Poultry Sector Research Articles

Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal anti-immunosuppression mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide

It is well documented that immunosuppression in chickens increases the risk of secondary infections and immunodeficiencies, resulting in significant financial setbacks for the poultry sector. It is crucial to determine if Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) can counteract immune suppression in young chickens, considering its known ability to modulate immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the antagonistic effect and mechanism of LBP on immunosuppression in chicks. A total of 200 seven-day-old Hyland Brown laying hens were used to develop an immunosuppression model and to investigate the optimal time of use and optimal dosage of LBP. A further 120 seven-day-old Hyland Brown laying hens were used to investigate the mechanism of antagonism of LBP against immunosuppression at the optimal time and dosage. The results demonstrated that LBP significantly elevated body weight, spleen index, and peripheral lymphocyte transformation rate, and ameliorated pathological spleen damage in immunosuppressed chickens. A total of 178 differential genes were significantly upregulated following LBP intervention, with a significant enrichment in immune-related pathways, including the chemokine signalling pathway, the C-type lectin receptor signalling pathway, the B-cell receptor signalling pathway, platelet activation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation. A total of 20 different metabolites were identified by metabolomics, which were mainly involved in vitamin metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. The integrated examination of transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed that the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway stands out as the most significant among all metabolic pathways. The results demonstrated that LBP regulate the immune system in a multi-pathway and multi-target way.

Serological and Molecular Investigation of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Chickens from Robe Town, Southeastern Ethiopia

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is responsible for avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), a highly contagious acute respiratory disease affecting chickens. However, there is limited information on ILTV and its distribution in Ethiopia, particularly in the southeastern region. The aim of this study was to establish the serological prevalence and molecular evidence in commercial and backyard chickens from Robe town, Southeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and June 2022, collecting 240 serum samples from randomly selected chickens belonging to eight kebeles (farms) using systematic random sampling. ILTV-specific antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From 240 serum samples, 26.7% were positive for ILTV antibodies. Logistic regression analysis identified the type of poultry farm (backyard) and the introduction of chickens from other farms as potential risk factors associated with ILTV exposure. Tracheal tissue and oropharyngeal and tracheal swabs were collected from suspected chickens for isolation and molecular detection. A total of six samples were successfully isolated in embryonated eggs (40%), with four of them verified with a specific PCR. These findings documented the presence of ILTV in the study area, which needs further insight to fully understand the actual spread of ILTV and quantify the damage caused to the poultry sector.

Commercial Day-Old Chicks in Nigeria Are Potential Reservoirs of Colistin- and Tigecycline-Resistant Potentially Pathogenic Escherichia coli

Background: Frequent use of colistin (COL) and tetracyclines in the Nigerian poultry sector potentially triggers bacterial resistance against COL and tigecycline (TIG), which are last-line antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant infections. Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to isolate COL- and TIG-resistant E. coli from commercial day-old chicks distributed to poultry farmers in Nsukka Southeastern Nigeria, assess the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase by the isolates, and establish their pathogenic potentials. Materials and Methods: Non-duplicate cloacal swabs were systematically collected from 250 randomly selected day-old chicks. MacConkey agar with 1 µg/mL of COL and 16 µg/mL of tetracycline was used for the isolation of putative COL- and tetracycline-resistant E. coli, respectively. E. coli isolates were confirmed biochemically using the API20E Gram-negative identification kit and molecularly by polymerase chain reaction targeting the uidA gene. Phenotypic COL resistance was established using COL agar and COL disc elution tests, while TIG insusceptibility was determined with disc diffusion. ESBL and carbapenemase production was assessed by double-disc synergy and modified carbapenem inactivation methods, respectively. Pathogenic potentials were determined using phenotypic methods. Results: COL- and TIG-resistant E. coli was recovered from 95 (38.0%) and 62 (24.8%) swabs from the 250 chicks, respectively. None of the isolates were potential ESBL or carbapenemase producers. The COL-resistant isolates displayed pathogenic potentials such as biofilm formation, haemagglutination, cell surface hydrophobicity, surface layer, and gelatinase activities at rates of 30.7%, 8.4%, 33.7%, 23.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the TIG-resistant isolates exhibited their respective potentials at rates of 47.0%, 21.0%, 35.5%, 58.1%, and 43.6%. Red, dry, and rough (RDAR) was the predominant curli fimbriae, and the cellulose morphotype portrayed by both the COL- and TIG-unsusceptible potential biofilm-producing isolates. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a significant percentage of commercial day-old chicks distributed to farmers in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria, are colonized by potentially pathogenic COL- and TIG-resistant E. coli, which could spread to humans and the environment.

Amino acid requirements of yellow mealworm and black soldier fly larvae

Abstract In order to achieve optimal growth and health of farm animals, a different amount/ratio of essential amino acids in the feed is necessary in each phase of life. Knowledge about which amino acids are essential and in which quantities/proportions they are best administered has already greatly advanced the pig and poultry sector and is still being generated today. For the still young, rapidly developing insect sector, this knowledge could mean a major step forward towards breeding optimization. Therefore, in this research the needs of the 2 most commercially reared insect species, namely mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) (MW) and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) (BSF), were investigated. The focus was on requirements for lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine and tryptophan based on evidence from the literature and those of pigs. Semi-artificial diets based on at least 25% wheat bran (MW) and chicken feed/water (30/70) (BSF) (basic feed important for structure and certain micronutrients) supplemented with sugar and synthetic amino acids were tested. The diets were isoenergetic and isoproteinous. Of the amino acids studied, one was administered in different doses per experiment. The non-essential glutamic acid was used as a substitute at lower doses. Growth, as measured by weight gain, and survival were observed. The following results were for MW and BSF respectively. For lysine from a content of 0.35 g/100 g diet and 0.53 g/100 g diet no extra growth was noticeable. For methionine this was from 0.13 g/100 g and 0.16 g/100 g. Each time more threonine was given, a significant difference could be noticed and the minimum doses were around 0.42 g/100 g and 0.49 g/100 g. With tryptophan, for MW, there were no differences between the different concentrations. At the lowest dose of 0.06 g/100 g the maximum growth was already reached, whereas for BSF this was at 0.13 g/100 g.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal: A Sustainable Approach for Poultry Production: A Review

Poultry production is among the fastest ways to address the shortage of animal protein supply and intake in many nations. With the prohibition of antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry due to rising bacterial resistance and growing public concern over health and food safety, the sector has been prompted to seek safe alternatives. This shift has led to a focus on finding natural antibiotic substitutes and optimizing feed management to enhance chicken health and growth. Consequently, phytogenics have emerged as promising natural alternatives to antibiotics in the poultry sector. Moringa oleifera has attracted significant research interest recently as a natural supplement with numerous health advantages for poultry. Known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties, Moringa also aids in activating digestive enzymes in the stomach due to its wealth of bioactive compounds. This review emphasizes the potential impact of Moringa oleifera as a natural feed additive on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical profile, antioxidant effects, immune response, and egg production in poultry.

ANALYSING DETERMINANTS OF HOUSEHOLD BROILER CHICKEN MEAT PURCHASES AMIDST SOCIAL-MEDIA MISINFORMATION: A TOBIT STUDY

The Indian poultry sector significantly boosts GDP. It is grown at 8-10% annually, reaching $22.97 billion in 2022, expected to hit $41.94 billion (10.18% CAGR) from 2023 to 2028. Social media misinformation adversely affected the broiler sector, lowering prices and consumption. Using the Tobit Model, this study analysed Indian households' broiler chicken purchases during misinformation. Data on demographics, socioeconomics, and monthly consumption of chicken meat was collected from 503 respondents and analysed. On average, men favoured broiler chicken, while women preferred native chicken. The potential impact of social media misinformation on women's choices and the influence on households with senior citizens, which consumed significantly less quantity compared to their counterparts, remained intriguing. Unexpectedly, households with better incomes and more education purchased less broiler meat. Marital status, place of residence, cohabitation, and presence of children did not significantly affect the outcome. Muslim families purchased more broiler chicken meat, and larger households consumed more. Consumption frequency was important, with daily and alternate-day customers making larger purchases. Purchases of broiler meat were negatively impacted by the consumption of country chicken. Amidst social media misinformation, while a slight adverse impact on household broiler consumption may have occurred, it's notable that a significant portion of households (97.20%) continued to purchase broiler chicken meat, exhibiting the potential effectiveness of media-driven interventions in mitigating the impact of misinformation and reiterated the persistent favourability for broiler chicken as a dietary protein choice within the larger consumer demographic. The Indian poultry industry is vital for food security and economic growth, making it imperative to address social media-induced panic. Transparency, trust, and accurate information transmission are essential. In order to effectively handle market challenges, stakeholders need to take into account factors like demography and dietary preferences that impact consumer behaviour.

Aflatoxin B1-associated oxidative stress along with toxicopathological and immunological alterations is efficiently counteracted by dietary supplementation of distillery yeast sludge in broilers.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the most potent genotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins and is a major source of distress for the growing poultry sector. On the other hand, distillery yeast sludge or distillery sludge (DS) is a byproduct of molasses-based industries. It is often treated as a waste despite containing abundant nutrients particularly protein, basic amino acids, and vitamins along with other macro and micronutrients. This study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress and immunological alterations induced by AFB1 and their amelioration by dietary supplementation with DS. For this purpose, 360 newly hatched broiler chicks were randomly divided into twelve groups (30 birds each) and fed different combinations of AFB1 (100, 200, or 600µg/kg) and DS (5 or 10g/kg) for 42days. The parameters under consideration were body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), relative organ weights, histopathological examination of different visceral organs, total antioxidant capacity, antibody response to intravenous injection of sheep red blood cells, in situ lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P, and phagocytic potential through a carbon clearance assay system. The results of this study established that DS supplementation ameliorated AFB1-associated oxidative stress and ameliorated toxicopathological and immunological anomalies in groups given AFB1 at 100µg/kg and 200µg/kg; however, little to no relief was observed in birds fed AFB1 at 600µg/kg. The determination of the actual ratio of the AFB1 to the DS for substantiating the ameliorating effects requires further investigation.

Enhancing growth performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens with signal grass meal (Brachiaria decumbens) supplementation under tropical conditions

This study examines the impact of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens reared in tropical environments. A total of 216 day-old Sasso broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with six replications each. All six treatments received the same commercial diets with some adjustments: Treatment 1 (negative control) with only commercial feed, Treatment 2 (positive control) with 100 mg kg-1g kg-1 oxytetracycline, Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g kg-1 of B. decumbens grass meal, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the eight-week study, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additional evaluations included nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Blood biomarkers and biochemistry were also analysed to evaluate the chickens' health status. Results indicated that broilers supplemented with B. decumbens grass meal, particularly T6 showed significantly (p<0.05) superior growth performance compared to the negative with reduced FCR of 6.8%. Apparent ileal digestibility was also significantly improved in T6, with 22.32% higher CP digestibility. Enhanced gut histomorphology and a healthier cecal microbial population supported improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health, as evidenced by significant increases in the villi-to-crypt ratio and a higher coliform count than the control. Enhanced carcass characteristics, such as higher full gizzard and gastrointestinal tract weights of T6 broilers, further supported improved digestibility. The supplementation also improved meat quality, with blood biomarkers indicating lower stress and inflammation levels comparable to T2. Additionally, the blood biochemistry of T6 broilers suggested hepatoprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects. Therefore, broilers in T6 demonstrated that B. decumbens has significant potential as an effective feed additive to replace antibiotics in the tropical poultry sector due to its phytocompounds profile, including high saponin content.

Isolation and identification of a novel goose-origin reovirus GD218 and its pathogenicity experiments.

Since 2020, a novel goose-derived reovirus, characterized by goose hemorrhagic hepatitis, has emerged in the goose breeding industry of Guangdong province, China, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry sector. To study the genetic variation of novel goose reovirus (NGRV) in Guangdong province, this experiment utilized goose embryonic fibroblast cells for virus isolation. RT-PCR was conducted to identify, amplify, clone, and sequence the complete genome of the NGRV isolated from Zhaoqing. The genomic sequences were compared with reference strains to construct a phylogenetic tree. Moreover, animal pathogenicity, excretion patterns, and pathological sections were examined. The results showed that liver and spleen samples from geese suspected of NGRV infection were used for isolation, resulting in the identification of a reovirus presumed to originate from geese, designated as GD218. In terms of genomic structure and sequence homology, GD218 closely resembles the novel duck reovirus, differing significantly from earlier isolated NDRV strains (J18, NP03, SD12, etc.) in genetic composition (nt: 80.6-97.9%, aa: 94.3-98.9%). However, it is similar to strains isolated after 2018, such as XT18, SY, QR, YL, LY20, etc. (nt: 95.3-98.9%, aa: 98.6-99.7%). Therefore, based on phylogenetic analysis, GD218 is hypothesized to be a novel type of goose-origin reovirus homologous to the novel duck reovirus.

IDENTIFIKASI FAKTOR DAN TANTANGAN DI SEKTOR PERUNGGASAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KELINCAHAN BISNIS DI AGROINDUSTRI INDONESIA: TINJAUAN LITERATUR

The poultry industry in Indonesia, especially the poultry sector, plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security by providing essential animal protein sources. Therefore, business agility is highly necessary to address fluctuating demand issues that can change unpredictably. Many industries in this sector have faced setbacks due to unforeseen shifts in demand. However, in implementing business agility, numerous factors need consideration, such as traditional organizational structures, bureaucratic processes that impede change, and a corporate culture resistant to transformation. This research aims to identify various challenges faced by companies in achieving business agility through a literature review using Publish or Perish software and manual searches on Google Scholar, resulting in the selection and analysis of 23 relevant journals. The findings from the literature review indicate that effective supply chain management, innovative management leadership, technological automation, adaptability to unforeseen events, investment in employee development, and a deep understanding of customer needs are key factors influencing business agility in the poultry industry in Indonesia.

Incidence of erysipelas in waterfowl in Poland – clinical and pathological investigations

ABSTRACT 1. Erysipelas in geese and ducks is an infectious disease causing considerable economic losses in the poultry sector in Poland. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of erysipelas cases in age groups of geese and in periods of the calendar year and to assess macroscopic lesions in birds infected with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. 2. The study used 286 geese and 16 ducks delivered to the laboratory for diagnosis in the years 2019–2021. The birds came from 99 different farms. E. rhusiopathiae from clinical samples were cultured on Columbia blood agar and identified by real-time PCR. Pathological lesions were characterised during anatomopathological examination. 3. Distribution of erysipelas cases in age groups of geese and periods of the calendar year differed significantly from the assumed even distribution. Most cases were noted in August and September in birds aged between 11 and 13 weeks. Necropsy of birds infected with E. rhusiopathiae showed anatomopathological lesions characteristic of generalised infection, affecting multiple organs. 4. The uneven distribution of erysipelas cases in geese in different age groups and periods of the calendar year suggested that both the age of the birds and climatic conditions are predisposing factors for infection.

Biosecurity Compliance and Its Applications in Poultry Production Sectors

Poultry farming has been recognized as one of the most vital sectors for the economy and revenue generation in many countries. For the production of high-quality freshly hatched chicks, effective cleaning and sanitation of the hatchery environment and hatching eggs were crucial components of proper management and hygiene in chicken hatcheries. The current review aimed to assess the efficient ways of mitigating the risk of disease introduction (external biosecurity) and its subsequent dissemination (internal biosecurity) within and between poultry farms and hatcheries. In addition to identifying the variety of risk categories that are applied to various biosecurity industries, this article clarified the equivalent tools, including checklists and/or questionnaires, that can be used to assess biosecurity compliance. The checklist was aimed to evaluate numerous biosecurity protocol categories, including the farm's infrastructure, employees, their education and training, access control mechanisms, cleaning and disinfection procedures, handling of litter and waste, chick control, registrations, and pest management. In conclusion, external biosecurity was critical to preventing infections from entering hatcheries and poultry farms. Questionnaires or checklists were effective instruments for gathering information on biosecurity and evaluating compliance in poultry farms. Keywords: Biosecurity compliance, Checklist, Hazard, Poultry sector

Broadening the aims of avian influenza surveillance according to the One Health approach.

The ongoing outbreak of the Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/Gd) H5 lineage of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses has caused higher mortality than all other HPAI outbreaks taken together. It is unique in its spillover and adaptation to wild waterfowl, which has facilitated its spread worldwide to many other species. However, avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance, which historically aims to protect the poultry sector, is inadequate to document the spread and impact of Gs/Gd H5 virus in wild birds and other wildlife in most countries. A positive exception is Canada's AIV surveillance in wild birds, applied in a recent study (J. A. Giacinti, A. V. Signore, M. E. B. Jones, L. Bourque, et al., mBio 15:e03203-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.03203-23), which aims to protect wildlife, domestic animals, and human health according to the One Health approach. It is recommended to follow this approach in other countries to fill knowledge gaps in the epidemiology of Gs/Gd H5 virus in wild birds and other wildlife and to help control and, above all, prevent future HPAI outbreaks.

PSVI-26 The benefits of probiotics (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplement in growth performance, egg production, gas emission and gut microbiome diversity in Hy-Line brown laying hens

Abstract During the past few decades, antibiotics have been widely used at subtherapeutic doses to improve growth rates and performance in the poultry industry. However, antibiotics can result in side effects including bacterial resistance; these side effects often have detrimental consequences for human health. Thus, the poultry sector was urged to seek alternative strategies to promote animal performance. One environmentally friendly approach to growth promotion involves the use of probiotics, which have been used in the poultry industry for decades. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) on growth performance, egg production, gas emission and gut microbiota diversity in laying hens. A total of 192 Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 12 wk. The test treatments were basal diet (TRT1), basal + 0.25% antibiotic (TRT2), and basal + 0.1% probiotics (TRT3), and basal + 0.2% probiotics (TRT4). Laying hens fed a diet supplemented with 0.2% probiotics showed increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) egg production in wk 9, 10, and 12. Moreover, fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the probiotic groups. Microbiome analysis showed increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) species richness in the probiotic groups, as indicated by Chao1 and Shannon indices, but a decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in species diversity according to the Simpson index, suggesting a specific microbial community development due to probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, this study provides us with an insight into the potential use Lactobacillus spp. probiotic as a food supplement in the laying hen industry also provides us with a better understanding of the interplay between Lactobacillus spp. and the gut microbiome diversity in laying hens.

Life cycle assessment of organic and conventional egg production: A case study in northern Italy

According to FAO projections, meat and fish production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to meet the needs of the growing global population and its protein requirements. The poultry sector has been one of the most responsive industries to the growing demand for protein, with a significant increase in egg and chicken meat production. Although eggs are important foods in the human diet, environmental impacts and ethical aspects could also affect dietary choices. This study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of egg production, by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). More specifically, the study compared two different farming systems of conventional and organic egg production, with reference to two case studies in northern Italy. The results obtainedgenerally showed the conventional system to be more efficient compared to the organic system. For example, as regards the impact category of Fine particulate matter formation, the conventional system had a 28.6% lower impact than the organic system. Another major difference was in the Land use category, where the conventional system had an impact of 48.5% less than the organic system. The Organic Scenario showed some critical aspects, e.g. the need for a large agricultural area, low feed conversion rates and low crop yields. The two production scenarios showed that in terms of environmental impact, the main difference between organic and conventional egg production resides in feed production. I It is, therefore, essential to work on a low input formula, to substitutethe diet components with the greatest impact and adopt strategies to obtain an increase in yields and/or a reduction in resource consumption during the cultivation phase. The complete substitution of soybean with other local crops could reduce several impacts, including the one linked to transport. The further reduction of maize could also limit the expected impact.

Zoonoses in the Indian Poultry Sector and Prospect of One Health Approach as a Sustainable Solution: A Review

The Indian poultry sector has witnessed noticeable amplification in recent years. Still, it has also been plagued by the emergence of zoonotic diseases, posing significant threats to public health, food security, and the economy. This abstract explores the alarming rise of zoonotic diseases in the Indian poultry industry and highlights the urgent need for a One Health approach to address emerging challenges. The One Health framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, holds promise as a sustainable solution to mitigate zoonotic epidemics in the poultry sector. This study reviews the challenges, potential benefits, and key considerations associated with implementing the One Health approach in India, emphasizing its role in preventing and controlling zoonotic outbreaks in poultry birds, improving bird welfare, and fostering sustainable operation in the poultry industry thereby securing human and environmental health and well-being. It underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, veterinary and medical professionals, and the poultry industry, to promote a holistic and resilient approach to zoonoses management.

Contribution of veterinary sector to antimicrobial resistance in One Health compendium: an insight from available Indian evidence.

The application of antibiotics in the poultry and veterinary sectors is very common practice in India. Owing to the seriousness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the present study has illustrated the overall scenario of AMR in the poultry and veterinary sectors in India through an in-depth scoping review and key informant interview (KII). In the poultry sector, most of the studies reviewed have reported resistant bacteria isolated from chicken meat, eggs, cloacal swabs, and fecal samples, and only a few have reported the presence of resistant bacteria in and around the environment of poultry farms. The major resistant bacteria that have been reported are E. coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, Campylobacter jejuni, and K. pneumoniae. These bacterial isolates exhibited resistance to various antibiotics, such as azithromycin (21.43%), tetracycline (11.30-100%), chloramphenicol (4.76-100%), erythromycin (75-83.33%), ciprofloxacin (5.7-100%), gentamicin (17-100%), amikacin (4.76%), cotrimoxazole (42.2-60%), trimethoprim (89.4%), ceftriaxone (80%), and cefotaxime (14.29-70%). Like the poultry sector, different antibiotics are also used for treating clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis, which is one of the major problems plaguing the dairy sector. Several AMR bacterial strains, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have been reported by many researchers and showed resistance against tetracycline (74%), oxytetracycline (47.37%), ciprofloxacin (51%), streptomycin (57.89%), cephalosporin (100%), and trimethoprim (70%). The KIIs have revealed several reasons behind these AMR scenarios, of which the growing need for the production of food animals and their products with inadequate infrastructure and a lack of proper knowledge on farm management among the farmers are the major ones. Though several government legislations and policies have been laid down, proper implementation of these policies, strict surveillance on antibiotic application in the poultry and veterinary sectors, awareness generation among farmers, and infrastructure development can help minimize the development and transmission of AMR bacteria within and from these sectors.

Whole-genome sequencing of three ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella Reading (ST93) strains, an emerging Salmonella serovar in the poultry sector of Pakistan.

In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of three ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella Reading strains isolated from poultry meat. Genomes of S. Reading strains contained an average of 4.81 Mbp size with 52.1% GC. The isolates exhibited blaOXA-10, aac [6']-Iaa, aadA1, cmlA1, qnrS1, and tetA resistance genes and IncX1 and IncX2 plasmids.

Computer Vision-Based cybernetics systems for promoting modern poultry Farming: A critical review

As global demands on the poultry production and welfare both intensify, the precision poultry farming technologies such as computer vision-based cybernetics system is becoming important in addressing the current issues related to animal welfare and production efficiencies. The integration of computer vision technology has become a catalyst for transformative change in precision farming, particularly concerning productivity and welfare. This review paper delineates the central role of computer vision in precision poultry farming, focusing on its applications in non-contact monitoring methods that employ advanced sensors and cameras to enhance farm biosecurity and bird observation without disturbance. We delved into the multifaceted advancements such as the utilization of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for behavior analysis and health monitoring, evidenced by the high accuracy sorting of eggs and identification of health concerns within target-dense farm environments. The review paper underscores advancements in precision agriculture, including accurate egg weight estimation and egg classification within cage-free systems, paralleling the poultry sector’s evolution towards more ethical farming practices. Moreover, it addresses the progress in poultry growth monitoring and examines case studies of commercial farms, showcasing how these innovations are being practically applied to enhance productivity and animal welfare. Challenges remain, particularly in terms of environmental variability and data annotation for deep learning models. Nevertheless, the review emphasizes the scope for future innovations like voice-controlled robotics and virtual reality applications, which have the potential to enhance poultry farming to new levels of efficiency, humanity, and sustainability. The insights assert that the continued exploration and development in computer vision technologies are not only instrumental for the poultry sector but also offer a blueprint for agricultural enhancement at large.

Limited Emergence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis Variants with Reduced Phage Susceptibility in PhagoVet-Treated Broilers.

Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) poses a growing issue in the poultry sector, with phage-based products emerging as a safe and effective control measure. This study investigated the emergence of reduced-phage-susceptibility variants (RPSV) of S. Infantis in PhagoVet-treated broilers, given that RPSV could undermine phage treatment efficacy. The bacteriophages in the PhagoVet product were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), genome sequencing, and infection profiling. Furthermore, two broiler trials were conducted: a challenge group (T1) and a challenge-and-treated group (T2). The S. Infantis infective dose was set at 104 and 106 colony-forming units (CFUs) per animal, with PhagoVet administration at 106 and 108 plaque-forming units (PFUs) per animal, in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. The results revealed that the four PhagoVet bacteriophages belonged to different genera. PhagoVet evidenced broad-spectrum efficacy against 271 strains representing 18 Salmonella serovars. In Trial 1, PhagoVet reduced bacterial counts in feces to nearly undetectable levels by day 42, with no RPSV detected. However, in Trial 2, three and five RPSVs were detected in feces and ceca, respectively. Consequently, PhagoVet demonstrated efficacy against S. Infantis in broilers, and the potential impact of RPSV is deemed unlikely to compromise its efficacy.