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11 pages, 225 KiB  
Article
Influence of Trace Mineral Sources and Levels on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Bone Characteristics, Oxidative Stress, and Immunity of Broiler
by Tassanee Trairatapiwan, Rachakris Lertpatarakomol, Sucheera Chotikatum, Achara Lukkananukool and Jamlong Mitchaothai
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152287 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of reducing organic trace minerals below commercial inclusion levels and compared them with both low-dose and commercial levels of inorganic trace minerals, focusing on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia characteristics, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of reducing organic trace minerals below commercial inclusion levels and compared them with both low-dose and commercial levels of inorganic trace minerals, focusing on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia characteristics, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and immune response (serum IgG) in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) commercial-level inorganic trace minerals (ILI; Zn 100 ppm; Cu 15 ppm; Fe 100 ppm; Mn 80 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm); (2) low-level organic trace minerals (LLO; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.225 ppm; I 3 ppm), and (3) low-level inorganic trace minerals (LLI; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm). Each treatment consisted of eight replicates with 16 birds per replicate, and diets were provided in two phases: starter (days 1–21) and grower (days 22–35). The results showed that the LLO group demonstrated a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase, 2.4% better than that of the ILI and LLI groups (p = 0.02). Additionally, filet and thigh muscle yields in the LLO group were higher by 11.9% (p = 0.03) and 13.9% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared to the ILI group. Other carcass traits, as well as pH and drip loss, were not significantly affected. However, tibia breaking strength at day 35 was 15.1% lower in the LLO group compared to the ILI group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress markers or IgG levels among groups. This study demonstrated that reducing the inclusion level of inorganic trace minerals did not negatively affect broiler growth performance, whereas supplementation with low levels of organic trace minerals improved both growth performance and carcass quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
18 pages, 330 KiB  
Essay
Music and Arts in Early Childhood Education: Paths for Professional Development Towards Social and Human Development
by Helena Rodrigues, Ana Isabel Pereira, Paulo Maria Rodrigues, Paulo Ferreira Rodrigues and Angelita Broock
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080991 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
This article examines training itineraries for early childhood education professionals in Portugal, focusing on promoting social and human development through music and the arts for infants. The training models discussed are categorized as short-term and long-term, encompassing both theory and practice through a [...] Read more.
This article examines training itineraries for early childhood education professionals in Portugal, focusing on promoting social and human development through music and the arts for infants. The training models discussed are categorized as short-term and long-term, encompassing both theory and practice through a transdisciplinary approach. Based on initiatives promoted by the Companhia de Música Teatral (CMT) and the Education and Human Development Group of the Centre for the Study of Sociology and Musical Aesthetics (CESEM) at NOVA University Lisbon, the article highlights projects such as: (i) Opus Tutti and GermInArte, developed between 2011 and 2018; (ii) the Postgraduate Course Music in Childhood: Intervention and Research, offered at the University since 2020/21, which integrates art, health, and education, promoting collaborative work between professionals; and (iii) Mil Pássaros (Thousand Birds), developed since 2020, which exemplifies the integration of environmental education and artistic practices. The theoretical basis of these training programs combines neuroscientific and educational evidence, emphasizing the importance of the first years of life for integral development. Studies, such as those by Heckman, reinforce the impact of early investment in children’s development. Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory and Malloch and Trevarthen’s concept of ‘communicative musicality’ structure the design of these courses, recognizing music as a catalyst for cognitive, emotional, and social skills. The transformative role of music and the arts in educational and social contexts is emphasized, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, by proposing approaches that articulate creation, intervention, and research to promote human development from childhood onwards. Full article
21 pages, 4252 KiB  
Article
AnimalAI: An Open-Source Web Platform for Automated Animal Activity Index Calculation Using Interactive Deep Learning Segmentation
by Mahtab Saeidifar, Guoming Li, Lakshmish Macheeri Ramaswamy, Chongxiao Chen and Ehsan Asali
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152269 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 123
Abstract
Monitoring the activity index of animals is crucial for assessing their welfare and behavior patterns. However, traditional methods for calculating the activity index, such as pixel intensity differencing of entire frames, are found to suffer from significant interference and noise, leading to inaccurate [...] Read more.
Monitoring the activity index of animals is crucial for assessing their welfare and behavior patterns. However, traditional methods for calculating the activity index, such as pixel intensity differencing of entire frames, are found to suffer from significant interference and noise, leading to inaccurate results. These classical approaches also do not support group or individual tracking in a user-friendly way, and no open-access platform exists for non-technical researchers. This study introduces an open-source web-based platform that allows researchers to calculate the activity index from top-view videos by selecting individual or group animals. It integrates Segment Anything Model2 (SAM2), a promptable deep learning segmentation model, to track animals without additional training or annotation. The platform accurately tracked Cobb 500 male broilers from weeks 1 to 7 with a 100% success rate, IoU of 92.21% ± 0.012, precision of 93.87% ± 0.019, recall of 98.15% ± 0.011, and F1 score of 95.94% ± 0.006, based on 1157 chickens. Statistical analysis showed that tracking 80% of birds in week 1, 60% in week 4, and 40% in week 7 was sufficient (r ≥ 0.90; p ≤ 0.048) to represent the group activity in respective ages. This platform offers a practical, accessible solution for activity tracking, supporting animal behavior analytics with minimal effort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)
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18 pages, 1618 KiB  
Article
Native Grass Enhances Bird, Dragonfly, Butterfly and Plant Biodiversity Relative to Conventional Crops in Midwest, USA
by Steven I. Apfelbaum, Susan M. Lehnhardt, Michael Boston, Lea Daly, Gavin Pinnow, Kris Gillespie and Donald M. Waller
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1666; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151666 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Conspicuous declines in native grassland habitats have triggered sharp reductions in grassland birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and native plant populations and diversity. We compared these biotic groups among three crop type treatments: corn, alfalfa, and a perennial native grass, Virginia wild rye, (Elymus [...] Read more.
Conspicuous declines in native grassland habitats have triggered sharp reductions in grassland birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and native plant populations and diversity. We compared these biotic groups among three crop type treatments: corn, alfalfa, and a perennial native grass, Virginia wild rye, (Elymus virginicus L.) or VWR. This crop type had 2-3X higher bird, dragonfly, butterfly and plant species richness, diversity, and faunal abundance relative to alfalfa and corn types. VWR crop fields also support more obligate grassland bird species and higher populations of dragonfly and butterfly species associated with grasslands and wet meadows. In contrast, the corn and alfalfa types support few or no obligatory grassland birds and mostly non-native insects such as the white cabbage looper (Artogeia rapae L.), the common yellow sulfur butterfly (Colias philodice Godart.), and the mobile and migratory common green darner dragonfly (Anax junius Drury.). In sum, the VWR perennial native grass crop type offers a special opportunity to improve the diversity and abundance of grassland bird species, beneficial insect species, and many native plant species within agricultural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Systems and Management)
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11 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
Remarkable Stability of Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) Communities in Artificial Microhabitats: A Case Study of Bird Nest Boxes in Bory Tucholskie National Park
by Marta Kulczak, Jacek Wendzonka, Karolina Lubińska, Agnieszka Napierała and Jerzy Błoszyk
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080544 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 132
Abstract
The presence of nest boxes not only increases the reproductive success of many passerine birds in transformed forest habitats, but they also constitute important artificial microhabitats for many groups of invertebrates. One of such groups which have been often found in this microhabitat [...] Read more.
The presence of nest boxes not only increases the reproductive success of many passerine birds in transformed forest habitats, but they also constitute important artificial microhabitats for many groups of invertebrates. One of such groups which have been often found in this microhabitat is saprophagous mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata). The current study was conducted in October 2023 and 2024 in Bory Tucholskie National Park (BTNP) (northern Poland), where material from 137 tit (Paridae) and nuthatch (Sitta europaea) nest boxes was collected. The aim of this study was to analyse the stability of the communities of Uropodina in nest boxes in the park in two seasons and to determine whether the mite community structure within these nest boxes is similar in each year. The second aim was to analyse the abundance of Uropodina in relation to the composition of the nest box bedding material. This study revealed that the community in the scrutinised nest boxes was formed in both seasons by two species of nidicolous Uropodina species, i.e., Leiodinychus orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Chiropturopoda nidiphila (Wiśniewski and Hirschmann, 1993), and that the species composition and the community structure were also very similar in both years. This study revealed that Ch. nidiphila dominated in the nest boxes with moss and grass, whereas L. orbicularis was most abundant in the boxes where the bedding was a mixture of mammalian hair and grass. However, no statistically significant differences in the abundance of these two mite species in both cases were revealed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology, and Conservation of Mites)
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13 pages, 652 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Alterations in Nutrient Utilization and Intestinal Health in Response to Heat Stress in Pekin Ducks Based on a Pair-Feeding Experimental Design
by Xiangyi Zeng, Arshad Javid, Gregory S. Fraley, Gang Tian, Keying Zhang, Shiping Bai, Xuemei Ding, Jianping Wang, Yan Liu, Yue Xuan, Shanshan Li and Qiufeng Zeng
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152213 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 231
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate alterations in nutrient utilization, standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (SIDAA), and intestinal health in response to heat stress (HS) in Pekin ducks. A total of 240 healthy 28-day-old male Pekin ducks were randomly allocated [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to investigate alterations in nutrient utilization, standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (SIDAA), and intestinal health in response to heat stress (HS) in Pekin ducks. A total of 240 healthy 28-day-old male Pekin ducks were randomly allocated to three groups: a normal control (NC) group, an HS group, and a pair-fed (PF; provided an amount of feed equal to that consumed by the HS group to eliminate the effects of feed intake) group, each with eight replicate cages of ten birds. The results showed that HS significantly reduced the apparent utilization of dietary energy, ether extract, and crude protein compared to both the NC and PF groups (p < 0.05), but yielded comparable SIDAA to the PF group. The HS group exhibited reduced mRNA levels of EAAT3 and PepT1, along with elevated mRNA levels of CAT1, GLUT5, and FATP6 in the jejunum compared to the NC or PF groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HS resulted in a significant deterioration of jejunal morphology and goblet cell count compared to the NC and PF groups (p < 0.05). Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran levels were significantly higher in HS ducks than in NC ducks (p < 0.05), but did not differ from PF ducks. At order-level classification of ileal mucosal microbiota, HS markedly increased the relative abundance of Bacillales, Deferribacterales, and Actinomycetales versus NC (p < 0.05), while significantly decreasing Bifidobacteriales abundance relative to PF (p < 0.05). Collectively, HS induces a leaky gut and microbiota dysbiosis that compromises gut health, thereby reducing dietary nutrient utilization in Pekin ducks. The observed reduction in feed intake constitutes a primary driver of intestinal health deterioration in heat-stressed Pekin ducks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)
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13 pages, 736 KiB  
Article
Birding via Facebook—Methodological Considerations When Crowdsourcing Observations of Bird Behavior via Social Media
by Dirk H. R. Spennemann
Birds 2025, 6(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds6030039 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
This paper outlines a methodology to compile geo-referenced observational data of Australian birds acting as pollinators of Strelitzia sp. (Bird of Paradise) flowers and dispersers of their seeds. Given the absence of systematic published records, a crowdsourcing approach was employed, combining data from [...] Read more.
This paper outlines a methodology to compile geo-referenced observational data of Australian birds acting as pollinators of Strelitzia sp. (Bird of Paradise) flowers and dispersers of their seeds. Given the absence of systematic published records, a crowdsourcing approach was employed, combining data from natural history platforms (e.g., iNaturalist, eBird), image hosting websites (e.g., Flickr) and, in particular, social media. Facebook emerged as the most productive channel, with 61.4% of the 301 usable observations sourced from 43 ornithology-related groups. The strategy included direct solicitation of images and metadata via group posts and follow-up communication. The holistic, snowballing search strategy yielded a unique, behavior-focused dataset suitable for analysis. While the process exposed limitations due to user self-censorship on image quality and completeness, the approach demonstrates the viability of crowdsourced behavioral ecology data and contributes a replicable methodology for similar studies in under-documented ecological contexts. Full article
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19 pages, 14428 KiB  
Article
Bivalent Oral Vaccine Using Attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum Delivering HA and NA-M2e Confers Dual Protection Against H9N2 Avian Influenza and Fowl Typhoid in Chickens
by Muhammad Bakhsh, Amal Senevirathne, Jamal Riaz, Jun Kwon, Ram Prasad Aganja, Jaime C. Cabarles, Sang-Ik Oh and John Hwa Lee
Vaccines 2025, 13(8), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13080790 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Background: Fowl typhoid (FT), a septicemic infection caused by Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), and H9N2 avian influenza are two economically important diseases that significantly affect the global poultry industry. Methods: We exploited the live attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) mutant JOL3062 (SG: ∆lon [...] Read more.
Background: Fowl typhoid (FT), a septicemic infection caused by Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), and H9N2 avian influenza are two economically important diseases that significantly affect the global poultry industry. Methods: We exploited the live attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) mutant JOL3062 (SG: ∆lonpagLasd) as a delivery system for H9N2 antigens to induce an immunoprotective response against both H9N2 and FT. To enhance immune protection against H9N2, a prokaryotic and eukaryotic dual expression plasmid, pJHL270, was employed. The hemagglutinin (HA) consensus sequence from South Korean avian influenza A virus (AIV) was cloned under the Ptrc promoter for prokaryotic expression, and the B cell epitope of neuraminidase (NA) linked with matrix protein 2 (M2e) was placed for eukaryotic expression. In vitro and in vivo expressions of the H9N2 antigens were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: Oral immunization with JOL3121 induced a significant increase in SG and H9N2-specific serum IgY and cloacal swab IgA antibodies, confirming humoral and mucosal immune responses. Furthermore, FACS analysis showed increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. On day 28 post-immunization, there was a substantial rise in the hemagglutination inhibition titer in the immunized birds, demonstrating neutralization capabilities of immunization. Both IFN-γ and IL-4 demonstrated a significant increase, indicating a balance of Th1 and Th2 responses. Intranasal challenge with the H9N2 Y280 strain resulted in minimal to no clinical signs with significantly lower lung viral titer in the JOL3121 group. Upon SG wildtype challenge, the immunized birds in the JOL3121 group yielded 20% mortality, while 80% mortality was recorded in the PBS control group. Additionally, bacterial load in the spleen and liver was significantly lower in the immunized birds. Conclusions: The current vaccine model, designed with a host-specific pathogen, SG, delivers a robust immune boost that could enhance dual protection against FT and H9N2 infection, both being significant diseases in poultry, as well as ensure public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Vaccines Against Bacterial Infections)
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12 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
Shaping Goose Meat Quality: The Role of Genotype and Soy-Free Diets
by Patrycja Dobrzyńska, Łukasz Tomczyk, Jerzy Stangierski, Marcin Hejdysz and Tomasz Szwaczkowski
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8230; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158230 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genotype and diet on geese from crossbreeding meat lines Tapphorn (T) and Eskildsen (E). This study was conducted on 240 crossbred geese assigned to two dietary groups: an SBM diet group fed [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genotype and diet on geese from crossbreeding meat lines Tapphorn (T) and Eskildsen (E). This study was conducted on 240 crossbred geese assigned to two dietary groups: an SBM diet group fed a standard soybean-based diet and an LPS diet group fed a yellow lupin-based diet. Birds were reared under identical management conditions and slaughtered at 17 weeks of age. The following traits were recorded: meat colour (CIELab), pH24, cooking loss, breast and thigh muscle texture (shear force and energy), and sensory traits. The results showed a significant effect of both genotype and diet on meat quality. The LPS diet lowered shear force and energy (by ~11%, p < 0.001), reduced cooking loss in breast muscles (by ~5%, p < 0.001), and improved the juiciness and flavour of thigh muscles. The ET genotype positively influenced the meat colour intensity (lower L*, higher a*), while the lupin-based diet improved technological parameters, especially the water-holding capacity. The results confirm that replacing soybean meal with yellow lupin protein is an effective nutritional strategy that can improve goose meat quality and sustainability without compromising the sensory quality. These outcomes support developing soy-free feeding strategies in goose production to meet consumer expectations and reduce reliance on imported feed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
19 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
Lipid Oxidation of Stored Brown Rice Changes Ileum Digestive and Metabolic Characteristics of Broiler Chickens
by Beibei He, Xueyi Zhang, Weiwei Wang, Li Wang, Jingjing Shi, Kuanbo Liu, Junlin Cheng, Yongwei Wang and Aike Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 7025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26147025 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Long-term storage may induce lipid oxidation in brown rice and impact its utilization in animal diets. One-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (with an initial body weight of 20 g) were randomly divided into three groups: corn-based diet (Corn), fresh brown rice-based diet [...] Read more.
Long-term storage may induce lipid oxidation in brown rice and impact its utilization in animal diets. One-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (with an initial body weight of 20 g) were randomly divided into three groups: corn-based diet (Corn), fresh brown rice-based diet (BR1) and stored brown rice-based diet (BR6), with 8 replicates of 10 birds per pen, in a 42-day feeding trial. The results showed that lipid oxidation indexes increased and fatty acid composition changed significantly in BR6 (p < 0.05). The dietary replacement of corn with brown rice showed no effects on growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). However, palmitic acid and oleic acid increased, and stearic acid, linoleic acid and docosadienoic acid decreased in the broiler breast muscle of the BR1 and BR6 groups (p < 0.05). Ileum antioxidant enzyme activities increased in the BR1 and BR6 groups compared to the Corn group (p < 0.05), and the activities of α-amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin and lipase decreased in the BR6 group compared to the BR1 and Corn groups (p < 0.05). Also, compared to the BR1 group, the overall expression of metabolites involved in drug metabolism—cytochrome P450, GnRH secretion and the estrogen signaling pathway in broiler ileum were down-regulated in the BR6 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the lipid oxidation of stored brown rice decreased digestive enzyme activities and changed metabolic characteristics in the ileum of broilers. While replacing corn with brown rice did not affect broiler growth performance, it reduced the contents of unsaturated and essential fatty acids in breast muscle and enhanced the ileal antioxidant functions of broilers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)
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19 pages, 1771 KiB  
Article
Neutral Sodium Humate Modulates Growth, Slaughter Traits, Antioxidant Status, and Gut Health in Yellow-Feathered Broilers
by Junran Lv, Mingzhu Cen, Benkuan Li, Xin Feng, Hongyu Cai and Huihua Zhang
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142142 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
In this study, we explored the dose-dependent effects of neutral sodium humate (NSH) on the growth performance, slaughter traits, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into three groups, with each [...] Read more.
In this study, we explored the dose-dependent effects of neutral sodium humate (NSH) on the growth performance, slaughter traits, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into three groups, with each group consisting of four replicates containing 20 birds per replicate. The control group (Blank) received a basal diet, while the NSH-L and NSH-H groups were provided with the same basal diet included with neutral sodium humate at concentrations of 0.15% and 0.3%, respectively. The results indicate that dietary inclusion of neutral sodium humate at both low (NSH-L) and high (NSH-H) doses significantly increased the body weight and leg muscle yield of yellow-feathered broilers and improved meat quality (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NSH inclusion effectively reduced serum total cholesterol levels and elevated total protein concentration (p < 0.05). In addition, NSH significantly improved duodenal and ileal morphology (e.g., increased villus height and reduced crypt depth), strengthened intestinal barrier integrity (p < 0.05), and enhanced antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). Notably, the high-dose NSH group (NSH-H) demonstrated significantly greater enhancements in intestinal and barrier integrity compared to the low-dose group (NSH-L). Microbiome analysis revealed that, compared to the Blank group, both the NSH-L and NSH-H groups exhibited significant shifts in cecal microbiota composition, including increased abundance of Bacteroidota and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and reduced abundance of Euryarchaeota and Methanobrevibacter. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that neutral sodium humate acts as a multifunctional feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers, enhancing productivity and gut health. The study provides a theoretical foundation for the scientific application of neutral sodium humate in broiler production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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7 pages, 1091 KiB  
Communication
New Records of Feather Mites (Acariformes: Analgoidea) on Passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) from Greenland
by Nevena Kolarova, Christoffer Sjöholm, Jannika Boström, Susanne Åkesson and Mihaela Ilieva
Birds 2025, 6(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds6030038 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Feather mites play an important role in bird communities, covering a wide spectrum of associations with their hosts, ranging from parasitic to mutualistic relations. As a result of long co-evolution with their warm-blooded hosts, this diverse group of arthropods can be found in [...] Read more.
Feather mites play an important role in bird communities, covering a wide spectrum of associations with their hosts, ranging from parasitic to mutualistic relations. As a result of long co-evolution with their warm-blooded hosts, this diverse group of arthropods can be found in a wide range of environments where their hosts occur, including the high Arctic. The feather mite fauna of Greenland is poorly known. Herein, we present new data on feather mites found on three species of passerine birds, which were captured on Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq), West Greenland. The feather mite species Analges longispinosus was found on Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis); Proctophyllodes plectrophenax on Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus); and Proctophyllodes hipposideros on Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe). The two Proctophyllodes species represent new records for Greenland. Further studies are needed to reveal the diversity of feather mite species in this remote Arctic region. Full article
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15 pages, 288 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Biochars on Growth Performance, Bone Mineralization, Footpad Health, Lymphoid Organs Weight, Antibody Titers of Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis Disease in Broiler Chicks
by Raheel Pervaiz, Riaz Mustafa, Umar Farooq, Waseem Abbas, Muhammad Farooq Khalid, Abdur Rehman, Munawar Hussain, Muhammad Muzammil Riaz, Asfa Fatima and Muhammad Aziz ur Rahman
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(7), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070680 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 297
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of biochars on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, bone mineralization, litter quality and footpad lesions in broilers. Eight hundred day-old chicks were randomly divided into four treatments, 10 replicates per treatment (20 birds/replicate) for 35 days. Treatments [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effect of biochars on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, bone mineralization, litter quality and footpad lesions in broilers. Eight hundred day-old chicks were randomly divided into four treatments, 10 replicates per treatment (20 birds/replicate) for 35 days. Treatments were basal diet (control), a control diet with corncob (CC) biochar (1%), a control diet with wheat straw (WS) biochar (1%) and a control diet with sugarcane bagasse (SCB) biochar (1%). Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly. Nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization and carcass parameters were determined on the 21st and 35th days, while footpad lesions and litter quality were also assessed. The results revealed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in FI, BWG and FCR with supplementation. Nutrient digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in the SCB biochar group. Tibia calcium and phosphorus levels were enhanced (p < 0.05) in the WS and SCB biochar groups, respectively. Footpad lesions were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the CC biochar group, while litter quality was improved (p < 0.05) in the WS biochar group. Lymphoid organ relative weight results revealed that spleen weight was not affected by biochar supplementation in diet (p > 0.05), while dietary supplementation of CS and WS biochar in the diet resulted in the highest relative weights of thymus and bursa (p < 0.05). However, dietary supplementation of WS, SC and SCB biochar supplementation had affected positively the log value of the ND virus and IBV titers in birds. Overall, dietary supplementation of 1% biochars enhances growth performance, bone mineralization, footpad health immunity and litter quality in broilers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Feeding Livestock for Health Improvement)
14 pages, 2675 KiB  
Article
Development of a Clostridium Perfringens Challenge Model in Broiler Chickens to Evaluate the Effects of Feed Additives
by Anna Kollár, Kinga Selymes, Gergely Tóth, Sándor Szekeres, Péter Ferenc Dobra, Krisztina Bárdos, László Ózsvári, Zsófia Bata, Viviána Molnár-Nagy and Miklós Tenk
Pathogens 2025, 14(7), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070707 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 386
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis, caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a disease present worldwide and causes major economic losses. The re-emergence of the disease, in recent years, is mainly due to the ban of the usage of antibiotics as growth promoters in [...] Read more.
Necrotic enteritis, caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a disease present worldwide and causes major economic losses. The re-emergence of the disease, in recent years, is mainly due to the ban of the usage of antibiotics as growth promoters in the EU. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable, robust challenge model. Ross hybrid broilers were divided into randomized groups: a positive and a negative control group, a group receiving antibiotic treatment and three groups fed with assorted feed supplements, all receiving the same basal diet. The birds in the treatment groups were vaccinated twice using a 10-times dose of an Infectious Bursitis live vaccine and the animals were challenged four times with a NetB toxin producing C. perfringens strain. The presence of clinical signs and body weight gain were monitored. At the end of the study necropsy was performed and the gut lesions were scored. During the experiment, clinical signs were absent in the negative control group and in the antibiotic treated group. The other animals displayed diarrhea and feather loss. These symptoms were the most pronounced in the positive control group. The gut lesion scores showed significant differences between the negative and positive control groups, with the former scoring the lowest. Based on these results, the challenge model establishment was successful and in this setup the assessment of the potency of feed additives is also possible. Full article
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27 pages, 2739 KiB  
Article
Immunogenicity of DNA, mRNA and Subunit Vaccines Against Beak and Feather Disease Virus
by Buyani Ndlovu, Albertha R. van Zyl, Dirk Verwoerd, Edward P. Rybicki and Inga I. Hitzeroth
Vaccines 2025, 13(7), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13070762 - 17 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is the causative agent of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), affecting psittacine birds. There is currently no commercial vaccine or treatment for this disease. This study developed a novel BFDV coat protein mRNA vaccine encapsidated [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is the causative agent of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), affecting psittacine birds. There is currently no commercial vaccine or treatment for this disease. This study developed a novel BFDV coat protein mRNA vaccine encapsidated by TMV coat protein to form pseudovirions (PsVs) and tested its immunogenicity alongside BFDV coat protein (CP) subunit and DNA vaccine candidates. Methods: mRNA and BFDV CP subunit vaccine candidates were produced in Nicotiana benthamiana and subsequently purified using PEG precipitation and gradient ultracentrifugation, respectively. The DNA vaccine candidate was produced in E. coli cells harbouring a plasmid with a BFDV1.1mer pseudogenome. Immunogenicity of the vaccine candidates was evaluated in African grey parrot chicks. Results: Successful purification of TMV PsVs harbouring the mRNA vaccine, and of the BFDV-CP subunit vaccine, was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. TEM analyses confirmed formation of TMV PsVs, while RT-PCR and RT-qPCR cDNA amplification confirmed encapsidation of the mRNA vaccine candidate within TMV particles. Restriction digests verified presence of the BFDV1.1mer genome in the plasmid. Four groups of 5 ten-week-old African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) chicks were vaccinated and received two boost vaccinations 2 weeks apart. Blood samples were collected from all four groups on day 14, 28 and 42, and sera were analysed using indirect ELISA, which showed that all vaccine candidates successfully elicited specific anti-BFDV-CP immune responses. The subunit vaccine candidate showed the strongest immune response, indicated by higher binding titres (>6400), followed by the mRNA and DNA vaccine candidates. Conclusions: The candidate vaccines present an important milestone in the search for a protective vaccine against PBFD, and their inexpensive manufacture could considerably aid commercial vaccine development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Vaccine Technology)
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