Search Results (111)

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

The etiology of transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) of broiler chickens has been discussed since its initial recognition 40 years ago. Regardless of its low direct impact on mortality rate, it leads to high economic losses in the broiler industry through reduction of food conversion, weakening of birds, and their increased susceptibility to pathogens. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential presence of TVP on the broiler chicken farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to characterize microscopic lesions, and to investigate the viruses implicated in etiology of TVP by PCR-based methods. In total, 143 diseased broiler chickens from 16 farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina were euthanized and subjected to necropsy and subsequent histopathology of proventriculi. A representative number of proventriculi samples (n = 50) that exhibited histopathologic changes were processed for molecular detection of chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV), girovirus (GyV3), chicken anemia virus (CAV), and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by PCR-based methods. In addition, samples of bursa of Fabricius (n = 39) and spleen (n = 50) were tested for IBDV. Histopathology revealed changes consistent with TVP in 39.8% (57/143) and LP (lymphocytic proventriculitis) in 2.1% (3/143) of samples. All 50 proventricular samples showed positivity to CPNV with Ct values ranging between 18 and 26. GyV3 was detected in eight samples (16%), with Ct values ranging from 11.1 to 27.5. The presence of CAV was more prominent (38%), with 19 positive broiler chickens (Ct ranging from 9.6 to 35.6). Pooled samples of spleen, bursa, and proventriculi from three farms were positive for IBDV. The obtained results represent the first documented data on TVP and the first record of CPNV and GyV3 presence in broiler farms from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Full article

Escherichia coli (E. coli) represents a significant etiological agent of colibacillosis in poultry, resulting in considerable economic losses for the global poultry sector. The present study aimed to determine molecular characterization, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation of E. coli strains isolated from diseased broilers from four provinces of China. A total of 200 tissue samples were collected from the intestine, liver, crop, heart, and spleen and processed for microbiological examination. Molecular detection of E. coli strains, virulence genes, and serotypes was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm formation were assessed using disk diffusion and 96-well microtiter plate assays. The study retrieved 68% (136/200) of E. coli strains from collected samples. Most of the E. coli strains were resistant to enrofloxacin (56%), followed by cefepime (54%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (52%), streptomycin (50%), ampicillin (48%), clindamycin (47%), kanamycin (41%), polymyxin B (37%), tetracycline (35%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (33%), ceftazidime (31%), meropenem (4.7%), and florfenicol (2.9%). Similarly, the E. coli strains tested positive for at least one virulence gene and specific serotypes. Among these, O145 was the most prevalent serotype, identified in 22 isolates (16.2%), followed by O8 (12.5%), O102 (11.8%), and O9 (11.0%). The tsh gene (10.2%) was the most prevalent virulence gene. This study found that 47.1% of E. coli strains were biofilm-producing, with 62.5% exhibiting weak biofilm production, 29.7% mild biofilm production, and 7.8% strong biofilm production. Similarly, 24.2% of the E. coli strains were avian pathogenic E. coli strains due to the presence of five or more virulence genes, specifically tsh, ompA, fimC, iss, fyuA, and astA, in a single strain by multiplex PCR. The present study recommends continuous surveillance and effective control measures to reduce the burden of avian pathogenic E. coli-related infections in poultry. Full article

This study reports an outbreak of hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HSS) in a color broiler parent stock flock in Bangladesh, marking the first known instance of HSS associated with avian hepatitis E virus (aHEV) genotype 7 outside Europe and only the second report of HSS in South Asia. The affected flock exhibited severe clinical signs, including a high cumulative mortality, reaching 31.6% in hens, and an abrupt decrease in egg production, dropping by over 20 percent. Histopathological analysis of liver and spleen samples revealed multifocal areas of necrosis, hemorrhages, and bacterial colonies. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of aHEV and immunohistochemistry showed signals within hepatic sinusoids and peri-ellipsoidal zones in the spleen. Complete genome sequencing of RNA from liver and bile samples on the Illumina platform established a pathogenic link to aHEV genotype 7. Despite aHEV’s known association with HSS, inconsistencies in disease manifestation suggest additional cofactors influencing pathogenesis, with secondary bacterial infections potentially contributing to clinical severity in this outbreak. Overall, this case expands the geographic distribution of aHEV genotype 7 and highlights the need for further epidemiological studies to investigate genotype–pathogenicity associations, especially in regions with limited prior data on HSS. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of encapsulated postbiotics derived from various probiotic microorganisms, alone or in combination with inulin, on the growth performance, carcass traits, organ weights, blood parameters, and mRNA expression of selected hormones in broilers. A total of 588 one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were randomly designated to six replicates of seven dietary treatments (initial body weight: 40.85 ± 0.56 g, per replicate, n = 14 chicks). The treatments consisted of a basal diet (C), supplemented with encapsulated postbiotics (0.30%) derived from Lactobacillus plantarum (ELP), Bacillus subtilis (EBS), or Enterococcus faecium (EEF), as well as combinations of these encapsulated postbiotics with 1.0% inulin (ELPI, EBSI, and EEFI) for six weeks. The results demonstrated that the body weight and body weight gain of birds that were fed diets supplemented with encapsulated postbiotics or their combinations with inulin significantly increased in comparison to the C group (p < 0.001). Feed intake (FI) remained unaffected during days 1–21, as did feed conversion ratios (FCR) during days 22–42, and days 1–42 demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, FCR improved during days 1–21, and FI increased during days 22–42 and 1–42 (p < 0.05). Carcass yield, including breast, thigh, and abdominal fat yields, was enhanced (p < 0.001). Although the relative weights of the heart, spleen, pancreas, and liver were unaffected (p > 0.05), the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius increased (p < 0.001). Serum antioxidant status and immunoglobulin A and M levels were higher, while liver enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, and total oxidant status were lower in the supplemented groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Serum glucose and protein levels remained unchanged (p > 0.05). The mRNA expression of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor was upregulated in the supplemented groups (p < 0.001). In conclusion, encapsulated postbiotics (0.30%) derived from different probiotics, alone or combined with inulin (1.0%), positively influenced growth performance, carcass traits, and immunity in male broilers. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of two types of plastic flooring—one with and one without nanotechnological antimicrobial additives—used as complete or partial replacements for wood shavings on broiler chicken performance, yield, meat quality, and litter microbiology over 42 days. A total of 1500 Ross 408^® male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: wood shavings (WS), plastic flooring (PF), a 50/50 mix of plastic flooring and wood shavings (PF + WS), plastic flooring with antimicrobial additives (PFA), and a 50/50 mix of antimicrobial plastic flooring and wood shavings (PFA + WS). This study evaluated organ biometrics (liver, heart, spleen, and gizzard), the severity of Eimeria lesions, microbiological profiles, performance indices, and meat quality. The results indicated that plastic flooring, particularly when used alone, presented challenges such as increased intestinal lesions related to coccidiosis and a higher prevalence of Salmonella. Moreover, broilers raised on plastic flooring presented worse feed conversion and lower body weights and carcass yields than those raised on wood shavings. The meat quality was also negatively affected, with plastic flooring leading to less favorable fillet characteristics. Overall, the use of plastic flooring reduced the performance and health parameters of broiler chickens. Full article

Fusarium mycotoxins often co-occur in broiler feed, and their presence negatively impacts health even at subclinical concentrations, so there is a need to identify the concentrations of these toxins that do not adversely affect chickens health and performance. The study was conducted to evaluate the least toxic effects of combined mycotoxins fumonisins (FUM), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEA) on the production performance, immune response, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A total of 960 one-day-old broilers were distributed into eight dietary treatments: T1 (Control); T2: 33.0 FUM + 3.0 DON + 0.8 ZEA; T3: 14.0 FUM + 3.5 DON + 0.7 ZEA; T4: 26.0 FUM + 1.0 DON + 0.2 ZEA; T5: 7.7 FUM + 0.4 DON + 0.1 ZEA; T6: 3.6 FUM + 2.5 DON + 0.9 ZEA; T7: 0.8 FUM + 1.0 DON + 0.3 ZEA; T8: 1.0 FUM + 0.5 DON + 0.1 ZEA, all in mg/kg diet. The results showed that exposure to higher mycotoxin concentrations, T2 and T3, had significantly reduced body weight gain (BWG) by 17% on d35 (p < 0.05). The T2, T3, and T4 groups had a significant decrease in villi length in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05) and disruption of tight junction proteins, occludin, and claudin-4 (p < 0.05). Higher mycotoxin groups T2 to T6 had a reduction in the digestibility of amino acids methionine (p < 0.05), aspartate (p < 0.05), and serine (p < 0.05); a reduction in CD4+, CD8+ T-cell populations (p < 0.05) and an increase in T regulatory cell percentages in the spleen (p < 0.05); a decrease in splenic macrophage nitric oxide production and total IgA production (p < 0.05); and upregulated cytochrome P450-1A1 and 1A4 gene expression (p < 0.05). Birds fed the lower mycotoxin concentration groups, T7 and T8, did not have a significant effect on performance, intestinal health, and immune responses, suggesting that these concentrations pose the least negative effects in broiler chickens. These findings are essential for developing acceptable thresholds for combined mycotoxin exposure and efficient feed management strategies to improve broiler performance. Full article

Effects of in ovo and dietary sources of calcidiol (25(OH)D₃), combined with Marek’s disease vaccine (MDV), on the expression of genes involved with the antioxidant activity, muscle deposition, and immunity in the pectoralis major (P. major) muscle and spleen of 40 d of age (doa) broilers were investigated. The in ovo treatments were as follows: (1) non-injected; (2) the injection of 50 μL of commercial MDV, (3) MDV + 1.2, or (4) 2.4 μg of 25(OH)D₃. All birds received either a commercial diet containing no supplemental 25(OH)D₃ (control) or the same diet supplemented with an additional 69 µg of 25(OH)D₃ per kg of feed (Hy-D diet). At 40 doa, the pectoralis major (P. major) muscle and spleen of 48 birds (six replicates per diet x in ovo treatment combination) were collected. When compared to un-supplemented commercial diet-fed birds, in birds that were fed the Hy-D diet, the expression of the TGF-β4 gene in the spleen and P. major muscle, and the GSH-P1, GSH-P7, SOD2, MyoG, MyoD1, and Pax3 genes in the P. major muscle were up-regulated, whereas the expression of the IL-1β, IL-8, and CYP24A1 genes in the spleen and P. major muscle were down-regulated. Nevertheless, birds that received any of the in ovo injection doses of 25(OH)D₃ exhibited a higher expression of the IL-10, TGF-β4, and CYP27B1 genes in the spleen and P. major muscle. Furthermore, in comparison to the MDV-injected control group, the CAT, MyoD1, and Pax3 genes in the P. major muscle were up-regulated, and the expression of the INF-γ, IL-1β and CYP24A1 genes in the spleen and the IL-8, and IL-1β genes in the P. major muscle were down-regulated. In conclusion, a significant improvement in the expression of genes responsible for enzymatic antioxidant activity, protein synthesis, and inflammatory reactions in 40-day-old broilers occurred in response to in ovo and dietary supplemental 25(OH)D₃, and supplemental 25OHD₃ provided via either route was used to enhance the expression of genes linked to vitamin D activity (CYP27B1, CYP24A1). Full article

A total of 640 one-day-old Cobb 500 MV × Cobb 500 FF mixed broilers were randomly assigned to one of four experimental treatments with four replicates per treatment and 40 birds per replicate for 32 days. The treatments consisted of a basal diet (control group), basal diet + 0.02% zinc bacitracin (AGP group), basal diet + 0.2% G. lucidum powder (GLP; 0.2% GLP group), and basal diet + 0.3% GLP (0.3% GLP group). The results showed that dietary 0.2% GLP supplementation increased body weight compared to the control and 0.3% GLP groups, and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group, during 19–32 days (p < 0.05). The feed intake was lower (p < 0.05) in both dietary GLP supplementation groups and the AGP group during 1–8 and 1–32 days compared to the control group. Additionally, the FCR was lower in the dietary GLP supplementation group (0.2%) and the AGP group (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Moreover, the caeca of broiler chickens in the AGP and 0.2% GLP groups had a higher abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Supplementation of feed additives (AGP and GLP) increased the relative weight of the thymus, with no effect on the bursa of Fabricius and spleen. However, AGP supplementation decreased the serum IgM concentration, while supplementing a higher dose of GLP (0.3%) increased the ash content in the tibia. The findings indicate that 0.2% GLP is the recommended supplementation dose as a natural growth promoter to replace AGP in apparently normal chickens. Full article

Background: In ovo stimulation introduces bioactive compounds, such as prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics into incubating eggs to enhance gut health and immune system development in chickens. This study aimed to determine the genetic and environmental effects modulating responses to in ovo stimulation in commercial broilers and Green-legged Partridge-like (GP) native chickens. Methods: Eggs were stimulated on day 12 of incubation with prebiotics (GOS—galactooligosaccharides), probiotics (Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris), or synbiotics (GOS + L. lactis), with controls being mock-injected. Hatched chicks were reared in group pens and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 42 post-hatching. Cecal tonsils (CT) and spleens were harvested 2 h post-challenge. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the relative gene expression of cytokine genes: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IL-17. Results: The results show that genotype influenced the expression of all immune-related genes, with broiler chickens exhibiting stronger innate inflammatory responses than native chickens. LPS induced both mucosal (CT) and systemic (spleen) immune responses in broilers but only systemic (spleen) responses in native chickens. Conclusions: In ovo stimulation had less of an impact on cytokine gene expression than LPS challenge. Broilers expressed higher inflammatory immune responses than GP native chickens. Full article

At day 21 of age, Ross-308 broilers were orally gavaged with 7.5 × 10⁶ CFU/mL S. Typhimurium (n = 30), and another 30 birds were kept as the control. The body weight of birds was recorded on days 0, 2, 7, and 14 days post-infection (dpi) to calculate body weight gains (BWGs). At each time point, seven birds per group were euthanized for sample collection to acquire IELs and lymphocytes from the ileum and spleen for flow cytometric analysis. A reduction in BWGs of the infected groups compared to the control group was observed only at 2 dpi. Additionally, there were no changes in the expression of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ileum at 2 and 7 dpi. The number of IELs increased significantly following Salmonella infection in the ileum at 2 and 7 dpi without any changes in spleen lymphocytes. The increase in the total number of IELs was derived from the elevated numbers of conventional CD8αβ⁺TCRαβ⁺ and natural IEL populations (CD4⁻CD8⁻TCRαβ⁺, CD8αα⁺TCRαβ⁺, TCRγδ⁺, non-T cells (TCR^neg, and iCD8α cells)). The increase in regulatory IELs and the stable expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes during the first week of infection suggests the potential role of IELs in modulating intestinal inflammation. Full article

Algae are a complex source of crucial nutrients, including proteins, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The use of marine algae, specifically Sargassum species, Gracilaria species, and Spirulina species, as feed ingredients in poultry feed was examined in the current research. This study’s aims were to carry out lipid profiling, proximate analysis, and heavy metal toxicity testing, as well as to evaluate the presence of hazardous hydrocarbons in the algae and investigate the effect of the fatty acid profile of Sargassum species on broilers. The proximate analysis was conducted on the algae types containing considerable quantities of fats and proteins and a sizable quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. This research assessed the productive effectiveness of broilers with 2.5%, 6%, and 10% algal additions in their diet. Fatty acid profiling of Sargassum species was performed at 1% and 2% levels in the bursa, fat pads, heart, liver, spleen, thymus, thighs, and breast. The findings showed no significant differences in the development performance or feed utilization efficiency of broilers with 2.5%, 6%, and 10% algae supplementation in their diet. The results of fatty acid profiling showed changes in the heart, liver, and spleen at 1% and 2% supplementations levels. However, this research concludes that if algae partially replaces the imported feed proteins used in animal feed, then these can achieve maximum beneficial effects on poultry health and performance. Algae are sustainable, easy to produce, and cost-effective sources of nutrients and contain numerous bioactive compounds, which will contribute to sustainability and food safety. Full article

Recent studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), as an effective antioxidant, could attenuate the oxidative damage, inflammation and necrosis in the liver in response to oxidative stress. The present study investigated whether oral administration of EGCG could effectively alleviate the hepatic histopathological changes and oxidative damage in yellow-feathered broilers induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). Broilers were exposed to 600 μmol t-BHP/kg body weight (BW) to induce oxidative stress by intraperitoneal injection every five days, followed by oral administration of different doses of EGCG (0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg BW) and 20 mg vitamin E (VE)/kg BW every day during 5–21 days of age. The results showed that t-BHP injection decreased (p < 0.05) body weight and the relative weight of the spleen; the enzyme activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD); and gene mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), CAT, SOD1, SOD2 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACACA); as well as increased (p < 0.05) necrosis formation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS)accumulation, and peroxisome proliferator activates receptor-α (PPARα) mRNA expression in the liver of yellow-feathered female broilers at 21 days of age. Treatment with 60 mg EGCG/kg BW orally could enhance antioxidant enzyme activities and reverse the hepatic damage induced by t-BHP injection by reducing the accumulation of ROS and MDA in the liver and activating the Nrf2 and PPARα pathways related to the induction of antioxidant gene expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, intraperitoneal injection of t-BHP impaired body growth and induced hepatic ROS accumulation, which destroyed the antioxidant system and led to oxidative damage in the liver of yellow-feathered broilers from 5 to 21 days of age. It is suggested that EGCG may play an antioxidant role through the Nrf2 and PPARα signaling pathways to effectively protect against t-BHP-induced hepatic oxidative damage in broilers, and the appropriate dose was 60 mg EGCG/kg BW by oral administration. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effects of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) administration on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in broiler chickens. Methods: Twenty-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to three groups, each of which was treated with saline (control), intraperitoneal administration of LPS [1.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), Escherichia coli O127:B8], or LPS plus BHB (3 mmol/kg BW). Results: Plasma albumin and total protein concentration were significantly reduced by LPS administration, while BHB co-treatment partially attenuated the effects. The LPS treatment significantly induced plasma aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities, and interleukin (IL)-6 concentration, with the increases suppressed by BHB co-treatment (p < 0.05). The LPS treatment significantly increased the gene expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 in the spleen and peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC), while the increases were partially attenuated by BHB in the spleen. Relatively higher levels of BHB dehydrogenase 1 and succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase were observed in the spleen and skeletal muscle, while these gene levels were lower in PBMC and the liver. Conclusions: The present results suggest that BHB can suppress LPS-induced inflammation, in which ketolytic enzyme expression levels may be involved in broiler chickens. Full article

The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth, meat quality, carcass characteristics, hematobiochemical profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chicken was investigated in this research trial. In this study, 192-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design to three groups: control, antibiotic, and MLP. A standard basal diet was given to the control group, while the antibiotic group received 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the MLP group received 100 mg/kg M. oleifera leaf powder supplemented basal diet. Each group was further divided into eight replicates consisting of eight birds each, and the trial ran for 35 days. Among the groups, the MLP-fed broilers achieved the highest final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Notably, the FCR for the whole experimental period was lower in the MLP group, indicating a more efficient use of feed for growth. Supplementation of MLP with basal diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the weight of thighs and drumsticks relative to live weight %, while the spleen and abdominal fat weight (% of live weight) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Adding MLP to the diet improved the meat quality of broilers, as indicated by the highest pH of meat at 45 min and the lowest cooking loss (%) observed in this group. MLP exhibited hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, with the lowest total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to non-supplemented groups. The hematological profile revealed that the MLP group exhibited the highest RBC count and Hb level, while also showing the lowest H/L ratio. Moringa supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the cecal bacterial population, reducing pathogenic E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and the total aerobic plate count (TAPC). In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) can be used as a natural feed supplement for promoting the growth, meat quality, healthy blood, and sound health of broilers. Full article