Leghorn Chickens Research Articles

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of the wild-type and lpxL/lpxM mutant inactivated vaccine against the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli O1, O2, and O78 challenge

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is primarily responsible for causing septicemia, pneumonitis, peritonitis, swollen head syndrome, and salpingitis in poultry, leading to significant losses in the poultry sector, particularly within the broiler industry. The removal of the lpxL and lpxM genes led to an eightfold decrease in the endotoxin levels of wild APEC strains. In this study, mutant strains of lpxL/lpxM and their O1, O2, and O78 wild-type strains were developed for an inactivated vaccine (referred to as the mutant vaccine and the wild-type vaccine, respectively), and the safety and effectiveness of these two prototype vaccines were assessed in white Leghorn chickens. Findings indicated that chickens immunized with the mutant vaccine showed a return of appetite sooner post-immunization and experienced earlier disappearance of nodules at the injection site compared to those immunized with the wild-type vaccine. Pathological examinations revealed that lesions were still present in the liver, lung, and injection site in chickens vaccinated with the wild-type vaccine 14 days post-vaccination (dpv), whereas no lesions were found in chickens vaccinated with the mutant vaccine at 14 dpv. There were no significant differences in antibody levels on the challenge day or in mortality or lesion scores between challenged birds immunized with either the mutant vaccine or the wild-type vaccine at the same dose. In this study, the safety of a single dose or overdose of the mutant vaccine and its efficacy at one dose were evaluated in broilers, and the results showed that the mutant vaccine had no adverse effects on or protected vaccinated broilers from challenge with the APEC O1, O2, or O78 strains. These results demonstrated that the mutant polyvalent inactivated vaccine is a competitive candidate against APEC O1, O2, and O78 infection compared to the wild-type vaccine.

Anatomical, pathological, and histological features of experimental respiratory infection of birds by biofilm-forming bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

The pathogenesis of staphylococcal infections is mediated by virulence factors, such as enzymes, toxins, and biofilms, which increase the resistance of microorganisms to host immune system evasion. Testing and searching for standardized multi-level algorithms for the indication and differentiation of biofilms at the early stages of diagnosis will contribute to the development of preventive measures to control the critical points of technology and manage dangerous risk factors for the spread of infectious diseases. This research aimed to study the main stages of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation in in vitro experiments and to analyze the dynamics of respiratory syndrome development in chickens infected with these bacteria. Experimental reproduction of the infectious process was performed using laboratory models: 10-day-old White Leghorn chickens (n = 20). Before the experiments, the birds were divided into two groups according to the principle of analogs: Group I (control, n = 10): the birds were intranasally inoculated with 0.5 cm3 of 0.9% NaCl solution; Group II (experiment, n = 10): the birds were intranasally inoculated with a suspension of S. aureus bacteria, 0.5 cm3, concentration 1 billion/cm3. Colonization of individual areas of the substrate under study in vitro occurred gradually from the sedimentation and adhesion of single motile planktonic cells to the attachment stage of microcolony development. Staining preparations with gentian violet due to the "metachromosia" property of this dye are a quick and fairly simple way to differentiate cells and the intercellular matrix of biofilms. Fixation with vapors of glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide preserves the natural architecture of biofilms under optical and scanning electron microscopy. Pure cultures of S. aureus microorganisms were isolated from the blood, lungs, small intestine, liver, kidneys, and spleen after 5-10 days during experimental infection of chickens. Clinical signs of respiratory syndrome developed within 5-6 days after infection. Acute and subacute serous-fibrinous airsacculitis, characterized by edema and thickening of the membranes of the air sacs and the presence of turbid, watery, foamy contents in the cavity, was the most characteristic pathomorphological sign. The signs of acute congestive hyperemia and one-sided serous-fibrinous pneumonia developed with significant thickening of fibrinous deposits. In Garder's gland, there was an increase in the number of secretory sections, indicating hypersecretion of the glands. In the lymphoid follicles of Meckel's diverticulum, leukocytes, usually lymphocytes, and pseudoeosinophils were detected. Hydration and heteromorphism of the internal environment of biofilms determine the localization of differentiated cells in a three-dimensional matrix for protection against adverse factors. The most characteristic pathomorphological sign was the development of acute and subacute serous-fibrinous airsacculitis when reproducing the infectious process in susceptible models. There was a significant thickening of fibrinous deposits and signs of acute congestive hyperemia and one or two serous-fibrinous pneumonia developed.

A Comparison of Telencephalon Composition among Chickens, Junglefowl, and Wild Galliforms

Introduction: Domestication is the process of modifying animals for human benefit through selective breeding in captivity. One of the traits that often diverges is the size of the brain and its constituent regions; almost all domesticated species have relatively smaller brains and brain regions than their wild ancestors. Although the effects of domestication on the brain have been investigated across a range of both mammal and bird species, almost nothing is known about the neuroanatomical effects of domestication on the world’s most common bird: the chicken (Gallus gallus). Methods: We compared the quantitative neuroanatomy of the telencephalon of white leghorn chickens with red junglefowl, their wild counterpart, and several wild galliform species. We focused specifically on the telencephalon because telencephalic regions typically exhibit the biggest differences in size in domesticate-wild comparisons. Results: Relative telencephalon size was larger in chickens than in junglefowl and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). The relative size of telencephalic regions did not differ between chickens and junglefowl, but did differ in comparison with ruffed grouse. Ruffed grouse had larger hyperpallia and smaller entopallial, nidopallial, and striatal volumes than chickens and junglefowl. Multivariate analyses that included an additional three wild grouse species corroborated these findings: chicken and junglefowl have relatively larger nidopallial and striatal volumes than grouse. Conversely, the mesopallial and hyperpallial volumes tended to be relatively smaller in chickens and junglefowl. Conclusion: From this suite of comparisons, we conclude that chickens do not follow a pattern of widespread decreases in telencephalic region sizes that is often viewed as typical of domestication. Instead, chickens have undergone a mosaic of changes with some regions increasing and others decreasing in size, and there are few differences between chickens and junglefowl.

The effect of crossbreeding with different breeds on slaughter and carcass characteristics and meat quality in Leghorn hens

This study reports slaughter and carcass characteristics and meat quality as a result of crossing Leghorn chickens and five different genotypes. The experiment was carried out in the Prof. Dr. Hümeyra Özgen Research and Application Farm in Selcuk University. The material consisted of 20 leghorn crosses (F2) of each genotype reared under the same feeding and care conditions. The animals were slaughtered at 84 d. In this study, the highest value was determined in the Brahma × Leghorn (BL) genotype, followed by the Cornish × Leghorn (CL), Denizli × Leghorn (DL), and Aracuana × Leghorn (AL) genotypes, respectively, according to slaughter weight and hot and cold carcass performance values. The lowest value was calculated in the Leghorn × Leghorn (LL) genotype, as expected. Slaughter, cold, and carcass weights were found to be similar. A difference was found in colour characteristics (L*,a*,b*) of thigh (b), breast (l), and breast (a) meats of F2 groups. A difference was found in the DM and pH values of the genotypes. CL came into prominence when rearing specific genotypes as free-range broilers. In evaluating the parts of the carcass, it was found that two genotypes were superior to other genotypes in terms of thigh, breast, wing, and back weights. New three-unit and four-unit crossbreeding studies have a potential to add new local commercial genotypes to national economies.

Effect of replacing groundnut seedcake by brewers’ yeast-noug seed cake mixture in ration on laying performance of white leghorn chicken

Effect of replacing groundnut seedcake by brewers’ yeast-noug seed cake mixture in ration on laying performance of white leghorn chicken

Differential expression of ASIP transcripts reveals genetic mechanism underpinning black-tail independence from body plumage in yellow-bodied chickens.

The genetic foundation of chicken body plumage color has been extensively studied. However, little attention has been paid to the inheritance patterns and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of distal feather colors (tail and wingtip). Differences in these colors are common; for example, the Chinese Huiyang Beard chicken has black tail feathers, but yellow body plumage. Here, the hybrid offspring of Huiyang Beard and White Leghorn chickens were used to study the inheritance patterns of tail-feather color. The expression levels of pigment genes in differently colored feather follicles were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that genetic regulation of tail-feather color was independent of body-plumage color. The Dominant White locus inhibited eumelanin synthesis in tail feathers without affecting the formation of yellow body plumage, whereas the Silver locus had the opposite effect. The expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene class 1 transcripts was significantly lower in black tail-feather follicles than in yellow body follicles, whereas tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene expression was significantly higher in black tail feathers. These differentially expressed genes were confirmed to exert an effect on eumelanin and pheomelanin formation in feathers, thus influencing the regulation of chicken tail-feather color. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for further research on the genetic mechanisms of regional differences in feather color, contributing to a better understanding of plumage pigmentation in chickens.

Differences in the microbiome of the small intestine of Leghorn lines divergently selected for antibody titer to sheep erythrocytes suggest roles for commensals in host humoral response.

For forty generations, two lines of White Leghorn chickens have been selected for high (HAS) or low (LAS) antibody response to a low dose injection of sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Their gut is home to billons of microorganisms and the largest number of immune cells in the body; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to gain understanding of the ways the microbiome may influence the differential antibody response observed in these lines. We achieved this by characterizing the small intestinal microbiome of HAS and LAS chickens, determining their functional microbiome profiles, and by using machine learning to identify microbes which best differentiate HAS from LAS and associating the abundance of those microbes with host gene expression. Microbiome sequencing revealed greater diversity in LAS but statistically higher abundance of several strains, particularly those of Lactobacillus, in HAS. Enrichment of microbial metabolites implicated in immune response such as lactic acid, short chain fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins were different between HAS and LAS. The abundance of several microbial strains corresponds to enriched host gene expression pathways related to immune response. These data provide a compelling argument that the microbiome is both likely affected by host divergent genetic selection and that it exerts influence on host antibody response by various mechanisms.

The effect of zinc on the stiffness of chicken lenses

Aims/Purpose: Aquaporins are specialized water channels. A volume change through permeable aquaporins may be necessary for the lens' ability to change shape during accommodation1. This study aimed to determine the effects of zinc2, an agonist that increases aquaporin 0 (AQP0) permeability in oocytes, on the biomechanics of chicken lenses.Methods: White Leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus, N = 6) were sacrificed at 14 days of age. Both eyes were enucleated and lenses were dissected in Tyrode's solution (TS). One lens from each bird was treated with zinc chloride (80 μg/mL in TS for 15 min, at room temperature; RT), while the other lens (control lens) was incubated in TS (15 min, RT). Lenses were compressed (CellScale Micro Tester G2) to test their biomechanical integrity. For each lens, force‐compression data were generated by the MicroTester G2 software (ver. 1.0.0.1) and fit to a three‐parameter exponential curve with the equation y = y0 + aebx; the unitless b‐coefficient of the exponential equation was used to assess stiffness as it describes how rapidly the force increases as the compression distance increases. B‐coefficients from each curve were extracted and the effects of zinc treated versus control lenses were analysed using a paired t‐test.Results: The b‐coefficient value for zinc‐treated lenses averaged to 4.2 ± 0.8 while the mean value for control lenses was significantly (p = 0.01) lower at 3.2 ± 0.5, indicating that zinc‐treated lenses were stiffer.Conclusions: The compression data show a zinc‐associated increase in lens stiffness. AQP0 typically plays a role in allowing water to enter, but not exit, the lens, therefore zinc may have led to an increase in water content, resulting in stiffer lenses. However, water permeability was not measured in this study, therefore the AQP0‐associated mechanism of lens stiffening cannot be confirmed. Further study is needed to determine zinc's action on the biomechanics of the lens.

Requirements of metabolisable energy, crude protein and methionine for growing white leghorn chicken under tropical condition

Requirements of metabolisable energy, crude protein and methionine for growing white leghorn chicken under tropical condition

Sperm replacement in sperm-storage tubules causes last-male sperm precedence in chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study elucidated the last-male sperm precedence (LMSP) mechanism in chickens by examining replacement in storage tubules (SSTs) after multiple artificial inseminations (AI) and the effects of seminal plasma (SP) and male breed on sperm replacement in SSTs. 2. Hens were artificially inseminated with fluorescent dye-labelled spermatozoa from White Leghorn (WL) chickens. Secondary AI was conducted 3 d later with sperm labelled with different nuclear fluorescent dye. Percentage of first and second inseminated sperm in SSTs and their logarithmic odds were calculated. The effect of SP on LMSP was examined using (1) Lake’s solution-washed sperm before second insemination, and (2) SP injected continuously after first insemination. Effect of breed difference on sperm replacement was investigated using Barred Plymouth Rock (BP) sperm. 3. Successive WL-sperm inseminations at three-day intervals caused > 70% stored sperm replacement in SSTs. Although SP removal from sperm from second insemination significantly decreased replacement, its intra-vaginal injection did not affect release. Secondary insemination using BP sperm significantly increased replacement. 4. Sperm replacement is a major factor favouring LMSP in domestic chickens. Two fluorescent staining of sperm, and intra-vaginal multiple AI technique have enabled visualisation, differentiation, and quantification of multiple inseminated sperm stored in the SSTs.

Effect of four eggshell repair materials on weight loss during incubation of white leghorn chicken eggs.

Egg weight loss during incubation is a key indicator used to monitor successful egg development and is closely related to hatchability and chick survival. Artificial incubation is one of the most important captive breeding techniques used in conservation efforts to bolster avian populations. To repair damage to the eggshell and ensure embryonic viability during incubation, a variety of repair coverings can be applied. This study tested the impact of four repair materials (nail polish, synthetic glue, medical dressing, and molten wax film) on egg weight loss during incubation. We found no impact on weight loss for coverings smaller than 35% of the eggshell surface, nor did we find any differences between covering types. The average egg weight loss decreased as the coverage area increased, and the weight loss did not differ when blunt versus sharp-end coverings were compared. Given the relative insensitivity of egg weight loss and survival to the type of patch material used, we concluded that the selection of material for the purpose of weight loss management could be based on practical considerations, such as ease of application and availability.

Rayless goldenrod (Isocoma pluriflora) poisoning in chicks (Gallus gallusdomesticus)

Rayless goldenrod (Isocoma spp.) and white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) poison livestock, wildlife and humans. The suggested toxin for both plants is tremetone, a mixture of benzofuran ketones. However, plant tremetone concentrations often do not correlate with poisoning, and they have not been identified in contaminated milk that poisons nursing neonates. This suggests there may be unidentified metabolites or toxins. Previous studies using various cell culture and large animal models have been inconsistent with varying animal response that often require large doses. The objective of this work is to document the toxicity of rayless goldenrod in California white leghorn chicks, a susceptible small animal model, that would require relatively small amounts of plant material or purified toxins. Four groups of 15 chicks were gavaged with finely ground I. pluriflora at rates of 0, 1%, 2% or 3% of their bodyweight per day for 7 days. After 7 exposure days the chicks were euthanized, necropsied and tissues were collected, fixed and examined microscopically. Myocyte damage was evaluated using clinical signs, weight gain, serum biochemical changes, and histologic lesions and scores. The 3% group had focally extensive myocyte degeneration and necrosis most severely affecting leg muscles (semitendinosus, iliotibialis, peroneus longus and gastrocnemius). This was supported by serum biochemical changes and reduced weight gains. These findings indicate young chicks are a sensitive model of toxicity that may be useful to better identify the rayless goldenrod and white snakeroot toxins, including those unidentified toxins of transmammary poisoning.

Comparative analysis of muscle profiles in silky fowl and white Leghorn Chicken: Insights from multi-omics and experimental approaches

Silky fowl is a highly valued breed of chicken with both culinary and medicinal significance. We conducted a comprehensive and integrated proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analysis to compare silky fowl meat (SFM) with Leghorn chicken meat (LCM). In SFM, 262 differentially expressed proteins (48 up-regulated, 214 down-regulated), 2577 differentially expressed genes (949 up-regulated, 1628 down-regulated), and 198 differentially abundant metabolites (52 up-regulated, 146 down-regulated) were identified. Our studies underscore the notable involvement of SFM in essential amino acid biosynthesis, accompanied by the up-regulation of genes associated with melanogenesis. Several genes exhibited consistent expression patterns with the results derived from real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). SFM contained higher levels of flavor-enhancing factors (glutathione, glycine, and serine) relative to LCM. Moreover, it harbored the presence of pharmacologically significant metabolites alongside up-regulated genes related to vitamin E metabolism. These multi-omics differences provide a comprehensive framework that lays the groundwork for future investigations into the biological, nutritional, and pharmacological applications of silky fowl.

Efficient strategy to isolate exosomes using anti-CD63 antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles

Exosomes, a subpopulation of Extracellular vesicles (EVs), are cell-secreted vesicles found in the majority of biological fluids, including breast milk, tears, sweat, blood and, urine. The density and size of these vesicles depend on a variety of factors, including age, gender and the biological condition of the individual. Researchers are now focusing on the selective extraction of exosomes from bodily fluids due to the unique biomolecule composition of exosomes, which is critical for diagnosis, disease, and regeneration. Furthermore, current approaches for exosome isolation have limitations, necessitating the development of a simpler and more effective technique to achieve this goal. In this study, we investigated a quick and effective strategy for isolating exosomes from serum using a bench-top centrifuge. This was accomplished by raising antibodies against exosome surface tetraspanins (CD9, CD63 & CD81) in Leghorn chickens due to their phylogenetic distance from humans and cost-effectiveness for commercial use. In order to separate exosomes from a complex biological fluid, the antibodies were further coupled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The findings were validated using ELISA, spectrophotometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using this technique, exosome isolation from serum was achieved rapidly and these were captured by using anti CD63 antibodies bound to AuNPs. To summarize, exosomes were purified from serum using anti-CD63 antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles (IgY@AuNPs). Consequently, the approach for exosome isolation from biological fluid could be useful for clinically monitoring the biological state of the patients.

Research Note: Role of darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) and litter in spreading and maintaining Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni in chicken flocks

Salmonella and Campylobacter are common foodborne pathogens in chickens, but their persistence mechanisms within flocks are not fully understood. In this study, 4 groups of SPF Leghorn chickens (n=50) were orally inoculated with 108Salmonella Enteritidis and 108Campylobacter jejuni, housed in BSL-2 rooms inside containers with autoclaved bedding and beetles (n=200). Phase I (wk 1-3): the infected chickens remained in the containers and were then euthanized while beetles and litter remained in the container (group A), beetles were removed and litter remained in the container (group B), beetles remained and litter was removed (group C), and beetles and litter were removed (group D). Phase II (wk 5-7): autoclaved bedding was added to containers in groups C and D, and new SPF chickens (n=50) were introduced and kept. Phase III (wk 8-20): all chickens were euthanized, and the litter and/or beetles remained in the containers for 17 wk. The prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter was significantly higher when detected by PCR compared to culture. In phase II, when infected chickens were removed and new chickens were introduced, 1 fecal sample in group B and 3 litter samples in groups B and C were found positive for Salmonella Enteritidis, and Campylobacter was still detected in groups A, B, and C litter samples, but not in beetles. In phase III, when all chickens were removed, Salmonella Enteritidis was identified in beetle samples from group A and the litter samples of all tested groups A, B, and C, and C. jejuni was positive in litter samples from groups A and B but not in the beetle. Sixty-nine days after removing infected chickens, culturable Salmonella was still found in beetles. Salmonella and Campylobacter were detectable in litter up to 127 d after removing infected chickens. This study highlights the transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter via beetles and litter to new flocks in successive rearing cycles. Intensive control programs should target insect exclusion and implement strict poultry litter management or litter changes between flocks.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) recombinant expressing Marek’s disease virus (MDV) glycoprotein B significantly protects chickens against MDV and NDV challenges

Marek’s disease (MD) is a highly contagious viral neoplastic disease of chickens caused by Marek’s disease virus (MDV), resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. The commonly used live and/or vectored MDV vaccines are expensive to produce and difficult to handle due to the requirement of liquid nitrogen for manufacturing and delivering frozen infected cells that are viable. In this study, we aimed to develop a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vectored MDV vaccine that can be lyophilized, stored, and transported at 4 °C. Four NDV LaSota (LS) vaccine strain-based recombinant viruses expressing MDV glycoproteins gB, gC, gE, or gI were generated using reverse genetics technology. The biological assessments showed that these recombinant viruses were slightly attenuated in vivo yet retained similar growth kinetics and virus titers in vitro compared to the parental LaSota virus. Vaccination of leghorn chickens (Lines 15I5x71 F1 cross) with these recombinant viruses via intranasal and intraocular routes conferred different levels of protection against virulent MDV challenge. The recombinant expressing the MDV gB protein, rLS/MDV-gB, protected vaccinated birds significantly against MDV-induced tumor formation when challenged at 14 days post-vaccination (DPV) but moderately at 5 DPV. Whereas the other three recombinants provided little protection against the MDV challenge. All four recombinants conferred complete protection against the velogenic NDV challenge. These results demonstrated that the rLS/MDV-gB virus is a safe and efficacious dual vaccine candidate that can be lyophilized and potentially mass-administered via aerosol or drinking water to large chicken populations at a meager cost.

Vitamin D Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Inhibition of Chicken Bone Marrow Stromal Cells' Osteogenic Differentiation In Vitro.

Vitamin D is a lipid soluble vitamin that is mostly used to treat bone metabolism-related diseases. In this study, the effect of Cd toxicity in vitro on osteogenic differentiation derived from BMSCs and the alleviating effect of lα, 25-(OH)2D3 were investigated. Cell index in real time was monitored using a Real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) system. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the calcified nodules and the distribution of Runx2 protein were detected using ALP staining, alizarin red staining, and immunofluorescence, respectively. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the apoptotic rate of BMSCs, the mRNA levels of RUNX2 and type Ⅰ collagen alpha2 (COL1A2) genes, and the protein expression of Col1 and Runx2 were detected using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The proliferation of BMSCs and osteogenic differentiation were enhanced after treatment with different concentrations of lα, 25-(OH)2D3 compared with the control group. However, 5 μmol/L Cd inhibited the proliferation of BMSCs. In addition, 10 nmol/L lα,25-(OH)2D3 attenuated the toxicity and the apoptosis of BMSCs treated by Cd, and also promoted the osteogenic differentiation including the activity of ALP, and the protein expression of Col1 and Runx2. lα, 25-(OH)2D3 can alleviate cadmium-induced osteogenic toxicity in White Leghorn chickens in vitro.

Expression of toll-like receptor 4 and its associated cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in Leghorn chickens.

Immune cells require toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to respond to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are used to assess changes in cytokines released in response to diseases or pathogens. This study aimed to assess TLR4 gene expression in PBMCs from Leghorn chicken and the release of related cytokines. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from blood samples obtained from Leghorn chicks. The PBMC cultures were stimulated with various concentrations of LPS (0.01-1 μg/ml). Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect TLR4 expression. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that TLR4 was expressed in both non-stimulated and stimulated Leghorn chicken PBMCs. In addition, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in Leghorn chicken PBMCs increased significantly with an increase in LPS concentration (0.01-1 μg/mL) (p < 0.05). Although TLR4 was expressed in both non-stimulated and stimulated Leghorn chicken PBMCs, its expression was significantly higher in LPS-stimulated PBMCs Therefore, the chicken's endotoxin response can be assessed by evaluating the pro-inflammatory cytokine production from PBMCs.

A genome-wide association study for the fatty acid composition of breast meat in an F2 crossbred chicken population.

The composition of fatty acids determines the flavor and quality of meat. Flavor compounds are generated during the cooking process by the decomposition of volatile fatty acids via lipid oxidation. A number of research on candidate genes related to fatty acid content in livestock species have been published. The majority of these studies focused on pigs and cattle; the association between fatty acid composition and meat quality in chickens has rarely been reported. Therefore, this study investigated candidate genes associated with fatty acid composition in chickens. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on 767 individuals from an F2 crossbred population of Yeonsan Ogye and White Leghorn chickens. The Illumina chicken 60K significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data and 30 fatty acids (%) in the breast meat of animals slaughtered at 10 weeks of age were analyzed. SNPs were shown to be significant in 15 traits: C10:0, C14:0, C18:0, C18:1n-7, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C20:0, C20:2, C20:3n-6, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3, C24:0, C24:1n-9, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These SNPs were mostly located on chromosome 10 and around the following genes: ACSS3, BTG1, MCEE, PPARGC1A, ACSL4, ELOVL4, CYB5R4, ME1, and TRPM1. Both oleic acid and arachidonic acid contained the candidate genes: MCEE and TRPM1. These two fatty acids are antagonistic to each other and have been identified as traits that contribute to the production of volatile fatty acids. The results of this study improve our understanding of the genetic mechanisms through which fatty acids in chicken affect the meat flavor.

Effects of Sihuang Zhili Granules on the Diarrhea Symptoms, Immunity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Poultry Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

A growing interest has been focused on Chinese herbs as alternatives to antimicrobial growth promoters, which are characterized by non-toxic side effects and drug resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Sihuang Zhili granule (abbreviated as Sihuang) on diarrhea, immunity, and antioxidation in poultry. Thirty male Leghorn chickens, aged 21 days, were randomly assigned to one of three groups with ten animals each. The control group (CON) received intraperitoneal saline injections, while the LPS-challenged group (LPS) and Sihuang intervention group (SH) received intraperitoneal injections of LPS (0.5 mg/kg of BW) and Sihuang (5 g/kg) at d 31, d 33, d 35, respectively. The control and LPS groups were fed a basal diet, while the SH group was fed a diet supplemented with Sihuang from d 21 to d 35. Analysis of the diarrhea index showed that the addition of Sihuang inhibited the increase in the diarrhea grade and the fecal water content caused by LPS, effectively alleviating poultry diarrhea symptoms. The results of the immune and antioxidant indexes showed that Sihuang significantly reduced the contents of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF- α and IL-1 β, as well as the oxidative stress markers ROS and MDA. Conversely, it increased the contents of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10, along with the activities of antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and CAT, thereby enhancing the immune and antioxidant abilities of chickens. Furthermore, Sihuang protected the chicken's ileum, liver, and immune organs from LPS invasion and maintained their normal development. In conclusion, this study confirmed the antidiarrheal effect of Sihuang in poultry farming and demonstrated its ability to improve poultry immunity and antioxidant capacity by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokine levels.