DNA methylation in poultry:a review

As an important epigenetic modification,DNA methylation is involved in many biological processes such as animal cell differentiation,embryonic development,genomic imprinting and sex chromosome inactivation.As DNA methylation sequencing becomes more sophisticated,it becomes possible to use it to solve more zoological problems.This paper reviews the characteristics of DNA methylation,with emphasis on the research and application of DNA methylation in poultry.

The Transport and Persistence of Escherichia coli in Leachate from Poultry Litter Amended Soils

Fecal coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) are one of the main sources of groundwater pollution. An assessment of the transport and Persistence of E. coli in poultry litter amended Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil was conducted using soil columns and simulated groundwater leaching. Enumeration of initial E. coli was determined to range from 2.851 × 103 to 3.044 × 103 CFU per gram of soil. These results have been used in a batch study to determine the persistence rate of E. coli in Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil. Results prove that E. coli survival growth rate increases for clay soil later than and at a higher rate than sandy soil. The column study has determined that E. coli was transported at a rate of 3.7 × 106 CFU for Decatur silty loam and 6.3 × 106 CFU for Hartsells sandy per gram of soil. Further, linear regression analysis predictions show higher porosity and soil moisture content affect transport, and Hartsells sandy soil has higher transport of E. coli due to its higher porosity and lower volumetric water content.

Identification of Microorganisms in Poultry Farms in N’djamena and the Border Areas of Hadjer-Lamis and Chari-Baguirmi Chad

Introduction: On the outskirts of Ndjamena, semi-industrial poultry farming and traditional poultry farming are practised informally on almost all poultry farms in Chad. This type of poultry farming is faced with real health problems attributable to a lack of monitoring of the vaccination schedule, inadequate compliance with biosecurity measures and poor application of the Ichikawa rule based on the 5 M’s. Objective: The aim of this article is to identify the microorganisms responsible for contamination of poultry farms in the study area. Method: The study was carried out from 28/04/2022 to 31/01/2023 on the basis of 300 samples taken from feed, drinking water, droppings and scrapings from poultry housing surfaces in the 30 farms that served as a framework for our research. Sampling was of the simple random type, and farms were selected on the basis of the farmers’ consent. The data were recorded on pre-established survey forms. Our study was cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective. Bacteria were isolated using the reference method NF EN ISO 6579 for Salmonella spp. and cultured on the specific medium eosin methylene blue (EMB) for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter freundii. Results: The following results emerged from this study: Escherichia coli (5.33%), Pseudomonas (1.33%), Citrobacter freundii (12%) and Salmonella paratyphi (21.68%). Conclusion: Of the 300 samples analysed, 121 (40.33%) were contaminated with pathogens. This high level of contamination is a health problem. The study shows that biosecurity is less satisfactory on the farms visited. Nevertheless, farms with a very satisfactory level of biosafety ensure food safety and variety for the population.

Effect of Incorporating Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Meal into Broiler Diets on Environmental Pollution by Nitrogen from Poultry Excreta: A Review

Poultry feeds are formulated using soybean meal and animal by-products as sources of protein. Animal proteins like fish meal, blood meal, meat and bone meal are being shunned in formulating poultry feeds nowadays because they are associated with zoonotic diseases like salmonellosis and this has left soybean meal as the only source of dietary protein in broiler feeds. Soybean meal is in short supply in Zimbabwe and this country is relying on some soybean meal imports from South Africa and Zambia resulting in prices of poultry feed and broiler meat going upwards. Cheap and locally available alternative sources of protein to soybean meal must be found in order to reduce the cost of making poultry feed. The selected alternative source of protein must have protein which is highly digestible such that the bulk of this protein can be metabolized and utilized by broilers to synthesize meat leaving a little of it to be excreted through faeces and urine. Highly digestible protein is very important in broiler feed making because this reduces the amount of nitrogen lost through poultry excreta into the environment. Cowpea has been chosen to entirely or partially replace soybean meal in this review paper because it is locally grown, drought tolerant, cheap and its true protein digestibility (TPD) of 71% to 76% is generally comparable to 81% to 83% of soybean meal. Nowadays, people are concerned about protecting the environment from being polluted by wastes from industrial and agricultural activities. Poultry farming pollutes the environment with ammonia emitted from poultry excreta. The grain legumes used in formulating broiler feed such as soybean meal contain anti-nutritional factors which reduce protein digestibility and increase nitrogen excretion through poultry faeces. The nitrogen in faeces is volatilized into ammonia, emitted into the atmosphere and cause eutrophication of surface waters. Therefore, the effect of incorporating cowpea meal in broiler diets on environmental pollution by nitrogen excretion from broiler faeces needs to be explored.

Black soldier fly: A new vista for livestock and poultry manure management

The corresponding author and editor express their thanks to Dr.Dave Mangindaan(Bina Nusantara University,Indonesia)forpointingoutthemisuse.

Production systems and important antimicrobial resistant-pathogenic bacteria in poultry:a review

Economic losses and market constraints caused by bacterial diseases such as colibacillosis due to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli and necrotic enteritis due to Clostridium perfringens remain major problems for poultry producers,despite substantial efforts in prevention and control.Antibiotics have been used not only for the treatment and prevention of such diseases,but also for growth promotion.Consequently,these practices have been linked to the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria which constitute a significant global threat to humans,ani-mals,and the environment.To break down the antimicrobial resistance(AMR),poultry producers are restricting the antimicrobial use(AMU)while adopting the antibiotic-free(ABF)and organic production practices to satisfy consum-ers’demands.However,it is not well understood how ABF and organic poultry production practices influence AMR profiles in the poultry gut microbiome.Various Gram-negative(Salmonella enterica serovars,Campylobacter jejuni/coli,E.coli)and Gram-positive(Enterococcus spp.,Staphylococcus spp.and C.perfringens)bacteria harboring multiple AMR determinants have been reported in poultry including organically-and ABF-raised chickens.In this review,we discussed major poultry production systems(conventional,ABF and organic)and their impacts on AMR in some potential pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria which could allow identifying issues and opportuni-ties to develop efficient and safe production practices in controlling pathogens.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Poultry Farmers on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Kitwe, Zambia: Implications on Antimicrobial Stewardship

Introduction: The inappropriate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in chicken production has led to an increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is little information documented regarding the knowledge, attitude, and practices of poultry farmers on AMU and AMR. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding AMU and AMR among poultry farmers in Kitwe, Zambia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 106 poultry farmers from November to December 2021 using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Overall, of the 106 participants, 90.6% knew what antimicrobials were, but only 29.2% were aware of AMR. The study showed that 46.2% of the participants had low knowledge, 71.7% had negative attitudes, and 61.3% had poor practices regarding AMR. The prevalence of antibiotic use in poultry production was 83%. The most used antimicrobials were tetracycline (84%) and gentamicin (35.2%). The commonly reported reason for the use of antimicrobials was for the treatment (93.2%) and prevention (89.8%) of diseases. Further, 76.9% of the administered antimicrobials were usually done without veterinarian consultation or prescription. Conclusion: The study shows that there was high AMU in poultry farms in Kitwe. However, there was low knowledge, negative attitude, and poor practices towards AMU and AMR. Therefore, there is a need for educational and sensitisation programmes regarding AMU and AMR among poultry farmers in Kitwe, Zambia. Alongside this, antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance systems should be strengthened in the livestock production sector. This will ensure food safety and public health.

Poultry genetic heritage cryopreservation and reconstruction:advancement and future challenges

Poultry genetics resources,including commercial selected lines,indigenous breeds,and experimental lines,are now being irreversibly lost at an alarming rate due to multiple reasons,which further threats the future livelihood and academic purpose.Collections of germplasm may reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of genetic diversity by guaranteeing that a pool of genetic variability is available to ensure the reintroduction and replenishment of the genetic stocks.The setting up of biobanks for poultry is challenging because the high sensitiveness of spermatozoa to freezing–thawing process,inability to cryopreserve the egg or embryo,coupled with the females being heterogametic sex.The progress in cryobiology and biotechnologies have made possible the extension of the range of germplasm for poultry species available in cryobanks,including semen,primordial germ cells,somatic cells and gonads.In this review,we introduce the state-of-the-art technologies for avian genetic resource conservation and breed reconstruction,and discuss the potential challenges for future study and further extending of these technologies to ongoing and future conservation efforts.

Study of the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Methacompost from a Poultry Company in Ivory Coast: Test for Growing Big Sun Chilli

The objective of this work was to determine the suitability of poultry methacompost from the 2nd methanizer of the BRIN FOUNDATION in Yaokokoroko (Bondoukou, Côte d’Ivoire), to be used in the improvement of soil fertility. The methacompost studied has a C/N ratio = 17.26, which could characterize a stable methacompost with high amending power. It also contains mineral elements Nitrogen (N) = 0.68% DM;Phosphorus (P) = 0.084% DM;Potassium (K) = 0.67% DM;Calcium (Ca) = 0.65% DM;Magnesium (Mg) = 0.15% DM. red in the standard relating to the organic amendments (NFU 44-051). The methacompost has fertilizing and amending properties and could not present any risk for vegetation and soils.

Local Poultry Value Chian Analysis in Somaliland

Poultry production has important economic, social and cultural benefits and plays a significant role in family nutrition in developing countries. In most tropical countries it is based mainly on scavenging production systems, which makes substantial contributions to household food security throughout the developing world. All over the developing world, these low-input and low-output poultry-husbandry systems are an integral component of the livelihoods of most rural, peri-urban, and some urban households and are likely to continue to meet this role for the foreseeable future. Although the contributions of chicken farming to household food security and income as well as its potential contribution to the income of rural communities are known, chicken production is practiced very little in Somaliland. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to carry out a baseline study on the potential of chicken production (eggs and meats) in Somaliland and its existing chain gaps in order to identify whether chicken production could be a successful income source for women and boost female economic activity in the project areas of Saaxil, MaroodiJeex and Togdheer. The result from this assessment showed that rural chicken production was a women-related activity that helped them to be the sole decision-makers and also users of the benefits regarding chicken and chicken products. The main purposes for keeping chicken were egg production for income generating, home consumption and meat provision. The major constraints for rural poultry keeping were the lack of extension and veterinary services, predators, poor housing, poor breeds, and lack of financial services among others. Women in all the selected villages made remarkable contributions to the local chicken production system. The result of the assessments showed that indigenous poultry value chain consisted of producers, collectors/retaileres, shops and consumers/restaurents. However, the absence of processors along the chain means that chickens are sold live and consequently cannot be retailed through formal channels like supermarkets leading to the exclusion of potential customers in the middle and high income categories who normally shop from supermarkets. Furthermore, as population and incomes grow, demand for indigenous chicken is likely to continue growing, especially among the high income groups who not only prefer it for its taste but also for health reasons due to its low fat content. Finally, although the value chain for indigenous chickens shows potential growth for all the players along the chain, there is a need to address the various constraints affecting the value chain for indigenous chickens in order to improve the operation of the chain hence leading to increased incomes for the value chain actors and at the same time ensuring cheap delivery of indigenous chicken in a more convenient form and in formal outlets.

Development and Validation of an Indirect Whole-Virus ELISA Using a Predominant Genotype VI Velogenic NewCastle Disease Virus Isolated from Lebanese Poultry

Commercial ELISA kits are commonly used to assess the levels of chicken antibodies against NewCastle Disease Virus (NDV) and trace a field strain infection. Nevertheless, the specificity of these kits vis-à-vis endemic strains in Lebanon remains in question. This study developed an in-house indirect ELISA system to evaluate the level of chicken antibodies against a predominant velogenic NDV strain belonging to Genotype VI. A checkerboard analysis comprised a five-factorial multivariate experiment to optimize the protocol: coating antigen concentration, blocking buffer utilization, serum and conjugate dilution levels, and OD reading wavelength. The developed test was optimized and then validated through parallel testing of the sera of 20 broilers and 5 layers using standard serological assays. There was a strong correlation between the developed ELISA results and those obtained with the Hemagglutination Inhibition test (P < 0.01), and a commercial NDV ELISA kit (P < 0.05). The specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the developed ELISA suggest that it can be used as the test of choice for the assessment of chicken antibody titers against locally circulating velogenic NDV strains, specifically those belonging to Genotype VI. It also offers better help in the serological detection of birds’ exposure to the said strains.

Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Poultry Imported into Togo and the Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella spp. Isolated

In Togo, despite the government’s efforts, food requirements in terms of animal proteins are not covered by national production and are subject to huge imports of meat products. However, the hygienic quality of these imports is not guaranteed for the consumer. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of unhygienically unsatisfactory imported poultry and to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella spp. strains. A total of 285 samples of imported poultry, including 55 chicken thighs, 10 chicken backbones, 25 chicken wings, 5 whole chickens, 30 sausages, 35 chicken forequarters, 95 chicken drumsticks and 30 guinea fowl wings, were analyzed using standard AFNOR routine methods. The following germs were tested: Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Anaerobic-Sulfite-Reducing (ASR), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on Salmonella spp. strains isolated using the agar disk diffusion method (CA-SFM). Results showed 100% compliance for TAMF, coagulase-positive Staphylococci and Escherichia coli. On the other hand, 3.84% and 2.46% non-compliance were recorded for ASR and Salmonella respectively. Non-compliance with hygiene rules is generally thought to be the cause of meat contamination. Seven 7 strains of Salmonella were isolated, 5 of which were of the OMA serogroup, and the other two of the OMB and HMB groups. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed resistance to certain beta-lactam antibiotics and quinolones, in particular: cefalexin (28.57%), cefoxitin (14.28%), cefuroxime (28.57%), ceftazidime (28.57%), ceftriaxone (28.57%) and nalidixic acid (28.57%). This result may be explained by the uncontrolled use of B-lactam and quinolone antibiotics in poultry farming. As Salmonella spp. is a pathogenic enteric bacterium that causes food-borne illness in humans, resistance to third-generation cephalosporins remains a major public health problem.

Role and Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves in the Growth Process of Livestock and Poultry

Substitutes of feed antibiotics have been a key research topic in the new stage of animal husbandry.Chinese veterinary medicine refers to decoction pieces and their preparations processed from natural plants,animals,and minerals and used for animal disease prevention and improvement of animal production performance under the guidance of Chinese veterinary pharmacy theory.Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract has many active functional components such as chlorogenic acid,E.ulmoides polysaccharides and flavonoids,which have many biological properties such as antibacterial,antioxidant,immune-regulation,sugar ester-and bone metabolism-regulation effects.This paper explored active ingredients and biological properties of E.ulmoides leaf extract,as well as its role and effects in livestock and poultry breeding,providing a scientific basis for the use of E.ulmoides leaves in livestock and poultry breeding.

噬菌体裂解酶在畜禽生产中的应用研究进展

畜禽生产中抗生素的长期、大量不规范使用,导致细菌耐药性问题日益严重,给畜禽细菌性疾病的预防和治疗带来极大困难,甚至已经威胁到公共卫生安全。噬菌体裂解酶是噬菌体编码的一种肽聚糖水解酶,能够高效、特异地杀灭细菌且具有抗生物被膜活性,已经成为一种新型抗菌药物,逐渐被纳入细菌尤其是耐药菌感染的治疗策略。畜禽生产中,噬菌体裂解酶已经成功应用于金黄色葡萄球菌、链球菌等革兰阳性菌引起的畜禽细菌性疾病的防控与治疗中,其在大肠杆菌、沙门菌等革兰阴性菌上的应用尚处于体外研究阶段。笔者对噬菌体裂解酶的结构特点、作用机制及其在畜禽生产中的应用进行综述,探究噬菌体裂解酶在畜禽生产中的应用现状及前景,以期为噬菌体裂解酶更进一步地应用于防控和治疗细菌性疾病提供参考。

Effectiveness of Combined Biochar and Lignite with Poultry Litter on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Soil Health

Healthy soils are important to ensure satisfactory crop growth and yield. Poultry litter (PL), as an organic fertilizer, has proven to supply the soil with essential macro and micronutrients, enhance soil fertility, and improve crop productivity. Integrating this treatment has the potential to improve soil physical and biological properties by increasing soil carbon, C. However, rapid decomposition and mineralization of PL, particularly in the hot and humid southeastern U.S., resulted in losing C and reduced its effect on soil health. Biochar and lignite have been proposed to stabilize and mitigate C loss through application of fresh manure. However, their combined effects with PL on C sequestration and soil health components are limited. A field experiment was conducted on Leeper silty clay loam soil from 2017 to 2020 to evaluate the combined effect on soil properties when applying biochar and lignite with PL to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experimental design was a randomized complete block involving nine treatments replicated three times. Treatments included PL and inorganic nitrogen, N, fertilizer with or without biochar and lignite, and an unfertilized control. Application rates were 6.7 Mgkg⋅ha−1 for PL, 6.7 Mgkg⋅ha−1 for biochar and lignite and 134 kg⋅ha−1 for inorganic N fertilizer. Integration of PL and inorganic fertilizer with biochar and lignite, resulted in greater soil infiltration, aggregate stability, plant available water, reduced bulk density and penetration resistance as compared to the sole applications of PL and inorganic fertilizer.

畜禽养殖场臭气治理技术研究进展

随着我国畜禽养殖规模逐渐扩大,畜禽养殖场产生的臭气问题日渐突出。在畜禽养殖过程中,养殖场的臭气主要来源于畜禽粪尿、畜禽自身排出气体、饲料残渣、污水、堆肥间等,臭味大多与氨气、硫化氢、吲哚、粪臭素等相关,其中含量较多的成分是氨气和硫化氢,会对生态环境和人体健康甚至畜禽本身产生严重危害,因此对畜禽养殖场臭气的治理迫在眉睫。针对养殖场臭气治理,可采用源头减排、过程控制和末端治理三大途径,从异位和原位进行臭气控制:异位控制是通过物理、化学和生物法对已经释放的臭气进行末端控制;原位控制是通过一些饲料添加剂对畜禽体内进行调控,从而实现过程控制和源头减排臭气,以此减轻养殖场臭气产生的危害。本文基于国内外养殖场臭气治理的相关研究,系统梳理了养殖场臭气的治理技术,并分别对各个技术进行了相关典型案例分析,为养殖场臭气治理的研究提供了一定的技术参考。

畜禽动物油甘油二酯的酶法制备及应用研究进展

1,3-甘油二酯(diacylglycerol,DAG)是公认的安全食品,在人体中的代谢途径不同于甘油三酯,具有提高人体新陈代谢水平以及预防肥胖和心血管疾病等功效。然而,天然DAG在食用油中的质量分数不及10%,因此,近年来高纯度DAG的制备受到了广泛关注。与化学法相比,酶法因绿色、安全、选择性高等优点成为了油脂工业制备DAG的首选。畜禽动物油具有特殊的风味和一定的营养价值,但其高饱和脂肪、高胆固醇和高熔点等理化特征致使其在食品工业的利用受到了极大限制。鉴于此,合成畜禽动物油DAG成为了实现畜禽动物油高值化利用的一种有效途径。本文综述了酶法制备畜禽动物油DAG的研究现状及其潜在的应用价值,以期为畜禽动物油DAG的酶法加工及高值化利用提供一定的思路。

黑土地保护视角下黑龙江省畜禽养殖环境效应分析

为合理利用畜禽粪污资源,保护黑龙江省黑土地资源,优化农畜业生产布局,实现农牧业绿色发展,本研究基于2011—2020年统计数据及文献资料,测算了黑龙江省畜禽粪污排放情况,并据此分析黑龙江省畜禽粪污资源化利用潜力及畜禽养殖环境承载力。结果表明:从时间动态来看,2011—2020年,黑龙江省畜禽粪尿、粪尿养分、COD排放量均有小幅下降,降幅分别为3.68%、3.24%和5.82%;畜禽粪污的化肥替代潜力虽整体略有下降,但10年来均保持在35%以上,2020年化肥替代潜力已达到41.89%,具有较高的有机肥替代化肥潜力;黑龙江省畜禽粪污的能源潜力略有增长,但对煤炭的替代潜力呈下降趋势且替代作用并不显著,2020年畜禽粪污的沼气潜力为46.74亿m^(3),折合为标准煤仅占标准煤消费量的2.90%,能源潜力有待进一步开发利用;黑龙江省畜禽粪尿、粪尿氮、粪尿磷的耕地负荷均未超载,无养殖环境风险,畜禽养殖环境容量的空间剩余呈上升趋势,剩余约2/3,以氮为基准计算,余量为13006.13万头猪当量,以磷为基准计算,余量为8463.19万头猪当量,具有较大养殖潜力。从空间分布来看,黑龙江省各地区畜禽粪污排放及资源化利用潜力存在明显差异,哈尔滨市、齐齐哈尔市、绥化市、大庆市以及佳木斯市等畜禽养殖集聚区的畜禽粪尿资源丰富,畜禽粪污的替代化肥潜力、能源潜力及畜禽养殖发展潜力较大。

饲用微生态制剂的研究进展及应用

近年来,随着“限抗令”的实施,更多的饲用替抗产品被研发并投入使用,微生态制剂即为其中之一。饲用微生态制剂以其维持肠道菌群平衡、提高免疫力等功效跻身饲用替抗产品行列。文中着重论述了微生态制剂的分类、作用机理和在养殖业的应用,为今后的饲料添加剂的研发应用提供理论基础。

辣木叶的营养价值及其在家禽生产中的应用

辣木叶含有多种生物物质,其中含许多具有潜在药用功效的黄酮类、多酚类、苯丙素类、萜类、生物碱类、异硫氰酸酯类、有机酸等化合物,其具有抗氧化、抗菌、抗炎、抗肿瘤、降血压、降血脂等功效。辣木叶中还含有丰富的蛋白质和家禽所需的11种必需氨基酸,矿物元素和维生素也非常丰富,尤其是钙、铁、硒、维生素E、泛酸等。辣木叶作为家禽优良的饲料原料之一,替代部分蛋白质饲料,具有改善家禽生产性能,促进肠道健康、肉品质以及胫骨强度,以及改善蛋品质等作用。文章就辣木叶中的生物活性物质、营养成分以及在家禽生产中的应用进行综述,以期为辣木资源的饲料化和开发利用提供科学依据。