Journal of World's Poultry Research

406-415

Authors: Machete JB

The current study was conducted to investigate sequence polymorphisms in the promoter, 5´untranslated regions (UTR), and partial exon regions of chicken HSP-70 gene in the normal (n = 24), naked neck (n = 22), and dwarf (n = 12) strains of indigenous Tswana chickens relative to the commercial broiler chickens (n = 20). Genomic DNA extracted from the whole blood of the three strains of indigenous Tswana chickens and the commercial broilers were amplified using PCR and sequenced. The PCR amplicons comprised a 210 bp promoter region, a 112 bp 5´UTR, and a 463 bp partial exon of the chicken HSP-70 gene. Multiple sequence alignments of the partial sequences of chicken HSP-70 gene in indigenous Tswana chickens and the commercial broilers revealed no polymorphisms in the promoter region, two SNPs in the 5´UTR (A303G and G309A) and another two SNPs (G427 and A628G) in the partial exon sequence of chicken HSP-70 gene. The SNP G427A was unique to the normal strain and the other three SNPs were common to all the four chicken strains studied. The identified four SNPs linked up in individual chickens resulted in a total of seven different haplotypes in the studied four chicken populations. A total of seven different haplotypes were found in indigenous Tswana chickens and only two haplotypes were found in the commercial broilers. More nucleotide (4SNPs vs 3 SNPs) and more haplotype diversity (7 haplotypes vs 2) were thus found in indigenous Tswana chickens, compared to the commercial broilers in the partial sequence of HSP-70 gene

422-430

Authors: Lare L

The diet of breeding indigenous guinea fowl breeders can influence their reproductive performance. Thus, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of different dietary protein intake levels of breeders on embryonic development. A total of 1152 hatching eggs were collected, numbered, weighed, and allocated to 3 groups (control, high-protein [High-P], and low-protein [Low-P]) with 4 replicates of 96 eggs in each dietary treatment group. The eggs were candled on incubation days 9 and 24. At the end of the hatch, all keets were counted and weighed. Six keets in each group were randomly selected and sacrificed for blood and organ collection. The results showed that the heaviest eggs were for the High-P group and keets at hatch had higher relative hatching muscle weights, compared to the control group. However, the Low-P group had smaller eggs and keets gained lower relative hatching muscle weights compared to the control. Fertility, early mortality rate, and delayed mortality decreased in the High-P group but it increased in the Low-P group, compared to the control. The dietary protein did not influence the incubation time. The maternal diet protein content affected fertility, embryonic development, hatchability, and keet quality. The indigenous guinea fowl breeders need appropriate protein intake to show their potential reproduction performances.

439-445

Authors: AL-Azzawi Akh

Many broiler chickens farms in Diyala Province, Iraq, have shown clinical signs of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in broiler chickens, including depression of birds, petechial hemorrhage in muscles of the thigh, and swollen bursa. Therefore, in the current study, necropsy samples (liver, spleen, bursa, and kidney) were collected from the mentioned broiler chickens. The samples were then subjected to conventional RT-PCR using specific primers to the VP2 gene. The results showed that five out of seven collected samples were positive to IBDV, and the RT-PCR produced a fragment of 260 bp. Furthermore, four tissue bursa samples were sent to AniCon Labor GmbH- Germany by using (FTA- card including four spots) for detection of IBDV by real-time RT-PCR using VP1 and VP2 genes to distinguish the pathogenic virulent strain of IBDV from non-virulent IBDV strains and to make the phylogenetic tree. Results showed that duplex RT-PCR generated a fragment of 690bp for VP1 gene and 700bp for VP2 genes of detected IBDV. Two out of 4 samples from suspected flocks were found positive with prevalence results of 50% for intermediated and non-virulent IBDV strains (IBDV nvv), and 50% (2 samples) were very virulent (vvIBDV). The threshold Cycle (Ct) value for RT-PCR for two isolates on bursa tissue ranged from 16.6 to 25.7. One strain was recorded in NCBI with the accession number of (MW8883071). Phylogenetic analysis of detected and sequenced IBDV indicated that the local studied virus was closely related to 710- Jordan isolate (accession number MF142560.1) and to the isolate 267-Jordan (MF 142517.1) with a higher identity reach of (99.2%).

457-467

Authors: Cheggag M

Three field strains of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) were isolated in 2015 from the bursa of Fabricius of affected broiler chickens originating from Moroccan broiler farms and were characterized as very virulent IBDV. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenicity of the above-identified IBD strains (accession number), MN241434.1, MN241436.1, and MN241439.1. In this trial, 75 three-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were randomly divided into four groups. Three groups of 1, 2, and 3 (n = 20 chicks/group) were inoculated via intra oculonasal route with 103.5 EID50 of MN241434.1, MN241436.1, and MN241439.1, respectively. Group 4 (n = 15) was kept as control. Chickens from all groups were monitored during 14 days post-challenge (dpc). Dead and euthanized birds were necropsied and their lymphoid organs (bursa, thymus, and spleen) were subjected to histopathological examination and lesion scoring. Serological response and presence of IBDV in the bursa of Fabricius were investigated using ELISA and rRT-PCR, respectively. Chickens in all challenged groups showed characteristic signs of IBD, including prostration, dehydration, aqueous diarrhea, and ruffled feathers, starting mostly at 2 dpc. The total mortality rate was 100% at 4 dpc in groups 1 and 2 and 76.47% in group 3. Bursa of Fabricius from affected birds revealed severe lymphoid depletion and necrosis with mean bursal lesion score between 3 and 5 (4 for MN241434.1 and MN241436.1, and 4.125 for MN241439.1). Similar severe lesions were observed in the spleen of all infected broiler chickens. Histological lesions in the thymus were detected from 2 dpc with individual cell necrosis. Serological results revealed that survived chickens in group 3 developed Ab anti-IBDV at 7, 9, and 14 dpc. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of the IBDV in BF of all infected chickens. These results indicated that the investigated local field IBDV strains genetically characterized as vvIBDV were phenotypically hypervirulent pathotypes of IBDV in SPF chickens hence reflecting the epidemiological Moroccan and regional IBD. This constitutes a potential candidate reference strains to be used in the development of strategies for the prevention and control of IBD in Morocco

475-480

Authors: Erwan E

Watermelon rind (WR) content is rich in citrulline (Cit). Oral administration of L-Cit could improve thermotolerance in layer and broiler chickens due to its hypothermic role. Additionally, chronic supplementation of WR dried powder (WRP) increases feed intake but makes no changes to the body temperature. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of yellow and red WRP supplementation on plasma metabolites as well as and liver and spleen weight. In Experiment 1, a total of 20 indigenous chicks aged 1-14 days were treated with different doses of yellow WRP (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) supplemented in a commercial diet. Similarly, 20 indigenous chicks with the age range of 1-14 days were treated in Experiment 2 with different doses of red WRP (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) supplemented in a commercial diet. The obtained results indicated that the yellow WRP supplementation caused a linearly increased plasma total cholesterol (TCHO). However, the red WRP neither increased plasma TCHO linearly nor plasma glucose (Glu), although plasma Glu concentration significantly increased by 6% red WRP supplementation. These results suggest that supplementation of both yellow and red WRP to a commercial diet could change the concentrations of plasma metabolites, while the effect of yellow WRP may be different, compared to that of red WRP.

487-505

Authors: Abd El-Ghany WA

Poultry coccidiosis is considered one of the most important continuous threats that frustrates the poultry industry around the world and causes serious adverse effects on poultry productivity. Accordingly, this article comprehensively reviewed the recent control strategies that are applied against such disease regarding medication, vaccination, and application of some natural products. The causative agent of coccidiosis is a protozoon parasite of the genus Eimeria. This parasite is characterized by the host, different parts of the intestines, and immune specificity. Chicken is the most susceptible host to intestinal infections with Eimeria species. Diarrhea, loss of profitability, and intestinal lesions are the most characteristic clinical picture of Eimeria infection. Prevention and control of such infections remain a great problem. The application of hygienic measures is still the gold standard for the prevention of avian coccidiosis. Anticoccidials medication either in the feed or water can effectively reduce Eimeria infection, however, the development of drug resistance to the commonly used anticoccidial drugs is incessant. Live non-attenuated and attenuated as well as recombinant and sub-unit vaccines were developed with some limitations. Therefore, using some natural alternatives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics have emerged as anticoccidial compounds.

286-292

Authors: de León-Robles E

Avian chlamydiosis (AC), caused by Chalmydophila psittaci (C. psittaci), is a relevant zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through psitassine or pet birds. Guatemala is a megadiverse country where parrots are commonly kept as pets. Considering such a situation and the fact that respiratory diseases are some of the main causes of morbidity in the human population, the epidemiology of AC in pet parrots has not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence and frequency of antibodies against C. psittaci in pet parrots in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Blood samples were collected from 100 parrots belonging to 17 species (Amazona auropalliata, A. farinosa, A. autumnalis, A. albifrons, Agapornis roseicollis, Ara macao, A. militaris, Aratinga astec, Brotogeris jugularis, Cacatua alba, Eupsittula canicularis, E. nana, Melopsittacus undulatus, Ninficus hollandicus, Pionus senilis, and Psittacara strenuus) representing 19 of the 20 zones of Guatemala. Imunoglobulins (Ig) G antibodies against C. psittaci were detected using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay tests. The prevalence rate of C. psittaci was reported at 11% (95% CI = 4.87%, 17.13%) indicating the presence of AC pet parrots in Guatemala City. Therefore, Guatemalan sanitary authorities should take some measures and the physicians must consider C. psittaci as a possible cause of a severe respiratory disease condition in people residing in this city

302-311

Authors: Abodalal SEA

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a contagious viral disease that threatens rabbit farms locally and globally. The disease causative agent is the RHD virus (RHDV) of the family Caliciviridae. The present study aimed to identify and characterize RHDV strains currently circulating in Upper Egypt provinces. A total of 20 suspected RHDV samples were collected from non-vaccinated rabbit flocks from January to December 2019 in Upper Egypt governorates (New Valley and Assuit), Egypt. The RHDV was confirmed through the hemagglutination test (HA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Further characterization of selected 4 isolates was performed by nucleotide sequencing of a partial VP60 gene. All of 11 RHDV RT-PCR-positive samples were positive for HA activity against human RBCs type "O". Based on the nucleotide sequencing, the selected 4 isolates were clustered as RHDV-1 variant strains (G3-G5). The nucleotide sequence identities of the 4 isolates were 94.2-100 %, compared to available RHDV strains from GenBank. In conclusion, the presence of RHDV-1 variant strains was detected and confirmed that threatens the rabbit’s populations in New Valley and Assuit governorates.

322-331

Authors: Rudik O

Сoccidiosis is a protozoan disease caused by Eimeria bateri (E. bateri), Eimeria tsunodai (E. tsunodai), Eimeria uzura (E. uzura), Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), Eimeria necatrix (E. necatrix), and Eimeria acervulina (E. acervulina). The goal of the current study was to explore the micropathology of the duodenum, jejunum, caecum, liver, lung, spleen, kidney, adrenal gland of Japanese quails naturally infected with. E. tenella. The histopathological examination revealed that developmental E. tenella led to the damage of caecal, duodenal, and jejunal. Necrosis and desquamation of the integumentary epithelium, atrophy of crypts and folds, hemorrhages, lymphoid infiltration were confirmed in the mucous membrane of these intestines. The main changes observed in the parenchymal organs involved the fatty dystrophy of hepatocytes and lymphoid infiltration of parenchyma of the liver, stagnant hyperemia and edema of the lungs; granular dystrophy and necrosis of epithelial cells of the collecting ducts of the kidneys, venostasis of blood sinusoids of the spleen, hyperplasia of interrenal tissue, and dystrophia of suprarenal tissue of the adrenal gland. Morphometric studies have shown that pathological changes in the organs of quails infected with E. tenella led to a decrease in the thickness of the caecal mucosa, volume of the parabronchial lumen of the lung, and the number of renal corpuscles of the infected group, compared to the control group. The indicators of the interrenal-adrenal index of the adrenal glands, the number of clusters of lymphoid cells of the liver, and lymphoid nodules of the spleen increased. The received information could offer deep insights about pathogens in quails coccidiosis and can be used for planning therapeutic measures.

338-343

Authors: Mohamed SO

This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical effect of Nigella sativa (NS) seeds as feed additives on serum and egg yolk lipids, antioxidants, and fatty acids in laying hens. The experiment was conducted on 42 Commercial Mandarah strain laying hens at 31 weeks old with uniform body weight which were assigned to 2 groups with 21 hens per group. Control group and NS group (basal diet + 2% NS seeds) were examined for 12 weeks. The findings indicated that NS fed group showed a significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL concentrations in serum and egg yolk with a significant increase in HDL concentration. In addition, the antioxidant status of NS hens improved as MDA and NO concentrations significantly decreased in serum and egg yolk, while SOD, GSH, and TAC increased. Moreover, an increase in egg yolk concentration of unsaturated fatty acid linolenic, with a decrease in palmitic fatty acid concentration in egg yolk. Conclusively, NS has beneficial effects on antioxidants and different lipid fractions of serum and egg yolk of laying hens.

352-358

Authors: Ekeocha AH

The Nigerian indigenous chicken called the native or village chicken are widely distributed in the rural areas of Nigeria, where they are kept by the natives principally as a source of protein and income. These native chickens play major roles not only in rural economies but also contribute substantially to the gross national income. This study aimed to determine the productivity of identified phenotypic characteristics and to aid the selection and genetic improvement of indigenous chickens in local areas of Nigeria (Ikole, Ekiti East and Oye local government). A total of 180 captive adult (normal feathering female and male) frizzled local chickens were scored and measured for phenotypic characteristics. There were no significant differences across the local governments (locations) comparing the native chickens for body weight, shank length, comb length, chest length, and comb height. The beak length and the body length were significant. The body weight ranged from 1.06 to 1.08 kg. Oye and Ekiti East local government had the highest similar value of 1.08 kg while Ikole local government had the least value (1.07 kg). The magnitude of the value of the parameters between shank length and comb height, between shank length and comb height, between shank length and body length, between comb height and comb length and between comb height and body length were positive and significant. There were positive and significant relationships between comb height and body weight and between clutch size and body weight (r = 0.34292, 0.36718) in frizzled local chickens. There was a significant positive relationship between shank length and beak length, between shank length and body weight, between comb height and beak length and between beak length and body weight. The correlations between shank colour and clutch size, between comb length and clutch size, and between beak lengths were negative. The performance of the local chickens can be greatly enhanced with improvement in basic management with the response to genetic improvement for increased body weight and egg production.

368-375

Authors: Manyeula F

The current study was designed to assess the effect of Ross breeder hens’ age on the egg qualities and their correlations. The external and internal qualities of eggs were compared, and their correlation coefficients as influenced by the age of breeder hens were determined. A sample of 300 Ross breeder hen eggs was obtained from the Ross breeder farm with 100 eggs drawn from each laying period of ages, namely 30, 45, and 60 weeks. Measured parameters included egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, and shell thickness. Data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using polynomial contrasts. Response surface regression analysis was applied to describe the responses of egg quality to the aging of breeder hens. The results showed that egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, egg yolk, egg content, egg volume, shell percentage, albumen weight, egg shape index, and egg surface area increased over time. Haugh unit and thick albumen indicated that the eggs in all age groups were fresh and had high quality. Shell thickness was constant in all age groups. Egg weight was significantly correlated with egg length, width, yolk (length, width, weight, and height), and shell weight. In conclusion, the egg quality improved as the hens' age increased implying that age is an effective factor in improving the quality of eggs.

387-396

Authors: Sohaimi NM

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infection is a major threat in commercial poultry farms which exerts serious economic impacts on the poultry industry. At the end of 2018, it was reported that a decrease of 9.0% in revenue to RM692.9 million was due to high mortality and low broiler production volume as a result of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) outbreaks in Malaysia. Fowl adenovirus is a double-stranded DNA virus made up of 5 genotypes and 12 serotypes. The potential danger posed by this virus to the Malaysian poultry industry is hereby discussed. Fowl adenovirus serotype 8b has been reported to be predominant in Malaysian chicken where it causes IBH. It predominantly affects 3 to 7 weeks old broiler chickens as well as layer chickens. Inclusion body hepatitis has been reported in farms in the states of Perak, Johore, and Malacca in Malaysia with a mortality range of 9.6-30%. Morbidity is low and infected chickens may present crouching position with ruffled feathers and die within 48 hours or may recover. Recovered chickens usually indicate low feed intake, feed conversion, and weight gain. Typical IBH lesions include friable, and inflamed liver, petechial hemorrhages on the musculature, and microscopic basophilic/eosinophilic inclusion bodies in the hepatocytes. Fowl adenovirus can be transmitted vertically from hen to offspring through the eggs and cause disease conditions to chicks especially those with no or low maternal antibodies. It is also transmitted horizontally through contact with feces and fluids from infected birds or humans as well as contaminated fomites. Although adequate biosecurity measures could reduce the incidences of this infection, some strains are resistant to disinfectants. Therefore, the major form of control is vaccination which makes the development of live attenuated and potent inactivated vaccines imperative. To avoid a crisis in broiler meat production in the country, regional cooperations among major stakeholders in the Malaysian poultry industry are advised to eradicate this disease. Inclusion body hepatitis in Malaysia could cause a significant reduction in broiler meat production and therefore is a potential danger to the Malaysian poultry industry.

168-173

Authors: Abdallah A. Ghazalah

The use of lysolecithin as an emulsifier in the diet of chickens could improve the growth performance. Its commercial application in broiler diets containing medium to high levels of added oil is increasingly adopted. However, few studies have assessed the impact of lysolecithin supplementation in diets formulated with no added oil. Therefore, this study aimed to compare two feeding diets based on commercial low-energy diets with no added oil, with or without a nutrient absorption enhancer based on lysolecithin (LEX). The performance was recorded on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The net benefit per chicken of LEX supplementation was determined across a range of cost and performance scenarios. At slaughter, average body weight and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in LEX-treated chickens, compared to non-treated chickens. The net benefit per chicken of LEX supplementation was €0.023 under representative market conditions and remained profitable under all considered scenarios. In conclusion, the application of absorption enhancers based on lysolecithin could improve the performance and profitability of broiler production, even in low energy-dense diets formulated with no added oil.

183-192

Authors: K.H. El-Kholy

In-ovo injection with exogenous materials, such as natural antioxidants, throughout incubation could be a technique to boost hatchlings’ performance. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of in-ovo injection of cinnamon, thyme, and clove extracts on the subsequent growth performances, immunity, and physiological responses of newly-hatched chickens. A total of 450 fertile eggs used in the current experiment were obtained from avian broiler breeder flocks of 28 weeks of age. The eggs were randomly distributed into five treatment groups which included three replicates for each one (30 eggs each group) in a completely randomized design at day 10 of embryogenesis. Treatment groups included a control group (P1: without any injection), the group received an injection of 0.5 ml deionized water (P2: sham group), and the groups injected with 0.1 ml cinnamon, thyme, and clove extracts (P3, P4, P5, respectively). The hatchlings from each treatment were randomly assigned to five replicates of 10 chickens, and reared until 35 days of age. The results showed no significant differences among groups in terms of feed consumption, serum albumin, and immunoglobulin’s A (IgA). Nevertheless, using extracts resulted in a significant increase in body weight and weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio and immunoglobulin’s G and M (IgG and IgM), compared to the control and sham groups at 35 days of age. The injected extracts had significantly positive effects on serum lipids profile, liver functions (AST, ALT, and ALP) values, and antioxidant activity, compared to the control groups. Furthermore, serum concentrations of triiodothyronine and thyroxine were significantly higher in the group injected clove-extracted than in other experimental groups. According to the results, it can be concluded that in-ovo injection of herbal extracts, especially clove extract on day 10 of incubation has a positive effect on the broiler chickens’ weight at hatch and post-hatch performance as well as physiological, immunological, and anti-oxidative status of hatched chickens.

204-209

Authors: Filoza Marwi

The ban of antibiotics encourages the use of probiotics as natural feed additives for poultry. However, the effect of probiotics highly depends on the quality of drinking water. The use of Magnetic Technology (MT) could improve water quality, and potentially enhances the efficacy of probiotics. In the present study, the effect of probiotics and MT in drinking water on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens were evaluated using the inclusion of either non-encapsulated probiotic (PRO) and encapsulated probiotic (EPRO) along with drinking water exposure to 2,700 gausses of the magnetic field. A total of 288 57-weeks-old ISA Brown laying hens were randomly divided into six treatment groups with four replicates of 12 laying hens in each. The treatments consisted of untreated drinking water (control) and drinking water treated with PRO, EPRO, MT, PRO + MT, and EPRO + MT. The results indicated a highly significant improvement in feed conversion ratio, income over feed cost, and egg weight, as well as a significant improvement in egg mass, when EPRO was combined with MT. However, there was no significant effect on the other variables of the production performance and egg quality. It was, therefore, concluded that the use of MT with EPRO improved the egg mass, feed conversion ratio, income over feed cost, and egg weight of the laying hens.

215-222

Authors: Sabry E.Omar

Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) is highly infectious and causes severe economic losses in the Egyptian poultry industry. In the present study, 40 samples of bursa Fabricius tissue were collected from various poultry flocks residing in six governorates during 2020 in Egypt (8 from El-Daqhlia, 10 from El-Sharquia, 10 from El-Qaliobiyea, 4 from EL-Behera, 6 from Alexandria, and 2 from El-Gharbia). Among these flocks, the chicken suffered from depression, dehydration, and ruffled feather with high mortality rates (20-50%) leading to the haemorrhagic and enlarged bursa of Fabricius. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed, targeting the hypervariable region of the VP2 gene of IBDV. The 30 samples were detected positive by RT-PCR (8 from ElDaqhlia, 7 from El-Sharquia, 6 from El-Qaliobiyea, 3 from EL-Behera, 5 from Alexandria, and 1 broiler chicken from El-Gharbia). A total of 10 strains were selected for genetic analysis, representing different governorates. All identified strains belonged to a very virulent IBDV with 95.7-96.7% nucleotide identity and 98.2-99.4% amino acid identity with very virulent IBDV strains from Europe and Asia. Phylogenetically, the Egyptian strain was divided into two subgroups. All strains identified in the present study belonged to the phylogenetic subgroup I with new eight nucleotide mutation mutations when compared with HK64 and other Egyptian strains. All sequenced viruses had G254S mutation. Moreover, Y220F mutation was detected in major hydrophilic region A, in two strains (EGY/SN5 and EGY/SN10), compared with HK64. These mutations may increase viral pathogenicity and antigenicity. The Egyptian strains in the study were distinct from the vaccinal strain. Furthermore, they may explain the recent IBDV outbreaks reported in vaccinated flocks. The current study highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring of mutations in IBDV, and the assessment of their effects on virus virulence and vaccine efficacy against newly evolved strains.

230-240

Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa El-Attrouny

Body weight and carcass traits are important traits in the poultry industry. Breeding programs are powerful strategies to improve these economic traits. The challenge, however, is to choose an appropriate strategy to increase production. The estimation of genetic parameters in target strains could provide valuable information to determine the potent breeding strategy. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the heritability and the genetic correlations of the Body Weight (BW), Body Dimensions (BD), and Carcass Traits (CT) in four Egyptian strains (Matrouh, Mandarah, Inshas, and Silver Montazah) of dual-purpose chickens. The BW was measured at hatching (BW0), 8 weeks (BW8), and 16 weeks (BW16) of age, and weight gain was calculated from 8 to 16 weeks of age. The BD traits included shank length (SL), keel length (KL), and Body Circumference (BC). Carcass, liver, gizzard, heart, head, and leg percentages were also determined. Data were collected on 2800 dual-purpose chickens with pedigree information. A Multitrait animal model with a restricted maximum likelihood procedure was applied to estimate heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations for BW, BD, and CT using Wombat software. Heritability estimates for BW traits were between 0.24 and 0.41 for BW0 and BW8, respectively. Heritability estimates of SL, KL, and BC were 0.49, 0.41, and 0.52, respectively. The heritability estimates for CT were low to moderate, ranging from 0.15 to 0.37 for head and gizzard percentage, respectively. The least-square means for BW, BD, and CT varied significantly between strains. The genetic correlation estimates among BW and BD traits indicated a close genetic relationship between these traits. Positive genetic correlations were found between BW and BD with CT (from 0.12 to 0.78). Based on the present results, there were strong positive genetic correlations between all traits, including BW and BD as the most important ones. Therefore, the selection for these traits would improve the carcass traits in the four strains of chickens. Hence, the inclusion of BW and BD as selection criteria in breeding programs would potently affect the improvement in carcass performance, which might positively increase the production profit of such strains.

252-258

Authors: Vasily V

The main factor in the development of modern animal husbandry is the development of methods for preparing feed for animals and enhancement of their nutritional value. To obtain high-energy feed, there is a need to use the germinated grain as one of the components for the extrusion used in animal food processing. The quality assessment of the extruded feed in terms of environmental and energy indicators based on a two-component mixture is of particular interest. In this regard, the purpose of the present research was to identify the regularities of changes in metabolic energy and the ecological-energy indicator of the feed quality, depending on the quantitative and qualitative content of the germinated component included in the extruded mixture. Wheat was mixed for 72 hours with pre-germinated grains of wheat, rapeseed, peas, oats, soybeans, or corn. The resulting mixture was extruded at a temperature of 120-130°C and pressure of 4-5 MPa. The highest metabolic energy of the feed was found in the extruded mixture containing 25% sprouted grains of soybeans, rapeseed, corn, peas, oats 15%, and wheat 10%. Regarding energy indicators, it is advisable to use 25% of the sprouted grain of soybeans, rapeseed, corn, peas, 15% of oats, and 10% of wheat in the extruded mixture as well as 10% of sprouted wheat, 25% peas, 25% corn, 10% soybeans, 20% oats, and 10% rapeseed. Based on the obtained results, a mathematical model was designed using the theory of splines. The modeling was carried out in the Maple package.

271-277

Authors: Paul Francis Cotter

The aim is to describe anuclear erythrocytes (erythroplastids), pyrenocytes (small nucleated daughter erythrocytes), and amitosis (division without chromosomes or a spindle apparatus) of the commercial duck. Wright-Giemsa-stained blood samples came from ducks between 2 and 22 weeks of age. The erythroplastids and pyrenocytes were produced by fully hemoglobinized (normochromic) erythrocytes, and their earlier developmental stages (polychromatic erythrocytes). The cytokinesis results indicated a process beginning with constriction of the cell membrane, and continuing with constriction of the nucleus; followed by its polar displacement and expulsion. Instances of intermediate stages in which both the erythroplastid and the pyrenocyte remained attached by a thin cytoplasmic isthmus were also found. Erythroplastids may be produced by a second mechanism where the RBC nucleus lyses rather than being expelled. Furthermore, there were examples of erythroplastids produced during amitosis, occurring in mature erythrocytes, and at earlier (polychromatic) stages. The causes of erythroplastid formation and amitosis remain obscure, and it is possible that they result from distinct stimuli. As Goncalves et al. (2020) reported, recently erythroplastids were used to measure the effects of air pollution in passerine birds. However, as is the case for other atypical erythrocytes they could be the consequence of toxins, DNA damage, vitamin deficiencies, or immune dysfunction. Erythroplastids and amitotic cells were present along with evidence of fungal infection in some ducks and in others deliberately exposed to aflatoxin B1 supporting a case for toxicity. Accordingly, these atypical cells may serve as sensitive cytological indicators and bio-markers useful in the study of diseases or toxin exposure

08-15

Authors: Nuhu Abdulazeez Sani

Avian neoplastic diseases, including Marek’s disease (MD), avian leukosis (AL), and reticuloendotheliosis (RE), are of economic importance in the chicken industry. However, it is difficult to differentiate MD from AL and RE by clinical signs and postmortem examination. Therefore, the present study aimed to classify the avian neoplastic diseases affecting commercial layer chickens in Nigeria using clinical history, postmortem examination, and histopathological technique. Carcasses of commercial layer chickens from 7 and 20 poultry farms in Kaduna and Plateau States were studied, respectively, from February 2017 to March 2018. The age, morbidity, and mortality rates in each of the affected farms were determined. Detailed postmortem examinations were carried out on the carcasses from the affected farms, and organs observed to have neoplastic lesions were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology. The age means of the affected layers were 20.6 weeks and 20.8 weeks in Kaduna and Plateau States, respectively. The average morbidity rates of neoplasm in the affected layers were 3.9% and 9.3% in aduna and Plateau States, respectively, while the average ortality rates were 8.6% and 8.5% in Kaduna and Plateau States, respectively. The clinical observation of affected chickens indicated that they were anorexic and emaciated. Generally, the neoplastic lesions were characterized by white to gray, multifocal, firm nodules of varying sizes on the affected organs. In Kaduna State, the neoplasms were commonly observed on the liver (85.7%), spleen (71.4%), heart (42.9%), and kidneys (42.9%), while in Plateau State, the affected organs included liver (50%), spleen (25%), proventriculus (25%) and lungs (25%). The histopathological changes in the affected tissues were similar and characterized predominantly by the infiltration of lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, and macrophages. The patterns of distribution of the pleomorphic neoplastic cells within the liver were multifocal and perivascular in most cases. Findings from the current study indicated that cases of neoplasms in commercial layer chickens in Kaduna and Plateau States, Nigeria, could be attributed to MD.

22-30

Authors: Nkiruka O

The first experiment aimed to compare the effects of manual and electric beak-trimming on feed intake, body weight, and some biochemical parameters of eight-week-old pullets. A total of 20 pullets aged 3 weeks were assigned to two treatment groups; those in group A were manually debeaked while the samples in group B were electro debeaked. The findings indicated that 2 hours post-beak-trimming (PBT), the packed-cell volume of group A was significantly higher than that of group B. Plasma cortisol level of group A was significantly higher than that of group B at 2 and 6 hours PBT while total plasma protein level of group A was significantly lower than that of the group at 2 and 72 hours PBT. Furthermore, feed intake and body weight markedly decreased in the pullets debeaked with both methods until 72 hours PBT. The chickens’ beak trimmed with both methods experienced intense pain of varying degrees lasting up to 72 hours. In the second experiment, 40 eight-week-old pullets were assigned to four groups; group A was the control, group B was treated with a vitamin supplement, group C was treated with acetaminophen, and group D was treated with vitamin supplement plus acetaminophen. After 24 hours, chickens were beak-trimmed using a manual cutter. The results revealed that 2 hours PBT, plasma cortisol level in groups B, C, and D were significantly lower than that of group A. Blood glucose was lowest in groups A and D at 6 and 24 hours PBT, respectively.

36-46

Authors: Fuji Astuty Auza

The development of the digestive tract organs is closely related to the increased body weight growth in chickens. The present study aimed to determine the effect of using maggot meal as an antibacterial and protein source of fish meal substitution in diets on the relative length of the digestive tract organs, small intestine histomorphology, and the percentage of the native chicken carcass. A total of 140 one-day-old chickens were randomly assigned to one of the five treatments according to a completely randomized design with four replications for each treatment. The treatments included P0 (basal diet + 15% fish meal + 0% maggot meal), P1(basal diet + 11.25% fish meal + 3.75% maggot meal), P2 (basal diet + 7.5% fish meal + 7.5% maggot meal), P3(basal diet + 3.75% fish meal + 11.25% maggot meal), and P4 (basal diet + 0% fish meal + 15% maggot meal). The results showed that the use of maggot meal in P3 had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the relative length, villi height, depth of duodenal crypt, jejunum and ileum, villi surface area, the density of jejunum and ileum villi, and percentage of thigh and wing weight. Besides, the treatment tended to increase the relative length of the caecum and colon, surface area of the duodenal villi, and chest weight percentage. However, the treatment did not affect the duodenal villi density and percentage of back weight in native chickens. The use of maggot meal up to 11.25% in diets can improve the relative length of intestinal, histomorphology of small intestine’s villi, and the percentage of carcass parts of native chickens.

53-63

Authors: Mastewal Birhan

Marek’s disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative and neuropathic disease of domestic fowl caused by alphaherpesviruses. The current cross-sectional study with a simple random sampling method was undertaken from January 2018 to May 2020. The current study aimed to estimate sero-epidemiology and assess potential risk factors, it is very important to determine MD sero-positivity. Moreover, to measure the association of host and environmental risk factors, the occurrences and spread of MD were identified in local and exotic chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 768 serum samples from 3 zones were collected and assayed for Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV) antibodies using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to gather information on the potential risk factors of MDV sero-positivity, as well as the status of occurrences and spread in the chicken flocks. In the present preliminary study, a high flock and chicken level of MDV was demonstrated, with an overall seroprevalence of 59.11%. The mixed-effect logistic regression analysis of the host potential risk factors showed that the odds of seropositive for MD was significantly higher in local chickens (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.26-2.28) than exotic chickens, higher in chickens getting non-proper feed (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13-0.54) than getting proper feed, higher in vaccinated chickens (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.76-1.43) than non-vaccinated chickens. Rearing chicken of different batches in one house was decreased the odds of occurrence of MD by 55% (95% CI: 0.38-0.80) than all-inall-out, higher in the well-ventilated type farms decreased the odds of occurrence of MD by 60% (95% CI: 0.39-0.80) than in poor ones. Litter management when farmers used chickens as fertilizer has decreased the odds of occurrence of MD by 55% (95% CI: 0.01-0.47) and chickens were tossed into open sheds 40% (95% CI: 0.01-0.31), compared to buried chickens management. The study results indicated that the number of farms where farmers wearing no clothes and shoes (95% CI: 0.10-0.58) were significantly decreased the occurrence of MD by 24% than those where farmers were equipped with clothes and shoes. The study area was highest in West Gojjam (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.27-0.58) and South Gondar (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.13-0.28) compared to North Gondar zone. In conclusion, the present study revealed a high flock and chicken seroprevalence level of MDV among chicken flocks in northwest Ethiopia, suggesting that environmental dust/dander and farm management systems might be a source of this disease for chicken infection. Besides, the bserved association of MD, sero-positivity with environmental dust/dander, and farm management systems may suggest the economic importance of the disease for chicken production. Therefore, it warrants control attention to reduce its economic and disease spread burden in the study areas. Further works on the economic impacts, virus isolation, and molecular characterization of the disease are suggested

73-82

Authors: Iswati

The production and reproduction performance of chicken depends on their hormonal status, especially progesterone hormone, which has been known to correlate with egg production. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of progesterone hormone injection on Arabic Gold chickens (Gallus turcicus) regarding egg production and luteinizing hormone concentration in blood plasma. A total number of 60 Arabic Gold chickens aged 26-weeks were divided into three groups based on injected hormone concentration (P0 : control; P1 : 1 mg/chicken; P2 : 2 mg/chicken). The study was conducted using a completely randomized design and the obtained data were analyzed with a descriptive analysis for qualitative data and one-way analysis of variance followed with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test as a post hoc test for the quantitative data. The results presented that progesterone hormone injection had a significant effect on hen day production two and six weeks after injection. The P1 group was able to reach its peak production (82.9%) at week 29, while the P2 group reached its peak at week 26 (78.9%). In addition, it was found that the P2 group produced a soft-shelled egg and double egg yolk. Progesterone injection led to no significant effect on the egg weight, shape index, fertility, embryo viability, hatchability, and chick weight at hatch. The luteinizing hormone concentration was higher in P2 (1.52 ng/ml), compared to P0 (1.36 ng/ml) and P1 (1.34 ng/ml) groups. It was concluded that progesterone hormone injection during the production phase of Arabic Gold chicken had a significant effect on egg production and caused varying egg production peak and luteinizing hormone concentration.

96-100

Authors: Aisyah Nur Azizah

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the important infectious diseases in the poultry industry. The traditional poultry markets have great potential in ND transmission. The ducks infected by the ND virus rarely show clinical symptoms, thus they can potentially spread the disease to other fowls. The current study aimed to isolate and identify the ND virus from ducks in a traditional live bird market center in East Java, Indonesia. Cloacal swab samples were taken from 300 ducks. The study consisted of 100 pooled samples, each containing a cloacal swab sample obtained from 3 individual ducks. The samples were inoculated in specific antibody-negative embryonated chicken eggs for 8-10 days. Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition tests were performed for confirmation and identification of ND virus. Based on the result of the current study, out of 100 pooled samples, there were three to nine ducks infected with the ND virus.

110-115

Authors: Resti Devi Anggraini

Coccidiosis is a disease found in poultry caused by parasitic protozoa, namely Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), which may lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality. To prevent coccidiosis, vaccination is required to inactivate and attenuate E. tenella protozoa. One of the compounds applied for attenuation is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde reduces the pathogenicity of an organism by creating rigidity in its structure. As a result, the organism cannot inflict disease and has a higher impact on building antibodies although it is still alive. The current research was an experimental study aimed to determine the formalin potential in attenuation of E. tenella pathogenesis in terms of oocyst production. The present study was conducted using the completely randomized design method. A total number of 25 broiler chickens were applied and their feces were tested to observe oocysts production and clinical symptoms. The obtained data would be analyzed by the ANOVA statistical test. The treatment groups presented clinical symptoms of E. tenella infection. The number of oocysts in treatment group I fluctuated from the lowest number which was zero on day five and then increased by day six, seven, and eight and it has reached the peak with the most significant amount of 4,050,460 oocysts on day nine. The treatment group II with the same condition reached its peak with the highest number of 1,363,160 oocysts on day nine. The treatment group III peaked with the most significant number of 618,960 oocysts on day nine. In addition, the treatment IV group attained the apex with the highest number of 719,480 oocysts on day nine. Meanwhile, the treatment V group reached the highest number of 284,200 oocysts on day nine. The difference in formalin concentration affected the amount of E. tenella oocyst production of broiler chickens. Formalin soaking with a concentration of 1.2% was the most optimal concentration to attenuate E. tenella

123-128

Authors: Rizkiyatu Auliyah

Transmission of Toxocara vitulorum Infection causes a decrease in livestock productivity and results in various types of diseases in humans. Chickens are one of the parasitic hosts of toxocariasis which has the potential for transmission of toxocariasis to humans. The main location affected by T. vitulorum larval infection is the liver. The current study aimed to analyze the description of histopathological changes in the liver of broiler chickens infected by L2 Toxocara vitulorum. The present study was a true experiment using a completely randomized design. A total number of 28 broiler chickens aged 14 days were selected as the sample in this study. Samples were infected using L2 Toxocara vitulorum larvae and were grouped in accordance with observations of the 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the larvae were given to the samples. Toxocara vitulorum larval infection caused changes in istopathological features of broilers chickens. This infection caused hydropic inflammation and degeneration of liver cells, cholangitis, and eventually necrosis of the cells. Exposure to infection over a long period of time can worsen liver cell and other organ damages as well as increasing the potential for the transmission of Toxocara vitulorum larvae.

136-150

Authors: B. Michel Orounladji

The present study aimed to describe the morphobiometric characteristics of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) populations in Benin. The current study was carried out on 1320 (529 males and 791 females) adult (at least 24 weeks old) indigenous guinea fowls from three climatic zones (Sudanian, Sudano-Guinean, and Guinean) of Benin. Each guinea fowl was subjected to a direct phenotypic description, biometric measurements, and photography. The results showed that the plumage coloration of indigenous guinea fowl in Benin was significantly diverse, but the most widespread plumage colors were pearl grey (30%), black (29.5%), and cinnamon (9.8%). The most common beak colors were grey (64.9%) and yellow-orange (24.8%). The eyes were predominantly black-white (67.1%). Greyorange (33.7%), grey (32%), and black-orange (21%) colorations were more represented on the shanks with wattles relatively dominated by red-white (59.4%) and white-red (30.5%). The average live weight of guinea fowl was 1.34 kg in males which was 4.38% heavier than females. All the biometric measurements were significantly higher in males. The live weights of guinea fowl in the Sudanian zone (1.40  0.18 kg) were higher than those of guinea fowl found in the Sudano-Guinean zone (1.27  0.24 kg) and Guinean zone (1.33  0.28 kg). Principal Component Analysis indicated that three distinct groups of guinea fowl can be formed based on their biometric measurements (live weight, chest circumference, body length, drumstick length, shank length, shank diameter, and wingspan). The phenotypes’ diversity was relatively abundant (1-Hill: 0.69) in all climatic zones. The phenotypic biodiversity observed in the populations of indigenous guinea fowl in Benin can guide farmers to select specific phenotypes to meet consumer preferences.