Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA Gene Library Preparation for Poultry Processing Microbiome Analyses.

The standardization of the microbiome sequencing of poultry rinsates is essential for generating comparable microbial composition data among poultry processing facilities if this technology is to be adopted by the industry. Samples must first be acquired, DNA must be extracted, and libraries must be constructed. In order to proceed to library sequencing, the samples should meet quality control standards. Finally, data must be analyzed using computer bioinformatics pipelines. This data can subsequently be incorporated into more advanced computer algorithms for risk assessment. Ultimately, *a uniform sequencing pipeline will enable both the government regulatory agencies and the poultry industry to identify potential weaknesses in food safety.This chapter presents the different steps for monitoring the population dynamics of the microbiome in poultry processing using 16S rDNA sequencing.

Use of Metallic Nanoparticles Against Eimeria-the Coccidiosis-Causing Agents: A Comprehensive Review.

Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease caused by Eimeria species and is a major threat to the poultry industry. Different anti-coccidial drugs (diclazuril, amprolium, halofuginone, ionophores, sulphaquinoxaline, clopidol, and ethopabate) and vaccines have been used for their control. Still, due to the development of resistance, their efficacy has been limited. It is continuously damaging the economy of the poultry industry because under its control, almost $14 billion is spent, globally. Recent research has been introducing better and more effective control of coccidiosis by using metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles. Zinc, zinc oxide, copper, copper oxide, silver, iron, and iron oxide are commonly used because of their drug delivery mechanism. These nanoparticles combined with other drugs enhance the effect of these drugs and give their better results. Moreover, by using nanotechnology, the resistance issue is also solved because by using several mechanisms at a time, protozoa cannot evolve and thus resistance cannot develop. Green nanotechnology has been giving better results due to its less toxic effects. Utilization of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles may present a new, profitable, and economical method of controlling chicken coccidiosis, thus by changing established treatment approaches and improving the health and production of chickens. Thus, the objective of this review is to discuss about economic burden of avian coccidiosis, zinc, zinc oxide, iron, iron oxide, copper, copper oxide, silver nanoparticles use in the treatment of coccidiosis, their benefits, and toxicity.

Bacterial and fungal aerosols in poultry houses: PM2.5 metagenomics via single-molecule real-time sequencing.

Microbial aerosol contamination is a common problem in poultry farms, posing potential health risks to poultry and their caretakers. Exploring the distribution and diversity of the microbial community in poultry farm aerosols is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. The composition of bacterial and fungal aerosols is poorly understood, particularly the prevalence of potential pathogenic microorganisms in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in various types of poultry houses. In this study, 27 PM2.5 samples were collected from 5 chicken houses and 4 duck houses in Shandong Province, China. Species-level diversity of bacterial and fungal components in PM2.5 samples was determined using advanced single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) technology, based on the 16S and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS) ribosomal genes. Microbial diversity and community composition varied significantly across the different poultry house. Notably, duck houses had higher concentrations (p < 0.01) of PM2.5 (92.8-143.1 µg/m3) than chicken houses (42.0-56.4 µg/m3). Furthermore, microbial variation in PM2.5 samples was associated with the type of poultry facility. The predominant pathogenic microorganisms included Aspergillus sydowii, Penicillium sp., Aspergillus insolitus, Cladosporium sp., Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus pseudoglaucus, Cladosporium sp. C4092-2-PD1, and Colletotrichum sp., all of which were classified as second category of pathogens. Aspergillus sydowii and Penicillium sp. were the dominant species in chicken houses, while Cladosporium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Aspergillus pseudoglaucus were the dominant species identified in duck houses. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate bacterial and fungal diversity in PM2.5 samples collected from various types of poultry houses. These findings advance our understanding of poultry environmental microbiology and have important implications for safeguarding the health of both poultry and their caretakers.

Enhancing nutritional and potential antimicrobial properties of poultry feed through encapsulation of metagenome-derived multi-enzymes.

BACKGROUND: The encapsulation of metagenome-derived multi-enzymes presents a novel approach to improving poultry feed by enhancing nutrient availability and reducing anti-nutritional factors. By integrating and encapsulated enzymes such as carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, protease, lipase, and laccase into feed formulations, this method not only improves feed digestibility but also potentially contributes to animal health and productivity through antimicrobial properties. RESULTS: This study investigates the encapsulation of metagenome-derived enzymes, including carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, protease, lipase, and laccase, using Arabic and Guar gums as encapsulating agents. The encapsulated multi-enzymes exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, achieving a 92.54% inhibition rate against Escherichia coli at a concentration of 6 U/mL. Fluorescence tracking with FITC-labeled enzymes confirmed efficient encapsulation and distribution, while physical characterization, including moisture content and solubility assessments, along with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging, validated successful encapsulation. The encapsulated enzymes also effectively hydrolyzed poultry feed, leading to an increase in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as confirmed by 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. CONCLUSIONS: The encapsulated multi-enzymes improved the overall feed quality by increasing reducing sugars and enhancing physical properties such as solubility and water-holding capacity. The encapsulated multi-enzymes improved the overall feed quality by increasing reducing sugars, antioxidant activity and enhancing physical properties such as solubility and water-holding capacity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the enzymatic breakdown of the feed structure. These results suggest that supplementing poultry feed with encapsulated multi-enzymes can enhance its physical, nutritional, and functional properties, leading to improved digestibility and overall feed quality.

Continuing evolution of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.2.1a G2 genotype in domestic poultry of Bangladesh during 2018-2021.

We characterized 15 H5N1 HPAI viruses from different small- and medium-scale poultry flocks across Bangladesh during 2018-2021 based on their complete genome sequences. The antigenic relatedness of H5N1 HPAI viruses from different timepoints was analysed. During 2020-2021, 42.11% of the flocks tested positive for at least one of the respiratory infections, with 15.79% showing influenza A virus, of which 8.77% tested positive for HPAIV H5N1. Co-infections with two to four pathogens were detected in 15.8% of flocks. Phylogeny and gene constellation analyses based on complete genome sequences of 15 HPAI viruses revealed the continuing circulation of H5 clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 viruses. In the HA protein of the study isolates, functionally meaningful mutations caused the loss of an N-linked glycosylation site (T156A), a modified antigenic site A (S141P), and a mutation in the receptor binding pocket (E193R/K). Consequently, antigenic analysis revealed a significant loss of cross-reactivity between viruses from different host species and periods. Most viruses displayed oseltamivir resistance markers at positions V96, I97, S227, and N275 (N1 numbering) of the NA protein. In addition, for the PB2, M1, and NS1 proteins, significant mutations were noticed that have been associated with polymerase activity and increased virulence for mammals in all study isolates. These results highlight the need for intensified genomic surveillance of HPAI circulating in poultry in Bangladesh and for establishing appropriate control measures to decrease the circulation of these viruses in poultry in the country.

SalmoFree® Phage Additive Proves Its Safety for Laying Hens.

Background: The avian pathogen Salmonella Gallinarum causes avian typhosis in laying hens, leading to high mortality rates among adult birds, which poses a significant problem in the poultry industry. Various products, such as vaccines, antibiotics, probiotics, and disinfectants, are commonly used to prevent and control the disease on farms. An alternative to these products is the use of bacteriophages, which may effectively prevent the colonization of S. Gallinarum. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the safety of SalmoFree®, a bacteriophage cocktail, administered to 276 laying hens from the first week of age until the 28th week. The hens were divided into two groups: a control group (138 birds) and a treatment group (138 birds). Over the 28-week period, eight doses of SalmoFree® (∼1010 UFP per bird) were administered via drinking water in a controlled environment. Results: The results indicate that the consumption of SalmoFree® has no adverse effects on bird health or zootechnical parameters. Additionally, there is a trend toward improving weight homogeneity (up to 19%), feed conversion (up to 68%), and egg weight (up to 2.7%). The detection of phages by PCR in cloacal swabs suggests that they persist in birds for 2 to 8 weeks post-ingestion. Furthermore, phages were detected in organs and eggshells, indicating that they provide protection beyond the gut. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that SalmoFree® is safe for use in laying hens and may offer additional benefits, such as improved zootechnical parameters and extended protection against S. Gallinarum through the persistence of bacteriophages in the birds.

Bacteriophages Against Bacterial Infections in Poultry Systems: A Scientometric Review.

Poultry production faces challenges from bacterial infections, aggravated by antibiotic resistance, affecting bird welfare and the industry's economy. Bacteriophages show promise as a solution, but their use in poultry systems is still limited. This study uses scientometric analysis to investigate the incidence of bacterial infections in poultry systems and bacteriophage application trends. The Web of Science database was used, and the articles were refined by searching for keywords that included the most rep orted bacteria in the different phases of poultry farming and the application of phages. The articles were analyzed using the CiteSpace and Excel software, allowing the evaluation of publication trends, influential countries, and correlations with antimicrobial resistance and the use of bacteriophages. Results highlight Escherichia coli prevalence in poultry systems and reveal a correlation between the number of publications and poultry productivity, with the United States and China leading both aspects. Findings offer insights into bacterial control gaps in poultry systems, underscoring the need for further research and practical strategies.

Adaptive capability of slow-growing backyard poultry as indicated by physiological and molecular responses in a hot and humid coastal climate.

Assessing the adaptability of slow-growing rural chickens for improving thermotolerance to suit the global climate change is a major research need. This work was aimed to evaluate the adaptability of CARI-Debendra chickens and to identify the polymorphism as well as expression profiling of thermotolerant genes (HSP70 and GRP78) under prevailing temperature-humidity indices and thermal stress in a coastal environment. One hundred sixty straight run chicks were reared at THI≥75 (control) and THI>80 under coastal climate till 12 weeks. Polymorphism of HSP70 and GRP78 candidate genes were explored using restriction enzymes TaqI and HaeIII to identify possible thermotolerance markers. Expression profiling of both the genes in liver, intestine and pectoralis muscle was determined through quantitative real-time PCR. Rectal and body surface temperature recorded in the neck and back showed significant differences (P < 0.01) with higher temperature in THI>80 group. Comparatively lower live weights (P < 0.05) and poor FCR were recorded in THI>80 group. The villi height in all intestinal segments was significantly lower (P < 0.01), but deeper crypt depth was observed in THI>80 than control group. A lowest thymus weight (P < 0.05) was noted with no significant differences in immune response in treatment group. Serum levels of cholesterol, activities of lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase and concentration of potassium, sodium and thyroxine hormone were not different between the 2 groups. The concentration of triiodothyronine and chloride ion was lower in THI>80 group indicating adaptive changes for thermoregulation. HSP70 gene expressions in the three tissues were differentially increased (P < 0.01) by temperature-humidity indices, but the expression of GRP78 was not different between the 2 groups. The results concluded that the environmental factors interact with genetics on adaptability towards thermotolerance in slow-growing chickens.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Breeders and Livestock.

Objectives: Animals are a potential source of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This study evaluated the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of S. aureus isolates from breeders and livestock. Methods: S. aureus strains were isolated from 180 livestock and 48 livestock farmers and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles and MRSA status were determined via disk diffusion susceptibility method. Results: Among farm workers, 37.5% were colonized by S. aureus, with pig farm workers exhibiting the highest prevalence (56.2%), cattle herders (37.5%), and goat farm workers (18.7%). MRSA carriage among livestock isolates was 41.3%, while, six isolates from the poultry farm worker were MRSA, representing a carriage of 33.3%. Drug susceptibility profiles revealed differential patterns between isolates from breeders and animals. Gentamicin and levofloxacin demonstrated higher efficacy against farm worker isolates compared to animal isolates. Resistance to cefuroxime was higher among animal isolates (84.1%) as against the 66.7% for the breeders. Conclusion: The identification of multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains underscores the risk posed to humans in contact with animals. These findings stress the importance of monitoring and managing MRSA transmission between animals and humans.

Mechanistic concepts involved in biofilm associated processes of Campylobacter jejuni: persistence and inhibition in poultry environments.

Campylobacter species, predominantly Campylobacter jejuni, remains a significant zoonotic pathogen worldwide, with the poultry sector being the primary vector for human transmission. In recent years. there has been a notable rise in the incidence of human campylobacteriosis, necessitating a deeper understanding of the pathogen's survival mechanisms and transmission dynamics. Biofilm presence significantly contributes to C. jejuni persistence in poultry and subsequent food product contamination, and this review describes the intricate processes involved in biofilm formation. The ability of Campylobacter to form biofilms on various surfaces, including stainless steel, plastic, and glass, is a critical survival strategy. Campylobacter biofilms, with their remarkable resilience, protect the pathogen from environmental stresses such as desiccation, pH extremes, biocides and sanitizing agents. This review explores the molecular and genetic mechanisms of C. jejuni biofilm formation, highlighting regulatory genes involved in motility, chemotaxis, and stress responses. Flagellar proteins, particularly flaA, flaB, flaG, and adhesins like cadF and flpA, are identified as the main molecular components in biofilm development. The role of mixed-species biofilms, where C. jejuni integrates into existing biofilms of other bacteria to enhance pathogen resilience, is also discussed. This review also considers alternative interventions to control C. jejuni in poultry production, in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. It explores the effectiveness of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, bacteriocins, bacteriophages, vaccines, and organic acids, with a focus on their mechanisms of action in reducing bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Studies show that mixtures of organic acids and compounds like Carvacrol and Eugenol significantly downregulate genes linked with motility and adhesion, thereby disrupting biofilm integrity. It discusses the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature and oxygen levels on biofilm formation, providing insights into how industrial conditions can be manipulated to reduce contamination. This paper stresses the need for a multifaceted approach to control Campylobacter in poultry, integrating molecular and genetic insights with practical interventions. By advancing our understanding of biofilm dynamics and gene regulation, we aim to inform the development of more effective strategies to enhance food safety and protect public health.

Assessing environmental sustainability of substitute feeding formulas for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) using Life Cycle Assessment.

The rise in fish and seafood consumption driven by aquaculture comes with its share of challenges and controversies, notably the need for expanded feed production. The use of fishmeal and fish oil to raise carnivorous fish has caused environmental problems, including ecosystem imbalance and habitat destruction, as well as ethical issues like fishing forage fish for feed instead of human consumption. Thus, the industry has been actively pursuing alternative feed ingredients to reduce reliance on fish-derived components. This progress in the aquaculture feed sector has made selecting the best feed solution complex across various fronts. This study aims to assess the environmental impacts of three feed formulations, each with different protein sources (poultry by-products, PMB, Tenebrio molitor larvae, TM, or Hermetia illucens larvae, HI), tailored for the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a prized species in European aquaculture. The environmental sustainability of these alternatives was evaluated against benchmarks of fishmeal and fish oil-based feed. Employing a cradle-to-gate approach and a FU of 1 kg of product, the study utilized OpenLCA software supported by the Ecoinvent ® v3.7.1 database. The results focused on the production stages of each ingredient, including logistical and transportation aspects leading up to the final formulation. All alternatives to traditional feed demonstrated either comparable or superior environmental performance (i.e. - 66 % of PMB-f, -33 % of TM-f and - 29 % HI-f kgCO2 eq) with few exceptions for TM-f. This investigation highlighted how integrating innovative ingredients could positively impact the environmental footprint of aquafeed production chains. Furthermore, the main hotspots in the alternative feed formulas life cycles have been identified and viable alternatives for improvement have been proposed, such as selecting different input materials or enhancing energy efficiency. This assessment allows to guide the selection of more environmentally friendly feed formulations before their integration into aquaculture chain processes.

Simulation and optimization of cheese whey additive for value-added compost production: Hyperparameter tuning approach and genetic algorithm.

Cheese whey is a difficult and costly wastewater to treat due to its high organic matter and mineral content. Although many management strategies are conducted for whey removal, its use in composting is limited. In this study, the effect of cheese whey in the composting of sewage sludge and poultry waste on compost quality and process efficiency was investigated. Also, valid and consistent simulations were developed with Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Neural Network Regression (NNR) Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The results of all physicochemical parameters determined that 3% of cheese whey addition for both feedstocks improved the composting process's efficiency and the final product's quality. The best results obtained through hyperparameter tuning showed that Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) was the most effective modeling tool providing realistic simulations. The reliability of these simulations was verified by running the GPR process 50 times. MdAPE demonstrated the validity and consistency of the created process simulations. Moreover, a genetic algorithm was used to optimize these dependent simulations and achieved almost 100% desirability. Optimization studies showed that the effective cheese whey ratios were 3.2724% and 3.1543% for sewage sludge and poultry waste, respectively. Optimization results were compatible with the results of experimental studies. This study provides a new strategy for the recovery of cheese whey as well as a new perspective on the effect of cheese whey on both physicochemical parameters and composting phases and the modeling and optimization processes of the results.

Campylobacter Diversity Along the Farm-to-Fork Continuum of Pastured Poultry Flocks in the Southeastern United States.

INTRODUCTION: Consumer demand for pasture raised, antibiotic-free poultry products has led to an increase in pastured poultry operations within the United States. Given the level of environmental interaction and the potential increase in exposure to foodborne pathogens in these settings, a greater understanding of the prevalence and diversity of Campylobacter populations inherent within pastured poultry flocks is needed. METHODS: To achieve this, 40 pastured poultry flocks from nine farms were sampled using a farm-to-fork strategy, and Campylobacter was isolated and characterised from preharvest (faeces, soil) through postharvest (caeca, whole carcass rinse) to the final product the consumer would purchase (whole carcass rinse). RESULTS: Campylobacter was isolated from 872 of 1820 samples, showing an overall prevalence of 47.91%. The caeca showed the highest (p < 0.05) Campylobacter load (4.64 log10 CFU/mL) and prevalence (95.5%), while the final product whole carcass rinses had the lowest (p < 0.05) Campylobacter load (0.32 log10 CFU/mL) and prevalence (15.45%), suggesting that the Campylobacter load in the caeca may not be indicative of the Campylobacter load on the final product. Of the 872 positive samples, 337 Campylobacter isolates were selected for further characterisation. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli comprised 74.18% (250/337) and 21.95% (74/337) of the selected isolates respectively. While the Campylobacter isolates displayed resistance to several antibiotics, the most common resistance for both C. jejuni and C. coli was against tetracycline (55.86% and 70.31% respectively). Multidrug resistance phenotypes (≥ 3 antibiotic classes) were relatively low for both C. jejuni (2.80%) and C. coli (9.45%). CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacter load, prevalence and diversity were more affected by farm location than by the type of sample from which the Campylobacter was isolated. Overall, these results indicated a need for farm-specific Campylobacter mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of these increasingly in-demand poultry products.

Determinants of exotic poultry breeds adoption by smallholder farmers in Gibe district, Hadiya zone, Ethiopia.

This study aimed to analyze farmers' opinions, its role to household welfare, and the factors that influence the likelihood and intensity of exotic poultry adoption among rural chicken producers. To attain this, 155 households were targeted for interview. To this end, a multistage sampling procedure was administered to select households. Accordingly, quantitative data was backed by the qualitative data so as to bolster its credibility. Thus, the qualitative data was obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The result revealed that for enhanced market demand of chickens and egg production capacity among other allied factors farmers were interested with its production though exposure to disease and predators, absence of rural vaccination services, and the need for more care were also identified as challenges of production. Furthermore, exotic poultry producers' get advantage over their non-exotic poultry producers as a result of the sale of eggs and a live chicken. The producers improved their diets notably for egg and chicken meat. This also implies that exotic poultry producers were better at food diversification than their counter part using the days recall method. The model output, on the other hand, showed that household size, farming experience, farm size, sex, off/non-farm income, livestock holding, distance to market, and access to credit service were all statistically significant at 1 %. The study suggests that focusing on key factors influencing the adoption and use of exotic poultry will help maintain and increase their adoption rates.

Bacterial microbiome diversity along poultry slaughtering lines: insights from chicken carcasses and environmental sources.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the bacterial diversity of chicken carcasses and their surrounding environment at various stages along a poultry slaughter line. Material and Methods: Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was employed to assess the shifts in bacterial community diversity at both phylum and genus levels. Samples were collected from September to November 2021, targeting carcass surfaces at various operational stages (post-defeathering, post-evisceration, post-water chilling, and post-cooling), as well as from the internal environments and air of these units. The study took place in a vertically integrated poultry slaughterhouse in Konya, Turkey. Results: Microbial diversity increased after the chilling and storage stages as a result of redistribution of the microorganisms after the physical effect of the slaughtering stages. The final product sample taken after storage had the highest bacterial abundance. The abundance at this stage was found to be strongly correlated with that at other slaughtering stages, as well as with the abundance in chilling water and on the personnel's hands. The common genera in chicken carcasses during slaughter stages were Macrococcus, Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Psychrobacter, Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Ligilactobacillus. Microbiome data in environmental samples indicated that the genera in highest relative abundance were Bacillus, Anoxybacillus, Acinetobacter and Psychrobacter. In air samples, the storage room had the highest diversity and in this place Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were in the majority. Conclusion: This study may provide some useful information to pinpoint the critical contamination sources in the poultry slaughtering process.

Effect of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds on the quality and visual appraisal of broiler meat.

For 2160 broilers, were raised from 1 to 42 d of age, was evaluated the consequences of microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds on dietary supplementation in broilers on meat quality and consumer acceptance during 200 d. Broilers were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments: Negative control (NC): basal diet; Positive control (PC): NC+ Zinc bacitracin 15%; B150: NC+150 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds; B300: NC+300 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds; B450:NC+450 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds; and B600:NC+600 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds. The poultry meat characteristics (thawing loss, cooking loss, shear force, color and microstructure of the meat), oxidative stability (lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity DPPH and ABTS) and consumer acceptance (visual appraisal and willingness to buy) were evaluated. Color parameters (L and b), thawing losses and shear force were not significantly different among the treatments (NC, PC, B150, B300, B450 and B600; P > 0.05). The highest level of a was in the PC. The cooking losses were the greatest in B600. No treatment showed changes in muscle fibers. The antioxidant activity for DPPH was higher for B600. For ABTS, B150 and B300 presented the least lipid oxidation. When evaluating consumers' visual preference, B300 had the greatest in consumer preference and B150 and B300 had the greatest purchase intention on the first day of storage. After 6 d, B300 continued to be the most preferred and B150 and B450 began to show the greatest purchase intention. The B300 treatment showed a protective effect on lipid stability and consumer preference. These results highlight the importance of using a precise additive dosage during animal production to guarantee the meat's quality and satisfy consumers' demands.

Mycotoxin contamination and the nutritional content of corn targeted for animal feed.

Mycotoxin contaminated corn poses a risk to poultry production. Although mycotoxin regulatory guidelines are based on the hazards of individual mycotoxin contamination, feed and feed ingredients may be contaminated with multiple mycotoxins. The objective of this study was to assess mycotoxin co-contamination and its impact on the nutrient content of corn grain. Corn samples (n = 328) originating from various regions in the Southeastern U.S. were quantitatively analyzed for fumonisin (FUM), deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEA) by HPLC-MS/MS. Nutritional content was analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy, and color data were collected. All 328 samples were found to be contaminated with at least 1 mycotoxin: 100% contained FUM (19-24,680 µg/kg), 69.82% contained DON (0-9,640 µg/kg), 17.07% contained AFB1 (0-939 µg/kg), and 43.60% had detectable levels of ZEA (0-8,093.5 µg/kg). Most of the samples were contaminated with 2 or more mycotoxins, with only 18.29% of the samples containing a single mycotoxin. 38.41% of the samples had 2 mycotoxins present, 36.59 % had 3 mycotoxins, and 4.88% of the samples had all 4 tested mycotoxins present. Samples contaminated with AFB1 had significantly lower fat (P = 0.007) and lightness (P = 0.007); samples contaminated with DON had significantly higher starch (P < 0.001) and lower protein (P < 0.001). Samples contaminated with FUM had significantly higher protein (P = 0.008) and moisture (P = 0.019) and lower starch (P < 0.001). ZEA contaminated samples had significantly lower starch (P = 0.034). A correlation was observed between mycotoxin contamination and altered nutrient content in corn. This study provides further evidence that co-contamination of mycotoxins is the norm in corn, and that mycotoxin contamination correlates with impacts on the nutrient profile of feed corn.

Anaerobic digestion of poultry manure to power a poultry farm in Ba: Pilot and techno-economic study.

Although poultry is the largest meat by volume produced in Fiji, there has not been any established study, nor application of the anaerobic digestion (AD) of poultry manure (PM) in the country. This paper aims to determine the techno-economic feasibility of the AD of PM to power a poultry farm in Fiji. A pilot scale study was first conducted with mono-digestion batches of poultry manure, and co-digestions with kitchen waste (KW) and newspaper waste (NPW). Solid state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) was employed in all the batches, and the key operational parameters of AD were studied, along with its influence on biogas production. The pilot study revealed that even slight changes in environmental temperature had the greatest effect on biogas production. The most resilient to the temperature changes were the co-digested feedstocks of KW. Yet, given a substantial AD period, the anaerobes in the mono-digesters were able to eventually acclimatize to the SSAD environment, and produce the overall highest biogas production. The pilot study results were then used to conduct a feasibility study of the full-scale design. The analysis showed that the SSAD system would generate 189.46 MWh of electricity annually, with a levelized cost of energy of FJ$0.17/KWh.

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis lameness in broiler chickens and its implications for welfare, meat safety, and quality: a review.

The exponential increase in global population continues to present an ongoing challenge for livestock producers worldwide to consistently provide a safe, high-quality, and affordable source of protein for consumers. In the last 50 years, the poultry industry has spearheaded this effort thanks to focused genetic and genomic selection for feed-efficient, high-yielding broilers. However, such intense selection for productive traits, along with conventional industry farming practices, has also presented the industry with a myriad of serious issues that negatively impacted animal health, welfare, and productivity-such as woody breast and virulent diseases commonly associated with poultry farming. Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness is one such issue, having rapidly become a key issue affecting the poultry industry with serious impacts on broiler welfare, meat quality, production, food safety, and economic losses since its discovery in 1972. This review focuses on hallmark clinical symptoms, diagnosis, etiology, and impact of BCO lameness on key issues facing the poultry industry.