Search Results (6,540)

The use of agro-industrial waste to obtain biochar has emerged as an environmentally friendly, low-cost, effective, profitable, and sustainable strategy for the removal of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin of importance in poultry production systems because it can cause serious economic losses, affect hatchability, egg production, and the growth of birds, and can cause their death. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to obtain a sustainable and low-cost biochar derived from agro-industrial coconut shell waste (BCS) and evaluate its AFB1 adsorption capacity using a conventional method based on buffer solutions and an in vitro avian digestion model that simulates the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of the broiler chicken. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of BCS on AFB1 (250 ng/mL) at both pH 5.0 and 1.2 was close to 100%, while at pH 6.8, the adsorption of AFB1 was 86.24%. However, in the in vitro avian digestibility model, the adsorption capacity of BSC on AFB1 was 32.96%, thus highlighting the importance of considering factors that can affect the adsorption capacity of materials before in vivo studies, as this can lead to overestimations of results and, therefore, ineffective treatments or unexpected results in animals. Full article

Avian influenza (AI) continues to threaten global poultry production, with accumulating evidence suggesting that certain commercial layer lines may exhibit increased susceptibility under specific experimental conditions compared with broiler chickens. This narrative review synthesizes published experimental infection studies identified through a comprehensive PubMed search, focusing on low pathogenic H9N2 and highly pathogenic H5N1, H5N2, H7N7, and H7N9 viruses. Although bird age and production stage varied across studies, consistent disparities in immune regulation and viral replication dynamics have been reported. We critically evaluate host determinants underlying these differences—including microRNAs, major histocompatibility complex polymorphisms, sialic acid receptor distribution, gut microbiota, and hormonal influences—and integrate findings across viral subtypes and pathogenicity classes to inform breed-tailored vaccination, nutritional, and therapeutic strategies. Full article

The bioactive compounds in thyme essential oil (TEO) have been investigated as natural preservatives. However, their direct application in foods is limited by their poor water solubility and high volatility. In this context, nanoemulsions represent promising delivery systems for bioactive compounds due to their improved physicochemical stability and functional performance. This study aimed to develop and characterize TEO nanoemulsions prepared by ultrasound-assisted encapsulation using an ultrasonic probe and whey protein concentrate as a surfactant, with potential application in chicken burgers. Different sonication times (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min) were evaluated, and ultrasonication time was evaluated as the experimental variable. The formulation processed for 3 min presented the smallest hydrodynamic diameter (289 nm) and a homogeneous spherical morphology. The nanoemulsions showed low cytotoxicity, maintaining cell viability above 90% at all evaluated concentrations. In vitro antibacterial assays demonstrated activity against Staphylococcus aureus and antifungal effects against Aspergillus and Penicillium species. When applied to chicken burgers, the treatment containing 100 ppm of nanoencapsulated TEO contributed to reductions in S. aureus and mesophilic aerobic microorganism counts during 7 days of refrigerated storage. These findings indicate that TEO nanoemulsions present potential as natural antimicrobial systems for food preservation applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spotty liver disease (SLD), caused by Campylobacter hepaticus, is an emerging disease that leads to substantial production losses in the egg industry. The shift toward antibiotic-free and cage-free production systems has further intensified the impact of SLD. The current control measures largely rely on autogenous killed vaccines; however, their use is constrained by the slow and fastidious growth of C. hepaticus and inconsistent efficacy. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to identify immunogenic mimotopes as vaccine candidates and express them on the surface of an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) vector. Methods: To identify immunogenic mimotopes, Ph.D.-12 phage display peptide library was screened using the hyperimmune serum raised against killed whole-cell C. hepaticus in specific pathogen-free chickens. Subsequently, the outer membrane protein C (OmpC) of E. coli was used as a scaffold for constructing a surface display library. A single restriction site, PstI, located in the seventh external loop of OmpC, was strategically utilized to insert each 12-amino-acid mimotope with a six-histidine (6xHis) tag sequence at its N-terminus, generating ompC + mimotope fusion constructs. These constructs were cloned into the inducible expression vector pTrc and electroporated into an E. coli DH5α ∆ompC strain, which lacked ompC. The surface expression of the mimotopes was confirmed in vitro. The verified ompC + mimotope constructs were subsequently subcloned into the pYA3422 constitutive expression vector and electroporated into the APEC PSUO78 ∆aroA ∆asd vaccine vector strain. A chicken vaccination–challenge trial was conducted using nine groups of chickens, including an unvaccinated challenged control and an unvaccinated–unchallenged negative control. Each experimental group received a mixture of two recombinant E. coli strains carrying different mimotopes at a dose of 1 × 10⁹ CFU, which were administered orally twice at 16 and 18 weeks of age. Results: Fourteen immunogenic mimotopes corresponding to 13 different C. hepaticus proteins were identified as potential vaccine candidates. The expression of these mimotopes on the surface of the E. coli was successfully demonstrated using the OmpC-mediated surface display system. Of the 14 mimotopes tested, two flagellar-related peptides and one major outer membrane protein (MOMP)-derived peptide elicited significant immune responses and conferred protection against the C. hepaticus challenge. Conclusions: We successfully developed a functional E. coli surface display system that was capable of expressing 12-amino-acid mimotopes of C. hepaticus, providing a robust platform for evaluating vaccine candidates against SLD. Immunogenicity and efficacy studies in chickens demonstrated that three identified mimotopes conferred protection against C. hepaticus colonization of the bile and liver. Future in vivo investigations are necessary to develop and evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a multivalent mimotope vaccine consisting of three identified mimotopes against both C. hepaticus and APEC, utilizing the ΔaroA Δasd APEC PSU078 strain as the vaccine vector. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different environmental enrichment tools on broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 120,000 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments, each consisting of four replicates with 6000 birds per replicate. Replicates were housed in pens measuring approximately 362 m². The treatments included: T1, green balls (approximately 40 balls per pen); T2, hanging toys (8–10 toys per pen); T3, hanging strings (8–10 string bundles per pen); T4, rotational use of green balls, hanging toys, and strings at equivalent densities; and T5, a control group without enrichment. Data were collected on growth performance, foot health, behavioral activity, serum biochemical parameters, and carcass and meat quality traits. Birds provided with hanging enrichment tools showed significantly improved growth performance (p ≤ 0.05) compared with the control group. Among enriched treatments, T2 yielded the highest body weight and weight gain, as well as the lowest feed conversion ratio. Enrichment treatments also resulted in significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in carcass characteristics and selected meat quality parameters, including lightness (L*) and pH stability. Behavioral observations indicated substantially higher activity levels in enriched groups relative to the control. Toe damage scores differed significantly among treatments (p = 0.004), with the lowest scores observed in T1 and the highest in T4; however, no significant differences were detected in footpad dermatitis or hock burn scores (p > 0.05). In conclusion, hanging environmental enrichment tools, particularly hanging toys, can effectively enhance growth performance, behavioral activity, and selected carcass and meat quality traits in broiler production systems, while their effects on footpad health appear limited under the conditions of this study. Full article

Background: Excessive abdominal fat deposition is a major challenge in the chicken farming industry, making it essential to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying chicken adipogenesis. Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (NRF1) has been reported to suppress chicken adipogenesis by downregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression. Protein Phosphatase 1 Catalytic Subunit Gamma (PPP1CC) is a multifunctional phosphatase involved in various biological processes; however, its role in chicken adipogenesis remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the functional role and underlying mechanism of PPP1CC in chicken preadipocyte differentiation. Methods: Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence assays were performed to determine the interaction between PPP1CC and NRF1 in DF1 cells. Bioinformatic analysis predicted potential NRF1 dephosphorylation sites targeted by PPP1CC, based on which NRF1 mutants mimicking dephosphorylation were constructed. Phos-tag SDS-PAGE combined with Western blot analysis were used to verify PPP1CC-mediated dephosphorylation of wild-type NRF1. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to evaluate the effect of PPP1CC-mediated dephosphorylation on NRF1-regulated PPARγ P1 promoter transcriptional activity. ChIP-qPCR was employed to assess the occupancy of NRF1 to the PPARγ P1 promoter upon PPP1CC overexpression. The effect of PPP1CC overexpression was assessed on preadipocyte differentiation using Oil Red O staining and marker gene expression analysis. Results: PPP1CC interacted with NRF1 in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of DF1 cells. Overexpression of PPP1CC significantly promoted NRF1 dephosphorylation during oleic acid-induced preadipocyte differentiation and increased endogenous NRF1 expression. Moreover, dual-luciferase assays showed that while PPP1CC strengthened the inhibitory effect of wild-type NRF1 on PPARγ P1 promoter transcriptional activity, it exerted no additional suppression on the already low activity mediated by the dephosphorylation-mimicking NRF1 mutants. Consistently, ChIP-qPCR results demonstrated that PPP1CC overexpression enhanced the occupancy of NRF1 to the PPARγ P1 promoter. Functional assays revealed that PPP1CC overexpression significantly inhibited chicken preadipocyte differentiation. Conclusions: PPP1CC interacts with NRF1 and promotes its dephosphorylation, enhancing NRF1-mediated suppression of PPARγ transcription and ultimately inhibiting chicken preadipocyte differentiation. These results identify the PPP1CC–NRF1–PPARγ regulatory axis and provide a potential molecular target for controlling fat deposition in broiler chickens. Full article

Xichuan black-boned chicken is a premium Chinese local breed in Xichuan County, Henan Province, China. However, the flavor characteristics of Xichuan black-boned chicken meat have not been systematically studied. Lipidomics and flavoromics approaches were used to analyze DLMs (differential lipid molecules) and DFCs (differential flavor compounds) in breast muscle (BM, n = 6) and leg muscle (LM, n = 6) of black-boned chicken, to reveal molecular mechanisms affecting meat quality in chicken. Lipidomics analysis reveals that 354 differential lipids are the differential abundance between the two groups, of which 33 are up-regulated and 321 are down-regulated in the BM group. These differential lipids were mostly enriched in glycerolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and metabolic pathways. Flavoromics results demonstrate that there are 70 differential flavors between the two groups. Of these flavors, 59 are down-regulated and 11 are up-regulated in the BM group. These differential flavor compounds are mainly enriched in insect hormone biosynthesis and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. Integrated lipidomics and flavoromics analysis shows that TG-type lipids and dodecanenitrile flavors may be the major related pairs. These findings not only enhance the understanding of the mechanism of chicken meat flavor formation but also provide novel perspectives for the improvement of meat quality. Full article

This study aims to investigate the effects of low-energy diets (LE) supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics (HSY) on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 2400 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks with an average initial body weight of 46.10 ± 0.04 g were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 12 pens and 50 broiler chickens/pen for 39 days. Treatments were (1) CTR (basal diet), (2) LE (CTR-70 kcal ME/kg), (3) HSY (CTR + 0.5 kg/t HSY), and (4) LEHSY (LE + 0.5 kg/t HSY). LE increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers (p = 0.03) without altering ADG, ADFI, and final BW. Supplementation with HSY significantly reduced the FCR of broilers (p = 0.001). HSY upregulated the activities of amylase and trypsin in jejunal digesta (p < 0.01). Furthermore, LE upregulated the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes such as Mucin-2, Claudin-1 and Occludin, and HSY upregulated the expression of Claudin-1 (p < 0.05). LE upregulated the expression of nutrient transport carriers such as SGLT1 and TRPV6 (p < 0.01), and HSY upregulated the expression of TRPV6 (p < 0.01). LE upregulated the expression of immune-related genes such as MHC-II (p = 0.002), and HSY upregulated the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β (p < 0.05). LE and HSY both downregulated the expression of intestinal lipid metabolism-related genes like ACC, while upregulating the expression of FABP4 (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the HSY increased the Chao1 index of the jejunal microbiota and enriched beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus avium. LE and HSY both increased the concentrations of propionic and butyrate (p < 0.05). In summary, HSY can improve gut health and mitigate the negative impact of low-energy treatment on broiler growth performance by increasing the content of endogenous enzymes in the jejunum, improving gut microbiota structure, and increasing the content of short-chain fatty acids in the jejunum. Full article

Background: Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is a globally significant immunosuppressive pathogen that causes substantial economic losses to the poultry industry, with particularly severe outbreaks in China in recent years. Given the limitations of existing vaccines, especially the residual virulence associated with live attenuated vaccines, there is an urgent need to develop novel, safer, and more effective vaccine strategies. Methods: In this study, the VP1 and VP2 genes of CIAV were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli to develop a cost-effective subunit vaccine. Since VP1 primarily formed inclusion bodies, a “VP2-assisted co-refolding” strategy was employed. This involved denaturing VP1 and refolding it via gradient dialysis in the presence of soluble VP2, thereby leveraging VP2’s natural chaperone-like function to restore conformational epitopes. The refolded VP1/VP2 protein complexes, emulsified at different ratios, were used to immunize 3-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, followed by challenge with a virulent CIAV strain. Results: The vaccine formulation with a VP1:VP2 ratio of 1:1 provided the best protection, achieving 71.4% (5/7) protective efficacy, as evidenced by significantly reduced thymic atrophy and a higher thymus index. Conclusions: These findings validate the feasibility of using an economical prokaryotic expression system combined with a rational protein refolding strategy to produce a protective subunit vaccine candidate against CIAV, offering a promising alternative for disease control. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which replacing soybean meal with different proportions of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal affects the antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal health in Xichuan black-bone chickens. After feeding the diets with 0.0%, 3.9%, 7.8%, 11.7%, and 15.6% BSF powder for 56 days, twelve chickens were sampled from each group. The optimal addition group was determined. Compared with the control group, adding 11.7% BSF significantly increased serum T-AOC, SOD, IgA, IgM, IL-4, and IL-10 concentrations, while markedly reducing IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 (p < 0.05) and improving spleen morphology. Adding 11.7% BSF significantly increased the duodenal villus-to-crypt ratio (V/C) and markedly elevated the ileal V/C (p < 0.05), and it significantly increased gene expression levels of duodenal Claudin-1, Occludin, and E-cadherin, jejunal Claudin-1, and ileal Claudin-1, Occludin, and E-cadherin (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the 11.7% addition group exhibited significant alterations in caecal microbiota composition (p < 0.05), with 10 distinct bacterial genera identified at the genus level. A total of 424 differentially expressed metabolites were identified. Correlation analyses revealed that adding 11.7% BSF may enhance immune function by regulating intestinal metabolites such as isovaleric acid, inosine, and tazarotenic acid via Akkermansia, Sphaerochaeta, and Blautia in the cecum. It may also improve gut health by modulating inosine through Sphaerochaeta and Blautia. This trial provides feasibility evidence for substituting soybean meal with BSF meal, offering scientific support for sustainable development in animal husbandry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Biosecurity and stamping out are key control measures against H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. Vaccination in poultry is an additional tool to reduce disease risk and facilitate timely containment. This study aimed to establish a candidate vaccine strain against H5 HPAI in Asia and validate its protective efficacy. Methods: Based on genetic and antigenic analyses, a representative HPAI virus, A/duck/Vietnam/HU16-DD3/2023 (H5N1), collected in northern Vietnam, was selected to generate a candidate vaccine strain, rgPR8/VN23HA∆KRRK-NA (rgPR8/VN23; H5N1), using reverse genetics, followed by formulation of an inactivated oil-adjuvanted vaccine. Vaccine efficacy was evaluated by measuring humoral antibody responses after intramuscular vaccination and by assessing mortality and virus recovery following intranasal challenge with a clade 2.3.4.4b virus, A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 (H5N1). Results were compared with those obtained using an antigenically homologous vaccine to the challenge strain and a Japanese stockpiled vaccine. Results: All vaccinated juvenile chickens developed sufficient immunity to survive the challenge at 21 days post-vaccination. The rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) and homologous vaccines markedly reduced virus recovery, suggesting near-sterile protection, whereas low-titer viruses were transiently detected in chickens vaccinated with the stockpiled vaccine. The rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) vaccine conferred clinical protection in juvenile chickens as early as 8 days post-vaccination. A single dose of the rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) vaccine provided incomplete protection in laying hens, whereas a double-volume regimen improved protective efficacy. Conclusions: The rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) vaccine conferred strong immunity to juvenile chickens; however, a refined vaccination strategy may be required to achieve complete protection in laying hens. Full article

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) contributes substantially to colibacillosis outbreaks in chickens. Because APEC cells readily attach to surfaces and develop biofilms, they pose a notable hazard to poultry production and food safety. This study investigated the antibiofilm and anti-adhesion activities of deep eutectic solvent-based emulsion containing Piper betle L. extract (DEPE) and hydroxychavicol, a pure compound isolated from P. betle leaves against APEC. Methods: Antibiofilm and anti-adhesion activities of DEPE and hydroxychavicol against APEC were investigated. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation of DEPE and hydroxychavicol was conducted. In addition, anti-adhesion activity of DEPE on chicken meat during storage was evaluated. Results: DEPE and hydroxychavicol significantly inhibited biofilm formation at sub-MIC, with DEPE achieving up to 80% inhibition and hydroxychavicol up to 69%. At 8 × MIC, DEPE and hydroxychavicol diminished the viability of both early and established biofilms. Furthermore, DEPE and hydroxychavicol reduced APEC adhesion on the surface as observed by SEM. In silico analyses demonstrated the stable binding of hydroxychavicol to adhesion-related proteins, particularly EcpA and FimH, suggesting a possible mechanism for its anti-adhesion activity. At day 5, DEPE at 4 × MIC significantly reduced 63% bacterial adhesion to chicken meat surfaces during storage, while maintaining the meat’s color. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DEPE and hydroxychavicol are promising candidates for limiting APEC biofilm formation and surface attachment and may serve as alternative antibacterial agents in poultry-related food safety applications. Full article

Heat stress is a major constraint to global egg production, as rising temperatures increasingly challenge the physiological limits of commercial layer chickens. This review integrates current advances in stress physiology to demonstrate that heat stress is not merely a thermoregulatory problem but a multi-systemic disruption involving neuroendocrine overload, metabolic imbalance, oxidative damage, immune suppression, and gastrointestinal barrier breakdown. These interacting pathways collectively impair egg production, shell quality, feed efficiency, and hen welfare. The review also synthesizes emerging mitigation strategies across environmental control, nutritional interventions, genetic and breeding innovations, welfare-oriented housing systems, and precision monitoring technologies. Studies indicate that targeted cooling, antioxidant, and electrolyte supplementation, the selection of heat-tolerant strains, enriched environments, and sensor-based early-warning systems can significantly enhance egg-laying hen resilience. Remaining gaps include a limited understanding of multi-stressor interactions, microbiome-mediated thermal tolerance, and the large-scale implementation of precision tools. The review provides a forward-looking framework for improving heat resilience in modern layer systems. Full article

In order to investigate the prevalence of duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) in several regions of China, this study conducted an epidemiological survey on 2674 avian throat swab samples (including chickens, ducks, geese, and pigeons) collected from seven provincial-level administrative regions in China in 2024. Following RT-qPCR testing, 198 positive samples were identified, demonstrating an overall positivity rate of 7.40% (198/2674) across the seven provinces included in the study. Subsequent virus isolation using BHK-21 cells led to successful isolation in 17 cases. Additionally, genetic evolution analysis of the partial NS5 gene was carried out on these 17 isolates through RT-PCR amplification and sequencing. The data analysis indicated that Guangdong Province had the highest positive detection rate, reaching 22.40% (86/384), followed by Henan at 12.24% (47/384). Among infected hosts, geese were primarily affected by DTMUV, with a positivity rate of 40.76% (97/238). The prevailing subgroup of DTMUV in circulation in China is subgroup 3.2. Farmer’s markets, wholesale markets, slaughterhouses, and poultry farms all showed evidence of DTMUV presence, indicating widespread contamination across diverse locations. This study examines the distribution, genetics, and phylogenetic features of DTMUV in China, which will enhance our comprehension of the epidemiological landscape of DTMUV in China. Full article

This study presents the experimental characterization of the volumetric and transport properties of pseudo-binary mixtures of commercial diesel and residual chicken fat methyl ester biodiesel over the temperature range of 293.15–353.15 K at 0.078 MPa. Density measurements were performed using a U-shaped vibrating-tube densimeter; kinematic viscosities were obtained using Cannon–Fenske capillary viscometers. The results show that density decreased with increasing temperature and diesel content. The excess molar volume (V^E) was negative for all mixtures; the strongest volumetric contraction took place at around x₁ ≈ 0.4–0.6. The Redlich–Kister equation and the Prigogine–Flory–Patterson (PFP) model were applied to represent excess molar volumes, with an absolute average deviation (AAD) lower than 14.92%. The thermal expansion coefficient (${\alpha }_P$) and its excess property (${\alpha }_P^E$) further confirmed the existence of non-ideal mixing driven by polar–apolar interactions. The kinematic viscosity ($\nu$) was confirmed to be temperature-dependent and increased with the amount of FAMEs; this effect can be associated with the greater polarity and structural rigidity of esters. The McAllister model also adequately reproduced the dynamic viscosity ($\eta$) with an AAD < 4.2%. Furthermore, an increase in the activation enthalpy (${\Delta H}^{\ne }$) was observed at higher FAME fractions, indicating a high energy demand is required to overcome the internal energy barrier for the initial displacement of the molecules. Full article