Experimental Chickens Research Articles

Serum metabolic alterations in chickens upon infectious bursal disease virus infection

BackgroundInfectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive virus of chickens. Chickens acquire infection by the oral route under natural conditions. Although the histological and pathological changes after IBDV infection are well described, the alterations in serum metabolome have not been reported. In this study, SPF chickens were infected with attenuated IBDV (atIBDV) strain LM and very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strain LX, respectively. On the seventh day after oral infection, serum samples of experimental chickens were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-MS/MS). The serum metabolic profiles were analyzed by multivariate statistical methods. KEGG enrichment analysis was performed to evaluate the dysregulated biological pathways.ResultsWe identified 368 significantly altered metabolites in response to both atIBDV and vvIBDV infection. The metabolic disorder of amino acid and lipid was associated with IBDV infection, especially tryptophan, glycerophospholipid, lysine, and tyrosine metabolism. The differential metabolites enriched in the four metabolic pathways were PC(20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)/18:0), PE(16:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)), PE(16:0/22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)), PE(18:0/20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)), PE(18:0/20:4(8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)), PE(18:0/22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)), PE(20:3(8Z,11Z,14Z)/16:0), PE(22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)/16:0), PE-NMe(20:5(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)/18:0), PS(20:3(5Z,8Z,11Z)/18:2(9Z,12Z)), 2-aminobenzoic acid, 4-(2-aminophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid, N-acetylserotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetate, indole-3-acetaldehyde, indole-3-acetate, p-coumaric acid, L-tyrosine, homovanillin, and S-glutaryldihydrolipoamide.ConclusionThe atIBDV and vvIBDV infection causes metabolic changes in chicken serum. The differential metabolites and dysregulated metabolic pathways reflect the host response to the IBDV infection.

Influence of a new saponite-containing feed additive on the productive qualities of broiler chickens

The article presents the results of the study on the introduction of a saponite-containing mineral feed additive of natural origin into the diet of ROSS-308 broiler chickens in the amount of 1, 3 and 5 kg per ton of feed. An increase in the average daily gain by 3.7; 4.3 and 4.4 g, respectively, and in the absolute gain by 154.7; 174.9 and 181.3 g in the period from 1 to 42 days of age was found. At the time of slaughter, the live weight of chickens in the 1st and 2nd experimental groups significantly exceeded the control: by 174.6 (6.3%; P ≤ 0.001) and 154.6 g (5.6%; P ≤ 0.001). The survival rate of the experimental group chickens was 6.7% higher. In the blood of chickens from experimental groups 1–3, compared with the control analogs, an increase in total protein by 1.5; 2.2 and 2.1 g/l, calcium by 0.28; 0.21 and 0.29 mmol/l, phosphorus by 0.3; 0.43 and 0.42 mmol/l was recorded. A conclusion was made about an increase in the economic and biological indicators of broiler chickens when adding a saponite-containing mineral supplement to the diet, due to the enrichment of the compound feed with minerals and the high sorption capacity of the above-mentioned supplement, while the best effect was achieved when including it in the feed in the amount of 3 kg per ton.

Модуляція цілісності кишкового бар’єру курчат-бройлерів, асоційована зі змінами мікробіому

Cell adhesion proteins play a crucial role in ensuring the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium by forming intercellular tight junctions that prevent the invasion of harmful substances, microorganisms, and toxins into the organism’s internal environment. However, the comprehensive impact of SCFA-M on the modulation of these proteins and their connection with the microbiome of the duodenal intestine of broiler chickens has been overlooked by researchers, thus emphasizing the significance of these studies. The research was carried out on Cobb 500 broiler chickens in conditions of industrial poultry farming. The experimental group chickens were administered with SCFA-M in drinking water (1% solution of C-3 C-10). The results of the experiment revealed that the administration of SCFA-M to chickens was characterized by increased expression of E-cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and decreased expression of IFN-γ in the duodenum of broiler. Specifically, SCFA-M administration to chickens was associated with an increase in the expression level of E-cadherin in the duodenal intestine by 25.8–30.4% (P≤0.001), fibronectin by 17.8–37.0% (P≤0.001), IFN-α by 21.0–71.6% (P≤0.001), and a decrease in the expression of IFN-γ by 13.5%–49.9% (P≤0.01–0.001) compared to the control group chickens. The correlations of molecular marker expression (E-cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and IIFN-γ) in the duodenum of broiler chickens significantly varied throughout the technological cycle not only in magnitude but also in its trend. Obtained results demonstrated that the marker content was positively correlated with Escherichia coli content (r = 0.79–0.87) in 22-day-old broiler chickens. Contrary, marker content was negatively correlated with E. coli content (r = –0.84…–0.68), Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. (r = 0.23–0.91) in 29-day-old chickens. Furthermore, this index was negatively correlated with Staphylococcus spp. content (r = –0.83…–0.51) in 45-day-old chickens. The exposure to SCFA-M induced the changes which associated with strong direct correlations of E-cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and IFN-γ with Staphylococcus spp. content in the duodenum of 22-day-old broiler chickens (r = 0.81–0.91). Molecular markers content exhibited strong inverse correlation links with E. coli content in 36-day-old broiler chickens (r = –0.92…–0.80). Thus, the application of SCFA-M induced the beneficial effect on the modulation of molecular marker expression (E- cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and IFN-γ) in the duodenum. The further research required to construct the optimized protocols for SCFA-M applying in poultry farming, which would replace or minimize the use of antibacterial drugs.

Effects of probiotic Subalin on body weight gain in broiler chickens with spontaneous eimeriosis

The purpose of the research is to study the probiotic Subalin effects on body weight gain in broiler chickens with spontaneous eimeriosis.Materials and methods. On a poultry farm in the Moscow Region, the body weight gain dynamics was studied in 120 floormanaged broiler chickens aged 9 to 40 days spontaneously infected with eimeria after administration of different doses of the probiotic Subalin vs. control. The chickens selected for the experiment were divided into four similar groups of 30 birds each. Subalin was administered to the first group chickens at a dose of 1.5 mL per 1 L of drinking water, while the broilers of the second and third groups were administered Subalin at a dose of 2 and 2.5 mL per 1 L of water, respectively. Subalin doses were given to the chickens of groups 1–3 in three stages: on 11–12; 18–19 and 26–27 days of age for consecutive 48 hours. The broilers of group 4 did not receive the drug and served as a control. The chickens of all groups underwent clinical, hematological, and coprological examinations; they were kept in similar conditions on the floor, in isolation, and fed as per zootechnical standards. Control weighing of the chickens was done on days 10 and 40 of their growth.Results and discussion. The total weight gain of the group 1 chickens was 1985 g in the experiment; 2203 g and 2214 g in groups 2 and 3, respectively, and 1803 g in the control group. The productivity of the experimental chickens was 10.1; 22.2 and 22.8% higher vs. control. The Subalin optimal dose was 2 mL per 1 L of drinking water according to the above scheme. The tested doses of Subalin had positive effects on the number of enterobacteria in the chicken intestines. Blood tests showed no statistically significant changes in clinical or hematological parameters in the experimental and control chickens.

Immuno-pathogenesis study of local infectious bronchitis virus G1-1 lineage variant showed altered tissue tropism in experimental broiler chickens.

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is an acute contagious disease of poultry caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). This study investigated the immunopathogenesis and tissue tropism of an Indian IBV field isolate (IBV/Chicken/India/IVRI/Rajasthan/01/2023) in experimental broiler chickens. This isolate belongs to the G1-1 lineage and is closely associated with the Mass genotype. 106.23 EID50/0.2 mL of the virus was administered intranasally and intraocularly to the IBV-challenge group, whereas uninoculated allantoic fluid was administered to the control group. Clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions, immunohistochemistry (IHC), viral load, humoral responses, and the relative expression of immune response genes were evaluated at seven observation points. The infected group showed a significant reduction in weight gain from 3 dpi onwards, with clinical signs of varying severity from 3 to - 11 dpi. Gross lesions and microscopic changes were observed in the nasal turbinates, trachea, lungs, and kidneys, mainly representing epithelial degeneration and necrosis with mononuclear infiltrates. The caecal tonsils also showed microscopic lesions at 7-9 dpi. Absolute viral load estimation in the organs corroborated the lesion severity scores and IHC results. The expression of innate immune responses broadly demonstrated higher expression in the trachea and lungs of the IBV-infected group during the early phase of infection, whereas similar responses were observed in the kidneys and caecal tonsils during the later phases of infection. This study suggests that the given IBV isolate may cause significant production losses in broilers and exhibit tissue tropism for both respiratory and non-respiratory tissues, triggering varying innate and adaptive immune responses.

Simultaneous analysis of antimicrobial residues and contaminants in poultry droppings by HPLC-MS/MS: a tool for environmental and food safety monitoring

Animal waste is a potential pollution hazard as it can harbour contaminants, such as antimicrobial residues, mycotoxins, and pesticides, becoming a risk to the public, animal, and environmental health. To assess this risk, 15 experimental broiler chickens orally received contaminants to evaluate excretion levels. An analytical method was previously developed to detect 18 substances in poultry droppings using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). Contaminants including tetracycline, 4-epi-tetracycline, oxytetracycline, 4-epi-oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, 4-epi-chlortetracycline, tylosin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, flumequine, florfenicol, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfadiazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol, were extracted with EDTA-McIlvain and acetonitrile. This method showed a p-value < 0.05, RSD < 25%, and R 2 > 0.95 in the calibration curves linearity for all analytes. The limit of quantification, selectivity, decision limit for confirmation, matrix effect, precision, and recovery parameters were validated according to European Union document 2021/808/EC, technical report CEN/TR 16059, SANTE/11813/2017 and according to the Veterinary International Conference on Harmonization: VICH GL2 and GL49. This method confirmed the detection of most analytes 12–36 h post-administration and simultaneously detected and quantified mixed contaminants. Thereby, poultry droppings are a potential matrix for spreading contaminants in animal production before slaughter and their control will minimize environmental impacts and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.

Эффективность применения новой кормовой добавки в рационах цыплят-бройлеров

Purpose. Study the effectiveness of using Lecitomix feed additive in feeding broiler chickens throughout the entire technological cycle of keeping. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on day-old broiler chickens of both sexes of Cobb-500 cross in the conditions of poultry farming in the Volgograd region. The duration of the experiment was 42 days. Experimental chickens in the amount of 387 heads were divided into 2 experimental and 1 control groups. In each of the experimental groups, Lecitomix feed additive was fed to the chickens as part of the feed mixture daily: 250 g (experimental group 1) and 500 g (experimental group 2) per 1 ton of feed. The poultry in the control group received feed that did not contain the studied feed additive. Weighing (10 animals from each experimental group) was carried out on the first day, on 21 and 42 days in order to assess the dynamics of broiler chickens live weight. Blood sampling was carried out on 42nd day of the experiment and its clinical and biochemical analysis was carried out to monitor physiological state of the experimental poultry. Generally accepted methods of zootechnical, morphological, biochemical, mathematical analysis and corresponding laboratory equipment, including URIT-3020 Vet Plus and URIT-800 Vet analyzers (China), were used in setting up the experiment and conducting scientific research. Results. Chickens of 1st and 2nd experimental groups exceeded poultry of control group for the entire experimental period in terms of average daily and absolute gains of live weight by 2.5 and 2.8%; amount of hemoglobin in the blood – by 4.0 (P≤0.05) and 4.4% (P≤0.05), erythrocytes – by 8.3 (P≤0.05) and 9.9% (P≤0.05); safety of poultry population – by 2.4 and 3.1%; digestibility of dry matter – by 1.7 and 2.9% (Р≤0.05), organic matter – by 3.1 (Р≤0.05) and 4.7% (Р≤0.001), crude protein – by 3.1 (Р≤0.001) and 5.0% (Р≤0.001), crude fat – by 2.6 (Р≤0.01) and 4,4% (Р≤0.001), crude fiber – by 12.0 (Р≤0.001) and 14.8% (Р≤0.001), nitrogen-free extractives – by 1.2 and 2.1%. Pecking incidents in experimental groups 1 and 2 of experimental broilers were lower than control chickens by 1.5 and 2.3%. Conclusion. The feasibility of using Lecitomix feed additive in industrial poultry farming to normalize metabolism, increase digestibility of diet nutrients, increase live weight and safety of broiler chickens has been confirmed.

Use of non-alkaloid lupine grain of the variety Deko in compound feed for young laying hens

The purpose of the research was to study the use of alkaloid-free lupine grain of the variety Deco in compound feed for young laying hens of the cross Hisex Brown. The studies were carried out under the conditions of enterprises of the Volgograd region on poultry of the highly productive egg-laying сross Hisex Brown. The nutritional value of lupine with diff erent levels of its introduction into compound feed recipes instead of full-fat soy for young egg-laying hens was assessed. The positive eff ect of lupine use on such important animal science and physiological indicators as digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in diets, live weight of young hens, hematological indicators of experimental chickens, and economic eficiency was substantiated. Thus, the digestibility coefficient of dry matter of feed in the control group was 70.96 %, in the 1st experimental group it was 71.87 %, which was by 0.91 abs.% more than in the control group; in the 2nd experimental group it was 72.23 %, which was also higher than the control by 1.27 abs.% and in the 3rd experimental group the studied indicator was 72.07 % and was higher than the control group by 1.11 abs.%. The indicators of total and average daily live weight gain in the experimental groups were higher than in the control group. Thus, in the 1st experimental group these indicators were higher in comparison with the control by 12.5 g and 0.11 g (0.95 %). In the 2nd experimental group these indicators were higher than in the control group by 29.31 g and 0.25 g (2.23 %) and in the 3rd group by 18.38 g and 0.15 g (1.4 %), respectively. The economic efficiency in terms of cost indicators of compound feed for poultry in the control and experimental groups was within the following limits: in the 1st experimental group 857.5 rubles, in the 2nd experimental group 1286.25 rubles, and in the 3rd experimental group 1715.0 rubles.

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&lt; 0.05) compared to VG/GA (737±439.77) vaccines. La Sota clone was able to confer 100% protection (p&lt; 0.05) against Newcastle disease with no morbidity and mortality (0%). Vaccination at week 2 was the most effective (p&lt; 0.05) for La Sota and La Sota clone strains but least for VG/GA strain of Newcastle disease vaccines.

Production and meat quality of broiler chickens with the use of a probiotic complex of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli

The prohibition of antibacterial agents in animal husbandry has spurred research into the creation and study of new probiotic supplements aimed at normalizing the gut microbiota to ensure colonization resistance of the host organism. This resistance prevents the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by pathogenic and opportunistic microflora. Scientists from many countries have developed a range of preparations based on the normal gut microbiota, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are used to maintain and restore the biocenosis of the digestive tract. These probiotics are also effective therapeutic and preventive agents for poultry digestive tract diseases, helping correct gut microbiocenosis. In our study, we investigated the impact of the combined probiotic preparation "TIMM-P" on the productive characteristics of poultry and the quality and preservation of broiler chicken meat. This study determined clinical indicators, absolute and average daily weight gains, the meat quality of broiler chickens, and its chemical composition under the influence of the probiotic supplement. It was found that administering "TIMM-P" in courses on days 1–5, 21–25, and 30–35 positively influences the growth of muscle tissue in poultry. Determination of the chemical composition of meat in 42-day-old experimental broiler chickens indicated a significant increase in total protein content in the muscle tissue using the probiotic. Additionally, the absolute and average daily weight gains of the broiler chickens in the experimental group significantly increased during days 15–28 and 29–42 of the study. We observed a significant impact of the probiotic preparation on extending the shelf life of poultry meat based on the study of organoleptic and chemical indicators of broiler chicken meat during refrigerated storage. On the 7th and 9th days of storage, the carcasses of the experimental group that received the probiotic showed a significant decrease in pH levels, acid number, and peroxide number of the fat in the meat. Thus, oral administration of the probiotic preparation increases live weight gains, improves meat quality indicators of broiler chickens, and extends its shelf life. The obtained results have important practical significance as they scientifically substantiate the use of probiotic preparation as a means to preserve livestock, increase live weight gains of broiler chickens, and improve poultry meat quality. Therefore, the complex probiotic preparation "TIMM-P" can be recommended for use in broiler chicken farming.

Jejunal transcriptomic profiling of carnosine synthesis precursor-related genes and pathways in slow-growing Korat chicken

Carnosine is a physiologically important molecule in normal human body functions. Chicken meat is an excellent source of carnosine; especially slow-growing Korat chicken (KR) females have a high carnosine content in their meat. The carnosine content of chicken meat can be increased by dietary supplementation of β-alanine (βA) and L-histidine (L-His). Our objective was to reveal the pathways and genes through jejunal transcriptomic profiling related to βA and L-His absorption and transportation. We collected whole jejunum samples from 5 control and 5 experimental KR chicken, fed with 1% βA and 0.5% L-His supplementation. A total of 407 differentially expressed genes (P < 0.05, log2 fold change ≥2) were identified, 272 of which were down-regulated and 135 up-regulated in the group with dietary supplementation compared to the control group. Based on the integrated analysis of the protein-protein interaction network and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway maps, 87 gene ontology terms were identified and 6 KEGG pathways were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched in the jejunum. The analyses revealed 6 key genes, KCND3, OPRM1, CCK, GCG, TRH, and GABBR2, that are related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and the calcium signaling pathway. These findings give insight regarding the molecular mechanism related to carnosine precursor absorption and transportation in the jejunum and help to identify useful molecular markers for improving the carnosine content in slow-growing KR chicken meat.

Effect of hydro-methanolic extract of Mangifera indica L. stem bark on body weight, pathological lesions, and hematology in experimental Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens

Effect of hydro-methanolic extract of Mangifera indica L. stem bark on body weight, pathological lesions, and hematology in experimental Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens

Effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatchability of broiler breeder hen eggs and resulting chick physiology and performance.

Selenium is an essential mineral for poultry. The conflicting reports about its in ovo injection are the justification for the more detailed investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatching traits of broiler chickens and their performance. Three hundred and twenty eggs of Ross 308 strain with an average weight of 65g and 160 chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (each with 8 replicates of 10 eggs each for hatching parameters and 4 replicates of 10 chicks for broiler farming parameters): negative control (no injection), positive control (in ovo injection of 0.272mL of normal saline solution) and 2 selenium treatments (in ovo injection of 2.72 or 5.44μg of organic selenium). Injection was into the amniotic sac on the 10th day of incubation. Effects of in ovo injection on hatching and performance traits, blood parameters, immune responses, carcass characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, cecal microbial population and selenium consternation in the tibia were measured. Fewer chicks from the injected treatments hatched than from the negative control group (p<0.01). However, the injection of selenium increased feed intake and the final weight of the birds (p<0.01). Blood parameters were also affected. Glucose and cholesterol in experimental treatment chicks was lower than those of the controls (p<0.01), whereas blood lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL and HDL) and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL was significantly increased in the treatments injected with selenium (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the immune response or microbial population between the experimental groups, but carcass components, such as thigh, breast, wing and abdominal fat weight, were significantly greater in the selenium treatments. Intra-egg injection of organic selenium produced favourable effects on performance of broiler chickens, although it had no effect on immune response or microbial population. However, the negative effect on hatching of chickens needs to be prevented to result in an acceptable economic return for the producer.

Effect of Pure Corn Oil on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

In recent years, consecutive research has been conducted on the nutrient requirements of the quails to find an optimum and affordable legitimate growth promoter. Different types of vegetable oil have been tested so far. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pure corn oil (PCO) on growth performance and live body weight gain in Japanese quails. A total of 80 four-day-old quail chicks were divided into two groups: control (20 checks) and experimental (60 checks). The experimental group was subdivided into three subgroups (G1, G2, and G3) of 20 chicks per group. All the control and experimental group chicks were fed a commercial grower quail diet in all three growth phases. Despite the commercial diet, the G1, G2, and G3 experimental groups were fed 1, 3, and 5% PCO, respectively. The values for live body weight did not significantly change after adding PCO to the quail’s diet. According to the study's findings, adding PCO to the commercial diet of Japanese quails in various amounts had no beneficial effects on feed consumption and growth rate. Additionally, it had an insignificant (p&gt;0.05) detrimental impact on the growth performance of the quails compared to control groups. In conclusion, we can say that adding PCO to quail's commercial diet in the hot months of the year under Afghanistan's climate has no positive impact on growth and further slows down the rate of body weight gain.

The Immunogenic Potential of an Inactivated Vaccine Candidate against Ornithobacterium Rhinotracheale in SPF Chicken

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a gram-negative bacterium causing respiratory infection in chickens and turkeys. Co-infection of ORT with other viral or bacterial pathogens leads to severe clinical symptoms and great economic losses. The percentages of ORT strains resistant to the current antibiotics used in flocks have increased in successive years depending on the source of the isolate. Administration of the inactivated whole-cell vaccine (bacterin) is recommended against multi-drug resistant strains of ORT circulating in poultry farms. In the present study, a formalin-inactivated bacterin formulated with an oil adjuvant was developed based on a local ORT isolate. A prime-boost regimen was applied for the immunization of specific pathogen-free chicken (SPF) groups. Then the immunogenic potency of the vaccine candidate was evaluated by ELISA and compared with a commercial inactivated ORT vaccine. Vaccine safety was studied following inoculation twice the recommended dose of the prepared bacterin. The commercial inactivated ORT vaccine as well as the prepared bacterin induced specific antibodies after three weeks of primary vaccination that were continued to 16 weeks post-vaccination. Immunization of chickens with the commercial vaccine induced a higher level of antibody compared to the experimental vaccine, however, no significant difference (P&lt;0.05) was overall observed between the treated groups. In the safety test, no adverse local or systemic reactions were found in chickens throughout the post-vaccination period. Based on the data, the prepared ORT-inactivated vaccine is safe and can induce adequate and long-lasting immune responses in experimental SPF chickens. Results of field trials are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of this vaccine candidate against ORT infection.

Growth performance, meat quality and hematological parameters of broiler chickens fed safflower seed.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of safflower seed (SS) on the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler birds along with the physicochemical, textural and sensory attributes of chicken meat. A total of 200 male chickens (7-days-old) were distributed into 5 groups (40 chickens in each) with 5 replicates of 8 chicks in a 42-day experiment. Each group was allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments, i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% SS. The experimental diets were formulated for starter (7 to 21 days) and finisher (22 to 42 days) phases. Inclusion of SS in the diet improved growth performances in treatment groups between 7 and 42 days. The highest and lowest body weights were observed at the 5% SS and 0% SS levels, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of breast and thigh meat were found (P > 0.05) except for crude fat. The crude fat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The inclusion of SS in the diet did not negatively impact the textural properties, i.e., hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and shear force of breast and thigh meat. There was no significant difference in the sensory parameters of cooked chicken meat with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in hematological parameters in the blood samples of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with various levels of SS for five weeks. These findings suggest that, SS may be used as an oil seed for broiler chicken feed.

Effect of cuprum proteinate on blood parameters in broiler chickens

The data obtained during the scientific and economic experiment show that the replacement of copper sulfate with copper proteinate in broiler chickens, even in smaller doses, did not significantly affect hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Some increase in the total level of albumins and globulins, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and the content of calcium, phosphorus and copper in blood serum was noted. Introduction of cuprum proteinate to compound feed to broiler chickens of the third experimental group in doses of 13.9; 12.6 and 9.0 g/t (on average for 42 days – 12.5 g/t) contributed to a probable increase in total protein by 14.2 % (Р &lt; 0.05) on the 30th day of the experiment and by 12.3 % (Р &lt; 0.05) on the 42nd day of the experiment compared to the control group. At the same time, the level of albumins increased by 11.9 % (Р &lt; 0.05) and 15.8 % (Р &lt; 0.05), and globulins by 12.0 % (Р &lt; 0.05) and 10.7 %, respectively. This fact shows that reducing the dose of cuprum proteinate has a positive effect on protein synthesis, activation of albumin and globulin synthesis occurs, which reduces the load on the immune system of broiler chickens and has a positive effect on protein metabolism. On the 42nd day of the experiment, the calcium content in the blood of all groups increased, but in the experimental groups it was higher than the control indicator in the second group by 4.8 % and by 5.6 % in the third experimental group. Regarding the level of Phosphorus in the blood serum of experimental groups of broiler chickens, its amount increased to 1.85–1.96 mmol/l on the 42nd day. The content of cuprum in the blood of broiler chickens, which were fed cuprum proteinate as part of compound feed, was probably higher than the indicator of the control group. Chickens of the second experimental group, which were fed cuprum proteinate in quantities of 18.2; 16.8 and 12.0 g/t of compound feed exceeded their counterparts by 14.0–16.3 % (Р &lt; 0.05). Broiler chickens of the third experimental group, which were added to compound feed with cuprum proteinate in doses of 13.9, 12.6 and 30 g/t, prevailed on day 30 of the experiment by 18.8 % (Р &lt; 0.01), and on day 42 day by 18.9 % (Р &lt; 0.01). A higher level of Calcium and Phosphorus in the blood serum of experimental broiler chickens indicates an increase in the resistance of the bird to infections and better mineralization of bone tissue. Feeding of cuprum proteinate to broiler chickens makes it possible to reduce the dose of the trace element in compound feed, which reduces the burden on the bird's body and increases the biological availability of mineral compounds.

Climate-Adapted Circular Poultry Production: Salt-Treated Wild Yam Tubers as Sustainable Supplementary Feed Ingredients Via Osmosis-Based Detoxification

Wild yams have tremendous potential as nutritious food and feed sources. However, anti-nutritional factors like oxalates and phenolics limit their utilization. This study evaluated salt-assisted osmosis for detoxification and nutritional improvement of wild yam tubers and assessed their application as a feed ingredient for native chickens. Wild yam tubers were treated with 10%, 20%, and 30% salt solutions to induce osmosis-based leaching of water-soluble toxins. Proximate analyses confirmed nutrient retention post-treatment. Four isonitrogenous experimental chicken feeds were formulated with varying proportions of standard commercial diet and salt-treated wild yam meal. Ninety-six 5-week-old native chicks were randomly allocated to the diets for 8 weeks to assess growth performance, intake, meat quality, and physiological parameters. Toxin levels decreased up to 50% with a 30% salt solution while beneficial nutrients were preserved. The inclusion of treated yam meal did not adversely affect growth rate, though higher salt levels reduced feed palatability. Carcass traits remained unaffected although minor organ weight and serum biomarker changes indicated physiological stress. Salt-assisted osmosis the demonstrates potential for efficient detoxification to promote better utilization of under-explored nutritious crops like wild yam as sustainable, alternative feed sources without compromising nutritional adequacy. Further optimization to prevent anti-nutrient reaccumulation and physiological imbalance is recommended before scalability for food/feed security.

The antimicrobial effect of eugenol against Campylobacter jejuni on experimental raw chicken breast meat model

AbstractCampylobacter jejuni is the predominant bacterial cause of gastroenteritis, the main cause of foodborne deaths. Currently, Campylobacter is a common foodborne pathogen found in poultry; thus, there is a need for the development of novel intervention strategies. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of eugenol on C. jejuni load in an experimental chicken meat model. We observed that eugenol was effective in reducing C. jejuni load for 7 days of storage. Eugenol treatment at all concentrations (1.28, 5.12, and 10.24 mg mL−1) decreased Campylobacter load more significantly in the reference strain, and this decrease was dose‐dependent throughout the storage period. Compared to the control group, eugenol reduced the counts of chicken isolate and the reference strain of C. jejuni by approximately 1.5 and 4.5 log/CFU, respectively, after 7 days of storage. Eugenol is a promising agent for improving the safety of poultry.

The use of Chitosan hydroxyapatite in improving the Clinico-physiological indicators of broiler chicks, as well as in increasing productivity and preservation

Experiments were carried out on 15-day chicks of 160 heads belonging to the Ross-308 cross. For the experiment, 4 groups were formed. Group 1 chicks were a control group and fed mixed feed, which was used in the farm until the end of the experiment. Group 2-3-4 experimental group chicks were given different amounts of chitosan hydroxyapatite (grower) with food ration for 13 days from the 15th to the 28th. Including: experimental group 2 chicks were given 0.4 g/kg, Experimental Group 3 chicks were given 0.7 g/kg and Experimental Group 4 chicks were given 1g/kg. At the end of the experiment, the best results were observed in the chicks of the third experimental group. In the control group in particular, the body temperature from the clinical-physiological indicators turned out to be 2.4% higher than in Group 3. And the number of breaths increased by 6.2% compared to control. Body weight was 8.3% higher. Sustainability was 100% in the 3rd experimental group at the end of the experiment and 92.5% in the control group.