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Mramba RP, Mwantambo PA. The impact of management practices on the disease and mortality rates of broilers and layers kept by small-scale farmers in Dodoma urban district, Tanzania. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29624. [PMID: 38655291 PMCID: PMC11035043 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The demand for chicken products in Tanzania has increased due to population growth and rising incomes. As a result, the production of broilers and layers has been promoted to fill the gap due to their high productivity. However, exotic breeds of chicken are susceptible to diseases, thus requiring good disease management practices. The current study aimed to increase production of exotic breeds of chicken in the Dodoma region, which is growing rapidly, by identifying management factors associated with disease and chicken mortality. One hundred and four households that keep broilers or layers were selected randomly from the Dodoma urban district. The households were interviewed to gather information about chicken diseases, mortality, and management practices. The proportion of sick and dead chickens per farm was determined and used in beta regression to test its association with management practices and chicken breed. The proportion of sick chickens in a flock was low when stocking density was low and in large households, but it was higher when the farmer lacked knowledge of disease management. Further, mortality rates were high when farmers lacked disease knowledge and cleaning frequency was low, and low when farmers had extensive experience in chicken production. Improvement of extension services and education programmes for poultry farmers on good disease management practices is necessary to increase the production of layers and broilers in the region.
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Kwon BY, Park J, Kim DH, Lee KW. Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1116. [PMID: 38612355 PMCID: PMC11011155 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071116] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth of the broiler industry has been accompanied with concerns over the environmental and social impacts on intensive production systems, as well as the welfare of the animals themselves. As a result, since the 2000s, there has been growing interest in alternative production systems that improve animal welfare and sustainability. In this context, it is important to prioritize the welfare of broilers in commercial production systems and to use reliable welfare indicators to provide consumers with information about the welfare of the animals they consume. Resource-based measures (RBM) are based on assessing the resources available to the birds in terms of their housing, environment, and management practices, such as stocking density, litter quality, lighting and air quality, etc. Outcome-based measures (OBM), also known as animal-based measures, focus on assessing the actual welfare outcomes for the birds, such as footpad dermatitis, hock burn, contamination or damage to feathers, gait score, mortality, etc. These OBM-based measures are one of the more direct indicators of welfare and can help identify any welfare issues. The present review highlighted the factors that affect animal welfare indicators focused on OBMs which can be used in the commercial broiler farms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kyung-Woo Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (B.-Y.K.); (J.P.); (D.-H.K.)
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3
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Riggio G, Angori E, Menchetti L, Diverio S. The Link between the Perception of Animal Welfare and the Emotional Response to Pictures of Farm Animals Kept in Intensive and Extensive Husbandry Systems: An Italian Survey. Vet Sci 2023; 10:652. [PMID: 37999475 PMCID: PMC10675316 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110652] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As livestock production grows to satisfy the global demand for animal products, understanding public attitudes towards different husbandry systems becomes essential for both animal welfare and socio-economic reasons. This study aimed to investigate people's emotional responses toward pictures of farm animals kept in intensive and extensive husbandry systems, their perception of animal welfare, and their choices as animal product consumers. A questionnaire that included demographic questions and photos of cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits in both intensive and extensive systems was distributed electronically and physically and completed by 835 respondents. Photos of animals in intensive systems elicited more negative emotions, especially for pigs and rabbits (p < 0.05), as opposed to extensive systems, which elicited more positive emotions, especially for chickens (p < 0.001). Higher welfare levels were perceived for extensively farmed animals (p < 0.001) and for cattle compared to all other species, regardless of the husbandry system (p < 0.001). The quality of the emotional response was positively associated with welfare perception (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the importance given to welfare when purchasing animal products (p < 0.001). Finally, the emotional response was found to be affected by gender, education, household composition, living area, pet ownership, and eating habits. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Riggio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Angori
- Independent Researcher, Via IV novembre 13, 52044 Camucia, Italy; ely--@live.it
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Camerino University, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy
| | - Silvana Diverio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
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Campbell AM, Anderson MG, Jacobs L. Measuring Chronic Stress in Broiler Chickens: Effects of Environmental Complexity and Stocking Density on Immunoglobulin-A Levels. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2058. [PMID: 37443856 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132058] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Commercial housing conditions may contribute to chronic negative stress in broiler chickens, reducing their animal welfare. The objective of this study was to determine how secretory (fecal) and plasma immunoglobulin-A (IgA) levels in fast-growing broilers respond to positive and negative housing conditions. In three replicated experiments, male Ross 708 broilers (n = 1650/experiment) were housed in a 2 × 2 factorial study of high or low environmental complexity and high or low stocking density. In experiments 1 and 3 but not in experiment 2, high complexity tended to positively impact day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. When three experiments were combined, high complexity positively impacted day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. Stocking density and the complexity × density interaction did not impact day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. Environmental complexity and the complexity × density interaction did not impact day 48 secretory IgA concentrations. A high stocking density negatively impacted day 48 secretory IgA concentrations overall but not in individual experiments. These results suggest that environmental complexity decreased chronic stress, while a high stocking density increased chronic stress. Thus, plasma IgA levels increased under high-complexity housing conditions (at day 48), and secretory IgA levels (at day 48) decreased under high-density conditions, suggesting that chronic stress differed among treatments. Therefore, these measures may be useful for quantifying chronic stress but only if the statistical power is high. Future research should replicate these findings under similar and different housing conditions to confirm the suitability of IgA as a measure of chronic stress in broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonie Jacobs
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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5
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Shynkaruk T, Long K, LeBlanc C, Schwean-Lardner K. Impact of stocking density on the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens reared to 34 days of age. J APPL POULTRY RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2023.100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
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6
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van der Eijk JAJ, van Harn J, Gunnink H, Melis S, van Riel JW, de Jong IC. Fast- and slower-growing broilers respond similarly to a reduction in stocking density with regard to gait, hock burn, skin lesions, cleanliness and performance. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102603. [PMID: 36996512 PMCID: PMC10070940 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing trend toward broiler production systems with higher welfare requirements. Breed and stocking density are considered key factors for broiler welfare that are often specified as criteria for such higher welfare systems. However, it remains unknown how slower-growing broilers respond to a reduction in stocking density with regard to their welfare and performance, and whether this response differs from fast-growing broilers. Therefore, we compared fast- (F) and slower-growing broilers (S) housed at 4 different stocking densities (24, 30, 36, and 42 kg/m2, based on slaughter weight) and measured their welfare scores (i.e., gait, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, skin lesions and cleanliness), litter quality and performance. The experiment had a 2 × 4 factorial design with 4 replicates (pens) per treatment (32 pens in total). Thinning (15%) was done in a 50/50 male/female ratio at 38 (F) and 44 (S) d of age (estimated body weight of 2.2 kg). We hypothesized that breeds would respond differently to a reduction in stocking density. Contrary to our hypothesis, only one interaction between breed and stocking density was found on footpad dermatitis, indicating that fast- and slower-growing broilers generally showed similar responses to a reduction in stocking density. F broilers showed a steeper decline in the prevalence of footpad dermatitis with reducing stocking density compared to S broilers. Broilers housed at lower stocking densities (24 and/or 30 kg/m2) showed improved welfare measures, litter quality and performance compared to those housed at higher stocking densities (36 and/or 42 kg/m2). S broilers had better welfare scores (gait, footpad dermatitis and skin lesions), litter quality and lower performance compared to F broilers. In conclusion, reducing stocking density improved welfare of both F and S broilers, but more for F broilers in case of footpad dermatitis, and using S broilers improved welfare compared to F broilers. Reducing stocking density and using slower-growing broilers benefits broiler welfare, where combining both would further improve broiler welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerine A J van der Eijk
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan van Harn
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henk Gunnink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Melis
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johan W van Riel
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid C de Jong
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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7
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Xiao C, Zhu Q, Comer L, Pan X, Everaert N, Schroyen M, Song B, Song Z. Dietary 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol and additional vitamin E improve bone development and antioxidant capacity in high-density stocking broilers. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad369. [PMID: 37933958 PMCID: PMC10642724 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad369] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of diets supplemented with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D3] and additional vitamin E on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, bone development, and carcass characteristics at different stocking densities on commercial broiler farms. A total of 118,800 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial treatment consisting of two dietary vitamin levels (5,500 IU vitamin D3 and 60 IU vitamin E: normal diet, using half 25-(OH)D3 as a source of vitamin D3 and an additional 60 IU of vitamin E: 25-(OH)D3+VE diet) and two stocking densities (high density of 20 chickens/m2: HD and 16 chickens/m2: LD). The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that high-density stocking negatively affected the growth performance of broilers during the first four weeks, whereas the vitamin diet treatment significantly improved the feed conversion ratios (FCR) during the last 2 wk. Vitamin diets increased catalase at 14 and 42 d, and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels at 42 d in high-density-stocked broilers. The interaction showed that serum vitamin E levels were significantly improved at 28 d of age in high-density-stocked broilers as a result of the vitamin diets. Stocking density and dietary treatments were found to significantly affect bone development, with the vitamin diet significantly increasing metatarsal length and femoral bone strength in broilers from high-density stocking density at 28 d of age. High stocking density increased the proportion of leg muscles and meat yield per square meter. In general, 25-(OH)D3 and additional vitamin E suppressed oxidative stress and ameliorated the negative effects of high-density stocking on bone development in a commercial chicken farm setting. Vitamin diets improved the FCR of broilers, while high-density stocking resulted in better economic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanpi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - Qijiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Luke Comer
- Nutrition and Animal Microbiota Ecosystems lab, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Xue Pan
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Nadia Everaert
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Martine Schroyen
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - Bochen Song
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Zhigang Song
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
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8
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Li YQ, Zhang Y, Bai DY, Liu YH, He XL, Ito K, Liu KX, Tan HQ, Zhen WR, Zhang C, Zhang BK, Ma YB. Effects of dietary chlorogenic acid on ileal intestinal morphology, barrier function, immune factors and gut microbiota of broilers under high stocking density stress. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1169375. [PMID: 37123261 PMCID: PMC10140557 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1169375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in the diet on ileac structure, barrier function, immunological state, and microbial profile of broiler chickens in a high stocking density (HD) environment. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-six male AA broiler chickens were randomly split into four groups, two with a normal stocking density (ND) of fourteen birds per m2 and two with a high stocking density of twenty-two birds per m2. Each of the treatments consisted of five replicates. One of the two ND and HD groups received the usual feed, while the other two were given at 1.5 g/kg CGA as part of their dietary regimen. Results: The ND CGA group showed a greater increase in villus height and villus height/crypt depth compared to the ND group at 35 and 42 days. The HD group experienced a greater elevation in villus height due to CGA supplementation than the HD group across days 28, 35, and 42. At day 42, the HD group saw a decline in OCLN and ZO-1 mRNA expression in the ileum, but CGA was able to restore them. The HD group experienced a greater rise in OCLN mRNA than the control HD group when supplemented with CGA. The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the ileum was higher in the HD group, and CGA supplementation enhanced this effect. The HD group experienced a greater rise in IL-10 mRNA expression than the control group following the administration of CGA. The HD group showed reduced alpha diversity and an increase in detrimental microbes such as Turicibacter and Shigella in the gut compared to the ND group, while the HD CGA group saw a reduction in Turicibacter, Shigella, and other harmful microbes. These findings reveal that HD stress suppressed the growth of ileac villi, decreased the expression of tight-junction genes, amplified the expression of inflammatory genes, and disturbed the gut microbiota, ultimately leading to increased intestinal permeability. Conclusion: We conclude that when chickens are given dietary CGA, the disruption of the ileac barrier and increased oxidative damage and inflammation due to HD stress are reduced, which increases ileac integrity and the presence of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qian Li
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Innovative Research Team of Livestock Intelligent Breeding and Equipment, Longmen Laboratory, Luoyang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Welfare and Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Dong-Ying Bai
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Welfare and Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yan-Hao Liu
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiang-Long He
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Koichi Ito
- Department of Food and Physiological Models, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ke-Xin Liu
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Hai-Qiu Tan
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Wen-Rui Zhen
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Innovative Research Team of Livestock Intelligent Breeding and Equipment, Longmen Laboratory, Luoyang, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Welfare and Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Bing-Kun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Bo Ma
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Innovative Research Team of Livestock Intelligent Breeding and Equipment, Longmen Laboratory, Luoyang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Welfare and Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- *Correspondence: Yan-Bo Ma,
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Thema KK, Mnisi CM, Mlambo V. Stocking density-induced changes in growth performance, blood parameters, meat quality traits, and welfare of broiler chickens reared under semi-arid subtropical conditions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275811. [PMID: 36227929 PMCID: PMC9560488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Broiler production in semi-arid tropics must contend with high levels of heat stress, which have implications on stocking density, bird welfare, and profitability. Under these conditions, optimal stocking densities are likely to be lower than expected, thus must be experimentally determined. Therefore, this study investigated growth performance, haematology, serum biochemistry, carcass and meat quality, sizes of internal organs, and stress biomarkers in response to different stocking densities in broilers reared under semi-arid subtropical conditions. Five hundred, day-old Ross 308 broilers (44.0 ± 5.24 g live-weights) were randomly distributed to 25 replicate pens (1.32 m2 floor space each) to create five stocking densities: 1) 10 birds/pen (SD10); 2) 15 birds/pen (SD15); 3) 20 birds/pen (SD20); 4) 25 birds/pen (SD25); and 5) 30 birds/pen (SD30). There was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in overall feed intake and weight gain in weeks 2 and 3 as stocking density increased. However, weight gain showed positive and negative quadratic responses (P < 0.05) in weeks 5 and 6, respectively, as stocking density increased. No linear or quadratic effects (P ˃ 0.05) were observed for overall feed conversion ratio, haematological parameters, and meat quality traits in response to stocking density. Symmetric dimethylarginine, alanine transaminase, and albumin levels quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in response to increasing stocking densities. Serum glucose and thigh weight were not affected (P < 0.05) while final body, drumstick, breast, and wing weights linearly declined with stocking density. Increasing stocking density linearly reduced (P < 0.05) the weights of gizzard, proventriculus, caecum, and colon. Stocking density had no effect (P ˃ 0.05) on latency-to-lie. It was concluded that higher stocking densities compromised feed intake, resulting in poor weight gains. Based on weight gain trends observed in week 5, it was determined that Ross 308 broilers should be reared at no more than 20 birds/pen (~15 birds/m2 or 27.27 kg/m2) under the experimental ambient conditions compared to the much higher globally accepted industry standard of 20 birds/m2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwena Kgaogelo Thema
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa
| | - Caven Mguvane Mnisi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Victor Mlambo
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, South Africa
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Junghans A, Deseniß L, Louton H. Data evaluation of broiler chicken rearing and slaughter-An exploratory study. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:957786. [PMID: 36277067 PMCID: PMC9583157 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.957786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
To process and evaluate the data from broiler fattening and slaughtering, we investigated the production data of 107 straight run flocks of the commercial meat-type breed Ross 308 (Aviagen, EU). All flocks were raised and slaughtered in Germany and the average slaughter age was 37 days. The health outcomes of interest were mortality, average weight, and the slaughter results. First-week mortality, cumulative mortality, stocking density, flock size, season, production week of the parental flock, farm, antibiotic treatment, and the interaction between antibiotic treatment and season were considered as possible influencing factors. The average first-week mortality (FWM) and cumulative mortality percentages were 0.66 and 2.74%, respectively. First-week mortality was influenced by flock size, production week of the parental flock, and the interaction between antibiotic treatment and season, whereas cumulative mortality was influenced by antibiotic treatment, farm, and first-week mortality. The average weight (mean 2.30 kg) was influenced by season, stocking density, flock size, farm, and the interaction between antibiotic treatment and season. The condemnation rate was on average 1.48%, with the most common causes being deep dermatitis (mean 0.63%), ascites (mean 0.53%), and not suitable for production/general disease (mean 0.25%). Several factors influenced the causes of condemnation, with season being the most predominant one, followed by the interaction between antibiotic treatment and season, the antibiotic treatment alone, and stocking density.
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11
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Magee C, Olanrewaju H, Campbell J, Purswell J. Effect of photoperiod on live performance in neonatal broiler chicks. J APPL POULTRY RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2022.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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12
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Boussaada T, Lakhdari K, Benatallah SA, Meradi S. Effects of common litter types and their physicochemical properties on the welfare of broilers. Vet World 2022; 15:1523-1529. [PMID: 35993071 PMCID: PMC9375223 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1523-1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: In broiler production, the poor quality litter not only may lead to a deterioration of the welfare status but also negatively affect carcass quality, overall health and growth performance, which may result in economic losses. The effects of litter types on the welfare of broilers are known but the effects of their characteristics have been little studied. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between welfare parameters of broilers and physicochemical characteristics of five common litter types. Materials and Methods: Over 42 days, 600 (Cobb 700) male broiler chicks were placed within 30 pens (each 2 m2) at a density of 10 birds/m2. The experiment included five treatments with six replicates per treatment. The following litter (or bedding) materials were examined: Standard quality straw, low-quality straw, wood shavings (WS), sawdust, and crop residues. Footpad condition, hock burns, and plumage cleanliness, as well as litter condition, were scored according to previously developed point scale systems. Litter quality was evaluated according to pH level, moisture, water-holding capacity, and ammonia content. Results: No significant differences were found among litter types in terms of pH, moisture content, or ammonia levels. WS had a significant positive effect on footpad health and plumage cleanliness. However, hock burn was not affected by different bedding types. The severity of pododermatitis was negatively correlated with litter type (r = −0.78; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the litter scores (r = 0.67; p < 0.001). However, contact dermatitis observed (pododermatitis and hock burn) was not correlated with any of the physicochemical parameters we studied. Meanwhile, we observed a correlation between footpad lesions and hock burn (r = 0.45; p < 0.05), and between footpad lesions and plumage cleanliness (r = 0.59; p < 0.01). Conclusion: For all litter types examined, contact dermatitis was not correlated with any of the physicochemical components we studied. There were, however, significant correlations between litter type and footpad lesions, as well as between footpad dermatitis and hock burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Boussaada
- Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Biskra, Algeria
| | - Kaouthar Lakhdari
- Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Biskra, Algeria
| | | | - Samira Meradi
- Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Biskra, Algeria
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13
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Sarnino N, Berge AC, Chantziaras I, Dewulf J. Estimation of the Production Economic Consequences of Stopping Partial Depopulation in Broiler Production. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121521. [PMID: 35739858 PMCID: PMC9219520 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Partial depopulation is often used in broiler production to optimize the use of the farm space and rear a larger number of broilers. However, it may increase the risk for the introduction of Campylobacter spp. in the poultry house. A simulation was performed to evaluate the production consequences of a Belgian poultry house performing a 25% partial depopulation at 35 days of age compared with a scenario where the entire flock is slaughtered at 42 days of age. The result showed that stopping partial depopulation leads to a substantial production and profit decrease. To compensate the loss, it would be necessary an increase in meat price. Abstract Partial depopulation is the removal and slaughter of part of a flock prior to the final slaughter age, and this practice allows broiler producers to optimize stocking density in broiler houses. However, this practice constitutes a serious break in farm biosecurity that can lead to the introduction of various pathogens in the flock, including Campylobacter spp. In this study, the production of a house performing partial depopulation of 25% of the flock at 35 days of age prior to the final slaughter at 42 days was compared with a production system where partial depopulation was not performed. The differences in production costs, profit, and technical performance parameters were evaluated. The model indicated that stopping partial depopulation reduces the production between 16 to 24%, which results in a 14% reduced profit per kg of live weight, and a 31% reduced profit per production cycle. To compensate the profit loss, it would be necessary to increase the meat price 3% from a starting price of 87.44 cents. For current conventional broiler production, it may be financially challenging to stop partial depopulation practices. Focusing on external biosecurity to avoid the introduction of Campylobacter into poultry houses may be the right compromise.
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Linhoss JE, Davis JD, Campbell JC, Purswell JL, Griggs KG, Edge CM. Comparison of commercial broiler house lighting programs using LED and natural light: Part 1 – spatial and temporal analysis of light intensity. J APPL POULTRY RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2022.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Differences in carcass composition and meat quality of conventional and slow-growing broiler chickens raised at 2 stocking densities. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101833. [PMID: 35421814 PMCID: PMC9018444 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fast growth rate of broiler chickens is a welfare concern that has increased consumer interest in chicken from slower growing (SG) broilers. Replacing conventional (CONV) broilers with SG broilers will reduce chicken supply and SG broilers require different management practices than CONV. This study evaluated the effects of 2 stocking densities on the carcass composition and meat quality of CONV broilers that reach market weight at 42 d and SG broilers that reach market weight at 63 d. Male broilers from each strain were exclusively stocked into 16 pens at a density of either 29 kg/m2 or 37 kg/m2. Live body, carcass without giblets (WOG), and part weights were recorded and used to calculate yield. Initial and 24-hour pH, color (L*, a*, and b*), cooking loss, and Warner Bratzler shear force of the breast and thigh muscles were measured. Birds from both strains reached similar live body and carcass WOG weights. CONV had 3.4%, 13.0%, and 2.8% greater (P ≤ 0.002), carcass WOG, breast, and tenderloin yields, while SG had 2.7%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 1.2% greater (P < 0.0001) wings, leg quarters, frame, and skin yields, respectively. CONV breast 24-h pH and cooking loss were greater (P ≤ 0.04) than SG. While SG thigh shear force was greater than CONV (P = 0.008), breast shear force was the lowest for CONV stocked at 29 kg/m2 and the greatest for SG stocked at 37 kg/m2 (P = 0.04). SG had a paler breast than CONV, while CONV had a yellower breast than SG (P < 0.0001). While SG had a redder thigh than CONV (P = 0.002), SG stocked at 29 kg/m2 had a redder breast than SG stocked at 37 kg/m2, with both CONV groups intermediate (P = 0.04). These results indicate that differences in male broiler meat quality were affected more by strain than by stocking density. Compared with CONV, SG broiler meat quality was more affected by stocking density in this study.
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Juniper DT, Kliem KE, Lee A, Rymer C. The effect of stocking rate and supplementary selenium on the fatty acid composition and subsequent peroxidisability of poultry muscle tissues. Animal 2022; 16:100459. [PMID: 35217413 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) plays a crucial role in protecting biological materials from oxidative damage through the action of the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the effectiveness of this protection is often dependent upon Se supply. Recent evidence has indicated that GSH-Px mRNA expression can be upregulated in response to potential oxidative damage risk, and that this upregulation is independent of Se supply. The current study aimed to determine the effect of Se supplementation, stocking rate and tissue fatty acid profile on GSH-Px activity in breast and thigh tissue of commercial broilers. A total of 168 Ross 308 broiler chicks were enrolled onto the study. Prior to enrolment, birds were brooded as a single group and received a starter diet containing no additional Se. The study was a 2 × 2 factorial design comprising of two levels of dietary Se (high Se, 0.5 mg/kg total Se, low Se background Se only), and two stocking rates (high, 30 kg/m2, and low, 15 kg/m2). At 15 days of age, birds were blocked by live weight and randomly allocated to one of the four treatments, with six pen replicates per treatment. At 42 days of age, one bird was randomly selected from each pen replicate, euthanased and breast and thigh tissue harvested. GSH-Px activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and fatty acid (FA) content of these tissues were determined. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of stocking rate on GSH-Px activity or TBARS. GSH-Px activity did not differ between tissue types but was greater in high Se birds (P < 0.001) compared to low Se. TBARS concentrations were greater in thigh tissue (P < 0.001), and these thigh concentrations were greater in high Se birds (P < 0.05). There were marked differences between breast and thigh tissue in most FAs (P < 0.001), with breast generally containing greater proportions of polyunsaturated FA, so that breast tissue had a higher (P < 0.001) peroxidisability index (PI) than thigh. A positive correlation between GSH-Px activity and PI in the thigh tissue of high Se birds (Pearson Correlation 0.668; P = 0.025) may indicate that increasing susceptibility to peroxidisation in lipid-rich tissues may also upregulate GSH-Px activity in Se-replete birds. This study suggests that ensuring adequate dietary selenium could be a useful tool to mitigate adverse effects on meat quality caused by oxidation, particularly in lipid-rich meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Juniper
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, UK
| | - K E Kliem
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - A Lee
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, UK
| | - C Rymer
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, UK
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Xue J, Liu Z, Huang X, Chen Y, Chen Z, Wang Q, Wang B, Wang C. Estimates of stocking density of female geese in different growth stages. J APPL POULTRY RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2021.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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18
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The importance of nutrition in alleviating high stocking density stress in poultry. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In recent decades, the number of birds reared per unit area has dramatically spiked to increase profitability in egg and meat production. However, nowadays, the increase in sensitivity to animal welfare and consumer demands brings along with it a raised interest in stocking density. Stocking density is defined either as the number of animals or body weight per unit area or as the area per animal. High stocking density, which is a stress factor, can be defined as an increase in the number of animals per unit area or a decrease in the area per animal. Stress caused by high stocking density negatively affects the bird’s physiology and performance as well as the quality of the product obtained. The ideal stocking density should be 9 laying hens, 35 kilogrammes for broilers, and 45 quails per square metre. Otherwise, one will observe stress indicators in birds reared in more than the recommended stocking density per unit area and, consequently, a decrease in bird growth, egg production, feed efficiency, and egg or meat quality. Apart from increasing the concentrations of amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan and arginine, minerals such as selenium and chromium, and vitamins such as C and E in the diet, the addition of additives such as probiotics, humates, phytophenol compounds, and propolis is also effective in reducing or eliminating these negative effects caused by high stocking density. As a result, regulations in the nutrition of animals are effective in reducing/preventing such negative effects, thus improving animal welfare and ensuring the maintenance of optimum yield.
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Bilal RM, Hassan FU, Farag MR, Nasir TA, Ragni M, Mahgoub HAM, Alagawany M. Thermal stress and high stocking densities in poultry farms: Potential effects and mitigation strategies. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:102944. [PMID: 34420608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental changes pose significant threats to agricultural activities particularly animal production. These changes have induced major concerns which will negatively affect the poultry health and productivity under the current climate changes. Moreover, they also alter the immunological status of the exposed birds and make them susceptible to different diseases. The adverse effects of environmental stress also include poor performance of birds (reduced feed intake, growth, feed efficiency, immunity, and egg production) and inferior product quality. The adverse effect of heat stress on different quail breeds like Japanese quail, bobwhite quail, scaled quail, and Gambel's quail ranged from decreased growth rates (11.0-14.5%), body weight (7.7-13.2%), feed intake (6.1-21.6%), feed efficiency (4.3-8.6%), and egg production (6.6-23.3%). Also, birds reared under heat stress (34 °C) had significantly decreased Haugh units by 10.8% and egg weight by 14.3% in comparison with the control group (reared at 22 °C). On the other hand, increasing stoking density from 30 to 45 kg/m2 also negatively affected the feed intake and body weight. Recent studies have focused on evaluating the potential adverse effects of different environmental stresses on poultry performance, behavior, welfare, and reproduction. It is imperative to understand better the interaction of different environmental factors and their subsequent effects on avian physiology, to spotlights on the effective management and nutritional strategies to alleviate the adverse effects of different stresses in poultry. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of physiological manifestations of major environmental stresses including thermal stress (heat and cold stress) and high stocking densities on poultry health and production. Moreover, we have also critically evaluated the scope and efficacy of some potential strategies to mitigate the influences of these environmental stressors in different poultry species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Muhammad Bilal
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan.
| | - Faiz-Ul Hassan
- Institute of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Mayada R Farag
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Taquir Ali Nasir
- Department of Animal Science, University of Sargodha, Punjb, Pakistan
| | - Marco Ragni
- Department of Agro-Environmental and Territorial Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Hany A M Mahgoub
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Alagawany
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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20
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Effects of stocking density on the performance, tibia mineralization, and the expression of hypothalamic appetite genes in broiler chickens. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The current study investigated the effects of stocking density (SD) on the performance, tibia mineralization, and the hypothalamic appetite genes expression in broilers. A total of 2,800 1-d-old male broilers (Cobb 500) were distributed in a completely randomized design to 1 of 5 SD treatments with 8 replicate cages for each treatment. The SD treatments were 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, and 22.5 birds/m2, corresponding to 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 birds per cage (4 m2/cage), respectively. The concentration of tibia phosphorus was determined by the ammonium metavanadate colorimetric method and the mRNA abundance in different tissues was measured by the real-time quantitative PCR method. The data were analyzed by the one-way and/or two-way analysis of variance and polynomial contrasts were used to determine the effect of increasing SD. Feed intake linearly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing SD during d 1-42 production period. On d 42, body weight and tibia breaking strength were significantly lower in the groups of 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5 birds/m2 than in the groups of 12.5 and 15 birds/m2 (P < 0.01). Concentrations of ash and phosphorus in the tibia of broilers linearly decreased (P < 0.03) with increasing SD on d 42. The SD of 22.5 birds/m2 decreased the mRNA abundance of neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY-receptor (NPYR) 1, and NPYR2 (P < 0.05), while it increased melanocortin receptor 4 mRNA abundance (P = 0.012) in the hypothalamus of broilers as compared with the SD of 12.5 birds/m2 on d 21 and 42. The mRNA abundance of hypothalamic cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), and CRF-receptor 1 (CRFR1) were higher (P < 0.05) in the group of 22.5 birds/m2 than in the group of 12.5 birds/m2 on d 21. We concluded that increasing stocking density beyond 15 birds/m2 (corresponding to the 45 kg/m2 at 42 days of age) suppressed final BW and bone mineralization of broilers raised in multitier cage system. Hypothalamic NPY and CRF signaling might be involved in the anorexigenic effect of HSD.
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21
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SEVİM Ö, AHSAN U, TATLI O, KUTER E, KHAMSEH EK, REMAN TEMİZ A, SAYIN ÖZDEMİR Ö, AYDIN AK, KÖKSAL BH, CENGİZ Ö, ÖNOL AG. Effect of nano-selenium and high stocking density on performance, carcass yield, meat quality and feathering score of broilers. ANKARA ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.33988/auvfd.838120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Greene G, Koolman L, Whyte P, Lynch H, Coffey A, Lucey B, Egan J, O’Connor L, Bolton D. Maximising Productivity and Eliminating Campylobacter in Broilers by Manipulating Stocking Density and Population Structure Using 'Biosecurity Cubes'. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040492. [PMID: 33921776 PMCID: PMC8073877 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of stocking density and population dynamics on broiler growth rates and productivity, while further validating the ability of the biosecurity cubes (BC) to protect birds from Campylobacter. In our methodology, six BC were constructed in a commercial broiler house containing approximately 28,500 birds. During three trials, the BC were stocked at densities of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 birds/m2, with the main flock (20 birds/m2) considered the control. Periodically, 10 birds per density were weighed and examined. The Campylobacter status of the birds was monitored via faecal samples using the ISO 10272: 2017. The stocking density for maximum calculated yield was 20 (trials 1 and 2) or 22 birds/m2 (trial 3), followed by 18, 16, 14 and 12. At the stocking rate of 20 birds/m2, the birds in the pen grew faster than those at the same density in the main flock achieving 2 Kg 3–6 days faster. Birds in the BC were observed to be generally healthier, and in some cases, remained Campylobacter negative, even after the main flock was infected. Our results conclude that dividing the flock into sub-flocks of approximately 20 birds/m2 using BC could increase productivity up to 20%, while preventing Campylobacter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Greene
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, 15 Dublin, Ireland; (G.G.); (L.K.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, 4 Dublin, Ireland; (P.W.); (H.L.); (J.E.)
| | - Leonard Koolman
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, 15 Dublin, Ireland; (G.G.); (L.K.)
| | - Paul Whyte
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, 4 Dublin, Ireland; (P.W.); (H.L.); (J.E.)
| | - Helen Lynch
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, 4 Dublin, Ireland; (P.W.); (H.L.); (J.E.)
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston, Celbridge, W23 X3PH Kildare, Ireland
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 T66T Cork, Ireland; (A.C.); (B.L.)
| | - Brigid Lucey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 T66T Cork, Ireland; (A.C.); (B.L.)
| | - John Egan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, 4 Dublin, Ireland; (P.W.); (H.L.); (J.E.)
| | - Lisa O’Connor
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, George’s Dock, 1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Declan Bolton
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, 15 Dublin, Ireland; (G.G.); (L.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-805-9539
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Li G, Zhao Y, Purswell JL, Magee C. Effects of feeder space on broiler feeding behaviors. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101016. [PMID: 33662663 PMCID: PMC7930638 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing adequate feeder space in broiler production is important to ensure bird performance and well-being; however, the effect of feeder space on behavior responses of broilers remains unclear. The objective of this research was to investigate feeding behaviors of broilers provided with 4 feeder spaces, that are 2.3 cm/bird with one feeder (2.3FSO); and 2.3, 4.6, and 6.9 cm/bird with 3 feeders (2.3FST, 4.6FST, and 6.9FST, respectively). Number of feeder slots per feeder was 14 at 2.3FSO, 5 at 2.3FST, 9 at 4.6FST, and 14 at 6.9FST. Sixteen identical pens, each with 45 broilers (Ross 708, mixed sex), were used to accommodate the 4 feeder space treatments. Feeding behaviors were continuously monitored from weeks 4 to 8 using an ultra-high-frequency radio frequency identification system. The results show that the daily feeding time and number of feeder visits for broilers at 2.3FST were similar to those at 4.6FST and 6.9FST but higher than those at 2.3FSO (P < 0.01). The feeder utilization ratio was the highest at 2.3FST, indicating the feeder being used most efficiently among the 4 treatments (P < 0.01). Coefficient of variations (33.0-65.1%) of the feeding behavior responses was similar among the treatments (P ≥ 0.06), suggesting similar group uniformity of feeding behaviors of individual broilers. Feeders among all treatments may not be fully used because for most of the time, less than 6 birds chose to eat simultaneously at a more-than-five-slot feeder in all treatments. Given the same feeder space, increasing feeder number can accommodate more birds to eat simultaneously. The outcomes of this study provide insights into improvement of feeder design and management for broiler production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoming Li
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, TN 37996, USA.
| | - Joseph L Purswell
- USDA Agriculture Research Service, Poultry Research Unit, MS 39762, USA
| | - Christopher Magee
- USDA Agriculture Research Service, Poultry Research Unit, MS 39762, USA
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Wang L, Kong L, Hu X, Bai H, Wang Z, Jiang Y, Bi Y, Chang G, Chen G. Effect of stocking density on performance, meat quality and cecal bacterial communities of yellow feather broilers. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 33:1322-1332. [PMID: 33752552 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1898413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Totally, 315 42-day-old male Xueshan chickens were allocated into 3 caging densities, 14, 21 and 28 birds/m2. Each treatment was represented by 5 replicates. The body weight (BW), slaughter performance, meat quality, behavioral assessment, and the cecal microorganisms were detected at the market age. The results showed that the BW of broilers in the low- and medium-density groups was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the high-density group from the age of 10 weeks. Only the feather quality of the broilers in the low-density group improved significantly (p < 0.05) compared with those of the other two groups. And, the abdominal fat percentage and the fat content of thigh muscle of broilers in the low- and medium-density groups were higher (p < 0.05) than those in the high-density group. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was noted in the other traits. The abundance of some microbial like Akkermansiaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Faecalibacterium may be correlated with the BW and fat content of broilers. The findings of this study suggest that increasing the stocking density decreased the final BW, fat content and the feather quality, whereas no evidence was found that stocking density caused changes in other parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hao Bai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yulin Bi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guobin Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Oke OE, Akande JO, Sodipo ID, Ekunseitan DA, Rahman SA, Smith OF, Onagbesan OM. Evaluation of access to different legume pastures on performance and welfare of broiler chickens during dry season under tropical environment. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1359-1368. [PMID: 33694325 PMCID: PMC8294400 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been a plethora of studies on the effects of access to runs on chickens’ welfare and behavioural repertoire with a paucity of information on the comparative advantage of various legume pasture and deep litter system. A total of 200‐day‐old unsexed Marshall Broiler chicks were weighed and assigned randomly into five experimental groups, viz. deep litter without access to run (DL), deep litter with access to Stylosanthes hamata (SH), Stylosanthes guanensis (SG), Mucuna pruriens (MP) and free run (FR) during dry season. Each treatment had 4 replicates of 10 birds. Data were collected on growth performance, behaviour, tonic immobility (TI), gait score and blood parameters. The data obtained were subjected to One‐Way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that the final body weight of birds in SH was significantly higher (p ˂ .05) than those of SH, MP, FR and DL which were comparable. The feed intake of the birds of DL, SH and FR was higher than those of the other treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds on legume pastures was lower than those without access to pasture. The birds of SH, SG and MP spent higher (p ˂ .05) time drinking, preening, dust‐bathing, spot pecking and walking standing behaviours while those in DL and FR spent more (p ˂ .05) time feeding. Generally, the gait score of the birds on the different legume pastures was similar but better than those without access to pasture. Tonic immobility of the DL birds was longer than that of FR whose duration was longer than those of the birds on the pastures. The study concluded that access to different legume pastures, particularly Stylosanthes hamata, improved the welfare of broiler chickens without adverse effect on the performance of the birds. There is a scarcity of information on the comparative advantage of various legume pasture. Stylosanthes hamata improved the welfare of broiler chickens without adverse effect on the performance of the birds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet O Akande
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Ibukunoluwa D Sodipo
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Deji A Ekunseitan
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Samson A Rahman
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Olusiji F Smith
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Okanlawon M Onagbesan
- Centre of Excellence in Avian Sciences, University of Lome, Lome, Togo.,Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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Ying S, Dai Z, Xi Y, Li M, Yan J, Yu J, Chen Z, Shi Z. Metabolomic evaluation of serum metabolites of geese reared at different stocking densities. Br Poult Sci 2021; 62:304-309. [PMID: 33336589 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2020.1849556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
1. Stocking density is an issue for poultry production. High stocking density can impact biochemical parameters, production, and reproductive performance; however, information regarding the effects of stocking density on serum metabolites in geese is limited.2. Twenty-day-old, Sanhua male geese (n = 240) were allocated to one of two experimental groups for 50 days. One group was housed under a low stocking density (LSD; two birds per m2) and one under a high stocking density (HSD; five birds per m2). Body weight and feed intake were recorded every 10 d. Eight serum samples per group were used for metabonomic analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.3. Stocking density did not affect the spleen, liver, thymus, or bursa of Fabricius weights after 50 d. Feed intake and body weight was significantly lower in geese from the HSD group versus the LSD group (P < 0.05). Thirty-six differential serum metabolites were identified (P < 0.05), indicating altered amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid and vitamin cofactor metabolism.4. The results demonstrated that high-density stocking impacts geese, and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the adverse health effects associated with HSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ying
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Z Dai
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Y Xi
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - M Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - J Yan
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - J Yu
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Z Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Z Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Laboratory of Animal Improvement and Reproduction, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory for Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, PR China
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Li G, Zhao Y, Porter Z, Purswell JL. Automated measurement of broiler stretching behaviors under four stocking densities via faster region-based convolutional neural network. Animal 2020; 15:100059. [PMID: 33516017 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stretching behavior is one of the broiler comfort behaviors that could be used for animal welfare assessment. However, there is currently no methodology for automatic monitoring of stretching behavior under representative production practices. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a faster region-based convolutional neural network (faster R-CNN) stretching behavior detector for broiler stretching behavior detection, (2) evaluate broiler stretching behaviors under stocking densities (SDs) of 27 (27SD), 29 (29SD), 33 (33SD), and 39 kg/m2 (39SD) and at weeks 4 and 5 of bird ages, and (3) examine the temporal and spatial distribution of broiler stretching behaviors. The results show that the precision, recall, specificity, and accuracy were over 86% on broiler stretching detection across all SDs and bird ages using the faster R-CNN stretching behavior detector. Broilers spent 230-533 sec stretching every day and showed more stretching behaviors under the 29SD, 33SD, and 39SD in week 4 and under the 29SD and 33SD in week 5, as compared to other SDs. They performed less stretching in a couple of hours after light ON and before light OFF but preferred to stretch in areas with less traffic and disturbance, that is, along the fences and away from the inspection aisle. It is concluded that the stretching behavior detector had acceptable performance in detecting broiler stretching, thus being a useful tool for broiler stretching detection. Broiler stretching behavior is affected by SD and bird age and shows temporal and spatial variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Li
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Y Zhao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA; Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| | - Z Porter
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - J L Purswell
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Poultry Research Unit, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
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Linhoss J, Purswell J, Lowe W, Chesser D. Characterizing light leakage and spatial variation of illuminance in commercial broiler houses during tunnel ventilation. J APPL POULTRY RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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James C, Wiseman J, Asher L. The effect of supplementary ultraviolet wavelengths on the performance of broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2020; 99:5517-5525. [PMID: 33142470 PMCID: PMC7647722 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Qualities of the light environment, such as the spectral composition of light, have been shown to impact growth and performance of broiler chickens. UVA light is visible to broiler chickens, whereas UVB wavelengths promote endogenous vitamin D synthesis, which could support their rapid development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impacts of supplementary UVA and UVB wavelengths on performance indicators of broiler chickens. Day-old Ross 308 chicks (n = 638), reared to a target stocking density of 33 kg/m2, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 lighting treatments: A) White light emitting diode (LED) and supplementary UVA LED lighting (18-h photoperiod); B) White LED with supplementary UVA and UVB fluorescent lighting providing 30 μW/cm2 UVB at bird level (lights on for 8 h of the total photoperiod to avoid overexposure of UVB); and C) White LED control group, representative of farm conditions (18-h photoperiod). Mortality was recorded, and broiler chickens were individually weighed at 8, 15, 22, 27, and 34 D of age. Generalized linear models and nonlinear mixed effects models (Gompertz curve) were fitted to determine the effects of UV wavelengths on broiler mortality and growth performance. UV did not impact breast or leg weight of broiler chickens but was associated with differences in mortality, growth, and end weight. Broiler chickens provided with UVA for the full 18-h photoperiod had slower initial growth than control broilers and a reduction in mortality. Results from male broilers reared with supplementary UVA + UVB for 8 h indicated they could reach finishing weights sooner than controls, which supports the potential for UVA + B to improve the growth performance of males. Results suggest that the provision of supplementary UVA + UVB wavelengths may improve the performance of male broiler chickens. The reduction in mortality in the UVA only treatment may warrant further investigation. The inclusion of UV wavelengths within poultry lighting regimes represents a promising area of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte James
- Nottingham Trent University, School of Animal Rural and Environmental Science, Southwell, NG25 0QF, United Kingdom.
| | - Julian Wiseman
- University of Nottingham, School of Biosciences, Division of Animal Sciences, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Asher
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
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30
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Jeong SB, Kim YB, Lee JW, Kim DH, Moon BH, Chang HH, Choi YH, Lee KW. Role of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid in broiler chickens raised under high stocking density. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2020; 6:293-304. [PMID: 33005763 PMCID: PMC7503073 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in broiler chickens raised in high stocking density (HSD) on performance and physiological responses. A total of 900 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) at 1 d old were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to 4 treatments (10 replicates per treatment) with stocking density, 7.5 birds/m2 (low stocking density; LSD) or 15 birds/m2 (HSD), and dietary GABA, 0 or 100 mg/kg. Chickens raised in HSD exhibited a decrease in body weight gain in all phases (P < 0.05) and feed intake in starter and whole phases (P < 0.01), and an increase in feed conversion ratio in the finisher phase (P < 0.01) compared with LSD-raised chickens. However, dietary GABA did not affect growth performance nor interacted with stocking density on production variables. The HSD vs. LSD increased relative liver weight on d 35 whereas dietary GABA increased relative liver weight and decreased relative bursa weight on d 21. Both stocking density and dietary GABA affected yield and quality of breast and leg muscles. Dietary GABA increased (P < 0.05) width of tibia on d 35 and interacted (P = 0.054) with stocking density on breaking stocking density on d 35. The HSD vs. LSD group lowered (P < 0.05) feather coverage scores. Significant interaction between stocking density and GABA on surface temperature of shank on d 21 was noted (P = 0.024). Dietary GABA exhibited an opposite effect on the concentrations of cecal short-chain fatty acids depending on stocking density leading to a moderate to significant interaction. Stocking density decreased alpha-1-acid glycoprotein whereas dietary GABA decreased heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and corticosterone in blood or serum samples. Serum biochemical parameters were altered by stocking density or dietary GABA. It is concluded that dietary GABA alleviated stress indices including corticosterone and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, but failed to reverse stocking density-induced growth depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Been Jeong
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Bhin Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Woo Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hye Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hong-Hee Chang
- Department of Animal Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang-Ho Choi
- Department of Animal Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Woo Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
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31
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Slow-growing broilers are healthier and express more behavioural indicators of positive welfare. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15151. [PMID: 32938994 PMCID: PMC7494998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72198-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Broiler chicken welfare is under increasing scrutiny due to welfare concerns regarding growth rate and stocking density. This farm-based study explored broiler welfare in four conditions representing commercial systems varying in breed and planned maximum stocking density: (1) Breed A, 30 kg/m2; (2) Breed B, 30 kg/m2; (3) Breed B, 34 kg/m2; (4) Breed C, 34 kg/m2. Breeds A and B were ‘slow-growing’ breeds (< 50 g/day), and Breed C was a widely used ‘fast-growing’ breed. Indicators of negative welfare, behavioural indicators of positive welfare and environmental outcomes were assessed. Clear differences between conditions were detected. Birds in Condition 4 experienced the poorest health (highest mortality and post-mortem inspection rejections, poorest walking ability, most hock burn and pododermatitis) and litter quality. These birds also displayed lower levels of behaviours indicative of positive welfare (enrichment bale occupation, qualitative ‘happy/active’ scores, play, ground-scratching) than birds in Conditions 1–3. These findings provide farm-based evidence that significant welfare improvement can be achieved by utilising slow-growing breeds. There are suggested welfare benefits of a slightly lower planned maximum stocking density for Breed B and further health benefits of the slowest-growing breed, although these interventions do not offer the same magnitude of welfare improvement as moving away from fast-growing broilers.
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32
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Magnuson AD, Liu G, Sun T, Tolba SA, Xi L, Whelan R, Lei XG. Supplemental methionine and stocking density affect antioxidant status, fatty acid profiles, and growth performance of broiler chickens. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5811254. [PMID: 32207523 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Broilers stocked in high densities may be prone to oxidative and inflammatory insults, resulting in impaired health status, growth performance, and meat quality. This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental dl-methionine alleviated or prevented those adverse effects of a higher stocking density in broiler chickens. A total of 560 male Cornish Cross cockerels (day old) were divided into four groups: two stocking densities (9 and 12 birds/m2) and two supplementations of methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Growth performance was recorded weekly. Blood and tissues were sampled at the end of each period. High stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and growth performance of growers and (or) finishers. Those differences were partially attenuated by the extra methionine supplementation. The high methionine elevated (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration in the thigh at both ages (> 24%). The high stocking density elevated (>28%, P < 0.05) glutathione concentration in the plasma, breast, and thigh of growers, but decreased (P < 0.05) it in the liver of growers and thigh of finishers. Interaction effects (P < 0.05) between dietary methionine and stocking density were found on activities of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the liver of growers and breast, thigh, and adipose tissue of finishers. The interaction effect was also found on activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the thigh of growers. The extra methionine decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic gene expression of heat shock protein 90 (18%) and thigh and breast malondialdehyde concentrations of the finishers (35%). In conclusion, the 30% extra dl-methionine supplementation was able to partially mitigate adverse effects caused by the higher stocking density and to improve the redox status of the broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guanchen Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Samar A Tolba
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Lin Xi
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Rose Whelan
- Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Hanau, Germany
| | - Xin Gen Lei
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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33
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Pekel AY, Tatlı O, Sevim Ö, Kuter E, Ahsan U, Khamseh EK, Atmaca G, Köksal BH, Özsoy B, Cengiz Ö. Effects of reducing dietary amino acid density and stocking density on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and occurrence of white striping in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2020; 99:7178-7191. [PMID: 33248635 PMCID: PMC7704966 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A 49-day trial was conducted to determine the impact of dietary amino acid (AA) density and stocking density (SD) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and white striping (WS) occurrence in broiler chickens. Two hundred eighty-eight Ross 308 male broilers consisting of 6 replicate cages with 8 broilers per replicate were used. Treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial and consisted of 3 AA densities (normal, 10, or 20% lower than normal) and 2 different SD (high 35 kg/m2 or low 26 kg/m2). Breasts were classified as normal, moderate, and severe for WS. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the GLM procedure. Decreasing AA density decreased overall growth performance, carcass, breast yields, and fillet dimensions linearly, while leg and rib cage yields increased linearly (P < 0.01). High SD decreased hot carcass, breast, wings, and rib cage weights in birds fed normal AA diets (P < 0.05). High SD increased the length of breast fillet (P < 0.05). Cooking loss, breast lightness (L∗), and redness (a∗) at 48 h postmortem increased linearly with decreasing AA density, while ultimate breast pH (pHu) and nitrogen content decreased linearly (P < 0.05). The occurrence of normal, moderate, and severe WS fillets was 45.3, 49.1, and 5.6%, respectively. As the dietary AA density decreased, the occurrence of no WS breast fillets increased linearly, whereas the occurrence of moderate WS fillets and mean WS score decreased linearly (P < 0.05). SD did not affect the occurrence of WS. Severe WS fillets were heavier and had higher cranial thickness, pHu, and fat content and lower yellowness (P < 0.05), but water-holding capacity, nitrogen content, L∗, and a∗ value did not differ among different WS scores. Taken together, WS occurrence and severity increased with higher growth rate. Growth depression created by lowering dietary AA density regardless of SD resulted in a decrease in mean WS score, but it also compromised the growth and meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y Pekel
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey.
| | - O Tatlı
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
| | - Ö Sevim
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
| | - E Kuter
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Turkey
| | - U Ahsan
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
| | - E Karimiyan Khamseh
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
| | - G Atmaca
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, 34320 Turkey
| | - B H Köksal
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
| | - B Özsoy
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
| | - Ö Cengiz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016, Turkey
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34
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Schulze Bernd K, Wilms-Schulze Kump A, Rohn K, Reich F, Kehrenberg C. Management factors influencing the occurrence of cellulitis in broiler chickens. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105146. [PMID: 32927303 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
One of the main reasons for condemning fattening broiler chickens during meat inspection is cellulitis, which demonstrates the great economic issue concerning this topic. The aim of this epidemiological study was therefore to identify risk factors in order to draw conclusions on how to prevent the occurrence of cellulitis in broilers by implementing management changes. The data were collected between April and November 2018 on conventional broiler farms (n = 100) in the north of Germany with one to fourteen poultry houses per farm. In total, data were collected from 199 broiler flocks with a total of 5,332,767 broilers. Data on the type of management (feeding- and drinking management, housing, lighting management, litter type and animal health) were collected via a questionnaire, with additional data on condemnation rates being provided by the abattoirs. It was found that litter additives like fennel, eucalyptus and probiotics as well as a moist litter quality were associated with lower cellulitis condemnation rates. Flocks fattened in windowless barns, but with relatively higher lux-values as well as those broilers examined in a lower number of housing inspections had significantly lower cellulitis condemnation rates compared to other husbandry systems. In addition, lower cellulitis rates were seen when housing capacities were smaller, regardless of stocking density. The source of the breeders and hatchery also had a significant influence on the occurrence of cellulitis. No correlation was found between the condemnation rates due to cellulitis and the performance of thinning, the water source used, the use of drinking additives, observational skills and number of herd managers monitoring the broilers, participation in an animal welfare programme, the technique of heating and ventilation systems used, the feed supplier, litter material, the broiler breed, the length of darkness periods and chick losses during the first seven days. We concluded that management decisions that lead to stress reduction in the broiler flocks are beneficial in terms of chicken welfare and occurrence of cellulitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schulze Bernd
- Veterinary Practice and Laboratory Wilms-Ellert-Klosterhalfen, Visbek, Germany.
| | | | - K Rohn
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - F Reich
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - C Kehrenberg
- Institute for Veterinary Food Science (IfTN), Justus-Liebig-University (JLU), Giessen, Germany
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35
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Weimer SL, Mauromoustakos A, Karcher DM, Erasmus MA. Differences in performance, body conformation, and welfare of conventional and slow-growing broiler chickens raised at 2 stocking densities. Poult Sci 2020; 99:4398-4407. [PMID: 32867983 PMCID: PMC7598105 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumer concern for broiler welfare has increased interest in chicken from slower growing (SG) broiler strains. Broilers from SG strains take longer to reach market weight, which may necessitate differences in management practices, such as stocking density. This study evaluated the effects of 2 stocking densities on production performance, body conformation, and welfare of broilers from 2 strains. Broilers from strains that reach market weight at age 42 D (CONV; N = 284) and at 63 D (SG; N = 284) were exclusively stocked into pens at a density of either 29 kg/m2 or 37 kg/m2. Birds were provided the same starter, grower, and finisher diets with diet phase changes occurring when SG bird body weight (BW) matched CONV. Live BW, body length, pelvic width, shank length, shank width, keel length, breast width, and breast depth were collected at 4 phases: Phase 1—chick placement, Phase 2—starter, Phase 3—grower, and Phase 4—finisher. At Phase 4, footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burn (HB), and toe damage (TD) were scored. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality for each pen were recorded throughout the study. Final BW was similar (2.68 kg) for both strains and stocking densities of birds (P > 0.05). CONV bird FCR was 35% more efficient than SG (P < 0.0001). CONV birds had shorter bodies and shanks compared with SG birds at Phases 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). Slower growing birds stocked at 37 kg/m2 had the longest bodies and keel bones at Phase 4 (P < 0.01). Also at Phase 4, SG birds stocked at 29 kg/m2 had the lowest prevalence of HB (4%), yet the highest prevalence of TD (28%; P < 0.01). These results indicate differences in the effects of strain and stocking density on male broiler conformation, performance, and welfare and highlight the importance of tailoring management practices to the strain of broiler raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Weimer
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - A Mauromoustakos
- Agricultural Statistics Lab, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - D M Karcher
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - M A Erasmus
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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36
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Ma H, Xu B, Li W, Wei F, Kim WK, Chen C, Sun Q, Fu C, Wang G, Li S. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on the behavior, serum indicators, and bone quality of broilers under stocking density stress. Poult Sci 2020; 99:4653-4661. [PMID: 32988500 PMCID: PMC7598135 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) dietary supplementation on the behavior, physiological and oxidant stress indicators, and bone quality in broilers under high stocking density (HSD) stress. A total of one thousand eight hundred 22-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 18 pens (2.97 × 2.03 m) in 3 groups: 14 birds/m2 (NSD, normal stocking density) or 18 birds/m2 (HSD) or 18 birds/m2 plus 300 mg/kg ALA dietary supplement (HSD + ALA, high stocking density + alpha-lipoic acid). Each treatment had 6 replicates, and the experiment lasted 3 wk. The HSD group was significantly lower than the NSD group (P < 0.05) in the frequency of eating, walking, and preening behavior. The alkaline phosphatase activity and serum calcium content were significantly higher, and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was significantly lower in the HSD group than in the NSD group (P < 0.05). When compared with the NSD group, the HSD group showed an increase (P < 0.05) in serum heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and catalase (CAT) activity, whereas a decrease (P < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations. The HSD group was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the NSD group in the tibia and femur breaking strength, bone mineral density, and BMC. Importantly, the addition of ALA into the diets of the HSD group enabled the HSD + ALA group to recover to the levels of NSD group (P > 0.05) in the standing and preening behavior, alkaline phosphatase activity, PTH concentration, H/L ratio, CAT, T-AOC, MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px. These results indicate that the increase of stocking density lowered the bone quality, increased the physiological and oxidative stress indicators, and modified the behavior of broilers, whereas ALA dietary supplementation could counteract the reduction in the performance and physiological responses of broilers under high-density environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Wenjia Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Woo Kyun Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chongxiao Chen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Quanyou Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Chen Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Gaili Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shaoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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Effects of antibiotic-free diet and stocking density on male broilers reared to 35 days of age. Part 2: feeding and drinking behaviours of broilers. J APPL POULTRY RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Li XM, Zhang MH, Liu SM, Feng JH, Ma DD, Liu QX, Zhou Y, Wang XJ, Xing S. Effects of stocking density on growth performance, growth regulatory factors, and endocrine hormones in broilers under appropriate environments. Poult Sci 2020; 98:6611-6617. [PMID: 31504910 PMCID: PMC8913966 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stocking density is an important environment factor that affects the development of poultry farming, which has caused widespread concern. This study was carried out to determine the effects of stocking density on growth performance, growth regulatory factors, and endocrine hormones in broilers under appropriate environments. A total of 144 Arbor Acres male broilers (BW 1000 ± 70 g) were randomly divided into low stocking density (LSD; 6.25 birds/m2), medium stocking density (MSD; 12.50 birds/m2), and high stocking density (HSD; 18.75 birds/m2) groups, with 6 replicates in each group, and raised in 3 environmental chambers (same size) from 29-day-old to 42-day-old, respectively. The trial period lasted for 14 D with 21 ± 1°C and 60 ± 7% relative humidity, wind speed < 0.5 m/s, ammonia level<5 ppm. The results indicated that average daily food intake and average daily gain in HSD group showed significantly lower than other 2 groups (P < 0.05). Besides, the HSD group significantly reduced breast muscle yield, tibial length, tibial width, and tibial weight of broilers (P < 0.05). The HSD group increased the mRNA expression level of myostatin, and reduced the mRNA expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and myogenic determination factor 1 (P < 0.05). The HSD group significantly reduced the expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein in tibial growth plate (P < 0.05). The HSD group increased the serum corticosterone levels of broilers (P < 0.05), and decreased the serum IGF-1 and thyroxine (T4) levels of broiler chickens (P < 0.05) than other stocking density groups. Moreover, the serum alkaline phosphatase levels were decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density, whereas there were no significant effects on the serum 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in 3 groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, under appropriate environments HSD reduced the growth performance of broilers and this negative effect was likely associated with decreased growth of muscle and bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Si Miao Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jing Hai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dan Dan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qing Xiu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xue Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuang Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Geng AL, Liu HG, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Wang HH, Chu Q, Yan ZX. Effects of indoor stocking density on performance, egg quality, and welfare status of a native chicken during 22 to 38 weeks. Poult Sci 2020; 99:163-171. [PMID: 32416797 PMCID: PMC7587707 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of indoor stocking density on performance, egg quality, and welfare status of a native chicken, Beijing You Chicken (BYC), during 22 to 38 wk. A total of 1,040 19-wk-old BYC pullets were randomly allocated to 4 groups (2 replicates each) and reared in 8 individual floor pens with separate covered shed and uncovered outdoor areas. The indoor stocking densities were 5, 6, 7, and 8 hens/m2, and the birds were fed corn-soybean based diets. The performance was calculated for 22 to 30, 30 to 38, and 22 to 38 wk, and egg quality indices were measured at the end of weeks 26, 29, and 36. The feather cover and gait score of the birds were assessed at the end of weeks 29 and 36. The results showed that average feed intake (AFI) and mortality rate of BYC in the 8 hens/m2 group were higher than other groups during 22 to 30 wk (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005); the egg mass and egg-laying rate were higher in groups with lower stocking density, in contrast to the feed egg ratio during 30 to 38 wk. The AFI, mortality rate, and 38-wk body weight were affected by stocking density during 22 to 38 wk (P < 0.05). Most of egg quality indices were not changed by stocking density (P > 0.05), except for individual indicators, such as Haugh unit at week 26 (P = 0.012) and egg grade at week 29 (P = 0.026). The feather cover and gait scores of birds were affected by indoor stocking density at 36 wk of age, with the 8 hens/m2 group having lower scores than the 5, 6, and 7 hens/m2 groups (P = 0.042 and P = 0.039), whereas the 7 hens/m2 groups having no difference with the 5 and 6 hens/m2 groups (P > 0.05). Overall, the results suggested that the performance and egg quality of BYC were not significantly affected by equal to or less than 7 hens/m2 under this system (P > 0.05), but 8 hens/m2 had an adverse effect on the performance and welfare status of the native chicken during 22 to 38 wk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Geng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China.
| | - H G Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China
| | - Y Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China
| | - J Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China
| | - H H Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China
| | - Q Chu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China
| | - Z X Yan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, P. R. China
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Kridtayopas C, Rakangtong C, Bunchasak C, Loongyai W. Effect of prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation in diet on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, stress, and bacterial population under high stocking density condition of broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:4595-4605. [PMID: 30951594 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the effect of prebiotic mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and synbiotic (MOS mixed with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis) on growth performance and bacterial population under high stocking density (HSD) conditions in broilers. A total of 605 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: normal stocking density (NSD; 30 kg/m2 fed basal diets), HSD (40 kg/m2 fed basal diets), HSD chickens fed 0.1% prebiotic (HSDp), and HSD fed 0.1% synbiotic (HSDs). At 35 D of age, the body weight of HSD and HSDp were poorer than NSD group (P < 0.01), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the HSDs) group was better than the NSD group (P < 0.01). The HSDp and HSDs groups improved FCR (P < 0.01) and has cheaper feed cost per gain compared to the HSD group. Moreover, the body weight of HSDs group was heavier than the HSDp group (P < 0.05). The level of corticosterone and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were highest in the HSD group, whereas these indexes were reduced in both HSDp and HSDs groups (P < 0.05). Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus heights were shortest in the HSD group (P < 0.01), and the lowest ileal segment goblet cell counts were also observed in this group (P < 0.05). The HSDp and HSDs groups improved the morphology of gastrointestinal (GI) tract (P < 0.05). The Lactobacillus sp. and Clostridium sp. count in the GI tract of HSD group were low (P < 0.01), whereas Escherichia coli was high (P < 0.01), and Salmonella spp. in jejunum and cecum were detectable when compared with NSD group. Conversely, Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., and Clostridium sp. in HSDp and HSDs groups were increased, and E. coli was reduced in the HSDs group (P < 0.01). Therefore, it is clear that stress from HSD negatively affected growth performance, gut morphology, and microbial population, whereas the supplementation of prebiotic or synbiotic can mitigate the effect of stress and microbial dysbiosis in gut of broiler chickens under HSD condition. Comparatively, under this condition, using synbiotic appears to have more beneficial effects than using the prebiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayatid Kridtayopas
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Choawit Rakangtong
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiyapoom Bunchasak
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wiriya Loongyai
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
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Vasdal G, Granquist EG, Skjerve E, de Jong IC, Berg C, Michel V, Moe RO. Associations between carcass weight uniformity and production measures on farm and at slaughter in commercial broiler flocks. Poult Sci 2019; 98:4261-4268. [PMID: 31134272 PMCID: PMC6748757 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In poultry flocks, flock weight uniformity is often defined as the percent individuals within 10% of the mean body weight (BW) and the variability of this uniformity can be expressed as the CV of BW. Flock weight uniformity is a standardized and objective measured, and could potentially be used as a welfare indicator; however, little is known about the relationship between flock uniformity and other production measures on-farm or at slaughter. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between carcass weight uniformity (CV of BW) and production measures on-farm and at slaughter in Norwegian commercial broiler flocks. A total of 45 randomly selected mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler flocks were visited prior to slaughter at 28 to 30 D of age (average slaughter age 30.6 D). All flocks were raised under similar farm management systems. The Welfare Quality protocol for broilers was used to assess different animal welfare indicators in each flock. All production data from the slaughterhouse were collected for each flock, including carcass weight uniformity (%), mortality (%), growth rate (g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and rejected birds (%) in different rejection categories. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between flock weight uniformity and production and welfare measures. The results showed that flock uniformity varied from 11% to 18% between flocks within the same hybrid, similar management standards, and similar slaughter age (day 29 to 32). Poorer uniformity (i.e., high CV) was associated with increased first week mortality (P < 0.004, r = 1.48, increased total mortality (P < 0.013, r = 0.01), increased FCR (i.e., less efficient growth) (P < 0.024, r = 0.06), reduced growth rate (P < 0.0012, r = −0.01), and a reduced rejection rate at slaughter (P < 0.006, r = −0.01). The results show that flock uniformity varies across broiler flocks, and is associated with several production measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Vasdal
- Animalia - Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Lorenveien 38, 0515 Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Georg Granquist
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, PO Box 8146 dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, PO Box 8146 dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid C de Jong
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Livestock Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Berg
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, PO Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - Virginie Michel
- French agency for food environmental and occupational health safety - Anses Niort 60, rue de Pied de Fond, CS 28440 79024 Niort Cédex, France
| | - Randi Oppermann Moe
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, PO Box 8146 dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Wang C, Liu Z, Xue J, Wang Y, Huang X, Wang Q. Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Feather Quality, Carcass Traits, and Muscle Chemical Component of Geese from 49 to 70 Days of Age. J APPL POULTRY RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3382/japr/pfz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Louton H, Keppler C, Erhard M, van Tuijl O, Bachmeier J, Damme K, Reese S, Rauch E. Animal-based welfare indicators of 4 slow-growing broiler genotypes for the approval in an animal welfare label program. Poult Sci 2019; 98:2326-2337. [PMID: 30690629 PMCID: PMC6527513 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For broiler genotypes to be merchandized under the animal welfare label of the German Animal Welfare Federation, several animal-based welfare indicators with upper limits are listed in a criteria catalog. We compared the prevalence of animal-based welfare indicators in 4 slow-growing broiler genotypes [Ranger Classic (RC), Ranger Gold (RG), Rowan Ranger (RoR), and Rambler Ranger (RaR)] in terms of potential approval of these genotypes for a German animal welfare label program. Chicks were housed in 16 floor pens, of which 8 had access to a winter garden. With 4 replications of each genotype, animal-based welfare indicators were assessed in 160 broilers (10 broilers per pen) on fattening days (FD) 36 and 44. The body weight of the 4 broiler genotypes differed on both examination days in decreasing order for RC, RG, RoR, and RaR (P < 0.001). The walking ability was within the scope of the animal welfare label in all genotypes; it was better in genotypes with a lower mean body weight and correlated positively with the body weight in RG, RoR, RaR, and in the pooled data of the 4 genotypes. Hock burns were only observed at a low severity score, with male broilers being affected more often than female broilers. A positive correlation of the development of hock burn with the weight of the broilers was observed on FD 44 when data of all genotypes were pooled. The footpads of all examined broilers were without lesions at both examinations. Skin scratches were observed in all genotypes at both examinations, and RC broilers differed on FD 36 from the other 3 genotypes by showing a higher prevalence of more severe scratches. Broilers of pens with access to a winter garden were affected by skin scratches more often than broilers without. With the exception of weight gain in 2 genotypes, the investigated indicators showed that all genotypes met the requirements of the animal welfare label.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Louton
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chair of Animal Welfare, Ethology, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13/R, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Keppler
- Christiane Keppler, Gallicon, Geflügelberatung, Burgstraße 24, 34593 Knüllwald Wallenstein, Germany
| | - Michael Erhard
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chair of Animal Welfare, Ethology, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13/R, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Otto van Tuijl
- Aviagen EPI, Elmpterweg 47, 6042 KJ Roermond, Netherlands
| | - Josef Bachmeier
- Brüterei Süd ZN of the BWE-Brüterei Weser-Ems GmbH & Co. KG, Peter-Henlein-Strasse 1, 93128 Regenstauf, Germany
| | - Klaus Damme
- Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft, Lehr-, Versuchs- und Fachzentrum für Geflügel- und Kleintierhaltung, Mainbernheimer Straße 101, 97318 Kitzingen, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chair of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Rauch
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chair of Animal Welfare, Ethology, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13/R, 80539 Munich, Germany
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BenSassi N, Vas J, Vasdal G, Averós X, Estévez I, Newberry RC. On-farm broiler chicken welfare assessment using transect sampling reflects environmental inputs and production outcomes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214070. [PMID: 30995219 PMCID: PMC6469842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the utility of transect sampling for assessing animal welfare in large chicken flocks, we quantified relationships between environmental inputs, welfare problems detected using transect sampling, and production outcomes. We hypothesised that environmental inputs including environmental complexity (i.e. number of environmental enrichment types provided), space allowance, underfloor heating (presence or absence), and photoperiod regimen (18 h continuous vs 16 h intermittent) would correspond to variations in welfare assessment findings, which would predict production outcomes. We conducted on-farm welfare assessment of Norwegian broiler flocks at approximately 28 days of age. We sampled four transects (rows between feeder and drinker lines) per flock to determine litter quality and the proportions of chickens with compromised welfare as indicated by visual signs of walking difficulties, illness, skin wounds and small bird size. Production outcome measures included mortality, reasons for carcass rejection at slaughter, footpad dermatitis, growth rate, feed conversion and an integrated production index. Greater environmental complexity was associated with a reduction in skin wounds and total welfare problems on the farm, lower mortality, fewer rejections due to wounds and underweight birds, and fewer rejections overall. Higher space allowances within levels of environmental complexity were associated with fewer walking difficulties and welfare problems overall, a reduction in rejections due to wounds, and a higher growth rate and production index. Underfloor heating was associated with a reduction in rejections due to leg deformity, and intermittent light was associated with lower illness and skin wound rates on the farm, and lower mortality. Furthermore, fewer welfare problems and better litter quality on the farm were associated with fewer carcass rejections at slaughter. Thus, data from transect sampling varied with environmental inputs and production outcomes, supporting the validity of transect sampling for practical, animal-based on-farm welfare assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neila BenSassi
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Judit Vas
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Guro Vasdal
- Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xavier Averós
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Inma Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ruth C. Newberry
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Li W, Wei F, Xu B, Sun Q, Deng W, Ma H, Bai J, Li S. Effect of stocking density and alpha-lipoic acid on the growth performance, physiological and oxidative stress and immune response of broilers. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 32:1914-1922. [PMID: 31010966 PMCID: PMC6819680 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on the growth performance, feed utilization, carcass traits, antioxidative ability and immune response of broilers. Methods A total of 1,530 22-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) with comparable body weights (731.92±5.26) were placed into 18 cages (2.46×2.02 m) in groups of 75 birds (15 birds/m2, 37.5 kg/m2; low stocking density [LD]), 90 birds (18 birds/m2, 45.0 kg/m2; high stocking density [HD]) and 90 birds with 300 mg/kg ALA added to the basal diet (18 birds/m2, 45.0 kg/m2; HD+ALA, high stocking density+α-lipoic acid); each treatment was represented by 6 replicates. The experimental period was 3 weeks. Results The results showed that the high stocking density regimen resulted in a decreased growth, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, thigh yield and bursa weight relative to body weight (p<0.05) on d 42. The abdominal fat yield in the HD+ALA group was lower (p = 0.031) than that of the LD group at 42 d. The superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum were increased, and malondialdehyde content decreased after adding ALA product (p<0.05) on d 42. Additionally, the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG were decreased (p<0.05) and the level of diamine oxidase was higher (p< 0.01) in the HD group on d 42. Conclusion The high stocking density significantly decreased broiler growth performance, feed utilization and carcass traits, increased physiological and oxidative stress and induced intestinal mucosal injury. The supplementation of ALA product in broiler diet at 300 mg/kg may reduce the adverse effects of high stocking density-mediated stress by maintaining the antioxidant system and humoral immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Quanyou Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Huihui Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Shaoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
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Weimer SL, Wideman RF, Scanes CG, Mauromoustakos A, Christensen KD, Vizzier-Thaxton Y. The utility of infrared thermography for evaluating lameness attributable to bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1575-1588. [PMID: 30508160 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a leading cause of lameness in broilers. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a noninvasive technique for measuring infrared radiation from an object and can be used to evaluate clinical health. Two replicated studies compared the effect of light intensity on broilers grown on a wire flooring model that experimentally increased their susceptibility to and incidence of BCO lameness. Day-of-hatch male broiler chickens were placed into 6 pens on wood shavings litter, and at 1 wk one of 3 light intensity treatments (2, 5, or 10 lux) was allotted. At 4 wk half of the population from each pen was moved to a pen with wire flooring and the same light intensity. At 1, 4, 5, and 8 wk, an IRT image of the legs of 5 clinically healthy broilers from each pen was taken. The right and left proximal femora and tibiae of sound and lame broilers were scored for femoral head necrosis (FHN) and tibial head necrosis (THN) lesion severity. There were minimal effects of light intensity and flooring. In Study 1, but not Study 2, broilers on wire flooring weighed less on day 38 (P = 0.007) and days 57 to 58 (P = 0.003) compared to those on litter. The proportion of broilers that became lame on wire flooring was 52% in Study 1 and 14% in Study 2. The proportion of sound broilers from litter and wire flooring pens with subclinical signs of BCO in their right or left proximal growth plates was over 45% for FHN and 92% for THN, and lame broilers had more severe (P < 0.0001) FHN and THN compared to sound broilers. IRT surface temperatures of the hock joint, shank, and foot were consistently lower (P < 0.0001) in broilers that became lame when compared to sound. Therefore, IRT surface temperatures of broiler leg regions may be useful for detecting lesions attributed to BCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L Weimer
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Robert F Wideman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Colin G Scanes
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Andy Mauromoustakos
- Agricultural Statistics Lab, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Karen D Christensen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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BenSassi N, Averós X, Estevez I. The potential of the transect method for early detection of welfare problems in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:522-532. [PMID: 30203086 PMCID: PMC6376215 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of the transect method was tested for early detection of welfare problems associated with bird age and genetic line, litter quality, and transect location. On-farm welfare impairment and its consequences on slaughter outcomes were evaluated to test the method's predictive ability. A total of 31 commercial Ross, Cobb, and mixed RC broiler flocks were evaluated at 3, 5, and 6 wk of age. Two observers evaluated 3 transects each, simultaneously and in the same house by detecting welfare indicators including lame, immobile, sick, small, dirty, tail wounds, other wounds (head and back wounds), featherless, terminally ill, and dead birds. Increasing lame, immobile, sick, and terminally ill birds according to bird age (P < 0.001) was detected. Higher incidences of small and sick birds were detected in C and RC (P < 0.001) as compared to R flocks, whereas more dead and tail wounded were observed in RC compared to R and C flocks at week 5 (P < 0.001). Dirty incidence increased as litter quality deteriorated (P < 0.001). A higher incidence of immobile, small, sick, dirty, and dead was registered near house walls (P < 0.001). Differences across observers were detected for lame, immobile, and terminally ill birds (P < 0.001). For the observer by bird age interaction, differences were detected for dirty, tail wounds, and other wounds (P < 0.05). Pearson correlations between welfare indicators at week 3 and those at final weeks of age (P < 0.05) ranged between r values of -0.2 and 0.654 (P < 0.05). Correlations between welfare indicators and slaughter outcomes showed a relationship between flock mortality and dead on arrival, footpad dermatitis, leg problems, and illness (P < 0.05). Litter quality positively correlated with downgrades (P < 0.001). This study showed the potential of transects to detect differences in welfare indicators according to factors that effects were previously reported. It demonstrated the transect potential for detecting and predicting the consequences of welfare impairment on slaughter outcomes. This would make the transect method a useful tool for notifying and rectifying welfare deterioration as early as at 3 wk of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- N BenSassi
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - X Averós
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - I Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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An ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification system for studying individual feeding and drinking behaviors of group-housed broilers. Animal 2019; 13:2060-2069. [PMID: 30630541 PMCID: PMC6700711 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118003440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology offers a real-time solution to monitor behavioral responses of individual animals to various stimuli, which provides crucial implications on farm management and animal well-being. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop and describe an ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification (UHF-RFID) system for continuously monitoring feeding and drinking behaviors of individual broilers in group settings; and (2) validate the performance of the UHF-RFID system against video analysis in determining the instantaneous bird number (IBN) and time spent (TS) at feeder and drinker. The UHF-RFID system consisted of cable-tie tags, antennas, a reader and a data acquisition (DAQ) system. The antennas generated electromagnetic fields where tags were detected and registered by the DAQ system. Electromagnetic fields of the antennas were modified to cover areas of concern (i.e. tube feeders and nipple drinkers) through a series of system evaluations and customizations including tag sensitivity test, power adjustment, radio wave shielding, and assessment of interference by add-ons (e.g. plastic wraps for protecting antennas and an empty carton box for zoning out broilers) and feed/feeder. System validation was performed in two experimental rooms, each with 60 tagged broilers. The results showed that the max reading distances of tags with an identical manufacturer’s specification were markedly different, indicating large variations in sensitivity among the tags. Desired electromagnetic fields could be achieved by adjusting the power supplied to antennas and by partially shielding antennas with customized stainless steel sheets. The protection materials and fully loaded feeder had little effect on electromagnetic fields of the antennas. The accuracies of the UHF-RFID system for determining IBN and TS were, respectively, 92.5±4.2% and 99.0±1.2% by the feeder antennas and 94.7±4.2% and 93.7±6.9% by the drinker antennas. It is concluded that the UHF-RIFD system can accurately detect and record feeding and drinking behaviors of individual broilers in group settings and thus is a useful tool for investigating impacts of resource allocations and management practices on these behaviors.
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Cengiz Ö, Köksal BH, Tatli O, Kuter E, Ahsan U, Güven G, Sevim Ö, Bilgili SF, Önol AG. Supplemental boric acid does not prevent the development of footpad dermatitis in broilers subjected to high stocking density. Poult Sci 2019; 97:4342-4350. [PMID: 30125004 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of dietary boric acid supplementation on the development of incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens subjected to normal or high stocking densities (NSD or HSD). A total of 576 1-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (8 replicate pens per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary boric acid (0 and 60 mg/kg) and stocking density (NSD 14 birds/m2 and HSD 22 birds/m2). Basal diets were formulated for starter, grower, and finisher phases. Growth performance, litter quality (litter pH, moisture, temperature, and NH3 volatilization), serum and litter boron levels, and incidence and severity of FPD were recorded. The HSD affected the body weight gain and feed intake of broiler chickens during all phases and 0 to 42 (P < 0.05), whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poor at 0 to 21 days only. Dietary boric acid had no effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Litter pH, moisture, and NH3 volatilization were higher in broiler chickens subjected to HSD (P < 0.05). Thus, the incidence and severity of FPD increased in response to HSD (P < 0.05). Dietary boric acid reduced the litter pH and NH3 volatilization on day 42 of experiment (P < 0.05). However, dietary boric acid supplementation had no effect on the incidence and severity of FPD. Boric acid supplementation in broiler diets increased the serum and litter boron levels at day 42 in broiler chickens subjected to NSD or HSD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HSD resulted in poor growth performance, litter quality, and greater incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. Dietary boric acid was ineffective against FPD in broiler chickens although it improved the litter quality by lowering the litter pH and NH3 volatilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özcan Cengiz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Bekir Hakan Köksal
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Onur Tatli
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Eren Kuter
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Umair Ahsan
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Gülsen Güven
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Art and Science, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09100, Turkey
| | - Ömer Sevim
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Sacit F Bilgili
- Department of Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5416, USA
| | - Ahmet Gökhan Önol
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
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