Effects of initial litter contamination level with Eimeria acervulina on population dynamics and production characteristics in broilers.

The present experiment was done to obtain experimental evidence supporting the existence of an optimal initial contamination level of Eimeria acervulina with respect to broiler productivity, as suggested by simulation model outcomes. Three levels of initial (on Day 3) contamination of the litter were applied (low, intermediate and high). The peak of oocyst excretion during the flock cycle (grow-out) (Days 0-36) depended on the initial contamination level. Oocysts peaked at Day 15, 22 and 33 for the high, intermediate and low contamination level, respectively. Antibody titres and plasma carotenoid contents were not significantly affected by contamination levels. Average body weight at the end of the flock cycle (Day 36) and average daily body weight gain were significantly higher at the intermediate contamination level compared with the low and high contamination levels. Average body weight at Day 36 was 1681 g, 1712 g and 1674 g for the low, intermediate and high contamination level, respectively. Average daily weight gain was 45.7 g, 46.5 g and 45.5 g for the low, intermediate and high contamination level, respectively. Thus, the data from this experiment support the existence of an optimum initial contamination level for E. acervulina with respect to performance results.

[Respiratory problems, growth retardation and arthritis in turkeys and broilers caused by a Pasteurella-like organism: Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale or 'Taxon 28']. / Ademhalingsproblemen, groeivertraging en gewrichtsontsteking bij kalkoenen en vleeskuikens door een Pasteurella-achtige bacterie: Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale of 'Taxon 28'.

Since August 1993 moderate to serious respiratory problems with necrotic pneumonia, growth depression and fast increasing mortality are seen in commercial turkeys (2-8 weeks of age) and broilers (4-6 weeks of age). An unidentified pleiomorphic Gram-negative rod was isolated from affected tissues. This Pasteurella-like organism, with yet unknown taxonomy, is recently named Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale gen. nov. sp. nov. or 'Taxon 28'. Experimentally severe growth depression and arthritis could be evoked in commercial turkeys and chickens. Respiratory signs caused by O. rhinotracheale could not (yet) be reproduced experimentally. This is the first report of the isolation of this organism in poultry in the Netherlands findings.