Chicken Carcasses Research Articles

LncEDCH1 g.1703613 T>C regulates chicken carcass traits by targeting miR-196-2-3p

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are valuable genetic markers that can provide insights into the genetic diversity and variation within chicken populations. In poultry breeding, SNP analysis is widely utilized to accelerate the selection of desirable traits, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of chicken breeding programs. In our previous research, we identified an association between LncEDCH1 and muscle development. To further investigate its specific mechanism, we conducted SNP detection and performed genotyping, linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype analysis. Our research findings indicate that 16 SNPs in the LncEDCH1. Among these SNPs, g.1703497 C>T and g.1704262 C>T were significantly associated with breast muscle weight percentage, g.1703497 C>T and g.1703613 T>C were significantly associated with leg weight percentage, and g.1703497 C>T, g.1703589 T>C, g.1703613 T>C, g.1703636 C>A, g.1703768 T>C, g.1704079 C>T, g.1704250 T>C, g.1704253 G>A were significantly associated with skin yellowness. Two haplotype blocks composed of 6 SNPs that were significantly associated with wing skin yellowness, breast skin yellowness, full-bore weight, and carcass weight percentage. Furthermore, through dual-luciferase reporter assays, biotin-coupled miRNA pull-down assays, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assays, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), it has been confirmed that miR-196-2-3p inhibits the expression of LncEDCH1 directly by binding to LncEDCH1 g.1703613T>C, thereby achieving indirect regulation of muscle development. These findings provide valuable molecular markers for chicken molecular breeding and broaden our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms.

Etlik Piliçlerde (broyler) Canlı Ağırlık ve Karkas Özellikleri ile Cinsiyet İlişkisi Üzerine Bir Araştırma

In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of relationship between the carcass and piece weights of chickens and their gender. The body weight, carcass, thigh, wing, breast, heart, liver and gizzard values obtained for this purpose belong to Ross 308 hybrid broiler chickens from the commercially operating slaughterhouses in Kahramanmaraş. 60 broiler chickens (30 females-30 males) were obtained from the slaughterhouse and the measurements of the body weight before slaughter and the values of the relevant carcass, chicken parts (leg, breast, wing) and internal organs (heart, liver, gizzard) after slaughter were taken. In the study, the dependent variable was sex, the independent variables were body weight, carcass, thigh, wing, breast, heart, liver and gizzard, and logistic regression binary analysis was used.
 According to the estimation results, the reference category was male (1), and the probability value in the test of the model coefficients was found to be 0.036 (p

Addressing Current Challenges in Poultry Meat Safety: Development of a Cultivation and Colony Hybridization Approach to Recover Enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens from Broiler Chicken Carcasses.

Enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens is one of the main causes of foodborne illness in Canada. The use of a conventional bacterial culture approach to isolate enterotoxigenic C. perfringens from poultry meat is common. This approach is based on the phenotype attributable to a double hemolysis phenomenon, whereas few enterotoxigenic strains of C. perfringens produce it, which further complicates the study of the reservoirs of this important pathogen. The objectives of the current study were to validate the ability of a digoxigenin-labeled probe to detect the C. perfringens cpe gene and to validate the use of either a filtration or a direct plating approach, combined with colony hybridization to detect enterotoxigenic C. perfringens. Pure DNA and pure colonies of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens and broiler chicken carcass rinsate samples were subjected to colony hybridization. The results showed that the synthesized DNA probe can detect the cpe gene from both DNA and pure colonies of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens, and from colonies grown from carcass rinsates artificially contaminated with enterotoxigenic C. perfringens. Our study suggests that this isolation method is a promising tool for a better understanding of the epidemiology of this zoonotic pathogen.

Growth Performances and Carcass of KUB Chicken Fed on A Diet Containing Different Levels of Fermented Mixture of Rice Bran and Protein from Slaughtered House

Rice bran is a common poultry feed ingredients. However, its use is limited due to its high fiber content and low phosphorus content. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding a fermented mixture of rice bran and PSW (RPSW) on the growth performances and carcass of KUB chicken. A mixture of two parts of rice bran and one part of PSH was fermented using rumen liquor for 5 days. Two hundred two-week-old KUB chickens were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments with different levels of fermented RPSW i.e.; 0, 10, 20, and 30% for treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Feed was provided ad libitum for ten-week observation period, and drinking water was always available. At the end of the feeding trial, chickens were slaughtered to measure carcasses and their components. The results showed that there were no significant differences in feed consumption and carcass percentage between treatments, but the final body weight, body weight gain, carcass weight, and organ weight of chickens fed rations containing 20 and 30% fermented RPSH were lower than those fed rations containing 20 and 30% fermented RPSH. 30% fermented RPSH. The control or ration was fed a ration containing 10% fermented RPSH. The results indicate that a fermented blend of rice bran and protein from slaughtered house waste incubated with rumen liquor for 5 days can be included in the KUB chicken diet up to 10%.

Estimation of Carcass Trait Characteristics, Proportions, and Their Correlation with Preslaughter Body Weight in Indigenous Chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia

This study aimed to estimate carcass trait characteristics, proportions, and their correlation with the preslaughter body weight of indigenous chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia. Data from 42 healthy male chickens were collected and analyzed using SAS 2012 ver. 9.4, R software ver.4.3.1, and MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The results indicated significant fixed effect of districts on dressed carcass weight, drumsticks, thighs, wings, and gizzard between Goba and Agarfa chickens (p < 0.05). The fixed effect of age and the district–age interaction effect were not significant. Principal component analysis revealed that PC1, accounting for 96.8% of the total variation between Goba and Agarfa chickens, was contributed by preslaughter and dressed carcass weight. Among the carcass components, the key contributors to differentiation between the Goba and Agarfa indigenous chicken carcass yields were the drumstick, thigh, breast (with/without keel bone), and back with thoracic weight (VIP > 1); there was a higher yield in Goba chickens. Preslaughter weight exhibited stronger correlations with most other traits, while dressing percentages displayed a negative correlation with various carcass components and edible giblet yields across the study districts. This study provides useful insights into carcass component characteristics and yields of indigenous Ethiopian chickens, which can increase our understanding of carcass components and their relationships with other qualities for improvement and further studies on poultry production.

Poultry Processing Interventions Reduce Salmonella Serovar Complexity on Postchill Young Chicken Carcasses as Determined by Deep Serotyping

Nearly 20% of salmonellosis cases are attributed to broilers, with renewed efforts to reduce Salmonella during broiler production and processing. A limitation to Salmonella culture is that often a single colony is picked for characterization, favoring isolation of the most abundant serovar found in a sample, while low abundance serovars can remain undetected. We used a deep serotyping approach, CRISPR-SeroSeq (serotyping by sequencing the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats), to assess Salmonella serovar complexity during broiler processing and to determine the impact of antimicrobial interventions upon serovar population dynamics. Paired hot rehang and postchill young chicken carcasses were collected from establishments across the United States from August to November 2022. CRISPR-SeroSeq was performed on Salmonella culture-positive hot rehang (n = 153) and postchill (n = 38) samples, including 31 paired hot rehang and postchill samples. Multiple serovars were detected in 48.4% (74/153) and 7.9% (3/38) of hot rehang and postchill samples, respectively. On average, hot rehang carcasses contained 1.6 serovars, compared to 1.1 serovars at postchill (Mann Whitney U, p = 0.00018). Nineteen serovars were identified with serovar Kentucky the most common at hot rehang (72.5%; 111/153) and postchill (73.7%; 28/38). Serovar Infantis prevalence was higher at hot rehang (39.9%; 61/153) than in postchill (7.9%; 3/38). At hot rehang, serovar Enteritidis was outnumbered by other serovars 81.3% (13/16) of the time but was always the single or most abundant serovar detected when it was present at postchill (n = 5). We observed 98.4% (188/191) concordance between traditional isolation with serotyping and CRISPR-SeroSeq. Deep serotyping was able to explain serovar discrepancies between paired hot rehang and postchill samples when only traditional isolation and serotyping methods were used. These data demonstrate that processing interventions are effective in reducing Salmonella serovar complexity.

Isolation and Characterization of Cefotaxime and Ciprofloxacin Co-Resistant Escherichia coli in Retail Chicken Carcasses

Transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain is of great importance for public health. In this study, it was aimed to isolate and characterize the cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli in retail chicken meat samples sold in Hatay. The isolates were subjected to phylogenetic group typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The genetic relatedness of the isolates was determined using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) technique. The isolates were also screened for the presence of both antimicrobial and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes by PCR. Cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin co-resistant E. coli isolates with diverse genetic origins were recovered in 42.3% (22/52) of retail chicken carcasses. The E. coli isolates belonged to the phylogenetic group D2 were dominant (40.9%, 9/22), followed by B1 (27.3%, 6/22), B23 (18.2%, 4/22), and A1 (13.6%, 3/22), respectively. Based on dendrogram analysis, the ERIC-PCR method differentiated the isolates into 10 clusters (I-X). The multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 81.8% (18/22) of the isolates. PMQR determinants were not identified in any isolates tested. Molecular analysis revealed one or more β-lactamase-encoding genes in all isolates as a single or in combination: blaCTX-M-blaTEM (n=5), blaCMY-2 (n=5), blaCTX-M (n=5), blaCMY-2-blaSHV (n=3), blaCMY-2-blaTEM (n=3), and blaCTX-M-blaCMY-2 (n=1). This study highlights that retail chicken meat is an important reservoir of cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin co-resistant E. coli isolates. It is necessary to evaluate their contribution to the community and hospital infections.

The Pakan Fermentasi Berbasis Bahan Lokal Berbentuk Pellet dan Tepung Terhadap Performa, Karkas dan Organ Intestinal Ayam Broiler

This study aims to examine the fermentation method on local feed in the form of mash and pellets on the performance, carcass and intestinal organs of broiler chickens. The livestock used were 144 CP 707 broiler chickens aged 21 days. The study used a completely randomized design with a 3x2 factorial pattern, namely 3 fermented feed treatments (F0 = non-fermented, F1 = fermented with Effective Microorganisms-4 (EM4), and F2 = Local Microorganism (MOL) fermented), and 2 forms of feed (B1 = mash, B2 = Pellet), so there were 6 treatment. Each treatment was repeated 6 times and each repetition consisted of 4 chickens. Parameters measured were the performance of broiler chickens, carcasses and intestinal organs. Data were analysed by ANOVA test and continued with Duncan's test. The results showed that feeding fermented Effective Microorganisms-4 (EM4) and Local Microorganism (MOL) had a significant effect on chicken performance and final weight (P<0.01), but no significant effect on carcass weight and percentage (P>0.05). As for the intestinal organs, feeding fermented Effective Microorganisms-4 (EM4) and Local Microorganism (MOL) had no significant effect on the percentage of liver, ventricle, proventriculus and small intestine (P>0.05) and had a significant effect on the length of the small intestine (P<0.01).

Genomic characterization of Salmonella isolated from retail chicken and humans with diarrhea in Qingdao, China.

Salmonella, especially antimicrobial resistant strains, remains one of the leading causes of foodborne bacterial disease. Retail chicken is a major source of human salmonellosis. Here, we investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and genomic characteristics of Salmonella in 88 out of 360 (24.4%) chilled chicken carcasses, together with 86 Salmonella from humans with diarrhea in Qingdao, China in 2020. The most common serotypes were Enteritidis and Typhimurium (including the serotype I 4,[5],12:i:-) among Salmonella from both chicken and humans. The sequence types were consistent with serotypes, with ST11, ST34 and ST19 the most dominantly identified. Resistance to nalidixic acid, ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol were the top four detected in Salmonella from both chicken and human sources. High multi-drug resistance (MDR) and resistance to third-generation cephalosporins resistance were found in Salmonella from chicken (53.4%) and humans (75.6%). In total, 149 of 174 (85.6%) Salmonella isolates could be categorized into 60 known SNP clusters, with 8 SNP clusters detected in both sources. Furthermore, high prevalence of plasmid replicons and prophages were observed among the studied isolates. A total of 79 antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs) were found, with aac(6')-Iaa, blaTEM-1B, tet(A), aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib, sul2, floR and qnrS1 being the dominant ARGs. Moreover, nine CTX-M-type ESBL genes and the genes blaNMD-1, mcr-1.1, and mcr-9.1 were detected. The high incidence of MDR Salmonella, especially possessing lots of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in this study posed a severe risk to food safety and public health, highlighting the importance of improving food hygiene measures to reduce the contamination and transmission of this bacterium. Overall, it is essential to continue monitoring the Salmonella serotypes, implement the necessary prevention and strategic control plans, and conduct an epidemiological surveillance system based on whole-genome sequencing.

Changes in the bioactive compounds of sun-dried ginger rhizome and their effects on growth performance, blood profile, carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens

Changes in the bioactive compounds of sun-dried ginger rhizome and their effects on growth performance, blood profile, carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens

Contamination of broiler chicken carcasses with L. monocytogenes and the effect of disinfectants on organoleptic and physicochemical parameters of meat

The popularity of poultry meat is growing in almost all countries. The consumer prefers chicken considering its high nutritional and dietary value, relatively low price, safety, and the absence of religious restrictions. At the same time, close attention is paid to the safety of food products since food poisoning in poultry processing enterprises is an urgent problem. Based on the results of research on 25 poultry carcasses intended for sale in retail chains, L. monocytogenes was detected in chicken carcasses, broiler chickens in 1 case (4.0 % of studies), semi-finished products from broiler chickens in 2 cases (8 % of studies). During the study of 45 samples in the primary processing shop to establish possible sources and areas of cross-insemination of L. monocytogenes on the surface of poultry carcasses, in 8 cases or 17.8 % of the studies, L. monocytogenes was isolated in washings from carcasses, from the water of the cooling bath ‒ in 3 cases from 13 or 23.1 % of studies, in washes from equipment ‒ in 1 case or 14.3 %, in washes from hands ‒ in 1 case (14.3 %). The resistance of L. monocytogenes to the action of the disinfectant “Balandas-A Forte” 0.07 % solution has been studied; it has a non-permanent antimicrobial effect against L. monocytogenes, 0.15 % ‒ ensures the inactivation of L. monocytogenes in a bath with a water temperature of 10 ºС. There are no significant differences in the organoleptic parameters of the meat and the broth (transparency, aroma), made from poultry meat cooled in the usual way and when using the disinfectant “Balandez-A Forte.” However, in the treated carcasses, compared to the control, there is a change in the color of the surface of the carcasses and internal fat - their color becomes yellow and has a wax-like layering, which the consumer can negatively perceive, the reason for this may be the effect of peracetic acid (PAA) on the adipose tissue of the bird. According to physical and chemical indicators, poultry meat cooled with cold water and using a disinfectant solution met the requirements of the standards. Disinfectant “Balandez-A Forte” of 0.07 and 0.15 % concentration inactivates L. monocytogenes, 0.07 % solution reduces KMAFAnM by three orders of magnitude from (1.7 ± 0.3)×104 to (3.1 ± 0.8)×101, but does not inactivate bacteria of the group of Escherichia coli, water from a cooling bath with a working solution of 0.15 % concentration of a disinfectant allows inactivation of BGKP and ensures inactivation of L. monocytogenes in cold water (10 ºC).

USE OF AZOLLA PINATA IN THE RATIONING OF POULET DE FASO BROILERS IN BURKINA FASO: INFLUENCE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS, CUT PARTS AND ORGANS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth performance of chicken broilers Poulet du Faso fed rations incorporating Azzola pinata. Three growth-finishing diets were formulated and tested, including 02 experimental diets incorporating 5% (ED5) and 10% (ED10) azzola meal and a standard control without azzola (SCD). One hundred and five (105) chicks divided into batches of 35 chicks per diet were used for the experiment, which lasted 54 days (8 weeks). The results show that the growth rate of the chicks was significantly faster for ED5 and ED10 diets (p<0.05), comparable for all diets for the last 2 weeks, and overall average daily gain (p˃0.05). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) of ED5 and ED10 were homogeneous(p˃0.05) and significantly higher than that of the SCD ration(p<0.05) No significant difference in CI and FCPkgLW was noted between the 3 diets(p˃0.05).No significant differences in hot (RDTcc) and chilled (RDTcr) carcass yields and abdominal fat content (AFC) were observed between diets ED5, ED10 and SCD(p˃0.05). Among the organs and parts of the cut, only the average weight of the Thigh+Tail of diets SCD and ED5 were homogeneous(p˃0.05) and significantly higher than that of ED10(p<0.05). Incorporating Azolla meal into the diet had no adverse effect on chicken carcass characteristics. Azolla meal can be recommended for use as a source of vegetable protein in chicken rations, particularly for purebred mixed breeds.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Kampung Chicken Carcasses

Kampung chicken meats have been widely consumed in Indonesia as well as broiler chicken. However, the extensive rearing allowed multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria exposure to kampung chicken, including through horizontal gene transfer. This study aimed to observe the correlation between the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella spp. isolated from kampung chicken carcasses. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was evaluated by Kirby-Bauer's disk diffusion method, while the detection of drug resistance genes in seventeen isolates of Salmonella was carried out by PCR. All (17/17) isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Most isolates of Salmonella were resistant to erythromycin (82%; 14/17), while the decreased susceptibility (intermediate category) most occurred in oxytetracycline (82%; 14/17). Salmonella Typhimurium showed a resistance pattern to more antimicrobial groups than S. Newport and S. Weltevreden. Several antimicrobial resistance genes (blaTEM, tetG, cmlA, gyrA) were present in all (17/17) isolates of Salmonella spp. Resistance to antimicrobial agents and the presence of resistance genes were not always related. This study could provide beneficial information regarding the transmission of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella spp. from kampung chickens.

265 Interactive Effects of Dietary Isoleucine and Valine Ratios to Lysine in Response to Varying Leucine to Lysine Ratios on Pectoralis Major Muscle Protein Expression in Commercial Broilers

Abstract Optimizing the dietary concentrations and ratios of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) is necessary to optimize broiler chicken growth performance and carcass meat yield. A central composite design (CCD) study was conducted to understand the impact of dietary BCAA concentrations and ratios on Pectoralis major (PM) muscle protein expression involved in mTOR and related protein synthesis pathways as well as and investigate the mechanisms behind how BCAA ratios affect broiler growth and muscle protein accretion. A total of 2,592 d-old Ross 344 × 708 male broilers were randomly placed in 144 floor pens (n = 18 birds per pen). Before the initiation of the experimental finisher phase, all pens were standardized to contain 15 birds per pen. Each pen received 1 of 15 dietary treatments in the 23 CCD with 6 center points from 20 to 35 d of age, varying in digestible ratios of valine:lysine (Val:Lys; 64 to 87), leucine:lysine (Leu:Lys; 110 to 185), and isoleucine:lysine (Ile:Lys; 52 to 75). On d 35, 1 bird per pen was randomly selected for PM protein extraction and proteomic analysis via data independent acquisition protein sequencing with a timsTOF Pro 2 LC/MS/MS and Spectronaut 15 software. Ribosomal protein S6 kinase (RPS6KA3), eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (EEF2), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (EIF4B), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), CAP-Glycine domain containing linker protein 1 (CLIP1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), Protein kinase domain-containing protein (MAP2K1), Dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAP2K2), paxillin (PXN), and regulator complex protein (LAMTOR3) were identified, quantified, and analyzed as a CCD using the RSREG procedure of SAS ver. 9.4 with significance set at P ≤ 0.10. The surface response models for RPS6KA3, EEF2, EIF4B, EIF4E, MAPK3, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, CLIP1, PXN, and LAMTOR3 were not significant (P ≥ 0.926; R2 values ≤ 0.1). No linear (P ≥ 0.5223), quadratic (P ≥ 0.0.634) or cross product (P ≥ 0.6238) regression effects were observed for any of the proteins analyzed. A minimum stationary point was observed for RPS6KA3, EEF2, MAPK3, and LAMTOR3. However, optimal values for the other proteins could not be obtained due to stationary saddle points. Overall, the results in this study indicate that varying concentrations of dietary BCAA may not impact expression of proteins related to broiler skeletal muscle growth on d 35 following the 15-d treatment period, despite the influence on live performance. This is a limitation of this study and suggests that if the mTOR pathway was involved it was not still differentially up- or down-regulated at this time point. Further investigation and new studies with multiple time points will be required to better understand the mechanisms behind how BCAA impact broiler growth and muscle development.

308 Effect of Thermal Variation During Late-Stage Incubation and Sex on Broiler Chicken Body Weight and Carcass Parts Uniformity

Abstract Low uniformity of broiler live body weight, carcass, and parts weights can reduce overall processing yields and profitability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thermal manipulation (TM) during late-stage incubation (LSI) and sex on the uniformity and coefficient of variation (CV) in high yielding broilers. Yield Plus ′ Ross 708 broiler breeder eggs (n = 2,160) were incubated at 37.5 °C from embryonic day (ED) 0 to 10. From ED 11 to 18, eggs were incubated at 1 of 3 air temperature set points: 37.5 °C (CTL), 36.4 °C (COLD), or 38.6 °C (HOT; n = 2 incubators per treatment). On ED 18, all eggs were transferred to baskets in hatchers set to 36.7 °C. Chicks were vent sexed, placed in floor pens blocked by incubation treatment and sex (n = 6 replicate pens of 30 birds per treatment), and fed a common diet. Broilers were individually weighed at d 9, 23, and 32, then, the 15 birds from each pen closest to the pen median BW were processed on d 33. The distance of each bird BW from the pen mean and median, TM treatment, sex, and whole flock BW over time, uniformity of BW (within 10% of the mean), and intra-pen CV were calculated. Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS ver. 9.4 with TM treatment and broiler sex serving as the main effects. Means were separated at P ≤ 0.05 with the PDIFF option. On d 9, a TM by sex interaction was observed, and the BW of female CTL chicks was less variable from the pen mean compared with broilers hatched from COLD and females from HOT incubators (P ≤ 0.026). On d 9, sub-optimal incubation temperatures (HOT and COLD) during LSI resulted in higher individual female bird BW variation from the pen mean and median (P = 0.013). Incubating chicks in COLD incubators during LSI increased d-9 individual bird BW distance from the treatment, sex, and flock mean and median BW compared with CTL and HOT (P ≤ 0.037). In addition, BW uniformity within a pen was less in broilers hatched from COLD incubators than both CTL and HOT on d 9 (P = 0.033) and tended to be less on d 32 (P = 0.099). The inverse was observed for CV (P ≤ 0.040). Broilers hatched from COLD and HOT incubators had greater CV for carcass (P = 0.049) and wing (P = 0.028) as well as drumstick (P = 0.079) weights. These results indicate that sub-optimal LSI conditions can negatively influence uniformity of broiler live BW, carcass and parts weights and highlights the importance of achieving optimal incubation conditions.

Prevalence of colistin resistance and antibacterial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from chickens: An assessment of the impact of regulatory intervention in South Africa.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem largely due to the overuse of antimicrobials. In recognition of this, the World Health Assembly in 2015 agreed on a global action plan to tackle AMR. Following the global emergence of the mcr-1-associated colistin resistance gene in the livestock industry in 2016, several countries including South Africa restricted the veterinary use of colistin as the gene threatens the clinical utility of the drug. This study is a follow-up to the restriction in place in order to evaluate the impact of such policy adoption. To assess the prevalence of antibacterial resistance (ABR), and the mcr-1 colistin resistance gene in broiler chicken over a 2-year period, as a follow-up to the veterinary ban on colistin use in South Africa. A total of 520 swab samples were obtained during 2019 (March-April) and 2020 (February-March), from healthy broiler chicken carcasses (n=20) and chicken droppings in transport crates (n=20) at various poultry abattoirs (N=7) in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Escherichia coli organisms were isolated and subjected to a panel of 24 antibacterials using the MicroScan machine. Screening for mcr-1 colistin resistance gene was undertaken using PCR. Four hundred and thirty-eight (438) E. coli strains were recovered and none demonstrated phenotypic resistance towards colistin, amikacin, carbapenems, tigecycline and piperacillin/tazobactam. The mcr-1 gene was not detected in any of the isolates tested. Resistances to the aminoglycosides (0%-9.8%) and fluoroquinolones (0%-18.9%) were generally low. Resistances to ampicillin (32%-39.3%) and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (30.6%-3.6%) were fairly high. A significant (p<0.05) increase in cephalosporins and cephamycin resistance was noted in the year 2020 (February-March) when compared with the year 2019 (March-April). The absence of mcr-1 gene and colistin resistance suggests that mitigation strategies adopted were effective and clearly demonstrated the significance of regulatory interventions in reducing resistance to critical drugs. Despite the drawback in regulatory framework such as free farmers access to antimicrobials OTC and a dual registration system in place, there is a general decline in the prevalence of ABR when the present data are compared with the last national veterinary surveillance on AMR (SANVAD 2007). To further drive resistance down, mitigation strategies should focus on strengthening regulatory framework, the withdrawal of OTC dispensing of antimicrobials, capping volumes of antimicrobials, banning growth promoters and investing on routine surveillance/monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial consumption.

A machine learning approach to identifying Salmonella stress response genes in isolates from poultry processing

We explored the potential of machine learning to identify significant genes associated with Salmonella stress response during poultry processing using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. The Salmonella isolates (n = 177) used in this study were obtained from various chicken sources (skin before chiller, chicken carcass before chiller, frozen chicken, and post-chill chicken carcass). Six machine learning algorithms (random forest, neural network, cost-sensitive learning, logit boost, and support vector machine linear and radial kernels) were trained on Salmonella WGS data, and model fit was assessed using standard evaluation metrics such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and confusion matrix statistics. All models achieved high performances based on the AUROC metric, with logit boost showing the best performance with an AUROC score of 0.904, sensitivity of 0.889, and specificity of 0.920. The significant genes identified included ybtX, which encodes a Yersiniabactin-associated zinc transporter, and the transferase-encoding genes yccK and thiS. Additionally, genes coding for cold (cspA, cspD, and cspE) and heat shock (rpoH and rpoE) responses were identified. Other significant genes included those involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis (irp1, waaD, rfc, and rfbX), DNA repair and replication (traI), biofilm formation (ccdA and fyuA), and cellular metabolism (irtA).

Natural Antimicrobial Mixtures Disrupt Attachment and Survival of E. coli and C. jejuni to Non-Organic and Organic Surfaces.

The contact and adherence of bacteria to various surfaces has significant consequences on biofilm formation through changes in bacterial surface structures or gene expression with potential ramifications on plant and animal health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of organic acid-based mixtures (Ac) on the ability Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli to attach and form biofilm on various surfaces, including plastic, chicken carcass skins, straw bedding, and eggshells. Moreover, we aimed to explore the effect of Ac on the expression of E. coli (luxS, fimC, csgD) and C. jejuni (luxS, flaA, flaB) bacterial genes involved in the attachment and biofilm formation via changes in bacterial surface polysaccharidic structures. Our results show that Ac had a significant effect on the expression of these genes in bacteria either attached to these surfaces or in planktonic cells. Moreover, the significant decrease in bacterial adhesion was coupled with structural changes in bacterial surface polysaccharide profiles, impacting their adhesion and biofilm-forming ability. Essentially, our findings accentuate the potential of natural antimicrobials, such as Ac, in reducing bacterial attachment and biofilm formation across various environments, suggesting promising potential applications in sectors like poultry production and healthcare.

Foodborne hazards in food in Burkina Faso, 1990–2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFoodborne diseases impose substantial public health burden and jeopardize socio-economic development worldwide. While accurate information on foodborne hazards is needed for informed decision in food safety interventions, such information is scarce in developing countries such as Burkina Faso. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting foodborne hazards in foods in Burkina Faso to describe the present knowledge of the situation.MethodsPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used to conduct this review. Abstracts were searched in PubMed and CAB direct between 1 January 1990 to 30 September 2019. We used random-effects models to estimate pooled prevalence and I2 values to measure heterogeneity between studies.Results188 articles were identified, of which 14 are included in this review: 12 were on bacterial hazards (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus, E. coli, Shigella), three on fungal hazards and one on parasitic hazards (Toxoplasma gondii). The overall pooled prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 13% (95% CI: 8–21), the highest in lettuce: 50% (95% CI: 30–70) and the lowest in milk: 1.2% (95% CI: 0–5), demonstrating substantial variation among the studies (I2 = 85, 95% CI: 79–90%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Campylobacter spp. was reported in chicken carcass, with 50% of the samples being positive. The overall pooled microbial load of Staphylococcus in the studied food samples was 3.2 log (95% CI: 2.8–3.6) CFU per g or ml of food, the highest in poultry samples: 4.5 log (95% CI: 2.8–6.2) CFU per g or ml of food. The overall pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was 40% (95% CI: 29–51), the highest in beef intestines: 62% (95% CI: 22–91) and the lowest in dairy products: 31% (95% CI: 17–50), showing substantial variation across the studies (I2 = 86, 95% CI: 80–90%, p &amp;lt; 0.01).ConclusionOur results showed widespread contamination of foods with foodborne hazards across various food value chains indicating poor hygienic handling of foods, raising consumers’ health risk due to foodborne illnesses from the foods. We recommend promotion of awareness creation in food safety and improved monitoring of hazards in food.

The Valorization and Potential Applications of Orange Byproducts and Waste in Poultry Feeding: A Review

Some chemicals have been utilized as a feed additive and growth stimulator to boost poultry performance in recent decades. Cereals have been one of the most extensively utilized feed in the rearing period of broiler chickens but due to their highly price it can present an economic consequence and some limitations of their use, alternatives such as orange byproducts have been recommended. In the second point there is a large utilization of growth stimulants during the rearing period of broilers, but due to the adverse consequences of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of their use, alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, plant essential oils, essences and by-products have been recommended. Orange waste can be found in abundance in some parts of the world. Aldehydes, esters, terpenes, alcohols, ketones, carotenoids, nobiletin, pectin and bioflavonoids such as hesperidin and naringenin are among the volatile substances found in orange waste. The practical applications of orange by-products and pomace in chicken feeding are presented in this review paper. This review presented the effects of orange waste and by-products on chicken performance and carcass components.