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

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

Spreading of the High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5N1) Virus of Clade 2.3.4.4b into Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza viruses (genus Alphainfluenzavirus, family Orthomyxoviridae) infect avian and mammal hosts. In 2022, the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (H5N1) spread to South America, resulting in the loss of thousands of wild birds, including endangered species, and severely impacting the global poultry industry. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the complete genomes of influenza viruses obtained from wild birds and backyard poultry in Uruguay between February and May 2023. METHODS: Twelve complete genomes were obtained in 2023 from cloacal swabs using Illumina sequencing. Genomes were phylogenetically analyzed with regional and global strains. FINDINGS: The identified strains have multiple basic amino acids at the hemagglutinin cleavage sites, which is typical for highly pathogenic strains. The Uruguayan viruses belonged to hemagglutinin clade 2.3.4.4b of the H5N1 subtype. A reassortment in North America has resulted in some segments of South American strains being of Eurasian or North American origins. The Uruguayan viruses shared a common ancestor with South American strains from Argentina and Chile. The influenza viruses displayed a spatiotemporal divergence pattern rather than being host-specific. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The arrival of the 2.3.4.4b clade in Uruguay may have been mediated by birds that acquired the virus from Argentine and Chilean waterfowl migrating in the Pacific Flyway.

Research Note: Characterization of peasant family poultry farming in Southern Chile.

The poultry industry produces most of the meat and eggs for human consumption worldwide. However, family poultry farming still plays an important role in developing countries providing high quality animal products including eggs and poultry meat for family and local consumption. A field survey was taken to 145 family poultry farmers off the commune of Maullin, Los Lagos Region of Southern Chile, to describe their husbandry and breeding practices, and provide information for future development and conservation priorities. Egg production in these poultry systems of the Maullín commune is a family tradition, run mostly by women, provides an extra income from the sale of extra eggs and chicken meat during autumn and winter months. Flocks of 15 to 30 native, creole or indigenous hens, reach point of lay at 5 or 6 months old. Egg production with a mean rate of 40%, peaks during September. Brown eggs are the most frequent, followed by blue-greenish eggs derived from Mapuche fowl ancestry. A ratio of 10 to 20 females per rooster results in ca. 60% hatching rate from natural incubation. While males are kept for two seasons only, females are kept longer, some until old. Diet is based on locally available or self-produced grains, complemented by pasture browsing, scavenging, and kitchen waste. Sanitary management is low or none and technical knowledge derives from ancestral tradition. Investment in accommodation and feeding is low. Results provide information on these systems in non-tropical areas of developing countries where it is scarce, and highlights how these systems can respond to the challenges of future poultry production, considering both climate change and consumers demand for more wholesome, human and sustainable products.

In vitro transduction of antimicrobial resistance genes into Escherichia coli isolates from backyard poultry in Mexico.

The transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes is an emerging problem involving multiple factors (humans, domestic animals, wildlife). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli isolates with different antimicrobial resistance genes from backyard poultry and to demonstrate the in vitro transduction phenomenon of these genes between phages from migratory wild birds and poultry E. coli isolates. We collected 197 E. coli isolates from chickens, turkeys, and ducks in backyard production units (northern region of the State of Mexico). Isolates were resistant to ampicillin (80.7%), tetracycline (64.4%), carbenicillin (56.3%), and nalidixic acid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (both, 26.9%). Moreover, the genes blaTEM (56.3%), tetB (20.8%), tetA (19.2%), sulI (7.6%), sulII (10.1%), qnrA (9.6%), and qnrB (5.5%) were found. In vitro transduction using phages from migratory wild birds sampled in the wetland Chimaliapan (State of Mexico) was successfully achieved. It was possible to transduce qnrA, tetB, blaTEM, and sulII genes to E. coli isolates from poultry. This is the first report that describes the transduction of antimicrobial resistance genes from phages of migratory wild birds to poultry and suggests the possible transmission in backyard production units.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic characterization of influenza A virus at a wildlife-livestock interface in Mexico.

Influenza A virus (IAV) outbreaks constitute a constant threat to public health and pose a remarkable impact on socio-economic systems worldwide. Interactions between wild and domestic birds, humans and swine can lead to spillover events. Backyard livestock systems in proximity to wetlands represent high-risk areas for viral spread. However, some gaps remain in our knowledge of IAV transmission at the wildlife-livestock interface in Mexico. Hence, the study aimed at molecular identification and phylogenetic characterization of IAV in the wild duck-backyard livestock interface at a wetland of Mexico. A total of 875 animals were tested by real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). We detected IAV in 3.68% of the wild ducks sampled during the winter season 2016-2017. Nonetheless, the samples obtained from backyard poultry and swine tested negative. The highest IAV frequency (11.10%) was found in the Mexican duck (Anas diazi). Subtypes H1N1, H3N2 and H5N2 were detected. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that IAV detected in wild birds from the Lerma wetlands was mostly related to swine and poultry IAV strains previously isolated in the United States and Mexico. Except, the UIFMVZ377/H5N2 related to North American waterbirds. In conclusion, the co-circulation of three IAV subtypes in wild ducks close to backyard farms in Mexico, as well as the local identification of influenza viruses genetically related to Mexican and North American IAV strains, highlights the importance of the Lerma marshes for influenza surveillance given the close interaction among wild birds, poultry, pigs and humans.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in three groups of domestic poultry managed under backyard system in the Savanna subregion, Department of Sucre, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that affect the backyard poultry system in the Savanna region, Department of Sucre, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 860 native birds, both hens (Gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), regardless of age and sex. Samples were processed using direct techniques with ZnSO4 and indirect methods such as modified Sloss. Data were presented as frequencies, and the nonparametric odds ratio test was used for two independent samples. RESULTS: A total of 77.3% (665/860) of the birds were infected with one or more species of gastrointestinal parasites. Among the nematodes, Capillaria spp. (45.6%), Ascaridia galli (18.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.4%), Syngamus trachea (38.9%), Tetrameres spp. (25.2%), and Strongylus spp. (12.2%) were recorded. The cestodes were Choanotaenia infundibulum (22.6%), Davainea proglottina (42.3%), Raillietina spp. (58.3%), and Hymenolepis spp. (54.7%), while only Eimeria spp. (90%) was recorded as protozoa. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal parasite infestations, the most common species being Hymenolepis spp., Eimeria spp., Raillietina spp., and Heterakis gallinarum.

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance in thermophilic Campylobacter strains isolated from conventional production and backyard poultry flocks.

1. The aim of this study was to compare the resistance pattern of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. isolated from conventional production (n = 34) and backyard poultry flocks (n = 36) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The disc diffusion method and statistical tests were used for investigation and analysis of the resistance pattern of Campylobacter spp. isolated from different rearing systems.2. Antimicrobial resistance percentages to amoxycillin with clavulanic acid (AMC), ampicillin (AMP), ceftiofur (CTF), ciprofloxacin (CIP), enrofloxacin (ENO), erythromycin (ERI), gentamicin (GEN) and tetracycline (TET) were 32.4%, 44.1%, 67.6%, 97.1%, 82.4%, 26.5%, 5.9% and 38.2% in conventional production flocks respectively, while the backyard flock's resistance levels were 0.0%, 13.9%, 69.4%, 100.0%, 91.7%, 5.6%, 0.0% and 16.7%, respectively.3. Campylobacter spp. from conventional poultry production was more resistant to AMC, AMO, ERI and TET (P > 0.05) when compared to strains from backyard poultry. A higher frequency of resistance to fluoroquinolones (FLQ), CIP and ENO, was observed in strains from both systems, demonstrating the spread of resistant strains among poultry production environments.

Assessing Antibiotic Residues in Poultry Eggs from Backyard Production Systems in Chile, First Approach to a Non-Addressed Issue in Farm Animals.

Eggs are the main product generated from backyard poultry production systems (BPS) because they can quickly be consumed and sold to meet essential family needs. Nevertheless, antimicrobial residues can accumulate in this product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of antimicrobial residues in eggs produced by poultry kept in BPS in central Chile. To assess this, eggs were obtained from 83 BPS and analysed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic residues (families: tetracyclines, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and macrolides), using a Four-Plate Test screening method for the detection, based on a bacterial growth inhibition method. Results show a lack of biosecurity procedures at BPS level, making these systems susceptible to the dissemination of antimicrobial residues. These include intensive animal production units in the proximity, and the presence of shared watercourses with other farms. Furthermore, 66% of the surveyed owners are indicated as giving pharmacological treatments to their chickens. Eggs from 61 BPS were positive for at least one antimicrobial. Fifty-three BPS were positive for more than one antimicrobial, and one BPS was positive for all four antimicrobials tested. Consequently, there is a risk that poultry eggs produced in BPS in central Chile carry residues of different families of antimicrobials.

Surveillance of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses in backyard poultry raised near migratory bird sites in Mato Grosso state, Brazil.

The Pantanal and Cerrado biomes in the state of Mato Grosso contain migratory bird sites in the municipalities of Cáceres and Araguaiana, respectively. The levels of avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) viral activity in backyard poultry at these sites are unknown owing to a lack of studies. Considering the risk of introduction of AI and ND to Brazil from migratory birds, as well as the importance of active surveillance in the detection and prevention of diseases for official control, monitoring in these poultry populations is faster, more practical and cheaper for official service veterinarians. The objective of this study was to verify the presence of AI and ND viral activity in backyard poultry reared near these migratory bird sites in the years 2016 and 2019. Serum samples and cloacal and tracheal swab samples collected from chickens, turkeys, quails, ducks and geese were evaluated by indirect diagnostic methods including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and haemagglutination inhibition tests and direct detection of viral sequences using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). No positive samples were detected by qRT-PCR.The frequencies of birds seropositive for AI and ND were 0.7% and 19.6% in 2016 and 0.5% and 17.2% in 2019, respectively, in Araguaiana and 0.8% and 32.3% in 2016 and 7.0% and 38.1% in 2019, respectively, in Cáceres. Antibodies belonging to AI subtypes H1, H4, H6 and H14 were identified in Cáceres in 2019. Spatial analysis showed an agglomeration of farms with seropositive poultry within the urban area of Cáceres, suggesting AI and ND virus activity in this area. This study showed no circulation of the notifiable AI subtypes H5 and H7 or the ND virus in backyard poultry raised around migratory bird sites in the state of Mato Grosso. The results of the present study support evidence indicating that the circulation of strains with low pathogenicity in urban areas enables backyard poultry to serve as a source of infection for other birds; thus, increased surveillance is necessary in this population.

Les biomes du Pantanal et du Cerrado dans l'état du Mato Grosso contiennent deux sites accueillant des oiseaux migrateurs, situés respectivement dans les comtés de Cáceres et d'Araguaiana. Faute d'études de terrain, le niveau d'activité virale de l'influenza aviaire et de la maladie de Newcastle chez les volailles de basse-cour de ces deux sites était jusqu'à présent inconnu. Compte tenu du risque d'introduction au Brésil de l'influenza aviaire et de la maladie de Newcastle par les oiseaux migrateurs, et de l'importance de la surveillance active pour détecter et prévenir ces maladies dans le cadre des activités de lutte conduites par les Services vétérinaires, il est plus pratique, moins onéreux et plus rapide pour les vétérinaires des services officiels d'axer la surveillance sur les populations de volailles de basse-cour. Les auteurs présentent les résultats d'une étude conduite en 2016 et en 2019 pour déterminer le niveau de circulation des virus de l'influenza aviaire et de la maladie de Newcastle chez les volailles de basse-cour élevées à proximité des sites d'oiseaux migrateurs. Des échantillons sériques et des écouvillons cloacaux et trachéaux prélevés sur des poulets, des dindes, des cailles, des canards et des oies ont été soumis à des méthodes de diagnostic indirectes telles que les épreuves immuno-enzymatique et d'inhibition de l'hémagglutination, et à une méthode de détection directe des séquences virales par amplification en chaîne par polymérase quantitative en temps réel couplée à une transcription inverse (qRT-PCR). Aucun échantillon positif n'a été détecté par qRT-PCR. Les taux de séropositivité respectivement à l'influenza aviaire et à la maladie de Newcastle étaient, chez les volailles prélevées à Araguaiana, de 0,7 % et 19,6 % en 2016, et de 0,5 % et 17,2 % en 2019 ; chez les volailles prélevées à Cáceres, ils étaient de 0,8 % et 32,3 % en 2016, et de 7,0 % et 38,1 % en 2019. Les anticorps détectés à Cáceres en 2019 appartenaient aux sous-types H1, H4, H6 et H14 du virus de l'influenza aviaire. L'analyse spatiale a révélé une concentration importante d'élevages ayant des volailles séropositives dans la zone urbaine de Cáceres, indiquant une activité des virus de l'influenza aviaire et de la maladie de Newcastle dans cette région. Aucune circulation des sous-types H5 et H7 à déclaration obligatoire du virus de l'influenza aviaire ni du virus de la maladie de Newcastle n'a été mise en évidence chez les volailles de basse-cour élevées autour des sites d'oiseaux migrateurs dans l'état du Mato Grosso. Les résultats de cette étude étayent les données d'après lesquelles les volailles de basse-cour des zones urbaines deviennent des sources d'infection pour d'autres espèces d'oiseaux à la faveur d'une circulation de souches faiblement pathogènes ; il est donc nécessaire de renforcer la surveillance dans cette population.

Los biomas de Pantanal y Cerrado, situados en el estado de Mato Grosso, albergan espacios frecuentados por aves migratorias en los municipios de Cáceres y Araguaiana, respectivamente. Debido a la falta de estudios al respecto, se desconocen los niveles de actividad de los virus de la influenza aviar (IA) y de la enfermedad de Newcastle (EN) en las aves de corral caseras de estas zonas. Teniendo en cuenta el riesgo de introducción en el Brasil de la IA y la EN por conducto de aves migratorias, así como la importancia de una vigilancia activa para la detección y prevención de enfermedades con fines de control oficial, para los veterinarios de los servicios públicos resulta más rápido, práctico y barato vigilar esas poblaciones de aves de corral. Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a comprobar, en los años 2016 y 2019, la actividad de los virus de la IA y la EN en bandadas caseras de aves de corral criadas cerca de los antedichos espacios de aves migratorias. Tras obtener muestras séricas e hisopados cloacales y traqueales de pollos, pavos, codornices, patos y gansos, se analizaron las muestras con técnicas de diagnóstico indirecto (ensayo inmunoenzimático y prueba de inhibición de la hemaglutinación) y de detección directa de secuencias víricas (retrotranscripción acoplada a reacción en cadena de la polimerasa cuantitativa en tiempo real: qRT-PCR). No se detectó ninguna muestra positiva por qRT-PCR. En cuanto a las tasas de seropositividad para la IA y la EN, en Araguaiana resultaron positivas el 0,7% y el 19,6%, respectivamente, de las aves analizadas en 2016, por un 0,5% y un 17,2% en 2019, mientras que en Cáceres lo fueron el 0,8% y el 32,3% en 2016 y el 7,0% y el 38,1% en 2019. En 2019 se identificaron en Cáceres anticuerpos correspondientes a los subtipos H1, H4, H6 y H14 del virus de la influenza aviar. El análisis espacial puso de relieve una aglomeración de fincas con aves de corral seropositivas en la zona urbana de Cáceres, hecho indicativo de que en la zona hay actividad de los virus de la IA y la EN. El estudio no evidenció circulación alguna de los subtipos H5 y H7 del virus de la IA, que son de declaración obligatoria, ni del virus de la EN en las aves de corral caseras criadas en los alrededores de los espacios del estado de Mato Grosso que albergan aves migratorias. Los resultados del estudio parecen avalar los datos que indican que la circulación de cepas poco patógenas en zonas urbanas hace de las bandadas caseras una posible fuente de infección para otras aves, razón por cual es tanto más necesario redoblar la vigilancia de estas poblaciones de aves de corral.

Variancia intrapoblacional para caracteres de la madurez sexual en gallinas del cruzamiento Campero Casilda

El análisis de componentes principales es una técnica estadística multivariada de síntesis de la información o reducción del número de variables, con la potencialidad de exponer relaciones entre caracteres no evidentes por sí mismas, contribuyendo así a una interpretación más eficiente de la información contenida en un conjunto de datos. Su aplicación a seis caracteres vinculados con la madurez sexual (edad y peso corporal a la puesta del primer huevo, peso del primero y de los 10 primeros huevos, número de días para poner los 10 primeros huevos y coeficiente de variación del peso de los mismos) posibilitó caracterizar la estructura de variabilidad intrapoblacional en gallinas del cruzamiento experimental de tres vías Campero Casilda. Las dos primeras componentes - PC1 y PC2- explicaron el 56% de la variancia fenotípica total. La consideración conjunta de ambas permitió identificar a un grupo de aves caracterizadas por iniciar su postura con mayor edad y mayor peso corporal, con un comienzo de la etapa productiva más regular, con huevos uniformes de mayor peso, una conjunción de caracteres deseable para el inicio del ciclo. La trascendencia de esta identificación radica en la utilidad reconocida del análisis de componentes principales como estrategia para generar índices biológicos de selección.

Principal components is a multivariate statistical technique of synthesis of information or reduction of the number of variables, with the potential to expose non-obvious relationships between characters, thus contributing to a more efficient interpretation of the information contained in a set of data. Its application to six traits associated to sexual maturity (age and body weight at first egg, weight of the first and the first ten eggs, number of days required to lay the first ten eggs and coefficient of variation of their weights) allowed to characterize the structure of intra-population variability in hens of the experimental three-way cross Campero Casilda. The first two components -PC1 and PC2- explained 56% of the total phenotypic variance. The joint consideration of both components allowed identifying a group of birds characterized for being older and heavier at sexual maturity, with a more regular onset of the productive phase, with uniform and heavier eggs, a conjunction of desirable characters for the beginning of the cycle. The importance of this identification lies in the recognized usefulness of principal components analysis as a strategy to generate biological selective indexes.

Backyard poultry production in Chile: animal health management and contribution to food access in an upper middle-income country.

Backyard production systems (BPS) that involve poultry are a good way to improve food security and poverty alleviation. Few studies have been carried out to quantify the contribution of poultry production to these households and the constraints they might face if a priority animal disease enters these systems. This study aims to characterize the poultry-rearing BPS in central Chile and to identify socio-economic factors associated to households' consumption of poultry. Data was collected from 384 BPS through a face-to-face semi-structured questionnaire. Value chain framework associated with BPS poultry rearing and cash flow analysis of BPS was done to identify the inputs/outputs of the system and to know the profitability of the system. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the BPS and household factors associated to poultry consumption. The results of this study suggest that BPS in central Chile have biosecurity deficiencies such as: lack of confinement, lack of veterinary assistance and incorrect handling of dead animals. Cash flow analysis indicated that 62% of the BPS had a positive balance from production. Distance to closest market and per capita income were factors associated to poultry value to farmers. Different factors were significant predictors of household poultry consumption. Positive predictors of consumption were identified as: (i) older owners, (ii) higher transportation price to closest market, (iii) larger flock size (iv) birds raised by women and (v) owning a car. On the contrary, (i) higher per capita income and (ii) bigger household size predicted a reduction in consumption. The results indicate the importance of BPS to low-income families and those living in remote areas while also highlighting the vulnerability of these systems to disease risks.

Spatial modelling for low pathogenicity avian influenza virus at the interface of wild birds and backyard poultry.

Low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) is endemic in wild birds and poultry in Argentina, and active surveillance has been in place to prevent any eventual virus mutation into a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), which is exotic in this country. Risk mapping can contribute effectively to disease surveillance and control systems, but it has proven a very challenging task in the absence of disease data. We used a combination of expert opinion elicitation, multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and ecological niche modelling (ENM) to identify the most suitable areas for the occurrence of LPAIV at the interface between backyard domestic poultry and wild birds in Argentina. This was achieved by calculating a spatially explicit risk index. As evidenced by the validation and sensitivity analyses, our model was successful in identifying high-risk areas for LPAIV occurrence. Also, we show that the risk for virus occurrence is significantly higher in areas closer to commercial poultry farms. Although the active surveillance systems have been successful in detecting LPAIV-positive backyard farms and wild birds in Argentina, our predictions suggest that surveillance efforts in those compartments could be improved by including high-risk areas identified by our model. Our research provides a tool to guide surveillance activities in the future, and presents a mixed methodological approach which could be implemented in areas where the disease is exotic or rare and a knowledge-driven modelling method is necessary.

Genomics of Salmonella contaminating backyard production systems reveals persistence and transmission of genetically related Salmonella on a farm basis.

Animals raised in backyard productive systems (BPS) have been frequently associated with Salmonella outbreaks. Several serovars have caused these events, showing that different BPSs can be contaminated by distinct Salmonella serovars. The aim of this study was to characterize the genomic diversity of Salmonella isolates obtained from BPSs in Central Chile to understand their genomic relatedness. A whole-genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis of 22 Salmonella isolates from 12 locations revealed that S. Typhimurium isolates clustered based on the BPS that they were originally isolated from, and the same was established for S. Enteritidis isolates. Furthermore, our genomic analysis shows that animals from different species (i.e., a chicken, a duck and a pig) carried genetically related S. Typhimurium strains within the same BPS. Moreover, some of these genetically related isolates were obtained in different years (2013 and 2014), indicating that farm-specific Salmonella can persist in BPSs for multiple years and that interspecies transmission is plausible in this environment. Understanding the dynamics of interspecies transmission of Salmonella serovars within a contaminated BPS is fundamental to the design of mitigation strategies to reduce outbreaks of human Salmonella associated with backyard production systems.

Cassava bagasse and annatto colorific (Bixa orellana L. ) in diets for slow-growing broilers from 30 to 90 days of age / Bagaço de mandioca e colorífico de urucum (Bixa orellana L.) em dietas para frangos de crescimento lento de 30 a 90 dias de idade

The performance and breast skin color of slow-growing broilers from 30 to 90 days old fed diets with different inclusions of cassava bagasse and annatto colorific were evaluated. 308 slow-growing broilers were used in a completely randomized experimental design, in a factorial scheme with an additional treatment 3 X 2 + 1, with three levels of annatto colorific as a pigmentant agent (1%, 2% and 3%), two levels of cassava bagasse (10% and 20%) and an additional treatment (control diet), totaling seven treatments, four replicates and 11 broilers per experimental unit. Feed intake and feed conversion were affected by treatments, with interaction. The weight gain and final weight were influenced by the treatments and the best results were found for the inclusion of 10% cassava bagasse and 2% annatto colorific. There was no effect of treatment and no interaction on carcass yield. The color parameters L*, a* and b* were not influenced by treatments. The inclusion of 10% cassava bagasse and 1% annatto colorific for slow-growing broilers from 30 to 90 days of age is recommended. However, the use of these ingredients proved to be economically unfeasible.(AU)

Foram avaliados o desempenho e a cor da pele de frangos de corte de crescimento lento no período de 30 a 90 dias, alimentados com dietas com diferentes inclusões de bagaço de mandioca e colorífico de urucum. 308 frangos de corte de crescimento lento foram utilizados em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial com tratamento adicional 3 X 2 + 1, sendo três níveis de colorífico de urucum como agente pigmentante (1%, 2% e 3%), dois níveis de bagaço de mandioca (10% e 20%) e um tratamento adicional (dieta de controle), totalizando sete tratamentos, quatro repetições e 11 frangos de corte por unidade experimental. O consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar foram influenciados pelos tratamentos, com interação. O ganho de peso e o peso final foram influenciados pelos tratamentos (p<0,001) e os melhores resultados foram encontrados para a inclusão de 10% de bagaço de mandioca e 2% de colorífico de urucum. Não houve efeito dos tratamento e nenhuma interação sobre o rendimento da carcaça. Os parâmetros de cor L *, a * e b * não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. É recomendável a inclusão de bagaço de mandioca a 10% e 1% de colorífico de urucum para frangos de crescimento lento de 30 a 90 dias de idade. No entanto, o uso desses ingredientes provou ser economicamente inviável.(AU)

Cassava bagasse and annatto colorific (Bixa orellana L. ) in diets for slow-growing broilers from 30 to 90 days of age / Bagaço de mandioca e colorífico de urucum (Bixa orellana L.) em dietas para frangos de crescimento lento de 30 a 90 dias de idade

The performance and breast skin color of slow-growing broilers from 30 to 90 days old fed diets with different inclusions of cassava bagasse and annatto colorific were evaluated. 308 slow-growing broilers were used in a completely randomized experimental design, in a factorial scheme with an additional treatment 3 X 2 + 1, with three levels of annatto colorific as a pigmentant agent (1%, 2% and 3%), two levels of cassava bagasse (10% and 20%) and an additional treatment (control diet), totaling seven treatments, four replicates and 11 broilers per experimental unit. Feed intake and feed conversion were affected by treatments, with interaction. The weight gain and final weight were influenced by the treatments and the best results were found for the inclusion of 10% cassava bagasse and 2% annatto colorific. There was no effect of treatment and no interaction on carcass yield. The color parameters L*, a* and b* were not influenced by treatments. The inclusion of 10% cassava bagasse and 1% annatto colorific for slow-growing broilers from 30 to 90 days of age is recommended. However, the use of these ingredients proved to be economically unfeasible.

Foram avaliados o desempenho e a cor da pele de frangos de corte de crescimento lento no período de 30 a 90 dias, alimentados com dietas com diferentes inclusões de bagaço de mandioca e colorífico de urucum. 308 frangos de corte de crescimento lento foram utilizados em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial com tratamento adicional 3 X 2 + 1, sendo três níveis de colorífico de urucum como agente pigmentante (1%, 2% e 3%), dois níveis de bagaço de mandioca (10% e 20%) e um tratamento adicional (dieta de controle), totalizando sete tratamentos, quatro repetições e 11 frangos de corte por unidade experimental. O consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar foram influenciados pelos tratamentos, com interação. O ganho de peso e o peso final foram influenciados pelos tratamentos (p<0,001) e os melhores resultados foram encontrados para a inclusão de 10% de bagaço de mandioca e 2% de colorífico de urucum. Não houve efeito dos tratamento e nenhuma interação sobre o rendimento da carcaça. Os parâmetros de cor L *, a * e b * não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. É recomendável a inclusão de bagaço de mandioca a 10% e 1% de colorífico de urucum para frangos de crescimento lento de 30 a 90 dias de idade. No entanto, o uso desses ingredientes provou ser economicamente inviável.

Targeted survey of Newcastle disease virus in backyard poultry flocks located in wintering site for migratory birds from Southern Brazil.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a fast-spreading, highly contagious infectious disease in several bird species. Commercial poultry farms in Brazil were considered free of virulent NDV. Data on NDV infection levels in backyard poultry flocks and the epidemiology of the disease are limited. The aim of this study was to perform a NDV survey in backyard poultry from households flocks located around one of the main wintering sites for migratory wild birds in Brazil, and to identify potential risk factors associated with NDV. Backyard poultry may be sentinels and a source of infection for commercial poultry, since they may have as much contact with these birds as with migratory wild birds. Data were collected from 48 randomly selected households using an epidemiological questionnaire. Serum samples from poultry were tested for NDV antibodies using an ELISA, and tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected for NDV molecular detection. The risk factors were assessed using a multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance. The ELISA showed that 33.8% of the serum samples were positive for anti-NDV antibodies and in 42 households (87.5%) at least one NDV-positive bird was found. Tracheal and cloacal swabs were negative for NDV by real time RT-PCR, possible because within this region there might flow a low pathogenicity NDV strain, which can induce seroconversion with innaparent clinical findings. The prevalence ratio (PR) increased when farmers used their own replacement poultry to restock their flock (PR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.11-2.42). Furthermore, the increasing distance of the household flock from the "Laguna do Peixe" estuary was associated with decreasing NDV seropositivity (PR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.99). This is the first study in Brazil evaluating the presence of NDV and the associated risk factors in households with backyard poultry flocks. The great number of farms with seropositive birds indicates that the virus circulates in backyard flocks, and this breeding system may be a source of NDV. These data can be used to establish appropriate biosecurity and husbandry measures for this type of breeding system to prevent NDV spread in Brazil.

Detecção do vírus da Influenza Aviária, Paramyxovirus tipo 1 (vírus da Doença de Newcastle), Mycoplasma gallisepticum e Mycoplasma synoviae em aves silvestres e domésticas próximas às granjas avícolas comerciais nas regiões de Mogi das Cruzes e Louveira do Estado de São Paulo / Detection of Influenzavirus, Paramyxovirus I, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in free-ranging birds and backyard chicken around poultry farms in Mogi das Cruzes and Louveira, São Paulo state

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, detectar o vírus da Influenza aviária, Paramyxovirus tipo 1 (doença de Newcastle), Mycoplasma gallisepticum e Mycoplasma synoviae, respectivamente pelas técnicas de RT-PCR e PCR, em aves domésticas e aves em vida livre próximas às granjas avícolas nas cidades de Mogi das Cruzes e Louveira do Estado de São Paulo. As aves silvestres foram capturadas, anilhadas, submetidas à avaliação de estado geral e à coleta de suabes de orofaringe e cloaca. As aves de subsistência ou fundo de quintal seguiram o mesmo protocolo com a exceção do anilhamento, e tiveram amostras de sangue coletadas para a pesquisa de anticorpos contra o vírus da Doença de Newcastle, Mycoplasma gallisepticum e Mycoplasma synoviae pela técnica de ELISA indireto. Foram considerados os aspectos da biodiversidade entre as espécies silvestres capturadas e a biossegurança nas granjas. As aves silvestres apresentaram resultados negativos nesta pesquisa, no entanto, Mycoplasma gallisepticum e Mycoplasma synoviae foram detectados pela técnica da PCR nas aves de subsistência, assim como apresentaram títulos de anticorpos para os agentes acima citados e para o Paramyxovirus tipo I. Duas granjas não possuíam medidas de biosseguridade adequadas permitindo o contato de animais de vida livre com as aves de fundo de quintal e com as aves de produção, o que pode facilitar a disseminação de patógenos de interesse para a saúde pública e para a avicultura comercial

The aim of this study is to detect avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus (Paramyxovirus I), Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in backyard chicken and wildlife birds around commercial poultry farms using RT-PCR and PCR. The birds were captured with mist nets, identified with alluminium leg rings, subjected to the assessment of clinical conditions and samples were collected by oral and cloacal swabs. The same was done with backyard chicken without the identification with leg rings. Blood samples were collected from backyard chicken and tested for antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae and Paramyxovirus I by indirect ELISA test. This study was conducted in Mogi das Cruzes and Louveira, São Paulo state, where the commercial poultry is considered an activity of great importance. The results were negative to wild birds, but we could detect Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae by PCR and antibodies titles for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae and Newcastle disease in backyard chickens.Two farms didn´t have appropriate biosecurity measures, allowing intense contact with free-living birds, backyard chicken and poultry facilitating spread of pathogens with concern to human health and poultry farms

Avaliação de diferentes vias vacinais para vacinação contra o vírus da doença de Newcastle em aves de fundo de quintal / Assessment of different vaccination approaches against Newcastle disease virus in domestic backyard poultry

Foram avaliadas três vias de aplicação vacinal contra o vírus da doença de Newcastle em aves de criatório de fundo de quintal (AFQ) jovens e adultas. Um total de 135 AFQ foram distribuídas em tratamentos distintos de acordo com a via vacinal: via ocular (VO), água de bebida (VAB) e alimentar (VA). Cada tratamento foi representado por 40 aves (20 jovens e 20 adultas) e utilizou-se um grupo-controle de 15 aves não vacinadas. O programa de vacinação estabelecido constou de uma primovacinação e dois reforços vacinais, utilizando-se a cepa La Sota. Para aves jovens, os títulos obtidos pelas VO e VAB não diferiram aos 15, 45 e 140 dias, mas houve diferenças nos títulos das aves vacinadas pela VA. Nas aves adultas, a vacinação pela VO apresentou resultados mais elevados que as vacinações pelas VAB e VA na primeira resposta, aos 15 dias. Aos 45 dias, os títulos obtidos pela VAB foram mais baixos que os obtidos pela VO, e, aos 140 dias, não houve diferença entre as três vias avaliadas. Concluiu-se que as vacinações pelas VO e VAB constituem alternativas eficazes para vacinação de AFQ jovens e adultas.(AU)

Three ways of vaccination against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) were evaluated in young and adults domestic backyard poultry (DBP). A total of 135 DBP was submitted to three different administration routes of ND vaccine: eye-drop, drinking water, and feed. Each treatment consisted of 40 birds (20 young and 20 adult) and a control group of 15 unvaccinated birds. The treatment consisted of a first vaccination and two boosters, using La Sota strain. For young birds, the eye-drop and drinking water vaccinations presented no differences at 15, 45, and 140 days, differing from the titers obtained by birds treated by feed vaccination method. In the adult birds, the eye-drop administration presented higher titers than by drinking water and feed approaches in the first response to the vaccination at 15 days. At 45 days, the results obtained by the drinking water had lower titers than those from the eye-drop. The three vaccination methods presented no difference at 140 days. In conclusion, the vaccination by eye-drop and drinking water methods constituted an efficient alternative of vaccination for adult and young DBP against Newcastle virus.(AU)

Avaliação de diferentes vias vacinais para vacinação contra o vírus da doença de Newcastle em aves de fundo de quintal / Assessment of different vaccination approaches against Newcastle disease virus in domestic backyard poultry

Foram avaliadas três vias de aplicação vacinal contra o vírus da doença de Newcastle em aves de criatório de fundo de quintal (AFQ) jovens e adultas. Um total de 135 AFQ foram distribuídas em tratamentos distintos de acordo com a via vacinal: via ocular (VO), água de bebida (VAB) e alimentar (VA). Cada tratamento foi representado por 40 aves (20 jovens e 20 adultas) e utilizou-se um grupo-controle de 15 aves não vacinadas. O programa de vacinação estabelecido constou de uma primovacinação e dois reforços vacinais, utilizando-se a cepa La Sota. Para aves jovens, os títulos obtidos pelas VO e VAB não diferiram aos 15, 45 e 140 dias, mas houve diferenças nos títulos das aves vacinadas pela VA. Nas aves adultas, a vacinação pela VO apresentou resultados mais elevados que as vacinações pelas VAB e VA na primeira resposta, aos 15 dias. Aos 45 dias, os títulos obtidos pela VAB foram mais baixos que os obtidos pela VO, e, aos 140 dias, não houve diferença entre as três vias avaliadas. Concluiu-se que as vacinações pelas VO e VAB constituem alternativas eficazes para vacinação de AFQ jovens e adultas.

Three ways of vaccination against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) were evaluated in young and adults domestic backyard poultry (DBP). A total of 135 DBP was submitted to three different administration routes of ND vaccine: eye-drop, drinking water, and feed. Each treatment consisted of 40 birds (20 young and 20 adult) and a control group of 15 unvaccinated birds. The treatment consisted of a first vaccination and two boosters, using La Sota strain. For young birds, the eye-drop and drinking water vaccinations presented no differences at 15, 45, and 140 days, differing from the titers obtained by birds treated by feed vaccination method. In the adult birds, the eye-drop administration presented higher titers than by drinking water and feed approaches in the first response to the vaccination at 15 days. At 45 days, the results obtained by the drinking water had lower titers than those from the eye-drop. The three vaccination methods presented no difference at 140 days. In conclusion, the vaccination by eye-drop and drinking water methods constituted an efficient alternative of vaccination for adult and young DBP against Newcastle virus.

Anticorpos contra vírus em galinhas de terreiro do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Antibodies against avian viruses in backyard poultry from the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

No Brasil, a população de aves conhecida como galinhas de terreiro encontra-se fora do sistema de biosseguridade aplicada às criações comerciais. Para investigar a presença de anticorpos contra alguns vírus específicos nesta população, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 867 aves não-vacinadas em 60 propriedades de 22 municípios do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O soro foi testado para a presença de anticorpos contra o vírus da bronquite infecciosa das galinhas (IBV), reovírus aviário (ARV) e o vírus da doença infecciosa da bolsa (IBDV) pela técnica de soroneutralização. Anticorpos contra IBV foram detectados em 65 por cento (564/867) das amostras, contra ARV em 21,6 por cento (187/867) e contra IBDV em 80,2 por cento (695/867) das aves. Todas as propriedades avaliadas apresentavam uma ave positiva para anticorpos contra IBV e IBDV e 88,3 por cento delas eram positivas para ARV. Os resultados demonstram que esses vírus estão presentes em galinhas de terreiro nas criações avícolas não-industriais da região central do Estado. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de um programa de vigilância permanente nessa população e ainda indicam a necessidade de avaliar o impacto destas infecções nos próprios plantéis e o risco associado à transmissão destas às criações comerciais.

The backyard poultry are not included in the biosecurity system applied in commercial flocks in Brazil. To investigate the presence of antibodies to specific viral pathogens in this population, blood samples were collected from 867 non-vaccinated birds, from 60 flocks in 22 counties of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The samples were tested to detect antibodies against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian reovirus (ARV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), through the virus neutralization test. Antibodies to IBV were detected in 65 percent (564/867), against ARV in 21.6 percent (187/867), and against IBDV in 80.2 percent (695/867) of the samples. All the flocks had chickens positive to IBV and IBDV antibodies, and 88.3 percent of them harbored antibodies to ARV. The results show the presence of these viruses in backyard poultry from the central region of the State. It also indicates the need for additional studies aimed to evaluate the real importance of these infections for this type of flocks.