Search Results (213)

Poultry waste composting is a necessary technique for agricultural farm sustainability. Composting is a dynamic process influenced by multiple variables. Humidity and temperature play fundamental roles in analyzing its different phases according to the environment and composting technique. Current developments for monitoring these variables include automation via intelligent Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensor networks for variable tracking. These advancements serve as efficient tools for modeling that facilitate the simulation and prediction of composting process variables to improve system efficiency. Therefore, this paper presents the dynamic modeling of composting via forced aeration processes in high-mountain climates, with the intent of estimating biomass temperature dynamics in different phases using system identification techniques. To this end, four dynamic model estimation structures are employed: transfer function (TF), state space (SS), process (P), and Hammerstein–Wiener (HW). The and model quality, fitting results, and standard error metrics of the different models found in each phase are assessed through residual analysis from each structure by validation with real system data. Our results show that the second-order underdamped multiple-input–single-output (MISO) process model with added noise demonstrates the best fit and validation performance. Full article

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

While integrated practices are used in organic vegetable production for soil fertility management, their impacts on short- and long-term soil health across diverse cropping systems and environments need to be better understood, especially in sandy soils. In this two-year study (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) conducted on certified organic land, a suite of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties at the end of each organic celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce) production season were analyzed, with one set of field experiments assessing the influence of preplant organic fertilizers and the other set examining the effects of composts and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as a rotational cover crop before celery planting. Compared to feather meal-based organic fertilizer, the poultry litter-based organic fertilizer enhanced soil K and Mg base saturation, promoted micronutrient availability, and increased the overall soil fertility score. Sunn hemp cover cropping impacted soil N dynamics, and both yard waste compost and vermicompost increased the overall soil health score by over 4.0% compared to the no compost control, with yard waste compost resulting in the highest level of soil active C (10.8% higher than the control). Seasonal variations were observed in many soil parameters measured, along with marked interactions among nutrient management practices and production seasons. This study highlights the complexity of soil health assessments and improvement for sandy soils with low water and nutrient retention, and the importance of long-term, systematic studies under organic crop production. Full article

The application of chemical additives in poultry litter management aims to control the microbial population and reduce harmful gases. We conducted in vitro analyses to determine and compare the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of commercial chemical additives of calcium oxide, aluminum sulphate, and copper sulphate on bacteria such as Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Heidelberg, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; yeast (Candida albicans); and fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum). The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were also evaluated. Chemical additive solutions were prepared at a concentration of 0.1 g/mL and diluted up to 0.00078 g/mL, corresponding to concentrations from 10 kg/m² to 0.07 kg/m² when the additives were applied to the litter. In general, aluminum sulphate inhibited the growth of bacterial and fungal strains at a concentration of 0.62 kg/m² (6.25%). On the other hand, additives based on copper sulphate and calcium oxide showed an inhibitory effect on bacterial and fungal strains at dosages above 2.5 kg/m² and 5 kg/m², respectively. Research into commercially available poultry products is rare but important for determining the correct dosage of chemical additives to control the microbial and fungal population of poultry litter. The use of a correct dosage can prevent microbial resistance to chemical additives. This study continues to analyze the use of additives on commercial farms. Full article

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are important emerging pathogens affecting the poultry industry in Egypt as they are the primary etiology of inclusion body hepatitis–hydropericardium syndrome (IBH-HPS) associated with severe economic losses. This study aims to identify the circulating FAdVs from cases of IBH-HPS in 5 Egyptian provinces during the period from October 2020 through September 2022. Out of the 210 examined flocks, liver samples from 66 flocks were positive for FAdVs (31.4%) using conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting loop 1 of the major hexon gene, with varying rates of mortality (1% to 14%). In the positive samples detected during the study, the histopathological examination revealed pathognomonic lesions of FAdVs, including basophilic and eosinophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies (INIBs). The percentage of FAdV positivity increased with the flock age; from samples collected at ages 1 to10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, and >30 days of age, 10% (5/50), 25.6% (11/43), 34.3% (23/67), and 54% (27/50) were found positive for FAdVs, respectively. Notably, the positivity percentages among the flocks reared in cages were higher than for those reared in the deep litter system of housing. The gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 19 strains revealed clustering into FAdV species D serotype 2/11, demonstrating that serotype 2/11 is most prevalent in the targeted Egyptian provinces during the period of the study. Several point mutations in the sequenced region among different strains were reported. These findings underscore the prevalence of FAdV and provide a basis for further research on circulating strains to develop effective control strategies. Full article

Introduction: Tylosin, a veterinary antimicrobial belonging to the macrolide family, is commonly used in the poultry industry. Residues generated from its use can be present in the litter and droppings of treated birds. Due to the diverse uses of poultry byproducts, such as fertilizing agricultural soils or incorporation into the diets of other animal species, there is a risk to public health, as the presence of antimicrobial residues favors the development of antimicrobial resistance, which is a global problem. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dissemination of tylosin residues from the litter and droppings of treated birds and untreated birds in a controlled broiler environment. Methods: Bird droppings and litter samples were collected and analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS to detect and quantify tylosin residues. Results: The residue concentrations detected in the dropping matrix only exceeded the Limits of Quantification (LOQ = 4 µg kg⁻¹) in the treated group. The litter matrix had statistically significant differences between the study groups. The persistence of tylosin residues in the litter of birds at day 42 was 290.16 µg kg⁻¹ in the treated group (A) and 9.35 µg kg⁻¹ in the adjacent untreated group (B.1). Conclusions: The results indicate that exposure distance influences tylosin residue dissemination. Full article

The poultry industry is a critical source of affordable protein worldwide; however, it faces continuous threats from various poultry diseases that significantly impact public health, economic stability, and food security. Knowledge of and examination of the transmission routes, risk factors, and environmental survival characteristics of the most important pathogens affecting poultry populations, as well as the importance of strict biosecurity, are pivotal. Transmission routes are split into direct and vector-borne pathways, and indirect ways, which include infections via contaminated surfaces and vector-borne pathways, including insects and rodents. Avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus spread through respiratory droplets, and their transmission risk increases with increasing stocking density. While other pathogens (e.g., infectious bursal disease virus and Salmonella spp.), to persist long-term in the environments, for example, feed and litter, increasing the probability to persist long-term in the environments, for example, feed and litter, increasing the probability of infection. The long-term resilience of pathogens in multiple pathogens in various environmental conditions highlights the role of biosecurity, sanitation, and hygiene controls in preventing disease outbreaks. High stocking density in production systems, suboptimal ventilation, and inadequate biosecurity controls further increase transmission risks. This paper summarizes important disease transmissions and reinforces the need for strict biosecurity protocols and routine health monitoring to prevent the spread of pathogens within and beyond poultry facilities. These strategies can support safe poultry production, address growing global demand, and ensure food safety and public health. Full article

Background: Poultry litter is the main waste of poultry farming and is widely used as an agricultural fertilizer. However, owing to the use of antimicrobials in animal production, it can accumulate antimicrobial residues, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB), and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of poultry litter use on the microbiome and resistome of agricultural soils. Methods: Soil samples from fertilized and unfertilized plots were collected from two horticultural farms that intensively use poultry litter. Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. A culture-dependent method was used to isolate resistant strains on CHROMagar plates supplemented with sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin. ARGs and integrase-encoding genes were identified by PCR. Results: Microbiome analysis revealed significant differences in structure and composition between poultry litter-fertilized and unfertilized soils. Fertilized soils exhibited greater alpha diversity and richness. Bacillota, commonly found in the avian gastrointestinal tract, were more abundant in fertilized soils. A total of 62 resistant strains were isolated, and 23 clinically relevant strains harbored ARGs, including fluoroquinolone (qnrA and qnrB) and β-lactam (bla_GES, bla_TEM, and bla_SHV) resistance genes. Class 1 and 2 integron-associated genes (intI1 and intI2) were also detected. Notably, the rare bla_GES gene was detected in Bacillus sp. from unfertilized soil. Similarly, qnrA co-occurred with bla_SHV in a Bosea sp. strain from unfertilized soil. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential for ARB dissemination in agricultural environments, where ARB and ARGs, once introduced into soils, may spread by weathering and other environmental factors, complicating negative control selection in in situ studies. Full article

The pyrolysis process of residues has emerged as a sustainable method for managing organic waste, producing biochars that offer significant benefits for agriculture and the environment. These benefits depend on the properties of the raw biomass and the pyrolysis conditions, such as washing and drying. This study investigated biochar production through slow pyrolysis at 300 °C, using eight biomass types, four being plant residues (PBR)—sugarcane bagasse, filter cake, sawdust, and stranded algae—and four non-plant-based residues (NPBR)—poultry litter, sheep manure, layer chicken manure, and sewage sludge. The physicochemical properties assessed included yield, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, electrical conductivity, pH, macro- and micronutrients, and potentially toxic metals. Pyrolysis generally increased pH and concentrated C, N, phosphorus (P), and other nutrients while reducing electrical conductivity, C/N ratio, potassium (K), and sulfur (S) contents. The increases in the pH of the biochars in relation to the respective biomasses were between 0.3 and 1.9, with the greatest differences observed for the NPBR biochars. Biochars from sugarcane bagasse and sawdust exhibited high C content (74.57–77.67%), highlighting their potential use for C sequestration. Filter cake biochar excelled in P (14.28 g kg⁻¹) and micronutrients, while algae biochar showed elevated N, calcium (Ca), and boron (B) levels. NPBR biochars were rich in N (2.28–3.67%) and P (20.7–43.4 g kg⁻¹), making them ideal fertilizers. Although sewage sludge biochar contained higher levels of potentially toxic metals, these remained within regulatory limits. This research highlights variations in the composition of biochars depending on the characteristics of the original biomass and the pyrolysis process, to contribute to the production of customized biochars for the purposes of their application in the soil. Biochars derived from exclusively plant biomasses showed important aspects related to the recovery of carbon from biomass and can be preferred as biochar used to sequester carbon in the soil. On the other hand, biochars obtained from residues with some animal contributions are more enriched in nutrients and should be directed to the management of soil fertility. Full article

Previous studies have indicated that enriching litter composition with natural minerals can not only alter the biochemical activity of specific groups of microorganisms inhabiting the poultry manure, but also affect its functional properties, including the content of mobile forms of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). A study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of natural sprinkles made from diatomite (DT), enriched with bentonite (BN) or dolomite (DL), on the sorption capacity towards Cd(II) and Zn(II) and on the immobilization of these elements in the litter during the rearing of chicken broilers. The experiment was conducted with four experimental groups, each comprising six coops of 80 Ross 308 chickens (240 chickens per group). The birds were maintained on wood shavings and peat moss litter. Two groups were not administered litter additives, while the other two groups received the DTBN mixture (75/25; wt/wt, 280 g/m² L) prior to being placed in the facility. In addition, a mixture of DTDL (75/25; wt/wt; 100 g/m² L) was applied on the 10th and 26th days of rearing in selected groups, creating four experimental designs: −/−, +/−, −/+, and +/+. Litter samples for testing were collected on days (D) 0, 10, and 35 of the experiment. The results of the sorption of Cd(II) and Zn(II) indicated that both experimental mixtures exhibited a greater ability to bind these elements than pure diatomite. It was found that the use of diatomite-based mineral sprinkles reduced the mobility of Cd and Zn in the litter at the stage of animal rearing. In the litter analyzed after 35 days of rearing (D35), the content of water-extracted forms of cadmium was not determined. In contrast, a 50% reduction in the content of water-extracted forms of zinc was observed in combinations in which mineral sprinkles were applied compared to the control. The use of such additives, in addition to enhancing zoohygienic conditions, can facilitate the reduction of environmental risks subsequent to the soil application of poultry manure as a fertilizer. Full article

Animal manure is a desirable fertilizer because of its rich nitrogen, but it also contains a large and diverse reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes (ARGs). To reduce this AMR reservoir, five treatments (passive aeration, forced aeration, static or anaerobic incubations, autoclaving) were assessed for their impact on the poultry litter resistome. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the litter and the qPCR-estimated copy number of 16S rrs, class1 integrons (intI1) and associated resistance genes (aadA, sul1). Then, 16S amplicon metagenomic sequencing was used to determine community diversity and composition. Depending on incubation conditions, class 1 integrons and their associated ARGs were reduced by 0.5 to 1.0 Log₁₀/g poultry litter. Only autoclaving reduced integrons and associated AMR genes by three Log₁₀. Changes in AMR abundance reflected fluctuations in litter bacteriome composition at the family, genus, and sequence variant level. There was a negative correlation between class 1 integron and AMR genes, with genera belonging to Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria phyla. While these poultry litter treatments failed to reduce AMR abundance, aerobic and anaerobic treatments reduced taxons that contained pathogenic species. The approach to remediating resistance in poultry litter may be more effective if is focused on reducing bacterial pathogens. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a suitable process to use manure for biogas production. During this process, antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria are reduced. In this study, we investigated the reduction of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, fluoroquinolone-resistant, and total Escherichia (E.) coli concentrations in chicken manure during AD. AD was performed at 30 °C and 37 °C (mesophilic temperature range), with and without sawdust addition as a lignocellulosic biomass. The initial concentrations of total E. coli were 6.43 log₁₀CFU/g to 7.84 log₁₀CFU/g. The concentration of Fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli was approx. 6.05 log₁₀CFU/g (6.70%), and of ESBL-producing E. coli approx. 5.48 log₁₀CFU/g (0.99%). During AD, we observed that temperature had the main influence on the bacterial reduction, as E. coli abundance was below the detection limit after day 7 at 37 °C and after day 14 at 30 °C. At 37 °C we observed higher amounts of free ammonia, which is an inhibitor of the AD process. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio has an important impact on the AD process because a higher C/N ratio decreases the amount of generated total ammonia nitrogen. However, we did not observe a significant difference in AMR and total E. coli reduction between chicken manure with a natural C/N ratio (10:1) and an increased C/N ratio (25:1). Full article

This study investigated the effects of the dietary supplementation of mineral methionine hydroxyl analogue chelates (MMHACs) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on excreta nitrogen and mineral levels, housing conditions, and the welfare status of broilers. Three-hundred eighty-four day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each consisting of eight replicate pens of twelve birds per pen. The treatments were (1) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO₄ (110 ppm), CuSO₄ (16 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (ITM); (2) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (10 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M10); (3) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO₄ (110 ppm), tribasic copper chloride (125 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (T125); and (4) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (30 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M30). Three feeding phases including the starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–21), and finisher (days 21–42) were used. The findings showed that birds offered MMHACs at both levels had significantly lower Zn and Mn levels, and birds offered the T125 diet had higher Cu levels in the excreta compared to those fed the other diets on days 10, 16, 21, 28, and 42 (p < 0.001). The life cycle assessment showed that MMHAC supplementation at 30 ppm can be expected to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry in terms of reduced emissions into the environment, whereas excreta nitrogen and moisture content, litter conditions, levels of air gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane), and welfare indicators were similar between the dietary treatments. Hence, the supplementation of MMHACs to broiler diets at 30 ppm could maintain litter quality and welfare status while reducing emissions into the environment and the Zn, Mn, and/or Cu excretion of broilers, therefore reducing the environmental impacts of broiler production. Full article

Fungi are a typical part of the microbiome of poultry houses, but some of the genera can be pathogenic for poultry and humans. An investigation was conducted on 200 duck eggs from 10 flocks to determine total fungal contamination on the eggshells. The colony types were identified morphologically and microscopically, and a representative group was identified using PCR. The resistance profiles for all obtained Aspergillus isolates were conducted. The dominating genera on eggshells were Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus and the number of fungal colonies ranged from 0 to 7100. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from 9.5% eggshells, and all isolates were obtained from three flocks. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for A. fumigatus isolates ranged from 0.094–32 μg/mL for amphotericin B (MIC 50 1 mg/L and MIC 90 32 μg/mL), 0.125–32 μg/mL for caspofungin (MIC 50 0.38 μg/mL and MIC 90 32 μg/mL), 0.19–32 μg/mL for itraconazole (MIC 50 1.5 μg/mL and MIC 90 32 μg/mL), 0.047–12 μg/mL for posaconazole (MIC 50 0.5 μg/mL and MIC 90 8 μg/mL) and 0.023–32 μg/mL for voriconazole (MIC 50 0.19 μg/mL and MIC 90 32 μg/mL). A total of 73.7% of the isolates were resistant to posaconazole and 68.4% to itraconazole. Nearly half of the strains (47.4%) showed resistance to amphotericin B and 31.6% to voriconazole. Because of the lack of antifungals registered for poultry, hygiene and the regular disinfection of litter in particular are needed to prevent the contamination of the eggs by fungi for both animal and human health. Full article

Objective: We set out to evaluate the persistence of sulfachloropyridazine, oxytetracycline, and enrofloxacin in broiler chicken litter following therapeutic oral treatment and its association with the isolation of Escherichia coli resistant to these antimicrobials. Methods: Forty broiler chickens were raised under controlled conditions and divided into three experimental groups, each treated with a different antimicrobial, in addition to an untreated/control group. Litter samples were collected post treatment, analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS, and processed for the isolation of E. coli. The antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Chemical analysis detected concentrations of antimicrobials throughout post treatment, reaching maxima of 42,910.14 μg kg⁻¹, 92,712 μg kg⁻¹, and 9567 μg kg⁻¹ for sulfachloropyridazine, oxytetracycline plus 4-epi-oxytetracycline, and enrofloxacin plus ciprofloxacin, respectively. It was estimated that the concentrations of sulfachloropyridazine, oxytetracycline, and enrofloxacin would persist in broiler litter for 61, 244, and 514 days, respectively. A very strong association was observed between the presence of antimicrobial residues and the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli (p-value < 0.0001, and Cramer’s coefficient of 0.47), and an independence between the level of residue concentration and susceptibility (p-value 0.5262). Conclusions: The persistence of antimicrobial residues contributes to the selection of resistant bacteria, regardless of persistent antimicrobial concentrations. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on poultry litter management, including residue thresholds and resistance monitoring, to minimize environmental and public health risks. Proper treatment of poultry litter is essential to ensure its sustainable and safe re-use in agricultural systems. Full article