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La prohibición en el uso de antibióticos como promotores del crecimiento ha propiciado que la industria avícola se haya centrado en los últimos años en la búsqueda de nuevas estrategias de alimentación para mejorar el rendimiento mediante el incremento de nutrientes, manteniendo y mejorando la salud de las aves. En este sentido los ácidos orgánicos entre los que se encuentra el ácido butírico, y sus sales, son considerados seguros y están aprobados como aditivos para su incorporación en los piensos por la mayoría de los estados miembros de la UE (Abd El-Hack et al., 2022; El Saadony et al., 2022), Depto. de Producción Animal, Sección Deptal. de Farmacia Galénica y Tecnología Alimentaria (Veterinaria), Fac. de Veterinaria, FALSE, pub

Održavanje eubiotičkih odnosa u digestivnom traktu brojlera predstavlja jedan od najvažnijih preduslova za očuvanje zdravstvenog stanja životinja, a time i za povećanje proizvodnje visoko kvalitetnih i zdravstveno ispravnih namirnica animalnog porekla. Stres, poremećaji varenja i nagle promene obroka samo su neki od faktora koji remete ravnotežu i favorizuju nepoželjnu mikrofloru. Zbog sve većih zahteva svetskog potrošačkog lobija, a poštujući proizvodne prioritete (bolje iskorisćavanje hrane, duža održivost, lakša manipulacija) sa konačnim ciljem povećanja proizvodnje i poboljšanja kvaliteta namirnica animalnog porekla, pored osnovnih hraniva u smeše se dodaje i veliki broj aditiva koji imaju različite namene. Aditivi se opisuju kao supstance koje, dodate smešama osnovnih hraniva u malim količinama, potenciraju korisne, a suprimiraju štetne efekte. Dodatkom antiobiotika kao aditiva, proizvođači su u prošlosti ostvarivali dobit koja se zasnivala na većem prirastu uz bolju konverziju i niže troškove lečenja. Uporedo sa povećanjem količine utrošenog antibiotika primećen je globalni problem porasta učestalosti rezistencije bakterija na antibiotike. Takođe, utvrđeno je prisustvo rezidua antibiotika u namirnicama animalnog porekla, kao i njihovo moguće genotoksično delovanje. Nakon zabrane upotrebe antibiotika u svrhu stimulacije rasta, javio se interes za razvijanje novih nutritivnih strategija koje će podržati funkciju autohtone mikroflore u gastrointestinalnom traktu u kontroli patogenih bakterija. Jedinstvenom kombinacijom sastojaka, na Katedri za ishranu i botaniku kreiran je dodatak koji omogućava održavanje eubiotičkih odnosa (ravnoteža u mikropopulaciji digestivnog trakta) čime se povećava efikasnost varenja i resorpcije hranljivih materija (bolja svarljivost osnovnih hranljivih materija koja smanjuje produkciju amonijaka i ugljen dioksida), kao i otpornost prema poremećajima izazvanim enteropatogenim bakterijama., Maintaining eubiotic relationships in digestive tract of broiler is one of the most important prerequisites for preserving the health of animals, and thus for increasing the production of high-quality and healthy food of animal origin. Stress, digestive disorders and sudden meal changes are just some of the factors that disturb the balance and favor undesirable microflora. Due to the increasing demands of the global consumer lobby, and respecting the production priorities (better feed utilisation, longer sustainability, easier manipulation) with the ultimate aim of increasing production and improving the quality of foods of animal origin, in addition to the basic nutrients, a large number of additives with different purposes are added to the mixtures. . Additives are described as substances that, added to mixtures of basic nutrients in small quantities, enhance beneficial and suppress harmful effects. By adding antibiotics as additives, producers in the past made profits based on higher growth with better conversion and lower treatment costs. Along with the increase in the amount of antibiotics used, the global problem of the increase in the frequency of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been observed. Also, the presence of antibiotic residues in foods of animal origin, as well as their possible genotoxic effect, was determined. After the ban on the use of antibiotics for the purpose of growth stimulation, there has been an interest in developing new nutritional strategies that will support the function of indigenous microflora in the gastrointestinal tract in the control of pathogenic bacteria. With a unique combination of ingredients, the Department of Animal Nutrition and Botany created a supplement that enables the maintenance of eubiotic relationships (balance in the micropopulation of the digestive tract), which increases the efficiency of digestion and resorption of nutrients (better digestibility of basic nutrients that reduces the production of ammoni

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), a widely distributed global foodborne pathogen, primarily linked with contaminated chicken meat, poses a significant health risk. Reducing the abundance of this pathogen in poultry meat is challenging but essential. This study assessed the impact of Lactobacillus-fermented rapeseed meal (LFRM) on broilers exposed to C. jejuni-contaminated litter, evaluating growth performance, Campylobacter levels, and metagenomic profile. RESULTS: By day 35, the litter contamination successfully colonized broilers with Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni. In the grower phase, LFRM improved (P < 0.05) body weight and daily weight gain, resulting in a 9.2% better feed conversion ratio during the pre-challenge period (the period before artificial infection; days 13–20). The LFRM also reduced the C. jejuni concentration in the ceca (P < 0.05), without altering alpha and beta diversity. However, metagenomic data analysis revealed LFRM targeted a reduction in the abundance of C. jejuni biosynthetic pathways of l-tryptophan and l-histidine and gene families associated with transcription and virulence factors while also possibly leading to selected stress-induced resistance mechanisms. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that LFRM inclusion improved growth and decreased cecal Campylobacter spp. concentration and the relative abundance of pivotal C. jejuni genes. Performance benefits likely resulted from LFRM metabolites. At the molecular level, LFRM may have reduced C. jejuni colonization, likely by decreasing the abundance of energy transduction and l-histidine and l-tryptophan biosynthesis genes otherwise required for bacterial survival and increased virulence.

The present study was conducted to reveal and identify the epidemiological features of the fowl adenovirus species circulating in the Belgrade city area. The research included clinical examination, necropsy, pathohistology, enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and PCR analysis. Clinically, general weakness, increased conversion, and poor growth were observed. Postmortem examinations showed multiple necrotic foci in the liver, and swollen and pale kidneys. Pathohistological examination of the liver revealed hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, cholestasis, and hyperemia. Serological analysis of 210 blood sera confirmed seroconversion in 156 (74.28%) samples against FAdVs, and depending on the farm, it ranged from 23.33 to 100%. Using the PCR method, 105 cloacal swabs were analyzed to determine the virus genome found in 31 (29.52%) samples. Hexon gene sequence analysis identified two species: fowl aviadenovirus D (serotype FAdV-2, FAdV-11) and fowl aviadenovirus E (serotype FadV-8b). Those species are closely related to strains circulating in Hungary, Turkey, and other countries. Our findings suggest that FAdV strains are significantly prevalent and could be an emerging pathogen in Serbia., Istraživanje je provedeno kako bi se otkrile i identificirale epidemiološke značajke vrste adenovirusa peradi koja cirkulira na području grada Beograda. Istraživanje je uključivalo klinički pregled, nekropsiju, patohistologiju, imunoenzimski test (ELISA) i PCR analizu. Klinički je uočena opća slabost, povećana konverzija hrane i slab rast. Postmortalni pregled je pokazao višestruka nekrotična žarišta u jetri te natečene i blijede bubrege. Patohistološkim pregledom jetre utvrđena je hepatocelularna nekroza, vakuolarna degeneracija hepatocita, kolestaza i hiperemija. Serološkom analizom 210 krvnih seruma potvrđena je serokonverzija u 156 (74,28%) uzoraka protiv FAdV-a, a ovisno o farmi kretala se od 23,33-100%. Metodom PCR-a analizirano je 105 obrisaka kloake za određivanje genoma virusa pronađenog u 31 (29,52%) uzorku. Analiza sekvence gena Hexon identificirala je dvije vrste: aviadenovirus peradi D (serotip FAdV-2, FAdV-11) i aviadenovirus peradi E (serotip FadV-8b). Te su vrste blisko povezane sa sojevima koji cirkuliraju u Mađarskoj, Turskoj i drugim zemljama. Naši nalazi sugeriraju da su FAdV sojevi značajno prevladavajući i da bi mogli biti novi patogen u Srbiji.

De lagere bezetting en de langere groeiduur van een week bij traaggroeiende vleeskuikens hebben voordelen voor het dierenwelzijn, maar zijn een nadeel voor de ammoniakemissie. De uitstoot van ammoniak is minimaal tweemaal zo hoog als bij reguliere vleeskuikens. Dat blijkt uit onderzoek in het project OptiWel-Emis. Het project OptiWel-Emis loopt op het Proefbedrijf Pluimveehouderij in het Belgische Geel. De resultaten van dit onderzoek zijn dinsdag 3 september gepresenteerd als onderdeel van het interregionale Belgisch-Nederlandse project Reductie van Ammoniak via Brongerichte en flankerende Oplossingen (Rambo).

De bezettingsgraad bij vleeskuikens verlagen helpt onvoldoende voor een beter welzijn, kent grote nadelen voor de kostprijs en leidt tot import van pluimveevlees dat niet aan de voorwaarden voldoet. Dierenwelzijn verbeteren vraagt om meetbare indicatoren, vindt secretaris-generaal Birthe Steenberg van Avec, de overkoepelende organisatie van pluimveeverwerkende bedrijven.

Quality protein maize (QPM) has high contents of essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. The substitution of standard maize (SM) with QPM in feeds can be profitable due to improved livestock performance and decreased costly dietary lysine supplementation and protein ingredients. Herein, effects of QPM adapted to temperate climate on broiler performance were tested. Feeding experiment was performed on control (fed with SM) and treatment (fed with QPM) broilers. Each feeding trial of 42 days duration was carried out in three phases - starter (1-14), grower (15-35) and finisher (36-42). Diets for each growth phase was formulated based on the biochemical analysis of maize kernels. At the end of each growth phase, feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. In the first experiment, SM was completely replaced with QPM in treatment group diets. The results indicated better FCR in the treatment group for grower (1.51:1.56) and finisher (1.56:1.61) phases. In the second experiment QPM was increased and soybean component decreased by 3%. This time, FCR improvement was even better but in all three phases – 1.16:1.33 for starters, 1.28:1.36 for growers and 1.30:1.46 for finishers. These results indicate significant financial reduction in feed as the price of soybean is usually two to four times higher than the price of maize. Overall, it can be concluded that using adapted QPM in broiler diets can be profitable for both feed industry and broiler producers.

Zo’n zeven jaar geleden kreeg vleeskuikenhouder Klaas Timmer te maken met problemen veroorzaakt door de Enterococcus cecorum-bacterie. Kuikens liepen kreupel en er was meer uitval. Door bij opstart een welkomstcheck te doen, hygiënisch te werken en het koppel strak in de gaten te houden, draait hij nu al zeven rondes zonder problemen.

Campylobacter is an important foodborne pathogen as it is associated with significant disease burden across Europe. Among various sources, Campylobacter infections in humans are often related to the consumption of undercooked poultry meat or improper handling of poultry meat. Many European countries have implemented measures to reduce human exposure to Campylobacter from broiler meat. In this paper, surveillance programs implemented in some European countries is summarized. Our findings reveal that many European countries test neck skin samples for Campylobacter as per the Process Hygiene Criteria (PHC) set by the European Regulation. Variations to the legal plan are seen in some countries, as in Norway and Iceland, where weekly sampling is performed during infection peak periods only, or in Iceland, where the Campylobacter limit is set at 500 CFU/g instead of 1000 CFU/g. Furthermore, northern European countries have implemented national Campylobacter surveillance plans. Denmark tests cloaca samples at slaughterhouses and meat samples at retail, while Finland, Norway, and Sweden test ceca at slaughterhouses. In contrast, Iceland tests feces on farms. Iceland and Norway test flocks close to the slaughter date and when a farm tests positive, competent authority implement measures such as logistic slaughter, heat treatment or freeze the meat from these flocks. In Iceland, frozen meat is further processed prior to being put on the market. While the incidence of campylobacteriosis has declined in all European countries except France since the introduction of PHC in 2018, it is uncertain whether this decrease is due to prevalence reduction or underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future investigations with more comprehensive data, devoid of potential confounding factors, are necessary to validate this potential trend. However, it is evident that the implementation of national action plans can be successful in reducing the i

The supplementation of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) has been banned in many countries because of the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in poultry products and the environment. Probiotics have been broadly studied and demonstrated as a promising AGP substitute. Our study is centred on the effects of a multi-strain Bacillus-based probiotic product on broiler production performance and gut microbial profile in a dexamethasone-induced leaky gut challenge. Two hundred and fifty-six broiler chicks were hatched and randomly assigned into four groups (wheat-soybean meal basal diet (BD) = non-supplemented control (C), BD supplemented with dexamethasone in week 4 (CD), BD containing a probiotic from day one (P), and BD containing a probiotic from day one and supplemented with dexamethasone during challenge week 4 (PD)). The production performance and caecal, gizzard, jejunal lumen and jejunal mucosa swab microbiota were studied by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The Bacillus probiotic product significantly improved production performance and altered caecal gut microbiota (p ≤ 0.05), but no significant impact on microbiota was observed in other gut sections.

De openingen naar de uitloop van de vleeskuikens vormen een flinke uitdaging om tot een goed klimaat voor de vleeskuikens te komen. Dat geldt het hele jaar en in het bijzonder bij hoge buitentemperaturen. Over het sturen van het klimaat in een stal voor Beter Leven-vleeskuikens, waar vanaf drie weken de kuikens door grote luiken naar buiten kunnen lopen, is nog niet veel bekend en het klimaatplatform is nog bezig met richtlijnen. Dat meldt onderzoeker Hilko Ellen van Wageningen Livestock Research en lid van het klimaatplatform.

Het College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven (CBb) heeft deze week bepaald dat pluimvee niet aan de poten mag worden opgetild. De Nederlandse pluimveesector is teleurgesteld. ‘Dit doet geen recht aan onze professionele pluimveeketen’, reageert Kees de Jong namens branchevereniging Avined.

La producción avícola se enfrenta a múltiples retos relacionados con la obtención de carne de calidad, los cuales deben ser afrontados mediante la optimización de todas las fases evitando, o minimizando la aparición de defectos. Primeramente, se estudió el efecto de los parámetros eléctricos (intensidad y voltaje) para obtener un aturdimiento efectivo en baño de agua. En el segundo capítulo se evaluó la aparición de anomalías en la pechuga de los pollos, especialmente la pechuga de madera y la carne de espagueti, las cuales causan grandes pérdidas económicas al sector. Por último, se determinó el efecto de una dieta baja en proteínas en cuatro fases del engorde de pollos sobre diferentes parámetros productivos, sobre la calidad visual de la cama y sobre la incidencia de pododermatitis.

In broilers during the growth stage, adaptive changes in antioxidant status occur. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is one of the enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress, and malondialdehyde (MDA) is formed during the peroxidation of cell membrane phospholipids and is a reliable indicator of the degree of oxidative damage. The aim of this work was to determine changes in GPx activity and MDA concentration during the first 4 weeks of growth (1st, 14th and 28th day), as well as the effects of dietary supplementation with alpha-tocopherol (100 IU/kg feed) on the above parameters. The experiment was conducted on broiler chickens aged from 1 day to 28 days of fattening. The chicks were divided into 2 experimental groups. The first i.e. control group (n=10) was fed a standard mixture that meets the needs, while the second experimental group (n=10) received the same mixture with the addition of 100 IU/kg of feed alpha-tocopherol. On the indicated days, samples of heparinized blood were taken by puncture of the wing vein, from which blood plasma was separated within 2 hours, in which GPx and MDA were determined. GPx was measured by the coupled test (Gunzler et al. 1974). The test is based on the spectrophotometric registration of NADPH consumption in the coupled enzyme system. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined based on spectrophotometric light absorption of the resulting stable pink solution, using the method described by Andreeva, 1988. The average values obtained for GPx ranged from 21.46 to 38.55 µkat/l. The lowest average values were recorded on the 14th day of fattening, while the highest average values were recorded on the 28th day. However, GPx activity values were not statistically significantly different (p>0.05), neither between the control group and the group supplemented with alpha-tocopherol, nor when comparing the groups during the observed time period. MDA values were the lowest on day 14, where the control group had significantly (p<0.01) higher MDA

This research includes the application of central tendency and bias measures in a reference data set to historical average weights of broiler chickens from the San Bernardo farm located in the Cumanda canton, in order to obtain reliable data when making predictions. and decision making. The investigation is of the quantitative type since measurable data on the weights of said chickens were collected, where the main problem is that the managers of the farm do not have a historical reference of defined weights in the rearing interval of the chickens, which leads to difficulties in making projections of weights for their projection reports. The collection of data from different production batches was the first step in the investigation, after establishing the averages of said data according to its photographic model, consequently an analysis interval will be established based on the age of the chicken and its days of slaughter in which had to interpolate and extrapolate data through the mathematical foundation of the interpolating and extrapolating polynomial. An analysis of central tendency and data bias measures was carried out to obtain more reliability in the realization of the table of historical average weights, finally, said table was elaborated that has as reference the harmonic mean of the data grouped by its rearing age and barn-weighing pointproduction batch. The table makes it easier for managers to make decisions regarding the preparation of weight projection reports for slaughter days and production activities., Esta investigación comprende la aplicación de las medidas de tendencia central y sesgo en un conjunto de datos referente a pesos promedios históricos de pollos broiler de la granja San Bernardo ubicada en el cantón Cumandá, con el fin de obtener datos confiables al momento de realizar predicciones y tomas de decisiones. La investigación es del tipo cuantitativa ya que se recolectaron datos medibles sobre los pesos de dichos pollos, donde el principal problema radica en que los encargados de la granja no tienen una referencia histórica de pesos definida en el intervalo de crianza de los pollos, el cual conlleva a dificultades para realizar proyecciones de pesos para sus informes de proyección. La recopilación de datos de diferentes lotes de producción fue el primer paso en la investigación, después establecer los promedios de dichos datos según su modelo de muestreo, consecuentemente se estableció un intervalo de análisis en base a la edad del pollo y a sus días de faena en el cual se tuvo que interpolar y extrapolar datos mediante el fundamento matemático del polinomio interpolador y extrapolador. Se realizó un análisis de medidas tendencia central y sesgo de datos para obtener más confiabilidad en la realización de la tabla de pesos promedios históricos, por último, se elaboró dicha tabla que tiene como referencia a la media armónica de los datos agrupados por su edad de crianza y galpón-punto de pesaje-lote de producción. La tabla facilita a los administradores a toma de decisiones referente a la elaboración de informes de proyecciones de pesos para días de faena y actividades de producción.

Broiler chickens are among the main livestock sectors worldwide. With individual treatments being inapplicable, contrary to many other animal species, the need for antimicrobial use (AMU) is relatively high. AMU in animals is known to drive the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). High farm biosecurity is a cornerstone for animal health and welfare, as well as food safety, as it protects animals from the introduction and spread of pathogens and therefore the need for AMU. The goal of this study was to identify the main biosecurity practices associated with AMU in broiler farms and to develop a statistical model that produces customised recommendations as to which biosecurity measures could be implemented on a farm to reduce its AMU, including a cost-effectiveness analysis of the recommended measures. AMU and biosecurity data were obtained cross-sectionally in 2014 from 181 broiler farms across nine European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain). Using mixed-effects random forest analysis (Mix-RF), recursive feature elimination was implemented to determine the biosecurity measures that best predicted AMU at the farm level. Subsequently, an algorithm was developed to generate AMU reduction scenarios based on the implementation of these measures. In the final Mix-RF model, 21 factors were present: 10 about internal biosecurity, 8 about external biosecurity and 3 about farm size and productivity, with the latter showing the largest (Gini) importance. Other AMU predictors, in order of importance, were the number of depopulation steps, compliance with a vaccination protocol for non-officially controlled diseases, and requiring visitors to check in before entering the farm. K-means clustering on the proximity matrix of the final Mix-RF model revealed that several measures interacted with each other, indicating that high AMU levels can arise for various reasons depending on the situation. The alg

Coccidiosis is a significant poultry disease caused by the Eimeria species. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. on broiler farms in Vojvodina, along with the identification of parasite species, and assess the implemented biosecurity measures. The study was conducted on 100 broiler chicken farms (28 small-sized; 34 medium-sized; 38 large-sized farms) from June 2018 to December 2021. One pooled sample of faeces was collected from three to six-week-old chickens from each farm, and assessment of biosecurity measures was carried out using a questionnaire. Using the PCR method, DNA of Eimeria was found in 59 samples (59%), while 41 samples (41%) were negative. Four species of Eimeria were identified, and their prevalence was the following: E. acervulina (37%), E. maxima (17%), E. mitis (25%) and E. tenella (48%). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was established in the number of oocysts in flocks from small-sized farms compared to medium-sized farms. It was found that regular implementation of disinfection, disinsection and deratisation measures, as well as all the biosecurity measures, can significantly reduce the occurrence of coccidiosis. These results will help to develop better strategies for the control and prevention of coccidiosis on farms.

There has been a global aggregate increase in meat production over recent decades. Driving this increase has been an increase in poultry production, which due to its efficiency is also displacing other meat sources such as beef. However, these fast-growing broilers are more susceptible to heat stress and significant reduction in productivity of poultry birds has been observed with the advent of frequent heat waves and increase in environmental temperature in the recent decades. Initially, antibiotic growth promoters were applied to improve productivity of poultry. With increased understanding about antibiotic resistance, there has been a drive to search for alternative strategies that could effectively improve poultry performance without the use of antibiotics. Increasingly there is an interest in compounds grown by plants (phytochemicals) that have antimicrobial properties. Polyphenols are among the most diverse class of phytochemicals that are expressed by plants to confer a range of biological activities. Owing to the biological properties, they have been used as nutritional supplements, natural product-based drugs and/or ingredients in different food, feed and cosmetic formulations for a long time and have been part of disease control strategies since the ancient times. The health benefits of polyphenols are credited to their strong antioxidant potential and the ability to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Therefore, this project explored polyphenolic profiles of six plants (chicory, lucerne, narrow leaf plantain, white clover, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue), quantified their major polyphenol compounds and determined their antioxidant potential. Results indicated the presence of 56 polyphenols in lucerne, 29 in chicory, 27 in white clover, 25 in narrow leaf plantain, 15 in perennial ryegrass and 14 in tall fescue. Based on the higher diversity of polyphenols, chicory and lucerne were selected to assess their suitability for inclusion in br

Campylobacter jejuni colonizes hosts by interacting with Blood Group Antigens (BgAgs) on the surface of gastrointestinal epithelia. Genetic variations in BgAg expression affects host susceptibility to C. jejuni. Here, we show that the essential major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of C. jejuni NCTC11168 binds to the Lewis b (Leb) antigen on the gastrointestinal epithelia of host tissues and this interaction can be competitively inhibited by ferric quinate (QPLEX), a ferric chelate structurally similar to bacterial siderophores. We provide evidence that QPLEX competitively inhibits the MOMP-Leb interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that QPLEX can be used as a feed additive in broiler farming to significantly reduce C. jejuni colonization. Our results indicate that QPLEX can be a viable alternative to the preventative use of antibiotics in broiler farming to combat C. jejuni infections.

Canola meal (CM) contains a significant amount of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) which with the use of enzyme technology could be hydrolyzed to low-molecular-weight polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. We hypothesized that enzymatically-released bioactive components of CM fibre would have a prebiotic effect on gastrointestinal microbiota of monogastric animals. A variety of carbohydrases were evaluated in the series of in vitro studies, and the most effective enzyme combination was used in the study. The blend of a multi-carbohydrase preparation containing pectinase and xylanase activities showed the ability to hydrolyze 47.9% of CM NSP in vitro and improved NSP digestibility of broilers fed diets containing CM. The enzyme blend was used to produce enzymatically-modified CM (ECM, lab scale) and ECM solubles (ECMS, pilot scale), and their prebiotic properties were evaluated. The results of the broiler chicken study showed that replacing CM with ECM significantly improved the overall apparent total tract digestibility of NSP. Lactobacillus spp. was present in much larger counts (P < 0.01) in ileal and cecal digesta of birds fed the ECM diets when compared to the Control treatment. The AMEn value of ECM was 31% higher than that of CM. There was no difference in the standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of CM and ECM. Supplementation diets with ECMS improved growth performance, increased total SCFA in ileal digesta, and provided favorable conditions for the proliferation of Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. in ileum and ceca of broilers. The effect of ECM and ECMS supplementation on growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets was investigated. No effect of ECM was observed; however, ECMS positively affected the intestinal pH and proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota. In conclusion, modification of CM fibre with carbohydrases significantly changed its structure and enhanced its bioactivity. Processing of CM developed throughout this project g

As a preventive measure, biosecurity is the first line of defense against many pathogens. Applied biosecurity measures can reduce the prevalence of Campylobacter infection in commercial broiler populations. A systematic evaluation, encompassing at least annual monitoring of applied biosecurity measures and on‑farm prevalence of Campylobacter infection is highly recommended. This study was performed on three broiler farms with the aim to assess the effectiveness of the biosecurity measures applied. Broiler farms included in the study previously had problems with Campylobacter infections, and therefore, after the intervention through a risk‑based scoring system and bacteriological testing of samples from the farm and the corresponding carcasses in the slaughterhouse, several biosecurity measures were implemented. Obtained results showed that after the intervention, farms increased their external biosecurity by 16.34%, internal biosecurity by 22%, and overall biosecurity by 18.34%. The major interventions concerned the removal of manure and carcasses, all improved measures taken for feed and drinking water, and measures in the subcategory of cleaning and disinfection protocols carried out between two production cycles. After the improvements, during the screening process on the farms, Campylobacter was not isolated from pooled fecal samples in any of the broiler houses. This indicates that at least six houses (two houses per farm) were Campylobacter‑negative at broiler slaughter age. In pooled neck skin samples originating from studied farms, Campylobacter was not isolated after the improved measures were implemented. The results showed that the assessment of biosecurity protocols on broiler farms is a useful tool, and Campylobacter can serve as a biomarker for the efficiency of the implemented biosecurity protocols.

The implementation of biosecurity measures as the first line of defense is an essential prerequisite for preventing the occurrence and spread of infectious agents in flocks. Assessment of biosecurity measures on the farms was carried out during farm visits based on the application of an appropriate questionnaire whereby the farmer answered a number of questions regarding the implemented biosecurity measures. The study was performed via Biocheck.UGent online survey on 16 broiler farms in the region of the city of Belgrade. The capacity of farms was 25,000-100,000 broilers, placed in 2-4 houses, depending on the farm. Farm visits were made by the authors to confirm the correct answers to the online survey. Results showed that external biosecurity scores ranged from 57% to 93%, averaging 83.6%. Internal biosecurity score ranged from 48% to 98%, with an average score of 85.7%. The total score for the biosecurity assessment ranged from 56% to 93%, with an average score of 84.3%. The scores for subcategories varied between the farms. Removing manure and carcasses, a subcategory within the category of external biosecurity, had the lowest mean score (farms 9 and 10 had a score of 12%). Relatively low scores were also obtained for the number of steps of broilers depopulation (farm 9 had a score of 44%) and for the location of the farm (farms 2 and 3 had a score of 44%). Concerning internal biosecurity, the lowest score was obtained for the subcategory material and measures that they apply between compartments (farm 10 had a score of 29%). These findings should be useful for decision-makers and flock veterinarians and farmers to set feasible targets and sustainable biosecurity programs to improve biosecurity, the health status of the flock, and farm profitability., Sprovođenje biosigurnosnih mera, kao prve linije odbrane, suštinski je preduslov za sprečavanje pojave i širenja infektivnih oboljenja kod živine. Procena biosigurnosnih mera na farmama izvršena je primenom odgovarajućeg upitnika, gde je farmer odgovorio na brojna pitanja u vezi sa sprovedenim biosigurnosnim merama. Istraživanje je sprovedeno putem onlajn ankete Biocheck.Ugent na 16 farmi brojlera u regionu grada Beograda. Kapacitet farmi je bio 25000-100000 brojlera, smeštenih u 2 - 4 objekta, u zavisnosti od farme. Rezultati su pokazali da se eksterna biosigurnost kretala od 57 % do 93 %, sa prosečnom ocenom od 83.6 %. Rezultat interne biosigurnosti se kretao od 48 % do 98 %, sa prosečnom ocenom od 85.7 %. Krajnji rezultat procene biosigurnosti kretao se od 56 % do 93 %, sa prosečnom ocenom od 84.3%. Rezultati za potkategorije su varirali između farmi. Uklanjanje stajnjaka i leševa, potkategorija u okviru kategorije eksterne biobezbednosti, imala je najnižu srednju ocenu (farme 9 i 10 su imale ocenu od 12 %). Niže ocene takođe su dobijene za potkategorije broj koraka depopulacije brojlera (farma 9 je imala ocenu 44 %) i za lokaciju farme (farme 2 i 3 su imale ocenu od 44 %). Što se tiče interne biosigurnosti, najniža ocena je dobijena za potkategoriju materijal i mere koje se primenjuju između odeljaka (farma 10 imala je ocenu od 29 %). Ovi nalazi trebalo bi da budu korisni donosiocima odluka i veterinarima i farmerima u postavljanju izvodljivih ciljeva i održivih biosigurnosnih programa, za poboljšanje biobezbednosti, zdravstvenog statusa jata i profitabilnosti farme.

El objetivo fue determinar la energía metabolizable aparente (EMAn) y digestibilidad íleal aparente (CDI) de aminoácidos en la harina de calamar gigante (Dosidicus gigas) (HCG), como alternativa proteica en dietas para pollos de engorda. Experimento 1: en la HCG se determinó la EMAn y el CDI de sus aminoácidos. A 96 pollos se les proporcionó dieta con 8 y 16% de HCG durante 21 días de edad. Experimento 2: 72 pollos fueron alimentados con 16 y 20% de HCG en la dieta, durante 42 días. Variables productivas, rendimiento de canal, color de piel y sabor fueron evaluados. Resultados: EMAn fue 3376.15 kcal/kg y CDI de los aminoácidos mayor a 68%, excepto histidina (21%) y cisteína (47%). Ganancia de peso y peso final se redujeron con 16% HCG (P < 0.05) respecto al testigo a los 21 días de edad, sin embargo, a los 42 días no se detectaron diferencias (P > 0.05) entre tratamientos con 16 y 20%, tanto en las variables productivas como en rendimiento de la canal y peso de pollos (P > 0.05). El sabor de la carne no se vio afectado por HCG (P > 0.05). Se concluye que la HCG es una fuente alterna de proteína en dietas para pollos de engorda., The objective was to determine apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids in giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) (GSM) meal, as a protein alternative in diets for broilers. Experiment 1: in GSM the AMEn and the AID of its amino acids were determined. Ninety-six chickens were fed a diet with 8 and 16% GSM for 21 days of age. Experiment 2: 72 chickens were fed with 16 and 20% GSM in the diet for 42 days. Productive parameters, carcass yield, skin color and flavor meat were evaluated. Results: AMEn was 3376.15 kcal/kg and AID of amino acids greater than 68%, except histidine (21%) and cysteine (47%). Weight gain and final weight were reduced with 16% GSM (P < 0.05) compared to the control at 21 days of age, however at 42 days no differences were detected (P > 0.05) between treatments with 16 and 20%. both in the productive parameters and in carcass yield and chicken weight (P > 0.05). The taste of the meat was not affected by GSM (P > 0.05). It is concluded that GSM is an alternate source of protein in diets for broilers.

This study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary levels of the protease enzyme and sex on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of breast, drumsticks and thighs as the most valuable carcass parts of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old, mixed-sex broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with different levels of protease supplementation (group C: a standard diet without Ronozyme ProAct; group E-I: a diet with 200 mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 4% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet; and group E-II: a diet with 300mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 6% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet). All diets were maize- and soybean meal-based. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the 49-day feeding trial. The results obtained indicate that the dietary treatments had no significant effect on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of the drumsticks, thighs and breast (P > 0.05), except for the breast muscle weight in the female chickens (especially between the E-I and E-II groups), and the drumstick bone percentage in the males between the C and E-2 groups (P < 0.05). In all three groups, the male chickens exhibited higher weights of skin, muscle and bone in breast, drumsticks and thighs than the female chickens, and the differences were not significant only in the skin weight of drumsticks and thighs (P > 0.05). The females had a higher yield of muscle tissue in breast and drumsticks, a higher percentage of skin in drumsticks and thighs, and a lower percentage of bone in drumsticks and thighs than the males (P < 0.05). Major differences resulted from the effect of broiler sex, whereas the dietary treatments containing 3 levels of protease supplementation had a very small effect on the yields and percentages of skin, bone and muscle in breast, drumsticks and thighs.

Ondanks de langere groeiperiode zijn traaggroeiende kuikens minder vaak besmet met campylobacter dan reguliere kuikens. Een opvallend resultaat van langjarig onderzoek naar beheersing van campylobacter op vleeskuikenbedrijven.

Handelen vrije vleeskuikenhouders zelf in de praktijk naar hun theoretische prioriteiten? In het Europese PPILOW-project werd aan een beperkt aantal vleeskuikenhouders (bio of met vrije uitloop) gevraagd hoe zij dierenwelzijn definiëren, welke aspecten zij hierbij als meest belangrijk ervaren en hoe zij vinden dat ze zelf met hun bedrijf scoren op die aspecten. Algemeen werden gelijkwaardige gemiddelde scores bekomen voor theorie en praktijk, behalve voor wat betreft de afwezigheid van wonden/laesies, de strooiselkwaliteit en stofbaden. Daar zou nog enige verbetering mogelijk zijn volgens de deelnemers.

Het rechtop vangen van leghennen en vleeskuikens lijkt enkele kleine voordelen te hebben voor het pluimvee. Althans bij het vangen van 5.000 dieren, zoals dat is gebeurd in het onderzoek dat ernaar is verricht door Femke Delanglez en een team van onderzoekers van het Vlaamse Instituut voor Landbouw-, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek.

This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day‐old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: ‘bone lesions’, ‘cold stress’, ‘gastro‐enteric disorders’, ‘group stress’, ‘handling stress’, ‘heat stress’, ‘isolation stress’, ‘inability to perform comfort behaviour’, ‘inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour’, ‘inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour’, ‘locomotory disorders’, ‘prolonged hunger’, ‘prolonged thirst’, ‘predation stress’, ‘restriction of movement’, ‘resting problems’, ‘sensory under‐ and overstimulation’, ‘soft tissue and integument damage’ and ‘umbilical disorders’. These WCs and their animal‐based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de‐toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast‐growing, slower‐growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, ‘total mortality’, ‘wounds’, ‘carcass condemnation’ and ‘footpad dermatitis’ are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on‐farm.

De Nederlandse supermarkten kozen twee jaar geleden eensgezind voor een complete omschakeling naar kippenvlees met minimaal 1 ster van het Beter Leven-keurmerk. Maar omdat de ammoniakuitstoot in de stallen gissen is, zitten honderden vleeskuikenhouders in grote onzekerheid.

Aandacht voor de dieren staat bij Ben, Gertie en Wendy Kicken uit het Limburgse Bocholtz altijd bovenaan het lijstje. Overstappen van kalkoenen naar 1 ster Beter Leven-vleeskuikens past daar prima bij. Net als de keuze voor het voeren van eigen tarwe en leveren aan de Nederlandse markt.

Vleeskuikens hebben er even tijd voor nodig, maar ze kunnen dan toch efficiënt presteren op slechter verteerbaar eiwit. Dat toont Miranda Elling-Staats aan in haar promotieonderzoek.

In de vorige Pluimvee stond een update over het antibioticumgebruik in de pluimveesector. In deze editie vertellen we meer over één van deze onderzoeken: het bepalen van de farmacokinetiek van doxycycline in vleeskuikens.

The purebred-crossbred genetic correlation (rpc) is a key parameter to determine whether the optimal selection of purebred animals to improve crossbred performance should rely on crossbred phenotypes, purebred phenotypes, or both. We reviewed published estimates of the rpc in poultry. In total, 19 studies were included, of which four were on broilers and 15 on laying hens, with 150 rpc estimates for nine different trait categories. Average reported rpc estimates were highest for egg weight, egg quality and egg colour (0.74–0.82), intermediate for BW, maturity and mortality (0.61–0.70) and egg number (0.58), and low for resilience (0.40) and body conformation (0.14). Most studies were based on measuring purebred and crossbred phenotypes in the same environment and thus did not capture the contribution of genotype by environment interactions to the rpc, suggesting that the presented average estimates may be higher than values that apply in practice. Nearly all studies were based on two-way crossbred animals. We hypothesised that rpc values for a two-way cross are good proxies for rpc of a four-way cross. Only eight out of 19 studies were published in the last 25 years, and only two of those used genomic data. We expect that more studies using genomic data may be published in the coming years, as the required data may be generated when implementing genomic selection for crossbred performance, which will lead to more accurate rpc estimates. Future studies that aim to estimate rpc are encouraged to capture the genotype by environment interaction component by housing purebred and crossbred animals differently as is done in practice. Moreover, there is a need for further studies that enable to explicitly estimate the magnitude of genotype by environment versus genotype by genotype interactions for multiple trait categories. Further, studies are advised to report: the specific housing conditions of the animals, any differences between measurements of purebred versus crossbr

The broiler production faces many challenges, which can cause negative effects on their health and welfare. The great importance for farmers is to prevent disease outbreaks, and biosecurity measures are very significant. This study aimed to quantify the level of biosecurity measures in broiler farms of different capacities, using a standardized procedure, and to identify key aspects that would require improvements. The research was conducted from May to September 2022, and 15 randomly selected broiler farms participated. Five large-size (>30,000 chickens), five middle-size (10,000-30,000 chickens) and five small-size farms (<10,000 chickens) were analyzed. All farms are located in Vojvodina and farmers agreed to participate in the survey. The Biocheck.UGent scoring system (https://biocheckgent.com/en) was used to quantify biosecurity measures. The overall farm biosecurity is a weighted average of the external and internal biosecurity. Our results showed a low level of implementation of internal and external biosecurity measures on all farms (40-63%). The overall rating of biosecurity on farms was lower than the world and country's average. The results of this study suggest that the control of implemented biosecurity measures in broiler farms is very important. Most of the biosecurity risks for broiler farms originate from inappropriate site selection, purchase of day-old chicks of unknown quality, lack of procedures, and training of farm employees. This study should provide a good encouragement for the development of a biosecurity plan, identifying risks and the appropriate way to educate farm owners, as well as farm employees, on the implementation of biosecurity measures.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of phosphorus from monocalcium phosphate (MCP), as an inorganic P source in broilers diet, and to determine the faecal P output. A total of 200 1-day-old (Cobb 500) broilers, both sexes, obtained from the local hatchery, were included in the trial and divided in two groups, by one hundred birds each. During the 42 experimental days, broilers were fed a diets which differed only in MCP origin. Cr2O3 was added to the diets at a 0.5% level as an indigestible marker. By 10 birds from each group were placed into individual balance cages, at day 11 and day 25, in order to provide the collection of faeces during 5 consecutive days. Daily phosphorus intake, fecal P output and percentage of apparent tract digestibility of P were measured, in two ages of broilers. Determined differences have shown the influence of source on P utilization (P<0.05). It was concluded that the P utilization was not significantly affected by the age of broilers. Tested parameter may be used in estimation of level of P that in this way merged into the environment. Additionally, these are valuable information for optimization of complete feed mixture for broilers regarding P needs, which is one of the most important ways of dealing with phosphorus pollution.

The first few weeks after broilers hatch are the period of most intense bone growthand development, and the time when they are most susceptible to the in fluence ofvarious external and internal factors. Research in the recent decades has focused on theinvolvement of melatonin in bone development during early life in chickens. Melatoninrelease from the pineal gland has a circadian rhythm, with the highest levels circulatingduring the night and decreasing during the light phase of the day. Various types oflighting are used in intensive broiler production. In this study, the effects of melatoninon the tibial structure and growth of broilers were investigated. During the first twoweeks of life, two groups of chickens were kept under continuous light and fed thesame diet, with the experimental group receiving melatonin in the amount of 0.03 g/kg of feed. The results obtained showed that the addition of melatonin in the diet hadpositive effects on the development and growth of the tibia, which was expressed ina signi ficantly greater thickness of the diaphysis and cortical bone of the diaphysis,higher breaking force and higher values of alkaline phosphatase activity. The corticalbone mineral density of the tibia did not differ signi ficantly between the groups ofchicken.

Quality protein maize (QPM) can be beneficial for use in feeds as it was shown that substitution of standard maize (SM) with QPM can improve livestock performance and decrease costly dietary lysine supplementation and protein ingredients. Herein, nutritional and financial effects of QPM adapted to temperate climate in broiler diets were tested. Feeding experiment was performed on two groups of broilers – control (fed with SM) and treatment (fed with QPM). Duration of each feeding trial was 42 days, comprising three phases - starter (1-14), grower (15-35) and finisher (36-42). Diets for all growth phases were formulated based on the biochemical analysis of SM and QPM kernels. Body weight of the chickens was measured on days 1, 7, 14, 35 and 42. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated at the end of each phase. Two trials were performed. In the first, SM was completely replaced with QPM in treatment group diets. As the results indicated better FCR in the treatment group for grower (1.49:1.54) and finisher (1.55:1.60) phases, in the second trial QPM was increased and soybean component decreased by 3%. That led to better results as FCR was even lower but in all three phases, confirming the results of the first trial and further confirming the effects of QPM on feed conversion. Moreover, significant financial reduction in feed was observed, as the price of soybean is usually two to four times higher than the price of maize.

Bevat kamerbrief, notitie en rapport: Notitie: Uitgewerkte beantwoording vragen over emissies bij vleeskuikens gehouden volgens criteria van Beter Leven keurmerk 1 ster; Rapport: Gevolgen van de omslag naar Beter Leven keurmerk 1 ster vleeskuikens in de Nederlandse retail.

Kijk je puur vanuit het welzijn van eendagskuikens, vleeskuikens, leghennen of ouderdieren, hoe moet de huisvesting er dan uitzien? Doel is knelpunten voor het dierenwelzijn en de diergezondheid op te lossen. Dat staat in Efsa-adviezen.

Reducing crude protein (CP) in broiler feed is a nutritional strategy that allows to partially reduce dietary soybean meal (SBM) inclusions to reduce feed costs, with proven benefits. In addition, reduction of dietary CP leads to a lower dietary electrolyte balance (dEB) due to the concomitant reduction of potassium (K). The aim of the present study is therefore two-fold: 1) to evaluate the potential of reduction of dietary CP until performance drops (1, 2 or 3 % points of reduction) and 2) to combine it with a reduction of dEB (by reducing dietary K) to validate the benefit of reduced dEB/K on litter quality without compromising performance. In total, 9100 male Ross 308 chicks were randomly allotted to 35 pens of 260 broilers. They were fed 5 dietary treatments from 10 to 20d and 20–30d.There was a “positive control” diet (CONTROL; 20.7 % CP in grower, 19.5 % CP in finisher) and 3 levels of dietary CP reduction by 1 % (CP-1 %), 2% (CP-2 %) and 3 % (CP-3 %), all diets formulated to respect at least the ideal AA profile for indispensable AA. In addition, an extra diet called “negative control” (NC CP-3 %) was formulated to have the same ingredient composition as the CP-3 % diet but with lower K and dEB level. Reducing dietary CP as low as 3 % points and maintaining AA and dEB levels resulted in similar or better production performance from 10 to 30d for weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass traits, reduced daily water intake and water-to-feed ratio, excreta N and moisture as well as lower litter moisture and footpad lesions (FPL). Reducing dEB level at − 3 % CP (negative control) increased feed intake and FCR but reduced water intake, water-to-feed ratio, and FPL. It is therefore possible to feed broilers with lower CP diets without compromising performance, with clear benefit on litter quality. As reducing dietary CP is often associated to reduced dietary K, due to lower SBM inclusion, the extent of reduction of K and the control of dEB b

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) are important bacteria in broiler production in terms of economy, welfare, and use of antibiotics. During a previous outbreak of APEC in the Nordic countries, it was suggested that the pathogenic clones of E. coli causing the outbreak originated from grandparent stock and were transmitted to the offspring, causing increased first week mortality. This study investigated whether the pathogenic potential of E. coli at the parent and broiler level differs in relation to pathogenic potential described by the level of virulence-associated genes and pattern of antimicrobial resistance. The hypothesis was that, due to higher biosecurity at the parent level, the E. coli population will show a lower level of antimicrobial resistance and carry fewer virulence-associated genes, as a result of fewer E. coli infections observed. From four parent flocks and eight broiler flocks, 715 E. coli were isolated from cloacal swabs of newly hatched chickens (Ross 308). The isolated E. coli were characterized by eight virulence-associated genes and phenotypic resistance against six antimicrobials. It was found that the prevalence of virulence-associated genes and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance varied significantly between flocks, and the virulence-associated genes papC and irp2 and resistance against ampicillin were significantly more prevalent in breeder flocks compared to broiler flocks.

This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: ?bone lesions?, ?cold stress?, ?gastro-enteric disorders?, ?group stress?, ?handling stress?, ?heat stress?, ?isolation stress?, ?inability to perform comfort behaviour?, ?inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour?, ?inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour?, ?locomotory disorders?, ?prolonged hunger?, ?prolonged thirst?, ?predation stress?, ?restriction of movement?, ?resting problems?, ?sensory under- and overstimulation?, ?soft tissue and integument damage? and ?umbilical disorders?. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, ?total mortality?, ?wounds?, ?carcass condemnation? and ?footpad dermatitis? are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.

Het afgelopen jaar was het vangen van vleeskuikens regelmatig in het nieuws. In opdracht van het practoraat Dierenwelzijn en -gezondheid is er een kleinschalig praktijkonderzoek uitgevoerd naar twee vangmethodes bij vleeskuikens. Vier vangsten (twee traditioneel en twee rechtop), van steeds iets minder dan duizend vleeskuikens gehuisvest in het Poultry Innovation Lab, zijn in dit onderzoek geanalyseerd. Filmopnames, waarnemingen en geluidsmetingen tijdens het vangen en slachtrapporten van het slachthuis gaven inzicht in de welzijnsimpact van de verschillende methodes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotherapeutic efficacy of Allium sativum L. (garlic) as alternative compounds to antibiotics used by farmers in the treatment of coccidiosis in poultry. In this study, 20 chickens divided into 4 batches received only garlic powder in their feed. The results obtained after a natural infestation revealed a weight loss in all subjects before administration of the different products. Following treatment, a considerable decrease in coccidia eggs in the chickens receiving the highest concentrations of the products. The weight gain was more or less high in the treated batches except in the control batches. In conclusion, this study generated biological results. These data support that garlic could be used as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry and many other livestock operations. Although they have important functions, further experiments are needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms behind their use in animals. Keywords : Garlic, intestinal coccidia, broilers

Phytogenic feed additives (phytobiotics) are defined as compounds of plant origin used in animal nutrition with the aim of improving their productivity by improving the production results of animals, feed properties, as well as the quality of food of animal origin. The positive effect of phytogenic additives (essential oils) in animal feed and their components on production results and animal health is due to numerous properties, the most important of which are their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improving consumption, stimulating enzyme secretion, increasing gastric and intestinal motility, stimulation endocrine and immune systems, antimicrobial, antiviral and coccidiostatic action. In order to examine the impact of broiler diet with various phytogenic additives on health, production results, sensory properties of meat, as well as the justification of using phytogenic additives in broiler diet, a total of 240 broilers of Cobb 500 provenance were organized, divided into 4 groups. They were fed standard mixtures recommended by the manufacturer, with the only difference being that the experimental groups (O-I - O-IV) had different commercial phytogenic additives added to the feed mixture and the control group (K) without phytogenic additives. The production results (higher increment, lower consumption, better conversion) of broilers of the experimental groups were significantly better compared to the control group of broilers in all phases of fattening. Compared to the broilers of the observed experimental groups, the broilers of the control group had a higher average number of E.coli and Enteroccocus spp., and a lower number of lactic acid bacteria in the examined parts of the digestive tract. The observed experimental groups had a higher height and width of intestinal villi in all examined segments of the intestine, and a smaller depth of crypts in relation to the broilers of the control group, which achieved a higher resorptive capacity of the intestin

Biosecurity in poultry farms represents the first line of defense against the entry and spread of pathogens that may have animal health, food safety, and economic consequences. The aim of this study was to assess biosecurity compliance in poultry farms located in a densely populated poultry area in North East Italy. A total of 259 poultry farms (i.e., broilers, turkeys, and layers) were surveyed between 2018 and 2019 using standardized checklists, and differences in biosecurity compliance between the poultry sectors and years (only for turkey farms) were tested for significance. Among the three sectors, turkey farms showed the highest compliance. Farm hygiene, infrastructure condition, cleaning and disinfection tools, and procedures were the biosecurity measures most complied with. Some deficiencies were observed in the cleanliness of the farm hygiene lock in broiler farms, as well as the presence of the house hygiene lock in broiler and layer farms and an adequate coverage of built-up litter in turkey and broiler farms. In conclusion, this study highlighted a generally high level of biosecurity in the visited poultry farms (probably due to the stringent national regulation and the integration of the poultry industry) and identified some measures that still need to be improved.