Effect of Housing Design and Location on Production and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens during Summer in Botswana

Botswana experiences long, hot summer periods which negatively affect broiler productivity and results in economic losses. To determine these negative effects, two parallel broiler production studies were conducted in the North eastern (NE) and South eastern (SE) regions. In each region, three large scale commercial broiler farms were randomly selected based on similarities in bird management and housing systems. In each farm, one house type (Gable, Hoop and See-saw) was selected for long term flock monitoring (1 to 35 days) over three production cycles. Results showed that the production performance of the broilers in the SE region was superior to that in the NE region, with temperatures on being average higher in the NE than in the SE. The European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was significantly higher (p0.05) between the regions at 9.0% and 7.4% for the NE and SE, respectively. In the NE, the Gable structure had the highest profitability and economic efficiency and was thus superior in comparison to the other house structures.(AU)

Responses of Broiler Chickens Fed Low or High Non-Starch Polysaccharide Diets and the Addition of Humic Substances from a Worm Compost

The objective was to evaluate the productivity, microbiology and histopathology of the jejunum, ceca and liver in broilers fed a control or a high non-starch polysaccharide (HNSPs) diet added with an extract of humic substances (EHS). 240 broilers individually allocated, from 21-42 d of age were assigned to a factorial arrangement of 2 types of diets: 1) A corn/soybean meal diet (Control) and 2) As Control plus 7% distillers dried grain with solubles and 12% of wheat bran (HNSPs), and 3 growth promoters: 1) Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP); 2) without AGP (NAGP) and C) with 0.5% of EHS. At the end of the trial, the breast and carcass were weighed and samples of the intestine, ceca and liver were taken for microbial and histopathology analysis. Results were subjected to ANOVA. EHS-fed broilers had lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) and total aerobic bacterial (TAB) counts in the liver and higher ashes digestibility with the Control diet, but negative responses were seen with the HNSPs diet (Type of diet and growth promoter interaction, p≤0.05). The lesion scores in the jejunum were lower in EHS-fed broilers with the Control and HNSPs diet (p≤0.05). The TAB and E. coli were lower in the jejunum and ceca of AGP-fed broilers (p<0.01) compared to NAGP and EHS groups. EHS-fed broilers showed improved FCR and ileal ashes digestibility and lower TAB in the liver with the Control diet and had lower lesion score in the jejunum and similar weight gain compared to the AGP-fed broilers.(AU)

Application of Defatted Scenedesmus Obliquus Biomass for Broilers Nutrition

ABSTRACT A total of 480 Arbor Acres Broiler chicks (mixed sex) from 1 to 35 days of age were divided randomly into 4 treatments to evaluate the impact of defatted Scenedesmus obliquus biomass (DAB) on broiler performance. The DAB was supplemented to broiler diets with levels of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00% from one-day-old to 35 days of age. The DAB samples were analyzed in triplicates. The productive traits were measured weekly and the biochemical indices at the end of the trial. Data was statistically analyzed by One-way ANOVA. It was found that slaughter body weight, body weight gain and average daily feed intake were increased in birds fed diets supplemented with DAB compared to the control ones. However, feed conversion ratio was not affected by any of the treatments. Broilers serum enzymes activities and markers indicated that liver function as indicated by aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and kidneys function which indicated by serum creatine and urea were not affected by DAB supplementation. Furthermore, protein, glucose and cholesterol levels in broilers serum were in normal levels and not affected by treatments. No significant changes were observed in relative organ weights (spleen, bursa, liver, gizzard, proventriculus and heart) or intestine length of broilers at 35 days of age in response to DAB supplementation in their diets. It could be concluded that DAB supplementation to broiler diets from 1 to 35 days of age up to 1% had no negative impacts and might have had a positive effect on broiler performance at 35 days of age.

Performance and immune response of broilers born to breeders of different ages and fed different valine levels

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of digestible valine supplementation in pre-starter and starter diets on the productivity, nutrient metabolizability coefficient (NMC), and immune response of broilers from breeders of different ages. Experiments I and II were conducted with broilers in the pre-starter (1 to 7 days of age) and starter (8 to 21 days of age) phases, respectively. Broilers were fed diets that differed in their digestible valine content. In each trial, 400 male Cobb 500® chicks were randomly housed in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with eight treatments and five replicates of 10 birds each. The main effects were breeder age (37 vs. 52 weeks) and the digestible valine level in pre-starter (9.2, 10.2, 11.2, and 12.2 g/kg) and starter (8.3, 9.3, 10.3, and 11.3 g/kg) diets. Productive performance, intestinal histology, and immune response of broilers were evaluated. Supplementation with 11.2 g/kg valine in pre-starter diets improved NMC and increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum, jejunum development, and lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen of broilers at seven days of age, without improving performance (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). In the starter phase, valine supplementation reduced feed intake but did not affect NMC, intestinal development, or immune response. The present results suggest that the same level of digestible valine should be used in the diet of broilers born to breeders of different ages, and the use of 9.2 and 8.3 g/kg digestible valine in pre-starter and starter diets, respectively, is sufficient to ensure satisfactory broiler performance. However, to improve the duodenum and jejunum development and immune response of broilers in the pre-starter phase, higher digestible valine levels are required.

Evaluation of the Ingestive Behavior of Foreign Fragments and the Integrity of Gastrointestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens

Fragments with vibrant colors and attractive textures in poultry house litter may be consumed considering that the confinement environment does not offer many opportunities for the development of the birdss natural behavior. Control and quality programs aiming to reduce and to eliminate the consumption of materials from the construction of sheds have been implanted. However, it is necessary to develop studies for a better understanding of the birds ingestive behavior and the consequences for their health, welfare and productivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of broilers exposed to metal, wood, glass and plastic fragments at different concentrations and sizes added to the poultry house litter and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. A total of 360 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design over a 2x3 factorial scheme (2 fragment sizes: 2 to 7 mm and 5 to 8 mm and 3 concentrations: 0.1, 0.5 and 1%), totaling 6 treatments and 5 replicates. The fragments used were glass, wood, metal and plastic, in respective concentrations and sizes, distributed in the poultry house litter. The supply of fragments or the accidental occurrence of similar fragments to which were analyzed in this study concerning the poultry house litter, with different sizes, colors and textures does not compromise the integrity of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and the welfare of the birds.(AU)

Evaluation of the Ingestive Behavior of Foreign Fragments and the Integrity of Gastrointestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens

Fragments with vibrant colors and attractive textures in poultry house litter may be consumed considering that the confinement environment does not offer many opportunities for the development of the birds’s natural behavior. Control and quality programs aiming to reduce and to eliminate the consumption of materials from the construction of sheds have been implanted. However, it is necessary to develop studies for a better understanding of the bird’s ingestive behavior and the consequences for their health, welfare and productivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of broilers exposed to metal, wood, glass and plastic fragments at different concentrations and sizes added to the poultry house litter and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. A total of 360 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design over a 2x3 factorial scheme (2 fragment sizes: 2 to 7 mm and 5 to 8 mm and 3 concentrations: 0.1, 0.5 and 1%), totaling 6 treatments and 5 replicates. The fragments used were glass, wood, metal and plastic, in respective concentrations and sizes, distributed in the poultry house litter. The supply of fragments or the accidental occurrence of similar fragments to which were analyzed in this study concerning the poultry house litter, with different sizes, colors and textures does not compromise the integrity of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and the welfare of the birds.

Celulite em frangos de corte por Escherichia coli – revisão / Cellulitis in broilers caused by Escherichia coli – review / Celulitis en pollos de engorde causada por Escherichia coli – revision

A avicultura brasileira alcançou, nos últimos anos, níveis de produtividade e de ajuste na sua organização que a colocam como uma das mais competitivas do mundo. O resultado é um produto com qualidade, sanidade e sustentabilidade, que, aliado a preços competitivos, levou o frango brasileiro a estar presente em mais de 150 países. O objetivo deste trabalho é proceder a uma revisão sobre a celulite aviária associada à ocorrência de Escherichia coli, destacando-se a etiopatogenia, o diagnóstico e a prevenção. Devido à fina espessura da pele dos frangos, vários fatores como deficiência nutricional, substâncias irritantes, toxinas, infecções e problemas de manejo podem, potencialmente, levar a lesões cutâneas. A Escherichia coli é uma bactéria do grupo coliforme que fermenta a lactose e o manitol, com produção de ácido e gás a 44,5 ± 0,2oC em 24 horas, produz indol a partir do triptofano, oxidase negativa, não hidrolisa a uréia e apresenta atividade das enzimas ß galactosidase e ß glucoronidase, sendo considerada o indicador mais específico de contaminação fecal recente e de eventual presença de organismos patogênicos. Portanto, a celulite, tendo a E. coli como agente causador, pode ser considerada como uma das mais importantes causas de condenação da carne de frango, gerando interesses em termos econômicos por conta das perdas financeiras impostas aos produtores. Além das perdas econômicas, há os riscos relativos à saúde pública, tornando-se necessária a reavaliação dos critérios de condenação em casos de celulite aviária determinados na legislação.

The Brazilian poultry industry has reached, in recent years, levels of productivity and adjustment in its organization that place it as one of the most competitive in the world. The result is a product with quality, health, sustainability, which, combined with competitive prices, has led Brazilian chicken to be present in more than 150 countries. The aim of this work was to review avian cellulite associated with the occurrence of Escherichia coli, highlighting its etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention. Due to the thin skin of chickens, several factors such as nutritional deficiency, irritants, toxins, infections and handling problems can potentially lead to skin lesions. Escherichia coli is a coliform group bacteria that ferment lactose and mannitol, producing acid and gas at 44.5 ± 0.2oC in 24 hours, producing indole from tryptophan, negative oxidase, do not hydrolyze urea and have activity enzymes ß galactosidase and ß glucoronidase, being considered the most specific indicator of recent fecal contamination and the possible presence of pathogenic organisms. Therefore, cellulite with E. coli as the causative agent can be considered as one of the most important causes of condemnation of chicken meat, generating interests in economic terms due to the financial losses imposed on producers. In addition to economic losses, there are risks related to public health, making it necessary to reassess the condemnation criteria in cases of avian cellulite determined by law.

La avicultura brasileña ha alcanzado, en los últimos años, niveles de productividad y ajuste en su organización que la ubican como una de las más competitivas del mundo. El resultado es un producto con calidad, salud y sostenibilidad que, combinado con precios competitivos, ha llevado a la gallina brasileña a estar presente en más de 150 países. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la celulitis aviar asociada con la aparición de Escherichia coli, destacando su etiopatogenia, diagnóstico y prevención. Debido al grosor delgado de la piel del pollo, varios factores como la deficiencia nutricional, irritantes, toxinas, infecciones y problemas de manejo pueden conducir a lesiones en la piel. Escherichia colies una bacteria del grupo coliforme que fermenta la lactosa y el manitol, con producción de ácido y gas a 44.5 ± 0.2oC en 24 horas, produce indol a partir de triptófano, oxidasa negativa, no hidroliza la urea y tiene actividad enzimas ß galactosidasa y ß glucoronidasa, considerándose el indicador más específico de contaminación fecal reciente y la posible presencia de organismos patógenos. Por lo tanto, la celulitis con E. colicomo agente causal puede considerarse como una de las causas más importantes de condena de la carne de pollo, generando intereses en términos económicos debido a las pérdidas financieras impuestas a los productores. Además de las pérdidas económicas, existen riesgos relacionados con la salud pública, por lo que es necesario reevaluar los criterios de condena en casos de celulitis aviar determinados por la ley.

Celulite em frangos de corte por Escherichia coli revisão / Cellulitis in broilers caused by Escherichia coli review / Celulitis en pollos de engorde causada por Escherichia coli revision

A avicultura brasileira alcançou, nos últimos anos, níveis de produtividade e de ajuste na sua organização que a colocam como uma das mais competitivas do mundo. O resultado é um produto com qualidade, sanidade e sustentabilidade, que, aliado a preços competitivos, levou o frango brasileiro a estar presente em mais de 150 países. O objetivo deste trabalho é proceder a uma revisão sobre a celulite aviária associada à ocorrência de Escherichia coli, destacando-se a etiopatogenia, o diagnóstico e a prevenção. Devido à fina espessura da pele dos frangos, vários fatores como deficiência nutricional, substâncias irritantes, toxinas, infecções e problemas de manejo podem, potencialmente, levar a lesões cutâneas. A Escherichia coli é uma bactéria do grupo coliforme que fermenta a lactose e o manitol, com produção de ácido e gás a 44,5 ± 0,2oC em 24 horas, produz indol a partir do triptofano, oxidase negativa, não hidrolisa a uréia e apresenta atividade das enzimas ß galactosidase e ß glucoronidase, sendo considerada o indicador mais específico de contaminação fecal recente e de eventual presença de organismos patogênicos. Portanto, a celulite, tendo a E. coli como agente causador, pode ser considerada como uma das mais importantes causas de condenação da carne de frango, gerando interesses em termos econômicos por conta das perdas financeiras impostas aos produtores. Além das perdas econômicas, há os riscos relativos à saúde pública, tornando-se necessária a reavaliação dos critérios de condenação em casos de celulite aviária determinados na legislação.(AU)

The Brazilian poultry industry has reached, in recent years, levels of productivity and adjustment in its organization that place it as one of the most competitive in the world. The result is a product with quality, health, sustainability, which, combined with competitive prices, has led Brazilian chicken to be present in more than 150 countries. The aim of this work was to review avian cellulite associated with the occurrence of Escherichia coli, highlighting its etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention. Due to the thin skin of chickens, several factors such as nutritional deficiency, irritants, toxins, infections and handling problems can potentially lead to skin lesions. Escherichia coli is a coliform group bacteria that ferment lactose and mannitol, producing acid and gas at 44.5 ± 0.2oC in 24 hours, producing indole from tryptophan, negative oxidase, do not hydrolyze urea and have activity enzymes ß galactosidase and ß glucoronidase, being considered the most specific indicator of recent fecal contamination and the possible presence of pathogenic organisms. Therefore, cellulite with E. coli as the causative agent can be considered as one of the most important causes of condemnation of chicken meat, generating interests in economic terms due to the financial losses imposed on producers. In addition to economic losses, there are risks related to public health, making it necessary to reassess the condemnation criteria in cases of avian cellulite determined by law.(AU)

La avicultura brasileña ha alcanzado, en los últimos años, niveles de productividad y ajuste en su organización que la ubican como una de las más competitivas del mundo. El resultado es un producto con calidad, salud y sostenibilidad que, combinado con precios competitivos, ha llevado a la gallina brasileña a estar presente en más de 150 países. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la celulitis aviar asociada con la aparición de Escherichia coli, destacando su etiopatogenia, diagnóstico y prevención. Debido al grosor delgado de la piel del pollo, varios factores como la deficiencia nutricional, irritantes, toxinas, infecciones y problemas de manejo pueden conducir a lesiones en la piel. Escherichia colies una bacteria del grupo coliforme que fermenta la lactosa y el manitol, con producción de ácido y gas a 44.5 ± 0.2oC en 24 horas, produce indol a partir de triptófano, oxidasa negativa, no hidroliza la urea y tiene actividad enzimas ß galactosidasa y ß glucoronidasa, considerándose el indicador más específico de contaminación fecal reciente y la posible presencia de organismos patógenos. Por lo tanto, la celulitis con E. colicomo agente causal puede considerarse como una de las causas más importantes de condena de la carne de pollo, generando intereses en términos económicos debido a las pérdidas financieras impuestas a los productores. Además de las pérdidas económicas, existen riesgos relacionados con la salud pública, por lo que es necesario reevaluar los criterios de condena en casos de celulitis aviar determinados por la ley.(AU)

Aflatoxins and fumonisins in feed from a broiler operation system from São Paulo state, Brazil / Aflatoxinas e fumonisinas em rações de um sistema de produção de frangos de corte no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs) in feed ingredients (corn and soybean meal) and finishing feed in a broiler operation system, as well was to evaluate their effect on the productivity of 20 batches of broilers produced and the histology status of broilers liver after slaughter. Corn samples presented the highest frequencies of AFs and FBs, at mean levels of 29.1 and 2,100µg/kg, respectively. Soybean samples presented mean levels of 1.5 and 70µg/kg for AFs and FBs, respectively. Batches of broilers receiving feed containing FB levels higher than 1,000µg/kg had lower weight gain and higher mortality rates, while those fed rations with AFs equal or above the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analytical method presented higher scores of histological changes in the liver. A dilution effect was observed for AFs and FBs from ingredients, especially corn, to feed during manufacture, whilst not enough to prevent losses in productivity. Results of this trial highlighted the need for strict control of mycotoxins in corn intended for broilers.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar a ocorrência de aflatoxinas (AFs) e fumonisinas (FBs) em ingredientes (milho e farelo de soja) e na ração de abate sobre a produtividade de uma empresa integradora de frangos de corte, bem como avaliar seus efeitos sobre produtividade de 20 lotes de frangos produzidos pela empresa e a histologia dos fígados dos frangos após o abate. As amostras de milho apresentaram as maiores frequências de AFs e FBs, em concentrações médias de 29,1 e 2.100µg/kg, respectivamente. As amostras de farelo de soja apresentaram níveis médios de 1,5 e 70µg/kg para AFs e FBs, respectivamente. Os lotes de aves que receberam ração contendo níveis de FBs maiores que 1,000µg/kg apresentaram menor ganho de peso e maior percentual de mortalidade, enquanto que as que receberam ração com AFs iguais ou superiores ao limite de quantificação (LQ) do método analítico apresentaram maior grau de alteração histopatológica no fígado. Houve efeito de diluição de AFs e FBs dos ingredientes, especialmente o milho, à ração no processo de fabricação, porém não suficiente para evitar perdas na produtividade. Os resultados do estudo reforçam a necessidade do controle estrito de micotoxinas no milho destinado à alimentação de frangos de corte.(AU)

Performance Parameters, Plasma Lipid Status, and Lymphoid Tissue Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Chicks Fed Camelina Cake

The effects of dietary camelina cake (CAMC) on broiler chicksgrowth performance, plasma lipid status and fatty acid profile (FA) of lymphoid organs were evaluated. Six hundred broilers (3-week-old, Cobb 500) were randomly allotted for 20 days in a feeding trials into 2 groups: control (C; corn-soybean meal-canola meal basal diet) and experimental (CAMC; 80 g CAMC/kg diet replaces canola meal from C diet). Blood samples (n=12/group) were collected on day 42 for plasma profile analysis (glucose, Glu; total cholesterol, TC; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C; triglycerides) and immune organs (spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius) for FA analysis. The FA profile of lymphoid tissue was determined by gas chromatography. Feeding the CAMC diet did not influence broilers performance parameters or relative weights of lymphoid tissue, except the weight of bursa that decreased (p 0.05). Plasma lipids profile was affected by decreasing (p 0.05) the concentrations of Glu, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C in broilers fed the CAMC diet. In all lymphoid tissue, the total content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p 0.001) and the total level of n-6 PUFA decreased (p 0.001) as the effect of the CAMC diet. The n-6:n-3 ratio decreased (p 0.001) up to 5:1 in all lymphoid tissue. The higher (p 0.05) concentration of arachidonic acid was found in the spleen, followed by the thymus and the bursa of the chicks fed the CAMC diet. Our results indicate that feeding 80 g/kg camelina cakes in broiler chicks finisher diet had no negative impact on productivity, beneficially alter the plasma lipid status and fatty acids profile of lymphoid tissue.(AU)