Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Blue eggshells have become economically valuable due to their higher popularity among consumers when compared with eggs of other colors, particularly in East Asia. However, eggshell colors vary widely and gradually become lighter with the increase of age. Therefore, to determine the association between DNA methylation and gene expression on the molecular mechanism of eggshell color variation in Xuefeng Black-bone chickens, we collected the shell glands from chickens that produced dark blue eggshells and light blue eggshells, respectively, and performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) on them. The results showed that in the context of CG, DNA methylation levels were the highest compared to CHG and CHH contexts, and were negatively correlated with gene expression levels in three different gene regions in all samples, while there was no significant correlation in the contexts of CHG and CHH. Furthermore, when disregarding the location of coding genes, a total of 55 genes will show differences not only in expression levels but also in DNA methylation levels, and among the majority of differential expression genes (n=50), the DNA methylation levels in the gene body region were the highest. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed in these genes and the results showed that the genes NR1H4 and HEPHL1, ABCA4 and ABCA12, and the pathways, cell adhesion molecular, ABC transporters, ECM-receptor interaction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, may affect the color variation of the blue eggshell of Xuefeng Black-bone chickens.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Caatinga is a biome unique to Brazil, where degradation caused by anthropogenic actions has led to loss of biodiversity and put many species at risk of extinction. The Ceará state is located within the Caatinga and has a rich avifauna. It comprises 433 species, including 13 species that are in danger of extinction, which are found in the Baturité Massif. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and diversity of enterobacteria in wild birds and determine their susceptibility to antimicrobials. Cloacal swab samples were collected from 50 individuals of 28 different species, including the Ceara Gnatheter (Conopophaga cearae) and the Red-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanocephala), which are classified as vulnerable (VU) by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment. A total of 55 isolates belonging to 14 different species of Enterobacteriaceae were identified. Among them, Pantoea agglomerans and Escherichia coli were the most prevalent species with isolation rates of 36% and 26%, respectively. The highest rate of antimicrobial resistance found was to ampicillin (41.8%), followed by nalidixic acid (36.3%) and amoxicillin associated with clavulanic acid (32.7%). Drugs that presented best efficacy were tobramycin (96.4%), ciprofloxacin (92.6%), and tetracycline (90.9%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 23.5% of the analyzed strains. This research provides important information about the composition of the cloacal microbiota of wild birds in Mulungu, Brazil, as well as their health status. Additionally, these results demonstrate that they harbor multidrug-resistant strains of Enterobacteriaceae.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the egg quality between the bluish-shelled (BSh) and whitish-shelled (WSh) eggs of Taiwanese Tsaiya ducks. Experiments were conducted to determine eggshell thickness and strength, heat absorption capability, and egg yolk lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that the eggshell thickness and strength of BSh eggs were higher than that of WSh eggs during both the autumn and winter seasons (p<0.05). The egg surface temperature in either indoors and outdoors conditions was higher in the BSh group than in the WSh group. The extent of lipid peroxidation was determined to analyze the anti-oxidative ability of egg yolk. When eggs were stored at room temperature in autumn for 0 day and 7 days, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in BSh eggs (1.21±1.04 and 1.49±0.69, respectively) were lower than those of WSh eggs (3.42±1.32 and 3.74±1.86, respectively) (p<0.05). Moreover, TBARs in the BSh group stored at 4°C for 14 days were also lower than those of the WSh group, indicating that despite the heat absorption capability of BSh eggs being higher, the anti-oxidative ability remained sound. Then, we determined serum red blood cells, which are the original source of the anti-oxidant component biliverdin in the egg shell. The results showed that the levels of red blood cells and packed cell volume in the BSh group were higher than those of the WSh group (p<0.05). All in all, we suggest that BSh eggs with higher eggshell thickness and strength and antioxidant capacity may possess greater quality and shelf life.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Climate change continues to influence global ecosystems, raising concerns for livestock. This study assesses the impacts of climate change on broiler chickens in northern Tunisia, focusing on well-being and mortality rates during summer. Historical data from the NRMCM5.1 and MPIESM1.2 models, were utilized, covering 1970 to 1997. Projections for 2041-2070 under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emissions scenarios were examined, providing insight into future challenges. The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and Temperature-Humidity-Velocity Index (THVI) served as thermal comfort indicators. The research utilized temperature and relative air humidity data from two models and scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) as inputs for the DCP system, thus evaluating comfort parameters (THI and THVI). The analysis involved calculating annual temperature and humidity averages at the system’s output for each grid and region. Historical and projected data were employed to assess mortality levels by identifying heatwave periods, which had an average duration of 2.7 consecutive days with THI exceeding 30.6°C. The analysis showed significant increases in THI and THVI in the RCP8.5 pessimistic scenario, indicating a risk of heat stress. Mortality rates were used as a measure of the vulnerability of the poultry industry to climate change, and the projections showed substantial average increases of 2.2°C for THI and 1.5°C for THVI.. The RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios predicted an increase in mortality for the period 2041-2070, with averages increasing from 0.8 to 1.3 for RCP8.5 and from 0.6 to 1.1 for RCP4.5, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies to ensure sustainability in poultry farming.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT This exploratory study aimed to investigate the effects of breed and body mass index (BMI) on arrested-laying (AL) associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (AL-PCOS) in geese. Moreover, detailed pathological assessments in geese with AL were also performed. Mast geese and Large gray geese were reared under intensive feeding conditions. Observations during the laying season showed that all AL cases (n:8) (7.84%) were in Mast geese (n:102) fed with energy and protein-dense feeds. Necropsy revealed that all Mast geese with AL also had PCOS (8/8). In Mast geese, a significant difference was observed in body weight (BW) (p<0.0001) and BMI (p<0.0001) between the AL-PCOS group and the regular laying group. Follicle classifications detected by necropsy in AL-PCOS geese showed that among the Mast geese with AL-PCOS (n=8), two had atretic and cystic follicles (25%), four had type-1 and type-2 follicles (50%), and two had necrotic type-3 follicles (25%). The research data revealed that AL-PCOS might be correlated with breed and BMI, and that overfeeding and high BMI might increase AL- PCOS in breeds with high egg production, such as Mast geese. Therefore, it is crucial for farms raising high-yielding breeds such as Mast geese to strictly follow the laying periods and feeding regimes for high profitability. No previous reports had ever investigated AL-PCOS in geese, making this study the first of its kind. Moreover, the current study is also among the few presenting data on geese reproductive physiology and pathology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Livestock and poultry production are critical agricultural industries. Intelligence in the poultry industry has received increasing attention in recent years. An intelligent monitoring system was implemented to manage the poultry house and improve its feeding conditions. Experts can remotely diagnose the health of chickens using a monitor screen. An intelligent video surveillance system was used in this study to evaluate the physical appearance of broilers in a poultry house. Comb color was studied during the long chicken growth phase, and color changes were statistically analyzed. The video surveillance system includes meticulously color-calibrated cameras with an additional YOLOv4 algorithm for comb detection and color recovery. The image data was stored for up to 90 days and then analyzed to understand comb color behavior during growth. This study develops a technique for automatically extracting comb colors that can assist professionals in making color-related broiler health diagnoses in the future.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the impact of a diet supplemented with almond hulls on growth performance, nutrient utilization, cecum microbiota, noxious gas emissions, and the organ weight of broilers. A total of 540, one-day-old Ross-308 broilers were used in this 35-day-long feeding trial. All birds were divided into 3 treatment groups of 10 replicates, each with 18 chicks (18 birds/replication), according to a completely randomized design. The Tukey’s test was used to compare the differences among the 3 treatments. The dietary treatments were a basal diet supplemented with 0%, 1%, and 2% almond hull, respectively. The body weight gain (BWG) of broilers supplemented with almond hull improved (p<0.05) during days 1-7 and in the overall period, whereas it tended to increase (p<0.10) during days 22-35. Additionally, feed intake (FI) tended to increase (p<0.10) during days 1-7 and in the overall experiment period. However, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained unchanged (p>0.05) through the supplementation of almond hull up to 2%. The nutrient digestibility of nitrogen and energy tended to increase (p<0.10), whereas the digestibility of dry matter was unchanged (p>0.05). Inclusion of almond hull in broiler diets showed a tendency to decrease (p<0.10) caecal Salmonella count. Moreover, broilers fed a diet supplemented with almond hull decreased (p<0.05) their excreted NH3 emissions. Similar (p>0.05) organ weights were found in broilers with a 2% almond hull-supplemented diet as compared to the control diet. In summary, incorporating up to 2% of almond hulls into broiler diets can enhance growth performance, increase nutrient digestibility, and reduce both microbial count and noxious gas emissions, thereby establishing almond hulls as a promising ingredient for broiler feed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding symbiotics to the diet of laying hens in the post-peak laying period on performance variables, egg quality, and nutrient digestibility. One hundred and ninety-eight 70-week-old Dekalb White laying hens were distributed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, each with 6 replications of 5 and 6 birds. The treatments were: corn and soybean meal (CSM); CSM + meat and bone meal (MBM); MBM + 0.05% zinc bacitracin additive (ZnBac); MBM + 0.1% Symbiotics in three phases: layer-type chick, pullet, and laying hen (Symb-S; Symb-G and Symb-L). Data were compared by Orthogonal Contrast. The CSM treatment showed better shell thickness when compared to MBM, and a better percentage of albumen. RF and BacZn showed better yolk coloration. ZnBac showed better yolk weight when compared to Symb-S. CSM and ZnBac increased red and yellow yolk colors and Symb-G had an effect for luminosity. The gross energy apparent metabolizability coefficient (GEAMC) was better for CSM and Simb-G. The crude protein apparent metabolizability coefficient (CPAMC) was better with MBM. The dry matter apparent metabolizability coefficient (DMAMC) was better for MBM, Symb-S, and Symb-L. Thus, it is possible to replace antibiotics with symbiotics for laying hens in the post-peak phase.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the influence of two different production systems on the welfare of a new Turkish egg-laying hybrid known as Akbay. A total of 180 Akbay hens at the 80th week of production either reared in a free-range system or conventional cages were used. Live body weight at the 80th week of production was recorded, as well as the weight of immune organs and liver. Plumage damage, foot lesions, stress, and fear were examined. It was observed that the live body weight at the 80th week of production was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the free-range birds as compared to those housed in cages. The rectal temperature was statistically higher (p<0.05) in hens reared in the free-range systems than in those housed in the conventional cages. The percentage of hens with mild to severe foot lesions was higher in the free-range system than in the conventional cages. Plumage damages were more common and severe among hens in cages than among free-range hens. No significant differences were recorded for tonic immobility (TI), the duration of the first head movement, and the number of inductions during TI. The fluctuating asymmetry of the leg and the weight of immune organs and liver were also not significantly different between the housing systems. The housing of laying hens in free range systems improved live body weight with a reduction in stress and feather damage. However, it is suggested that further research should aim at improving the foot lesion issues associated with this housing system.