Scavenging Chickens Research Articles

Influence of some expressive genes mutation on growth and body measurements of scavenging chickens in the dense humid forest of Cameroon

Seven hundred and fifty one (751) mature local chickens reared in the dense humid forest zone of Cameroon were described to identify expressive genes mutation and their influences on growth and body measurements of birds in the rural environment of three provinces in Cameroon (Center, South and East). The major results showed thathens from the Center Province bearing CR*CR mutation (Crested) were heavier (87g; P

Protective immune response of chickens to oral vaccination with thermostable live Fowlpox virus vaccine (strain TPV-1) coated on oiled rice

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a local vaccine (strain TPV-1) against Fowl pox (FP) in chickens. Two separate groups of chickens were vaccinated with FP vaccine through oral (coated on oiled rice) and wing web stab routes, respectively. The results showed that the haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titres in both vaccinated groups were comparable and significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control chickens. It was further revealed that 14 days after vaccination HI GMT of > or =2 log(2) was recorded in chickens vaccinated by oral and wing web stab routes whereas 35 days after vaccination the HI antibody titres reached 5.6 log(2) and 6.3 log(2), respectively. Moreover, in both groups the birds showed 100% protection against challenge virus at 35 days after vaccination. The findings from the present study have shown that oral route is equally effective as wing web stab route for vaccination of chickens against FP. However, the oral route can be used in mass vaccination of birds thus avoid catching individual birds for vaccination. It was noteworthy that strain TPV-1 virus could be propagated by a simple allantoic cavity inoculation and harvesting of allantoic fluid where it survived exposure at 57 degrees C for 2 hours. If the oral vaccination technique is optimized it may be used in controlling FP in scavenging and feral chickens. In conclusion, the present study has shown that FP vaccine (strain TPV-1) was safe, thermostable, immunogenic and efficacious in vaccinated chickens.

Assessment of the nutritional status of indigenous scavenging chickens in Ada’a district, Ethiopia

The nutritive values of scavenging feed resource bases and effects of season and chickens age on the latter were studied in smallholder farms in Aad'a, Ethiopia. The study included 210 households and 208 chickens. The mean weight of crop contents in all age groups ranged from 26.2 to 28.2 g, while it was 29.8 g and 24.7 g in the harvesting and non-harvesting seasons, respectively. Grains represented 48-49% of the mean weight of crop contents in all age groups and it was significantly higher (P < 0.05) during the harvesting season than the non-harvesting period in both age groups. Kitchen wastes were next in abundance (26-29%) and were significantly more abundant in non-harvesting season in growers only and in hens than in growers (P < 0.001). The dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorous and metabolizable energy levels of crop contents were 91.1-92.5%, 12.9-15.5%, 4.17-7.07%, 0.43-0.90%, 0.28-0.38% and 3404.3-3636.2 Kcal, respectively. Crude protein, calcium and phosphorus levels were below the requirements for egg production and growth. The scavenging feed resource base was critically deficient in these nutrients during the harvesting season. As these nutrients are vital for production, supplementary feeds rich in these nutrients would probably result in increased egg production and optimum growth.

Effect of season and farming system on the quantity and nutritional quality of scavengeable feed resources and performance of village poultry in central Tanzania

2 x 2 factorial study was conducted to assess the effect of season and farming system on the quantity and nutritional quality of scavengeable feed resources and the performance of village poultry in central Tanzania. A total of 648 scavenging chickens purchased from farmers were slaughtered and the crop contents were subjected to physical and chemical analysis. The mean fresh weights of the crop contents were higher (P

Prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal helminthes among local chickens, in northern Jordan

We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2004 to February 2005 and from June 2005 to August 2005. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and tracheal helminthes among local chickens in northern Jordan. A total of 208 male and female local scavenging chickens were selected randomly. We examined the trachea and gastrointestinal tract of each bird for the presence of helminthes. We recovered three nematode and eight cestode species. No trematodes were found. One hundred and fifty-two birds (73.1%) (95% CI: 67, 79) were infected. The prevalences of different species were as follows: Ascaridia galli female 28%, male 43%; Capillaria obsignata 0.5%; Heterakis gallinarum 33%; Amoebotaenia cuneata 4.3%; Choanotaenia infundibulum female 23%, male 13%; Davainea proglottina 1.4%; Hymenolepsis cantaniana 11%; Hymenolepsis carioca female 35%, male 24%; Raillietina cesticillius female 5%, male 11%; Raillietina echinobothrida 16%; and Raillietina tetragona 18%. The prevalences of A. galli and R. cesticillus were higher in male than female hosts while those of C. infundibulum and H. carioca were higher in females. The median worm burden was 7 (range 0–168) worms per chicken.

Prevalence of parasites of the local scavenging chickens in a selected semi-arid zone of Eastern Kenya

A study to identify and estimate the prevalence of parasites of local chickens in a semi arid area of Kenya was conducted between March 2005 and August 2006. Three hundred and sixty (360) local chickens purchased from Yathui division of Machakos were examined. Of those, 93.3% had helminths. Nematodes were recovered in 268 (74.4%) chickens whereas 245 (68.1%) had cestodes. Tetrameres americana (37.7%), Ascaridia galli (33.3%) and Heterakis gallinarum (22.8%) were the most important nematode species identified. Raillietina echinobothrida (33.3%) and Davainea proglottina (19.4%) were the two most important cestode species identified. Two coccidia species, namely Eimeria necatrix (6.7%) and E. tenella (16.7%) were isolated and identified as per location in the digestive system. Important ectoparasites identified included Echidnophaga gallinacea (76.7%), Menacanthus stramineus (79.4%) and Dermanyssus gallinae (60.0%). Endo-parasites (helminths and coccidia) occurred in significantly (p<0.05) higher frequencies during the wet season than during the dry season. On the contrary, ecto-parasites were significantly (p<0.05) more fequent during the dry season. Male chickens generally exhibited increased odds for the occurrence of parasites than female birds. Further investigations are required to establish a plausible explanation for this. Overall, parasitism was a big constraint to chicken productivity in the study area. Urgent integrated parasite control approaches should be initiated to address parasitism in chickens in the Yathui cluster.

Identification, characterisation and composition of scavengeable feed resources for rural poultry production in Central Tanzania

A participatory study was carried out in four villages of central Tanzania to appraise existing and potential scavengeable feed resources available for rural poultry. In addition, proximate analysis of selected scavengeable feed resources including chicken crop and gizzards contents was carried out to quantify their feeding value. Results indicate that the most important scavengeable feed resources in the dry season were cereal grains and their by-products, oil seeds and oil seed cakes and in the wet season were forage leaves, flowers, seeds, garden vegetables, insects and worms. Changes in seasonal conditions, farming activities, land size available for scavenging and the flock size had a major influence on the feed availability. The mean dry matter (DM) of the feed resources was 888 +/- 1.8 g per kg. Gross energy ranged from 17.1 to 29.3 MJ kgDM(-1) and crude protein (CP) from 64.5 to 418 g kgDM(-1). Crude fibre (CF) ranged from 33.3 to 230 g kgDM(-1) and ether extract (EE) ranged from 16.0 to 488 g kgDM(-1). The mineral composition ranged from 1.5 to 18.4 g kgDM(-1) for calcium (Ca); 3.6 to 17.3 g kgDM(-1) for phosphorus (P); 9.5 to 34.5 g kgDM(-1) for potassium (K) and 0.2 to 8.5 g kgDM(-1) for magnesium (Mg). Physical analysis of crop and gizzard contents indicated that the diets consumed by scavenging chickens consisted of cereals and cereal by-products (29.0%), vegetables and forage materials (1.8%), seeds and seed by-products (3.4%), insects and worms (0.2%), egg shells, feathers and bones (0.3%), unidentified feeds (41.5%), inert materials (0.8%) and sand/grit (23.0%). The diet consumed as determined from the crop/gizzard contents had DM of 479 +/- 9.6 g per kg and metabolizable energy (ME) of 10.1 +/- 0.5 MJ kgDM(-1). Nutrient composition in kgDM-1 of the crop and gizzard contents was: 80.4g CP; 70.7g EE; 45.7g CF; 234g Ash; 6.6g Ca; 6.5g P; 12.1g K and 2.6g Mg. The study showed that the nutrient concentrations of scavengeable feed resources consumed by rural poultry were below the recommended levels for optimum growth and egg production.

Local chicken production system in Malawi: Household flock structure, dynamics, management and health

Household flocks of scavenging chickens were monitored from August 2002 to August 2003 in 27 villages in Lilongwe, Malawi. The objective was to evaluate the local chicken production system by investigating flock structure, utilization, management and constraints. Farmers and researchers jointly obtained data on household flocks. Mean flock size was 12.9, with a range of 1-61 chickens. The flock dynamics of chickens over 8 weeks old constituted 91% migrating out of flocks and 9% into the flocks. Primary functions based on flock dynamics were, in order of importance, household consumption, participation in socio-cultural ceremonies, selling, exchanging breeding stock and gifts. Of the flock exits, 43.9% were due to losses from diseases, predation and theft. Most flocks (85%) were housed in human dwelling units. Scavenging was the main source of feed. The majority (77.6%) of farmers supplemented their chickens erratically with energy-rich feeds, mostly maize bran. Most supplementation took place during the cold-dry season. Village chicken production offers diverse functional outputs but faces animal health (diseases, parasites, predation) and management (feeding) constraints, which require an integrated intervention approach at community and household level.

Nutrients Availability to Scavenging Chickens in Bangladesh

An investigation was conducted on 540 scavenging chickens of two age groups (below 6 month and above 6 month) taking equal number from each of 6 upzilas (sub-district) under 4 districts in 3 seasons (Summer, Winter and Rainy season). The birds were collected from farmer's house between 4:0 and 5:0 pm. Collected birds were slaughtered and dissected to collect different parasites from suspected organs. Crop and gizzard contents (CGC) were collected for nutritional analyses. CGC was processed and analyzed for proximate components, calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P). The CGC contained 2678 Kcal/kg DM TME, 11.72% CP, 0.41% Ca and 0.34% P. Seasonal variation had significant effect on TME availability but not on CP content. Seasons, areas and their interactions had significant effect on Ca availability. Availability of Ca and P to younger birds was fewer than that of to aged birds, but reverse result was found for TME. It was concluded that all scavenging birds were under deficient nutritional status.

Ectoparasites of local scavenging chickens of central Ethiopia

Study on identification of ectoparasites of local chickens was conducted from October 2000 to April 2001, on 190 chickens raised under traditional management system in central Ethiopia, namely Jeldu, Sebeta and Awash Melka Kontire. The study indicated that 178 (93.7%) of the examined chickens were infected by diverse species of ectoparasites. Parasitic examination revealed the presence of fourteen species of ectoparasites (fleas, lice, mites and ticks). The prevalence of ectoparasite infection accounted 84.4%, 98.4% and 100% in the highland, midland and lowland sites, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a significant difference (p

Housefly larvae as a feed supplement for rural poultry - Research and Development Notes

The effect of supplementing the diet of scavenging chickens with housefly larvae on productivity was studied. Birds on supplement received 30-50 g of live housefly larvae from the age of 2 weeks until they laid and hatched their first clutch of eggs. Monthly body weight, age at first lay. egg weight. number of eggs hatched, and weight of chicks hatched by the supplemented birds were compared with those of the control group of birds which did not receive any supplement. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in clutch size, egg weight, number of eggs hatched. and chick weight between supplemented birds and the control. Mean clutch size, egg weight, number of eggs hatched. and chick weight were 11.5 ± 2.57, 43.5 ± 25.53,9.8 ± 2.21. and 34.2 ± 0.78; and 9.5 ± 1.14,33.6 ± 2.72,7.1 ± 0.70. and 29.8 ± 1.89 for supplemented and control birds. respectively. The beneficial effects of supplementing the diets of local scavenging chickens with housefly larvae are discussed.

Chemical Composition of Crop Contents of Local Scavenging Chickens

The study assessed the chemical compositions of the crop contents of local chickens. A total of 70 local scavenging chickens (35 layers and 35 growers) were collected from rural areas of Bangladesh and were sacrificed. After dissection of the crops, the contents were dried under sunshine and ground and the ground contents of each crop were chemically analyzed. The mean weight of dried crop contents was 19.9±4.56 g for layer and 13.4±2.62 g for grower. The mean dry matter (DM) percentage of crop contents was 45.5±7.40 for layer and 48.9±7.06 for growers. The mean (% of DM) crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), ash, nitrogen-free-extract (NFE), calcium (Ca) and total phosphorus (P) of the crop contents were 11.7±2.53, 2.07±0.954, 6.04±2.98, 12.4±5.51, 68.3±7.80, 1.32±0.793 and 0.459±0.177, respectively for layers and were 9.89±1.59, 2.11±2.21, 6.40±4.30, 12.3±6.71, 69.3±7.95, 0.761±0.406 and 0.336±0.200, respectively for growers. The calculated metabolizable energy (ME) was 2781±336 and 2755±441 kcal/kg DM for layers and growers, respectively. Crude protein, Ca and P contents were significantly higher (P<0.01) in layers compared to growers, but other nutrients did not vary significantly. The concentrations of chemical components of feeds scavenged by local chickens were less than the recommended nutritional levels, which varied with type of chicken.

Antibody Levels against Newcastle Disease Virus, Infectious Bursal Disease Virus and Avian Influenza Virus in Rural Chickens in Viet Nam

A serological survey on the prevalence of antibodies to Newcastle Disease (ND) virus, Infectious Bursal disease (IBD) virus and Avian Influenza (AI) virus was carried out in two communes of the Hue District, Middle Viet Nam. The villages in each commune and the households in each village included approximately 10% scavenging and 20% backyard chickens. The main objectives were to determine the prevalence of antibodies against ND virus at different seasons of the year, the prevalence of antibodies against IBD and AI virus, and a comparison of the situation of ND, IBD and AI in scavenging and backyard chickens. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in NDV titres between the seasons and between ND vaccinated and unvaccinated birds but there was a significant difference between the unvaccinated scavenging (33.9%) and the unvaccinated backyard birds (21.6%). Both ND vaccinated and unvaccinated birds in the 2- 6 month-old age group. There was no overt correlation between NDV-HI- and IBDV-ELISA titres. A statistical analysis was precluded due to inadequate data sets. There were 5 reactors in the AI-ELISA but they were negative in the HI test with H and H HA antigens. This study showed that in the selected chicken population 5 7 the level of protection of vaccinated birds was unsatisfactory. It further showed that there was no seasonal difference between rainy and dry season, that IBDV existed but did not appear to be associated with NDV. There were no specific antibodies against the H /H subtypes of AIV. 5 7

Nutrient status of crop contents of rural scavenging local chickens in Tanzania

1. A total of 144 chickens purchased from peasants in Morogoro, Tanzania were slaughtered, their crops dissected and the contents analysed. The birds consisted of 48 chickens from each of three climatic zones (warm and wet, warm and dry, cool and wet). Seventy-two chickens were slaughtered in each season, that is short rainy and long rainy season. 2. Cereal grains, bran, green forages, insects/worms and kitchen food wastes were the main crop contents and their composition varied significantly with season and climate. 3. The overall mean chemical compositions (g/kg) of the crop contents were: 430.8 ± 107.78 dry matter (DM), 104.4 ± 43.47 crude protein (CP), 61.2 ± 36.48 ether extract (EE), 58.2 ± 26.29 crude fibre (CF), 125.4 ± 58.27 ash, 6.3 ± 5.19 calcium (Ca) and 3.6 ± 2.41 phosphorus (P). 4. CP, EE, ash and P contents varied significantly ( P < 0.05) with season but contents of DM, CF and Ca were not significantly different. 5. CP content was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in growers than in adults while the reverse was true for Ca content. Other variables did not differ significantly. 6. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in chemical composition were observed among the zones in all parameters except for CP content. 7. The study showed that the chemical composition of feeds eaten by rural scavenging chickens was below the nutritional requirements and varied with season, climate and age of birds.

Study of gastro-intestinal helminths of scavenging chickens in four rural districts of Amhara region, Ethiopia.

A total of 267 rural scavenging chickens were examined from October 1998 to August 1999 in four woredas (districts) of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Of these chickens, 243 (91.01%) were found to harbour one to nine different helminth parasites and 24 (8.99%) were free of helminth parasites. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was found between the prevalence rates of helminth parasites in the different agro-ecological zones; the highest prevalence was observed in the lowland areas. This suggests that agro-ecology has a major influence on the distribution of helminth parasites. Nematodes recovered included Heterakis gallinarum (17.28%), Subulura brumpti (17.60%), Ascaridia galli (35.58%), Cheilospirura hamulosa (0.75%) and Dyspharynx spiralis (2.62%). The principal cestode species encountered were Raillietina echinobothrida (25.84%), Raillietina tetragona (45.69%), Raillietina cesticillus (5.62%), Amoebotaenia sphenoides (40.45%), Davainea proglottina (1.12%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum (4.49%).

Village poultry production systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia.

Participatory rural appraisal (PRA), supported by checklists and intensive case studies on individual households, was carried out in three villages at three different altitudes in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The chicken production system in each village is described and the problems are discussed. More than 60% of the families kept chickens, and in most cases the women owned and managed the birds and controlled the cash from the sales. The production systems followed were mainly low-input and small-scale, with 7-10 mature birds per household, reared in the back yards with inadequate housing, feeding and health care. The average egg production per clutch was 15-20, with 3-4 clutches per year. The mean number of eggs set per bird was 12.9 +/- 2.2 (n = 160), depending on the size of the bird and season, and the hatching rate was 80.9% +/- 11.1%, range 44%-100% (n = 160). Poultry meat and eggs were generally accepted and appreciated in all three villages. In addition to the small amount of cash income they provide, scavenging chickens have nutritional, cultural and social functions. The flock composition, price of poultry and poultry products, disease outbreaks and hatching of chicks were strongly affected by season. Disease was cited as the most important problem by most of the members of the community, followed by predation, lack of feed, poor housing, insufficient water and parasites. Disease periodically decimated the flocks, and consequently, about 50% of the eggs produced were incubated in order to replace the birds that had died. The major source of loss in the system was the high mortality of chicks (61%) that occurred between hatching and the end of brooding at 8 weeks of age. The system was characterized by no or few inputs and a low output level. The major input was the cost of foundation stock, but after that virtually no cost was involved. The major source of feed for the birds was from the scavenging feed resource base, which comprised table leftovers, small grain supplements and anything edible from the immediate environment.

Prevalence and distribution of gastro-intestinal helminths and haemoparasites in young scavenging chickens in upper eastern region of Ghana, West Africa

We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and species of gastro-intestinal helminths and haemoparasites in 100 chickens kept under extensive management systems in Ghana, West Africa. All the examined chickens (100%) were infected with gastro-intestinal helminths; a total of 18 species were detected. The species and their prevalences were: Acuaria hamulosa (25%), Allodapa suctoria (20%), Ascaridia galli (24%), Capillaria spp. (60%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (13%), Gongylonema ingluvicola (62%), Heterakis gallinarum (31%), H. isolonche (16%), Hymenolepis spp. (66%), Raillietina cesticillus (12%), R. echinobothrida (81%), R. tetragona (59%), Strongyloides avium (2%), Subulura strongylina (10%), Tetrameres fissispina (58%), Trichostronygylus tenuis (2%), and finally one unidentified acanthocephalan (1%) and one unidentified trematode (1%). Thirty-five per cent of the chickens were infected with the haemoparasites Aegyptinella pullorum and Plasmodium juxtanucleare (prevalences 9% and 27%, respectively). Association between chicken sex and prevalences was not significant. An over-dispersed distribution was seen for most of the helminth species.

Indigenous chickens in Ethiopia: genetic potential and attempts at improvement

This paper describes the rural poultry production system and the role of scavenging chickens in the rural household economy of Ethiopia. Past attempts that have been made to improve the production and productivity of local birds through upgrading (distribution of exotic birds) and cross breeding in Ethiopia are assessed. The merits and demerits of the different ecotypes of indigenous chicken and their crosses are discussed. The current significance and future role of indigenous birds in the face of extensive importation of exotic birds are appraised. Finally, future areas for research on indigenous chickens are identified in terms of the development of a sensible conservation programme and the utilisation of local chickens as genetic resources.

Comparative Serological Responses and Protection Conferred by Vaccination with V&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;HR and BCRDV in Chickens

The serological responses and protection of Sonali breed chickens with Australian Newcastle disease V4 heat resistant (NDV4HR) live freeze-dried vaccine (Australian Webster Pvt. Ltd., Sydney) was compared with that of locally produced conventional Lentogenic F-strain Baby Chick Ranikhet Disease vaccine (BCRDV, DLS, Dhaka) of Bangladesh. Thirty day-old chicks were purchased from Mirpur Govt. Poultry Farm, Dhaka and maintained hygienically with commercial feed and water supply ad libitum during the experimental period from November 2002 to January 2003. These birds were divided into three groups (A, B and C), each consisting of 10 birds. Each birds of group A was vaccinated with NDV4HR and group B with BCRDV intraocularly, primary vaccination at 7 days and booster vaccination at 28 days of age, whereas the birds of group C kept as control. Sera samples of each of the bird of all the three groups were collected at 14 days of post-vaccination following each of the primary and booster vaccination at 23 and 44 days of age of birds. Each of the serum sample of all the three groups of birds was titrated by using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and results recorded that both the NDV4HR (32.49 ± 23.94) and BCRDV (28.28 ± 10.54) produced more or less similar serological response at two weeks after booster vaccination. The results of challenged experiment showed that the NDV4HR vaccine ( 80% ) apparently conferred higher protection to birds than the BCRDV vaccine (70%). Therefore both the vaccines may be recommended to control ND in commercial chickens but NDV4HR vaccine could provide a practical method of control ND in rural scavenging chickens. Key words: Serological responses, F-strain (BCRDV) NDV4HR vaccine, HI antibody titre, protection, chickens DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v1i1.1913 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. ( 2003 ). 1 (1) : 25 - 27