Comparing the Efficacy of Feed Withdrawal and Corn Diet Systems for Induced Molting on Health and Performance of Broiler Breeder Flocks

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of two induced molting methods (The modified California method and the reduced nutrient method) and to determine the preferable method that achieves the main goals of post-molt in breeder hens. Twenty-four commercial Ross broiler breeder flocks (59 weeks old) were used. The birds were divided into two groups (12 flocks each). Group 1 (G1) was subjected to a modified California forced molting method, while Group 2 (G2) was subjected to a reduced-nutrient method (low-protein low-energy diet). Body weight (BW), weight loss, mortality, and egg production cease were determined before the molting period, while feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), mortality, egg production, fertility, and hatchability% were recorded after molting. The results of this study indicated that, although the California treatment ceased egg production earlier than the reduced nutrient molting method (day 8 and day 14) respectively, and the weight loss achieved after 28 d in the California method (28.7%) versus (30.4% after 36 days) in the reduced-nutrient system. The reduced nutrient system showed a lower mortality rate and a higher BW at the start and the end of the molting period. Additionally, the reduced nutrient system showed enhanced post-molt performance, as demonstrated by improved BWG, lower mortality%, higher egg production% (79.1%) versus (74.5%) in the California group, and better hatchability%. The FI and fertility% not significantly affected between the different groups.  In conclusion, forced molting by the reduced-nutrient method achieved the main goals of induced molting and recorded the best values in productive traits in the post-molt period. So, it can be used as a viable alternative to the feed withdrawal method for the successful induction of molting from both the economic and welfare points of view

A sensitive serodiagnostic tool for the detection of active infection of zoonotic visceral and nasopharyngeal linguatulosis

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the different serological techniques for early diagnosis of acute concurrent infections with linguatulosis in the definitive host (dogs) and an intermediate host (goats). This evaluation compared between the gold standard (GS) test (GS; examination of nasal and fecal samples in dogs and examination of lymph nodes in goats), sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (S-ELISA), and indirect ELISA. Materials and Methods: Fifty goats and fifty dogs were examined for the presence of Linguatula serrata nymphs and adults, respectively, besides the collection of blood samples from the examined animals for serologic testing. Results: In goats; GS, S-ELISA, and indirect ELISA showed positivity in 32 (64%), 28 (56%), and 39 (78%) samples, respectively. In dogs; GS, S-ELISA, and indirect ELISA showed positivity in 25 (50%), 25 (50%), and 30 (60%) samples, respectively. S-ELISA displayed significant higher agreement with the GS test (≥0.83) than indirect ELISA (≤0.67) in both hosts. Infection with linguatulosis showed significant relation with the age of goats and dogs and the sex of goats (p<0.05). Conclusion: S-ELISA displayed more sensitivity and specificity for the detection of concurrent infections with linguatulosis in both dogs and goats than indirect ELISA, which could detect the prior infections. Similarly, these assays could be used for diagnosis of concurrent infections with linguatulosis in human, especially the chronic ones

Prevalence, genetic, and biochemical evaluation of immune response of police dogs infected with Babesia vogeli

Background and Aim: Babesia species are tick-borne protozoan parasites of apicomplexan type which infect the erythrocytes of dogs it ranges from subclinical to severe cases, depending on different factors such as immune status, age, and presence of other co-infections with the Babesia species. Hence, this study aimed to identify the protozoan parasites infecting police dogs of different breeds, ages, and both sexes in Egypt. Concerning molecular detection of Babesia vogeli using conventional polymerase chain reaction sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, followed by the assessment of immunological and biochemical status of infected dogs. Materials and Methods: The blood of 242 police K9 dogs was collected. The age, breed, sex, and health status with clinical signs of dogs were recorded. Hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress analyses of the blood were performed together with gene expression analysis using two genes (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF- α]). The identification of the causative agent was performed using molecular analysis of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The 18S rRNA region of canine Babesia spp. was successfully amplified, and sequencing data were deposited in GenBank (accession number: MT565474.1), which resembled those of B. vogeli. Results: The results of blood samples screening revealed that of the 242 blood samples, 62 were positive for B. vogeli infection. The infection rate in male dogs was higher than that in female dogs. The police dogs were classified into the following three groups of dogs: (1st group) healthy, (2nd infected with B. vogeli, and mixed infection of B. vogeli and Ehrlichia canis). The oxidative stress biomarkers levels in B. vogeli infected dogs were greater than that of healthy dogs. Likewise, IFN-γ and TNF-α level in B. vogeli infected dogs were elevated in infected dogs. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that B. vogeli had completely adverse effects on the health condition of the police dogs that may lead to death in some dogs

New insight of apparently healthy animals as a potential reservoir for Clostridium perfringens: a public health implication

Introduction:Clostridium perfringens is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans and continues to cause one of the most prevalent foodborne diseases in man

Mitigative Effect of Dietary Tinospora cordifolia and Andrographis paniculata on Health and Hepato-renal Expression of Caspase-3 and TNF-α of Broiler Chickens Fed on Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin Contaminated Diet

Medicinal herbs are modern feed additives for poultry that have antioxidant, anti-microbial, and immune-modulatory impacts. In this study, the protective effects of medicinal natural herbs (Herb-AllTM LIVER) on performance, litter, immunity, biochemical changes, and histopathological changes in broilers fed Mycotoxins-contaminated diets were assessed. One-day-old chicks were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=120). Group A was fed a standard commercial diet; Group B was fed a standard diet + (Herb-AllTM LIVER); Group C (positive control) was fed a Mycotoxins-contaminated diet, and Group D received a Mycotoxins-contaminated diet + Herb-AllTM LIVER. Performance, litter hygiene, immunity, and histopathological changes were determined. Results indicated that herbal supplements (B and D) significantly improved the body weight gain and FCR of birds. Also, litter hygiene, blood indices, antibody titers, and organ functions were enhanced. In group D, liver and kidney histological architectures were mostly restored, as well as Caspase-3 and TNF expressions were moderately enhanced. It can be concluded that using Herb-AllTM LIVER as a feed additive reduces the adverse effects of Mycotoxins on broilers

Influence of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis Probiotic Supplementation via the Drinking Water on Performance and Gut Health of Broiler Chickens

The experimental trial was carried out to evaluate the impact of a mixture of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis probiotic supplementation via the drinking water (AVI-GROW®) on growth performance, carcass traits, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology, blood biochemical indices, and litter quality of broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (as hatch) were randomly allocated into two groups, each with three replicates (80 chicks/replicate). The control group (T1) and the supplemented group (T2) were fed a basal diet, however, T2 was supplemented with (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water at the rate of 1mL/L drinking water every 12 hours for 2 days after every vaccination and change of diet. The experiment lasted 31 days. Supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water in T2 significantly (P≤0.05) improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as villus crypt ratio of the small intestine as compared to the control. The dressing percent, breast, thigh and drumstick yields were improved in T2 than in control. Additionally, blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol, ALT, and AST concentrations were reduced, while total protein concentration was significantly (P≤0.05) increased in T2 as compared to control. Moreover, cecal clostridial counts were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in T2 as compared to control. Supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) in (T2) reduced nitrogen content in birds' excreta and litter. Conclusively, the supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water could improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology, blood biochemical indices, and litter quality in broiler chickens

Response of Broiler Chickens to the Dietary Fortification of Bile Acid

The feeding trial was conducted for 31 days to investigate whether dietary energy modifications using bile acid feed additive (Runeon®) affected broiler performance, carcass characteristics, blood indices, intestinal lipase activity, and broiler's meat quality. A total of 1200 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks (as hatch) were randomly distributed into three groups, each with five replicates (80 chicks/replicate). The first group was a control (T1) which fed a basal diet only. In the second group (T2), birds were fed the basal diet supplemented with bile acid (Runeon®) (on top application) at the rate of 200g/ton. In the third group (T3), birds were fed a basal diet reduced in energy requirements by 30kcal/kg and reformulated with 200g/ton of bile acid (Runeon®). Birds' diets fortified with bile acid in (T2) or (T3) significantly (P≤0.05) improved body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) as compared to the control. The dressing%, breast, thigh, and drumstick yields were improved in T2 and T3 than in control. Supplementation of bile acid significantly (P≤0.05) reduced abdominal fat%, as well, blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL, and LDL concentrations, but increased total protein concentration (P≤0.05). Additionally, intestinal lipase levels significantly (P≤0.05) increased in groups fortified with bile acid (T2 and T3). Besides, chicken meat moisture% and fat% were significantly (P≤0.05) decreased in T3 compared to T1 and T2. Conclusively, dietary fortification of bile acid could improve growth performance, profitability, carcass traits, serum lipids profile, intestinal lipase secretion, and chicken meat quality in broiler chickens

Sustainable recycling of poultry eggshell waste for the synthesis of calcium oxide nanoparticles and evaluating its antibacterial potency against food-borne pathogens

Nanoparticles are considered new antibacterial agents with a potential broad range of applications. Recently, the synthesis of bio-nanoparticles (NPs) from natural sources such as coral, Ostrea shell, and eggshell, has attracted considerable attention. Eggshells are organic waste, rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and it is an easy method to reduce it into powder of nano size. Utilization of waste materials as a precursor for NPs synthesis makes the entire process cheaper, greener, and more sustainable. Waste chicken eggshells were collected from the Specific Pathogen Free farm in Egypt. Eggshells were rinsed, dried, and finely ground to powder. The sol-gel chemical method was used for the synthesis of CaO-NPs from eggshell powder. The characteristics of eggshell NPs were visualized using a scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration was applied to test the antibacterial efficacy of CaO-NPs at 1.00, 0.50, 0.25, 0.12, and 0.06% concentrations on Methicillin-resistant&nbsp;Staphylococcus aureus&nbsp;(MRSA),&nbsp;Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Salmonella enteritidis. The results of the characterization confirmed the conversion of CaCO3 to CaO-NPs with an average diameter of 27.7 nm. Zones of inhibition started to appear from 0.25% concentration for&nbsp;B. cereus, 0.50% for MRSA and E. coli, and 1.0% for S. enteritidis. The concentration of CaO-NPs solution strongly correlated with the resulting zone of inhibition (r = 0.86 to 0.90). CaO-NPs showed a potent efficacy against gram-positive bacteria.&nbsp;Hence, eggshell wastes from poultry production could be a feasible organic source for the biosynthesis of CaO NPs with promising efficient antibacterial properties

Impact of buffered sodium butyrate as a partial or total dietary alternative to lincomycin on performance, IGF-1 and TLR4 genes expression, serum indices, intestinal histomorphometry, Clostridia, and litter hygiene of broiler chickens

Abstract Background Sodium butyrate (SB) is a short-chain fatty acid and a safe antibiotic alternative. During 35 days, this study compared the impact of coated SB (Butirex C4) and lincomycin (Lincomix) on broiler growth, gut health, and litter hygiene in 1200 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks that were randomly assigned into 5-dietary groups with 5-replications each. Groups divided as follows: T1: Basal diet (control), T2: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds), T3: Basal diet with 100 g/ton lincomycin, T4: Basal diet with buffered SB (0.5 kg/ton starter feed, 0.25 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin, and T5: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin. Birds were housed in a semi-closed deep litter house, where feed and water were available ad libitum. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Results Combined dietary supplementation with SB and lincomycin (T4 and T5) significantly enhanced body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratio, and profitability index. Also, carcasses in T4 and T5 exhibited the highest dressing, breast, thigh, and liver yields. T5 revealed the best blood biochemical indices, while T3 showed significantly elevated liver and kidney function indices. T4 and T5 exhibited the highest expression levels of IGF-1 and TLR4 genes, the greatest villi length of the intestinal mucosa, and the lowest levels of litter moisture and nitrogen. Clostridia perfringens type A alpha-toxin gene was confirmed in birds’ caeca, with the lowest clostridial counts defined in T4. Conclusions Replacing half the dose of lincomycin (50 g/ton) with 0.5 or 1 kg/ton coated SB as a dietary supplement mixture showed the most efficient privileges concerning birds’ performance and health

Impact of dietary-nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derivatives on growth-performance, antioxidant-capacity, immune-response, small-intestine histomorphometry, caecal-Clostridia, and litter-hygiene of broiler-chickens treated with florfenicol

ABSTRACTStress in poultry production is energy-demanding. Nucleotides and yeast cell-wall products are essential nutrients for broiler performance, gut function, and immune response. Antibiotics, like florfenicol, negatively affect the immune system. A total of 600 one-d-old broiler chickens (Cobb-500) were weighed and randomly allotted into four groups with three replicates each. The control group (G1) received the basal diet, G2 received a diet supplemented with a combination of nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae derivatives (250 g/Ton), G3 received the basal diet and medicated with florfenicol (25 mg/Kg body weight) in drinking water for 5 days, while G4 received a combination of nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derivatives (250 g/Ton) and medicated with florfenicol in drinking water. Growth performance criteria were recorded weekly. Blood, intestinal contents, small-intestine sections, and litter samples were collected to measure birds’ performance, carcass yields, leukocytic counts, antioxidant capacity, antibody titres, phagocytic index, caecal Clostridia, intestinal histomorphometry, and litter hygiene. Nucleotide-supplemented groups (G2 and G4) revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements in feed conversion, and body weight, but not for carcass yields in comparison to the control. Dietary nucleotides in G2 elevated blood total proteins, leucocytic count, antioxidant capacity, and phagocytic index, while they lowered blood lipids and litter moisture and nitrogen (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary nucleotides in G4 ameliorated the immunosuppressive effect of florfenicol (p ≤ 0.05) indicated in reducing caecal Clostridia, improving duodenal and ileal villi length, and increasing blood albumin and globulin levels, and phagocytosis%. Supplementing diets with nucleotides and yeast products has improved the immune system and provided a healthier gut for broilers