0.006). A higher proportion of layer (56.3%) farmers did not keep a record of AMU when compared to broiler farmers (37.7%) (p = 0.012). More broiler (50.7%) compared to layer (38.5%) farmers continued using the full dose of antimicrobials (p = 0.042). The most frequently used antimicrobials in broiler and layer poultry farms were Colistin (broiler vs layer: 73.9% vs. 86.75%; p = 0.024), and Ciprofloxacin (broiler vs. layer: 95.7% vs. 84.4%; p = 0.021). Farmers' beliefs were significantly associated with the spread of AMR pathogens from contaminated eggs to humans (p &lt; 0.001). The findings reflected that majority of farmers had inadequate knowledge of AMU, less knowledgeable beliefs aboutAMU, and inappropriate AMU (e.g., poor record keeping, incomplete doses) in chicken production systems. The government should ensure education or advisory services for poultry farmers on proper AMU, enforce current veterinary laws and regulations on antimicrobials, and implement AMU surveillance systems.

Effectiveness of different protein sources and lysine levels in diets for broiler chickens

The article highlights current data on the biological role of the most crucial feed nutrients - protein and lysine in the feeding of broiler chickens and their particular importance in the vital activity of the bird's body. A description of the value and quality of the main types of compound feed for poultry, recipes of compound feed with different protein and lysine content for specific age groups of broiler chickens, and practical advice on the peculiarities of feeding and rearing of poultry are given. Current brief information on amino acid feed additives and general features of more rational and practical use of various protein feed of both vegetable and animal origin in poultry feeding of meat crosses – grains of cereal crops, processed products of oil crops – soy, sunflower, and many other components are provided. Theoretically and experimentally, the expediency of using different essential feed protein sources, differing in amino acid composition and bioavailability, in poultry feeding rations has been substantiated. In particular, the main principles of adequate feeding of broilers with compound feed with an increased level of crude protein of vegetable origin and a lower level of animal protein are described. Brief information on the effectiveness of safe levels of lysine of synthetic origin in the diet based on a variety of local feeds when growing broiler chickens in the conditions of a poultry farm in the western region are presented. It was established that compound feed with a significantly increased protein content of various origins – 24 %, 22 % and 20 % – positively affects broiler chickens' productivity. The highest level of productivity was noted for the lysine content in broilers' compound feed in the first growing period – 1,22 %, in the second – 1,14 % and in the third – 1,09 %. The high quality, nutritional value, and beneficial effects of amino acid premixes are directly influenced by the available feed raw materials, mainly of vegetable origin, used for the production of compound feed in the conditions of a broiler poultry farm, the uniformity of mixing with the appropriate quality feed and the optimal dosage of amino acids in each portion of the feed mixture.

Humic acids from leonardite and their use in broiler poultry farming

The production of domestic healthy food products depends on solving the problem of the use of feed additives in poultry diets, allowing not only to balance the diet, but also to ensure the safety of the products obtained. In this regard, one of the ways to solve it is the use of humic acids from leonardite in poultry feeding. The purpose of the work was to provide scientifi c and practical justifi cation for the use of humic acids from leonardite in broiler poultry farming. The studies used a dry feed additive based on unmodified microporous humic acids from leonardite, produced under the brand Reasil® Humic Health. Reasil® Humic Health feed additive consists of high-molecular humic acids obtained from natural raw materials as leonardite and is a brown powder with a dry matter content of at least 80 % and humic acids 80–90 % in dry matter. A liquid water-soluble feed additive produced under the Reasil® Humic Vet trademark was used for drinking by broilers during the period of scientifi c research. Liquid feed additive is a 10 % solution of high molecular weight sodium salts of humic acids from leonardite and at least 15,0 % dry matter in solution. The optimal norms for introducing feed additives based on humic acids from leonardite in dry and liquid form into the diet of broiler chickens are 1,5 g of Reasil® Humic Health per 1,0 kg of compound feed and 0,5 ml of Reasil® Humic Vet” per 1,0 liter of water. It was found that the introduction of Reasil® Humic Health dry feed additive into the broiler diet increased the digestibility of crude protein by 2,14 abs.%, crude fat by 1,23 abs.%, crude fiber by 5,25 abs.%. The amount of using of nitrogen increased by 2,01 abs.%, calcium by 2,59 abs.%, and phosphorus by 3,09 abs.%. The use of Reasil® Humic Vet liquid feed additive in broiler drinking increased the digestibility of crude protein by 2,43 abs.%, crude fat by 1,48 abs.% and crude fi ber by 1,31 abs.%. The digestibility of nitrogen increased by 3,10 abs.%, calcium by 2,73 abs.% and phosphorus by 1,96 abs.%.

The diversity in antimicrobial resistance of MDR Enterobacteriaceae among Chinese broiler and laying farms and two mcr-1 positive plasmids revealed their resistance-transmission risk.

This research aimed to investigate the microbial composition and diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) found in Chinese broiler and layer family poultry farms. We focused on the differences in resistance phenotypes and genotypes of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDRE) isolated from the two farming environments and the existence and transmissibility of colistin resistance gene mcr-1. Metagenomic analysis showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroides were the dominant bacteria in broiler and layer farms. Many aminoglycoside and tetracycline resistance genes were accumulated in these environments, and their absolute abundance was higher in broiler than in layer farms. A total of 526 MDRE were isolated with a similar distribution in both farms. The results of the K-B test showed that the resistance rate to seven antimicrobials including polymyxin B and meropenem in broiler poultry farms was significantly higher than that in layer poultry farms (P ≤ 0.05). PCR screening results revealed that the detection rates of mcr-1, aph(3’)Ia, aadA2, blaoxa–1, blaCTX–M, fosB, qnrD, sul1, tetA, and catA1 in broiler source MDRE were significantly higher than those in layers (P ≤0.05). A chimeric plasmid p20432-mcr which carried the novel integron In1866 was isolated from broiler source MDRE. The high frequency of conjugation (10–1 to 10–3) and a wide range of hosts made p20432-mcr likely to play an essential role in the high detection rate of mcr-1, aph(3’)-Ia, and aadA2 in broiler farms. These findings will help optimize disinfection and improve antimicrobial-resistant bacteria surveillance programs in poultry farms, especially broilers.

Control of biofilm-producing Aeromonas bacteria in the water tanks and drinkers of broiler poultry farms using chitosan nanoparticle-based coating thyme oil

In a drinking water distribution system, biofilm-producing bacteria are considered an alarm bell for increased emergence of waterborne pathogens. This study aims to monitor the prevalence of biofilm-forming Aeromonas species in the drinking water distribution systems in different broiler chicken farms. The antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil (TEO), thyme essential oil nano-emulsion (TEO-N), chitosan (CS), chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs), and both CS and CS-NP-based coating TEO against the different Aeromonas spp.was evaluated using the broth microdilution and agar well diffusion assay. The overall prevalence rate of Aeromonas spp. was 49.3% (74.0/150). The highest rate of Aeromonas isolates was noted in water drinkers and tanks 75.0% (30/40) and 62.5% (25/40), respectively) followed by feedstuff 40.0% (12/30). In contrast, the highest percentage of biofilm-producing Aeromonas spp. was Aeromonas hydrophila 70.0% (14/20) followed by Aeromonas caviae 30.0% (6/20). The fatal effect of CS-NPs against all isolated Aeromonas spp. was achieved 100% at 1.5 and 2.0 µg/mL. Moreover, chitosan nanoparticles coating thyme essential oil (CS-NPs/TEO) verified the lethal effect 100% on both A. hydrophila and A. caviae at the ratio of 1:1 and 1:0.75 µg/mL. In conclusion, the main source of Aeromonas spp. in the drinking water distribution system was the unhygienic status of water tanks and drinkers that allowed biofilm to produce due to aggregation of Aeromonas bacteria on the inner surface of that equipment. Both CS-NPs and CS-NPs/TEO could be applied as a sanitizer and/or disinfectant for Aeromonas biofilm control.

Detection of virulence factor encoding genes on Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chicken in Blitar District, Indonesia

Abstract. Efendi MH, Faridah HD, Wibisono FM, Wibisono FJ, Nisa N, Fatimah F, Ugbo EN. 2022. Detection of virulence factor encoding genes on Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chicken in Blitar District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3437-3442. Broiler chicken is a source of protein that is widely consumed by the public. However, broiler chicken production sometimes decreases due to infectious diseases such as colibacillosis caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli possessing virulence genes. Virulence factors function to facilitate colonization and invasion of host cells to cause disease. The presence of these virulence factors is encoded by various genes such asthe increased serum survival gene and P fimbriae gene which plays a role in surface adhesion. The present study aims to detect the presence of virulence genes from extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E.coli isolated from broiler chickens in the Blitar District. A total of 110 cloacal swabs collected by systematic random sampling from broiler poultry farms in four different sub-districts were screened for ESBL-producing E. coli and virulence genes by phenotypic and molecular methods, respectively. Out of 110 E.coli recovered, 95 (86.4%) were observed to show a high level of resistance to the tested antibiotics, and 34 (35.7%) were ESBL-producers. Among ESBL producing E. coli isolates, 22 (73.5%) and 1 (2.9%) were found to have the iss and papC gene virulence factors, respectively using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results of this study indicate that virulence genes can be found in E. coli from poultry farms. The iss gene is the most predominant virulence gene. The reportof these virulence factors in E. coli isolated from broiler could impose a serious potential public health problem.

Investigating the cecal microbiota in broiler poultry farms and its potential relationships with animal welfare

The present study assessed the modulation of cecal microbiota and correlations with Campylobacter colonization and animal welfare status. For these purposes, we conducted a cross sectional study of the cecal microbiota from 187 broilers reared in 13 batches from 10 poultry farms by performing 16S rRNA sequencing (regions V3–4). The welfare of each batch was assessed using a simplified Welfare Quality® protocol, scoring higher in organic batches, compared to both antibiotic-free and conventional batches. The bioinformatics analyses were conducted in QIIME 2 and a linear discriminant analysis determined the association between microbiota and animals with different Campylobacter carriage status and welfare levels. In the microbiota from the subjects negative for Campylobacter or with high welfare scores, Bacteroidetes was the predominant phylum with the genus Megamonas significantly increased in abundance. A greater abundance of Parabacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, Helicobacter in poultry negative for Campylobacter was also found at the genus level. Animals with the lowest welfare scores showed an increased abundance of Proteobacteria. The results suggested a different microbial composition and diversity in the analyzed groups.

Оценка безопасности продуктов убоя цыплят-бройлеров, полученных из яиц с использованием коламина, янтарной кислоты, серина и пиридоксина гидрохлорида до инкубации

Broiler chickens are fast-growing poultry, from which a huge number of different products are obtained for our population. The growth rate of broiler poultry farming is constantly increasing, but at the same time, one should not forget about the safety of the products obtained, which are so widely sold. At the same time, an increase in demand for these products also leads to the need to incubate eggs and raise poultry in large volumes, and therefore the introduction of safe and effective solutions in this matter will only increase the profitability of the industry. Previously, we have proven the effectiveness of using a number of biostimulants to increase the rate of hatching of chickens, however, the issue of safety of carcasses of broiler chickens is no less important, in connection with which these studies were carried out. The results presented below were obtained using standard accepted methods. It was found that in terms of organoleptic, physicochemical, microbiological, histological indicators, as well as safety assessment, the meat of broiler chickens fully complies with these requirements and regulations.

Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic study of the fusion gene of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from broiler farms of Iran in 2018-2019

Avian orthoavulavirus, commonly known as Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been a constant threat for the poultry industry of Iran for decades. Recently, a couple of preliminary studies on backyard and commercial chicken suggested that a major subgenotype circulating in Iran may be VII(L) subgenotype, which is now known as VII.1.1 according to the new classification system. The unique subgenotype was not reported from other parts of the world and was slightly (≥3%) different from the closest group that was VIId. The study was conducted between July 2018 and March 2019 to determine the exact NDV genotypes/subgenotypes circulating in Iranian broiler poultry farms; five-hundred and forty chickens were sampled from thirty-six broiler farms located in eighteen provinces of Iran. As other genotypes/subgenotypes such as XIII and VI.2 are circulating in neighbouring countries, border provinces were also sampled. The F gene of the NDV isolates was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. All the isolates clustered under the VII.1.1 group. The evolutionary analysis also revealed that the distances were between 0.0 and 0.7% meaning that the Iranian NDV circulating in broiler farms were not only of VII.1.1 sub-genotype, but also genetically very identical, indicating that the routine control measures for ND in Iran were not able to prevent the circulating NDVs. Although stricter biosecurity measures have been really effective in developed countries, surveillance of NDV to determine the circulating genotypes might also help us to implement better vaccination strategies in the future.

Morphology of the articular cartilage of the femoral head broiler chickens cross Ross-308 in the age aspect and against the background of the use of dietary supplements

In modern broiler poultry farming, the problem of different rates of formation of muscle and connective tissue has become increasingly common. To a greater extent, this problem is affected by highly productive crosses of broiler chickens (Ross-308, Cobb500), whose selection is aimed at accelerated recruitment of live weight, without taking into account the development of the backbone and joints. According to Russian and foreign authors, during the period of broiler cultivation, the rate of poultry culling is on average 10%. Of these, more than half are pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, both non-infectious (injuries, unbalanced diet in terms of macro-and microelement composition) and infectious (reovirus tenosynovitis) etiology.Our study presents the results of an experiment to study the effect of silicon dioxide and dihydroquercetin on the zonal structure of the articular cartilage of the femoral head of broiler chickens in the age aspect. The object of the study was broiler chickens of the Ross-308 cross. 160 head of chickens on the whole were examined. During the experiment, four groups of chickens with 40 chicks each were formed according to the principle of analogues. The first group was a control one and received the main diet until the age of 38 days, the chickens of the second, third and fourth groups were fed with feed additives "Covelos-Sorb" in the amount of 0.1 g, 0.14 g and 0.18 g/ 1 kg of live weight per day respectively and "Ecostimul2" in the amount of 1 mg/1 kg of live weight per day. As a result of the study, it was found that the change in the thickness of the structural zones of the articular cartilage of the broiler chicken femoral head is periodic and asynchronous, depending on the age, individual characteristics and dosage of biologically active supplements. There was also an increase in the proportion of isogenic groups in the intermediate zone of the articular cartilage of the femoral head in experimental chickens, which may indicate an increase in the activity of chondrogenesis.

Typology, Structural Characterization and Sustainability of Integrated Broiler Farming System in Epirus, Greece

The aim of this study was the detailed characterization of the existing zootechnical and financial management applied in broiler poultry farms in the Region of Epirus, Greece. The current situation was captured through the formation of a typology on the structural characterization of broiler farming system. The variables were recorded based on data from a stratified random sample according to Neyman’s methodology of 110 poultry farms. In the typology, hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to identify differences between farms and to support most of this differentiation. Chebyshev distance was used to maximize the effect of the cluster elements distance, as well as Ward’s clustering method, which aims to achieve greater homogeneity within the clusters. Bonferroni multiple comparison tests were used to evaluate the differences. Four clusters of different farm types were identified from the hierarchical cluster analysis. In conclusion, the production system of broiler farms in Epirus is intensive, especially in large farms that have made significant investments in fixed capital and implement successful management. However, the poultry sector in Epirus has further margin for improvement in both its productivity and profitability.