Layer Chickens Research Articles

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ameliorated the negative effects of a low-protein diet on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and gut microbiota of laying chicks

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to a low-protein diet on the growth performance, ability immune status, and intestinal microbiota of 0–21-day-old layer chickens. A total of 180 one-day-old healthy Hy-line brown laying chicks were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates each of 20 chicks. The control group was fed a basal diet containing 19% protein, the low-protein (LP) group was fed a diet containing 17% protein, and the probiotic (LPL) group was fed with the 17% protein diet supplemented with L. plantarum (1.0 × 109 CFU/kg). The growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and gut microbiota of laying chickens were detected. We found that L. plantarum supplementation increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum of 17% protein +1.0 × 109 CFU/kg L. plantarum (LPL) compared to the 19% protein group (control). Furthermore, L. plantarum supplementation increased the liver index, GSH-Px and T-AOC activity in serum, and changed the microflora structure, diversity, and polyketose unit bioanabolic metabolism of 17% protein +1.0 × 109 CFU/kg L. plantarum (LPL) compared to the 17% protein group (LP). In conclusion, L. plantarum supplementation could compensate for the adverse effects of low-protein diets in chicks, and the combination of a low-protein diet and L. plantarum is a feasible way to reduce protein in the diet.

Can chick meconium serve as a source of biomarkers linked to hatchling quality and the age of parent stock?

One possible approach to selecting chicks based on quality involves identifying biomarkers in biological samples. Concurrently, understanding the metabolic profile of chicks from different-aged breeders is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the age-related effects on hatchability. This study investigated whether chick quality and breeder age influence the metabolic profile of layer chick meconium. A total of 143 chicks from laying breeder hens, categorized as young, middle-aged or old, were visually assessed for quality, and meconium samples were collected for metabolomic analysis. Sixteen metabolites were found to be associated with good-quality chicks across all breeder ages, with an overall accuracy of 81.94 %. Using metabolite profiles, the accuracy for predicting young-hen-chick quality was 93.2 %, with high sensitivity (92.30 %) and specificity (93.75 %). Four metabolites were associated with poor-quality chicks with an overall accuracy of 77.53 %. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed enhanced metabolite separation in good-quality chicks, with five metabolites exhibiting high area under the curve (AUC) values (>90 %) in chicks from young hens compared to chicks from hens of other ages, including metabolites related to energy metabolism, hormonal activity, vitamin D synthesis and peptide constitution. Disregarding maternal age, five metabolites varied between good- and poor-quality chicks, but with a low accuracy of 61.26 % for quality discrimination. Chicks from young, middle-aged, and old hens exhibited 12, 11, and 2 metabolites that varied the expression between good and poor qualities, with accuracies for predicting good-quality chicks of 74.46 %, 70.83 %, and 51.06 %, respectively. Certain metabolites with 70 < AUC < 80 % have emerged as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between good- and poor-quality layer chicks. These include metabolites related to energy and growth metabolism, tryptophan and methionine metabolism, antioxidants and some with no known function in embryos. This work identified potential metabolites that can be investigated to mitigate the effects of hen age on hatchability. Additionally, several metabolites have emerged as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between good- and poor-quality chicks, depending on the breeder's age.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Biofilms Resurgence Ability of Escherichia coli Associated with Commercial Layer Chicken Farms in Sri Lanka

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Biofilms Resurgence Ability of Escherichia coli Associated with Commercial Layer Chicken Farms in Sri Lanka

Identification of antibiotic use patterns in poultry farms in the southwest region of Bangladesh

The study was conducted in southwestern Bangladesh, 90 chicken farmers were surveyed across three upazilas under three districts of southwestern Bangladesh to understand the practices and farmers' perceptions of antibiotic use in poultry farming. Data were collected through direct interviews of poultry farmers using a pre-tested interview schedule. The results showed that the highest percentage of farmers kept broilers in their farms (30.0%), followed by layer (28.9%), Sonali (26.7%) and cockerel (14.4%). Farmers marketed broilers at an average of 35 days with a live weight of 2187.04 kg bird-1 and egg production of layer chickens was 88.88%. The majority of chicken farmers (84.44%) used antibiotics, while 47.8% and 92.2% of farmers used probiotics and vitamin-mineral supplements for chicken. The use of antibiotics was suggested by various people, such as veterinary doctors (35.56%), animal health workers (23.33%), drug company representatives (20.00%) and self (5.56%). More than half of the chicken farmers (56.67%) applied antibiotics regularly and the highest percentage was supplied through water (82.2%). Half of chicken farmers used antibiotics for disease prevention (50.00%), followed by treatment of sick chickens (31.11%), growth promotion (2.22%) and both disease prevention &amp; growth promotion (1.11%). The majority of the farmers did not know about the negative impacts of antibiotic use in poultry farming (87.8%), among the remaining 7.8% of farmers said it was carcinogenic, 3.3% stated it was toxicity in humans and only 1.1% said it had no effect of antibiotics in human health. It can be concluded that most of the chicken farmers are using antibiotics indiscriminately, which suggests proper education and awareness creation of poultry farmers to reduce the risks associated with antibiotic use. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 1-8, December 2024

Pemetaan Potensi Geografis Pengembangan Peternakan Ayam Ras Petelur di Kecamatan Lintau Buo Kabupaten Tanah Datar

This study aims to map the geographical potential for the development of layer chicken farming in Lintau Buo District, Tanah Datar Regency. The method used is the weighted overlay method, which works by overlaying multiple maps representing various parameters of an area's conditions. Each parameter is assigned a weight based on its importance using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The alternative data used in this study consists of four nagari in Lintau Buo District: Nagari Pangian, Nagari Tigo Jangko, Nagari Buo, and Nagari Taluak. The research results indicate that Lintau Buo District has varying potential for poultry farming development. Nagari Pangian has a high-potential area of 391 hectares and a medium-potential area of 2,317 hectares. Nagari Tigo Jangko dominates the high-potential classification with an area of 3,514 hectares, while the medium-potential area covers 857 hectares, making it an ideal region for large-scale poultry farming. Meanwhile, Nagari Buo falls entirely within the medium-potential category, covering 906 hectares. Nagari Taluak has a high-potential area of 417 hectares and a medium-potential area of 3,125 hectares. These findings suggest that the development of layer chicken farming in Lintau Buo District should integrate geographical factors and regional carrying capacity to ensure sustainability and productivity.

Analysis of Production Function in Layer Chicken Business in Soppeng District

Production function is one method to understand the effect of production inputs used in an effort to achieve maximum profit. This study aims to identify how the use of inputs has an influence on the production of layer eggs in Soppeng Regency. The research was conducted from August to October 2023 in Soppeng Regency. The number of samples was 67 layer breeders located in each sub-district in Soppeng Regency using Nonprobability sampling technique. Data were collected through observations and interviews. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the Cobb-Douglass production function model, and tested through simultaneous tests and partial tests. Independent variables consisted of seedlings, labor, cage area, farmer experience, Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine, Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine, concentrate feed, ground corn feed and bran feed. The dependent variable included production (eggs). The study showed tshat the use of inputs of seedlings, labor, cage area, farmer experience, Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine, concentrate feed, and ground corn feed had a significant effect on egg production of laying hens in Soppeng Regency, while the variable Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine and, bran feed did not have a significant effect on egg production of laying hens in Soppeng Regency. So the practical implication of this research is that layer breeders in Soppeng Regency can increase egg production by focusing on the use of quality seeds, efficient labor, optimal utilization of cage area, increasing the experience and knowledge of farmers, as well as, the use of Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine, concentrate feed and ground corn feed, while the use of Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine and bran feed should be re-evaluated because it does not have a significant impact on production. Keywords: Cobb-Douglass, Production Function, Production Inputs, Egg Production, Laying Hens.

Production performance, blood profile and egg quality traits of layer chickens fed pelletized feeds of different particle sizes in two housing types

Production performance, blood profile and egg quality of 240 commercial layers (21-60 weeks old) fed pelletized feeds of different particle sizes in two housing types were studied. The birds were housed in either Battery cage (BC) of 45×40×45 cm dimension with a stocking rate of 3 birds/ cell (0.07 m2/ bird) or Deep litter (DL) unit with stocking density of 0.39 m2/bird. The feed particle sizes were fine particle pellets ≤ 1 mm and coarse particle pellets ≤ 2 mm. The experiment was arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial layout. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates with 20 birds each. At age 21 weeks, daily/ weekly records were taken from the birds to generate data on growth and production performance, blood profile (haematological and serum biochemical parameters) and egg quality traits (external and internal) until 60 weeks old. Results showed main and interactive effects of pellet feed particle sizes and housing types had significant (p&lt;0.05) influence on production and growth performance parameters with higher (p&lt;0.05) values observed in birds on fine particle pellets housed on DL. Higher (p&lt;0.05) packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and creatinine were observed in birds fed fine particle-sized pellets. Birds on coarse particle-sized pellets had higher (p&lt;0.05) basophil values. In the effects of interaction, birds reared on DL and fine particle-sized pellets showed the lowest (p&lt;0.05) basophil and the highest (p&lt;0.05) creatinine for those in BC. For external and internal egg quality traits, main effects of feed particle size significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the proportion of the yolk and albumen weight in eggs on coarse-sized particles and fine-sized particles respectively. Interaction effects revealed the highest (p&lt;0.05) proportion of yolk in eggs from birds reared in BC on coarse particle pellets and albumen weight in eggs from DL housed birds fed fine particle pellets. The study concluded that layers fed pellets of either fine or coarse-sized particles housed on DL have a better production performance. There were no adverse effects on the health status and egg quality traits of the birds. La performance de production, le profil sanguin et la qualité des œufs de 240 pondeuses commerciales (21-60 semaines) nourries avec des aliments granulés de différentes tailles de particules dans deux types de logements ont été étudiés. Les oiseaux étaient logés soit dans des cages de batterie (CB) de dimensions 45×40×45 cm avec un taux de chargement de 3 oiseaux par cellule (0,07 m² par oiseau), soit dans une unité de litière profonde (LP) avec une densité de chargement de 0,39 m² par oiseau. Les tailles de particules de l'aliment étaient des granulés à particules fines ≤ 1 mm et des granulés à particules grossières ≤ 2 mm. L'expérience était organisée selon un plan factoriel 2 x 2. Chaque traitement consistait en 3 répétitions avec 20 oiseaux chacune. À 21 semaines, des enregistrements quotidiens/hebdomadaires ont été effectués pour générer des données sur la croissance et les performances de production, le profil sanguin (paramètres hématologiques et biochimiques sériques) et les traits de qualité des œufs (externes et internes) jusqu'à 60 semaines. Les résultats ont montré que les effets principaux et d'interaction des tailles de particules d'aliments granulés et des types de logement avaient une influence significative (p&lt;0,05) sur les paramètres de production et de performance de croissance, avec des valeurs plus élevées (p&lt;0,05) observées chez les oiseaux nourris avec des granulés à particules fines logés en LP. Un volume de globules rouges, une concentration d'hémoglobine et une créatinine plus élevées (p&lt;0,05) ont été observés chez les oiseaux nourris avec des granulés à particules fines. Les oiseaux nourris avec des granulés à particules grossières avaient des valeurs de basophiles plus élevées (p&lt;0,05). Dans les effets d'interaction, les oiseaux élevés en LP et nourris avec des granulés à particules fines ont montré les plus bas (p&lt;0,05) niveaux de basophiles et les plus élevés (p&lt;0,05) de créatinine par rapport à ceux en CB. Pour les traits de qualité des œufs externes et internes, les effets principaux de la taille des particules d'aliment ont significativement (p&lt;0,05) augmenté la proportion du poids du jaune et de l'albumen dans les œufs à partir de particules grossières et fines respectivement. Les effets d'interaction ont révélé la plus haute (p&lt;0,05) proportion de jaune dans les œufs provenant d'oiseaux élevés en CB sur des granulés à particules grossières et le poids de l'albumen dans les œufs de poules logées en LP nourries avec des granulés à particules fines. L'étude a conclu que les pondeuses nourries avec des granulés de taille fine ou grossière logées en LP présentent une meilleure performance de production. Il n'y avait pas d'effets néfastes sur l'état de santé et les traits de qualité des œufs des oiseaux.

Sixty-five draft genome sequences of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni from table egg layer chickens.

We present the draft genomic sequences of 65 isolates of Campylobacter spp. (38 Campylobacter coli and 27 Campylobacter jejuni) isolated from table egg-layer chickens, which are not generally associated with human transmission. Up to this time, there are no publicly available genomic sequences of Campylobacter isolated from laying hens.

Protective efficacy of classical vaccines and vaccination protocols against an exotic Newcastle disease virus genotype VII.2 in Belgian layer and broiler chickens

Vaccination against Newcastle disease (ND) has been routinely implemented in the Belgian professional poultry sector since 1993, using genotype I and II vaccines. Despite this, an outbreak of genotype VII.2 avian paramyx-ovirus 1 (APMV-1) occurred in 2018, with 20 reported cases over the course of 3 months. Although the economic impact on the professional poultry sector was limited, this epizootic raised questions regarding the efficacy of implemented classical genotype I and II vaccines against phylogenetically distant exotic velogenic strains. The present study provides insights into the protective efficacy of standard vaccination programs applied in layer and broiler flocks against the introduction and transmission of this velogenic APMV-1 VII.2 strain. For fully field-vaccinated 26-week-old layer chickens, high levels of specific antibodies were measured at the time of the velogenic APMV-1 challenge, resulting in good clinical protection. However, despite the observed humoral immunity, viral excretion was not prevented, leading to transmission of the virus to non-infected sentinel birds. In fully field-vaccinated 4-week-old broiler chickens, assessment of vaccine uptake and coverage revealed low levels of ND specific antibodies despite double vaccination at day 1 and day 14. Consequently, poor protection against velogenic APMV-1 infection was observed, with both clinical signs and viral excretion occurring in both infected and sentinel birds. This study demonstrates that the introduction of velogenic APMV-1 VII.2 can lead to its dissemination among the Belgian avian poultry population despite the implementation of standard vaccination.

Dietary fermented mixed ingredient product enhances growth performance and intestinal stem cell-mediated epithelial regeneration through Wnt/β-catenin pathway in layer chicks.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplements of fermented mixed ingredient product (FMIP) on the growth performance, intestinal health, and immune performance of layer hens during the brooding period. Four hundred eighty healthy one-day-old layer chicks were randomly divided into four groups (six replicates/group, twenty hens/replicate) and were fed with different experimental diets for eight weeks (from day 1 to day 56): (1) Corn-soybean-base diet (CON); (2) Chlortetracycline group (CTC; CON diet supplemented with 0.5g/kg chlortetracycline); (3) 4 % fermented mixed ingredient product (4 % FMIP); (4) 8 % fermented mixed ingredient product (8 % FMIP). The results showed that, compared with the CON group, feeding with CTC, 4 % or 8 % FMIP increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), immune organs index, serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels, as well as the apparent metabolic rates of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and crude ash (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, FMIP supplementation improved jejunal morphology and barrier function, as reflected by increased villus height and transepithelial electrical resistance, decreased DAO activity in serum, and up-regulated Occludin protein expression (P < 0.05). Additionally, FMIP supplementation significantly increased protein expression of the stem cell markers (SOX9 and Lgr5), proliferative cell marker (PCNA), and differentiated absorptive cell marker (Villin) (P < 0.05). The immunofluorescence results were consistent with the above results, and FMIP groups have the same effects as the CTC group. Furthermore, the CTC or 4 % FMIP treatment group resulted in a remarkable increase in Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins (including β-catenin, TCF4, c-Myc, and Cyclin-D1) compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 4 % FMIP improves growth and immune performance, and promotes the intestinal stem cell expansion of layer chicks through Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.

Whole genome sequencing revealed high occurrence of antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria isolated from poultry manure.

Global demand for food has driven expansion and intensification of livestock production, particularly in developing nations where antibiotic use is often routine. Waste from poultry production, including manure, is commonly utilized as fertilizers in agroecosystems, risking environmental contamination with potentially zoonotic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Here, 33 bacterial isolates were recovered from broiler (n=17) and layer (n=16) chicken manure by aerobic culture using Luria Bertani agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by disc diffusion revealed all isolates were resistant to a minimum of three antibiotics, with resistance to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, streptomycin, rifampicin and/or chloramphenicol detected. MALDI-ToF and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to identify and compare a subset of antibiotic-resistant isolates (n=13). Stutzerimonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were the common genera observed in this study. Genome sequencing of each selected isolate revealed carriage of multiple ARGs capable of conferring resistance to many antimicrobials commonly employed in poultry production and human medicine, including tetracyclines, quinolones, macrolides, sulfonamide and cephalosporins. Comparison of whole genome sequence assemblies and phenotypic assays were used to assess capacity for biofilm formation, heavy metal tolerance and virulence. The high occurrence of ARGs in studied bacterial isolates confirms that poultry manure could act as a source of genetic material that could be transferred to commensal microbiota and opportunistic pathogens of humans. Understanding the complex resistome interplay between humans, animals, and the environment requires a One Health approach, with implications for agricultural settings and public health.

Evaluasi Penerapan Metode Full Costing Terhadap Akurasi Penetapan Harga Pokok Produksi Pada Sektor Peternakan Ayam Petelur

This study aims to analyse the application of the full costing method in determining the cost of production at UD. Barokah Jaya, a layer chicken farming business located in Malang Regency. The urgency of this research arises from the need to understand how effective cost management can increase business profitability, especially in the context of increasingly fierce competition in the livestock industry. The research method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with owners and employees, direct observation of the production process, and documentation of the company's financial and operational data. Data analysis was conducted by categorising the information obtained, identifying cost components, and comparing the results of calculations using the full costing method with previously applied methods. The research findings show that the application of the full costing method provides a more comprehensive picture of production costs, thus assisting management in making more informed selling price decisions. The results and discussion indicate that by using this method, UD. Barokah Jaya can identify cost components more accurately, improve operational efficiency, and maximise profitability. As a recommendation, it is suggested that the company continue to implement and develop the full costing method, as well as conduct training for employees related to cost management to improve financial performance in the future. This research is expected to serve as a guide for similar businesses in applying more effective methods in cost management

Dietary Inclusion of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Oil on Fatty Acid Profile of Egg Yolk in Layer Chicken

Background: Linseed contains exceptionally high content of alpha –linolenic acid (18:3, n-3) considered as unique among oilseeds. Depending upon the hens feeding, the nutrient composition of eggs varies. Egg is considered as a good source of quality protein and holds several vitamins and minerals that are important parts of a healthy diet. Due to its high nutritive value with appropriate price, eggs are taking place in one of the most accepted food in the diet of human. Methods: A total of 156 numbers of 23 weeks age layer chickens (Inbrobrown) were randomly selected and divided into 4 treatment groups; having 3 replicates with 13 hens in each. The hens of control group (T1) were fed a diet containing no linseed oil. The hens of treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 were fed with a diet contained linseed oil at levels of 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5 % respectively. Hens were fed the experimental diet for 18 weeks of experimental period (23 to 40 weeks of age). For fatty acid analysis 15 fresh egg samples per treatment were randomly collected at 30th and 40th week of age. Result: Dietary supplementation of linseed oil increased (P less than 0.01) omega 3 fatty acid and decreased the total SFA, MUFA and n6: n3 fatty acid ratio in egg yolk. Further, the hen day egg production was not affected by supplementation of linseed oil up to 3.5% although it lowered (P less than 0.05) the feed consumption. Production cost was highest in T4 group and lowest in control group. Hence, it is concluded that from the point of omega 3 fatty acid content and economics of production supplementation of 2.5 % linseed oil in the diet of laying hens can be recommended as production of omega 3 fatty acid enriched egg.

Phylogenetic and Pathogenic Analysis of H5N1 and H5N6 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Poultry Farms (Layer and Broiler Chickens) in Japan in the 2023/2024 Season.

During the 2023-2024 winter, 11 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks caused by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 and H5N6 HPAI viruses were confirmed in Japanese domestic poultry among 10 prefectures (n = 10 and 1, respectively). In this study, we aimed to genetically and pathologically characterize these viruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H5N1 viruses were classified into the G2d-0 genotype, whereas the H5N6 virus was a novel genotype in Japan, designated as G2c-12. The G2c-12 virus shared PB2, PB1, PA, HA, and M genes with previous G2c viruses, but had NP and NS genes originating from avian influenza viruses in wild birds abroad. The N6 NA gene was derived from an H5N6 HPAI virus that was different from the viruses responsible for the outbreaks in Japan in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Experimental infections in chickens infected with H5N1(G2d-0) and H5N6(G2c-12) HPAI viruses showed no significant differences in the 50% chicken lethal dose, mean death time, or virus shedding from the trachea and cloaca, or in the histopathological findings. Different genotypes of the viruses worldwide, their introduction into the country, and their stable lethality in chickens may have triggered the four consecutive seasons of HPAI outbreaks in Japan.

Pathology and VP2-Based Characterization of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Associated with an Outbreak in Layer Chickens in Ghana.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) continues to threaten poultry production globally, with highly virulent strains circulating in many parts of Africa. In this study, molecular characterization was performed on a circulating infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) strain from an outbreak in a layer flock in Ghana. Layer chicks presented for necropsy had markedly enlarged and hemorrhagic bursae of Fabricius, with necrotic foci and catarrhal exudate on the serosal surface. Histopathology of the bursa of Fabricius revealed scattered to effacing hemorrhages on the plicae, extensive necrosis with expansion of the stroma between the follicles, and depletion of lymphocytes within the interfollicular epithelium. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and subsequent sequencing of the VP2 gene showed the presence of IBDV in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. A phylogenetic analysis compared 62 other IBDV sequences from different parts of the world and placed the Ghanaian IBDV in genogroup 3 (vvIBDV), closely related to IBDV from Nigeria. In comparison to reference vvIBDV, there were amino acid substitutions at positions 252, 254, and 300. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which an IBDV from a disease outbreak in Ghana has been sequenced and compared with other IBDVs in a phylogenetic analysis.

Integrating Single-Cell RNA-Seq and ATAC-Seq Analysis Reveals Uterine Cell Heterogeneity and Regulatory Networks Linked to Pimpled Eggs in Chickens.

Pimpled eggs have defective shells, which severely impacts hatching rates and transportation safety. In this study, we constructed single-cell resolution transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility maps from uterine tissues of chickens using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq). We identified 11 major cell types and characterized their marker genes, along with specific transcription factors (TFs) that determine cell fate. CellChat analysis showed that fibroblasts had the most extensive intercellular communication network and that the chickens laying pimpled eggs had amplified immune-related signaling pathways. Differential expression and enrichment analyses indicated that inflammation in pimpled egg-laying chickens may lead to disruptions in their circadian rhythm and changes in the expression of ion transport-related genes, which negatively impacts eggshell quality. We then integrated TF analysis to construct a regulatory network involving TF-target gene-Gene Ontology associations related to pimpled eggs. We found that the transcription factors ATF3, ATF4, JUN, and FOS regulate uterine activities upstream, while the downregulation of ion pumps and genes associated with metal ion binding directly promotes the formation of pimpled eggs. Finally, by integrating the results of scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq, we identified a rare cell type-ionocytes. Our study constructed single-cell resolution transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility maps of chicken uterine tissue and explored the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying pimpled egg formation. Our findings provide deeper insights into the structure and function of the chicken uterus, as well as the molecular mechanisms of eggshell formation.

Antimicrobial Use in the Animal Sector in Japan from 2011 to 2022.

Background/Objectives: Evaluating antimicrobial use (AMU) is essential in the investigation and implementation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevention measures. Here, we examined AMU using an index (mg/kg biomass) that considers the antimicrobial sales volume and livestock biomass in Japan from 2011 to 2022. Methods: Antimicrobial sales volumes were obtained from JVARM data, and biomass data were obtained from reliable statistics. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, broiler chickens, layer chickens, fish raised in freshwater, and fish raised in seawater were targeted in this study. Results: Tetracycline accounted for 39%, macrolides for 18%, penicillins for 12%, and sulfonamides for 11% of the sales in 2022. The peak antimicrobial sales volume was 847 tons in 2017, and then declined to 766 tons by 2022 with fluctuations in the interim. From the perspective of mg/kg biomass, AMU tended to increase in beef cattle, dairy cattle, and fish raised in seawater, while pigs, broilers, layers, and fish raised in freshwater showed a decreasing trend. In broilers, the decreasing trend that could not be confirmed by sales amount alone was detected using the newly established index. Conclusions: By calculating the mg/kg biomass, it became possible to create an interpretation that is different from that of the simple sales quantity data. We believe that this indicator is stable, transparent, and easily understandable for national monitoring.

Phenotypic Correlation between Growth and Reproductive Traits in Crossbred Layer Chickens

Phenotypic Correlation between Growth and Reproductive Traits in Crossbred Layer Chickens

The Effectiveness Of Red Power Injection On The Hematological Profile Of Layer Chicken (Gallus domesticus)

Layer chickens are one of the most popular types of mass-produced laying hens in Indonesia. One way to keep laying hens healthy is to fulfill their micronutrient and vitamin needs. Giving vitamins such as Red power injection is very good for broilers, layers and fighters. Red power injection contains extra liver which contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron which are useful for maintaining chicken health. In this study, researchers wanted to test the effectiveness of Red power injection supplements in increasing blood in laying hens (Gallus domesticus). The study used an experimental research method using two treatments for one day. Four laying hens (Gallus domesticus) that have been provided are divided into two treatment groups with a dose of group one 0.8 ml / head and a dose of group two 1.2 ml / head. The variable observed was the increase of Hematology Profile (Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, and Hemoglobin). The results showed an increase in the Hematology Profile tested. The increase in the Hematology Profile is due to the effect of nutrition on chickens has been fulfilled, Red power injection is a supplement containing liver extract which helps the formation of Hematology Profile in Laying Hens (Gallus domesticus).

Effects of the in ovo injection of an Escherichia coli vaccine on the hatchability and subsequent early post hatch characteristics of commercial layer chicks

In the commercial table egg industry, avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) can lead to significant economic loss and bird mortality. The Poulvac E. coli vaccine (PECV) (Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) may be administered to poultry post hatch via coarse spray or in drinking water to protect against APEC infections. The purpose of this experiment was to in ovo vaccinate commercial layers with various doses of the PECV to evaluate hatchability and post hatch development of the chicks through 21 d of age. Eggs were either non-injected or vaccinated at 18 d of incubation with a diluent-injected control or one of the PECV treatments which included a full dose (2.65 × 107E. coli CFU/egg) or dilutions of the full dose to produce 2.65 × 105, 2.65 × 103, or 2.65 × 101 CFU/egg. Mean hatch of injected eggs was significantly (P < 0.0001) affected by treatment, with all the PECV treatments significantly decreasing hatch. Mean chick BW was determined on d of hatch and at 1, 2, and 3 wk post hatch, and mean chick length was determined at 3 wk post hatch. Chick BW was significantly (all P < 0.0001) different between treatments at 1, 2, and 3 wk of age, with the chicks that had received diluent alone having the highest BW, and the chicks that had received the full dose having the lowest BW. Chick length was significantly (P = 0.045) different between treatments, with the chicks in the full dose treatment having a shorter body length than the chicks in the 2 control groups. Cumulative mortality from 0 to 21 d of growout was 5.41% in the full dose treatment, whereas no mortalities were observed in the other treatment groups. While layer chicken embryos were able to survive to 3 wk post hatch after having received the PECV by in ovo injection, the full dose of the vaccine increased cumulative chick mortality and decreased chick BW through 3 wk post hatch.