Organic Poultry Research Articles

Influence of Organic Manures and Micronutrients on Yield and Quality of Brinjal (Solanun melongena L. var. Pusa uttam)

A field study was conducted at farm of S.K.N., Agriculture University, Jobner, (Jaipur), Rajasthan, India during kharif season 2018 to investigate effect of organic manures and micronutrients on yield and quality of brinjal (Solanum melongena L. var. Pusa Uttam). The treatments included organic manures (control, FYM (40 t /ha), vermicompost (6.6 t /ha) and poultry manure @ 6.6 t /ha,) and micronutrients (control, Zn (0.5%), Fe (0.5%) and B (0.3%). The application of vermicompost (6.6 t/ha) non significantly affected TSS content and significantly increased the ascorbic acid content, protein content, fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare which was statistically at par with poultry manure (6.6 t /ha) and micronutrients also non significantly affected TSS content and significantly increased the ascorbic acid content, protein content, fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare as compared to control.

Socioeconomic characteristics of organic poultry farmers in Afikpo north local government area

The study was conducted to determine the socio- economic of organic poultry farmers in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Data collected using structured questionnaire from 80 randomly selected farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools: mean, frequency, percentage and Standard deviation. The result showed that majority (55.00%) of the farmers were female, (56.25%) were married, tertiary education (47.50%). The mean household size was 5 persons, membership of social organization (68.75%). It further revealed that over seventy percent of the farmers (73.75%) had up to 1-10 years farming experience. The study concluded that despite the wide attention received by organic broiler production in Afikpo, it has been constrained by some factors like lack of proper awareness,technical knowhow and preference of old practice to new practice. It is recommended that research institutes should organize extensive and periodic trainings for the farmers within Afikpo North Local government area to teach them the use of the organic recipes on poultry meat and egg production.Also enlightenment campaign should be initiated to sensitize farmers on the benefits of the use of organic recipes on broiler production.

Antibiotic alternatives to produce organic poultry meat as a safe food source and the impact of its consumption on human health: A review

Abstract The scientific evidence on the effects of consuming organic chicken meat on human health is examined in this review article. Few studies particularly look at the effects of eating organic chicken meat on people’s health. Although the evidence is conflicting, they speculate that consuming organic chicken meat may reduce the incidence of obesity and allergy-related illnesses. Customers who purchase organic chicken meat generally have healthier eating habits. The significance of these discoveries for human health is unclear. Still, animal and poultry studies suggest that whether agriculture produces food from conventional or organic sources has different effects on early development and physiology. Omega-3 fatty acids and meat are more abundant in organic than in common meat. However, this is not nutritionally relevant compared to other dietary sources. The widespread use of pharmaceuticals is one of the primary drivers of antimicrobial resistance in traditional animal agriculture. It is possible to reduce this risk and potentially have significant positive effects on public health by preventing animal sickness and using antibiotics more sparingly, as is done in organic farming. The review highlights the importance of organic feeds as an effective and vital alternative to antibiotics in the poultry industry and their impact on human health.

Drinking Water and Biofilm as Sources of Antimicrobial Resistance in Free-Range Organic Broiler Farms.

Drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) represent an ideal environment for biofilm formation, which can harbor pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to assess longitudinally the microbial community composition and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as determined by 16S rRNA NGS and qPCR, respectively, in drinking water (DW) and biofilm from DWDSs, as well as faeces, of free-range organic broiler farms. The role of DWDSs in AMR gene (ARG) dissemination within the farm environment and transmission to animals, was also assessed. DW and biofilm microbial communities differed from those of faecal samples. Moreover, potentially pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcaceae) were identified in water and biofilms. High prevalence and abundance of ARGs conferring resistance to carbapenems (i.e., blaNDM), 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins (i.e., blaCMY-2), (fluoro)quinolones (i.e., qnrS), and polymyxins (i.e., mcr-3 and mcr-5) were detected in DW, biofilm, and faecal samples, which is of concern for both animal and human health. Although other factors (e.g., feed, pests, and wildlife) may contribute to the dissemination of AMR in free-range organic poultry farms, this study indicates that DWDSs can also play a role.

Production of Single Cell Protein (SCP) from the Peel Waste of Pea, Potato, and Banana by Aspergillus Flavus NRRL 21882 as an Efficient Organic Poultry Supplement.

Food protein deficit has become a major issue worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Scientists are searching for a variety of less expensive solutions to this issue. One of these less expensive methods is to create single cell protein as a substrate from leftover fruit and vegetable waste, which is typically thrown away. In this regard, the fungal strain Aspergillus flavus (NRRL 21882) was used for the synthesis of SCP (single cell protein) from the waste of banana, potato, and pea. In this manner, 30 samples were collected from the whole substrate with a share of 10 samples each from banana, potato, and pea peels, which were in turn dried and powdered finely. The fermentation process was done by the process of solid state fermentation. Aspergillus flavus (NRRL 21882) generated the highest percentage, i.e. 60.67%, of crude protein from the pea peels. The composition of amino acids in crude proteins was also investigated. The findings demonstrated that the highest percentage of aspartic acid (13.34 ± 0.80%) and glutamic acid (14.92 ± 0.69%) was found in A. flavus single cell protein produced from pea peels. Soybean was supplemented with single cell protein in the boilers' diet. Compared to all treated groups, there was a substantial (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the level of antibody titer against the Newcastle disease vaccine. The supplementation of single cell protein with soybean meal had no effect on the levels of liver enzymes. The liver enzymes found in all four groups (A, B, C, and D) were within normal limits. None of the examined groups experienced any change in the feed conversion ratio, with all groups exhibiting an average FCR of 1.6. The current study concludes that broiler health and immunity is increased by supplementing poultry feed with single cell protein.

Dried Rice for Alternative Feed as a Waste Management Product for Sustainable Bioeconomy in Rice-Producing Countries

Dried rice, an organic waste recycling product, is made from dried rice leftovers. With a carbohydrate content nearly equivalent to corn but at a lower price, it has potential as an energy-generating feed, especially in poultry farming. The nutrient content and price of dried rice were evaluated to assess its efficiency for animal feed use. Dried rice samples from three areas in East Java, Indonesia, were analyzed for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber content. Additionally, this research assesses the effectiveness of dried rice as a corn substitute in broiler feed by observing its impact on feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and broiler performance index. Proximate analysis showed insignificant differences among treatments, with moisture content ranging 12.45–12.71%, ash content 0.55–1.31%, crude protein 10.34–10.64%, crude fat 0.12–2.48%, and crude fiber from 0.81 to 1.55%. Although all samples were assessed as efficient, products from Lumajang and Pasuruan were preferred for feed production due to their similarity to corn nutrient content. Dried rice costs approximately USD 213–228 per ton, significantly lower than corn. Dried rice production reduces both organic waste and poultry production costs concurrently, serving as a sustainable waste management model in Indonesia and other rice-producing countries, shifting towards a bioeconomy from a linear economy.

Dietary Supplementation of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BIONCL17752 on Growth Performance, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

The rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, being triggered by the overuse or misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming sector. We evaluated Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BIONCL17752 strain, and characterized its probiotic potential to endure hostile gastrointestinal conditions. Genome sequencing analysis revealed probiotics traits, and gene clusters involved in bacteriocins, lactococcin A, and sactipeptides production. The absence of genes for antibiotic resistance, virulence, and biogenic amine production indicates the potential of probiotic strain. The BIONCL17752 strain was explored for antibiotic-free feed supplement for growth promotor in broiler chicken. The feed supplemented with 4 × 109CFU/kg of probiotic strain, in combination with various concentrations of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0kg/tonne in starter, grower, and finisher diets, respectively. A significant improvement of body weight 152 to 171g/bird (p < 0.05), and a low feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.62, was achieved without using synthetic antibiotics for growth promotion. The results of biochemical, hematological, and histological examinations showed normal features, indicating that the treatment had no harmful effects on the bird's health. Reduced levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein(HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in serum are an indication of the health benefits for the treated birds. Microbial community analysis of fecal samples of poultry birds exhibited a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria. Probiotic treatment resulted in reduced Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) in the broiler's gut which highlights the benefits of probiotic dietary supplements. Importantly, the probiotic-fed group exhibited a high abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) such as glycoside hydrolases (GH), glycoside transferases (GT), and carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) hydrolases which are essential for the degradation of complex sugar molecules. The probiotic potential of the BIONCL17752 strain contributes to broilers' health by positively affecting intestinal microbiota, achieving optimal growth, and lowering mortality, demonstrating the economic benefits of probiotic treatment in organic poultry farming.

Sustainable Methods for Growing Turmeric: Evaluating the Effects of Synthetic and Organic Fertilizers on vegetative and reproductive attributes

This study aimed to assess the influence of various bio-fertilizer sources on turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivation in Eastern Nepal. The research was conducted at G.P Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre, Sundarharaicha, Morang, Nepal, from April 2023 to January 2024. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments including T1: Recommended dose (RD) of NPK, T2: Goat manure, T3: Organic manure, T4: Poultry manure, T5: Vermicompost, T6: Farmyard manure, T7: Control, replicated three times. Turmeric cultivation practices were implemented following standard agronomic procedures. The recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer, NPK, exhibited the highest enhancement across multiple vegetative and reproductive growth parameters of turmeric, with notable increases in plant height, leaf number, tillers per plant, primary and secondary fingers per clump, fresh rhizome yield, dry yield, and dry recovery percentage. Among the organic sources, goat manure and poultry manure also showed promising results in enhancing turmeric yield and quality. Specifically, NPK recorded the highest fresh rhizome yield at 21.30 tons/ha, while goat manure and poultry manure yielded 20.35 tons/ha and 18.69 tons/ha, respectively. In contrast, the lowest fresh rhizome yield was observed in the control group, indicating minimal enhancement in yield without fertilizer supplementation. The results highlight how organic farming methods may be a good substitute for traditional chemical fertilizers in the context of sustainable turmeric production.

Mix it—cograzing with cattle reduces broiler losses and increases broiler range use

Pasture access allows broilers to perform a wide range of behaviors and is a prerequisite in organic poultry production, but exposes broilers to various potential hazards including predators. Co-grazing broilers with cattle can reduce land use and could offer protection from avian predation. Thus, we aimed to assess the effects of co-grazing on broiler losses, range use, performance, contact dermatitis and broilers’ manipulation of cow pats. To this end, across 5 replicates we compared each a treatment group of 54 to 61 broilers co-grazing with 10 young cattle and a similar sized control group of broilers on a pasture which had been grazed by cattle 2 weeks prior. Broilers had pasture access during civil daylight and were locked in the coop overnight. Continuous video recordings of the pastures were used to identify the cause when broilers were missing or found dead. On 2 days per week in 4 replicates, broiler distribution in the pasture and maintenance behaviour (i.e. foraging, standing, lying, locomotion) were observed directly using instantaneous scan sampling. Based on the broilers’ distance to the coop we calculated a group Ranging Distance Index (RDI). Cow pats were assessed weekly and contact dermatitis was scored before slaughter. Broilers in the treatment groups ranged further (p = 0.003) and higher percentages of birds tended to be outside (p = 0.09) compared to the control groups. Broiler losses due to predatory birds were consistently lower in treatment (median, range: 1, 0 to 3) than in control groups (3, 2 to 5, p = 0.025). Live weight before slaughter was slightly higher (p = 0.035) in treatment groups than in control groups. Feed conversion ratio (p = 0.174), maintenance behaviors and prevalence of contact dermatitis were not affected. No manipulation of cow pats by broilers was found or observed. Overall, co-grazing with cattle positively affected broiler range use, losses due to avian predation and weight gain.

The perks of being an organic chicken – animal welfare science on the key features of organic poultry production

Modern poultry production entails a number of important animal welfare issues. However, welfare is often considered to be better in organic than in non-organic production, largely due to the focus on naturalness within the former which has been embedded within the EU regulations on organic production. The aim of this paper was to review the relevant scientific literature to assess (i) how animal welfare science relates to the key features of organic poultry production which originally stem from organic visions and ideological reasons, and (ii) whether there is scientific evidence to show that these key features, as stipulated in current EU regulations, contribute to higher welfare in organic poultry production. We identified seven key features that are intended to improve poultry welfare in organic production: appropriate breeds, no mutilations, outdoor access, natural light, perch space and raised sitting levels, provision of roughage, and lower stocking densities. In general, the animal welfare science available supports the potential for higher animal welfare in organic poultry production, based on the requirements as laid down in the current EU regulations. However, there is still room for improvement, and some aspects that may further improve animal welfare in organic poultry production include the use of alternative laying hen hybrids with the potential for better welfare, even more slow-growing broilers, appropriate management of the free-range areas in practice to ensure that they are used by the birds, additional raised sitting level space allowance for broilers, and the use of “dark brooders” for chicks.

Using &lt;i&gt;Origanum vulgare&lt;/i&gt; L. in the floor management of chickens as an element of organic poultry farming

The article provides the results of the use of dried Origanum vulgare mass as an additional component of bedding material in chickens of the Hubbard Redbro M meat-and-egg cross. Origanum vulgare dried mass was added at the rate of 0.5 kg per experimental group daily from the age of 45 days after the transfer of chickens to floor management. The number of heads for each group was 35. The live weight advantage at the age of 2 months of the experimental group of chickens over the control group is 102.5 g, at 75 days of age is 216.5 g, at 90 days of age is 326.0 g and at the age of 105 days is 403.0 g. The SBA increased at the background of the S. aureus test culture: there was a significant suppression of colonies in the first five hours of exposure, and at the background of the E. coli test culture there was a suppression throughout the entire study period. The intensification of metabolic processes was noted in chickens of the experimental group, due to increased protein metabolism, liver and kidney enzymes of blood serum, which was also associated with an increased concentration of thyroid hormones. All these factors made it possible to raise significantly the gain in live weight by an average of 0.11 kg, which increased the slaughter weight by 8.4 %. Almost all indicators of the development of internal organs in chickens of group II are within significant limits of the difference compared with the control group.

Black Soldier Meal in Feed Could Adversely Affect Organic Broiler Meat Quality When Used for the Total or Half Replacement of Diet Proteins

Organic poultry sector needs high-quality proteins sources to meet specific requirements. The EU’s organic regulation forbids synthetic amino acids; therefore, soybean, with its balanced essential amino acid content, has become the most used protein source, though much of it is imported from non-EU countries, with sustainability and crop competition issues; therefore, it should be substituted with a high-protein-value alternative such as insect meal. In this study, 900 Aviagen Savanna broilers were fed with three different organic diets: soybean only (S100), 50% black soldier fly larvae meal (BSL) and 50% soybean (BSL50), and 100% BSL only (BSL100). Broiler performance, welfare, and fatty acids (FA) were analyzed. BSL50 and BSL100 negatively affected growth, while only BSL100 worsened all of the market-related performances. Meat showed a significant increase in saturated FA (SFA) (p &lt; 0.000) and a corresponding decrease in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), in BSL50 and BSL100, but α-linolenic acid was not affected by BSL50 treatment (p &lt; 0.000). The SFA increase could represent a negative aspect for human health (e.g., cardiovascular diseases), but, as reported by other authors, medium chain SFA, (i.e., lauric acid), may show beneficial effects as well (i.e., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties).

Effect of Organic Sources on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.)

Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) is a native plant with nutritionally rich fruits, yet it faces challenges like uneven ripening and small fruit size. This study assessed the efficacy of organic nutrient sources, including Farm Yard Manure (F.Y.M.), Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, in improving Phalsa growth and fruit quality. Results revealed that the combination of F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit significantly enhanced vegetative growth, increasing shoot length, number of shoots per plant, and inter-nodal length. These benefits are attributed to the nutrient-rich organic sources, which stimulate cell elongation and division, leading to accelerated plant growth. Furthermore, organic sources positively impacted fruit yield, with the highest yield observed under F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit treatment. Additionally, there were increased fruiting nodes and extended harvesting periods, contributing to enhanced fruit production. Phalsa fruit size and quality improved substantially due to organic source applications, resulting in larger fruit dimensions and elevated total soluble solids content. Jeevamrit and F.Y.M. facilitated better nutrient transport to developing fruits, enhancing metabolic processes and fruit size. Regarding sugar content, organic sources significantly influenced non-reducing and reducing sugars. F.Y.M. with Jeevamrit yielded higher non-reducing sugar content, while reducing sugar content increased with F.Y.M. and Jeeva Ghanamrit. Phalsa fruit acidity was not significantly affected by organic sources, but there was a non-significant increase in ascorbic acid content under various combination treatments. Economically, the benefit-cost ratio was most favourable with F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure combined with Jeevamrit, showcasing the economic viability of these organic nutrient sources in Phalsa cultivation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the positive impact of organic nutrient sources, particularly F.Y.M., Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, on Phalsa plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality. These findings provide valuable insights into sustainable and organic methods for enhancing Phalsa cultivation, potentially leading to increased production and improved fruit quality in this indigenous crop. Further research should explore the applicability of these organic sources in different crops and regions.

Exploiting the microbiota of organic and inorganic acid-treated raw poultry products to improve shelf-life.

Targeted amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA delineates the complex microbial interactions that occur during food spoilage, providing a tool to intensively screen microbiota response to antimicrobial processing aids and interventions. The current research determines the microbiota and spoilage indicator (total aerobes and lactic acid bacteria; LAB) response to inorganic and organic antimicrobial intervention use on the shelf-life of fresh, never-frozen, skin-on, bone-in chicken wings. Wings (n=200) were sourced from local processor and either not treated (NT) or treated with 15-s dips of tap water (TW), organic (peracetic acid; PAA), inorganic acids (sodium bisulfate; SBS), and their combination (SBS + PAA). Wings were stored (4°C) and rinsed in neutralizing Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) for 1 min on d 0, 7, 14, and 21 post-treatment. Spoilage indicators, aerobic mesophiles and LAB, were quantified from rinsates. Genomic DNA of d 14 and 21 rinsates were extracted, and V4 of 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Sequences were analyzed using QIIME2.2019.7. APC and LAB counts were reported as Log10 CFU/g of chicken and analyzed in R Studio as a General Linear Model using ANOVA. Pairwise differences were determined using Tukey's HSD (P£0.05). Spoilage was indicated for all products by day 21 according to APC counts (>7 Log10 CFU/g); however, wings treated with SBS and SBS + PAA demonstrated a 7-day extended shelf-life compared to those treated with NT, TW, or PAA. The interaction of treatment and time impacted the microbial diversity and composition (p < 0.05), with those treated with SBS having a lower richness and evenness compared to those treated with the controls (NT and TW; p < 0.05, Q < 0.05). On d 14, those treated with SBS and SBS + PAA had lower relative abundance of typical spoilage population while having a greater relative abundance of Bacillus spp. (~70 and 50% of population; ANCOM p < 0.05). By d 21, the Bacillus spp. populations decreased below 10% of the population among those treated with SBS and SBS + PAA. Therefore, there are differential effects on the microbial community depending on the chemical intervention used with organic and inorganic acids, impacting the microbial ecology differently.

Iceberg lettuce cultivated in different systems of planting and sources of fertilizer.

Organic fertilization is a cheaper and highly effective option for profitability and consequent improvement of the soil's physical, chemical, and biological structure. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate different types of fertilization: organic (poultry shed litter), mineral, and leaf path on yield parameters of lettuce grown in various types of planting. The treatments consisted of using two planting systems (P1 - Line and P2 - quincunxes) and mineral and organic fertilizers (A1 - mineral fertilization; A2 - mineral fertilization + leaf fertilization; A3 - organic fertilization with poultry shed litter and A4 - fertilization organic + mineral). The experimental units consisted of 36 and 52 plants, respectively, for treatments P1 and P2, and all central plants of the experimental unit were evaluated. Heart height, fresh mass, and leaf number were observed. The mineral and mineral + leaf treatments did not differentiate, either in line or in quincunxes. The treatment that stood out about the analyzed variables was the organic fertilization and quincunxes planting system, reflecting a more significant number of lettuce plants and better use of the area.

The Role of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers and Spraying with some Elements on some Vegetative and Yield Characteristics of Strawberry Cv. Albion

This study was conducted at the research station of the College of Agriculture - University of Anbar during the agricultural season 2021 to study the effect of adding types of organic fertilizer (without addition, poultry manure, manufactured organic fertilizer) which are symbolized by (M0, M1, M2) respectively. The combination of the recommendation and half of the recommendation with spraying with a some elements that contains calcium, boron, zinc, magnesium, amino acids and molybdenum, and it was at 6 levels (T1 fertilizer recommendation without spraying, T2 fertilizer recommendation with growth stimulator spray 2.5 g L-1, T3 fertilizer recommendation with a spray of 5 g L−1, T4 is half recommended without spraying, T5 half recommended with spraying 2.5 g L−1 and T6 half recommended with spraying 5 g L−1) on some vegetative growth and yield characteristics of strawberry. The results showed that the addition of organic fertilizer and poultry manure gave the highest value in the number of leaves (80.82leaf plant−1), the number of crowns (7.328 crown plant−1), the leaf area (88.81 dm2 plant−1), and the leaf content of chlorophyll (333.69 mg 100 g weight fresh-1) and the weight of the fruit is (41.47 g fruit −1) and the total yield is (712.17 g plant −1).

Influence of different organic manures on the growth and yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) plants

A pot experiment was conducted during rabi season in the year 2021-22 under net house condition of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka to evaluate the influence of different organic manures on the growth and yield contributing the characteristics of marigold. Seven types of organic manures, viz. Alo, Supermill, Mazim, Vermicompost, ACI, Kazi and Poultry manures were applied singly at the rate of 5 ton ha-1. The tallest plant of marigold (60 cm) found with Supermill, the maximum leaf number (367 plant-1) with Poultry manure, leaf area (6.56 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (0.017), total fresh weight (15.55 g plant-1) and total dry weight (4.78 g plant-1) of marigold plants were recorded with Mazim organic manure. The highest number of branches (78 plant-1), flowers (11 plant-1), diameter (2.80 cm), fresh weight (1.90 g plant-1) and dry weight (0.54 g plant-1) were recorded in ACI organic manure. The upper limit length (8.0 cm) of root and the length of shoot (51.30 cm) were recorded in Supermill. The highest root-shoot ratio (0.22) was recorded in Kazi organic manure. The standard range of number of flower’s was 6 to 11 plant-1 with the treatments without using synthetic fertilizer or any toxic pest control substance. The maximum number of flower (11 plant-1) obtained with ACI. The findings indicated the clear possibilities of growing safe and environment friendly marigold flower in context of Bangladesh. The study revealed that all the sources of organic materials enhanced the growth and yield component of marigold. The study also generated a new information as guide line for future research target. The organic sources may be arranged according to the production of number of marigold flower: ACI&gt;Poultry litter&gt; Mazim&gt;Supermill &gt;Alo&gt;Kazi. Further investigation is needed for future research interest. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2023, 9(2): 39-48

Organic Poultry Farming in India: Requirements, Advantages, and Challenges

Organic Poultry Farming in India: Requirements, Advantages, and Challenges

Effect of probiotic drugs and their metabolites on the microflora of digestive canal of broiler chickens

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the growing demand of the population for safe and organic poultry products. Various microbiological preparations are used as therapeutic and preventive means and alternatives to the use of antibiotics in organic poultry farming. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of preparations of probiotic microorganisms and their metabolites on the optimal composition of the microflora of the digestive canal, the general condition, and the liveability of broiler chickens. The effect of various types of drugs on broiler chickens was investigated: the probiotic LactoPharm LP12, the postbiotic Bacteriosan, and a bacteriocin nisin solution. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora of the digestive canal of broiler chickens was determined by the method of bacteriological cultures. The disc diffusion method, using commercial discs with a minimum inhibitory concentration, revealed sensitivity to antibiotics. The effective effect of the new postbiotic Bacteriosan on the intestines of poultry was confirmed – no coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated on the 30th day of the experiment, and the lowest titre of Escherichia coli was recorded on days 30, 60, and 81 of the experiment. In terms of the content of lactic acid bacteria in the intestines of broiler chickens, the highest concentration was found in the experimental groups that used the probiotic LactoPharm LP12 and the experimental postbiotic by 21% and 32%, respectively, compared to control group. Treatment of bedding material with prophylactic drugs in poultry houses of experimental groups contributed to air sanitation and a decrease in the microbial background of the room compared to the control. The lowest mortality rate of chickens (-12%) was observed when using probiotics and postbiotics, due to the positive effect on the microbiocenosis of the digestive canal. When using an aqueous solution of nisin, the mortality rate was 14%. Thus, the use of the postbiotic Bacteriosan at a dose of 5 mL/kg of feed and the probiotic LactoPharm LP12 at a dose of 1 g/L of drinking water for seven days with a weekly break during the entire period of poultry rearing was experimentally substantiated, which will allow for effective prevention of infectious diseases and increase the liveability of broiler chickens

Divergent consequences of bio-resources on morphological plasticity and biochemical responses in early-stage leguminous species: Sustainable productivity approaches

Inorganic resources can be detrimental to the environment when exploited. In comparison, organic resources help balance the soil's carbon and nitrogen (C/N) ratio, enhance soil fertility and benefit ecological protection. Current climate crises, rapid urbanization, and fast population growth are causing many natural forests to be converted to agricultural and industrial lands to fulfill ever-increasing food and developmental requirements. Application of different bio-resources becomes necessary for sustainable productivity of available lands. This study explores the effects of various organic amendments on the growth, morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of three leguminous tree species: Dalbergia sissoo, Vachellia nilotica, and Acacia ampliceps, concerning sustainable productivity. One-year-old healthy, disease-free, and homogenous seedlings were used as study material in a greenhouse pot experiment. Four organic amendments, i.e., compost (CMP), cow dung (CD), poultry manure (PM), and biochar (BC), along with a control (CK) treatment, were applied. Results showed that all the organic amendments performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than CK. CD produced the most significant results, followed by BC application, while PM influence was the least. Among all treatments and species, the maximum values of root length, root biomass, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, catalase, and total phenolic content were recorded under the CD treatment. Whereas for plant height and collar diameter, no big differences were observed between CD and BC (P = 0.054). While comparing species, V. nilotica growth was significantly enhanced under organic amendments, followed by A. ampliceps. Combined and comparative results of studied parameters conclude that CD and BC were the most effective organic amendments, which greatly improved the growth of experimental leguminous tree species; this makes these two biofertilizers a powerful tool for sustainable agricultural productivity. Our study contributes toward an enhanced understanding of plant's morpho-physiological responses, biochemical growth patterns, controls, and activities under different bio-fertilizers.