Journal of World's Poultry Research

1-11

Authors: Hair-Bejo M

The infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is severe and highly contagious, causing high mortality and immunosuppression in chickens worldwide. A new novel variant, IBDV (nVarIBDV), has recently emerged in Asian countries, including Malaysia, highlighting the need to develop a new vaccine against this strain due to the inadequacy of existing commercial vaccines in protecting chickens from nVarIBDV infection. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inactivated nVarIBDV as a potential vaccine candidate in broiler chickens. A total of 65 one-day-old Arbo Acres broiler chickens were randomly divided into three groups (five animals in each group with four replications) before the challenge, namely A, B, and C. Groups A and B were immunized subcutaneously at day old with inactivated nVarIBDV (107 EID50/0.2 ml), and Group B was boosted at day 14. Group C was an unimmunized control. The experimental animals were divided into three subgroups and were challenged with pathogenic nVarIBDV (105 EID50/1.0ml) on day 28 post-inoculation through ocular and oral routes. The challenge sub-groups were named ACH, BCH, and CCH, respectively. The live body weight, bursa weight, and blood samples of the chickens were recorded. Gross lesions were examined, and samples of the bursa of Fabricius were collected from all the groups for histological evaluation. All the chickens appeared healthy and normal throughout the trial. Body weight increased in all groups without significant differences. The bursa weight and the bursa-to-body weight ratio of the booster group (Group B) were significantly higher than the non-booster and control groups. Gross lesions were not observed in the investigated groups. The challenged control group had higher bursa lesion scoring than the vaccinated groups. The IBDV antibody titer of challenged chickens in ACH, BCH, and CCH groups was higher than those of unchallenged groups A, B, and C at 35 days post-inoculation. The IBDV antibody titer of challenged chickens in group B was higher than challenged chickens in groups A and C (ACH and CCH). In conclusion, the inactivated nVarIBDV demonstrated safety and efficacy, with the booster Group (B) showing elevated humoral immune responses compared to the non-booster group.

23-29

Authors: Prayogi HS

The individual egg production capacity of laying hens plays an outstanding role in achieving total production within a flock, which is affected by several internal and external factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition, anatomical measurement, and age at the first laying (AFL) on the cumulative number of individual egg production (CNIEP) and laying pattern. Therefore, 172 Isa Brown laying chickens were investigated. Data on body condition and anatomical measurement were collected at the age of 16 weeks, while data on production was collected during 21 weeks of production (18-39 weeks). The obtained data were analyzed by Partial Least Square- Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using smartPLS. The findings revealed that CNIEP could be predicted by body condition, anatomical measurement, and AFL. Compared to body condition and anatomical measurements, AFL was the most prominent factor in CNIEP. Body condition, anatomical measurement, AFL, and CNIEP had weak effects on the Isa Brown laying chickens’ patterns.

41-54

Authors: Tsegaye D

Poultry farming and the demand for chicken meat and eggs are growing due to their quality protein, essential nutrients, affordable price, and low investment cost. The current study was designed to investigate the productivity and profitability of small-scale commercial poultry enterprises. Data were collected from 221 poultry farms using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were presented using descriptive statistics. Farm performances were measured by total-factor-productivity (TFP), benefit-cost-ratio (BCR), and net-profit-margin (NPM). The majority of the poultry farm owners were male (69.68%) and married (77.4%). Around 55.2% of poultry farmers aged 31-45 years. Group-owned farms had 4.59 ± 1.77 individual members. On average, a batch of layer chickens was kept for 17.0 ± 3.87 and 18.12 ± 4.25 months on individual and group-owned farms, respectively. Moreover, the mean selling ages of pullet and broiler chickens were 2.55 ± 0.71 and 2.18 ± 0.51 months, respectively. The flock size of layer chickens in sole-proprietor farms (562 ± 724) was significantly lower than in partnership farms (1165 ± 877). The average numbers of produced pullets by sole-proprietorship and partnership farms were 3177 ± 2360 and 3137 ± 1826, while the mean numbers of broilers produced were 2257 ± 1875 and 3269 ± 1669, respectively. The average egg and broiler weights in sole-proprietorship farms were significantly higher compared to group-owned farms. Annual egg production rates in individual and group-owned farms were 76.5% and 70.4%, respectively. The cost of feed, chicken, housing, labor, and medication were the top five production expenditures, while feed cost shares 60.4%. Egg producers had NPM, BCR, and TFP indices of 38.99%, 1.03, and 2.03, respectively, with notable differences by ownership types. The NPM, BCR, and TFP indices for broiler and pullet farms, respectively, were 42.78%, 0.93, and 1.93 for broilers and 35.21%, 0.92, and 1.67 for pullets. The results indicated that poultry firms performed optimally, regardless of ownership type. To further improve the efficiency and profitability of poultry enterprises, farmers need technical, finance, and management skills and input supply chains.

62-74

Authors: Faisal A

Fowlpox is an infectious viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds. The current study was conducted using PCR-based molecular detection to determine the avian pox virus (APV) and its genetic sequence. A total of 40 pigeons and 40 chickens suspected of APV were obtained from different bird markets. Following euthanasia, tissue samples were taken from the vents, eyes, wings, and beaks for molecular analysis. DNA extraction was focused on the core protein gene region (pb4). PCR results confirmed the presence of APV in all samples, generating specific cDNA bands of 329 bp. Four GenBank accession codes (OR670580, OR670581, OR670582, and OR670583) represented pigeon pox samples, whereas two GenBank accession numbers (OR619724 and OR619725) represented samples of fowlpox. A significant similarity of 99% was found by genetic analysis between the reference target sequences and the sequenced samples. In viral samples of fowlpox and avipoxvirus, nucleic acid variants (205 C > G and 204 T > C) were found with missense and silent effects on particular proteins (p.101Leu>Val and p.108Pro). Phylogenetic analysis organized the samples into clades representing fowlpox and pigeon pox viruses, showing close relationships with strains from different geographical regions. This study unequivocally demonstrates the susceptibility of both domestic and wild birds to avian pox, highlighting the pivotal role of phylogenetic analysis and molecular detection in elucidating novel perspectives on the genetic landscape of these viruses.

88-97

Authors: Nuningtyas YF

Protein is a source of nutrients that plays a significant role in biological processes. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of feed with different protein levels on the pH and viscosity of the small intestine, ileum characteristics, and carcass traits of cross-breed chickens. A total of 160 cross-breed unsexed chicks aged 2 days were divided into three treatments (T1-T3), each consisting of 6 replications with 9 chicks per replication, consisting of a diet with protein level (T1; starter 18% and finisher 16%;), a diet with protein level (T2; starter 20% and finisher 18%), and a diet with protein level (T3; starter 22% and finisher 20%). Cross-breed chickens were crossed between Bangkok males and Lohmann laying hens. The variables were analyzed, including pH and viscosity of digesta, ileum characteristics consisting of total villous, height of villous, and depth of crypt. The carcass percentages consisting of the carcass, breast, thicks, wings, and back were measured. The research was analyzed using a completely randomized design. The results indicated that different protein levels in treatments were significantly different in total villous, height of villous, and depth of crypt but did not indicate a significant difference in pH and viscosity. Furthermore, the treatments have a significant difference in the carcass percentage and thick percentage but did not significantly affect the breast, wings, and back. It can be concluded that 22% crude protein in the starter and 20% crude protein in the finisher produced the greatest results in the intestinal characteristics and also in the carcass percentage of cross-breed chickens.

113-123

Authors: Merdana IM

Natural guard liquid (NGL) is an immunomodulator consisting of an essential oil blend (lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and pine oil) that can improve the immunity (IgG) of animals. The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of a mixture of NGL comprising of essential oil (eucalyptus, lavender, and pine oil) on growth performance, hematological profile, and antibody titer response to the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in Lohman strain broiler chickens. A total of 400-day-old unsexed broiler chickens with an average weight of 42.48 ± 2.08 g were randomly distributed into four groups, each comprising two replications with 50 chicks. The control group, T0, received no essential oil, while other treatment groups, T1, T2, and T3, were administered NGL at 80, 100, and 200 ppm, respectively. The mixture was administered in drinking water for 30 days. The animals had received vaccinations at the Hatchery, including active NDV, inactive NDV, and Gumboro. Regular recordings were made for feed consumption, water intake, mortality, and body weight. Blood samples for routine hematological examination (hemoglobin, erythrocytes, packed cell volume, erythrocyte index, leucocytes, and differential leucocytes) and immune parameter (NDV antibody titer) assessment were collected at the onset as well as after 15 and 30 days of treatment. The hemoglobin levels, erythrocytes, total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and Heterophil-lymphocyte index showed significant differences in groups T1 and T2 compared to T0. While the NDV antibody titer showed a significant difference at T2 compared to T0, it was not significantly different at T1 and T3. The best results and performance was indicated in T2 (100 ppm), characterized by body weight (1,839 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.573). The hematological profile in the T2 group included hemoglobin (11.78 g/dL), total erythrocytes (2.82 ×106 u/L), total leukocytes (52.67 ×103 u/L]), and the NDV antibody titer (48 ± 10.20) in the fifth week. In conclusion, the optimum dose of NGL is 100 ppm, which significantly influences growth performance, hematological profile, and antibody titer against NDV.

364-372

Authors: Sohaimi NM and Clifford UC

ABSTRACT: Primary chicken embryo liver (CEL) cells are derived from the liver tissue of chicken embryonated eggs (CEE) using an aseptic isolation technique and growth under a controlled atmosphere in an artificial environment for cell attachment and proliferation. Although this primary cultured cell has been established for more than six decades, utilization of primary cells is still the preferable medium nowadays as the “gold standard” due to several advantages over other diagnostic techniques. Cells provide better adaptability of the viruses and easily mimic the natural host environment with high virus titration. The volume of virus suspension could be increased by applying an immortal chicken embryo liver-derived cell line. The current review aimed to highlight the importance and challenges of using primary chicken embryo liver cells in poultry virus studies. Primary CEL cells are widely used as an alternative host for diagnosis of infectious poultry viruses, cultivation and passaging of virus isolates, and vaccine production. Yet, there are some challenges and limitations in handling this primary cell, which requires appropriate facilities and environment to sustain the rapid growth of confluent monolayer cells, as highlighted in this paper. The availability of specific pathogen-free CEE is a major concern due to limited resources globally, thus creating a challenge for vaccine manufacturers to upscale the cultured cells. Future improvement of primary cell culture preparation necessitates new technology by applying cellular microcarrier in the bioreactor machine for efficient cell growth and subsequent routine virus cultivation. This study can help the researchers understand the advantages of primary CEL cells and their applications due to their significant impact on poultry viruses.

386-393

Authors: Cotter PF

The current study was intended to offer a cytological counterbalance to published descriptions of how processing or other procedures affect turkey welfare. Cytology represents a detailed description of morphological atypia or unusual intracellular or intercellular behavior. The study aimed to describe the variation of blood cells of commercial turkeys. Blood films were collected from 4 turkeys at four different ages of 6, 12, 17, and 19 weeks at commercial farms by a qualified veterinarian. The slides, stained by Wright-Giemsa, were photographed and interpreted off-site. Normal cells of the lymphocyte (L) and heterophil (H) series were described first, followed by examples of atypical cells of other series. These were shown with descriptions of cellularity defined as the proportion of leukocytes in each microscopic field. The results indicated examples of cells whose presence in a standard differential count (SDC) was important enough to disqualify the simple H/L ratio as a stress measure. These cells were atypical members of the lymphoid series, plasmacytes, and other cell types. Atypical granulocytes were heterophils with irregular shapes and faint nuclear staining (hypochromia). An example of a representative total white count revealed how the H/L value could depend on where the cells were counted on the slide. In conclusion, the cytology clearly shows that the presence of atypical cells in a hemogram highlights the inadequacy of relying solely on the simple H/L ratio to estimate stress status.

406-418

Authors: Yitbarek MB

Effective microorganism (EM) is a combination of more than 80 different types of beneficial microorganisms contributing to a wide range of applications in medicine, environment, and agriculture (livestock sector, crop sector, and forestry). This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of EM supplementation on hen day egg production and egg quality traits of Bovans Brown laying hens. At the age of 16 weeks, 144 pullets were purchased from small-scale poultry farms in Debre Markos. The chickens were divided into four treatments, each of which was replicated three times and contained 12 chickens. The treatment groups were T1 (control, commercial ration only), T2 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water), T3 (supplemented 5% Bokashi in feed), and T4 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water and 5% Bokashi in feed). Prior to collecting the actual data, the layer chickens had 2 weeks of adaptation. The hen day egg production was evaluated, and laboratory analysis was conducted to detect the external and internal egg quality. The results showed no significant difference among treatments on hen day egg productions, which ranged from 74 to 80 percent. Among the external egg quality traits, T4 had the highest egg weight, compared to other treatment groups. The T3 and T4 treatments had the highest shell weight. The shell thickness ranged from 0.37 to 0.39 mm. The shape index ranged from 76.81 to 79.11%, with no difference among the groups. Moreover, T4 had a significantly higher egg mass than T1 and T2. The specific gravity of an egg ranged from 1.06 to 1.08 g/cm3. Among the internal egg quality traits, the albumin weights of T3 and T4 were significantly higher than those of T1. The highest and the lowest Hough units were observed in T4 and T1, respectively. The highest yolk weight was observed in T4 among the groups. The yolk index ranged from 0.45 to 0.49. The yolk color ranged from 5.27 to 7.33. Finally, overall egg quality parameters in T4 were better than in non-supplemented groups.

426-439

Authors: Bhawa S

A The interest in quail farming has been increasing over the years due to the quail’s many productive and financial benefits over other poultry species. Quail farming is still in its infancy in Botswana. This study investigated the current status, challenges, and prospects of Japanese quail farming in Mogoditshane, Gabane, and Tlokweng districts, Botswana. A total of 64 quail farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire from June 2022 to April 2023. Data were collected on the respondents’ demographic characteristics (age, educational status, and sex), quail management aspects (feeding, housing, and health), ownership of quail, challenges in quail farming, and the use of quail products in the study area. Results showed that 67% of male respondents were involved in quail rearing. The youth (≤35 years) dominated the rearing of quails, followed by respondents aged 41-50 years (22%), 36-40 years (16%), and above 50 years (9%). In addition, 48% of the respondents reared ≤100 quails, followed by 39% and 13% who reared 101-500 and 500 quails, respectively. Furthermore, 81% of respondents reared quails in cages, 17% in conventional structures, and 2% in residential houses. Bobwhite, Jumbo, and Japanese quail were the three quail varieties reared in the study area. It was found that 55% of the respondents had less than one year of experience in quail farming. Moreover, 86% of the respondents used crushed maize or sorghum to feed quails, while 14% used commercial chicken diets. Finally, 92% of the respondents mentioned that quail eggs were used to treat various human diseases. Effective challenges in quail farming included external parasites (36%), diseases (30%), predation (13%), lack of commercial quail diets (12%), escaping (6%), and theft (3%). Quail farming should be consider

280-291

Authors: Mekonnen KT

Native chickens in Ethiopia are characterized in a fragmented manner for their performance characteristics and genotypes. This review aimed to explore the production and reproduction performance characteristics as well as the morphometric and morphological diversity of Ethiopian native chickens. The investigation was performed on four production performance characteristics, including average egg per clutch, average clutch/hen/year, average egg set/hen, and average egg/hen/year, as well as six reproductive performance characteristics, including age at first laying, age of male chickens at first bred, age at which female chickens are first bred, the reproductive life span of males and females, and fertility percentage in various parts of Ethiopia. Some economically practical morphometric characteristics of native chickens, such as shank length, chest circumference, comb length, body weight, body length, keel length, wattle length, neck length, back length, and morphological diversity, were also summarized. Regarding performance characteristics, there were some variations in eggs’ average production performance per clutch (13.56-15.4 eggs) and clutch/hen/year (3.0-4.29) in Ethiopia. The average reproduction performance characteristics of Ethiopian native chickens for age at first laying (6.90-7.13 months), age of male chickens at first bred (5.87-6.15 months), female at first bred (5.20-5.93 months), the reproductive life span of males (3.79 years) and hens (3.56 years), and chicks hatched from set eggs revealed variation across Ethiopia. In various locations of Ethiopia, the average trait values reported for Ethiopian native chickens under the farmer’s management differed in terms of morphometric and morphological features. The variation observed in performance characteristics, as well as morphometrics and morphological characteristics for Ethiopian native chicken ecotype population, can help the native breed classification, unique trait conservation, and breed improvement intervention programs

307-316

Authors: Eglite S

In response to the 2006 EU ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, researchers have sought alternatives, leading to a focus on the beneficial effects of probiotics on chickens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic mixture containing Lactobacillus (L.) farciminis CNCM-I-3699 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698 on the growth, production indicators, and edible organs of broiler chickens. Three trials were conducted, each consisting of 260 newly hatched Ross 308 broiler chicks (males and females) from a commercial hatchery, randomly allocated into control (n = 130) and probiotic-supplemented groups (n = 130). The dietary treatments were basal diet for the control group and basal diet + the mixture of L. farciminis CNCM-I-3699 (2.1010 GU/g) and L. rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698 (2.1010 GU/g) at a rate of 4g/10kg of diet for the probiotic supplemented group. Broilers were raised until day 35 of age, and their body weight and feed intake were recorded on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. All broiler chickens were weighed on the first day. The investigated parameters included average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, cumulative feed intake, and the European Broiler Index. Daily mortality was recorded. The average organ’s relative weight was calculated for each group on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Although both groups yielded positive results regarding growth and production indicators, no significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting that probiotics may not provide expected outcomes when appropriate conditions and age-related requirements are met. The probiotic-supplemented group exhibited significantly accelerated growth in the heart and liver. However, relative organ weights did not differ significantly between the groups.

323-331

Authors: Saner KA

The climate significantly impacts the temperature in different parts of the world. A moderate environment makes it simple to construct a chicken farm. Nevertheless, raising the birds in tropical places where typical temperatures can exceed 40-45°C is difficult because they can only survive at temperatures between 30°C and 35°C. As a result, the current study aimed to design a chicken house with a ventilation and cooling system to prevent excessive heat. The effectiveness of ventilation systems in maintaining liveable and constant conditions at the chicken house was assessed using computational fluid dynamics modeling to mimic internal and external airflows. In this study, a water evaporator-based cooling system and an exhaust fan-based ventilation system were built within a poultry house. ANSYS CFD was utilized to create the design and examine the flow of the model. The findings of each model were generated individually, and these results were compared to those of the other models to determine which model could decrease the temperature within the chicken coop. The proposed model's maximum temperature was around 30-32°C. A poultry house can be constructed using this idea to maintain chickens at a suitable temperature range of 30-32°C.

342-351

Authors: EL-Barbary AM

Eruca sativa (ES) seeds are annual herbs belonging to the Brassicaceae family, widely grown in Mediterranean countries, such as Egypt, Italy, and Greece. The ES is rich in macronutrient components and phytochemical content, exhibiting potent antioxidant properties and functional properties for vital processes such as digestion and absorption of nutrients. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ES supplementation on laying performance, some blood parameters, and egg yolk cholesterol. A total of 300 Silver Sabahia strain hens, aged 26 weeks, were randomly distributed among four groups of five replicates, each replicate consisting of 15 hens. Chickens in group 1 served as a control and were fed the basal diet. Those in groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1, 2, and 3% ESs, respectively. Productive performance traits, egg quality traits, hematological parameters, blood parameters, and yolk cholesterol profiles were performed throughout the study. The study lasted for 13 weeks (until week 39 of chickens' age). Results indicated that 3% ES supplementation had higher results on egg mass (35.68%), egg production (21.13%), and improved feed conversion ratio by 30.37%, compared to all groups. Furthermore, ESs supplementation positively affects the shell thickness and yolk color score compared to the control. Compared to the control, the highest significant blood hemoglobin and lymphocytes were recorded in the groups supplemented with 2% and 3% of ESs. The ES inclusion at a higher level (3%) in the diet of laying hens led to significantly enhanced serum high-density lipoprotein and total antioxidant capacity, while reducing cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and malondialdehyde levels, compared to the control diet. Serum calcium, tri-iodothyronine, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly in response to 3% ES treatment, while liver enzymes decreased significantly compared to the control diet. Notably, the addition of 2% and 3% ESs to the hens’ ration resulted in reduced egg cholesterol content, which is desirable for consumers seeking healthier dietary choices. Finally, adding 3% ESs to hens’ diet improves productive performance, egg quality traits, hematological parameters, blood parameters, and yolk cholesterol profile

168-179

Authors: Sabry A. S. Sadek

Campylobacter is common in poultry, including layer and broiler chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys. This review aimed to emphasize the prevalence of campylobacteriosis, recent poultry diagnoses, and strict prevention measures. Campylobacter species colonize the intestines of poultry and waterfowl but are generally nonpathogenic in poultry. However, they are the most common bacterial cause of sporadic human enteritis in both developed and developing countries. The main species responsible for campylobacteriosis is Campylobacter jejuni, followed by Campylobacter coli. A number of other Campylobacter species, such as Campylobacter lari, fetus, upsaliensis, and hyointestinalis are rarely associated with campylobacteriosis. Campylobacter hepaticus is the species linked to spotty liver disease in layers and breeder chickens, and it may be the etiological agent of the disease previously known as avian vibrionic hepatitis. The most prevalent infection source for Campylobacter is environmental contamination from poultry droppings. However, some Campylobacter species can be transmitted vertically, either on the surface of eggs or via trans-ovarian transmission in addition to consumption of contaminated feed or water. Due to the non-specific clinical signs such as diarrhea and weight loss, diagnosing campylobacteriosis in poultry requires culture or polymerase chain reaction tests. Little is known about the available vaccine or effective antibiotic treatment due to the rapid development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, strict biosecurity measures play a crucial role in preventing Campylobacter infection in commercial poultry. These measures include decontaminating housing between flocks, preventing the entry of rodents, wild birds, and animals, and eradicating insects. To control campylobacteriosis and reduce infection risks, it is important to implement efficient on-farm biosecurity measures, conduct regular inspections of workers at meat processing plants and poultry farms, and ensure thorough preparation of chicken meat and eggs before consumption. These measures are vital in minimizing the Campylobacter transmission from both broiler and laying chickens, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne diseases caused by contaminated food.

191-198

Authors: Rubaijaniza Abigaba

Core body temperature is one of the physiological parameters that must be assessed during the monitoring of the thermic and or health status of broiler chickens. In this regard, cloacal thermometry is a standard method used for temperature measurement although it has many drawbacks. This study was conducted to explore the suitability of other anatomical sites for temperature measurement using a digital thermometer. This was a single-factor experiment that considered the anatomical site as the main factor with three levels (treatments), including cloacal (DTtcloacal), axillary (DTtaxillary), and inguinal (DTtinguinal) sites. Out of 84 broiler chickens, a total of 28 chickens were randomly selected for temperature measurement. The temperature was measured for each anatomical site, and the readings were analyzed using appropriate statistics. The cloacal site had the highest mean temperature (41.40 ± 0.17℃), while the lowest mean value was observed for the axillary site (41.12 ± 0.19℃). There was no significant difference between the mean cloacal and inguinal temperatures. The cloacal and inguinal temperature readings were significantly correlated. The results for the cloacal and inguinal temperature measurements revealed a non-significant bias. The agreement interval between these two methods was sufficiently lower than the maximum acceptable difference between the anatomical sites. Both cloacal and inguinal temperature measurements had similar median points. The results indicated an underestimation of the temperature readings for the axillary site compared to those of the other sites. In conclusion, this study has revealed that the application of a digital thermometer using the inguinal site gives temperature readings that are similar to those of the conventional cloacal method.

206-215

Authors: Walid S. Habashy

In almost all animal species, natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) have been linked to disease resistance. It plays a crucial part in innate immunity and can affect adaptive immunity as well. The aim of this study was to investigate some immunological traits and molecular genetics in the native breed of chickens, named Sinai (S) and a commercial strain of Lohman Brown (LB). The NRAMP1 gene was reported to be associated with a defense mechanism against infection by bacteria and viruses. A total of 144 female day-old chicks, including 72 from the commercial layer strain (LB) and 72 from the Egyptian native chicken strain (S), were used in this study. At 38 days of age, blood samples were taken randomly from 8 chickens of each group for serum antibodies against the New Castle disease virus, avian influenza virus, and infectious bursal disease virus analysis. Additionally, genomic DNA was extracted from 20 blood samples at 38 days of age. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were conducted on the DNA samples, followed by sequencing of the PCR products to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NRAMP1 gene in the two strains of chickens. The findings indicated that lymphocyte, eosinophil, phagocyte activity, and IgY were significantly greater in LB chicks than in S chicks. Sinai chickens, on the other hand, achieved dominance in Newcastle titter. Eight SNPs were found in NRAMP1 of the two strains. The nucleotide identity between S and LB nucleotides was 58.68%, while the changes in different amino acids were found in different positions. Multiple SNPs in the NRAMP1 gene have been discovered in Sinai and LB, suggesting that this gene can be used as a genetic marker for the selection of high-producing indigenous hybrids with the ability to resist pathogenic diseases in poultry.

223-232

Authors: Efri Junaidi

The development of broiler chicken farms in Indonesia has taken two forms, namely non-contract and contract farming. This study aimed to compare the technical efficiency levels of production in these two types of farming in Banten Province, Indonesia. Data were collected randomly from 180 broiler chicken farmers, consisting of 103 non-contract and 77 contract farmers. The study used the stochastic frontier production function to meet its objectives. The results showed that non-contract broiler chicken farmers were less efficient in their production than those under contract. The mean technical efficiency of the production factor for non-contract broiler chicken farmers was 0.689,ranging from 0.339 to 0.996. On the contrary, broiler chicken farmers under contract had a higher mean efficiency value of 0.893, ranging from 0.638 to 0.988. Moreover, the type of input supplier had a significant positive effect on technical inefficiency in non-contract farms. Non-contract farmers who purchased their production needs from a poultry shop showed higher technical efficiency compared to those who used distributors. This research sheds light on the efficiency of broiler chicken farms, both non-contract and contract, enabling all stakeholders, including the government, to devise appropriate policies for the development of broiler chicken farming. The study provided valuable insights into the technical efficiency levels of broiler chicken farming in Indonesia, which can help farmers identify areas that need improvement and develop strategies to increase productivity and profitability.

: 120-126

Authors: Rozi Khan Sadiq

As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin E may lessen the potentially harmful consequences of such oxidative stress to protect broilers against immune-pathological damage. Broiler chicken growth and viability are enhanced by Vitamin E supplementation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Vitamin E dietary supplementation on broiler chickens’ growth performance and health status. A total of 48 one-day-old Ross chicks were randomly divided into two groups of control and treatment (supplementation of Vitamin E at a dose of 300 mg/kg diet) with three replicates per group. The study included an equal number of Ross breed chicks and Vitamin E dosage in two trials on two different dates (January and March, 2022). In both trials, the obtained results indicated no significant changes in weight gain in the control and treatment groups. In both trials, there were no significant differences in the spleen weight of the control and treated groups; however, from day 1 to 28 of the second trial, the bursa of Fabricius was heavier in the treated group than in the control group. Additionally, Vitamin E had no significant effects on the mitogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and Concanavalin A (Con A). Dosages of 20 and 10 µl for both PHA and Con A did not significantly affect the rate of pure lymphocyte proliferation in chicks fed 300 mg Vitamin E /kg feed. Cell-mediated immunity did not differ significantly between the two trials. The percentages of CD4, CD8, Bu1, and MHCII molecules in the spleen and cecal tonsil of the chicks that received Vitamin E 300 mg/kg feed did not change significantly. The antibody titers against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease vaccines showed no significant differences. On day 42, there was a trend toward an increase in antibody titer in the case of the Newcastle disease vaccine. In conclusion, 300 mg/kg of Vitamin E added to the diet did not improve growth performance and immunity in broiler chicks.

20-28

Authors: Tetiana Kot

The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in poultry’s body. Its hormones affect growth, tissue differentiation, and metabolism regulation, as well as the bird body’s resistance to infections, intoxication, stress, and low temperature. For poultry farming, veterinary medicine, and ornithology, it is of scientific interest to study the morphological features of the adrenal gland of birds. This review aimed to assess poultry adrenal anatomy, microscopy, morphometry, and histochemistry by summarizing research data from various published articles. The structure of the adrenal gland has been morphologically investigated in clinically healthy chickens, ducks, geese, and quails. Data from the anatomical level of the adrenal gland have indicated that the shape of this organ in poultry of different species is not the same. In most cases, the shape of the adrenal gland of poultry is close to an oval, triangle, or pyramid. The color of the adrenal gland of poultry varies from gray to brown, which depends on the tissue saturation of this organ with carotenoids. The mass of the adrenal glands of poultry correlates with their age. The left adrenal gland has higher mass, volume, and length indicators than the right gland. The microscopic structure of the adrenal gland corresponds to the general laws of the structure and function of endocrine organs. However, the adrenal glands of poultry are characterized by class features of its histoarchitectonics. The adrenal capsule contains ganglia of the autonomic nervous system, the cell strands of cortical and medullary tissues are intertwined, and the configuration of these cell strands determines the formation of two or three zones of the adrenal gland. Studies of the adrenal glands of poultry at the cellular level have indicated that cortical tissue is represented by acidophilic cells and medullary tissue by basophilic cells. Depending on the shape and electron density of secretory granules, medullary tissue cells are divided into epinephrine and norepinephrine. Data on morphometric parameters (capsule thickness, area of cortical and medullary tissues, cortical-medullary ratio) of the adrenal gland are not the same and depend on the type, age, gender, and sexual activity of poultry. In conclusion, morphologists have paid great attention to studying the features of the anatomy, microscopy, morphometry, and histochemistry of the adrenal gland in clinically healthy poultry. Therefore, the presented data can be used to assess deviations in the morphofunctional state of the adrenal gland in poultry under the influence of various factors and pathology.

41-47

Authors: Dirayah Rauf Husain

The intestines of domestic poultry (Gallus domesticus) are one of the potential sources of probiotic bacteria that can produce antibacterial agents. The objective of this study was to identify the types of probiotic bacteria obtained from the digestion of domestic poultry using the molecular analysis method of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Observations were conducted on colony morphology, gram staining, biochemical tests, and antibacterial activity using the diffusion agar method. Molecular analysis of DNA extraction was carried out, followed by the amplification of samples using a 16S rRNA universal primer. Dielectrophoresis and sequencing were performed on the 16S rRNA gene. The identification of morphological observations, gram staining, and biochemical tests showed that probiotic bacteria isolates, including Gram-positive, rod-shaped, rounded colony form, flat elevation, entire nonmotile edge, and catalase-negative, could ferment all carbohydrate content in the TSIA medium. The antibacterial potential was also found in probiotic bacteria, as evidenced by the inhibition zone formed in the test. The results of the bacterial gene sequences of PaTa5 probiotic bacterial isolates had a similarity of 98.37% with Lactobacillus plantarum. These findings indicated the presence of some bacteria species that have antibacterial activity in the intestines of domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus).

61-70

Authors: Lopamudra Samantaray

The use of essential oils (EOs) in animal feeding has gained attention as a potential antibiotic growth promoter replacement over the past two decades. The current study aimed to determine the impact of three feed additives, namely black pepper, turmeric, and fennel, on the productivity of laying hens, the chemical composition, and macro- and microelement content in layer eggs. A total of 280 chicks aged 75 days were randomly divided into 7 treatments (5 replicates of 8 chicks). One treatment group was provided as the unsupplemented control. The other six treatment groups, namely D0 (basal diet [BD] control), D1 (BD + 1% of black pepper), D2 (BD + 1% of turmeric), D3 (BD + 1% of fennel), D4 (BD + 0.5% of black pepper + 0.5% of turmeric), D5 (BD + 0.5% of black pepper + 0.5% of fennel), D6 (BD + 0.5% of turmeric + 0.5% of fennel) were supplemented with varying levels of phytobiotics. The result of the study indicated that the egg weight, Hen-day-production (HDP), egg quality, and haugh unit significantly improved with a combined supplementation of phytobiotics (D4, D5, and D6 diets) when compared with the control. However, there were no significant differences in the chemical composition of eggs. The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer analysis of eggs revealed the presence of 17 significant elements, including phosphorous, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, and bromine. The study findings showed that the combined supplementation of phytobiotics lowered K and Cl, whereas Zn, Ca, S, and Cu contents positively increased in hen eggs by including phytobiotic in the diet. In conclusion, the EOs of phytobiotics as dietary supplementation at 1% and 0.5% could improve the HDP, egg weight, and egg mass, including nutrient elements in the egg.

81-88

Authors: Fabrice De Paul Tatfo Keutchatang

Heavy metals are a group of elements that could be found in poultry feeds and influence poultry production. Poultry feed generally consists of agricultural products, such as maize, groundnuts, and wheat, which may also be contaminated by mycotoxins. The use of mycotoxins and heavy metals contaminated feed in the poultry sector might represent a potential source of cross-contamination for humans. This study aimed to analyze total aflatoxins (AFs), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ), ochratoxin A (OTA), chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in poultry feed from the Centre, Littoral, and Western regions of Cameroon. In this order, six local broiler feeds, six local layer feeds, and three imported layer feeds were randomly collected from each region and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry for heavy metals and competitive indirect ELISA for mycotoxins. The results indicated that all feed samples contained the analyzed mycotoxins and heavy metals. The ranges for the mean concentrations of mycotoxins were 3.5-19.7, 2.7-19.3, 0.8-1.1 µg/kg for AFs, AFB1 , and OTA, respectively. They were globally below the established regulated limits (20 µg/kg for AFs, 10 µg/kg for AFB1 and 5 µg/kg for OTA). The bulk layer feed from the Littoral region had the highest lead (995.8 ± 0.4 µg/kg) and cadmium (3.3 ± 0.0 µg/kg) concentrations. The average concentration of lead was above the permissible limit (10 µg/kg). Bulk broiler feed from the Littoral region scored the highest concentration of arsenic (2819.4 ± 0.1 µg/kg) above the permissible limit (500 µg/kg). Bulk broiler feed from the Centre region showed the highest concentration of mercury (5.6 ± 0.0 µg/kg) although lower than the permissible limit of 100 µg/kg. This study demonstrates that there are potential safety issues associated to poultry feeds used in some regions of Cameroon. It suggests a possible low productivity of poultry and health issues for consumers.

96-102

Authors: Abolfazl Ghaniei

Coccidiosis is a critical disease in the poultry industry worldwide. Producers apply different strategies to control and prevent this disease. Herbal drugs are suitable remedies for reducing losses associated with coccidiosis in poultry. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an herbal mixture in preventing coccidiosis. A total of 160 broiler chickens were divided into four treatment groups, with five replicates for each. Experimental infection of all groups, except group D, was carried out with mixed Eimeria species (E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, and E. maxima) on day 14. Broiler chickens in group A were given an herbal mixture (75% Quercus infectoria, 16% Artemisia annua, and 9% Allium sativum) as feed additives during the rearing period, and group B was treated with Monensin. No treatment was applied to group C after the chickens were experimentally infected with mixed Eimeria spp. Group D was used as the negative control since chickens in this group were not infected or sick during the experiment. Body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate, intestinal lesion scoring, and oocyst count per gram (OPG) were evaluated in this study. The results of the present study revealed that the highest mean body weight was gained in group D, followed by chickens in group A. The best FCR results were attributed to chickens in group D, followed by group B. In this study, both drugs decreased mortality rate, intestinal lesion scores, and OPG in the treated chickens. In conclusion, this herbal mixture can reduce coccidial lesions.

112-119

Authors: Nashwa M. Eid

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a common worldwide poultry disease caused by the bacterium of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) which has significant economic losses in the poultry industry as well as the cost of treatment and preventive measures. The current study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of NetB toxin positive in C. perfringens on different farms in Egypt. In the years 2020 and 2021, on industrial broiler farms (15-45 days- old), 100 intestinal samples were collected consisting of 30 healthy Ross broiler chickens and 70 unhealthy Ross broiler chickens. Culture and biochemical characterization (Catalase, urease, sugar fermentation, gelatin liquefaction, nitrate reduction, and lecithinase reaction tests) confirmed that C. perfringens was isolated at a rate of 10% (3/30) from apparently healthy broiler chickens and 40% from unhealthy broiler chickens. Thirty-one isolates were tested for toxigenicity and typing by ELISA kits and the results showed that 80% of the isolates from unhealthy broiler chickens were C perfringens type A alpha-toxin (toxigenic), 20% were non-toxigenic, and 66.7% isolates from apparently normal broiler chickens were toxigenic. The same thirty-one (44%) C. perfringens isolates were detected by PCR to investigate the presence of the NetB toxin gene in apparently healthy and unhealthy broilers and subsequently detect the role of NetB toxin in inducing NE. Of the samples, 82% of the isolates from unhealthy chicks were found to incode NetB gene, while none of the isolates from healthy broiler chickens had NetB. Clostridium perfringens showed sensitivity to amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and ampiclox, intermediate for ofloxacin, and high resistance to cephalexin, streptomycin, colistin sulfate, erythromycin, sulfa trimethoprim, gentamycin, and oxytetracycline. The present study revealed the importance of NetB gen in the appearance of clinical signs of NE in broiler chickens.

136-142

Authors: Adamou Guisso Taffa

Local chicken breeding is widespread in Niger, a country with harsh environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sex, temperature, and hygrometry variations on the body weight gain and growth curve of local Nigerien chickens. Two groups of local chickens were followed from hatching to 20 weeks of age. The first and second groups consisted of 96 and 124 chickens, respectively. Three seasons were identified based on continuously recording ambient temperature and humidity over a year. The dry and warm seasons (February, March, April, and May), the wet and warm seasons (June, July, August, and September), and the dry and cold seasons (October, November, December, and January). The average hatch weight was about 24 g, and monthly body weight gains ranged from 100 to 360 g. Asymptotic weights were 2214.02 ± 69.94 g and 1776.93 ± 63.57 g for roosters and 1380.25 ± 25.96 g and 1433.08 ± 71.24 g for hens. The sexual maturity rates indicate that hens are more precocious than roosters. Sex and season had significant impacts on the growth performance of the chickens. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the optimal time to raise local chickens in rural Niger is from June to January, and males are better candidates for meat production.

161-167

Authors: Olga Bagno

Currently, poultry specialists are working hard to find feed additives of natural origin. Medicinal plants are a source of a wide range of biologically active compounds with multifunctional effects, including antimicrobial ones. To understand the potential use of various medicinal plants and their extracts in poultry farming, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding different doses of water-ethanol extract of Urtica dioica (Urtica dioica L.) on the egg productivity of laying hens. A total of 300 laying hens were divided to control and five experimental groups of chickens, each with 5 replicates. During the entire experiment, the laying hens of the control group were fed complete compound feeds according to the egg-laying phase, and the chickens of the experimental groups were additionally fed Urtica dioica extract in different doses. The results indicated that feeding laying hens with Urtica dioica extract in doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg of body weight had a positive effect on their egg productivity. An increase in egg production per average laying hen in the experimental groups was 2.6-6.1%, and the intensity of egg production was 2.1-5.4%, compared to the control. However, the feed consumption in all experimental groups decreased. When introducing Urtica dioica extract into full-fledged compound feeds for laying hens, there was an increase in the relative egg white content, egg white/egg yolk ratio, and a decrease in relative yolk and shell content. Accordingly, it is suggested to include Urtica dioica extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg in the diet of laying hens which can improve economic efficiency and egg parameters.