Litter Moisture Research Articles

Photodegradation of plant litter cuticles enhances microbial decomposition by increasing uptake of non‐rainfall moisture

Abstract Litter decomposition plays a central role in carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. In drylands, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface, photodegradation and biotic decomposition driven by non‐rainfall moisture are important mechanisms of litter decay, though studies have only recently begun examining interactions between these two processes. We describe a novel priming mechanism in which photodegradation and biotic decay of the cuticle of plant litter increase litter absorption of non‐rainfall moisture (fog, dew and water vapor), supporting greater microbial decomposition. We used several field experiments in a coastal fog desert and a series of in situ observations to demonstrate a relationship between solar radiation, cuticle integrity, water absorption rates and mass loss. Experimentally attenuating solar radiation for 36 months slowed mass loss, reduced cuticle degradation and decreased litter moisture uptake relative to litter under ambient sunlight controls. In a separate field experiment, removing the cuticle of recently senesced grass tillers increased mass loss fourfold over 6 months relative to controls. Tillers with degraded cuticles also absorbed 3.8 times more water following an overnight dew event than did those with intact cuticles. Finally, fungal growth was consistently greater on the sun‐facing side of in situ tillers than on the shaded side, coincident with greater cuticle degradation. We present a conceptual model where the cuticle of plant litter acts as a water‐resistant barrier that is first degraded by solar radiation and surficial microbes, increasing litter's ability to absorb enough water during non‐rainfall moisture events to support substantial biotic decomposition inside the tissue. Considering how photodegradation and non‐rainfall moisture are both substantial drivers of litter decomposition in drylands, understanding how they interact under realistic field conditions will help us better predict how these systems are responding to changing climate regimes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

PSIV-16 Phytase Expressed from Schizosaccharomyces Pombe Ameliorates Footpad Lesions in Cage-Reared Broiler Chicks

Abstract Footpad lesion is a problem that plagued the poultry industry, because it occurs in birds that are either reared in the cage or on the floor. Reports from previous studies about amelioration of footpad lesions by feeding phytase to floor-reared broiler chicks via reduction in litter moisture content is inconclusive. Therefore, phytase supplementation may have other potential mechanisms to improve the footpad lesions. The cage-reared broiler chicks were used in this study because they are divided with litter. A total of 234 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the initial body weight (42.22 ± 0.18 g) with 6 replicate cages and 13 birds (mixed sex) per cage. The experimental period was 45 d. Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-basal diet and supplemented with 500 and 750 FTU/kg S. pombe-expressed phytase. The unit of phytase (FTU) was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the release of one micromole phosphate from phytate per minute at 37°C and pH 5.5. Orthogonal contrasts were used to examine the linear and quadratic effects in response to increasing the dietary supplementation of phytase. We found that dietary supplementation of S. pombe-expressed phytase increased (P < 0.05) the apparent ileal calcium and phosphorus digestibility and toe ash in a dose-dependent manner, whereas decreased (P > 0.05) the footpad lesions score. From this, we considered that footpad lesions ameliorated by phytase supplementation were related to the improvement of calcium and phosphorus digestibility and toe ash.

The influence of stocking density on behaviour, health, and production in commercial fattening turkeys - a review

ABSTRACT 1. This paper reviews literature on the effects of stocking density on behaviour, health, and production in intensively housed fattening turkeys. 2. Worldwide, there are various regulations and recommendations on the maximum stocking density. While stocking density can be determined based on the space covered by the body, a more appropriate method considers space requirements for natural behaviour. Turkeys are less likely disturbed at low stocking density as seen by increased sitting, lying, and preening behaviours compared to animals housed at high stocking density. Furthermore, lower stocking density together with smaller group size, species-appropriate light conditions and suitable structuring of barn housing are repeatedly mentioned as good strategies to prevent injurious pecking. 3. Increased stocking density – in terms of weight and animal number per floor area – is related to increased litter moisture, which can have negative impact on animal health. High stocking density can also lead to poor body mass gain and increased mortality, which are not only indicators of impaired welfare but also of economic interest. 4. Based on the available scientific literature and economic aspects with regard to the above criteria, a maximum stocking density for turkeys appears to be 36-a maximum of 40 kg live weight per m2 of usable floor space. However, the number of animals per square space should also be limited to avoid increased litter moisture and reduced health.

Live Performance and Microbial Load Modulation of Broilers Fed a Direct-Fed Microbials (DFM) and Xylanase Combination.

The animal industry, which focuses on producing protein for human consumption, is continuously seeking solutions that can enhance both animal performance and health at a low cost. Several feed additives are currently being used to improve the nutritive value of feed as well as replacing the subtherapeutic levels of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). This study was designed to investigate the effect of a feed additive that is a blend of multi-strain Bacillus spp. probiotics and a xylanase in a 2 × 2 factorial dietary treatments design, testing two levels of the feed additive blend (0 and 100 g/MT) and two cereal grain types (corn and wheat) on live performance, gut lesions, environmental Clostridium perfringens load, and pathogen load in the digesta of broiler chickens (E. tenella, total aerobic count cells (APC), E. coli, and C. perfringens). Day-old chicks were randomly placed in 10 replicate pens per treatment with 52 birds per replicate and grown to 42 d of age. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. At 42 d, birds fed EnzaPro were heavier (p < 0.0004) than unsupplemented birds. An improvement in FCR (p = 0.03) was observed from 1 to 42 d by approximately two points in both corn- and wheat-based diets supplemented with EnzaPro. In wheat-based diets, supplementing EnzaPro reduced (p < 0.0001) a 21 d lesion score of intestines with a further reduction (p < 0.02) at 42 d. EnzaPro reduced (p < 0.03) litter moisture by approximately 1% compared to non-supplemented EnzaPro in both corn- and wheat-based diets. Pathogen load in digesta (C. perfringens, E. tenella, APC, and E. coli) was reduced (p < 0.0002) when EnzaPro was supplemented in diets. It can be concluded that EnzaPro (a blend of DFM Bacillus spp (1 × 105 CFU/g feed) and xylanase (10 XU/g feed)) may be used in both corn- and wheat-based diets to improve the performance and gut health of broilers.

Phytase expressed from Saccharomyces pombe ameliorates footpad lesions in cage-reared broiler chicks.

Background/aimThe condition of footpad is an important aspect of poultry welfare. This is a problem that plagues the poultry industry because it occurs whether birds are reared in the cage or on the floor. It is reported that feeding phytase to floor‐reared broiler chicks could ameliorate footpad lesions, which is related to the reduction of litter moisture. However, some studies reported that phytase supplementation could ameliorate footpad lesions, but did not affect litter quality. Therefore, phytase supplementation may have other potential mechanisms to improve the footpad lesions. Cage‐reared broiler chicks were used in this study because they had no access to litter.Material and methodsA total of 234 1‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three groups based on the initial body weight (42.22 ± 0.18 g) with six replicate cages and 13 birds (mixed sex) per cage. The experimental period was 45 days. Dietary treatments were based on a corn–soybean meal‐basal diet and supplemented with 500 and 750 FTU/kg Saccharomyces pombe expressed phytase. The unit of phytase (FTU) was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the release of one micromole phosphate from phytate per minute at 37°C and pH 5.5.Result and conclusionWe found that dietary supplementation of S. pombe expressed phytase could improve calcium and phosphorus digestibility and subsequent improvement in toe ash, thus ameliorating footpad lesions in broiler chicks with no access to litter.

Effect of low-protein corn and soybean meal-based diets on nitrogen utilization, litter quality, and water consumption in broiler chicken production: insight from meta-analysis

The growing demand for high-value animal protein must be met using sustainable means that optimize the utilization of nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) so that excreta do not over-fertilize fields and end up causing soil acidification, waterway eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. Malodorous N compounds can cause respiratory diseases and poor growth in livestock. The increasing availability of feed-grade amino acids makes it possible to formulate low-protein diets for broilers and thereby reduce N excretion. However, published studies of the effects of such diets on broiler growth performance have been based on reducing CP contents gradually in a variety of ways that have given inconsistent results. Since the amount of published data is now large, a meta-analysis was performed in order to categorize diet formulation strategies and quantify their impact on N balance, water consumption, litter moisture, plasma uric acid. This showed that lowering the CP content of broiler diets generally means replacing some soybean meal with corn and hence increasing the starch content. However, since soybean meal is also a source of potassium, this reduces electrolyte balance. Lowering the CP content from 19% to 17% is associated with a 29% reduction of N excretion in broilers aged 0–21 d, and a 7% increase in N efficiency (N retention/N intake). Reducing the CP content from 19% to 17% decreases daily water consumption by 20.6 mL/bird, litter moisture by 2.2% and plasma uric acid by 0.56 mg/dL. This meta-analysis improves our understanding of the low-protein strategy and allows us to quantify its impact on N balance, litter quality and uric acid. It shows that managing N excretion is wholly beneficial and reduces litter wetness.

Disturbance reduces fungal white‐rot litter mat cover in a wet subtropical forest

AbstractFungi that bind leaf litter into mats and produce white‐rot via degradation of lignin and other aromatic compounds influence forest nutrient cycling and soil fertility. Extent of white‐rot litter mats formed by basidiomycete fungi in Puerto Rico decreased in response to disturbances—a simulated hurricane treatment executed by canopy trimming and debris addition in 2014, a drought in 2015, a treefall, and two hurricanes 10 days apart in September 2017. Percent fungal litter mat cover ranged from 0.4% after Hurricanes Irma and Maria to a high of 53% in forest with undisturbed canopy prior to the 2017 hurricanes, with means mostly between 10% and 45% of fungal litter mat cover in undisturbed forest. Drought decreased litter mat cover in both treatments, except in one control plot dominated by a drought‐resistant fungus, Marasmius crinis‐equi. Percent fungal litter mat cover sharply declined after hurricanes, a treefall, and a simulated hurricane treatment. Solar radiation was significantly inversely correlated with relative humidity (RH) and percent litter mat cover within each of the four climatic seasons. Solar radiation was also directly correlated with prior month litterfall, while RH was moderately correlated with throughfall, rain, and litter wetness. However, rainfall was inversely correlated with litter mat cover, possibly due to erosion or saturation during high rainfall events. Canopy opening reduced leaf fall and litter mat cover but these variables were not correlated except in winter. The main factor inhibiting basidiomycete fungi that bind leaf litter into mats was likely lower litter moisture associated with drought and increased solar radiation from canopy opening but secondary compounds in green litterfall may have contributed. Although higher litterfall likely increases fungal mat cover under closed canopy, changes in environmental factors apparently had a stronger inhibitory effect following canopy disturbances. Drought tolerance of some basidiomycete fungal litter mat species provided some resilience to drought.

In pursuit of a better broiler: walking ability and incidence of contact dermatitis in conventional and slower growing strains of broiler chickens

In this study, the mobility, incidence, and severity of contact dermatitis and litter moisture content were assessed in 14 strains of broiler chickens differing in growth rate. The strains encompassed 2 conventional (CONV; ADG0-48 > 60 g/d) and 12 slower growing (SG) strains categorized as FAST (ADG0-62 = 53-55 g/d), MOD (ADG0-62 = 50-51 g/d), and SLOW (ADG0-62 < 50 g/d), with 4 strains in each category. A total of 7,216 mixed-sex birds were equally allocated into 164 pens (44 birds/pen; 30 kg/m2) in a randomized incomplete block design, with each strain represented in 8 to 12 pens over 2–3 trials. From each pen, 4 to 6 birds were tested in the latency-to-lie (LTL) and group obstacle tests 1 wk prior to the birds reaching 2 target weights (TWs) of approximately 2.1 kg (TW1: 34 d for CONV and 48 d for SG strains) and 3.2 kg (TW2: 48 d for CONV and 62 d for SG strains). The incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD) and hock burns (HB) were evaluated a day prior to each TW. Litter moisture content was determined biweekly from d 14 to d 56. At TW1, CONV and SLOW had longer LTL than FAST birds. At TW2, CONV, MOD, and FAST birds had similar LTL. At both TWs, CONV birds were lighter than FAST birds in the group obstacle test, yet their number of obstacle crossings was similar. At TW1, CONV birds had greater incidence of FPD than FAST and MOD, while at TW2, CONV birds had greater incidence than the other categories. The incidence of HB in CONV and MOD was greater than SLOW birds at TW1, while at TW2, the incidence of HB was greater in CONV and FAST birds vs. MOD and SLOW birds. Litter moisture content was high in all categories from d 28 onward. Our results indicate that both BW and growth rate influence leg strength and walking ability, whereas the overall high litter moisture content and to a lesser extent growth rate influenced the incidence of contact dermatitis.

Feeding guanidinoacetic acid to broiler chickens can compensate for low dietary metabolisable energy formulation

ABSTRACT 1. This study compared the responses of broilers to diets supplemented with the same level of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) but formulated to have different N-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) contents. The study involved 1280, one-day-old Ross 308 broilers, in 64 pens comprising 32 pens of males and 32 pens females, (20 birds in each) aged from 0 to 42 d. 2. Commercial AME levels of 12.55 MJ/kg, 12.97 MJ/kg and 13.18 MJ/kg in the starter, grower and finisher diets, respectively, were set for the positive control (PC) feed. Four dietary treatments were prepared: PC (as above); negative control 1 (NC; PC – 0.21 MJ ME /kg); NC1 + 0.06% GAA; NC2 (PC – 0.42 MJ ME/kg + 0.06% GAA). Each diet was provided in 16 pens (eight male and eight female), following randomisation. 3. Overall, birds fed NC1 had lower feed intakes (FI) compared to birds fed the PC and NC2+ GAA, lower weight gain (WG) compared to all the other diets and lower final body weight than birds fed the GAA diets (P < 0.05). There was a diet x sex interaction (P = 0.039), whereby feeding NC+GAA to female birds improved feed efficiency compared to being fed NC2 and NC1+ GAA, but not in males. Birds fed diets with GAA had a higher poultry efficiency factor (P < 0.001) than those fed NC1. 4. There were no effects of treatment or sex on litter moisture, footpad score, white striping, wooden breast, AMEn, dry matter and fat retention (P > 0.05). However, the diet NC1+ GAA had 11.2% higher nitrogen retention coefficient compared to the NC1 diet (P = 0.038). 5. Overall, the results implied that lower performance induced by a reduction of dietary AMEn in the range of 0.21 to 0.42 MJ/kg was more than compensated by supplementing 600 g/t GAA to the feed.

Supplying Hydrogen Water to Ducks Did Not Influence Ammonia Content and Duck Litter Quality

Drinking hydrogen-rich water shows a remarkable antioxidant effect in preventive and therapeutic applications. However, there is no previous report and information on ammonia (NH3) production and duck litter quality when hydrogen water was supplied to ducks. This study verified the effects of supplying hydrogen water to ducks on NH3 production and duck litter quality in a duck rearing environment. A total of 1,200 0-d-old Pekin ducks were divided into 2 groups of similar body weight (3 replicates with 200 ducks per pen) and used for 42 days. The two groups consisted of general water and hydrogen water in the water supply system, as the control and treatment groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences between two groups for NH3 contents for the five weeks (p>0.05), except for week 6. For litter quality, no effects (p>0.05) between the two water groups were found in the pH, total nitrogen (TN), ammonia-N (VBN), and VFA content of litter. The only significant difference observed in duck litter quality was litter moisture contents (p<0.05). Lastly, mineral and heavy metal contents did not significantly differ between the two water groups. As the first pen trials evaluating the effects of hydrogen water on duck litter, these results verify that supplying hydrogen water to ducks did not influence ammonia and duck litter quality.

Controlled field experiment clarifies the influence of soil moisture on litter moisture content

Fuel moisture content (FMC) of fine surface litter fuel plays a decisive role in determining fire ignition and spread. Understanding physical processes that determine litter moisture dynamics is necessary to accurately predict litter FMC. It is known that vapour exchange, precipitation and latent heat transfer are dominant factors governing changes in litter FMC. However, limited research has been undertaken on physical processes at the soil-litter interface, despite the presumed importance of soil moisture in hydrating litter. In this study, we investigated the influence of soil moisture on litter FMC in factorial controlled field experiments at a dry and a wet site in Canberra, Australia. Each site had two treatments: with and without contact between soil and litter. Litter FMC, temperature and relative humidity were automatically and continuously measured in both surface and subsurface litter with a combination of fuel moisture, temperature and relative humidity sensors. The two treatments showed a different influence of soil moisture on litter FMC at the dry and wet site. There was limited moisture transport from soil to litter at the dry site, almost certainly dominated by vapour flux. Here, the influence of soil moisture on litter FMC is through its influence on local humidity in the litter layer. However, at the wet site capillary flow occurred in addition to vapour flux from the soil. The capillary flow responded to the matric potential gradient between soil and litter. The measurements confirmed that subsurface litter was more strongly coupled to the soil than the surface litter, which was more strongly coupled with the atmosphere. The improved understanding of physical processes governing water transport from soil to litter should help predict litter FMC more accurately, especially under wet soil conditions. Further research is needed to incorporate soil-litter interactions in litter FMC simulations.

Modern aspects of contact dermatitis in industrial poultry farming

Contact dermatitis is a lesion of the skin of broilers, which leads to a decrease in the quality of the carcass by 15-30 %. It is described as brown-black erosions and ulcers that occur on the breast (breast blisters, BB), hock burns (HB) and on the skin of the central pulp of the foot (food pad dermatitis, FPD). The most commonly affected is the pulp of the foot, followed by the hocks and chest. There are a number of factors that lead to crumb dermatitis. These include: the density of planting birds; type of troughs and the order of their use; feeding; the level of temperature and humidity in the room; type of litter, its quality and quantity; intestinal health. Birds are kept at a density of 8 individuals/m2 suffered less from dermatitis than those kept at a density of 13 individuals/m2 . Moreover, the harmful effects of high density were particularly pronounced at 18 individuals/m2 . The prevalence and severity of this pathology in broilers increases at later stages of fattening. Pododermatitis spread to several layers of skin. The condition of the crumbs worsened when the bird reached slaughter age with up to 64 % of the carcasses affected. In this case, lesions of the hocks and chest were rare. Wet litter (&gt; 30 % moisture) is associated with an increase in the incidence and severity of contact dermatitis in broiler and turkey housing systems. This state of litter is most often registered in the winter-spring and autumn seasons. The quality of the litter, especially taking into account its humidity, has been identified as an important issue of well-being, which has a great negative impact on the condition of feathers, limb health and the frequency of contact dermatitis. Litter temperature is also important. With its growth, the degree of contact dermatitis increases. The reason for the increase in litter temperature is the increase in planting density and the accumulation of more manure, which enhances bacterial fermentation. With wet litter, bird feathers become wet or contaminated with litter, feces and dirt. It loses its protective properties. The level of bird welfare is declining sharply. Diagnosis of contact dermatitis in poultry is based on characteristic clinical signs. These are lameness, impaired mobility and discoloration of the skin, which often develops into an ulcer. The lesions are clearly separated from the intact tissue and often appear as ulcers surrounded by a deep hemorrhagic shaft. Contact dermatitis can develop in less than a week. Characteristic signs at the beginning of the disease are swelling, redness and increase in local temperature, thickening of the skin. Deep ulcers usually lead to abscesses in the underlying tissues and structures. Often the affected area is covered with crusts. If large ulcers develop, they can cause pain, slow growth, obstruct gait, and open bacteria to underlying tissues. Key words: broilers, contact dermatitis, dermatitis of the central pulp of the finger, dermatitis in the area of the hocks, dermatitis in the chest.

Dietary Resin Acid Concentrate Improved Performance of Broiler Chickens and Litter Quality in Three Experiments.

Simple SummaryResin acids are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds derived from spruce and pine trees. In a previous study, in which a mixture of resin acids and fatty acids from pine and spruce trees was added to the feeds of broiler chickens, they grew heavier, and their footpads stayed in better condition. Here, three separate trials were conducted to study whether dietary resin acids without the fatty acids have the same effects on broiler chickens. Broiler chicken diets were amended with different dosages of a resin acid concentrate product. Bird weight gain increased, and the efficiency of broiler production was improved when the resin acid concentrate was added to the diet at 125–250 g/ton. The litter material of pens stayed drier in resin acid concentrate groups, which may indicate better intestinal condition of the birds. However, the footpad condition was unaffected by the experimental diets. The results suggest that the resin acid concentrate improves bird weight gain and the efficiency of broiler production. Therefore, the resin acid concentrate may be a promising feed additive for broiler chickens.Dietary coniferous resin acids have previously been suggested to support the intestinal integrity of broiler chickens by reducing mucosal collagen degradation. The present study examined the effects of resin acid concentrate (RAC) on broiler performance and litter quality. In trial 1, RAC was added to diets at 0, 125, 250, or 1250 g/ton, while in trials 2 and 3, RAC dosing was 0 or 175 g/ton. Bird weight, feed consumption, mortality, feed conversion ratio (FCR), European Efficiency Index (EEI), litter moisture, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) lesions were measured. In trial 1, RAC at 125 and 250 g/ton improved weight gain and EEI, while RAC at 1250 g/ton group did not differ from control. Feed consumption, FCR, FPD scores and mortality were similar in all treatments, but litter quality was improved by all doses of RAC. In trials 2 and 3, RAC increased the final weight of birds, improved FCR, EEI, and litter quality, but had no effects in other parameters. In summary, RAC at 125–250 g/ton improved bird performance and thus shows promise as a feed additive. The dryer litter in RAC treatments may suggest improved intestinal condition as a response to in-feed resin acids.

Terrestrial Snails and Slugs of Nevada, USA: An Overview of Taxa, Biogeography, and Habitat Affinities

The biogeography and habitat affinities of the Recent taxa of terrestrial mollusks of Nevada, western USA, are discussed herein. A total of 52 land snails and slug species were found in Nevada, of which 21 are newly reported records. Two native land snails found previously were not found by this author, and 6 additional species are possible for the state. Of the 47 species of land snail found in the state, 42 are considered native, while 5 are introduced. Only one slug, Deroceras laeve, is considered native, while 4 others are introduced. Land mollusks in eastern and central Nevada are derived from the Rocky Mountain Molluscan Province, such as Pupilla hebes, Microphysula ingersolli, and Oreohelix strigosa depressa (9 species, 18%), while southern Nevada supports species derived from the Southwestern Province, such as Gastrocopta spp., Striatura meridionalis, and Eremarionta rowelli (8 species, 16%). A Californian and Oregonian influence includes Pristiloma chersinella and Punctum californicum. Introduced land snails and slugs such as Deroceras reticulatum, Lehmannia valentiana, Cepaea nemoralis, and Rumina decollata are found in the gardens and parks of urban areas in Nevada. The present native land snail distributions in Nevada result from Miocene and Pliocene dispersal and establishment in the mountains of the Great Basin followed by Pleistocene and Holocene fragmentation and isolation. Xeric habitats such as sagebrush steppe, Pygmy conifer woodlands, and dry alkaline lake beds dominate much of the state and support very few or no land mollusks. Nine habitats are identified as being used by terrestrial mollusks in Nevada. Mountain woodlands, springs, and chaparral support 71% of the total fauna, which includes 36 land snail species and the slug Deroceras laeve where water, coniferous and deciduous vegetation, and moist litter are available between 1400 and 2800 m elevation. The more xeric Mojave Desert in the south (165–1100 m) and sagebrush steppe of the Great Basin (800–2000 m) support 3 and 4 species, respectively. The Pygmy coniferous woodlands occasionally support 2 species, except when the woodlands are associated with limestone cliffs and shrubs, where 5 species may be present (1600–2200 m). River valleys, perennial streams, and meadows (800–2000 m) make up only 1% of the state's land area but support 19 species of land mollusks. Subalpine and alpine habitats in the high mountains (2800–3400 m) support 13 species of land snails. Urban areas with greenhouses, parks, and casino gardens support 9 species of introduced land snails and slugs.

Dynamic changes in moisture content and applicability analysis of a typical litter prediction model in Yunnan Province.

BackgroundForest fire risk predictions are based on the most conservation daily predictions, and the lowest litter moisture content of each day is often used to predict the day’s fire risk. Yunnan Province is the area with the most frequent and serious forest fires in China, but there is almost no research on the dynamic changes and model predictions of the litter moisture content in this area. Therefore, to reduce the occurrence of forest fires and improve the accuracy of forest fire risk predictions, it is necessary to understand these dynamic changes and establish an appropriate prediction model for the typical litter moisture content in Yunnan Province.MethodDuring the fire prevention period, daily dynamic changes in the litter moisture content are obtained by monitoring the daily step size, and the relationships between the litter moisture content and meteorological elements are analyzed. In this study, the meteorological element regression method, moisture code method and direction estimation method are selected to establish litter moisture content prediction models, and the applicability of each model is analyzed.ResultsWe found that dynamic changes in the litter moisture content have obvious lags compared with meteorological elements, and the litter moisture content is mainly related to the air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. With an increase in the sampling interval of meteorological elements, the significances of these correlations first increase and then decrease. The moisture content value obtained by directly using the moisture code method in the Fire Weather Index (FWI) significantly different from the measured value, so this method is not applicable. The mean absolute error (MAE) and mean relative error (MRE) values obtained with the meteorological element regression method are 2.97% and 14.06%, those from the moisture code method are 3.27% and 14.07%, and those from the direct estimation method are 2.82% and 12.76%, respectively.ConclusionsThe direct estimation method has the lowest error and the strongest extrapolation ability; this method can meet the needs of daily fire forecasting. Therefore, it is feasible to use the direct estimation method to predict litter moisture contents in Yunnan Province.

Limitation and Potential Effects of Different Levels of Aging Corn on Performance, Antioxidative Capacity, Intestinal Health, and Microbiota in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryCorn is an important ingredient and staple food in China; thus, corn storage has a certain importance to ensure domestic food resources. Normally, corn has been stored for 3 or more years under the proper storage conditions in national barns before it is used as a feed ingredient. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of aging corn (AC) on performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal health, and microbiota in broilers. In the present study, AC grains were stored for 4 years under the proper storage conditions at the national storage facility. The results indicated that a lower level of AC diet showed improved performance and overall bird health than a higher level of AC, and comparable with a normal corn diet. However, antioxidative capacity is reduced by AC diets.Three-hundred and sixty-day-old male broilers underwent three treatments with six replicates of 20 birds per treatment. The experimental diets included NC: normal corn diet; ACL: lower level (39.6–41.24%) of AC; and ACH: a higher level (56.99–59.12%) of AC. During phase 1 (0–21 d), broilers fed on AC showed lower (p < 0.05) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared with the NC group. During phase 2 (22–42 d), the NC group and ACL group showed better (p < 0.05) BW, BWG, and FCR than the ACH group. The footpad lesion score (p = 0.05) and litter moisture percentage (p < 0.05) were found to be higher in the ACH group. During phase 1, the ACL group showed a lower level of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.05) in serum; moreover, catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (p < 0.05) were found lower in both AC-containing groups. During phase 2, CAT activity in serum was found higher (p < 0.05) in the ACH group. During phase 1, the NC group showed higher CAT (p = 0.05), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p = 0.03); however, it showed lower MDA (p < 0.05) and total-antioxidative capability (T-AOC) (p < 0.05) in the liver. During phase 1, in breast muscle, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were higher (p < 0.05) in the NC group. During phase 1, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. Similarly, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the ACL group than the ACH group. During phase 1, villus height was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACH group. Moreover, the goblet cell (GC) was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the NC group than the ACL group. During phase 2, GC was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. In ileal digesta, during phase 1, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (BA) levels were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. In cecal digesta, BA was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the NC group.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Footpad Dermatitis in Canadian Turkeys

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) can be a prevalent issue in commercial turkey production. This study aimed to identify the bird, housing, and management-related factors associated with the prevalence of FPD in the Canadian turkey flocks. A questionnaire and flock health scoring system were developed and disseminated to ~500 commercial turkey farmers across Canada. Farmers were asked to score FPD on a subset of 30 birds within their flock using a 0–2 scoring scale based on severity. The prevalence of FPD in the flock was calculated as the percentage of affected birds (score 1 or 2). A multivariate linear regression modeling was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of FPD. Four variables were included in the final model and accounted for 26.7% of the variation in FPD prevalence among the flocks. FPD prevalence was higher with increasing bird weight (3.6 ± 1.13), higher in flocks bedded with straw (12.1 ± 7.9), higher in flocks where birds were picked up less frequently during daily inspections (11.6 ± 8.10), and higher in flocks that used feed/water additives to reduce litter moisture (20.5 ± 10.59). These findings are a preliminary exploratory assessment of risk factors related to FPD prevalence on Canadian turkey farms. While these findings emphasize the importance of litter management and the stockperson, estimates and P-values from this study should be interpreted with caution. Further, longitudinal studies with the identified variables are required to better determine their influence on FPD.

Comparison of litter quality, performance, and some welfare parameters of broilers reared on the sepiolite-supplemented paper waste sludge.

Waste management is the protection of the environment and the health of the population. Paper waste sludge is produced during paper production and sepiolite is a natural clay mineral. The aim of the study was to investigate the usability of sepiolite-added paper waste sludge as a bedding material in the broiler production. Two hundred eighty-eight 1-day old male broiler chicks were divided into the 6 bedding material groups (wood shavings (control), paper waste sludge, sepiolite, mix of 25% paper waste sludge and 75% sepiolite, mix of 50% paper waste sludge and 50% sepiolite, and mix of 75% paper waste sludge and 25% sepiolite) with 6 replicate pens per group. Litter quality, performance, and some welfare parameters of broilers were assessed during the 6 weeks' period. Body weight at 42 days of age and body weight gain from 0 to 42 days of broilers reared on the wood shavings and mix of 50% paper waste sludge and 50% sepiolite were found higher than those of the sepiolite and paper waste sludge groups. Feed consumption and feed to gain ratio from 0 to 42 days, yields of carcass and carcass parts, percentages of organs and abdominal fat, IgG, percentage of bursa Fabricius, burns of foot pad and breast, litter pH and meat properties of broilers reared on the wood shavings, paper waste sludge, and sepiolite litter groups were not found to be statistically different. Litter moisture was found higher in the paper waste sludge group than that in the sepiolite group at the 42 days of rearing. As a conclusion, usage of mix of 50% paper waste sludge and 50% sepiolite as a litter does not have any negative effects on performance, welfare, and litter quality. This result is important in terms of utilizing a waste product.

Effects of zinc dosage and particle size on gut morphology, tight junctions and TNF-α expression in broiler breeder hens.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of different amounts and particle size of zinc oxide (ZnO) on villus height (VH), villus width (VW), crypt depth (CD) and VH to CD ratio (VH: CD), and expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin (OC) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in broiler breeders. A total of 350 (Ross 308) broiler breeder hens of 54weeks randomly assigned to seven treatments, included control basal diet (C) without added Zn, C+ 100, and 130mg Zn per kg of diet from Large (L) (100-1000nm) and Small (S) (<100nm) particle size ZnO (LZnO100 and 130; SZnO100 and 130), C and SZnO100 challenged with lipopolysaccharide (C+LPS and SZnO100+LPS). Each diet was fed to five replicates consisting of ten birds each. The middle part of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was used for morphological assessments. To assess the gene expression of ZO-1, OC and TNF-α in the jejunum samples were excised. Results showed that the supplementing 130ppm SZnO increased VH:CD in the duodenum (p<0.05). VW in the duodenum and all the evaluated morphometric indices in jejunum and ileum were not affected by the dietary treatment (p>0.05). ZO-1mRNA abundance in C+LPS group compared to SZnO100+LPS group was significantly decreased and increased by LPS and SZnO100 respectively. The SZnO-100 increased OC gene expression in compare to C+LPS group. The expression of TNF-α in C+LPS treatment was higher than other groups (p<0.05). The lowest and the highest litter moisture and foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) were observed in LZnO-130 and C treatments respectively (p<0.05). Improving the physical properties of ZnO affect on VH:CD. Broiler breeder diet with ZnO enhance ZO-1, OC and mitigate TNF-α gene expression in jejunum maintenance of gut health in broiler breeders.

Effect of stocking density on performance, infection by Eimeria spp., intestinal lesions and foot pad injuries in broilers with outdoor access under tropical conditions

ABSTRACT 1. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of stocking density on performance, litter moisture, Eimeria oocyst shedding, intestinal and foot lesions in broilers. 2. A total of 192 1-d-old male Cobb broilers were distributed with three different stocking densities (6, 8 or 10 chickens/m2) with outdoor access and eight replicates in a completely randomised design over two periods. Productive parameters were measured from 3 to 7 weeks of age. 3. Oocyst counts (OPG) in both excreta and litter were performed at 3, 4 and 5 weeks of age. Intestinal and foot pad lesions were evaluated at 7 weeks old. The stocking density of 6 birds/m2 had the highest body weights (P < 0.05) (2129 ± 37.67, 2759 ± 50.82 and 3167 ± 75.64 g at weeks 5, 6 and 7 of age, respectively). 4. Feed intake decreased with increasing stocking density at week 3 (r = −0.57), 4 (r = −0.48), 5 (r = −0.84), 6 (r = −0.68) and 7 (r = −0.65) of age (P < 0.05). Birds with stocking densities of 8 and 10/m2 consumed, respectively, up to 11% and 19.5% less feed than the lower stocking density groups. 5. Stocking density affected (P < 0.05) feed conversion (1.61, 1.49 and 1.46) and litter moisture (40.88, 52.60 and 56.19%) at 3 weeks of age. Neither carcase yield nor mortality was different between densities (P > 0.05). Likewise, there was no effect of stocking density on OPG neither in excreta nor in litter, intestinal lesions, or foot pad and hock injuries (P > 0.05). 6. In conclusion, the higher stocking density decreased both the feed intake and the live weight in broilers, but there were no effects in the number of Eimeria OPG in excreta or litter, neither intestinal lesions nor in foot pad injuries.