Poultry Level Research Articles

Seasonal variation of mycotoxin levels in poultry feeds and feed ingredients in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Mycotoxins pose a major problem to poultry production as a result of feed contamination which has deleterious consequences such as production losses and human health risks. A total of 158 chicken feed samples were randomly collected from 46 consenting poultry farms in Oyo State throughout the wet season (April-October; 91 samples) and the dry season (November-March; 67 samples), including compounded feed (n = 129) and feed ingredients (n = 29). Samples were promptly transported to the laboratory in sterile plastic vials for lateral flow assay for mycotoxins using six different commercial mycotoxin test kits each for aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, fumonisin, and T-2 toxin/HT-2 toxin. Summary values of mycotoxin levels (µg/kg) in the feedstuffs were represented as frequency or median (and range). Fisher exact or Mann-Whitney U tests were carried out where appropriate at α = 0.05. Every sample contained at least four mycotoxins. Aflatoxins and fumonisin co-occurred in 80% of the samples. Aflatoxin and fumonisin concentrations were above the permissible limits in 32.9% and 18.4% respectively in feedstuff sampled in the dry season while the values were 17.1% and 6.3% respectively during the wet season. Among feed ingredients, peanut cake and maize had the highest median concentration of aflatoxin and fumonisin, respectively. Median aflatoxin concentration in the feedstuff was significantly higher than the permissible limit irrespective of season. There is a need to frequently monitor mycotoxin levels of feed and feed ingredients and improve storage system for feed ingredients in order to reduce the risk associated with high mycotoxin intake in poultry.

Transcriptional regulatory mechanism of NR2F2 and ZNF423 in avian preadipocyte differentiation

In the poultry industry, excessive abdominal fat deposition is not conducive to meat quality. Therefore, selection for optimal fat content levels in poultry has become a major breeding goal. We previously constructed NR2F2 overexpression (NR2F2OE) and knockout (NR2F2Δ/Δ/83-125aa) cell lines using Piggybac and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, and confirmed that the transcription factor NR2F2 can significantly inhibit the differentiation of avian preadipocytes. In this study, we identified a downstream gene ZNF423 regulated by NR2F2, which is also involved in regulating avian fat deposition.First, we performed transcriptome analysis of the NR2F2-edited lines, which has been proven to be an inhibitor of avian fat deposition in our previous studies. Our findings revealed that NR2F2 affects a series of candidate regulators related to adipogenesis. Among these, we focused on ZNF423, which was significantly down-regulated in the NR2F2OE cell line and up-regulated in the NR2F2Δ/Δ/83-125aa cell line. Next, dual luciferase reporter assay results showed that the DNA-binding domain (DBDΔ72-143aa) of transcription factor NR2F2 may negatively affect the expression of downstream target gene ZNF423 by binding to its distal promoter region (-2356 to -2346). Moreover, we constructed a function analytical model and found that overexpression of ZNF423 significantly facilitated the differentiation of adipocytes in immortalized chicken preadipocytes (ICP1). Consistent with these findings, global transcriptome analysis of the ZNF423-overexpressed cell line (ZNF423OE) further demonstrated that the process of adipogenesis was significantly enriched. These results indicate that ZNF423 is a positive regulator of avian adipocyte differentiation. Overexpression of ZNF423 in the NR2F2OE cell line compensated for the inhibition of fat deposition phenotype, further suggesting that ZNF423 is a downstream target gene of NR2F2.These findings uncover a novel function of ZNF423 in avian adipocyte differentiation and analyzed the transcriptional regulation by its upstream transcription factor NR2F2. Additionally, we identified a list of functional candidate genes, providing important insights for further research on the mechanism of avian fat deposition.

Evaluation of industry strategies to supply dietary chelated trace minerals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) and their impact on broiler breeder hen reproductive performance, egg quality, and early offspring performance

Dietary trace minerals have profound functions in broiler breeder reproduction. Organic hydroxy analog of methionine (HMTBa) trace minerals have been included at lower levels in poultry feeds compared to inorganic sources without affecting performance and in some cases improving it. We compared 3 breeder hen trace mineral blends of economic interest to a large U.S. integrator. Treatment diets (fed wk 26–65) provided Zn, Mn, and Cu (mg/kg), respectively: CTL = control, predominantly inorganic trace minerals (143–180–123); ORG = reduced levels using solely HMTBa trace minerals (50–60–15); and MIX = a blend of inorganic/HMTBa trace minerals (75/25–90/30–22.5/7.5). On average, ORG-fed hens were 1.3 and 1.1% heavier compared to CTL and MIX hens, respectively (P = 0.002). Overall (wk 25–65), hens fed the MIX diet had higher egg production (P < 0.001) and laid heavier eggs (P = 0.038) compared to hens fed the CTL or ORG diet. During the second half of lay, MIX-fed hens showed improved eggshell quality (P ≤ 0.037) and cuticle deposition (P = 0.019). Fertility and hatchability were unaffected by diet (P ≥ 0.205). Broilers hatched from young ORG hens (29 wk) had higher bone mineral density (P = 0.004) and after a 7-day grow-out (P = 0.047) when obtained from ORG hens of 41 wk of age. In conclusion, the industry levels provided by combining inorganic and HMTBa trace minerals in breeder hen diets were advantageous for sustaining high-quality settable egg production.

Dietary methionine restriction alleviates oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-challenged broilers at early age.

In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary methionine restriction (MR) on the antioxidant function and inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers reared at high stocking density. A total of 504 one-day-old male Arbor Acre broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatments: 1) CON group, broilers fed a basal diet; 2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet; 3) MR1 group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a methionine-restricted diet (0.3% methionine); and 4) MR2 group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a methionine-restricted diet (0.4% methionine). LPS-challenged broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 1mg/kg body weight (BW) of LPS at 17, 19, and 21days of age, whereas the CON group was injected with sterile saline. The results showed that: LPS significantly increased the liver histopathological score (p < 0.05); LPS significantly decreased the serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity at 3h after injection (p < 0.05); the LPS group had a higher content of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-α, but a lower content of IL-10 than the CON group in serum (p < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the MR1 diet increased catalase (CAT), SOD, and T-AOC, and the MR2 diet increased SOD and T-AOC at 3h after injection in serum (p < 0.05). Only MR2 group displayed a significantly decreased liver histopathological score (p < 0.05) at 3h, while MR1 and MR2 groups did so at 8h. Both MR diets significantly decreased serum LPS, CORT, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α contents, but increased IL-10 content (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MR1 group displayed significantly increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), CAT, and GSH-Px at 3 h; the MR2 group had a higher expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), SOD, and GSH-Px at 8h (p < 0.05). In summary, MR can improve antioxidant capacity, immunological stress, and liver health in LPS-challenged broilers. The MR1 and MR2 groups experienced similar effects on relieving stress; however, MR1 alleviated oxidative stress more rapidly. It is suggested that precise regulation of methionine levels in poultry with stress may improve the immunity of broilers, reduce feed production costs, and increase production efficiency in the poultry industry.

Phytase dose-dependent response of kidney inositol phosphate levels in poultry.

Phytases, enzymes that degrade phytate present in feedstuffs, are widely added to the diets of monogastric animals. Many studies have correlated phytase addition with improved animal productivity and a subset of these have sought to correlate animal performance with phytase-mediated generation of inositol phosphates in different parts of the gastro-intestinal tract or with release of inositol or of phosphate, the absorbable products of phytate degradation. Remarkably, the effect of dietary phytase on tissue inositol phosphates has not been studied. The objective of this study was to determine effect of phytase supplementation on liver and kidney myo-inositol and myo-inositol phosphates in broiler chickens. For this, methods were developed to measure inositol phosphates in chicken tissues. The study comprised wheat/soy-based diets containing one of three levels of phytase (0, 500 and 6,000 FTU/kg of modified E. coli 6-phytase). Diets were provided to broilers for 21 D and on day 21 digesta were collected from the gizzard and ileum. Liver and kidney tissue were harvested. Myo-inositol and inositol phosphates were measured in diet, digesta, liver and kidney. Gizzard and ileal content inositol was increased progressively, and total inositol phosphates reduced progressively, by phytase supplementation. The predominant higher inositol phosphates detected in tissues, D-and/or L-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 and Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, differed from those (D-and/or L-Ins(1,2,3,4)P4, D-and/or L-Ins(1,2,5,6)P4, Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5, D-and/or L-Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5 and D-and/or L-Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5) generated from phytate (InsP6) degradation by E. coli 6-phytase or endogenous feed phytase, suggesting tissue inositol phosphates are not the result of direct absorption. Kidney inositol phosphates were reduced progressively by phytase supplementation. These data suggest that tissue inositol phosphate concentrations can be influenced by dietary phytase inclusion rate and that such effects are tissue specific, though the consequences for physiology of such changes have yet to be elucidated.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Adipose Metabolism Patterns and Secretion of Appetite-Related Endocrines on Chicken.

Simple SummaryThe weight of an animal conforms to a certain growth pattern. Among others, feed, environment, and body composition, in addition to genetics, affect the animal’s feed consumption and body weight. Under normal circumstances, the body weight of an animal is mainly affected by feed intake, and body composition may significantly influence feed intake. Therefore, this report sets out the effects of fat accumulation on lipid metabolism and appetite, and finally introduces the effects of feeding patterns on animal feed intake.In addition to the influence of genes, the quality of poultry products is mainly controlled by the rearing environment or feed composition during rearing, and has to meet human use and economical needs. As the only source of energy for poultry, feed considerably affects the metabolic pattern of poultry and further affects the regulation of appetite-related endocrine secretion in poultry. Under normal circumstances, the accumulation of lipid in adipose reduces feed intake in poultry and increases the rate of adipose metabolism. When the adipose content in cells decreases, endocrines that promote food intake are secreted and increase nutrient concentrations in serum and cells. By regulating the balance between appetite and adipose metabolism, the poultry’s growth and posture can maintain a balanced state. In addition, increasing fiber composition in feed can effectively increase poultry welfare, body weight, lean composition and antioxidant levels in poultry. According to this, the concept that proper fiber content should be added to feed should be considered for better economic benefits, poultry welfare and meat productivity.

Bioprospects From Clamshell Of Geloina Sp As Calcium Substitution Material for Poultry In Indonesia

In Indonesia the use of clamshell for calcium substitution of poultry has not been implemented. Some research results suggest that clamshell have very high calcium levels. Clamshell can be used as an enhancer of calcium levels in animal feed, especially in poultry. Increased calcium levels in poultry will help in the process of forming eggshells. The calcium needs of poultry farmers in Indonesia meanwhile are being met from snail intake. This intake is needed by farmers, especially for improving the quality of the yolk, in addition to the formation of eggshells. Clamshells of Geloina sp. In Indonesia there is still not much utilization. Thus this study aims to analyze the calcium content of Geloina sp mussels as calcium substitution material for poultry and the condition of poultry eggs produced by farmers. The design or approach in this study was a quantitative research with survey and experiment. The method used in this study was a laboratory and farmers. Activities applied in laboratory during the study consisted of two activities, namely: 1) sample preparation and 2) analysis of substance elements and chemical compounds with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method (AAS). The results showed that the Powder Clamshell of Geloina sp. had and average elements and chemical compounds contained were Ca level (94.90%), Na level (0.48%), P level (not detected), and CaCO3 level (7.76%). Element and chemical compounds levels contained in the Powder Clamshell of Geloina sp. had a great potential if it was used and treated as good as possible. It can be an alternative solution in the prevention of waste powder clamshell of Geloina sp.) untapped, furthermore it could be applied to the manufacture of products to give added value to support the economy of rural communities in Indonesia. The results of poultry eggs in the third treatment (addition of rations with shellfish powder as much as 35%) have the ability to lay eggs every day with an average frequency of 1 day 1 egg. From the results of this activity it was proven that 65% of poultry had an increased frequency of laying eggs.

Glycemic response of poultries in different feeding systems

The management of poultry feed is an important welfare promoter and the glycemic index a noninvasive evaluation. The aim was to evaluate the glycemic response of broiler breeders in restricted feeding system, and broilers receiving ad libitum feeding. Two experiments were carried out: I) 39-week-oldbroiler breeders, fed with three sources of fiber, in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 fiber diets x 7 collection periods); and II) broilers, 42 days old, housed in different light systems, in a completely randomized design in factorial design (2 sexes x 2 lighting conditions x 13 collection periods). Blood glucose levels were measured at random collecting one blood drop from foot, with three replicates in each condition and treatment. In broiler breeder different fiber sources had no effect on glycemia, but the period affected circulating glucose levels, presenting a minimum of 184.3 mg dL -1 before feed and, a maximum of 242.5 mg dL -1 four hours after feeding. In broilers, there was a significant effect in glycemia for collection period and for sex, and interaction between lighting conditions and collection period. Further studies are needed to establish reference values to compare blood glucose levels in poultry.

Use of Agro-Industrial By-Products in Animal Feed at Modern and Semi-Modern Farms of Urban Community of Niamey (UCN): State Places

&lt;em&gt;The study was conducted in Urban Community of Niamey at modern and semi-modern farms provided an overview use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed. Among 57 farms only 17 farms, including 10 beef farms, 2 sheep farms and 5 poultry farms were systematically surveyed. All farm managers are men. 60 and 33% are respectively officials at the level of poultry farms and ruminant farms. Farmers make up 25%, all of which own beef farms. There is also a predominance of adults, 60% at poultry level and 58.33% at ruminant farms. We note the use of a variety of agro-industrial by-products in animal feeds, in this case by-products derived from vegetable processing (wheat bran, exfoliated cotton cake) and animal processing (fish and fish meal ...). There are also some concentrates for poultry feed. Agribusiness by-products are increasingly used in urban livestock production but their valorization needs to be improved.&lt;/em&gt;

Effect of Seabuckthorn leaves on Antioxidant and Microsomal Enzymes in poultry birds

In vivo studies on broiler birds were carried out to evaluate effect of aflatoxin and seabuckthorn leaves on microsomal enzyme system, antioxidant enzymes and biochemical parameters i.e. serum triglyceride, total plasma protein, aminopyrine demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase, catalase, LPO, superoxide dismutase, GSH, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in poultry. The poultry birds were divided into six groups containing six birds each. Aflatoxin (400 ppb) and seabuckthorn leaves (10000ppm) was administered continuously in poultry feed. Aflatoxin increased serum triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels where as seabuckthorn leaves supplementation at 10000ppm significantly decreased triglyceride (P&lt;0.05), blood urea nitrogen (P&lt;0.05) and creatinine levels in birds. Toxin decreased liver, kidney and blood superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activity, whereas, seabuckthorn leaves (SBTL) increased the activity of these enzymes as compared to control group. The level of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the toxin exposed group and decreased in case of SBTL. The activity of Aminopyrine demethylase and Aniline hydroxylase increased, while the activity of NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase is decreased in case of toxin group whereas in case of seabuckthorn leaves exposed group showed no significant change in case of aminopyrine demethylase and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase, however, the activity of Aniline hydroxylase decreased. On the basis of present study, it could be concluded that the seabuckthorn leaves reduced the effect of Aflatoxin which produced oxidative stress by altering the levels of antioxidant enzymes of liver and kidney in adult poultry birds.

Моніторинг умісту мікотоксинів у кормах для птиці

The purpose. To evaluate the contamination of poultry feeds in Ukraine with mycotoxins and other toxic substances. Methods. ELISA, TLC-bioautography, Lebistis reticulatus bioassay. Results. A quarter of the tested feed samples were shown to be contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, and a third — by substances toxic for fish. Only few samples contained mycotoxins in concentrations, which either exceeded or were similar to the permissible levels in poultry feeds. The contamination was least frequent during 2016, and the most — during 2015. The frequency of wheat and maize contamination was lower than that of compound feeds. Conclusions. Generally, the tested feed samples met existing sanitary requirements. However, prevalence and variability of mycotoxin contamination create a necessity for systematic monitoring of feeds quality and corresponding application of prophylactic measures.

Determination of ionophore coccidiostats in feeding stuffs by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Part II. Application to cross-contamination levels and non-targeted feed

A fit to purpose multi-analyte method for the official control of six coccidiostats (monensin sodium, salinomycin sodium, narasin, lasalocid sodium, semduramicin sodium and maduramicin ammonium alpha) at cross-contamination concentration levels in poultry, cattle, pig and calf compound feed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has been developed and in-house validated. The corresponding maximum levels have been recently introduced by European legislation. The method developed involved a simple extraction of the coccidiostats from the feed samples followed by centrifugation and filtration of the supernatants for all matrices. For calf feed an additional de-fattening step of the filtrated supernatants with n-hexane was necessary. The resulting supernatants were submitted to chromatographic analysis. The analytes were quantified by a modified approach of the standard additions technique applied to the extracts, hence allowing a workload comparable to matrix-matched standard calibration curves. A further simplification of this technique was reached by applying the same addition levels of the target analytes for different concentration ranging from 0.5× maximum level up to 2.5× maximum level (universal approach). The concentration independent intermediate precision expressed in terms of relative standard deviation varied between 3 and 12% (except for maduramicin ammonium alpha and semduramicin sodium up to 21%) and the recovery rates ranged from 80 to 111%, depending on the target analyte and matrix. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were different for the various analyte/matrix/instrument combinations but all LOQs were in the 0.01–0.65 mg kg −1 range, hence well below the target concentrations of each analyte. Based on the obtained method performance characteristics the method is considered fit for the intended purpose.

Spanish poultry education: Assisting the needs of the poultry industry

The Hispanic population is rising in most states in the United States, not only as an absolute value but as a proportion of the overall population of each state. Consequently, various poultry-related jobs have been increasingly filled by Hispanic personnel. However, although few problems have risen from lack of performance from these employees, in some cases, the language barrier has hindered professional development and production efficiency. As a result, various broiler integrators have suggested that we equip our undergraduate student body with some basic skills that would enable these future professionals of our industry to better communicate with Hispanic employees, both in casual conversational as well as at the technical poultry level. For that purpose, a course was recently developed and provided to our students and the results seem promising. Acceptance by our students of the technical information being conveyed was, for the most part, satisfactory and it was concluded that finding a common ground as a starting point was the most challenged area.

Pilot scale fiber separation from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) using sieving and air classification

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the coproduct of fuel ethanol production from cereal grains like corn, is mainly used as cattle feed and is used at low inclusion levels in poultry and swine diets because of high fiber content. Elusieve process, the combination of sieving and air classification (elutriation), was developed in laboratory scale to separate fiber from DDGS to result in a low fiber product which would be more suitable for poultry and swine. In this pilot scale study, DDGS was sieved at a rate of 0.25 kg/s (1 ton/h) into four sieve fractions using a sifter and the three largest sieve fractions were air classified using aspirators to separate fiber on a continuous basis. Results were similar to laboratory scale. Nearly 12.4% by weight of DDGS was separated as Fiber product and resulted in two high protein products that had low fiber contents. Payback period for the Elusieve process in an existing dry grind plant processing corn at the rate of 2030 metric tonnes/day (80,000 bushels/day) would be 1.1 yr.

Growth and yield of maize as influenced by sowing date and poultry manure application.

Two fields experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2005 at Evboneka in Edo State, Nigeria to determine optimum sowing date and poultry manure requirement of maize (Zea mays) for the forest ultisol location. We examined the biomass production and yield, besides growth parameters under three sowing dates (April 7, May 7 and June 7) and four levels of poultry manure (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 tonnes per hectare (tha-1)) in factorial arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant heights, leaf area index (LAI), days to 50% flowering and biomass were significantly affected by sowing date and poultry manure application. The plant height values ranged from 3.9 to 10.80 centimetre (cm) at two weeks after sowing (WAS) to 48.3 cm at six WAS, respectively for the three sowing dates and four levels of poultry manure combinations. Days to 50% flowering was increased when sowing was delayed and with increased in applied poultry level and it vary from 50 to 73 days after sowing. The corresponding value of biomass was 3.32 to 8.80 t ha-1 at final harvest. These parameters resulted in higher crop growth rate for April 7 sown plants treated with poultry manure giving higher grain yield and 1000-grain weight. The maximum grain yield of 5.77 t ha-1 and 1000-grain weight were obtained from April 7 sown plants treated with 5.0 t ha-1 of poultry manure indicating that the best sowing date and poultry level for growth and yield of maize in the rainforest ultisol.

Characterization of Intestinal Microbiota and Response to Dietary Virginiamycin Supplementation in the Broiler Chicken

The inclusion of antibiotic growth promoters, such as virginiamycin, at subtherapeutic levels in poultry feeds has a positive effect on health and growth characteristics, possibly due to beneficial effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. To improve our understanding of the chicken gastrointestinal microbiota and the effect of virginiamycin on its composition, we characterized the bacteria found in five different gastrointestinal tract locations (duodenal loop, mid-jejunum, proximal ileum, ileocecal junction, and cecum) in 47-day-old chickens that were fed diets excluding or including virginiamycin throughout the production cycle. Ten libraries (five gastrointestinal tract locations from two groups of birds) of approximately 555-bp chaperonin 60 PCR products were prepared, and 10,932 cloned sequences were analyzed. A total of 370 distinct cpn60 sequences were identified, which ranged in frequency of recovery from 1 to 2,872. The small intestinal libraries were dominated by sequences from the Lactobacillales (90% of sequences), while the cecum libraries were more diverse and included members of the Clostridiales (68%), Lactobacillales (25%), and Bacteroidetes (6%). To assess the effects of virginiamycin on the gastrointestinal microbiota, 15 bacterial targets were enumerated using quantitative, real-time PCR. Virginiamycin was associated with increased abundance of many of the targets in the proximal gastrointestinal tract (duodenal loop to proximal ileum), with fewer targets affected in the distal regions (ileocecal junction and cecum). These findings provide improved profiling of the composition of the chicken intestinal microbiota and indicate that microbial responses to virginiamycin are most significant in the proximal small intestine.

The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Are We Ready?

MOST INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERTS believe that the world stands on the verge of an influenza pandemic.1–3 Yet, despite the legacy of the 1918 “Spanish flu,” which was estimated to have killed at least 20 million people, and the additional deaths, social disruption, and economic losses that resulted from pandemics in 1957 and 1968, the general public and their elected representatives appear relatively unconcerned about the next “killer flu.” Considerably more attention has been focused on protecting the public from terrorist attacks than from the greater threat of pandemic influenza—an event conservatively expected to cause between 2 and 8 million deaths.2 Meanwhile, the danger mounts as the world’s capacity to produce vaccines shrinks and avian H5N1 influenza, which has infected many people and killed at least 44 to date, continues to circulate in Southeast Asia.4 With the H5N1 virus showing progressive genetic changes as it has adapted to new avian hosts in recent years and is now circulating at or near endemic levels in poultry in many parts of Asia, the pervasive threat of a pandemic outbreak in humans grows larger and more imminent. A summary was recently prepared for the Forum on Microbial Threats of the Institute of Medicine, entitled The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Are We Ready?, based on discussions and presentations at a 2-day workshop convened in June 2004 by the Forum. It includes papers from leading experts that explore the history of influenza pandemics and its lessons along with the 2003–04 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Asia and its implications for human health. It chronicles the emergence and toll of the H5N1 avian influenza strain and its appearance in mammals, including humans, and compares the costs of preparations with the costs of illness and death that could arise during an outbreak. It describes what steps the United States and other countries have taken thus far to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak and discusses unmet needs, including the inability of hospitals to absorb the expected surge of critically ill patients and the gaps existing in many nations’ capacities to monitor and detect flu outbreaks among animals or people. The summary points to the need for international agreements regarding the sharing of influenza vaccine and antiviral stockpiles to ensure that the 88 percent of nations that cannot manufacture or stockpile these products have access to them. Several recurring themes emerged during the workshop. The assessments put forward by individual experts are included in the report. Echoing throughout the discussions of the question “Are we ready for a pandemic influenza?” was the answer: “no.” The unmet needs, gaps in knowledge, and opportunities not yet taken for improving preparedness that suggest such a conclusion are described here in brief.

Characterization of Phytase Activity from Cultivated Edible Mushrooms and Their Production Substrates

Phytase is used commercially to maximize phytic acid degradation and to decrease phosphorus levels in poultry and swine manure. To determine phytase content in edible mushrooms, basidiomata of Agaricus bisporus and three specialty mushrooms (Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus cornucopiae) and spent mushroom substrate (SMS) were surveyed. Enzyme activity ranged from 0.046 to 0.074 unit/g of tissue for four A. bisporus types (closed and open whites and closed and open browns) grown at The Pennsylvania State University's Mushroom Test Demonstration Facility (MTDF). The addition of various nutrient supplements to phase II mushroom production substrate did not alter phytase activity in A. bisporus. Portabella mushrooms (open brown) obtained from a commercial farm had significantly higher levels of phytase activity (0.211 unit/g of tissue) compared to A. bisporus grown at the MTDF. Of the specialty mushrooms surveyed, maitake (G. frondosa) had 20% higher phytase activity (0.287 unit/g of tissue) than commercial portabella mushrooms. The yellow oyster mushroom (P. cornucopiae) ranked second in level of phytase activity (0.213 unit/g of tissue). Shiitake (L. edodes) contained the least amount of phytase in basidiomata (0.107 unit/g of tissue). Post-crop steam treatment (60 degrees C, 24 h) of SMS reduced phytase activity from 0.074 to 0.018 unit/g. Phytase was partially purified from commercially grown portabella basidiomata 314-fold with an estimated molecular mass of 531 kDa by gel filtration chromatography. The optimum pH for activity was 5.5, but appreciable phytase activity was observed over the range of pH 5.0-8.0. Partially purified A. bisporus phytase was inactivated following a 10-min incubation at > or =60 degrees C.

The use of instrumental neutron activation analysis for the determination of arsenic concentrations in poultry

There has been recent public concern over the use of organic arsenicals as medicaments and growth stimulators for poultry. In early studies, there was a correlation shown between the intake of arsenic and carcinogensis. Several investigators have strongly disputed these results. The purpose of this study was not to verify or discredit this carcinogenic theory but simply to determine if the arsenic levels in poultry could be measured using instrumental activation analysis. These analyses indicate that arsenic concentrations in poultry can be measured at levels below the mandatory maximum levels of arsenic in poultry.

Effect of Dietary Calcium-Phosphorus Adjustment and/or Supplementation with Terephthalic Acid upon Serum Antibiotic Levels of Chickens

It has been previously reported by Price et al. (1958a), using the ligated duodenal loop technique, that in chicks serum levels of oxytetracycline* (OTC) were significantly reduced by simultaneous administration of calcium chloride. Concurrent administration of calcium-binding agents, such as certain phosphates and citric acid, tended to overcome the depression in absorption produced by calcium. The fact that both calcium and phosphorus are present in poultry rations in fairly high concentrations suggested determining the influence of these elements on blood serum levels of orally administered tetracycline antibiotics. The effect of supplementing the ration with terephthalic acid (TA) also was determined, since Price et al. (1958b) have shown that TA markedly increases serum OTC levels in poultry by a mode of action apparently unrelated to cation depression of antibiotic absorption. This effect of TA is described in a recent patent (Kent and Peterson, 1958).In the present study, at least 5 …