Domestic Geese Research Articles

The Incidence of Liver Damage Found during Postmortem Examination at the Slaughterhouse.

We monitored liver damage in cattle (cows, heifers, fattening bulls, and calves culled from the herd), pigs (sows, finishing pigs, and piglets culled from the farm), sheep (ewes and lambs), goats (does and kids), rabbits, and poultry (end-of-lay hens, broiler chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks, and domestic geese) in the period from 2010 to 2021. All animals (n = 1,425,710,143) reared on Czech farms and slaughtered at slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic were included in the analysis. We determined the total number of damaged livers for individual categories of animals and also analyzed separately the incidence of damage of acute, chronic, parasitic, and other origin. The overall incidence of liver damage was higher in adult animals compared to fattening animals in all species. In cattle and pigs, the incidence was also higher in young animals culled from the herd compared to fattening animals. When comparing adult animals by species, the incidence of liver damage was highest in cows (46.38%), followed by sows (17.51%), ewes (12.97%), and does (4.26%). When comparing fattening animals by species, the incidence was highest in heifers (14.17%) and fattening bulls (7.97 %), followed by finishing pigs (11.26%), lambs (4.73%), and kids (0.59%). When comparing young culled from the herd by species, it was higher in piglets (32.39%) than in calves (17.6 %), and when poultry and rabbits were compared, the incidence was highest in turkeys (3.38%), followed by ducks (2.20%), geese (1.09%), broiler chickens (0.08%), and rabbits (0.04%). The results indicate that fattening animals have a better liver condition than mature animals and that culled young have a worse liver condition than older fattening animals. Chronic lesions represented the dominant proportion of pathological findings. Parasitic lesions occurred, first and foremost, in animals grazed on meadows with likely parasitic invasion, i.e., in ewes (7.51%), lambs (3.51%), and heifers (1.31%), and in animals in which antiparasitic protection is limited in view of the protection of meat from antiparasitic residues, i.e., finishing pigs (3.68%). Parasitic damage to the liver was rarely detected in rabbits and poultry. The results obtained represent a body of knowledge for measures to improve the health and condition of the liver in food animals.

Goose Meat as a Source of Dietary Manganese—A Systematic Review

Manganese is a trace element with essential physiological functions that should be supplied to animals and humans through diet. Goose meat is prevalent in many regions of the world. Therefore, the aim of the study was a systematic review (PRISMA statement, 1980-2022) of the content of Mn in raw and cooked goose meat and their relation to the recommended intake at the level of adequate intake (AI) and the nutrient reference values-requirements (NRV-R). The literature analysis shows that the content of Mn in goose meat depends on the breed, type of muscles, the presence of skin, and the cooking method used. AI level recommendations for Mn intake range from 0.003 to 5.50 mg/day, depending on the country, age, and gender. Consumption by adults (regardless of sex) of 100 g of domestic or wild goose meat covers the daily AI per Mn in various percentages, depending on the type of muscles (more Mn in leg muscles), presence of skin (more Mn in skinless muscles), and thermal treatment (pan fried with oil, grilled, and cooked meat contains more). Placing information on the Mn content in goose meat and the percentage of NRV-R on the packaging may be valuable information for the consumer in making food choices to diversify the diet. There are few studies on the content of Mn in goose meat. Therefore, it is reasonable to conduct research in this area.

Analysis of genetic variations in Turkish domestic goose populations and Chinese × Embden crosses using microsatellite markers

The study investigates the intra-population and inter-population genetic variations of the domestic goose populations of T?rkiye and the commercial Chinese - Embden cross genotypes using microsatellite markers. DNA samples were collected from 110 geese of four different populations. The populations' genetic diversity is assessed using the Ans02, Ans17, Ans25, Aalm1b, Aph19b, and TTUCG5 microsatellite loci. The highest number of alleles were detected at the Ans25 (28) locus, while the Aph19b (14) locus had the lowest. Wright?s F-statistics are calculated separately for each locus without discriminating against the populations. The FST value varied between 0.038 and 0.105 and had positive values in all loci. The number of migrants (Nm) ranged from 2.12 to 6.34. Structure and principal coordinates analysis indicated that the Native population had distinct characteristics from the other populations. The number of shared alleles among populations is accepted as an indicator of genetic erosion in native goose populations. This study is one of the first reports that exotic breeds genetically polluted Turkish native populations.

Micromorphometric characteristics of the adrenal gland in birds

The adrenal gland is a peripheral organ of the endocrine system that directly affects the formation of bird productivity indicators, which is an important characteristic for the development of industrial poultry farming. The purpose of this study was a morphometric assessment of the microstructural components of the adrenal gland of birds of the order Galliformes (domestic quail, chicken, turkey), Anseriformes (Muscovy duck, domestic duck, and goose) and Columbiformes (common pigeon). Anatomical, histological, morphometric, and statistical research methods were used in this study. It was found that the thickness of the adrenal capsule of birds directly depends on their body weight and varies from 10.82 ± 0.56 µm (domestic quail) to 28.53 ± 1.36 µm (domestic turkey). Interrenal tissue compared to suprarenal tissue in Muscovy ducks, common pigeons, domestic ducks, and geese occupies a larger (Р < 0.001) area of the central zone (3.50, 2.77, 3.10, and 3.11 times, respectively) and peripheral zone (1.27, 2.71, 1.38, and 1.55 times, respectively) of the adrenal gland, which indicates its morphofunctional activity. The area of the venous sinuses in the central zone compared to the peripheral zone of the adrenal gland is larger in domestic quail by 2.80 times (Р<0.05), domestic chicken – by 3.62 times (Р < 0.05), domestic turkey – by 3.68 times (Р < 0.05), domestic ducks – by 5 times (Р < 0.01), domestic ducks – by 3 times (Р < 0.05), domestic geese – by 2 times (Р < 0.05). The common pigeon is characterized by a uniform placement of venous sinuses along the entire periphery of the adrenal gland and, as a result, similar indicators of their area in the peripheral and central zones. The index of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of endocrinocytes of the adrenal gland of birds varies. It is the lowest in the cells of the second type of interrenal tissue (from 0.052 ± 0.004 in the common pigeon to 0.092 ± 0.016 in the domestic quail), slightly higher in the cells of the first type of interrenal tissue (from 0.065 ± 0.004 in the common pigeon to 0.111 ± 0.012 in the domestic turkey) and the largest in chromaffin cells of the supranarial tissue (from 0.102 ± 0.015 in the domestic chicken to 0.166 ± 0.018 in the common pigeon). It is recommended to use the established features of the morphometric indicators of the microstructural components of the adrenal gland of birds to create a base for its normal morphological characteristics. This allows assessing the morphological and functional state of the adrenal gland under several factors and pathology

30 Origins, Timing and Introgression of Domestic Geese Revealed by Whole Genome Data

Abstract Geese are one of the most important poultry around the world. For the origin of geese, the current generally accepted hypothesis is that the European domestic geese were originated from the greylag goose (Anser anser), and the Chinese domestic geese have two origins, most breeds of which originated from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides), and the Yili goose originated from the greylag geese. In order to explain the origin and demographic history of geese, we selected 14 goose breeds from Europe and China and wild populations of swan goose and greylag goose, whole genome resequencing data were obtained for 74 samples. Population structure analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the wild ancestor of the Chinese domestic geese except for Yili was the swan goose, and the wild ancestor of the Chinese Yili geese and European domestic geese was the greylag goose. Analysis of the demographic history suggests that the domestication of the Chinese geese occurred about 3499 years ago and that of the European geese happened about 7552 years ago. Furthermore, there is gene flow found between the domestic geese and their wild ancestors. Analysis of introgression showed that Yili geese had been introgressed by the Chinese domestic geese, and the body size of Yili geese could be influenced by the introgression events of some growth-related genes including IGF-1. Our study provides evidence for the origin of geese at the genome-wide level, and advances the understanding of the history of goose domestication and the traits affected by introgression events.

De novo assembly of a wild swan goose (Anser cygnoides) genome.

The swan goose (Anser cygnoides) is the ancestor of the Chinese domestic goose. A previous study reported a scaffold-level genome version for a Chinese indigenous goose breed, and this assembly was used as the swan goose's reference genome. To date, there is still a lack of a chromosome-level genome for the swan goose. Here, we reported a de novo assembly of the genome of a wild swan goose using an integrated strategy that combines Illumina Hiseq, Oxford Nanopore and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing. A total of 134.6 Gb Nanopore data with sequencing coverage of 110.33 and 69.45 Gb Illumina data with coverage of 56.93 were obtained. The genome assembly size was 1153.41Mb, with a contig N50 of 22.75Mb. The total size and N50 length of our assembly were larger than the previously reported scaffold-level genome version. In addition, whole-genome sequencing data of 10 geese were mapped to the previous and the current assemblies. On average, 97.88 and 93.18% of the reads were properly mapped and paired into our and the previous assemblies. This high-quality chromosome-level swan goose genome could provide a valuable resource for the utilisation of goose studies and breeding.

Characteristics of the Mating Behavior of Domesticated Geese from Anser cygnoides and Anser anser.

Simple SummaryMating behavior is a critically important component for producing the offspring of poultry. Geese are important poultry with high economic value, but studies showing the characteristic of mating behavior are limited. On this basis, the research investigated the relationship between mating behavior and reproductive performance of 300-day-old Sichuan white geese (Anser cygnoides), Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides), and Hungarian geese (Anser anser). The results showed that different mating behaviors among different breeds were mainly reflected in time preference and successful copulation frequency. These were not only helpful in improving the understanding mating process of domesticated geese from Anser cygnoides and Anser anser, but also might contribute to improving the frequency of successful copulation according to characteristics of the mating behavior.Mating behavior is a critically important component of poultry reproduction. Here, a total of 135 geese were selected, specifically, Sichuan white geese (Anser cygnoides), Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides), and Hungarian geese (Anser anser) (300-day-old), and the mating behavior was monitored daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the 20-day observation period. The results showed that the mating process included mounting, female cooperation, and successful copulation. Overall, the three breeds preferred mating on land. More than thirty percent of the mating time was primarily concentrated from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in domesticated geese from Anser cygnoides, the corresponding values for Sichuan white geese and Zhedong white geese were 32.0% and 33.3%, respectively. The mating of the Hungarian geese usually took place in the morning. In addition, the frequency of successful copulation of Sichuan white geese and Zhedong white geese were 2.31 and 1.94 times per day, significantly greater than that of Hungarian geese (0.89 times). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between successful copulation and laying rates (r = 0.985) or fertilization rates (r = 0.992) was observed in Hungarian geese. Taken together, the mating behaviors among the different breeds were mainly reflected in time preference and successful copulation frequency.

Genome-wide association study for reproduction-related traits in Chinese domestic goose

ABSTRACT 1. This study measured six reproduction traits in a Sichuan white goose population (209 individuals), including fertility, qualified egg rate, plasma concentrations of progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and oestrogen (E2). 2. Whole-genome resequencing data from the same goose population (209 individuals) were used in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) utilising a mixed linear model to investigate the genes and genetic markers associated with reproduction traits. The frequency of the selected SNPs and haplotypes were determined using the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method. 3. In total, 42 SNPs significantly associated with these traits were identified. A haplotype block was constructed based on five SNPs that were significantly associated with qualified egg rate, with individuals having the haplotype CCTTAAGGAA having the lowest qualified egg rate. 4. In conclusion, these results provided potential markers for marker-assisted selection to improve goose reproductive performance and a basis for elucidating the genetics of goose reproduction

Atık Kaz Tüyünden Keratin İzolasyon Yöntemleri: Etkili Bir Karşılaştırma

Keratin is a fibrous, structured protein that constitutes the basis of different structures such as nails, hair, beak, wool, feathers, claws, and horns. Until now, keratin isolation has been carried out from waste wool, feather, hoof and hair. However, the development of effective techniques to obtain keratin without any damage to the secondary structure of the protein remains a challenging task. Here in, two distinct keratin isolation methods (Na2S and EDTA) were compared for the first time from Domestic Goose (Anser domesticus) feathers. Kjeldahl method was used for the determination of crude protein from the obtained keratin powders by two methods, and antioxidant activity of keratin powders was conducted. Our findings suggest that Na2S method displayed the best keratin yield (86.34%) from goose feather; however, antioxidant activity of EDTA method was nearly three times higher than Na2S method, which could be taking into consideration as a potential keratin source for future studies.

Molecular detection of avian hepatitis E virus (Orthohepevirus B) in chickens, ducks, geese, and western capercaillies in Poland.

Orthohepevirus B, commonly known as avian hepatitis E virus (aHEV), causes big liver and spleen disease (BLS) or hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HSS) in chickens. BLS is an emerging disease among chicken flocks in several countries around the world. In our previous studies, serology and molecular biology screening revealed that chicken flocks are widely affected by aHEV in Poland. The present study, which was conducted between 2019 and 2020, aimed to investigate the prevalence of aHEV in chicken flocks and other poultry, including ducks, geese, and turkeys. A total of 307 flocks were examined. In addition, 29 samples from captive wild birds (western capercaillies, Tetrao urogallus) were analyzed. In all the investigated poultry species, except turkeys, the nucleic acid sequence covering part of the ORF1 gene of the aHEV genome was detected (34/336 samples, 10.1%). The infection rate was found to be the highest in broiler breeder chicken flocks (14/40 samples; 35%). Phylogenetic analysis of partial ORF1 gene, which encodes helicase, revealed that the obtained sequences belonged to genotypes 2 and 4, while one belonged to genotype 3. Genotype 2 was detected for the first time in domestic geese and ducks, and genotype 4 was detected for the first time in Poland. The study demonstrated the presence of aHEV among the investigated western capercaillies, suggesting that this species is susceptible to aHEV infections and biosecurity is therefore required in western capercaillie breeding facilities.

Pathogenesis of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Domestic Geese after Experimental Infection

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging infectious pathogen circulating between mosquitoes and birds but also infecting mammals. WNV has become autochthonous in Germany, causing striking mortality rates in avifauna and occasional diseases in humans and horses. We therefore wanted to assess the possible role of free-ranging poultry in the WNV transmission cycle and infected 15 goslings with WNV lineage 2 (German isolate). The geese were monitored daily and sampled regularly to determine viremia, viral shedding, and antibody development by molecular and serological methods. Geese were euthanized at various time points post-infection (pi). All infected geese developed variable degrees of viremia from day 1 to day 10 (maximum) and actively shed virus from days 2 to 7 post-infection. Depending on the time of death, the WN viral genome was detected in all examined tissue samples in at least one individual by RT-qPCR and viable virus was even re-isolated, except for in the liver. Pathomorphological lesions as well as immunohistochemically detectable viral antigens were found mainly in the brain. Furthermore, all of the geese seroconverted 6 days pi at the latest. In conclusion, geese are presumably not functioning as important amplifying hosts but are suitable sentinel animals for WNV surveillance.

Alpha-Keratin, Keratin-Associated Proteins and Transglutaminase 1 Are Present in the Ortho- and Parakeratinized Epithelium of the Avian Tongue.

The lingual mucosa in birds is covered with two specific types of multilayered epithelia, i.e., the para- and orthokeratinized epithelium, that differ structurally and functionally. Comprehensive information on proteins synthesized in keratinocyte during their cytodifferentiation in subsequent layers of multilayered epithelia in birds concerns only the epidermis and are missing the epithelia of the lingual mucosa. The aim of the present study was to perform an immunohistochemical (IHC) and molecular analysis (WB) of bird-specific alpha-keratin, keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), namely filaggrin and loricrin, as well as transglutaminase 1 in the para- and orthokeratinized epithelium covering the tongue in the domestic duck, goose, and turkey. The results reveal the presence of alpha-keratin and KAPs in both epithelia, which is a sign of the cornification process. In contrast to the epidermis, the main KAPs involved in the cornification process of the lingual epithelia in birds is loricrin. Stronger expression with KAPs and transglutaminase 1 in the orthokeratinized epithelium than in the parakeratinized epithelium may determine the formation of a more efficient protective mechanical barrier. The presence of alpha-keratin, KAPs, and transglutaminase 1 epitopes characteristic of epidermal cornification in both types of the lingual epithelia may prove that they are of ectodermal origin.

Ecological divergence of wild birds drives avian influenza spillover and global spread.

The diversity of influenza A viruses (IAV) is primarily hosted by two highly divergent avian orders: Anseriformes (ducks, swans and geese) and Charadriiformes (gulls, terns and shorebirds). Studies of IAV have historically focused on Anseriformes, specifically dabbling ducks, overlooking the diversity of hosts in nature, including gull and goose species that have successfully adapted to human habitats. This study sought to address this imbalance by characterizing spillover dynamics and global transmission patterns of IAV over 10 years at greater taxonomic resolution than previously considered. Furthermore, the circulation of viral subtypes in birds that are either host-adapted (low pathogenic H13, H16) or host-generalist (highly pathogenic avian influenza-HPAI H5) provided a unique opportunity to test and extend models of viral evolution. Using Bayesian phylodynamic modelling we uncovered a complex transmission network that relied on ecologically divergent bird hosts. The generalist subtype, HPAI H5 was driven largely by wild geese and swans that acted as a source for wild ducks, gulls, land birds, and domestic geese. Gulls were responsible for moving HPAI H5 more rapidly than any other host, a finding that may reflect their long-distance, pelagic movements and their immuno-naïve status against this subtype. Wild ducks, long viewed as primary hosts for spillover, occupied an optimal space for viral transmission, contributing to geographic expansion and rapid dispersal of HPAI H5. Evidence of inter-hemispheric dispersal via both the Pacific and Atlantic Rims was detected, supporting surveillance at high latitudes along continental margins to achieve early detection. Both neutral (geographic expansion) and non-neutral (antigenic selection) evolutionary processes were found to shape subtype evolution which manifested as unique geographic hotspots for each subtype at the global scale. This study reveals how a diversity of avian hosts contribute to viral spread and spillover with the potential to improve surveillance in an era of rapid global change.

Age- and Sex-Related Changes in Body Weight, Muscle, and Tibia in Growing Chinese Domestic Geese (Anser domesticus)

This study evaluated the changes in body weight (BW), muscle mass, and tibial parameters of growing domestic geese from hatching to 63 days. A total of 256 Jiangnan White geese (128 males and 128 females) were assigned to 16 pens (8 pens of males and 8 pens of females) and fed with the same diet until the age of 63 d. Geese were weighed at hatch and then at 7-d intervals by pen, and then sixteen birds (8 males and 8 females) were selected for measuring breast and leg muscle weights and tibial characteristics. The BW of goslings increased with age throughout the whole study, with males being significantly heavier than females after 28 d. The breast muscle (pectoral major and minor) weight increased slowly before 42 d and then increased rapidly after 42 d regardless of the sex of goslings. At 42 d, the breast muscle weight of males was significantly lower than that of females. Goose leg muscle (thigh and drumstick) weight increased slowly from 0 to 14 d, rapidly from 15 to 49 d, and almost flat from 50 to 63 d. At 63 d, the leg muscle weight of males was higher than that of females. The leg muscle of goslings grew synchronously with their BW, while the growth of the breast muscle lagged behind the leg muscle and BW. The tibia length and width increased with age, especially from hatching to 35 d and then remained with little change from 35 d onward. The fat-free weight and breaking strength of the tibia significantly increased with age, especially from 0 to 49 d. The tibia ash content of goslings increased rapidly before 28 d and gradually flattened after 28 d. During the growth of the tibia, changes in ash were considerably more advanced, followed by morphology and finally by fat-free weight and breaking strength. In summary, the BW, muscle mass, and tibial parameters of goslings showed sex differences after 28 d. After hatching, geese rapidly grew leg muscle and tibia to support their increased BW and movement.

Identification of Key Candidate Genes for Beak Length Phenotype by Whole-Genome Resequencing in Geese.

The domestic goose is an important economic animal in agriculture and its beak, a trait with high heritability, plays an important role in promoting food intake and defending against attacks. In this study, we sequenced 772 420-day-old Xingguo gray geese (XGG) using a low-depth (~1 ×) whole-genome resequencing strategy. We detected 12,490,912 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the standard GATK and imputed with STITCH. We then performed a genome-wide association study on the beak length trait in XGG. The results indicated that 57 SNPs reached genome-wide significance levels for the beak length trait and were assigned to seven genes, including TAPT1, DHX15, CCDC149, LGI2, SEPSECS, ANAPC4, and Slc34a2. The different genotypes of the most significant SNP (top SNP), which was located upstream of LGI2 and explained 7.24% of the phenotypic variation in beak length, showed significant differences in beak length. Priority-based significance analysis concluded that CCDC149, LGI2, and SEPSECS genes in the most significant quantitative trait locus interval were the most plausible positional and functional candidate genes for beak length development in the XGG population. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanism of the beak length phenotype in geese, but also lay the foundation for further studies to facilitate the genetic selection of traits in geese.

Extensive genetic diversity and recombination events identified in goose circoviruses circulating in partial areas of Guangdong province, Southern China

Circoviruses represent a group of small viruses with circular single-strand DNA genome that infect a wide range of both domesticated and wild animals. Domesticated geese infected with circovirus have been confirmed in many parts of the world, and is considered to cause immunosuppression and facilitate the secondary infections caused by other pathogens. In the present study, extensive genetically diversified goose circoviruses (GoCVs) were identified in the liver samples of domesticated geese from Guangdong province, southern China. Genetic analysis revealed that the sequences generated in this study shared 81.5 to 99.7% genome-wide pairwise identity with previously identified GoCV genomes. More importantly, nine recombination events were identified among all known complete genomome sequences of GoCV including those obtained herein, and the majority was determined associate with the sequences identified from Guangdong province, suggesting that recombination is the primary driver for the diversification of GoCVs. Additionally, purifying selection was the dominant evolutionary pressure acting on the genomes of GoCVs, and the ORF C1 gene of GoCV showed a higher genetic variation than ORF V1 gene. These results expand the knowledge about the genetic diversity and evolution of GoCV, and also indicate extensive genetically divergent GoCV strains were co-circulating in goose population in partial areas of Guangdong province, southern China.

Survey and diagnostic study of Eimeria truncata in geese and ducks

This trial was aimed to determine the prevalence of renal coccidiosis in domestic geese and ducks in Nineveh governorate, Iraq. One hundred and thirty birds of both sexes and different ages were randomly purchased from many localities of Nineveh governorate during the period between 2017and 2018. According to geese and ducks' age, the overall infection was 70.00% and 51.66%, respectively, 74.35% for geese and 53.19% for ducks Eimeria truncata in geese showed that 49 (70 %) were positive, while 31(51.66%) were positive for ducks. Cloacal fecal samples for Eimeria truncata oocytes' were tested by flotation technique revealed that 22.85% were positive for geese and 16.66% for ducks. The dimensions of Eimeria truncata development stages (schizonts, macrogametes, microgametes, and oocytes) were measured. The histological sections of the infected geese and ducks' kidneys showed the different developmental stages of the Eimeria truncata parasite with various pathological changes.

Retrospective analysis of post-mortem findings in domestic ducks and geese from non-commercial flocks in Sweden, 2011\u20132020

BackgroundSmall poultry flock ownership has become a popular hobby in Europe and North America in recent years but there is a general lack of information regarding bird health and welfare. This retrospective analysis of routine post-mortem cases of non-commercial anseriform poultry aimed at providing information on causes of mortality mostly in relation to mortality events. For this purpose, birds that were submitted for routine post-mortem diagnostics to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) in Sweden in 2011–2020 were retrospectively reviewed to determine main causes of mortality.ResultsRecords from 79 necropsy submissions involving 120 birds (domestic ducks n = 41, Muscovy ducks n = 45, hybrid ducks n = 2 and domestic geese n = 32) were retrieved and analysed. Most submissions (72.2%) represented flock disease events and unexpected mortality was the most common cause of submission (70.9% of submissions). Twenty-two submissions (27.8%) were referred by veterinarians. There was a wide range of diagnoses of infectious and noninfectious aetiologies. Infectious causes of mortality included parasitic (19.2%), bacterial (13.3%), fungal (10.0%) and viral infections (3.3%) (at bird level of all 120 birds). Some of these infections such as duck virus enteritis (DVE), highly pathogenic influenza (HPAI H5N8) in Muscovy ducks and leucocytozoonosis (Leucocytozoon sp.) in all three species were most likely acquired from contact with wild free-living waterfowl. Generalised yeast infection (Muscovy duck disease) was diagnosed in Muscovy ducks and in a Muscovy duck/domestic duck hybrid. Other diseases were related to generalised noninfectious causes (27.5% of all birds) including diseases such as kidney disease, amyloidosis, cardiac dilatation, reproductive diseases and idiopathic inflammatory conditions. Nutritional or management-related diseases were diagnosed in 14.2% of all birds including rickets and gastrointestinal impaction/obstruction. Congenital/developmental, neoplastic, toxic and traumatic causes of mortality were rare.ConclusionsThe information obtained in this study can be used to identify and evaluate risks and help owners and veterinarians to prevent disease and provide adequate veterinary care for non-commercial anseriform poultry.

Unique pattern of histogenesis of the parakeratinized epithelium on lingual prominence in the domestic goose embryos (Anser anser f. domestica)

A triangular lingual prominence (LP) is a characteristic part of the tongue in Anseriformes containing adipose tissue. The parakeratinized epithelium (PEp) covers the LP. Studies aimed to describe the histogenesis of PEp during the process of the intensive formation of the LP in domestic goose during embryonic period and to determine the structural readiness to perform a protective function. The study were conducted by using LM, SEM and TEM technique. The results revealed that on day 16th the undifferentiated epithelium of LP transformed into the typical avian multilayered epithelium. Contrary to pattern of histogenesis of parakeratinized epithelium on the lingual body, on the medial and lateral areas of the elongating and bulging LP were formed epithelial furrows. Which around 20th day, on lateral areas of LP deepened up to half of epithelium, whereas on the medial area began to fade. The ultrastructure of cells lying in furrows indicated progressive apoptosis-like degeneration. On the 25th day, shallow furrows were only present on lateral areas, where bulging of LP was continued. Whereas the epithelium on medial area started cornification by the accumulation of cytokeratin fibers. Lack of the periderm during the development of the PEp of the LP indicated its endodermal origin.

Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Domestic Geese (Anser anser) in Egypt.

Simple SummaryThe production of domestic geese in Egypt depends mainly on small-sized flocks reared by smallholder farmers in villages, and until now, there have been no intensive or commercial goose farms in Egypt. The objective of this study was to characterize three domestic Egyptian goose populations (Kafr El-Sheikh, Fayoum and Luxor) phenotypically and genetically in order to identify the populations with the highest diversity to establish a large base population with a broad variation. Phenotypic characterization of 402 domestic mature geese included morphological measurements such as head length, culmen length, bill width, tarsus length, sternum length and chest circumference. Genetic characterization of 173 individuals was performed based on mutations in the mitochondrial D-loop region and the genotyping of 12 microsatellite markers. The results showed low population differentiation based on morphological measurements and low genetic differentiation based on the two used genetic markers. The low differentiation between the three investigated goose populations implies their suitability for aggregation and formation of a large founder population with high genetic variation. The information from this study could be useful for further investigation in order to develop a convenient conservation program for this important species.The objectives of this study were to achieve phenotypic characterization of three domestic Egyptian goose populations collected from three different geographical zones (Kafr El-Sheikh, Fayoum and Luxor) and to perform genetic characterization of these three populations based on mtDNA D-loop and 12 microsatellite markers. The body measurements of 402 domestic mature geese belonging to these three governorates showed that the lengths of the head, culmen and tarsus and the live body weight varied significantly among the three studied Egyptian goose populations. After alignment of a 710-base-pair segment of the goose mtDNA control region, there was a single haplotype in the three Egyptian goose populations, indicating the same maternal origins. The genotyping of the 12 microsatellite markers showed low diversity indices, including average observed (NA) and effective (NE) number of alleles and observed (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) (3.333, 1.760, 0.277 and 0.352, respectively), and a high inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.203) across the three Egyptian goose populations. The high inbreeding and low genetic and morphological differentiation of Egyptian geese could be corrected by establishing a large base population through capturing small populations with the highest genetic variation. The findings of the current study can therefore serve as an initial guide to design further investigations for developing conservation programs of Egyptian geese genetic resources.