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Abraham ME, Robison CI, Serpa PBS, Strandberg NJ, Erasmus MA, Fraley GS, Erf GF, Karcher DM. Cage-Free Pullets Minimally Affected by Stocking Density Stressors. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1513. [PMID: 38791730 PMCID: PMC11117258 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Management choices during the pullet phase can affect behavior, welfare, and health later in life, but few studies have evaluated the pullet phase, particularly in extensive housing systems. This study was a 2 × 2 factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two strains and two stocking densities. The Lohmann LB-Lite and Lohmann LSL-Lite were housed on the floor at high-stocking density (619-670 cm2/bird) and low-stocking density (1249-1352 cm2/bird), which changed with age from 2 to 16 weeks of age (WOA). Bird-based measures of appearance, blood parameters, organ measurements, and production values were evaluated. Stocking density alone affected (p < 0.05) only relative bursal weight (% of body weight)-3.32% in the low-density versus 3.08% in the high-density group. High-stocking density was correlated with decreased uniformity (high-89.33 ± 0.24%; low-90.41 ± 0.24; p < 0.02) and worse feather coverage in the brown strain. High-stocking density was correlated with greater uniformity (High-90.39 ± 0.24%; Low-88.47 ± 0.24%; p < 0.001) and better feather coverage in the white strain. This study's feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved by 0.07 in the low-stocking density for both strains. The remaining parameters were affected by strain and age only. Thus, while stocking density effects vary slightly depending on the strain used, cage-free pullets had limited negative effects at both the high and low-stocking densities tested in this study; there were few to no changes in the numerous bird-based welfare parameters tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan E. Abraham
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2050, USA; (M.E.A.); (M.A.E.); (G.S.F.)
| | - Cara I. Robison
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-2604, USA;
| | - Priscila B. S. Serpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (P.B.S.S.); (N.J.S.)
| | - Natalia J. Strandberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (P.B.S.S.); (N.J.S.)
| | - Marisa A. Erasmus
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2050, USA; (M.E.A.); (M.A.E.); (G.S.F.)
| | - Gregory S. Fraley
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2050, USA; (M.E.A.); (M.A.E.); (G.S.F.)
| | - Gisela F. Erf
- Department of Poultry Science, System Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Darrin M. Karcher
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2050, USA; (M.E.A.); (M.A.E.); (G.S.F.)
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Esenbuga N, Ekinci O. Dietary Effects of Some Plant Extracts on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, and Some Blood Parameters in Laying Hens at Different Cage Densities. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3866. [PMID: 38136903 PMCID: PMC10740431 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243866] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the effects of cage density and anise extract (AE), thyme extract (TE), and black cumin extract (BCE) supplementation in the diet of laying hens on laying performance, egg quality, and some blood parameters. A total of 288 Lohman White commercial hens were blocked according to the location of their cages. The four dietary treatments included a control, basal diet + 250 mg/kg of AE, basal diet + 250 mg/kg of BCE, and basal diet + 250 mg/kg of TE for 12 weeks. The cage density affected egg production (p < 0.05), feed consumption (p < 0.01), and cracked eggs (p < 0.05). Increasing the cage density caused a linear decrease in egg production and feed consumption. Compared to the control, there was a decrease in feed consumption (p < 0.01) in the plant extract groups, and in parallel, egg production decreased. An increased cage density did not affect the egg quality traits except the shell strength. The shell strength, yolk color, yolk index, albumen index, and Haught unit were significantly affected by the plant extracts. The cage density and plant extracts had a significant effect on the serum corticosterone and glucose (p < 0.01). The highest values of corticosterone and glucose were recorded for dietary TE with a cage density of 4 birds/cm2. On the other hand, the lowest values of these parameters were recorded for AE addition with a cage density of 3 birds/cm2. As a result, an increased cage density was associated with stress and depression in the feed consumption and metabolic profiles. Supplemental AE, BCE, and TE improved the laying performance and metabolic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurinisa Esenbuga
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ataturk, Erzurum 25240, Türkiye
| | - Ozlem Ekinci
- Department of Poultry, General Directorate of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ankara 06170, Türkiye
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Mählis G, Kleine A, Lüschow D, Bartel A, Wiegard M, Thoene-Reineke C. Clicker Training as an Applied Refinement Measure in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3836. [PMID: 38136873 PMCID: PMC10740453 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243836] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
When using chickens in animal studies, the handling of these animals for sample collection or general examinations is considered stressful due to their prey nature. For the study presented here, plasma and salivary corticosterone as well as New Area Test behavior and fecal output were used to evaluate whether it is possible to influence this stress perception using a three-week clicker training program. The results indicate that clicker training seems to be a suitable refinement measure in the sense of cognitive enrichment for the husbandry of this species. However, since it was also shown that three-week training was not sufficient to sustainably reduce the stress perception with regard to prolonged stressor exposure, and since it was also evident that manipulations such as routine blood sampling are perceived as less stressful than assumed, further studies with prolonged training intervals and situations with higher stressor potential are warranted. Also, further parameters for training assessment must be considered. For the general use of training as a supportive measure in animal experiments, its proportionality must be considered, particularly considering the expected stress and adequate training time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Mählis
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Anne Kleine
- Division for Poultry, Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Dörte Lüschow
- Division for Poultry, Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mechthild Wiegard
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Christa Thoene-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
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Ogbuewu IP, Mbajiorgu CA. Meta-analysis of the influence of dietary cassava on productive indices and egg quality of laying hens. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13998. [PMID: 36915479 PMCID: PMC10006468 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13998] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There are an increasing number of studies on the effect of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) on performance of laying hens with inconsistent outcomes. This study, therefore, used a meta-analytic approach to examine the effect of cassava-based diets on feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) end production data such as hen day egg production (HDEP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), Haugh unit (HU), shell weight (SW) and shell thickness (ST) in laying hens. Two hundred and three studies were identified in a search performed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases of which thirteen studies were suitable for the meta-analysis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the responses of laying hens to dietary cassava and sources of heterogeneity, respectively using the following moderators: study continent, cassava type, cassava processing methods, inclusion level, layer strain, feeding durations, number of layers and hen's age. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and statistical analyses were performed in OpenMEE software. Results show that cassava increased FI (mean difference MD = 0.97 g/d; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.05, 1.90) and reduced egg weight (MD = -0.72 g; 95% CI -1.26, -0.19) and SW (MD = -0.11 g; 95% CI -0.18, -0.04) when compared to control. Laying hens fed cassava diets had HDEP, FCR, EM, ST and HU values that compared favourably with the controls. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that inclusion of cassava at ≤ 25% in layer diets had no deleterious effects on measured outcomes taking cognizance of significant heterogeneity. However, meta-regression results showed that most of the sources of heterogeneity were explained by the studied moderators. In conclusion, ≤25% of cassava (CRM and CPM) can be included in layer diets without adverse effects on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and egg production characteristics, indicating that cassava has a very bright future as an energy source in the diets of laying hens.
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Key Words
- CI, confidence interval
- CPM, cassava peel meal
- CRM, cassava root meal
- Cassava
- DF, degree of freedom
- EM, egg mass
- EW, egg weight
- FCR, feed conversion ratio
- FI, feed intake
- Feed conversion ratio
- Feed intake
- HDEP, hen day egg production
- HU, haugh unit
- Layers
- Laying performance
- MD, mean difference
- Meta-analysis
- Nfs, Rosenberg's fail-safe numbe
- OpenMEE, open meta-analyst for ecology and evolution
- PICO, population intervention comparison outcome
- PRISMA, preferred reporting item for systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- QM, coefficient of moderators
- SE, standard error
- ST, shell thickness
- SW, shell weight
- WF, wet fermentation
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeanyichukwu Princewill Ogbuewu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.,Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
| | - Christian Anayo Mbajiorgu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
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Effects of metabolizable energy and emulsifier supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, body composition, and carcass yield in broilers. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102509. [PMID: 36745956 PMCID: PMC9932563 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of metabolizable energy (ME) levels and exogenous emulsifier supplementation on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), body composition, and carcass yield in broilers. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with ME levels (control ME vs. reduced 100 kcal/kg ME) and exogenous emulsifier supplementation (0 vs. 0.05 %). A total of 1,000 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly allocated into 4 treatments with 10 replicates and 25 birds per floor pen for 42 d (starter, d 0-14; grower, d 14-28; and finisher, d 28-42). Growth performance was measured biweekly, and AID was evaluated using the indigestible indicator method during d 21 to 28. Body composition was measured at d 35 using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), and carcass yield was evaluated at d 42. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure for 2-way ANOVA. Results indicated reduced ME decreased body weight gain and feed intake (P < 0.05). Exogenous emulsifier supplementation improved FCR during the finisher and overall periods (P < 0.05). Reduced ME decreased AID of dry matter (DM), fat, and gross energy (P < 0.05) but increased AID of Val (P = 0.013). Exogenous emulsifier supplementation increased AID of DM, crude protein, His, Ile, Lys, Thr, Val, Pro, Ala, and Tyr (P < 0.05). Reduced ME decreased dressing rate and the relative weight of abdominal fat (P < 0.05). DXA results indicated that reduced ME decreased bone mineral density and fat (P < 0.001) but increased bone mineral contents and muscle (P < 0.05). Therefore, a reduction of 100 kcal/kg ME in the diet had adverse effects on the growth performance and carcass characteristics, but the use of exogenous emulsifier supplementation improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility.
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So-In C, Sunthamala N. The effects of mulberry ( Morus alba Linn.) leaf supplementation on growth performance, blood parameter, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under high stocking density. Vet World 2022; 15:2715-2724. [PMID: 36590133 PMCID: PMC9798068 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2715-2724] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim A stocking density system in boilers is well known for increasing productivity. However, this system increases stress and affects the growth performance of broilers. Mulberry is a valuable plant with therapeutic applications in traditional medicine; moreover, it reduces free radicals and improves growth performance in broilers. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry on the blood biochemistry parameters and the antioxidant status of broilers exposed to various raising systems. Materials and Methods Two hundred and seventy-six 3-week-old male broilers were randomly assigned to nine categories composed of three growing systems: Semi-intensive, low stocking density, and high stocking density. Each group was fed with a control diet mixed with and without 10% mulberry leaf extract; the positive control group was provided with vitamin C. During the study, phytochemical screening of mulberry leaf extract, growth performances, hematological parameters, and antioxidant profiles were measured over the 4 weeks of the treatment. Results In the high stocking density group, lipid peroxidation gradually increased while antioxidant activities decreased; however, the level of lipid peroxidation was reduced, whereas catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased. The growth performance and blood biochemistry were improved after being fed with 10% mulberry leaf extract. Conclusion This finding indicates that mulberry leaf extract reduced oxidative stress, activated antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhanced broilers' growth performance when raised under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charinya So-In
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Kalasin University, Kalasin 46000, Thailand
| | - Nuchsupha Sunthamala
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand,Corresponding author: Nuchsupha Sunthamala, e-mail: Co-author: CS:
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Campbell AM, Johnson AM, Persia ME, Jacobs L. Effects of Housing System on Anxiety, Chronic Stress, Fear, and Immune Function in Bovan Brown Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1803. [PMID: 35883350 PMCID: PMC9311790 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The scientific community needs objective measures to appropriately assess animal welfare. The study objective was to assess the impact of housing system on novel physiological and behavioral measurements of animal welfare for laying hens, including secretory and plasma Immunoglobulin (IgA; immune function), feather corticosterone (chronic stress), and attention bias testing (ABT; anxiety), in addition to the well-validated tonic immobility test (TI; fearfulness). To test this, 184 Bovan brown hens were housed in 28 conventional cages (3 birds/cage) and 4 enriched pens (25 birds/pen). Feces, blood, and feathers were collected 4 times between week 22 and 43 to quantify secretory and plasma IgA and feather corticosterone concentrations. TI tests and ABT were performed once. Hens that were from cages tended to show longer TI, had increased feather corticosterone, and decreased secretory IgA at 22 weeks of age. The caged hens fed quicker, and more hens fed during the ABT compared to the penned hens. Hens that were in conventional cages showed somewhat poorer welfare outcomes than the hens in enriched pens, as indicated by increased chronic stress, decreased immune function at 22 weeks of age but no other ages, somewhat increased fear, but reduced anxiety. Overall, these novel markers show some appropriate contrast between housing treatments and may be useful in an animal welfare assessment context for laying hens. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leonie Jacobs
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (A.M.C.); (A.M.J.); (M.E.P.)
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Effects of ground robot manipulation on hen floor egg reduction, production performance, stress response, bone quality, and behavior. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267568. [PMID: 35452500 PMCID: PMC9032375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267568] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Reducing floor eggs in cage-free (CF) housing systems is among primary concerns for egg producers. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of ground robot manipulation on reduction of floor eggs. In addition, the effects of ground robot manipulation on production performance, stress response, bone quality, and behavior were also investigated. Two successive flocks of 180 Hy-Line Brown hens at 34 weeks of this age were used. The treatment structure for each flock consisted of six pens with three treatments (without robot running, with one-week robot running, and with two-weeks robot running), resulting in two replicates per treatment per flock and four replicates per treatment with two flocks. Two phases were involved with each flock. Phase 1 (weeks 35–38) mimicked the normal scenario, and phase 2 (weeks 40–43) mimicked a scenario after inadvertent restriction to nest box access. Results indicate that the floor egg reduction rate in the first two weeks of phase 1 was 11.0% without the robot treatment, 18.9% with the one-week robot treatment, and 34.0% with the two-week robot treatment. The effect of robot operation on floor egg production was not significant when the two phases of data were included in the analysis. Other tested parameters were similar among the treatments, including hen-day egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, live body weight, plasma corticosterone concentration, bone breaking force, ash percentage, and time spent in nest boxes. In conclusion, ground robot operation in CF settings may help to reduce floor egg production to a certain degree for a short period right after being introduced. Additionally, robot operation does not seem to negatively affect hen production performance and well-being.
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Comparison of stress biomarkers in laying hens raised under a long-term multiple stress condition. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101868. [PMID: 35477135 PMCID: PMC9058573 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current experiment was to compare various stress biomarkers including the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L ratio) in blood and the corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in feathers, claws, and egg yolk and to find the potential stress biomarkers in laying hens exposed to a long-term multiple stress condition. A total of 24 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 47 wk of age were allotted to 2 distinct conditions including normal condition (NC) and multiple stress condition (MC) with 8 replicated cages. In NC treatment, 8 hens were raised individually in the cage (0.16 m2/hen) under the temperature of 21 ± 0.6°C. In MC treatment, 16 hens were raised with 2 hens per cage to decrease space allowance (0.08 m2/hen) and the temperature was maintained at 31 ± 1.6°C. The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The common diets and water were fed on an ad libitum basis during the experiment. Results indicated no interactions between stress conditions and duration of stress exposure for all measurements. Hens in MC treatment had a greater (P < 0.01) blood H:L ratio than those in NC treatment. The greater (P < 0.05) H:L ratio for MC treatment was observed at all weeks. Hens in MC treatment had greater (P < 0.05) feather CORT concentrations than those in NC treatment. Feather CORT concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) with duration of the experiment. However, stress conditions did not influence claw CORT concentrations. A tendency (P = 0.081) was observed for greater yolk CORT concentrations in MC treatment than in NC treatment. In conclusion, the H:L ratio in blood and CORT concentrations in feathers and egg yolks are considered potential stress biomarkers in laying hens exposed to stress conditions, although each measurement has its respective limitations. However, CORT concentrations in the claw appear to be insensitive to a long-term stress exposure.
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Gultemirian ML, Iglesias BF, Chaia AP, Apella MC. Cane Molasses and Oligofructose in the Diet of Laying Hens Improves the Mineral Content of Eggs and Meat. Vet Anim Sci 2022; 16:100244. [PMID: 35372706 PMCID: PMC8966208 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100244] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry-based foods contribute to human health due to their high nutrient value. Previously, it was shown that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by in vitro intestinal fermentation of a molasses and oligofructose mixture (M-O) stimulated iron and calcium transport through the colonic epithelium of laying hens. However, the real impact of including M-O mixture in the diet on the mineral content of poultry products had not yet been demonstrated. In this study, Hy-Line W-36 leghorn hens were assigned into two groups that either received a conventional diet or a diet supplemented with cane molasse and oligofructose, over a period of 42 days. The weight of the animals and their eggs, blood parameters and intestinal epithelium integrity were determined. Intestinal bacteria, their fermentation products, and the mineral content of eggs, bones and muscles were also assessed. The experimental diet proved to be safe, favored the proliferation of SCFA producing bacteria in the intestines, led to higher concentration of acids (mainly SCFA) in the digesta, and induced the elongation of microvilli at the apical tip of enterocytes. Mineral content of eggs and meat were improved after four weeks of feeding with the experimental diet compared to the conventional one. Higher iron content was observed in the edible portion of eggs and leg muscle, and higher calcium content was observed in the egg edible portion and shell in hens fed the supplemented diet. This feeding strategy could be useful to improve the mineral content of poultry products and therefore human nutrition, while diversifying molasses applications.
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Wang Y, Jin T, Zhang N, Li J, Wang Y, Kulyar MFEA, Han Z, Li Y. Effect of stocking density and age on physiological performance and dynamic gut bacterial and fungal communities in Langya hens. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:218. [PMID: 34863176 PMCID: PMC8642922 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01707-y] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The characterization of colonization and dynamic changes related to gut microorganisms might be vital, as it presents an opportunity to quantify the co-variation between stocking densities and gut microbiome of dynamic distribution. The objective of this study was to determine the stocking density on physiological performance and dynamic distribution of gut microbiome (including bacterial and fungal communities) of Langya laying hens in the two development stages. Methods A randomized design with 2 × 3 factorial controls consisting of two development stages (24, 43 weeks-old) with three different stocking densities was performed. Three different stocking densities were allocated to a total of 300 11-week-old Langya laying hens (450 cm2/bird, 675 cm2/bird, 900 cm2/bird). Three housing densities were accomplished by raising different chickens per cage with the same floor size. The dependent variables of stocking densities at each sampling point were; growth performance, organs index, egg quality and the changes of dynamic gut bacterial and fungal communities in the cecum. Results Results showed that the stocking density didn’t affect liver index, eggshell thickness, breaking shell strength and egg shape index. Hens from the highest stocking density had the lowest body weight, fallopian tube index, egg weight and yolk colour score. Except for the yolk colour score, the measurement changes caused by age followed the opposite pattern as stocking density. We observed a substantial rise in taxa linked with health threats when stocking density was increased, including Talaromyces, Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002, Oscillospira, and Dielma. The opposite was observed with Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lachnoclostridium, Eisenbergiella, and Kurtzmaniella. Also, most taxa were linked to polymicrobial infection in clinical cases, especially species whose percentage declined as the hens aged, such as Terrisporobacter, Faecalicoccus, Dialister, Cylindrocarpon etc. Whereas Sellimonas, Mitsuokella, Eurotium, Wardomyces and Cephalotheca had the opposite trend. Conclusion We speculated that excessive high density drove the abundance of bacteria and fungi connected with health problems. Where the gut microecology gradually reach a mature and balance status with age. Overall, this study demonstrates gut microbiome ecological processes in Langya layers at various stocking densities and finds possible connections between stocking density, microbiome and production performance. Our study will contribute to new insights associating suitable density patterns and production performance in laying hens by harnessing such a relative microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Taihua Jin
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Ningbo Zhang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Jiongkui Li
- Qingdao Ruiyi Precision Medical Inspection Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, China
| | | | - Zhaoqing Han
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, China.
| | - Yongzhu Li
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, 276000, China.
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The importance of nutrition in alleviating high stocking density stress in poultry. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In recent decades, the number of birds reared per unit area has dramatically spiked to increase profitability in egg and meat production. However, nowadays, the increase in sensitivity to animal welfare and consumer demands brings along with it a raised interest in stocking density. Stocking density is defined either as the number of animals or body weight per unit area or as the area per animal. High stocking density, which is a stress factor, can be defined as an increase in the number of animals per unit area or a decrease in the area per animal. Stress caused by high stocking density negatively affects the bird’s physiology and performance as well as the quality of the product obtained. The ideal stocking density should be 9 laying hens, 35 kilogrammes for broilers, and 45 quails per square metre. Otherwise, one will observe stress indicators in birds reared in more than the recommended stocking density per unit area and, consequently, a decrease in bird growth, egg production, feed efficiency, and egg or meat quality. Apart from increasing the concentrations of amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan and arginine, minerals such as selenium and chromium, and vitamins such as C and E in the diet, the addition of additives such as probiotics, humates, phytophenol compounds, and propolis is also effective in reducing or eliminating these negative effects caused by high stocking density. As a result, regulations in the nutrition of animals are effective in reducing/preventing such negative effects, thus improving animal welfare and ensuring the maintenance of optimum yield.
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Akinyemi F, Adewole D. Environmental Stress in Chickens and the Potential Effectiveness of Dietary Vitamin Supplementation. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.775311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stressors can promote the vulnerability of animals to infections; it is therefore, essential to understand how stressors affect the immune system, the adaptive capacity of animals to respond, and effective techniques in managing stress. This review highlights scientific evidence regarding environmental stress challenge models and the potential effectiveness of vitamin supplementation. The major environmental stressors discussed are heat and cold stress, feed restriction, stocking density, and pollutants. Much work has been done to identify the effects of environmental stress in broilers and layers, while few involved other types of poultry. Studies indicated that chickens' performance, health, and welfare are compromised when challenged with environmental stress. These stressors result in physiological alterations, behavioral changes, decreased egg and meat quality, tissue and intestinal damage, and high mortalities. The application of vitamins with other nutritional approaches can help in combating these environmental stressors in chickens. Poultry birds do not synthesize sufficient vitamins during stressful periods. It is therefore suggested that chicken diets are supplemented with vitamins when subjected to environmental stress. Combination of vitamins are considered more efficient than the use of individual vitamins in alleviating environmental stress in chickens.
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Osadcha YV, Sakhatsky MI, Kulibaba RO. Serum clinical biochemical markers of Hy-Line W-36 laying hens under the influence of increased stocking densities in cages of multilevel batteries. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/022158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, the organism of hens is constantly exposed to numerous technological stressors in the conditions of industrial poultry farming, the least studied of which are long-term, which can cause the development of chronic stress. One of such stressors is the increased stocking density of hens, which is also a way of saving resources in egg poultry and is often used by producers to obtain more eggs per 1 m2 of poultry area. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of overcrowding, as a factor of chronic stress development, on the body of hens of a modern high-performance cross, which is necessary to select the best ways to keep them. Four groups of hens were formed for this purpose, which were kept at different stocking densities, according to European standards, Ukrainian standards and with increasing overcrowding. In this way, the gradually increasing intensity of the technological stressor was modeled. Long-term keeping of laying hens at high stocking density did not affect the content in the serum of total protein, albumin, urea and cholesterol, which were within the physiological norm. It was found that the increase in the stocking density of hens to Ukrainian standards, compared to the European, was accompanied by an increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the serum of their blood. With an increase in stocking density above European and Ukrainian standards, namely to 25.3 birds/m2, there was an increase in the activity of three enzymes – lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase. It is proved that further overcompaction of hens to 26.7 birds/m2 is accompanied by an increase in serum glucose, creatinine, as well as a decrease in the ratio of calcium and phosphorus, which was confirmed by an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. Also, increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyltransferase was observed. Thus, the main effects of chronic stress caused by prolonged keeping of hens at high stocking densities are reflected in the biochemical parameters of their serum, namely in the increase of glucose, creatinine, enzyme activity, as well as the violation of the ratio of calcium and phosphorus.
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Erensoy K, Sarıca M, Noubandiguim M, Dur M, Aslan R. Effect of light intensity and stocking density on the performance, egg quality, and feather condition of laying hens reared in a battery cage system over the first laying period. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:320. [PMID: 33987733 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects of varying light intensity (high 121.8, medium 57.4 and low 11.9 lux) and stocking density (high 552.3, medium 736.3, and low 1104.5 cm2 cage floor area per hen) treatments on the performance, egg quality, and certain feather condition traits of Lohmann-Brown hens reared in a battery cage system between 20 and 40 weeks of age. Body weight was determined individually at 19 weeks and at 50% yield age (sexual maturity). Feed intake, egg yield, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio were determined weekly. Feather condition was also evaluated individually at 40 weeks of age. Hens reared under high light intensity and low stocking density reached sexual maturity and peak yield earlier than others. The highest body weight was determined for hens reared under high light intensity (1536.6 g), while the lowest in the medium light intensity group (1461.2 g). Hens reared under high and medium light intensity showed higher egg yield than those reared in low intensity (120.5, 120.0 and 112.8 eggs, respectively). In addition, hens reared at low and medium stocking density had higher egg yield than high density (119.7, 120.7, and 112.9 eggs, respectively). Hens reared under low (61.6 g) and medium (61.0 g) light intensity produced heavier eggs than hens in high light intensity (59.6 g). While feed intake was not affected in any treatment, hens reared at low and medium stocking density had a better feed conversion ratio than hens at high density (2.19, 2.20, and 2.40, respectively). Our study results showed that a sustainable production is possible by maintaining the welfare-performance balance when 50-60 lux light intensity and 700-800 cm2 cage floor area per hen are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Erensoy
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Musa Sarıca
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Moise Noubandiguim
- National High Institute of Sciences and Techniques, Institut National Supérieur des Sciences et Techniques d'Abéché (INSTA), 40823, Abeche, Chad
| | - Mete Dur
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Resul Aslan
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
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Hofmann T, Schmucker S, Grashorn M, Stefanski V. Short- and long-term consequences of stocking density during rearing on the immune system and welfare of laying hens. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101243. [PMID: 34175797 PMCID: PMC8253997 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Already during early life, chickens need to cope with chronic stressors that can impair their health and welfare, with stocking density being one of the most influential factors. Nevertheless, there is a gap in research on the influence of stocking density on laying hens during rearing and in the subsequent laying period. This study therefore investigated how stocking density during rearing affects the immune system and welfare of pullets, and whether effects are persistent later in life. Pullets were reared at either low (13 birds/m2) or high (23 birds/m2) stocking densities but in identical group sizes from wk 7 to 17. Afterward, hens were kept at the same stocking density (2.4 birds/m2) until wk 28. Blood and tissue samples (spleen and cecal tonsils) were collected at the end of the rearing period and in the laying period. The parameters evaluated encompassed number and distribution of leukocytes and lymphocyte subsets in blood and lymphatic tissue, lymphocyte functionality, plasma corticosterone concentrations as well as behavior and physical appearance of hens. At the end of rearing, pullets kept under high stocking density had lower numbers of T lymphocytes, especially γδ T cells in blood, spleen, and cecal tonsils and displayed a higher heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. These effects are mostly persistent during the laying period, although stocking density was identical at this time. Furthermore, birds from the high stocking density group showed less active behavior, more pecking behavior and worse physical appearance throughout both examination periods. In conclusion, stocking density during rearing affects pullets' immune system and behavior not only in the rearing, but also subsequently in the laying period, indicating a strong correlation between health and welfare during rearing and the laying period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Hofmann
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Sonja Schmucker
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael Grashorn
- Livestock Population Genomics, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Wang J, Zhang C, Zhang T, Yan L, Qiu L, Yin H, Ding X, Bai S, Zeng Q, Mao X, Zhang K, Wu C, Xuan Y, Shan Z. Dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D improves intestinal health and microbiota of laying hens under high stocking density. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101132. [PMID: 34062444 PMCID: PMC8173302 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The high stocking density is a major stress factor that adversely affects the health and performance of poultry. Therefore, the object of this study was conducted to explore whether dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D3) could improve gut health of laying hens reared under high stocking density. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used in this 16-week study, in which 800 45-week-old Lohmann laying hens were allocated into two levels of dietary 25-OH-D3 levels (0 and 69 µg/kg) and two rates of stocking densities [506 (low density, LD) and 338 (high density, HD) cm2/hen]. Compared with the layers with LD, the layers with HD had lower crypt depth in duodenum (P(Density) < 0.05), lower short chain fatty acid (propionic and butyric acid) contents in cecum (P(Density) < 0.05), and lower mRNA expression of intestinal barrier associated protein (claudin-1, mucin-1 and mucin-2). Exposed layer to HD also led to lower intestinal antioxidative capacity [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content] in small intestine (P(Density) < 0.05), lower bacterial abundance of Bacteroidetes (phylum), Spirochaetes (phylum) and Bacteroides (genus; P(Density) < 0.05), higher bacterial enrichment of Lactobacillaceae (genus) and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (P(Density) < 0.05) in cecum. Dietary 25-OH-D3 increased the villus height in duodenum and jejunum (P(25-OH-D3) < 0.05), decreased Chao 1 and ACE indexes in cecum (P(25-OH-D3) < 0.05), and it also up-regulated the mRNA expression of claudin-1, mucin-1 and mucin-2 (P(25-OH-D3) < 0.05). Layers treated with 25-OH-D3 led to an enhanced antioxidative enzyme activity of CAT (P(25-OH-D3) < 0.05). Additionally, the effect of 25-OH-D3 reversed the effect of HD on T-AOC and MDA content (P(Interaction) < 0.05). In HD layers, 25-OH-D3 administration decreased the enrichment of Bacteroidetes (phylum), increased Firmicutes (phylum), and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (P(Interaction) < 0.05). These results suggest that supplementing 25-OH-D3 in diets may elevate gut health through the improvement of intestinal barrier function, antioxidant capacity and cecal microbiota composition in laying hens with high stocking density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chunhua Zhang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry, Pu'er University, Pu'er City, 665000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lei Yan
- DSM Nutrition Product, DSM Vitamin (Shanghai) Ltd. Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Qiu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Huadong Yin
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xuemei Ding
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shiping Bai
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qiufeng Zeng
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiangbing Mao
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Keying Zhang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Caimei Wu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yue Xuan
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhiguo Shan
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China; College of Agriculture and Forestry, Pu'er University, Pu'er City, 665000, P.R. China.
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Abstract
Although many factors affect the welfare of hens housed in cage and non-cage systems, welfare issues in cage systems often involve behavioural restrictions, whereas many welfare issues in non-cage systems involve health and hygiene. This review considers and compares the welfare of laying hens in cages, both conventional and furnished cages, with that of hens in non-cage systems, so as to highlight the welfare implications, both positive and negative, of cage housing. Comparisons of housing systems, particularly in commercial settings, are complex because of potentially confounding differences in physical, climatic and social environments, genetics, nutrition and management. Furthermore, some of the confounding factors are inherent to some specific housing systems. Nevertheless, research in commercial and experimental settings has indicated that hens in conventional and furnished cages have lower (or similar), but not higher, levels of stress on the basis of glucocorticoid concentrations than do hens in non-cage systems. Furthermore, caged hens, generally, have lower mortality rates than do hens in non-cage systems. However, the behavioural repertoire of laying hens housed in conventional cages is clearly more compromised than that of hens in non-cage systems. In contrast to conventional cages, furnished cages may provide opportunities for positive emotional experiences arising from perching, dust-bathing, foraging and nesting in a nest box. Some have suggested that the problems with modern animal production is not that the animals are unable to perform certain behavioural opportunities, but that they are unable to fill the extra time available with limited behaviours when they have no need to find food, water or shelter. Environmental enrichment in which objects or situations are presented that act successfully, and with a foreseeable rewarding outcome for hens by also providing regular positive emotional experience, is likely to enhance hen welfare. Research on cage systems highlights the importance of the design of the housing system rather than just the housing system per se.
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19
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Mohammed AA, Zaki RS, Negm EA, Mahmoud MA, Cheng HW. Effects of dietary supplementation of a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) on bone mass and meat quality of broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2020; 100:100906. [PMID: 33518351 PMCID: PMC7936156 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a dietary probiotic supplement on bone mass and meat quality of broiler chickens. Two hundred 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 (0.25X), and 0.5 (0.5X) g/kg (n = 7). Gait score, footpad dermatitis (FPD), leg straightness, and hock burn (HB) were examined at day 33, and a latency-to-lie test was performed at day 34. At the end of the experiment (day 35), plasma, right leg, and litter samples were collected for mineral contents, meat quality, bone morphometric parameters, and litter quality assessments. The results indicated that probiotic-fed birds stood much longer during the latency-to-lie test with a greater tibial length, weight, and strength as well as higher plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus compared with the controls. In addition, probiotic-fed birds' leg muscle had higher color lightness at both 30 min and 5 h postmortem and greater water-holding capacity with a trend for less cooking loss (P = 0.056) and lower pH values (P < 0.05) at 5 h postmortem. Probiotic-fed birds' leg meat was tastier (P < 0.05) at 24 h after slaughter. These probiotic effects were greater in the 0.5X group than in the 0.25X group. There were no treatment effects on other measured parameters including gait score, HB, FPD, tibial lateral and medial wall thickness, diaphysis and medullary canal diameters, robusticity and tibiotarsal indexes, plasma magnesium concentrations, and litter moisture and pH values (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that the probiotic supplement could be a useful management tool for improving broiler production and welfare by enhanced bone mass and meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Mohammed
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Animal and Poultry Behavior and Management, 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
| | - E A Negm
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - M A Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - H W Cheng
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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20
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Guarnieri P, Pagnussatt H, Aniecevski E, Santo AD, Leite F, Valentini F, Facchi C, Zaccaron G, Bosetti G, Rossatto G, Boiago M, Tavernari F, Artoni S, Petrolli T. Comparison between infrared and hot-blade beak trimming methods in white and brown pullets: performance, organ and bone development. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-11964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate infrared beak trimming versus hot-blade beak trimming on performance, organ and bone development of laying pullets, using 240 birds, at 0-16 weeks of age, from two strains (white layer - Hy-Line W36 and brown layer - Hy-Line Brown). Infrared debeaking was performed on the first day of life in the hatchery, whereas hot-blade beak trimming was performed at eight days of age. Zootechnical performance at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age was analyzed. At the end of the trial, one Bird per experimental unit was euthanized for liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart and small intestine relative weight evaluation. Both tibiotarsus were collected to measure bone breaking resistance, bone mineral content and bone densitometry. There was higher body weight and feed intake in both bird strains submitted to infrared beak trimming. Additionally, hot-blade white layers presented lower body development and feed intake. The debeaking methods did not influence relative organ weights or tibiotarsus parameters evaluated. We conclude that the infrared beak trimming method promotes better pullet body development than the conventional hot-blade method, improving feed intake, without compromising organ and bone development, being a more adequate debeaking method to be used in layer production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - F. Leite
- Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - C.S. Facchi
- Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - G. Zaccaron
- Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - G. Rossatto
- Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M.M. Boiago
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - S.M.B. Artoni
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Brazil
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21
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Magnuson AD, Liu G, Sun T, Tolba SA, Xi L, Whelan R, Lei XG. Supplemental methionine and stocking density affect antioxidant status, fatty acid profiles, and growth performance of broiler chickens. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5811254. [PMID: 32207523 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Broilers stocked in high densities may be prone to oxidative and inflammatory insults, resulting in impaired health status, growth performance, and meat quality. This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental dl-methionine alleviated or prevented those adverse effects of a higher stocking density in broiler chickens. A total of 560 male Cornish Cross cockerels (day old) were divided into four groups: two stocking densities (9 and 12 birds/m2) and two supplementations of methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Growth performance was recorded weekly. Blood and tissues were sampled at the end of each period. High stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and growth performance of growers and (or) finishers. Those differences were partially attenuated by the extra methionine supplementation. The high methionine elevated (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration in the thigh at both ages (> 24%). The high stocking density elevated (>28%, P < 0.05) glutathione concentration in the plasma, breast, and thigh of growers, but decreased (P < 0.05) it in the liver of growers and thigh of finishers. Interaction effects (P < 0.05) between dietary methionine and stocking density were found on activities of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the liver of growers and breast, thigh, and adipose tissue of finishers. The interaction effect was also found on activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the thigh of growers. The extra methionine decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic gene expression of heat shock protein 90 (18%) and thigh and breast malondialdehyde concentrations of the finishers (35%). In conclusion, the 30% extra dl-methionine supplementation was able to partially mitigate adverse effects caused by the higher stocking density and to improve the redox status of the broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guanchen Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Samar A Tolba
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Lin Xi
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Rose Whelan
- Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Hanau, Germany
| | - Xin Gen Lei
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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22
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Mahrose KM, Abol-Ela S, Amin RM, Abou-Kassem DE. Restricted feeding could enhance feed conversion ratio and egg quality of laying Japanese quail kept under different stocking densities. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 33:141-149. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1810059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid M. Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Salah Abol-Ela
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rahma M. Amin
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Diaa E. Abou-Kassem
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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23
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Tao Z, Zhu C, Zhang S, Xu W, Shi Z, Song W, Liu H, Li H. Ammonia affects production performance and Toll-like receptor mRNA expression of laying ducks. J APPL POULTRY RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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24
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RATRIYANTO A, FIRMANDA F, PURWANTI H, MURJOKO M. Nutrient digestibility, performance, and egg quality traits of quails raised in different stocking densities and ascorbic acid supplementation in a hot, tropical environment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.3906/vet-1909-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Wang H, Liang S, Li X, Yang X, Long F, Yang X. Effects of encapsulated essential oils and organic acids on laying performance, egg quality, intestinal morphology, barrier function, and microflora count of hens during the early laying period. Poult Sci 2020; 98:6751-6760. [PMID: 31347675 PMCID: PMC8913957 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of encapsulated essential oils and organic acids (EOA) on the growth performance, egg quality, intestinal morphology and functions, and microbial count of laying hens from week 21 to 30. A total of five hundred and four 21-wk-old layers were randomly allotted into 4 groups consisting of 7 replicates with 18 birds per replicate. The birds were fed a basic diet (CON) or diets with EOA at 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 450 mg/kg in the other 3 groups, respectively. Compared to the CON group, the addition of 150 mg/kg EOA significantly increased laying rate (P < 0.05) of hens from week 21 to 25. A linear increasing (linear, P < 0.01) in ileal villus height of laying hens fed EOA from 150 to 300 mg/kg was observed at week 30. At week 25, the supplementation of 300 mg/kg EOA significantly increased (P < 0.05) mRNA relative expression of aminopeptidase, sodium-glucose cotransporter 1, and Na+-independent neutral amino acid transporter in duodenum and glucose transporter 2 in jejunum of laying hens compared to the CON groups. Meanwhile, the relative expression of glucose transporter 2 mRNA in the jejunum was upregulated with increasing concentration of EOA in diets (linear, P < 0.05). Hens in EOA 300 group had higher mRNA relative expression of mucin-2 in ileum (P < 0.05) than hens in CON group. Additionally, the secretory immunoglobulin in ileum A were linear decreased (linear, P < 0.01) with the increasing supplement of EOA. Dietary supplementation with EOA tended to increase (P = 0.083) the counts of Bifidobacterium in cecal digesta at week 25 and 30. In conclusion, dietary with EOA may maintain intestinal tract morphology and promote digestive and absorptive capacities and barrier function, especially at 300 mg/kg. This study provided evidence of using EOA as a potential feed additive for laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
| | - Saisai Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
| | - Xueyuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
| | - Fangyu Long
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
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Wang J, Qiu L, Gong H, Celi P, Yan L, Ding X, Bai S, Zeng Q, Mao X, Xu S, Wu C, Zhang K. Effect of dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation and high stocking density on performance, egg quality, and tibia quality in laying hens. Poult Sci 2020; 99:2608-2615. [PMID: 32359596 PMCID: PMC7597448 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2019.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on performance, egg quality, tibia quality, and serum hormones concentration in laying hens reared under high stocking density. A total of 800 45-week-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allotted into a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 levels of dietary 25-OH-D3 levels (0 and 69 μg/kg) and 2 rates of stocking densities [506 (low density) and 338 (high density) cm2/hen]. Laying hens were monitored for 16 wk. High stocking density decreased laying rate, egg weight, and feed intake compared with low stocking density (P < 0.01) during 1 to 8 wk and 1 to 16 wk. Overall, high stocking density increased eggshell lightness value and decreased shell redness and yellowness value, strength, thickness, and relative weight compared with low stocking density (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 25-OH-D3 reduced the value of the eggshell lightness and increased its yellowness and eggshells weight (P ≤ 0.05). The increase in eggshell thickness was more pronounced when 25-OH-D3 was supplemented to layers under high stocking density (interaction, P < 0.05). Layers under high stocking density had lower ash content and calcium content in the tibia than layers under low stocking density (P = 0.04); dietary 25-OH-D3 increased tibia strength compared with no addition (P = 0.05). Layers under high stocking density had higher serum concentrations of 25-OH-D3, corticosterone (CORT), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and osteocalcin (OC; P < 0.05), lower content of parathyroid hormone (PTH) compared with layers under low stocking density (P < 0.01). Dietary 25-OH-D3 increased serum concentration of 25-OH-D3, carbonic anhydrase (CA), and calcitonin (CT) (P < 0.01) and reduced corticosterone, lipopolysaccharide and osteocalcin concentration (P ≤ 0.05). The increase effect in PTH was more pronounced when 25-OH-D3 was supplemented to layers under high stocking density (interaction, P = 0.05). Overall, the results gathered in this study indicate that high stocking density result in reducing production performance, shell color and quality, and tibia health, whereas dietary 25-OH-D3 was able to maintain tibia health and to mitigate the negative impact of high stocking density on productive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Lingyun Qiu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Haojie Gong
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Pietro Celi
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; DSM Nutrition Product, DSM Vitamin (Shanghai) Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yan
- DSM Nutrition Product, DSM Vitamin (Shanghai) Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Ding
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shiping Bai
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qiufeng Zeng
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiangbing Mao
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Caimei Wu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Keying Zhang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Xiong X, Yang Y, Jiang X, Yu C, Peng H, Chen J, Xia B, Du H, Li Q, Zhang Z, Yang L, Qiu M, Hu C, Song X, Yan H, Yang C. Effects of stocking density on performance, egg quality, reproductive hormones, and antioxidant capacity in egg-laying ducks. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2020.1824919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xiong
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaosong Jiang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunlin Yu
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Peng
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialei Chen
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Xia
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huarui Du
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingyun Li
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zengrong Zhang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mohan Qiu
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenming Hu
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Song
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honglin Yan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaowu Yang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Ozenturk U, Yildiz A. Assessment of Egg Quality in Native and Foreign Laying Hybrids Reared in Different Cage Densities. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2020-1331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ratriyanto A, Prastowo S. Floor space and betaine supplementation alter the nutrient digestibility and performance of Japanese quail in a tropical environment. J Therm Biol 2019; 83:80-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Cengiz Ö, Köksal BH, Tatli O, Kuter E, Ahsan U, Güven G, Sevim Ö, Bilgili SF, Önol AG. Supplemental boric acid does not prevent the development of footpad dermatitis in broilers subjected to high stocking density. Poult Sci 2019; 97:4342-4350. [PMID: 30125004 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of dietary boric acid supplementation on the development of incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens subjected to normal or high stocking densities (NSD or HSD). A total of 576 1-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (8 replicate pens per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary boric acid (0 and 60 mg/kg) and stocking density (NSD 14 birds/m2 and HSD 22 birds/m2). Basal diets were formulated for starter, grower, and finisher phases. Growth performance, litter quality (litter pH, moisture, temperature, and NH3 volatilization), serum and litter boron levels, and incidence and severity of FPD were recorded. The HSD affected the body weight gain and feed intake of broiler chickens during all phases and 0 to 42 (P < 0.05), whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poor at 0 to 21 days only. Dietary boric acid had no effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Litter pH, moisture, and NH3 volatilization were higher in broiler chickens subjected to HSD (P < 0.05). Thus, the incidence and severity of FPD increased in response to HSD (P < 0.05). Dietary boric acid reduced the litter pH and NH3 volatilization on day 42 of experiment (P < 0.05). However, dietary boric acid supplementation had no effect on the incidence and severity of FPD. Boric acid supplementation in broiler diets increased the serum and litter boron levels at day 42 in broiler chickens subjected to NSD or HSD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HSD resulted in poor growth performance, litter quality, and greater incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. Dietary boric acid was ineffective against FPD in broiler chickens although it improved the litter quality by lowering the litter pH and NH3 volatilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özcan Cengiz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Bekir Hakan Köksal
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Onur Tatli
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Eren Kuter
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Umair Ahsan
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Gülsen Güven
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Art and Science, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09100, Turkey
| | - Ömer Sevim
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Sacit F Bilgili
- Department of Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5416, USA
| | - Ahmet Gökhan Önol
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Isikli, Aydin 09016, Turkey
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Ruhnke I, Boshoff J, Cristiani IV, Schneider D, Welch M, Sibanda TZ, Kolakshyapati M. Free-range laying hens: using technology to show the dynamics and impact of hen movement. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an19256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Free-range laying hens are provided with the opportunity to access various structural areas, including open floor space, feed areas, water lines, next boxes, perches, aviary tiers, winter gardens and ranges. Different individual location preferences can lead to the development of hen subpopulations that are characterised by various health, welfare and performance parameters. Understanding the complexity of hen movement and hen interactions within their environment provides an opportunity to limit the disadvantages that are associated with housing in loose husbandry systems and aids in decision-making. Monitoring hen movement using modern technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), optical flow patterns, image analysis and three-dimensional (3D) cameras allows the accumulation of big data for data mining, clustering and machine learning. Integrating individual-based management systems into modern flock management will not only help improve the care of under-performing hens, but also ensure that elite hens are able to use their full genetic potential, allowing an ethical, sustainable and welfare friendly egg production. This review highlights the dynamics and impact of hen movement in free-range systems, reviews existing knowledge relevant for feeding hens in non-cage systems, and outlines recent technological advances and strategies to improve the management of free-range laying hens.
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Zhang YR, Zhang LS, Wang Z, Liu Y, Li FH, Yuan JM, Xia ZF. Effects of stocking density on growth performance, meat quality and tibia development of Pekin ducks. Anim Sci J 2018; 89:925-930. [PMID: 29682864 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the effects of stocking density on performance, meat quality and tibia development in Pekin ducks reared on a plastic wire floor. A total of 372 healthy, 21-day-old, male ducks with similar body weight (BW) were randomly allotted to stocking densities of five (low), eight (medium) and 11 (high) birds/m2 . Each group had six replicates. Results showed that compared with the low density group, medium and high stocking density caused a decrease in final BW at 42 days old, and in average daily gain, European performance index (p < .01) and meat pH at 45 min postmortem (p < .001), and an increase of meat drip loss (p < .01). High stocking density resulted in an increase of feed/gain ratio (p < .001), but a decrease of tibia calcium (p < .01) and phosphorus content (p < .05). Meat color, shear force values, tibia size (weight, length, and width) and breaking strength were not significantly influenced by stocking density. In conclusion, stocking density over eight birds/m2 negatively affects growth performance, but meat quality and tibia development are not dramatically influenced. Based on this study, the stocking density of male Pekin ducks should be adjusted between five and eight birds/m2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ru Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Shuang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Huang Li
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry Service(South Section), Beijing, China
| | - Jian Min Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Fei Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Emmerson MG, Spencer KA. Group housing during adolescence has long-term effects on the adult stress response in female, but not male, zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 256:71-79. [PMID: 28694052 PMCID: PMC5771470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent social interactions can have long-term effects on physiological responses to stressors in later-life. A larger adolescent group size can result in higher stressor-induced secretion of glucocorticoids in adulthood. The effect may be due to a socially-mediated modulation of gonadal hormones, e.g. testosterone. However, group size (number of animals) has been conflated with social density (space per animal). Therefore it is hard to determine the mechanisms through which adolescent group size can affect the stress response. The current study aimed to tease apart the effects of group size and social density during adolescence on the physiological stress response and gonadal hormone levels in adulthood. Adolescent zebra finches were housed in groups varying in size (2 vs. 5 birds per cage) and density (0.03m3 vs. 0.06m3 per bird) during early adolescence (day 40-60). Density was only manipulated in birds raised in groups of five. Glucocorticoid concentration secreted in response to a standard capture and restraint stressor was quantified in adolescence (day 55±1) and adulthood (day 100+). Basal gonadal hormone concentrations (male testosterone, female estradiol) were also quantified in adulthood. Female birds housed in larger groups, independent of social density, secreted a higher glucocorticoid concentration 45min into restraint regardless of age, and had higher peak glucocorticoid concentration in adulthood. Adult gonadal hormone concentrations were not affected by group size or density. Our results suggest that group size, not density, is a social condition that influences the development of the endocrine response to stressors in female zebra finches, and that these effects persist into adulthood. The findings have clear relevance to the social housing conditions necessary for optimal welfare in captive animals, but also elucidate the role of social rearing conditions in the emergence of responses to stressors that may persist across the lifespan and affect fitness of animals in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Emmerson
- University of St Andrews, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JP, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Karen A Spencer
- University of St Andrews, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JP, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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