Promoting sustainable smallholder farming via multistakeholder collaboration.

Transforming smallholder farms is critical to global food security and environmental sustainability. The science and technology backyard (STB) platform has proved to be a viable approach in China. However, STB has traditionally focused on empowering smallholder farmers by transferring knowledge, and wide-scale adoption of more sustainable practices and technologies remains a challenge. Here, we report on a long-term project focused on technology scale-up for smallholder farmers by expanding and upgrading the original STB platform (STB 2.0). We created a formalized and standardized process by which to engage and collaborate with farmers, including integrating their feedback via equal dialogues in the process of designing and promoting technologies. Based on 288 site-year of field trials in three regions in the North China Plain over 5 y, we find that technologies cocreated through this process were more easily accepted by farmers and increased their crop yields and nitrogen factor productivity by 7.2% and 28.1% in wheat production and by 11.4% and 27.0% in maize production, respectively. In promoting these technologies more broadly, we created a "one-stop" multistakeholder program involving local government agencies, enterprises, universities, and farmers. The program was shown to be much more effective than the traditional extension methods applied at the STB, yielding substantial environmental and economic benefits. Our study contributes an important case study for technology scale-up for smallholder agriculture. The STB 2.0 platform being explored emphasizes equal dialogue with farmers, multistakeholder collaboration, and long-term investment. These lessons may provide value for the global smallholder research and practitioners.

Molecular characterization of a novel variant of infectious bronchitis virus from field outbreaks in backyard chicken population of North East India.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes considerable economic impacts on global poultry production. Since its emergence in early 1930, IBV continues to evolve and now exists in a wide range of antigenically and genetically distinct variants, that makes the prevention and the control of the disease both complex and challenging. Although IBV has been reported regularly from different corner of India, information about the molecular epidemiology of circulating strain in relation to clinical form of the disease is not available. We have studied the clinico-pathology and confirmed eight distinct field outbreaks of the disease from poultry population of Mizoram, India. The clinical disease in affected birds resulted sever pathological lesions involving respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary system together. The complete S1 nucleotide sequences and protein analyses have revealed a distinct variant of genotype I-IBV (GI), designated as GI-24 circulating in India. The S1 protein of the field strains displayed unique additional eighteen amino acids at C terminal end when compared with M41strain. Comparison of the S1 protein among all the 27 lineages of GI revealed five mutations that are exclusive to only the Indian strains. All the field strains have also possessed the amino acid mutations at highly variable region 2 (HVR2) of S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) that are considered characteristic of nephropathogenic strains. The circulating GI-24 strains displayed potency for a wide range of tropism from respiratory epithelium to GIT and urinary system. This study provides insight on recently emerging IBV outbreaks in NER, India, which might be causing huge economic losses to the poultry farmers in the region.

A survey of gastrointestinal helminth infestation in smallholder backyard pigs and the first molecular identification of the two zoonotic helminths Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis in Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infestations have a substantial economic impact on pig production. This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in pigs and to molecularly characterise two important nematodes, Ascaris and Trichuris species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 500 pig faecal samples were collected from small holder backyard pig farms in five townships within Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Microscopic examination was conducted to estimate the prevalence of GI helminth infestation in the pigs. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on faecal samples that were morphologically positive for Ascaris and Trichuris eggs. Molecular analysis was then conducted to characterise A. suum and T. suis, the most common and zoonotic helminths. RESULTS: According to microscopic examination, 69.2% (346/500) were positive for GI helminth eggs. The GI helminth species observed were A. suum, Strongyle, Strongyloides spp., T. suis, Metastrongylus spp., Hyostrongylus spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Paragonimus spp., and Schistosoma spp., with occurrences of 34.8%, 29.6%, 21.4%, 20.0%, 4.0%, 1.6%, 1.0%, 1.0%, and 0.4%, respectively. Mixed infections of GI helminths were noted in 31.0% of the samples. Overall, sampled pigs excreted mostly low levels (< 100 EPG) or moderate levels (> 100-500 EPG) of GI helminth eggs. The highest mean EPG for each parasite species was noted in A. suum. The presence of A. suum and T. suis was confirmed molecularly. The sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of A. suum showed high similarity with previously reported sequences. Likewise, the sequences of T. suis exhibited high similarity with the sequences reported from humans and pigs. Age was noted as an associated factor (P < 0.05) for GI helminth infection status. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, A. suum and T. suis were molecularly identified for the first time in Myanmar. It is important to extend the information among the farmers to be aware of the necessity of preventing zoonotic parasites by practicing regular deworming, proper use of anthelmintics and maintaining hygienic conditions in their pig farms.

Comparative assessment of climate resilient potential in four poultry genotypes reared in hot-humid tropical environment: a preliminary evaluation.

The general objective of this study is to comparatively assess the climate-resilient potential of four different poultry genotypes-Giriraja (n = 8), Country chicken (n = 8), Naked neck (n = 8), and Kadaknath (n = 8)-reared in a hot-humid tropical environment. Birds from all genotypes had ad libitum access to feed and water and were exposed to identical environmental temperatures in the experimental shed. Diurnal meteorological data were recorded inside and outside the shed daily. Blood biochemical, hormonal, and endocrine variables were monitored monthly until the birds reached 12 weeks of age. Significant variations (P < 0.01) were observed at different intervals in variables, including total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Genotype-specific differences were noted in triglycerides (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01), total protein (P < 0.05), and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Inter-genotype variations (P < 0.05) were also observed in serum cortisol, T3, and T4 levels. Distinct variations (P < 0.05) were also observed during specific intervals, particularly in cortisol and T3 levels. The study of hepatic mRNA expression of HSPs and HSF-1 revealed a significant breed difference (P < 0.05) in the expression pattern of HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP110, while no difference was observed between genotypes for HSP40 and HSF-1. The study highlights the Naked Neck breed as an exemplar of resilience, showcasing its distinctive ability to maintain homeostasis under heat stress compared to other genotypes. The genetic and physiological insights gained from this investigation offer prospective pathways for aligning sustainable poultry farming with environmental exigencies.

Prevalence data on chicken diseases in low-resource settings.

The presence of transmissible disease in livestock has a major impact on welfare and economics in animal and public health. A lack of data enables the spread of diseases due to misinformed decision-making on prevention and control. Low-resource settings face challenges in providing data, turning data availability into a development issue. For this study, a large dataset (n = 997) was collected on prevalence and seroprevalence estimates on viral (n = 224), bacterial (n = 83) and parasitic (n = 690) diseases in backyard chickens in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These estimates originate from 306 studies identified during the screening phase of a systematic literature review. An attempt was made to classify the studies according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations'classification system for family poultry production systems. Of the studies, 98.7% (302/306) focused on a single poultry production system, while 1.3% (4/306) targeted two different production systems. Within the group of studies that covered one production system, 85.4% (258/302) were classified as â€Ëœsmall extensive scavenging or extensive scavenging,'â€Ëœsmall extensive scavenging'and/or â€Ëœextensive scavenging'. In addition, 52% (159/306) of the studies did not report information on chicken breed type. No data were found on any relevant disease for 56.9% (78/137) of LMICs, signifying a potential data gap. Of the estimates on viral and bacterial diseases, 71.0% (218/307) corresponded to diseases notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health, highlighting a tendency to measure disease occurrence for diseases relevant to trade. The latter might not necessarily be priority diseases for the producers, however. Furthermore, 72.3% (222/307) of the estimates originate from random samples and could be used to estimate prevalence in backyard chickens using imputation methods, thus bridging the data gap.

Les maladies transmissibles affectant les animaux d'élevage ont un impact majeur sur la santé animale et la santé publique, avec des effets sur le bien-être et sur l'économie. L'absence de données favorise la propagation des maladies puisque les mesures de prévention et de contrôle reposent sur des décisions mal informées. Les contextes faiblement dotés en ressources se heurtent à la difficulté de produire des données, ce qui fait de la disponibilité des données un enjeu de développement. Pour les besoins de la présente étude, un vaste jeu de données (n = 997) a été constitué, regroupant les taux de prévalence et de séroprévalence estimés d'un certain nombre de maladies virales (n = 224), bactériennes (n = 83) et parasitaires (n = 690) affectant les poulets de basse-cour dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire. Ces estimations sont extraites des 306 études retenues lors de la phase de sélection initiale d'un examen systématique de la littérature. Une tentative de classement de ces études a été réalisée en se basant sur la classification des systèmes d'aviculture familiale élaborée par l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture. Au total, 98,7 % (302/306) des études portaient sur un système unique de production de volailles, les 1,3 % restantes (4/306) portant sur deux systèmes de production différents. Dans le groupe des études couvrant un seul système de production, 85,4 % des élevages étudiés (258/302) relevaient des catégories " petits systèmes extensifs en liberté ou systèmes extensifs en liberté ", " petits systèmes extensifs en liberté " et/ou " systèmes extensifs en liberté ". En outre, dans 52 % des études (159/306), la race des poulets n'était pas précisée. Aucune donnée n'a pu être trouvée concernant les maladies importantes des volailles dans 56,9 % (78/137) des pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire, ce qui indique un déficit potentiel de données. S'agissant des maladies virales et bactériennes, 71,0 % des estimations (218/307) correspondaient à des maladies à déclaration obligatoire à l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale, ce qui souligne la tendance à signaler la survenue des maladies ayant une incidence sur les échanges internationaux. Toutefois, ce ne sont pas nécessairement ces maladies qui sont prioritaires pour les éleveurs. D'autre part, 72,3 % (222/307) des estimations provenaient d'échantillons aléatoires et pourraient donc servir à estimer la prévalence chez les poulets de basse-cour en appliquant des méthodes d'imputation, ce qui permettrait de combler les écarts.

La presencia de enfermedades transmisibles en los animales de granja tiene importantes repercusiones en el bienestar y la economía tanto en el ámbito de la sanidad animal como en el de la salud pública. La falta de datos favorece la propagación de enfermedades debido a la toma de decisiones en materia de prevención y control basada en información mal fundada. En los entornos de bajos recursos existen dificultades para el suministro de información, lo que convierte la disponibilidad de datos en un problema de desarrollo. Para este estudio, se recopiló un amplio conjunto de datos (n = 997) sobre estimaciones de prevalencia y seroprevalencia de enfermedades víricas (n = 224), bacterianas (n = 83) y parasitarias (n = 690) en pollos de traspatio en países de ingresos medios y bajos (PIMB). Estas estimaciones provienen de 306 estudios encontrados durante la fase de selección de una revisión bibliográfica sistemática. Se intentó clasificar los estudios según la clasificación de sistemas de producción avícola familiar de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura. El 98,7 % de los estudios (302/306) se centraron en un único sistema de producción avícola, mientras que el 1,3 % (4/306) se centraron en dos sistemas de producción diferentes. Dentro del grupo de estudios que abarcaban un solo sistema de producción, el 85,4 % (258/302) se clasificaron como sistema "extensivo de escarbado pequeño o extensivo de escarbado", "extensivo de escarbado pequeño" o "extensivo de escarbado". Además, en el 52 % (159/306) de los estudios no se proporcionó información sobre el tipo de raza de los pollos. No se encontraron datos sobre ninguna enfermedad pertinente para el 56,9 % (78/137) de los PIMB, lo que indica una posible carencia de datos. De las estimaciones sobre enfermedades víricas y bacterianas, el 71,0 % (218/307) correspondían a enfermedades de declaración obligatoria a la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal, lo que evidencia una tendencia a medir la aparición de enfermedades pertinentes para el comercio. Sin embargo, estas podrían no ser necesariamente enfermedades prioritarias para los productores. Por otro lado, el 72,3 % (222/307) de las estimaciones proceden de muestras aleatorias y podrían utilizarse para estimar la prevalencia en los pollos de traspatio utilizando métodos de imputación, lo que permitiría subsanar la carencia de datos.

Megaplasmid Dissemination in Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Serotypes from Backyard and Commercial Broiler Production Systems in the Southeastern United States.

Over the past decade, there has been a rise in U.S. backyard poultry ownership, raising concern for residential area antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Salmonella contamination. This study aims to lay the groundwork to better understand the persistence of AMR Salmonella in residential broiler production systems and make comparisons with commercial systems. Ten backyard and 10 commercial farms were sampled at three time points across bird production. Both fecal (n = 10) and environmental (soil, n = 5, litter/compost, n = 5, feeder, and waterer swabs, n = 6) samples were collected at each visit on days 10, 31, and 52 of production for backyard farms and days 10, 24, and 38 of production for commercial farms. AMR Salmonella was characterized phenotypically by broth microdilution and genotypically by whole-genome sequencing. Overall, Salmonella was more prevalent in commercial farm samples (52.31%) over backyard farms (19.10%). Kentucky (sequence type (ST) 152) was the most common serotype found in both backyard and commercial farms. Multidrug-resistant (MDR, resistance to ≥3 or more antimicrobial classes) isolates were found in both production systems, while ciprofloxacin- and nalidixic acid-resistant and intermediate isolates were more prevalent in commercial (33%) than backyard samples (1%). Plasmids that have been associated with MDR were found in Kentucky and Infantis isolates, particularly IncFIB(K)_1_Kpn3 megaplasmid (Infantis). Our study emphasizes the need to understand the selection pressures in disseminating megaplasmids in MDR Salmonella in distinct broiler production systems.

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.

Depletion of tilmicosin residue in Gushi chickens following oral administration via drinking water.

This study aimed to examine the depletion of tilmicosin residues in Gushi chickens following the administration at a concentration of 75 mg/L in their drinking water for three consecutive days. Plasma, liver, kidney, lung, muscle, and skin + fat samples were collected from 6 chickens at 6 h, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after the treatment. Tilmicosin concentrations in the samples were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The findings revealed that the highest tilmicosin residues were detected in the liver, followed by the kidney, lung, skin + fat, muscle, and plasma. Notably, at 7 days post-treatment, no drug residue was detected in all samples except for the liver and kidney. The non-compartmental model was employed to calculate relevant pharmacokinetic parameters. The elimination half-lives (t1/2λz ) of tilmicosin were as follows, ranked from long to short: skin + fat (45.42 h), liver (44.17 h), kidney (40.06 h), plasma (37.64 h), lung (31.39 h), and muscle (30.05 h). Considering the current residue depletion and the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by Chinese regulatory authorities, the withdrawal times for tilmicosin were estimated as 18.91, 10.81, and 8.58 days in the kidney, liver, and skin + fat, respectively. A rounded-up value of 19 days was selected as the conclusive withdrawal time. Furthermore, based on the observed tilmicosin concentrations in plasma and lung, combined with previously reported minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Mycoplasma gallisepticum, the current dosing regimen was deemed adequate for treating Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections in Gushi chickens.

Radiographic, computed tomographic, and histologic characteristics of bone for clinically normal laying hens in a free-range housing system.

Laying hens are increasingly being kept in backyard flocks and considered family pets; however, diagnostic imaging characteristics of bone for clinically normal backyard hens are currently limited. This prospective, descriptive study was to describe radiographic, computed tomographic, and histologic characteristics of bone for a group of clinically normal laying hens housed in conditions comparable to those of backyard flocks. Sixteen 60-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens were included. Hens were housed in a free-range unit with outdoor access at a university research and teaching farm. Hens were defined as clinically normal by the farm manager and a veterinary researcher in laying hen behavior and welfare. Findings from the horizontal beam, left lateral, sternal radiographs (n = 16), postmortem, and whole-body CT scans (n = 4) were recorded by a veterinary radiologist and a research technician. Histologic findings for sternal, femoral, and tibiotarsal bone samples (n = 5) were recorded by a veterinary pathologist. The most frequent radiographic findings for the sternal carina (keel bone) were smoothly marginated concave deviations of the ventral margin and caudal section fractures. Multiple punctate mineral opacities (PMOs) were present in radiographs and CT images for all hens and were involved in the sternal carina and multiple other bones in the axial and appendicular skeleton. No bone abnormalities were identified in any histologic sections where PMOs were radiographically detected. Authors propose that PMOs are normal radiographic and CT findings in the bones of mature, laying hens and may represent temporary calcium reservoirs formed during osteoclastic activities.

Dumpsites farmers' awareness of physicochemical properties of dumpsites soil in two agro-ecological zones, Ghana.

In Ghana, widespread backyard farming on arable land with refuse waste is driven by the enriched physicochemical properties of dumpsite soils, supporting crop growth. However, the enhanced levels of heavy metals have raised concerns among policymakers focusing on the environmental challenges posed by dumpsites soil. The purpose of the study was to assess the awareness of dumpsites farmers on soil physicochemical properties and dangers posed by accumulated toxic heavy metals. A total of 100 vegetable farmers were interviewed in three communities to gauge their awareness of dumpsite soil properties and potential contamination. A semi-structured questionnaire was purposively used to solicit for information from farmers. Chi-square (χ2) test of homogeneity was used to ascertain if there was any uniformity among respondents in the different communities studied. The findings showed that the level of education of the famers had no relationship (p = 0.21) with farmers' educational level. Dumpsites farmers' knowledge on soil physicochemical properties had a significant (p = 0.02) relationship with farmers' awareness of toxic elements in dumpsites. Farmers' soil physicochemical knowledge further had a significant (p = 0.03) relationship with their awareness that, plants on dumpsites absorb toxic elements. Furthermore, ailments commonly associated with heavy metals as reported by farmers included skin rashes, cough, diarrhoea, and cholera. It can be concluded that although dumpsite farmers exhibit some awareness about the physicochemical properties of their soil and the risks associated with toxic heavy metals, there is still room for improvement. Despite education levels not significantly impacting awareness, targeted intervention programs are necessary to enhance understanding and address this pressing issue effectively. We recommend an implementation of a tailored educational programs for dumpsite farmers to enhance understanding of soil properties and heavy metal risks. There should be improved access to soil testing and interpretation to enable informed decision-making among farmers. Foster collaborations among stakeholders for sustainable waste management, soil remediation, and health monitoring to mitigate heavy metal contamination are also recommended.

Detection and assessment of risk factors associated with Newcastle disease virus infection in birds in backyard poultry in Laichau province of Vietnam.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly pathogenic and contagious viral infectious disease of poultry that causes a very serious problem for poultry production and economic loss worldwide. ND has been an epizootic disease in Vietnam. Information about the risk factors that are associated with virus transmission in backyard chickens in Vietnam is limited. To provide more epidemiological information about ND in Vietnam, this study was performed to estimate NDV prevalence and identify the risk factors for ND virus (NDV) infection in birds at the backyard flock level. Choanal swabs were taken from 400 randomly selected birds from 100 apparently healthy flocks from May to July 2020. Based on RT-PCR analysis, 43 of 400 swab samples (10.75%; 95% CI 8-14.17) and 21 of 100 flocks (21%; 95% CI 14.17-29.98) were positive for the fusion (F) gene of NDV. The management practice risks were: backyard flocks contacting wild birds (OR = 3.89; P = 0.030), mixed flocks with different types and species of birds (OR = 5.46; P = 0.004), and infrequency of cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses (OR (odds ratio) = 4.43; P = 0.034). The second and third risks (above) showed a positive interaction on the risk of NDV infection in birds (OR = 39.38; P = 0.001), and the first risk showed a negative interaction. Further studies on NDV surveillance in domestic waterfowl, longitudinal studies, a well-optimized RT-qPCR assay, and genetic characterization are needed. The development of handbooks, flyers, or lessons for educating poultry keepers are also needed.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT RT-PCR was used to detect the F gene of NDV in choanal swabs.Risk factors associated with NDV-positive samples were determined.The evidence for NDV circulation in backyard healthy birds was observed.Contact with wild birds, mixed flocks, and poor hygiene were major risk factors.

Cross-sectional survey of barriers and opportunities for engaging backyard poultry producers and veterinarians in addressing poultry health.

AIMS: To assess the current level of engagement between backyard poultry keepers and veterinarians in New Zealand; to understand the opportunities and barriers for improving access to poultry health care; and to gauge the interest of backyard poultry keepers in participating in a voluntary national poultry health information system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Backyard poultry were defined as any bird species kept for non-commercial purposes. Separate cross-sectional surveys were administered to backyard poultry keepers and veterinarians in New Zealand over 12-week periods starting 22 March 2021 and 03 May 2021 respectively. The veterinarian survey was advertised in the monthly update e-mail from the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, while the survey for backyard poultry keepers was advertised on various online platforms that focus on raising backyard poultry. Results for quantitative variables were reported as basic descriptive statistics, while qualitative free-text responses from open-ended questions were explored using thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 125 backyard poultry keepers and 35 veterinarians completed the survey. Almost half (56/125; 44.8%) of backyard poultry keepers reported that they had never taken their birds to a veterinarian, with common reasons being difficulty finding a veterinarian, cost of treatment, and perceptions that most visits result in the bird being euthanised. The majority (113/125; 90.4%) of backyard poultry keepers reported that a general internet search was their primary source for poultry health advice. However, it remains unclear if owners were satisfied with the advice found online, as many cited that having access to reliable health information would be an incentive for registering with a poultry health information system. Of the veterinarian responses, 29/35 (82.9%) reported treating an increasing number of poultry in the last 5 years, although many (27/35; 77.1%) suggested they would be hesitant to increase their poultry caseload due to concerns over their lack of knowledge and confidence in poultry medicine; a lack of clinic resources to treat poultry; concerns over the cost-effectiveness of treatments; and a general feeling of helplessness when treating poultry, with most consultations being for end-stage disease and euthanasia. CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight opportunities for increased engagement between backyard poultry keepers and veterinarians, including making available accurate poultry health information and providing veterinarians with improved training in poultry medicine. The results also support the development of a poultry health information system in New Zealand to further enhance health and welfare in backyard poultry populations.Abbreviations: MPI: Ministry for Primary Industries.

Anatomy of the sternum and humerus in the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus).

Injuries of the sternum and humerus are an important welfare concern in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus), especially laying hens. Published anatomic references using standardized terminology from the Nomina Anatomica Avium (NAA) are lacking. Objectives of the current retrospective, descriptive study were to provide a user-friendly hierarchical table of NAA-compliant anatomic terms and labeled images illustrating anatomic structures for the sternum and humerus of domestic chickens. Three-dimensional model images were downloaded from a publicly accessible platform, labeled in consultation with a veterinary anatomist, and enhanced by a medical illustrator. Findings can serve as a resource for future clinical and research applications.

Ultrasonographic features of Marek's disease in a chicken.

A 4-year-old chicken was presented with a history of anorexia, depression, and blindness. An ultrasound examination of the coelomic cavity was performed that revealed splenomegaly, hepatic nodules, and hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall. Ultrasonography of the coelomic cavity was done and revealed splenomegaly, nodular hepatic changes, and hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall. A diagnosis of Marek's disease was made based on the history and extension of the abdominal organ changes and confirmed by histopathology. This study describes an ultrasonographic appearance of Marek's disease in a chicken and emphasizes the importance and benefits of ultrasonography in staging the progression of Marek's disease.

Sweet potato flour (Ipomoea batatas) as natural antioxidant on carcass yield and meat physicochemical characteristics of Creole chickens of Mexico and Cobb 500.

Antioxidants are considered functional additives against oxidative stress since they avoid nutritional decline in the meat. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sweet potato flour (SPF) as a natural antioxidant on carcass yield and physicochemical characteristics of Creole chickens of Mexico (CChM) and Cobb 500 broilers. In total, 210 chickens (105 CChM and 105 Cobb 500 chickens) were randomly assigned to three treatments: 0, 500, and 1000 mg of SPF kg-1 of feed. The Cobb 500 chickens showed higher carcass yield (hot and cold), breast, and breast fillet, whereas the CChM had higher thigh yield (P ≤ 0.05). The yield on the previously mentioned variables was not affected by the inclusion levels of SPF. The initial pH differed because of the effect of the chicken's genotype and the addition of SPF, which was higher on Cobb 500 chicken and on those that were not supplemented with SPF. The birds' skin that consumed SPF presented higher yellowness after 24 h (P ≤ 0.05). CChM manifested a higher dry matter and protein content and a lower content of ash and fat (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, Cobb 500 chickens present a higher carcass yield and its components, in addition to a less acid pH; however, CChM offer a higher nutritional contribution, whereas the 500 and 1000 mg addition of SPF increases the skin yellowness, which makes it an alterorganic as a pigment on broiler chicken production.

The NEURON Program: Utilizing Low-Cost Neuroscience for Remote Education Outreach.

The NEURON initiative (Neuroscience Education in Undergraduate Research, Outreach, and Networking) is a free program engaging first year students, including underrepresented minority (URM) students in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NSCS) at the University of Arizona (UA). The NEURON program builds on former Grass Foundation-sponsored workshops run by Dr. Ricoy (2010-2019) implementing hands-on and culturally responsive active learning curriculum with low-cost equipment from Backyard Brains to increase student retention of URM students in the sciences at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). We present the implementation of the NEURON program at the onset of the COVID pandemic. Combining best practices of distance learning and peer mentoring, we conducted three-week projects exploring principles of neuroscience and neurophysiology. Enrollment and demographic data from NSCS at the UA demonstrate historical disenfranchisement and program attrition primarily impacting URM students. As an extension on previous URM peer mentorship programs in Neuroscience (Ricoy, presentation at Northern New Mexico College Research Symposium, 2010, 2011; presentation at Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americas in Science, 2012), we leveraged low-cost equipment and remote sessions to advance the community of undergraduate mentors and pair with high school mentees on hands-on curriculum. Throughout the program, undergraduate mentors received guidance while crafting and delivering four laboratory lessons to mentees. By coordinating with a Title I school, we better connected with historically underserved students. Critical to this program was providing hands-on opportunities to students who were undergoing distance-based learning during the pandemic. Distribution of equipment allowed high school students to experiment remotely, guided by undergraduate mentors. The NEURON program met its objectives of fostering both mentors and mentees as burgeoning scientists.

Docking analysis of circulating CTX-M variants in multi-drug resistant, beta-lactamase and biofilm-producing E. coli isolated from pet animals and backyard livestock.

The generation of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria largely depends on the use of antimicrobials not only in humans but also in pet animals and livestock. The present study was conducted to detect the occurrence of beta-lactamase and biofilm-producing- E.coli in healthy pet and backyard livestock. The study also intended on molecular docking experiments to confirm the nature of the catalytic mechanism in ß-lactamase enzymes, encoded by the various blaCTX-M genotypes and phylogenetic analysis to reveal clonal relationship of the animal origin E. coli isolates with human clinical strains. The rectal swabs were collected from healthy dogs (n = 254), cats (n = 108), sheep (n = 119) and goats (n = 143) in India. In total 247 (76.47%) E. coli strains were identified as ESBL producers. The possession of ESBL-producers was significantly more (p < 0.05) in pets than in the backyard livestock. Most of the strains possessed blaCTX-M-15 like clones. E. coli strains possessing blaCTX-M-15.2, blaCTX-M-157, blaCTX-M-181 and blaCTX-M-218 like clones, isolated from pets were not reported earlier. The study detected 56.65% of E. coli strains as moderate or strong biofilm producers possessing biofilm-associated genes (csgA, rcsA, rpoS, sdiA). ESBL-producing E. coli showed phenotypical resistance to tetracycline (93.1%), azithromycin (89.8%), ampicillin (84.2%), cefotaxime (80.9%), doxycycline (82.5%), co-trimoxazole (80.9%), ampicillin/cloxacillin (76.9%). The CTX-M variants obtained in this study were modelled by the SWISS-MODEL and verified. Ligand having minimum binding energy, show the highest affinity of ß-lactamases for cefotaxime and cefpodoxime. The Gibbs free energy release for all 14 different complex ranges between -6.9 (CTX-M-15.2+cefpodoxime) to -5.3 (CTX-M-218+cefpodoxime) Kcal/mol. Phylogenetic analysis of the animal origin ESBL-E. coli strains revealed a partial clonal relationship with the clinical isolates of local human patients. The present study described the significant presence of biofilm and ß-lactamase producing, multi-drug resistant E. coli in pet animals having public health importance.

Risky business in Georgia's wild birds: contact rates between wild birds and backyard chickens is influenced by supplemental feed.

Backyard chickens are increasingly popular, and their husbandry varies widely. How backyard chickens are housed may influence the accessibility of chicken feed and water to wild birds, and thus, the contact rates between both groups. Increased contacts have implications for pathogen transmission; for instance, Newcastle disease virus or avian influenza virus may be transmitted to and from backyard chickens from contaminated water or feed. Given this potentially increased pathogen risk to wild birds and backyard chickens, we examined which wild bird species are likely to encounter backyard chickens and their resources. We performed a supplemental feeding experiment followed by observations at three sites associated with backyard chickens in North Georgia, USA. At each site, we identified the species of wild birds that: (a) shared habitat with the chickens, (b) had a higher frequency of detection relative to other species and (c) encountered the coops. We identified 14 wild bird species that entered the coops to consume supplemental feed and were considered high-risk for pathogen transmission. Our results provide evidence that contact between wild birds and backyard chickens is frequent and more common than previously believed, which has crucial epidemiological implications for wildlife managers and backyard chicken owners.

Comparative occurrence of ESBL/AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in contract farm and backyard broilers.

The present study was conducted to detect the occurrence of beta-lactamase and biofilm-producing Escherchia coli and Salmonella in apparently healthy broiler birds reared in household and contract poultry farms. In total, 150 cloacal swabs were collected from apparently healthy broiler birds of various age groups reared in backyard (n = 100) and contract farms (n = 50) in West Bengal (India). The isolation rate of ESBL producers was significantly more (P < 0·05) reared in contract poultry farms than those reared in backyard. Majority of the E. coli isolates possessed blaCTX-M followed by blaSHV and blaTEM . Majority of the Salmonella strains possessed blaTEM followed by blaCTX-M , and no blaSHV was detected. The selected sequences of the PCR products were found cognate with blaCTX-M-1 , blaCTX-M-2 , blaCTX-M-9 , blaCTX-M-14 , blaCTX-M-15 , blaSHV-12 and blaTEM-52 . The study detected 46·8% of E. coli and 42·5% of Salmonella strains as biofilm producers. Beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae strains showed resistance against tetracycline, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, co-trimoxazole and ampicillin and sensitivity to imipenem-EDTA, colistin and gentamicin. The study revealed the partial clonal relationship of ESBL sequences possessed by the poultry isolates of the present study and local clinical isolates available in the database. The study made consumer awareness about careful handling of live birds or poultry meat to avoid the zoonotic transmission of antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Eimeria species affecting backyard poultry of Jammu region, North India.

The present study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019 to know the prevalence of coccidiosis in backyard poultry in Jammu, Samba, and Udhampur districts of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, North India. A total of 600 pooled fecal samples collected from backyard poultry were examined for presence of Eimeria oocysts. Morphometry and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based amplification of ITS-1 gene was carried to characterize the Eimeria species infecting the backyard poultry of the study area. An overall prevalence of 28.5% Eimeria spp. infection among backyard poultry birds was recorded. Among the seasons, highest prevalence was recorded during rainy season (32%) with significantly (p < 0.05) high oocyst excretion (1.77 ± 0.01) and lowest during summer (19.3%) with low oocyst excretion (0.17 ± 0.006). Young birds up to 3 months of age were found to be more susceptible to infection than older birds, with a significantly (p < 0.05) high prevalence percentage of 38.02. Morphometry with COCCIMORPH software revealed presence of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria acervulina, and Eimeria maxima species with prevalence rates of 27.6%, 21.3%, 16.5%, and 3.6%, respectively. The amplified fragments of ITS-1 gene presented different sizes of Eimeria spp. viz. E. acervulina (321 bp), E. tenella (278 bp), E. maxima (145 bp), and E. necatrix (383 bp). The study concluded that although backyard poultry did not show clinical form of coccidiosis, it may act as source of potential reservoir.