Effect of glycosaminoglycans on the structure and composition of articular cartilage and bone of broilers.

This study aimed to assess the influence of glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates) supplementation in the diet of broilers on the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP-2) genes, the synthesis of proteoglycans, collagen type II and chondrocytes, bone and cartilage macroscopy, bone mineral densitometry, bone breaking strength and mineral profile. A completely randomized design was carried out in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (3 levels of chondroitin sulfate: 0.00, 0.05, and 0.10%; and 3 levels of glucosamine sulfate: 0.00, 0.15, and 0.30%), totaling 9 treatments. At 21 and 42 d of age, broilers were slaughtered, and tibias and femurs were collected for evaluation. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) of sulfates for the expression of MMP-9 and its inhibitor TIMP-2 in femur articular cartilage, as well as for the number of chondrocytes, collagen type II and proteoglycans in tibia articular cartilage, bone and cartilage macroscopy and mineral profile (P < 0.05), with better results obtained with the inclusion of chondroitin and/or glucosamine sulfates in the feed. In conclusion, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates can be used in broiler diets in order to favor the development of the structure of the locomotor system (bones and joints), thus preventing locomotion problems.

Long-Lasting Effects of Incubation Temperature During Fetal Development on Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Broilers.

Increasing evidence indicates that fetal programming may cause permanent effects on offspring adipose tissue and body composition. Previous study showed reduction in newly-hatched broiler chick adiposity by manipulating incubation temperature during fetal development. The present study examined whether incubation temperature during fetal development has long-term effects on post-hatching fat deposition in broilers. Broiler breeder eggs (Cobb-500®) were incubated under constant low (36°C, LT), control (37.5°C, CT) or high (39°C, HT) temperature from day 13 onward, giving to eggshell temperature of 37.3 ± 0.08°C, 37.8 ± 0.2°C, and 38.8 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Male chicks were reared under recommended temperatures until 42 days old. LT 21 days old broilers exhibited higher blood cholesterol than CT broilers, and higher triglycerids, VLDL, and LDL, and lower HDL than CT and HT broilers. LT broilers presented higher liver cholesterol than CT broilers and lower ether extract percentage than CT broilers. Adipocyte count was lower in the abdomen than in the thigh. Until day 21 of age, feed intake was higher in LT than in HT broilers. At day 42 of age, blood cholesterol and LDL were higher in HT broilers than in CT and LT broilers. Liver cholesterol was higher in LT than in HT broilers. LT treatment reduced neck and increased thigh adipocyte size compared to CT treatment, while the HT treatment reduced abdomen and neck adipocyte size compared to other two treatments and in the thigh compared to LT treatment. In CT broilers, thigh adipocytes were smaller than abdomen and neck adipocytes. HT treatment increased adipocyte number per area in the neck compared to LT and CT treatment, and LT and HT treatments reduced adipocyte count in the thigh compared to CT treatment. CT broilers presented higher adipocyte count in the thigh than the abdomen and neck, while HT broilers presented higher adipocyte count in the neck than the abdomen and thigh. Cell proliferation was lower in the abdomen than in the thigh. The results show incubation temperature manipulation during fetal development has long-term and distinct effects on regional adiposity, and can be used to modulate broiler fat deposition.

Occupational risk factors in health of broiler-farm workers: A systematic review.

The present study aimed to identify gaps in literature regarding occupational risks to broiler farming workers. A systematic review was performed in which inclusion criteria were workers in poultry farms. The search was done between May and June 2019 with online papers. Keywords were "poultry farmer," "poultry worker," and "poultry workers" as terms of an axis of a theoretical framework. Results indicated as predominant topics lung diseases, nasal mucosa or paranasal sinus contamination, and aflatoxicosis. The identified gaps in scientific publications are related to mitigation of occupational risks. Prevalent described risks are associated to exposure to chemicals gases, vapors and aerosols, biological hazards (micro-organisms), ergonomic risks, wrong working posture, excessive body movement and inadequate behaviors. Preventive policies about poultry farmer's health and safety needs to be adopted to reduce potentially dangerous risk factors and increase productivity.

Effect of cypermethrin on the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and broiler performance / Efeito da cipermetrina no controle de cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte

This study analysed the effectiveness of using different levels of a product based on 6% cypermethrin and 2% citronella on broiler production and control the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). A total of 648 one-day-old chicks (Cobb®) which were allocated to one of three treatments (no application of the commercial product - control, and two concentrations of the product 2.00 and 3.33g/m2) in eight replicates with 27 birds each. The commercial product, which was based on cypermethrin was applied in the chambers with an atomizer. The lesser mealworm population was sampled weekly (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment) using traps, at three points (front, middle and back) inside the pen. The performance, carcass and cut yields were evaluated. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment, the number of lesser mealworm adults and larvae was lower in the treatment groups involving 2.00 and 3.33g/m2 of the product than in the control group. On the first and 14th days of the study, the number of lesser mealworms adults was lower in the group treated with 3.33g/m2 of the product compared to the control group, although the results did not differ statistically from those obtained with 2.00g/m2 of the product. In conclusion, the application of the commercial product at both concentrations (2.00 and 3.33g/m2) was effective in combating Alphitobius diaperinus adults and larvae, and the performance was not influenced by treatments.(AU)

Este estudo analisou a eficácia do uso de diferentes níveis de um produto à base de cipermetrina a 6% e citronela a 2%, na produção de frangos de corte e no controle do cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus). Um total de 648 pintos de um dia de idade (Cobb®) foram distribuídos em três câmaras com os tratamentos (sem aplicação do produto comercial - controle, e duas concentrações do produto comercial - 2,00 e 3,33g/m2) em oito repetições com 27 aves cada. O produto comercial a base de cipermetrina foi aplicado nas câmaras com um atomizador. A população de cascudinho foi amostrada semanalmente (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento) usando armadilhas, em três pontos (frente, meio e fundo) de cada parcela. Foram avaliados o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes. Aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento, o número de adultos e larvas de cascudinho foi menor nos grupos de tratamento envolvendo 2,00 e 3,33g/m2 do produto quando comparado ao grupo controle. No primeiro e no 14º dia do estudo, o número de cascudinhos adultos foi menor no grupo tratado com 3,33g/m2 do produto em comparação ao grupo controle, embora os resultados não tenham diferido estatisticamente daqueles obtidos com 2,00g/m2 do produto. A conversão alimentar de 1 a 21 dias de idade foi significativa, com os melhores resultados para essa variável quando aplicado 3,33g do produto por metro quadrado e no tratamento controle. Em conclusão, a aplicação do produto comercial em ambas as concentrações (2,00 e 3,33g/m2) foi eficaz no combate a adultos e larvas de Alphitobius diaperinus e, não influenciou o desempenho.(AU)

Effect of cypermethrin on the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and broiler performance

ABSTRACT: This study analysed the effectiveness of using different levels of a product based on 6% cypermethrin and 2% citronella on broiler production and control the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). A total of 648 one-day-old chicks (Cobb®) which were allocated to one of three treatments (no application of the commercial product - control, and two concentrations of the product 2.00 and 3.33g/m2) in eight replicates with 27 birds each. The commercial product, which was based on cypermethrin was applied in the chambers with an atomizer. The lesser mealworm population was sampled weekly (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment) using traps, at three points (front, middle and back) inside the pen. The performance, carcass and cut yields were evaluated. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment, the number of lesser mealworm adults and larvae was lower in the treatment groups involving 2.00 and 3.33g/m2 of the product than in the control group. On the first and 14th days of the study, the number of lesser mealworms adults was lower in the group treated with 3.33g/m2 of the product compared to the control group, although the results did not differ statistically from those obtained with 2.00g/m2 of the product. In conclusion, the application of the commercial product at both concentrations (2.00 and 3.33g/m2) was effective in combating Alphitobius diaperinus adults and larvae, and the performance was not influenced by treatments.

RESUMO: Este estudo analisou a eficácia do uso de diferentes níveis de um produto à base de cipermetrina a 6% e citronela a 2%, na produção de frangos de corte e no controle do cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus). Um total de 648 pintos de um dia de idade (Cobb®) foram distribuídos em três câmaras com os tratamentos (sem aplicação do produto comercial - controle, e duas concentrações do produto comercial - 2,00 e 3,33g/m2) em oito repetições com 27 aves cada. O produto comercial a base de cipermetrina foi aplicado nas câmaras com um atomizador. A população de cascudinho foi amostrada semanalmente (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento) usando armadilhas, em três pontos (frente, meio e fundo) de cada parcela. Foram avaliados o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes. Aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento, o número de adultos e larvas de cascudinho foi menor nos grupos de tratamento envolvendo 2,00 e 3,33g/m2 do produto quando comparado ao grupo controle. No primeiro e no 14º dia do estudo, o número de cascudinhos adultos foi menor no grupo tratado com 3,33g/m2 do produto em comparação ao grupo controle, embora os resultados não tenham diferido estatisticamente daqueles obtidos com 2,00g/m2 do produto. A conversão alimentar de 1 a 21 dias de idade foi significativa, com os melhores resultados para essa variável quando aplicado 3,33g do produto por metro quadrado e no tratamento controle. Em conclusão, a aplicação do produto comercial em ambas as concentrações (2,00 e 3,33g/m2) foi eficaz no combate a adultos e larvas de Alphitobius diaperinus e, não influenciou o desempenho.

Welfare during pre-slaughter handling and carcass lesions of beef cattle submitted to different loading densities / Bem-estar durante o manejo pré abate e lesões em carcaça de bovinos submetidos às diferentes densidades de carregamento

Inadequate pre-slaughter handling conditions can compromise animal welfare and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the animal welfare (AW) indexes during pre-slaughter handling and quantify the carcass lesions of beef cattle submitted to different loading densities. A total of 270 Nellore cattle, at 30 months of age, from three farms were used in the study. Each farm presented a different loading density: higher density (500kg/m2), intermediate density (450kg/m2), and lower density (420kg/m2). Three shipments of cattle from each farm with 30 animals each were used in the AW analysis. Ten animals from each shipment were considered for quantification of carcass bruises. The AW indexes were classified according to the five-freedom criterion (physiological, environmental, sanitary, behavioral, and psychological). After slaughter, the carcasses were inspected in the routine line and evaluated for the presence of lesions. Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were found for all variables studied as a function of AW and bruises. The best AW index and the lowest mean weight of lesions were found at the loading density of 450kg/m2. The highest carcass weight was observed at the loading density of 500kg/m2. Lesions were found in 100% of the animals at the loading densities of 500 and 420kg/m2. In conclusion, the best AW indexes and the smallest occurrence of bruises were verified at the loading density of 450kg/m2. This study confirmed the importance of adequate pre-slaughter handling to ensure cattle welfare and, consequently, greater profitability for producers and slaughterhouses.(AU)

Condições de manejo pré-abate inadequadas podem comprometer o bem-estar e a produtividade animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os índices de bem-estar animal (BEA) durante o manejo pré-abate e quantificar as lesões em carcaça de bovinos submetidos às diferentes densidades de carregamento. Para isto, foram utilizados 270 bovinos Nelore, aos 30 meses de idade, provenientes de três fazendas. Cada fazenda apresentou diferente densidade de carregamento: maior densidade (500kg/m2), densidade intermediária (450kg/m2) e menor densidade (420kg/m2). Foram realizados três carregamentos de cada fazenda, compostos por 30 animais cada. Para análise do BEA e quantificação de lesões nas carcaças bovinas foram considerados 10 animais de cada carregamento. Os índices de BEA foram classificados segundo o critério das cinco liberdades (fisiológica, ambiental, sanitária, comportamental e psicológica). Após o abate, as carcaças foram inspecionadas na linha de rotina e avaliadas quanto à presença de lesões. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas (P<0,001) para todas as variáveis estudadas em função do BEA e das lesões. O melhor índice de bem-estar e o menor peso médio de lesão foi encontrado na densidade de carregamento de 450kg/m2. O maior peso da carcaça foi encontrado na densidade de carregamento de 500kg/m2. Em 100% dos animais nas densidades de carregamento de 500 e 420kg/m2 foram encontradas lesões. Pode-se concluir que a densidade de carregamento de bovino de 450kg/m2 obteve os melhores índices de bem-estar e menor ocorrência de lesões. Este estudo confirma a importância do manejo pré-abate adequado na garantia do bem-estar aos bovinos e, consequentemente, na maior rentabilidade ao produtor e ao frigorífico.(AU)

Dietary supplementation with glycosaminoglycans reduces locomotor problems in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to assess the influence of glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates) supplementation in the diet on the performance and incidence of locomotor problems in broiler chickens. A completely randomized design was carried out in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (3 levels of chondroitin sulfate -0, 0.05, and 0.10%; and 3 levels of glucosamine sulfate -0, 0.15, and 0.30%). Each treatment was composed of 6 replications of 30 broilers each. The performance of broilers (average weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and productive viability) was assessed at 7, 21, 35, and 42 d of age, whereas the gait score, valgus and varus deviations, femoral degeneration, and tibial dyschondroplasia were assessed at 21 and 42 d of age. Increasing levels of glucosamine sulfate inclusion linearly increased the weight gain from 1 to 35 and from 1 to 42 d of age of broilers (P = 0.047 and P = 0.039, respectively), frequency of broilers with no femoral degeneration in the right and left femurs, and the proliferating cartilage area of proximal epiphysis at 42 d of age (P = 0.014, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.028, respectively). The increasing inclusion of chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates led to an increase in the frequency of broilers on the gait score scale 0 (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0001, respectively) and frequency of broilers with no valgus and varus deviations (P = 0.014 and P = 0.0002, respectively) also at 42 d of age. Thus, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates can be used in the diet of broiler chickens to reduce their locomotor problems.

Hatching phase influences thermal preference of broilers throughout rearing.

Here we aimed for the first time to analyse whether opposite hatching patterns associated or not to high incubation temperature from day 13 to hatching interferes with the thermal preference and response of broilers to heat stress throughout the rearing period. Fertile eggs from 56-week-old broiler breeders (Cobb-500®) were used in a completely randomized trial with a 2x2 factorial arrangement (Short-Long and Long-Short hatching patterns: short time interval between internal and external pipping followed by long time interval between external pipping and hatching, and long time interval between internal and external pipping followed by short time interval between external pipping and hatching, respectively; and control and high incubation temperatures: 37.5°C and 39°C from the 13rd day, respectively). Thermal manipulation from day 13 was chosen because it is known endocrine axes are already established at this time. At hatching, male chicks were reared in climatical chamber with 16 boxes, maintained at the temperature recommended for this strain, with 4 replicates of 18 chicks per treatment. Broilers with Long-Short hatching pattern and from eggs incubation at 37.5°C preferred the lowest ambient temperature at all analyzed ages, whereas broilers with Short-Long hatching pattern and from eggs incubated at 39°C preferred the highest temperatures from 21 days of age. Heat-exposed broilers showed increased respiratory frequency in all ages analyzed, which should have to contributed to maintainance of their rectal (body) temperature. The hatching patterns did not influence the feed intake, but broilers with Short-Long hatching pattern had better feed conversion, weight gain, and body weight. High incubation temperature reduced the feed consumption, as well as the weight gain and body weight by worsening the feed conversion. The results of this study reveal that hatching patterns associated or not to high incubation temperature influence the broiler thermal preference and heat response throughout the rearing period. Chicks with Long-Short and Short-Long hatching patterns should be reared separately, although this is not practical within a hatcher.

Glycosaminoglycans and vitamin C affect broiler bone parameters.

The purpose of this study was to determine if in ovo feeding and rearing with glycosaminoglycans and vitamin C could influence bone and cartilage macroscopy, mineral composition, mineral density and surface area, bone breaking strength, and bone histology in broilers. Fertile eggs from breeders (Cobb) were either uninjected or injected with 4 µg of additive/100 µL water on day 4 of incubation. Every 100 g of in ovo additive contained 30 g of chondroitin sulfate, 30 g of glucosamine, and 5 g of vitamin C. After hatching, the chicks from both incubation treatments were submitted to additional treatments during the growth phase from 1 to 42 D of age (diet without and with 0.74 g of additive/kg of feed). Every 100 kg of feed contained 30 g of glucosamine sulfate, 24 g of chondroitin sulfate, and 20 g of vitamin C. A completely randomized factorial design (2 × 2) was applied. The data were submitted to variance analysis using the general linear model procedure of SAS (SAS Institute). In ovo feeding with 4 µg of additive plus dietary supplementation with 0.74 g of additive/kg of feed resulted in the highest cartilage weight of the femur proximal epiphysis in birds (P = 0.0098). The highest ash, phosphorus and calcium percentage, mineral density and mineral composition were identified for femur and tibia in the following treatments: in ovo feeding plus diet without additive during rearing, or uninjected eggs plus dietary supplementation during rearing. In ovo feeding with 4 µg of the additive reduced (P = 0.0008) the number of chondrocytes in the proximal epiphysis of the tibia cartilage and increased (P < 0.0001) the number of osteocytes in the tibia diaphysis of broilers. We conclude that in ovo feeding or dietary supplementation during broiler rearing with glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate) and vitamin C benefits the development of bird bones and cartilage, and may represent a solution to bone problems in broilers.

Effect of the addition of glycosaminoglycans on bone and cartilaginous development of broiler chickens.

Locomotion issues in broiler production may decrease performance (carcass yield and traits) and lead to high financial losses. This study evaluates the addition of glucosaminoglycans in broiler diets to minimize the lack of proper bone development and joint weakening. The experiment was conducted using 2,160 broilers randomly distributed in a factorial pattern (3 × 3) using 3 levels of glucosamine sulfate (0, 0.12, and 0.24%) and 3 levels of chondroitin sulfate addition (0, 0.08, and 0.16%). Eight repetitions were used for each treatment, distributed in 72 pens with 30 broilers each. There was a quadratic effect on feed conversion for broilers from 1 to 42 d old (P = 0.0123) for the addition of chondroitin, and better feed conversion was obtained by adding 0.08% of chondroitin. The relative tibia weight, the width of the proximal epiphysis and diaphysis presented a linear increased effect in broilers at 42 d old. An interaction was found between the amount of chondroitin × glucosamine and the number of chondrocytes in the proximal cartilage of the tibia (P = 0.0072). There was a quadratic effect of glucosamine levels (P = 0.0107) in the birds that had received the 0.16% addition of chondroitin, and the presence of 0.18% glucosamine increased the number chondrocytes in the cartilage of broilers. These results provide the first evidence that broilers may benefit from increased dietary chondroitin sulfate. These results indicate that the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates in broiler feed rations might alleviate leg conditions and decrease financial losses in the broiler industry.