Poultry Farms Research Articles

Anthelmintic effectiveness of modern preparations against Heterakis gallinarum nematodes parasitizing in chickens

In poultry farming, heterakosis is one of the most widespread parasitic diseases and causes significant damage to the industry. At present, for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of poultry for this infestation, manufacturers have offered a sufficient number of preparations that have nematocide effect. At the same time, the effectiveness of anthelmintic preparations available on the domestic market has not always been studied and highlighted in scientific papers. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of preparations with different active substances and different methods of application for spontaneous chicken heterakosis. Anthelmintics in the form of powder – Levamisole 80 (the active substance is levamisole hydrochloride) and Albendazole Ultra 10 % (the active substance is albendazole), as well as in the form of the solution and suspension with the analogous active substances – Levamisole-plus 10 % and Albendazole 10 %, were tested. A high effectiveness of Levamisole-plus 10 % for chicken heterakosis was established by the conducted studies, where on the 14th day of the experiment, the extense- and intenseeffectiveness reached 100 %. The efficacy indicators of this preparation on the 3rd day were 70 and 95.44 %, respectively, and on the 7th day they already reached 100 %. Albendazole suspension and Levamisole 80 turned out to be moderately effective. The indicators of extense- and intenseeffectiveness on the 14th day of treatment with Albendazole suspension were 80 and 95.67 %, and with Levamisole 80 – 80 and 78.78 %. During the experiment, the effectiveness of Albendazole suspension gradually increased and was 60 and 91.63 % on the 3rd day and 80 and 96.57 % on the 7th day, respectively. When applying Levamisole 80 to the diseased poultry, the indicators of extenseeffectiveness increased from the 3rd to the 7th day from 30 to 80 %, and intense-effectiveness decreased from 83.77 to 81.13 %. Albendazole Ultra10 % preparation turned out to be insufficiently effective: its indicators of extense- and intenseeffectiveness on the 14th day of the experiment made 60 and 73.93 %, respectively. During the experiment, the efficacy indicators of Albendazole Ultra 10% gradually increased from the 3rd to the 7th day – from 20 to 80 % and from 76.45 to 76.71 %. On the 14th day, the indicators of extenseeffectiveness remained at the same level, and those of intenseeffectiveness decreased. The obtained results of experimental studies allow recommend Levamisole-plus 10 % anthelmintic preparation for effective control and prevention of chicken heterakosis.

Machine Learning and Wavelet Transform: A Hybrid Approach to Predicting Ammonia Levels in Poultry Farms.

Ammonia (NH3) is a major pollutant in poultry farms, negatively impacting bird health and welfare. High NH3 levels can cause poor weight gain, inefficient feed conversion, reduced viability, and financial losses in the poultry industry. Therefore, accurate estimation of NH3 concentration is crucial for environmental protection and human and animal health. Three widely used machine learning (ML) algorithms-extreme learning machine (ELM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and random forest (RF)-were initially used as base algorithms. The wavelet transform (WT) with ten levels of decomposition was then applied as a preprocessing method. Three statistical metrics, including the mean absolute error (MAE) and the correlation coefficient (R), were used to evaluate the predictive accuracies of algorithms. The results indicate that the RF algorithms perform robustly individually and in combination with the WT. The RF-WT algorithm performed best using the air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity inputs with a MAE of 0.548 ppm and an R of 0.976 for the testing dataset. In summary, applying WT to the inputs significantly improved the predictive power of the ML algorithms, especially for inputs that initially had a low correlation with the NH3 values.

In ovo toxico-pathological effects of medicinal plants used against coccidiosis on chicken embryos development and hatchability

TOXICO-pathological effects of herbal plants have always been a major concern, but little information is provided on the toxico-pathological effects of medicinal plants used against coccidiosis. This study aimed to assess the histopathological effects of Carica papaya seeds (CPS), Azadirachta indica leaves (AIL), and Sarcocephalus latifolius root (SLR) used as coccidiostat in traditional poultry farms with various doses using the chick embryo model. A total of 420 Sasso breeder eggs at ED4 of incubation were inoculated with the extract of these plants following a 3×4 factorial design with 3 plant extracts (CPS, AIL and SLR) and 4 inoculation doses (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg egg-weight). From ED6 to ED19, the weights of the albumen and embryo were recorded, and the weights of ED19 embryo organs such as liver, heart, kidney, and lungs were measured. Additionally, histopathological lesions were examined. The results indicated that the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, coumarins, steroids, and triterpenes with statistically significant free-radical-scavenging ability differed among the plant extracts (p < 0.0001). Toxico-pathological examination revealed a dose-dependent slight toxicity (p < 0.0001) of the Azadirachta indica leaves extract compared to the other plants. Additionally, the relative organ weight showed kidney hypertrophy (p = 0.001) and liver hypertrophy (p = 0.0001), as well as dilation of hepatic and cardiac vessels. The conclusion drawn was that chicken embryos are more susceptible to in ovo inoculation with Azadirachta indica leaves compared to Carica papaya seeds and Sarcocephalus latifolius root.

Antimicrobial resistance in plant endophytes associated with poultry-manure application revealed by selective culture and whole genome sequencing

Poultry manure is widely used as organic fertilizer in agriculture during the cultivation of crops, but the persistent high-level use of antibiotics in poultry production has raised concerns about the selection for reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Previous studies have shown that the addition of poultry manure can increase the abundance of genes associated with resistance to tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, bacitracin, chloramphenicol, and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin in soil and plants. Understanding the microbial populations that harbor these ARGs is important to identify microorganisms that could enter the human food chain. Here, we test the hypothesis that environmental exposure to poultry manure increases the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in plant endophytes using selective culture, phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST), phylogenetic analysis, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Endophytes from poultry manure treated Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench plant root and stem samples showed increased phenotypic and genotypic resistance against multiple antibiotics compared to untreated controls. Comparison of AMR phenotype-to-genotype relationships highlighted the detection of multi-drug resistant (MDR) plant endophytes, demonstrating the value of genomic surveillance for emerging drug-resistant pathogens. The increased occurrence of ARGs in poultry manure-exposed endophytes highlights the need for responsible antibiotic use in poultry and animal farming to reduce contamination of ecological niches and transgression into endophytic plant microbiome compartments. It also emphasizes the requirement for proper manure management practices and vigilance in monitoring and surveillance efforts to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and preserve the efficacy of antibiotics for human and veterinary medicine.

Perceptions of The Health Risks of Local Poultry Farming and The Behaviour Of Urban and Peri-Urban Populations in The Town of Korhogo (Côte d'Ivoire).

Poultry farming plays an important nutritional, economic and socio-cultural role in developing countries. The aim of this study is to analyse the perceptions of health risks associated with poultry farming activities in the vicinity of dwellings and the behaviour of the population of the town of Korhogo. To achieve this, a qualitative socio-anthropological approach was used. The data collected came from 97 semi-structured interviews and direct observation from 15 April to 27 May 2024 in the town of Korhogo. The main results show that local residents living near poultry farms are aware of the health risks to which they are exposed, but the balance of power between gains and risks explains their practices. Poultry farming close to homes has had an impact on local residents and their environment. Residents often suffer from respiratory ailments, allergies, soiling of their surroundings, odour nuisance and other noises. As for the environment, it has suffered pollution of its air and water quality, as well as soil degradation. The reasons why these poultry farmers decide to carry out their activities close to homes are environmental, economic, social and ethical. Hence the need to train young farmers to manage the nuisances generated by these poultry farming activities.

The results of research on technological indicators in the experimental module for growing broiler chickens

Russia ranks fifth in the world in poultry meat production. In the period from 2010 to 2021, the volume of production of this type of product increased by 1.77 times, which in physical terms is 2,190 thousand tons. The largest volume of poultry meat production, 89.7%, falls on the meat of broiler chickens. This indicator is justified by consumer preferences of the retail market, a low feed conversion rate, a high level of automation of production processes, as well as the possibility of up to 8 production cycles per year. The main share, amounting to 93%, of broiler chicken meat production is accounted for by large agricultural enterprises. Households of the population and peasant farms account for 7% of production. This result is observed due to the lack of technical and technological solutions for small-scale production, providing for the use of automation of production processes, which leads to a decrease in productivity and an increase in poultry mortality. The combination of these factors increases the cost of finished products, making small-scale production uncompetitive. To solve this problem, a project has been developed and a prototype of a technological module for fattening broiler chickens has been manufactured. The production capacity of the module is 2,800 broiler chickens per year. The module uses a cellular method of keeping poultry on a mesh flooring. As a result of the conducted studies, the feed conversion rate was 1.66, the cost of water was 3.4 liters, electricity was 3.22 kWh and labor was 0.051 people per kilogram of live weight. The obtained indicators are comparable with those of large poultry farms, which allows us to conclude that it is advisable to use technological modules at small poultry enterprises.

Vitamin supplementation in the treatment of curled toe paralysis in 50 CHABRO chicks

AbstractChickens are much more susceptible to deficiency diseases, especially vitamin deficiencies, than other animals. Chicken being the monogastric animal, the gut flora of chicken does not synthesise any vitamins rather competes with the host for dietary vitamins. In this case report, some of the 50 Chabro chicks showed reduced feed intake, toe deformities, unable to walk properly, loose faeces and mortality. The chicks were reared under a backyard poultry farm. All the chicks were given commercial ration. On clinical examination, the chicks had curled toes, feed particles in the beak, soiled feathers and mucus in the eyes. The chicks were given Vitaplex Pro in drinking water for 15 days. The chicks were found fully recovered after 3 weeks of treatment. This case report revealed the possibility of rearing newly hatched chicks with immediate access to feed and water along with supplementation of multivitamins for optimum growth performance.

The role of fulvic acid in feeding heifers of reproductive age in the conditions of the Novgorod region

Many domestic and foreign researchers have drawn attention to humic and fulvic acids, which are successfully used in animal husbandry, poultry farming and aquaculture. In search of new ways to increase livestock productivity, as well as the quality of livestock products, the number of scientific studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in animal husbandry has increased significantly, which emphasizes the role of feed additives obtained from local resources. In the article the effectiveness of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young cattle is presented. Experimental studies were conducted in the Ilyich Agricultural Cooperative of the Starorussky district of the Novgorod region on heifers of the Holstein breed of Dutch breeding older than a year (repair heifers of reproductive age). The animals of the control group consumed a nutritionally balanced basic diet (HR), the first experimental group – HR + fulvic acid (10 ml/head / day), the second experimental group - HR + fulvic acid (15 ml/head /day), 10 heads in each group. As a result of the conducted studies, the positive effect of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young animals was determined, its effect on the digestibility of nutrients in diets, biochemical parameters of blood, reproductive function was studied, the optimal dose of fulvic acid feeding in this age period was determined. The use of fulvic acid in the diet of young animals allowed to increase the absorption of nutrients from the diet, improve blood biochemical parameters, and improve the reproductive qualities of heifers by 15.5–20.2 %. The results obtained allow us to recommend fulvic acid for use in the diets of repair heifers of reproductive age on farms in the Northwestern region in the amount of 10 ml per head per day.

Assessment of biocidal efficacy of zinc oxide-zeolite nanocomposites as a novel water disinfectant against commercial disinfectants used in water purification

Water microbial contamination is a serious issue that poses a risk to both animal and human health. One hundred and twenty water were samples collected from main water source and drinkers from a poultry farm. Different bacterial pathogens were isolated from water sources. Escherichia (E.) coli, Pseudomonas (P.) aureoginosa, (Salmonella) Salmonella (s). Typhimurim, Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila at different percentages. Variable degree of bacterial resistance to some commercial disinfectants commonly used to disinfect water system (iodine, terminator and H2O2). Nanoparticles were used to control bacteria in water. About the safety investigation for the prepared nanomaterials, the work results demonstrated that zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit the highest safety profile among the manufactured materials. The median fatal dose (LD50) for ZnO NPs was determined to be 3709 mg/kg body weight. In comparison, the LD50 values for zeolites and nanocomposites were 3251 mg/kg and 2658 mg/kg, respectively. Therapeutic dosages were estimated based on the LD50. Zeolite NPs, ZnO NPs and ZnO/zeolite NPs showing promising results in control of those bacteria. It was concluded that the escalating resistance of bacteria to disinfectants have led to a need to find alternative such as nanoparticles that proved promising results in control of pathogens, particularly it showed a safe effect on laboratory animals.

First molecular investigation to detect avian Mycoplasma species in clinical samples from laying-hen farms in Tunisia

BackgroundAvian mycoplasmas are known pathogens, which cause severe economic losses in poultry flocks. PCR is a rapid, sensitive, and less expensive diagnostic tool than culture for the identification of mycoplasmas in poultry farms. The objective of this study was to determine by PCR the presence of Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), and Mycoplasma pullorum (MP) in laying hens located in the Sfax region, in the South of Tunisia.ResultsA total of 781 tracheal swabs were collected from 13 laying-hen farms without clinical signs at the date of sampling. MP was detected by a newly described specific PCR assay. The prevalence calculated from PCR results at the flock level was 100% for Mycoplasma spp., 0% for MG, 84.6% for MS and 61.5% for MP. The overall prevalence at the animal level was 38.7% for Mycoplasma spp., 0% for MG, 25% for MS and 6.4% for MP. The overall prevalence of 100% of avian mycoplasmas in laying-hen farms (38.7% prevalence at the animal level) shows an alarming situation.ConclusionsThese results underline the importance of monitoring the emergence and spread of Mycoplasma strains in farms in order to decrease economic losses due to mycoplasmoses.

Awareness and perceptions of poultry keepers about the prevalence of Fowl typhoid in chickens kept in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Chicken production in Tanzania provides opportunity to local communities in terms of employment, increased income, food security, and manure for cropping. However, diseases like fowl typhoid remain a challenge to livestock keepers. This study was aimed at understanding the attitude and awareness of Poultry keepers about the prevalence of fowl typhoid in chickens kept in Dodoma. A cross-sectional survey using semi-structured interviews was employed to understand farmers' perception of the prevalence of fowl typhoid and associated risk factors amongst poultry farmers in three wards in Dodoma, namely, Nkuhungu, Msalato, and Mnadani. The overall prevalence of fowl typhoid among farmers was 22.30%, with significant differences being noticed in the first quarter (January-March) and the third quarter (July-September) (P < 0.05). Factors such as age and sex, flock size, and management practices influence the prevalence of fowl typhoid significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the farmers had challenges accessing the veterinary services due to their unawareness, the availability of the service, and their distance from the service. The control strategies for fowl typhoid should consider the influencing factors while improving the accessibility and availability of veterinary services to farmers.

Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Characteristics and Organoleptic Properties of Broiler Chicken Fed Cocoa Bean Shell

The high cost of conventional feed ingredients has forced poultry farmers to concentrate on more accessible and reasonably priced alternative feed sources having considerable nutritional potential. One of these alternative feed sources is cocoa bean shell (CBS), which is widely available, inexpensive, and nutritious. There is limited research on the application of fermentation of bovine rumen filtrate on CBS in poultry production. A feeding trial for 56 days was conducted to investigate the dietary effect of rumen filtrate fermented cocoa bean shell (RFCBS) as partial replacement for maize on the performance of broiler chickens. Fresh cocoa bean shell was mixed with rumen filtrate obtained at ratio 1:1, fermented for 24 hours and then dried. The dried fermented cocoa bean shell (FCBS) was incorporated into the experimental diets at varying levels; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% respectively to formulate five experimental diets. Ross 308 broiler chicks (n=150) were randomly allotted into five treatments groups of thirty (30) birds per treatment and three replicates containing ten birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data on performance indices, hematological, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and sensory evaluation collected during the experiment were subjected to ANOVA at α = 0.05. Results revealed that fermentation method employed had significant influence (P&lt;0.05) on the chemical composition of cocoa bean shell used in this study. The crude protein (CBS: 8.18% – FCBS: 5.10%), ash (CBS: 10.40% - FCBS: 9.08%), nitrogen free extract (CBS: 57.64% - FCBS: 57.07%) content of the cocoa bean shell reduced after being fermented but increased its crude fibre content from 10.27% to 15.26%. It also helped to improve the phytochemical constituents of CBS. Dietary supplementation up to 10 % FCBS had comparable weight gain, feed intake and the best feed conversion ratio. Birds fed 10% FCBS based diet had improved (P&lt;0.05) nutrient digestibility values when compared with other diets. Birds on 0 (2088.89g/b), 5 (2044.44g/b) and 10 (1944.44g/b) % FCBS had similar dressed weight but recorded significantly the highest value. Birds fed 10% FCBS based diet recorded the highest tenderness (8.33), juiciness (8.37), flavour (8.43), colour (8.30), aroma (8.37) and taste (8.00) values. Results indicated that the cost of the feed per kg (#2178.92 - 2229.23) decreased across the dietary treatments as the FCBS increased. It is concluded that FCBS can be incorporated up to 10 % in broiler chickens’ diet for better output in terms of weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass trait sensory evaluation and better health status of the birds.

Larger Airway Functions in Poultry and Dairy Confinement Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The peak expiratory flow (PEF) test is a crucial tool for assessing larger airway functions, particularly in individuals exposed to occupational hazards. This study aims to compare PEF values between animal workers (poultry and dairy farm workers) who are regularly exposed to animal allergens and other respiratory irritants and normal workers who do not have such exposures. A cohort of animal workers from poultry and dairy farms were evaluated alongside a control group of normal workers without known respiratory hazards. PEF measurements were taken using a computerized spirometer, and results were analyzed to determine differences in respiratory function between the two groups. There was a significant difference in PEF values, with animal workers exhibiting lower PEF compared to their control group. Further, poultry farm workers had a significant decrease in PEF when compared to dairy farm workers. This study represents a pioneering effort in the comparative analysis of respiratory health among workers in poultry and dairy farms. The findings indicate that occupational exposure to allergens and irritants associated with animal environments may have deleterious effects on respiratory health. Further analysis, controlling for confounding variables such as smoking status, age, and baseline health conditions, reinforces the initial observation of compromised respiratory function in animal workers. This study underscores the importance of regular respiratory health monitoring and implementation of protective measures for individuals in occupations with high exposure to respiratory irritants. Enhanced awareness and preventive strategies could mitigate the long-term health impacts on animal workers, ensuring safer working environments and improved overall health outcomes.

Investigation of fungi contaminating broiler feed in some poultry farms in Syria

تعتبر الفطريات الملوثة لأعلاف الدواجن سبباً في انخفاض قيمتها الغذائية، وسبباً رئيسياً في حدوث الأمراض لدى الدواجن، كما أن المعلومات حول الفطريات الملوثة لأعلاف الدواجن غير متوفرة محلياً، ولذلك هدفت هذه الدراسة الى تقصي التلوث بالفطريات لكل من الأعلاف الخام والأعلاف المصنعة المستخدمة في ستّ مزارع مختلفة مخصصة لتربية الدواجن (الفروج) في محافظة طرطوس- سورية، خلال الفترة الممتدة من تشرين الأول 2023 وحتى كانون الثاني 2024؛ بزراعة عينات من تلك الأعلاف في المختبر على مستنبت آجار البطاطا Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)، لتحديد الأجناس الفطرية الموجودة في تلك الأعلاف المدروسة. تم الحصول على 290 عزلة فطرية (169 عزلة من الأعلاف الخام، 121 عزلة من الأعلاف المصنعة) تنتمي الى خمس أجناس من الفطريات الخيطية والخمائر، تشمل الرشاشيات Aspergillus spp. (36.2%)، يليه الخميرة Yeast spp. (33.8%)، البنسليوم Penicillium spp. (4.8%)، فطر Mucor spp. (3.8%)، وفطر Trichoderma spp. (1%)، وتبين أن فطريات الرشاشيات التابعة للجنس Aspergillus spp. كانت الأكثر شيوعاً بنسبة (34.3%، 38.8%) في الأعلاف الخام والمصنعة على التوالي. وخلصت الدراسة إلى أن الكشف عن الفطريات الملوثة لأعلاف الدواجن له أهمية كبيرة، وذلك بسبب خطورتها على صحة الدواجن.

6455 The Effect of Gene Silencing on Inhibiting Stress Hormones in Wild Birds Raised Under Stressful Conditions

Abstract Disclosure: S.M. Abdulateef: None. T. Mohammed: None. W. Al-Jugif: None. M.Q. Abed: None. Wild birds are notable for their ease of rearing, tolerance to extreme environmental conditions such as heat and cold, and their resistance to diseases. They are also recognized for their ability to withstand stress. However, their primary challenge is low egg production, stemming from their aggressive nature. This aggression elevates the secretion of stress and fear hormones, significantly impacting reproductive hormones. This study aims to explore the effects of gene silencing on the physiological traits of wild birds, particularly its influence on physiological responses and the reduction of stress hormone levels. Three treatments were employed: T1 (control), T2 (welfare treatment, wherein birds were raised with enhanced well-being), and T3 (using siRNA technology to silence the gene responsible for stress hormone corticosterone production). The silencing of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 involved obtaining the cDNA of each gene from the NCBI, associated with corticosterone production. The coding sequence from the 5' end at the cap direction was reversed to complement mRNA. Two siRNAs were procured from Macrogene Company (South Korea) in lyophilized form at high concentration, with sequences: CYP11B2 5'-acacctctgcctttgccctgagtgccat-3' and CYP11B1 5'-ctaaagtcaaactcagccccacattcat-3'. These were dissolved in molecular-grade distilled water for a final concentration of 500 pmol/µl. Each hen was injected in the wing in the jugular artery with 125 µl of the siRNA solution at 14 and 18 weeks of age, before the commencement of the egg-laying cycle. Corticosterone levels were measured using the Sunlong Biotech CO., LTD kit. The results showed a significant decrease (p&amp;lt;0.01) in stress hormone levels in the third treatment group (gene silencing treatment), leading to notable physiological responses in the birds compared to the other treatments. This study highlights the impact of gene silencing on the physiological traits of wild birds and its effects on their physiological responses. The findings of this study are significant in the context of avian physiology and poultry farming. By elucidating the impact of stress hormones on egg production and demonstrating the efficacy of gene silencing as a method to enhance reproductive efficiency, this research opens new avenues for improving the productivity and well-being of wild birds in controlled environments. It also underscores the potential of genetic interventions in addressing physiological challenges in wildlife. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Influence of the Weight of the Eggs of Flesh Roux and Kuroiler Breeding Hens on Their Hatching in an Incubator

To contribute to the development of poultry farming in Ivory Coast, a study was carried out in the Lakes Region, precisely in Yamoussoukro. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of egg weight on their hatching. To do this, Kuroiler (29 females and 6 males) and Chair Roux (29 females and 6 males) breeders aged 6 to 7 months were used. After rearing, 483 eggs including 230 Chair Roux eggs and 253 Kuroiler eggs were collected over twenty-one days. After identification and determination of their weight, the eggs were classified into three categories (Small eggs from 35 to 45g), Medium eggs from 46 to 55g) and Large eggs from 56 to 65g) and incubated in three incubators (Incubator 1, Incubator 2 and Incubator 3). In each incubator, the incubation performance was determined. The results showed that the average egg rate was higher (66.52% for Chair Roux eggs and 66.79% for Kuroiler eggs). Large eggs showed the highest fertility rate (95.92% for Chair Roux strain eggs, and 97.44% for Kuroiler strain eggs), followed by medium eggs (90.85% for eggs of the Chair Roux strain and 91.72% for eggs of the Kuroiler strain). In terms of the embryonic mortality rate, it was the small eggs which presented the highest rates with 17.85% for eggs of the Chair Roux strain and 26.66% for those of the Kuroiler strain. As for the actual hatching rate, large eggs recorded the highest rates (82.97% for Chair Roux eggs and 76.31% for Kuroiler strain eggs) followed by medium eggs (77.85% for Chair Roux strain eggs and 76.28% for Kuroiler strain eggs). Apart from Incubator 3 which recorded a higher embryonic mortality rate for large eggs (15.38%), Incubator 1 and Incubator 2 recorded higher rates for small eggs with respectively 11. 76% and 37.5%. In terms of the actual hatching rate, large eggs recorded the highest rates with 87.5% at Incubator 1 and 83.33%. Thus, it appears that large eggs and medium eggs are indicated to obtain a better hatching rate.

How Do Flemish Laying Hen Farmers and Private Bird Keepers Comply with and Think about Measures to Control Avian Influenza?

Competent authorities of many countries, including Belgium, impose control measures (preventing wild bird access to feeders and water facilities, indoor confinement of captive birds, or fencing off outdoor ranges with nets) on professional and non-professional keepers of birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza (AI). Flemish laying hen farmers (FAR, n = 33) and private keepers of captive birds (PRI, n = 263) were surveyed about their opinion on and compliance with AI measures legally imposed during the most recent high-risk period before this survey in 2021. Participants answered questions on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = the worst, 3 = neutral, and 5 = the best). FAR indicated better compliance with the AI measures than PRI, except for net confinement. FAR indicated that they and other poultry farmers complied better with AI measures than PRI. Additionally, PRI indicated that they better complied than other PRI keepers. FAR regarded the AI measures as more effective than PRI. To prevent the spread of AI more effectively, national authorities could focus on information campaigns explaining to private bird keepers the need for the various control measures that they impose. If these campaigns fail, local authorities may need stricter enforcement or alternative ways to increase compliance.

Methodology for comparative evaluation of high-protein feed for farm animals and poultry

The peculiarity of the proposed methodology is the inclusion in the evaluation criteria of indicators that characterise the biological value of protein (content of protein convertible into animal products, non-degradable protein) and its cost. Approbation of the methodology made it possible to build a rating of the most preferable forages for each type of farm animals and poultry both from the position of satisfying their physiological needs in nutrients and taking into account the need to reduce production costs.

Insight into didecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide toxicity following acute exposure in pullets (Gallus gallusdomesticus).

Didecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB) is a quaternary ammonium compound used for the sanitation of drinking water of poultry and water pipelines in farms. There is scarcity of information on the toxicology of DDAB in poultry. This study set out to profile the acute toxicity of DDAB in poultry. Issa brown pullets (n = 34) as experimental birds were orally administered varying doses of DDAB, using a syringe, after 12h fasting, and observed for toxicity over 14 days. Control birds (n = 10) were similarly given normal saline orally. Toxic signs in the experimental birds were depression, anorexia, adipsia, vocalization with foamy salivation, later emaciation and death. The LD50 was calculated as 458.00mg/kg. Birds given 2151mg/kg DDAB died within 24h, while those treated with 516mg/kg succumbed on Day 14. At necropsy, grossly, there were necrosis and sloughing of the oesophagus and intestines, pale and friable liver, congested and necrotic lungs, friable popped out kidneys and emaciated carcasses. Microscopically, desquamation and necrosis of the oesophagus, crop, proventriculus and intestines and disruption of the koilin membrane of the gizzard were observed. The lungs, liver and kidneys were congested with mononuclear cellular infiltration plus loss of architecture in the lungs and liver. In conclusion, at high doses, DDAB caused significant toxicity in chickens and these findings provide new information which could serve as a guide in the diagnosis of quaternary ammonium toxicity in chicken. The results could be extrapolated to other quaternary ammonium toxicities in related avian species.

Energy recovery from poultry manure in the process of semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion with sewage sludge

In the face of significant legislative changes in renewable energy sources and conservation of natural resources, bio-waste must be managed efficiently. Developing wastewater treatment technologies generate a large amount of sewage sludge requiring appropriate use. A well-known and practiced process is the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge, but due to its characteristics, the production of biogas is not sufficient enough to ensure the energy self-sufficiency of a wastewater treatment plant. Another waste whose management is a challenge is poultry manure, whose production in Poland is high due to intensive poultry farming. This study investigated the possibility of co-digestion of poultry manure and sewage sludge and its effect on increasing biogas production compared to processing sludge alone. The process was performed in two continuously stirred-tank glass reactors at mesophilic conditions, with 20 days of hydraulic retention time. In the first stage, the batch assay with sewage sludge was applied to promote the development of an anaerobic community. The second stage involved feeding the reactors on a semi-continuous regime with sewage sludge for the control sample and a mixture with the gradual addition of poultry manure from 2.5 % to 60 %. During the experiment, the most important parameters affecting the process and the quantity and quality of the obtained products in the form of biogas and digestate were monitored. The study’s results indicated an advantage of the co-digestion process of poultry manure and sewage sludge over the digestion of sludge alone in terms of process efficiency. The highest biogas production was obtained with a co-substrate ratio of 42 % manure to 58 % sewage sludge (ratio based on volatile solids). Co-digestion had no significant effect on gas quality; in both cases, the methane content was more than 60 %. Moreover, a digestate with fertilizer potential was obtained for each sample.