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Mohammed AA, Mahmoud MA, Zaki RS, Cheng HW. Effect of a probiotic supplement (Bacillus subtilis) on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104051. [PMID: 39067115 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104051] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of a dietary probiotic supplement on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress. Two hundred and ten 1-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were divided among 21 floor pens (10 chicks per pen). The pens were randomly distributed to 1 of 3 dietary treatments containing a probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, at 0 (control), 0.25 (0.25×), and 0.5 (0.5×) g/kg (n = 7). At the end of the experiment (d 35), birds were transported for a journey of 80 km to the abattoir, each crate contained 5 pen mates, 2 birds of them (2 bird per crate, total 14 birds per treatment) were randomly selected for testing. Struggling behavior measurements began after the birds had arrived at the abattoir. Serum and muscle samples (right leg and breast) were collected for immune response and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that probiotic supplemented broilers had lower breast muscle protein carbonyls and serum levels of IgM but higher breast muscle total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to those of controls. In addition, probiotic supplemented broilers' leg and breast muscle had higher color lightness and greater water holding capacity (WHC%) with lower cooking loss (CL) and lower pH values (P < 0.05). Probiotic supplemented broilers' breast and leg meat was also tastier (P < 0.05) compared to controls. There were no treatment effects on other measured parameters including struggling behavior, serum IgA and IgG concentrations, and breast muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) (P > 0.05). These results suggest that the probiotic supplement could be an alternative management tool for promoting broiler health and welfare by modifying immune response and meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Mohammed
- Department of Behavior and Management of Animals, Poultry and Aquatics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt; Department of Animal Husbandry and Livestock Development, School of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Assiut, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - M A Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - R S Zaki
- Department of Meat Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, New Valley 72711, Egypt
| | - H W Cheng
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Libera K, Valadian R, Vararattanavech P, Dasari SN, Dallman TJ, Weerts E, Lipman L. Inspection of chicken wings and legs for animal welfare monitoring using X-ray computed tomography, visual examination, and histopathology. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103403. [PMID: 38290340 PMCID: PMC10844867 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103403] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In broiler chickens, fractures of wings and legs are recorded at poultry slaughterhouses based on the time of occurrence. Prekilling (PRE) fractures occur before the death of animal, so the chicken was still able to experience pain and distress associated with the injury (an animal welfare issue). Postkilling (POST) fractures occur when the chickens are deceased and fully bled-out and consequently unable to feel pain (not an animal welfare issue). Current practice dictates that fractures are recognized visually and recorded by the animal welfare officers as mandated by European Union and/or national regulations. However, new potential monitoring solutions are desired since human inspection suffers from some significant limitations including subjectivism and fatigue. One possible solution in detecting injuries is X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning and in this study we aim to evaluate the potential of CT scanning and visual inspection in detecting limb fractures and their causes. Eighty-three chicken wings and 60 chicken legs (n = 143) were collected from a single slaughterhouse and classified by an animal welfare officer as PRE, POST or healthy (HEAL). Samples were photographed and CT scanned at a veterinary hospital. The interpretation of CT scans along with photographs took place in 3 rounds (1. CT scans only, 2. CT scans + photographs, 3. photographs only) and was performed independently by 3 veterinarians. The consistency of the interpretation in 3 rounds was compared with the animal welfare officer's classification. Furthermore, selected samples were also analyzed by histopathological examination due to questionability of their classification (PRE/POST). In questionable samples, presence of hemorrhages was confirmed, thus they fit better as PRE. The highest consistency between raters was obtained in the 2nd round, indicating that interpretation accuracy was the highest when CT scans were combined with photographs. These results indicate that CT scanning in combination with visual inspection can be used in detecting limbs fracture and potentially applied as a tool to monitor animal welfare in poultry slaughterhouses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Libera
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roozbeh Valadian
- Department of Computational Imaging, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patiharn Vararattanavech
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sri Nithya Dasari
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy J Dallman
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Weerts
- Division of Pathology, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Len Lipman
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Pirompud P, Sivapirunthep P, Punyapornwithaya V, Chaosap C. Preslaughter handling factors affecting dead on arrival, condemnations, and bruising in broiler chickens raised without an antibiotic program. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102828. [PMID: 37354619 PMCID: PMC10404772 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In Thailand, knowledge about the factors affecting broiler losses during the preslaughter process is very limited, especially for broilers raised without an antibiotic program. The objective of this study was to determine the preslaughter factors that influence the incidence of dead on arrival (DOA), condemnations, and bruising in broilers raised without antibiotics. Data from 13,581 truckloads of broilers raised without an antibiotic program in 95 contract farms of one of Thailand's largest broiler producers in 2021 were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model that accounted for farm as a random effect. Results showed that the following risk factors were associated with the occurrence of DOA, condemnations, and bruising: season, time of transport, sex, age at slaughter, mortality and culling rate, and weight per crate. While mean body weight affected the incidence of condemnations and bruising, transport time and lairage time affected DOA and bruising. Feed withdrawal time affected DOA and condemnations. Rearing stocking density only affected condemnation rate. Reducing or eliminating the effects of these risk factors could reduce production losses due to DOA, condemnations, and bruising, thereby improving animal welfare and producer profitability. Reducing weight per crate could reduce DOA, condemnations, and bruising. Reducing lairage time could reduce DOA and bruising, while reducing feed withdrawal time could reduce DOA and condemnations. Raising broilers at a younger age with a lower slaughter weight could prevent the occurrence of DOA, condemnations, and bruising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranee Pirompud
- Doctoral Program in Innovative Tropical Agricultures, Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Panneepa Sivapirunthep
- Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Veerasak Punyapornwithaya
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Chanporn Chaosap
- Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Mitchell M, Vinco LJ, Voslarova E, Candiani D, Mosbach-Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Velarde A. Welfare of domestic birds and rabbits transported in containers. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07441. [PMID: 36092767 PMCID: PMC9449994 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This opinion, produced upon a request from the European Commission, focuses on transport of domestic birds and rabbits in containers (e.g. any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid structure used for the transport of animals, but not the means of transport itself). It describes and assesses current transport practices in the EU, based on data from literature, Member States and expert opinion. The species and categories of domestic birds assessed were mainly chickens for meat (broilers), end-of-lay hens and day-old chicks. They included to a lesser extent pullets, turkeys, ducks, geese, quails and game birds, due to limited scientific evidence. The opinion focuses on road transport to slaughterhouses or to production sites. For day-old chicks, air transport is also addressed. The relevant stages of transport considered are preparation, loading, journey, arrival and uncrating. Welfare consequences associated with current transport practices were identified for each stage. For loading and uncrating, the highly relevant welfare consequences identified are handling stress, injuries, restriction of movement and sensory overstimulation. For the journey and arrival, injuries, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation, motion stress, heat stress, cold stress, prolonged hunger and prolonged thirst are identified as highly relevant. For each welfare consequence, animal-based measures (ABMs) and hazards were identified and assessed, and both preventive and corrective or mitigative measures proposed. Recommendations on quantitative criteria to prevent or mitigate welfare consequences are provided for microclimatic conditions, space allowances and journey times for all categories of animals, where scientific evidence and expert opinion support such outcomes.
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Beňo F, Škorpilová T, Pohůnek V, Bauer J, Ševčík R. Comparison of the Automatic and Manual Broiler Pre-Slaughter Chain Based on Trailer Microclimate during Transportation and Its Effect on m. pectoralis major. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102946. [PMID: 34679968 PMCID: PMC8532892 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102946] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Improper pre-slaughter catching, loading/unloading, handling, and transport may cause negative effects on the welfare and meat quality of poultry. During the catch process, noisy, rough, or aggressive techniques can cause birds to panic, which can lead to injuries and lower meat quality. Fractures, joint dislocations, and bruises can be common and cause bird suffering, mortality, carcass degradation, and economic loss. Proper pre-slaughter processes can ensure the safety of poultry and workers. One way to prevent these problems is to use automatic catching machines (harvesters/chicken cat), handling machines (shuttles), and air-conditioned trucks (trailers) to collect and handle poultry. Microclimate in trailers is another important factor influencing welfare. Internal overheating may cause high mortality of the animals during transport and reduced meat quality. The use of modern air-conditioned trailers results in improved welfare conditions, reduced mortality and the incidence of injuries and fractures, and increased meat quality. Abstract This study aims to compare two broiler pre-slaughter chain methods: (i) the automatic pre-slaughter chain (APC) and (ii) manual pre-slaughter chain (MPC). The comparison is based on the evaluation of the trailer microclimate, number of injuries, and breast muscle (m. pectoralis major) quality. Transportation lasts 3.5 h, unloading 1 h. The selection of two hundred 39-day-old broilers (Ross 308 and Cobb 500 breeds) is random for each type of method. After slaughter, the pH value, electrical conductivity (EC), and color (lightness) of breast muscle tissues are determined at different post-mortem intervals. The MPC negatively affects the microclimate (p < 0.001), meat qualitative characteristics (p < 0.001), and places a greater strain on the body of chickens compared with APC. The average pH15min value of MPC broiler breast muscle tissue, generally used as the main meat quality parameter, is 5.97 ± 0.12, in contrast to 6.36 ± 0.16 for APC. Higher pH15min value of APC indicates better welfare and pre-slaughter handling. Values of EC and L* of breast tissues also confirms a difference between the methods of broiler handling (p < 0.001). No difference is found between the breed lines (p > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Beňo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-220-44-3198
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