A total 360 CARIBRO-Vishal broiler chicks were weighed individually and randomly allocated to nine treatment groups, each having five replicates with eight chicks in each, following complete randomized block design (CRD). The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks duration. The nine treatment groups were control fed basal diet (T1), basal diet+bacitracin methylene disalicylate @ 20 mg/kg feed (T2), basal diet+commercial probiotic @ 0.1 g/kg feed (T3), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri (LLR) @ 1×106 CFU/g of fermented feed (T4), basal diet+LLR @ 1×107 CFU/g of fermented feed (T5), basal diet+LLR @ 1×108 CFU/g of fermented feed (T6), basal diet+LLR @ 1×106 CFU/g of fermented+0.1% MOS (T7), basal diet+LLR @ 1×107 CFU/g of fermented+0.1% MOS (T8), and basal diet+LLR @ 1×108 CFU/g of fermented feed+ 0.1% MOS (T9). 20% of daily basal ration for broiler chicken was autoclaved and inoculated with 15% of Lactobacillus isolate broth culture having a viable count of 106, 107, and 108 CFU/ml and fermented at 37°C for 24 h before adding to daily ration afresh and was mixed well. Results of the present study revealed that body weight, body weight gain, immune response both humoral and cell mediated was significantly higher in T9 group. Also the pathogenic bacteria count (Salmonella and E.coli) was significantly lower in the GIT of T9 group as compared to other groups. The significantly higher relative expression of growth related genes, IGF-1 and IGF-1R and immune related gene, IL-6 whereas IL-10 and TLR-4 expression were significantly downregulated in T9 group. So, it can be concluded from the present study that Lactobacillus reuteri isolated from the GIT of the red jungle fowl along with MOS is effective in improving the growth performance, immune response and gut health of commercial CARIBRO-Vishal broiler chicken.

Background: Poultry production in rural India is mostly a non-intensive venture comprising native chicken with low production potential but higher disease resistance and adaptability. Present study is attempted for developing a suitable cross for rural poultry production as well as identifying the genetic groups that are nicking well through a partial diallel cross. Methods: A partial diallel cross using three genetic groups/ breeds of chicken viz. coloured synthetic male line (CSML), Local native chicken (Desi) and CARI-Red as the parent lines was designed. CSML was used as male and CR as female line only. The progenies were evaluated for crossbreeding parameters viz. combining abilities and heterosis for immune response and serum enzyme profile to identify the best combining parent lines. Result: Significantly higher (P less than 0.05) cell-mediated (CMI) and humoral immune response (HIR) and immune organ (spleen, bursa of fabricius and thymus) weights were recorded in CR purebred followed by Desi purebred, while CSML purebred exhibited lowest immunity. Variances for SCA differed significantly (P less than 0.001) for HIR and immune organ weights. Inconsistent but significantly higher (P less than 0.01) serum enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and AST/ALT ratio were recorded in triple cross and D x CR. Variances for SCA differed significantly (P less than 0.05) for serum enzymes. Results revealed that the CARI-Red and Desi were the improver parent lines for better immunocompetence and serum enzyme profile, respectively in the crosses.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri isolated from the intestine of red jungle fowl along with mannanoligosaccride (MOS) on growth performance, intestinal microbial count, immunity and expression of growth and immune related genes in broiler chicken. Lactobacillus reuteri was isolated from in the GIT tract of red jungle fowl and was utilized for growth bioassay in broiler. For this total 360 CARIBRO-Vishal broiler chicks were weighed individually and randomly allocated to nine treatment groups, each having five replicates with eight chicks in each following complete randomized block design (CRD). The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks duration. The nine treatment groups were control fed basal diet (T1), basal diet + Antibiotic growth promoter, bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) @20mg/kg feed (T2), basal diet + commercial probiotic @ 0.1 g/kg feed (T3), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x106 CFU/g of fermented feed (T4), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x107 CFU/g of fermented feed (T5), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x108 CFU/g of fermented feed (T6), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x106 CFU/g of fermented + 0.1% MOS (T7), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x107 CFU/g of fermented + 0.1% MOS (T8), basal diet + Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x108 CFU/g of fermented feed + 0.1% MOS (T9). 20% of daily basal ration for broiler chicken was autoclaved and inoculated with 15% of Lactobacillus isolate broth culture having a viable count of 106, 107, and 108 CFU/ml and fermented at 37°C for 24 h before adding to daily ration afresh and was mixed well. Results of the present study revealed T9 group supplemented with Lab isolated Lactobaillus reuteri at the dose of 1x108 CFU/g along with 0.1% MOS significantly (P < 0.05) improves body weight, body weight gain, immune response both humoral and cell mediated without effecting the feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also the pathogenic bacteria count (Salmonella and E.coli) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the GIT of T9 group as compared to other groups. The significantly (p < 0.05) higher relative expression of growth related genes, IGF-1 and IGF-1R and immune related gene, IL-6 whereas IL-10 and TLR-4 expression were significantly (P < 0.05) down regulated in T9 group (Lab isolated Lactobacillus reuteri @ 1x108 CFU/g of fermented feed + 0.1% MOS). So, it can be concluded from the present study that lactobacillus reuteri isolated for the GIT of the red jungle fowl along with MOS is effective in improving the growth performance, immune response and gut health of commercial CARIBRO-Vishal broiler chicken.

Feed constitutes about 70% of the total expenditure of poultry production. Maximizing the feed efficiency in juvenile period is essential to achieve low production cost. The efficiency of feed utilization was measured by RFI (residual feed intake) by calculating the difference between an individual animal’s observed and its expected feed intake. The expression of genes influencing low and high RFI is required to know the basic molecular mechanism influencing feed efficiency. The present study aimed to estimate the RFI (0–5 week) in a population of indigenously developed colored broiler sire line chicken. The duodenum sample of high and low-RFI broiler chicken was used for microarray analysis. Duodenum exhibited 1030 differentially expressed genes after analysis. Out of total DEGs, 461 genes were downregulated and 569 were upregulated. The fold change of differentiallly expressed genes varies from − 162.6 to 1549.28. A subset of genes was validated by qRT-PCR and results were correlated well with microarray data. In functional annotation study of DEGs, 89 biological processes, 30 cellular components, and 29 molecular functions were identified. Study of the important differentially expressed genes and the related molecular pathways in the population may hold the potential for future breeding strategies for augmenting feed efficiency.

This study investigated the role of dietary prebiotic mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), and probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum (BFD) in lipid metabolism, deposition, and consequent health indices in broiler chicken. The supplementation of 0.2% MOS along with either 10 6 or 10 7 CFU BFD/g feed resulted in downregulation of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, sterolregulatory element binding protein-1, and apolipoprotein B100; and up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α AMP-activated protein kinase α-1, and stearoyl CoA (∆9) desaturase-1 hepatic expression in broiler chicken. The birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 10 6 or 10 7 CFU BFD/g feed depicted lower body fat percentage, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and saturated fatty acid contents, whereas, higher palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and MUFA contents were observed. The ∆9-desaturase indices of chicken meat have shown higher values; and elongase index (only thigh) and thioesterase index have shown lower values in birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 10 6 or 10 7 CFU BFD/g feed. The meat health indices such as Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/Saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio, Mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA)/SFA ratio, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA)/SFA ratio, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio, saturation index, atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and hypercholesterolemic fatty acid content were positively improved in birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 10 6 or 10 7 CFU BFD/g feed. Similarly, the birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 10 6 or 10 7 CFU BFD/g feed have shown lower serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels along with higher high density levels and improved serum health indices cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient, and, atherogenic index of plasma.

SUMMARYUnderstanding the expression of genes influencing low and high residual feed intake (RFI) is required to elucidate the basic molecular mechanism influencing feed efficiency. Molecular mechanisms affecting RFI are controlled by many factors, such as neural signals, hormones, mitochondrial efficiency, metabolic pathways and nitrogen recycling. This review covers different aspects of molecular mechanisms affecting feed intake, growth and oxidative stress affecting feed efficiency in broilers. Low RFI chickens maintain feed efficiency by reducing feed intake independent of body weight gain, by upregulating CD36, PPARa, HMGCS2 and GCG, and downregulating PCSK2, CALB1, SAT1 and SGK1. Hormones, like cholecystokinin and glucagon, act as an anorexigenic factor, whereas leptin induces feed intake. Various molecular pathways and metabolic signals, such as the central melanocortin system, AMPK pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and PI3 K/Akt pathway control feed intake by determining the energy status of the body. A major cause of low feed efficiency in broilers is due to the reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidation of protein. Genes related to the ubiquitin-proteasome system such as DERL1, UFD1 L and UFM1 are downregulated in highly feed efficient broilers. In addition, the expression patterns of the genes involved in mitochondrial energy production, such as avANT, COX III, avUCP, iNOS, PPAR2 and avPGC-1a, have been changed, and these can be a marker for selection against lower RFI in chickens.

To understand the mechanism of aerobic composting of poultry excreta due to C: N ratio, under Indian conditions, meshed iron wire made bins (1.2 × 1.2 × 1.2 cum) were used. The initial C: N ratio was adjusted by using saw dust at 15: 1 (T1); 20: 1 (T2); 25: 1 (T3) and 30: 1 (T4). The moisture content was 45–50%. Crude poultry excreta without sawdust acted as control (T0) whose initial C: N ratio was 10: 1. Parameters recorded were bin temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), proximate composition, C: N ratio, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, microbial profile, germination potential, input-output costs, etc. Thermophilic phase and bin temperature were significantly higher (P<0.01) in all treated groups than control. pH and EC were significantly higher (P<0.01) in T0 than treated groups. Significantly (P<0.01) lower ash and higher organic matter were estimated in T2, T3 and T4 groups than T0 and T1. C: N ratio, N and P content was significantly higher in T3 and T4 than the remaining groups. E. coli was not detected in the finished compost of all treated groups. Gram seed germination (%) was better in treated groups than control. Value addition was in order of T1, T3, T2 and T4. It was concluded that composting poultry excreta with 1: 25 to 1: 30 C: N ratio resulted in better manure production and bio-safety along with higher income generation from invaluable excreta.

The aim of this study was to standardize C:N ratio and to formulate a suitable recipe for composting of poultry excreta during winter season of India. Meshed iron wire made bins (1.2·1.2·1.2 cum) were used for composting. The C:N ratio at 15:1 (T1); 20:1 (T2); 25:1 (T3) and 30:1 (T4) was maintained using proper ratio of poultry excreta: saw dust: water with moisture level of 45–50%. Crude poultry excreta without sawdust acted as control (T0) with C:N ratio of 10:1. Parameters recorded were bin temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), proximate composition, C:N ratio, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, microbial profile, germination potential, input- output costs etc. The bin temperature, thermophilic phase duration, moisture level, pH, EC, ash, total organic matter, nitrogen, E.coli reduction, manure equivalent etc. were more favourable in T3 and T4 groups. Furthermore, twice to thrice value addition was also calculated from aerobic composting of poultry excreta. Therefore, It was concluded that composting of poultry excreta with C/N ratio between 25:1 to 30:1 with poultry excreta: saw dust: water in the ratio of 1.0: 0.50: 0.30 may be adopted for better manure production, more income generation and bio-safety from poultry establishments. This technology can also be helpful in accomplishing the Sawachch Bharata Mission of India.

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of different tropical stress conditions on biochemical traits in various broiler strains during 3 to 4 weeks of age. Introgressing some important major genes likes Naked neck (Na) and Frizzle (F) into broiler germplasm may substantially improve the heat tolerance. Hence, the experiment was designed to evaluate three indigenously developed broilers viz. CARIBRO-Tropicana (Naked neck and Frizzle gene bearing), CARIBRO-Mritunjai (Naked neck gene bearing) and CARIBRO-Vishal (Normal plumaged) under different THI (i.e. 72, 85 and 91) for 4 hours daily for 7 days. Total 324 broiler chicks (i.e. 36 chicks in each group) of 3 weeks of age were used in this study. The changes in blood biochemical parameters (i.e. Na, K, Glucose and ACTH) were examined in these experiments at 0th, 3rd and 7th into exposure trials. The glucose, ACTH were observed lowest in frizzle and highest in normal plumaged birds under different THI. In experiment Na and K were observed higher in Frizzle and lowest in normal plumaged birds under different THI. The CARIBRO-Vishal showed highest stress as compared to other group. Higher the THI more severe was the effect on the traits. During the 7 day of exposure trial, birds of all the genetic group exhibited the phenomenon of acclimatization as reveled by the averages of various traits at different days into the exposure.

Probiotics are known to benefit the birds by improving their intestinal microflora balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lab isolated Lactobacillus spp mixed culture, commercial multi-strain probiotic, prebiotic (FOS and MOS) and antibiotic growth promoter bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on the crop, ileal and caecal flora of domesticated Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared under unstressed conditions. During the entire experimental duration of 35 days in quails, eight treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments ie., T-1, T-2 and T-3 consisting of (1 g of fermented feed having 2x106cfu Lactobacillus spp/g + prebiotics (both FOS and MOS) @ 1gm)/kg feed, (1.5 g of fermented feed having 2x106cfu Lactobacillus spp/g + prebiotics (both FOS and MOS) @ 1gm)/kg feed and (2 g of fermented feed having 2x106cfu Lactobacillus spp/g + prebiotics (both FOS and MOS) @ 1gm)/kg feed respectively. T-4, T-5 and T-6 consisting of 0.5 gm multi strain Probiotics + Prebiotics @ 1 gm/kg feed (both FOS and MOS), 1.0 gm multi strain Probiotics + Prebiotics @ 1gm/kg feed (both FOS and MOS), 1.5 gm multi strain Probiotics + Prebiotics @ 1gm/kg feed (both FOS and MOS) respectively. T-7 group was fed with basal standard feed only (Negative Control) and T-8 was fed Antibiotics (BMD 20gm/100 kg feed (Positive Control). Treatment groups were analysed for competitive exclusion of Escherichia coli organisms from the crop, ileum and caeca of GI tract of the birds. Enumeration of Lactobacillus spp. and E.coli was conducted at 14th and 35th day of feeding trial. At 14th day of age, crop showed significantly (P<0.01) higher Lactobacillus count in diets (T-1, T-2 and T-3) supplemented with isolated Lactobacilli spp. culture. The E.coli count was significantly lower in all three parts of gut (crop, ileum and caeca) of T-2 group while it was on higher side in T-7, the negative control. E. coli count at 35th day revealed that in crop significantly lower count was observed in T-2 with a significant higher count in T-7 and T-8. Similar finding was observed in ileum and caeca as well on 35th day. The study result suggests that feeding of Lactobacillus spp. mixed culture isolated from GIT of quail increases Lactobacilli count in different parts of GIT of quail with concomitant decrease in pathogenic organism like E. coli. Thus it can be used as a potential quail specific probiotic agent.

The study was aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplements viz: Lactobacillus plantarum (lab isolate from gastrointestinal tract of Guinea fowl), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC, Karnal) and in- feed antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on intestinal histomorphometry in broilers. During the entire experimental period of 35 days in broilers, four treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments (T1-basal diet (Control-1), T2-Antibiotic growth promoter BMD @ 20g /100kg feed (Control-2), T3 - 1x108cfu of L.acidophilus/gm fermented feed +MOS @ 1g /kg feed T4-1x108 cfu of lab isolated L.plantarum (L.I.L.p) /gm fermented feed+ MOS @ 1g /kg feed. There were 20 birds per each treatment group in Guinea fowl and 25 chicks in broilers. Histomorphological examination of duodenum, ileum of broilers fed different dietary treatments was conducted at 35th day of experiment. Six birds from each group were sacrificed and sections of intestine were cut and processed for histomorphological study and slides were prepared and examined using an optical microscope. In terms of histomorphology of duo- denum was concerned, duodenal villous height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) was significantly higher for T4 and T3 and lowest values obtained for antibiotic fed T2 group. Whereas, ileal villous height didn't show any significant difference among treatment groups. Ileal crypt depth was lowest for antibiotic supplemented T2 group over the other three groups. Duodenal villous height:crypt depth ratio was highest for T4 and T3 over T2 and control birds T1. The increment in the height of villi and villous height crypt depth ra- tio in Lactobacillus plantarum fed T4 group in broilers suggests that guinea fowl specific lab isolated L.plantarum may be used in commercial broiler production for improving growth by augmenting digestion and absorption of nutrients by modifying intestinal histomorphology.

The effects of probiotics and prebiotics feeding on immune response of broilers were assessed. Three hundred and fifty coloured synthetic male line (CSML) broiler chicks of both sexes were divided into five groups of 70 each and fed four experimental diets with different doses (5, 10, 15 gm/100 kg feed) of multistrain probiotic mainly Lactobacillus species with single dose (3 ml/l of water) of prebiotic (β-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides) initially at 3 to 7 days of age and then twice till the end of experimental period (52 week). Control group received basal diet with antibiotic. The humoral immune response was assessed by estimating the antibody response to ND vaccine using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and titres were transformed into log 2 values. Lymhocyte proliferation assay (LPA) was employed to assay the cell mediated immune (CMI) response as stimulation index. Dynamics of immune profile during the productive period were compared and significant (P < 0.05) differences among dietary groups were observed at 2, 6, 12, 21 and 38 weeks of age. Birds from pro and prebiotic groups showed higher CMI response at 14, 21, 56, 70, and 140 and 154 day of age. Relative weights of bursa and spleen at 21 and 35 d were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in pro and prebiotic supplemented groups than control. It could be concluded that regular use of probiotic can influence the immune competence of birds however, responses were even higher along with prebiotic.

Cytokines are a group of proteins synthesized mainly by various cells of the host immune system. They act separately or in unison to play the role of chemical messengers of immune system and orchestrate multiple functions that have mainly favorable implications. During various disease conditions, these molecules augment the host defenses. Apart from this, multiple biological properties (pleiotropism) have been considered a hallmark of cytokines. At present, various cytokines have been identified that include interferons (IFN), interleukins (IL), the chemokine family molecules, mesenchymal growth factors, members of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family and adipokines. They affect nearly every biological process that includes embryonic development, disease pathogenesis, and non-specific or specific immune responses. Cytokines may act on the cells in autocrine, paracrine or in endocrine fashion and all such activities are mediated via different cytokine receptors. But as individual effector molecules, they have short half-life and low plasma concentrations, which complicates the isolation as well as the characterization of cytokines. However, their activities are analyzed using recombinant cytokines and purified cell populations, or with knockout mice for individual cytokine genes. Currently, the role of cytokines in various therapeutic interventions, their applications as adjuvants for new generation vaccines and the importance of their anti-tumor effects, have all been studied with considerable explorative outlook, especially in the field of human medicine. Besides, they have numerous other functions and properties, clearly depicted by various experimental works. Such studies have proven beyond doubt about the immense potential of the applications of cytokines in controlling various maladies of animals too. Hence as per the current scenario, the assessment of the effects of such molecules in veterinary medicine has to be thoroughly assessed by different experimental approaches, which will help in their standardization and practical implementation, for better prospects in the field of animal disease prevention and therapeutics, in the years to come.

Aflatoxins are known to be the most dangerous fungal toxins that cause detrimental effects on animal and avian health. They are hepatotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds produced mainly by Aspergillus species, which are more prevalent in tropical regions. Among the toxins, aflatoxin B1 is considered as the most potent hepatotoxic agent. Acute and chronic aflatoxicoses in animals and birds occur due to consumption of aflatoxin contaminated feed, leading to serious pathological and immune insufficiencies. Humoral and cellular immune functions are impaired, and the primary and secondary immune responses are also affected. Aflatoxicosis in animals result in decreased feed utilization and reduced productivity. In avian species, immunosuppression, reduced growth and low productivity are commonly seen. For detection of aflatoxins, chromatographic techniques like TLC and HPLC are commonly used apart from immunochemical detection and affinity based analysis. Recently, detection of toxins and toxigenic fungi are performed using biosensors and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. One of the effective measures to be adopted to protect the livestock from aflatoxin exposure is to establish proper surveillance system and also formulate regulatory levels as these may enable to reduce the incidence of aflatoxicoses. As a prevention strategy, the most commonly followed method is the detoxification by toxin binding agents or chemical inactivation. This review is an attempt to highlight the pathological and immunological impairments that the aflatoxins render to livestock and poultry and to make familiarize the various strategies to detect, prevent and control the malady.

Administration of plasmid DNA is considered a novel approach for developing effective immunoprophylactics for the control of infectious diseases in bovines. The major diseases of bovines for which the utility of DNA vaccines have been studied include brucellosis, tuberculosis, anthrax, foot and mouth disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine viral diarrhea. Research is in experimental stages for development of nucleic acid vaccines to counter many protozoan and rickettsial diseases also. The potential of DNA vaccines to overcome the maternal immunity in neonates, non-requirement of cold chain and their ability to generate vaccines that could differentiate infected from vaccinated animals, has heightened the prospects. Superior ability to induce cell mediated immune response has caught the attention of researchers involved in animal disease prevention. However, still there are many areas that need clarity and focused research for assessing the true immunogenic potential of DNA vaccines. Introduction of a variety of cytokines via recombinant DNA technology and the use of different immunomodulators and cationic lipids have shown good promise. Recently, efforts are being made to modulate antigen presenting cells so as to make the antigen presentation, a more efficacious one. The nucleic acid vaccines, having merits of being relatively stable, much safer and cost effective, are expected in near future to outplay the conventional vaccine methodologies that are commonly used to control bacterial and viral pathogens of bovines. In this review, the authors highlight the features of DNA vaccines, their utility and the prospects regarding use as an effective vaccination strategy for preventing infectious diseases of bovines.

The genetic polymorphism between extreme responders differing for their immunosuppressiveness against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) virus in chicken was detected using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Minisatellite/Microsatellite Associated Sequence Amplification (MASA) markers. The population mean antibody titre was 1838.14±27.20, while mean antibody titre in high antibody titre (HAb) line and low antibody titre (LAb) line was 2312.9±22.96 and 1367.70±28.52, respectively. Two of the 16 random primers tested (~12%) could detect polymorphism between the HAb and LAb groups. While primer P11 amplified two polymorphic bands and P14 primer amplified only one polymorphic band. Out of these three polymorphic bands, only one band i.e. P11-1824 was specific to LAb group with a frequency of 1.00. Out of three MASA primers, only GTG5 was polymorphic between the groups. The GTG5 amplified two polymorphic loci and one of these two i.e. GTG5-1830 was specific for HAb group. However, comparatively lower proportion (~12%) of RAPD primers were found to be polymorphic as compared to MASA primers (~33%), but the proportion of polymporphic loci amplified was higher (25%) with RAPD primers as compared to MASA primers (20%).