Genetically Modified Feeds in Poultry Diet: Safety, Performance, and Product Quality

Poultry Nutrition: Achievement, Challenge, and Strategy

Poultry, a vital economic animal, provide a high-quality protein source for human nutrition. Over the past decade, the poultry industry has witnessed substantial achievements in breeding, precision feeding, and welfare farming. However, there are still many challenges restricting the sustainable development of the poultry industry. First, overly focused breeding strategies on production performance have been shown to induce metabolic diseases in poultry. Second, a lack of robust methods for assessing the nutritional requirements poses a challenge to the practical implementation of precision feeding. Third, antibiotic alternatives and feed safety management remain pressing concerns within the poultry industry. Lastly, environmental pollution and inadequate welfare management in farming have a negative effect on poultry health. Despite numerous proposed strategies and innovative approaches, each faces its own set of strengths and limitations. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the poultry industry over the past decade, by examining its achievements, challenges, and strategies, to guide its future direction.

Liver Antioxidant Capacity and Steatosis in Laying Hens Exposed to Various Quantities of Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) Seeds in the Diet

Despite the many beneficial properties of legume plants, their use in diets for poultry is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors. The aim of the study was to determine the activity of DT-diaphorase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, and catalase, and the concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue, as well as the activity of SOD and CAT in the serum of Hy-line Brown hens fed a diet supplemented with various doses of Lupinus angustifolius seeds. The results indicate that the use of large amounts of lupin in the diet resulted in an increase in MDA concentration in the liver and the lipid vacuolization of hepatocytes. A significant increase in DTD activity was observed in chickens receiving 15% lupin. Regardless of lupin dose, no increase in SOD activity was observed in chicken serum after 33 days of the experiment. From the 66th day of the experiment, an increase in catalase activity in the serum of laying hens was observed, while low activity of this enzyme was found in the liver. It can be concluded that the short-term use of lupin in the diet of laying hens does not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and, therefore, does not affect the oxidative-antioxidant balance of their body.

Glyphosate ban in Mexico: potential impacts on agriculture and weed management

Since glyphosate was classified as potentially carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, public debate regarding the environmental impact and health risks from its use has intensified. Almost all regulatory agencies throughout the world have concluded that the judicious use of glyphosate does not pose risks to the environment and human health. However, on the last day of 2020 the Mexican government decreed a ban of this herbicide beginning January, 2024. In current Mexican agriculture there are no safer chemical and/or other weed management technologies that allow for the economical substitution of glyphosate for weed control. Many Mexican weed scientists agree that glyphosate use should be reduced, but not banned outright. This decree could have more negative economic and social consequences as well as environmental and human health risks than benefits, which could compromise the country's food and public security. Crop yields are projected by some to decline by up to 40% with this ban, increasing food prices, making food less accessible to low-income consumers. In addition, a black market for the smuggling and illegal sale of glyphosate is possible. The possible environmental, economic and social impacts caused by the glyphosate ban in Mexico are discussed, emphasizing the impact on weed management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of growth performance on family breeding of the Leizhou Black Duck: A preliminary study

This study determined the growth performance, correlations of linear body dimensions, slaughter performance and the fitting model of two generations of Leizhou Black Ducks. Fifteen (15) male and 225 female parents forming generation 0 were selected from the Leizhou duck population. Fifteen (15) families were created in the ratio of 1 male:15 females. Eggs from all the families were collected and numbered according to the family. Generation 1 ducklings were selected and grouped into families in the same ratio. Body weights (BWs) and linear body dimensions were recorded every 2 weeks from weeks 0 to 16. Logistic, Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy models were employed to ascertain the growth model of both sexes of Leizhou Black Ducks. Except for weeks 0–2, generation 1 families had greater BWs than the generation 0 families (p < .05). Males from both generations had significantly higher (p < .01) BWs than females at 16 weeks old. Significant positive correlations were observed between BWs and measured body dimensions for both sexes except for between BW and pelvis width (PW) where negative correlations (p > .05) were observed for males at week 10 and females at 16 weeks old. There was a significant negative correlation (p < .01) between body length and PW in males at 10 weeks. The accuracy rate of Logistic, Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy models was at 0.972 and similar was obtained by all three models with Von Bertalanffy being the best model. Live weight of generation 1 before slaughter was significantly higher (p < .01) than generation 0, whereas no significant differences were seen in the other carcass traits. These findings provide insights into breeding Leizhou Black Duck to enhance growth performance and hybrid production.

Assessing the fate of recombinant plant DNA in rabbit's tissues fed genetically modified cotton

Various feeding studies have been conducted with the different species of animals to evaluate the possible transfer of transgenic DNA (tDNA) from genetically modified (GM) feed into the animal tissues. However, the conclusions drawn from most of such studies are sometimes controversial. Thus, in the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the fate of tDNA in rabbits raised on GM cotton-based diet through PCR analysis of the DNA extracted specifically from blood, liver, kidney, heart and intestine (jejunum). A total of 48 rabbits were fed a mixed diet consisting variable proportions of transgenic cottonseeds meal (i.e. 0% w/w, 20% w/w, 30% w/w and 40% w/w) for 180 days. The presence of transgenic DNA fragments (Cry1Ac, Cry2A and CP4 EPSPS) or plant endogenous gene (Sad1) was traced in those specific tissues and organs. The presence of β-actin (ACTB) was also monitored as an internal control. Neither the transgenic fragments (459 bp of Cry1Ac gene, 167 bp of Cry2A gene and111 bp of CP4 EPSPS gene) nor cotton endogenous reference gene (155 bp of Sad1) could be detected in any of the DNA samples extracted from the rabbit's tissues in both control and transgenic groups. However, 155 bp fragment of the rabbit's reference gene (ACTB) was recovered in all the DNA samples extracted from rabbit tissues. The results obtained from this study revealed that both plant endogenous and transgenic DNA fragments have same fate in rabbit's tissues and were efficiently degraded in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Weight of the evidence: independent research projects confirm industry conclusions on the safety of insect-protected maize MON 810

The cumulative weight of the evidence demonstrates the safety and equivalence of genetically engineered (GE) crops compared to the conventional varieties from which they have been derived. Confirmatory toxicology and animal nutrition studies have nevertheless become an expected/mandated component of GE crop safety assessments, despite the lack of additional value these studies provide for product safety assessment. Characterization and safety data (e.g. trait protein safety; molecular, compositional, and agronomic/phenotypic assessments), and animal feeding studies form a weight of the evidence supporting the safety of insect-protected maize MON 810. Independent animal testing has recently confirmed the lack of MON 810 toxicity in subchronic and chronic toxicity studies. These results could have been predicted from the available safety data. Animal testing of GE crops should be supported by testable scientific hypotheses and testing should be consistent with ethical obligations to reduce, refine, and replace (3Rs) animal testing when possible.

The antioxidant components of milk and their role in processing, ripening, and storage: Functional food

The current rate of population growth is so fast that, to feed this massive population, a 2-fold increase in land is required for the production of quality food. Improved dietary products such as milk and its products with antioxidant properties and functional foods of animal origin have been utilized to prevent chronic diseases. The designer milk contains low fat and less lactose, more protein, modified level of fatty acids, and desired amino acid profiles. The importance of milk and its products is due to the presence of protein, bioactive peptides, conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin D, selenium, and calcium. These constituents are present in milk product, play a key role in the physiological activities in human bodies, and act as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, immune boosting, and antimicrobial activities. Consumer awareness regarding benefits of designer foods such as milk and its products is almost non-existent worldwide and needs to be established to reach the benefits of designer food technologies in the near future. The main objective of this review was to collect data on the antioxidant properties of milk and its constituents which keep milk-derived products safe and preserved.

In planta expression of nanobody-based designer chicken antibodies targeting Campylobacter

Campylobacteriosis is a widespread infectious disease, leading to a major health and economic burden. Chickens are considered as the most common infection source for humans. Campylobacter mainly multiplies in the mucus layer of their caeca. No effective control measures are currently available, but passive immunisation of chickens with pathogen-specific maternal IgY antibodies, present in egg yolk of immunised chickens, reduces Campylobacter colonisation. To explore this strategy further, anti-Campylobacter nanobodies, directed against the flagella and major outer membrane proteins, were fused to the constant domains of chicken IgA and IgY, combining the benefits of nanobodies and the effector functions of the Fc-domains. The designer chimeric antibodies were effectively produced in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana and seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana. Stable expression of the chimeric antibodies in seeds resulted in production levels between 1% and 8% of the total soluble protein. These in planta produced antibodies do not only bind to their purified antigens but also to Campylobacter bacterial cells. In addition, the anti-flagellin chimeric antibodies are reducing the motility of Campylobacter bacteria. These antibody-containing Arabidopsis seeds can be tested for oral passive immunisation of chickens and, if effective, the chimeric antibodies can be produced in crop seeds.

RNA-Seq analysis on chicken taste sensory organs: An ideal system to study organogenesis

RNA-Seq is a powerful tool in transcriptomic profiling of cells and tissues. We recently identified many more taste buds than previously appreciated in chickens using molecular markers to stain oral epithelial sheets of the palate, base of oral cavity, and posterior tongue. In this study, RNA-Seq was performed to understand the transcriptomic architecture of chicken gustatory tissues. Interestingly, taste sensation related genes and many more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between the epithelium and mesenchyme in the base of oral cavity as compared to the palate and posterior tongue. Further RNA-Seq using specifically defined tissues of the base of oral cavity demonstrated that DEGs between gustatory (GE) and non-gustatory epithelium (NGE), and between GE and the underlying mesenchyme (GM) were enriched in multiple GO terms and KEGG pathways, including many biological processes. Well-known genes for taste sensation were highly expressed in the GE. Moreover, genes of signaling components important in organogenesis (Wnt, TGFβ/ BMP, FGF, Notch, SHH, Erbb) were differentially expressed between GE and GM. Combined with other features of chicken taste buds, e.g., uniquely patterned array and short turnover cycle, our data suggest that chicken gustatory tissue provides an ideal system for multidisciplinary studies, including organogenesis and regenerative medicine.

Safety assessment of GM plants: An updated review of the scientific literature

In a wide revision of the literature conducted in 2000, I noted that the information in scientific journals on the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods in general, and GM plants in particular, was scarce. Of course, it was not sufficient to guarantee that the consumption of these products should not mean risks for the health of the consumers. Because of the scientific interest in GM organisms (GMOs), as well as the great concern that the consumption of GM foods/plants has raised in a number of countries, I conducted two subsequent revisions (2007 and 2011) on the adverse/toxic effects of GM plants. In the present review, I have updated the information on the potential adverse health effects of GM plants consumed as food and/or feed. With only a few exceptions, the reported studies in the last six years show rather similar conclusions; that is to say, the assessed GM soybeans, rice, corn/maize and wheat would be as safe as the parental species of these plants. However, in spite of the notable increase in the available information, studies on the long-term health effects of GM plants, including tests of mutagenicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenicity seem to be still clearly necessary.

Fate of transgenic deoxyribonucleic acid fragments in digesta and tissues of rabbits fed genetically modified soybean meal

Numerous animal feeding studies have investigated the presence of DNA from transgenic plants in tissues from different animal species, but the data reported are sometimes controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of transgenic DNA (tDNA) in the digesta and tissues of a meat rabbit breed fed genetically modified (GM) soybean meal. Fifteen male New Zealand White rabbits were used for the experimental trial. Ten rabbits (treated group [TG]) were fed a mixed feed containing 10% GM soybean meal and 5 rabbits (control group [CG]) received a mixed feed containing conventional soybean meal, both from weaning (28 d of age) to slaughter (80 ± 3 d). Samples of blood, liver, kidney, heart, stomach, intestine (jejunum), lateral quadricep muscle, longissimus muscle, and perirenal adipose tissue were collected to assess the possible DNA transfer from GM feed to animal tissues. Samples of stomach contents and feces were also taken to study the degradability of ingested tDNA from feed in the digestive tract of rabbit. Moreover, samples of hair were collected to determine the possible environmental contamination from feed powders present on the farm. The DNA extraction was performed using specific genomic DNA kits. All samples were monitored, by using real-time PCR, for oligonucleotide primers and probes specific for the transgenic Roundup Ready soybean 40-3-2 and for the endogenous () gene. As an internal control of rabbit tissues, the presence of the () gene was used. In this study, no fragments of tDNA were detectable in tissue DNA samples of rabbits except in the extracted DNA from stomach digesta, feces, and hair of rabbits fed with GM soybean. Similar results were found for the reference gene, whereas the presence of the gene was detected in all rabbit tissues. The lack of tDNA of soybean in rabbit tissues represents an important result, which demonstrates that meat from rabbits fed a diet containing GM feed is as that derived from rabbits fed conventional crops. The recombinant DNA recovered in the stomach digesta and in feces indicates an incomplete digestion of the soybean DNA in the gastrointestinal tract of the rabbit, whereas the presence of trace soybean transgene in the hair of the TG rabbits is suggestive of an environmental contamination.

Reproductive and Metabolic Responses of Early-lactating Dairy Cows Fed Different Dietary Protein Sources

Optimal reproduction is very closely tied with optimal nutrition, and early-lactation diets in cows are critical to successful reproduction and monitoring is important. To evaluate the effects of different dietary protein sources on metabolic parameters and reproductive activity, a total of 36 Italian Friesian early-lactating dairy cows were assigned for 16 weeks to three dietary treatments as follow: the control diet contained soya bean meal (SBM) as the main protein source, whereas the experimental diets contained faba bean (FB) or pea seeds (PS) as alternative protein sources. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Cow blood samples were collected, and plasma were analysed for metabolites, biological enzymes, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Feeding alternative protein sources had no effects on most metabolic blood profile, except for blood cholesterol, triglycerides and urea. Results from reproductive parameters indicated that cows fed FB diet had a lower insemination index, but a shorter calving to conception period and an improved conception rate and artificial insemination outcome, when compared to cows fed SBM or PS diets. It can be concluded that replacing conventional dietary SBM with alternative protein sources, especially FB, resulted in improved reproductive performances and metabolic parameters in early-lactating dairy cows.