Use of coffee husks - comparison of pellet bedding quality, performance features, and some welfare indicators of broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of wheat straw and different coffee husk (CHs) levels in pellet bedding on its quality, broiler chickens' performance, meat quality, and welfare indicators. In total, 200 Ross 308 chickens were divided into 4 groups: C - control with wheat straw pellet; CH10 - pellet with 10% CHs, CH25 - pellet with 25% CHs, and CH50 - pellet with 50% CHs. During 42 days of rearing, each bedding's physicochemical features were analyzed. The production results were controlled, and the footpad dermatitis, hock burns, and feather quality were assessed. From chosen birds, carcass composition was analyzed, as well as the qualitative features (color, water-holding capacity, drip loss) and breaking bone strength. RESULTS: The bedding material and rearing days influenced the content of dry matter, crude fiber, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, NDF, ADF, and pH. The results were inconclusive. The increasing trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were noticed at the end of rearing. Strong coefficient determination in bedding features was found (0.580 - 0.986). The pellet with CHs had no adverse effect on the growth performance of broilers. In the CH50 group, a lower fat percentage was found. A beneficial effect on water-holding capacity was noticed in leg muscles from CH10 and pectoral muscles from CH25. A significant decrease was found in footpad dermatitis incidence in groups CH25 and CH50. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that CHs reuse in broilers as the pellet bedding material is possible due to the beneficial effect on some meat quality features and no adverse effect on the performance of broiler chickens. The positive impact on lower foot pad dermatitis incidence indicated the possibility of using CHs in pellet bedding.

Growth performance, meat quality, strength of jejunum and leg bones of both sexes Cherry Valley ducks fed with zeolite.

Zeolite, as a natural mineral, could be a good additive for ducks, in line with pro-environmental trends. The study aimed to evaluate zeolite additives in feed for broiler ducks of both sexes on production results, meat quality, and the strength of the jejunum, tibia, and femur. The experiment used 200 Cherry Valley ducks, divided into a control group of males (CM) and females (CF) and an experimental group of males (ZM) and females (ZF). In the control groups, a commercial diet was used. In the experimental groups, 1% zeolite was added. The ZM group demonstrated higher body weight and weight gain than the CM group. Zeolite reduced the feed conversion ratio. A higher liver weight was found in the experimental group (ZM). Notably, zeolite influenced the weight of male pectoral muscles. Higher water loss in the pectoral muscles and higher protein content in the leg muscles were found in the same group. Females had a higher weight of neck and wings with skin. Female pectoral muscles had lower protein and water content. Zeolite in feed at a 1% level for broiler ducks could be recommended as a natural additive that positively affects the ducks' production results concerning good quality meat.

Pheasant hatchability and physicochemical features of egg and extra-embryonic structures depending on eggshell color.

The study aimed to analyze the biological value of eggs and extra-embryonic structures affecting pheasant hatchability depending on the eggshell's color. Eggs (1,415) from 62-wk-old pheasants were used. The quality of fresh blue (BL), brown (BR), and green (G) eggs were analyzed. Incubation lasted for 25 d. Thick albumen (d 0, 1, 7, 14), amniotic fluid (d 14, 18), and the yolk (d 0-14) were collected. The pH, viscosity, lysozyme activity, crude protein (CP) content in albumen and amnion, pH, vitelline membrane strength, and fatty acids (FA) content in the yolk were performed. The lowest hatchability was in the BL group, and the highest was in the G group. BL group showed lower eggshell thickness and strength and higher egg weight. In thick albumen and amniotic fluid, the pH decreased with the incubation. In the yolk, there was an increasing trend (P = 0.015), with a decrease on d 18 (P < 0.001). The vitelline membrane strength decreased after 1 d of incubation, excluding BR eggs (P < 0.001). Thick albumen viscosity was higher on d 14 in the G group than in other dates and groups, the lowest in amniotic fluid, and slightly higher in BL and BR eggs. On d 18, amniotic fluid viscosity increased (P < 0.001). The lowest viscosity was indicated in BL eggs (P < 0.001). The lysozyme activity in thick albumen on d 14 was the highest (uniquely in BR and G groups), and the lowest values were found in amniotic fluid on d 14; after four d, the activity increased (P < 0.001). The CP content was higher in the BL group on d 14. In amnion, on d 14, the CP content was the lowest (<1%) and increased on d 18 (P < 0.001). There was a higher FA content (especially UFA) in the G group and a decrease in FA content after d 14 (P < 0.001). It was found that eggs with green eggshells have the highest biological value, and blue eggs are the least useful for incubation.

Effects of feeding silage of beet pulp or maize on the growth performance, meat quality, and production economics of broiler ducks.

The present study aimed to compare the growth, meat quality, and production economics of Cherry Valley broiler ducks fed with a commercial diet along with silage from beet pulp or maize. In this study, 180 male Cherry Valley ducks were reared for 49 d. The control group (group C) was fed a commercial diet ad libitum. The experimental groups were fed a restricted amount of commercial diet and ad libitum beet pulp silage (group B) or maize silage (group M). For all groups, the growth performance and meat quality were analyzed, and their production costs were estimated. The beneficial effects of feeding maize silage on the growth rate were observed on d 29 to 49 in group M; moreover, both experimental groups showed lower feed intake than group C (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in the first rearing stage and during the entire experimental period in groups B and M than that in group C. Group M showed a higher European Production Efficiency Factor and European Broiler Index than group C (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver was higher in group C than that in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Group M showed a higher L* value of leg muscles than group C (P < 0.05). Water-holding capacity was higher in leg muscles from ducks fed with silages (P < 0.05). The experimental groups had lower costs of commercial diets. Higher costs were observed for maize silage than for beet pulp silage. Carcass sales yielded the highest profit for group M and the lowest one for group C. Compared with the control group, the silage-fed groups showed a higher estimated profit by PLN 7.94 to 10.68 per duck (P < 0.05). Based on the beneficial production results, notably lower feed conversion ratio, no negative effects on carcass characteristics, and lower production costs, especially maize or even beet pulp silage in broiler duck rearing, could be recommended.

The effect of coffee husks used as pellet bedding material on the intestinal barrier, immune-related gene expression and microbiota composition in the broiler chicken caecum.

Introduction: Using coffee husks as waste material for bedding contributes to sustainable development. A sustainable choice of bedding has also, however, to be a safe choice for poultry. The study analysed immune-related gene expression in the intestinal mucosa and indicator bacteria in caecal content collected from broiler chickens bedded on material with coffee husk addition. Material and Methods: One-day-old Ross 308 chickens were divided into four groups of 10 birds each in five replicates: C, the control group kept on wheat straw bedding; CH10, a group kept on bedding of 10% coffee husks and 90% wheat straw; CH25, a group kept on bedding of 25% husks and 75% straw; and CH50, a group kept on bedding of 50% husks and 50% straw. After 42 days, the birds were slaughtered, the caecal mucosae were removed for RNA isolation and the caecal content was collected for bacterial DNA isolation. The expression of genes involved in intestinal immune response and host organism defence and the relative abundance of indicator bacteria were analysed. Results: Upregulation of the expression of genes related to the immune response and intestinal tightness was correlated with an increase in the percentage of coffee husks in the pellet. Coffee husk pellets at 50% bedding content caused a significant numerical increase in Bifidobacterium and a statistically significant increase in Lactobacillus. A significant reduction in E. coli bacteria was also demonstrated in this group. Coffee husk pellets at all content percentages resulted in a statistically significant diminution of the level of Streptococcus bacteria. Conclusion: The addition of coffee husks to poultry litter effects beneficial changes in the expression of genes related to intestinal health and the caecal bacterial profile.

Growth performance, carcass composition, and qualitative meat features of broiler chickens after galactooligosaccharides and sodium butyrate in ovo administration.

The study aimed to analyze the growth performance, feed indicators, and quantitative and qualitative physicochemical features of carcass and meat from broiler chickens after rearing, stimulated in ovo on d 12 of incubation with various substances. In the experiment, 1,200 hatching eggs from meat-type hen Ross 308 parental flock were incubated. On d 12, the injection was performed. Group CON-0 was noninjected. Group CON-S was injected with saline. In the GOS group, the procedure was performed in ovo with galactooligosaccharides (dissolved 3.5 mg of GOS in 0.2 mL of NaCl). In the SB group, butyric acid sodium salt was administered in a 0.3% SB dissolved in 0.2 mL NaCl. After hatching, 336, 1-day-old chicks per group were transferred to the broiler house and kept in 7 pens with 12 chickens per group for 42 d. The body weight and feed intake indicators were calculated. Next, 40 birds were selected (n = 10 per group) and taken to analyze carcass composition and meat quality (pH, color, WHC, drip loss, chemical composition). Compared to the experimental groups, the highest body weight indicators were found in groups CON-0 and CON-S. The feed conversion ratio was the lowest in the SB group on d 36 to 42 (P < 0.05). The European Efficiency Production Factor in groups GOS and SB was lower than in group CON-S (P = 0.005). The GOS group showed higher pH24hours in the pectoral muscles than the CON-S group (P = 0.011). The leg muscles showed better WHC in the CON-S, GOS, and SB groups than in the CON-0 group (P < 0.001). A lower intramuscular fat of the pectoral and leg muscle content was demonstrated, especially in the SB group. Injection of galactooligosaccharides and sodium butyrate in ovo adversely affected broiler production but did not alter carcass composition. It varied pectoral muscles' pH and chemical composition and improved water holding capacity and chemical composition in leg muscles.

Evaluation of coffee husks in pellet bedding, performance characteristics, footpad dermatitis scoring, and meat quality of broiler ducks.

The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of pellet bedding made of straw or coffee husks (10, 25, 50%) and the performance characteristics of broiler ducks and footpad dermatitis. During rearing, the properties of the bedding and utility features of ducks were analyzed, and the frequency of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in ducks was verified. There was a decrease in dry matter from the 28th day of rearing. The crude fiber, NDF, ADF, and nitrogen content decreased compared to fresh bedding, while phosphorus and potassium increased. The highest pH was found in the CH25 and CH50 groups in fresh bedding on day 42 and in CH50 on day 14. High adj. R2 was found due to rearing time and bedding material (0.817-0.985). The ducks' growth rate in the CH25 group was higher at week 6 than in the other groups. In CH10 and CH25 groups, higher carcass weight was found than in group C. In group CH10, a higher weight of pectoral muscles and lower wing proportion was found than in C. In CH25, a higher remains weight was shown than in C and CH50. In CH50, lower water-holding capacity in the pectoral muscles was found than in the other groups. Considering the bedding (the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), carcass features, and meat quality (water-holding capacity, intramuscular fat, and water content), it is possible to use 10, 25 or 50% of coffee husks in straw pellets in the rearing of broiler ducks. Due to the FPD, the moisture should be lowered.

Research Note: The infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease) vaccination scheme affects the quantitative and qualitative carcass characteristics and the immune response of Ross 308 broiler chickens.

After different vaccinations, the study aimed to assess carcass composition, meat quality, and the level of the infectious bursal disease antibody titers in broiler chickens. In the experiment, 4 (30 chicks per group, 120 total) groups of Ross 308 broiler chickens (males and females) were included. Then, they were vaccinated at the hatchery. Group I was immunized against infectious avian bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle disease (ND) using vaccine A (20 mL/100 birds) and vaccine B (20 mL/100 birds), respectively, with injectable vaccine C (0.2 mL/each) targeting Infectious bursal' and Marek's diseases (MD). Group II received the same vaccinations for IB and ND, with separate injectable D vaccines for MD (0.2 mL/unit) and E for infectious bursal' disease (0.2 mL/each). Group III was similarly vaccinated for IB and ND; however, they received only vaccine D (0.2 mL/each) for MD, and on d 23, vaccine F was administered via drinking water against Gumboro disease (0.05 mL/each). Group IV served as the control and was not vaccinated. Ten carcasses from each group on d 42 were taken for carcass composition analysis and meat quality, including pH, color, and water-holding capacity (WHC). During rearing, on d 14, 28, and 42, blood was collected to determine the level of antibodies against infectious bursal' disease. Additionally, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), and red blood cells were analyzed. In group I, a higher bursa of Fabricius weight than in the other groups was found (P < 0.001), and the liver weight was lower compared to group II (P = 0.020). In breast muscle, the pH24 was higher in the control group than in group I (P = 0.036). Lightness (L*) in breast and leg muscles from group I was higher than in group II (P < 0.05). WHC was higher in group I than in group II (P = 0.025). The antibody titers of infectious bursal' disease was higher in group I on d 28 than in other groups (P < 0.05). Vaccine C (1 dose 0.2 mL/1 bird) of the reconstituted vaccine with the live recombinant virus strain vHVT013-69, not less than 3.6 - 5.0 log10 PFU) had a beneficial effect.

Impact of in ovo administration of xylo- and mannooligosaccharides on broiler chicken gut health.

The intestinal mucosa creates a connection between the gut microbiota and the host. This study aimed to modify the gut microbiota of broiler chickens by in ovo stimulation with xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) and manno-oligosaccharide (MOS) prebiotics and to determine the changes occurring in specific gut segments. Three hundred incubated eggs of Ross 308 broiler chickens on the 12th d of incubation were injected with: saline (control), xylotriose (XOS3), xylotetrose (XOS4), mannotriose (MOS3) or mannotetrose (MOS4). Tissue and digesta samples were collected post-mortem from 8 randomly selected individuals from each group, on d 42 after hatching. Gene expression analysis in the cecum and ileum was performed by RT-qPCR for a panel of genes: innate immune response genes (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-1ß, IFNγ, IFNß), nutrient sensing and nutrient transport genes (FFAR2, FFAR4, GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT5), host defence peptides (AvBD1, CATHL2), and barrier function genes (MUC6, CLDN1, TJAP). The relative abundance of bacteria was determined by qPCR for individual bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphilla, Bifidobacterium spp., Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Lactobacillus spp.). Stimulation with prebiotics caused changes in the abundance of bacteria especially Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the cecum. The abundance of both genera increased in each study group compared to the control group. The highest abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. in the ileum was found in the MOS3 group compared to the control group. There were changes in the XOS4 and MOS3 groups in the expression of: FFAR4, GLUT1, AvBD1, CATHL2, IL-2, IL-12, and IL-17 in the caecum. In conclusion, in ovo administration of prebiotics increased intestinal colonization by bacteria. The prebiotics influenced gene expression levels via changes in the gut microbiota.

The effect of sodium butyrate administered in ovo on the health status and intestinal response in broiler chicken.

A healthy gut is one of the main factors influencing bird response. Over the years, efforts have been made to improve intestinal health. One of the supporting methods may be enriching the diet with bioactive ingredients, including sodium butyrate (SB). One of the possible ways of administering such supplementation is in ovo technology. Over the years, research has shown that administering bioactive substances this way has a positive effect on the health status of chickens. The current study aimed to modify the gut microbiota of broiler chickens by in ovo stimulation on d 12 of egg incubation with SB and to determine the changes occurring in intestines. One thousand eggs were incubated and injected with 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5% SB on d 12 of incubation. The control group was injected with physiological saline. Samples collected for analysis were obtained postmortem from 42-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens. Growth performance parameters were also monitored during broiler rearing. Gene expression analysis showed significant changes in the levels of IL4, IFNγ, AvBD1, TJAP and MUC6 genes in the ileum. However, the IL8, MUC2 and MUC6 genes were significantly expressed in the cecal mucosa. These changes depended on the administered dose of butyrate. There was no effect of in ovo administration of various doses of SB on digesta pH, SCFA level and histological parameters. However, a significant increase in Bifidobacterium bacteria was detected in the ileum after administration of a dose of 0.5% SB and in the cecum after administration of a dose of 0.3%. Administration of SB in ovo has the potential to support intestinal health in poultry. The effects depend on the administered dose, while the results indicate a dose of 0.3% as the most optimal.

The physicochemical features of eggshell, thick albumen, amniotic fluid, and yolk during chicken embryogenesis.

The study aimed to analyze the hatching egg and physiochemical features of eggshells, thick albumen, amniotic fluid, and yolk during the incubation of Ross 308 chicken eggs. Eggs (n = 755) were incubated for 21 d. Quality analysis of fresh eggs was performed. Eggshells, albumen, and yolk were collected from fresh eggs and incubation d 1, 7, and 14. Eggshell thickness and strength, pH, vitelline membrane strength, fatty acid (FA) in the yolk, pH, viscosity, lysozyme activity, and crude protein content in thick albumen and amniotic fluid were analyzed. Hatching parameters were calculated. Egg weight loss was constant (8.04% overall). Lower egg surface temperature was found on d 7 compared to d 4, 14, and 18. A lower thickness of posthatch eggshells was found. The strength of the vitelline membrane significantly decreased within 24 h (by over 58%). During incubation, there was a decrease in thick albumen/amniotic fluid pH; an opposite trend was found in yolk pH. The vitelline membrane strength was negatively correlated with the albumen pH. Lysozyme activity was higher in fresh thick albumen and up to 2 wk of incubation. On d 7, the lowest activity was found in the amniotic fluid. On d 14, lysozyme activity increased in amniotic fluid. The higher viscosity of the thick albumen was demonstrated on d 7 and 14 of incubation. The lowest viscosity in amniotic fluid was found on the same days. Crude protein content was higher in thick albumen (d 7 and 14) and lowest in amniotic fluid on d 7. The FA content changed between d 0 and 14. The results indicate different use of FA, where PUFA decreased. Eggshell is used in the last week of incubation. The thick albumen is reduced, while the biological value of amniotic fluid is increasing. Lysozyme activity, viscosity, and crude protein content may be interdependent. It may indicate the flow of substances and the transfer of functions from the thick albumen to the amniotic fluid during chicken embryogenesis.

The biological value of hatching eggs of broiler chicken in the early-mid incubation period based on physicochemical and morphologic features.

The study aimed to assess various quality characteristics (physical, morphologic, mechanical) of hatching eggs during the early-mid incubation period. Hatching eggs (1,200) were bought from a broiler Ross 308 breeder flock. Before incubation, 20 eggs were analyzed for dimensions and morphologic composition. Eggs (1,176) were incubated for 21 d. Hatchability was analyzed. On d 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, eggs were collected (n = 20). The eggshell surface temperature and water loss were measured. The eggshell strength and thickness and the vitelline membrane strength were analyzed. The pH of thick albumen, amniotic fluid, and yolk were determined. The viscosity and lysozyme activity were studied for the thick albumen and amniotic fluid. Water loss was proportional and significantly different between incubation days. The yolk vitelline membrane strength highly depended on incubation days, decreasing steadily within the first 2 d (R2 = 0.9643). The albumen pH decreased from d 4 till d 12 of incubation, whereas the yolk pH first increased from d 0 to d 2 before a decline on d 4. Albumen viscosity was highest on d 6. There was a strong dependence of viscosity decrease with increasing shear rate (R2 = 0.7976). On the first day of incubation, the highest lysozyme hydrolytic activity was demonstrated (33,790 U/mL) compared to the activity from the amniotic fluid (8-12 d). From d 6, lysozyme activity decreased to 70 U/mL (d 10). On d 12, amniotic fluid lysozyme activity increased by over 6,000 U/mL compared to d 10. The lysozyme hydrolytic activity was lower in the amniotic fluid (d 8-12) compared to the thick albumen (0-6 d) (P < 0.001). The embryo's protective barriers are changed, and the fractions are hydrated during incubation. It could be concluded that the lysozyme is transferred from the albumen to the amniotic fluid due to its activity.

Changes in physicochemical parameters of duck eggs and extra-embryonic structures during incubation.

Duckling embryogenesis should be deepened due to the hatching technology and its modification possibilities. Many changes occur in incubated eggs, which expose the embryo to hazards. The study aimed to analyse the physicochemical properties of eggshell, yolk, thick albumen (TA), and amniotic fluid (AF) of incubated hatching eggs from 52-week-old Cherry Valley ducks. The morphological features of 18 fresh eggs were analysed. Over 28 days, a total of 800 eggs underwent incubation. Eggshell surface temperature and egg weight loss were measured on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, and 25. Eggshell, TA, AF, and yolk were collected from eggs at incubation days 1-21 (every week). TA was collected on days 0, 1, and 7, while AF on days 7, 14, and 21. The analysis covered a range of physicochemical parameters. Eggshell thickness decreased with incubation, reaching its lowest point posthatch (P < 0.001). The highest pH for TA was recorded on day 1, while the lowest was on day 7 when comparing days 0, 1, and 7 (P < 0.001). TA pH was consistently higher than in AF (P < 0.001). However, the pH of TA was the highest on day 1 and the lowest on day 7 (P < 0.001). Yolk pH increased from days 1 to 21 (P < 0.001). There was also a noticeable in egg weight loss (0.34% daily) (P < 0.001). Vitelline membrane strength decreased from day 0 to day 1 (P < 0.001). Lysozyme activity in thick albumen on day 7 was higher than on days 0 and 1 (P < 0.001). Lysozyme activity in AF was higher on day 21 than days 7 and 14 (P < 0.001). TA viscosity was highest on day 0 and lowest on day 1, compared to other days (P < 0.001). AF viscosity and CP content exhibited an increase on day 21 as compared to days 7 and 14 (P < 0.001). The CP content in TA was notably higher on day 7 than on days 0 and 1 (P < 0.001). Polyunsaturated fatty acids declined, while monounsaturated and transfatty acids increased (P < 0.001). Viscosity and lysozyme activity increased on day 7 in TA and day 21 in AF. TA and the amniotic cavity appeared to facilitate the transfer of substances, particularly CP. Viscosity could be an indicator for optimising incubation conditions, as incorrect changes can affect embryo mortality. The results showed the different utilisation of nutrients, such as fatty acids. It could support research on the in-ovo administration of various substances.

Chopped straw and coffee husks affect bedding chemical composition and the performance and foot pad condition of broiler chickens.

Bedding material is a crucial environmental factor for chickens. Coffee husks are waste from the industry that could be reused. The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of various bedding types and assess their impact on the performance characteristics of broiler chickens and the incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD). Ross 308 broilers were used in the study. Birds were divided into 3 groups (216 chickens, 72 per group). Group 1 was kept on chopped straw (S). Group 2 was kept on coffee husks (CHs), and the 3rd group (PB) was kept on pellet bedding made from S and CHs in a 1:1 ratio. The dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) content, and the pH of the bedding were analyzed. Production results were examined during 42 days of rearing. FPD was assessed on a point scale. The tissue composition of the carcasses and qualitative physicochemical characteristics of the meat (pH, color, water holding capacity, drip loss) and bone-breaking strength were analyzed. Straw had a higher CF content. In total, the highest N content in CHs was noticed. P content was lower in the S, and K was the highest in the CHs group, followed by S and PB. The pH of the bedding was lower in the CHs group, higher in PB, and highest in S bedding. The DM was decreasing within the days of rearing. A significant interaction was demonstrated between the type of bedding and rearing days on the bedding (manure) composition. On days 1-14, FCR deteriorated in the PB group compared to the S group. The presence of FPD was significantly lower in the PB group than in the others. In the PB group, chickens had a higher slaughter yield than in the S group and a lower weight and liver share than in the CHs group. The weight and proportion of abdominal fat were higher in the group kept on S than on CHs. It can be concluded that coffee husks as a component of pellets had a beneficial effect on reducing FPD in chickens and their slaughter yield and enriched bedding with nutrients, which with poultry manure, could be a good fertilizer for agricultural soils after rearing. It could be recommended to use pelleted bedding.

Modulation of the immune system of chickens a key factor in maintaining poultry production-a review.

The awareness of poultry production safety is constantly increasing. The safety of poultry production is defined as biosecurity and the health status of birds. Hence the constant pursuit of developing new strategies in this area is necessary. Biosecurity is an element of good production practices that ensures adequate hygiene and maintaining the health status of poultry production. Poultry production is the world leader among all livestock species. Producers face many challenges during rearing, which depend on the utility type, the direction of use, and consumer requirements. For many years, the aim was to increase production results. Increasing attention is paid to the quality of the raw material and its safety. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure hygiene status during production. It can affect the immune system's functioning and birds' health status. Feed, water, and environmental conditions, including light, gases, dust, and temperature, play an essential role in poultry production. This review aims to look for stimulators and modulators of the poultry immune system while affecting the biosecurity of poultry production. Such challenges in current research by scientists aim to respond to the challenges posed as part of the One Health concept. The reviewed issues are a massive potential for an innovative approach to poultry production and related risks as part of the interaction of the animal-human ecosystem.

Research Note: Growth and meat features of broiler chicken with the use of halloysite as a technological additive to feed and peat litter.

The current trends in the production of broiler chickens indicate the need to look for natural solutions that affect the efficiency of production and the quality of meat. The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth performance and quality of broiler chicken meat with the addition of halloysite in feed and litter. Two hundred Ross 308 were used and divided into 2 groups (10 replicates each). The control group (C) did not have any additive, while in the experimental group (H) 0.5% halloysite was used in feed and 0.500 kg/m2 in peat litter. The production results and litter traits were checked. The presence of footpad dermatitis (FPD) was assessed. After 42 d, 20 birds were randomly selected and slaughtered. Dissection was performed. The slaughter yield and the percentage of carcass elements were calculated, including offal. Breast and leg muscles were analysed qualitatively (pH, colour, water-holding capacity, drip loss, chemical composition). In group H there were no changes to FPD, and in group C there were 6 cases of benign lesions and 1 with severe damage and scabs on the soles of the feet. Significantly higher preslaughter body weight was shown, as well as carcass and wings weight in group H. The H group had a higher pH24 than the C group, as well as higher protein and water content, and lower intramuscular fat and salt, both in the breast and leg muscles. No significant differences were found in growth performance carcass, meat' colour or water-holding capacity features. The litter with halloysite was characterized by a lower pH but without statistical confirmation. Addition of halloysite to feed and litter reduced the occurrence of skin lesions and had a positive effect on higher protein content and lower intramuscular fat in the breast and leg muscles. This demonstrates the potential for the practical use of halloysite in the production of broiler chickens, both as a feed and peat litter additive.

Goose Embryonic Development, Glucose and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations, and Eggshell Features Depend on Female Age and Laying Period.

This study aimed to evaluate embryonic development; analyze the glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) concentrations in the blood of embryos and goslings; and assess the structure and temperature (EST) of the eggshell. The eggs that were analyzed were from four laying seasons of White Koluda® geese at three periods (90 eggs × 4 groups × 3 periods). The different embryo proportions, fetal membranes in the egg, and sizes of internal organs indicate a different growth rate and degree of embryo development depending on the laying age and laying period. The goose age influenced the hormone concentrations in the embryos' blood on the 28th day of incubation, which supports a relationship between the females' age and development. The eggshell thickness and density change depending on the laying age and the laying period. A decrease in eggshell thickness in the eggs up to the third season was found after the 16th day of incubation (simultaneously, the density showed an increasing trend). A lower EST distinguished the eggs from the oldest geese in the first half of the hatch. The formation of the chorioallantois membrane was associated with an increase in EST in the oldest geese.

The age of the geese from the parent flock and the laying period affect the features of the eggs.

The study aimed to assess the goose hatching egg features in four reproductive seasons from 3 stages of laying. Three hundred sixty eggs were used in the study from geese in the first, second, third, and fourth laying season. From each group, 90 eggs were analyzed (30 eggs from the beginning, the peak, and the end of the laying cycle). The structure of the egg and morphological and physical features of the yolk, albumen, and eggshell were analyzed. It was shown that the weight and structure of eggs increased, but the shape index was lower in 2-yr-old geese, as well Haugh's units decreased. The yolk share was lower in the first year, but albumen and eggshell were higher than in other groups. The eggshell whiteness was higher in the first year than in the second, and third. The pores' quantity was higher in the first year in the blunt and equatorial parts, but the total number in the egg was the highest in the fourth year. The yolk, albumen, and eggshell' density increased with the age. Changes in laying periods were inversely proportional to the changes shown depending on the layers' age. Geese's age and laying period impact the eggs' features. Based on the egg quality features, the incubation conditions could be adapted, as well as it can be treated as an indicator of the effectiveness of hatching and goslings quality. Research has shown that the biological value of hatching eggs changes with the age of the geese and the laying period.

Effect of parent flock age on hatching, growth rate, and features of both sexes goose carcasses.

The study aimed to assess the hatchability of goslings from parent flocks of geese in 4 laying seasons and to analyze the growth, carcass, and muscles characteristics. The hatching eggs from the White Koluda geese from the 1st to 4th laying season were incubated by the waterfowl hatching technology. Hatchability rates were calculated. 40 goslings were selected from each group. The geese were reared and fattened for 16 wk, (sex ratio of 1:1). From the 1-day-old goslings and at the end of the fattening period, the pectoral muscles were sampled to evaluate the muscle fibers. The body weight of the geese and the growth rate were analyzed. Body measurements were taken on the day of slaughter (6 birds/each group). The dissection was performed and the tissue composition of the carcasses was analyzed, including the percentage of carcass elements. The results were analyzed in terms of the age of the parent flock and the sex of oat geese. Hatchability performance was similar in all groups. Lower body weight of geese from group I was demonstrated at 0, 1, 7, 10 to 12 wk compared to birds from older geese. The growth rate in this group was higher than in groups III (2nd wk) and IV (1st wk). From 4 wkof age, the males had a higher body weight. In 1-day-old male goslings, a higher diameter of muscle fibers was demonstrated than in females. The body measurements of ganders were significantly higher compared to females, except for the length of the jump. Males were characterized by a higher weight of carcass parts. However, the share of abdominal fat was higher in females. No significant differences were found in the remaining features. Geese from different ages' parent flocks don't differ in the carcass features (the compensation phenomenon). The sex of the geese was influenced. It is reasonable to hatch goslings for fattening from parent flocks during 4 years of reproductive use.

The effect of partial replacement of milled finisher feed with wheat grains on the production efficiency and meat quality in broiler chickens.

The study's aim was to assess the production efficiency, evaluate the carcass and meat quality of chickens fed with wheat grains. 200 Ross 308 chickens were divided into 4 groups (5 replicates with 10 birds in each): control (C) and experimental groups, including W50, where the finisher feed was diluted with wheat grain in 50%, W25-25%, and W10-10%. The production efficiency and chemical composition of the feed were analyzed. After 42 d of rearing, 10 birds from each group were selected, and the tissue composition, pH, color, water-holding capacity, drip loss, the chemical composition of meat, and the apparent protein digestibility, bone, and jejunum strength were investigated. It was proved that ground feed had an unfavorable effect on the body weight (BW) in all groups. Wheat decreased the protein level (P < 0.001) and digestibility (P < 0.001). The body weight gain (BWG) in group W50 was lower than in groups C and W10 (P = 0.009), however, this had no effect on the final feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.146). Finisher feed costs were reduced in groups W50, W25 compared to group C (P < 0.001). The European Production Efficiency Factor and the European Broiler Index in groups W10 and W25 were similar to group C, whereas in W50 they were reduced (P = 0.035; 0.034). No negative effect on carcass traits was shown in groups W10 and W25, however, 50% feed replacement was unbeneficial compared to group C. Pectoral muscles from the experimental groups were characterized by higher lightness (P < 0.001). In group W10 femur bones' strength and in group W25 tibia bones' strength was higher than in group W50 (P = 0.014; 0.006). Jejunum tensile strength was higher in group W25 than in W10 (P = 0.002). The nutritional strategies based on the dilution of the feed with wheat grain could be applied at the level of 10/25%, but 50% had a negative effect.