Commercial Poultry Research Articles

Advancements in Newcastle Disease Vaccination: Evaluating Traditional and Thermostable Vaccines for Enhanced Control and Efficacy

Newcastle disease (ND) is a critical viral disease in poultry, affecting various avian species worldwide and causing substantial economic losses annually in commercial and backyard poultry operations. Despite its global prevalence, ND can be controlled through proper vaccination and biosecurity management. Over the past 60-65 years, both live attenuated and inactivated ND virus vaccines have been extensively used to mitigate the economic impact of ND. Although live vaccines demonstrate high efficacy against the disease, achieving comprehensive control of ND outbreaks and their financial consequences remains challenging. The primary limitation of most commercially available live vaccines is their heat sensitivity, necessitating a cold chain for quality maintenance, which poses difficulties in village conditions or remote areas of developing tropical countries. This review discusses various methods of ND vaccine administration, their efficacy, and immunogenicity, focusing on the efficacy and stability of thermostable ND vaccines. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for the long-term control and eradication of ND.

A vaccine programme comprising GA08 (GI-27) and Mass (GI-1) strains prevents DMV1639 (GI-17) infectious bronchitis virus transmission among broiler chickens

ABSTRACT Effective control of infectious bronchitis is a challenge in commercial poultry operations due to the high transmissibility of the virus. Although multiple IBV lineages are circulating in the United States, the DMV1639-type IBV strain (GI-17) is currently the major circulating variant, creating production losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to test whether the combination of a GA08 (GI-27) and a Mass-type (GI-1) IB vaccines could significantly reduce the transmission of a DMV1639-type (GI-17) field IBV strain in 4-week-old commercial broilers. Half of the birds were directly challenged, whereas the other half of the groupmates were put in contact 24 hours later. Two replicates of the same study setup, including 10 directly challenged and 10 contact birds per group, were run. Transmission of the challenge virus was significantly reduced in vaccinates (R = 0.0), whereas all unvaccinated birds became infected (R = 9.6). Reduced transmission of the DMV1639 IB challenge virus by the combined vaccination programme in broiler chickens was also accompanied by clinical protection. These data are important because prevention of IBV transmission by vaccination will result in overall reduced viral replication and consequently in reduced likelihood of genetic changes that can lead to new variants. This is the first published evidence of the successful transmission control of a DMV1639 IBV strain in chickens.

Genetic evolution of Newcastle Disease Virus sub-genotype VII.2 isolates, diagnosed from vaccinated poultry farms of Gujarat, India

Newcastle disease was suspected in 37 commercial poultry farms, including 12 layer and 25 broiler farms in four districts of Gujarat, India. Vaccination had been done in 32 (20 broilers and 12 layers) farms. Tissue samples from each farm were pooled as one sample. In egg embryo inoculation, HA-HI and PCR, respectively, 32/37, 29/37, and 24/37 samples were found positive. Pathotyping by mean death time calculation and primer combination PCR revealed velogenic NDV, which was later confirmed with the presence of the 112-RRQKR*F-117 sequence at the F protein cleavage site. Phylogenetic analysis of full F gene sequences (N=10) confirmed the presence of sub-genotype VII.2 in 9/10 sequences, and genotype II in one sample. These 9 sequences were only 0.7 to 2.6 % divergent with two VII.2 (=VIIi) sequences (HQ697254.1 chicken/Banjarmas/Indonesia and KU862293.1 Parakeet/Karachi/Pakistan) but had 2.2 to 3.6 % diversion from two VII.2 sequences (OR185447 and MZ546197) from India. Then branching was found from sequences of VIIh, VIIk (VII.2), and VIIa (VII.1.2), and then from sub-genotypes VII.1.1 and VII.1.2. Due to less than 5 % diversion, these sequences could not be qualified as new sub-genotype in evolutionary distance analysis. At the amino acid level, our sequences had aa N-T-I-A-L-T at 24–79-125–385-445–482. Whereas at the same positions, in most of the retrieved VII.2 sequences and vaccines, the sequence was S-A-V-T-Q/I- E/A. Two sequences revealed additional six and four amino acid differences,respectively.This indicates rapid continuous genetic evolution of sub-genotype VII.2 and partially explains vaccinal immunity escape.

Monitoring activity index and behaviors of cage-free hens with advanced deep learning technologies

Chickens’ behaviors and activities are important information for managing animal health and welfare in commercial poultry houses. In this study, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) models were developed to monitor the chicken activity index. A dataset consisting of 1,500 top-view images was utilized to construct tracking models, with 900 images allocated for training, 300 for validation, and 300 for testing. Six different CNN models were developed, based on YOLOv5, YOLOv8, ByteTrack, DeepSORT, and StrongSORT. The final results demonstrated that the combination of YOLOv8 and DeepSORT exhibited the highest performance, achieving a Multi-Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) of 94%. Further application of the optimal model could facilitate the detection of abnormal behaviors such as smothering and piling, and enabled the quantification of flock activity into three levels (low, medium, and high) to evaluate footpad health states in the flock. This research underscores the application of deep learning in monitoring poultry activity index for assessing animal health and welfare.

Assessment of potentially toxic element contents in chickens and poultry feeds from Bangladesh markets: Implications for human health risk

Chicken (Gallus domesticus) is a significant source of animal protein for the people of Bangladesh. However, anthropogenic activity may contaminate chicken meat with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) despite the nutritional benefits. Current work aims to determine the accumulated content of PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg) in chickens and poultry feeds commercially sold in Bangladesh markets and compare with WHO, FAO, EU, EC, FSANZ standards. Three different chicken varieties, native (local variety, freehand raised), poultry (raised for meat only), and layer chicken (commercially raised for eggs and later used for meat), were investigated, and commercial poultry feeds were used to raise the latter two varieties. The Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg contents (mg kg–1 fresh weight (f.w.) were 0.481–1.067, 0.025–0.118, 0.069–0.319, 0.007–0.071, 0.002–0.019, respectively. In addition, associated health risks due to the PTEs in different varieties of chicken organs, e.g., meat, liver, and kidney, were evaluated. The study suggests that the poultry feeds should be carefully monitored regarding PTEs content to avoid potential human health risks due to chicken consumption in Bangladesh.

Isolation and molecular confirmation of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) from desi chicken farms in Tamil Nadu: Significance in public health

The present research work was conducted to study the prevalence of NTS (Non-typhoidal Salmonella) in desi chicken farms in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu state, India. For the study, fresh faecal samples were collected from 30 desi chicken farms located in Namakkal district. The samples were subjected to cultural examination for isolation and identification of Non-typhoidal Salmonella. The samples found to be positive in cultural isolation were subjected to molecular screening by PCR for confirmation. In the present study, out of 30 farms investigated, samples from seven farms were found to be positive for Non-typhoidal Salmonella and all the positive samples were confirmed to be S. typhimurium. The study indicates that small scale poultry production with desi chicken is also becoming source of NTS infection in human beings apart from organized commercial poultry sector. Creating awareness on prevalence of NTS in desi chicken and giving trainings to meat handlers and butchers regarding hygienic slaughter and food safety will minimize contamination of desi chicken meat with non-typhoidal Salmonella.

Anticoccidial activity of a botanical natural product based on eucalyptus, apigenin and eugenol against Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens

BackgroundChicken coccidiosis is an intracellular parasitic disease that presents major challenges to the development of the commercial poultry industry. Perennial drug selective pressure has led to the multi-drug resistance of chicken coccidia, which makes the prevention and control of chicken coccidiosis extremely difficult. In recent years, natural plant products have attracted the attention of researchers due to their inherent advantages, such as the absence of veterinary drug residues. The development of these natural products provides a new direction for the prevention and treatment of chicken coccidiosis.MethodsThe anticoccidial effect of a natural plant product combination formulation (eucalyptus oil + apigenin + eugenol essential oil) was tested against Eimeria tenella in broilers. To search for the optimal concentration of the combination formulation, we screened 120 broilers in a chicken cage trial in which 100 broilers were infected with 5 × 104 sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts; broilers receiving a decoquinate solution was set up as a chemical control. The optimal anticoccidial concentration was determined by calculating the anticoccidial index (ACI), and the suitable concentration was used as the recommended dose for a series of safety dose assessment tests, such as feed conversion ratio (FCR), hematological indices and serum biochemical indices, as well as liver and kidney sections, at onefold (low dose), threefold (medium dose) and sixfold (high dose) the recommended dose (RD).ResultsThe results showed that this combination formulation of three plant natural products had a better anticoccidial effect than formulations containing two plant natural products or a single one, with an ACI of 169.3. The dose gradient anticoccidial test revealed that the high-dose formulation group had a better anticoccidial effect (ACI = 169.2) than the medium- and low-dose groups. The safety evaluation test showed that concentrations of the formulation at one-, three- and sixfold the RD were non-toxic to Arbor Acres broilers, indicating the high safety of the combination formulation.ConclusionsThe combination formulation showed not only a moderate anticoccidial effect but also had a high safety profile for broilers. The results of this study indicate a new alternative for the prevention and control of coccidiosis in broilers.Graphical

Exploratory study for implementing a Global Burden of Animal Diseases case study in Senegal.

Senegal is a West African country with both extensive animal production systems, representative of the environmental, economic and animal health constraints specific to the Sahel region, and thriving commercial poultry and dairy production. An exploratory study was conducted in Senegal between 2021 and 2022 as a prelude to a case study of the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme. An overview of existing animal production systems as well as the main priorities and issues in animal health on a national level was developed. A national workshop gathering representatives from the livestock production and academic sectors took place in Dakar in June 2022 with the objective of jointly developing a case study. The participants prioritised pastoralist production systems for cattle and agropastoral systems for small ruminants for the application of the GBADs programme. Through a series of activities, the participants highlighted the health, environmental, economic and socio-political challenges surrounding these systems, all of which limit their contribution to the well-being of pastoralist households, consumers and other stakeholders. While Senegal has in the past hosted a large number of research and cooperative projects on these two livestock systems, participants noted difficulties in obtaining, centralising and harmonising the existing data. This exploratory study led to the funding of a focused case study of the agropastoral small-ruminant sector that was carried out in 2023 in partnership with national and international organisations.

Molecular epidemiological studies of Leucocytozoon caulleryi in commercial layer flocks in Southern peninsular India reveal the presence of new subclusters.

The Leucocytozoon parasites are one of the important protozoa species affecting domestic poultry and wild birds. Though there are frequent reports about the incidence of Leucocytozoon in wild birds, the information regarding the occurrence of commercial poultry is underestimated. From October 2015 to August 2022, ailing and dead birds from 39 commercial layer flocks were submitted to the Poultry Disease Diagnosis and Surveillance Laboratory, Namakkal, with a history of brief illness, followed by mortality with oozing of blood from oro-nasal orifice. The presence of Leucocytozoon caulleryi was confirmed in all the flocks by laboratory examination and PCR. All the Leucocytozoon-positive cases were reported after heavy rainfall and the affected farms were inhabited with Culicoides flies. The infected birds were dull and depressed, exhibited labored breathing, and blood-tinted ropy mucous from the oro-nasal cavity. Necropsy examination revealed pale-anaemic comb and wattles, massive haemorrhagic clot over the surface of the kidney, peritoneum, and trachea, and scattering of greyish-white/reddish military megaloschizonts throughout the serosa of viscera and skeletal muscles. Histopathological examination revealed many spherical cysts or megaloschizonts in the intestine, pancreas, gizzard, spleen, liver, kidney, heart, and breast muscles. The cysts were deeply seated within the above organ's parenchyma or embedded in the serosa. There was extensive connective tissue proliferation with mononuclear cell infiltration around the cyst. Leucocytozoon-specific DNA was detected in all the flocks by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene of L. caulleryi reported from various parts of the world revealed that L. caulleryi is grouped into two major clusters (Cluster I & II). Further, Indian L. caulleryi sequences fall under sub-cluster I and II along with L. caulleryi reported from Taiwan, Egypt, China, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

The first report and biological characterization of Avian Orthoavulavirus 16 in wild migratory waterfowl and domestic poultry in China reveal a potential threat to birds

ABSTRACT The Avulavirus within the family Paramyxoviridae includes at least 22 different species, and is known to cause different types of infections and even be fatal in multiple avian species. There is limited knowledge of the genetic and biological information of Avulavirus species 2 to 22 in domestic and wild birds and the disease significance of these viruses in birds is not fully determined, although as many as 10 new distinct species have been identified from wild birds and domestic poultry around the world in the last decade. This study aimed to use PCR, virus isolation, and sequencing to genetically and biologically characterize Avian Orthoavulavirus 16 (AOAV-16) in wild birds and domestic poultry collected from different locations in China between 2014 and 2022. Of five isolated AOAV-16 strains (Y1 to Y5), only the Y4 strain had a haemagglutination (HA)-negative result. All of these isolates were low virulent viruses for chickens, except Y3 which was detected simultaneously with avian influenza virus (AIV) of H9N2 subtype. Furthermore, at least four different types of intergenic sequences (IGS) between the HN and L genes junction, and recombination events, as well as interspecific transmission by wild migratory birds, existed within the species AOAV-16. These findings and results of other reported AOAV-16 strains recommend strict control measures to limit contact between wild migratory birds and domestic poultry and imply potential threats to commercial poultry and even public health challenges worldwide. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS First confirmation of AOAV-16 in domestic and wild birds in China. AOAV-16 are low virulent viruses for chickens. Co-circulation/co-infection of AOAV-16 and H9N2 subtype AIV enhanced pathogenicity. Different intergenic sequences and recombination events exist within AOAV-16.

Evaluation of the Most Potent of Three Vaccines in Controlling Newcastle Disease in Pullets using different Vaccination Regimen

Newcastle disease continues to pose serious public health and economic challenges to both small holder and commercial poultry worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most potent vaccine used in the control of Newcastle disease in pullets using different vaccination regimens. Two hundred- and twenty-five-day-old Isa brown pullets were purchased from a reputable hatchery at Ibadan, Nigeria. The chicks were divided into five groups of 45 chicks each. Groups A, B and C were divided into subgroups 1, 2 and 3 consisting of 15 chicks each. Group D was the negative control group which was neither vaccinated nor challenged while group E was the positive control group which was not vaccinated but challenged with Newcastle disease virus (Kudu 113, genotype XVII). The vaccines (La Sota, VG/GA and La Sota clone) were reconstituted as follows: each 1, 000 dose vial of vaccine was reconstituted with 5 ml of water; 0.1 ml of the dissolved vaccine was diluted in 300 ml of clean drinking water and administered to the birds via the oral route. Blood sampling was carried out using standard procedure and ELISA was carried out according to manufacturer’s instruction. There was presence of high maternally derived ND antibodies in the experimental chicks (12,627±1,806 - 17,722±1,607). The La Sota clone vaccine produced more antibodies (3,508±975) which was significantly different (p< 0.05) compared to VG/GA (737±439.77) vaccines. La Sota clone was able to confer 100% protection (p< 0.05) against Newcastle disease with no morbidity and mortality (0%). Vaccination at week 2 was the most effective (p< 0.05) for La Sota and La Sota clone strains but least for VG/GA strain of Newcastle disease vaccines.

PCR-based detection and mutation dynamics of fusion protein gene of orthoaviula viruses sequestered during 2023 field outbreaks in Pakistan

: To isolate and detect a Newcastle disease virus in commercial poultry, Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the confirmed isolate and Multiple sequence alignment and achievement of accession numbers against our submissions in NCBI bankit.: Genetic and antigenic diversity in the fusion protein gene of New Castle disease virus strains has been recognized and the progressive changes over sequential years indicate that it is a continuously evolving virus. The current vaccines containing conventional vaccinal strains can protect birds to a certain level but do not prevent infection and virus shedding. : The partial fusion protein gene of the 14 NDV isolates during the 2023 outbreaks from different areas of Pakistan was determined and analyzed. The antigenic protein translational segment of the fusion gene nucleotide fragment was targeted with a specifically designed primer executed 202 bp size of predictable amplicon during PCR amplification. The nucleotide sequence analysis of studied isolates showed closed similarity to the NCBI bankit numbers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 3 isolates belong to genotype II while, 2 isolates positions near genotype VIII of class II. The 6 isolates were located near genotype XVII and only 1 was presented on genotype V branch in calss II. Mutation analysis results revealed various mutations at nucleotide intervals and even found altered amino acids during translation. The results revealed that nucleotide mutation at various positions attributes amino acid substitution that enables wild prevailing strains to evade artificial active immunity. In such a scenario Chimeric and genotype match vaccines prepared from indigenous isolates may be useful in developing candidate vaccines to prevent virus shedding and infection. Further studies are suggested at molecular level to determine the consensus amino acid sequence for virulent, mesogenic, and avirulent prevailing NDV strains.

First Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Avian Nephritis Virus 4 from Commercial Poultry in India.

Avian nephritis virus (ANV), which belongs to the family Astroviridae, is associated with different clinical manifestations (enteric and kidney disorders) in poultry. Despite being a significant pathogen of the avian industry worldwide, information regarding genetic features of these viruses in India is scarce. In this study, 386 intestinal samples collected from 37 slaughterhouses in two north Indian states (Rajasthan and Haryana) were screened for ANV with reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) targeting the conserved ORF1b gene, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplified product. RT-PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of ANV in 32 clinical samples (8.29%), with concurrent infections of infectious bronchitis virus, chicken astrovirus, and fowl adenoviruses observed in some clinical samples (n = 4). Virus isolations were successful from four out of 12 ANV-positive clinical samples passaged via the yolk-sac route in specific-pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. Additionally, the near-complete genomes of two viruses were determined through sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis based on full-length capsid protein sequences classified the viruses into ANV genotype 4 (ANV4), and to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of ANV4 from India. This study revealed the presence and circulation of new strains of ANV in Indian poultry. Genetic profiling and isolation of the viruses in this study will not only aid in the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines for ANV but also offer valuable insights into its epidemiology.

Newcastle viral disease causation web correlations with laying hen productivity

Environmental conditions profoundly impact the health, welfare, and productivity of laying hens in commercial poultry farming. We investigated the association between microclimate variations, production indices, and histopathological responses to accidental Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection within a controlled closed-house system. The study was conducted over seven months in a laying hen facility in Cairo, Egypt. Microclimate measurements included temperature, relative humidity (RH%), air velocity (AV), and the temperature humidity index (THI) that were obtained from specific locations on the front and back sides of the facility. Productivity indices, including the egg production percentage (EPP), egg weight (EW), average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, were assessed monthly. During an NDV outbreak, humoral immune responses, gross pathology, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in EPP and EW between the front and back sides except in April and May. AV had a significant (p = 0.006) positive effect (Beta = 0.346) on EW on the front side. On the back side, AV had a significant (p = 0.001) positive effect (Beta = 0.474) on EW, while it negatively influenced (p = 0.027) EPP (Beta = − 0.281). However, temperature, RH%, and THI had no impact and could not serve as predictors for EPP or EW on either farm side. The humoral immune response to NDV was consistent across microclimates, highlighting the resilience of hens. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic NDV-associated lesions, with no significant differences between the microclimates. This study underscores the significance of optimizing microclimate conditions to enhance laying performance by providing tailored environmental management strategies based on seasonal variations, ensuring consistent airflow, particularly near cooling pads and exhaust fans, and reinforcing the importance of biosecurity measures under field challenges with continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Growth Dynamics and Export Potential of India's Poultry Sector: A Comprehensive Analysis

India ranks as the third largest egg producer and fifth largest producer of poultry meat globally. Commercial poultry farms accounts about eighty-five percent of countries' egg production, the remaining comes from household/backyard poultry. Poultry production plays a significant part in the socio-economic life of India's rural population. This research focused on growth trends, instability in egg and poultry meat production and export trend, instability and Markov chain model was used to identify the market share of importing countries and stable importers of Indian poultry products. The state wise analysis revealed that the Uttar Pradesh registered highest growth rate among the top ten egg producing states for the study period. The export of poultry products has positive growth. Oman and Maldives are reliable market partners for India’s poultry product over the period.

Awareness and adoption of farm biosecurity practices in commercial dairy, pig and poultry farms of Uttar Pradesh (India).

India's livestock sector has been facing significant losses due to episodes of disease outbreaks since time immemorial. Hence, biosecurity measures are very important to maintain and improve animal health along with prevention of disease outbreak. Keeping these facts into consideration, the study was proposed with an objective to assess the existing biosecurity practices adopted by the commercial dairy, pig and poultry farms. The current study was undertaken in the state of Uttar Pradesh as it is the leading state in milk and meat production. A total of 120 farmers were selected randomly including 40 each practicing commercial dairy, pig and poultry farming. An ex-post facto research methodology was used with face-to-face interview and observation to collect data. The biosecurity practices were assessed under seven dimensions such as, location and design of farm, restricted access, isolation and quarantine, cleaning and disinfection, management of feed and water, disposal of carcass, manure and waste, and health management. Results elicited that about 50% of the farmers had medium level of adoption who adopted 18-34 practices out of 51 practices. The average overall adoption score was 34.17 out of 51 (67%) which makes an overall adoption gap of 33%. Maximum adoption gap was seen in case of restricted access (43%) whereas minimum gap in adoption was seen in case of management of feed and water (27%). Pig and poultry farmers showed significantly higher biosecurity measures than dairy farmers (p < 0.05). The more significant contributors to the adoption of biosecurity measures were the level of knowledge of the farmers (p < 0.01). Other factors such as education, income, herd/flock size, Information and Communication Technology utilization, number of trainings also had a significant contribution (p < 0.05) in actual implementation of biosecurity. Hence, better understanding of these measures among the farmers must be ensured by hands on training along with proper demonstration of various procedures involved in maintaining farm biosecurity is need of the hour.

The risk of acquiring avian influenza from commercial poultry products and hen eggs: A qualitative assessment

High pathogenicity and low pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI and LPAI) viruses primarily infect birds, but they can also cause illness in other species, including humans. Some avian influenza (AI) strains can cause fatality rates of over 50 % in human infections. In October 2021, there was a substantial increase in the number of AI infections reported in birds in the UK. Given concerns that more infected and/or contaminated poultry products might reach retail, a risk assessment was performed to ensure that advice relating to the handling and consumption of these products remained appropriate.The products considered in this risk assessment were commercial chicken and turkey products, farmed duck and geese products, and table eggs. The risk pathway included the likelihood animals or eggs from an infected flock would be sent for further processing, whether the resulting products would be released to retail after inspection, viral persistence during distribution and storage, and the ability of AI viruses to infect humans via the gastrointestinal route. The risk from any AI virus, not just the A(H5N1) strain that began circulating in 2021, was considered. Data was obtained from literature searches and FSA surveys.The risk assessment determined that the likelihood of human infection with AI from poultry products for the UK population from handling and consuming commercial chicken or turkey products was negligible with low uncertainty, and for farmed duck and geese products was very low with medium uncertainty. The likelihood of infection for people in the UK from handling and consuming hen table eggs was very low with low uncertainty. The uncertainty rankings relate to the differing amounts of data available for each group of poultry products. The severity of illness in humans from AI infection was considered high with medium uncertainty. The conclusions of this risk assessment for UK consumers largely reflected advice and assessments from other countries and previous UK assessments. Given this, current guidance for handling and consuming poultry products was considered appropriate despite the increase in infections in birds during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 avian flu seasons. Since AI viruses were considered generally, these risk characterisations may need to be revisited based on evidence specific to a circulating virus to support risk management decisions.

Poultry processing and value addition in Bangladesh- A review

The poultry sector in Bangladesh has experienced substantial expansion, establishing itself as a crucial element of the country's agricultural economy. Bangladesh is experiencing significant growth in its commercial poultry industry, which includes the commercial processing of chicken. The increase in poultry processing factories is driven by the notion that this particular industry offers better food and presents lower risks of food-borne diseases compared to traditional processing in wet markets. This review examines the various complex aspects of chicken processing and further processing along with product dimensions in Bangladesh market. Furthermore, it presents a thorough analysis of the poultry processing industry in Bangladesh and provides valuable insights on how to optimize its ability to add value, to fulfill the demands of both the domestic and export markets.

Exploring the immunomodulatory and antioxidant capacities of Berberis aristata in avian lymphocytes

India is one of the leading producers for eggs and broilers globally and thus has witnessed significant growth in the poultry sector. Different poultry stressors can negatively impact the growth, gut health, immune function and production reproductive performances of poultry. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in the poultry industry as they also combat stress in poultry along with growth promotion. But the use of antimicrobials as growth promoter raises the concern of antibiotic resistance and its potential hazardous effect on human health as well as the environment. Several other alternatives are available for AGPs such as acidifiers, probiotics, prebiotics, antibacterial peptides and phytobiotics. Phytobiotics are known to possess several benefits for poultry as well as livestock such as immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant effect, maintain intestinal health etc. One such important plant is Berberis aristata belonging to the family Berberidaceae which is used in traditional system of medicine for the management of various inflammatory disorders. In the present study aqueous root extract of Berberis aristata (BAE) was evaluated for its immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. The extraction yield of the roots of Berberis aristata in water was about 9.78%. The BAE showed presence of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and contained about 104.97 mg/gm of BAE and 83.14 mg/gm of BAE of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. BAE showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) of BAE for lymphocyte culture was determined to be 600 µg/ ml. Lymphocytes proliferation assay (LPA) showed that BAE enhanced lymphocyte proliferation of B-cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and T-cells stimulated by Concanavalin A and Phytohaemagglutinin M (PHA). Treatment with BAE significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increased the level of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in chicken lymphocytes, thus indicating antioxidant potential of BAE. The study reveals significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of BAE, thus suggesting that it could be a potential alternative to AGPs in poultry production. But further in vivo studies are required to explore its efficacy and safety for its application in commercial poultry farming.

Avian Orthoreoviruses: A Systematic Review of Their Distribution, Dissemination Patterns, and Genotypic Clustering.

Avian orthoreviruses have become a global challenge to the poultry industry, causing significant economic impacts on commercial poultry. Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are resistant to heat, proteolytic enzymes, a wide range of pH values, and disinfectants, so keeping chicken farms free of ARV infections is difficult. This review focuses on the global prevalence of ARVs and associated clinical signs and symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms include tenosynovitis/arthritis, malabsorption syndrome, runting-stunting syndrome, and respiratory diseases. Moreover, this review also focused on the characterization of ARVs in genotypic clusters (I-VI) and their relation to tissue tropism or viral distribution. The prevailing strains of ARV in Africa belong to all genotypic clusters (GCs) except for GC VI, whereas all GCs are present in Asia and the Americas. In addition, all ARV strains are associated with or belong to GC I-VI in Europe. Moreover, in Oceania, only GC V and VI are prevalent. This review also showed that, regardless of the genotypic cluster, tenosynovitis/arthritis was the predominant clinical manifestation, indicating its universal occurrence across all clusters. Globally, most avian reovirus infections can be prevented by vaccination against four major strains: S1133, 1733, 2408, and 2177. Nevertheless, these vaccines may not a provide sufficient defense against field isolates. Due to the increase in the number of ARV variants, classical vaccine approaches are being developed depending on the degree of antigenic similarity between the vaccine and field strains, which determines how successful the vaccination will be. Moreover, there is a need to look more closely at the antigenic and pathogenic properties of reported ARV strains. The information acquired will aid in the selection of more effective vaccine strains in combination with biosecurity and farm management methods to prevent ARV infections.