Poultry Systems Research Articles

The impact of using bee pollen in poultry systems

The use of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production has resulted in the development of drug resistance, and destruction of the normal beneficial intestinal flora. Therefore, the task of poultry industry is to find alternative solutions to ensure safe products. The aim of this review article was to understand the potential use of bee pollen in poultry production system regarding its impact on performance, carcass traits, immunity, bacterial community, and blood parameters. Bee products such as pollen have been used in traditional medicine and have recently appeared as possible feed additives. Bee pollen is considered the most important substance in the hive, as a basic feed for bees. It consists of a mixture of proteins, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, and multiple vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The chemical composition of bee pollen depends mainly on the plant species, geographic region, and season of collection. Bee pollen has many uses in human medicine and livestock production. It has been used to improve general health, and may also act as an antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-radiation, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hepato- and cardio-protective, and antidiabetic. Dietary supplementation of bee pollen could increase performance parameters as a growth promotor, enhancing carcass quality. In addition, bee pollen can enhance the immune response, reduce the pathogenic bacterial count, and enhance important blood parameters.

In Vivo Study of the Effect of Sugarcane Bagasse Lignin Supplementation on Broiler Chicken Diet as a Step to Validate the Established Chicken Gastrointestinal Tract In Vitro Model

Since the global restrictions on antibiotics in poultry systems, there has been a growing demand for natural and sustainable feed additives for disease prevention and poultry nutrition. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating sugarcane bagasse (SCB) lignin into broiler chicken diets. The performance of the chickens, including body weight, feed intake, and mortality, as well as intestinal histomorphometry, and cecum content pH, microbiota, and volatile fatty acids were assessed. In addition, we also aimed to validate an in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) model developed by Carvalho et al. (2023). One hundred and eight 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The first group was fed a basal diet (BD group), while the second group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% (w/w) SCB lignin (BD + SCB lignin group) for 36 days. The in vivo conditions of the chicken GIT were replicated in an in vitro model. In the in vivo study, SCB lignin increased cecum acetate and butyrate levels while reducing Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae, without affecting productivity (body weight, feed intake, and mortality). The in vitro assessment reflected microbiota trends observed in vivo, although without statistical significance. The divergence in organic acid production between the in vivo and in vitro conditions likely resulted from issues with inoculum preparation. This study demonstrates that SCB lignin incorporation positively influences cecal microbiota composition without impacting the animals’ productivity and physiology, suggesting its potential as a functional feed additive. For a more reliable in vitro model, adjustments in inoculum preparation are necessary.

Assessing awareness of IoT-driven strategies for poultry management in mitigating increased ambient heat in Enugu, Nigeria

The study examined awareness level of Internet of Things (IoT)-driven strategies in mitigating impacts of increased ambient heat load in poultry pens by poultry farmers in a smart city like Enugu, Nigeria. With the rising challenges of climate change, increased ambient heat load within poultry pens poses a significant threat to poultry production. Understanding farmers’ perception of impact of increased ambient heat load and their awareness of IoT-driven strategies for its mitigation is crucial for sustainable poultry system management in smart cities. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 240 poultry farmers from the three Local Government Areas that make up Enugu City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and Likert rating scale were used to analyze the data. The study identified socio-demographic factors influencing farmers’ perception of impact of increased heat load and awareness/ adoption of IoT-driven mitigation strategies. Education level (45% secondary education), access to information (29.2%) and financial resources (22.9%) were key determinants. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among poultry farmers regarding IoT-driven strategies while the constraints faced by farmers in implementing sustainable IoT-driven mitigation strategies included lack of awareness, lack of funding/high initial investment, limited access to technology, inadequate training, poor extension contact, water availability and climate variability. The study concluded that majority of poultry farmers shared similar perceptions about the impact of increased ambient heat load on poultry species but however were not aware of many of the IoT-driven strategies to mitigate the impact and were limited by a number of constraints or challenges to adopting IoT-driven mitigation strategies which altogether could improve poultry production system and help to achieve animal protein security in a smart city like Enugu, Nigeria. The study further recommended enlightenment of poultry farmers on the impact of increased ambient heat load on poultry species and available/sustainable/harmonized IoT-enabled guidelines or solutions to mitigate heat load in smart cities’ poultry production system.

Feasibility study of the hybrid biogas-photovoltaic energy system in poultry and swine farms

This paper aims to evaluate the use of a hybrid photovoltaic-biogas grid-connected system in a rural property at Rio Verde region. The study focused on technical and cost issues of a rural property with swine and chicken production, located in the state of Goiás, Brazil. A comparative analysis of the costs of the hybrid system after optimization was made using HOMER© (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables) software. The analysis shows that the optimal system’s initial cost, net present cost, electricity cost with the photovoltaic-biogas on grid system is US$ 280.180, US$ 661.682, and 0,082 US$.kWh-1, respectively. The main cost of the hybrid photovoltaic-biogas energy system consists of the biogas generator, biodigesters, inverters with the photovoltaic modules. In the short term, the implementation of the hybrid photovoltaic biogas system in the region is an interesting alternative for farmers considering the sustainability of agribusiness.

Bacteriophages Against Bacterial Infections in Poultry Systems: A Scientometric Review.

Poultry production faces challenges from bacterial infections, aggravated by antibiotic resistance, affecting bird welfare and the industry's economy. Bacteriophages show promise as a solution, but their use in poultry systems is still limited. This study uses scientometric analysis to investigate the incidence of bacterial infections in poultry systems and bacteriophage application trends. The Web of Science database was used, and the articles were refined by searching for keywords that included the most rep orted bacteria in the different phases of poultry farming and the application of phages. The articles were analyzed using the CiteSpace and Excel software, allowing the evaluation of publication trends, influential countries, and correlations with antimicrobial resistance and the use of bacteriophages. Results highlight Escherichia coli prevalence in poultry systems and reveal a correlation between the number of publications and poultry productivity, with the United States and China leading both aspects. Findings offer insights into bacterial control gaps in poultry systems, underscoring the need for further research and practical strategies.

The Nutrient Content of Litter and Manure from Different Poultry Systems—Updating and Establishing the Nutrient Profile

Representative samples of litter and/or manure from 12 of the most common poultry systems were collected and analysed to provide an accurate nutrient profile from each system. For many systems (turkeys, broilers under indirect heating systems, and pullets), there were no previous values with which to compare composition, but for other systems (broiler breeders and layers), nitrogen and phosphate content were lower as a result of changes in diet and advancements in genetics and management. Nitrogen and phosphate output per 1000 birds was calculated for each system using analysed values for nitrogen and phosphate and measured litter/manure output. Due to a lack of data, it was not possible to compare the nutrient profile of all systems with published values, but where this was possible, some important differences were apparent. For example, the nitrogen and phosphate contents of BB (0–18 weeks) litter were 31% lower and 73% higher than current standard values. Similar differences were also observed for BB (18–60 weeks) (26% lower in nitrogen and 51% higher in phosphate). Turkey litter was found to contain 14% less nitrogen and 37% less phosphate than standard values. Litter from pullet systems contained higher levels of DM (72%), nitrogen, and phosphate than standard values. Litter from free range laying systems also contained higher DM (46%), nitrogen, and phosphate than standard values. This information will be useful in updating environmental legislation and ensuring that poultry producers are able to calculate accurate nutrient management plans for their enterprises. This study also established relations between litter/manure dry matter (DM) and nutrient profile, meaning that this simple measured parameter can be used to predict nutrient profile. The strongest relations were observed between DM and N (R2 = 0.65), DM and phosphate (R2 = 0.53), and DM and MgO (R2 = 0.69). The weakest relation was observed between DM and WSP content (R2 = 0.21), although still significant (p = 0.046). It was concluded that it is necessary to consider the relation within individual systems when using DM as a predictor of nutrient profile rather than using a combined system approach. The water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) content of litter/manure was determined and a baseline was established for each production system. It was also shown that DM is positively related (p < 0.05) to WSP content. This will be important for future legislative compliance based on the WSP content of litter/manure.

Water quality constrained adjustment planning for regional breeding management with nonlinear programming model under uncertainty in Wenchang City, China

Basin water pollution caused by livestock, poultry and fish breeding is still a serious problem for remote villages, however, reliable regional breeding management programming have the potentials to improve pollution status. This paper focuses on the optimal model design and water quality analysis of the livestock, poultry and fish breeding system for Wenchang City, China. Methods of multi-objective programming (MOP), interval parameter programming (IPP), fuzzy-stochastic parameter programming (FSPP), and chance constrained programming (CCP) were incorporated into the developed model to tackle multi uncertainties described by interval values, probability distributions, fuzzy membership function. Based on the estimation of local breeding potential and current situation of surface water section, a multi-objective mixed fuzzy-stochastic nonlinear programming optimization model is presented with one-dimensional water quality model. In order to evaluate the environmental carrying capacity of livestock, poultry and fishery manure, predict its development trend and investigate the implementation effect of different emission reduction policies, this paper designs quantization system of the urban water environmental carrying capacity for the model. The results indicated that the water environment pollutant absorption capacity and carrying capacity of Wenchang city have approached the limit especially the towns in the northeast of City which limited the overall development space of the City. The modeling results are valuable for supporting the adjustment of the existing livestock, poultry and fish breeding schemes within a complicated system benefit and surface water quality situation under uncertainty.

109. Field study of the behaviour and performance of laying hens in a poultry system

109. Field study of the behaviour and performance of laying hens in a poultry system

Uses of nanotechnological feed additives and nanofeeds in poultry feeding

In poultry, which has an important place in meeting the need for healthy animal protein, the production of ration substance compositions with alternative sources is one of the popular topics of the last period. Nanoparticles produced by nanotechnology of various minerals added to poultry diets are increasingly being used as feed additives that can reduce feed costs, reduce the risk of environmental waste, replace antibiotics and do not pose residue risk in animal products, both in terms of supporting growth and development and strengthening the immune system. The aim of this study was to bring together the studies on the effects of using nanoparticles as feed additives on growth, development performance and immune system in poultry

Lentil (Lens culinaria) and its by-products inclusion in livestock nutrition: present insights and emerging trends in rabbit and poultry system

ABSTRACT The current agro-industrial system must develop a more efficient and sustainable food production model to achieve greater food security for the expanding global population, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the European Agenda 2030. A green and sustainable solution for the feed-food production dilemma may be the use of agricultural by-products (AB) in livestock feeding. The ABs are what remains of fruits and vegetables after industrial processing, containing a plethora of bioactive compounds. Currently, their direct utilization in livestock nutrition is growing, but more research is needed to deeply discover their potential in terms of health-promoting compounds. Lentils (Lens culinaria L.), belonging to the Fabaceae family and commonly categorized as pulses, have historically served as a staple food for humans. Post-harvest processing of lentils yields various by-products (e.g. straw, hulls, screenings) that possess high nutritive value and are rich in phytochemicals, making them suitable for incorporation into balanced diets for numerous livestock species, including poultry and rabbits. This review focuses on the available knowledge on lentil by-products (LB), their nutritive value and phytochemicals including the main dietary effects on growth and productive parameters of poultry and rabbits.

Cyclic di-peptide Cyclo (L-Phe-L-Pro) mitigates the quorum-sensing mediated virulence in Salmonella typhi and biofilm formation in poultry and plastic system

Salmonella typhi is a predominant foodborne pathogen, posing a significant threat to food quality and safety through typhoid outbreaks. Quorum sensing (QS) and its pathways are crucial for typhoid antigen regulation and S. typhi-mediated spoilage and pathogenesis. Therefore, this study intends to identify secondary metabolites from extracts of 15 bacterial isolates sourced from wild Mangifera indica (mango) brine pickles as novel anti-QS agents against S. typhi. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) of 15 bacterial isolates from fermented mango brine pickles were assessed and identified for anti-QS positive metabolites using GC-MS. Anti-QS metabolite was tested on early and mature biofilms, as well as violacein inhibition, EPS, cellular adherence, motility, antibiotics, and immune resistance of S. typhi. Gene expression and in-silico studies were also conducted to validate the compound's efficacy. The results depicted that among the 15 isolates, Bacillus subtilis P89 exhibited potent anti-QS properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified twelve potential quorum-sensing inhibiting compounds, with Cyclo (L-Phenylalanine-L-Proline) (CPP) demonstrating the maximum anti-QS activity against S. typhi. CPP disrupted the pathogen's early and mature biofilms, reducing exo-polymeric substance production, cell hydrophobicity, and motility at sub-lethal concentrations. It also enhanced the immune response against S. typhi and improved traditional efficacy. Real-time qPCR analyses revealed CPP's modulation of essential quorum-sensing regulatory genes. Molecular docking studies indicated competitive binding of CPP with the SdiA receptor. CPP inhibited S. typhi biofilm formation on chicken skin, plastics, and eggshells. To our knowledge, this study is the first to highlight CPP's potential in food and clinical environments to combat S. typhi via quorum sensing-based mechanisms.

Laying Hens: Why Smothering and Not Surviving?-A Literature Review.

The proliferation of rearing systems providing opportunities for birds to engage in natural behaviors can trigger behavioral repertoires that when not manageable compromise animal welfare and the economic viability of the flock. Smothering in laying hens has long been perceived as "natural" or the result of hysteria among birds in the flock. However, the current literature has recognized smothering as an abnormal outcome with the potential to result in significant losses in cage-free poultry systems. Recent studies have specifically aimed to categorize the organization of smothering behavior and highlight its potential causes and consequences. In this study, literature review and bibliographic mapping, drawing on published articles and engagement with poultry farmers through extension and rural technical assistance, were employed. The findings indicate that smothering is a behavior triggered by factors related to the environment in which the laying hens are kept. This study concludes that there is a critical need for more rigorous and detailed research to elucidate the nuances of avian behavioral physiology and assess the impact of production systems on animal welfare and the economic impacts on the flock. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of bird behavior in high-production environments and provides practical insights for the poultry industry.

Strategies to attack pathogenic avian microorganisms: From probiotics to postbiotics

To reduce the growing risk of antimicrobial resistance, there is an increasing demand to substitute synthetic antimicrobial growth promoters in animal production with safer natural chemicals or biological alternatives. Therefore, this chapter will focus on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in poultry production. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Prebiotics are considered a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit. They are thought to be hydrolyzed and then used by the gastrointestinal tract bacteria found in different parts of the avian gastrointestinal tract because they have been described as indigestible by the host. There are five categories of prebiotics: fructans, galactooligosaccharides, starch and glucose-derived oligosaccharides, other oligosaccharides, and non-carbohydrate or miscellaneous like cocoa-derived flavanols, polyphenolics, fatty acids, herbs, and other supplements. The most often used prebiotics in poultry include fructo-oligosaccharide, mannan-oligosaccharides, and galacto-oligosaccharides. A synbiotic is a mixture comprising live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a beneficial effect. There are complementary and synergistic synbiotics. In chickens, synbiotics can be supplemented in feed or water or injected in ovo to expedite colonization of the gut by beneficial bacteria. Finally, postbiotics are considered inactivated microbial cells or cell components, with or without their metabolites, that provide health benefits. Many existing postbiotics include inanimate strains belonging to established probiotic taxa within some genera of the family Lactobacillaceae or the genus Bifidobacterium. Postbiotics are composed of food-grade microorganisms or released after cell lysis in complex microbial cultures, food, or the intestinal lumen. All these products help support a healthy gut and immune system in poultry.

Microalgae: A promising strategy for aflatoxin control in poultry feeds

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds, primarily Aspergillus species, which can contaminate crops such as grains and nuts. These toxins pose a significant health risk to animals and humans. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent of these compounds and has been well-characterized to lead to diminished growth and feed efficiency by disrupting nutrient absorption and metabolism in poultry. AFB1 can trigger apoptosis and inflammation, leading to a decline in immune function and changes in blood biochemistry in poultry. Recently, there has been growing interest in using microalgae as a natural antioxidant to mitigate the effects of aflatoxins in poultry diets. Microalgae have strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and adding them to aflatoxin-contaminated poultry diets has been shown to improve growth and overall health. This review investigates the potential of microalgae, such as Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Enteromorpha prolifera, to mitigate AFB1 contamination in poultry feeds. These microalgae contain substantial amounts of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, peptides, vitamins, and pigments, which possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties. Microalgae can bind to aflatoxins and prevent their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of poultry. They can also enhance the immune system of poultry, making them more resilient to the toxic effects of AFB1. Based on the data collected, microalgae have shown promising results in combating AFB1 contamination in poultry feeds. They can bind to aflatoxins, boost the immune system, and improve feed quality. This review emphasizes the harmful effects of AFB1 on poultry and the promising role of microalgae in reducing these effects.

Effect of dietary supplementation with recombinant human lysozyme on growth performance, antioxidative characteristics, and intestinal health in broiler chickens.

Lysozyme is often used as a feed additive to act as an antibacterial protein that boosts the immune system of livestock and poultry while protecting against pathogens. To investigate the effects of recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ) from Pichia pastoris and chlortetracycline on broiler chicken's production performance, antioxidant characteristics, and intestinal microbiota, a total of 200, 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens (46.53 ± 0.42g) were selected for a 42-d experiment. Dietary treatments included a basal diet of corn-soybean meal supplemented with either 0mg/kg (CON), 50mg/kg aureomycin (ANT), 20mg/kg rhLYZ (LOW), 60mg/kg rhLYZ (MEDIUM), or 180mg/kg rhLYZ (HIGH). Compared with CON, MEDIUM diet increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (67.40g) of broilers from day 22 to 42. In the early (1.29) and overall phases (1.69), MEDIUM led to a reduction (P < 0.05) in the feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens. Furthermore, in comparison to the CON and ANT, MEDIUM exhibited reduced (P < 0.05) levels of INF-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α in the serum. In the cecum, the abundance of Monoglobus and Family_XIII_AD3011_group was lower (P < 0.05) in the MEDIUM treatment compared to CON. Overall, supplementation of 60mg/kg of rhLYZ improved growth performance, nutrient utilization efficiency, and serum immune function, while also influencing the composition of intestinal microbiota. This suggests lysozyme's potential to replace antibiotic additives in feed.

Mentha spp. essential oils: toxicity to Alphitobius diaperinus, activity against poultry pathogenic bacteria, and Beauveria bassiana compatibility.

The botanical insecticide market is growing because of limitations placed on the use of certain synthetic chemical insecticides. In this sense, the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the main poultry pest. The insect causes weight loss and damage to the digestive system of poultry, and it is a vector and reservoir of pathogens. Consequently, this study explored the following hypotheses: (i) essential oils (EOs) derived from Mentha spp. are toxic to A. diaperius; (ii) these EOs are compatible with Beauveria bassiana, the natural enemy of the poultry pest, that parasite A. diaperinus; (iii) these EOs also exhibit activity against bacteria that are pathogenic to poultry. In topical applications and ingestion tests, EOs from Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita were toxic to A. diaperinus. Chromatographic analyses revealed that menthol is the predominant compound in M. arvensis and M. piperita, whereas carvone is the major compound in M. spicata. Both (-)- and (+)-menthol, along with (-)- and (+)-carvone, underwent testing with A. diaperinus. Nevertheless, their activity was not as potent as those of the EOs, suggesting a possible synergistic and/or additive effect. The EOs did not have any adverse effects on the conidial germination, vegetative growth, or conidia production per colony of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. Consequently, these EOs are compatible with this natural enemy. The EO extracted from M. spicata exhibited significant toxicity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), whereas the remaining EOs displayed moderate toxicity against this bacterium. The EOs derived from Mentha spp., as assessed in this study, hold promise for the development of botanical insecticides tailored for the control of A. diaperinus. These insecticides are selective in favor of the natural enemy B. bassiana and can also serve as effective sanitizers, thanks to their antibacterial properties.

Usability of Hemp Plant in Poultry Nutrition

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual plant with 2n=20 chromosomes, one-year, C3 group, cultivated for its long and strong fibers and seeds. It is a plant that should be cultivated in a controlled manner due to the presence of THC in its natural structure. Producers who avoid control and monitoring have turned to alternative products instead of hemp farming. Countries that cultivate cannabis in large areas; France, China, and Canada. Some countries are updating their cannabis-related laws and making efforts to increase hemp acreage. It is known that hemp farming has been practiced in Anatolia since 1500 BC. Various products such as hemp seeds, hemp pulp, hemp oil have been used in various studies in poultry feeding studies, while no negative results have been encountered, but various positive results have been suggested and their use is recommended. It is of great importance to investigate the effects of cannabidiols, which have strong antimicrobial, antioxidant and immunostimulant effects, as they are expected to support the immune system in poultry, especially broilers. Some of the studies in which hemp products are used in poultry nutrition are as follows; Addition of hemp meal to laying hen diets has been reported to make no significant difference in egg production, feed consumption, feed utilization, body weight gain or egg quality, but results in lower palmitic acid concentrations and higher Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) concentrations, which are healthier for human consumption. Hemp seeds and hemp oil used in chicken rations caused an increase in the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and color intensity of egg yolks, but no adverse effects were observed on the sensory profiles of cooked eggs. Addition of cannabis meal to fast growing broiler diets did not affect performance or mortality, and no effect on the number of Clostridium perfringens in the cecum was reported. Hemp seeds have a remarkable effect on the growth of broiler chicks and can help reduce feed expenditures for broiler rearing. In this paper, the use and usability of the hemp plant, whose production areas are expanding rapidly, in poultry will be examined.

THYPLITIS HAEMORRHAGICA ET NECROTICAN IN THE INCIDENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN BROILER CHICKENS AGED 32 DAYS

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that often infects the digestive system of poultry and is caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Eimeria spp. Eimeria tenella is one of the most pathogenic protozoan species and has a predilection for the cecum and causes bloody diarrhea. The purpose of this paper is to determine the infectious agent that causes the death of 32 days old, female broiler chickens originating from one of the chicken farms in Petak Village, Gianyar District, Gianyar Regency. Clinical signs observed in chickens are weakness, pale wattles, dull looking feathers, clumps in the corners of the cage, and bloody diarrhea and dirty cloaca. Based on the results of the anatomical pathology examination, it showed that there was hemorrhage and thickening of the cecum wall (thyplitis haemorrhagica et necrotican). On histopathological examination, schizonts, hemorrhage, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were found in the cecum and on parasitological examination, Eimeria sp oocysts were found. which has sporulated in chicken feces samples with moderate infection intensity. Conclusion: the case chicken was diagnosed as infected with coccidiosis by Eimeria tenella. Sanitation and improved cage management need to be carried out to prevent the occurrence of coccidiosis in chickens.

Protein profile analysis of Jilin white goose testicles at different stages of the laying cycle by DIA strategy

BackgroundJilin white goose is an excellent local breed in China, with a high annual egg production and laying eggs mainly from February to July each year. The testis, as the only organ that can produce sperm, can affect the sexual maturity and fecundity of male animals. Its growth and development are affected and regulated by a variety of factors. Proteomics is generally applied to identify and quantify proteins in cells and tissues in order to understand the physiological or pathological changes that occur in tissues or cells under specific conditions. Currently, the female poultry reproductive system has been extensively studied, while few related studies focusing on the regulatory mechanism of the reproductive system of male poultry have been conducted.ResultsA total of 1753 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were generated in which there were 594, 391 and 768 different proteins showing differential expression in three stages, Initial of Laying Cycle (ILC), Peak of Laying Cycle (PLC) and End of Laying Cycle (ELC). Furthermore, bioinformatics was used to analyze the DEPs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were adopted. All DEPs were found to be implicated in multiple biological processes and pathways associated with testicular development, such as renin secretion, Lysosomes, SNARE interactions in vesicle trafficking, the p53 signaling pathway and pathways related to metabolism. Additionally, the reliability of transcriptome results was verified by real-time quantitative PCR by selecting the transcript abundance of 6 selected DEPs at the three stages of the laying cycle.ConclusionsThe funding in this study will provide critical insight into the complex molecular mechanisms and breeding practices underlying the developmental characteristics of testicles in Jilin white goose.

Multi-loop active disturbance rejection control and PID control strategy for poultry house based on GA, PSO and GWO algorithms

Maintaining the health and welfare of broilers, besides obtaining and optimizing good performance, are the main objectives of poultry production. In response, climate control remains the most guaranteed strategy for managing livestock successfully. Separate controlling temperature and humidity on the one hand; and contaminant gases on the other was a focus of several investigations. Thus, the particularity of this work which involves the study, analysis, and control of broiler livestock building while taking into account, at the same time, all the system's constituent variables (i.e., temperature, humidity, NH3 and CO2 concentration, air velocity, and differential pressure). In this paper, an Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers were designed and combined with a multi-loop approach for a multi-inputs multi-outputs (MIMO) system. Then, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) were used to obtain the optimal controllers' parameters employing the reward function, the Integrated Time Absolute Error (ITAE), according to the poultry system requirements. Simulation experiments were carried out using the Matlab Simulink toolbox to verify the effectiveness of all the proposed control methods with the two optimization algorithms regarding stabilization and tracking setpoints. Despite the introduction of several disturbances in the plant model, the PSO-ADRC controller still exhibits notable benefits in terms of rise time, overshoot, settling time, and good disturbance rejection, proving the robustness of the suggested control method.