Our previous study detected the potential regulatory role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 )-stimulated phosphorus (P) absorption and the type IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIb) gene expression in the ligated duodenum of broilers. In the present study, three experiments were carried out to further investigate whether and how VDR participated in 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -stimulated P absorption and NaPi-IIb transcription in broiler primary duodenal epithelial cells (BPDECs). In experiment 1, the BPDECs were treated with different concentrations (0, 30, 60, 120 or 240 pmol/L) of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 for 87 min. In experiment 2, three VDR-specific siRNAs were designed and transfected into BPDECs to screen for the most effective siRNA against VDR. In experiment 3, with or without RNA interference against VDR, the cells were incubated in the medium with an added 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 level of 0 or 75 pmol/L for 87 min. The results showed that in experiment 1, as supplemental 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 levels increased, among the affected parameters ( P ≤ 0.005), P absorption amount and rate, the mRNA and protein expression levels of VDR and NaPi-Ⅱb increased quadratically ( P ≤ 0.009), and 75 pmol/L of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 was recommended to be the optimal supplemental level for promoting P absorption, VDR and NaPi-IIb gene expression levels in BPDECs. In experiment 2, the si-326 was relatively the most effective in suppressing ( P < 0.05) VDR mRNA expression level. In experiment 3, supplemental 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 enhanced ( P < 0.05) the P absorption amount and rate, up-regulated ( P < 0.05) mRNA and protein expression levels of NaPi-IIb and VDR , and increased ( P < 0.05) the enrichment of VDR bound to NaPi-Ⅱb DNA promoter region in BPDECs. However, VDR silencing inhibited ( P < 0.05) them, especially the promoting effect of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 on the P absorption amount and rate as well as the NaPi-IIb protein expression level. Therefore, VDR mediates the 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -stimulated P absorption by promoting the NaPi-IIb gene expression via its transcriptional activity in BPDECs.
Duck viral hepatitis (DVH) requires novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigated antiviral miRNAs in separate decoctions of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Chrysanthemum indicum L. High-throughput sequencing identified 14 highly expressed miRNAs, which were chemically synthesized for functional validation. CCK8 assay quantified cytoprotection in duck embryonic hepatocytes (DEHs) and RT-qPCR measured DHAV-1 gene expression, enabling the selection of the most effective miRNAs. Two candidates, novel-miR2 (from S. baicalensis ) and novel-miR10 (from C. indicum ), were selected for detailed study. RT-qPCR along with fluorescent probes assessed miRNA concentrations, stability, and their effects on DEHs biological characteristics. In vivo evaluations included mortality rates, liver histopathology/function, and markers of inflammation/apoptosis. Both miRNAs exhibited differential concentrations in fresh versus dried herbs and demonstrated good thermal stability. In vitro , miRNAs reduced DHAV-1 replication, apoptosis, necrosis, and ROS, while enhancing cell viability. Oral administration improved survival rates in infected ducklings, lowered serum liver enzymes, and alleviated hepatic damage. Specifically, novel-miR2 predominantly reduced apoptosis, whereas novel-miR10 alleviated inflammation. Collectively, novel-miR2 and novel-miR10 suppressed DHAV-1-induced hepatitis, exerting hepatoprotective effects. These findings provided new evidence for clarifying the active constituents of herbal decoctions and their miRNA‑mediated cross‑kingdom antiviral mechanism.
The rapid development of genome-edited chicken lines for agricultural and biomedical use requires effective methods for long-term preservation. In birds, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is challenging due to the structure of the egg. This makes semen cryopreservation one of the most practical alternatives, however, this method has not been validated in genome-edited chickens. This study evaluated the feasibility of cryopreserving semen from genome-edited chickens using an N -methylacetamide (N-MA)-based protocol. Two genome-edited chicken lines were used in this study which are a DAZL -GFP germ cell reporter line and a RAG1 knockout line. Semen was stored for either one week or one month prior to assessing fertility and hatchability. The results demonstrated that cryopreserved semen from both genome-edited chicken lines maintained their fertilizing capacity, with no significant differences in fertility or hatchability compared to cryopreserved wild-type groups at either storage duration. Hatchability remained above 80% across all groups, indicating that semen cryopreservation did not significantly affect embryo development after successful fertilization. Furthermore, SYBR-14/PI staining revealed no significant differences in sperm viability between genome-edited and control groups, although both showed a significant decrease in viability compared to fresh semen. These findings demonstrate that N-MA-based semen cryopreservation provides a reliable and practical method for the preservation of genome-edited chicken lines.
Salmonella Enteritidis ( S. Enteritidis) is a major pathogen causing foodborne diseases worldwide, posing a serious threat to public health security and the sustainable development of the poultry industry. To overcome the limitations of conventional vaccines in terms of efficacy, safety, and cross-protection, a novel multi-epitope subunit vaccine (SEMV) was designed and constructed using an immunoinformatics-based strategy. Through systematic screening of epitopes from key immunogenic proteins of S. Enteritidis (SseB, SipC, OmpD and TolC), a total of 8 B-cell epitopes, 4 MHC-I-restricted epitopes, and 8 MHC-II-restricted epitopes were identified. These epitopes were linked together with optimized linkers and an adjuvant to produce the recombinant SEMV protein. Bioinformatic evaluation confirmed that the vaccine candidate exhibited favorable antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and structural stability. Molecular docking analysis showed that SEMV formed a stable complex with TLR15, with a docking score of −479.08, a confidence score of 0.9986, and an MM/GBSA binding free energy of ‑36.34 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation further demonstrated that the complex reached equilibrium after 95 ns (RMSD ≈ 0.8 nm), maintained an average of approximately six hydrogen bonds, and exhibited an MM/PBSA binding free energy of ‑25.94 kcal/mol; key residues such as B:ILE258, A:PRO706, and A:GLU740 played critical roles in binding. In chicken immunization and challenge experiments, SEMV induced high levels of specific antibodies and cellular immune responses, significantly reduced bacterial loads in visceral organs, and alleviated histopathological damage. The vaccine demonstrated reliable immune protective efficacy against both homologous and heterologous Salmonella challenges. Collectively, these findings indicate that SEMV is a highly promising multi-epitope subunit vaccine candidate against Salmonella , laying an important foundation for subsequent preclinical and clinical studies.
This study evaluated the sex-dependent responses of broiler offspring derived from low-protein-fed hens to posthatch low-protein feeding, with emphasis on growth efficiency, carcass traits, amino acid metabolism, breast meat quality, and breast muscle transcriptomic profiles. A total of 312 broiler offspring were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 posthatch dietary protein levels and 2 sexes and reared to 84 d. The low-protein diet represented a practical protein-reduced formulation in which Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp were supplemented, whereas Arg, Leu, Ile, and Val were not fully equalized with the normal-protein diet. Posthatch low-protein feeding reduced final body weight and increased feed-to-gain ratio. A significant posthatch dietary protein level × sex interaction was observed for average daily gain (P = 0.031), with the reduction occurring in males but not in females. Low-protein feeding decreased breast muscle yield (P = 0.005) and increased abdominal fat yield (P = 0.002). Serum triglyceride (P = 0.022), uric acid (P = 0.001), and several free amino acids, including Lys (P = 0.026), Thr (P < 0.001), Val (P = 0.009), Leu (P = 0.006), Ile (P = 0.030), Phe (P < 0.001), and Met (P = 0.016), were increased, whereas intestinal morphology was largely unaffected. In breast muscle, low-protein feeding increased Val (P = 0.005) and Pro (P = 0.016) concentrations and altered meat quality traits, including pH45min (P = 0.001), pH24h (P = 0.030), and b* (P < 0.001), with significant posthatch dietary protein level × sex interactions for L* (P = 0.006), a* (P = 0.003), and cooking loss (P < 0.001). Transcriptomic analysis showed sex-specific breast muscle responses, with females showing broader changes in signaling- and stress-related pathways, whereas males showed pathway changes more closely related to amino acid metabolism, protein turnover, and metabolic regulation. In conclusion, among broilers derived from low-protein-fed hens, the posthatch protein-reduced dietary strategy altered growth efficiency, carcass nutrient partitioning, amino acid profiles, breast meat quality, and breast muscle transcriptomic responses in a sex-dependent manner. These findings indicate that sex should be considered when evaluating responses to posthatch protein-reduced feeding in broilers derived from low-protein-fed hens.
Haematological tests are essential for assessing the physiological state of the body and identifying metabolic disorders in birds. Due to the unique structure and physiological characteristics of avian erythrocytes, along with their sensitivity to endocrine influences, the interpretation of blood parameters requires consideration of hormonal regulation, particularly estrogen-dependent effects. These hormones play a significant role in erythropoiesis and modulation of the immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tamoxifen treatment, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on the haematological profile and selected iron status parameters. The analysis included determination of erythrocyte parameters (PCV, RBC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC), leukocyte profile (WBC, H/L ratio), as well as plasma iron concentration, TIBC, and transferrin saturation. In hens treated with tamoxifen (n = 8) for 7 continuous days at a dose of 6 mg/0.3 mL ethanol per kg of body weight, a significant increase in PCV and RBC count was observed, with no changes in Hb or MCV, compared to control hens (treated with vehicle; n = 8). Simultaneously, a decrease in MCH and MCHC was observed. These alterations were accompanied by a decrease in plasma iron concentration and transferrin saturation, with no significant changes in TIBC. Regarding the leukocyte profile, no significant changes in WBC count was observed, however, a decrease in H/L ratio was noted. The results obtained indicate that modulation of estrogen signaling may lead to changes in the hematopoietic system of laying hens and affect the availability of iron for erythropoiesis. The findings suggest a correlation between hormonal regulation, erythropoiesis, and iron metabolism in hens. The results of this study underscore the importance of considering endocrine factors in the interpretation of haematological parameters of laying hens.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool for poultry processing by enabling rapid, nondestructive, and adaptive interpretation of images, spectra, sensor signals, and production records. This review critically examines AI applications across the poultry-processing chain, including live-bird receiving, slaughter, scalding, defeathering, evisceration, carcass inspection, chilling, antimicrobial control, cut-up, deboning, meat-quality assessment, breast-muscle abnormality detection, further processing, packaging, microbial monitoring, and predictive food-safety management. Particular attention is given to computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, near-infrared and hyperspectral imaging, electronic sensing, multimodal data fusion, robotics, and predictive modeling. Reported studies demonstrate strong potential for defect classification, carcass and portion localization, foreign-material detection, microbial-load estimation, freshness assessment, yield prediction, and process optimization. However, the literature establishes technical feasibility more convincingly than commercial reliability. Many models are developed from small, single-source datasets, use random data partitioning that may permit leakage, rely on uncertain reference labels, or report overall accuracy without class-specific performance, calibration, uncertainty, and external validation. Domain shifts caused by differences among flocks, plants, seasons, equipment, lighting, product orientation, and processing conditions remain major barriers to deployment. AI should therefore be implemented as part of an integrated sensor–model–decision–actuator system rather than as an isolated algorithm or replacement for validated process controls and human expertise. Future progress requires multi-plant datasets, prospective commercial-line testing, uncertainty-aware models, hygienic and low-latency hardware, economic assessment, transparent governance, and clearly defined human oversight. The transition from experimental prediction to intelligent and autonomous poultry processing will depend on whether AI can consistently improve safety, quality, yield, sustainability, and operational decision-making under realistic industrial conditions.
The extension of laying cycles has increased the importance of understanding how eggs produced by older hens respond to storage conditions. This study evaluated the effects of hen age, temperature, and storage duration on internal egg quality, albumen viscosity, and oxidative stability. Eggs from laying hens aged 31, 62, and 88 weeks were maintained under refrigeration or at room temperature and evaluated at the initial assessment and after 10, 20, and 30 days of storage. Internal quality was assessed using the yolk index (YI), albumen index (AI), and Haugh unit (HU). Albumen viscosity, yolk lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation were also determined, consisting of the same three laying hen ages and two storage condition, but considering only two storage periods (1 and 30 days). Storage duration and temperature significantly affected all quality parameters evaluated. Refrigerated eggs maintained relatively high YI, AI, and HU values throughout storage, whereas storage at ambient temperature accelerated quality deterioration. After 30 days, eggs stored at ambient temperature showed marked reductions in internal quality compared to refrigerated eggs. Descriptive patterns suggested a decrease in albumen viscosity during storage, particularly at room temperature, with an apparently greater decline in eggs from older hens. Lipid oxidation increased during storage and was more pronounced in eggs kept at ambient temperature. Refrigeration preserved higher concentrations of free thiol groups in both the albumen and yolk, indicating greater protein stability during storage. It is concluded that storage duration affecting egg quality deterioration, while refrigeration effectively preserved their physical, functional, and oxidative characteristics. Eggs produced by older laying hens are more susceptible to storage-related quality losses, highlighting the importance of refrigerated storage during extended laying cycles.
Chicken somatic cells exhibit cell autonomous sex identity (CASI), where sexual features are determined by sex chromosomes rather than hormones. CASI arises from sex‑biased gene expression due to lack of dosage compensation on sex chromosomes. To identify CASI‑determining genes (CASIDGs), we analyzed transcriptomes of wattles (phenotypically hormone‑sensitive) and pectoral muscles (phenotypically hormone‑unresponsive) from 6‑week‑old roosters and hens, with or without sex hormone treatment. Inter‑sex differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mainly located on the Z chromosome and autosomes 1‑2, while hormone‑affected DEGs predominantly on autosomes 1‑3. After removing hormone‑affected DEGs from the inter‑sex DEGs, 285 DEGs (51.23% on sex chromosome) remained for pectoral muscle, and 255 DEGs (63.93% on sex chromosome) for wattle. Out of the 89 DEGs shared by these two tissues, 88 were located on sex chromosomes and were considered candidate CASIDGs. These candidate CASIDGs were mainly enriched in mitochondrial protein synthesis and isomerase activity-related pathways. Among the CASIDGs, HINT1 and MED18 were validated according to the screening criteria. Overexpressing these two genes in primary muscle cells could affect immune/inflammatory responses, cell proliferation and migration, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix interactions. Additionally, 139 autosomal DEGs for pectoral muscle and 92 for wattle were identified as candidate sex marker genes. Among these, IRF9 and CCL4 were co‑regulated by HINT1 and MED18. In conclusion, the sex characteristics of chicken somatic cells reflect the combined effects of CASIDGs and sex hormones. HINT1 and MED18 are confirmed as candidate CASIDGs. These findings lay a solid foundation for elucidating the CASI mechanism in avian somatic cells.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of embryonic day and in ovo feeding of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on hatching performance, organ development, and jejunal morphology in Japanese quail. A total of 520 fertile eggs were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two embryonic days of in ovo feeding, embryonic day 7 (E7) and embryonic day 11 (E11), and two in ovo feeding treatments, 1× PBS and 1% HMB. Each treatment included 10 replicates with 13 eggs per replicate, and 0.05 mL of the assigned solution was injected into the air cell. The results indicated a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between the embryonic day of in ovo feeding and in ovo feeding treatment for hatching performance and hatchability. On E7, the HMB group showed greater (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) and chick yield, and a shorter (P < 0.05) hatch window than the PBS group. On E11, the HMB group showed decreased (P < 0.05) post-pipping mortality compared to the PBS group. Regarding the main effect of the embryonic day of in ovo feeding, the E11 groups showed increased (P < 0.05) relative liver and intestinal weights compared to the E7 groups. Regarding the main effect of in ovo feeding treatment, in ovo feeding of HMB increased (P < 0.05) hatch of set, hatch of fertile, BW, chick yield, radius, villus height, villus width, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio compared with in ovo feeding of PBS. In ovo feeding of HMB decreased (P < 0.05) the hatch window and late embryo mortality compared with in ovo feeding with PBS. In conclusion, in ovo feeding of HMB may improve hatching performance, reduce late embryonic mortality, and support jejunal development in Japanese quail, with responses partly depending on the embryonic day of administration.
Eggshell quality is a key economic trait in commercial layer production, which profoundly affects economic profits, flock elimination rate, and feeding management. Frequent occurrence of cracked, thin-shelled eggs has long plagued intensive laying hen farming. This study aimed to dissect the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks underlying staged eggshell mineralization across the pre-mineralization, initial mineralization, and rapid mineralization phases in laying hens, and explore their links to eggshell quality and shell defect in production. By integrating RNA-sequencing, temporal expression profiling and WGCNA, we screened core functional genes and signaling pathways in uterus that governing the variation of eggshell thickness. In pre-mineralization stage, high expression of Ovalbumin (OVAL) may inhibit premature calcium carbonate crystallization and avoid abnormal shell development. During rapid mineralization, genes encoding eggshell matrix proteins, ATPase, TRP (transient receptor potential), SLC (Solute carrier) and collagen family members coordinately maintained uterine cellular calcium homeostasis, sustained calcium supply for eggshell deposition, and ultimately determined eggshell thickness and strength. Meanwhile, calcium concentration in uterine fluid increased gradually along with mineralization and remained stable throughout rapid mineralization phase, providing a steady calcium supply basis for preventing eggshell defects in commercial laying hen production. Findings of this study provided targets and theoretical support for the breeding of laying hen breeds, the regulation of nutritional management, and the optimization of farming environment management.
Feed ingredients account for most broiler production costs in Africa, yet large volumes of agro-industrial residues remain underutilized. The practical question is not whether these by-products can replace maize or soybean meal, but the inclusion levels, processing conditions, and evidence quality required for safe, effective use. This systematic review synthesised the available controlled-feeding evidence and pooled it by random-effects meta-analysis. A structured search of Web of Science and PubMed identified 273 unique records published between 1976 and 2026, from which 13 primary controlled broiler feeding studies with quantitative performance data were selected. Mean differences in feed conversion ratio (FCR) between each by-product diet and its within-study control were pooled under a random-effects model with robust variance estimation clustered on study, and regressed on dietary inclusion level; a 33-treatment castor bean cake database was analyzed to identify minimum effective ricin-removal conditions; and study quality was appraised with a SYRCLE-adapted instrument before pooling. Thirty-two contrasts from seven studies entered the primary analysis. Each percentage point of by-product inclusion raised FCR by 0.0116 units (95% CI +0.0007 to +0.0224; P = 0.041). Feedstuff functional class accounted for a substantial part of the heterogeneity (Q between classes = 41.1, df = 4, P < 0.001). Pooled across the fruit and oil processing residues the effect on FCR was -0.006 units (95% CI -0.096 to +0.085); the 11-12% FCR reduction reported for orange peel meal. For the bulk energy substitutes the pooled mean difference in FCR was +0.200 units at inclusions of 20% of the diet or less (95% CI -0.025 to +0.425) and +0.453 above 20% (+0.306 to +0.600), locating the provisional threshold at 20%. Processing pigeon pea seed meal at 26% inclusion improved average daily gain by 33–38% and FCR by 34–36% relative to raw inclusion, exceeding any inclusion-level effect. Only autoclaving at 15 psi for 60 min and calcium hydroxide at 40 g/kg achieved complete ricin destruction. Within a small, geographically concentrated evidence base with no eligible East African trials, these findings tentatively support provisional inclusion thresholds, indicate functional roles for fruit residues at low doses, and establish minimum processing standards, but require independent replication. Priority needs are standardized multi-site trials with full variance reporting, East African trials, and simultaneous cost-performance analysis.
This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of APS on HD11 cells and its potential mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of APS on HD11 cells and its underlying mechanisms. CCK-8 assays revealed that APS significantly promoted HD11 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Griess and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays indicated that APS dose-dependently increased nitric oxide (NO) release and LDH activity, although these levels remained lower than those in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group. RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that APS significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of IL-8, CXCL13, and iNOS, while downregulating CCR5. Additionally, APS enhanced the expression and activity of glycolysis-related enzymes while suppressing those of the pentose phosphate pathway. Western blot analysis revealed that APS upregulated the protein expression of TLR1, MyD88, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α, but downregulated TLR2, ERK, and NF-κB p65. Metabolic assays showed a dose-dependent increase in Acetyl-CoA concentration and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content following APS treatment. Mechanistically, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of TLR2 and mTOR demonstrated that APS regulates the mTOR signaling pathway via TLR2. Furthermore, mTOR silencing significantly attenuated the APS-induced expression of immune-related factors, accumulation of Acetyl-CoA, and reduction of GSH, confirming the central role of the mTOR signaling pathway in APS-mediated immunomodulation. In conclusion, APS enhances the immune response of HD11 cells by regulating TLRs signaling pathways, promoting glycolytic metabolism, and activating the mTOR pathway, providing a theoretical basis for the application of APS in poultry immunomodulation.
Phosphatidylethanolamine cytidylytransferase 2 (PCYT2) is a key enzyme for phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis and plays a critical role in lipid metabolism. Our prior study revealed that PCYT2 exhibited differential expression in chicken liver between embryonic day 14 and post-hatch day 1 . However, its function and regulatory mechanism in chicken lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this study, overexpression and knockdown assays were performed to explore the role of PCYT2 in lipid metabolism using chicken primary hepatocytes, and the regulatory mechanism was further analyzed by transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that overexpression of PCYT2 significantly reduced lipid droplet content, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in chicken primary hepatocytes. These reductions were associated with the downregulation of lipogenic-related genes and proteins (ACC and FASN) and the upregulation of fatty acid oxidation-related genes and proteins (CPT1, ACOX1, and ACSL1). Conversely, knockdown of PCYT2 produced opposite regulatory effects. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing results demonstrated that overexpression of PCYT2 markedly suppressed the activity of the Notch signaling pathway. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway using Jagged-1 significantly attenuated the regulatory effects of PCYT2 overexpression on lipid metabolism in chicken primary hepatocytes. Specifically, Notch activation increased lipid content, upregulated the expression level of ACC and FASN, and downregulated the expression level of CPT1, ACOX1, and ACSL1 in PCYT2-overexpressing hepatocytes. In summary, these results demonstrated that PCYT2 negatively regulates lipid accumulation in chicken primary hepatocytes by enhancing fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting lipogenesis, and the Notch signaling pathway is a critical mediator of this process. This findings provide a novel molecular target to improve hepatic lipid homeostasis and reduce fat deposition in chickens.
Odor nuisance from industrial broiler farms is driven by complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), yet little is known about the longitudinal development of the VOC profile during the production cycle and how diet influences those odor profiles. This pilot study provided an initial characterization of the VOC profile of feces and litter from broiler chickens at three time points in the production cycle, for dietary interventions mimicking a transition to more sustainable low-opportunity cost feed (LCF) ingredients. Three diets were applied: a control (C), low starch (LS) and low protein and starch (LSP) diet. Non-target screening (NTS) using thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD‑GC‑MS) was used to characterize the VOC profile, and 101 VOCs were putatively identified. Although biological variation between samples was high, VOC composition of litter and feces was still found to shift significantly over time. Various ubiquitous poultry-related odorants were found to drive this shift over time in all diets. Therefore, this work provides a first resource towards more effective, time‑specific odor mitigation strategies. On the final sampling day, 8 oxygenated VOCs, including several known livestock odorants, were found to be significantly different between diets. The LS diet showed decreased abundance for 6 out of 8 odorants, suggesting that a transition to sustainable feed materials has the potential to also positively influence odor emissions when diets are balanced for essential nutrients and amino acids.
Peracetic acid (PAA) is frequently utilized in poultry processing as a microbial-control solution to reduce the presence of pathogens in poultry products. Although numerous studies have investigated the influence of acid concentration on microbial inactivation, only a limited number of studies have been documented regarding the effect of total suspended solids (TSS) on the potency of PAA against Salmonella. This study examines the impact of varying TSS concentrations (ranging from 40 to 500 mg/L) on the effectiveness of PAA in reducing Salmonella. At lower pH values (3.6, 6.0, and 7.0), PAA at 30 mg/L achieved complete disinfection of Salmonella in 60 seconds, while at higher pH values (8.0, 9.0, and 10.0), disinfection was faster, occurring within 30 seconds. PAA consumption varied by pH, with higher consumption at neutral and basic pH. Increasing TSS at a fixed pH of 9.5 reduced the antimicrobial efficacy of PAA, with higher TSS concentrations leading to less reduction in Salmonella compared to lower TSS levels over a 10-minute exposure. However, with longer contact times, antimicrobial efficacy improved. The study showed that complete elimination of Salmonella was achievable when TSS levels were less than 40 mg/L, and the disinfection process became significantly faster at TSS levels of 0 mg/L. It was suggested that this phenomenon might occur because the presence of solids could facilitate the accumulation of bacteria as a defense mechanism against disinfection, leading to the decreased efficacy of PAA. These showed that increase in TSS levels had negative effect on the effectiveness of PAA in eliminating Salmonella populations, providing insight into the influence of TSS on disinfection processes. These findings have implications for water treatment facilities and highlight the significance of monitoring TSS levels to ensure effective disinfection using PAA.
Conventional poultry breeding primarily targets host growth traits, yet breeding may also reshape the gut microbiota through host–microbe interactions. Given the spatial heterogeneity of the chicken gastrointestinal tract, whether divergent selection for body weight is associated with compartment-specific microbial assembly and differences in the digestive ecosystem remains unclear. Here, using female primitive line and a high body weight (HBW) selected line, we systematically characterized differences in host gastrointestinal traits and gut microbial ecology associated with divergent selection history. Significant differences in gut morphology and local environmental conditions were observed between the two lines, together with region-specific shifts in microbial community assembly. Specifically, crop weight was greater and microbial assembly exhibited greater stochasticity in the HBW line, potentially reflecting differences in feeding-related gastrointestinal dynamics. In contrast, the small intestine displayed improved villus morphology and altered microbial assembly patterns, accompanied by enrichment of potentially beneficial taxa associated with nutrient utilization, including Monoglobus in the duodenum and Blautia in the ileum, indicating coordinated changes in host intestinal development and microbial ecological adaptation. The cecal community showed relatively stable assembly patterns but was enriched in metabolically relevant taxa such as Lachnospiraceae and Faecalibacterium, together with differences in predicted functional potential related to nutrient metabolism. Overall, this study shows that the HBW line is associated with distinct, compartment-specific patterns of gut microbial assembly, providing a conceptual framework for considering the gut microbiota in poultry breeding strategies.
This study evaluated whether routine moderate phytase supplementation in adequate-phosphorus diets provides additional measurable benefits in 40-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens, based on laying performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, excreta traits, gas emission, and apparent ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility. A total of 180 hens were assigned to three dietary treatments for 8 weeks: (TRT1) a basal diet, (TRT2) the basal diet supplemented with 500 FTU/kg phytase, and (TRT3) the basal diet supplemented with 1000 FTU/kg phytase. Each treatment included five replicates with 12 hens per replicate. Body weight and laying performance were recorded throughout the experimental period, while egg quality was assessed at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Nutrient digestibility, fecal score, excreta gas emission, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and apparent ileal AA digestibility were also evaluated. Repeatedly measured variables were analyzed using a mixed model including treatment, time, and treatment × time. Phytase supplementation produced no significant overall treatment effect on body weight or laying performance (P > 0.05). Body weight and egg production changed significantly over time (P = 0.008 and 0.004, respectively), whereas no significant treatment × time interactions were detected. Egg quality traits were not affected by treatment, time, or their interaction (P > 0.05). Nutrient digestibility and apparent ileal digestibility of essential, nonessential, and total AAs also showed no significant treatment effects. Similarly, no treatment effects were detected for fecal score, ammonia or hydrogen sulfide emissions, or VFA concentrations; however, fecal score and butyric, valeric, and isovaleric acids changed significantly over time. In conclusion, supplementation with 500 or 1000 FTU/kg phytase did not produce statistically detectable incremental improvements in productive, nutritional, or excreta-related responses under the adequate-calcium and phosphorus conditions tested. These findings are specific to the phytase doses and nutritional conditions evaluated.
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is endemic in poultry flocks worldwide, posing a significant threat to the global poultry industry. Frequent mixing of free-range local chickens with introduced chickens in Yunnan Province, China, facilitates the transmission, recombination, and mutation of avian IBV, thereby complicating disease prevention and control. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of IBV in poultry populations in Yunnan Province. Samples were collected from live poultry markets (LPMs) and breeding farms, comprising 725 randomly sampled cloacal/fecal swabs and 55 tissue samples. IBV-positive samples were confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with an overall positivity rate of 0.89% for all tested samples. The positivity rate was 0.35% (2/564) in Kunming, 3.7% (2/54) in Zhaotong, 20% (1/5) in Yuxi, and 12.5% (2/16) in Baoshan, while no IBV was detected in samples from Lanping, Xichou, or Ninglang. Six IBV strains, including five GI-19 strains and one GVI-1 strain, were successfully isolated. Phylogenetic analysis further showed that the Yunnan GI-19 strains predominantly clustered with strains originating from Sichuan Province. Sequencing of the S1 gene revealed 2–5 amino acid substitutions per isolate in hypervariable regions HVR1–HVR3. Notably, a valine (V) and glycine (G) insertion between amino acid positions 88 and 89 was identified exclusively in isolate F210, a feature rarely reported in IBV. Protein-protein docking analysis indicated that the unique 88–89 insertion in isolate F210 S1 may alter its binding interactions with the host receptor ANPEP. Whole-genome comparison revealed that isolate YX3 shared 97.05% nucleotide identity with strain CK/CH/GX/YL17/2017 from Guangxi, whereas isolates Q47, F13, and F210 shared 96.40%–97.27% identity with strain CK/Henan/H1036/2021 from Henan. Recombination analysis detected obvious recombination events in isolates F13, F210, Q47, and YX3, with GI-22 strains serving as the major parental donors. These genetic characteristics, recombination patterns, and structural insights demonstrate the complex evolutionary dynamics of circulating IBV strains in Yunnan. Continuous molecular epidemiological surveillance combined with functional protein analysis is essential to monitor emerging variants and formulating targeted, effective disease control strategies.
To reduce uncontrolled eggshell cracking during puncture of embryonated chicken eggs, this study investigated how etching with a 450 nm continuous-wave blue semiconductor diode laser affected processed-region geometry, microstructure, puncture-induced cracking, and hatchability. The laser-processed eggshells were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy coupled with SEM (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy, as well as qualitative high‑speed imaging. Increasing the nominal laser power or decreasing the scanning speed increased the heat-affected zone (HAZ) width, material removal zone (MRZ) width, and etching depth. Changes in nominal laser power were accompanied by more pronounced changes in the local bottom-surface morphology, whereas changes in scanning speed were mainly accompanied by changes in the spatial dimensions and penetration depth of the processed region. XRD and Raman analyses showed that calcite CaCO₃ remained the predominant crystalline phase after laser processing, while weak CaO-related XRD reflections observed under more severe processing conditions indicated limited phase transformation. In the functional validation experiments, puncture-induced crack incidence decreased with increasing nominal laser power and increased with increasing scanning speed, whereas hatchability exhibited the opposite parameter-dependent trends. Puncture-induced crack incidence was strongly and negatively correlated with hatchability (Spearman’s ρ = −0.943, P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate parameter-dependent relationships among laser-processing conditions, puncture-induced cracking, and hatchability within the investigated experimental conditions.
