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Kustra K, Trela M, Hejdysz M, Kaczmarek S, Węsierska E, Babuszkiewicz M, Lis MW. A conventional hatchery vs "on-farm" hatching of broiler chickens in terms of microbiological and microclimatic conditions. Animal 2024; 18:101223. [PMID: 39013332 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101223] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
"On-farm hatching" is one of the proposed alternatives to conventional hatchery-hatching. This solution reduces distress and improves the welfare of the chicks around the hatching period. Therefore, it seemed interesting to compare conventional hatchery and "on-farm" hatching in terms of microbiological and microclimatic conditions. Hatching eggs (Ross 308) were incubated in a commercial hatchery. The control group (HH, 683 eggs) hatched in a conventional hatcher, while the other eggs were transported into the experimental chicken-hall for on-farm hatching, and set in pens directly on litter (OL, 667 eggs) or plastic trays (OT, 678 eggs). One-day-old chicks were also placed in the experimental hall. Microclimatic parameters were controlled every 12 h. The microbiological status of the surface of the eggshells and the litter was assessed based on the total number of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and also the selected individual genus/species of bacteria. The hatchability of HH was 96.4% in comparison to 93.9% and 95.8% for OL and OT, respectively (P > 0.05). On the other hand, 2.1% of the HH chicks were found injured/dead, while only 0.2-0.3% of the on-farm groups were. The total number of aerobic mesophilic microflora on the surface of as-hatched shells was 4.93 ± 0.629 log CFU/g in HH, while only 1.14 ± 0.995 and 1.93 ± 1.709 log CFU/g in OL and OT, respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, the total count of bacteria in the litter in the on-farm hatched pens was 1.9-fold lower than in pens set with HH chicks (P < 0.001). In summary, on-farm hatching results in hatchability that is no worse than in a conventional hatcher, while the microbiological status of as-hatched eggshells and litter is significantly better. Therefore, on-farm hatching seems to provide appropriate environmental conditions for newly hatched chicks and poses no epizootic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kustra
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
| | - M Trela
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
| | - M Hejdysz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Science, Wołyńska 33, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - S Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Science, Wołyńska 33, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - E Węsierska
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
| | | | - M W Lis
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland.
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Lebedev S, Kazakova T, Marshinskaia O. Cytokine and immunoglobulin profiles of Arbor Acres broiler chickens at different stages of physiological development. Vet World 2024; 17:988-993. [PMID: 38911092 PMCID: PMC11188882 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.988-993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Modern scientific research focuses on a detailed study of the immune system, the mechanisms of immunosuppression, and the search for an effective means to restore disturbed immune homeostasis in farm animals. The present study examined the cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles of healthy broiler chickens during physiological development. Materials and Methods Arbor Acres broilers (n = 28) were used in the study to achieve this objective. The immune status of broiler chickens was assessed on 7, 14, 28, and 42 days of age, including serum levels of cytokines, Igs, and lysozyme by enzyme immunoassay. Results We observed a decrease in the efficiency of immune system functioning of birds with increasing age. The most pronounced immunological deficiency in the body of broiler chickens is noted at the age of 7-14 days, which is associated with immaturity of the immune system and is characterized by the fact that non-specific humoral and specific cellular defense factors are at a rather low level. The levels of lysozyme, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IgA in blood serum at this age were minimal; starting from 28 days of age, there is a specific humoral immune deficiency, which is compensated by strengthening of cellular defense factors. The serum level of IgY intensively decreases against the background of an increase of lysozyme, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. Conclusion During postnatal ontogenesis, the immune system of broiler chickens undergoes dynamic changes that have an age direction and phase character. Changes in the immune system may affect immunocompetence, disease susceptibility, and, consequently, productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svyatoslav Lebedev
- Federal Research Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 460000, Orenburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Kazakova
- Federal Research Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 460000, Orenburg, Russia
| | - Olga Marshinskaia
- Federal Research Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 460000, Orenburg, Russia
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Robé C, Projahn M, Boll K, Blasse A, Merle R, Roesler U, Friese A. Survival of highly related ESBL- and pAmpC- producing Escherichia coli in broiler farms identified before and after cleaning and disinfection using cgMLST. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:143. [PMID: 38664628 PMCID: PMC11044539 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03292-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Broiler chickens are frequently colonized with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase- (ESBL-) and plasmid mediated AmpC Beta-Lactamase- (pAmpC-) producing Enterobacterales, and we are confronted with the potential spread of these resistant bacteria in the food chain, in the environment, and to humans. Research focused on identifying of transmission routes and investigating potential intervention measures against ESBL- and pAmpC- producing bacteria in the broiler production chain. However, few data are available on the effects of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) procedures in broiler stables on ESBL- and pAmpC- producing bacteria. RESULTS We systematically investigated five broiler stables before and after C&D and identified potential ESBL- and pAmpC- colonization sites after C&D in the broiler stables, including the anteroom and the nearby surrounding environment of the broiler stables. Phenotypically resistant E. coli isolates grown on MacConkey agar with cefotaxime were further analyzed for their beta-lactam resistance genes and phylogenetic groups, as well as the relation of isolates from the investigated stables before and after C&D by whole genome sequencing. Survival of ESBL- and pAmpC- producing E. coli is highly likely at sites where C&D was not performed or where insufficient cleaning was performed prior to disinfection. For the first time, we showed highly related ESBL-/pAmpC- producing E. coli isolates detected before and after C&D in four of five broiler stables examined with cgMLST. Survival of resistant isolates in investigated broiler stables as well as transmission of resistant isolates from broiler stables to the anteroom and surrounding environment and between broiler farms was shown. In addition, enterococci (frequently utilized to detect fecal contamination and for C&D control) can be used as an indicator bacterium for the detection of ESBL-/pAmpC- E. coli after C&D. CONCLUSION We conclude that C&D can reduce ESBL-/pAmpC- producing E. coli in conventional broiler stables, but complete ESBL- and pAmpC- elimination does not seem to be possible in practice as several factors influence the C&D outcome (e.g. broiler stable condition, ESBL-/pAmpC- status prior to C&D, C&D procedures used, and biosecurity measures on the farm). A multifactorial approach, combining various hygiene- and management measures, is needed to reduce ESBL-/pAmpC- E. coli in broiler farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Robé
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Michaela Projahn
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Boll
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department Food Safety, Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Blasse
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Roesler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Friese
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Pirompud P, Sivapirunthep P, Punyapornwithaya V, Chaosap C. Application of machine learning algorithms to predict dead on arrival of broiler chickens raised without antibiotic program. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103504. [PMID: 38335671 PMCID: PMC10864801 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103504] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors of dead-on-arrival (DOA) incidents during pre-slaughter handling is crucial for informed decision-making, improving broiler welfare, and optimizing farm profitability. In this study, 3 different machine learning (ML) algorithms - least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), classification tree (CT), and random forest (RF) - were used together with 4 sampling techniques to optimize imbalanced data. The dataset comes from 22,115 broiler truckloads from a large producer in Thailand (2021-2022) and includes 14 independent variables covering the rearing, catching, and transportation stages. The study focuses on DOA% in the range of 0.10 to 1.20%, with a threshold for high DOA% above 0.3%, and records DOA% per truckload during pre-slaughter ante-mortem inspection. With a high DOA rate of 25.2%, the imbalanced dataset prompts the implementation of 4 methods to tune the imbalance parameters: random over sampling (ROS), random under sampling (RUS), both sampling (BOTH), and synthetic sampling or random over sampling example (ROSE). The aim is to improve the performance of the prediction model in classifying and predicting high DOA%. The comparative analysis of the different error metrics shows that RF outperforms the other models in a balanced dataset. In particular, RUS shows a significant improvement in prediction performance across all models compared to the original unbalanced dataset. The identification of the 4 most important variables for predicting high DOA percentages - mortality and culling rate, rearing stocking density, season, and mean body weight - emphasizes their importance for broiler production. This study provides valuable insights into the prediction of DOA status using an ML approach and contributes to the development of more effective strategies to mitigate high DOA percentages in commercial broiler production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranee Pirompud
- Doctoral Program in Innovative Tropical Agriculture, 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
- Research Center for 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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Forseth M, Moe RO, Kittelsen K, Toftaker I. Mortality risk on farm and during transport: a comparison of 2 broiler hybrids with different growth rates. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103395. [PMID: 38198918 PMCID: PMC10825544 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103395] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mortality in broilers is often associated with poor health and welfare and has a complex and multifactorial etiology. Recent studies under experimental conditions indicated that genetic selection for fast growth is an important risk factor for mortality in broiler chickens. However, the knowledge on broiler mortality in general, and in slower growing broilers in particular, under commercial conditions is still limited. This retrospective cohort study aimed to describe mortality risk on farm and during transport in 2 broiler hybrids with different growth rates, Ross 308, and Hubbard JA787, and to estimate the association between hybrid and mortality at different stages of the production cycle. The study sample consisted of 64,651,804 broilers from 4,228 flocks and 139 farms slaughtered from January 1st, 2015, to June 22nd, 2021. Analysis of on-farm mortality was restricted to broiler flocks slaughtered in the period July 2017 to July 2018 due to changes known to affect FWM. The effect of hybrid on mortality during 3 different production stages (first week mortality (FWM), mortality after the first week (MAFW), and mortality during transport (DOA)), was assessed using mixed effect negative binomial regression models. Descriptively, there were notable differences in mortality at all stages of the production cycle, with higher mean mortalities in Ross 308 (1.40% FWM, 3.05% MAFW, and 0.063% DOA) than in Hubbard JA787 (0.76% FWM, 1.49% MAFW, and 0.015% DOA). In the analysis, the largest estimated difference was found for dead on arrival under cold conditions, where mortality was almost 5 times higher in Ross 308 compared to Hubbard JA 787 (IRR: 4.70, 95% CI: 3.74-5.90). The estimated difference in FWM between hybrids was highest during autumn, with an estimated risk approximately 1.6 times higher in Ross than in Hubbard (IRR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.30-1.86). For MAFW, the estimated risk was approximately 2 times higher in Ross than in Hubbard (IRR: 2.13 95% CI: 1.82-2.49). The findings in this study emphasize the need for more knowledge on causes of mortality in broilers including effects of genetic factors as basis for preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Randi O Moe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Käthe Kittelsen
- Animalia, Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, 0513 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Toftaker
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
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Marmelstein S, Costa IPDA, Terra AV, Silva RFD, Capela GPDO, Moreira MÂL, Junior CDSR, Gomes CFS, Santos MD. Advancing Efficiency Sustainability in Poultry Farms through Data Envelopment Analysis in a Brazilian Production System. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:726. [PMID: 38473111 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050726] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The production efficiency factor is widely used to measure the zootechnical performance of a batch of broilers. The unit cost of production brings new elements to improve efficiency evaluation and financial sustainability for this activity in agriculture. This research aims to evaluate the production efficiency level of the crop to maximize the return on investment. This study uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with the computational processing of the SIAD software (Integrated Decision Support System). The variables selected were poultry housing, age at slaughter, feed consumed, mortality, and unit cost. The chosen output variable was the total available weight. The analysis spans 31 decision-making units (DMUs) composed of integrated producers, unveiling a frontier of efficiency delineated by the most exemplary DMUs. Notably, only two DMUs, specifically DMU 4 and DMU 23, approached the threshold of maximum relative efficiency. This research illuminates the critical role of unit cost in enhancing the assessment of production efficiency and financial sustainability within the agriculture environment. By setting benchmarks for efficient management and operational protocols, our findings serve as a cornerstone for improving practices among less efficient DMUs, contributing significantly to the literature on agricultural efficiency and offering actionable insights for the poultry farming sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanni Marmelstein
- Business Administration Department, Getúlio Vargas Foundation, São Paulo 01331-010, Brazil
| | | | - Adilson Vilarinho Terra
- Production Engineering Department, Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro 24210-240, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcos Dos Santos
- Systems and Computing Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
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Čobanović N, Čalović S, Suvajdžić B, Grković N, Stanković SD, Radaković M, Spariosu K, Karabasil N. Consequences of Transport Conditions on the Welfare of Slaughter Pigs with Different Health Status and RYR-1 Genotype. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:191. [PMID: 38254360 PMCID: PMC10812478 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020191] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the influence of transport conditions on welfare indicators of slaughter pigs with different health status and RYR-1 genotype. The group of pigs, predominantly consisting of Nn (56.67%) and subclinically diseased (60.00%) individuals, that were exposed to short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the highest slipping (p < 0.0001), falling (p = 0.0009), turning back (p < 0.0001), reluctance to move (p < 0.0001), panting (p < 0.0001) and shivering (p < 0.0001) frequencies at unloading. Subclinically diseased Nn pigs subjected to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the highest lactate (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), glucose (p = 0.0450 and p = 0.0002), CK (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0010), LDH (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0484), AST (p = 0.0208 and p = 0.0170), ALT (p = 0.0500 and p = 0.00081), ceruloplasmin (p = 0.0334 and p < 0.0001) and MDA (p = 0.0048 and p < 0.0001) concentrations, but the lowest sodium (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), chloride (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0432), albumin (p < 0.0090 and p < 0.0001), PON-1 (p = 0.0122 and p = 0.0500) and GSH (p = 0.0042 and p = 0.0340) levels, respectively. In the group consisting of of stress-resistant (100%) and predominantly healthy (60.00%) pigs subjected to short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2), none of the individuals showed irregular behavioural reactions during unloading. Healthy NN pigs that underwent short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the lowest lactate (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), glucose (p = 0.0450 and p = 0.0002), CK (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0010), LDH (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0484) and ceruloplasmin (p = 0.0334 and p < 0.0001) levels, but the highest sodium (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001) and chloride (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0432) concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, the most compromised welfare was recorded in subclinically diseased Nn pigs exposed to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2), while under the same conditions, the welfare of healthy NN pigs was not compromised. Therefore, stress-carrier pigs with subclinical pathological lesions should not be considered fit for transportation, indicating that the health status and genotype are the key factors for optimising pig welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Čobanović
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
| | - Sara Čalović
- Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Branko Suvajdžić
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Grković
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
| | - Sanja Dj Stanković
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Radaković
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.R.); (K.S.)
| | - Kristina Spariosu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.R.); (K.S.)
| | - Nedjeljko Karabasil
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
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Cevallos-Gordon A, Molina CA, Radman N, Ron L, Gamboa MI. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Eimeria spp. in Broiler Chickens from Pichincha and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. Pathogens 2024; 13:48. [PMID: 38251355 PMCID: PMC10820216 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010048] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis in chickens is a parasitic disease of economic importance for the poultry industry. In Ecuador, there is limited information regarding the prevalence of Eimeria spp. on commercial broiler farms. Therefore, a total of 155 poultry farms in the provinces of Pichincha and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas were surveyed. The analysis of fresh fecal samples was conducted to determine the parasitic load of six of the seven chicken Eimeria species (excluding E. mitis) through multiplex PCR. Additionally, an epidemiological survey was performed to assess the risk factors associated with the infection using a multivariable logistic regression model. All samples tested positive for the presence of Eimeria spp., despite the farmers having implemented prophylactic measures, and no clinical coccidiosis cases were recorded. The parasitic load varied between 25 and 69,900 oocyst per gram. The species prevalence was as follows: Eimeria spp. 100%, E. maxima 80.4%, E. acervulina 70.6%, E. praecox 55.4%, E. tenella 53.6%, E. necatrix 52.2%, and E. brunetti 30.8%. The main species combination was E. cervuline, E. maxima, E. necatrix, and E. praecox (23.90%), followed by E. tenella, as a unique species (10.69%), and then E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. praecox (8.81%). It was observed that farms operated by independent producers had a higher amount of Eimeria spp. and higher probability of the presence of E. brunetti, E. necatrix, E. praecox, and E. tenella. Poultry houses located below 1300 m above sea level were associated with a higher parasitic load and the presence of E. brunetti. Birds younger than 35 days of age and from open-sided poultry houses (with rudimentary environmental control) had a higher probability of presenting E. maxima. Drinking water from wells increased the risk of E. praecox presence. Research aimed at designing control strategies to improve health management on poultry farms in the region would help minimize the impact of coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cevallos-Gordon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador; (C.A.M.); (L.R.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, The National University of La Plata, La Plata B1900AFW, Argentina;
| | - C. Alfonso Molina
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador; (C.A.M.); (L.R.)
- Institute of Public Health and Zoonotic Research, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Nilda Radman
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, The National University of La Plata, La Plata B1900AFW, Argentina;
| | - Lenin Ron
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador; (C.A.M.); (L.R.)
- Institute of Public Health and Zoonotic Research, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
- Faculty of Agronomy, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - María Ines Gamboa
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, The National University of La Plata, La Plata B1900AFW, Argentina;
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Rysman K, Eeckhaut V, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F. The fecal biomarker ovotransferrin associates with broiler performance under field conditions. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103011. [PMID: 37657248 PMCID: PMC10480640 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103011] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Broilers often suffer from subclinical intestinal health problems of ill-defined etiology, which have a negative impact on performance. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations can be used to monitor intestinal health, but because these are subjective and time-consuming, respectively, objective and easy-to-measure biomarkers are urgently needed. Fecal biomarkers can potentially be used as noninvasive, objective measures to evaluate gut health in broilers. The aim of the current study was to evaluate ovotransferrin (OVT) as a biomarker in fecal/colonic samples derived from broilers from 27 industrial farms by investigating associations between OVT, broiler performance and gut histology parameters. Eight chickens per farm were randomly selected, weighed and euthanized on d 28 of the production round. A duodenal section was collected to measure the intestinal villus structure (villus length, crypt depth) and the inflammatory status of the gut (CD3+ T-lymphocytes area percentage). The coefficient of variation for the OVT (between farms; 83.45%, within farms; 95.13%) was high compared to the villus length (between farms; 10.91%, within farms; 15.48%), crypt depth (between farms; 15.91%, within farms; 14.10%), villus-to-crypt ratio (between farms; 22.08%, within farms; 20.53%), and CD3+ (between farms; 36.38%, within farms; 26.13%). At farm level, colonic OVT was significantly associated with the average slaughter weight (P = 0.005), daily weight gain (P = 0.007) and the European production index (EPI) (P = 0.009). At broiler level, significant associations were found between colonic OVT and the villus length (P = 0.044) and between the colonic OVT and villus-to-crypt ratio (P = 0.050). These results thus show that quantifying OVT in colon can have merit for evaluation of intestinal health in broilers under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Rysman
- Livestock gut health team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Venessa Eeckhaut
- Livestock gut health team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Livestock gut health team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Livestock gut health team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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10
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Quintana-Ospina GA, Alfaro-Wisaquillo MC, Oviedo-Rondon EO, Ruiz-Ramirez JR, Bernal-Arango LC, Martinez-Bernal GD. Effect of Environmental and Farm-Associated Factors on Live Performance Parameters of Broilers Raised under Commercial Tropical Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3312. [PMID: 37958066 PMCID: PMC10649212 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213312] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although temperature, relative humidity, and farm-associated factors are known to affect broiler live performance, data about the impact of these variables under commercial operations are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature, relative humidity, a thermal humidity index, management, and farm-associated factors on BW, BW gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality of broilers raised to 35 d under commercial tropical conditions. The data analyzed included performance records of Ross 308 AP broiler flocks placed between 2018 and 2020. Environmental monitoring information was obtained from electronic sensors that captured data hourly from 80 flocks in 29 farms. Farm-associated factors were gathered using a survey of 86 farms. Three data analyses were conducted in parallel. Correlation analyses, one-way ANOVA, and machine learning techniques were employed. Results indicated that BW and BW gain were reduced, and FCR worsened (p < 0.001) up to 21 d when chickens were mainly exposed to temperatures 2.5 °C lower than the recommended optimums for each age period. At the same time, mortality at 28 and 35 d increased. In conclusion, all farm-associated factors affected chicken live performance. Variable importance analysis indicated that performance results at 14 and 21 d were significant to predict BW at 35. At the same time, sex, distance between the hatchery and farm, and farm altitude accounted for the most significant contributions from the farm-associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo A. Quintana-Ospina
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA; (G.A.Q.-O.); (M.C.A.-W.)
- Grupo BIOS Inc., Envigado 055420, Antioquia, Colombia; (J.R.R.-R.); (L.C.B.-A.); (G.D.M.-B.)
| | - Maria C. Alfaro-Wisaquillo
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA; (G.A.Q.-O.); (M.C.A.-W.)
| | - Edgar O. Oviedo-Rondon
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA; (G.A.Q.-O.); (M.C.A.-W.)
| | - Juan R. Ruiz-Ramirez
- Grupo BIOS Inc., Envigado 055420, Antioquia, Colombia; (J.R.R.-R.); (L.C.B.-A.); (G.D.M.-B.)
| | - Luis C. Bernal-Arango
- Grupo BIOS Inc., Envigado 055420, Antioquia, Colombia; (J.R.R.-R.); (L.C.B.-A.); (G.D.M.-B.)
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11
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Delpont M, Salazar LG, Dewulf J, Zbikowski A, Szeleszczuk P, Dufay-Lefort AC, Rousset N, Spaans A, Amalraj A, Tilli G, Piccirillo A, Devesa A, Sevilla-Navarro S, van Meirhaege H, Kovács L, Jóźwiak ÁB, Guérin JL, Paul MC. Monitoring biosecurity in poultry production: an overview of databases reporting biosecurity compliance from seven European countries. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1231377. [PMID: 37649565 PMCID: PMC10465163 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1231377] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Compliance with required on-farm biosecurity practices reduces the risk of contamination and spread of zoonotic and economically important diseases. With repeating avian influenza epidemics in the poultry industry, the need to monitor and improve the overall level of biosecurity is increasing. In practice, biosecurity compliance is assessed by various actors (e.g., academic, private and public institutions), and the results of such assessments may be recorded and gathered in databases which are seldom shared or thoroughly analyzed. This study aimed to provide an inventory of databases related to the assessment of biosecurity in poultry farms in seven major poultry-producing European countries to highlight challenges and opportunities associated with biosecurity data collection, sharing, and use. The institutions in charge of these databases were contacted and interviewed using a structured questionnaire to gather information on the main characteristics of the databases and the context of their implementation. A total of 20 databases were identified, covering the gamut of poultry species and production types. Most databases were linked to veterinary health authorities or academia, and to a lesser extent interbranch organizations. Depending on the institutions in charge, the databases serve various purposes, from providing advice to enforcing regulations. The quality of the biosecurity data collected is believed to be quite reliable, as biosecurity is mostly assessed by trained farm advisors or official veterinarians and during a farm visit. Some of the databases are difficult to analyze and/or do not offer information concerning which biosecurity measures are most or least respected. Moreover, some key biosecurity practices are sometimes absent from certain databases. Although the databases serve a variety of purposes and cover different production types, each with specific biosecurity features, their analysis should help to improve the surveillance of biosecurity in the poultry sector and provide evidence on the benefits of biosecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Artur Zbikowski
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Nathalie Rousset
- ITAVI, Institut Technique de l'Aviculture, Pisciculture et Cuniculture, Paris, France
| | - Annick Spaans
- Southern Agriculture and Horticulture Organization, Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Arthi Amalraj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Giuditta Tilli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Aitor Devesa
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), Castellón, Spain
| | - Sandra Sevilla-Navarro
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), Castellón, Spain
| | | | - László Kovács
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak
- Digital Food Chain Education, Research, Development and Innovation Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Wegner M, Kokoszyński D, Włodarczyk K. Effect of different vaccination programs on production parameters, carcass, leg bones, and digestive system characteristics of broilers. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102668. [PMID: 37104902 PMCID: PMC10165131 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102668] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of two commercial vaccination programs using Prevexxion or Vaxxitek vaccines on production parameters, carcass weight and composition, and selected anatomical characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chickens. During the rearing period of broiler chickens, body weights were determined at 1, 10, 35, and 42 d of age, and feed intake and mortality of birds were recorded each day. On d 42 of the rearing period, 20 chickens were selected for dissection, 10 birds from each group. After slaughtering, the weight of the eviscerated carcass and the proportion of carcass elements, the lengths and diameters of individual intestinal segments, the weight of selected internal organs, and the dimensions of the femur and tibia were determined. The Prevexxion vaccination program had a positive significant effect on eviscerated carcass yield, dressing percentage, breast meat, wing and carcass remains content, as well as duodenum length, proventriculus content of slaughter weight and smallest breadth of the corpus of tibia bone. Broiler chickens treated with Prevexxion vaccines had higher European Production Index. The results indicate that Prevexxion vaccines have a more favorable effect on the production performance and slaughter characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chickens than with the use of Vaxxitek vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wegner
- Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz 85-084, Poland
| | - D Kokoszyński
- Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz 85-084, Poland.
| | - K Włodarczyk
- Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz 85-084, Poland
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13
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Forseth M, Moe RO, Kittelsen K, Skjerve E, Toftaker I. Comparison of carcass condemnation causes in two broiler hybrids differing in growth rates. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4195. [PMID: 36918672 PMCID: PMC10015030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31422-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies concluded that genetic factors enabling fast growth rate might negatively affect broiler health and welfare. Recently, the proportion of slower-growing broilers has been increasing. However, studies of health in broilers with different growth rates in commercial systems are still scarce. This repeated cross-sectional study aimed to describe causes of carcass condemnations in two broiler hybrids with different growth rates, Ross 308, and Hubbard JA787, and to estimate the effect of hybrid. The study sample consisted of 63,209,415 broilers slaughtered in 4295 batches from 139 farms. All broilers were slaughtered from January 1st, 2015, to June 22nd, 2021, by the same company (Norsk Kylling). All causes of condemnation, except fractures, were more prevalent in Ross 308. The five most common causes (ascites, discolouration, hepatitis, small and skin lesions) were investigated in greater detail, and the effect of hybrid was assessed using mixed effects negative binomial models with the condemnation codes as outcome variables. For the five selected causes, variation in prevalence between slaughter batches was considerable for Ross and minor for Hubbard. The notable differences between hybrids in prevalence and causes of condemnation have important implications for animal health, welfare, economy, and sustainability in broiler production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merete Forseth
- Norsk Kylling AS, Havneveien 43, 7300, Orkanger, Norway.
| | - Randi Oppermann Moe
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Käthe Kittelsen
- Animalia, Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Lørenveien 38, 0513, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Ingrid Toftaker
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, 1433, Ås, Norway
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14
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Dunislawska A, Pietrzak E, Bełdowska A, Siwek M. Health in poultry- immunity and microbiome with regard to a concept of one health. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2021-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The overall concept of OneHealth focuses on health and infectious disease in the context of the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. In poultry production, there are many opportunities to implement OneHealth by organizing work and introducing appropriate engineering solutions. It is recommended that future research directions include designing and testing solutions to improve air quality and the elimination of antibiotics in the poultry industry. For this to be possible, it is essential to understand the indigenous microbiota of poultry, which plays a crucial role in nutrients, but also restricts the growth of pathogenic organisms. In poultry production, the most important thing is disease control in the herd, high product quality, and product efficiency. Food safety is key for consumers, as some zoonoses are transmitted through the food chain. Moreover, antibiotic resistance of bacteria is becoming a growing threat. For this reason, it is essential to maintain the proper immune status in the herd. Virus disease control in poultry is based on vaccination programs and the maintenance of biosecurity. This chapter aims to present the current state of knowledge in the field of immunity and microbiome of poultry in the context of the OneHealth concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Dunislawska
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics , Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology , Mazowiecka 28, 85-796 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Elżbieta Pietrzak
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics , Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology , Mazowiecka 28, 85-796 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bełdowska
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics , Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology , Mazowiecka 28, 85-796 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Maria Siwek
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics , Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology , Mazowiecka 28, 85-796 Bydgoszcz , Poland
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15
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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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16
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello‐Rodríguez H, Dohmen W, Magistrali CF, Padalino B, Tenhagen B, Threlfall J, García‐Fierro R, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during animal transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07586. [PMID: 36304831 PMCID: PMC9593722 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between food-producing animals (poultry, cattle and pigs) during short journeys (< 8 h) and long journeys (> 8 h) directed to other farms or to the slaughterhouse lairage (directly or with intermediate stops at assembly centres or control posts, mainly transported by road) was assessed. Among the identified risk factors contributing to the probability of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), the ones considered more important are the resistance status (presence of ARB/ARGs) of the animals pre-transport, increased faecal shedding, hygiene of the areas and vehicles, exposure to other animals carrying and/or shedding ARB/ARGs (especially between animals of different AMR loads and/or ARB/ARG types), exposure to contaminated lairage areas and duration of transport. There are nevertheless no data whereby differences between journeys shorter or longer than 8 h can be assessed. Strategies that would reduce the probability of AMR transmission, for all animal categories include minimising the duration of transport, proper cleaning and disinfection, appropriate transport planning, organising the transport in relation to AMR criteria (transport logistics), improving animal health and welfare and/or biosecurity immediately prior to and during transport, ensuring the thermal comfort of the animals and animal segregation. Most of the aforementioned measures have similar validity if applied at lairage, assembly centres and control posts. Data gaps relating to the risk factors and the effectiveness of mitigation measures have been identified, with consequent research needs in both the short and longer term listed. Quantification of the impact of animal transportation compared to the contribution of other stages of the food-production chain, and the interplay of duration with all risk factors on the transmission of ARB/ARGs during transport and journey breaks, were identified as urgent research needs.
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17
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Abdourhamane İM, Petek M. Health-Based Welfare Indicators and Fear Reaction of Slower Growing Broiler Compared to Faster Growing Broiler Housed in Free Range and Conventional Deep Litter Housing Systems. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35855647 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2100221] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the welfare of a slow-growing broiler with a commercially available fast-growing breed housed in a free-range and conventional deep litter housing system. There were four main groups (2 genotypes x 2 housing systems), and each main group consisted of 5 replicates. Ante-mortem and postmortem health-based welfare indicators wıth fear reactıons and distribution of severity of them in 200 male chicks (100 slow growing, 100 fast growing) were investigated. All welfare parameters investigated were found to be significantly different between both broiler genotypes. No significant differences were detected for all broiler welfare parameters between the two housing systems. There were significant genotype x housing system interactions for breast dirtiness and feather cover of the birds (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it can be said that slow-growing broilers express more health-based indicators of positive welfare, and they might be more suitable for free-range broiler meat production. Planning further studies especially in commercial conditions that take into account economic efficiency as well as animal welfare and growth performance would be very beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Metin Petek
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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18
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Weaver AC, Weaver DM, Yiannikouris A, Adams N. Meta-analysis of the effects of mycotoxins and yeast cell wall extract supplementation on the performance, livability, and environmental sustainability of broiler production. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102043. [PMID: 35905550 PMCID: PMC9334311 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of mycotoxins (MT) on broiler performance without or with the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb, Alltech, Inc., KY) was evaluated in a random-effects meta-analysis. Data was extracted from 25 research experiments with a total of 10,307 broilers. Broilers fed MT had lower (P < 0.001) body weight gain (BWG, −217 g), reduced feed intake (FI, −264 g), increased feed conversion ratio (FCR, 0.12), and greater mortality by 2.01%. Inclusion of YCWE improved (P < 0.001) BWG (59 g) and FI (65 g), lowered FCR (−0.05), and reduced mortality by 1.74%. Additionally, change in European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was assessed. Feeding MT lowered (P < 0.001) EPEF while YCWE increased (P < 0.001) EPEF. Finally, the carbon footprint of production was evaluated. Control fed birds produced an estimated 1.93 kg CO2-equivalent/kg liveweight (LW), while MT fed broilers produced 2.13 kg CO2-equivalent/kg LW and YCWE inclusion lowered this to 2.03 kg CO2-equivalent/kg LW which resulted in −25 tonnes less CO2-equivalent output per 100,000 birds with YCWE. In conclusion, mycotoxins can play a role in reducing broiler performance and farm production output, as well as increase the carbon footprint. Inclusion of YCWE in feed under a mycotoxin challenge can improve broiler performance and output, as well as lower carbon footprint, which could play a role in farm efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability.
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19
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Goossens E, Dehau T, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F. Omics technologies in poultry health and productivity - part 2: future applications in the poultry industry. Avian Pathol 2022; 51:418-423. [PMID: 35675218 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2022.2085545] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The increasing global demand for poultry products, together with the growing consumer concerns related to bird health and welfare, pose a significant challenge to the poultry industry. Therefore, the poultry industry is increasingly implementing novel technologies to optimize and enhance bird welfare and productivity. This second part of a bipartite review on omics technologies in poultry health and productivity highlights the implementation of specific diagnostic biomarkers based on omics-research in the poultry industry, as well as the potential integration of multi-omics in future poultry production. A general discussion of the use of multiple omics technologies in poultry research is provided in part 1. To date, approaches focusing on one or more omics type are widely used in poultry research, but the implementation of these omics techniques in poultry production is not expected in the near future. However, great potential lays in the development of diagnostic tests based on disease- or gut health-specific biomarkers, which are identified through omics research. As the cost of omics technologies is rapidly decreasing, implementation of multi-omics measurements in routine poultry monitoring systems might be feasible in the more distant future. Therefore, the opportunities, challenges and requirements to enable the integration of multi-omics-based monitoring of bird health and productivity in future poultry production are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evy Goossens
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tessa Dehau
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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20
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Gallego JC, Lorencena D, de Mello JL, Delai RR, de Matos MR, de Marco Viott A, Lorenzetti E, Alfieri AA, Fernandes SR, Takiuchi E. Investigation of avian rotavirus infections in broiler chicks from commercial flocks with different performance efficiency indexes. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:853-858. [PMID: 35229242 PMCID: PMC8885118 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09910-x] [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: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the frequency of occurrence of avian rotavirus (AvRV) in poultry flocks according to its Performance Efficiency Index (PEI) scores. A total of 256 individual intestinal content samples of small sized-chicks (runts) with clinical signs of Runting Stunting Syndrome (RSS) and 24 clinically healthy chicks (control) were collected from twelve flocks in southern Brazil with different PEI scores: good (n = 4, PEI mean = 365); moderate (n = 4, PEI mean = 342) or poor (n = 4, PEI mean = 319). Silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE) was used to detect and identify the AvRV species followed by RT-PCR and sequencing of the partial VP6 gene for species confirmation. AvRV was detected in 83% (10/12) of the flocks and 23.4% (60/256) of the chicks. The electrophoretic migration patterns of viral dsRNA segments were compatible with AvRV species A (AvRV- A), D (AvRV-D) and F (AvRV-F) in 9 (15%), 18 (30%), and 33 (55%) of the positive chicks fecal samples, respectively. The AvRV species identified by ss-PAGE were confirmed by RT-PCR and partial sequence analysis of the VP6 gene. The AvRV detection rate was statistically higher (p = 0.007) in chicks from flocks with poor PEI when compared to those with good PEI. The occurrence of AvRV-D and AvRV-F was statistically higher in 7 to 9 days old chicks, while AvRV-A was detected only in 13 to 14 days old animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Cristhine Gallego
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil
| | - Daniela Lorencena
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil
| | - Janaína Lustosa de Mello
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil
| | - Ruana Renostro Delai
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil
| | - Mônica Regina de Matos
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil
| | - Aline de Marco Viott
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil
| | - Elis Lorenzetti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Sergio Rodrigo Fernandes
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Elisabete Takiuchi
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná - UFPR, Palotina, PR, 85950-000, Brazil.
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21
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Bindari YR, Gerber PF. Centennial Review: Factors affecting the chicken gastrointestinal microbial composition and their association with gut health and productive performance. Poult Sci 2021; 101:101612. [PMID: 34872745 PMCID: PMC8713025 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of "gut health" is considered a priority in commercial chicken farms, although a precise definition of what constitutes gut health and how to evaluate it is still lacking. In research settings, monitoring of gut microbiota has gained great attention as shifts in microbial community composition have been associated with gut health and productive performance. However, microbial signatures associated with productivity remain elusive because of the high variability of the microbiota of individual birds resulting in multiple and sometimes contradictory profiles associated with poor or high performance. The high costs associated with the testing and the need for the terminal sampling of a large number of birds for the collection of gut contents also make this tool of limited use in commercial settings. This review highlights the existing literature on the chicken digestive system and associated microbiota; factors affecting the gut microbiota and emergence of the major chicken enteric diseases coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis; methods to evaluate gut health and their association with performance; main issues in investigating chicken microbial populations; and the relationship of microbial profiles and production outcomes. Emphasis is given to emerging noninvasive and easy-to-collect sampling methods that could be used to monitor gut health and microbiological changes in commercial flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugal Raj Bindari
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Priscilla F Gerber
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
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22
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Informing Stewardship Measures in Canadian Food Animal Species through Integrated Reporting of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Data-Part I, Methodology Development. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111492. [PMID: 34832647 PMCID: PMC8618382 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores methodologies for the data integration of antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) results within and across three food animal species, surveyed at the farm-level by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS). The approach builds upon existing CIPARS methodology and principles from other AMU and AMR surveillance systems. Species level data integration involved: (1) standard CIPARS descriptive and temporal analysis of AMU/AMR, (2) synthesis of results, (3) selection of AMU and AMR outcomes for integration, (4) selection of candidate AMU indicators to enable comparisons of AMU levels between species and simultaneous assessment of AMU and AMR trends, (5) exploration of analytic options for studying associations between AMU and AMR, and (6) interpretation and visualization. The multi-species integration was also completed using the above approach. In addition, summarized reporting of internationally-recognized indicators of AMR (i.e., AMR adjusted for animal biomass) and AMU (mg/population correction unit, mg/kg animal biomass) is explored. It is envisaged that this approach for species and multi-species AMU-AMR data integration will be applied to the annual CIPARS farm-level data and progressively developed over time to inform AMU-AMR integrated surveillance best practices for further enhancement of AMU stewardship actions.
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Agunos A, Gow SP, Deckert AE, Léger DF. Informing Stewardship Measures in Canadian Food Animal Species through Integrated Reporting of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Data-Part II, Application. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111491. [PMID: 34832646 PMCID: PMC8621420 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the methodology developed for integrated analysis and reporting of antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data, farm-level surveillance data were synthesized and integrated to assess trends and explore potential AMU and AMR associations. Data from broiler chicken flocks (n = 656), grower-finisher pig herds (n = 462) and turkey flocks (n = 339) surveyed by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) at the farm-level (2015-2019) were used. The analyses showed a reduction in mean flock/herd level number of defined daily doses using Canadian standards (nDDDvetCA) adjusted for kg animal biomass that coincided with the decline in % resistance in the three species. This was noted in most AMU-AMR pairs studied except for ciprofloxacin resistant Campylobacter where resistance continued to be detected (moderate to high levels) despite limited fluoroquinolone use. Noteworthy was the significantly negative association between the nDDDvetCA/kg animal biomass and susceptible Escherichia coli (multispecies data), an early indication that AMU stewardship actions are having an impact. However, an increase in the reporting of diseases in recent years was observed. This study highlighted the value of collecting high-resolution AMU surveillance data with animal health context at the farm-level to understand AMR trends, enable data integration and measure the impact of AMU stewardship actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Agunos
- Center for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON N1H 7M7, Canada; (A.E.D.); (D.F.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-4007895
| | - Sheryl P. Gow
- Center for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada;
| | - Anne E. Deckert
- Center for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON N1H 7M7, Canada; (A.E.D.); (D.F.L.)
| | - David F. Léger
- Center for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON N1H 7M7, Canada; (A.E.D.); (D.F.L.)
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24
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Lipiński K, Vuorenmaa J, Mazur-Kuśnirek M, Sartowska-Żygowska K, Kettunen H. Dietary Resin Acid Concentrate Improved Performance of Broiler Chickens and Litter Quality in Three Experiments. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113045. [PMID: 34827777 PMCID: PMC8614289 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113045] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Resin acids are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds derived from spruce and pine trees. In a previous study, in which a mixture of resin acids and fatty acids from pine and spruce trees was added to the feeds of broiler chickens, they grew heavier, and their footpads stayed in better condition. Here, three separate trials were conducted to study whether dietary resin acids without the fatty acids have the same effects on broiler chickens. Broiler chicken diets were amended with different dosages of a resin acid concentrate product. Bird weight gain increased, and the efficiency of broiler production was improved when the resin acid concentrate was added to the diet at 125–250 g/ton. The litter material of pens stayed drier in resin acid concentrate groups, which may indicate better intestinal condition of the birds. However, the footpad condition was unaffected by the experimental diets. The results suggest that the resin acid concentrate improves bird weight gain and the efficiency of broiler production. Therefore, the resin acid concentrate may be a promising feed additive for broiler chickens. Abstract Dietary coniferous resin acids have previously been suggested to support the intestinal integrity of broiler chickens by reducing mucosal collagen degradation. The present study examined the effects of resin acid concentrate (RAC) on broiler performance and litter quality. In trial 1, RAC was added to diets at 0, 125, 250, or 1250 g/ton, while in trials 2 and 3, RAC dosing was 0 or 175 g/ton. Bird weight, feed consumption, mortality, feed conversion ratio (FCR), European Efficiency Index (EEI), litter moisture, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) lesions were measured. In trial 1, RAC at 125 and 250 g/ton improved weight gain and EEI, while RAC at 1250 g/ton group did not differ from control. Feed consumption, FCR, FPD scores and mortality were similar in all treatments, but litter quality was improved by all doses of RAC. In trials 2 and 3, RAC increased the final weight of birds, improved FCR, EEI, and litter quality, but had no effects in other parameters. In summary, RAC at 125–250 g/ton improved bird performance and thus shows promise as a feed additive. The dryer litter in RAC treatments may suggest improved intestinal condition as a response to in-feed resin acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Lipiński
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.L.); (M.M.-K.)
| | | | - Magdalena Mazur-Kuśnirek
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.L.); (M.M.-K.)
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25
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Hu T, Lei Y, Li M, Liu Q, Song L, Zhao D. Dietary Eucommia ulmoides Extract Alleviates the Effect of Cold Stress on Chick Growth Performance, Antioxidant and Immune Ability. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113008. [PMID: 34827741 PMCID: PMC8614489 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The cold stress that chicks suffer from has caused huge losses to the chicken industry. It is very important to find an effective way to alleviate cold stress in chicks. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that dietary Eucommia ulmoides extract alleviates the effect of cold stress on chick growth performance, antioxidants, and immune ability. Interestingly, Eucommia ulmoides extract supplementation improved the growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response and reduced the organ damage of chicks caused by cold stress, which shows that Eucommia ulmoides extract has potent protective effects against cold stress. These findings will be very beneficial to break down the bottleneck issue of chick production caused by cold stress. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the protective value of Eucommia ulmoides extract (EUE) on chicks under cold stress. A total of 21 compounds were identified in EUE using mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Ninety chicks were divided into a control group (CS) fed a basal diet and an experimental group supplemented with EUE, exposed to 10 ± 1 °C for 8 h per day. Results showed, compared with the CS group, the body weights (BW) (p < 0.01) and average daily gains ADG (p < 0.05) of the EUE group were increased throughout the study period. Chicks fed EUE had higher AFI (0–7 d, p < 0.001) and lower feed-to-gain ratios (F/G) (0–15 d, p < 0.001). EUE increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (15 d, p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (7 d, p < 0.05), whereas it decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) (15 d, p < 0.01). The contents of IgA (7 d, p < 0.05), IgG (7 d; 15 d, p < 0.01), and IgM (15 d, p < 0. 001) were higher in the EUE group. Dietary EUE could also reduce chick organ damage. Overall, EUE as a natural feed additive can improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune level, and reduce the organ damage of cold-stressed chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Hu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (T.H.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Guizhou Key Lab of Agro-Bioengineering, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yue Lei
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (T.H.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Guizhou Key Lab of Agro-Bioengineering, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Institute of Subtropical Crops, Xingyi 562400, China
| | - Minxue Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (T.H.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Guizhou Key Lab of Agro-Bioengineering, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qin Liu
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
| | - Li Song
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (T.H.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Guizhou Key Lab of Agro-Bioengineering, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (D.Z.)
| | - Degang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (T.H.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Guizhou Key Lab of Agro-Bioengineering, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang 550006, China
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (D.Z.)
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello H, Berendonk T, Cavaco LM, Gaze W, Schmitt H, Topp E, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Role played by the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the food chain. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06651. [PMID: 34178158 PMCID: PMC8210462 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of food-producing environments in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in EU plant-based food production, terrestrial animals (poultry, cattle and pigs) and aquaculture was assessed. Among the various sources and transmission routes identified, fertilisers of faecal origin, irrigation and surface water for plant-based food and water for aquaculture were considered of major importance. For terrestrial animal production, potential sources consist of feed, humans, water, air/dust, soil, wildlife, rodents, arthropods and equipment. Among those, evidence was found for introduction with feed and humans, for the other sources, the importance could not be assessed. Several ARB of highest priority for public health, such as carbapenem or extended-spectrum cephalosporin and/or fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales (including Salmonella enterica), fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis were identified. Among highest priority ARGs bla CTX -M, bla VIM, bla NDM, bla OXA -48-like, bla OXA -23, mcr, armA, vanA, cfr and optrA were reported. These highest priority bacteria and genes were identified in different sources, at primary and post-harvest level, particularly faeces/manure, soil and water. For all sectors, reducing the occurrence of faecal microbial contamination of fertilisers, water, feed and the production environment and minimising persistence/recycling of ARB within animal production facilities is a priority. Proper implementation of good hygiene practices, biosecurity and food safety management systems is very important. Potential AMR-specific interventions are in the early stages of development. Many data gaps relating to sources and relevance of transmission routes, diversity of ARB and ARGs, effectiveness of mitigation measures were identified. Representative epidemiological and attribution studies on AMR and its effective control in food production environments at EU level, linked to One Health and environmental initiatives, are urgently required.
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