Influence of using synbiotics by various routes on Mandarah male chicks: intestinal bacterial counts, gut morphology and histological status

This experiment investigated the influence of different synbiotic processing methods on the intestinal bacterial count, morphology and histological status of developed male Mandarah chicks. Two hundred and ten male Mandarah line chicks aged 1 d were randomized to receive one of 7 chicks. The method and dose for 1-time synbiotics administration to the day-old chicks were as follows: G1: chicks on basal diet received no treatment (control); G2: 0.25 mL synbiotics sprayed; G3: 0.50 mL synbiotics sprayed; G4: 0.25 mL of synbiotics are added to drinking water; G5: 0.50 mL of synbiotics are added to drinking water; G6: 0.25 mL of synbiotics dripped into the mouth; and G7: 0.50 mL of synbiotics dripped into mouth drops. Lactic acid bacteria(LAB) were significantly increased (P<0.0001) compared to the control group and other treated groups and had the maximum values after the use of synbiotics via drinking water (0.25 or 0.50 mL). Furthermore, when comparing the treated birds (G4, G5) with the control birds, the Escherichia coli concentration in the drinking water containing synbiotics was significantly lower. In addition, treated chickens at (G7) showed a higher duodenum, ileum villus height (VH), and VH. - Ileum crypt depth (CD) ratio compared to other groups. In addition, birds treated with 0.50 mL of synbiotics in drinking water (G5) performed better in duodenum, ileum, CD and VH. - CD ratio than the other groups. Meanwhile, intestinal tract length and visceral pH did not differ significantly between groups. It can be concluded that the use of 0.25 mL of synbiotics in drinking water can improve the overall health of birds.

The potential of Spirulina platensis to substitute antibiotics in Japanese quail diets: impacts on growth, carcass traits, antioxidant status, blood biochemical parameters, and cecal microorganisms

The development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms prompted the investigation of possible antibiotic substitutes. As a result, the purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina platensis extract as an antibiotic alternative on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growth, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and cecal microorganisms. There was a total of 150 Japanese quails used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups (10 birds per group with 3 replicates): group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any S. platensis extract, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 1 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 3 mL S. platensis extract/kg, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 4 mL S. platensis extract/kg from d 7 until d 35. The results showed that compared to the control birds in G1, Japanese quail supplemented with 4 mL of S. platensis extract/kg of diet (G5) had significantly better live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, antioxidant profile, immunological parameters, and cecal microorganism's count. There were no significant changes in the percentage of carcasses, liver, and total giblets among all the 5 groups. Only gizzard percentage showed a significant increase in G2 compared to birds in G1. In addition, intestinal pH showed a significant drop in G2 and G5 compared to birds in G1. After cooking the quail meat, the juiciness and tenderness increased as S. platensis extract levels increased, whereas aroma and taste declined slightly as S. platensis extract levels increased. Furthermore, when a high concentration of S. platensis extract was used, the lightness of the meat reduced while its redness and yellowness increased. The disk diffusion assay showed that S. platensis extract had significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 42 mm. This activity may be attributable to the volatile chemicals in S. platensis extract, of which Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol are the primary components. In the diet of Japanese quails, it is possible to draw the conclusion that the extract of S. platensis can be utilized as a feed additive and as an alternative to antibiotics.

Ecological prevalence, genetic diversity, and multidrug resistance of Salmonella enteritidis recovered from broiler and layer chicken farms

Salmonella is a significant foodborne pathogen that has a significant impact on public health, and different strains of multidrug resistance (MDR) have been identified in this genus. This study used a combination of phenotypic and genotypic approaches to identify distinct Salmonella species collected from poultry broiler and layer farms, and antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on these species. A total of 56 Salmonella isolates were serotyped, and phenotypic antibiotic resistance was determined for each strain. The enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) method was also used to provide a genotypic description, from which a dendrogram was constructed and the most likely phylogenetic relationships were applied. Salmonella isolates were detected in 20 (17%) out of 117 samples collected from small-scale broiler flocks. Salmonella isolates were classified as MDR strains after showing tolerance to 4 antibiotics, but no resistance to cloxacillin, streptomycin, vancomycin, or netilmicin was observed. From a genotypic perspective, these strains lack dfrD, parC, and blasfo-1 resistant genes, while harboring blactx-M, blaDHA-L, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, gyrA, ermA, ermB, ermC, ermTR, mefA, msrA, tet A, tet B, tet L, tet M resistance genes. The genotyping results obtained with ERIC-PCR allowed isolates to be classified based on the source of recovery. It was determined that Salmonella strains displayed MDR, and many genes associated with them. Additionally, the ERIC-PCR procedure aided in the generation of clusters with biological significance. Extensive research on Salmonella serotypes is warranted, along with the implementation of long-term surveillance programs to monitor MDR Salmonella serotypes in avian-derived foods.

Continuous clinicopathological and molecular recognition of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus in commercial broiler chickens

Gumboro virus is one of the most dangerous immunosuppressant viruses that infect chickens and causes massive financial losses worldwide. The current study aims to conduct a molecular characterization of chicken farms for the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Based on postmortem (PM) lesions, 125 bursal samples from 25 farms were collected from clinically diseased commercial chicken farms with increased mortality and suspected Gumboro virus infection. Pooled bursal samples from suspected IBD-vaccinated flocks were tested for IBDV by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fifteen out of 25 pooled specimens were found positive for IBDV, with a 60% detection rate, and confirmed positive for very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) by sequence analysis. Nucleotide phylogenetic analysis of VP1 and VP2 genes was employed to compare the 5 chosen isolates with strains representing different governorates in Egypt during 2022. All strains were clustered with vvIBDV with no evidence of reassortment in the VP1 gene. The VP1 and VP2 genes are divided into groups (I, II). The strains in our study were related to group II, and it acquired a new mutation in the VP2 gene that clustered it into new subgroup B. By mutation analysis, the VP2 gene of all strains had a characteristic mutation to vvIBDV. It acquired new mutations in HVRs compared with HK46 in Y220F, A222T/V in all strains in our study, and Q221K that was found in IBD-EGY-AH5 and AH2 in the loop PBC in addition to G254S in all strains in our study and Q249k that found in IBD-EGY-AH1 and AH3 in the loop PDE. These mutations are important in the virulency and antigenicity of the virus. The VP1 had 242E, 390M, and 393D which were characteristic of vvIBDV and KpnI restriction enzyme (777GGTAC/C782) in addition to a new mutation (F243Y and N383H) in IBD-EGY-AH1 and AH4 strains. According to the current study, the strains were distinct from the vaccinal strain; they could be responsible for the most recent IBDV outbreaks observed in flocks instead of received vaccinations. The current study highlighted the importance of molecular monitoring to keep up to date on the circulating IBDV for regular evaluation of commercial vaccination programs against circulating field viruses.

The influence of Spirulina extract on pathogenicity, immune response, and vaccine efficacy against H9N2 avian influenza virus in specific pathogen free chickens

Avian influenza (AI) viruses pose a risk to the worldwide poultry industry. Ultimately, improving the efficiency of the H9N2 vaccine is necessary to better control low-pathogenic avian influenza-H9N2 by using natural immunostimulant. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine varying doses of the cyanobacterium Spirulina extract on the effectiveness of H9N2 vaccine. Thus, a total of 150 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were allocated into 6 groups, 25 birds each, as follow: G1, G2, and G6 were supplemented with 200, 400, and 400 mg Spirulina extract/kg feed, respectively, whilst the feed in G3, G4, and G5 were not supplemented with Spirulina extract. At 21-days-old, only the chickens in G1, G2, and G3 were vaccinated with the H9N2 AI vaccine. After 4 wk postvaccination, the chickens in G1, G2, G3, G4, and G6 were challenged with H9N2 AI Egyptian strain. The challenged virus was selected from a recent circulating Egyptian strain during 2022, and it was related to A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97-like virus lineage and clustered with G1-B sub-lineage EGY-2 group. It had a high amino acids identity percentage of 92.6% with the A/chicken/Iran/av1221/1998 (Boehringer Ingelheim) vaccine. The results of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) revealed that no shedding of the virus was reported in G1, G2, G3, and G5. The supplementation of Spirulina extract in low (200 mg/kg of feed) and high (400 mg/kg of feed) concentration with the birds vaccinated with H9N2 AI vaccine (G1 and G2) induced prominent immuno-stimulatory effect in a dose dependent manner where it strongly enhanced the phagocytic activities of broilers' peripheral blood monocytes, and lysozyme at all days postvaccination (dpv) and days postchallenge (dpc) compared to other groups with significant differences at all day of experiment and 21st dpv, 28th dpv, 7th dpc, and 14th dpc, respectively. The supplementation with Spirulina extract in G1 and G2 induced the highest hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer in a dose-dependent manner at all-time intervals. The antibody titer postvaccination was significantly increased in G1 and G2 at 14th, and 21st dpv, in comparison with G3. Furthermore, G1 and G2 showed higher significant antibody titers at 7th and 14th dpc, compared to other groups. Furthermore, Spirulina extract (200 and 400 mg/kg feed) in G1 and G2 showed anti-inflammatory effect in a dose dependant manner by downregulating nitric oxide levels at all times postchallenge with a significant difference at 3 to 7 dpc compared to G3, G4, and G6, with improved histopathological alterations in the trachea, lung, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius.  G6 supplied with 400 mg/kg Spirulina extract feed only without vaccination had a similar effect as vaccinated groups on innate immunity. However, it delayed the production of antibodies and did not prevent viral shedding as in vaccinated groups. In conclusion, vaccination in conjunction with either dose of Spirulina extract (G1, and G2) prevents viral shedding, increases the immune response, and reduces inflammation and histopathological change caused by H9N2 AI infection in a dose dependent manner. We recommend the use of 400 mg Spirulina extract/kg feed as a natural immunostimulant in conjunction with the H9N2 vaccine to achieve the highest possible level of protection against H9N2 AI infection.

Coinfection of the gut with protozoal and metazoal parasites in broiler and laying chickens

The chicken business faces substantial economic losses due to the risk of parasitic coinfection. Because the current study aimed to investigate enteric parasitic coinfections problems among the suspected examined chicken farms, samples were collected during the field investigation from suspected freshly dead birds, clinically diseased, apparently healthy, and litter samples for further laboratory parasitological, histopathological, and immunological examinations. Variable mortalities with various clinical indicators, such as ruffled feathers, weight loss, diarrhea of various colors, and a decline in egg production, occurred on the farms under investigation. In addition, the treatment protocols of each of the farms that were evaluated were documented and the m-RNA levels of some cytokines and apoptotic genes among the infected poultry have been assessed. The prevalence rate of parasitic coinfection in the current study was found to be 8/120 (6.66%). Parasitological analysis of the samples revealed that they belonged to distinct species of Eimeria, cestodes, and Ascaridia galli. When deposited, A. galli eggs were nonembryonated and ellipsoidal, but cestodes eggs possessed a thin, translucent membrane that was subspherical. Eimeria spp. oocysts in layer chickens were identified as Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima in broiler chickens. Our findings proved that coinfection significantly upregulated the IL-1β, BAX, and Cas-3 genes. Conversely, the IL-10, BCL-2, and AKT mRNA levels were downregulated, indicating that nematode triggered apoptosis. The existence of parasite coinfection was verified by histological investigation of the various intestinal segments obtained from affected flocks. A. galli and cestodes obstructed the intestinal lumen, causing different histological alternations in the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, the lamina propria revealed different developmental stages of Eimeria spp. It was determined that parasite coinfection poses a significant risk to the poultry industry. It was recommended that stringent sanitary measures management methods, together with appropriate treatment and preventative procedures, be employed in order to resolve such issues.

Impact of Eimeria tenella experimental Infection on intestinal and splenic reaction of broiler chickens

This work assesses the cell-mediated immune reaction IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ of experimentally challenged broiler chicken with Eimeria tenella (E. tenella). Therefore, ninety, 2-weeks-old healthy broiler chicks were allocated as eighty chicks infected orally with 2.5 × 104 E. tenella sporulated oocysts, and the other ten birds were kept as control negative birds. Post-challenge, mortality rate, symptoms, oocysts shedding, and lesion score were evaluated. Tissue samples (cecum and spleen) were collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 days post-infection (dpi). Ten chickens were ethically slaughtered at 0, 4, 8, and 12 days post-infection, as well as two birds from the negative control group; parts from cecal and spleen samples were kept in cryopreservation containers, and other parts were preserved in formaline 10% for further investigation. The evaluated genes (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) were normal at 0 days and upregulated at 4 and 8 days, which reached maximum upregulation at eight dpi. The histopathological examination of the ceca and spleen were evaluated before and after challenge. It could be concluded that E. tenella revealed direct severe macroscopic and microscopic changes in cecal tissues and indirectly induced alteration in splenic tissues, resulting in upregulation of different cell mediated immune response in cecum and spleen in relation to the experimental period.

Surveillance of Escherichia coli in different types of chicken and duck hatcheries: one health outlook

Escherichia coli is an important zoonotic bacterium that significantly impacts one health concept. E. coli is normally detected in the gut of warm-blooded animals, but some serotypes can cause diseases in humans and animals. Moreover, it can continue for a long time in different environments, replicate in water, and survive outside different hosts. In this study, 171 samples collected from 10 different types of poultry hatcheries (automatic, semiautomatic, and manual "traditional" types) were examined for the prevalence of E. coli. PCR was applied to verify the E. coli isolates via 16S rRNA gene-specific primers. From the gathered samples, 62 E. coli isolates were recovered (36.3%). The highest prevalence was met with the manual "traditional" hatcheries (57.1%) with no significance difference (P = 0.243) in the 3 types of hatcheries. The incidence of E. coli varied significantly in different tested avian types and breeds. The prevalence was 35.7% in duck hatcheries and 37% in chicken hatcheries, with significant differences between breeds of both species (P = 0.024 and 0.001, respectively). The identification of zoonotic E. coli serotypes in this study is concerning, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors, including social, environmental, and governance, to promote the adoption of the one health principle in the chicken business. Periodical surveillance, biosecurity measures at the hatcheries and farm levels, and boosting the immunity of birds were recommended to limit the risk of E. coli spread from avian sources to humans.

Correction: Synthesis of novel solid scale inhibitors based on silver tungstate loaded KIT-6 for scale removal from produced water: static and modeling evaluation

Correction for 'Synthesis of novel solid scale inhibitors based on silver tungstate loaded KIT-6 for scale removal from produced water: static and modeling evaluation' by Heba M. Salem, et al., Dalton Trans., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3dt02594b.

Synthesis of novel solid scale inhibitors based on silver tungstate loaded KIT-6 for scale removal from produced water: static and modeling evaluation

Oilfield scaling is a major problem in the oil and gas industry. Scaling issues cost the industry millions of dollars in damage and lost production every year as scaling is one of the main causes of global production decline. In this study, solid scale inhibitors based on silver tungstate loaded KIT-6 were synthesized and evaluated using a static scale inhibition test. The synthesized materials were characterized using wide and low XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, TGA, and FTIR, SEM, and XPS analyses. Small-angle XRD patterns showed that KIT-6 had 3D-mesopore diffraction peaks with a cubic Ia3d space group. Wide-angle XRD patterns of silver tungstate loaded KIT-6 confirmed the crystallinity. The prepared catalysts are characterized by higher surface areas (394-918 m2 g-1), large pore volumes (0.63-0.98 cm3 g-1), narrow pore size distributions (5.3 nm), and high thermal stability up to 1000 °C. The results of this study demonstrate that the inhibition efficiency of the scale inhibitor increases and that of the calcite scale inhibitor decreases with increasing pH (2 to 8). This proposes that the scale inhibitor is more effective under alkaline conditions. An inhibition efficiency of 99% on calcium carbonate can be achieved at an optimal dosage of 7.5 ppm at 55 °C, indicating that the scale inhibitor exhibits a relatively good inhibition performance on calcium carbonate. The use of these materials can potentially lead to more efficient and cost-effective solutions for scale inhibition in various industrial processes.

Molecular detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa of different avian sources with pathogenicity testing and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a serious zoonotic pathogen threaten the poultry industry causing severe economic losses therefor, this study aimed to isolation, phenotypic, molecular identification of P. aeruginosa from different avian sources (chickens, turkey, pigeons, table eggs, and dead in shell chicken embryos), from different Egyptian governorates (Giza, Qalubia, Beheira, El-Minya, and Al-Sharqia) with applying of antibiotic sensitivity test on all P. aeruginosa isolates. Highly resistant isolates (n = 49) were subjected to molecular identification of P. aeruginosa with detection of resistant genes including carbapenemase-encoding genes blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM. On the base of molecular results, a highly resistant P. aeruginosa strain was tested for its pathogenicity on day old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicks. Also, in vitro experiment was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against highly antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The overall isolation percentage was from all examined samples were 36.2% (571/1,576) representing 45.2% (532/1,176) from different birds' tissues and 39/400 (9.7%) from total egg samples. Some of isolated strains showed multidrug resistance (MDR) against kanamycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, neomycin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, cefotaxime clavulanic acid, lincomycin-spectinomycin, co-trimoxazole, cefoxitin, gentamycin, and doxycycline. These MDR strains were also molecularly positive for ESBL and carbapenemase-encoding genes. MDR strain showed high pathogenicity with histopathological alterations in different organs in challenged birds. Main histopathological lesions were necrosis of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelium, and heart muscle bundles. The MDR strain showed in vitro sensitivity to Ag-NPs. In conclusion, MDR P. aeruginosa is a serious pathogen causing high morbidity, mortality, and pathological tissue alterations. Ag NPs revealed a promising in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity against MDR P. aeruginosa and further in vivo studies were recommended.

Avian campylobacteriosis, prevalence, sources, hazards, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, and control measures: a comprehensive review

Avian campylobacteriosis is a vandal infection that poses human health hazards. Campylobacter is usually colonized in the avian gut revealing mild signs in the infected birds, but retail chicken carcasses have high contamination levels of Campylobacter spp. Consequently, the contaminated avian products constitute the main source of human infection with campylobacteriosis and result in severe clinical symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, spasm, and deaths in sensitive cases. Thus, the current review aims to shed light on the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler chickens, Campylobacter colonization, bird immunity against Campylobacter, sources of poultry infection, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, human health hazard, and the use of standard antimicrobial technology during the chicken processing of possible control strategies to overcome such problems.

Ameliorative avian gut environment and bird productivity through the application of safe antibiotics alternatives: a comprehensive review

The avian digestive tract is an important system for converting ingested food into the nutrients their bodies need for maintenance, growth, and reproduction (meat, table eggs, and fertile eggs). Therefore, preserving digestive system integrity is crucial to bird health and productivity. As an alternative to antibiotics, the world has recently turned to the use of natural products to enhance avian development, intestinal health, and production. Therefore, the primary goal of this review is to explain the various characteristics of the avian digestive tract and how to enhance its performance with natural, safe feed additives such as exogenous enzymes, organic acids, photogenic products, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and herbal extracts. In conclusion, the composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by a number of circumstances, and this has important consequences for the health and productivity of birds. To better understand the connection between pathogens, the variety of therapies available, and the microbiome of the gut, additional research needs to be carried out.

Prophylactic influences of prebiotics on gut microbiome and immune response of heat-stressed broiler chickens

Climatic changes and elevated ambient temperature are significant environmental stressors with a negative impact on birds' physiological, immunological, and behavioral status, increasing their susceptibility to stressors and immunosuppression and consequently increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Prebiotics have been utilized to stop or diminish the harmful effects of stress in chickens. We aimed to evaluate the role of mannan-oligosaccharides, and beta-D-glucan prebiotics supplements in drinking water against experimentally induced heat stress (HS) on broiler chickens and study their impact on birds' performance, gut microbiome, and immune response. A total of 120 1-day-old Ross broiler chicks were allocated into four groups (30 birds/group), and each group was subdivided into triplicates (10 birds each). The experimental groups were classified as follows; the 1st (G1) control birds, the 2nd (G2) birds exposed experimentally to HS, the 3rd (G3) birds administered prebiotics in drinking water without exposure to HS, and the 4th (G4) birds exposed to HS and administered prebiotics in drinking water. After each vaccination, blood samples and serum samples were collected to evaluate the birds' immune status. Fecal samples were also collected for the molecular evaluation of the gut microbiome based on the genetic analyses and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that HS has reduced the birds' performance and badly affected the birds' immune response and gut microbiome. However, the addition of prebiotics to drinking water, with or without stress, enhanced the growth rate, maintained a normal gut microbiome, and improved immune parameters. Moreover, the usage of prebiotics improved the chicken gut microbiome and alleviated the negative effect of heat stress. Administering prebiotics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and eradicated pathogenic ones in the birds' gut microbiome. Prebiotics showed a positive effect on the gut microbiome and the immune status of chickens under HS in addition to their efficacy as a growth promoter.

Sonocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of diesel oil using a novel BiVO4/FeMn LDH nanocomposite

A novel BiVO₄/FeMn layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite was fabricated and applied for green and efficient ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAODS) of real fuel (hydrotreated oil). The physicochemical properties of the prepared BiVO₄/FeMn LDH nanocomposites are elucidated using techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, BET, SEM, XPS, Raman, and TGA. The desulfurization results revealed that both BiVO₄ and FeMn LDH were crucial in the UAODS process in the presence of H₂O₂ as a green oxidant and acetonitrile as an extracting solvent. The desulfurization activity was optimized by varying the process conditions (time, catalyst weight, type of oxidant, O/S molar ratio, ratio of solvent to oil, and type of sonicator). The prepared nanocomposite exhibited remarkable desulfurization performance, reaching up to 99.8% under the optimized reaction conditions. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited high stability and could be reused four times without a notable decline in the performance. Significantly, this research reveals the robustness of the newly synthesized nanocomposite for efficient UAODS in a short time and low catalyst dosage. The proposed desulfurization mechanism was investigated.

Drug-independent control strategy of clostridial infection in broiler chickens using anti-toxin environmentally friendly multienzymes

The study investigated the effect of enzymes as a toxin detoxifier (DETOXIZYME) dietary supplementation on performance during growth, blood chemistry, and immunity under clostridia infection in chickens. A total of 480, day-old male chicks were randomly distributed to four groups, with six replicates of 20 birds each. The first control negative treatment (A) fed the basal formula as commercial feed prepared following the strain's needs, the second control positive group (B) fed the basal formula challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) type A, the third group (C) fed the basal formula with 100 g DETOXIZYME/ton of feed and challenged with clostridia, and the fourth group (D) fed the control basal formula with 100 g DETOXIZYME/ton of feed. DETOXIZYME dietary supplementation significantly boosted body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) and improved the feed conversion rate (FCR) of the broilers. The dietary supplementation of DETOXIZYME significantly increased carcass trait and spleen. However, liver and abdominal fat weight significantly decreased compared with clostridia-challenged groups. The values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid, creatinine, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. While calcium, phosphate, zinc, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were improved in birds that took basal formulas fortified with DETOXIZYME contrary to the other treatment groups during 35 days of age. Plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values were reduced versus the other treatment groups. Dietary supplementation of DETOXIZYME increased total protein, albumin, globulin, and Newcastle Disease (ND) immunity titer levels in the overall period compared to other groups. Dietary DETOXIZYME supplementation decreased clostridia and E. coli bacteria counts and improved gut morphometry. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DETOXIZYME had a positive impact on performance, blood biochemistry, immunity, and bacterial counts and improved the gut morphology in broilers under clostridia infection.

Common viral and bacterial avian respiratory infections: an updated review

Many pathogens that cause chronic diseases in birds use the respiratory tract as a primary route of infection, and respiratory disorders are the main leading source of financial losses in the poultry business. Respiratory infections are a serious problem facing the poultry sector, causing severe economic losses. Avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, and avian pneumovirus are particularly serious viral respiratory pathogens. Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Staphylococcus, Bordetella avium, Pasteurella multocida, Riemerella anatipestifer, Chlamydophila psittaci, and Escherichia coli have been identified as the most serious bacterial respiratory pathogens in poultry. This review gives an updated summary, incorporating the latest data, about the evidence for the circulation of widespread, economically important poultry respiratory pathogens, with special reference to possible methods for the control and prevention of these pathogens.

Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review

The yellow polyphenolic pigment known as curcumin, originating from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa L., has been utilized for ages in ancient medicine, as well as in cooking and food coloring. Recently, the biological activities of turmeric and curcumin have been thoroughly investigated. The studies mainly focused on their antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective impacts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth, detailed discussion of curcumin usage within the food processing industries and its effect on health support and disease prevention. Curcumin's bioavailability, bio-efficacy, and bio-safety characteristics, as well as its side effects and quality standards, are also discussed. Finally, curcumin's multifaceted uses, food appeal enhancement, agro-industrial techniques counteracting its instability and low bioavailability, nanotechnology and focused drug delivery systems to increase its bioavailability, and prospective clinical use tactics are all discussed.

Role of Nanoparticles in Enhancing Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stress: A Comprehensive Review

Plants are subjected to a wide range of abiotic stresses, such as heat, cold, drought, salinity, flooding, and heavy metals. Generally, abiotic stresses have adverse impacts on plant growth and development which affects agricultural productivity, causing food security problems, and resulting in economic losses. To reduce the negative effects of environmental stress on crop plants, novel technologies, such as nanotechnology, have emerged. Implementing nanotechnology in modern agriculture can also help improve the efficiency of water usage, prevent plant diseases, ensure food security, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance sustainability. In this regard, nanoparticles (NPs) can help combat nutrient deficiencies, promote stress tolerance, and improve the yield and quality of crops. This can be achieved by stimulating the activity of certain enzymes, increasing the contents (e.g., chlorophyll) and efficiency of photosynthesis, and controlling plant pathogens. The use of nanoscale agrochemicals, including nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, and nanofertilizers, has recently acquired increasing interest as potential plant-enhancing technologies. This review acknowledges the positive impacts of NPs in sustainable agriculture, and highlights their adverse effects on the environment, health, and food chain. Here, the role and scope of NPs as a practical tool to enhance yield and mitigate the detrimental effects of abiotic stresses in crops are described. The future perspective of nanoparticles in agriculture has also been discussed.

Effect of environmental factors on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Aquaculture is the practice of developing aquatic animals and plants under artificial environmental conditions, either in a controlled or semi-controlled environment. Due to high animal protein demand, it is one of the world's growing food production industries. It plays a vital role in contributing to food security and lowering the unemployment rate of the world's growing population. This review article aims to scope sight on the environmental factors that affect the growth and economic production process of Nile tilapia. Many of these factors are listed and analyzed in this review, such as stocking densities; various feed frequencies and feeding rates; water quality; water temperature; dissolved oxygen concentration; water pH degree; ammonia (NH₃), nitrite (NO₂), and nitrate (NO₃) concentration; feeding regimes; feed cost; and tank culturing system of Nile tilapia. These factors can significantly alter body weight, composition, survival, behavior, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feeding efficiency, and the health and reproduction of Oreochromis niloticus. Furthermore, feeding, growth, disease risks, and survival rates are all affected by water quality parameters. In general, higher growth performance of O. niloticus in aquaculture can be obtained by keeping the optimum quantity of feed with proper feeding rate and frequency, maintaining a good proportion of stocking density, and regularly evaluating water quality. This review article highlights-in details-the impact of various environmental factors on growth performance criteria of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Inhibition of microbial pathogens in farmed fish

Aquaculture, also known as aqua farming, is defined as farming fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic plants, algae, and other marine organisms. It includes cultivating fresh- and saltwater populations under controlled conditions compared to commercial fishing or wild fish harvesting. Worldwide, carp, salmon, tilapia, and catfish are the most common fish species used in fish farming in descending order. Disinfectants prevent and/or treat different infections in aquatic animals. The current review indicates the uses of different disinfectants against some important pathogens in aquaculture, with particular reference to tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farming. A single review cannot cover all aspects of disinfection throughout aquaculture, so the procedures and principles of disinfection in tilapia farming/aquaculture have been chosen for illustration purposes.

Promising prospective effects of Withania somnifera on broiler performance and carcass characteristics: A comprehensive review

Poultry production contributes markedly to bridging the global food gap. Many nations have limited the use of antibiotics as growth promoters due to increasing bacterial antibiotic tolerance/resistance, as well as the presence of antibiotic residues in edible tissues of the birds. Consequently, the world is turning to use natural alternatives to improve birds' productivity and immunity. Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is abundant in many countries of the world and is considered a potent medicinal herb because of its distinct chemical, medicinal, biological, and physiological properties. This plant exhibits antioxidant, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antistress, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and growth-promoting activities. In poultry, dietary inclusion of W. somnifera revealed promising results in improving feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio, as well as reducing mortality, increasing livability, increasing disease resistance, reducing stress impacts, and maintaining health of the birds. This review sheds light on the distribution, chemical structure, and biological effects of W. somnifera and its impacts on poultry productivity, livability, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood parameters, immune response, and economic efficiency.

Molecular screening of gastric Helicobacter pullorum recovered from different avian species in Egypt

Helicobacter pullorum (H. pullorum) is a bacterium that colonizes the intestines of poultry and causes gastroenteritis. Because these species are known as human and/or animal pathogens, identification of H. pullorum is becoming increasingly necessary. The bacterium has been linked to colitis and hepatitis in humans after being transmitted by infected meat consumption. Misdiagnosis of other enteric zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter and other Helicobacter species makes the diagnosis of H. pullorum extremely difficult. This study focused on the molecular detection of H. pullorum from the stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) of different avian species as new target organs for detection and transmission between avian species. Proventriculus and gizzards were obtained from 40 freshly dead chickens and resident wild birds (n=40). Diarrhea was found in the farms that were surveyed. DNA was extracted from all collected samples to conduct PCR amplification. The samples were screened for Helicobacter genus-specific 16s using C97 and C05 primers. To confirm the existence of H. pullorum, the positive samples were sequenced. H. pullorum was recorded in two out of 40 chicken samples. In addition, H. pullorum was recorded in one out of 40 resident wild birds. The 16S rRNA gene sequence for Helicobacter genus-specific in poultry and wild birds showed a 100% homology. In conclusion, broiler chickens and resident wild birds are possible reservoirs for H. pullorum, according to this report, and possibly act as a source of infection for humans via the food supply.

Impacts of polyphenols on laying hens' productivity and egg quality: A review

There has been a rapid increase in the world's output of main poultry products (meat and eggs). This reflects customer desire for these high-quality and safe products and the comparatively low price. Recently, natural feed additives, plants and products have been increasingly popular in the poultry and livestock industries to maintain and improve their health and production. Polyphenols are a type of micronutrient that is plentiful in our diet. They are phytochemicals that have health benefits, notably cardiovascular, cognitive function, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antistress, anti-tumour, anti-pathogen, detoxification, growth-promoting and immunomodulating activities. On the other hand, excessive polyphenol levels have an unclear and sometimes negative impact on gastrointestinal tract health, nutrient digestion, digestive enzyme activity, vitamin, mineral absorption, laying hens performance and egg quality. As a result, this review illuminated polyphenols' various sources, classifications, biological activities, potential usage restrictions and effects on poultry, layer productivity and egg external and internal quality.

Inactivated pentavalent vaccine against mycoplasmosis and salmonellosis for chickens

Mycoplasma and Salmonella are serious pathogens threaten the poultry industry. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate an inactivated pentavalent vaccine targeting bacteria, including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST), Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE), Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky (SK), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), from locally isolated strains. The prepared vaccine was adjuvanted with Montanide ISA70 oil and then tested for safety, sterility, and potency. The vaccine efficacy was evaluated in 110 specific pathogen-free, 1-day-old chicks, which were divided into three groups as follows: 1) vaccinated group (50 birds), which was subdivided into five subgroups of ten birds each; 2) control positive (challenged) group (50 birds), which was subdivided into five subgroups of ten birds each; and 3) control negative (blank) group, which included ten birds. Chicks in group 1 were administered the first dose of vaccine at 7 d of age followed by a booster dose after 3 wk. At 3 wk after booster vaccination, the chicks who were administered the booster dose were challenged and kept under observation until the end of the experiment when the chicks were approximately 10 wk. Details of clinical symptoms, daily mortality, weights, and postmortem lesions; serum samples; cloacal swabs; and nasal swabs were collected during the experiment. The humoral immune response to the prepared pentavalent vaccine was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings revealed that the prepared vaccine showed high protective antibody titers against Salmonella and Mycoplasma with 100% efficacy and no mortalities (100% survival rate) were recorded in vaccinated and challenged birds. The vaccine reduced both clinical signs and bacterial shedding post challenge in vaccinated birds in comparison with control positive group. The prepared vaccine did not affect the body weight gain of the vaccinated birds in comparison with control negative birds. The current study concluded that locally manufactured inactivated pentavalent vaccine offers protection to birds and could be employed as an effective tool along with biosecurity measures to overcome mycoplasmosis and salmonellosis in layer and breeder chicken farms in Egypt.

Incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigeons with an assessment of the nematocidal activity of chitosan nanoparticles against Ascaridia columbae

In this investigation, the incidence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic pigeons were evaluated, additionally, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antiparasitic activity of chitosan nanoparticles against the most predominant gut parasite. Therefore, 240 domestic pigeons (160 adults and 80 squabs) obtained from different localities in Giza governorate, Egypt, from February to July 2021, were subjected to parasitological and postmortem examination. The results revealed that 97% of pigeons were vulnerable to single or mixed gastrointestinal parasites. The detected helminths were identified as Capillaria columbae (C. columbae) with a total incidence of (12.5%), Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) (83.3.%), Heterakis gallinarum (H. gallinarum) (18.7%), Raillietina cesticillus (R. cesticillus) (7.5%), Raillietina echinobothrida (R. echinobothrida) (29%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (C. infundibulum) (22.9%), Davainea proglottina (D. proglottina) (26.6%), and Cotugnia proglottina (C. proglottina) (14.5%). At the same time, the identified protozoan parasites were Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae), and Eimeria columbae (E. columbae), with a total incidence of 25 and 79%, respectively. Helminths and Eimeria infections were higher in adults than squabs, while T. gallinae infection was reported with a higher incidence in squabs (62.5%) than adults (6.2%). From our findings, A. columbae was the most predominant gut parasite in the examined pigeons. Thus, it was subjected to in vitro and in vivo treatment with chitosan nanoparticles. Serum and tissue samples were collected from the birds which have been used in the in vitro study to evaluate the oxidative stress markers as malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide levels and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β activity also, chitosan nanoparticles- treated worm ultrastructure were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, we recommend periodic monitoring of pigeon's farm to detect the parasitic infestation, and from our results, we recommend chitosan nanoparticles as a potent nematocidal agent.

Evaluation of immune responses and oxidative stress in donkeys: Immunological studies provoked by Parascaris equorum infection

This study aimed to assess the effects of Parascaris equorum (P. equorum) in infected donkeys through evaluation the oxidative stress and different gene parameters in infected tissues. Fifty donkeys were examined in Giza Zoo abattoir from the period of January to March 2021. Blood and sera samples were collected from each examined donkey. P. equorum were subjected for identification through scanning electron microscope study and the infected tissues were subjected into gene expression analysis using two genes; interleukin 1β (IL1- β); and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) with assessment of the antioxidant and free radicals released from the animals during the infection. Eighteen donkeys were positive for P. equorum adult or larvae by postmortem examination of the intestine and abdomen with prevalence rate of 36 %. The examined infected donkeys with P. equorum showed significantly higher of Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) 2.45 ± 0.53 than that in non-infected control donkeys. The levels of AST enzyme were 278.54 ± 0.45 while ALT enzyme was 14.97 ± 0.87 which was significantly higher than that of control negative donkeys. The infected donkeys with P. equorum showed significantly upregulation of the TNF-α and IL-1β which classify according to number of collected worms. The P. equorum infected donkeys exerted at least 100 eggs of parasite in feces. The fecal egg count was marked decreased after treatment with moxidectin. Moxidectin is considered a novel active ingredient that has a marvelous result with high persistency and protection for long time, in addition to, broad spectrum activity and low or no resistance. We recommend the periodical deworming with different molecules as more economic and lifesaving over a single treatment every 12 months parallel with parasitic testing.

Undesirable odour substances (geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol) in water environment: Sources, impacts and removal strategies

Off-flavours in fish products generated from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are a major problem in the fish farming industry affecting the market demand and prices. A particular concern is the muddy or musty odour and taste in fish due to the presence of secondary metabolites geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), produced by actinobacteria (mainly Streptomyces), myxobacteria and cyanobacteria. Off-flavours have deteriorated the quality of fish, rendering their products unfit for human consumption. The process of odour removal requires purification for several days to weeks in clean water; thus this leads to additional production costs. Geosmin and 2-MIB, detected at extremely low odour thresholds, are the most widespread off-flavour metabolites in aquaculture, entering through fish gills and accumulating in the fish adipose tissues. In this review, we aimed to determine the diversity and identity of geosmin- and 2-MIB-producing bacteria in aquaculture and provide possible strategies for their elimination.

Low host specificity of Hippobosca equina infestation in different domestic animals and pigeon

This study aimed to highlight the low host specificity of Hippobosca equina (H. equina) that poses a danger in diseases transmission between different animal species as well as, identification of the collected flies using light microscope and molecular characterization of H. equina in Egypt. Two hundred and forty flies were collected weekly from different animal species from El-Faiyum, Al Qalyubia and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates, Egypt at the period from May to September of 2020. Insects were phenotypically and genetically identified then classified into 170 (70.8%) males and 70 (29.2%) females. The highest prevalence of H. equina was noticed from mid-June to the end of August. The sequencing of COI gene of five H. equina fly collected from different hosts as (horse, pigeon, cattle, buffalo, and donkey) were submitted to the GenBank under the accession numbers of MZ452239, MZ452240, MZ461943, MZ461944, and MZ461945, respectively. For insect infestation control, fipronil and deltamethrin is monthly sprayed for animals, birds and their circumference give a best result in our control study in the field. Deltamethrin showed a success in the elimination process and control measures of external parasites of pigeon.

The control of poultry salmonellosis using organic agents: an updated overview

Salmonellosis is a severe problem that threatens the poultry sector worldwide right now. Salmonella gallinarium and Salmonella pullorum (Fowl typhoid) are the most pathogenic serovars in avian species leading to systemic infection resulting in severe economic losses in the poultry industry. Nontyphoidal serotypes of Salmonella (Paratyphoid disease) constitute a public health hazard for their involvement in food poisoning problems in addition to their zoonotic importance. Also, Salmonella species distribution is particularly extensive. They resisted environmental conditions that made it difficult to control their spread for a long time. Therefore, the current review aimed to through light on Salmonellosis in poultry with particular references to its pathogenesis, economic importance, immune response to Salmonella, Salmonella antibiotics resistance, possible methods for prevention and control of such problems using promising antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, cinnamaldehyde, chitosan, nanoparticles, and vaccines.

Influences of total sulfur amino acids and photoperiod on growth, carcass traits, blood parameters, meat quality and cecal microbial load of broilers

The current study aimed to discuss the impact of total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) %, photoperiod, and their interaction on growth performance, carcass and blood indices of broiler chicks. A total of 300 unsexed IR broiler chicks one-week old were used in a factorial arrangement (2 × 3), including two photoperiod systems (22 L: 2 D and 16 L: 8 D) and three experimental rations having three grades of Met + Cyst (TSAA) (70%, 85% and 100% of digestible lysine in starter and finisher diets). Results revealed that the higher LBW and BWG were noticed in birds given TSAA at grades of 1.1 or 0.90 % under 22L: 2D photoperiod at five weeks of age and the whole experimental period (1–5 weeks of age), respectively. The highest live body weight (LBW (and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded in birds received 1.1% TSAA under the long photoperiod compared to the control and the other groups. Birds fed 1.3% TSAA consumed more feed than the other groups. The opposite was found in birds fed 1.1% TSAA under the short photoperiod (16L: 8D). The best feed conversion (FCR) was detected by birds fed 1.1% and 0.90% TSAA diets during the whole experimental period. All carcass traits studied were significantly influenced by TSAA levels, except for the relative weights of abdominal fat and spleen. The interaction effect on was significant on all carcass traits except spleen %. In conclusion, the addition of TSAA at level 1.1 and 0.9 % to starter and finisher diets under a long photoperiod regime improved broiler’s performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters studied.

Evaluation of the antiparasitic activity of the chitosan-silver nanocomposites in the treatment of experimentally infested pigeons with Pseudolynchia canariensis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-silver nanocomposites in the treatment of experimentally infested pigeons with Pseudolynchia canariensis (P. canariensis) with evaluation of different immunological parameters before and after treatment. Therefore, fourteen birds were divided into 2 groups; group1(infested group including 12 birds) which subdivided into 6 sub-groups experimentally infested pigeons 2 pigeons each, and five group of them were treated with chitosan-silver nanocomposites and sub-group number 6 was treated with deltamethrin while, group 2 including two pigeons were kept as control negative ones. P. canariensis flies distributed under the wing and /or under the tail in infested group and these pigeons showed significantly lower RBCs and higher WBCs than that in non-infested pigeons. The cell mediated immune response against experimentally infested pigeons with P. canariensis was studied. P. canariensis infestation in pigeons have a negative impact on pigeon’s blood parameters, increase TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines levels. This study cleared out the role of P. canariensis in the induction of a case of oxidative stress indicated by high level of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) with low antioxidant capacity in shape of reduced zinc concentration in the sera of experimentally infested pigeon. Chitosan-silver nanocomposite has a promising effect in the elimination of P. canariensis infestation in pigeons.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum: a devastating organism for the poultry industry in Egypt

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a worldwide ruined bacteria affecting different avian species, causing severe economic losses. Consequently, the current research sought to detect the incidence of MG among different commercial broiler, layer chickens and turkey farms, and environmental litter samples in different Egyptian governorates (Damietta, Giza, El-Qalyobia, El-Sharqia, and El-Behera) from January 2019 to December 2020. Four hundred samples (infraorbital sinus aspirates, tracheal swabs, serum from diseased birds, and organ samples; lung tissues, air sacs and tracheal bifurcation from freshly dead birds), and environmental samples (litter) were collected for MG isolation. Samples were subjected to phenotypic and molecular identification. Positive bacteriological samples were subjected for molecular identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect MG, then sequencing for PCR amplicon of mgc2 gene. Out of 332 samples subjected for bacteriological examination, 206 were bacteriologically positive for MG with an incidence of 62%. The highest incidence of MG was detected in turkey farms at a rate of 83%, followed by broiler chicken farms, layer chicken farms and litter samples at a percentage of 70, 40, and 40, respectively. The highest prevalence of MG in chickens and turkey was recorded during the winter and autumn seasons. Molecular identification of MG isolates revealed that 85% of isolates were positive for mgc2 gene using PCR. The Four sequenced strains in this study are closely related and placed in one group with the vaccine strain 6/85 and ts11 strain.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Ascaridia columbae in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and the assessment of its immunological responses

Parasitism is a divesting problem that is frequently overlooked and may result in severe prominent clinical manifestation. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal and sexual prevalence of the gastrointestinal nematode Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) infection among domestic pigeons in Giza governorate, Egypt, during the period from 2020 to 2021. One hundred and sixty suspected pigeons were clinically investigated. Blood & tissue samples were collected from infected birds to estimate serum zinc concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide levels. As well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL1β) activity, and histopathological examination were estimated; also, worms were collected for morphological identification using electron microscope (SEM) and molecularly identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), further sequenced, and submitted in GenBank with accession number MZ343369. The average ascarid (length × breadth) were 72.4 ± 3.3 µm (70.5 - 79.9 µm) × 39.9 ± 2.5 µm (37.6 - 42.3 µm). The distinguishing morphological characteristics that have been noticed in ascarid worms were creamy white, cylindrical worm with triradiate lips with wide cephalic alae extending on both the lateral sides and filariform esophagus. In males, spicules were almost equal with the presence of precloacal chitinous-rimmed sucker. The prevalence of A. columbae infection was (63.1%) with a higher incidence in females (79.2%) than males (46.1%). The highest seasonal prevalence was observed in winter (92.5%), followed by summer and spring (87.5% and 55%), respectively while, the lowest prevalence was observed in autumn (17.5%). The intensity of worms in the infected intestine varied from 5 to 120 adult worms. The histopathological examination revealed the presence of chronic diffuse moderate catarrhal enteritis with roundworms in the lumen. Infected birds showed a significant increase in nitric oxide and MDA levels while serum zinc levels were lowered in infected pigeons. Infected pigeons revealed a marked increase in IL1-β and TNFα than apparently healthy ones.

Parasitological and histopathological examination of Cocktail love birds infected with Eimeria aratinga (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

Coccidiosis is a devastating worldwide disease and is considered a dreadful disease in lovebirds. Indeed, a problem has been appeared cocktail lovebirds kept in a private pet birdhouse in Sheikh Zayed City, Giza, Egypt, in the shape of blood-tinged diarrhea, birds huddled together and showing signs of inappetence, ruffled feathers, unable to fly, general weakness and emaciation associated with high mortalities. Therefore, this study aimed to diagnose and find a suitable treatment to overcome such problems. To achieve this aim, blood and droppings samples were collected from infected and healthy birds for parasitological and hematological examinations, and tissue samples were collected from freshly dead birds for postmortem and histopathological examinations. A treatment trial was adopted on 50 infected birds and 25 healthy and parasitological negative birds and groups were classified as follows: group 1) 25 infected birds treated with Diclazuril, group 2) infected birds treated with Coccicure, and group 3) 25 birds kept as control negative reference birds. The parasitological identification revealed the presence of Eimeria aratinga (E. aratinga) oocysts in the infected bird intestine. Finally, we concluded that E. aratinga is a serious protozoon parasite infesting lovebirds revealing severe clinical signs, high mortalities, histopathological changes in the intestine and alteration in blood parameters. Diclazuril is an effective drug in treating E. aratinga in cocktail lovebirds.

Necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens: disease characteristics and prevention using organic antibiotic alternatives – a comprehensive review

In line with the substantial increase in the broiler industry worldwide, Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis (NE) became a continuous challenge leading to high economic losses, especially after banning antimicrobial growth promoters in feeds by many countries. The disease is distributed worldwide in either clinical or subclinical form, causing a reduction in body weight or body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio, impairing the European Broiler Index or European Production Efficiency Factor. There are several predisposing factors in the development of NE. Clinical signs varied from inapparent signs in case of subclinical infection (clostridiosis) to obvious enteric signs (morbidity), followed by an increase in mortality level (clostridiosis or clinical infection). Clinical and laboratory diagnoses are based on case history, clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions, pathogenic agent identification, serological testing, and molecular identification. Drinking water treatment is the most common route for the administration of several antibiotics, such as penicillin, bacitracin, and lincomycin. Strict hygienic management practices in the farm, careful selection of feed ingredients for ration formulation, and use of alternative antibiotic feed additives are all important in maintaining broiler efficiency and help increase the profitability of broiler production. The current review highlights NE caused by C. perfringens and explains the advances in the understanding of C. perfringens virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of NE with special emphasis on the use of available antibiotic alternatives such as herbal extracts and essential oils as well as vaccines for the control and prevention of NE in broiler chickens.

Essential oils and their nanoemulsions as green alternatives to antibiotics in poultry nutrition: a comprehensive review

Increasing market pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics and the Veterinary Feed Directive of 2019 have led to expanded research on alternate antibiotic solutions. This review aimed to assess the benefits of using essential oils (EOs) and their nanoemulsions (NEs) as feed supplements for poultry and their potential use as antibiotic alternatives in organic poultry production. Antibiotics are commonly used to enhance the growth and prevent diseases in poultry animals due to their antimicrobial activities. EOs are a complex mixture of volatile compounds derived from plants and manufactured via various fermentation, extraction, and steam distillation methods. EOs are categorized into 2 groups of compounds: terpenes and phenylpropenes. Differences among various EOs depend on the source plant type, physical and chemical soil conditions, harvest time, plant maturity, drying technology used, storage conditions, and extraction time. EOs can be used for therapeutic purposes in various situations in broiler production as they possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities. Several studies have been conducted using various combinations of EOs or crude extracts of their bioactive compounds to investigate their complexity and applications in organic poultry production. NEs are carrier systems that can be used to overcome the volatile nature of EOs, which is a major factor limiting their application. NEs are being progressively used to improve the bioavailability of the volatile lipophilic components of EOs. This review discusses the use of these nonantibiotic alternatives as antibiotics for poultry feed in organic poultry production.

The effect of abamectin seeds treatment on plant growth and the infection of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) chitwood

In this study, three concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 ppm) of abamectin 2% suspension concentration (SC) were used as cucumber seeds treatment. The seeds were treated with abamectin to reduce nematodes reproduction and their ability to penetrate the roots, then seed germination and plant growth were observed. All the concentrations didn’t negatively affect seeds germination wherever the germination percent reached 80% at the concentration (1000 ppm) after 20 days of sowing. The effect of abamectin on root-knot nematode was studied by recording numbers of nematodes in 100 g/soil, numbers of the galls, egg mass on the root, and the nematode reproduction factor. All concentrations significantly affected the nematode reproduction parameters compared to control. Abamectin at (500 ppm) was the most effective concentration on reducing nematodes parameters, i.e., 26.57, 38.83, 47.40 %, and 3.15 for the above-mentioned parameters, respectively at the end of experimint. No significant difference between 500 ppm and 1000 ppm. We recommended using the abamectin in (500 ppm) concentration as a seed application to control Meloidogyne incognita in cucumber plants under greenhouse conditions to reduce its environmental toxic effect.

Alternatives to antibiotics for organic poultry production: types, modes of action and impacts on bird's health and production

The poultry industry contributes significantly to bridging the nutritional gap in many countries because of its meat and eggs products rich in protein and valuable nutrients at a cost less than other animal meat sources. The natural antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, enzymes, immunostimulants, and phytogenic (phytobiotic) including herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and oleoresins are the most common feed additives that acquire popularity in poultry industry following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). They are commonly used worldwide because of their unique properties and positive impact on poultry production. They can be easily mixed with other feed ingredients, have no tissue residues, improve feed intake, feed gain, feed conversion rate, improve bird immunity, improve digestion, increase nutrients availability as well as absorbability, have antimicrobial effects, do not affect carcass characters, decrease the usage of antibiotics, acts as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, compete for stress factors and provide healthy organic products for human consumption. Therefore, the current review focuses on a comprehensive description of different natural antibiotic growth promoters’ alternatives, the mode of their action, and their impacts on poultry production.

Insight into the adsorption properties of a β-cyclodextrin/phillipsite organophilic composite for effective removal of toxic organophosphorus pesticides: kinetic and advanced equilibrium studies

β-Cyclodextrin/phillipsite was used in the uptake of three pesticides from water achieving Qsat values of 360 mg g−1 (MPn), 321.6 mg g−1 (OM), and 434.5 mg g−1 (AC). The uptake energies suggested endothermic physisorption reactions.