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ABSTRACT: Avian pox is a disease that has devastating impacts on both poultry and wild bird species. Avian pox is caused by various strains of avipoxviruses (APV). Nevertheless, the virus has been detected in pigeons and chickens that are raised in backyard areas, leading to substantial financial damage for small-scale producers. There is a lack of comprehensive information regarding the transmission of APV among birds in the backyards and residential areas. Hence, the present investigation closely monitored and observed APV in domesticated birds residing in backyard areas, with the aim of impeding the transmission of the virus to nearby poultry farms. In 2023, a total of fifty backyard flocks were surveyed for the presence of avian pox disease. Sixteen backyards (14 pigeons and 2 chickens) exhibited warty nodular lesions on their heads and nonfeathered body parts. APV was confirmed in nodular lesions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and genetic sequencing. All samples from the lesions showed successful amplification of the p4b locus (core protein p4b). Four confirmed samples were tested for pathogenicity on the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Histopathological examination revealed ballooning degeneration and numerous intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies) in the ectoderm of the infected CAM. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains clustered into main clade A, with 11 in subclade A2 and 5 in subclade A1. Amino acid identity showed 100% similarity between the vaccine (fowlpox/VSVRI/Egypt) and some detected strains (PP537574 and PP537575). In addition, the PP537576.1 to PP537580.1 and PP537582.1 to PP537585.1 had 2-point mutations compared to the fowlpox/VSVRI/Egypt vaccine. The overall finding of low biosecurity levels in the investigated backyard birds emphasizes the significance of establishing sanitary measures and control vectors to reduce virus transmission routes and disease severity. In conclusion, it is necessary to emphasize the tracking of APV in backyard birds. Concurrently, we advised enhancing hygiene protocols, vector management, and subsequent vaccination to restrict the occurrence of APV outbreaks and prevent their transmission to neighboring poultry farms. Furthermore, it is crucial to incorporate molecular studies in order to enhance the vaccine seeds for disease management.

ABSTRACT: The widespread use of antibiotics causes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which have a severe impact on poultry productivity and human health. As a result, research is continuing to develop safe natural antibiotic alternatives. In the current study, Bacillus pumilus SA388 was isolated from the chicken feces and confirmed to be a probiotic. The selected strain was tested for its antimutagenic and antioxidant capabilities before being employed as a probiotic food supplement and antibiotic alternative. The effect of B. pumilus SA388 impact on broiler chickens' growth performance, gut microbiome, blood biochemical markers, immunological response, and meat quality was also studied. B. pumilus SA388 showed significant bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumonia. A total of 200 chickens were used in the present study, divided equally among four experimental groups (ten birds per group with 5 replicates): group 1 (control, G1) received a basal diet without B. pumilus SA388, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.8 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388, and group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.6 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388. Over 35 d, the B. pumilus SA388-supplemented groups outperformed the G1 in terms of body weight gain, performance index, and feed conversion ratio, with a preference for the G4 treatment. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing B. pumilus SA388 dosages compared to the control G1 group. Dietary supplementation of B. pumilus SA388 at 1.6 mg/kg (G4) significantly (P < 0.05) resulted in improved lipid profile, immunological response, thyroid function, and gut microbiota compared to the control group (G1). Compared to the broilers in the control treatment (G1), the addition of B. pumilus SA388 to broilers in G4 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced juiciness, tenderness, aroma, and taste. Adding B. pumilus SA388 to chicken feed at different doses significantly (P < 0.05) decreased average feed intake while increasing economic and relative efficiency measures. In conclusion, B. pumilus SA388 has been proven to be an effective antibiotic and nutritional supplement.

ABSTRACT: Avian chlamydiosis is a serious avian infection that carries a significant zoonotic danger to the poultry industry. The respiratory co-infections caused by the low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 (LPAIV H9N2) also cause significant financial losses in the poultry industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the pathogenicity of Chlamydophila psittaci, and LPAIV H9N2 individually and in combination in broiler chickens, as well as to determine whether or not aqueous neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is effective against infections caused by these pathogens. Therefore, 120 broiler cobb chicks were equally divided into 4 groups (30 birds each) with triplicates with 10 birds. Broilers in group 1 (G1) were infected with only C. psittaci, broilers in group 2 (G2) were infected with only LPAIV H9N2, broilers in group 3 (G3) were infected with C. psittaci and LPAIV H9N2, and broilers in group 4 (G4) remained not challenged and non-treated with any therapeutic or preventive treatment (negative control). At 21 d postinfection (dpi), birds in G1, G2, and G3 were divided into 3 subgroups of 10 birds each: subgroup (A) remained infected and untreated (positive control), subgroup (B) infected and received oxytetracycline for 5 consecutive d, and subgroup (C) infected and received 8% aqueous neem leaf extract for 5 consecutive d. The multiplication of C. psittaci in birds in G1, in various tissues was evaluated using Giemsa staining and the data showed that multiplication was much higher in the lung, spleen, and liver from 6 h to 21 dpi, but low in the heart from 8 to 21 dpi. During simultaneous co-infection in G3, the birds developed significant clinical symptoms and postmortem lesions (PM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect viral shedding from oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs between 2 dpi and 8 dpi, with cycle threshold (CT) values ranging from 22 to 24. In contrast, bacterial shedding began 6 h after infection and continued until 21 dpi, with CT values ranging from 23 to 26. Administration of an aqueous neem leaf extract at an 8% concentration (Group C) resulted in a numerical rise in average body weight across all treatment groups in the third and fourth week, as well as a reduction in LPAIV H9N2 and C. psittaci replication in the respiratory and gut of treated birds compared to those treated with oxytetracycline (Group B). Overall, respiratory co-infections pose a considerable risk to the poultry business, which is a big threat. To control C. psittaci and LPAIV H9N2 in broiler chickens, oral supplementation of 8% aqueous neem leaf extract is recommended. This treatment improves the birds' performance, as evidenced by an increase in their average body weight. In addition, the application of 8% aqueous neem leaf extract lowers C. psittaci replication within tissues and diminishes LPAIV H9N2 shedding.

ABSTRACT: Antibiotic overuse in poultry feeds has disastrous implications; consequently, long-term alternatives must be developed. As a result, the current study aims to assess the impact of Aspergillus niger filtrate (ANF) high in organic acids grown on agro-industrial residue of faba bean (AIRFB) on quail diet, as well as their influence on bird productivity, digestion, carcass yield, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbiota. A total of 240 Japanese quails (aged 7 d) were used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups with 48 quails each. Group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any ANF, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 mL ANF/kg diet, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mL ANF/kg diet, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 mL ANF/kg diet, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL ANF/kg diet. The performance parameters were monitored at 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 1 to 5 wk. Adding ANF increased body weight at 3 and 5 wk, as well as body weight gain at 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 1 to 5 wk, compared to the control diet. The ANF fed quails had the highest feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of ANF to the quail diet had no effect on the weight of the carcass, gizzard, heart, liver, giblets, or dressing; however, it did lower triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein while increasing high-density lipoprotein levels. The quail groups that received ANF had enhanced immunological indices such as IgG, IgM, IgA, and lysozymes. It also increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant contents, as well as catalase, and digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase. However, it lowered the blood MDA levels compared to control. It has been demonstrated that the total gut microbiota, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and the population of Salmonella are all reduced in ANF-fed quails. Histological examination of ANF quails' liver and intestinal sections revealed normal hepatic parenchyma, typical leaf-like intestinal villi, and comparatively short and frequently free lumina. In conclusion, Japanese quail showed improvements in performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant indices, immunity, and capacity to reduce intestinal pathogenic bacteria after consuming diet supplemented with ANF.

ABSTRACT: The cytokine storm induced by duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) infection significantly contributes to severe, rapid deaths and economic losses in the duck industry in Egypt. This study aimed to investigate the potential inhibitory effect of a nanoemulsion containing turmeric and black pepper oil on the immune response and pathogenesis of DHAV-1 in ducklings. A total of 105 ducklings from nonvaccinated breeders were divided into 5 experimental groups, each comprising 21 birds. The negative control group (G1) remained noninfected with DHAV-1 and nontreated with nanoemulsion, while the positive control group (G2) was infected with DHAV-1 but not treated with nanoemulsion. The other 2 groups (G3, the supplemented group which was noninfected with DHAV-1), and group 4 (the prophylactic group G4) which was infected with DHAV-1, both received nanoemulsion throughout the experiment. Group 5 (G5, the therapeutic group), on the other hand, which was infected with DHAV-1 received nanoemulsion only from the onset of clinical signs. At 5 days old, the ducklings in the positive control (G2), the prophylactic (G4), and the therapeutic group (G5) were infected with DHAV-1. All the ducklings in the infected groups exhibited depression, anorexia, and opisthotonos, and their livers displayed various degrees of ecchymotic hemorrhage, liver enlargement, and microscopic pathological lesions. Notably, the positive control group (G2) experienced the most severe and pronounced effects compared to the other infected groups treated with the nanoemulsion. Meanwhile, the viral RNA loads were lower in the liver tissues of the infected ducklings treated with the nanoemulsion (G4, and G5) compared to the positive control group G2. Additionally, the nanoemulsion effectively modulated proinflammatory cytokine expression, antioxidant enzymes, liver enzymes, and lipid profile of treated ducklings. In conclusion, the turmeric and black pepper oil nanoemulsion has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for regulating and modulating the immune response, decreasing DHAV-1-induced cytokine storms, and minimizing mortality and economic losses in the duck business. More research is needed to understand how turmeric and black pepper oil nanoemulsion alleviates DHVA-1-induced cytokine storms and lowers duckling mortality.

ABSTRACT: Gumboro virus is one of the most dangerous immunosuppressant viruses that infect chickens and causes massive financial losses worldwide. The current study aims to conduct a molecular characterization of chicken farms for the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Based on postmortem (PM) lesions, 125 bursal samples from 25 farms were collected from clinically diseased commercial chicken farms with increased mortality and suspected Gumboro virus infection. Pooled bursal samples from suspected IBD-vaccinated flocks were tested for IBDV by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fifteen out of 25 pooled specimens were found positive for IBDV, with a 60% detection rate, and confirmed positive for very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) by sequence analysis. Nucleotide phylogenetic analysis of VP1 and VP2 genes was employed to compare the 5 chosen isolates with strains representing different governorates in Egypt during 2022. All strains were clustered with vvIBDV with no evidence of reassortment in the VP1 gene. The VP1 and VP2 genes are divided into groups (I, II). The strains in our study were related to group II, and it acquired a new mutation in the VP2 gene that clustered it into new subgroup B. By mutation analysis, the VP2 gene of all strains had a characteristic mutation to vvIBDV. It acquired new mutations in HVRs compared with HK46 in Y220F, A222T/V in all strains in our study, and Q221K that was found in IBD-EGY-AH5 and AH2 in the loop PBC in addition to G254S in all strains in our study and Q249k that found in IBD-EGY-AH1 and AH3 in the loop PDE. These mutations are important in the virulency and antigenicity of the virus. The VP1 had 242E, 390M, and 393D which were characteristic of vvIBDV and KpnI restriction enzyme (777GGTAC/C782) in addition to a new mutation (F243Y and N383H) in IBD-EGY-AH1 and AH4 strains. According to the current study, the strains were distinct from the vaccinal strain; they could be responsible for the most recent IBDV outbreaks observed in flocks instead of received vaccinations. The current study highlighted the importance of molecular monitoring to keep up to date on the circulating IBDV for regular evaluation of commercial vaccination programs against circulating field viruses.

Avian influenza (AI) viruses pose a risk to the worldwide poultry industry. Ultimately, improving the efficiency of the H9N2 vaccine is necessary to better control low-pathogenic avian influenza-H9N2 by using natural immunostimulant. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine varying doses of the cyanobacterium Spirulina extract on the effectiveness of H9N2 vaccine. Thus, a total of 150 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were allocated into 6 groups, 25 birds each, as follow: G1, G2, and G6 were supplemented with 200, 400, and 400 mg Spirulina extract/kg feed, respectively, whilst the feed in G3, G4, and G5 were not supplemented with Spirulina extract. At 21-days-old, only the chickens in G1, G2, and G3 were vaccinated with the H9N2 AI vaccine. After 4 wk postvaccination, the chickens in G1, G2, G3, G4, and G6 were challenged with H9N2 AI Egyptian strain. The challenged virus was selected from a recent circulating Egyptian strain during 2022, and it was related to A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97-like virus lineage and clustered with G1-B sub-lineage EGY-2 group. It had a high amino acids identity percentage of 92.6% with the A/chicken/Iran/av1221/1998 (Boehringer Ingelheim) vaccine. The results of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) revealed that no shedding of the virus was reported in G1, G2, G3, and G5. The supplementation of Spirulina extract in low (200 mg/kg of feed) and high (400 mg/kg of feed) concentration with the birds vaccinated with H9N2 AI vaccine (G1 and G2) induced prominent immuno-stimulatory effect in a dose dependent manner where it strongly enhanced the phagocytic activities of broilers' peripheral blood monocytes, and lysozyme at all days postvaccination (dpv) and days postchallenge (dpc) compared to other groups with significant differences at all day of experiment and 21st dpv, 28th dpv, 7th dpc, and 14th dpc, respectively. The supplementation with Spirulina extract in G1 and G2 induced the highest hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer in a dose-dependent manner at all-time intervals. The antibody titer postvaccination was significantly increased in G1 and G2 at 14th, and 21st dpv, in comparison with G3. Furthermore, G1 and G2 showed higher significant antibody titers at 7th and 14th dpc, compared to other groups. Furthermore, Spirulina extract (200 and 400 mg/kg feed) in G1 and G2 showed anti-inflammatory effect in a dose dependant manner by downregulating nitric oxide levels at all times postchallenge with a significant difference at 3 to 7 dpc compared to G3, G4, and G6, with improved histopathological alterations in the trachea, lung, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius. G6 supplied with 400 mg/kg Spirulina extract feed only without vaccination had a similar effect as vaccinated groups on innate immunity. However, it delayed the production of antibodies and did not prevent viral shedding as in vaccinated groups. In conclusion, vaccination in conjunction with either dose of Spirulina extract (G1, and G2) prevents viral shedding, increases the immune response, and reduces inflammation and histopathological change caused by H9N2 AI infection in a dose dependent manner. We recommend the use of 400 mg Spirulina extract/kg feed as a natural immunostimulant in conjunction with the H9N2 vaccine to achieve the highest possible level of protection against H9N2 AI infection.

ABSTRACT: The chicken business faces substantial economic losses due to the risk of parasitic coinfection. Because the current study aimed to investigate enteric parasitic coinfections problems among the suspected examined chicken farms, samples were collected during the field investigation from suspected freshly dead birds, clinically diseased, apparently healthy, and litter samples for further laboratory parasitological, histopathological, and immunological examinations. Variable mortalities with various clinical indicators, such as ruffled feathers, weight loss, diarrhea of various colors, and a decline in egg production, occurred on the farms under investigation. In addition, the treatment protocols of each of the farms that were evaluated were documented and the m-RNA levels of some cytokines and apoptotic genes among the infected poultry have been assessed. The prevalence rate of parasitic coinfection in the current study was found to be 8/120 (6.66%). Parasitological analysis of the samples revealed that they belonged to distinct species of Eimeria, cestodes, and Ascaridia galli. When deposited, A. galli eggs were nonembryonated and ellipsoidal, but cestodes eggs possessed a thin, translucent membrane that was subspherical. Eimeria spp. oocysts in layer chickens were identified as Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima in broiler chickens. Our findings proved that coinfection significantly upregulated the IL-1β, BAX, and Cas-3 genes. Conversely, the IL-10, BCL-2, and AKT mRNA levels were downregulated, indicating that nematode triggered apoptosis. The existence of parasite coinfection was verified by histological investigation of the various intestinal segments obtained from affected flocks. A. galli and cestodes obstructed the intestinal lumen, causing different histological alternations in the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, the lamina propria revealed different developmental stages of Eimeria spp. It was determined that parasite coinfection poses a significant risk to the poultry industry. It was recommended that stringent sanitary measures management methods, together with appropriate treatment and preventative procedures, be employed in order to resolve such issues.

ABSTRACT: Escherichia coli is an important zoonotic bacterium that significantly impacts one health concept. E. coli is normally detected in the gut of warm-blooded animals, but some serotypes can cause diseases in humans and animals. Moreover, it can continue for a long time in different environments, replicate in water, and survive outside different hosts. In this study, 171 samples collected from 10 different types of poultry hatcheries (automatic, semiautomatic, and manual “traditional” types) were examined for the prevalence of E. coli. PCR was applied to verify the E. coli isolates via 16S rRNA gene-specific primers. From the gathered samples, 62 E. coli isolates were recovered (36.3%). The highest prevalence was met with the manual “traditional” hatcheries (57.1%) with no significance difference (P = 0.243) in the 3 types of hatcheries. The incidence of E. coli varied significantly in different tested avian types and breeds. The prevalence was 35.7% in duck hatcheries and 37% in chicken hatcheries, with significant differences between breeds of both species (P = 0.024 and 0.001, respectively). The identification of zoonotic E. coli serotypes in this study is concerning, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors, including social, environmental, and governance, to promote the adoption of the one health principle in the chicken business. Periodical surveillance, biosecurity measures at the hatcheries and farm levels, and boosting the immunity of birds were recommended to limit the risk of E. coli spread from avian sources to humans.

ABSTRACT: Nanomedicine is a critical therapeutic approach for treating most poultry illnesses, particularly parasitic infections. Coccidiosis is a severe protozoan infection affecting poultry; the emergence of drug-resistant Eimeria strains demands the development of new, safe therapies. Consequently, the objective of this work was to investigate the efficacy of the biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by Paenibacillus polymyxa (P. polymyxa) against Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) experimental infection in broiler chickens. The prepared SeNPs absorbed the UV at 270 nm were spherical with a size of 26 nm, and had a surface negative charge of −25 mV. One hundred and fifty, 1-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 5 groups (30 birds/group with triplicates each) as follows: T1: negative control (noninfected and nontreated with SeNPs); T2: delivered SeNPs (500 µg/kg diet) for 35 successive days, T3: E. tenella-infected (positive control birds), T4: E. tenella-infected and treated with SeNPs (500 µg/kg diet) and T5: E. tenella-infected chicks and treated with anticoccidial agent (sulfadimidine, 16% solution 8 mL/L of drinking water) for 5 successive days. At 14 d of age, each bird in infected groups was orally treated with 3 × 103 sporulated oocyst of E. tenella. SeNPs considerably decreased the number of oocysts in broiler feces compared to positive control and anticoccidial drug, followed by a substantial reduction of parasite phase count in the cecum (15, 10, and 8 for meronts, gamonts, and developing oocysts) when compared with positive control birds. The Eimeria experimental infection lowered the activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) while increasing the stress parameters nitric oxide (NO) and malonaldehyde (MDA). Moreover, the production of proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6) and apoptotic genes (BcL2 and Cas-3) were significantly elevated. Administrating SeNPs to chicks significantly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic markers in the cecum tissue. Therefore, growth performance, carcass weights, antioxidant enzymes, and blood properties of infected chicks were enhanced. The findings compared the protecting role of Se-nanoparticles against cecum damages in E. tenella-infected broilers.

ABSTRACT: The recently detected clade 2.3.4.4 of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus in poultry encouraged us to study the efficacy of the 6 most extensively used saleable H5 poultry vaccinations (bivalent [AI + ND], Re-5 H5N1, H5N1, H5N3, monovalent AI, monovalent ND) with or without aqueous 8% neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract as an immunostimulant. One hundred thirty birds were randomly divided into 7 groups. Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were divided into 2 subgroups (G1a, G2a, G3a, G4a, G5a, G6a) and (G1b, G2b, G3b, G4b, G5b, G6b) with 10 birds each. Subgroups (G1a, G2a, G3a, G4a, G5a, G6a) received the (bivalent [AI + ND], Re-H5N1, H5N1, H5N3, monovalent AI, monovalent ND) vaccines, while subgroups (G1b, G2b, G3b, G4b, G5b, G6b) received the same previous vaccination but treated with neem leaf extract administrated 2 d before and after vaccination, and G7 with 10 birds was kept unvaccinated as positive control group. Clinical signs of the challenged group showed conjunctivitis, closed eyes, cyanosis in comb and wattle, ocular discharge, and greenish diarrhea, while postmortem lesions showed congested trachea and lung, hemorrhage on the shank, proventriculus, and pancreas; gelatinous fluid submandibular, congestion of all organs (septicemia), mottled spleen. The clinical signs and lesions were mild in neem leaf extract treated with bivalent vaccine and Re-H5N1 while moderate in monovalent vaccine and H5N3 with or without neem leaf extract treated and reached severe in the group immunized with H5N1 with or without neem leaf extract treatment. The protection levels in the bivalent vaccine (AI + ND), Re-5 H5N1, and H5N3 treated with neem leaf extract, were 80%, 80%, and 60%, respectively, while bivalent vaccine (AI + ND), Re-5 H5N1 and H5N3 without treatment were 60%, 60%, and 40%, respectively. The virus shedding was prevented in groups vaccinated with bivalent vaccine and Re-H5N1 vaccine treated with neem leaf extract, while decreased in the group vaccinated with H5N3 with neem leaf extract and Re-H5N1 without neem leaf extract compared with H5N3, H5N1, and monovalent vaccine. The immunological response after vaccination was stronger in the bivalent vaccine group than in the other commercial vaccine groups treated with neem leaf extract, with geometric mean titer (GMTs) of 315.2 and 207.9 at the third and fourth weeks, respectively. The use of immunostimulant antiviral medicinal plants, such as neem, completely protected chicken flocks against HPAI (H5N8) and prevented AI virus shedding, leading us to the conclusion that the use of bivalent vaccines induces a higher immune response than other different commercial vaccines.

ABSTRACT: The present study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity (in vitro study) of olive leaves powder (OLP) and its role in improving the broiler productivity, carcass criteria, blood indices, and antioxidant activity. A total of 270 one-day-old broiler chickens were distributed into 6 treatment groups as follows: the first group: basal diet without any supplementation, while the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups: basal diet supplemented with 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 (µg/g), respectively. The in vitro study showed that the OLP has good antibacterial activity in the concentration-dependent matter; OLP 175 µg/mL inhibited the tested bacteria in the zones range of (0.8–4 cm), Klebsiella Pneumonaie (KP) was the most resistant bacteria to OLP concentration. The antioxidant activity of OLP increased with increasing the concentration of OLP compared to ascorbic acid, where OLP 175 µg/mL scavenged 91% of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals compared to 93% scavenging activity of ascorbic acid. Broiler chickens fed diets with OLP had significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight (BW) and body weight growth (BWG) than the control birds. The treatment with OLP significantly reduced the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) when compared to control. Groups supplemented with OLP showed decreased abdominal fat deposition and a significant increase in the net carcass and breast muscle weight. OLP improved birds’ blood parameters in comparison with control birds. All pathogenic bacterial numbers in caecal samples were decreased with elevating OLP levels, but the cecal Lactobacillus bacterial count was increased. In conclusion, OLP supplementation improved broiler chickens’ performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters. Moreover, OLP improved birds' liver functions (reduced Alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] levels) in comparison with control. In addition, OLP promoted the antioxidant status, minimized the harmful microbial load, and increased beneficial bacterial count in the cecal contents of broilers.

ABSTRACT: Avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are respiratory illness syndromes that have recently been detected in vaccinated flocks and are causing major financial losses in the chicken farming industry. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 vaccine in protecting chickens against the H5N8 and NDV strains that have recently been circulating in comparison with the efficacy of the commercially available bivalent H5+ND7 vaccine. In contrast to the H5+ND7 vaccine, which was made of genetically distinct H5N8/2018 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype group (G5), H9N2/2016, H5N1/2017, and genetically comparable NDV genotype VII 1.1/2019 of the recently circulating challenge viruses, the Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 vaccine consisted of the recently isolated (RG HPAI H5N1 AIV/2015 Clade 2.2.1.2, RG HPAIV H5N8/2020 Clade 2.3.4.4b genotype group 6 (G6), and NDV genotype VII 1.1/2012) which were genetically similar to challenged strains. To determine the effectiveness of the Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 vaccine, a total of 70-day-old commercial chicks were divided into 7 groups of 10 birds each. Groups (G1 and G4) received Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 vaccine. Groups (G2 and G5) groups received commercial H5+ND7 vaccine. While groups (G3 and G6) were kept nonvaccinated, and group (G7) was kept as a nonchallenged and nonvaccinated. After 3-wk post vaccination (WPV), groups G1, G2, and G3 were challenged with A/Duck/ Egypt/SMG4/2019(H5N8) genotype G6. On the other hand, groups G4, G5, G6 were challenged with NDV/EGYPT/18629F/2018 genotype VII 1.1 with an intranasal injection of 0.1 mL. Antibody titer was calculated at the first 3 wk after vaccination, and the viral shedding titer was calculated at 3-, 5-, and 7-days post challenge. Mortality and morbidity rates were monitored daily during the experiment, and for the first 10 d after the challenge, to provide an estimate of the protection rate. The results showed that a single dosage of 0.5 mL per bird of Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 vaccine provides 80% protection against both H5N8 and NDV, compared to the bivalent H5+ND7 vaccine, which provided 20 and 80% protection against H5N8 and NDV, respectively. In addition, 0.5 mL per bird of Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 vaccine produced a greater immune response against both viruses than commercial vaccination at 1 to 3 WPV with a significant difference at 1 WPV for H5N8 and a comparatively higher immune response for NDV. Furthermore, it reduced virus shedding of H5N8 on the third, fifth, seventh, and tenth days lower than H5+ND7 vaccine with a significant difference on the third day for H5N8 and relatively lower than bivalent H5+ND7 vaccine for NDV with a significant difference on the fifth day. The Valley vaccinated group demonstrated more tissue intactness compared to the commercially vaccinated group against the H5N8 challenge, however the bivalent commercially vaccinated group showed the similar level of tissue integrity against NDV. In conclusion, Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 that contains the genetically similar strain to recently circulating challenged virus (H5N8 genotype G6) provided better protection with greater immune response and decreased the amount of virus shed against H5N8 genotype G6 and showed less histopathological alteration than the commercial bivalent H5+ND7 vaccine that contain genetically distinct (H5N8 genotype G5). However the Valley Vac H5Plus NDVg7 provided the same protection with relatively high immune response and relatively decreased the amount of virus shed and showed equal tissue integrity than the commercial bivalent H5+ND7 vaccine against NDV genotype VII 1.1 that contain the same genotype of NDV genotype VII 1.1.

ABSTRACT: The avian digestive tract is an important system for converting ingested food into the nutrients their bodies need for maintenance, growth, and reproduction (meat, table eggs, and fertile eggs). Therefore, preserving digestive system integrity is crucial to bird health and productivity. As an alternative to antibiotics, the world has recently turned to the use of natural products to enhance avian development, intestinal health, and production. Therefore, the primary goal of this review is to explain the various characteristics of the avian digestive tract and how to enhance its performance with natural, safe feed additives such as exogenous enzymes, organic acids, photogenic products, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and herbal extracts. In conclusion, the composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by a number of circumstances, and this has important consequences for the health and productivity of birds. To better understand the connection between pathogens, the variety of therapies available, and the microbiome of the gut, additional research needs to be carried out.

ABSTRACT: Avian campylobacteriosis is a vandal infection that poses human health hazards. Campylobacter is usually colonized in the avian gut revealing mild signs in the infected birds, but retail chicken carcasses have high contamination levels of Campylobacter spp. Consequently, the contaminated avian products constitute the main source of human infection with campylobacteriosis and result in severe clinical symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, spasm, and deaths in sensitive cases. Thus, the current review aims to shed light on the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler chickens, Campylobacter colonization, bird immunity against Campylobacter, sources of poultry infection, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, human health hazard, and the use of standard antimicrobial technology during the chicken processing of possible control strategies to overcome such problems.

ABSTRACT: A total of 45 samples of vaccinated and non-vaccinated layer chickens were collected from farms in the Egyptian governorates of Sharqia, Ismailia, Menofia, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Qalyubia, and Dakahlia in the year 2022. They exhibited nodular lesions on their combs, mouth corners, and eyelids, suggesting they were infected with pox disease, which was associated with a 3 to 5% mortality rate. The samples were grown on the chorioallantoic-membrane of embryonated chicken eggs to ensure their viability. In both vaccinated and non-vaccinated farms, 35 of 45 virus isolates were confirmed positive via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of fpv167 (P4b), based on the amplicon length of the fpv167 gene locus. The 6 strains from various Egyptian governorates were chosen for sequencing and genetic characterization. Phylogenetic investigation of the fpv167 (P4b) gene of sequenced strains clustered within sub clade A1 showed 100% correlation between FWPVD, TKPV13401 and fowlpox-AN2, fowlpox-AN3, and fowlpox-AN6, but only a 98.6% correlation between fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5. Comparing the fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5 strains with commercial vaccine strains (HP1-444-(FP9), vaccine-VSVRI), they had 98.6% identity, while other strains had 100% identity. The results of this study's mutation research showed that fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5 had acquired novel mutations; fowlpox-AN1 had R201G and T204A; fowlpox-AN4 and fowlpox-AN5 had L141F and H157P. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the current vaccine in order to develop a new vaccine.

Late in 2016, multiple reassortant highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza virus (AIVs) H5N8 was detected. AIVs infect different isolated hosts with a specific viral tropism. In the current study, the whole genome of the Egyptian A/chicken/NZ/2022 was genetically characterized. The H5N8-A/Common-coot/Egypt/CA285/2016, A/duck/Egypt/SS19/2017 previously isolated in Egypt, and the recently circulating A/chicken/Egypt/NZ/2022 reassortant viruses' replication, pathogenicity, and viral load in comparison to the H5N1-Clade 2.2.1.2 were investigated on Madin-Darby canine kidney cell (MDCK), by using the cytopathic effect (CPE) percent and matrix-gene reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to compute the virus titer at various points in time. The A/chicken/Egypt/NZ/2022 virus was similar to the reassortant strain clade 2.3.4.4b discovered in farms in 2016. The 2 sub-groupings of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes were identified (I and II); the A/chicken/Egypt/NZ/2022 HA and NA genes were associated with subgroup II. The subgroup II of the HA gene was further divided into A and B owing to acquired specific mutations. The A/chicken/Egypt/NZ/2022 in our study was associated with subgroup B. The M, NS, PB1, and PB2 genes were shown to be clustered into clade 2.3.4.4b by full genome sequence analysis; however, the PA and NP genes were found to be associated with H6N2 viruses, which had particular mutations that improved viral virulence and mammalian transmission. The current results showed that the circulating H5N8 viruses were more variable than previous viruses analyzed in 2016 and 2017. Compared to other reassortant HPAI H5N8, and HPAI H5N1, the growth kinetics of A/chicken/Egypt/NZ/2022 had a high CPE without the addition of trypsin and the most viral copies with a significant difference (P < 0.01) in comparison to HPAI H5N8 and HPAI H5N1 reassortant viruses. Accordingly, the effective viral replication of A/chicken/Egypt/NZ/2022 in the MDCK than other viruses may play a factor in the spread and maintenance of specific reassortant H5N8 influenza virus in the field.

ABSTRACT: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a serious viral infection that causes massive economic losses in poultry. The current study investigated the HPAI virus prevalence in commercial broiler chicken flocks from 2019 to 2022. Organ samples, including trachea, cecal tonsils, spleen, brain, as well as tracheal and cloacal swabs, were harvested from 111 problematic broiler chicken flocks that suffered from variable mortalities accompanied with respiratory signs (103 H5-vaccinated and 8 nonvaccinated flocks) in Egypt during the observation duration. Molecular tools were used to analyze the samples, including real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and sequence analysis of some PCR positive strains. The results indicated that 24 flocks were positive for HPAI H5N8, representing 21.6%, with 22.3% (23/103) prevalence and 12.5% (1/8) detection in vaccinated and nonvaccinated flocks, respectively, and they were almost detected in the autumn and winter seasons. Phylogenetic evaluation of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene showed that the 6 Egyptian strains were clustered in clade 2.3.4.4b and allocated into 2 groups (I and II). The samples recovered in 2019 were clustered in new subgroup A, and samples recovered in 2020 to 2022 were clustered in new subgroup B with 10 nucleotide mutations (R72S, A83D, T140A). In conclusion, HPAI H5N8 is a serious threat even in vaccinated birds; to control such problems, periodic molecular monitoring with vaccine efficacy evaluation and the use of preventive strategies are recommended.

ABSTRACT: Many pathogens that cause chronic diseases in birds use the respiratory tract as a primary route of infection, and respiratory disorders are the main leading source of financial losses in the poultry business. Respiratory infections are a serious problem facing the poultry sector, causing severe economic losses. Avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, and avian pneumovirus are particularly serious viral respiratory pathogens. Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Staphylococcus, Bordetella avium, Pasteurella multocida, Riemerella anatipestifer, Chlamydophila psittaci, and Escherichia coli have been identified as the most serious bacterial respiratory pathogens in poultry. This review gives an updated summary, incorporating the latest data, about the evidence for the circulation of widespread, economically important poultry respiratory pathogens, with special reference to possible methods for the control and prevention of these pathogens.

The incidence of the avian influenza virus in late 2016, different genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b have been reported among different domestic and wild bird species. The virus became endemic in the poultry population, causing a considerable economic loss for the poultry industry. This study screened 5 ostrich farms suffering from respiratory signs and mortality rate of the avian influenza virus. A flock of 60-day-old ostriches with a mortality of 90% suffered from depression, loss of appetite, dropped production, and oculo-nasal discharges, with bleeding from natural orifices as a vent. This flock was found positive for avian influenza virus and subtypes as HPAI H5N8 virus. The similarity between nucleotide sequencing for the 28 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) was 99% and 98%, respectively, with H5N8 viruses previously detected. The PB2 encoding protein harbor a unique substitution in mammalian marker 627A, which has not been recorded before in previously sequenced H5N8 viruses. Phylogenetically, the isolated virus is closely related to HPAI H5N8 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b. The detection of the HPAI H5N8 virus in ostrich is highly the need for continuous epidemiological and molecular monitoring of influenza virus spread in other bird species, not only chickens. Ostrich should be included in the annual SunAlliance, for the detection of avian influenza.

ABSTRACT: Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) is an economically significant viral disease that primarily affects broiler chickens. At least 12 different aviadenovirus serotypes are responsible for causing IBH. This study aimed to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and phylogenetic analysis to characterize fowl adenovirus isolates that were in circulation from 2019 to 2021 and investigate the pathogenicity of the isolated strains in commercial broiler chickens. Suspected liver samples were molecularly identified using hexon gene targeting by PCR, and viruses were isolated using chick embryo liver cell culture. For serotype identification, the fowl adenovirus-positive samples were subjected to hexon gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The pathogenicity of two isolates was tested in commercial chickens via the oral route. The phylogenetic analysis of the hexon gene showed that the isolated viruses clustered with serotype 8a species E. On testing the pathogenicity of the isolates based on necropsy and histopathological examination, no mortality was observed; however, lesions were observed in the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, bursa, and lung specimens with intermittent virus shedding at different time points throughout the experimental period. Further research on the likelihood of vaccine production is warranted to limit disease-related losses.

ABSTRACT: Mycoplasma and Salmonella are serious pathogens threaten the poultry industry. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate an inactivated pentavalent vaccine targeting bacteria, including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST), Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE), Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky (SK), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), from locally isolated strains. The prepared vaccine was adjuvanted with Montanide ISA70 oil and then tested for safety, sterility, and potency. The vaccine efficacy was evaluated in 110 specific pathogen-free, 1-day-old chicks, which were divided into three groups as follows: 1) vaccinated group (50 birds), which was subdivided into five subgroups of ten birds each; 2) control positive (challenged) group (50 birds), which was subdivided into five subgroups of ten birds each; and 3) control negative (blank) group, which included ten birds. Chicks in group 1 were administered the first dose of vaccine at 7 d of age followed by a booster dose after 3 wk. At 3 wk after booster vaccination, the chicks who were administered the booster dose were challenged and kept under observation until the end of the experiment when the chicks were approximately 10 wk. Details of clinical symptoms, daily mortality, weights, and postmortem lesions; serum samples; cloacal swabs; and nasal swabs were collected during the experiment. The humoral immune response to the prepared pentavalent vaccine was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings revealed that the prepared vaccine showed high protective antibody titers against Salmonella and Mycoplasma with 100% efficacy and no mortalities (100% survival rate) were recorded in vaccinated and challenged birds. The vaccine reduced both clinical signs and bacterial shedding post challenge in vaccinated birds in comparison with control positive group. The prepared vaccine did not affect the body weight gain of the vaccinated birds in comparison with control negative birds. The current study concluded that locally manufactured inactivated pentavalent vaccine offers protection to birds and could be employed as an effective tool along with biosecurity measures to overcome mycoplasmosis and salmonellosis in layer and breeder chicken farms in Egypt.

This work aimed to assess how Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) affected Japanese quail's growth, carcass features, blood parameters, digestibility coefficients, and microbiological aspects. A total of two hundred twenty-five 7-days-old Japanese quails were allotted into 5 experimental groups. Birds were divided as follows: group 1) received only the base diet (control), while groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received the basal feed supplied with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mL POE/kg diet, respectively. The findings cleared those quails’ fed diets supplemented with POE had significantly (P > 0.01) higher body weight (BW) and body weight growth (BWG) than the control group. The treatment with POE significantly affected digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase) and digestion coefficients for ether extract (EE). The treated groups had decreased serum urea and malonaldehyde (MDA) and increased Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) concentrations than the control. All bacterial counts in dietary cecal samples declined with increasing POE levels. In conclusion, POE supplementation improved quails’ performance and nutrient digestibility. Moreover, POE did not harm birds' liver and kidney functions. In addition, this extract promoted the immunity and antioxidant status and minimized the harmful microbial load in quails' intestines, the total bacterial count was decreased by 90% in diet samples supplemented with purslane addition level (4 mL/g), while decreased by 74% in cecal samples supplemented with purslane addition level (4 mL/g) and Salmonella don't appear in all addition levels. However, lactic acid bacteria increased by 70%, indicating beneficial of POE in reducing the pathogenic microorganisms.

ABSTRACT: Recently, developing countries have focused on using innovative feed in poultry nutrition. The plant Moringa oleifera is native to India but grows worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates. Moringa is planted on a large scale as it can tolerate severe dry and cold conditions. All parts of this plant can be used for commercial or nutritional purposes, and it has a favorable nutritional profile. Beneficial phytochemicals, minerals, and vitamins are abundant in the leaves. The leaf extracts can be used to treat malnutrition; they also possess anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Further, moringa contains antinutritional substances, such as trypsin inhibitors, phytates, tannins, oxalates, cyanide, and saponins, which have a harmful effect on mineral and protein metabolism. Previous research suggested that including moringa in chicken diets boosts their growth and productivity. Therefore, this review focuses on the characterization and application of M. oleifera in poultry nutrition and its potential toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss the nutritional content, phytochemicals, and antioxidants of M. oleifera leaf meal and its applicability in poultry rations.

ABSTRACT: In this investigation, the incidence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic pigeons were evaluated, additionally, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antiparasitic activity of chitosan nanoparticles against the most predominant gut parasite. Therefore, 240 domestic pigeons (160 adults and 80 squabs) obtained from different localities in Giza governorate, Egypt, from February to July 2021, were subjected to parasitological and postmortem examination. The results revealed that 97% of pigeons were vulnerable to single or mixed gastrointestinal parasites. The detected helminths were identified as Capillaria columbae (C. columbae) with a total incidence of (12.5%), Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) (83.3.%), Heterakis gallinarum (H. gallinarum) (18.7%), Raillietina cesticillus (R. cesticillus) (7.5%), Raillietina echinobothrida (R. echinobothrida) (29%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (C. infundibulum) (22.9%), Davainea proglottina (D. proglottina) (26.6%), and Cotugnia proglottina (C. proglottina) (14.5%). At the same time, the identified protozoan parasites were Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae), and Eimeria columbae (E. columbae), with a total incidence of 25 and 79%, respectively. Helminths and Eimeria infections were higher in adults than squabs, while T. gallinae infection was reported with a higher incidence in squabs (62.5%) than adults (6.2%). From our findings, A. columbae was the most predominant gut parasite in the examined pigeons. Thus, it was subjected to in vitro and in vivo treatment with chitosan nanoparticles. Serum and tissue samples were collected from the birds which have been used in the in vitro study to evaluate the oxidative stress markers as malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide levels and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β activity also, chitosan nanoparticles- treated worm ultrastructure were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, we recommend periodic monitoring of pigeon's farm to detect the parasitic infestation, and from our results, we recommend chitosan nanoparticles as a potent nematocidal agent.

ABSTRACT: Coccidiosis is a devastating worldwide disease and is considered a dreadful disease in lovebirds. Indeed, a problem has been appeared cocktail lovebirds kept in a private pet birdhouse in Sheikh Zayed City, Giza, Egypt, in the shape of blood-tinged diarrhea, birds huddled together and showing signs of inappetence, ruffled feathers, unable to fly, general weakness and emaciation associated with high mortalities. Therefore, this study aimed to diagnose and find a suitable treatment to overcome such problems. To achieve this aim, blood and droppings samples were collected from infected and healthy birds for parasitological and hematological examinations, and tissue samples were collected from freshly dead birds for postmortem and histopathological examinations. A treatment trial was adopted on 50 infected birds and 25 healthy and parasitological negative birds and groups were classified as follows: group 1) 25 infected birds treated with Diclazuril, group 2) infected birds treated with Coccicure, and group 3) 25 birds kept as control negative reference birds. The parasitological identification revealed the presence of Eimeria aratinga (E. aratinga) oocysts in the infected bird intestine. Finally, we concluded that E. aratinga is a serious protozoon parasite infesting lovebirds revealing severe clinical signs, high mortalities, histopathological changes in the intestine and alteration in blood parameters. Diclazuril is an effective drug in treating E. aratinga in cocktail lovebirds.

ABSTRACT: The poultry industry contributes significantly to bridging the nutritional gap in many countries because of its meat and eggs products rich in protein and valuable nutrients at a cost less than other animal meat sources. The natural antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, enzymes, immunostimulants, and phytogenic (phytobiotic) including herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and oleoresins are the most common feed additives that acquire popularity in poultry industry following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). They are commonly used worldwide because of their unique properties and positive impact on poultry production. They can be easily mixed with other feed ingredients, have no tissue residues, improve feed intake, feed gain, feed conversion rate, improve bird immunity, improve digestion, increase nutrients availability as well as absorbability, have antimicrobial effects, do not affect carcass characters, decrease the usage of antibiotics, acts as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, compete for stress factors and provide healthy organic products for human consumption. Therefore, the current review focuses on a comprehensive description of different natural antibiotic growth promoters’ alternatives, the mode of their action, and their impacts on poultry production.

ABSTRACT: Globally, several studies have investigated the utilization and efficacy of promising medicinal herbal plants to enhance livestock and poultry production. The most commonly investigated phytobiotics in broiler ration were oregano, garlic, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, hot red pepper (HRP), and sage. Phytobiotics are classified on the basis of the medicinal properties of plants, their essential oil extracts, and their bioactive compounds. The majority of bioactive compounds in plants are secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, phenolic, glycosides, and alkaloids. The composition and concentrations of these bioactive constitutes vary according to their biological factors and manufacturing and storage conditions. Furthermore, HRP is one of the most important and widely used spices in the human diet. Capsicum annum, that is, HRP, is a species of the plant genus Capsicum (pepper), which is a species native to southern North America and northern South America and is widely grown and utilized for its fresh or cooked fruits. Moreover, these fruits may be used as dried powders or processed forms of oleoresins. Researches have proven that C. annuum is the only plant that produces the alkaloid capsaicinoids. Approximately 48% of its active substances are capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonemide), the main active compound responsible for the intense effects of HRP varieties and the main component inducing the hot flavor. This review aimed to highlight the effects of HRP as a phytobiotic in broiler nutrition and its mode of action as a possible alternative to antibiotics and clarify its impact on broiler and layer productivity.

ABSTRACT: This study was aimed to assess the impacts of aloe vera (AV) and clove (Cv) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass quality, blood biochemistry, and hematology of Japanese quails and studying the possibility of using them as alternatives to antibiotics growth promotors as a natural safe products. Four hundred, 7-d old mixed sex chicks were divided into 4 groups of 5 replicates 20 birds per replicate including (10 males and 10 females). Birds in the control group (T1) were fed a diet containing Enramycin (0.02%) as an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), while T2, T3 and T4, birds were supplemented with AV leaf powder, Cv powder and mixture of both at 0.5, 0.5 and 0.25 + 0.25% of feed, respectively. Results showed that total feed intake in all supplemented groups were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than T1. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T4 while T2 and T3 were better (P < 0.05) than T1. Breast yield and carcass weight were the highest (P < 0.05) in T4 while T2 and T3 were significantly better than T1. High density lipoprotein was highest (P < 0.05) in T4 whereas T2 and T3 showed higher value than T1. Blood cholesterol and serum enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Tl and lower in T4. The highest hemoglobin level was observed in T4. White blood cells were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T3 and T4. No significant difference was observed in, red blood cells, serum total protein, calcium and phosphorous level, packed cell volume, neutrophils, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil. It is concluded from this experiment that AV and Cv supplementation improved breast yield and carcass weight without any harmful effect on the liver and blood biochemistry. This showed that the supplementation of AV and Cv powder can improve growth performance and it can work as an alternative of AGP.

ABSTRACT: Salmonellosis is a severe problem that threatens the poultry sector worldwide right now. Salmonella gallinarium and Salmonella pullorum (Fowl typhoid) are the most pathogenic serovars in avian species leading to systemic infection resulting in severe economic losses in the poultry industry. Nontyphoidal serotypes of Salmonella (Paratyphoid disease) constitute a public health hazard for their involvement in food poisoning problems in addition to their zoonotic importance. Also, Salmonella species distribution is particularly extensive. They resisted environmental conditions that made it difficult to control their spread for a long time. Therefore, the current review aimed to through light on Salmonellosis in poultry with particular references to its pathogenesis, economic importance, immune response to Salmonella, Salmonella antibiotics resistance, possible methods for prevention and control of such problems using promising antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, cinnamaldehyde, chitosan, nanoparticles, and vaccines.

ABSTRACT: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a worldwide ruined bacteria affecting different avian species, causing severe economic losses. Consequently, the current research sought to detect the incidence of MG among different commercial broiler, layer chickens and turkey farms, and environmental litter samples in different Egyptian governorates (Damietta, Giza, El-Qalyobia, El-Sharqia, and El-Behera) from January 2019 to December 2020. Four hundred samples (infraorbital sinus aspirates, tracheal swabs, serum from diseased birds, and organ samples; lung tissues, air sacs and tracheal bifurcation from freshly dead birds), and environmental samples (litter) were collected for MG isolation. Samples were subjected to phenotypic and molecular identification. Positive bacteriological samples were subjected for molecular identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect MG, then sequencing for PCR amplicon of mgc2 gene. Out of 332 samples subjected for bacteriological examination, 206 were bacteriologically positive for MG with an incidence of 62%. The highest incidence of MG was detected in turkey farms at a rate of 83%, followed by broiler chicken farms, layer chicken farms and litter samples at a percentage of 70, 40, and 40, respectively. The highest prevalence of MG in chickens and turkey was recorded during the winter and autumn seasons. Molecular identification of MG isolates revealed that 85% of isolates were positive for mgc2 gene using PCR. The Four sequenced strains in this study are closely related and placed in one group with the vaccine strain 6/85 and ts11 strain.

ABSTRACT: In late 2016, Egypt encountered multiple cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the H5N8 subtype. In a previous study, three distinct genotypes, including A/common-coot/Egypt/CA285/2016 (H5N8) (CA285), A/duck/Egypt/SS19/2017 (H5N8) (SS19), and A/duck/Egypt/F446/2017 (H5N8) (F446), were isolated from wild birds, a backyard, and a commercial farm, respectively, during the first wave of infection. In this current study, we investigated the differences in the pathogenicity, replication and transmissibility of the three genotypes and A/chicken/Egypt/15S75/2015 (H5N1) (S75) was used as the control. The intravenous pathogenicity index was between 2.68 and 2.9. The chicken lethal dose 50 values of F446, SS19 and CA285 were 103.7, 103.7, an 104 with a natural route of infection, respectively. These strains took longer than S75 to cause death when infection was carried out through the natural route (HPAI H5N1). After inoculation with the original concentration of 105 and 106 egg infective dose 50 (EID50), F446 had a higher mortality rate with short mean death times of 4, and 7 days, respectively compared with the other H5N8 viruses. Chickens inoculated with F446 and contacted exposed chickens infected with F446 showed the highest viral titer with remarkable differences in all H5N8 tested swabs at 2-4 days postinfection (dpi) compared to S75 at 2 dpi. This indicates that F446 had a more efficient transmission and spread from contact exposed birds to other birds. All H5N8 viruses were able to replicate systematically in all organs (trachea, brain, lung, and spleen) of the chicken with high viral titer with significantly different and more pathological changes observed in F446 than in other H5N8 viruses at 2 and 4 dpi. Compared with H5N1, we recorded a significantly high viral titer in the samples obtained from the lung, brain and both cloacal and tracheal swabs at 2 and 4 dpi, respectively and in the samples obtained from the spleen at 2 and 4 dpi among the experimental chicken. The comparative pathogenesis study revealed that in comparison with the other HPAI H5N8 viruses, the genotype F446 was more pathogenic, and showed more efficient viral replication and transmissibility in chickens in Egypt. The genotype F446 also showed a high viral titer than HPAI H5N1 and short mean death time at the third day after inoculation with 106 and 105 EID50, which revealed a conservation of certain H5N8 genotypes and a decrease in the incidence of H5N1.

ABSTRACT: Increasing market pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics and the Veterinary Feed Directive of 2019 have led to expanded research on alternate antibiotic solutions. This review aimed to assess the benefits of using essential oils (EOs) and their nanoemulsions (NEs) as feed supplements for poultry and their potential use as antibiotic alternatives in organic poultry production. Antibiotics are commonly used to enhance the growth and prevent diseases in poultry animals due to their antimicrobial activities. EOs are a complex mixture of volatile compounds derived from plants and manufactured via various fermentation, extraction, and steam distillation methods. EOs are categorized into 2 groups of compounds: terpenes and phenylpropenes. Differences among various EOs depend on the source plant type, physical and chemical soil conditions, harvest time, plant maturity, drying technology used, storage conditions, and extraction time. EOs can be used for therapeutic purposes in various situations in broiler production as they possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities. Several studies have been conducted using various combinations of EOs or crude extracts of their bioactive compounds to investigate their complexity and applications in organic poultry production. NEs are carrier systems that can be used to overcome the volatile nature of EOs, which is a major factor limiting their application. NEs are being progressively used to improve the bioavailability of the volatile lipophilic components of EOs. This review discusses the use of these nonantibiotic alternatives as antibiotics for poultry feed in organic poultry production.

ABSTRACT: In line with the substantial increase in the broiler industry worldwide, Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis (NE) became a continuous challenge leading to high economic losses, especially after banning antimicrobial growth promoters in feeds by many countries. The disease is distributed worldwide in either clinical or subclinical form, causing a reduction in body weight or body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio, impairing the European Broiler Index or European Production Efficiency Factor. There are several predisposing factors in the development of NE. Clinical signs varied from inapparent signs in case of subclinical infection (clostridiosis) to obvious enteric signs (morbidity), followed by an increase in mortality level (clostridiosis or clinical infection). Clinical and laboratory diagnoses are based on case history, clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions, pathogenic agent identification, serological testing, and molecular identification. Drinking water treatment is the most common route for the administration of several antibiotics, such as penicillin, bacitracin, and lincomycin. Strict hygienic management practices in the farm, careful selection of feed ingredients for ration formulation, and use of alternative antibiotic feed additives are all important in maintaining broiler efficiency and help increase the profitability of broiler production. The current review highlights NE caused by C. perfringens and explains the advances in the understanding of C. perfringens virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of NE with special emphasis on the use of available antibiotic alternatives such as herbal extracts and essential oils as well as vaccines for the control and prevention of NE in broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT: Parasitism is a divesting problem that is frequently overlooked and may result in severe prominent clinical manifestation. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal and sexual prevalence of the gastrointestinal nematode Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) infection among domestic pigeons in Giza governorate, Egypt, during the period from 2020 to 2021. One hundred and sixty suspected pigeons were clinically investigated. Blood & tissue samples were collected from infected birds to estimate serum zinc concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide levels. As well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL1β) activity, and histopathological examination were estimated; also, worms were collected for morphological identification using electron microscope (SEM) and molecularly identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), further sequenced, and submitted in GenBank with accession number MZ343369. The average ascarid (length × breadth) were 72.4 ± 3.3 µm (70.5 – 79.9 µm) × 39.9 ± 2.5 µm (37.6 – 42.3 µm). The distinguishing morphological characteristics that have been noticed in ascarid worms were creamy white, cylindrical worm with triradiate lips with wide cephalic alae extending on both the lateral sides and filariform esophagus. In males, spicules were almost equal with the presence of precloacal chitinous-rimmed sucker. The prevalence of A. columbae infection was (63.1%) with a higher incidence in females (79.2%) than males (46.1%). The highest seasonal prevalence was observed in winter (92.5%), followed by summer and spring (87.5% and 55%), respectively while, the lowest prevalence was observed in autumn (17.5%). The intensity of worms in the infected intestine varied from 5 to 120 adult worms. The histopathological examination revealed the presence of chronic diffuse moderate catarrhal enteritis with roundworms in the lumen. Infected birds showed a significant increase in nitric oxide and MDA levels while serum zinc levels were lowered in infected pigeons. Infected pigeons revealed a marked increase in IL1-β and TNFα than apparently healthy ones.

ABSTRACT: Avian coccidiosis is a major parasitic disorder in chickens resulting from the intracellular apicomplexan protozoa Eimeria that target the intestinal tract leading to a devastating disease. Eimeria life cycle is complex and consists of intra- and extracellular stages inducing a potent inflammatory response that results in tissue damage associated with oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, diarrheal hemorrhage, poor growth, increased susceptibility to other disease agents, and in severe cases, mortality. Various anticoccidial drugs and vaccines have been used to prevent and control this disorder; however, many drawbacks have been reported. Drug residues concerning the consumers have directed research toward natural, safe, and effective alternative compounds. Phytochemical/herbal medicine is one of these natural alternatives to anticoccidial drugs, which is considered an attractive way to combat coccidiosis in compliance with the “anticoccidial chemical-free” regulations. The anticoccidial properties of several natural herbal products (or their extracts) have been reported. The effect of herbal additives on avian coccidiosis is based on diminishing the oocyst output through inhibition or impairment of the invasion, replication, and development of Eimeria species in the gut tissues of chickens; lowering oocyst counts due to the presence of phenolic compounds in herbal extracts which reacts with cytoplasmic membranes causing coccidial cell death; ameliorating the degree of intestinal lipid peroxidation; facilitating the repair of epithelial injuries; and decreasing the intestinal permeability induced by Eimeria species through the upregulation of epithelial turnover. This current review highlights the anticoccidial activity of several herbal products, and their other beneficial effects.

On the commercial level, the poultry industry strives to find new techniques to combat bird's infection. During the first week, mortality rate increases in birds because of several bacterial infections of about ten bacterial species, especially colisepticemia. This affects the flock production, uniformity, and suitability for slaughter because of chronic infections. Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes various disease syndromes in poultry, including yolk sac infection (omphalitis), respiratory tract infection, and septicemia. The E. coli infections in the neonatal poultry are being characterized by septicemia. The acute septicemia may cause death, while the subacute form could be characterized through pericarditis, airsacculitis, and perihepatitis. Many E. coli isolates are commonly isolated from commercial broiler chickens as serogroups O1, O2, and O78. Although prophylactic antibiotics were used to control mortality associated with bacterial infections of neonatal poultry in the past, the commercial poultry industry is searching for alternatives. This is because of the consumer's demand for reduced antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Despite the vast and rapid development in vaccine technologies against common chicken infectious diseases, no antibiotic alternatives are commercially available to prevent bacterial infections of neonatal chicks. Recent research confirmed the utility of probiotics to improve the health of neonatal poultry. However, probiotics were not efficacious to minimize death and clinical signs associated with neonatal chicks' bacterial infections. This review focuses on the causes of the increased mortality in broiler chicks during the first week of age and the methods used to minimize death.