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Elsagheer MA, Mohamed OA, Khattab IM, Wadea MK. Impact of different mating ratios of broiler breeder on reproductive performance during post moult phase. Anim Biotechnol 2024:2398707. [PMID: 39222029 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2024.2398707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Studies comparing mating ratio after forced molting are important for improving the efficiency of broiler breeder flocks. This study examined the effect of mating ratios on Egg production, chick weight, fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality rate in Arbor Acres Plus broiler breeders post-moult phase. A total of 195 birds (62 weeks old), consisting of 15 cocks and 180 hens were randomly allocated with uniform body weight in a Completely Randomized Design into three groups based on the mating ratio (cock to hen). The groups included ratios of 1:10, 1:12, and 1:14, with each group replicated 5 times. Eggs were collected twice a day, and stored for 7 days at room temperature before placing them in the incubator. Results showed that mating ratios 1:10 and 1:12 had a positive effect on fertility rate and total hatchability compared to the 1:14 ratio. However, mating ratios did not affect laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, chick weight, hatchability of fertile eggs, and embryonic mortality rate. In conclusion, to reduce the cost of raising and caring cocks, a mating ratio of one cock to every twelve hens can be used for broiler breeders after forced molting to obtain the best fertility and hatching results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Elsagheer
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Omar A Mohamed
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Desert and Environmental Agriculture, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Khattab
- Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Desert and Environmental Agriculture, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Marian K Wadea
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Liang W, He Y, Zhu T, Zhang B, Liu S, Guo H, Liu P, Liu H, Li D, Kang X, Li W, Sun G. Dietary restriction promote sperm remodeling in aged roosters based on transcriptome analysis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:680. [PMID: 38978040 PMCID: PMC11232191 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The breeder rooster has played a pivotal role in poultry production by providing high-quality semen. Typically, fertility peaks between 30 and 40 weeks of age and then declines rapidly from 45 to 55 weeks of age. Research into improving fertility in aging roosters is essential to extend their productive life. While progress has been made, enhancing fertility in aging roosters remains a significant challenge. METHODS To identify the genes related to promoting sperm remodeling in aged Houdan roosters, we combined changes in testis and semen quality with transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze the synchrony of semen quality and testis development. In this study, 350-day-old Houdan breeder roosters were selected for RNA-seq analysis in testis tissues from induced molting roosters (D group) and non-induced molting roosters (47DG group). All analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional enrichment were performed. Finally, we selected six DEGs to verify the accuracy of the sequencing by qPCR. RESULTS Compared with the 47DG group, sperm motility (P < 0.05), sperm density (P < 0.01), and testis weight (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in roosters in the D group. Further RNA-seq analysis of the testis between the D group and 47DG group identified 61 DEGs, with 21 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and focal adhesion pathway. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression trend of these genes was consistent with the sequencing results. WNT5A, FGFR3, AGTR2, TGFβ2, ROMO1, and SLC26A7 may play a role in testis development and spermatogenesis. This study provides fundamental data to enhance the reproductive value of aging roosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Yuehua He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Tingqi Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Binbin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Shuangxing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Haishan Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Pingquan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Huayuan Liu
- Henan Fengyuan Poultry Co., Ltd, Nanyang, 473000, China
| | - Donghua Li
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Li
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China.
| | - Guirong Sun
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Ping'an Avenue 218#, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China.
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Ahmad-Hanafi S, Zulkifli I, Ramiah SK, Chung ELT, Kamil R, Sazili AQ, Mashitah J. Prenatal auditory stimulation and impacts on physiological response to feed restriction in broiler chickens at market age. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103948. [PMID: 39127008 PMCID: PMC11367141 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Feed restriction could induce physiological stress in broiler chickens, leading to welfare issues. Prenatal stimulation could improve stress-coping mechanisms in poultry. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of subjecting developing embryos to auditory stimulation on physiological stress response to feed restriction in broiler chickens at market age. A total of 423 hatching eggs of Cobb 500 (Gallus domesticus) were subjected to the following auditory treatments: 1) no additional sound treatment other than the background sound of the incubator's compressors at 40 dB (CONTROL), 2) exposure to pre-recorded traffic noise at 90 dB (NOISE), and 3) exposure to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K 488 at 90 dB) (MUSIC). The NOISE and MUSIC treatments were for 20 min/h for 24 h (a total of 8 h/d), starting from embryonic days (ED) 12 to hatching. On d 42, an equal number of birds from each prenatal auditory stimulation (PAS) group were subjected to either ad libitum feeding (AL) or 30-h of feed restriction (FR) in a completely randomised design. The FR chickens exhibited significantly higher serum levels of corticosterone (CORT), and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 compared to those of AL. Prenatal auditory stimulation, particularly NOISE, led to lower serum levels of CORT and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) levels compared to the CONTROL group. Additionally, NOISE significantly increased brain mRNA glucocorticoid receptor and HSP70 gene expression. The cecal population of E. coli and Lactobacillus spp. was not significantly affected by prenatal auditory stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that prenatal auditory stimulation, particularly NOISE, positively impacts broiler chickens' ability to cope with feed restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ahmad-Hanafi
- School of Animal Science, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut, 22200, Terengganu, Malaysia; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - I Zulkifli
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - S K Ramiah
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - E L T Chung
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - R Kamil
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Laboratory of Computational Statistics and Operations Research, Institute for Mathematical Research, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - A Q Sazili
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Halal Products Research Institute, Putra Infoport, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - J Mashitah
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Azeem S, Guo B, Sato Y, Gauger PC, Wolc A, Yoon KJ. Utility of Feathers for Avian Influenza Virus Detection in Commercial Poultry. Pathogens 2023; 12:1425. [PMID: 38133308 PMCID: PMC10748246 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the potential utility of feather samples for the convenient and accurate detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) in commercial poultry. Feather samples were obtained from AIV-negative commercial layer facilities in Iowa, USA. The feathers were spiked with various concentrations (106 to 100) of a low pathogenic strain of H5N2 AIV using a nebulizing device and were evaluated for the detection of viral RNA using a real-time RT-PCR assay immediately or after incubation at -20, 4, 22, or 37 °C for 24, 48, or 72 h. Likewise, cell culture medium samples with and without the virus were prepared and used for comparison. In the spiked feathers, the PCR reliably (i.e., 100% probability of detection) detected AIV RNA in eluates from samples sprayed with 103 EID50/mL or more of the virus. Based on half-life estimates, the feathers performed better than the corresponding media samples (p < 0.05), particularly when the samples were stored at 22 or 37 °C. In conclusion, feather samples can be routinely collected from a poultry barn as a non-invasive alternative to blood or oropharyngeal-cloacal swab samples for monitoring AIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahan Azeem
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Baoqing Guo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
| | - Yuko Sato
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
| | - Phillip C. Gauger
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
| | - Anna Wolc
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Hy-Line International, Dallas Center, IA 50063, USA
| | - Kyoung-Jin Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
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Saeed A, Mehmood S, Zahoor MS, Khan EU, Usman M, Hashmi SGMD, Saleem K, Ahmad S. Comparative evaluation of different moulting methods on productive performance, egg quality, and antibody response of leghorn hens. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:304. [PMID: 37728634 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03710-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare three moulting procedures and their effect on productive performance, egg quality, and antibody response of leghorn hens. For this, a total of 324 laying hens were distributed into three treatment groups having 12 replicates of 9 birds each according to completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of three moulting procedures based on feed and light restriction. The targeted weight at the end of moulting was 1450-1470 g. As soon as the moulting procedure is complete, the comparative analysis of post-moult productive performance (feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed per dozen eggs, feed per kg egg mass, livability), egg quality characteristics (egg weight, egg length and width, shape index, surface area, volume, albumen height, weight, Haugh unit score, yolk width, height, index, egg shell pore number, shell weight, thickness, breaking strength), and antibody response against Newcastle disease and avian influenza (H-9) were evaluated. Birds subjected to moulting procedure 3 (8 days fasting and gradual decrease in light) showed improvement in productive performance, egg geometry and quality traits, and antibody response against Newcastle disease virus. Birds experienced moulting procedure 1 (11 days fasting) had improved feed intake, egg production, and livability. However, birds moulted with procedure 2 (6 days fasting) revealed intermediate result in all the studied parameters. In conclusion, moulting through feed and light restriction with 8 days fasting and gradual reduction in light has potential to improve performance of leghorn hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Saeed
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Mehmood
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid Zahoor
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ehsaan Ullah Khan
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ghulam Mohayud Din Hashmi
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kinza Saleem
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Ahmad
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Korver DR. Review: Current challenges in poultry nutrition, health, and welfare. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 2:100755. [PMID: 36966027 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The poultry industry has benefited greatly from advances in genetics, nutrition, housing and management strategies. Geneticists have made welfare and health traits important components of selection programs, and in general, modern, high-producing poultry are healthier than 30 years ago. However, increased productivity means that the birds are closer to their physiological limits, and nutrition, environment and management have become increasingly important. The move away from in-feed antibiotic growth promotors has resulted in challenges in maintaining gut health and consequently, bird performance. However, as the industry adapts to production without the use of antibiotic growth promotors, long-term benefits may be realized due to a reduction in antimicrobial resistance. Intensive selection for meat yield and efficiency are associated with an increased risk of muscle myopathies that affect bird health and meat quality. As genetic selection increased broiler production traits, it became necessary to restrict parent stock nutrient intake in order to prevent excessive muscle and fat deposition, reduce metabolic disease, and maintain ovarian control. With continued selection for broiler production traits, the degree of restriction implemented has become a welfare issue. Additionally, recent research suggests that highly efficient broiler lines may have limited fat deposition and therefore energy reserves to support sexual maturation and egg production, especially if typical broiler breeder BW targets are maintained. A re-examination of broiler breeder feeding programs is necessary to maintain productivity and welfare. Modern laying hens are capable of laying cycles in excess of 100 weeks of age. This has reduced the use of stress-inducing forced molting programs and reduces the total number of hens needed to meet the demand for egg production. The important role of the skeletal system in eggshell deposition demands that skeletal development during rearing be carefully managed to avoid shell and skeletal problems at the end of the production cycle. As the production potential of modern poultry continues to increase through genetic and genomic selection, even greater care must be paid in order to maintain bird health and welfare. The poultry industry has successfully faced many challenges in the past and is likely to overcome the existing challenges as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Korver
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture Forestry Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada.
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