Journal of World's Poultry Research

212-229

Authors: Prentza Z, Castellone F, Legnardi M, Antlinger B, Segura-Wang M,

In recent years, a rising interest has been directed towards the use of nutraceuticals in the zootechnical sector, including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, as a way to support production efficiency and cope with the increasing limitations to the use of antibiotics. In poultry, however, most studies on these products have been conducted on broilers, while less information is available on their benefits to other productive categories. The present field study aimed to assess the effects of a multi-species synbiotic product (PoultryStar® sol) on the gut health and productive performance of broiler breeders. A total of 24761 day-old Ross 308 parent stock chicks were acquired from a single hatchery and placed on the same farm. Female chicks were divided into three groups and raised in different houses (A, B, and C), in which males were introduced at the age of mating and followed until 40 weeks of age. The synbiotic was provided by drinking water to the flocks in houses A and B, while house C was kept as control. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, the product was administered intermittently once every two weeks, except in the first and the twenty-first week when it was supplied for three consecutive days. Data on performance parameters, egg quality traits, bacterial enteritis scoring, intestinal morphometry, and histopathology were recorded, and the caecal content was collected at 15, 25, and 40 weeks of age to investigate the intestinal microbiota using high-throughput next-generation sequencing. Synbiotic-treated hens showed significantly higher survivability during production compared to the control group. No clear differences were observed between treated and control chickens in terms of egg production and quality, and the effect of the synbiotic on weight gain also appeared limited. From 25 weeks onwards, synbiotic-treated chickens scored better in terms of macroscopical lesions and had longer intestinal villi. Significant differences in crypt length and histopathological lesions were also found at multiple sampling points. A treatment effect on caecal bacterial composition was detected with a differential abundance of Gastranaerophilales, Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacter, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridia, among others. Taken together, obtained results support the beneficial effects of the intermittent administration of the synbiotic product PoultryStar® sol on the gut health of broiler breeders.

236-244

Authors: Tangwatcharin P, Teemeesuk W, and Sorapukdee S.

Blood tofu, or cooked duck blood curd, is a Chinese delicacy in East Asia. Its quality and shelf-life are low due to microorganism contamination during production. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate the role of sodium diacetate (SD), sodium chloride (NaCl), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) combinations in increasing the quality of blood tofu. A total of 45 cooked duck blood curd samples were randomly divided into 3 groups with 3 replicates per group. The first two groups were used to investigate the effect of SD, NaCl, and PEG combinations on microbiological and physical analyses for non-inoculated samples. Another group was used to determine the effect of antimicrobial combinations on Lactobacillus plantarum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in inoculated samples that were inoculated with these bacteria. All groups were treated with control-sterilized water, 0.15% SD (w/v) + 1.25% NaCl (w/v), 0.30% SD (w/v) + 1.25% NaCl (w/v), 0.15% SD (w/v) + 0.15% PEG (w/v), and 0.15% SD (w/v) + 1.25% NaCl (w/v) + 0.15% PEG (w/v). The results indicated that soaking cooked duck blood curd samples in antimicrobial agent combinations could reduce mesophile and psychrophile bacteria counts in non-inoculated samples. Additionally, 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl + 0.15% PEG combination had a higher reduction in mesophile and psychrophile counts, compared to soaking the samples in 0.30% SD + 1.25% NaCl, 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl and 0.15% SD + 0.15% PEG combinations. Similarly, this combination showed a significant decrease in lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus counts in inoculated samples. Furthermore, soaking the samples in 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl + 0.15% PEG combination did not negatively affect the samples’ physical quality. Soaking the samples in 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl + 0.15% PEG combination inhibited the growth of mesophile, psychrophile, and Pseudomonas in non-inoculated samples after storage for 10, 6, 10, and 8 days in a slaughter warehouse at 7℃, respectively, and extended shelf-life of samples for 16 days. Regarding physical quality changes, this treatment delayed the reduction of pH, hue, hardness, and chewiness of the samples after storage for 10, 8, 12, and 10 days, respectively. Thus, SD, NaCl, and PEG combination had a high preservative potential for cooked duck blood curd used in industrial slaughterhouses.

258-262

Authors: Jilo SA and Hasan LA.

The animal products, such as meat, milk, skin, blood, honey, and urine, have medicinal value for human diseases. Due to having high-quality components, poultry meat has therapeutic value. The present review aimed to describe the medicinal values of poultry meat for individuals who consume it during their life. Most poultry meat is classified as white meat, which contains lower fat and higher protein, compared with the meat of ovine, bovine, and pig. This feature of poultry meat (lower fat and higher protein) helps its consumers to have a normal physiological function of different organ systems. Moreover, it prevents many non-infectious diseases, including overweight, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Selenium and low contents of carcinogenic substances (myoglobin, heme iron, and saturated fat) in poultry meat also prevent different types of cancers. Poultry meat is also recommended to avoid anemia, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Dietary proteins, vitamins, and minerals in chicken meat are used for anti-aging, developing muscle and bone, improving the immune system, and increasing brain function. Traditionally, poultry is recommended as a supportive treatment for respiratory diseases, such as the common cold. Thus, consumption of poultry meat, especially chickens, up to 300g/once a week is recommended to prevent and reduce the risks of gastrointestinal cancers such as oesophageal cancer. Generally, regular consumption of poultry meat has health benefits for humans to prevent and reduce the risk of different diseases as chicken meat is a rich source of nutrition that can enhance the immunity system and tackle human disease risk factors.

133-141

Authors: Sayed-ElAhl RMH

The elimination of adverse toxic effects of mycotoxins is currently the main strategy in animal production, particularly in poultry. The current study investigated the influence of chronic administration of deoxynivalenol on the health status, biochemical and immunological parameters of broiler chickens and the efficacy of ZnO-NPs and probiotics in preventing and treating the effect of toxicity. The experiment program lasted 6 weeks and was performed on a total of 60 broiler chickens aged 5 days, divided into six groups. Group 1 received healthy feed free of toxins, group 2 was fed with deoxynivalenol (DON), group 3 received Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and DON, group 4 had ZnO-NPs for 1 week, then DON was added for the remaining 5 weeks, group 5 was fed on ZnO-NPs, 1 g probiotic powder/kg of diet, and DON, group 6 had ZnO-NPs and 1 g probiotic powder/kg of diet for 1 week, then DON was added for 5 weeks. The used dose of ZnO-NPs was 50 ppm, and DON was 5 ppm in the diet. The intoxicated chickens showed adverse changes as increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, serum hepatic, and pancreatic enzymes, as well as decreased free amino acids. The supplementation of ZnO-NPs and/or probiotics improved all toxic changes resulting from DON toxicity, indicating that the metal nanoparticles and probiotics can be used together in poultry feed to avoid the addition of high doses of ZnO-NPs. Therefore, the use of 50 ppm of nanomaterial supplementation plus 1 g probiotic/ kg feed for the degradation of mycotoxins in poultry feed is recommended as it is safe and affordable

151-156

Authors: Sholichatunnisa I

The use of agricultural by-products as alternative feed ingredients is recommended to reduce production costs and maximize income. This study aimed to determine the effects of added date seed flour on broiler chickens’ growth performance, protein digestibility, and metabolic energy. A total of 200 Lohmann MB-202 day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 5 treatments and 4 replication with 10 broiler chickens per cage. The treatments used in the current research included control without the addition of date seed flour (T0), basal feed + 2.5% date seed flour (T1), basal feed + 5.0% date seed flour (T2), basal feed + 7.5% date seed flour (T3), basal feed + 10% date seed flour (T4). The investigated parameters were growth performance, apparent digestibility of protein, and apparent metabolizable energy-nitrogen (AMEn). The result showed that adding date seed flour significantly affected final body weight, apparent digestibility of protein, and AMEn. In contrast, the date seed flour was no significant effect on the feed intake feed conversion ratio and income over feed cost. In conclusion, the addition of 10% date seed flour successfully increases final body weight, apparent digestibility of protein, and AMEn without any adverse effect on the broiler chickens.

165-170

Authors: Nagy ZM

Goose meat is one of the most common types of meat consumed worldwide. Egyptian goose species, known as Alopochen aegyptiacus is one of the first reared poultry species. As meat consumption and the need for animal protein rise globally, edible giblets can serve as abundant protein and fat sources. Recently, edible giblets have become readily available, quick-to-prepare food on the market. This study aimed to reveal the proximate chemical composition (protein, fat, moisture, and ash) as well as the deterioration criteria (pH, Total volatile basic nitrogen [TVBN] value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBA] value) of Egyptian goose giblets, including liver, gizzard, and heart. A total of 60 samples of goose giblets, including liver, gizzard, and heart (n = 20 each), were collected from Giza and Cairo cities, Egypt. The results showed a marked variation among each giblet type. The goose’s highest protein content (24.48%), moisture content (72.42%), and fat content (12.18%) were recorded for liver, gizzard, and heart, respectively. Moreover, the highest pH (6.72) and TVBN mean value (5.61 mg/100 gm) were indicated in goose’s livers, while the highest TBA mean (0.67 mg malonaldehyde/kg) was obtained from goose’ hearts. These findings may provide a clear understanding for both consumers and possessors about the nutritional value of goose giblets which could be used as an alternative protein source. Moreover, the obtained data in the current study could help meat technology processors to add nutritional value to goose products using goose giblets

181-191

Authors: Mlaga KG

Although the egg is one of the foods offering nutrients of high biological value, the diet of layer chickens can change these characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term dietary replacement of fish meal with maggot meal of black soldier fly larvae on egg quality of hens. A total of 480 one-day-old Isa brown chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups. The groups were named T0 (8% fish meal), T1 (4% maggot meal and 4% fish meal), T2 (6% maggot meal and 2% fish meal), and T3 (8% maggot meal). Each treatment group had 6 replicates of 20 chicks each. Data were collected on the eggshell quality parameters between 22 and 56 weeks of age. The results indicated that egg weight, shell weight, shape index, shell index, egg surface area, egg volume, density, yolk pH, albumen pH, yolk and albumen moisture content, yolk color, and yolk height were not influenced by the use of larval meals. Although the proportion of the yolk increased with age, there was no interaction between the use of fly larvae and the duration of its use for the collected parameters. However, the proportion of albumen, Haugh’s unit in T1 and T3 treatments were higher than those of T0 and T2. The proportion of egg yolk, the yolk to albumen ratio, and the count of cracked eggs of T0 and T2 varied significantly compared to T1 and T3. Total egg fat decreased significantly as a result of the use of maggot meal. Total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratio were lower in groups fed larvae meal, compared to the control group. It was concluded that the use of black soldier fly larvae meal during the entire rearing cycle and period of layers did not adversely affect the eggshell quality and nutritional content of the eggs.

199-211

Authors: Inayah SR

Enzymes supplementation in broiler feeding is commonly applied to optimize animal feed utilization and reduce feed production costs. One of the enzymes widely used in the broiler industry is xylanase which breaks down complex fibrous compounds in feed, such as nonstarch polysaccharides, to simpler utilizable sugar molecules. However, the effects of xylanase enzymes on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and organ function in broiler chickens were variable and inconclusive. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the xylanase enzyme in feed on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive function of parrots using a meta-analysis approach. A dataset of 140 points obtained from 53 articles was analyzed using a mixed model methodology. The results showed that the xylanase enzyme supplementation increased the broiler’s body weight gain and decreased feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. In addition, xylanase supplementation also increased nutrient digestibility, such as dry matter, crude protein, starch, gross energy, fat, phosphorus, and calcium. Concerning broiler organ weights, the xylanase supplementation in broiler feed significantly reduced the weight of the duodenum, small intestine, and relative length of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Xylanase supplementation also tended to reduce the relative weight of the proventriculus. The results also showed a negative response to the crypt depth ileum of broiler due to xylanase supplementation. It can be concluded that xylanase supplementation improves the performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive function of broiler chickens.

77-84

Authors: Nursiam I, Ridla M, Nahrowi N, Hermana W, and Jayanegara A.

Fiber is one of the essential nutrients for broiler chickens. This meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the impacts of fiber fraction ratio on broiler chickens growth performance, digestive characteristics, and nutritional digestibility. The database was compiled from 15 publications reports on the addition of fiber sources in broilers feed. To analyze the effect of acid detergent fiber (ADF) / neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio, the mixed model technique was utilized, with ADF/NDF ratio in the feed as a fixed effect and the experiment as a random effect. The ADF/NDF ratio in the feed had no effect on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed per gain ratio in this research. Moreover, a decrease in ADF/NDF ratio in broiler chicken feed increased the relative weight of the gizzard. The relative weight and length of the small intestine and cecum were not affected by the ADF/NDF ratio in the feed. The ADF/NDF ratio in feed enhanced ileal digestibility and total tract apparent retention of most nutrients. The ADF/NDF ratio in the feed had no effect on the jejunal morphology. The minimum ADF/NDF ratio of 0.37 in the feed led to the maximum growth performance, digestive tract development, and optimal nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, controlling the ratio of fiber fraction in broiler chickens feed can improve broiler performance in the non-antibiotic growth promoters era.

98-106

Authors: Jasim KA, Al-Azzawi AK, Kadhim TJ, and AL-Ajeeli KS

The infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is one of the most important Coronaviridae viruses, infecting the upper respiratory tract of chickens and leading to considerable losses in the poultry industry across the globe. Many outbreaks have recently occurred among IBV-vaccinated chicken farms in the Diyala Governorate of Iraq resulting in significant economic losses. As a result, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether IBV can be a source of infection spread in IBV-vaccinated commercial broiler flock farms in Diyala Governorate. In this regard, ELISA was used as a serological test and RT-PCR as a molecular detection technique. Serum samples were collected from chickens suspected of IBV at 16 and 23 days of age. The results showed a significant increase of IgG antibodies in such serum samples at days 16 and 23 of age indicating the infections of the broilers with IBV. However, at the age of 2-3 weeks, the samples of kidney, liver, trachea, and lungs were collected from clinically and sub-clinically infected flocks, and also postmortem samples were sampled from all farms. Two sets of previously reported primers were created for this purpose in the S1-protein gene region. According to the findings of the present investigation, IBV was found in 83% of samples. Finally, despite immunization with IB4/91, IBV was prevalent in broiler chicken farms in the study area confirmed by serology and molecular biology tests. This finding indicates the possibility of genetic difference between the locally discovered IBV and the administered IBV vaccine. A study on the production of local vaccines can be useful in controlling IBV infections.

117-123

Authors: Ekeocha AH, Aganga AA, Oluwadele Jf, and Ayoola SK

Poultry farming is categorized as a developing business venture in most countries, especially Nigeria. This is followed by poultry feed production units ranging from smaller compartments to commercial poultry feed producers. This research study was carried out to examine the physical, and biochemical parameters of feed, growth performance, carcass traits, and visceral organs of pullets fed selected commercial grower feeds and formulated diet. A total number of 1200 Isa Brown pullets aged 10 weeks were divided into 4 groups with 5 replicates for each group randomly. This research experiment was completed within 8 weeks. All poultry feeds were filled inside standard polyethylene woven bags in the absence of insects/mold. All poultry feeds, including Top Feed, Chikun Feed, and formulated diet were grouped into mash form except one of the commercial feeds Vital Feed in the pelleted form which is the treatment of the research. There were significant differences in final body weight, weight gain, feed consumed, and feed conversion ratio among the experimental treatments. The least weight was recorded among hens fed Vital feeds with the highest feed intake, which might be due to high fiber content in the feed. The dietary treatment significantly affects the live weight, dressed weight, neck, breast muscle, liver, kidney, gizzard, and abdominal fat of pullet fed different commercial feed and formulated diets. The findings of the current study indicated that a self-formulated diet at the grower stage could replace the commercial poultry feeds used in the study.

01-07

Authors: Ali Shah SR and Çetingül IS.

ABSTRACT: Recently, insects have gained importance as viable protein-rich feedstuff with better productivity and feed efficiency for livestock and pet animal feeds. The most potential species are the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and common house fly (Musca domestica). Amongst these insects, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) contains high protein and fat with the amino acid profile in H. illucens larvae equivalent to that of various protein-rich feedstuffs, such as fish meal and soybean meal. This review aimed to illustrate the reputation of black soldier fly larva meal as a substitute to conservative, expensive, and ecologically threatening crops by guaranteeing a productive, inexpensive, organic, and perpetual source of non-conventional protein feedstuff for poultry production of broilers and layers. It can be concluded that the black soldier fly sometimes has very similar and significant effects on the productivity, health, and product quality of birds, compared to soybean and fishmeal.

22-30

Authors: Kaab HT

Prevention of Newcastle disease has received a lot of interest across the world. The high productivity performance of the commercial chickens’ breeds has negative effects on the immune system and animal welfare. As a result, the current study aimed to investigate the benefits of adding Artemisia powder at levels of 0.5% and 1% to broilers’ feed as a growth and health promoter. A total of 120 commercial broiler chickens were grown on the floor in a chicken house and separated into three groups, including one control and two treatment groups. Each group contained 40 chickens subdivided into two replicates. The three groups, namely G1 (chickens without Artemisia powder, as a control group), G2, and G3 in which chickens were fed with basal diet plus 0.5% and 1% Artemisia powder, respectively, were differentiated based on their diet throughout 35 days of the experiment. The measured parameters included the immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine, blood biochemical parameters, and growth performance as well as relative weight for the spleen and bursa of Fabricius. A diet containing 1% Artemisia powder significantly improved antibody titer against Newcastle disease, body weight, and weight gain. Thus, the addition of 1% of Artemisia powder to the broiler’s diet can improve immune response against Newcastle disease and growth performance

38-45

Authors: Indyuhova E

The development of new veterinary drugs to treat and prevent poultry parasitic infections, as well as the study of their safety is a hot topic for modern parasitology. The purpose of this research was to study the subchronic toxicity of the ivermectin and butaphosphan-based drugs at a therapeutic and threefold therapeutic dose during a seven-day oral administration to the Hisex White chickens. The provisional name of the drug is Iverbutan. The chickens from the first experimental group were given the drug at a threefold therapeutic dose of 3 mL of the drug per one liter of drinking water. The chickens from the second experimental group were given the drug at a therapeutic dose of 1 mL of Iverbutan per one liter of drinking water. The chickens from the control group received water without the drug. The chickens were weighed, and then the body temperature and blood samples from the axillary vein were measured on days 1, 8, and 17 of the experiment before the morning feeding. On day 8 of the study, the chickens from the first experimental group showed a 7.4% decrease in body weight and increase in body temperature by 0.8%, an increase in alanine aminotransferase activity by 2.1 times, aspartate aminotransferase activity by 1.6 times, and bile acids by 1.4 times. Moreover, there was a 4.6% decrease in glucose concentration, a 3.5% increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, a 7.3% decrease in triglycerides, as well as a decrease in hemoglobin by 3.2% and erythrocytes by 10.6% in the first experimental group, compared to the control group. On day 17 of the experiment, the above blood parameters in the chickens from the first experimental group did not significantly differ from the control group, indicating the reversibility of the hepatotoxic effect. In this regard, a three-fold therapeutic dose can be considered a threshold. The chickens from the second experimental group showed no changes in their physiological status as compared to the control. Thus, the study results confirm the safety of the drug in the recommended dosage regimen.

52-68

Authors: Kiani A

The excessive intensive production of poultry meat and egg caused significant changes in poultry husbandry, behavior, and welfare. Therefore, animal welfare and behavior have become an important issue in poultry production and arises the necessity to reconsider all husbandry practices including group size and density. This review aims to investigate the association of group size with growth performance, detrimental behaviors, and welfare by reviewing current norms and regulations, as well as scientific literature in industrial poultry farms, including chicken, turkey, and quail. It has been found that group size can affect production performance, especially growth rates, feed efficiency, and number of competitors, which can lead to damaging behavior and consequently injuries in poultry. Due to the intensification of the poultry production systems, many natural behaviors of domesticated poultry, including food search strategies, hierarchy formation, and aggressiveness, are changed or modified, compared to their ancestors. Therefore, challenging behaviors in commercialized conditions and large groups of poultry must be investigated. The current recommendations and regulations of the industry for commercial poultry on group size and space requirements differ from scientifically investigated trials. On the other hand, available scientific research about the impact of flock size on poultry welfare, behavior, and production, has been carried out in experimental settings with flock sizes that are varied considerably from those used in the commercial settings. In conclusion, results from studies on optimum group size have indicated some degree of confounding and interactions between enclosure size and density. Furthermore, the social and physical environment can have a significant impact on a variety of welfare-related aspects and behavioral indicators. It is important to note that this evaluation focused on studies conducted in experimental settings, making it difficult to extrapolate the findings to commercial settings where thousands of birds are reared at once

397-405

Authors: Wu Sh

Down, mainly duck down and goose down, is one of the most important products in the poultry industry. To improve the accuracy of identification of duck and goose down by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and the efficiency of extracted DNA from down was evaluated and optimized using the template preparation methods, including four pretreatment methods (shredding [PA], shredding + magnetic bead homogenization [PB], shredding + manually grinding in liquid nitrogen [PC], and shredding + grinding by 6875 Freezer [PD]) and three extraction methods (a magnetic bead adsorption method [MA], a membrane adsorption-elution method [MB], and a Chelex® 100 Resin method [MC]), and their combinations. The results showed that high-intensity grinding, and grinding in liquid nitrogen can help the improvement of DNA yield, therefore, PB, PC, and PD were superior to PA both in DNA concentration and purity. However, in the subsequent qPCR analysis, the DNA of the highest quantity and purity from PD indicated the lowest positive detection rate. According to the results of the current study, the extraction method had a greater impact on the quality of DNA than the pretreatment method. Although the concentrations and purities of the templates obtained by MA, MB, and MC were varied greatly, all the templates could meet the needs in the following qPCR assay. Furthermore, considering the simplicity of the methods, PA + MC was chosen as the most convenient and efficient combination to extract DNA from down. A quantitative calculation method for the identification of the authenticity of down products was established. Although quantification results could not estimate the target content accurately, they reflected the trend in the content. Nevertheless, the method may be useful as an alternative tool for qualitative and quantitative quality control of the down products.

416-421

Authors: Al-Saegh HA

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the important contagious diseases in the poultry industry, through which genome alternation can lead to a newly modified IB strain. Many IB outbreaks in recent years have occurred in Babylon, Iraq, even with the implementation of a vaccination program. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the IB virus genome to identify the circulating strain. In this regard, any respiratory signs in broiler chickens were initially diagnosed as IB in seven farms of Babylon province, Iraq, from January to March 2021 leading to high economic loss. A total of 25 serological tests indicated infection with IB disease. Then, Flinders Technology Associates cards loaded with samples were sent to AniCon Labor GmbH Laboratory diagnostic in Germany for identification by extraction and sequencing the fragment of the S1 spike protein-coding gene. In the next step, the viral sequences were compared with the globally known strains of vaccines and field strains in the GenBank database using the NCBI. The results indicated a high similarity of the strain MZ520128 in the current investigation with IQ1 (MH747093.1) and Israeli (IS/1494/06) strains by 98.3% and 81.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the similarity of the current isolate with vaccine strains was reported as 24-43%. This variance among the current isolates with other strains could explain the reasons the vaccination strains and programs provide poor protection against the field infected by IBV. The current isolate of MZ520128 was a circulating pathogen with economic losses and the commercially available vaccine did not provide enough level to stand against the incidence of the disease.

431-438

Authors: Yosi F

Lactobacillus spp. is one of the lactic acid bacteria, has a positive effect on improving the meat and egg quality in poultry. However, there is a paucity of information about the effect of Lactobacillus culture isolated from ensiled swamp grass on meat and egg characteristics. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing Lactobacillus culture isolated from ensiled Hymenache acutigluma (LHA) via drinking water on the duck meat and egg quality. A total of 60 Pegagan ducks aged 24-week-old were used in the current study and kept for 60 days. Ducks were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups and 4 replicates per group, consisting of LHA 0 (control group without LHA solution), LHA 1, LHA 2, LHA 3, and LHA 4 (treatment groups supplemented with LHA solutions in drinking water with concentrations of 106, 107, 108, and 109 CFU/ml, respectively). The results showed that the value of cooking loss linearly increased, followed by a linear decrease in the water holding capacity after LHA addition. However, there was no change in the meat pH and moisture content. Further measurements revealed that both the yolk height and yolk index were linearly improved after being administered with LHA solutions, but no difference was found in other egg variables, including the yolk weight, diameter, and color, albumen weight, and height, as well as the eggshell weight and thickness. In conclusion, the provision of LHA via drinking water with a concentration of up to 109 CFU/ml could modulate the meat and egg quality of ducks. The LHA solutions enhanced the ability of meat protein to bind water, thereby inhibiting nutrient loss. Moreover, LHA had a greater effect on improving yolk quality, compared to albumen and eggshell.

446-456

Authors: Dzogbema KF-X

The current cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Kara and Savannah Regions of Togo from February to April 2020, to explore the typology of traditional poultry farms and controlling measures of Newcastle disease in these two regions. The survey covered 378 households using the ClustOfVar method of principal component analysis to address the issue of farm typology. The results indicated three distinct classes of livestock, each with its specific characteristics and satisfactory projection quality of individuals in the plan. The findings indicated that 3.17%, 82.8%, and 14.02% of the surveyed poultry farmers accounted for classes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Households in the first two classes were headed by men and almost all households in the third class were headed by women. In addition, in all classes, the animals belonged to the heads of household in the majority of cases. In terms of animal health and prevention of Newcastle disease, the study revealed that the Newcastle disease vaccine was the only vaccine administered in rural areas to chickens from four weeks of age and was used once in 56.9% of households. Vaccination was carried out mainly by Village Livestock Auxiliaries with the expense of 0.045-0.13 USD per chicken. It is worth mentioning that the use of medicinal herbs to treat the diseases and strengthen the immune system of poultry is widespread in Togo, and on average, the laying hens lay 11.66 eggs per clutch and brood 3.08 times per year. This production performance of chickens in northern Togo is comparable to that of traditional chickens in other African countries, with slight differences.

468-474

Authors: Al-Samrai EKI

The quality of the hatching eggs decreases when the storage period is prolonged leading to a loss of water from the egg. The current study aimed to assess the effects of coverage, storage, and pre-incubation on egg characteristics of broiler breeders. A total of 360 broiler breeder eggs (Ross, 308) used in the current study were randomly distributed in a three-factorial experiment (2 × 2 × 3). The study included two treatments for coverage (covered with nylon and uncovered), two treatments (4 and 7 days) for storage, and three treatments (0, 4, and 8 hours) for pre-incubation. For each treatment, there were three replicates (10 eggs in each replicate). The eggs were pre-incubated at 37.5°C (99.5°F) and 85% relative humidity, while the storage temperature was 15-18°C and 55-60% relative humidity. The results showed that the hatchability from fertile eggs significantly increased in covered eggs, compared to uncovered ones. However, the characteristics of the shell and the shape index were not significantly affected by the three factors. Yolk high and yolk index significantly decreased in eggs stored for seven days, compared to the eggs stored for four days. Eggs coverage during storage significantly reduced moisture loss on the first and seventh days of egg incubation, compared to uncovered eggs. In addition, the lowest significant value of moisture loss appeared at incubation days of 7, 15, and 18 for covered eggs with 4 days of storage but without pre-incubation. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the coverage decreased moisture loss during egg storage. Furthermore, the interaction between coverage factor and pre-incubation factor indicated the albumin high increased significantly in eggs covered and pre-incubated for 8 hours.

481-486

Authors: Moreki JC

Botswana boasts the world’s largest population of wild ostriches estimated at approximately 60000 while farmed ostriches are less than 400. In this review, the history of the ostrich industry in Botswana is described and the current status is highlighted. Commercial ostrich farming in Botswana started in the early 1980s with the capture of birds from the wild, purchase of birds from local farmers, and importation of adult birds from neighboring countries, such as Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. However, the industry has not performed well over time as shown by a sharp decline in farmed ostrich populations which deleteriously affected throughput. To date, there is no commercial ostrich farming in Botswana indicating the collapse of the industry. This is despite the existence of favorable climatic conditions and government support in the form of provision of technical support through Ministry of Agriculture extension services, provision of loans at highly subsidized interest rates through Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), the existence of the EU accredited export abattoir and establishment of Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit (DOMU). The major challenges affecting the ostrich industry are frequent closures of the abattoir, lack of access to finance/credit, inadequacy of extension service, high feed expense, and unreliable feed supply. For the industry to be revived, it is recommended that government develops a special support program that subsidizes feed and ostrich stock, as well as, encouraging the formation of producer cooperative societies. In addition, participation of the private sector is paramount in the resuscitation of the ostrich industry.

506-512

Authors: Nguyen HH

Eimeria species are causative pathogens considered as a tremendous threat to the poultry industry in Vietnam. Sufficient assessment of the coccidiosis prevalence is critical for improving the prophylaxis strategies to control the disease. The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in local chickens (Noi breed) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 1200 fecal samples were collected from 20 various farms in Ben Tre and Hau Giang provinces. Using a microscopic examination, the prevalence rates of coccidiosis in local chickens in Ben Tre and Hau Giang provinces were 65.83% and 68.50%, respectively. Eimeria species identification was performed based on morphological characteristics and molecular methods. PCR analysis was conducted by targeting the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region of the Eimeria genome. Four Eimeria species, namely E. mitis, E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella were found in both methods. By applying PCR, the infection rates of E. mitis, E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella were 20%, 61.67%, 66.66%, and 83.33%, respectively. The findings can be considered as the first attempt to identify Eimeria species at the molecular level in local chickens (Noi breed) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam that paves the way for improving the prophylaxis strategies for avian coccidiosis.