Artificial neural networks on eggs production data management

Background: Eggs have acquired a greater importance as an inexpensive and high-quality protein. The Brazilian eggindustry has been characterized by a constant production expansion in the last decade, increasing the number of housedanimals and facilitating the spread of many diseases. In order to reduce the sanitary and financial risks, decisions regarding the production and the health status of the flock must be made based on objective criteria. The use of Artificial NeuralNetworks (ANN) is a valuable tool to reduce the subjectivity of the analysis. In this context, the aim of this study was atvalidating the ANNs as viable tool to be employed in the prediction and management of commercial egg production flocks.Materials, Methods & Results: Data from 42 flocks of commercial layer hens from a poultry company were selected. Thedata refer to the period between 2010 and 2018 and it represents a total of 600,000 layers. Six parameters were selectedas “output” data (number of dead birds per week, feed consumption, number of eggs, weekly weight, weekly egg production and flock uniformity) and a total of 13 parameters were selected as “input” data (flock age, flock identification, totalhens in the flock, weekly weight, flock uniformity, lineage, weekly mortality, absolute number of dead birds, eggs/hen,weekly egg production, feed consumption, flock location, creation phase). ANNs were elaborated by software programsNeuroShell Predictor and NeuroShell Classifier. The programs identified input variables for the assembly of the networksseeking the prediction of the variables called outgoing that are subsequently validated. This validation goes through thecomparison between the predictions and the real data present in the database that was the basis for the work. Validation ofeach ANN is expressed by the specific statistical parameters multiple determination (R2) and Mean Squared Error...

Artificial neural networks on eggs production data management

Background: Eggs have acquired a greater importance as an inexpensive and high-quality protein. The Brazilian eggindustry has been characterized by a constant production expansion in the last decade, increasing the number of housedanimals and facilitating the spread of many diseases. In order to reduce the sanitary and financial risks, decisions regarding the production and the health status of the flock must be made based on objective criteria. The use of Artificial NeuralNetworks (ANN) is a valuable tool to reduce the subjectivity of the analysis. In this context, the aim of this study was atvalidating the ANNs as viable tool to be employed in the prediction and management of commercial egg production flocks.Materials, Methods & Results: Data from 42 flocks of commercial layer hens from a poultry company were selected. Thedata refer to the period between 2010 and 2018 and it represents a total of 600,000 layers. Six parameters were selectedas “output” data (number of dead birds per week, feed consumption, number of eggs, weekly weight, weekly egg production and flock uniformity) and a total of 13 parameters were selected as “input” data (flock age, flock identification, totalhens in the flock, weekly weight, flock uniformity, lineage, weekly mortality, absolute number of dead birds, eggs/hen,weekly egg production, feed consumption, flock location, creation phase). ANNs were elaborated by software programsNeuroShell Predictor and NeuroShell Classifier. The programs identified input variables for the assembly of the networksseeking the prediction of the variables called outgoing that are subsequently validated. This validation goes through thecomparison between the predictions and the real data present in the database that was the basis for the work. Validation ofeach ANN is expressed by the specific statistical parameters multiple determination (R2) and Mean Squared Error...(AU)

Avaliação da soroconversão induzida por vacinas inativadas comerciais contra Salmonella Enteritidis e Salmonella Typhimurium

As vacinas inativadas têm o propósito de reduzir a contaminação e auxiliar no controle das salmoneloses em aves de postura comercial. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar três vacinas inativadas comerciais de Salmonella Enteritidis e Salmonella Typhimurium (Salmonella Se+St), disponíveis no mercado brasileiro. As vacinas foram comparadas pela metodologia ELISA, quanto à produção de anticorpos direcionados aos sorotipos B e D. Na condução do experimento, foram utilizadas aves da linhagem Hisex White com 18 semanas de idade, separadas em quatro tratamentos, contendo 20 aves cada, sendo cada ave considerada uma repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram em T1 - aves vacinadas com a vacina inativada em microemulsão - Gallimune SE + ST® - Boehringer Ingelheim, dose de 0,3 mL/ave para via intramuscular, tratamento T2 - aves vacinadas com vacina inativada de emulsão simples em adjuvante hidróxido de alumínio - Salenvac T® - MSD, dose de 0,5 mL/ave para via intramuscular, tratamento T3 - aves vacinadas com vacina inativada em emulsão dupla - Avisan Secure® - Hipra, dose de 0,5 mL/ave para via intramuscular, e tratamento T4 ou controle - aves não vacinadas. As amostras de soro foram coletadas aos 14, 21, 28, 49, 84, 119 e 161 dias após a última vacinação, para avaliação da soroconversão. O experimento e a coleta de amostras foram realizados na Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais e as análises laboratoriais conduzidas no laboratório da Boehringer Ingelheim em Paulínia. Todos os tratamentos analisados tiveram uma boa soroconversão para os grupos B e D. Ocorreu uma pequena diferença entre as vacinas utilizadas, em relação à persistência do título de anticorpos de proteção durante o tempo de vida das aves. O grupo D apresentou títulos mais altos que o grupo B, desde o início da avaliação, o que pode ter sido provocado pelo primer realizado nas primeiras semanas de vida das aves com a vacina viva para Salmonella Enteritidis. A vacina do tratamento T1 apresentou uma maior concentração e maior persistência de anticorpos circulantes, para os grupos B e D, em relação aos demais tratamentos avaliados. É possível que esta diferença se deva ao tipo de formulação, a diferença de concentração das estirpes utilizadas, aos adjuvantes, métodos de inativação bacteriana ou ao tipo de emulsão utilizado em cada vacina. Conclui-se que as três vacinas avaliadas, mesmo demonstrando resultados diferentes na concentração de anticorpos, são eficientes na produção de anticorpos, provavelmente conferindo proteção parecida nas aves.

Inactivated vaccines are intended to reduce contamination and assist in the control of salmonellosis in birds of commercial laying. The objective of the work was to evaluate three commercial inactivated vaccines of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium (Salmonella Se + St), available in the Brazilian market. The vaccines were compared using the ELISA methodology for the production of antibodies directed to serotypes B and D. In the conduction of the experiment, birds of the Hisex White lineage, 18 weeks old, were used, separated into four treatments, containing 20 birds each, each being bird considered a repetition. The treatments consisted of T1 - birds vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine in microemulsion - Gallimune SE + ST® - Boehringer Ingelheim, dose of 0.3 mL / bird for intramuscular route, T2 treatment - birds vaccinated with inactivated simple emulsion vaccine in hydroxide adjuvant of aluminum - Salenvac T® - MSD, dose of 0.5 mL / bird for intramuscular route, treatment T3 - birds vaccinated with inactivated vaccine in double emulsion - Avisan Secure® - Hipra, dose of 0.5 mL / bird for intramuscular route , and T4 treatment or control - unvaccinated birds. Serum samples were collected at 14, 21, 28, 49, 84, 119 and 161 days after the last vaccination, to evaluate seroconversion. The experiment and the collection of samples were carried out at the Federal University of Minas Gerais and the laboratory analyzes were conducted at the Boehringer Ingelheim laboratory in Paulínia. All treatments analyzed had good seroconversion for groups B and D. There was a small difference between the vaccines used, in relation to the persistence of the protective antibody titer during the birds' life span. Group D, had higher titers than group B, since the beginning of the evaluation, which may have been caused by the primer carried out in the first weeks of life of the birds with the live vaccine for Salmonella Enteritidis. The T1 treatment vaccine showed a higher concentration and greater persistence of circulating antibodies, for groups B and D, in relation to the other treatments evaluated. It is possible that this difference is due to the type of formulation, the difference in concentration of the strains used, the adjuvants, bacterial inactivation methods or the type of emulsion used in each vaccine. It is concluded that the three vaccines evaluated, even showing different results in the concentration of antibodies, are efficient in the production of antibodies, probably providing similar protection in birds.

The use of light-emitting diodes (LED) in commercial layer production

Artificial lighting is one of the most powerful management tools available to commercial layer producers. Artificial light allows anticipating or delaying the beginning of lay, improving egg production, and optimizing feed efficiency. This study aimed at comparing the performance of commercial layers submitted to lighting using different LED colors or conventional incandescent lamps. The study was carried out in a layer house divided in isolated environments in order to prevent any influenced from the neighboring treatments. In total, 360 Isa Brown layers, with an initial age of 56 weeks, were used. The following light sources were used: blue LED, yellow LED, green LED, red LED, white LED, and 40W incandescent light. Birds in all treatment were submitted to a 17-h continuous lighting program, and were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet. A completely randomized experimental design with subplots was applied, with 24 treatments (six light sources and four periods) of three replicates. Egg production (%) was significantly different (p<0.05) among treatments, with the best results obtained with red LED, white LED, and incandescent light sources. Egg weight, feed intake, and internal egg quality (albumen height, specific gravity, and Haugh units) were not influenced (p>0.05) by light source. It was concluded that the replacement of incandescent light bulbs by white and red LEDs does not cause any negative effect on the egg production of commercial layers.(AU)

The use of light-emitting diodes (LED) in commercial layer production

Artificial lighting is one of the most powerful management tools available to commercial layer producers. Artificial light allows anticipating or delaying the beginning of lay, improving egg production, and optimizing feed efficiency. This study aimed at comparing the performance of commercial layers submitted to lighting using different LED colors or conventional incandescent lamps. The study was carried out in a layer house divided in isolated environments in order to prevent any influenced from the neighboring treatments. In total, 360 Isa Brown layers, with an initial age of 56 weeks, were used. The following light sources were used: blue LED, yellow LED, green LED, red LED, white LED, and 40W incandescent light. Birds in all treatment were submitted to a 17-h continuous lighting program, and were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet. A completely randomized experimental design with subplots was applied, with 24 treatments (six light sources and four periods) of three replicates. Egg production (%) was significantly different (p 0.05) among treatments, with the best results obtained with red LED, white LED, and incandescent light sources. Egg weight, feed intake, and internal egg quality (albumen height, specific gravity, and Haugh units) were not influenced (p>0.05) by light source. It was concluded that the replacement of incandescent light bulbs by white and red LEDs does not cause any negative effect on the egg production of commercial layers.

Experimental infection of commercial layers using a Salmonella enterica sorovar Gallinarum strain: blood serum components and histopathological changes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the blood serum components and histopathological findings of commercial layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), the microorganism responsible for the fowl typhoid. 180 commercial layers were distributed into three groups (G): G1 and G2 received 0.2mL of inoculum containing 3.3x108 and 3.3x105 CFU of resistant SG to the nalidix acid (Nalr)/mL, respectively, directly into their crops; G3 did not receive the inoculum (control group). The birds were inoculated when they were 5 days old and the euthanasia was performed 24 hours before and after infection and 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the administration of the inoculum. In each day of collection, blood samples were obtained for biochemical tests of the blood serum besides macroscopic and histopathological examination of the birds. Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the SAS statistical program and the means were compared by Tukey´s test (P<0,05). In the serum biochemical profile it was observed that the infection interfered in the values of total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglycerides, GGT and ALT in the infected groups. The macroscopic examination showed hepatomegaly, alteration of the hepatic color and hemorrhagic spots in the kidneys of animals from G1. The histopathology showed degeneration of hepatocytes in G1 and G2 although other lesions like multifocal hepatic necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate on the liver and kidneys were restricted to G1. The alterations were more evident on G1 which received a higher concentration of bacteria/mL when compared to G2. The results showed that the correlation between biochemical alterations and macroscopic and histopathological lesions can assist the comprehension of the pathophysiology of fowl typhoid, supplying important information for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.

Experimental infection of commercial layers using a Salmonella enterica sorovar Gallinarum strain: blood serum components and histopathological changes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the blood serum components and histopathological findings of commercial layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), the microorganism responsible for the fowl typhoid. 180 commercial layers were distributed into three groups (G): G1 and G2 received 0.2mL of inoculum containing 3.3x108 and 3.3x105 CFU of resistant SG to the nalidix acid (Nalr)/mL, respectively, directly into their crops; G3 did not receive the inoculum (control group). The birds were inoculated when they were 5 days old and the euthanasia was performed 24 hours before and after infection and 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the administration of the inoculum. In each day of collection, blood samples were obtained for biochemical tests of the blood serum besides macroscopic and histopathological examination of the birds. Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the SAS statistical program and the means were compared by Tukey´s test (P<0,05). In the serum biochemical profile it was observed that the infection interfered in the values of total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglycerides, GGT and ALT in the infected groups. The macroscopic examination showed hepatomegaly, alteration of the hepatic color and hemorrhagic spots in the kidneys of animals from G1. The histopathology showed degeneration of hepatocytes in G1 and G2 although other lesions like multifocal hepatic necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate on the liver and kidneys were restricted to G1. The alterations were more evident on G1 which received a higher concentration of bacteria/mL when compared to G2. The results showed that the correlation between biochemical alterations and macroscopic and histopathological lesions can assist the comprehension of the pathophysiology of fowl typhoid, supplying important information for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.(AU)