Red Chicken Research Articles

Additive and Non-additive Genetic Effects on Growth and Egg Production Performance of Crossbred Chicken in Ethiopia

The present review article aims to provide an overview of the additive and non-additive genetic effects of crossbreeding and their contribution to the improvement of growth and egg production traits in chickens. It discusses the advancement in crossbreeding effects and mating design contribution to a significant rate of genetic progress in indigenous chicken. In Ethiopia, crossbreeding practice may be used to enhance the performance of local chicken ecotypes. The article extensively reviews various papers related to crossbreeding trials conducted in Ethiopia, evaluating their effectiveness in improving growth and egg production. It discusses the mating design and breeds used in these programs, such as exotic breeds like Rhode Island Red, Fayoumi, White Leghorn, Koekoek, Sasso, Kuroiler, and local Ethiopian chicken ecotypes. Among the exotic breeds involved in crossbreeding, Rhode Island Red and Sasso are considered more favorable for improving growth rate and color preference, while White Leghorn is preferred for enhancing egg production traits. In opposite to these indigenous chickens are preferred for disease resistance and product quality. Additive genetic effects are typically responsible for the genetic improvement of traits over generations through selection. In egg production, additive genetic effects influence the overall capacity of a chicken to lay eggs, affecting traits like egg number and egg size. Whereas, In growth performance, additive genetic effects influence traits like body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and overall growth rate. Non-additive genetic effects include dominance and epistatic interactions between genes. These effects can lead to genetic heterogeneity and can impact traits like egg production and growth performance besides playing a role in hybrid vigor or heterosis. In conclusion, both additive and non-additive genetic effects play a crucial role in determining egg production and growth performance in chickens. Additive effects drive genetic improvement over generations, while non-additive effects provide immediate benefits like hybrid vigor. Understanding and utilizing both types of genetic effects is essential for enhancing these traits in poultry breeding programs. Chicken crossbreeding programs are highly important in the poultry industry as they continuously improve the genetic potential of chickens, leading to more efficient production systems and higher profitability for producers.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF COSTUS AFER LEAF AND STEM EXTRACTS ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS

A total number of one hundred and twenty (120) 7-day old ‘Abor acre’ broiler chicks were divided into four groups of 30 birds each. Each group was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were randomly assigned to 0, 5, 10 and 15mL of homogenous Costus afer leaf and stem extracts per litre of drinking water in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. The groups were labelled T1 (control), T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Commercial feed and Costus afer leaf and stem extracts were offered ad libitum and the birds were managed under the same experimental conditions for 56days. At the end of the feeding trial, 4mL of blood samples from two birds per replicate were collected for hematological analysis. The result obtained showed that hemoglobin and parked cell volume value for T1 and T2 were similar (P>0.05) while T1, T3 and T4 are similar (P>0.05). This study concluded that Costus afer extracts in drinking water of finisher broiler chickens recorded an increase in the red blood cell and PCV amongs chicken offered 15mL of the homogenous Costus afer leaf and stem extracts and up to 15mL of the extracts could be added. Also, the ratio of leaf to stem could be altered in the preparation of the extract, while using the same species of birds or using other poultry birds like layers, turkey etc.

Determining the Meat Consumption Preferences of Tourists in the Kars Province

This study aimed to understand the meat consumption preferences of local people and tourists in Kars, which is known for its high-goose production and cultural and historical tourism. The AHP method was used to analyze the data, with 250 consumers interviewed through proportional sampling. Fish was the top preferred meat type for 29.18% of visitors, followed by chicken meat (26.41%), red meat (24.64%), and goose meat (19.77%). The most important criteria for meat consumption in Kars were taste (27.08%), price (23.97%), ease of transportation (19.47%), nutritional content (18.18%), and smell (12.20%). In terms of taste, consumers prefer fish as their first choice, followed by goose meat as their second choice. In terms of affordability, chicken and fish are the first choices, followed by fish. They prefer fish and goose meat for their nutritional and safety value. In terms of smell, fish and goose meat are among the most important choices. The demand for organic fish with higher nutritional value from Çıldır Lake is higher than other types of meat. The affordability of chicken and fish also influences consumers' preferences for these meat types. However, loyalty to red meat and chicken remains low in terms of nutrition and safety. To enhance the economic conditions for producers, consumers, and restaurants, it is crucial to streamline the availability of fish, enhance trust and perception of the nutritional value of red and white meat, and make goose meat more cost-effective. This will lead to increased consumption of meat products and improved service opportunities.

Baseline lifestyle and biomedical stroke risk factors among New Zealand participants in the PERsonalised Knowledge to reduce the risk of Stroke (PERKS-International) randomised controlled trial –preliminary results

Stroke ranks as the world’s second leading cause of death and third in causing disabilities, a preventable disease affecting people of all demographics. Primary prevention is crucial to mitigate its impact by addressing modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, low physical activity (PA), obesity, smoking, high blood pressure (BP), elevated cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. This study evaluated quality of diet and other stroke modifiable risk factors among New Zealand (NZ) participants recruited at the baseline phase of the PERKS-International trial. PERKS is a Phase III, multicentre, prospective, pragmatic, open-label, single-blinded endpoint, two-arm randomised controlled trial conducted across Australia and NZ(1). Participants aged >35 and ≤75 years with ≥2 modifiable risk factors for stroke were assessed using the Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) score. LS7 includes seven components (BMI, BP, total cholesterol, blood glucose, dietary pattern, smoking, and PA) categorising into ideal,intermediate, and poor level. Height, weight, and BP were measured. Total cholesterol and blood glucose were measured via CardioChek PA Analyser. An online FFQ and Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered. Descriptive analyses and correlation coefficients were used to examine the characteristics of participants at the baseline. In NZ, out of 395 targeted participants, 375 (Female = 230, mean age = 57yrs) from diverse ethnic groups (NZ European = 204, Māori = 35, Pacific = 17) were recruited and assessed. Among LS7 metrics, smoking had the highest proportion of those in the ideal category (88%), followed by blood glucose (62%), total cholesterol (49%), dietary pattern (34%), BP (22%) and BMI (13%). Nearly 64% consumed <5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Almost half of the participants consumed beans and pulses less than once a week. About 43% and 31% consumed fibre-rich breakfast cereal and wholemeal bread less than once a week. Almost 10% drank fizzy drinks ≥4 times/week. Nearly 40% consumed sweets such as biscuits, cakes, and chocolate at least twice a week. Over half of the participants consumed red meat and chicken 2-3 times/week. In terms of other risk factors, over half of the participants were obese (BMI≥ 30 kg/m2). Only 12% were current smokers. About 10% drank alcohol 5-7 days/week. Physical activity expenditure (MET minutes/week) showed no significant sex difference. The LS7 factors correlated significantly were BMI and blood glucose (r = 0.157, p<0.01), total cholesterol and smoking (r=-0.129, p<0.01), BP and BMI (with a moderate correlation of r = 0.308, <0.001). The NZ participants in the PERKS-International trial, had poor diets, along with suboptimal lifestyle and biomedical stroke risk factors, reflecting the inclusion criteria for the study. Urgent action is required for the primary stroke prevention at population-level. The results of the trial, expected in 2024, will show the benefit of a mobile phone app on reducing these stroke risk factors.

THE EFFECT OF FOOD PRICE VOLATILITY (FPV) ON INFLATION IN PAREPARE CITY

Food price volatility often occurs and cannot be avoided, including food price volatility that occurs in Parepare City. The effect of movement or changes in food prices appears to influence inflation, which in turn becomes the purpose of this study, namely to analyze the effect of changes in food prices on inflation in Parepare City. The analysis method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The data used is secondary data in the form of monthly time series from July 2018 to June 2021. The independent variables in this study are the food prices of rice, chicken meat, red chili, chicken eggs and granulated sugar. The results showed that the food prices of rice and chicken eggs have an increasing trend while the prices of chicken meat, red chili, and granulated sugar tend to decrease. The coefficient of determination test results shows that changes in food prices simultaneously positively and significantly affect inflation. The t-statistical test shows that partially changes in food prices of rice and chicken meat have a positive and significant effect on inflation while changes in food prices of red chili, chicken eggs and granulated sugar have a positive but insignificant effect on inflation. This research has implications for public policy to develop food prices stabilization policies, such as food reserve policies, market regulations, incentives for food producers, or social assistance programs to alleviate the impact of food inflation.

Hybrid governance and welfare standards for broiler chickens raised for human consumption

AbstractThis article examines the welfare standards that govern the lives of chickens raised for meat in Australia and the United Kingdom. While ‘meat chickens’ are subject to a wide range of welfare interventions, we focus on the development and implications of the ‘private’ standards which are the most significant determinants of meat chicken welfare in these jurisdictions: the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme in Australia and the Red Tractor Chicken Assurance Scheme in the United Kingdom. While the jurisdictions appear to have a similar regime that favours private regulation, differences in the origins and governance of these systems can be identified, offering insights into the use of hybrid regulation in areas associated with the welfare of non‐human animals. The similarities and differences in these countries point to the importance of individual relationships, as well as supply chain power in the adoption of private standards as a response to comparatively unstructured community concerns about welfare (Australia) and welfare and food safety (United Kingdom). While hybridity as a form of new public governance can be seen to facilitate innovative and varied responses to state devolution, the article concludes the overarching anthropocentrism of policymakers and the policy sciences explains a closed, incremental, and conservative form of practice in this area. Observations of the wider ‘animal turn’ in the social sciences are recommended to consider future systems of hybrid regulation that are not centred on anthropocentrism and more fully expand hybridity's participatory promise.Points for practitioners Hybrid governance can focus on the use of hybrid organisational design and/or hybrid regulatory practice; each has very different characteristics and their respective use is often a function of local conditions and situations. Hybrid standards‐making systems need to be open to public participation in development and implementation (oversight), or risk capture and moral hazard. Public policy is largely predicated on strong anthropocentrism, which can be addressed through the use of critical rather than simple pluralism to expand the number of interests captured in regulatory practices.

Effects of Selenium-enriched Diets on the Growth Performance, Slaughter Characteristics, and Blood Biochemistry of Rhode Island Red Chicken

Effects of Selenium-enriched Diets on the Growth Performance, Slaughter Characteristics, and Blood Biochemistry of Rhode Island Red Chicken

Sources and Levels of Natural Growth Promotants for Redbro Chicken

Fortification of animals’ diets with antibiotics in promoting the growth and development has increased the public’s concern about the safety of animal products and their adverse effects on human health and natural immunity. The study conducted at Mabilbila Sur, Santa, Ilocos Sur from January 12, 2021 to February 28, 2021. The study determined the best sources (garlic, oregano, turmeric) and levels (2g, 4g, 6g) of natural growth promotants and their interaction as an alternative to antibiotics. It aimed to determine the effects on the growth performance, carcass trait, sensory traits, and economic analysis of red broiler chicken. One hundred eighty (180) experimental birds were distributed into nine treatments (6 chicken/pen) including one floating control replicated thrice in a Strip-Split Plot Design. Supplementation of four grams turmeric infusion resulted to the heaviest chicken thus, higher profit above feed cost. Most efficient feed conversion attained with the supplementation of two grams garlic and oregano.

Assessment of the Economic Profitability of Fattening Selected Chicken Genotypes in an Organic Farm

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether production costs can be reduced and whether the profitability of organic chicken fattening can be increased by selecting the appropriate genotypes. Rhode Island Red (K-11) and Sussex (S-66) conservative chicken genotypes, as well as modern chicken genotypes such as slow-growing Hubbard JA 957 hybrids and fast-growing Ross 308 hybrids, were selected for the study. One hundred and sixty chickens were used in the experiment (forty birds per group). The birds were fed commercial organic complete feed up to 52 days of age and organic farm-made feed (to reduce costs) between 53 and 81 days of age. Population distribution was determined using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The results were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with multiple comparisons and the post hoc Tukey test at a significance level of p < 0.05. The 81-day fattening period (the minimum recommended period in organic farming) led to considerable weight deficits in Rhode Island Red and S-66 chickens and excessive slaughter/trade weights in Hubbard JA 957 and Ross 308 chickens. The feed conversion ratio was high in Rhode Island Red (K-11) and Sussex (S-66) chickens at 4.19 and 4.50, respectively, and much lower in Hubbard JA 957 and Ross 308 chickens at 2.79 and 2.53, respectively. The choice of chicken genotypes had a major impact on the profitability of organic farming, and the total costs of feed and other ingredients per kg of body weight were determined at EUR 3.83 for Rhode Island Red (K-11), EUR 3.90 for Sussex (S-66), EUR 6.57 for Hubbard JA 957, and EUR 6.62 for Ross 308 genotypes. The profitability of organic farming can be increased by selecting modern, meat-type, slow-growing chicken genotypes.

Association of microsatellite genotypes with layer economic traits in a selected strain of Rhode Island Red chicken

Randomly selected 76 pullets of RIR selected strain were screened for microsatellite polymorphs and investigated for their association with layer economic traits. Microsatellite alleles were separated from genomic DNA samples through 3.4% MetaPhor® agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were recorded on age at first egg (AFE), egg weights and egg production (EP) at certain age. Microsatellite analysis revealed nine polymorphic loci (EW) and genotypes at ADL0020 locus were significantly associated with EP at 40 and 64 weeks of age, CC (110 bp/110 bp) genotype had the highest EP, whereas, AD (126 bp/102 bp) and BD (118 bp/102 bp) genotypes recorded the lowest EP. Genotypes at ADL0023 locus were associated with AFE, EP at 40 weeks of age, CC (176 bp/176 bp) genotype followed by AB (202bp/188bp) genotype had earlier AFE, whereas, AC (202bp/176bp) genotype followed by BB (188bp/188bp) genotype demonstrated late AFE. ADL0210 locus had significant impact on AFE, egg weight at 28/40/64 weeks of age; BB (124bp/124bp) genotype followed by AA (132 bp/132 bp) genotype had earlier AFE than AB (132 bp/124 bp) genotype. Both AB and AA genotypes revealed significantly higher egg weight at 28/40/64 weeks of age than BB genotype. The BB (176 bp/176 bp) genotype followed by AB (192 bp/176 bp) genotype at MCW0014 locus revealed higher egg weight at 28 weeks of age in comparison to AA (192bp/192bp) genotype. Allele C (110 bp) at ADL0020 and A (132 bp) at ADL0210 either in homozygous or heterozygous condition were linked to the traits of egg weight and egg production performance, respectively. The results might impact on genomic selection aided poultry breeding programme.

How Was the Staple Food Supply Chain in Indonesia Affected by COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant restrictions on the transportation of food products in Indonesia. The research objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which these restrictions impacted changes in marketing margins at the provincial level in Indonesia. The approach taken was through the examination of trade and freight margin statistical data before the pandemic (2019) and after the pandemic (2020) across a number of different commodity markets: rice, shallots, red chilli pepper, beef, chicken meat and eggs, sugar, and cooking oil. The evidence indicates that the pandemic brought a rapid rise in Indonesian domestic prices as a result of purchasing panic at its start. But after the imposition of transportation restrictions, there were wide variations: some durable food options experienced increased marketing margins, whereas non-durables tended to experience decreased marketing margins in some regions, as fresh products such as red chillies and shallots were discarded as a result of declining consumer purchasing power. The conclusion for policymakers is that any future restrictions should take into account this likely difference in response, in order to minimise economic disruption by calibrating support along the supply chain.

Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire assessing food group intake in the PERSIAN Cohort Study.

A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed for use in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN Cohort), investigating non-communicable disease risk factors. This study aimed to assess the validity and reproducibility of this FFQ, through food group intake. Participants, recruited from seven PERSIAN cohort centers, completed the FFQ at the beginning of the study (FFQ1) and at the end (FFQ2), with a 12-month interval in between, during which two 24-h dietary recalls (24 h) were completed each month. Correlation coefficients of the median intake of food groups recorded by the FFQs were compared to those of the 24 h to assess validity, and the two FFQs were compared to assess reproducibility of findings. Overall, data from 978 participants were included in this validation analysis. Of the 26 food groups assessed, Tea, Sugars, Whole/Refined Grains, and Solid Fats/Oils, had the strongest correlations (0.6-0.79), while Red Meat, Chicken and Eggs showed moderate correlations (0.42-0.59). The weakest correlations observed belonged to Fresh fruit Juice and Other Meats (0.23-0.32). Reproducibility was assessed among those who completed both FFQ1 and FFQ2 (n = 848), revealing moderate to strong correlations in all food groups, ranging from 0.42 in Legumes to 0.72 in both Sugar and Sweetened Drinks. The PERSIAN Cohort FFQ is appropriate to rank individuals based on food group intake.

Association of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 gene polymorphism with layer economic traits in Rhode Island Red chicken

The research work was conducted to determine allelic polymorphism of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VIPR-1) gene and its association with layer traits in Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken. Blood samples were collected from pullets (n=111) belonging to five hatches. Data on body weight at 20 weeks of age (BW20) and layer economic traits, viz. age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg weight at 28 (EW28) and 40 weeks (EW40) of age, and egg production up to 40 weeks of age (EP40)) were recorded. Genomic DNA was isolated by phenol chloroform extraction method. Samples were amplified for product sizes of 364, 434 and 486 bp of VIPR-1 gene. Amplified regions were digested by TaiI, HhaI and TaqI restriction enzymes. Digested fragments of TaiI and HhaI revealed monomorphism, whereas TaqI showed polymorphism. Allelic frequencies for polymorphic locus were 0.98 (A) and 0.02 (B) and genotypic frequencies for AA and AB were 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. The BW20 and layer traits (ASM, EW28, EW40 and EP40) were analysed by least-squares analysis of variance taking sire as random and hatch as fixed effect. Average ASM and egg production up to 40 weeks of age were 135.19±1.15 days and 124.55±1.94 eggs, respectively. Least-square analysis of variance had revealed significant effect of hatch on ASM, EW28 and EP40. However, effect of TaqI-RFLP genotypes was non-significant on layer traits. Further investigations on a larger sample basis are suggested to confirm effect of this mutation on layer traits as molecular marker in RIR chicken.

Effect of genotype and season on fertility and hatchability of eggs in Dahlem Red, Native and DND chicken under intensive system in Himachal Pradesh

The present study assessed the effect of genotype, season and period on fertility and hatchability of chicken eggs during five year period (April 2017 to March 2022). The eggs for hatching were collected from birds belonging to three genotypes viz. Dahlem Red (DR), Native and cross of (Dahlem Red × Native) with Dahlem Red (DND). Average fertility percentage was observed highest in DND followed by native and Dahlem Red. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was 80.91 & 70.20, 80.83 & 70.29 and 76.78 & 66.52 in native, DND and Dahlem Red respectively. Significant difference in hatchability percentage of Dahlem Red with native and DND was observed. Hatchability percentage was found better in native and DND bird. Season wise, fertility percentage was observed highest in winter (87.40) followed by rainy (86.34) and summer (86.01). Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was observed highest in rainy (81.22 & 70.09) followed by summer (80.60 & 69.36) and winter (77.31 & 67.63). Mean difference in hatchability on fertile egg set in winter was significant from rainy and summer season. Dead embryo percentage was observed significantly higher in winter than summer and rainy season. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was highest in 2021-22 (83.73 & 76.54) followed by 2017-18 (80.91 & 69.48), 2018-19 (80.58 & 70.19), 2019-20 (76.76 & 66.08) and 2020-21 (76.38 & 65.93). The hatchability operations under sub temperate condition of the region can be carried out efficiently throughout the year without a significant drop in fertility and hatchability. However, greater care and managerial precision are required in winter season during the hatching.

Characterization of potential probiotics Lactobacillus species isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken in Ethiopia

Background and aimsNowadays, probiotic microorganisms are given high attention due to their potential for the improvement of animal production and productivity. The natural gut microflora of poultry can serve as an excellent source of optimum probiotic strains. Therefore, this study isolated, identified and characterized potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains from the digestive tract content of RIR chicken in Ethiopia. MethodsA total of five RIR chickens were randomly taken and a sample was taken from each gastrointestinal content for further analysis. For further characterization, among 190 isolates only 10 representative isolates were randomly taken for further in vitro probiotic potential characterization. The selected isolates were screened and identified based on the biochemical, morphological, and 16S rRNA gene sequences. ResultsSurvival isolates of IS3, IS4, IS6, and IS7 were significantly different (P < 0.05) at pH 2. IS3, IS4, IS6, and IS7 showed tolerance for 0.3% bile salt. Isolates of IS1, IS2, IS5, IS7, and IS8 were ampicillin-resistant, and chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin were used as antibiotics. All ten isolates showed antagonistic activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Salmonella enteritidis. The optimum temperature for all isolates was 45 °C, and all the isolates could grow at 0.69 mol/L of NaCl. Using phylogenetic analysis of the 16SrRNA gene sequence; IS3 was identified as Lactobacillus salivarius, while IS4, IS6, and IS7 were identified as Lactobacillus reuteri. ConclusionsThe results indicated that the selected Lactobacillus isolates can survive the stress conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and can thus be considered potential probiotic candidates for chickens.

Reproduction and production performance of improved chickens, their production constraints, and opportunities under Ethiopian conditions.

Chickens have important roles in human food security and social and cultural values throughout the world. The current review focused on improved chickens' reproduction and production performance, their production constraints, and opportunities under Ethiopian conditions. The review covered nine performance traits, thirteen commercial breeds, and eight crossbreds between commercial breeds, and local chicken. The genotypes affected the age of the first egg, eggs per hen per year, and average egg weight. The three exotic breeds with short ages at first egg were Lohmann Brown, Novo Brown, and Potchefstroom Koekoek at 137, 140, and 142 days, respectively. The three genotypes with the highest egg production were Sasso T44, Bovans Brown, and Isa Browns laying 229, 235, and 276 eggs per hen per year. The three with the highest egg weight were Isa Browns, Bovans Brown, and Sasso T44 with their eggs weighing 58.8, 60.3, and 65.6 g each, respectively. Crossbreeding indigenous chicken with exotic breeds improved the age at first egg-lay, eggs per hen per year, and egg weigh. Crossbreeding indigenous chicken with exotic breeds shortened the age at first egg-lay. Crossbred of indigenous chicken with Fayoumi, Rhode Island Red, and White Leghorn reduced age at first egg-lay to 196.0, 198.3 and 224.3 days, respectively. Crossbreeding Dominant Red Barred with indigenous chicken reduced the age at first egg-lay from 137.3 to 130.7 days. Among the crossbred chicken, crossing between local chicken and Fayoumi, White Leghorn, and Yarkon laid the most eggs per hen per year being 119, 120, and 129 eggs, respectively. The crossbreed between Dominant Red Barred, and Horro ecotype aged 41-44 weeks laid eggs weighing 56.3 g. The management practices affected age at first egg with the smallholder production system tending to delay it and reduced the eggs per hen per year and average egg weight. The age at first egg-lay for Bovans Brown breed ranged from 165.6 to 196.2 days under this system. Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breed reared under this system laid 130.5 to 187.0 eggs per hen per year. When additional feed was provided, Bovans Brown chicken breed increased their egg production from 133.5 to 235.9 eggs per hen per year. The average egg weight was 43.0, 52.1, and 52.5 g for Fayoumi, White Leghorn, and Rhode Island Red chicken, repectivelly, under this system in northern Ethiopia. Most chicken breeds were reared under inadequate management practices resulting in suboptimal performance. Crossbreeding exotic and indigenous chicken breeds and intensifying the management will improve performance. The existence of suitable market demand for chicken products, readily available commercial feeds, and government and private investor involvement are emerging opportunities for enhanced chicken performance in Ethiopia.

Eksplorasi Harga Bahan Pokok sebagai Indikator Dini Pengendalian Inflasi di Sumatera Barat

This study explores inflation’s leading indicators in West Sumatra using ten strategic commodities prices. These ten strategic commodities are rice, beef, chicken meat, chicken egg, onion, garlic, red chili, cayenne pepper, cooking oil, and sugar. This study employs the Granger Causality Test to infer the inflation’s leading indicators in West Sumatra using monthly time series data from August 2017 up to December 2021. The results show red chili and chicken meat have a positive and significant effect on inflation in West Sumatra and can be used as Leading Indicators of West Sumatra inflation. The main implication of this finding is the inflation rate would be as volatile as red chili and chicken meat prices.

Incidence Rate of Some Food Borne Pathogens Bacteria from Red Meat And Chicken Meat in Duhok Prevalence

Incidence Rate of Some Food Borne Pathogens Bacteria from Red Meat And Chicken Meat in Duhok Prevalence

Systematic Selection Signature Analysis of Chinese Gamecocks Based on Genomic and Transcriptomic Data.

Selection pressures driven by natural causes or human interference are key factors causing genome variants and signatures of selection in specific regions of the genome. Gamecocks were bred for cockfighting, presenting pea-combs, larger body sizes, stronger limbs, and higher levels of aggression than other chickens. In this study, we aimed to explore the genomic differences between Chinese gamecocks and commercial, indigenous, foreign, and cultivated breeds by detecting the regions or sites under natural or artificial selection using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genome-wide selective sweeps based on the genetic differentiation index (FST), and transcriptome analyses. Ten genes were identified using GWAS and FST: gga-mir-6608-1, SOX5, DGKB, ISPD, IGF2BP1, AGMO, MEOX2, GIP, DLG5, and KCNMA1. The ten candidate genes were mainly associated with muscle and skeletal development, glucose metabolism, and the pea-comb phenotype. Enrichment analysis results showed that the differentially expressed genes between the Luxi (LX) gamecock and Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken were mainly related to muscle development and neuroactive-related pathways. This study will help to understand the genetic basis and evolution of Chinese gamecocks and support the further use of gamecocks as an excellent breeding material from a genetic perspective.

Prospects of Poikelocercus pictus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) as an alternative protein source for Rhode Island Red chicken

ObjectivesInsects have great potential as an alternative nutrient source in animal feed, fisheries, and poultry industries for sustainable development. Poikelocercus pictus (PP) is an edible grasshopper that has a high percentage of crude protein; thus, we evaluated it as an alternative protein source for Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken. MethodsWe fed RIR chicken on a commercial diet (control) and PP diets: T1 (PP meal throughout the trial, T2 (PP diet for the last 30 days of the trial), T3 (PP diet for the last 15 days of the trial). We maintained eight RIR chickens in four groups each with six replications. ResultsFeed analysis indicated significantly higher crude protein levels (P < 0.05) in the PP diet than in the commercial diet. The feeding trial showed that PP diet feeding for 15 days did not record a significant difference with control for feed intake, food conversion ratio (FCR), and growth. RIR chicken demonstrated significantly higher feed intake and gained higher weight when fed on the PP diet as compared to the control (P < 0.05). Maximum FCR was observed when chickens were fed the PP diet for 45 days (3.21 ± 0.03). ConclusionOur study indicated that the grasshopper species, Poikelocercus pictus, might serve as a protein source in poultry feed. Our results suggest that PP diets could replace or be used as a partial substitute for conventional plant-based protein sources in poultry feed.