Small Scale Poultry Farmers Research Articles

Incorporation of a Non-Conventional Liana (Tetracapidium conophorum) Seed Oil Cake in Diets of Congolese Indigenous Batéké Chicks Raised Without Outdoor Access

The indigenous Batéké hen (Gallus gallus) has low productivity due to various constraints such as feeding sources. The aim of this study was to improve the productivity of the local hen using a new local protein source: Tetracarpidium conophorum meal. A sample of ninety-six chicks 21-day old from the local population were randomized into 3 groups of 32 birds each (TC0, TC4 and TC6), with one replicate. In each group. Tetracarpidium conophorum oil cake was incorporated into groupsTC4 (4% Tcconophorum oil cake and 11% soya oil cake), TC6 (6% T.conophorum oil cake and 9% soya oil cake) whereas TC0 served as a control group (0% T.conophorum meal and 15% soya oilcake). The experiment started at 3 weeks and lasted at 20 weeks of age. Chickens were fed ad libithum and had free access to drinkers. The results indicated that mortality rate decreased (3.12 % versus 9.3), Also, the treatment improved significantly (p ˂ 0.05) feed intake (56.8 vs 60.1g per day), feed conversion (6.5 vs 5.7), and carcass yield (65.8 % vs 71.3 %). The final body weight at 20 weeks of age has been improved groups (1.200g versus 1300g) .. This study indicated that T.conophorum oil cake may be useful in diets at 4% thus reducing soya oil cake from 15% to 11% of incorporation) in a small scale poultry farming in Congo.

A comprehensive survey on the present scenario and future production potentials of small-scale turkey farming in Bangladesh

Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is one of the potential species of specialized fowls, quite popular in western countries, has recently been introduced in Bangladesh, and gained considerable attention from small-scale poultry farmers. The purpose of this study was to assess the current scenario, production systems and potentialities of turkey farming in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire from 100 turkey farmers residing in rural areas in different districts of Bangladesh. The problems and prospects of turkey rearing in the selected areas were quantified and assessed. No illiterate farmers were involved in turkey farming and 97% of the farmers have small household with 3.67 members per family. Most of the farmers (60%) were medium income size with income range BDT 250001 to 400000 year. Most of the farmers (57%) reared turkey for meat purpose whereas the average turkey population per household was 43.20 birds. About 24% of farmers reared turkey in confinement system, and 76% of farmers reared in semi-intensive management system and 68% of farmers had no related training on turkey farming. All farmers use ready broiler/layer feed due to the unavailability of turkey feed that was bought from local market. Grazing was practiced to supply vegetative plants as diet for turkeys. Most of the farmers (86%) vaccinate turkey regularly, and among them 96% complained about vaccine unavailability. Average mortality was recorded at around 6.2%. All the farmers follow a natural breeding system for reproduction. The farmers mentioned that turkey farming is decreasing day by day due to unskilled farmers, lack of turkey ready feed, unavailability of vaccines and lack of marketing facilities. Collectively, it can be inferred that the introduction of ready-made turkey feed, ensuring vaccination, providing financial and technical assistance and offering training to small-scale turkey farmers are the pivotal factors in boosting small-scale turkey farming in Bangladesh. This, in turn, may have the potential to increase household income and generate employment opportunities for youth, rural women, and small-scale marginal farmers. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 40-54, 2024

The awareness and behaviour’s farmer towards highly pathogenic avian influenza prevention in Tra Vinh, Vietnam

Disease outbreaks are partly the direct result of the expansion of poultry flocks. To understand farmers’ behaviours, their awareness of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the study was con ducted. A total of 150 farms in three districts of Tra Vinh Province were included. Purposive sampling was used to choose respondents who have at least 20 poultry heads and a three-year operation. Descrip tive and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze data. The findings indicated that most farm ers (65.3%) were males with an average age of 50 years. Farmers received < $100/month from poultry production. The farm scale of poultry business was less than 100 heads per farmer, and birds were reared traditionally, using by-products, floor feeding, and no automatic watering systems. Selling broil ers dominated, whereas egg sales were uncommon and were generally reserved for domestic use. In addition, farmers were aware of HPAI prevention (>90% were, poor knowledge that was not validat ed). Additionally, farmers' awareness significantly increased by the enhancement in education, training, income, and full-time employment at poultry farms. It can be concluded that the small-scale poultry farming employs traditional practices with a keen awareness of infectious diseases. However, to raise farmers' awareness, strategies should concentrate on profession, education, training, and income.

In-silico insights of ESBL variants and tracking the probable sources of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in a small-scale poultry farm

Commercial broiler farms face challenges of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli transmitted from both vertical and horizontal routes. Understanding the dynamics of ESBL-E. coli transmission in compromised biosecurity settings of small-scale rural poultry farms is essential. This study aimed to elucidate the probable transmission pathways of ESBL-E. coli in such settings, employing phylogenetic analysis and molecular docking simulations to explore the catalytic properties of β-lactamase variants. Sampling was conducted on a small-scale poultry farm in West Bengal, India, collecting 120 samples at three intervals during the broiler production cycle. E. coli isolates underwent resistance testing against eight antimicrobials, with confirmation of ESBL production. Genotypic analysis of ESBL genes and sequencing were performed, alongside molecular docking analyses and phylogenetic comparisons with publicly available sequences. Among 173 E. coli isolates, varying resistance profiles were observed, with complete resistance to cefixime and high resistance to amoxicillin and tetracycline. The incidence of ESBL-E. coli fluctuated over the production cycle, with dynamic changes in the prevalence of blaCTX-M-type and blaSHV-type genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated partial clonal relationships with human clinical strains and poultry strains from the Indian subcontinent. Molecular docking confirmed the catalytic efficiencies of these ESBL variants. The study highlights probable vertical transmission of ESBL-E. coli and emphasizes drinking water as a potential source of horizontal transmission in small-scale poultry farms. Strict biosecurity measures could prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in birds and their products in a small scale poultry farm.

Antimicrobial Use Survey and Detection of ESBL-Escherichia coli in Commercial and Medium-/Small-Scale Poultry Farms in Selected Districts of Zambia.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Escherichia coli from food animals is a rising problem, and heavy antimicrobial use in poultry is a contributing factor. In Zambia, studies linking poultry-associated AMR and antibiotic use (AMU) are rare. This study aimed to investigate commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers' usage of antimicrobials based on a questionnaire survey in ten districts of Zambia. In addition, the study characterized extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates obtained from poultry in the same districts. Data regarding knowledge and usage of antimicrobials were collected from commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At the same time, cloacal samples were collected and analyzed. One hundred and fifty E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using eight antibiotic classes. The isolates were further screened for ESBL production by streaking them on cefotaxime (CTX)-supplemented MacConkey agar, then subjecting them to sequencing on a NextSeq. The questionnaire survey showed that more medium-/small-scale than commercial poultry farmers used antimicrobials (OR = 7.70, 95% CI = 2.88-20.61) but less prescriptions (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00-0.08). Susceptibility testing revealed that resistance was highest to ampicillin (128/148, 86.5%) and tetracycline (101/136, 74.3%) and that the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) (28/30, 93.3%) was high. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of eight (8/30, 26.7%) isolates with CTX Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ≥ 4 µg/mL revealed the presence of ESBL-encoding genes blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-55, and blaTEM. WGS also detected other AMR genes for quinolones, aminoglycosides, phenicols, tetracycline, macrolides, and folate-pathway antagonists. Altogether, the questionnaire survey results showed a higher proportion of AMU and lower prescription usage among medium-/small-scale farmers. In addition, our results emphasize the circulation of ESBL-producing E. coli strains with associated MDR. It is critical to educate farmers about AMR risks and to encourage responsible usage of antimicrobials. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen regulations limiting access to antimicrobials. Finally, there is a need to establish a one health system to guide public health response.

Pengolahan Limbah Organik Pasar Sayur Kota Metro Sebagai Media Kultur Maggot Hermetia Illucens Melalui Pot Biokonversi Bagi Peternak Ayam Skala UMKM

This activity aims to explore the effectiveness of applying organic waste from the Vegetable Market in Metro City as a medium for Hermetia Illucens maggot culture, as well as to determine the ecological and economic impacts of the activity on small-scale poultry farmers in Metro City. The community service was conducted using the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) method. Several points were obtained from the conducted community service: first, the discovery and dream phase involved educating and socializing the potential of organic waste as a maggot cultivation asset, as well as formulating the desired targets. Second, the design and define phase aimed to formulate program activities to achieve the targets, including determining the timing, location, and necessary equipment. Third, the destiny phase included the implementation of the community service, which involved education and practical activities such as hatching maggot eggs, making larva maggot breeding boxes, sorting and fermenting organic waste, and constructing a production house. Based on the monitoring conducted, challenges were found in the form of predator attacks such as rats, chickens, and green flies on the maggot egg hatching containers. Evaluation was carried out by creating special containers equipped with lamp lighting and using netting as covers for the containers. Challenges were also found in the aspect of maggot growth, where the utilization of organic waste from the Metro City vegetable market was not sufficient to maximize growth. Therefore, evaluation was conducted by mixing organic waste from the Metro City vegetable market with household waste generated by each partner of the community service. Education and mentoring in the management of organic waste from the Metro City vegetable market have impacted the community's perspective on viewing organic waste as a valuable asset and their skills in managing waste as a medium for maggot cultivation.

IMPACT OF PROVINCIAL LIVESTOCK PROGRAM ON MOUNTAIN PROVINCE LIVELIHOODS: REVIEW

This literature review examines the role of livelihood projects, particularly focusing on small-scale poultry production and livelihood diversification initiatives, in promoting poverty alleviation and enhancing food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and Mountain Province, Philippines. Various studies have highlighted the potential of small-scale poultry farming to uplift rural communities by providing alternative sources of income and nutrition. However, challenges such as disease control and market access must be addressed to maximize the impact of these projects. Similarly, livelihood diversification efforts in Uganda offer opportunities for income generation and poverty reduction but require supportive policies and resources. Additionally, the enactment of Provincial Ordinance No. 264, known as the Barangay Muna Program, by the Provincial Government of Mountain Province underscores a proactive approach to addressing socio-economic needs at the grassroots level. By leveraging local resources and governance structures, these initiatives aim to promote equitable development, social cohesion, and inclusive growth within their respective contexts. Overall, this review underscores the potential of livelihood projects to foster sustainable development and improve the well-being of communities in diverse geographical settings.

BENEFITS DERIVED FROM SOCIAL GROUP MEMBERSHIP BY POULTRY FARMERS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Social Capital is fast taking a defining role as a necessity for successful and sustainable agricultural enterprise. The network of farmers in developing countries like Nigeria has been seen to determine greatly their resilience, ability to escape poverty, take risks and overcome vulnerabilities. Investigating the benefits derived and constraints encountered by poultry farmers in membership of social groups was the main thrust of this study. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 poultry farmers in Ondo state. Questionnaire containing open and closed ended questions were used to elicit information from respondents. Data collected was analysed using frequency counts, percentages and mean. Results reveal that majority of sampled poultry farmers were between 40-59 years of age (53.3%), male (62.5%), married (73.3%), with some level of formal education (85.8%), poultry farming experience of 1-10 years (71.7%) and farm size of between 1-1000 birds (71.7%). Livelihood security (mean=1.19), accessing health services (mean=1.08), recreation (mean=1.07) and consultancy services (mean=1.03) were the top benefits of social group membership reported among respondents. Major constraints to social group membership identified by the respondents were low financial capacity (mean=1.13), poor group coordination (mean=1.22), lack of education (mean=1.08), leadership issues (mean= 0.98) and religious differences (mean=0.95). Institutional support to strengthen social group membership because of its advantages; by providing financial incentives and leadership capacity building for small scale poultry farmers is canvassed.

Production Performance and Profitability of Small-scale Commercial Poultry Farms in Arsi and East-Showa Zones, Central Ethiopia

Poultry farming and the demand for chicken meat and eggs are growing due to their quality protein, essential nutrients, affordable price, and low investment cost. The current study was designed to investigate the productivity and profitability of small-scale commercial poultry enterprises. Data were collected from 221 poultry farms using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were presented using descriptive statistics. Farm performances were measured by total-factor-productivity (TFP), benefit-cost-ratio (BCR), and net-profit-margin (NPM). The majority of the poultry farm owners were male (69.68%) and married (77.4%). Around 55.2% of poultry farmers aged 31-45 years. Group-owned farms had 4.59 ± 1.77 individual members. On average, a batch of layer chickens was kept for 17.0 ± 3.87 and 18.12 ± 4.25 months on individual and group-owned farms, respectively. Moreover, the mean selling ages of pullet and broiler chickens were 2.55 ± 0.71 and 2.18 ± 0.51 months, respectively. The flock size of layer chickens in sole-proprietor farms (562 ± 724) was significantly lower than in partnership farms (1165 ± 877). The average numbers of produced pullets by sole-proprietorship and partnership farms were 3177 ± 2360 and 3137 ± 1826, while the mean numbers of broilers produced were 2257 ± 1875 and 3269 ± 1669, respectively. The average egg and broiler weights in sole-proprietorship farms were significantly higher compared to group-owned farms. Annual egg production rates in individual and group-owned farms were 76.5% and 70.4%, respectively. The cost of feed, chicken, housing, labor, and medication were the top five production expenditures, while feed cost shares 60.4%. Egg producers had NPM, BCR, and TFP indices of 38.99%, 1.03, and 2.03, respectively, with notable differences by ownership types. The NPM, BCR, and TFP indices for broiler and pullet farms, respectively, were 42.78%, 0.93, and 1.93 for broilers and 35.21%, 0.92, and 1.67 for pullets. The results indicated that poultry firms performed optimally, regardless of ownership type. To further improve the efficiency and profitability of poultry enterprises, farmers need technical, finance, and management skills and input supply chains. Keywords: Broiler, Layer, Poultry, Production, Profitability, Pullet

Economic assessment of an intervention strategy to reduce antimicrobial usage in small-scale chicken farms in Vietnam

Antimicrobials are a core aspect of most livestock production systems, especially in low-and middle-income countries. They underpin the efficient use of scarce feed resources and stabilize returns on capital and labor inputs. Antimicrobial use (AMU) contributes to the production of healthy animals, yet AMU in livestock is linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals, humans and the environment.The Vietnamese Platform for Antimicrobial Reduction in Chicken Production was implemented during 2016–2019 and was one of Southeast Asia's first interventions focused on AMU reductions in livestock production. The project targeted small-scale commercial poultry farms in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam using a “randomized before-and-after controlled” study design. It provided farmers with a locally adapted support service (farmer training plan, advisory visits, biosecurity, and antimicrobial replacement products) to help them reduce their reliance on antimicrobials. A partial budget analysis was performed comparing the control group (status-quo) and intervention group (alternative). The median net farm-level benefit of the intervention strategies with the project's support was VND 6.78 million (interquartile range (IR) VND -71.9–89 million) per farm. Without project support the benefit was reduced to VND 5.1 million (IR VND -69.1–87.2 million) to VND 5.3 million (IR -VND 68.9–87.5 million) depending on the antimicrobial alternative product used. At the project level with a focus on AMU and its reduction, subsequently influence on the resistance reduction, our results showed that achieving resistance reduction benefits with the current knowledge and technologies required investment of at least VND 9.1 million (US$ 395.10) per farm during the project's lifetime. The results highlight the positive net profit for the majority of enrolled farms and a reasonable investments from the project. The recommendation focuses on the implementation of policies on financial support, legislation, and information as potential solutions to facilitate the application of intervention strategies to reduce AMU in poultry production.

Repositioning Cooperative Poultry Farming as a Vocation for the Unemployed Youths

The widespread impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has led to substantial job losses, prompting increased pressure on policymakers, scholars, and non-governmental organizations to generate sustainable employment opportunities for young individuals, particularly within economically disadvantaged communities. This investigation focuses on the feasibility of integrating unemployed youth into established commercial broiler value chains as a means to address the employment gap resulting from the pandemic. Its objective is to raise awareness among governments, institutions, and stakeholders regarding the hurdles faced by young people aspiring to engage in chicken production. To assess the current status of small-scale poultry farming in the studied region, interviews were conducted with small-scale poultry producers in Umhlathuze Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, along with experts from Owen Sithole College of Agriculture. Insights gathered from participants indicate various obstacles to poultry production in the area, such as insufficient digital, limited space, skill-shortage, restricted market access, low profitability, and instances of theft. Consequently, a proposed solution, the 'Collective Farming Model,' is advocated. Moreover, the authors contend that the efficacy of this model hinges significantly on its apprenticeship-based learning system, validated through successful implementation in a prototype initiative.

Prototype of Smart Poultry for Small-Scale Poultry Farmers at Ilocos Norte

Prototype of Smart Poultry for Small-Scale Poultry Farmers at Ilocos Norte

Effects of Microorganism Supplementation on Egg Quality and Production

Effective microorganism (EM) is a combination of more than 80 different types of beneficial microorganisms contributing to a wide range of applications in medicine, environment, and agriculture (livestock sector, crop sector, and forestry). This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of EM supplementation on hen day egg production and egg quality traits of Bovans Brown laying hens. At the age of 16 weeks, 144 pullets were purchased from small-scale poultry farms in Debre Markos. The chickens were divided into four treatments, each of which was replicated three times and contained 12 chickens. The treatment groups were T1 (control, commercial ration only), T2 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water), T3 (supplemented 5% Bokashi in feed), and T4 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water and 5% Bokashi in feed). Prior to collecting the actual data, the layer chickens had 2 weeks of adaptation. The hen day egg production was evaluated, and laboratory analysis was conducted to detect the external and internal egg quality. The results showed no significant difference among treatments on hen day egg productions, which ranged from 74 to 80 percent. Among the external egg quality traits, T4 had the highest egg weight, compared to other treatment groups. The T3 and T4 treatments had the highest shell weight. The shell thickness ranged from 0.37 to 0.39 mm. The shape index ranged from 76.81 to 79.11%, with no difference among the groups. Moreover, T4 had a significantly higher egg mass than T1 and T2. The specific gravity of an egg ranged from 1.06 to 1.08 g/cm3. Among the internal egg quality traits, the albumin weights of T3 and T4 were significantly higher than those of T1. The highest and the lowest Hough units were observed in T4 and T1, respectively. The highest yolk weight was observed in T4 among the groups. The yolk index ranged from 0.45 to 0.49. The yolk color ranged from 5.27 to 7.33. Finally, overall egg quality parameters in T4 were better than in non-supplemented groups.

Factors affecting risk attitudes of small scale poultry farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

Small-scale farmers are risk averse in order to avoid any discomfort in their livelihoods. Hence, this study analyzed the risk attitudes and their determinants among poultry farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 192 respondents in the study area on which semi-structured questionnaires were administered to extract relevant information. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as safety first model, ordered logit regression as well as Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model. The results showed that the major risks associated with poultry production were disease outbreak, lack of medication and lack of vaccination health programmes. Majority (57%) were risk averse with aggregate frequency score of 109. Furthermore, the factors influencing farmers’ risk attitude in poultry production were educational level, primary occupation, cooperative membership, marital status, labour in man days and investments. It was therefore recommended that poultry farmers need to strengthen their membership of cooperative societies so that they can have more access to veterinary services and risk sharing opportunities. The farmers need to be involved in other income generating enterprises in order to cushion the effect of production shocks inherent in poultry production.

Achieving small and medium-scale performance through entrepreneurial orientation

This study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance of small-scale poultry farmers. To achieve this, four object research questions and hypotheses were raised., the study used the quantitative research approach with a descriptive and causal research design. From a population figure of 669 SME business owners in Asaba, Delta, data were collected through a pilot structured questionnaire using the cross-sectional approach. Multiple regression analysis was the statistical tool used to analyze the data gathered. Findings revealed that three out of the four indicators of entrepreneurship proactiveness, entrepreneurship innovativeness, and entrepreneurship demography, have a significant positive relationship with SME performance while entrepreneurship risk-taking relationship with the dependent variable is insignificant. Based on these findings, it was concluded that entrepreneurship orientation revealed that impactful relationship with SMEs' performance, the investigation of their performance shows that entrepreneurial orientation affects small and medium scale, although the majority of the findings were concerned with the attributes of, innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk-taking and demographic factors indicates a positive relationship with SMEs performance.

AIoT-Driven Edge Computing for Rural Small-Scale Poultry Farming: Smart Environmental Monitoring and Anomaly Detection for Enhanced Productivity

The growing demand for chicken production has emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal conditions to improve quality and productivity.The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things(IoT) is recommended for the efficient management of the farm's environment. A potential solution is presented in this paper, utilizing IoT-based sensor nodes with ARM Cortex M3 - LPC 1769 and LORA technology to monitor chicken farms across diverse regions.The proposed solution incorporates a low-cost edge computing server-Jetson Nano device equipped with a machine learning model to categorize and monitor live environmental conditions in poultry farms. Real-time data from various branches is collected and analyzed using machine learning classification techniques including logistic regression, K nearest neighbors, and support vector machines.The performance of these algorithms is compared to identify the most effective approach. Upon evaluation, the K nearest neighbors emerges as the superior performer, achieving an impressive accuracy of 99.72% and an execution duration of 0.087 seconds on the Jetson Nano edge computing device. This cost-effective technology is tailored for small businesses in regions where farmers can gain valuable insights from data-driven decisions and closely monitor their operations. By incorporating AIoT into farm management, the challenges faced by small-scale poultry farming can be addressed, empowering farmers with enlightened techniques to improve overall productivity and quality.

Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Species Isolated from Animal Sources in Southern-Taraba State, North-East Nigeria

Aims: The purpose of this research was to detect the Salmonella invA gene from chicken’s droppings in Southern Taraba, North East Nigeria. The invasive “invA” gene facilitates the invasion of epithelial cells by Salmonella isolates.
 Study Design: This study is experimental research involving ninety-eight (98) Salmonella isolates from chicken droppings in poultry farms and domestic chicken coops.
 Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out in Wukari, Donga, Ibi and Takum towns in Southern Taraba, North East Nigeria between November 2021 and May 2023. A total of 400 (Donga,100; Wukari, 100; Ibi, 100 and Takum, 100) Chicken droppings were collected from 40
 (Donga, 10; Wukari, 10; Ibi, 10 and Takum, 10) small-scale poultry farms, and 100 (Donga, 25; Wukari, 25; Ibi, 25 and Takum, 25) Chicken droppings were sampled from 20 (Donga, 5; Wukari, 5; Ibi, 5 and Takum 5) domestic chicken coops and analyzed.
 Methodology: Using standard microbiological techniques, Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA) was used to confirm and validate 98 (Wukari; 36, Donga; 19, Ibi; 27, and Takum; 16) Salmonella isolates from stock culture. Isolates were further subjected to biochemical analysis. Boiling technique was used to extract the DNA of the 98 isolates. Salmonella invA gene amplification process was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Electrophoresis was done using agarose gel, and DNA band patterns were visualized with the aid of ultraviolent light (UV) showing different patterns and interpreted with the 100 bp DNA ladder.
 Results: The results of this study indicate that the invA gene was detected in 80.6% (Wukari; 86.1%, Donga; 68.5%, Ibi;85.2%, and Takum; 75%) of the 98 Salmonella isolates with an amplicon size of 284bp. This finding implies that 19 isolates which did not show the targeted band are not invasive, and even if they are, other invasive genes may be liable.
 Conclusion: The detection of the invasive invA invasive gene from Salmonella isolates from the fecal droppings of apparently healthy chickens from poultry farms and domestic chicken coops is really of great concern to public health. Unless a proper hygienic protocol and biosecurity measures are strictly adhered to where applicable in food processing chain, Salmonella isolates harboring the invA traits could be opportunistically invasive among immunocompromised individuals and children.

Avian influenza vaccine supply chain in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, 2021

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a zoonotic disease that can affect both poultry and humans. Since 2005, the Vietnam government has implemented a national vaccination campaign to prevent the spread of avian influenza (AI). In 2021, the first outbreak of HPAI H5N8 was reported in a chicken farm in Quang Ninh province. To understand the stakeholders linked to the AI campaign, and their roles within the vaccine supply chain, we conducted a cross-sectional study from November 2021–January 2022. We purposively selected 114 participants, including 71 poultry farmers using HPAI vaccines, 16 veterinary drug store owners, 18 commune animal health workers (CAHWs), 8 staff from the Centers for Agricultural Services (ATSCs), and one vaccine distributor who were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Three HPAI vaccines (H5N1 clade 1 & 2.3.2.1, H5N1 clade 2.3.4 and H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1b) were used, and they were effective against the locally circulating virus strains. Distributors stored vaccines at the required temperature and transported them in appropriate vehicles. Vaccines remained in the supply chain for 3–5 months within their 12-month shelf-life period. The free government vaccination campaign, implemented by CAHWs, and administered by the ATSCs, reached 61% of small-scale poultry farms with a 1.21% vaccine wastage rate. Large-scale poultry farms followed the national campaign but paid a fee for the vaccines. We recommend expanding the support for AI vaccination to increase the vaccination rate among large-scale poultry farms, selecting higher efficacy seed vaccines, and that smaller dose vaccine vials are available for cost-effective vaccination.

Poultry farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward poultry waste management in Bangladesh.

The improper handling of poultry litter and waste poses risks to humans and environment by introducing certain compounds, elements, and pathogenic microorganisms into the surrounding environment and food chain. However, understanding the farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) could provide insights into the constraints that hinder the appropriate adoption of waste management. Therefore, this study aimed to assess poultry farmers' KAP regarding waste management issues. A cross-sectional KAP study was conducted with native poultry keepers and small-scale commercial poultry farmers in seven districts of Bangladesh. In the survey, 385 poultry producers were interviewed using validated structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews to collect the quantitative data in their domiciles. The overall KAP of farmers regarding poultry waste management issues demonstrated a low level of KAP (p = 0.001). The analysis shows that roughly 5% of farmers have a high level of knowledge of poultry waste management issues, followed by around one-third of respondents having a moderate level of knowledge. Considering the attitude domain, more than one-fifth of native poultry keepers and nearly two-thirds of commercial producers demonstrated a low level of attitude toward poultry waste management. Considering the overall analysis, roughly half of the respondents found a high level of attitude, and over half of the farmers showed a moderate level of attitude toward poultry waste management issues. The analysis showed that the level of good practices for native and commercial poultry production systems is estimated at 77.3% versus 45.9%, respectively, despite the farmers' lesser knowledge and attitudes toward poultry waste management systems. Overall, analysis showed that nearly 60% and 40% of poultry producers had high and moderate levels, respectively, of good practices in poultry waste management issues. Analysis of the KAP data shows that farmers had a low level of KAP toward poultry waste management. The result of this study will assist in formulating appropriate strategies and to adopt poultry waste management solutions by poultry farmers to reduce environmental degradation.

Poultry waste management practices in Bangladesh: Farmer's perceptions, and food and environmental hazards.

The poultry industry plays a key role in developing socio-economic and health sectors in Bangladesh. Poultry waste is a potential environmental threat as untreated poultry waste is used in vegetable gardens. The study aimed to investigate the current situation of small-scale poultry farms and their waste management practices in selected areas of Bangladesh and detect Escherichia coli and Salmonella in vegetables from farms using untreated poultry waste as fertilizer. A structured questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 86 small-scale poultry farms from different upazilas of Mymensingh and Khulna districts. 104 samples, including vegetables, poultry litter, water, and soil, were collected from vegetable gardens, ponds, fields, and wet markets in Mymensingh district to detect microbial contamination. Bacteria were identified based on their growth and colony morphology on selective media and motility tests. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a commercial PCR kit. The survey revealed that mostly middle-aged males were involved in poultry farming. Most of the farmers had primary education and engaged in farming for about 5 years without training. In the study area, 37% of farmers collected droppings daily in the morning and used them as organic fertilizer. About 58% of farmers did not know the hygienic handlings of droppings and faced health problems. In PCR, either E. coli or Salmonella or both were confirmed in vegetables, litter, soil, and pond water. Appropriate poultry waste management practices can reduce the possible contamination of microbial agents in the human food chain.