Light regimen on health and growth of broilers: an update review

Fecal microbiota transplantation provides insights into the consequences of transcriptome profiles and cell energy in response to circadian misalignment of chickens

The circadian misalignment (CM) disordered circadian rhythms exert adverse effects on animals. Poultry as one of animals suffers health and welfare problems due to long-term lighting photoperiods caused by CM. However, the roles of CM on organ development, cell growth, metabolism and immune are still unclear in chickens. In this study, a Chinese dual-purpose native breed, was used to explore the effects of CM on transcriptomic pattern of brain and cell energy biogenesis, and further fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was applied to investigate its "therapy" effect from CM suffering. Our results showed that the CM led to stunting in brain and small intestine of chicken. CM decreased of cell proliferation, and energy production, mtDNA copies and expression of genes related to cell cycle or mitochondrial biogenetics, while it upregulated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the sensitivity to inflammation. Interestingly, FMT rescued the organ developmental defects and cell dysfunctions induced by CM. Circadian misalignment brought about abnormal tissue and cell developments, energy biogenesis, and immune response in birds. This study provided a comprehensive perspective on understanding the regulation of CM and FMT on bird development and welfare.

Chicken Secondary Lymphoid Tissues-Structure and Relevance in Immunological Research

Recent discoveries have indicated the importance of developing modern strategies for vaccinations, more ethical research models, and effective alternatives to antibiotic treatment in farm animals. Chickens (Gallus gallus) play a crucial role in this context given the commercial and economic relevance of poultry production worldwide and the search for analogies between the immune systems of humans and birds. Specifically, chicken secondary lymphoid tissues share similar features to their human counterparts. Chickens have several secondary or peripheral lymphoid tissues that are the sites where the adaptive immune response is initiated. The more general classification of these organs divides them into the spleen and skin-, pineal-, or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. Each of these tissues is further subdivided into separate lymphoid structures that perform specific and different functions along the animal's body. A review summarizing the state of the art of research on chicken secondary lymphoid organs is of great relevance for the design of future studies.

Abiotic stressors in poultry production: A comprehensive review

In modern animal husbandry, stress can be viewed as an automatic response triggered by exposure to adverse environmental conditions. This response can range from mild discomfort to severe consequences, including mortality. The poultry industry, which significantly contributes to human nutrition, is not exempt from this issue. Although genetic selection has been employed for several decades to enhance production output, it has also resulted in poor stress resilience. Stress is manifested through a series of physiological reactions, such as the identification of the stressful stimulus, activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal medulla, and subsequent hormonal cascades. While brief periods of stress can be tolerated, prolonged exposure can have more severe consequences. For instance, extreme fluctuations in environmental temperature can lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, impairment of reproductive performance, and reduced immunity. In addition, excessive noise in poultry slaughterhouses has been linked to altered bird behaviour and decreased production efficiency. Mechanical vibrations have also been shown to negatively impact the meat quality of broilers during transport as well as the egg quality and hatchability in hatcheries. Lastly, egg production is heavily influenced by light intensity and regimens, and inadequate light management can result in deficiencies, including visual anomalies, skeletal deformities, and circulatory problems. Although there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the impact of environmental stressors on poultry physiology, there is a disproportionate representation of stressors in research. Recent studies have been focused on chronic heat stress, reflecting the current interest of the scientific community in climate change. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the major abiotic stressors in poultry production and elucidate their underlying mechanisms, addressing the need for a more comprehensive understanding of stress in diverse environmental contexts.

Tryptophan Promotes the Production of Xanthophyll Compounds in Yellow Abdominal Fat through HAAO

Abdominal fat, which in the past was often regarded as waste and discarded, has in recent years been used as a fat source to produce meat by-products. Yellow abdominal fat has higher economic value. Therefore, improving the color of abdominal fat plays an important role in improving the appearance of meat products. This study aimed to identify the contributors and the regulatory network involved in the formation of yellow and white color in abdominal fat. We found that four xanthophyll compounds were significantly different in yellow and white abdominal fat chicken, including zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. There were 551 different and 8 common metabolites significantly correlated with these 4 xanthophyll compounds. Similarly, a total of 54 common genes were identified in 4 common related pathways (Complement and coagulation cascades, Metabolic pathways, PPAR signaling pathway, Carbon metabolism) of the 8 common metabolites. The high expression of HAAO in the yellow abdominal fat group leads to the degradation of tryptophan and its intermediate 5-hydroxyindole, and subsequently to the formation of the four xanthophyll compounds. This process is also regulated by tyrosine, kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), homogentisate 1, 2-dioxygenase (HGD), etc. Together, these findings show the effect of tryptophan on abdominal fat color, as well as a negative regulatory effect of HAAO and 5-hydroxyindole on the production of xanthophyll compounds involved in abdominal fat coloration.

Beyond the Spectrum: Unleashing the Potential of Infrared Radiation in Poultry Industry Advancements

The poultry industry is dynamically advancing production by focusing on nutrition, management practices, and technology to enhance productivity by improving feed conversion ratios, disease control, lighting management, and exploring antibiotic alternatives. Infrared (IR) radiation is utilized to improve the well-being of humans, animals, and poultry through various operations. IR radiation occurs via electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 760 to 10,000 nm. The biological applications of IR radiation are gaining significant attention and its utilization is expanding rapidly across multiple sectors. Various IR applications, such as IR heating, IR spectroscopy, IR thermography, IR beak trimming, and IR in computer vision, have proven to be beneficial in enhancing the well-being of humans, animals, and birds within mechanical systems. IR radiation offers a wide array of health benefits, including improved skin health, therapeutic effects, anticancer properties, wound healing capabilities, enhanced digestive and endothelial function, and improved mitochondrial function and gene expression. In the realm of poultry production, IR radiation has demonstrated numerous positive impacts, including enhanced growth performance, gut health, blood profiles, immunological response, food safety measures, economic advantages, the mitigation of hazardous gases, and improved heating systems. Despite the exceptional benefits of IR radiation, its applications in poultry production are still limited. This comprehensive review provides compelling evidence supporting the advantages of IR radiation and advocates for its wider adoption in poultry production practices.

MTK, Orlowski SK. Effects of Environmental Enrichments on Welfare and Hepatic Metabolic Regulation of Broiler Chickens

The aims of this study were to find suitable environmental enrichment (EE) and evaluate the combined effect of two EEs, variable light intensity (VL) lighting program and EH, on mental health and hepatic metabolic regulation in commercial broilers. To find the advantageous EEs for broilers, three different EEs (board, hut, and ramp) were tested in trial 1. EEs were placed and the engagement of birds to EEs, dustbathing behavior, and daily physical activity were observed. Birds treated with huts showed higher engagement than the board- or ramp-treated birds (p < 0.05). The results of dustbathing behavior and daily physical activity indicated that the environmental hut (EH) is the most favorable enrichment for broilers. In the second trial, to test the effect of EHs on mental health and hepatic metabolic conditions, the brain and liver were sampled from the four treatment birds (20 lx_Con, 20 lx_Hut, VL_Con and VL_Hut) on day 42. The lower expression of TPH2 (tryptophan hydroxylase 2) of VL_Hut birds than those of VL_Con and 20 lx_Hut treated birds suggests the combining effect of EHs with the VL lighting program on the central serotonergic homeostasis of broilers. Reduced expressions of TH (tyrosine hydroxylase), GR (glucocorticoid receptor), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) of VL_Hut treated birds compared to those of VL_Con and 20 lx_Hut birds suggest lower stress, stress susceptibility, and chronic social stress in VL_Hut treated birds. The expression of CPT1A (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1) increased over three-fold in the liver of VL_Con birds compared to 20 lx_Con birds (p < 0.05). EHs treatment in VL birds (VL_Hut) significantly decreased CPT1A but not in 20 lx birds (20 lx_Hut). The expression of ACCα (acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha) was significantly decreased in VL_Con birds compared to 20 lx_Con birds. There was no significant difference in the hepatic FBPase (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase), GR, and 11β-HSD1 (11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenease-1) expression between 20 lx_Con and VL_Con birds, but EHs significantly stimulated GR in 20 lx_Hut birds, and stimulated FBPase and 11β-HSD1 expression in the VL_Hut birds compared to 20 lx_Con birds, suggesting that the VL lighting program reduced fatty acid synthesis and increased fatty acid β-oxidation in the broilers' liver and VL_Hut improved the hepatic de novo glucose production. Taken together, the results suggest that the stimulated voluntary activity by EHs in the light-enriched broiler house improved mental health and hepatic metabolic function of broilers and may indicate that the improved hepatic metabolic function contributes to efficient nutritional support for broilers.

Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2 × 2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8 mm), with five replicates of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90 days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6 mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781 μm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6 mm (MGD = 781 μm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.

Daylight exposure and circadian clocks in broilers: part I-photoperiod effect on broiler behavior, skeletal health, and fear response

The aim of this study was to examine effects of various daylight exposure during the 24-h light-dark (L-D) cycle on growth performance, skeletal health, and welfare state in broilers. Environmental photoperiod and related circadian clock, the 24-h L-D cycle, are important factors in maintaining productive performance, pathophysiological homeostasis, and psychological reaction in humans and animals. Currently, various lighting programs as management tools for providing a satisfactory environmental condition have been used in commercial broiler production. Four hundred thirty-two 1-day-old Rose 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 24 pens (18 birds/pen). The pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 thermal and lighting control rooms, then the birds were exposed to (n = 6): 1) 12L, 2) 16L, 3) 18L, or 4) 20L at 15 d of age. Lighting program effects on bird body weight, behavioral patterns, bone health, and stress levels were evaluated from d 35 to d 45, respectively. The birds of 12L as well as 16L groups, reared under short photoperiods close to the natural 24-h L-D cycle, had improved production performance, leg bone health, and suppressed stress reaction compared to the birds of both 18L and 20L groups. Especially, 12L birds had heavier final body weight and averaged daily weight gain (P < 0.05), higher BMD and BMC with longer and wider femur (P < 0.05), lower H/L ratio (P < 0.05), and more birds reached the observer during the touch test (P < 0.05) but spent shorter latency during the tonic immobility test (P < 0.05). Taken together, the data suggest that supplying 12 h as well as 16L of daily light improves performance and health while decreasing stress levels in broilers, making it a potentially suitable approach for broiler production.

LED Light Applied to the Feeder: Impact on Growth Performances of Chickens under Productive Conditions

This study assessed the use of feeders equipped with light-emitting diodes and their effects on the productivity of broiler chickens under productive conditions. A total of 87,200 ROSS 308 chickens, 1-day old, were housed in two poultry houses (CONTROL, F-LED). In CONTROL, 20,000 females (mean body weight 41.12 ± 3 g) and 25,000 males (mean body weight 41.56 ± 3 g) were housed, while 19,200 females and 23,000 males of the same genetic make-up and mean body weight were housed in F-LED under the same environmental conditions. In F-LED, to encourage chickens to feed and to redistribute more feed down the feeding line, a feeder equipped with a LED light has been installed at the end of each line. In CONTROL, no light was located on the feeders. At the end of the cycle, the average body weight never showed significant differences both for females (1345 g in CONTROL; 1359 g in F-LED) and for males (2771 g in CONTROL; 2793 g in F-LED). Uniformity improved in F-LED, at 75.2% in females and 54.1% in males, compared to CONTROL, at 65.7% and 48.5%, respectively, for females and males. The feed conversion ratio followed the same trend, being more favorable in chickens reared in F-LED (1.567) compared to those raised in CONTROL (1.608). The application of a single F-LED at the end of each feeding line demonstrated its utility in improving size uniformity and feed conversion.

Effects of a variable light intensity lighting program on the welfare and performance of commercial broiler chickens

Our previous variable-light intensity lighting program studies indicate the light intensity preference behavior of broilers for their daily activity including eating and resting. To evaluate the effects of variable-light intensity lighting program on performance and welfare of broilers, four commercial trials were conducted for looking at behaviors, mortality, leg-health, performance, and brain welfare indicator genes including tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), and melanopsin (Opn4) gene expression. One-day-old broilers were housed in four commercial broiler houses. Each quadrant (section) of the house was placed with 4,800 chicks. A total of four lighting programs began on day 7 with 5 lux (lx), 20 lx, natural light (NL, 480 lx), and variable light (2-5/40 lx) using LED lights on a 16L:8D photoperiod. In the variable-light house, the number of dustbathing holes was significantly higher than that in natural-light houses and 5-lx and 20-lx houses. Daily physical activities, footpad condition, fear response to novel objects, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and the number of leg-problem induced culled birds were affected by the variable-light intensity lighting program. Expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 in the DRN and VTA of variable-light treated birds was lower than that of 5-lx- and 20-lx-treated birds on day 42 (p < 0.05). Higher expression of VTA-TH in 5-lx-treated birds than that in 20-lx-, NL-, and variable-light-treated birds suggests the high stress-susceptibility of 5-lx treated birds. Lower VTA-GR expression in 20-lx- and variable-light-treated birds indicates lower stress than that in NL- and 5-lx-treated birds (p < 0.05). The VTA-BDNF expression of NL-treated birds was 2.5 fold higher than that of 5-lx-, 20-lx-, and variable-light-treated birds (p < 0.05), and variable-light-treated birds showed the lowest level of BDNF expression (p < 0.05), suggesting the chronic social defeat stress in NL-treated birds. The result of VTA-Opn4 expression on day 42 suggests the possible role of VTA-Opn4 in broiler welfare through central light perception. Taken together, the variable-light intensity lighting program increased volunteer natural behaviors and physical activity, which may improve footpad condition and leg health of birds, consequently. Performance data including the increased daily weight gain and the lowered feed conversion ratio and results of brain welfare indicator gene expression showed the beneficial effect of the variable-light intensity lighting program on the performance and welfare of commercial broilers.

Effects of a variable light intensity lighting program on the welfare and performance of commercial broiler chickens

Our previous variable-light intensity lighting program studies indicate the light intensity preference behavior of broilers for their daily activity including eating and resting. To evaluate the effects of variable-light intensity lighting program on performance and welfare of broilers, four commercial trials were conducted for looking at behaviors, mortality, leg-health, performance, and brain welfare indicator genes including tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), and melanopsin (Opn4) gene expression. One-day-old broilers were housed in four commercial broiler houses. Each quadrant (section) of the house was placed with 4,800 chicks. A total of four lighting programs began on day 7 with 5 lux (lx), 20 lx, natural light (NL, 480 lx), and variable light (2-5/40 lx) using LED lights on a 16L:8D photoperiod. In the variable-light house, the number of dustbathing holes was significantly higher than that in natural-light houses and 5-lx and 20-lx houses. Daily physical activities, footpad condition, fear response to novel objects, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and the number of leg-problem induced culled birds were affected by the variable-light intensity lighting program. Expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 in the DRN and VTA of variable-light treated birds was lower than that of 5-lx- and 20-lx-treated birds on day 42 (p < 0.05). Higher expression of VTA-TH in 5-lx-treated birds than that in 20-lx-, NL-, and variable-light-treated birds suggests the high stress-susceptibility of 5-lx treated birds. Lower VTA-GR expression in 20-lx- and variable-light-treated birds indicates lower stress than that in NL- and 5-lx-treated birds (p < 0.05). The VTA-BDNF expression of NL-treated birds was 2.5 fold higher than that of 5-lx-, 20-lx-, and variable-light-treated birds (p < 0.05), and variable-light-treated birds showed the lowest level of BDNF expression (p < 0.05), suggesting the chronic social defeat stress in NL-treated birds. The result of VTA-Opn4 expression on day 42 suggests the possible role of VTA-Opn4 in broiler welfare through central light perception. Taken together, the variable-light intensity lighting program increased volunteer natural behaviors and physical activity, which may improve footpad condition and leg health of birds, consequently. Performance data including the increased daily weight gain and the lowered feed conversion ratio and results of brain welfare indicator gene expression showed the beneficial effect of the variable-light intensity lighting program on the performance and welfare of commercial broilers.

Monochromatic Green Light Stimulation during Incubation Alters Hepatic Glucose Metabolism That Improves Embryonic Development in Yangzhou Goose Eggs

The influence of monochromatic green light stimulation on hatching performance and embryo development has been studied in chickens, but not geese. The liver has crucial functions in the regulation of energy metabolism during embryogenesis, but its involvement in green light transduction is still unidentified. We aimed to determine the influence of monochromatic green light on Yangzhou goose hatching performance and embryo development. We also investigated the metabolomics and transcriptomic responses of the embryonic liver to green light to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Eggs were incubated under either 12 h of monochromatic green light/dark (12 L:12D) cycles or 24 h of darkness (0G:24D). Green light promoted embryonic development and hatching performance, also affected the expression of myogenic regulatory factors associated with muscle development. It also shortened hatching time and elevated plasma levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1. Metabolomics and transcriptomic results revealed differentially expressed genes and metabolites with enhanced gluconeogenesis/glycolysis and increased plasma glucose and pyruvate levels under green light. Hence, the growth-promoting effect possibly through regulating energy metabolism in the liver and myogenic regulatory factors in muscle. Our findings provide important and novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of green light on goose embryos.

Interactions between color and intensity of LED light on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, immune response variable, and nutrient apparent utilization in broiler chicken

This study investigated the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) color and intensity of broilers. One-day-old Cobb-500 broilers (n = 648) were fed nine groups with six replicates; three light colors (white, blue, & green) and intensities (for 1 to 7 days, viz., 20, 40, and 60 lx; for 8 to 42 days, viz., 5, 10, and 15 lx) were applied. Test lasted for 42 days. Results indicated that compared with blue light, 60-lx white light for 1 to 7 days increased the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers (p < 0.01). In the 10-lx light groups, the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the concentrations of albumin (ALB) (p < 0.05) increased. Moreover, the nutrient apparent utilization for ether extract (EE) under 10-lx green light was higher than that under 15-lx blue light (p < 0.01). The interaction effects of light intensity and light color had an extremely significant influence on the ADG for 1 to 7 days, IL-2 level, ALB content, and EE apparent utilization rate (p < 0.01) and had a significant influence on the ADFI and F/G for 1 to 7 days (p < 0.05). The production performance of broilers reared in three-layer cage could be improved by using 60-lx white LED light for 1 to 7 days and 5- to 10-lx green LED light or 10-lx white LED light for 8 to 42 days.