Poultry Houses Research Articles

Performance of PID Controller in Poultry House System

Poultry house is mainly used for the purpose of enhancing the environmental conditions in which birds are grown. The temperature and humidity inside livestock building is the most influential factor on the chickens. This paper proposes new ways to control the temperature inside poultry house using an optimized Proportional Integrator Derivative controller. The primary technique focuses on the set of the output matrix via the adaptation of the Static Output Feedback control for the Multi Input Multi Output system. The single model of the poultry house process is controlled with the PID controller. Additionally, the Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is employed to derive the optimal parameters (Kp, Ki, Kd) on testing the four multi-objective indices (Integral Absolute Error, Integral Square Error, Integral Time multiplied by Absolute Error, Integral Time multiplied by Square Error). The simulation results and shows better performance of the proposed technique in tracking the required set point with the poultry house systems.

A case study of a Riemerella anatipestifer infection on a commercial turkey farm in Croatia

Abstract In this study, Riemerella anatipestifer was isolated in a commercial turkey farm in Croatia. The flock showed signs of respiratory distress, lethargy and elevated mortality. In total twenty poults were examined and the most frequent pathomorphological findings were polyserositis and fibrinous airsacculitis. R. anatipestifer strains were isolated from the air sacs, lungs and spleen from three different birds from the same poultry house. The isolates were compared based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the results of the phylogenetic analysis indicated the infection was caused by serotype 6. The flock received an antibiotic therapy via the drinking water consisting of enrofloxacin, after which the symptoms ended without recurrent infections. This is the first report of Riemerella infection found on a commercial turkey farm in Croatia.

EFFICIENCY OF FOUR DISINFECTANTS AGAINST EIMERIA TENELLA ISOLATES FROM EGYPTIAN CHICKENS (IN VITRO ASSESSMENT)

ABSTRACT Background: Control of coccidiosis depends, in addition to the commercial preparation of herbal extracts, on good sanitation and litter management, along with the use of medication or vaccination programmes. In addition to the chemotherapeutic treatment of coccidiosis early disinfection of the poultry houses should be done using various disinfectants for controlling presence of oocysts.The objective of this research was to evaluate in vitro the action of four different coccidicidal disinfectant including (Quaternary ammonium compounds QACs, chlorocresol, glutaraldehyde and kilcox) on oocysts ofEimeriatenella. Methods: In this study the action of four coccidicidal disinfectant including (Quaternary ammonium compounds QACs, chlorocresol, glutaraldehyde and kilcox) on both sporulated and unsporulatedoocysts ofEimeriatenella was evaluated in vitro. E. tenellaOocysts were obtained from naturally infected Egyptian native breed chickens. The oocysts were exposed to the disinfectants at different concentrations and different contact times. The efficacy of the disinfection was assessed by either destruction of sporulatedoocyst or inhibition of sporulation.Results: It was observed that the most efficacious disinfectants against unsporulated and sporulatedE. tenellaoocystswaskilcox followed by chlorocresol, while QACs and, glutaraldehyde were less effective. kilcox sporulation inhibition reached 100 % on unsporulatedE. tenellaoocysts,and their destructive effect reached 99% on sporulatedoocysts. furthermore, the results showed that both inhibitory and destructive activity of the tested disinfectants was significantly increased by increasing their concentrations and/or the contact time.

Characterization of poultry house dust using chemometrics and scanning electron microscopy imaging

Poultry house dust is composed of fine particles which likely originate from a diverse range of materials such as feed, litter, excreta, and feathers. Little is known about the contribution of these sources to broiler house airborne dust so the present study was designed to identify the relative contributions of these sources. Samples of feed, excreta, feather, and bedding, known mixtures of these and settled dust from 28 broiler chicken flocks were tested for the concentration of 18 chemical elements. A chemometrics approach (the application of multivariate statistical techniques to chemical analysis data) was used to identify the primary source material in broiler chicken house dust samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to analyze dust sample particulates based on examination of source materials. Excreta was found to be the main component of broiler chicken house dust, both by SEM and chemometric analysis. SEM of experimental flock dust between 7 and 35 days of age (d) revealed that the contribution of excreta to dust increased with age from 60% at 7 d to 95% at 28 d (P < 0.001). The proportion of bedding and feed in dust declined with age while the contribution of feather material remained low throughout. This study demonstrates that excreta provides the bulk of the material in poultry dust samples with bedding material, feed and feather material providing lower proportions. The relative contributions of these materials to dust varies with age of birds at dust collection. Additional research is required to determine the health and diagnostic implications of this variation.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATION METHODS OF VITAMIN AD3E TO HATCHING EGGS AND SUPPLEMENT IT WITH DRINKING WATER ON HATCHABILITY TRAITS AND POST HATCH PERFORMANCE AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETER OF BROILER

This study was conducted at the Badi Hatchery and poultry house / department of animal production / College of Agriculture engineering science/ University of Duhok. The aim of study was to investigate the effect of different administration methods of vitamin AD3E to hatching eggs on hatchability and post hatch productive performance and some physiological parameter of broiler. A total of one thousand and two hundred fifty (1250) hatched eggs were distributed into five groups each groups 250 eggs. The experimental treatments were as the follow: T1 (Control), T2 (sham control)(injected with 0.1 ml normal saline), T3 (injected with 0.1 ml of vitamin AD3E dissolved in 5 ml of vitamin in 1 ml of water) T4 (Spraying vitamin AD3E 1 ml /L water), T5 (Dipping vitamin AD3E 1 ml /L water). During the rearing period, each treatment divided into 2 group of replications, (5 replication) for each group that is from one treatment exactly. First 5 five replications (R1-R5) for each treatment given different doses of vitamin at different rearing age via drinking water and other 5 five replications (R6-R10) were drink normal water throughout the rearing period which is at least 5 weeks. Weekly Live body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality percentage, Production index were recorded, (Total protein, glucose and cholesterol), blood serum titer for testing the immunity of chicken against diseases Newcastle (ND) and Gumboro, infectious bronchitis (IB). The overall data shows the following results: - In hatching stage there were significant affect in chick weight and chick to egg ratio and in rearing stage live body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, production index, serum glucose, Newcastle Gambaro and infectious bronchitis disease.

Influence of farm management on the dynamics of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis shedding and antibiotic resistance during the growing period of broiler chickens.

Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis is a zoonotic pathogen isolated in broilers causing great economic losses in the European poultry sector. It is demonstrated that an investment in management measures at farm level could directly affect the control of food chain microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of S. Infantis antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns during the growing period, according to flock density and ventilation management, without antibiotic administration. The experiment was performed in two identical poultry houses, evaluating commercial and optimal farm conditions. At 24 h of rearing, 20% of the animals were orally infected with a S. Infantis strain susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. To study Salmonella shedding, faeces samples from each experimental group were taken weekly and analysed as per ISO/TS 6579-2:2017. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed according to Decision 2013/653. Salmonella shedding showed that the lowest counts were observed in the first week post-infection and highest at slaughter day for both groups. Moreover, 100% of the isolates were multi-resistant. The acquisition of AMR by S. Infantis starts at the onset of the production cycle and is maintained until the end, demonstrating the importance of transmission of AMR in zoonotic bacteria at farm level.

Вимоги до облаштування пташників для утримання цесарок

This article discloses the requirements for the installation of poultry houses and indoor equipment for keeping guinea fowl. In the construction of poultry houses it is necessary to take into account the behavioral and physiological characteristics of guinea fowl on which their growth and development, productivity, feed consumption and disease resistance. For construction of a poultry house choose the elevated site or with a small slope that thaws and rain waters did not collect and did not stagnate. The size of the poultry house depends on the number of livestock in it, so it is recommended to place up to 5 heads per 1 m2 of floor area. The roof of the poultry house is made sloping. Litter is used in the premises for keeping guinea fowl: peat, straw, sawdust, litter thickness –10-15 cm. During the whole winter period the litter is not removed, only fresh is added regularly. If the litter is heavily soiled, the contaminated part is removed and a clean one is added. For winter keeping of guinea fowl the room is well warmed, without allowing in it humidity and formation of a mold. When keeping guinea fowl in the summer, it is recommended to equip them with a walking yard, fenced with wire mesh, around which bushes and trees are planted or canopies are made to protect the bird from direct sunlight. In winter, an artificial heat source is installed in the poultry house, for example, electric brooders, electric lamps with a metal shade-reflector located at a height of 15-20 cm from the floor. Seats for guinea fowl are made of chipped bars with rounded upper edges, which are installed on the opposite side of the windows in a horizontal form. Nests are set in the henhouse long before the laying hens begin to lay eggs, so that the guinea fowl have time to get used to them and lay eggs in the nests. Feeders are made like troughs, which prevents contamination and scattering of food. A turntable is mounted on the brackets on top of the feeder, it rotates around its axis and also prevents the feed from scattering. At the height of the feeder is made so that the edges of the sides were at the level of the back of the bird. It is better to use vacuum or nipple drinkers to water the guinea fowl, which provide them with fresh running water.

Умови праці та аналіз професійних небезпек у працівників птахофабрики

It is noted that there are many serious risks to the safety and health of workers at poultry farms in Ukraine. These hazards include exposure to high levels of noise, dust, hazardous equipment, slippery floors, musculoskeletal disorders, hazardous chemicals and biological hazards. Studies show that prolonged exposure to high noise levels leads to noise hearing loss in workers of all ages. When performing work on catching, transplanting, transporting poultry, taking blood for chemical and serological tests, the noise level in the poultry house reaches 8690 dB. It is noted that during the repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment there is a risk of injury due to heat, electric shock, burns, cuts, tears, amputation or fractures of body parts. Poultry workers are the most vulnerable occupational group in terms of the risk of developing respiratory diseases. It has been established that 8-hour inhalation of dust in a concentration exceeding 4 mg/m3 is especially dangerous. The highest level of respiratory diseases was in 45-55-year-old workers. It is noted that poultry workers are exposed to ergonomic risks, which can cause injuries to the musculoskeletal system. The researchers found that 81% of poultry processing jobs have an increased level of repetitive hand movements and exertion. Workers complained of pain, numbness, burning, tingling in the hands or wrists. It is noted that new technologies will be able to reduce some types of ergonomic injuries. A significant danger for poultry workers is the risk of catching avian influenza. It is noted that workers have the right to healthy and safe working conditions, the development of special programs to protect them from industrial hazards. To protect workers, it is necessary to implement engineering and control measures and provide appropriate personal protective equipment.

Transcriptomic analysis of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, across all stages of the lifecycle

BackgroundThe blood feeding poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, causes substantial economic damage to the egg laying industry worldwide, and is a serious welfare concern for laying hens and poultry house workers. In this study we have investigated the temporal gene expression across the 6 stages/sexes (egg, larvae, protonymph and deutonymph, adult male and adult female) of this neglected parasite in order to understand the temporal expression associated with development, parasitic lifestyle, reproduction and allergen expression.ResultsRNA-seq transcript data for the 6 stages were mapped to the PRM genome creating a publicly available gene expression atlas (on the OrcAE platform in conjunction with the PRM genome). Network analysis and clustering of stage-enriched gene expression in PRM resulted in 17 superclusters with stage-specific or multi-stage expression profiles. The 6 stage specific superclusters were clearly demarked from each other and the adult female supercluster contained the most stage specific transcripts (2725), whilst the protonymph supercluster the fewest (165). Fifteen pairwise comparisons performed between the different stages resulted in a total of 6025 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) (P > 0.99). These data were evaluated alongside a Venn/Euler analysis of the top 100 most abundant genes in each stage. An expanded set of cuticle proteins and enzymes (chitinase and metallocarboxypeptidases) were identified in larvae and underpin cuticle formation and ecdysis to the protonymph stage. Two mucin/peritrophic-A salivary proteins (DEGAL6771g00070, DEGAL6824g00220) were highly expressed in the blood-feeding stages, indicating peritrophic membrane formation during feeding. Reproduction-associated vitellogenins were the most abundant transcripts in adult females whilst, in adult males, an expanded set of serine and cysteine proteinases and an epididymal protein (DEGAL6668g00010) were highly abundant. Assessment of the expression patterns of putative homologues of 32 allergen groups from house dust mites indicated a bias in their expression towards the non-feeding larval stage of PRM.ConclusionsThis study is the first evaluation of temporal gene expression across all stages of PRM and has provided insight into developmental, feeding, reproduction and survival strategies employed by this mite. The publicly available PRM resource on OrcAE offers a valuable tool for researchers investigating the biology and novel interventions of this parasite.

Effects of Season and House Microclimate on Fungal Flora in Air and Broiler Trachea

Fungi are present in abundance in poultry housing. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of season and microclimate parameters in poultry housing on fungal flora in the air and broiler trachea in commercial fattening conditions. The study was conducted in summer and winter. Study results indicated seasonal impact and association between fungal flora composition in housing air and broiler trachea. However, the total fungal count in housing air was significantly higher in summer and in broiler trachea in winter, both significantly correlated with indoor relative humidity and ammonia concentration. There was no significant correlation between outdoor and indoor air temperature, relative humidity and airflow rate, respectively. Study results suggested that environmental determination of fungi should be accompanied by their determination in broilers. In addition, seasonal impact on fungal contamination should be associated with microclimate conditions in the poultry house rather than the season itself. The fungi detected and the results obtained have implications not only for broiler health but also for the health of humans working in such environments.

The Implementation of Energy-Saving Lighting Systems for Poultry Houses

The provision of lighting in poultry shelters is an energy-intensive process in poultry farming, due to a lack of sunlight in closed facilities. Lighting plays an important role in the majority of organism biorhythms and it clocks the processes of vital activities of the birds. Lighting directly influences productivity, growth and sexual maturation of birds. A determining factor for the lifetime of an LED is the crystal heating temperature during its operation. It may be assumed that the LED lifetime is largely independent of the variation in the current passing through the LED (within the limits of its design values). The research objective was to conduct laboratory testing to compare the electricity consumption between the existing and a newly developed lighting system for poultry house no. 19 of the Kuchinsky Poultry Breeding Plant. In order to conduct the laboratory testing, the authors developed lighting fixtures consisting of sealed plastic bodies with an LED-carrying PCB inside. The testing continued for 113 days. The new system consumed 662 kWh, while the previous system consumed 783 kWh. Energy savings through the testing period amounted to 15%. During the testing, the new equipment was reliable; no failures of LED fixtures were recorded.&#x0D; Keywords: LED lighting, energy conservation, poultry farming, microclimate

Commensal Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance and Multidrug-Resistance Dynamics during Broiler Growing Period: Commercial vs. Improved Farm Conditions.

Simple SummaryThis experiment was designed to evaluate the differences in antimicrobial and multidrug resistance dynamics in broilers reared under two different farm conditions (commercial vs. improved) during the growing period, using Escherichia coli as sentinel bacterium. Although no antibiotics were applied during rearing for two different management conditions tested, high rates of antimicrobial and multidrug-resistant bacteria were observed throughout rearing, with the percentages of resistant bacteria observed being of particular concern in day-old chicks on arrival day and in chickens at the end of the growing period, just before delivery to the slaughterhouse.New measures applied to reduce antimicrobial resistances (AMR) at field level in broiler production are focused on improving animals’ welfare and resilience. However, it is necessary to have better knowledge of AMR epidemiology. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) dynamics during the rearing of broilers under commercial (33 kg/m2 density and max. 20 ppm ammonia) and improved (17 kg/m2 density and max. 10 ppm ammonia) farm conditions. Day-old chicks were housed in two poultry houses (commercial vs. improved), and no antimicrobial agents were administered at any point. Animals were sampled at arrival day, mid-period and at slaughter day. High AMR rates were observed throughout rearing. No statistical differences were observed between groups. Moreover, both groups presented high MDR at slaughter day. These results could be explained by vertical or horizontal resistance acquisition. In conclusion, AMR and MDR are present throughout rearing. Moreover, although a lower level of MDR was observed at mid-period in animals reared under less intensive conditions, no differences were found at the end. In order to reduce the presence of AMR bacteria in poultry, further studies are needed to better understand AMR acquisition and prevalence in differing broiler growing conditions.

Microbial contamination of the air in livestock buildings as a threat to human and animal health – a review

Abstract Livestock buildings are often contaminated with bacterial and fungal microflora. Animals living in the buildings, especially their excreta and secretions and their feed, can be a source of microorganisms, including pathogens. Significant microbial contamination occurs in pig houses, poultry houses and cowsheds. The microbes most frequently isolated from the air of these buildings are bacteria of the genera Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Clostridium and of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Among fungi, the most common are Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternaria. Microbes present in livestock buildings often pose a hazard to workers, in whom they can cause infectious and allergic diseases, especially respiratory disease. Bacterial endotoxins may also pose a threat to humans and animals. For this reason it is important to carry out microbiological monitoring and preventive measures on livestock farms and to maintain appropriate environmental conditions. This will reduce microbiological contamination of livestock buildings and improve both workers’ health and animal welfare.

Clinical, Pathological and Molecular Study of Marek’s Disease in the Gallus gllus Domesticus and BrahmaChickens of Basra Province, Iraq

The current study was conducted to diagnose the Marek’s disease in naturally infected Gallus gllusdomesticus chickens and Brahma chickens in Basrah province , Iraq, on the basis of clincopathological findings and by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Suspected samples were collected randomly from different areas in Basrah province, (poultry houses, veterinary clinics, markets and Consulting clinic of the veterinary medicine college of Basrah university). The results of this study showed that some birds had significant clinical signs of Marek’s Disease, like paralysis of the legs and wings. Post mortem inspection showed different lesions according to chickens species in the Gallus gallusdomestics which were severely affected in sciatic nerve inferred by enlargement of sciatic nerve, splenomegaly & hepatomegaly with nodular tumor as well as lesions in the other organs. In Brahma chickens there were mild gross lesions in viscera and only showed enlargement of sciatic nerve. Histopathological examination showed changes in the spleen (necrosis in the white pulp and hyperplasia in the central arteriole of the white pulp) . Sciatic nerve showed edematous fluid in the nerve parenchyma and infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells mainly lymphocytes in the nerves parenchyma. The feather follicleshowed marked vaculationof the epithelial layer as well as infiltration of inflammatory cells in the follicular lining. The confirmation was doneby PCR which showed that the total positive samples for avian Marek’s Disease serotype-1 were nine samples,three positive samples of spleens and two positive samples of feather follicles as well as three positive samples of sciatic nerve and one positivesample of liver . Based on these results , MDV was concluded to be the etiology for this pathological condition in Iraqi backyard flocks. This is the first report of the presence of the MDV in Gallusgallus and Brahma breed in Iraq. Accordingly, the commercial poultry population in Iraq is not far from the threat of the MDV, and surveillance for MDV is needed.

Differences in the Susceptibility to Commercial Insecticides among Populations of the Lesser Mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus Collected from Poultry Houses in France.

Simple SummaryThe lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus is a major pest from poultry houses worldwide. There was suspicion that populations of A. diaperinus had developed resistance to insecticides in poultry farms in France. Here, we evaluate the insecticide susceptibility of adult A. diaperinus from ten populations sampled from different poultry farms. The insects were exposed to four commercial insecticides: two pyrethroids, one pyrethroid/neonicotinoid and one organophosphate. Our results strongly suggest the occurrence of resistance to pyrethroid-based formulations in some farm populations from Brittany (France).The control of insect pests often relies on the recurrent application of insecticides. This is the case for the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus, an invasive beetle infesting poultry farms. There is evidence that A. diaperinus can develop resistance to several insecticides. Evaluation of such resistance has never been conducted in France, despite the beetle’s presence since the 1970s. We assess insecticide susceptibility in 10 populations from French poultry farms and compare patterns with two susceptible populations. Adults are subjected to short-term exposures (4 h) to four commercial insecticides and their recovery is assessed. Temporal survival also is scored during constant exposures for seven days. Clear-cut differences among the farm populations are found. Except for three populations that have patterns similar to those of the two susceptible populations, all the other farm populations have a much greater capacity to recover and survive insecticide exposures, especially to pyrethroid-based formulations. Three populations in particular even exhibit clear signs of resistance to pyrethroids, with median lethal times more than 10-fold superior to values of the susceptible population. No insect in any population recovers from the pirimiphos-methyl exposure, and all beetles are apparently dead after 15 h. Our results demonstrate the existence of resistant populations to pyrethroids in Brittany France.

Monitoring of Salmonella infection of poultry for the period from 2016 to 2020

Salmonellosis is an acute intestinal infectious disease that belongs to the group of zoonoses that cause acute toxic infections in humans through the consumption of products of animal or plant origin contaminated with bacteria of the genus Salmonella spp. Salmonellosis is registered in all countries of the world, and our state is no exception.&#x0D; The aim of the research. Monitor salmonellosis pathogens in Ukrainian poultry farms and, on the basis of the obtained data, establish the relationship between avian and human diseases for salmonellosis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The research was conducted in poultry farms in the North-Eastern region of Ukraine. Test systems from R-biopharm-Compact Dry SL and RIDA®STAMP SL were used for rapid diagnosis of bacterial microflora. To establish the salmonella serotype, the Spectate® salmonella test system was used, which is based on the use of latex strips coated with special antibodies to the corresponding serogroups of Salmonella A, B, C, D. Microbiological examination was performed washing from the walls, floor, eggshell, Brooder's cabinets and pathogens heart, liver, gallbladder of the dead bird. The relationship between isolated salmonella serovars from poultry was compared with salmonella isolated from humans according to the reporting form No. 40 “Zdorov”.&#x0D; Results. Various salmonella serovars were isolated from experimental farms of Ukraine, namely:&#x0D; Serovars such as S. Gallinarum–pullorum – 7.9 %, S. Enteritidis – 6.5 % were isolated from the meat and egg direction. From the meat direction, the following are: S. Tiphimurium – 12.5 %, S. Arizona – 6.0 %, S. Enteritidis – 3.5 %. From the breeding direction were also isolated from adult birds and hatching eggs in large quantities – S. Gallinarum–pullorum – 19.0 %, S. Tiphimurium – 17.8 %, S. Enteritidis – 10.1 %.&#x0D; The following species were separately isolated from the premises of the same farms in percentage terms: S. London – 1.7 %, S. Infantis – 1.5 % S. Bredeney – 1.4 %, S. Tsioque – 1.4 %, S Jawa – 1.2 %, S. Montevideo – 1.1 %, and 1 % each isolated S. Kentyki, S. Abony and S. Oxford. Pathogens of paratyphoid diseases were isolated from poultry and poultry products (S. Gallinarum–pullorum, S. Enteritidis, S. Tiphimurium) for the entire study period from 2016 to 2020 inclusive.&#x0D; Comparing the obtained data from state institutions of humane medicine, it should be noted that there was a tendency for the spread of salmonellosis among people associated with the consumption of poultry products.&#x0D; Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that salmonella infection is quite common among a number of poultry farms of different technological direction. In particular, bacteria of the genus Salmonella were isolated from meat, eggs and birds of different ages from the studied poultry houses in the North-Eastern region of Ukraine.&#x0D; As a result of monitoring of salmonellosis in Ukraine over the past five years, fluctuations in the incidence of salmonellosis among people ranged from a maximum of 74 % (2018) to a minimum of 30.1 % (2020), and for two years, there has been a reduction in cases due to the introduction of new international requirements and standards for product quality control at all stages of production of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

Biosecurity practices in commercial poultry farms located in ElFashir Locality- Sudan

This study was conducted to assess the biosecurity practices in commercial poultry farms in the locality of ElFashir, North Darfur State Sudan. Thirty two farms biosecurity tests were used, biosecurity practices were evaluated in poultry farms using the checklist and organized questionnaires administered to commercial poultry farmers. Simple descriptive statistics were used (frequencies and percentages) to summarize and display the results. The results showed that 62.5% of the farms used the floor brooding system of the birds; 59.4% open barns; The domestic stock in access to the farm site 68.8%; Pets or wildlife birds have access to inside of barns or feed storage 71.9%; yearly water quality is not checked by a reputable laboratory 96.9%; employees have routine contact with other poultry species 84.4%; regular cleaning and disinfection of feeders and drinkers washing is done mainly by soap in addition to water. 43.8%; employees and their families with other people on poultry housing site 100%; poultry production, feed consumption, and mortality records are kept, but not reviewed daily 18.8%; there is untrimmed vegetation and debris within barn(s) 81.2%; vehicle flow designated way traffic onto premises and off premises 100% and perimeter fencing and gate present but not always locked or guarded or fence not completed 56.25%. The study concluded that there is a severe weakness in the application of biosecurity practices in its three branches isolation, cleaning disinfecting and traffic control. The adopted hygiene and traffic control measurement were all within the high and medium biosecurity risk limits whereas mismanagement resembled 60.4% the highest risk of biosecurity practices among the studies in commercial poultry farms of ElFashir Locality. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for local authorities to intervene with qualified teams of poultry professional and experts to train poultry farmers, managers and attendees on importance of implementing sound biosecurity practices.

Design and Implementation of Poultry Farming Information Management System Based on Cloud Database.

Aiming at breaking down the bottleneck problems of different scale of poultry farms, the low profitability of poultry farming, and backward information management in China, a safe and efficient information management system for poultry farming was designed. This system consists of (1) a management system application layer, (2) a data service layer, and (3) an information sensing layer. The information sensing layer obtains and uploads production and farming information through the wireless sensor network built in the poultry house. The use of a cloud database as an information storage carrier in the data service layer eliminates the complex status of deploying local server clusters, and it improves the flexibility and scalability of the system. The management system application layer contains many sub-function modules including poultry disease detection functions to realize the visual management of farming information and health farming; each module operates independently and cooperates with each other to form a set of information management system for poultry farming with wide functional coverage, high service efficiency, safety, and convenience. The system prototype has been tested for the performance of wireless sensor network and cloud database, and the results show that the prototype is capable of acquiring and managing poultry farming information.

Ocena systemu zarządzania chorobami i środków bezpieczeństwa biologicznego stosowanych przez hodowców drobiu w stanie Adamawa w Nigerii

The study assessed disease management and biosecurity measures among poultry farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the prevalent poultry diseases and parasites in the study area, assessed disease management and biosecurity measures, and also identified the constraints limiting poultry production among the farmers. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 113 poultry farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and a four-point Liker-scale. Findings of the study revealed that Salmonellosis, Coccidiosis, and Newcastle Disease were the most common diseases in the area. Similarly, regular change of litter, consistent washing of drinkers/feeders, and also cleaning of the surroundings of the poultry house were the common biosecurity measures among in the area. Foremost among these constraints affecting the farmers were; extreme weather conditions, high cost of feed and other inputs, and inadequate capital and/or credit. Key among the recommendations was the need for the employment of more agricultural extension agents in the area.

Effect of different rearing system on eggs production, hatchability, and offspring quality in layer breeders

This study analyzed the influence of an aviary system, in comparison with battery cages, on rearing and reproduction of parent-stock (PS) laying-type chickens. ISA Brown PS chicks were reared for 16 wk in battery cages or in an aviary system. Chickens reared in cages were kept there throughout the rearing period, whereas those reared in the aviary were released after 7 wk. The remaining housing conditions were similar in cages and the aviary. Body weight (BW, g), feed intake (FI, g/birds/d), and mortality (%) of birds were monitored during rearing. After the rearing period, the chickens were transferred to 4 litter poultry houses: flock C (in cages) to poultry houses C1 and C2 (total: 2,076 cockerels and 20,450 pullets); flock A (in aviary) to poultry houses A1 and A2 (total: 1,542 cockerels and 16,962 pullets). During the period of reproduction (48 wk), egg production (%), hatching egg production (%), waste egg (%) and litter egg production (%), feed conversion ratio (FCR, g) and water intake (mL) per laid egg, hatching egg, and hatched chick, mortality (week/%), and BW at 17 wk and after reaching 50% laying performance were monitored. Furthermore, during incubation, fertilization rate (%), hatchability (%), and chick quality were recorded. The results showed that aviary rearing was associated with lower FI and higher mortality of chicks up to 16 wk of age. The following effects were also observed for aviary rearing during reproduction: the average egg and hatching egg production were higher, while waste and litter egg production were lower; FCR per laid egg, hatching egg, and the number of hatched chicks were poorer; and water intake for the production of 1 hatching egg and 1 hatched chick was lower. In the case of flocks A, higher mortality and BW at 17 wk of age were recorded for both sexes. They were characterized by higher relative egg fertilization, but lower hatchability due to the higher share of unhatched eggs. No influence of PS flock rearing system on chick quality was observed. The obtained results indicate that the aviary rearing system can be recommended for PS laying-type flocks. However, future research should consider the impact of a different diet having higher energy concentration on PS flocks reared in aviaries and develop methods for counteracting higher mortality in these systems. This is particularly significant for roosters because too few roosters in flock may contribute to lower egg fertilization and higher embryonic mortality.