Fowl Aviadenovirus E associated with hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome in broiler breeders / Síndrome da hepatite-hidropericárdio por Aviadenovirus e em reprodutores de corte

ABSTRACT: Fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) is an important pathogen in the global poultry industry and the etiology of inclusion body hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in chickens. Since the 1990s, several outbreaks of HHS have occurred in poultry producing areas, including South America. The coinfection of FAdV and chicken anemia virus (CAV) may markedly impact the incidence of HHS. This study describes an outbreak of HHS in coinfection with CAV in industrial broiler breeders and characterizes the FAdV isolate. The three-week-old male broiler breeders had pale bone marrow, enlarged and yellowish liver, splenomegaly, and atrophied thymus; one chicken was also found with hydropericardium. Virus isolation was performed in SPF chicken embryos of liver and thymus. Tissues of the naturally infected chickens and the inoculated embryos were evaluated by PCR and histopathology. All affected chickens and inoculated embryos were positive for FAdV and CAV. The inoculated embryos had enlarged, greenish and hemorrhagic livers, and 30% died within 7 days of inoculation. Phylogenetic analysis of the FAdV isolate hexon gene partial sequence enabled grouping with E species. The E species has recently become a relevant species in several countries. The association of FAdV with CAV in breeders is of further concern due to both being capable of vertical transmission. Within the last decade, a worldwide upsurge of HHS in broiler breeders owing to failed biosecurity has occurred. In this episode, the failure on biosecurity may have enabled challenge with both FAdV and CAV, with pathological synergism. The CAV-impaired adaptive immunity may have benefited the FAdV infection.

RESUMO: Adenovírus aviário (FAdV) é um importante patógeno na indústria avícola global e a etiologia da síndrome da hepatite por corpúsculo de inclusão-hidropericárdio (SHH) em galinhas. Desde a década de 1990, vários surtos de SHH foram descritos em todas as áreas de produção de aves, incluindo na América do Sul, e a coinfecção entre FAdV e vírus da anemia das galinhas (CAV) pode ser agravante para todos os aspectos da SHH. Objetiva-se descrever um surto de SHH em matrizes de frangos corte, caracterizar a estirpe de FAdV envolvida e destacar a coinfecção com CAV. Foram avaliados machos reprodutores de corte com três semanas de idade, com medula óssea pálida, fígado aumentado e amarelado e esplenomegalia, timo atrofiado e um com hidropericárdio. Fígado e timo foram coletados para isolamento do vírus em embriões de galinhas SPF, PCR e histopatologia. Todas as aves acometidas e embriões inoculados foram positivos para FAdV e CAV. Os embriões inoculados tiveram óbito de 30% em até sete dias após a inoculação e alterações hepáticas por fígados esverdeados e aumentados. A análise filogenética de FAdV com base em parte da sequência do gene que codifica a proteína hexon revelou identidade com a espécie E, que se tornou disseminada em vários países. A coinfecção de FAdV e CAV resulta em maior intensidade de lesões, maior morbidade e mortalidade e em reprodutores tem alta relevância epidemiológica, em razão da transmissão vertical de ambos e da ampla distribuição geográfica das progênies infectadas. Na última década, ocorreu um aumento mundial na ocorrência de SHH em frangos de corte relacionado a falhas em biosseguridade, especialmente em reprodutores, condição que pode ter ocorrido neste episódio. A presença de FAdV e CAV em reprodutores é motivo para preocupação por reflexos negativos à imunidade e viabilidade das progênies.

Fowl Aviadenovirus E associated with hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome in broiler breeders / Síndrome da hepatite-hidropericárdio por Aviadenovirus e em reprodutores de corte

Fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) is an important pathogen in the global poultry industry and the etiology of inclusion body hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in chickens. Since the 1990s, several outbreaks of HHS have occurred in poultry producing areas, including South America. The coinfection of FAdV and chicken anemia virus (CAV) may markedly impact the incidence of HHS. This study describes an outbreak of HHS in coinfection with CAV in industrial broiler breeders and characterizes the FAdV isolate. The three-week-old male broiler breeders had pale bone marrow, enlarged and yellowish liver, splenomegaly, and atrophied thymus; one chicken was also found with hydropericardium. Virus isolation was performed in SPF chicken embryos of liver and thymus. Tissues of the naturally infected chickens and the inoculated embryos were evaluated by PCR and histopathology. All affected chickens and inoculated embryos were positive for FAdV and CAV. The inoculated embryos had enlarged, greenish and hemorrhagic livers, and 30% died within 7 days of inoculation. Phylogenetic analysis of the FAdV isolate hexon gene partial sequence enabled grouping with E species. The E species has recently become a relevant species in several countries. The association of FAdV with CAV in breeders is of further concern due to both being capable of vertical transmission. Within the last decade, a worldwide upsurge of HHS in broiler breeders owing to failed biosecurity has occurred. In this episode, the failure on biosecurity may have enabled challenge with both FAdV and CAV, with pathological synergism. The CAV-impaired adaptive immunity may have benefited the FAdV infection.

Adenovírus aviário (FAdV) é um importante patógeno na indústria avícola global e a etiologia da síndrome da hepatite por corpúsculo de inclusão-hidropericárdio (SHH) em galinhas. Desde a década de 1990, vários surtos de SHH foram descritos em todas as áreas de produção de aves, incluindo na América do Sul, e a coinfecção entre FAdV e vírus da anemia das galinhas (CAV) pode ser agravante para todos os aspectos da SHH. Objetiva-se descrever um surto de SHH em matrizes de frangos corte, caracterizar a estirpe de FAdV envolvida e destacar a coinfecção com CAV. Foram avaliados machos reprodutores de corte com três semanas de idade, com medula óssea pálida, fígado aumentado e amarelado e esplenomegalia, timo atrofiado e um com hidropericárdio. Fígado e timo foram coletados para isolamento do vírus em embriões de galinhas SPF, PCR e histopatologia. Todas as aves acometidas e embriões inoculados foram positivos para FAdV e CAV. Os embriões inoculados tiveram óbito de 30% em até sete dias após a inoculação e alterações hepáticas por fígados esverdeados e aumentados. A análise filogenética de FAdV com base em parte da sequência do gene que codifica a proteína hexon revelou identidade com a espécie E, que se tornou disseminada em vários países. A coinfecção de FAdV e CAV resulta em maior intensidade de lesões, maior morbidade e mortalidade e em reprodutores tem alta relevância epidemiológica, em razão da transmissão vertical de ambos e da ampla distribuição geográfica das progênies infectadas. Na última década, ocorreu um aumento mundial na ocorrência de SHH em frangos de corte relacionado a falhas em biosseguridade, especialmente em reprodutores, condição que pode ter ocorrido neste episódio. A presença de FAdV e CAV em reprodutores é motivo para preocupação por reflexos negativos à imunidade e viabilidade das progênies.

Beneficial Impact of Hypercapnic Conditions During Early Incubation on Broiler Hatchability. Embryo Mortality and Postnatal Performance

We assessed the extent to which CO2 levels altered different hatching and chick parameters. In Experiments 1 and 2, a total of 16,184 eggs from Cobb 500 breeders were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON, Exp.1 and 2); (b) increasing CO2 levels during the first 10 days of incubation until 0.7% (V7000, Exp. 1) and (c) until 0.8% (V8000, Exp. 2). High levels of CO2 improved hatchability, possibly due to lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal and external pipping in experiment V8000 started later than in CON; nevertheless, the hatch still occurred before in V8000 as a result of the shorter durations of external pipping and hatch. In Experiment 3, a total of 12,138 eggs from Cobb 500 were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON); (b) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% with ventilation (V10000); and (c) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% without ventilation (NV10000). Hypercapnic conditions led to better hatchability and lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal pipping started earlier in NV10000, but only V10000 differed from CON in terms of the average time for hatch. Hypercapnic groups also showed shorter durations of external pipping and hatch when compared to CON. Post-hatch analysis revealed no differences among incubation conditions in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality by sudden death syndrome, and production factor. Nevertheless, V10000 showed a lower mortality by ascites and a better viability when compared to CON, while NV10000 presented a higher mortality by other causes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to not being detrimental to embryo survival, high CO2 levels reduce embryonic mortality at 18-21 days of incubation and increase hatchability.(AU)

Molecular investigations of the effect of thermal manipulation during embryogenesis on muscle heat shock protein 70 and thermotolerance in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to elucidate the optimum protocol timing of thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis, which underline genetic improvement of muscle thermotolerance acquisition. For the present study, 1,440 fertile eggs were divided randomly and equally into control (37.8 °C with 56% relative humidity) and four thermally manipulated groups (TM1, TM2, TM3, and TM4) subjected to 39 °C for 18 h with 65% relative humidity daily during different embryonic periods. Then, at day 35 post-hatch, all groups were subjected to thermal challenge at 43 °C for 6 h to identify the level of thermotolerance acquisition differences between them. Hsp70 mRNA expression was evaluated by using a relative quantitatively RT-qPCR. Single nucleotide polymorphisms sequence of the Hsp70 gene was evaluated by Sanger's sequencing method. Pectoral and thigh muscles samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect Hsp70. Among TM conditions that were investigated, TM1 (39 °C for 18 h during embryonic days (ED) 7­11) induced a significant improvement in thermotolerance parameters (body temperature and T3 levels) during thermal challenge combined with an increase in the levels of Hsp70 mRNA and its protein with a high stability of nucleotide sequences in both pectoral and thigh muscles. The partial DNA sequence of Hsp70 gene in TM1 was reported, and nucleotide sequences were deposited in NCBI GenBank database with the accession numbers (MK852579) and (MK852580). Thigh muscle thermotolerance acquisition was higher than pectoral muscle during thermal challenge at 43 °C for 6 h. Thus, TM during ED7­11 may improve thermotolerance acquisition without adversely affecting performance.(AU)

Stress and fear responses of slow-growing broiler chickens to light stimulation initiated at different phases of embryonic development

Photo-incubation can influence the fear and stress responses of poultry. However, it is unclear how photostimulation initiated at different phases of development influences the welfare status of slow-growing broiler birds. 500 Sasso eggs were assigned to 4 treatments; some were incubated in the dark throughout incubation (TA), while TB, TC and TD were photo-stimulated (12L:12D) from days 1, 7, and 14 of incubation, respectively, until hatch using a 6,500k LED at 788 clux intensity. Birds were raised in 5 replicates per treatment with 16 birds per replicate using a 6,500k LED (at 28 clux) and a photoperiod of 16L:8D. Fear (emergence, tonic immobility, isolation and inversion tests) and stress response (physical asymmetry) of 10 birds per treatment were examined. At the end of the three-week brooding, all parameters measured were not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the onset of photo-incubation. At slaughter age (12 weeks), physical asymmetry was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TA compared to the other treatments. The frequency of isolation vocalisation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in TB compared to TA, and latency to rightness during tonic immobility was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TA compared to the other treatments. Latency to emerge was significantly longer (P < 0.05) in TA compared to TC and TD. The frequency of wing flaps during inversion was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TA and TD. Conclusively, photo-incubating eggs reduce stress and fear, and initiating photo-incubation during the first phase of incubation is more beneficial.

Partially Dehulled Sunflower Seeds in Diets for Grazing Chickens: Effect in Meat Quality

The effect of including partially dehulled sunflower seeds in the diet of grazing chickens in meat quality was evaluated. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old, Ross 308 chickens were used, randomly distributed into four treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. Seventy-two birds were slaughtered at seven weeks of age, 18 per treatment, extracting the Pectoralis major muscle to analyze meat quality. The treatments were completely randomized in a 2x2 factorial arrangement, where type of rearing (confinement or grazing) and diet (base diet or base diet substituting 10% soybean meal for partially dehulled sunflower seeds) were the independent variables. The grazing chickens spent 8 hours a day in a white clover (Trifolium repens) paddock. Including sunflower seeds improved (p<0.05) the color and crude protein (CP) in breast meat (p<0.05), while grazing increased (p<0.05) CP, dry mater (DM), and shear force (SF), and the percentage of breast fat decreased (p<0.05) by up to 50%. Additionally, grazing increased (p<0.05) saturated fatty acids (SFA) and reduced (p<0.05) lipid oxidation by up to 50%. Partially replacing soybean meal with partially dehulled sunflower seeds in the diet of grazing chickens with white clover improves the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional quality of the breast meat; it also decreases lipid oxidation, extending the shelf life of the meat.(AU)

Effects of breeder age and short-term temperature stimulation during incubation on performance, organ weight, and carcass yield in male and female broilers / Efeitos da idade da matriz e de alterações curtas de temperatura de incubação no desempenho, peso dos órgãos e rendimento de carcaça em frangos de corte machos e fêmeas

Birds develop thermoregulatory control during the last days of incubation. Different temperature conditioning programs have been proposed to prepare broiler chicks for post-hatch life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term temperature (STT) stimulation and breeder age on hatching performance, embryo development, yolk absorption, and post-hatch performance of male and female broilers. A 2 × 2 factorial completely randomized design was used, with two breeder ages (30 and 60 wk), two temperature incubation programs (control and STT), and 2,520 eggs per treatment. Eggs were distributed in two large-scale commercial incubators with a capacity of 120,960 eggs. The control group was subjected to a standard single-stage incubation program (37.2-37.4 °C), whereas the STT group was subjected to a temperature increment of 1 °C for 4 h on embryonic days 16, 17, 18, and 19. Embryos were analyzed at 16 and 19 days of incubation, and chicks at hatch. At 19 days of incubation, STT conditioning resulted in lower yolk sac weight in embryos from 60-wk-old breeders and higher relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract in embryos from 30-wk-old breeders. At hatch, males had lower residual yolk weight, females had greater length, and chicks from 60-wk-old breeders subjected to STT had higher body weight and relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract. Eggs from 30-wk-old breeders showed higher fertility and hatchability and lower infertility, mortality, and second-grade chick percentages. Regarding performance, it was found that males had higher body weight from 7 to 42 days of age and higher whole leg yields. Females, on the other hand, had higher fat yields. Breeder age and sex influenced gastrointestinal tract development, carcass yield, and performance. A 1 °C increase in incubation temperature for 4 h from days 16 to 19 of incubation affected yolk absorption and digestive tract development in chicks from 60-wk-old breeders without, however, influencing performance results.(AU)

As aves desenvolvem o controle do sistema termorregulatório durante os últimos dias de incubação, dessa forma, diferentes programas temperatura de incubação têm sido descritos para preparar os pintos de corte para a vida pós-eclosão. Objetivou-se nesse estudo, estabelecer os efeitos de alterações curtas na temperatura de incubação e da idade da matriz no desempenho de eclosão, desenvolvimento embrionário, absorção da gema e desempenho pós-eclosão de frangos de corte machos e fêmeas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em fatorial 2 x 2 com 2 idades de matriz (30 e 60 semanas) e 2 programas de incubação de temperatura, controle (CT) e grupo de treinamento de temperatura de curto prazo (STT) e 2.520 ovos em cada tratamento. Os ovos foram distribuídos em 2 incubadoras comerciais de grande escala com capacidade para 120.960 ovos. O grupo CT seguiu um programa de incubação de estágio único padrão (37,2-37,4°C) e o STT teve um incremento em + 1 ° C por 4 hs nos dias 16, 17, 18 e 19 de incubação. Os embriões foram analisados aos 16 e 19 dias e pintinhos na eclosão. Aos 19 dias de incubação, embriões de matrizes com 60 semanas apresentaram menor peso do saco vitelino e embriões de matrizes com 30 semanas apresentaram maior porcentagem de trato gastrointestinal quando em STT. Na eclosão, os machos apresentaram menor vitelo residual, e as fêmeas apresentaram maior comprimento, pintinhos mais pesados e maior trato gastrointestinal quando originárias de matrizes de 60 semanas de idade e expostos ao STT. Na eclosão, os ovos com 30 semanas de idade apresentaram maior porcentagem de fertilidade e eclodibilidade e menor infertilidade, mortalidade e pintos de secunda categoria. No desempenho, os machos apresentaram maior peso corporal do 7° ao 42° dia e maiores valores de porcentagem de pernas e as fêmeas maiores valores de porcentagem de gordura. A idade das matrizes e o sexo influenciaram o desenvolvimento visceral, o rendimento de carcaça e o desempenho dos frangos de corte. O aumento de 1°C durante 4 horas entre os dias 16 e 19 de incubação afetou a absorção da gema e o trato digestivo em pintos de matrizes com 60 semanas de idade, sem refletir nos resultados de desempenho.(AU)

Data mining as a hatchery process evaluation tool

The hatchery is one of the most important segments of the poultry chain, and generates an abundance of data, which, when analyzed, allow for identifying critical points of the process . The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the data mining technique to databases of egg incubation of broiler breeders and laying hen breeders. The study uses a database recording egg incubation from broiler breeders housed in pens with shavings used for litters in natural mating, as well as laying hen breeders housed in cages using an artificial insemination mating system. The data mining technique (DM) was applied to analyses in a classification task, using the type of breeder and house system for delineating classes. The database was analyzed in three different ways: original database, attribute selection, and expert analysis. Models were selected on the basis of model precision and class accuracy. The data mining technique allowed for the classification of hatchery fertile eggs from different genetic groups, as well as hatching rates and the percentage of fertile eggs (the attributes with the greatest classification power). Broiler breeders showed higher fertility (> 95 %), but higher embryonic mortality between the third and seventh day post-hatching (> 0.5 %) when compared to laying hen breeders eggs. In conclusion, applying data mining to the hatchery process, selection of attributes and strategies based on the experience of experts can improve model performance.

Data mining as a hatchery process evaluation tool

The hatchery is one of the most important segments of the poultry chain, and generates an abundance of data, which, when analyzed, allow for identifying critical points of the process . The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the data mining technique to databases of egg incubation of broiler breeders and laying hen breeders. The study uses a database recording egg incubation from broiler breeders housed in pens with shavings used for litters in natural mating, as well as laying hen breeders housed in cages using an artificial insemination mating system. The data mining technique (DM) was applied to analyses in a classification task, using the type of breeder and house system for delineating classes. The database was analyzed in three different ways: original database, attribute selection, and expert analysis. Models were selected on the basis of model precision and class accuracy. The data mining technique allowed for the classification of hatchery fertile eggs from different genetic groups, as well as hatching rates and the percentage of fertile eggs (the attributes with the greatest classification power). Broiler breeders showed higher fertility (> 95 %), but higher embryonic mortality between the third and seventh day post-hatching (> 0.5 %) when compared to laying hen breeders eggs. In conclusion, applying data mining to the hatchery process, selection of attributes and strategies based on the experience of experts can improve model performance.(AU)

In ovo feeding: a review / Alimentação in ovo: uma revisão

The poultry industry plays a large role in the Brazilian economy. In fact,Brazil ranks as the worlds leading exporter and second largest producer ofpoultry meat as the result of genetic improvement, animal nutrition,management, and biosecurity. During the development of bird embryos, thenutrients are stored within the egg, but carbohydrate supplementation isunsatisfactory upon hatching. Poor carbohydrate supplementation candamage the embryo development and negatively affect poultry weight. Inovo feeding is a promising technique to improve the quality of newly hatchedchicks as it uses systems for feeding the embryos by inoculating nutrientsinto the egg amniotic fluid. However, further studies are needed in order toimprove this technique and create effective implementations and protocolsthat can be widely used in the industry. This study aims to both review theliterature on the use of in-ovo feeding and understand the perspectives ofits use in the broiler production chain.

A avicultura tem tido papel expressivo na economia brasileira, estando o país classificado como o segundo maior produtor e o maior exportador do mundo. Esse resultado é proveniente de avanços no melhoramento genético, nutrição, manejo e biosseguridade. Nas aves, os nutrientes utilizados durante o desenvolvimento embrionário estão contidos no ovo, sendo escassa a reserva de carboidratos logo após a eclosão do pintainho. Essa restrição pode causar prejuízos ao desenvolvimento embrionário, impactando negativamente no peso das aves. Diante disso, a nutrição in ovo mostra-se como uma técnica promissora, que visa prover nutrientes ao embrião por meio da inoculação de soluções com efeitos benéficos ao seu desenvolvimento. Contudo, são necessários mais estudos no intuito de aprimorar a técnica e criação de protocolos efetivos que possam ser amplamente utilizados pela indústria. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi abordar e depreender as perspectivas da utilização da técnica nutrição in ovo na cadeia produtiva de frangos de corte.

In ovo feeding: a review / Alimentação in ovo: uma revisão

The poultry industry plays a large role in the Brazilian economy. In fact,Brazil ranks as the worlds leading exporter and second largest producer ofpoultry meat as the result of genetic improvement, animal nutrition,management, and biosecurity. During the development of bird embryos, thenutrients are stored within the egg, but carbohydrate supplementation isunsatisfactory upon hatching. Poor carbohydrate supplementation candamage the embryo development and negatively affect poultry weight. Inovo feeding is a promising technique to improve the quality of newly hatchedchicks as it uses systems for feeding the embryos by inoculating nutrientsinto the egg amniotic fluid. However, further studies are needed in order toimprove this technique and create effective implementations and protocolsthat can be widely used in the industry. This study aims to both review theliterature on the use of in-ovo feeding and understand the perspectives ofits use in the broiler production chain.(AU)

A avicultura tem tido papel expressivo na economia brasileira, estando o país classificado como o segundo maior produtor e o maior exportador do mundo. Esse resultado é proveniente de avanços no melhoramento genético, nutrição, manejo e biosseguridade. Nas aves, os nutrientes utilizados durante o desenvolvimento embrionário estão contidos no ovo, sendo escassa a reserva de carboidratos logo após a eclosão do pintainho. Essa restrição pode causar prejuízos ao desenvolvimento embrionário, impactando negativamente no peso das aves. Diante disso, a nutrição in ovo mostra-se como uma técnica promissora, que visa prover nutrientes ao embrião por meio da inoculação de soluções com efeitos benéficos ao seu desenvolvimento. Contudo, são necessários mais estudos no intuito de aprimorar a técnica e criação de protocolos efetivos que possam ser amplamente utilizados pela indústria. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi abordar e depreender as perspectivas da utilização da técnica nutrição in ovo na cadeia produtiva de frangos de corte.(AU)

Morphological Investigations of the Effect of Thermal Manipulation During Embryogenesis on Body Performance and Structure of Pectoral and Thigh Muscle of Ross Broiler Chicken

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum timing of thermal manipulation during early, mid, late and long lasting embryogenesis that may result in improvement of body performance and myofiber development (fiber diameter and thickness of perimysium) of pectoral and thigh muscles by a comparative morphometrical investigation on post-hatch day 35. 1440 fertile Ross broiler eggs were divided randomly and equally into 5 treatment groups: control (no TM), TM1, TM2 TM3 and TM4 were thermally subjected to 39ºC for 18h with 65% relative humidity daily during embryonic days ED 7-11, ED 11-15, ED 15-18 and ED 7-18 respectively. Out of TM conditions that were investigated, TM1 resulted in a significant improvement of hatchability rate (95.14%)and body performance when compared to the control. On post-hatch day 35, there were significant differences in BW, skinned carcass, breast, thigh and gut weight for all groups when compared to each other with a higher significant in TM1 and TM2 when compared to those of the control. FCR in this study was lower in TM groups when compared to the control group. In TM3 and TM4 the chicks show a significantly lower value of body performance when compared with those of the control group, TM1 and TM2.The histological evaluation of Pectoral muscle revealed myofibers of different diameter (38.39-40.27 µm) and perimysial thickening (17-30.5 µm), while myofibers diameter of thigh muscle ranged between (29-32.9 µm) and the perimysial thickening ranged between (14.36-22.15 µm). Thus, these results indicate that TM duringED7-11 improved muscle growth and body performance and this finding may be applied by commercial breeders to produce more enhanced broiler chickens.(AU)

Morphological Investigations of the Effect of Thermal Manipulation During Embryogenesis on Body Performance and Structure of Pectoral and Thigh Muscle of Ross Broiler Chicken

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum timing of thermal manipulation during early, mid, late and long lasting embryogenesis that may result in improvement of body performance and myofiber development (fiber diameter and thickness of perimysium) of pectoral and thigh muscles by a comparative morphometrical investigation on post-hatch day 35. 1440 fertile Ross broiler eggs were divided randomly and equally into 5 treatment groups: control (no TM), TM1, TM2 TM3 and TM4 were thermally subjected to 39ºC for 18h with 65% relative humidity daily during embryonic days ED 7-11, ED 11-15, ED 15-18 and ED 7-18 respectively. Out of TM conditions that were investigated, TM1 resulted in a significant improvement of hatchability rate (95.14%)and body performance when compared to the control. On post-hatch day 35, there were significant differences in BW, skinned carcass, breast, thigh and gut weight for all groups when compared to each other with a higher significant in TM1 and TM2 when compared to those of the control. FCR in this study was lower in TM groups when compared to the control group. In TM3 and TM4 the chicks show a significantly lower value of body performance when compared with those of the control group, TM1 and TM2.The histological evaluation of Pectoral muscle revealed myofibers of different diameter (38.39-40.27 µm) and perimysial thickening (17-30.5 µm), while myofibers diameter of thigh muscle ranged between (29-32.9 µm) and the perimysial thickening ranged between (14.36-22.15 µm). Thus, these results indicate that TM duringED7-11 improved muscle growth and body performance and this finding may be applied by commercial breeders to produce more enhanced broiler chickens.

Is the eggshell quality influenced by the egg weight or the breeder age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.(AU)

Is the eggshell quality influenced by the egg weight or the breeder age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.

Grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in high fatty acid diets for Hubbard broilers

The 7-week feeding trial evaluated the effect of 2% grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in the diets for slow-growing Hubbard broiler chicks, aged 14 days. The chicks were weighed individually and assigned to two groups (C and E), with 40 chicks per group, housed under conditions of temperature, humidity and light regimen according to the hybrid management guide. The basal ingredients of the conventional diet were corn, wheat, gluten, soybean meal and 2% flaxseed meal, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Compared to the control formulation, the experimental formulation included 2% grapeseed meal, both in the growing and finishing stages. The broilers had free access to feed and water. In the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected for serum biochemical determinations and six broilers per group were slaughtered and samples of breast and thigh meat were collected. The meat samples were assayed for the basic chemical composition, fatty acids profile and cholesterol content using standardized methods. The content of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in breast samples, while cholesterol content was significantly lower (p<0.05) in thigh samples from E group, compared to C. Blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in group E than in group C. The study showed that the grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in broiler diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids given to Hubbard broilers had beneficial effects on broiler meat quality and on the metabolic profile of the blood plasma.(AU)

Grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in high fatty acid diets for Hubbard broilers

The 7-week feeding trial evaluated the effect of 2% grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in the diets for slow-growing Hubbard broiler chicks, aged 14 days. The chicks were weighed individually and assigned to two groups (C and E), with 40 chicks per group, housed under conditions of temperature, humidity and light regimen according to the hybrid management guide. The basal ingredients of the conventional diet were corn, wheat, gluten, soybean meal and 2% flaxseed meal, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Compared to the control formulation, the experimental formulation included 2% grapeseed meal, both in the growing and finishing stages. The broilers had free access to feed and water. In the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected for serum biochemical determinations and six broilers per group were slaughtered and samples of breast and thigh meat were collected. The meat samples were assayed for the basic chemical composition, fatty acids profile and cholesterol content using standardized methods. The content of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in breast samples, while cholesterol content was significantly lower (p<0.05) in thigh samples from E group, compared to C. Blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in group E than in group C. The study showed that the grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in broiler diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids given to Hubbard broilers had beneficial effects on broiler meat quality and on the metabolic profile of the blood plasma.

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.(AU)

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.(AU)

Development of digestive organs of female broilers under varying post-hatch fasting times / Desenvolvimento dos órgãos digestórios de frangos de corte fêmea submetidos a diferentes períodos de jejum pós-eclosão

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of post-hatch fasting time on the weights of body and digestive organs of chicks. Fertile eggs from 62-week-old broiler breeders (Cobb Fast lineage) were incubated and, after hatching, female chicks were randomly divided into six treatments, which corresponded to fasting periods (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), with 40 chicks per treatment. At 01, 03, 06, and 10 days after hatching, measurements of body weight; residual yolk weight; relative weights of proventriculus + gizzard, intestine + pancreas and liver; and intestine total length were made. At 6 days of age, the chicks submitted to post-hatch fasting, for up to 12 hours, demonstrated greater development, with body weights higher than the other birds. Yet, when fed, no compensatory gain was observed and, at 10 days of age, the birds submitted to 48- and 72-h fasting remained with a lower body development. Intestine growth was also compromised by post-hatch fasting, being reduced in both weight and length. A post-hatching fasting of up to 24 hours did not interfere with the weights of body and digestive organs of 10-day-old female broiler chickens. However, 48- and 72-h post-hatch fastings affected adversely the weight and growth of digestive organs in the birds.

O efeito dos períodos de jejum pós-eclosão foi avaliado sobre o peso inicial das aves e de seus órgãosdigestórios. Ovos férteis de matrizes de frango de corte (linhagem Cobb Fast) de 62 semanas de idadeforam incubados e após a eclosão os pintinhos (fêmeas) foram divididos em seis tratamentos de 40aves cada, correspondentes a tempos diferentes de jejum (0, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas). Com 1, 3, 6e 10 dias de idade, o peso corporal das aves e do vitelo residual, pesos relativos do proventrículo +moela, intestino + pâncreas, fígado, e o comprimento total do intestino foram analisados. Aos 6 dias deidade, os animais que foram submetidos ao jejum pós-eclosão de até 12 horas demonstraram melhordesenvolvimento com maior peso corporal em relação aos demais. Essas aves não apresentaram ganhocompensatório quando alimentadas; no entanto, aos 10 dias de idade, os animais submetidos a 48 e72 horas de jejum, permaneceram com menor desenvolvimento corporal. O crescimento do intestinotambém foi comprometido em função do jejum pós-eclosão, com redução de comprimento e peso. Ojejum pós-eclosão de até 24 horas não afetou o peso corporal e o peso de órgãos digestórios em fêmeas de frango de corte criadas até 10 dias. Já jejum de 48 e 72 horas afeta de forma negativa o peso corporal e o crescimento dos órgãos digestórios.