Turmeric essential oil improves intestinal integrity, immunological parameters, and performance of broiler chickens under cyclic heat stress.

This study aimed to examine whether dietary supplementation of broiler chickens with turmeric essential could mitigate the effects of cyclic heat stress conditions. Intestinal and immunological parameters and gene expression were evaluated during the grower phase. A total of 320 21-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized design with a 4 (diet) × 2 (environment) factorial arrangement and eight replications of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without essential oil (EO, negative control) and three diets containing low (100 mg kg-1), intermediate (200 mg kg-1), or high (300 mg kg-1) levels of turmeric EO. In the heat stress group, dietary supplementation with turmeric EO at 100 and 200 mg kg-1 improved body weight, feed conversion, breast yield, and relative liver weight. These supplementation levels reduced villus width, increased villus/crypt ratio, reduced the H/L ratio, and improved hepatic (HSP70 and SREBP1) and intestinal (OCLN) gene expression in birds under heat stress. These findings support the hypothesis that turmeric EO can be used to improve or restore intestinal integrity, modulate inflammation parameters, and, consequently, enhance the performance of broilers challenged by cyclic heat stress.

Clostridium perfringens antigens and challenges for development of vaccines against necrotic enteritis in poultry.

INTRODUCTION: Chickens with Necrotic Enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, exhibit acute and chronic symptoms that are difficult to diagnose, leading to significant economic losses. Vaccination is the best method for controlling and preventing NE. However, only two vaccines based on the CPA and NetB toxins have been commercialized, offering partial protection, highlighting the urgent need for more effective vaccines. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to identify promising antigens for NE vaccine formulation and discuss factors affecting their effectiveness. METHODS: A systematic review using five scientific databases identified 30 eligible studies through the Rayyan tool, which were included for quality review. RESULTS: We identified 25 promising antigens, including CPA, NetB, FBA, ZMP, CnaA, FimA, and FimB, categorized by their role in disease pathogenesis. This review discusses the biochemical, physiological, and genetic traits of recombinant antigens used in vaccine prototypes, their expression systems, and immunization potential in chickens challenged with virulent C. perfringens strains. Market supply challenges, immunogenic potential, vaccine platforms, adjuvants, and factors related to vaccination schedules-such as administration routes, dosing intervals, and age at immunization-are also addressed. Additionally, the study notes that vaccine formulations tested under mild challenges may not offer adequate field-level protection due to issues replicating aggressive conditions, strain virulence loss, and varied methodologies. CONCLUSIONS: An ideal NE vaccine should incorporate multiple antigens, molecular adjuvants, and delivery systems via in ovo and oral routes. The review underscores the challenges in developing and validating NE vaccines and the urgent need for a standardized protocol to replicate aggressive challenges accurately.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cobiotic based on Agave fructans on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative damage and immune status of broiler.

This study evaluated the effect of cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder of Agave tequilana and turmeric powder of Curcuma longa L. as an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokines serum levels of broiler chickens. A total of 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers distributed to five experimental groups, which included starter or finisher standard diets without AGPs (CON), CON + 0.25 COLI-ZIN g/kg feed (AGP), CON + 0.1 g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), CON + 0.5 g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP) and CON + 0.1 g AF + 0.5 g TP /kg feed (CO), for 49 days. AF followed by TP, decreased feed intake, obtaining the best FCR. AGP increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other groups. CO significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content. AF increased IL-10 levels, while TP decreased it. AF decreased the IL-1ß levels. The present study showed that including a cobiotic based on AF and TP or components separately in a broilers diet improved growth performance, modified intestinal and cecum pH, and stimulated the immune system, which suggests CO as a safe alternative to AGP.

Rapid development and mass production of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing chicken egg yolk antibodies with protective efficacy in hamsters.

Despite the record speed of developing vaccines and therapeutics against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is not a given that such success can be secured in future pandemics. In addition, COVID-19 vaccination and application of therapeutics remain low in developing countries. Rapid and low cost mass production of antiviral IgY antibodies could be an attractive alternative or complementary option for vaccine and therapeutic development. In this article, we rapidly produced SARS-CoV-2 antigens, immunized hens and purified IgY antibodies in 2 months after the SARS-CoV-2 gene sequence became public. We further demonstrated that the IgY antibodies competitively block RBD binding to ACE2, neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus and effectively protect hamsters from SARS-CoV-2 challenge by preventing weight loss and lung pathology, representing the first comprehensive study with IgY antibodies. The process of mass production can be easily implemented in most developing countries and hence could become a new vital option in our toolbox for combating viral pandemics. This study could stimulate further studies, optimization and potential applications of IgY antibodies as therapeutics and prophylactics for human and animals.

Exploration of Zingiber officinale effects on growth performance, immunity and gut morphology in broilers / Exploração dos efeitos do Zingiber officinale no desempenho de crescimento, imunidade e morfologia intestinal em frangos de corte

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of Zingiber officinale as a herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristic, serum biochemistry, total bacterial count (TBC), gut morphology, and immunological parameters of broilers. A total of 1500, day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were equally accredited to five treatment groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). Five experimental diets were prepared using basal diet i.e. with antibiotics positive control (PC), 3 g/kg ginger (group A), 6 g/kg ginger (group B), 9 g/kg ginger (group C) and without antibiotics negative control (NC). Group A and C showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake (FI) as compared to other groups. Group C showed significantly (p<0.05) lower Total bacterial count (TBC) followed by group B as compared to NC. Carcass characteristics showed non-significant effects among different treatments. Mean villi length and width were significantly (p <0.05) higher in all ginger supplemented groups as compared to the control groups. Blood serum parameters including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups B and C in comparison with the control groups. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was significantly higher in group B as compared to the others. In conclusion, ginger supplementation @0.6% in the basal diet significantly improved growth performance and gut morphometry of broilers. It also showed a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides and gut microbes. Therefore, ginger could be a better substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de Zingiber officinale como aditivo à base de plantas medicinais sobre o desempenho de crescimento, características da carcaça, bioquímica sérica, contagem bacteriana total (CBT), morfologia intestinal e parâmetros imunológicos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.500 pintos de corte de um dia de idade (Hubbard) foram igualmente credenciados em cinco grupos de tratamento, cada um com seis repetições (50 aves/repetição). Cinco dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando dieta basal, ou seja, com controle positivo de antibióticos (PC), 3 g/kg de gengibre (grupo A), 6 g/kg de gengibre (grupo B), 9 g/kg de gengibre (grupo C) e sem controle negativo de antibióticos (NC). Os grupos A e C apresentaram consumo de ração (FI) significativamente (p < 0,05) maior do que os outros grupos. O grupo C apresentou contagem bacteriana total (CBT) significativamente menor (p < 0,05) seguido pelo grupo B em comparação com o NC. As características da carcaça apresentaram efeitos não significativos entre os diferentes tratamentos. O comprimento e largura médios das vilosidades foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores em todos os grupos suplementados com gengibre em comparação com os grupos de controle. Os parâmetros séricos do sangue, incluindo colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL), foram significativamente (p < 0,05) menores nos grupos B e C em comparação com os grupos controle. Enquanto as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) foram significativamente maiores no grupo B em comparação com os outros. Em conclusão, a suplementação de gengibre a 0,6% na dieta basal melhorou significativamente o desempenho de crescimento e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Ele também mostrou um impacto positivo sobre o colesterol, triglicerídeos e micróbios intestinais. Portanto, o gengibre pode ser um substituto melhor para os promotores de crescimento com antibióticos.(AU)

Molecular and Phenotypic Detection of the Resistance Profile to ß-Lactams and Colistin of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Broilers' Litter

This study aimed to analyze 19 isolates of Salmonella spp., from broiler litter swabs in the State of São Paulo, by typing and analyzing the detection of resistance genes associated with ESBL's (Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase), AMPC (C-type cephalosporinases) and carbapenemases by molecular and phenotypic techniques. A PCR microarray platform (Check and Trace by Check-Points) was used to identify the isolated serotype. The isolates were also evaluated for identification of carbapenemase genes, MCR 1-2 (colistin resistance), AmpC (C-type cephalosporins), and ESBLs (ß-lactamases resistance). To identify phenotypic antibiotic resistance, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated with the antibiotics meropenem, amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone. The most prevalent serotypes identified were S. Infantis and S. Saintpaul, with a prevalence of 15.07% (3/19). Other strains identified were S. Cerro, S. Sandiego, S. Kentucky, S. Alachua, S. Javiana, S. Livingstone, S. Typhimurium, S. Heidelberg, non-enteric Salmonella, and a Salmonella not typifiable by the typing kit. All samples were negative for identifying carba resistance genes, MCR, ESBL, and AmpC. In the phenotypic profile, meropenem was the least resistant, while amoxicillin and ceftriaxone showed a high resistance pattern. The results show that phenotypic resistance is not associated with the presence of resistance genes studied here. In addition, the resistant bacteria found in MIC have resistance mechanisms not associated with the genes studied here. Additional measures must be implemented to prevent the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents therapeutically or as growth promoters.(AU)

Detection and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Enteropathogenic (EPEC) and Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) in Conventional and Organic Broiler Chickens

Enteropatogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC), are generally poultry and poultry product isolate and can cause serious human infections. Many strains may become resistant to various antimicrobials, which can hinder the treatment of bacterial diseases. Organic farming seeks to avoid the selection and frequency of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aims to verify the resistance of EPEC and STEC from organic and conventional (industrial) broiler isolates to antimicrobials. All isolates were submitted to disk diffusion test with tetracycline, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, ceftriaxone and amoxicillin + clavulanate (TET, GEN, ENO, CTX, AMC) and PCR to detect specific virulence genes for EPEC and STEC. A total of 297 E. coli strains were isolated, 213 from conventional. In organic broiler, 84 strains were isolated. The strains from the conventional broiler isolates were resistant to five antimicrobials tested: TET 48.82% (104/213), ENO 28.17% (60/213), CTX 15.49% (33/213), GEN 14.55% (31/213), and AMC 7.04% (15/213), and 9.86% (21/213) were considered multidrug-resistant. Organic chicken strains were resistant to four of the antimicrobials tested: TET 35.7% (30/84), ENO 9.5% (8/84), CTX 2.4% (2/84), GEN 4.8% (4/84). Of the strains from the organic broiler chicken isolates, only 1.2% (1/84) was considered multidrug-resistant. No EPEC and STEC were found in the organic chicken samples. The multidrug resistance was characterized in 9.52% (2/21) of the EPEC and 4.76% (1/21) of the STEC. The study demonstrated the absence of EPEC and STEC strains in organic broilers and carcasses and a lower frequency of multiresistant strains compared to conventional breeding.(AU)

Comparison of Characteristics and Differences in Early Immune Organ Development in Different Strains of Tianfu Broiler

To effectively develop and utilize high-quality Tianfu broilers, this study evaluated the morphological and structural characteristics of the immune organs of such broilers with different strains (HS1 and HS2) at different developmental stages and analyzed the distribution of mast cells by toluidine blue staining. Moreover, the localization and expression of immunoglobulin, complement C3, C4 and CD3 in immune organs were also detected. The results showed that although there was no significant difference in the development of immune organs in the HS1 and HS2, the number of lymphatic follicles and capsule thickness in the spleen and bursa of Fabricius in HS1 were greater than those in HS2. Additionally, the number of mast cells in the spleen of HS1 was greater at Day 1 and Day 21 and was significantly higher than that of HS2 (p<0.05); the number of mast cells in the bursa of Fabricius reached 9.17 on Day 7, which was significantly higher than that of HS2 (p<0.05). Moreover, the serum IgA and IgM levels in HS1 were higher than those in HS2 on Day 14 and 21 (p<0.05). In addition, the complement C3 content in HS1 was significantly or extremely significantly higher than that in HS2 on Days 1, 14 and 21 (p<0.01, p<0.05), respectively, but significantly lower than in HS2 on Day 7 (p<0.05). These results indicated that the disease resistance of the HS1 line was stronger than that of the HS2 line, which lays a foundation for future disease- resistance breeding of Tianfu broilers.(AU)

Effect of Bacillus Subtilis on Immune Function of Hd11 Chicken Macrophages

Poultry is frequently contaminated by Salmonella, a pathogen leading to human health concern worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis (BS)strain 048 (BS048) on the activation, phagocytosis, sterilization, cytokine secretion, and nitrogen oxide synthesis of HD11 chicken macrophages subjected to Salmonella enteritidis challenge, using lipopolysaccharide treatment as a negative control. The results showed: (1) BS048 had no significant effect on extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity (p>0.05), while lipopolysaccharide treatment significantly increased extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity (p >0.05), while lipopolysaccharide treatment significantly increased extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity (p 0.05);(2)BS048 significantly upregulated the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)- 1â and IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokines(IL-10 and transforming growth factor-â1), and anti-viral cytokine, interferon-â (p<0.01); ; (3) BS048 significantly upregulated the mRNA expression level of the inducible nitric oxide synthase and its activity as well as extracellular nitrogen oxide level (p <0.01). In conclusion, BS048 could improve antiinflammatory and immune functions of HD11 chicken macrophages, without cytotoxic effects on these cells.(AU)

Resveratrol Attenuates Heat-Stress-Impaired Immune and Inflammatory Responses of Broilers by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor-4 Signaling Pathway

This study investigated the effect of resveratrol on the immune and inflammatory responses and the mRNA levels of splenic toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling pathway-related genes of broilers under heat stress (HS). One hundred and sixty-two birds were allocated to three groups, each with 6 replicates, for 21 continuous days. The three treatments were as follows: the control group (22 ± 1 °C), the HS (33 ± 1 °C for 10 h d-1 and 22 ± 1 °C for the remaining time) group and the HS + resveratrol (400 mg kg-1) group. At the end of the trial, one bird per replicate close to the average body weight (BW) was selected, exsanguinated, and slaughtered. Compared with the control group, the HS treatment decreased (p<0.05) final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) Y, IgA and interleukin (IL)-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it increased (p<0.05) feed/gain, mRNA levels of splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TLR-4, nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), IL-1ß, and IL-6. Compared to the HS group, the HS+resveratrol group exhibited increased (p<0.05) final BW, ADG, relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum IgY, IgA and IL-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it exhibited lower (p<0.05) TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 contents in serum, and splenic TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κB mRNA levels. In conclusion, resveratrol prevented a HS-impairment of the immune function of broilers by blocking the abnormal activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway.(AU)

Effects of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Supplemented Diet on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Humoral Immunity in Black Australorp and Fayoumi Layers

The present study intended to identify the effects of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on production performance and parameters related to the quality of layers' eggs. Effects of yeast on immune titers after routine vaccinations against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis were also studied. Fayoumi chicken (n=288) were divided in four groups (72 in each), and Black Australorp (n=288) in four groups (72 in each). Both had 12 weeks of age and were kept in 08 groups (3 replicates per treatment). Hens were fed a controlled diet along with the addition of 0.5g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g of S. cerevisiae per kg of feed, till 25 weeks of age. Feed intake and egg production were measured on a daily basis, while body weight gain and egg weight were measured weekly. Egg quality parameters were evaluated by picking 5 eggs from every group weekly. Birds were vaccinated for Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) at the 18th week. Subsequently, 10 days after vaccination, antibody titers were determined by Hemagglutination Inhibition and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for both diseases. Results showed no significant effect of S. cerevisiae on layers' weight gain and feed intake. However, egg production was increased in the experimental group. Moreover, yeast supplementation impacted positively on birds' immune system. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation improved birds' egg production and immunity.(AU)

Exploration of Zingiber officinale effects on growth performance, immunity and gut morphology in broilers / Exploração dos efeitos do Zingiber officinale no desempenho de crescimento, imunidade e morfologia intestinal em frangos de corte

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of Zingiber officinale as a herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristic, serum biochemistry, total bacterial count (TBC), gut morphology, and immunological parameters of broilers. A total of 1500, day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were equally accredited to five treatment groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). Five experimental diets were prepared using basal diet i.e. with antibiotics positive control (PC), 3 g/kg ginger (group A), 6 g/kg ginger (group B), 9 g/kg ginger (group C) and without antibiotics negative control (NC). Group A and C showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake (FI) as compared to other groups. Group C showed significantly (p<0.05) lower Total bacterial count (TBC) followed by group B as compared to NC. Carcass characteristics showed non-significant effects among different treatments. Mean villi length and width were significantly (p <0.05) higher in all ginger supplemented groups as compared to the control groups. Blood serum parameters including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups B and C in comparison with the control groups. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was significantly higher in group B as compared to the others. In conclusion, ginger supplementation @0.6% in the basal diet significantly improved growth performance and gut morphometry of broilers. It also showed a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides and gut microbes. Therefore, ginger could be a better substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de Zingiber officinale como aditivo à base de plantas medicinais sobre o desempenho de crescimento, características da carcaça, bioquímica sérica, contagem bacteriana total (CBT), morfologia intestinal e parâmetros imunológicos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.500 pintos de corte de um dia de idade (Hubbard) foram igualmente credenciados em cinco grupos de tratamento, cada um com seis repetições (50 aves/repetição). Cinco dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando dieta basal, ou seja, com controle positivo de antibióticos (PC), 3 g/kg de gengibre (grupo A), 6 g/kg de gengibre (grupo B), 9 g/kg de gengibre (grupo C) e sem controle negativo de antibióticos (NC). Os grupos A e C apresentaram consumo de ração (FI) significativamente (p < 0,05) maior do que os outros grupos. O grupo C apresentou contagem bacteriana total (CBT) significativamente menor (p < 0,05) seguido pelo grupo B em comparação com o NC. As características da carcaça apresentaram efeitos não significativos entre os diferentes tratamentos. O comprimento e largura médios das vilosidades foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores em todos os grupos suplementados com gengibre em comparação com os grupos de controle. Os parâmetros séricos do sangue, incluindo colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL), foram significativamente (p < 0,05) menores nos grupos B e C em comparação com os grupos controle. Enquanto as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) foram significativamente maiores no grupo B em comparação com os outros. Em conclusão, a suplementação de gengibre a 0,6% na dieta basal melhorou significativamente o desempenho de crescimento e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Ele também mostrou um impacto positivo sobre o colesterol, triglicerídeos e micróbios intestinais. Portanto, o gengibre pode ser um substituto melhor para os promotores de crescimento com antibióticos.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles in Escherichia coli isolated from whole-chicken carcasses from conventional, antibiotic-free, and organic rearing systems / Perfil de resistência em Escherichia coli isoladas de carcaças de frango provenientes de sistemas de produção convencional, livre de antibióticos e orgânico

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in human and animal health. Public discussions on these issues have contributed to an increased demand for antibiotic-free food. Studies comparing the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria in foodstuffs originating from farming systems with restrictions on the use of antimicrobials are scarce. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of generic Escherichia coli isolated from whole chickens originating from farming systems with and without restrictions on the use of antimicrobials. For this purpose, three groups of E. coli strains were formed: (GC) from chickens reared in conventional production systems, without restriction on the use of antimicrobials (n=72); (GL) from chickens reared in farming systems certified as free of any antibiotic use (n=72); and (GO) from chickens from an organic farming system (n=72). Whole chicken units were individually rinsed as recommended by ISO 17604:2015, and E. coli was isolated from the rinse suspension. To evaluate the resistance profile, E. coli strains were tested against 12 antimicrobials using broth microdilution or disk diffusion tests. Eighty strains (40.7%) were found to be fully susceptible to the tested antimicrobials, and 23.6% were multidrug resistant. The highest frequencies of resistance were observed to tetracycline (GC=37,5%; GL=34,7%; GO=25%) and trimethoprim (GC=27,8%; GL=34,7%; GO=22,2%). In the case of multidrug resistant strains, GC presented 32% (n=23) of strains with multidrug resistance characteristics whereas the GL and GO groups presented 22% (n=16) and 17% (n=12), respectively. As for the totally susceptible strains, a frequency of 56% of Tsus strains was observed in the organic group, whereas this frequency was 33% in the GC and GL groups. Using GC as a reference, the Poisson regression model showed a higher occurrence of fully susceptible E. coli strains, as well as lower frequencies of multidrug resistance and resistance to ampicillin and nalidixic acid in GO. The GL group exhibited the lowest frequency of ampicillin resistance. These observations suggest that the lower selection pressure for antimicrobial use in the farming system may be reflected in the resistance profile of bacteria present in foodstuffs purchased by consumers.(AU)

A resistência antimicrobiana (AMR) é uma preocupação crescente para a saúde humana e animal. A discussão pública dessas questões tem contribuído para o aumento da demanda por alimentos produzidos sem o uso de antibióticos. No entanto, estudos que comparem os perfis de resistência antimicrobiana de bactérias em alimentos oriundos de sistemas agrícolas com restrição ao uso de antimicrobianos ainda são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de resistência antimicrobiana em Escherichia coli genérica isolada de carcaças de frangos inteiros oriundos de sistemas de criação com e sem restrições ao uso de antimicrobianos. Para tanto, três grupos de cepas de E. coli foram formados: (GC) isolados de carcaças de frangos criados no sistema convencional - sem restrição de uso de antimicrobianos (n=72); (GL) isolados de frangos de sistemas certificados sem uso de antimicrobianos (n=72); (GO) de frangos originados de produção orgânica (n=72). As unidades de frango inteiro foram submetidas à lavagem conforme recomendado pela ISO 17604: 2015 e E. coli foi isolada da suspensão de enxágue. Para avaliar o perfil de resistência, as cepas de E. coli foram testadas frente à 12 antimicrobianos pelos testes de microdiluição em caldo ou difusão em disco. Oitenta cepas (40,7%) foram totalmente suscetíveis aos antimicrobianos testados e 23,6% multirresistentes. As maiores frequências de resistência foram observadas frente a tetraciclina (GC=37,5%; GL=34,7%; GO=25%) e trimetoprima (GC=27,8%; GL=34,7%; GO=22,2%). No caso de cepas multirresistentes, GC apresentou 32% (n=23) das cepas com características de multirresistência enquanto os grupos GL e GO apresentaram 22% (n=16) e 17% (n=12), respectivamente. Quanto às cepas totalmente suscetíveis, foi observada uma frequência de 56% de cepas Tsus no grupo orgânico enquanto tal frequência foi de 33% nos grupos GC e GL. Utilizando GC como referência, o modelo de regressão de Poisson demonstrou maior ocorrência de cepas de E. coli totalmente suscetíveis, bem como menores frequências de multirresistência e resistência à ampicilina e ácido nalidíxico no GO. Em GL, apenas a frequência mais baixa de resistência à ampicilina pôde ser demonstrada. Essas observações sugerem que a menor pressão de seleção do uso de antimicrobianos no sistema de cultivo pode se refletir no perfil de resistência das bactérias presentes nos alimentos adquiridos pelo consumidor.(AU)

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of IgY Anti-Borrelia anserina antibodies in Gallus gallus domesticus / Ensaio de imunoadsorção enzimático (ELISA) indireto para detecção de anticorpos IgY Anti-Borreliaanserina em Gallus gallus domesticus

This study aimed to promote the standardization of an indirect, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological detection of B. anserina in Gallus gallusdomesticus. An aliquoted sera from vaccinated chicken with B. anserina antigen (GI), experimental infected chickens with B. anserina (GII) and rustic poultry rearing of G. gallus (GIII) were tested with in-house ELISA developed to detect serum antibodies against B. anserina in G. gallus domesticus. On average, the experimentally infected chickens became positive at 9 DPI a mean ± standard deviation (SD) ODI value of 163.11 ± 70.65. The highest observed Optical Density Index (ODI) was 372.54 ± 132.39, at 26 DPI, and the highest overall ODI value was 626.51. The vaccinated chickens became positive between 8 and 10 DPV, with an ODI of 245.59 at 10 DPV, with an overall maximum ODI of 543.13. A total of 108 blood samples were collected from poultry raised on rustic farms. Of the total samples collected, 58.33% (63/108) were considered positive for B. anserina. The maximum ODI found among these rustic chickens was 283.24. This stardardization provided a sensitivity and specificity of 100%.

Este estudo teve como objetivo promover a padronização de um ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA) para a detecção sorológica de Borrelia anserina em Gallus gallus domesticus. Um frango vacinado com antígeno de B. anserina (GI), frangos infectados experimentalmente com B. anserina (GII) e frangos criados de forma rústica (GIII) foram testados com ELISA indireto in house desenvolvido para a detecção sorológica contra B. anserina em G. gallus domesticus. Em média, os frangos infectados experimentalmente tornaram-se positivos aos 9º dia pós-inoculação (DPI), um valor do índice de densidade óptica (ODI) médio ± desvio padrão (SD) de 163,11 ± 70,65. O maior ODI observado foi 372,54 ± 132,39, em 26ºDPI, e o maior valor geral de ODI foi 626,51. Os frangos vacinados tornaram-se positivos entre 8º e 10° DPV, com um ODI de 245,59 a 10 DPV, com um ODI máximo geral de 543,13. Um total de 108 amostras de sangue foram coletadas de aves criadas em fazendas rústicas. Do total de amostras coletadas, 58,33% (63/108) foram consideradas positivas para B. anserina. O ODI máximo encontrado entre essas galinhas rústicas foi 283,24. Essa padronização proporcionou sensibilidade e especificidade de 100%.

Rate of Transfer of Infectious Anaemia Maternal Antibodies from Broiler Breeders To the Progeny: a Field Evaluation

Clinical manifestation of the disease caused by the chicken anaemia virus (CAV) occurs when chicken chicks are vertically contaminated or before the second week of life. CAV control is based on the vaccination of broiler breeders in order to promote progeny protection through maternal antibodies. This work aims to evaluate, under field conditions, the antibody title in commercial broiler breeders at 28, 48, and 68 weeks of age, the rate of transference to the progeny, as well as the duration of antibodies in the progeny up to 21 days of age. Thus, a total of 92 sera samples from 93,000 broiler breeders vaccinated with a live vaccine for CAV at 14 weeks of age and 366 sera samples from their respective progeny were analyzed using ELISA. Breeders' antibody title for CAV ranged between 5051 and 8660, and these titles may provide sufficient protection for their progeny. On average, 63% of the maternal antibodies were transferred to the progeny and lasted up to the second week of chick's life. It is possible to conclude that the vaccine and the vaccination procedure used by this company for breeders against CAV seems to be effective in inducing high antibody levels in the breeders and transfering protective maternal antibodies to the progeny.(AU)

Bacillus coagulans as an alternative to antibiotics in the performance and control of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers / Bacillus coagulans como alternativa aos antibióticos sobre o desempenho e controle da Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters in broiler feed has been beneficial for improving performance and preventing diseases. However, the indiscriminate use of these products in the feed can result in the development of resistant bacteria, the accumulation of residues in the products, and an imbalance in the microflora of birds. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate alternatives, such as beneficial microorganisms that improve microbial growth without affecting animal health and product quality. This research aimed to evaluate the supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus coagulans on the performance, carcass characteristics, and health of broilers from seven to 42 days. In total, 720 broilers were used, distributed in a randomized block design with six treatments and eight replicates. The evaluated treatments were as follows: Control ration (RC); PROB1 (Probiotic 400 g/t); PROB2 (Probiotic 400 g/t until 21 days and 200 g/t from 22 to 42 days); RC + antibiotic; RC + Salmonella inoculation; PROB1 + Salmonella inoculation. The treatments did neither influence feed intake, carcass yield, and cuts nor the incidence of injuries to the chest, hock, and footpad. Weight gain and feed conversion were better in birds that received antibiotic or probiotic diets. There was an incidence of Salmonella in the challenges excreta at42 days only in the treatment with challenge without adding probiotics. We conclude that the probiotic Bacillus coagulans can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in the diet of broilers as it facilitates similar performance and is efficient in the control of Salmonella Enteritidis.

A utilização de promotores de crescimento antimicrobianos na alimentação de frangos de corte tem sido benéfica para melhoria do desempenho e para prevenção de doenças. Porém, o uso indiscriminado destes produtos nas rações pode resultar em desenvolvimento de bactérias resistentes, acúmulo de resíduos nos produtos e desequilíbrio da microflora das aves. Portanto, torna-se necessário avaliar alternativas como microrganismos benéficos que melhorem o crescimento microbiano, sem afetar a saúde do animal e a qualidade dos seus produtos. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a suplementação do probiótico Bacillus coagulans sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e saúde de frangos de corte de 7 a 42 dias. Utilizou-se 720 frangos de corte distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle; PROB1 (Probiótico 400 g/t); PROB2 (Probiótico 400 g/ton até os 21 dias e 200 g/t dos 22 aos 42 dias); Controle + antibiótico; Controle + inoculação de Salmonella; PROB1 + inoculação de Salmonella. Os tratamentos não influenciaram o consumo de ração, rendimento de carcaça e cortes e a incidência de lesões no peito, jarrete e coxim plantar. O ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram melhores nas aves que receberam rações com antibiótico ou probiótico. Houve incidência de Salmonella nas excretas aos 42 dias somente no tratamento com desafio sem adição de probiótico. Conclui-se que o probiótico Bacillus coagulans pode ser usado como alternativa ao antibiótico na ração de frangos de corte, pois proporciona desempenho semelhante e é eficiente no controle da Salmonella Enteritidis

The Protective Role of Silymarin to Ameliorate the Adverse Effects of Ochratoxin-A in Laying Hens on Productive Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Hematological and Antioxidants Status

This study was planned to examine the effect of silymarin on diminishing adverse effects of ochratoxin-A (OTA) in laying hens. A total number of 300 Inshas, local layer hens of 28 weeks of age were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 5 replicates each (15 hens). The birds were fed on the following treatments, (Control): fed a hen diet without any supplementation; (SL): fed the control diet supplemented with SL (1000 mg/kg feed); (OTA-diet): was fed the control diet contaminated with 1 ppm of OTA/kg diet, and (OTA+SL): fed the OTA-diet plus SL (1ppm OTA+1000 mg SL/kg feed). Results showed that feeding OTA at 1 ppm reduced productive performance compared with those fed the control diet. In OTA treated groups the total erythrocytes count, leukocytes count, PCV and Hb were decreased when compared to the control and SL groups. Albumin, globulin and serum total proteins in OTA treated groups were significantly lower when compared to the control and SL groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly increased in OTA fed groups in comparison with the control and SL groups. Creatinine and uric acid were increased in OTA treated groups but were almost normal in the SL group. The results showed that OTA had a severe effect on liver and kidney, but SL treated group had normal liver and kidneys showing its hepatoprotective effects.(AU)

Preliminary Study to Investigate the Effect of Lactobacillus Reuteri Administration on Growth Performance, Immunological, Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Mucosa of Chicken

The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of oral administration of L. reuteri on growth performance, intestine histomorphology, immunological and gut microbiome of broilers. A total of twenty healthy chickens were used in a five-week experimental trial. Birds were assigned into one of two groups with orally administrated L. reuteri probiotic and without probiotic- (Control -Phosphate-buffered saline). A significant (p<0.05) body weight gain was observed in the chickens in L. reuteri treatment group compare to those in the control group at the end of the trial. In addition, the serum IGF-1 cytokines level significantly enhanced in L. reuteri treatment group. However, there were no notable effects observed on the villus height, crypt depth, muscularis thickness, and submucosal thickness in chickens orally inject with and without L. reuteri. At the phylum level, the presence of Firmicutes (99.5%) was highly abundantin the L. reuteri treatment group. Moreover, the fecal microbial communities of Lactobacillus (99.9%) showed average relative abundance at genus level in L. reuteri treatment group. From this, we concluded that oral administration of L. reuteri would be beneficial to enhance the body weight gain, gut microbiome, and immune status of broiler.(AU)

Effects of Vitamin A and K3 on Immune Function and Intestinal Antioxidant Capacity of Aged Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate effects of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin K3 (VK3) on immune function and intestinal antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens. In a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, the diets of 1080 Roman Pink laying hens (87 weeks old) was formulated with deficient, adequate and excess VA and VK3, including 0, 7000 and 14000 IU/kg VA and 0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg VK3 for 8 weeks. Interactive effects between VA and VK3 were observed that VA and VK3 decreased the splenetic mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), but increased the plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) content and jejunal mRNA expression of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2). Hens fed adequate or excess VA had higher spleen index, mRNA expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spleen, sIgA content, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase and total dismutase (T-SOD) activity, and mRNA expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in jejunum and lower mRNA expression of IL-1ß in jejunum and iNOS, TNF-α in spleen. Furthermore, adequate or excess VK3 significantly increased plasma IgG content, the CAT, T-SOD and total antioxidant capacity activities, up-regulated the mRNA expression of pIgR, Nrf2, SOD1 and CAT in jejunum and down-regulated the mRNA expression of iNOS and TNF-α in spleen.(AU)

Effects of broiler breeder age on immune system development of progeny

The objective of this study was to determine the effects that breeder age has on digestive and immune system development; the transfer of immunoglobulins to egg yolk, yolk sac, and neonate chicks; and the immune response of chicks up to 35 days old. Three ages (32, 42, and 52 weeks) of Hubbard breeders were studied with ages as treatments. A total of 425 eggs were weighed for each of the three treatments and incubated. After hatching, a total of 300 1-day-old chicks were used in each treatment. We studied the development of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system of progeny and IgY transfer from breeder to progeny. Chicks from 52-week-old breeders had greater gastrointestinal tract growth up to seven days of life and greater body weight at 14 days. Older breeders (52 weeks) had higher amounts of IgY in serum and egg yolk. Chicks from the youngest breeders (32-weeks-old) had a better immune response at two weeks post-vaccination. It can be concluded that the older breeders have a greater capacity to immunize progeny up to 14 days. Strategies can be developed to increase IgY in the serum of young breeders and, consequently, increase the innate immunity of the newly-hatched chicks.(AU)