Effects of different broiler production systems on health care costs in the Netherlands

Modeling gait score of broiler chicken via production and behavioral data

Lameness in broilers may be associated with pain and is considered a major broiler production and welfare concern. Manual gait score assessment in commercial broiler houses is discrete, time-consuming, and laborious. As such, automatic methods for broiler gait score assessment are urgently needed. The objective of this study was to identify the relation of broiler gait score with several productions and behavioral metrics (bird BW, age, activity, and distribution), and establish three gait score prediction models for automatic gait score estimations in broiler farms with automatic weighing systems, camera systems, or both. Sixteen pens were used to rear Cobb 500 and Ross 708 broilers for eight and nine weeks, respectively (eight pens/strain, 12 birds/pen). The gait scores of all birds were assessed weekly by trained assessors following a six-point (0-5) scoring protocol from the third week. The pen's average BW was measured weekly. Top-view cameras were installed to continuously record videos of broilers in all 16 pens. Images were extracted from video clips (10 min/hour) during a 16-hour light period to determine the activity index and distribution index through image processing. The gait score was positively correlated with BW (R² = 0.97 for Cobb and R² = 0.96 for Ross), while negatively correlated with activity (R² = 0.78 for Cobb and R² = 0.73 for Ross). The three models showed high accuracies in predicting broiler gait score based on variables of BW, age, activity index, and distribution index (R² = 0.90-0.91, RMSE = 0.38-0.41). The findings of this study demonstrated the potential of estimating broiler gait score using bird BW, age, activity index, and distribution index. This information will assist in the development of automated gait score assessment systems in broiler production.

Evaluation of metabolic syndromes and parasitic infection in Muscovy ducks under different management conditions

Proper health management is essential for productivity in duck farming. However, there is limited information on the effect of management conditions on rates of metabolic problems and parasitic infections in anatids. We evaluated the rates of metabolic syndromes and gastrointestinal parasite involvement in Muscovy ducks up to 12 weeks of age, under 3 management conditions: backyard, organized, and organized with probiotics. Individuals under organized management developed 2 metabolic problems: ascites, which was rare (3.5%), fatal, and affected both males and females, and angel wing syndrome, which was more frequent (10.6%), has low impact on general health, and only affected males. The treatments do not have a significant effect on the development of ascites, but only individuals in controlled conditions presented this syndrome, and due to its low prevalence, further studies with a larger sample size are required. The risk of angel wing syndrome increased significantly with probiotic supplementation. Regarding to parasitic infection, the improvement of sanitary management and the use of probiotics supplementation reduced the occurrence of coccidiosis. Similarly organized management with probiotic supplementation showed a protective effect on helminthiasis by reducing the frequency of Heterakis gallinarum and greatly reducing the helminth egg load. Coccidiosis and helminthiasis infections were not significantly correlated with the final weight of the ducks. Therefore, organized management and the use of probiotics seems to reduce the impact of parasitic infection, although it increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Comparison of Chinese Broiler Production Systems in Economic Performance and Animal Welfare

Simple Summary

There are three main rearing systems for white-feathered broilers in China. They are the net floor system (NFS), the normal cage system (NCS), and the high standard cage system (HCS). This study compared the relationship between economic benefit and animal welfare between these systems. The high economic input, high output, and high profit in these three different rearing systems. The welfare scores were 778.24 ± 29.45, 691.09 ± 32.97, and 669.82 ± 22.79, respectively. As white-feathered broiler production in China has developed, from the conventional system to the latest system, both cost and economic profit have increased while the welfare score has decreased. This study explains why the level of animal welfare in China’s white-feathered broiler production is not high at present, and why breeders do not wish to improve the level of animal welfare production.

Abstract

Both proper animal welfare and economic benefit are important to the broiler industry, so it is better to consider these two factors together. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between economic benefit and animal welfare in different production systems of white-feathered broilers in China. Based on the Welfare Quality Assessment (WQA) protocol for poultry, the authors compared and evaluated the results of the Welfare Quality model (WQM) and the deterministic model. The present study conducted welfare evaluations and investigations on 66 broiler chicken flocks on 52 farms in China. These flocks included three types: the net floor system (NFS), the normal cage system (NCS), and the high standard cage system (HCS). In terms of economy, the results were in line with high economic input, high output, and high profit. In terms of animal welfare assessment, the authors calculated the welfare scores per measure and the attributional WQ scores and WQ index scores of each production systems. The results showed that nine welfare measures from four welfare criteria presented different trends in the three production systems. WQ index scores were 778.24 ± 29.45, 691.09 ± 32.97, and 669.82 ± 22.79, respectively. According to Chow test results, significant differences were found between WQ index scores and total cost and profit (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, with the development of white-feathered broiler production in China, from the conventional system to the latest system, both cost and economic profit have been increased, but the welfare score has been decreased.

Associations between carcass weight uniformity and production measures on farm and at slaughter in commercial broiler flocks

In poultry flocks, flock weight uniformity is often defined as the percent individuals within 10% of the mean body weight (BW) and the variability of this uniformity can be expressed as the CV of BW. Flock weight uniformity is a standardized and objective measured, and could potentially be used as a welfare indicator; however, little is known about the relationship between flock uniformity and other production measures on-farm or at slaughter. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between carcass weight uniformity (CV of BW) and production measures on-farm and at slaughter in Norwegian commercial broiler flocks. A total of 45 randomly selected mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler flocks were visited prior to slaughter at 28 to 30 D of age (average slaughter age 30.6 D). All flocks were raised under similar farm management systems. The Welfare Quality protocol for broilers was used to assess different animal welfare indicators in each flock. All production data from the slaughterhouse were collected for each flock, including carcass weight uniformity (%), mortality (%), growth rate (g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and rejected birds (%) in different rejection categories. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between flock weight uniformity and production and welfare measures. The results showed that flock uniformity varied from 11% to 18% between flocks within the same hybrid, similar management standards, and similar slaughter age (day 29 to 32). Poorer uniformity (i.e., high CV) was associated with increased first week mortality (P < 0.004, r = 1.48, increased total mortality (P < 0.013, r = 0.01), increased FCR (i.e., less efficient growth) (P < 0.024, r = 0.06), reduced growth rate (P < 0.0012, r = −0.01), and a reduced rejection rate at slaughter (P < 0.006, r = −0.01). The results show that flock uniformity varies across broiler flocks, and is associated with several production measures.

Research Note: First evidence of infectious bronchitis virus Middle-East GI-23 lineage (Var2-like) in Germany

The infectious bronchitis virus Middle-East GI-23 lineage (Var2-like) was observed on a German broiler farm, for the first time. The animals suffered from respiratory and nephropathogenic disease. Gross lesions observed during necropsy included tracheitis, aerosacculitis, and nephritis. Tracheal swabs were tested positive for infectious bronchitis virus Middle-East GI-23 lineage (Var2-like) by PCR. Furthermore, sequence analysis of the S1 spike protein showed close relationship to the commercially available vaccine TAbic IBVAR206 and polish isolates.

Femur and tibia development in meat-type chickens with different growth potential for 56 days of rearing period

We studied the changes in morphological, geometric, densitometric, and mechanical parameters of the femur and tibia during 56 D of rearing chickens with different growth rates. Ten femur and tibia were collected from fast-growing chickens (FG) and 2 types of medium-growing chickens (MGH and MGGP) immediately after hatching (0 D) and on 7, 14, 21, 35, 42, 49, and 56 D of life. The bone parameters of chickens across all genetic groups were found to be similar on 0 D, with exceptions of lower percentage contribution of bone weight (BW) in FG chickens (P < 0.05), lower total bone volume in MGGP chickens (P < 0.05), and lower maximum elastic strength in MGH chickens (P < 0.05). The bones developed in FG chickens were longer and wider; however, an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) between 42 and 49 D was not observed. The BMD value in FG chickens on 56 D was comparable to that in MGH chickens (P = 0.089) and significantly lower than that in MGGP chickens (P = 0.021). Mean relative wall thickness, despite longer and thicker bones in FG chickens, was comparable and often lower than that of MGH and MGGP chickens. In conclusion, the results showed that medium-growing chickens could be reared for up to 56 D without the risk of any growth impairment due to problems associated with deterioration of pelvic limb bone quality.

Lameness and its relationship with health and production measures in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to explore lameness and the associations between lameness and health/production measures of animal welfare in commercial broiler production, using the Welfare Quality® protocol for broilers. A total of 50 flocks were included in the sample and farm visits were conducted for lameness scoring at a mean age of 28.9 days. The percentage of animals (n=7500) in the six different gait score (GS) categories were GS0: 2.53%, GS1: 44.19%, GS2: 33.84%, GS3: 16.32%, GS4: 2.36% and GS5: 0.53%. Production and other welfare data were collected for each flock after slaughter. Higher gait scores were associated with increased hock burn score (P<0.02), increased footpad dermatitis score (P<0.01), reduced bird cleanliness score (P<0.01) and peat litter (P<0.01). Although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for increased flock gait score being associated with wet litter (P=0.07). In addition, condemnations at postmortem inspection were associated with increasing gait scores (P<0.05), indicating that at least a portion of the lameness cases display pathological changes on the carcasses. In conclusion, 19%of the birds showed moderate-to-severe lameness, which was associated with several production or health and welfare observations including feather cleanliness and condemnations as unfit for human consumption at slaughter. Although stocking density and growth rate are already known key factors for lameness, associations of lameness with hock burns, footpad dermatitis and cleanliness of the birds suggest that a suboptimal physical environment (e.g. litter- and air quality) may be detrimental to leg health. Further studies are needed to explore these associations in more detail.

Assessing the prevalence and economic significance of coccidiosis individually and in combination with concurrent infections in Pakistani commercial poultry farms

Coccidiosis is one of the most economically important diseases of the poultry, around the globe. In order to assess seasonal and age-wise prevalence of coccidiosis individually and with concurrent infections, this study was conducted on commercial poultry farms in and around Multan division, province of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 28,126 boilers, 4,052 layers and 7,699 golden bird samples, provided by regional farmers and consultants, were examined by microscopy for the diagnosis of coccidiosis. Based on postmortem lesions, several infections including coccidiosis, viral, and miscellaneous diseases were catalogued, whereas samples were cultured to identify concurrent bacterial diseases. Cumulative analysis of this large set of samples revealed a prevalence of 14.16, 11.01, and 19.57% in broiler, layer and golden birds, respectively. Ascaridia galli (A. galli) showed a higher prevalence in layer (2.47%) compared to golden (0.21%) birds (P < 0.01). Amongst all concurrent infections investigated, bacterial infections were identified in highest percentage of samples (59.24%; P < 0.05). The age-wise and season-wise prevalence of coccidiosis and A. galli was found to be significant (P < 0.05). During the study period, an estimated of 10.69 (coccidiosis) and 0.29 (A. galli) million poultry birds were treated or provided prophylaxis and supportive therapy at Pakistani commercial poultry farms. Depending upon the prevailing market conditions, the total economic losses (treatment, prophylaxis, and supportive therapy) from coccidiosis and A. galli were estimated to be US $45,405.00 and 2,638.50, respectively, while production (weight and eggs) losses for broiler (US$ 2,750,779.00), layer and golden, young (US$ 13,974.98 and 50,228.76) and adult (US$ 104.74 and 203.77) were estimated. Unit loss of coccidiosis with concurrent diseases and intestinal worm was estimated to be US$ 0.005 and 0.01, respectively. These results highlight the potential impact of coccidiosis individually and with concurrent infections on the poultry productivity and will inform farmers, policy makers, and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders on the use of control and management measures in containing these infections.

A review of the financial impact of production diseases in poultry production systems

While the academic literature widely asserts that production diseases have a significant financial impact on poultry production, these claims are rarely supported by empirical evidence. There is a risk, therefore, that the information needs of poultry producers regarding the costs associated with particular diseases are not being adequately met. A systematic literature review of poultry production diseases was undertaken, first, to scope the availability of studies that estimate the financial impacts of production diseases on poultry systems and, second, on the basis of these studies, estimates were generated of the magnitude of these impacts. Nine production diseases, selected by a panel of stakeholders as being economically important in the EU, were examined. The review found that the poultry disease literature has primarily an epidemiological focus, with very few publications providing estimates of the financial impacts of diseases. However, some publications have quantified the physical impacts of production diseases and control interventions, for example, using measures such as output volumes, mortality rates and bacterial counts. Using these data in standard financial models, partial financial analyses were possible for some poultry production diseases. Coccidiosis and clostridiosis were found to be the most common production diseases in broiler flocks, with salpingoperitonitis being the most common in layers. While the financial impact of untreated diseases varied, most uncontrolled diseases were estimated to make flocks loss-making. However, in all cases, interventions were available that signficantly reduced these losses. The review reinforces the concern that the available academic literature is not providing sufficient information for poultry producers to decide on financially optimal disease-prevention and treatment measures.

Exploring the economic potential of reducing broiler lameness

1. The present study was designed first to explore the potential economic benefits of adopting management practices to reduce lameness in broiler farms, and second to explore farmers' possible perceptions of this potential in the Swedish context. The likely financial effects were addressed using a normative economic model, whereas a questionnaire-based survey was used to obtain in-depth knowledge about the perceptions of a group of broiler farmers in Sweden. 2. The three alternative practices (out of 6 tested) which realised the greatest improvements in gross margin and net return to management compared to the conventional practice were feeding whole wheat, sequential feeding and meal feeding. 3. The model showed that the negative effect of feeding whole wheat on feed conversion rate was outweighed by the effect of a low feed price and the associated decrease in feed costs. The price of wheat played a major role in the improvement of economic performance, whereas the reduction of lameness itself made a relatively minor contribution. 4. Apparently, the surveyed farmers do not recognise the potential of the positive effects of changing feed or feeding practices on both broiler welfare and farm economics although their implementation can be of great importance in the broiler sector where profit margins are very tight.​.

Using a One Health approach to assess the impact of parasitic disease in livestock: how does it add value?

Human population increases, with greater food demands, have resulted in a rapid evolution of livestock food systems, leading to changes in land and water use. The scale of global livestock systems mean that changes in animal health status, particularly in parasite levels, have impacts that go beyond farm and sector levels. To quantify the true impact of parasites in livestock, frameworks that look at both resources and services valued in markets and those that have no true market value are required. Mitigating the effects of parasitic disease in livestock will not only increase productivity, but also improve animal welfare and human health, whilst reducing the environmental burden of livestock production systems. To measure these potential benefits, a One Health approach is needed. This paper discusses the types of methods and the data collection tools needed for a more holistic perspective and provides a framework with its application to coccidiosis in poultry. To build a body of knowledge that allows the ranking of parasite diseases in a wider animal health setting, such One Health frameworks need to be applied more frequently and with rigour. The outcome will improve the allocation of resources to critical constraints on parasite management.