Samples Of Broilers Research Articles

Investigation of Potential Gut Health Biomarkers in Broiler Chicks Challenged by Campylobacter jejuni and Submitted to a Continuous Water Disinfection Program.

The exploration of novel biomarkers to assess poultry health is of paramount importance, not only to enhance our understanding of the pathogenicity of zoonotic agents but also to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments as alternatives to antibiotics. The present study aimed to investigate potential gut health biomarkers in broiler chicks challenged by Campylobacter jejuni and subjected to a continuous water disinfection program. A total of 144 one-day-old hatched broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates each, according to the following experimental design: Group A received untreated drinking water; Group B received drinking water treated with 0.01-0.05% v/v Cid 2000™ (hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and paracetic acid); Group C was challenged by C. jejuni and received untreated drinking water; and Group D was challenged by C. jejuni and received drinking water treated with 0.01-0.05% v/v Cid 2000™. The use of Cid 2000™ started on day 1 and was applied in intervals until the end of the experiment at 36 days, while the C. jejuni challenge was applied on day 18. Potential biomarkers were investigated in serum, feces, intestinal tissue, intestinal content, and liver samples of broilers. Statistical analysis revealed significant increases (p < 0.001) in serum cortisol levels in C. jejuni-challenged broilers. Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) increased significantly (p = 0.004) in broilers challenged by C. jejuni and treated with drinking water disinfectant, while fecal ovotransferrin concentration also increased significantly (p < 0.001) in broilers that received the drinking water disinfectant alone. The gene expression levels of occludin (p = 0.003) and mucin-2 (p < 0.001) were significantly upregulated in broilers challenged by C. jejuni, while mucin-2 significantly increased in birds that were challenged and received the drinking water disinfectant (p < 0.001). TLR-4 expression levels were significantly (p = 0.013) decreased in both groups that received the drinking water disinfectant, compared to the negative control group. Finally, the C. jejuni challenge significantly increased (p = 0.032) the crypt depth and decreased (p = 0.021) the villus height-to-crypt-depth ratio in the ileum of birds, while the tested disinfectant product increased (p = 0.033) the villus height in the jejunum of birds. Furthermore, the counts of C. jejuni in the ceca of birds (p = 0.01), as well as its translocation rate to the liver of broilers (p = 0.001), were significantly reduced by the addition of the water disinfectant. This research contributes to novel insights into the intricate interplay of water disinfection and/or C. jejuni challenge with potential intestinal biomarkers. In addition, it emphasizes the need for continued research to unveil the underlying mechanisms, expands our understanding of broiler responses to these challenges and identifies breakpoints for further investigations.

Molecular analysis of ESBL- and AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae in fecal samples from broiler and backyard chickens

ObjectiveTo analyse the molecular profile of antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from fecal samples of healthy broilers and backyard chickens in Tamil Nadu, India. MethodsA total of 115 and 57 bacterial strains were isolated from fecal samples of broiler and backyard chickens, respectively using conventional bacterial culture tests. Bacterial isolates were screened for antibiotic susceptibility by Kirby-Bauer’s disk diffusion method. Colistin susceptibility was tested using the broth microdilution method. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC β-lactamase and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers were screened by combination disk method. The drug-resistant genes’ positivity was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. ResultsEscherichia coli was the predominant bacterium isolated from both broiler (53%) and backyard (64.9%) chickens. Bacterial isolates from broilers and backyard chickens showed 100% resistance to ampicillin, piperacillin, and piperacillin-tazobactam. Five bacterial isolates from broiler chickens were resistant to colistin. ESBL producers were 34.7% in broilers and 19.1% in backyard chickens. AmpC production was detected in 44.3% of the isolates from broilers and 26.2% of those from backyard chickens. Molecular analysis revealed that bacterial isolates from broiler chickens were positive for drug-resistant genes such as blaTEM (25%), blaSHV (5%), blaCTX-M (4%), blaAmpC (56%), integron (39%), sul1 (30%), and sul2 (23%). Bacterial isolates from backyard chickens were positive for the blaTEM (22%), blaSHV (14%), blaAmpC (54.3%), and integron (20%) genes. None of the isolates from either broiler or backyard chickens harboured New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (blaNDM) or colistin-resistant genes (mcr-1 to −3). ConclusionsBacterial isolates from broiler chickens harboured a higher number of drug resistance genes, especially blaTEM, blaCTX-M, sul1, sul2, and integron, than those from backyard chickens.

Assessment of the inclusion of a feed additive of sodium humate derived from freshwater sapropel in diets for broiler chickens.

Poultry production is the fastest growing livestock industry in the world, as the rapid growth of and efficient absorption of feed by poultry ensure the production of poultry meat with a relatively low carbon footprint. Seeking new ways to increase livestock productivity as well as poultry product quality, the number of research studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in livestock farming has increased significantly, emphasizing the role of feed additives derived from local resources. The unique capability of humic substances to improve metabolic processes allows the immune protection of the bird body to be strengthened and production efficiency to be increased. This study aimed to identify the effects of sodium humate (NaHum) on the growth performance of broiler chickens and selected blood and ileum microbiota parameters. Dietary research was conducted 2 times under production conditions in a poultry facility of a commercial company, with 210 1-day-old, unsorted broiler chickens of both sexes (Ross 308). The broiler chickens were fed with standard commercial feed, the rearing period of 35 days, and slaughtered on day 36. Sodium humate additive was added to drinking water for the research groups of broilers in period from 8th to 35th day of life, 25 mL (Group 1, n = 2 × 35) and 50 mL (Group 2, n = 2 × 35) per liter of drinking water. Sodium humate contained an average of 4.48% dry matter, a kilogram of dry matter containing 104.3 g of crude protein, 3.6 g of crude fiber and 0.9 g of crude fat, 14.3 MJ of metabolic energy, and 5.8 MJ of energy for live weight gain, as well as a very high content of crude ash -759.8 g, including 4.2 g Ca, 4.2 g Na, and 4.81 g Fe, the dry matter digestibility of NaHum was 87.0%, and the absorption capacity of dry matter was 113.2%., the pH level was 13.0, i.e., alkaline. At the end of the dietary research, the productivity and economic efficiency of the research groups of broilers were calculated by live weight gain, carcass weight, feed conversation ratio, and blood and intestinal samples of broilers were analyzed to identify the effects of NaHum on the growth performance and health status of broilers. Dietary research found that adding 25 mL/L and 50 mL/L of NaHum to drinking water for the broiler chickens increased their live weights at the selling age, average live weight gains by 3.06-3.93%, and carcass weights by 5.07-6.06%, while feed conversion increased in terms of both live weight (1.5 and 1.51) and carcass weight (1.84 and 1.86) compared with the control group. The best economic performance in terms of the economic efficiency index and the cost index (CI) was found in Group 1, which was fed with the NaHum additive at an intake rate of 25 mL/L. The NaHum additive modulated the ileal microbiota and metabolic processes in the broiler body. At the same time, a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus (P) in blood was found in the research groups. Considering the positive effects of NaHum derived from freshwater sapropel on the productivity and economic efficiency of broiler chickens, the NaHum feed additive should be further investigated on a larger scale to obtain results that could reasonably be used in practice. This study concluded that a decrease in P levels in the blood was observed when NaHum was added to the drinking water; therefore, it is important to continue the research to draw reasonable conclusions on the effects of NaHum in liquid form on the health performance of farm animals.

Effectiveness of antimicrobial interventions directed at tackling antimicrobial resistance in animal production: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the last decades, a more prudent and rational use of antimicrobials has been progressively directed towards animal production to reduce antimicrobial selective pressure and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microorganisms and safeguard the antimicrobial efficacy of treatments in human medicine. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of interventions that have been applied to reduce or improve veterinary antimicrobial usage and aimed at decreasing resistant bacteria in chicken broiler and pig production contexts. Original articles were identified by searching PubMed™, Scopus™, The Cochrane Library™, and Web of Science™, and grey literature by searching DANS EASY™, WorldCat™ and RCAAP™. Inclusion criteria included: chicken broiler or pig populations (predestined for meat production), interventions intended to reduce/improve antimicrobial use, comparator with standard or no use of antimicrobials, outcomes related to prevalence of resistant bacteria, farm level studies, original data, and analytical observational studies. Data was extracted from eligible studies and meta-analysis using random or fixed effects models was conducted for combinations including type of intervention, bacterial species, production type and animal populations. Models were selected according to heterogeneity between studies. The effectiveness of interventions was assessed using pooled odds ratio of resistance to antimicrobial substances/classes by bacteria for associations between animal populations with and without intervention. A total of 46 studies were eligible for review. For chicken broilers, most interventions were identified as antimicrobial restrictions on all non-therapeutic use (46%), complete restriction (27%), and prohibition on antimicrobials used for growth promotion (23%). As for pig populations, restrictions were mainly observed on all non-therapeutic use (37%), complete restriction (37%) and group treatments (22%). For meta-analysis, 21 studies were pooled after assessment of existing combinations. These combinations demonstrated a protective effect for most antimicrobial classes in Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Enterococcus isolates from samples of chicken broilers as well in Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. from samples of pigs, compared to animals raised under conventional production or without intervention. Increased odds of resistance were only observed for cephalosporins in E. coli and broilers raised without antimicrobials, and to fluoroquinolones and quinolones in Campylobacter and pigs raised without antimicrobials, compared to conventional production. Our study indicates that organic production, antimicrobial-free farms, and group treatment restrictions are recommended for AMR reduction, providing information that may support decision-making to tackle AMR and better reporting to improve comparability of results between studies.

Emergence of blaSHV-12 and qnrS1 encoded on IncX3 plasmids: Changing epidemiology of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases among Enterobacterales isolated from broilers

The occurrence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacterales in broilers represents a risk to public health because of the possibility of transmission of ESBL-producers and/or blaESBL genes via the food chain or within settings where human-animal interfaces exist. This study assessed the occurrence of ESBL-producers among faecal samples of broilers at slaughter. Isolates were characterised by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The flock prevalence, determined by sampling crates of 100 poultry flocks, was 21%. The predominant blaESBL gene was blaSHV-12 identified in 92% of the isolates. A variety of E. coli and K. pneumoniae sequence types (STs) were identified, including extraintestinal pathogenic (ExPEC) E. coli ST38, avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) ST10, ST93, ST117 and ST155, and nosocomial outbreak clone K. pneumoniae ST20. WGS characterized a subset of 15 isolates, including six Escherichia coli, four Klebsiella pneumoniae, one K. grimontii, one K. michiganensis, one K. variicola, and one Atlantibacter subterranea. Fourteen isolates carried identical or closely related 46338-54929 bp IncX3 plasmids encoding blaSHV-12 and qnrS1. One E. coli isolate carried the 46338 bp IncX3 plasmid integrated chromosomally into ydbD. The blaSHV-12 gene has replaced the previously predominant blaCTX-M-1 in ESBL-producing Enterobacterales from broilers in Switzerland. Broilers may play a role in the dissemination of blaSHV-12 and qnrS1 associated with epidemic IncX3 plasmids, representing a risk to human and animal health.

Spray-dried porcine plasma enhances feed efficiency, intestinal integrity, and immune response of broilers challenged with necrotic enteritis

Re-emergence of enteric diseases in the postantibiotic era has imposed severe loss to the poultry industry leading to the urgent need for appropriate additives to maintain gut health. Recently, more attention has been paid to animal plasma due to its high concentrations of active components such as albumins and globulins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) supplementation during the starter phase (d 0-10) on growth performance, intestine health, and immune response of broilers under necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. A total of 720 day-old male broiler parental line chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to a 2 (NE challenge: no, yes)×2 (SDP: 0, 2%) factorial arrangement with 12 replications of 15 chicks each. To induce NE, birds were inoculated with live Eimeria vaccine on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens on d 14. The body weight of birds and feed consumption were measured per pen on d 8, 10, 24, and 29 to calculate performance parameters. On d 16, three birds per pen were sampled to analyse the intestinal lesion score, gut permeability, villi morphology, relative weight of organs, and immune response. Results showed that SDP improved (P < 0.001) FCR in the pre-challenge phase (d 0-8). The results indicated that supplementing SDP lowered (P < 0.01) FCR at the end of the experiment (d 29). Dietary SDP decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of FITC-d in serum samples of challenged broilers, although it did not affect the intestinal morphology and lesion score. Birds fed with SDP had a higher (P < 0.05) relative weight of bursa (g/kg live body weight) compared to non-supplemented birds. Supplementing SDP reduced the concentration of interleukin-6 (P < 0.05) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (P=0.051) in serum samples of broilers. In conclusion, supplementation of SDP in the starter phase enhanced feed efficiency and gut integrity in NE challenged broilers, possibly through manipulating the immune response, while further studies targeting intestinal microflora and key genes are required to explore the mode of action.

Emergence of resistance genes in fecal samples of antibiotic-treated Philippine broilers emphasizes the need to review local farming practices.

The poultry industry is a major contributor to the Philippine economy. Given the rising concerns in antibiotic resistance and food security, farmers need to maximize profit and output while ensuring safe and ecologically sustainable farming practices. This study surveyed antibiotic use in 12 commercial poultry farms in the Philippines. All farms reported the use of medically important antibiotics either for prophylaxis (91.67%), metaphylaxis (100%), and growth promotion (50%). Considering the widespread use of medically important antibiotics, we then investigated the potential contribution of local antibiotic treatment protocols to the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in the fecal samples of broiler chickens under a controlled experimental setup. Significantly, we observed the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes ( ermB) in fecal samples of antibiotic-treated broilers after 7 days and 21 days in antibiotic-free broilers raised in the same farming environment. These data were corroborated by antibiotic resistance gene profiles of fecal samples from commercial poultry farms. Antibiotic resistance genes ( tetA, tetB, tetU, tetW, qnrB, qnrS) were prevalent in the fecal samples of antibiotic-treated broilers treated with tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Therefore, our study provides concrete evidence for the strong correlation between the use of medically important antibiotics in poultry farming and the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes. Antimicrobial resistance is a major contributor to failures in infectious disease treatment strategies in humans and animals. Therefore, the cost-benefit ratio of poorly regulated antibiotic treatment protocols in poultry farming could have a long-term detrimental impact on our economy and public health. Our study suggests the need to review our current policies and practices in using medically important antibiotics in the Philippine poultry industry.

Dietary live yeast supplementation alleviates transport-stress-impaired meat quality of broilers through maintaining muscle energy metabolism and antioxidant status.

BACKGROUNDThis experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary live yeast (LY, 1 × 1010 CFU g−1) supplementation on serum metabolic parameters, meat quality as well as antioxidant enzyme activity of transported broilers. A total of 192 one‐day‐old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates and eight chicks per replicate: a basal diet without transportation (CON), a basal diet containing 0 (T), 500 (T + LY500) and 1000 mg kg−1 (T + LY1000) LY with 3 h of transportation after feeding for 42 days, respectively. The serum and muscle samples of broilers were collected immediately after 3 h of transportation.RESULTSA higher (P < 0.05) final body weight and average daily weight gain were observed in T + LY1000 group compared with CON and T groups. The T + LY1000 group reduced (P < 0.05) the serum lactate contents and improved (P < 0.05) the pH24h and decreased (P < 0.05) the drip loss in muscles of transported‐broilers. Also, the T + LY1000 group enhanced (P < 0.05) the total‐antioxidant capacity and reduced (P < 0.05) the malondialdehyde in serum and muscles. Besides, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) in muscles was down‐regulated (P < 0.05) of T + LY1000 group compared with T group.CONCLUSIONDietary LY supplementation alleviates transport‐stress‐impaired meat quality of broilers through maintaining muscle energy metabolism and antioxidant status. Therefore, LY may serve as a potential protector for broilers under transport stress in the future. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Escherichia coli&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Broiler Chickens in Yaound&amp;#233; Capital City of Cameroon

Background: Escherichia coli are ubiquitous bacteria colonising both humans and animals. Extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli has been selected as a suitable indicator for the monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. Death due to resistant bacteria is continuously rising in Cameroon, but the contribution of the aviary sector is not well studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the resistance profile of extended spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli strains, isolated from faeces of broiler chickens in Yaoundé, capital city of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from February to June 2020. Escherichia coli were isolated from samples of broilers in poultry farms in Yaoundé and submitted to the extended spectrum β-lactamase screening. The logistic regression was used to assess the statistical association of a significance threshold p-value of 0.05. Results: Out of 385 faecal samples collected in broiler farms, 114 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained out of which 30 (26.32%) were Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases-producing Escherichia coli. These isolates revealed high resistance to all antibiotic families. Poor storage conditions for feeds and the proximity to latrines, the troughs on the ground, the lack of foot bath and uniforms, the inadequate treatment of faeces, the poor usage of preventive antibiotics and the lack of water treatment have been identified as risk factors to faecal carriage of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli. Conclusion: This work reveals the emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases-producing Escherichia coli in poultry farms in Yaoundé and the failure in the biosecurity system. As such, the awareness of poultry breeders on the respect of biosecurity measures may be an effective tool to tackle antimicrobial resistance, specifically in livestock industries using a One Health approach.

Molecular detection and antibiotyping of multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecium from healthy broiler chickens in Bangladesh.

Background Enterococcus faecium is a ubiquitously distributed member of the intestinal microbiota of both humans and animals. Antibiotic resistant E. faecium are a major public health concern.ObjectivesThis study aimed to detect multi‐drug resistant (MDR) E. faecium and their antibiotic resistance genes from broiler chickens in Bangladesh.MethodsA total of 100 faecal samples of healthy broilers were screened by conventional methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect E. faecium and their resistance genes. Disk diffusion test was employed to determine antibiotic profiles.ResultsBy PCR, among 100 samples, 45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 35.62%–54.76%] were positive for E. faecium. Based on antibiogram, all the E. faecium isolates were found resistant to ampicillin, and frequently (93.33%–55.56%) resistant to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, streptomycin, erythromycin, and imipenem; moderate to lower (26.67%–4.44%) resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and vancomycin. Interestingly, 80% (95% CI: 66.18%–89.10%) E. faecium isolates were MDR in nature. In addition, the indices of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) ranged from 0.08 to 0.83. By bivariate analysis, high positive significant correlations were observed between resistance profiles of erythromycin and imipenem, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, erythromycin and streptomycin, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, tetracycline and chloramphenicol, and streptomycin and imipenem. Furthermore, the prevalence of resistance genes of E. faecium was 58.33% (tetA), 33.33% (tetB), 35.56% (blaTEM ), 60% (CITM), 13.33% (aadA1), and 12% (SHV).ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Bangladesh to detect MDR and MAR E. faecium and their associated resistance genes. The detection of MDR and MAR E. faecium and their corresponding resistance genes from healthy broilers is of public health concern because of their potential to enter into the food chain.

Effect of different doses of silicon dioxide on the concentration of organic acids in the broilers liver

The article presents the results of a study of the amino acid and fatty acid composition of the liver of Arbor Acres broilers, which were fed with ultrafine particles of silicon dioxide at a dose of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg per kilogram of mixed feed. It was found that the use of UFP SiO2 in the cultivation of broilers contributes to an increase in the liver of poultry I-IV experimental groups of arginine content by 0.45-0.70%, histidine by 0.75-1.60%. The content of leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, and phenylalanine increased in the liver of broilers of the III-IV experimental groups by 0.11-0.96%, 0.1-0.6%, 0.10-0.13%, 0.13-0.47%, 0.23-0.53% compared to the control group. The content of linoleic acid in the liver samples of broilers of the I-IV experimental groups increased by 1.80-36.4%, the content of linolenic acid in the liver of experimental chickens of the III-IV experimental groups increased by 0.1-0.2%, and oleic acid – by 0.6-3.3%, respectively. A sharp increase in the content of AST and ALT in the blood of broiler chickens of the experimental groups was not observed, although there is a dose-dependent increase in the activity of these enzymes, which indicates an increase in liver function against the background of the action of ultrafine silicon dioxide.

Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance to Aminoglycosides and Macrolides in Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni From Healthy Livestock in Spain (2002–2018)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Campylobacter spp. (Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni) is a concern due to its importance in public health, particularly when it involves aminoglycosides and macrolides, drugs of choice for treatment of human cases. Co-resistance to these two antimicrobial classes involves transfer of genetic elements and/or acquisition of mutations in different genetic loci, which can in turn spread through vertical or horizontal gene transfer (HGT) phenomena, with each route having different potential implications. This study aimed at evaluating the association between the presence of phenotypic resistance to these two antimicrobial classes in C. coli and C. jejuni recovered from livestock at slaughterhouses in Spain (as part of the AMR surveillance program), and at assessing the genetic heterogeneity between resistant and susceptible isolates by analysing the “short variable region” (SVR) of the flaA gene. Over the 2002–2018 period, antimicrobial susceptibility test results from 10,965 Campylobacter isolates retrieved from fecal samples of broilers, turkeys, pigs and cattle were collected to compare the proportion of resistant isolates and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) against six antimicrobials including gentamicin (GEN), streptomycin (STR), and erythromycin (ERY). AMR-associated genes were determined for a group of 51 isolates subjected to whole genome sequencing, and the flaA SVR of a subset of 168 isolates from all hosts with different resistotypes was used to build a Neighbor-Joining-based phylogenetic tree and assess the existence of groups by means of “relative synonymous codon usage” (RSCU) analysis. The proportion of antimicrobial resistant isolates to both, aminoglycosides and macrolides, varied widely for C. coli (7–91%) and less for C. jejuni (all hosts 0–11%). Across hosts, these proportions were 7–56% in poultry, 12–82% in cattle, and 22–91% in pigs for C. coli and 0–8% in poultry and 1–11% in cattle for C. jejuni. Comparison of the MIC distributions revealed significant host-specific differences only for ERY in C. jejuni (p = 0.032). A significant association in the simultaneous presentation of AMR to both antimicrobial classes was observed across hosts/bacterial species. The flaA gene analysis showed clustering of isolates sharing resistotype and to a lesser degree bacterial species and host. Several resistance markers associated with resistance to aminoglycosides and macrolides were found among the sequenced isolates. The consistent association between the simultaneous presentation of AMR to aminoglycosides and macrolides in all hosts could be due to the persistence of strains and/or resistance mechanisms in Campylobacter populations in livestock over time. Further studies based on whole genome sequencing are needed to assess the epidemiological links between hosts and bacterial strains.

DETERMINATION OF NATURAL RADIONUCLIDE AND ASSESSMENTS OF HEALTH HAZARDS IN CHICKEN FEEDS AND MEAT CONSUMED IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Poultry farming is a highly profitable and not capital intensive agricultural project. It is becoming one of the highest investments in agriculture in Nigeria. The proliferation of self -produced feeds by the Farmers with the addition of some minerals to stimulate growth could elevate the levels of radionuclides in feeds. This, therefore, calls for the determination of the health effects from the consumption of these chicken meats and organs. 10 samples of broilers and 30 feed samples (10 each of Starter, Grower, and Finisher feeds used in feeding the chicken) were used; collected from five selected poultry- farms in Lagos State, Nigeria, and analyzed using spectrometry analysis with NaI (Tl). The results obtained showed that concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra were 49.0±25.8, 24.9 ±12.2, and 32.9 ±16.2 Bqkg-1 respectively, in chicken meats. In the feeds, their values were below the UNSCEAR recommendation. The annual effective doses in chicken meats and organs were lower than the 70µSv/yr limit. The cancer risk was within the recommended limit, and the internal hazard indices were below unity. The mean values of the transfer coefficient (TC) were also below 1 for 40K, higher than unity for 226Ra in Finisher feeds, and 232Th in Starter feeds. The starter and finisher feeds were moderately contaminated. So, feeding chicken with these feeds may expose the consumers to the danger of over-exposure to 226Ra and 232Th.

Factors Influencing the Succession of the Fecal Microbiome in Broilers

Health and performance are important aspects in the broiler industry. Underlying complex traits like total mean weight and feed efficiency are polygenic and related to genetic background and an association of the microbiota with these traits has been identified. Whether this association is also reflected in the fecal samples of broilers is not extensively investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate to what extend diet, genetics, and environment influence the fecal microbiome composition during the life time of broilers.Two experiments were performed, in the first experiment the focus was on investigating if a European (EU) or United States (USA) diet effects the fecal microbiota in a commercial line (Cobb500). Whereas in the second diet (EU/USA) and lines with a genetic background (EU/USA) were investigated in relation to the fecal microbiota.In the first experiment we observed a significant effect in commercial broiler line (Cobb500) of the 3-way interaction for age by feed by sex on Total Mean Weight (TMW), and the 2-way interaction of age by feed for Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). For the microbiota data, we observed differences in alpha-diversity for Age. When comparing the diets on a time-point, this resulted in significant differences for Observed species at day 21 and for Observed species, Shannon index, and Pielou's evenness at day 35. In the beta-diversity, a significant effect of age by feed interaction was observed. Two genera were significantly different in feces of broilers between diets, i.e. Streptococcus on day 7 and Bilophila on day 21.In the second experiment we observed only a significant effect for the main effect age on TMW. Alpha-diversity showed a significant increase for all three measures for age. Furthermore, a significant effect of environment was observed in the Observed species. This effect of environment was also observed in the beta-diversity, where a significant effect for age and environment was observed. This environmental effect was not expected, because here environment represents two different compartments within the same stable, unfortunately it was not possible to perform further down-stream analyses.This research shows the different aspects (feed, sex, genetics, and environment) influence complex traits, like TMW and FCR and are affecting the fecal microbiome. We have shown that interventions, like feed and the effect on microbiome, are reproducible between experiments. Moreover, these results with these two genetic divers chicken lines suggest that the succession of the fecal microbiota was independent of genetic background.

Metagenomics-Based Approach to Source-Attribution of Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants - Identification of Reservoir Resistome Signatures.

Metagenomics can unveil the genetic content of the total microbiota in different environments, such as food products and the guts of humans and livestock. It is therefore considered of great potential to investigate the transmission of foodborne hazards as part of source-attribution studies. Source-attribution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has traditionally relied on pathogen isolation, while metagenomics allows investigating the full span of AMR determinants. In this study, we hypothesized that the relative abundance of fecal resistome components can be associated with specific reservoirs, and that resistomes can be used for AMR source-attribution. We used shotgun-sequences from fecal samples of pigs, broilers, turkeys- and veal calves collected across Europe, and fecal samples from humans occupationally exposed to livestock in one country (pig slaughterhouse workers, pig and broiler farmers). We applied both hierarchical and flat forms of the supervised classification ensemble algorithm Random Forests to classify resistomes into corresponding reservoir classes. We identified country-specific and -independent AMR determinants, and assessed the impact of country-specific determinants when attributing AMR resistance in humans. Additionally, we performed a similarity percentage analysis with the full spectrum of AMR determinants to identify resistome signatures for the different reservoirs. We showed that the number of AMR determinants necessary to attribute a resistome into the correct reservoir increases with a larger reservoir heterogeneity, and that the impact of country-specific resistome signatures on prediction varies between countries. We predicted a higher occupational exposure to AMR determinants among workers exposed to pigs than among those exposed to broilers. Additionally, results suggested that AMR exposure on pig farms was higher than in pig slaughterhouses. Human resistomes were more similar to pig and veal calves’ resistomes than to those of broilers and turkeys, and the majority of these resistome dissimilarities can be explained by a small set of AMR determinants. We identified resistome signatures for each individual reservoir, which include AMR determinants significantly associated with on-farm antimicrobial use. We attributed human resistomes to different livestock reservoirs using Random Forests, which allowed identifying pigs as a potential source of AMR in humans. This study thus demonstrates that it is possible to apply metagenomics in AMR source-attribution.

Inhibitory Effect of Herbs on Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Enzyme from Escherichia coli of Healthy Broilers

Background: Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics has risen dramatically in Escherichia coli from poultry and other food animals due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase enzyme (ESBLs) which degrades third generation cephalosporins.Herbs could be a better alternative for such cases. Methods: Present study was undertaken on 400 caecal samples of healthy broilers, collected from various poultry sale outlets of Jabalpur (M.P.). Samples were screened phenotypically and genotypically for the presence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing E. coli. Inhibitory effect of fruit peel juice of Punica granatum and Syzigium aromaticum oil observed on the Beta lactamase enzyme obtained from these positive samples by colorimetric method using CENTA and NITROCEFIN as chromogenic substrate.Result: Phenotypically 135 samples/isolates were ESBL producing E.coli. On multiplex PCR assay 76 positive samples with bla TEM, blaCTX and bla SHV, gene was obtained. Oil of Syzygium aromaticum showed maximium per cent inhibition, Punica granatum depicted lower per cent inhibition with CENTA and NITROCEFIN respectively. Combination of both herbs showed increased inhibition. Tazobactum, (100µM) taken as the standard control exhibited 99.88 and 98 per cent inhibition of ESBL enzyme.

Risk of multi-drug resistant Campylobacter spp. and residual antimicrobials at poultry farms and live bird markets in Bangladesh

BackgroundUnderstanding potential risks of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens from the booming poultry sector is a crucial public health concern. Campylobacter spp. are among the most important zoonotic pathogens associated with MDR infections in poultry and human. This study systematically examined potential risks and associated socio-environmental factors of MDR Campylobacter spp. in poultry farms and live bird markets (LBMs) of Bangladesh.MethodsMicrobial culture and PCR-based methods were applied to examine the occurrence and MDR patterns of Campylobacter spp. in potential sources (n = 224) at 7 hatcheries, 9 broiler farms and 4 LBMs in three sub-districts. Antimicrobial residues in broiler meat and liver samples (n = 50) were detected by advanced chromatographic techniques. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted on socio-environmental factors.ResultsOverall, 32% (71/ 224) samples were found contaminated with Campylobacter spp. In poultry farms, Campylobacter spp. was primarily found in cloacal swab (21/49, 43%), followed by drinking water (8/24, 33%), and meat (8/28, 29%) samples of broilers. Remarkably, at LBMs, Campylobacter spp. was detected in higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in broiler meat (14/26, 54%), which could be related (p < 0.01) to bacterial contamination of drinking water (11/21, 52%) and floor (9/21, 43%). Campylobacter isolates, one from each of 71 positive samples, were differentiated into Campylobacter jejuni (66%) and Campylobacter coli (34%). Alarmingly, 49 and 42% strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively, were observed as MDR, i.e., resistant to three or more antimicrobials, including, tetracycline, amoxicillin, streptomycin, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. Residual antimicrobials (oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) were detected in majority of broiler liver (79%) and meat (62%) samples, among which 33 and 19%, respectively, had concentration above acceptable limit. Inadequate personal and environmental hygiene, unscrupulously use of antimicrobials, improper waste disposal, and lack of health surveillance were distinguishable risk factors, with local diversity and compound influences on MDR pathogens.ConclusionPotential contamination sources and anthropogenic factors associated with the alarming occurrence of MDR Campylobacter, noted in this study, would aid in developing interventions to minimize the increasing risks of poultry-associated MDR pathogens under ‘One Health’ banner that includes poultry, human and environment perspectives.

Phosphoproteome analysis of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins in stress-induced dysfunctional broiler pectoralis major muscle

Postmortem changes of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein phosphorylation in pectoralis major (PM) muscle of broilers under pre-slaughter stress were investigated. Broiler chickens were randomly distributed to unstressed control and transport under high environmental temperature groups. PM muscle samples of transport-stressed broilers were classified into normal or pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like. Sarcoplasmic fraction in PSE-like meat had a higher global phosphorylation level than that in normal meat at the early postmortem stage. The myofibrillar proteins showed diverse phosphorylation patterns at different postmortem times. The stress-induced highly phosphorylated sarcoplasmic proteins were glycometabolic enzymes, which partially contributed to accelerated glycolysis rate. The phosphorylation levels of most sarcomeric proteins identified in the myofibrillar fraction were affected by postmortem time, implying their roles in regulating muscle rigor mortis development. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the biochemical processes that may lead to stress-induced changes in meat quality.

Ginseng Extract Ameliorates the Negative Physiological Effects of Heat Stress by Supporting Heat Shock Response and Improving Intestinal Barrier Integrity: Evidence from Studies with Heat-Stressed Caco-2 Cells, C. elegans and Growing Broilers.

Climatic changes and heat stress have become a great challenge in the livestock industry, negatively affecting, in particular, poultry feed intake and intestinal barrier malfunction. Recently, phytogenic feed additives were applied to reduce heat stress effects on animal farming. Here, we investigated the effects of ginseng extract using various in vitro and in vivo experiments. Quantitative real-time PCR, transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and survival assays under heat stress conditions were carried out in various model systems, including Caco-2 cells, Caenorhabditis elegans and jejunum samples of broilers. Under heat stress conditions, ginseng treatment lowered the expression of HSPA1A (Caco-2) and the heat shock protein genes hsp-1 and hsp-16.2 (both in C. elegans), while all three of the tested genes encoding tight junction proteins, CLDN3, OCLN and CLDN1 (Caco-2), were upregulated. In addition, we observed prolonged survival under heat stress in Caenorhabditis elegans, and a better performance of growing ginseng-fed broilers by the increased gene expression of selected heat shock and tight junction proteins. The presence of ginseng extract resulted in a reduced decrease in transepithelial resistance under heat shock conditions. Finally, LC-MS analysis was performed to quantitate the most prominent ginsenosides in the extract used for this study, being Re, Rg1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd. In conclusion, ginseng extract was found to be a suitable feed additive in animal nutrition to reduce the negative physiological effects caused by heat stress.

Meat quality traits of Vietnamese indigenous Noi chicken at 91 days old

Indigenous chicken breeds have showed slower growth rate and yield lower meat production, compared to commercial broilers. However, their meat quality is valued by modern consumers. The present study aimed at analyzing the quality traits of breast meat samples of Noi broilers, one of the famous indigenous chicken breeds in Vietnam. A total of 355 breast fillet samples were collected to evaluate quality meat traits such as pH, surface color, drip loss, and cooking loss at different time points of 3, 24, and 48 hours after slaughtering as well as to analyze chemical compositions such as dry matter, crude protein and ether extract. As result, sex and cold-storage time significant affect some of quality traits of breast meat, whereas their interaction did not associate among the observed properties. After 3 hour-storage, the pH value was determined at 5.63, then decrease to 5.56 and 5.55 after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The color values (L*, a*, and b*) were in the normal range reported from previous studies. Meat samples of two sexes did not vary in the cooking loss and drip loss values, whereas it was significantly different due to cold-storage time. The ether extract content of the meat was found negatively correlated with the cooking loss. The higher dry matter content of breast meat resulted in the lower drip loss value after 3h coldstorage (r=-0.12, P&lt;0.05). There is a negative relationship between L* and a*. The variation demonstrated in this study can be used in breeding schemes in order to improve meat quality of Noi chicken lines.