Strains Of Chickens Research Articles

Aerosol delivered irradiated Escherichia coli confers serotype-independent protection and prevents colibacillosis in young chickens

Escherichia coli causes colibacillosis in chickens, which has severe economic and public health consequences. For the first time, we investigated the efficacy of gamma-irradiated E. coli to prevent colibacillosis in chickens considering different strains and application routes. Electron microscopy, alamarBlue assay and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of- flight mass spectrometry showed that the cellular structure, metabolic activity and protein profiles of irradiated and non-treated E. coli PA14/17480/5-ovary (serotype O1:K1) were similar. Subsequently, three animal trials were performed using the irradiated E. coli and clinical signs, pathological lesions and bacterial colonization in systemic organs were assessed.In the first animal trial, the irradiated E. coli PA14/17480/5-ovary administered at 7 and 21 days of age via aerosol and oculonasal routes, respectively, prevented the occurrence of lesions and systemic bacterial spread after homologous challenge, as efficient as live infection or formalin-killed cells. In the second trial, a single aerosol application of the same irradiated strain in one-day old chickens was efficacious against challenges with a homologous or a heterologous strain (undefined serotype). The aerosol application elicited better protection as compared to oculonasal route. Finally, in the third trial, efficacy against E. coli PA15/19103–3 (serotype O78:K80) was shown. Additionally, previous results of homologous protection were reconfirmed. The irradiated PA15/19103–3 strain, which also showed lower metabolic activity, was less preferred even for the homologous protection, underlining the importance of the vaccine strain. In all the trials, the irradiated E. coli did not provoke antibody response indicating the importance of innate or cell mediated immunity for protection.In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study showed that the non-adjuvanted single aerosol application of irradiated “killed but metabolically active” E. coli provided promising results to prevent colibacillosis in chickens at an early stage of life. The findings open new avenues for vaccine production with E. coli in chickens using irradiation technology.

Blood serum contents and fatty acid profiles of meat from different chicken strains in Ethiopia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the blood serum contents, fatty acid profiles of meat and their correlations. Methodology: A total of 96 mixed sex matured indigenous chicken strains from Abobo (Ab), Gambella Ketema Zuria (GKz), Lare (La), and Itang (It), were used to determine blood serum contents, of which 32 chickens were also used for fatty acid profile investigation. Completely Randomized (CRD) design was used to analyze the data. Blood serum contents and fatty acid profiles of chickens’ meat were determined by Roche/Hitachi cobas c 501 and GC standard procedures, respectively. Results: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglyceride, (TG) and Total cholesterol (TC) were significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) between both sexes. The level of HDL was inversely correlated with LDL, TG, and TC. The male chicken’s strains had significantly lower (p ≥ 0.05) HDL, but higher LDL TG, and TC than female. All investigated saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (Palmitic, Myristic, Decanoic, Pentadecanoic, Margaric, Stearic, and Tetradecylic) were non-significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) between different chicken strains studied. However, there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between both sexes. All investigated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and phthalic acid) were non-significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) between the different chicken strains studied. However, there were significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between both sexes of different chicken strains studied. UFA was significantly lower (p ≥ 0.05) in male chicken than female. The mean values of the PUFA/MUFA were non-significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) among different chicken strains and both sexes. Conclusion: Chicken strains have higher contents of blood serum (TC, TG, LDL) and SFA in meat might cause human health problems. Therefore, further investigation and studies are needed in the future.

The Blood Profile of Indonesian Native Chickens that Reared in Semi-Intensive System

The objective of the study was to evaluate the blood profile of Indonesian native chickens reared in a semi-intensive raised system. A total number of 68 chickens from four strains (Red Lurik, Wareng, Ranupane, and Putih) were used as samples. Chickens were challenged for 14 d in a semi-intensive raised system. Blood sampling was obtained from the pectoralis vein of the wing. The ANOVA and Duncant’s test were applied for data analysis. The observed variables consist of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit, total blood plasma protein, leukocytes, and leukocyte differentiation. The results showed that chicken strains had a very significant difference (P < 0.01) in blood protein and hematocrit variables, a significant effect (P < 0.05) on hemoglobin levels, and no difference (P > 0.05) on the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and leukocyte. The highest hemoglobin level was found in the Ranupane strain (13.48 g dL-1). The highest blood protein and hematocrit values were found in the Putih strain at 7.60 g 100 mL-1 and 42.45 %, respectively. In conclusion that chicken strains of Lurik, Wareng, Ranupane, and Putih have different blood profiles (hemoglobin, blood protein, hematocrit, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and leukocyte differentiation). Consequently, the native chicken strain was normal even in a reared semi-intensive system.

Assessing Differences in the Quality Properties and Ultrastructure of Eggshell as Affected by Chicken Strain and Flock Age During Incubation Period

Three hundred hatching eggs from two layer breeder flocks (Hy-Line Brown and hy-Line W-36; 150 each) were obtained at three different periods of laying cycle (early, middle and late stages). The hatching eggs were randomly taken to assess the impact of chicken strain, age, and hatching time on some eggshell measurements and structures. Results indicate that egg weight, shell percentage and shell thickness were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Increasing rate of calcium absorption and utilization by the embryos during the embryonic stage clearly reflects the decrease occurred in eggshell strength. The differences of eggshell breaking strength during incubation time periods were 0.41 and 0.55 kg/cm2, the differences due to the incubation time may be due to the higher demand for calcium utilization in the late incubation period (18 days), observed on the10th day of incubation. Brown eggs recorded significant higher calcium percentage in eggshell compared to the white ones. The brown breeder hens recorded significant higher total pores per egg compared to the white egg. Concerning eggshell ultrastructure, total thickness of the brown eggshell was significantly higher than those of the white eggshell by about 3.7%. All parameters, except for total thickness, were significantly affected by the interaction between strain and breeder age. Finally, we conclude that some traits including egg weight, shell percentage, shell thickness, calcium percentages in eggshell, and total pores per egg were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Eggshell ultrastructure of brown egg was better compared to the white ones.

Molecular and pathological investigation of avian reovirus (ARV) in Egypt with the assessment of the genetic variability of field strains compared to vaccine strains.

Avian orthoreovirus (ARV) is among the important viruses that cause drastic economic losses in the Egyptian poultry industry. Despite regular vaccination of breeder birds, a high prevalence of ARV infection in broilers has been noted in recent years. However, no reports have revealed the genetic and antigenic characteristics of Egyptian field ARV and vaccines used against it. Thus, this study was conducted to detect the molecular nature of emerging ARV strains in broiler chickens suffering from arthritis and tenosynovitis in comparison to vaccine strains. Synovial fluid samples (n = 400) were collected from 40 commercial broiler flocks in the Gharbia governorate, Egypt, and then pooled to obtain 40 samples, which were then used to screen ARV using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with the partial amplification of ARV sigma C gene. The obtained RT-PCR products were then sequenced, and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed together with other ARV field and vaccine strains from GenBank. RT-PCR successfully amplified the predicted 940 bp PCR products from all tested samples. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the analyzed ARV strains were clustered into six genotypic clusters and six protein clusters, with high antigenic diversity between the genotypic clusters. Surprisingly, our isolates were genetically different from vaccine strains, which aligned in genotypic cluster I/protein cluster I, while our strains were aligned in genotypic cluster V/protein cluster V. More importantly, our strains were highly divergent from vaccine strains used in Egypt, with 55.09-56.23% diversity. Sequence analysis using BioEdit software revealed high genetic and protein diversity between our isolates and vaccine strains (397/797 nucleotide substitutions and 148-149/265 amino acid substitutions). This high genetic diversity explains the vaccination failure and recurrent circulation of ARV in Egypt. The present data highlight the need to formulate a new effective vaccine from locally isolated ARV strains after a thorough screening of the molecular nature of circulating ARV in Egypt.

Effect of turmeric on performance of Arbor Acres plus strain of broiler chicken

This study was conducted to investigate the performance response of Arbor Acres plus strain of broiler chickens fed turmeric treated diets. A total of 120 day old broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments, with three replicates, having 10 birds per replicate. The dietary treatments consisted of the control diet (T1) with 0 % turmeric powder and T2, T3 and T4 with turmeric powder added @ 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 % of feed respectively. Results showed that average final weight and daily weight gain were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) across the treatments. The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the broilers differed significantly (P<0.05) amongst the treatment groups. Turmeric supplementation showed a significant decrease in feed conversion ratio and in turn improved feed efficiency. Dietary turmeric had no significant effect on nutrient utilization across the dietary groups. Significantly higher dressing percentage was obtained in broiler group fed 0.30 % turmeric powder while other carcass cuts and internal organs did not differ significantly. Turmeric powder had no significant effect on total protein, albumin, globulin and glucose, whereas, dietary effects of turmeric on AST, ALT and ALP decreased significantly in 0.30 % turmeric fed group. It was concluded that turmeric at 0.30 % had a positive influence on feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage and oxidative stress indicators in broiler chickens. Therefore, inclusion of turmeric powder at 0.30 % is recommended.

Performance of three strains of broiler chickens fed with straight diet

One hundred and twenty (120) day-old broiler chickens of three different strains fed with straight diet were used in this study which lasted for 49 days. A single straight diet containing 2844.25kcal/kg of M.E and crude protein of 21.04% was formulated for the study. Each strain of the broiler namely Cobb, Ross and Abor acre formed the three treatments of 40 birds per treatment which were replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate using Completely Randomized Design. The data collected were subjected to ANOVA, where means were different, Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means. The result of the final weight, weight gained, average daily weight gained, total feed intake, average daily feed intake, live weight and dressed weight had the same level of significances where Cobb and Ross were not significantly (P>0.05) different from each other but they were significantly (P<0.05) higher than Arbor acre. The organ yield showed no significant difference (P>0.05) across the treatments. The proximate composition of meat did not show any particular pattern. Cobb strain of broiler had the best gross margin (₦2345.16) though not significantly (P<0.0.5) different from Ross (₦2326.66). From the fore going, it can be concluded and recommended that Cobb and Ross strains of broiler are best raised for performance traits and maximum gain for farmers feeding straight diet.

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL STRAINS OF LAYER CHICKENS REARED IN SEMI ARID TROPICS AND FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH VITAMIN C

This study was conducted to determine the performance of Lohmann Brown Classic (LBC) and Nera Black (NB) strains of layer chicken fed diet supplemented with vitamin C. One hundred and twenty (120) 28 weeks old laying hens (Sixty for each strain) were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design and a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement made up of two strains (LBC and NB) and Vitamin C supplementation (0 and 0.25g/kg feed). Each treatment was replicated thrice with ten birds per replicate. Hen day egg production, egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and weight change were measured and computed. Data obtained were analyzed using the general linear models (GLM) procedure. The results of the study showed that final body weight (kg/bird) of LBC (1.84kg/bird) and NB (1.80kg/bird) were similar. The average weight change of LBC (3.40%) was higher (P<0.05) than that of NB (0.34%). The daily feed intake (g/bird) of LBC (157.45) was higher (P<0.05) than that of NB (144.00). Feed conversion ratio (g feed/dozen eggs), egg weight and feed cost/crate (₦) were similar (P>0.05) for the two strains. The LBC strain laid more (P<0.05) eggs (88.17) than the NB strain (78.55). Vitamin C supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) all the performance indices evaluated in the study except for feed cost/crate. Feed cost/crate (₦) of the hens fed with vitamin C (836.90) was higher than those fed without vitamin C (660.34). Both LBC and NB strains performed almost similarly.

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYER STRAIN CHICKS REARED IN SEMI ARID REGION AND FED HONEY AS AN ADDITIVE

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of two strains of layer chick reared in the semi-arid region and feeding of honey in place of an additive. In the first experiment 90 day old chicks of each of two egg layer strains, made up of one brown (Lohman Brown classic), one black (Nera Black) were used in completely randomized with each strain serving as a treatment. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 30 chicks per replicate. In the second experiment, 84 seven weeks old chicks from each of the strains were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with the two strains (Lohmann brown classic and Nera black) and administration of honey (with and without) as the factors. These made up four treatments which were replicated thrice with 14 chicks per replicate. In both experiments, feed intake and body weight were measured and weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined. Mortality was also recorded. The results of the study showed that performance parameters of two strains measured were statistically similar except for mortality. Nera black strain had a higher mortality. Feeding honey did not affect (P>0.05) performance indicators measured except for mortality also. Mortality was higher (P<0.05) for chicks that were not fed with honey. According to these results, Nera black strain may require more care during chick phase and honey has beneficial effect on chick performance.

Analysis of Meat Mineral Content in Cemani Chicken with Homozygous (Fm/Fm) and Heterozygous (Fm/fm+) Genotypes

Cemani chicken is an Indonesian native chicken with black hyperpigmentation on feathers, skin, beak, comb, and flesh. Hyperpigmentation in chickens is called Fibromelanosis. Fibromelanosis in Cemani chickens is semi–dominant, producing two genotypes: homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+). Cemani chicken meat’s black color may indicate a higher mineral content than regular chicken meat. The study’s is aims are to detect genotype homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) mutations and to determine the mineral content of Cemani chickens with homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) genotypes. In the Cemani chicken population (n = 32), the Fm–specific allele genotype was detected using a Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and the MluI restriction enzyme. The mineral contents of Cemani chicken tested were Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se. The results showed that homozygous Cemani chickens (Fm/Fm) had higher Fe and Zn mineral content. However, the homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) Cemani chicken were not different in mineral content of Se and Mn. This study found that different genotypes of Cemani chicken had different mineral compositions. In the future, this analysis supports the selection of chicken strains with high antioxidant levels.

Occurrence and Genomic Characterization of mcr-1-Harboring Escherichia coli Isolates from Chicken and Pig Farms in Lima, Peru.

Resistance to colistin generated by the mcr-1 gene in Enterobacteriaceae is of great concern due to its efficient worldwide spread. Despite the fact that the Lima region has a third of the Peruvian population and more than half of the national pig and poultry production, there are no reports of the occurrence of the mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli isolated from livestock. In the present work, we studied the occurrence of E. coli carrying the mcr-1 gene in chicken and pig farms in Lima between 2019 and 2020 and described the genomic context of the mcr-1 gene. We collected fecal samples from 15 farms in 4 provinces of Lima including the capital Lima Metropolitana and recovered 341 E. coli isolates. We found that 21.3% (42/197) and 12.5% (18/144) of the chicken and pig strains were mcr-1-positive by PCR, respectively. The whole genome sequencing of 14 mcr-1-positive isolates revealed diverse sequence types (e.g., ST48 and ST602) and the presence of other 38 genes that confer resistance to 10 different classes of antibiotics, including beta-lactamase blaCTX-M-55. The mcr-1 gene was located on diverse plasmids belonging to the IncI2 and IncHI1A:IncHI1B replicon types. A comparative analysis of the plasmids showed that they contained the mcr-1 gene within varied structures (mikB-mcr1-pap2, ISApl1-mcr1-pap2, and Tn6330). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to study the prevalence of the mcr-1 gene in livestock in Peru, revealing its high occurrence in pig and chicken farms. The genetic diversity of mcr-1-positive strains suggests a complex local epidemiology calling for a coordinated surveillance under the One-Health approach that includes animals, retail meat, farmers, hospitals and the environment to effectively detect and limit the spread of colistin-resistant bacteria.

The effects of native chicken strains and feed addives on immunity, kidney functions, and blood protein

This study aimed to investigate the interactions between chicken strains and supplementation of feed additives, and the efficacy of the interactions for improving immunity, kidney function, and blood protein of native chicken. Research materials were 480 chickens of different strains including kampung chicken, KUB chicken (Balitbangtan superior native), and Kedu chicken. Basal feed offered to the chickens contained 3,118.95 kcal/kg energy and 19.2% crude protein. The research was conducted in a factorial completely randomized design, utilizing 12 treatments and four replicates. The data were sub-jected to analysis of variance, followed by the Honestly Significant Difference Test (HSD). The analy-sis of variance showed that the interactions between chicken strains and 1% supplementation of feed additives were not significantly different (P>0.05) across all parameters, but chicken strain significant-ly affected (P<0.05) antibody titers against AI and ND, as well as lymphocyte infiltration in the lamina propia ileum. KUB chickens had a higher level of immunity than that Kedu chickens. Supplementation of 1% feed additives tends to improve the level of immunity as reflected by the increased titers against AI and ND after vaccination, as well as the undisturbed kidney functions. Conclusively, the interac-tions between chicken strains and the supplementation of 1% feed additives into basal feed produced relatively similar results. Meanwhile, KUB chickens showed better immunity than kampung chickens and Kedu chickens. Supplementing feed additives (garlic and kalimun) showed relatively effective re-sults in improving antibody titers against AI and ND, so it is necessary to increase the supplementation dosage to enhance significant immunity.

Effects of Hard and Soft Scalding on Defeathering and Carcass Quality of Different Breeds of Chickens.

Current soft scalding in broilers is not applicable to various strains of chickens with different market weights and ages. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of soft (57 °C for 120 s) and hard (60 °C for 60 s) scalding on defeathering and carcass quality of the local strain of Red Feather (RF) country chickens and determine age, breed, and body weight factor in accounting for the defeathering effectiveness using adult layers and juvenile broilers as a reference. Results showed no differences between soft and hard scalding in broilers with 60% and 80% of acceptable defeathering scores, respectively, while a significantly better effect by hard scalding was observed in adult layers, young and old RF chickens with more than 70% of birds exhibiting desirable scores and less than 20% by soft scalding. In contrast to soft scalding, hard scalding had no significant effects on breast meat color but impaired skin color in broilers as assessed by L*, a*, and b* value analysis. Interestingly, hard scalding increased breast skin yellowness and lightness in young RF chickens and lightness in old RF chickens, while there were no significant changes in layers. However, hard scalding decreased skin elasticity in layers and old RF chickens. The effectiveness of defeathering by scalding method was governed by the age to reach a certain threshold in the development of dermal architecture and feather richness, irrelevant to body weight. The alteration of carcass color primarily depends on age, body weight/breed, and their interaction. In conclusion, current soft scalding is suitable for broiler chickens for desirable defeathering effect and carcass color, whereas layers and RF chickens scaled at 60 °C for 60 s showed a better defeathering effect without unfavorable changes of breast meat and skin color.

Genetic resilience in chickens against bacterial, viral and protozoal pathogens.

The genome contributes to the uniqueness of an individual breed, and enables distinctive characteristics to be passed from one generation to the next. The allelic heterogeneity of a certain breed results in a different response to a pathogen with different genomic expression. Disease resistance in chicken is a polygenic trait that involves different genes that confer resistance against pathogens. Such resistance also involves major histocompatibility (MHC) molecules, immunoglobulins, cytokines, interleukins, T and B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, which are involved in host protection. The MHC is associated with antigen presentation, antibody production, and cytokine stimulation, which highlight its role in disease resistance. The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp-1), interferon (IFN), myxovirus-resistance gene, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (RIP2), and heterophile cells are involved in disease resistance and susceptibility of chicken. Studies related to disease resistance genetics, epigenetics, and quantitative trait loci would enable the identification of resistance markers and the development of disease resistance breeds. Microbial infections are responsible for significant outbreaks and have blighted the poultry industry. Breeding disease-resistant chicken strains may be helpful in tackling pathogens and increasing the current understanding on host genetics in the fight against communicable diseases. Advanced technologies, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system, whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, aid the development of resistant breeds, which would significantly decrease the use of antibiotics and vaccination in poultry. In this review, we aimed to reveal the recent genetic basis of infection and genomic modification that increase resistance against different pathogens in chickens.

The effects of transport of 18-day old hatching eggs on physiology and behaviour of slow growing broiler chicken

Incubation and hatching commonly takes places at hatcheries, separate from the grow-out facilities where broiler chicks are raised. This means that chicks are sorted and transported immediately after hatch, during which time they typically do not have access to feed and water, and are subjected to transport stress. Recently, innovative housing systems are being developed in which fertilised eggs are transported on embryonic day 18 (E18) from the hatchery to the grow-out facility, where they hatch on day 21. In chicken, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis becomes functional around embryonic day 14–16. It is therefore conceivable that transport of eggs at E18 may lead to a stress response in the chick embryo. Exposure to prenatal stress may affect the coping capacity of the individual and negatively impact its further development. We investigated whether prolonged transport on E18 has effects on the development of a slow growing broiler chicken strain (Hubbard JA257). E18 eggs were transported for either 41 min (short transport, ST) or 219 min (long transport, LT). Transportation significantly increased embryonic heart rate after ST. This increase continued during an intermediate measure at 120 min. The increased embryonic HR then remained high at measurement immediately following LT. We did not find effects of prolonged transport on behavioural parameters measured in the juvenile chicken in the tonic immobility and open field test. Concentrations of feather corticosterone as well as faecal corticosterone metabolites did not differ on postnatal day 36. We showed that transport leads to an autonomic stress response in chicken embryos at E18, but that this elevation had no further effects on other indicators of prenatal stress. Nevertheless, our results emphasise that transport of incubated eggs should be as refined as possible to minimise the exposure to stress.

Correlation of feed management to production performance and egg quality

This study aims to determine the egg production of layer strain isa brown with different patterns of distribution of rations in the morning and in the afternoon. This research was carried out in Saentis Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency using 4,000 layer strain ISA brown chickens aged 20 weeks consisting of the first treatment using 200 layer strain ISA brown chickens with management giving rations 60% in the morning and 40% during the day, the second treatment used 2,000 layer chickens strain ISA brown with 50% ration management in the morning and 50% in the afternoon. Data were collected for 3 months of egg production (20 weeks to 32 weeks of chickens). Observations of research carried out by recording egg production every day for each treatment carried out. Data processing is done by tabulating the data and averaging egg production in the form of a percentage. The results obtained showed that egg production with a ration treatment of 60% in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in an average egg production of 76.94% and in the treatment of giving a ration of 50% in the morning and 50% in the afternoon resulted in an egg production of 80, 40%. It can be seen that giving rations with the same amount in the morning and afternoon resulted in more egg production compared to giving rations with a higher amount in the morning and in comparison rations in the afternoon and the best ration conversion was giving 50% rations in the morning and 50% in the afternoon by 2.24 and giving 60% rations in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in a ration conversion of 2.47. This is because the distribution of nutrients is more evenly distributed in the same amount, so the egg formation process can run optimally every time supported by the available nutritional value and the maintenance of the condition of the ration that is always fresh every time it is given so that it can produce better egg production and good ration conversion. 24 and giving rations of 60% in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in a ration conversion of 2.47. This is because the distribution of nutrients is more evenly distributed in the same amount, so the egg formation process can run optimally every time supported by the available nutritional value and the maintenance of the condition of the ration that is always fresh every time it is given so that it can produce better egg production and good ration conversion. 24 and giving rations of 60% in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in a ration conversion of 2.47. This is because the distribution of nutrients is more evenly distributed in the same amount, so the egg formation process can run optimally every time supported by the available nutritional value and the maintenance of the condition of the ration that is always fresh every time it is given so that it can produce better egg production and good ration conversion.

Assessment of phenotypic diversity within Goliath chickens population in Benin.

Goliath chickens are a new strain of poultry that originated in the department of Zou, commune of Agbangnizoun in the Republic of Benin. The characteristics of this chicken strain have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotypic diversity of Goliath chickens in departments of Zou and Couffo. A total of 140 birds made up of 92 females and 48 males were sampled using 18 morphological descriptors. The results showed a wide variation in plumage colour within overall population with the most dominant being black (18.57%), white (17.14%) and red (16.43%). Black (21.74%) and white (20.65%) plumage dominated in females and red in males (35.42%). Coloured beaks and shanks were common in both chicken sexes. Yellow eyes were more common in females (63.04%), while red eyes were the most prevalent in males (43.75%). Comb and wattle colours were red in both sexes. Morphometrically, sexual dimorphism is very marked most of the body measurements with male birds being significantly superior. The average body weight was 3.26kg in males and 2.78kg in females. The population was clustered in three morphotypes according to the gradient size. Chickens from Bohicon and Agbangnizoun on the one hand, and those from Zagnanado and Toviklin on the other, formed groups 1 and 2, respectively, while group 3 included individuals from Djidja. 77.96% of observed diversity was due to variation between individuals. Molecular characterization is recommended for a thorough knowledge of the Goliath chicken strain of Benin.

SNPs Identification in production related genes in strains of white leghorn chicken

This is the first comprehensive study aimed to determine Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes (GHR, IGF1, OCX-32 and GDF9) reported to associated with egg production at the age of 64 weeks (EP64) in strains of White Leghorn chicken (Anand Synthetic White Leghorn and Anand Bantamised White Leghorn by sequencing the coding region of respective genes. Both the strains of White Leghorn chicken were categorized into four different groups viz., Anand Synthetic White Leghorn High Production (ASHP), Anand Synthetic White Leghorn Low Production (ASLP), Anand Bantamised White Leghorn High Production (ABHP) and Anand Bantamised White Leghorn Low Production (ABLP) to find out SNPs in coding region of candidate genes and its association with EP64. The genomic DNA was extracted for 96 chickens and then further sequenced with the designed custom amplicon panel on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Raw data collected after sequencing was used for the bio in formatic analysis to confirm its association with EP64. Consequently, over 99% target regions were amplifed and 87 SNPs were available after quality filtering. Only thirty-three variants were novel while majority of the identified variants were catalogued in dbSNP database as known variants. The T21912084G, C21912423A and rs318030570 of OCX-32 and C13415980T of GHR gene was found to have a significant association (p

Effect of strain and age of layer chickens on proximate contents of egg yolk and albumen

This research assessed the effects of strain and age on the proximate compositions of egg yolk and albumen of the domestic chicken. A total of 504 eggs were used in a 3 X 3 factorial experiment involving the Lohmann white, Lohmann brown and White Leghorn which were 31, 40 and 53 weeks old using a completely randomised design (CRD). Data obtained were subjected to the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure. Differences in means were separated using the Tukey pairwise comparisons method at 5% level of significance. The results show that, eggs from the Lohmann layers have significantly more protein but lower fat content in the yolk than the White leghorn; while albumen protein was slightly higher in the White leghorn with lower albumen fat in the white strains than the Lohmann brown. Protein content of egg yolk significantly increased as the birds advanced in age but albumen protein was not affected largely by layers’ age. Yolk fat significantly decreased as the birds grew but albumen fat was not substantially affected by age of the hens. There was significant effect of strain by age interaction on yolk and albumen protein contents but not on their fat content across the chicken groups. There are variations in the proximate contents of egg yolk and albumen of layer chickens by virtue of their genetic constitution and ages; so, eggs must be produced from the best strains at the appropriate hen-ages to make their nutrient contents meet the needs of specific consumers and products.

Hybrid IncFIA/FIB/FIC(FII) plasmid co-carrying blaNDM-5 and fosA3 from an Escherichia coli ST117 strain of retail chicken

Carbapenems and fosfomycin are important antibiotics used to treat Enterobacteriaceae-associated infections. This study aimed to characterize the co-resistance and co-dissemination mechanism of carbapenem and fosfomycin resistance in an Escherichia coli ST117 strain isolated from retail chicken meat. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that an E. coli CS18F strain had a multidrug resistance profile, including carbapenem and fosfomycin resistance. The presence of blaNDM-5 and fosA3 genes was confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The blaNDM-5 and fosA3 genes were successfully transferred to the recipient strain E. coli J53 via conjugation, and the transconjugants had elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for meropenem and fosfomycin. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of E. coli CS18F revealed that blaNDM-5 and fosA3 were colocalized on an IncFIA/FIB/FIC(FII) type plasmid of 189,141 bp, which was designated as pCS18F-NDM-Fos. A novel structure with five IS26 sequences flanking the multiple drug resistance region (MDRR) was identified, and three copies of IS26 were found to be flanked blaNDM-5, fosA3, dfrA12, aadA2, and sul1. Three types of translocation units (TUs) were identified by PCR, containing either the resistance gene blaNDM-5 and an IS26 sequence, fosA3, and an IS26 sequence, or both, indicating their potential co-transfer via TUs. Thus, this is an unprecedented report of the presence of a plasmid co-carrying blaNDM-5 and fosA3 and TUs potentially mediating their simultaneous transfer.