1
|
Zhou S, Watcharaanantapong P, Yang X, Thornton T, Gan H, Tabler T, Prado M, Zhao Y. Evaluating broiler welfare and behavior as affected by growth rate and stocking density. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103459. [PMID: 38308899 PMCID: PMC10847911 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the welfare and behaviors of Cobb 700 broilers as affected by growth rate (GR) and stocking density (SD). Slower-growth (weight gain < 50 g/d) and medium-growth (weight gain = 50-60 g/d) broilers were produced by providing 57.1% and 78.6% of the feed intake listed in the Cobb 700 production manual for standard (fed ad libitum) broilers (weight gain > 60 g/d). Broilers at all 3 GRs were reared at 2 SDs of 30 and 40 kg/m2. Broiler welfare indicators, including gait score, tibia strength, feather coverage, and footpad condition were evaluated when birds reached 1, 2, and 3 kg of body weight. The activity index was determined by overhead cameras and image processing, and the time spent at feeders was recorded using the radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems. The results show that it took 45 d for standard, 52 d for medium-growth, and 62 d for slower-growth broilers to reach a 3 kg market body weight. Feed conversion ratios (FCR, kg/kg) were 1.57 for standard, 1.67 for medium-growth, and 1.80 for slower-growth broilers. Growth rate and SD had an interaction effect on feather cleanliness (P = 0.03), and belly feather coverage (P = 0.02). Slower-growth broilers were more active and had better feather coverage and gait scores than medium-growth and standard broilers (all P < 0.01) but may feel hungry and depressed, medium-growth broilers spent the most time at the feeder among the 3 growth groups (P = 0.02), and standard broilers showed the best production performance. Broilers at 30 kg/m2 showed better bone strength (P = 0.04), and footpad condition (P < 0.01) compared to those at 40 kg/m2. In conclusion, reducing GR and SD may slightly improve broiler leg health at the high expense of compromised production performance and prolonged production cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Zhou
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Xiao Yang
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Tanner Thornton
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Hao Gan
- Biosystems Engineering & Soils Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Tom Tabler
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Maria Prado
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Murray BA, Machin KL. Utilizing NMR fecal metabolomics as a novel technique for detecting the physiological effects of food shortages in waterfowl. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1229152. [PMID: 38269059 PMCID: PMC10806059 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1229152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics is the study of small, endogenous metabolites that participate in metabolic reactions, including responses to stressors. Anthropogenic and environmental changes that alter habitat and food supply can act as stressors in wild waterfowl. These alterations invoke a series of physiological processes to provide energy to restore homeostasis and increase survival. In this study, we utilized fecal metabolomics to measure metabolites and identify pathways related to a 6-day feed restriction in captive mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 9). Fecal samples were collected before (baseline) and during feed restriction (treatment). H1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed to identify metabolites. We found that fecal metabolite profiles could be used to distinguish between the feed-restricted and baseline samples. We identified metabolites related to pathways for energy production and metabolism endpoints, and metabolites indicative of gut microbiota changes. We also demonstrated that mallard ducks could utilize endogenous reserves in times of limited caloric intake. Fecal metabolomics shows promise as a non-invasive novel tool in identifying and characterizing physiological responses associated with stressors in a captive wild bird species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen L. Machin
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Frias H, Murga Valderrama NL, Flores Durand GJ, Cornejo VG, Romani AC, Bardales W, Segura GT, Polveiro RC, Vieira DDS, Ramos Sanchez EM, Lopez Lapa RM, Maicelo Quintana JL. Comparative analysis of fasting effects on the cecum microbiome in three guinea pig breeds: Andina, Inti, and Peru. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1283738. [PMID: 38173670 PMCID: PMC10761435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1283738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Guinea pigs have historically been used as a food source and are also an important model for studying the human intestines. Fasting is the act of temporarily stopping the intake of food. This process can alter the microbiota of various animals. This study is the first to investigate the impact of fasting on the cecum microbiome of three guinea pig breeds. We investigated the impact of fasting on the microbiome population structure in the cecum of three guinea pig breeds. This was done by sequencing and analyzing the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene in bacterial communities found in cecum mucosa samples. To achieve this, we established two treatment groups (fasting and fed), for each of the three guinea pig breeds: Andina, Inti, and Peru. The study involved twenty-eight guinea pigs, which were divided into the following groups: Andina-fed (five), Andina-fasting (five), Inti-fed (four), Inti-fasting (five), Peru-fed (five), and Peru-fasting (four). The results indicated a significant difference in beta diversity between the treatment groups for the Peru breed (P-value = 0.049), but not for the treatment groups of the Andina and Inti breeds. The dominant phyla across all groups were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. We observed variations in the abundance of different taxa in the cecum microbiota when comparing the treatment groups for each breed. Additionally, there was a higher number of unique taxa observed in the fasting groups compared to the fed groups. We discovered that the genus Victivallis was the only one present in all fasting groups across all breeds. Despite the findings, the resilience of the gut microbiome was not challenged in all three breeds, which can lead to disruptive changes that may affect the overall maintenance of the cecum microbiome. Based on the observed differences in the treatment groups of the Peru breed, it can be suggested that fasting has a greater impact on this particular breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Frias
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Nilton Luis Murga Valderrama
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Gary J. Flores Durand
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Victor G. Cornejo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Ana C. Romani
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - William Bardales
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - G. T. Segura
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Richard C. Polveiro
- Laboratory of Bacterial Diseases, Sector of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Dielson da S. Vieira
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Eduardo M. Ramos Sanchez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, Brazil
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Rainer M. Lopez Lapa
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Jorge Luis Maicelo Quintana
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Facultad de Ingeniería Zootecnista, Agronegocios y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mählis G, Kleine A, Lüschow D, Bartel A, Wiegard M, Thoene-Reineke C. Clicker Training as an Applied Refinement Measure in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3836. [PMID: 38136873 PMCID: PMC10740453 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
When using chickens in animal studies, the handling of these animals for sample collection or general examinations is considered stressful due to their prey nature. For the study presented here, plasma and salivary corticosterone as well as New Area Test behavior and fecal output were used to evaluate whether it is possible to influence this stress perception using a three-week clicker training program. The results indicate that clicker training seems to be a suitable refinement measure in the sense of cognitive enrichment for the husbandry of this species. However, since it was also shown that three-week training was not sufficient to sustainably reduce the stress perception with regard to prolonged stressor exposure, and since it was also evident that manipulations such as routine blood sampling are perceived as less stressful than assumed, further studies with prolonged training intervals and situations with higher stressor potential are warranted. Also, further parameters for training assessment must be considered. For the general use of training as a supportive measure in animal experiments, its proportionality must be considered, particularly considering the expected stress and adequate training time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Mählis
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Anne Kleine
- Division for Poultry, Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Dörte Lüschow
- Division for Poultry, Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mechthild Wiegard
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Christa Thoene-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
Collapse
|
6
|
Balakrishnan KN, Ramiah SK, Zulkifli I. Heat Shock Protein Response to Stress in Poultry: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020317. [PMID: 36670857 PMCID: PMC9854570 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to other animal species, production has dramatically increased in the poultry sector. However, in intensive production systems, poultry are subjected to stress conditions that may compromise their well-being. Much like other living organisms, poultry respond to various stressors by synthesising a group of evolutionarily conserved polypeptides named heat shock proteins (HSPs) to maintain homeostasis. These proteins, as chaperones, play a pivotal role in protecting animals against stress by re-establishing normal protein conformation and, thus, cellular homeostasis. In the last few decades, many advances have been made in ascertaining the HSP response to thermal and non-thermal stressors in poultry. The present review focuses on what is currently known about the HSP response to thermal and non-thermal stressors in poultry and discusses the factors that modulate its induction and regulatory mechanisms. The development of practical strategies to alleviate the detrimental effects of environmental stresses on poultry will benefit from detailed studies that describe the mechanisms of stress resilience and enhance our understanding of the nature of heat shock signalling proteins and gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Nair Balakrishnan
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Suriya Kumari Ramiah
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Idrus Zulkifli
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-9769-4882
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li W, Yan C, Descovich K, Phillips CJC, Chen Y, Huang H, Wu X, Liu J, Chen S, Zhao X. The Effects of Preslaughter Electrical Stunning on Serum Cortisol and Meat Quality Parameters of a Slow-Growing Chinese Chicken Breed. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202866. [PMID: 36290252 PMCID: PMC9598214 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical stunning is widely utilized prior to a neck cut to induce unconsciousness in order to improve animal welfare and slaughter efficiency in the broiler production industry. However, slaughter without stunning is still very commonly used in China, in part because there is a belief that stunning reduces meat quality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the physical (hemorrhages, pH, drip loss, and shear force) and chemical (inosinic monophosphate concentration and reducing sugar content) properties of broiler meat differed between chickens in preslaughter stunning and nonstunned slaughter groups, and whether the groups differed in their levels of cortisol as an indicator of stress. Serum cortisol levels of the nonstunned group were nearly twice as high as those in the stunned group (p < 0.05). Several meat quality indicators were better in the stunned group than in the nonstunned group. We concluded that electrical stunning prior to slaughter significantly decreases the stress caused by slaughter, resulting in both improved animal welfare and meat quality traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Kris Descovich
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Yongyou Chen
- Nayong County Agriculture and Rural Bureau, Bijie 553300, China
| | - Huijing Huang
- Nayong County Agriculture and Rural Bureau, Bijie 553300, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Nayong County Agriculture and Rural Bureau, Bijie 553300, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Nayong County Agriculture and Rural Bureau, Bijie 553300, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xingbo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (X.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
L-serine improves lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and intestinal parameters in feed restricted broiler chickens during the hot-dry season. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:324. [PMID: 36169771 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The study evaluated effects of L-serine on lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and small intestinal parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction. Broiler chickens were divided into four groups, comprising 30 each. Group 1, feed restriction (FR); Group 2, feed restriction + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (FR + L-serine); Group 3, ad libitum (AL); Group 4, ad libitum + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (AL + L-serine). L-serine was administered orally from days 1 to 14, and feed restriction was performed on days 7-14. Serum harvested from blood samples on days 21, 28 and 35 was evaluated for lipid profile. Feed and water intake, live weight gain, organ and carcass weight were measured. At 35 days old, broiler chickens (n = 7) per group were sacrificed to evaluate small intestinal morphology. Temperature-humidity index in the pen (30.88 ± 0.81) was above thermoneutral zone, indicating that chickens were subjected to heat stress. Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and total triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05), while higher concentration of high-density lipoprotein was recorded in L-serine groups than in the controls. Feed intake and live weight gain on day 35 in L-serine groups were higher (p < 0.05) than in controls. In L-serine groups, liver, spleen, pancreas and heart weight were higher, but abdominal fat was lower than in FR and AL groups. Villus height:crypt height ratio and area of villus surface were highest in L-serine groups than any other group. In conclusion, L-serine decreased low-density lipoprotein, increased feed intake, live weight, organ and carcass weight, villus height:crypt height ratio and villus surface area.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ebeid TA, Tůmová E, Al-Homidan IH, Ketta M, Chodová D. Recent advances in the role of feed restriction in poultry productivity: part I- performance, gut development, microbiota and immune response. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2022.2097149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek A. Ebeid
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Eva Tůmová
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Ibrahim H. Al-Homidan
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Ketta
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Chodová
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Snyder AM, Riley SP, Robison CI, Karcher DM, Wickware CL, Johnson TA, Weimer SL. Behavior and Immune Response of Conventional and Slow-Growing Broilers to Salmonella Typhimurium. Front Physiol 2022; 13:890848. [PMID: 35586720 PMCID: PMC9108930 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.890848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast growth rate in broiler chickens comes with welfare concerns and the contribution of growth rate to pathogen resistance and sickness behavior is relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate physiological and behavioral responses of conventional (CONV) and slow-growing (SG) male broilers challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium. CONV (n = 156) and SG (n = 156) chicks were raised in a pen with wood litter shavings until day 7 of age, when birds were transferred to 24 isolators (n = 11 chicks/isolator). On day 14 of age, half of the birds (n = 12 isolators) were challenged with S. Typhimurium (ST) and the other half (n = 12 isolators) received a control (C). On days 7, 13, 17, 21, and 24, body weight was recorded, and blood, jejunum and ileum sections were collected from 2 birds/isolator (n = 48 birds/sampling) to measure plasma IgA and IgG and intestinal histomorphology, respectively. On days 12, 16, 21, and 23, video was recorded to evaluate bird postures (sitting, standing, or locomoting) and behaviors (eating, drinking, preening, stretching, sham foraging, allopreening, and aggression). CONV birds were 70 g heavier (p = 0.03) on day 21 and 140 g heavier (p = 0.007) on day 24 than SG. On day 7, CONV jejunum villus height and crypt depth were 22 and 7 μm greater (p ≤ 0.001), respectively, than SG. On day 24, ST ileum villus height was 95 μm shorter (p = 0.009) than C. IgA increased after day 17 for all birds and at day 21, CONV IgA was greater (p = 0.01) than SG. Although SG IgG was 344 μg/ml greater (p = 0.05) than CONV on day 7, CONV IgG increased with age (p < 0.0001) to greater (p ≤ 0.03) concentrations than SG on day 21 and day 24 by 689 μg/ml and 1,474 μg/ml, respectively, while SG IgG remained at similar concentrations after day 13. Generally, a greater proportion of birds sham foraged as they aged (p < 0.0001). A greater proportion of CONV tended to sit (p = 0.09) and fewer locomoted (p < 0.0001) than SG as they aged. The results illustrate conventional and slow-growing broilers differ in their behavior, immunity, and response to Salmonella.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn M. Snyder
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Sean P. Riley
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Cara I. Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Darrin M. Karcher
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Carmen L. Wickware
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Timothy A. Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Shawna L. Weimer
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
- *Correspondence: Shawna L. Weimer,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li Q, Ouyang J, Zhou H, You J, Li G. Effect of probiotic supplementation on the expression of tight junction proteins, innate immunity-associated genes, and microbiota composition of broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13719. [PMID: 35384158 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of probiotic on intestinal innate immunity-associated gene expression and cecal microbiota in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 180 21-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups with four replicates per group. The thermoneutral group (TN) (23 ± 1°C) received a basal diet, and another two heat-stressed groups (28-35-28°C for 12 h daily) were fed the basal diet (HS) or the basal diet supplemented with probiotic at a dose of 1.5 × 108 CFU/kg (HS_Pro) for 21 consecutive days. Compared with the TN group, the abundance of beneficial bacteria was decreased (p < 0.05) in the caecum of heat-stressed broilers. Heat stress downregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and upregulated (p < 0.05) the expressions of TLR5, TLR15, avian β-defensin (AvBD)4, AvBD8, and AvBD14 in the ileum as compared with the TN group. Dietary supplementation of probiotic upregulated (p < 0.05) the occludin expression in the ileum, improved the microbiota balance in the caecum, and decreased (p < 0.05) the gene expressions of TLR5 and TLR15 in the ileum of heat-stressed broilers. Collectively, dietary probiotic supplementation could promote intestinal barrier function via improving gut microbiota community and regulating innate immunity-associated gene expressions in heat-stressed broilers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiufen Li
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Innovation Center of Integration in Production and Education for High-quality and Safe Livestock and Poultry, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingxin Ouyang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Innovation Center of Integration in Production and Education for High-quality and Safe Livestock and Poultry, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Innovation Center of Integration in Production and Education for High-quality and Safe Livestock and Poultry, Nanchang, China
| | - Jinming You
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Innovation Center of Integration in Production and Education for High-quality and Safe Livestock and Poultry, Nanchang, China
| | - Guanhong Li
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Innovation Center of Integration in Production and Education for High-quality and Safe Livestock and Poultry, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gut Microbiota Implications for Health and Welfare in Farm Animals: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010093. [PMID: 35011199 PMCID: PMC8749645 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Farm animal health and welfare have been paid increasing concern in the world, which is generally assessed by the measurements of physical health, immune response, behavior, and physiological indicators, such as stress-related hormone, cortisone, and norepinephrine. Gut microbiota as a “forgotten organ” has been reported for its great influence on the host phenotypes through the immune, neural, and endocrine pathways to affect the host health and behavior. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation as a novel approach is applied to regulating the composition and function of the recipient farm animals. In this review, we summarized recent studies that gut microbiota influenced health, immunity, behavior, and stress response, as well as the progress of fecal microbiota transplantation in farm animals. The review will provide new insights into the measurement of farm animal health and welfare concerning gut microbiota, and the implication of fecal microbiota transplantation to improve productivity, health, and welfare. Above all, this review suggests that gut microbiota is a promising field to evaluate and improve animal welfare. Abstract In the past few decades, farm animal health and welfare have been paid increasing concern worldwide. Farm animal health and welfare are generally assessed by the measurements of physical health, immune response, behavior, and physiological indicators. The gut microbiota has been reported to have a great influence on host phenotypes, possibly via the immune processes, neural functions, and endocrine pathways, thereby influencing host phenotypes. However, there are few reviews regarding farm animals’ health and welfare status concerning the gut microbiota. In this point of view, (1) we reviewed recent studies showing that gut microbiota (higher alpha diversity, beneficial composition, and positive functions) effectively influenced health characteristics, immunity, behaviors, and stress response in farm animals (such as pigs, chickens, and cows), which would provide a novel approach to measure and evaluate the health status and welfare of farm animals. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as one of the methods can modulate the recipient individual’s gut microbiota to realize the expected phenotype. Further, (2) we highlighted the application of FMT on the improvement of the production performance, the reduction in disease and abnormal behavior, as well as the attenuation of stress in farm animals. It is concluded that the gut microbiota can be scientifically used to assess and improve the welfare of farm animals. Moreover, FMT may be a helpful strategy to reduce abnormal behavior and improve stress adaption, as well as the treatment of disease for farm animals. This review suggests that gut microbiota is a promising field to evaluate and improve animal welfare.
Collapse
|
13
|
Akinyemi F, Adewole D. Environmental Stress in Chickens and the Potential Effectiveness of Dietary Vitamin Supplementation. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.775311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stressors can promote the vulnerability of animals to infections; it is therefore, essential to understand how stressors affect the immune system, the adaptive capacity of animals to respond, and effective techniques in managing stress. This review highlights scientific evidence regarding environmental stress challenge models and the potential effectiveness of vitamin supplementation. The major environmental stressors discussed are heat and cold stress, feed restriction, stocking density, and pollutants. Much work has been done to identify the effects of environmental stress in broilers and layers, while few involved other types of poultry. Studies indicated that chickens' performance, health, and welfare are compromised when challenged with environmental stress. These stressors result in physiological alterations, behavioral changes, decreased egg and meat quality, tissue and intestinal damage, and high mortalities. The application of vitamins with other nutritional approaches can help in combating these environmental stressors in chickens. Poultry birds do not synthesize sufficient vitamins during stressful periods. It is therefore suggested that chicken diets are supplemented with vitamins when subjected to environmental stress. Combination of vitamins are considered more efficient than the use of individual vitamins in alleviating environmental stress in chickens.
Collapse
|
14
|
Yan C, Xiao J, Li Z, Liu H, Zhao X, Liu J, Chen S, Zhao X. Exogenous Fecal Microbial Transplantation Alters Fearfulness, Intestinal Morphology, and Gut Microbiota in Broilers. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:706987. [PMID: 34660756 PMCID: PMC8517117 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.706987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) documented transplanting a donor fecal sample to a receipt individual for a desired physiologic effect. However, whether the gut microbiota construction, intestinal maturation, and behavioral plasticity are modulated by FMT during the early life of broilers is waiting for verification. To evaluate the role of transfer of fecal microbiota from aged broilers donor (BD) to another individual, 96 birds were equally divided into a check (CK, control) group and a broiler recipient (BR) group. FMT was conducted daily from 5 to 12 days of age to determine the future impact on body weight, behavior, intestinal development, and gut microbiota. Results indicated that fearfulness in the CK group was higher than the BR group in both the behavioral tests (p < 0.05). The muscularis mucosa, thickness of muscle layer, and thickness of serous membrane layer in the BR group were higher compared with those of the CK group in the jejunum (p < 0.05). In the gut microbiota, Shannon diversity showed no difference, while beta diversity presented a difference in principal coordination analysis (PCoA) between the CK and BR groups. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Lentisphaerae in the CK group was lower than the BR (p = 0.052) and BD (p = 0.054) groups. The relative abundance of Tenericutes in the BD group was higher than that in the CK and BR groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Megamonas in the CK group was higher than the BR (p = 0.06) and BD (p < 0.05) groups. In the BR group, the functional capabilities of microbial communities analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were increased in the glutamatergic synapse and N-glycan biosynthesis pathways in comparison with the CK and BD groups (p < 0.05). Some characteristics of gut microbiota in the donor chickens could be transferred to recipient chickens by FMT. In conclusion, exogenous FMT as a probiotic-like administration might be an efficient way to improve the physiology and behavior of chickens. Notably, the role of microbiota for various individuals and periods remains undefined, and the mechanism of microbiota on behaviors still needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation of China Agricultural University, Bijie, China
| | - Jinlong Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation of China Agricultural University, Bijie, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation of China Agricultural University, Bijie, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation of China Agricultural University, Bijie, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xingbo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation of China Agricultural University, Bijie, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Effect of different feed restriction regimens on performance, behaviors, blood cortisol, and carcass parameters of growing Sasso broilers. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:461. [PMID: 34545453 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different feed restriction regimens on performance, behavioral patterns, blood cortisol, and carcass parameters in Sasso broilers. Sixty healthy 1-day-old unsexed Sasso chicks were randomly assigned to three groups (20 chicks per group) and each group was divided into 4 replicates with 5 chicks each based on feed restriction program during the rearing period (60 days). The first group (G1) is control in which birds were fed ad libitum had free access to feed (no restriction). The second group (G2) was subjected to temporary feed restriction at the first 2 weeks as birds had access to feed for 12 h only after that they had free access to feed until the end of the experimental period. The third one (G3) was subjected to continuous feed restriction as birds had free access to feed for 12 h only throughout the rearing periods. During the study period, growth performance and behavioral patterns were estimated. At the end of the study, blood samples for cortisol testing were taken. Three birds from each group were slaughtered at the end of the study to see how the feed restriction affected carcass parameters. Feed restriction had a substantial impact (P ≤ 0.05) on final body weight and carcass parameters. Feed restriction elevated blood cortisol significantly (P = 0.004). Feed restriction showed a significant impact on some behaviors as feeding, stretching, preening, and aggression. Overall, different feed restriction programs had a wide effect on growth performance, behaviors, cortisol concentration, and carcass parameters of Sasso broilers.
Collapse
|