Journal of World's Poultry Research

133-144

Authors: El-Nabarawy AM

The need for regulations to limit the concentration of mycotoxins in feed and food requires the availability of data on levels of contamination in different feedstuffs and estimation of the mycotoxin residues in animal meat. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine contamination levels with different mycotoxins in broiler feed and aflatoxin residues in broilers’ muscle and liver. A total of 194 feed samples, including 148 compound feeds and 46 feed ingredients, were collected from feed manufacturing companies and broiler farms. Feed samples were analyzed for detecting aflatoxins, ochratoxins, zearalenone, and fumonisins using an official analytical method. Moreover, aflatoxin residues were estimated in 64 broiler’s muscle and liver tissues. Obtained results revealed that 100% of compound broiler feed sampled from manufacturing companies were contaminated with aflatoxin and ochratoxin. Also, 96.4% and 92.8% of compound broiler feed sampled from broiler farms were contaminated with aflatoxin and ochratoxin, respectively. Furthermore, 30.6% and 91% of the feed samples were above the permissible levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin. Aflatoxin residues were detected in all meat and liver samples with levels above the permissible limits. Large scale surveys for determination of different mycotoxins in poultry feed and mycotoxins residues in poultry products are of national and international importance.

151-164

Authors: Radi AM

Pasteurella multocida is one of the commensal flora of the upper respiratory tract. Under stress conditions, it may be involved as a secondary agent in various respiratory syndromes and caused high mortality as well as significant economic losses in chickens. This study evaluated the effect of bromhexine or thyme oil on enhancement of efficacy of tilmicosin in treatment of avian pasteurellosis. A total of 63 adult chickens were infected by Pasteurella multocida and classified into seven groups and treated as follow; non-infected non-treated group (control negative), infected non-treated group (control positive), group infected and treated by tilmicosin alone, group infected and treated by bromhexine alone, group infected and treated by thyme oil alone, group infected and treated by tilmicosin+bromhexine, and group infected and treated by tilmicosin+thyme oil. Clinical signs, mortality rate, bacterial re-isolation, hematobiochemical and histopathological parameters were determined. The results showed a significant decrease in mortality, bacterial re-isolation as well as clinical signs in combined treated groups compared to tilmicosin group as well as improvement in hematobiochemical and histopathological parameters of combined treated groups. Furthermore, the combination of tilmicosin and bromhexine or thyme oil was more potent in the treatment of pasteurellosis in chickens than each treatment alone. Finally, the clinically observed damage in chickens infected with P. multocida can be ameliorated by a combination of tilmicosin with bromhexine or thyme oil. This protective effect could improve the use of antibiotics in poultry farms as well as reduce human exposure to antibiotic residues and bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

172-179

Authors: Sakr OA

Increasing bird growth is a crucial demand for all poultry producers. This occurs by the genetic improvement of the existing breeds and by improving the feeding management. The present study investigated the impact of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) supplementation in the diet on performance, serum parameters, tibia bone composition, and the expression levels of growth-related genes in chickens. A total of 120 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 505) were used and divided into four groups. The control group was fed on a basal diet without the ALA supplement. The birds in groups of A50, A100, and A200 were fed on the formulated diet supplemented with ALA at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of diet, respectively for 35 days. Results indicated that ALA supplementation significantly improved the birds’ growth performance. This effect was associated with a marked upregulation of mRNA levels of GHR and IGFR and a significant downregulation of MSTN expression level. In addition, the ALA dietary provision caused a distinct improvement in liver function and bone efficiency. Thus, the improving effect of ALA on birds’ growth performance is mediated by modulating the growth-regulating genes. In conclusion, ALA could be used as a good growth-promoter in dietary supplements.

184-194

Authors: El-nabarawy AM

Poultry litter is used in fish farms as fertilizer thus integrated fish-duck farming is common in some areas of Egypt. Salmonella bacteria may be present in poultry litter and contaminate fish ponds and infect duck farms. To investigate incidence and prevalence of Salmonella infection in integrated duck-fish farms, 50 litter samples, 200 cloacal swabs from integrated duck farms, 60 liver samples from integrated duck farms and 69 water samples from the fish pond were collected. Results revealed the isolation and identification of 19 Salmonella spp. belonging to 14 different serotypes (4 isolates from litter, 2 isolates from fish pond water, 8 isolates from cloacal swabs of ducks and 5 isolates from ducks liver). Fifty, one-day-old Pekin ducks were experimentally infected with five chosen Salmonella serotypes (S. Bargny, S. Tshingwe, S. Uganda, S. Kentucky, and S. Enteritidis). The results from experimental infection revealed clinicopathological findings including degeneration and necrosis in the liver, lymphoid depletion and macrophage infiltration in the spleen and enteritis. Mortality ranged from 28.6% in S. Bargny, S. Enteritidis and S. Kentucky and increased to 42.9% in S. Uganda and reached up to 100% in S.Tshingwe. Body weight gain decreased by 16% in S. Uganda and exceeded to 23.9% in S. Kentucky and decreased by 31% in S. Bargny and S. Enteritidis as compared to the control group. Feed conversion ratio was recorded and ranged from 5.1, 5.11, 4.98, 5.15 and 4.02 in S. Bargny, S. Uganda, S. Kentucky, S. Enteritidis, and control group, respectively. In conclusion, different species of Salmonella can affect integrated duck-fish farms and cause high mortality as well as a decrease in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and body weight gain.

203-213

Authors: El-Maghraby AS

Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the most important pathogens causing septic arthritis in poultry with significant economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a locally prepared S. aureus vaccine against staphylococcal arthritis in poultry. Out of 78 samples collected from infected chickens showing clinical signs bumble foot, 10 field isolates were detected and confirmed phenotypically by culturing, Gram staining, biochemical and molecular identification to be S. aureus in prevalence of 12.82%. Molecular identification of clumping factor A (ClfA) and blaZ genes of S. aureus isolates revealed that the PCR amplification with ClfA and blaZspecific primers conducted with genomic DNA resulted in products of approximate size 638 bp and 833 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic tree for S. aureus ClfA virulence gene partial sequences was generated using maximum likelihood, neighbour joining and maximum parsimony in MEGA6. It showed clear clustring of Egyptian isolated strain (S. aureus ASM strain) and different S. aureus strains uploaded from GenBank. Sequence identities between the Egyptian isolated strain (S. aureus ASM strain)and different S. aureus strains uploaded from GenBank revealed 99.5% to 100% homology. Also, there was identity and homology in S. aureusblaZgene nucleotide sequence in the Egyptian isolated strain (S. aureus ASM strain)and the different S. aureus strains uploaded from GenBank revealed 96.1% to 98.9% homology. Phylogenetic tree for S. aureusblaZβ-lactamases resistant gene partial sequences showed clear clustring of the Egyptian isolated strain (S. aureus ASM strain)and different S. aureus strains uploaded from GenBank. The results of humoral immune response revealed that the geometric mean antibody values against locally prepared S. aureus vaccine measured by indirect hemagglutination test increased from 1st week post vaccination gradually till reached maximum level (322.5) at 6th week post boostering. The results showed an increased humoral antibody production in vaccinated group that was capable of preventing establishment of new S. aureus infection in vaccinated group compared to control group. The mortality rates in unvaccinated group was higher than that of vaccinated group were (42.5%, vs. 7.5%) at 1st and 2nd week post challenge (39.1% vs. 5.4%). The protection % in challenge assay of the prepared S. aureus vaccine was (92.5% and 87.5%) at 1st and 2nd week post challenge respectively. It could be concluded that the prepeared vaccine was safe, potent and protect birds against S. aureus infection

223-234

Authors: El Nabarawy AM

Natural contamination of feedstuffs with mycotoxins is considered a major problem affecting the poultry industry in Egypt. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare the ability of different antimycotoxin compounds in the control of mycotoxicosis caused by naturally contaminated diet in broiler chickens. A total of 180 day-old broiler chicks were divided into six groups (30 chicks each group) and kept for a 5-week experimental period. Group 1 was kept as control negative (non mycotoxicated or treated), while group 2 was kept as a positive control (mycotoxicated only). Groups 2-6 were fed ration contaminated with 11 ppb aflatoxins, 3.9 ppb ochratoxins, and 4.2 ppm zearalenone. Groups 3-6 were kept in mycotoxicated ration until 2 weeks of age when clinical signs and lesions were suggestive for mycotoxicosis. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with biological, antioxidant, immunostimulant compounds; respectively. Biological, antioxidants and immunostimulant compounds were given in the drinking water. In group 6, ration was treated with formaldehyde vapor. Performance parameters including body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion rate were recorded weekly. Clinical signs, mortalities and lesions were observed. Serum samples were collected for determination of immunological profile to infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus vaccine. Moreover, liver, kidney and bursa of Fabricius were collected for histopathological examination. Muscles and liver tissue samples were collected for determination of aflatoxins residues. Results revealed significant improvement in performance parameters in treated groups in comparison to non-treated mycotoxicated group, however, antioxidants-treated birds showed the highest performance. The severity of clinical signs and lesions were reduced in the treated chickens compared to non-treated mycotoxicated ones. Significant modulation in immune response toward IBD virus was observed in all treated chickens compared to non-treated mycotoxicated chickens. Histopathological examination of organs of control mycotoxicated birds showed severe degenerative changes which became mild in bursa of Fabricius while returned to normal histological structure in liver and kidney. Residues of aflatoxins in tissues of all groups exceeded the permissible limit with high levels in mycotoxicated control positive group. In conclusion, water treatments with some antimycotoxin agents like biological, antioxidants and immunostimulant compounds greatly counteracted the adverse effect of the naturally contaminated ration with different mycotoxins.

247-249

Authors: Elkamshishi MM

The vaccine is one of the most important biological products used in the poultry industry, thus it must be safe, potent, and effective. This work presents the results of a large-scale diagnostic survey performed in Egypt to study hygienic epidemiology and how vaccination may affect the viral circulation in the field. This study aimed to detect bacterial contamination in live poultry vaccines imported to Egypt during 2018. In this study, 285 consignments poultry vaccines, including 114 consignments live vaccine, 103 consignments recombinant vaccines, and 68 consignments killed vaccines (imported through Cairo airport during 2018) were examined for bacterial contamination. The vaccines were imported from USA, Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, and China. Bacterial contamination with Salmonella species was detected using the VITEK 2 system in two samples (1.8%) (IB+HB1 vaccine imported from Italy and ILT vaccine imported from USA).

263-277

Authors: Helal SS

Alternative strategies are applied for the prevention of Necrotic Enteritis (NE) particularly after the global perspective of the antibiotic ban. This study was a trial for NE control depending on vaccination by toxoid and/or immune enhancement by Nutri-lac IGA administration (a liquid mixture of fermentation by-product 80%, lactic acid 10%, and formic acid 10%). A total of 120 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups (30 chicks/group). Group 1 (G1) was vaccinated with C. perfringens type A toxoid; Group 2 (G2) was toxoid-vaccinated and immune enhanced by Nutri-Lac IGA; Group 3 (G3) was immune enhanced by Nutri-Lac IGA and Group 4 served as control. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups, one subgroup was challenged with C. perfringens and the other was kept unchallenged. No significant clinical signs were detected in birds and mortality was observed only among challenged controls. The thin and friable intestinal wall was observed in all challenged broilers which extended to ulceration only in the challenged control group. No prominent histopathological findings related to NE were detected except in challenged controls and the highest protection against the NE-histopathological changes vividly appeared in the challenged G2 group. Significant increase in body weight of G1 and G2 groups after challenge in comparison to before challenge. While body weight of chickens in both G3 and challenged control groups was lower after challenge than before challenge. Pre-challenge ELISA results indicated no significant difference in immunoglobulin (Ig) Y titer among all groups after the first dose of vaccination, while significant differences appeared after the booster dose. The highest IgY titer was recorded in the G2 group, followed by G1, and G3 group. Post-challenge ELISA results showed a highly significant difference among all challenged subgroups. The highest IgY titer was recorded in the G1, followed by G2, and G3 group. The serum neutralization test also demonstrated the highest mean antibody titer in G1 and G2 groups. In conclusion, this study confirmed that a toxoid-immunostimulant combination is effective in NE prevention only when it is accompanied by the absence of NE predisposing factors.

285-291

Authors: Shedeed EA

Salmonella infection is a critical veterinary and medical problem worldwide and is a major issue in the food industry. Non-typhoidal Salmonella is known as an important pathogen causing gastroenteritis. The Outer Membrane Proteins (OMPs) of Gram negative bacteria are significant for virulence, host immune responses and drug therapy targets. Enhanced diagnosis of live poultry colonized with Salmonella species is required to avoid foodborne diseases. The present study was based on molecular characterization of OMPs among four Salmonella serovars (S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Kentucky and S. Anatum) using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The OMPs profiling showed more than 70 protein bands ranged in size from 208 kDa to below 16 kDa which were detected using Total Lab 1D 12.2 software. All Salmonella strains had a band at 54-60 kDa, 45-53 kDa, 36-39 kDa and 26-31 kDa. Eleven strains exhibited a band at 41-46 kDa and 33-35 kDa. Nine strains had a band at 61-69 kDa. Eight strains exhibited a band at 135-145 kDa and 72-79 kDa. Seven strains had a band at 108-123 kDa and 83-91 kDa. In the Western blot analysis, the prepared hyperimmune anti serum of each Salmonella serovars reacted with the 35 kDa protein band. It is concluded that the identification of novel immunogenic proteins would be useful in developing ELISA-based diagnostic assays with a higher specificity.

299-325

Authors: Abd El-Lattief A

Salmonella Typhimurium is the most Salmonella serovar causing acute gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Serovar 1, 4, [5], 12: i:- is considered a monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium that threaten public health. Fifty-eight serologically confirmed Salmonella strains were investigated by PCR using 16S rRNA and fliC genes. All 58 strains harbored 16S rRNA while 21 strains harbored fliC gene that included S. Typhimurium (12), S. Kentucky (6), Salmonella variant strain serotype 1, 4, [5],12:i:- (1), S. Lagos (1), and S. Kedougou (1). A duplex TaqMan real-time PCR was performed for differentiating between biphasic S. Typhimurium and monophasic serovar 1, 4, [5], 12:i:- using fljB1, 2 and fliB/IS200 in the fliA-fliB intergenic region. Ten out of twelve S. Typhimurium harbored fljB 1, 2, while Salmonella variant strain serotype 1, 4, [5], 12:i:- lacked this gene. Thirteen strains (12 S. Typhimurium and the variant strain serotype 1, 4, [5], 12:i:-) were positive for fliB/IS200 that is a specific gene for S. Typhimurium (biphasic and monophasic ). The result of duplex TaqMan real-time PCR indicated that 10 S. Typhimurium strains were biphasic while two S. Typhimurium strains and the variant strain serotype 1, 4, [5], 12:i:- lack fljB1,2 and had fliB/IS200 were monophasic S. Typhimurium. It is noticed that prolonged subculture and repeat phase inversion method leads to the formation of flakes that in turn cause wrongly serotype identification, therefore, real-time PCR is rapid and can be used for identifying and differentiating between biphasic and monophasic S. Typhimurium.

336-341

Authors: Guerra-Centeno D

Influenza A and salmonellosis are two of the most relevant zoonotic infectious diseases. Influenza A is one of the main threats to public health worldwide and is considered one of the causative agents of pandemics. Salmonellosis, meanwhile, has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the four main causes of diarrheal diseases in the world. Poultry is an important source of both influenza A and Salmonella spp. but little is known about these potential threats in poultry products in Guatemala. The presence of influenza A virus antibodies and Salmonella spp. was studied in backyard poultry eggs sold in the El Guarda market in Guatemala City. 377 backyard poultry eggs were collected throughout seven months and sampled for hemagglutination inhibition test to determine the presence of antibodies to influenza virus A (H5N2 and H7N3) and cultured for Salmonella isolation. The eggs of chicken (Gallus gallus), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), quail (Coturnix coturnix), mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) were sampled. Twenty-six percent of the eggs carried H5N2 antibodies, 27% carried H7N3 antibodies and 1.3% carried Salmonella spp. The presence of Escherichia coli inside the sampled eggs was an incidental common finding. These results suggest that backyard poultry eggs sold at markets could be a potential source of influenza A virus and Salmonella for the human population. The evidence found in the sampled eggs also shows that these potential pathogens are circulating in backyard poultry populations in Guatemala.

348-358

Authors: Wei R

The objective of this research was to compare the influence of overfeeding on slaughter performance and small intestinal physiology and microbiota between Gang goose and Tianfu Meat Goose. Fifty Gang geese were randomly divided into the control group and overfed group, as were fifty Tianfu Meat geese. All geese were slaughtered after 3 weeks of overfeeding. After overeating, the results indicated that the liver weight, villus height to crypt depth ratio in duodenum and ileum, and the activity of invertase and maltase enzymes of Tianfu Meat goose was higher than those of Gang goose. However, the subcutaneous adipose tissue weight of Gang goose was higher than that of Tianfu Meat goose. Moreover, the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) fingerprint indicated that the band number of intestinal bacteria in each small intestinal segment decreased in Gang goose and increased in Tianfu Meat goose. The Enterobacter had a higher gene expression in the jejunum of Gang goose than that of Tianfu Meat goose and Escherichia coli the gene expression decreased in the ileum of Tianfu Meat goose after overfeeding. In conclusion, Tianfu Meat goose’s liver weight, small intestinal digestion and absorption capacity and microbiota homeostasis were much better than those of Gang goose. Therefore, Tianfu Meat goose is more suitable for foie gras production. The results of the present study will provide a reference for the use of goose breeding for overfeeding and the relationship between intestinal physiology and the mechanism of goose fatty liver formation.

367-370

Authors: Nur-Aziera-Aina CMN

Human campylobacteriosis is associated with contaminated foods and drinks or direct contact with the source of organisms. Broilers are the main reservoir of Campylobacter as well as the primary source of meat in many countries. The microorganism load in broilers is converted into the rate of food-related campylobacteriosis. The present study aimed to determine the Campylobacter jejuni colonization load in commercial broiler chickens in east coast Malaysia. Cloaca swabs were taken after consent from the owners of selected broiler farms in Kelantan, Malaysia. Swabs were kept in Amie’s transport media before being placed in enrichment broth. The DNA was extracted directly from the broth and specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed, which targeted hippurate hydrolase (hipO) gene of C. jejuni. Three broiler farms from different districts in Kelantan were identified. A total of 120 cloacal swabs were analyzed, 20% (24/120) confirmed by PCR-positive for hipO gene when the amplified product with the band size of approximately 344 bases per was visualized on agarose gel. It is concluded that the prevalence of C. jejuni colonization among living broiler flocks in Kelantan was at a low level. However, further studies with bigger sample size and involvement of more farms are needed.

378-384

Authors: Abd El-Ghany WA

Aquatic plants are receiving a lot of attention in nutrition research, which is due to their broad range of uses in animal and human food. Azolla is one of the commonly used these floating plants. Currently, different Azolla species are used as maintainable feed alternatives for cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish as dried flakes or fresh form. In addition to high protein and essential amino acid content of Azolla, the fern is rich in other nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and pigments. There is a discrepancy in the use of Azolla to improve the productivity of poultry. However, most studies have indicated that the incorporation of broiler ration with certain levels of Azolla promotes feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion rate, and general health conditions as Azolla comprises growth promoters. In layers, the use of Azolla improves productivity in terms of egg quantity and quality as Azolla contains pigments, minerals, and essential amino acids. Moreover, Azollas improves carcass traits at processing. Therefore, this review article provides information on Azolla plant, its composition, and the significance of its supplementation for different poultry species

391-396

Authors: Adil S

Management of water is of utmost importance in order to ensure better performance of poultry birds. A study was thus conducted to evaluate the effect of water acidification and sanitation on performance, gut microbial population and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. A total of 144 broiler chickens aged one-week were utilized for the study up to 6 weeks of age. The birds were distributed into 4 treatment groups of three replicates of 12 chickens. Untreated drinking water was routinely used in the control group (T1). In T2 and T3, acidifier and sanitizer were used in an amount of 1ml and 5ml/20 liters of water, respectively, while in T4 a combination of acidifier and sanitizer was used in similar doses. There was a significant effect of acidification and sanitization of water on body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broiler chicken. The combination of acidifier and sanitizer (T4) was found to be highly effective in improving chickens’ performance, followed by sanitizer alone (T3) and acidifier alone (T2), compared to the control group. There was no significant effect on various carcass characteristics of broiler chicken except for the gut pH and intestinal length. There was a significant effect on the pH value of various intestinal segments in broiler chickens using acidifier treated water (T2) compared to T1 and T3, but no statistical effect was noticed between T2and T4. A similar trend was noticed in the length of intestines of broiler chickens in various treatment groups. There was a significant reduction in Caecal Coliform Count ( in all the treatment groups that was used acidifier and sanitizer compared to the control group.

12-16

Authors: Mahata ME, Hidayat T, Nurhuda GA, Rizal Y and Ardi.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of inclusion of boiled tomato waste powder in laying hens diet on growth performances and egg quality. Tomato waste used in this experiment was surplus and unsold mature tomato from the last harvest on the field. The tomato waste was boiled in boiling water (100 ºC) for 8 minutes to convert their lycopene structure from trans to cis, which is easily absorbed by the poultry digestive tract. In a completely randomized design, 200 Isa Brown laying hens were divided into five groups with different inclusion levels of boiled tomato waste powder (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%) in an iso-nitrogenous (16%) and iso-caloric (2600 kcal/kg) diet. Daily feed intake, hen day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, and eggshell strength were measured. The obtained results showed that boiled tomato waste powder in the diet did not significantly affect daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production and egg quality. In conclusion, the tomato boiled powder could be used up to 12% in laying hens diet with no effect on performance and egg quality of laying hens.

28-35

Authors: Ayoola AA, Ekunseitan D.A, Muhammad SB, Oguntoye MA and Adejola YA.

This study investigated the in vitro efficacy of extracts of Mangifera indica and Azadirachta indica bark obtained by different extraction methods. Also, in an eight-week trial, the effect of these extracts on the performance of broiler chickens were evaluated. The barks were collected, air-dried and pulverized. The samples were extracted using maceration, infusion, and decoction methods. The extracts were screened for their activity against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus aureus. Two hundred and eighty-eight birds were divided into two groups (144 each) administered with A. indica or M. indica. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups, including control subgroup (no herb) and subgroups administered with bark extracted by one of the three extraction methods. The birds on herbal treatments were not given antibiotics. Results showed that the growth of E. coli was more inhibited by the various extracts irrespective of the methods of extraction. Weights were significantly influenced by the interaction between herb types and extraction methods at the starter phase. Infused herbs induced mortality at the finisher phase. In conclusion, S. aureus was more susceptible to the extracts compared to E. coli. However, decocted A. indica and M. indica bark, as well as macerated M. indica, showed antimicrobial potency against E. coli. It can be recommended that neem or mango bark extracted by maceration or decoction can be administered orally to broiler chickens especially at the starter phase, for improved performance and reduced mortality.

41-51

Authors: Chen X, Zhang Y, Ma W, Zhu Y, Wu X and Wang ZH.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of the diet supplementation of laying hens with Cordyceps Militaris Polysaccharide (CMP) on egg production and quality, and also caecal microbiota. A total of 360 Hy-Line Brown laying hens with 72-week-old were divided into three groups with four replicates of 30 birds each. The laying hens were fed with basal diet (control group), basal diet +100 mg CMP/kg (group 1) and basal diet + 200 mg CMP/kg (group 2). The experiment lasted 45 days. Eggs were collected daily and caecal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Results showed that dietary supplementation with CMP did not affect albumen height, shape index, Haugh units, eggshell breaking strength and eggshell thickness. The laying rate significantly increased and the feed-egg ratio decreased in groups 1 and 2, the average daily egg weight significantly increased in group 2 compared with those in the control group. However, insignificant differences were found in broken egg rate and mortality among the three groups. The differences in caecal microbiota between group one and the control group were significant. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level, Christensenellaceae and Veillonellaceae at the family level, and the no rank_ Ruminococcaceae, Phascolarctobacterium and no rank Christensenellaceae at the genus level changed significantly in group one compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 100 and 200 mg CMP/kg could improve product performance and affect the caecal microbial community structure of laying hens during the late laying period.

57-62

Authors: Patoary MU, Hossain M, Akter M and Rubel ZU.

The current study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Yucca extract (YE) on ammonia gas emission from litter, evaluate the production performance, carcass characteristics and economic utility in broiler rearing. A trial of 240 day-old commercial broiler chicks was carried out on littered floor for a period of 28 days. The birds were allocated randomly to 3 treatments and a control group with three replications (20 birds/ replication). Feeding management and rearing condition were same for all the groups, as per standard. YE was mixed with drinking water as treatment as follows: 1ml YE per 16 liters of drinking water (T1), 1ml YE per 20 liters of drinking water (T2), 1ml YE per 24 liters of drinking water (T3) and no YE in drinking water i.e control group (T0). Ammonia level of Yucca treated groups were significantly (Pth week of rearing period than control group. A significant difference (P2 group was better than other groups. This study concluded that application of YE (1ml/ 20 liters of drinking water) has an important role to reduce ammonia gas emission from broiler litter and increase the birds performance.

71-80

Authors: Sabra M, Abdellatif W, Ahmed AI and Osman N.

Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is a highly evolving virus that affects respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. This virus is recognized as an important pathogen due to the continuous genesis of new variants that threaten the poultry industry worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize emerging IBV variants originated from field outbreaks in Qena province, Egypt, and to study their genetic relationships with global strains. From September 2017 to January 2019, 52 field samples were collected from broiler flocks suspected of being infected with IBV. The collected samples were inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs via allantoic route for virus isolation. The IBV presence was confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) assay targeting nucleocapsid (N) gene and finally, nine samples were selected from 29 positive samples with rRT-PCR for further genetic characterization through full-length spike (S1) gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that one isolate (IBV/CK/EG/QENA-4/2017) clustered within genotype I lineage 16 (GI-16). On the other hand, the remaining eight isolates (2017-2018) belonged to genotype I lineage 23 (GI-23) and clustered separately in monophyletic clade. The isolates in this study were found to share only 74.6-82.1% amino acid identity with the commonly used vaccine strains in Egypt. In conclusion, findings of this study provide informative data on circulating IBVs in the study area and highlight the importance of adopting a convenient vaccination strategy that can be more efficient for controlling the emergence of new IBV variants.

87-95

Authors: Darzi Niarami M, Masoudi AA, Vaez Torshizi R and Davoodi P.

The Avian Uncoupling Protein (avUCP) belongs to the mitochondrial anion transporter family. It has a pivotal homeostatic mechanism that associated with energy regulation and lipid metabolism. The avUCP considered as a candidate gene for chicken growth-related traits according to its predominant expression is in skeletal muscle. To address genetic distance pattern of UCP3 between mammalian and avian species, sequence similarity analysis using the protein alignment of UCP3 identified the high amino acid identity between the species and complementarily detected two protein conserved regions which are known as the ADP/ATP transporter translocase and the Mitochondria-carrier. Likewise, for mutation detection, samples were genotyped, afterward PCR-SSCP method implemented. In addition, association analysis was performed for investigating single nucleotide polymorphism within the UCP3 gene relating to the given economic traits. A detected polymorphic site, on the promoter region of UCP3 (-40 T/A substitution), has displayed significant influences on the Feed Conversion Rate (FCR), Residual Feed Intake (RFI), Average Daily Gain (ADG), and Carcass Weight (CW%). In the case that, birds with genotype AA had better FCR, ADG, RFI as compared to the genotype BB and birds with genotype AA revealed a higher CW% as compared to the genotype BB. According to the obtained results from the in-silico survey, Myoblast determination protein (MyoD) was predicted as a best-matched transcription factor with a consensus sequence harboring the -40 T/A -novel SNP- in the promoter region of UCP3, where might be responsible for phenotypic variation between two genotypes. In conclusion, the result suggests important roles for UCP3 polymorphism in feed efficiency and growth traits which is better to be used in broiler chicken breeding programs.

102-108

Authors: Annisa, Rizal Y, Mirnawati, Suliansyah I and Bakhtiar A.

Rice bran (RB) was used as a medium for the fermentation process because it contained complete nutrients necessary for the growth of microbes. The ability to induce a fermentation substrate by microbes dependent on the availability of an inducer in the medium. The enzyme activity would increase when a suitable inducer was in the medium. In order to increase protease and cellulase activities of Rhizopus oligosporus in processing Cassava Leaf Meal (CLM), it was necessary to add CLM in medium producing an inoculum Rhizopus oligosporus. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were ratios of RB to CLM as follows: 100:0% (A), 90:10% (B), 80:20% (C), and 70:30% (D). The observed variables were protease activity, cellulase activity, dry matter content, organic matter content and the total colony of Rhizopus oligosporus numerically. The different ratios of RB to CLM significantly affected protease and cellulase activities as well as the content of dry matter and organic matter. The addition of 10% CLM to the RB medium increased protease and cellulase activities and reduced dry matter and organic matter contents. However, when more than 10% CLM was added, it reduced the protease and cellulase activities and increased dry matter and organic matter content. The highest total colony of Rhizopus oligosporus was numerically in treatment B (90:10% of RB to CLM ratio). The appropriate ratio of RB to CLM mixture as the inoculum of Rhizopus oligosporus, based on their enzyme activities, dry matter, and organic matter contents, and the total colony was 90:10% (treatment B).

118-124

Authors: Endo Mahata M, Deni I, Aprisal, Nofrianti A, Rizal Y and Ardi A.

An experiment was conducted to see the broiler’s performance fed with fermented and unfermented betel nutshell. Harvesting betel nut seed leaved peel as a waste that contains some nutrients and active ingredients. This waste was useful for poultry feed, to maintain poultry performance and to reduce cholesterol. The aim of this research was to fermented betel nutshell waste with indigenous microorganism from a vegetable waste mixture that produced cellulase to reduce their crude fiber before feeding to the broiler. The nutrient profile and metabolizable energy of fermented betel nutshell in dry matter basis showed 15.96 % water, 84.04 % dry matter, 23.69 % crude fiber, 10.39 % crude protein, 0.31 % crude fat, 2.60% calcium, 1.26 % phosphorus, and 1360,44 kcal/kg. In this experiment betel nutshell waste from a local farmer in Indonesia, and 80 birds from the broiler strain CP 707 from Charoen Pockphand were used. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with different levels of fermented betel nutshell waste (0, 2, 4, and 6%) and 6 % of unfermented of betel nutshell waste in the broiler ration. Each treatment was repeated four times. The measured values included daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion, body weight, carcass content, abdominal fat pads, lipoprotein profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum of broiler chikens. The results indicated that fermented betel nutshell waste significantly increased daily feed intake, daily body weight gain, carcass content, and decreased abdominal fat pad, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL of broiler chickens, however did not affect the feed conversion. The fermentation of betel nutshell waste with indigenous microorganism from vegetable waste mixture could be used up to 6 % in the broiler ration and had a positive effect on performance, blood serum lipoprotein, and carcass quality of broiler chickens.

175-179

Authors: Safiullin RT, Safiullin RR and Kachanova EO.

Favorable conditions for development, reproduction, and accumulation of large amounts of zoophilous flies in commercial poultry farms are caused by incomplete compliance with veterinary and sanitary rules for growing in cage facilities. The purpose of the study was to test a systematic insecticidal program for destroying flies’ populations using adulticide and larvicide drugs in poultry farms under battery cage management. The number of imago flies in hen houses was dynamically evaluated using flypapers, six flypapers in each hen house, situated in different levels above the floor. Flypapers were removed and the number of stuck insects was counted. The number of larvae was evaluated in dynamics by specimen testing from the floor area 10x10 cm, with weight of 3-5 g. The Quick Bayt WG 10% was applied to destroy the imago of flies. Baycidal® WP 25% was used against larvae of flies. Complex insecticide program Quick Bayt WG 10% + Baycidal® WP 25% provided the opportunity to destroy flies, with a significant difference in intensefficacy, (98.3 % for adult flies and 99.8 % for larvae). Furthermore, this program had a positive impact on economic indicators of meat production of broilers. The present study demonstrated high preventive efficacy and economical efficacy of complex program against flies under battery cage broiler management.

187-195

Authors: Handayani UF, Wizna, Suliansyah I, Rizal Y and Mahata ME.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant present in tomatoes and other vegetables and fruits. Present research was carried out to evaluate lycopene and nitrogen retention and crude fiber (CF) digestibility of steaming tomatoes waste powder which was combined with oil. Tomatoes waste in this experiment were local fresh tomato rejected from tomato field around West Sumatera province, Indonesia. The experimental factors were included the type of oil (palm and coconut oils) and dosage of oils (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25 %), and each treatment was replicated three times. The results indicated there was an interaction between the type of oil and dosage of oil on lycopene retention, and CF digestibility, while the type of oil and dosage of oil affected lycopene retention significantly. The dosage of oil also influenced lycopene retention, nitrogen retention, CF digestibility significantly. The addition of coconut oil in steaming tomato waste powder increased lycopene and nitrogen retention, and CF digestibility higher than the addition of palm oil to steaming tomato waste powder in broiler chickens. The lycopene and nitrogen retention, and CF digestibility of steaming tomato waste powder added 0.5% coconut oil was the best level for lycopene and nitrogen retention, and CF digestibility in broiler chickens.

204-210

Authors: Gad S, El-Shazly MA, Wasfy KA and Awny A.

The main purpose of the present study was to find an alternative source for traditional energy to provide the energy requirements in the poultry industry. The present study was conducted in four poultry houses with different heating systems (solar and conventional) and ventilation rates located in El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, during June and July 2018. In this study, it was found that productivity increased by increasing the ventilation rate, where productivity reached 2.3 kg when using a solar heating system with a ventilation rate every two minutes. Productivity decreased in poultry houses with a conventional heating system and was 2 kg in ventilation rate every 2 minutes, and 1.8 kg in the ventilation rate every four minutes. The level of ammonia was also reduced with the ventilation rate every two minutes. Concentrations of ammonia ranged from 22 ppm at ventilation rate every two minutes to 28 ppm at the ventilation rate every four minutes. In addition, solar energy provided good levels of thermal requirements. It was demonstrated that solar energy as an alternative source to the conventional energy, is very efficient and can be applied on a large scale when combined with conventional electricity as a light source and within specified limits.

217-223

Authors: Tsega KT, Maina JK and Tesema NB.

Poultry production is presently the most effective animal production industry and provides an excellent source of protein production worldwide. The poultry gastrointestinal microbiota includes commensal, mutualistic and pathogenic microbes. The relationship between host and gut microbiota can affect the balance of mutualism and pathogenicity. The imbalanced gut microflora caused by the incidence of disease, hygiene conditions, diet, management practices, and environmental stress affects the survival and productivity of chicken. Maintenance of the gut microbial composition is possible through the regulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota by suppressing the growth of pathogens. For many years, antibiotic growth promoters have been used to manage these problems. Nowadays, because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, other alternatives are being sought. Supplementation of probiotics as feed additives is considered to enhance chicken productivitity and to protect the gut from pathogen colonization and help to tolerate environmental stress. The goal of the present article was to review the poultry gastrointestinal microflora and probiotics role in the health and growth of poultry. In addition, this article focused on probiotic microorganisms and their potential characteristics.

233-239

Authors: Dukhnytskyi V, Bazaka G, Sokolyuk V, Boiko P and Ligomina I.

The current study was aimed to investigate the effects of feeding Mospilan and Actara insecticides on egg production performance and meat quality of laying hens. Experimental research was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in 2015. The experiments were performed on five groups each consisting of seven chickens. The age of the chickens at the beginning of the experiment was 150 days. The birds were fed the granulated compound feed. In M1 and M2 groups, Mospilan at doses of 65 mg/kg and 32.5 mg/kg of body weight were added to the feed, respectively. In A1 and A2 groups, Actara at doses of 360 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg of body weight were added to the feed, respectively. Chickens of the control group were fed without the addition of insecticides to the feed. The feeding period lasted 30 days and finally, egg production performance, meat quality, and gross pathological changes were evaluated. Egg production rate in M1 and M2 groups in comparison to the control group decreased by 78.4 and 29.7%, respectively. Egg production rate in A1 and A2 groups reduced by 89.2% and 48.7% compared to the control group, respectively. Chickens in groups of receiving insecticides had pale skin and enlarged heart, also showed spot hemorrhages in mucous membranes of the glandular stomach and intestine, color heterogeneity of the lungs, and the liver was dark cherry in color with hemorrhage. In addition, the relative weights of internal organs decreased by 23-36% in experimental groups. In the experimental groups, the pH of meat decreased at day 4 post-slaughter, and the meat broth with the addition of 5% copper sulfate solution was slightly cloudy with flakes. The meat of birds from the experimental groups was low toxic. Extracts from chicken meat of the experimental groups caused pathological changes, inhibition of movements and death of 13-16% of Tetrahymena pyriformis infusoria. This study demonstrated that the presence of Mospilan and Aktara in feed reduced the egg production rate, caused chronic poisoning, changed biochemical processes in chicken meat and increased its toxicity.

124-132

Authors: Kongpechr S, Sohsuebngarm D and Sukon P.

Longitudinal bone growth is essential to support rapid body growth in commercial broiler chickens. The present study aimed to determine which simple mathematic model is best suitable for explaining the absolute and the relative bone growth in length (expressed as a ratio of bone length to body weight) as a function of age in male and female commercial broiler chickens over the first 35 days of age. A total of 1,800 broiler chickens (900 males and 900 females) of Cobb 500, Ross 308, and Arbor Acres raised in standard commercial broiler houses were randomly selected for this study. Body weight and the lengths of backbones, third toe, shank bone, and keel bone were individually measured in all chickens at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age. Regression analysis (with 4 simple mathematical models including linear, logarithmic, inverse, and exponential) was used to find a suitable model for estimating the absolute and the relative bone growth in length. In addition, an adjusted R2 was used to assess the model fitting. The results indicated that the absolute bone growth in length linearly increased with age. The adjusted R2 values for the linear model were 0.973, 0.937, 0.950, and 0.974 for the lengths of the backbones, third toe, shank bone, and keel bone, respectively. However, the relative bone growth in length logarithmically decreased with age. The adjusted R2 values of the logarithmic model were 0.971, 0.952, 0.957, and 0.905 for the relative length of the backbones, third toe, shank bone, and keel bone, respectively.The present investigation suggests thata linear model is a suitable model for estimating the absolute bone growth in length, but a logarithmic model is a proper model for estimating the relative bone growth in length of commercial broiler chickens.

139-146

Authors: Anggraini L, Marlida Y, Wizna W, Jamsari J and Mirzah M.

Nutrition is an essential factor for microorganisms to grow and survive. Carbon and nitrogen sources are used in producing primary and secondary metabolites. Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-coded amino acid, is a secondary metabolite which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Pediococcus acidilactici DS15 is a bacterium belonging to the order of Lactic Acid Bacteria. This study aimed to determine the effects of nutrients including glutamate, nitrogen and carbon sources on GABA production by Pediococcus acidilactici DS15. The tests were carried out using a range of 30 mM, 40 mM, 50 mM, 60 mM, and 70 mM glutamate as inducer and carbon sources in the form of peptone, yeast extract, skim milk, NH4NO3, KNO3, whey tofu and soy milk as nitrogen sources, and then glucose, lactose, maltosa, sucrose, palm, and cane sugar as carbon sources. The best sources of both will be tested with levels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100% for nitrogen and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15% for carbon. The results of this investigation revealed that the addition of 60 mM glutamate caused the higher amount of GABA production and the best source of nitrogen and carbon for Pediococcus acidilactici DS15 were 100% whey tofu and 15% palm sugar, respectively. Production rate of GABA by Pediococcus acidilactici DS15 could reach up to 311,485 mg / L.

154-159

Authors: Maslami V, Mirnawati, Jamsari, Nur YSh and Marlida Y

Feed additives are ingredients that are added to the ration as growth promoters and enhancement of the immune system. Glutamate is a feed additive that improves performance by improving the quality of the small intestine and enhancing the immune system. The purpose of this study was to know the effect of including glutamate as a feed additive in improving broiler performance. The material used in this study was broiler strain MB 202 from PT Charoen Phokphand Indonesia as many as 240 birds. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) trial design, with six treatments and four replications, so that there were 24 cage plots as experimental units. Each experimental unit consisted of 10 chickens. The Glutamate doses in groups were, A (0.4% commercial glutamate; B (0% glutamate); C (0.2% glutamate); D (0.4% glutamate); E (0.6% glutamate); F (0.8% glutamate). The results indicated that glutamate up to 0.8% had significant effects on feed intake body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (1.70%), but it did not affect the percentage of carcass. It is concluded that including the 0.8% glutamate in broiler disets can improve broiler performance with 35 days of maintenance.