Research Note: Water applied direct-fed microbial reduced mortality in heat stressed broilers.

Pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry has intensified research on alternative solutions to support intestinal health, including but not limited to direct fed microbials (DFM). Heat stress is known to impact intestinal health and function. The aim of this study was to determine efficacy of a water applied DFM product on broiler performance during the summer period. One of two treatments were randomly allocated to 12 replicate floor pens each: a control treatment and a treatment provided daily with a dual strain DFM comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus AG01 and Bifidobacterium animalis AG02 at 1 × 108 CFU/bird/d. Each pen contained 20 Ross 308 broilers. All birds were fed the same three-phased wheat- and soybean meal-based diets. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were measured at d 0, 10, 24, 35, and 42. Due to natural extreme external temperature conditions, all birds were subject to heat stress during the end of the grower phase up to and including the finisher phase. Temperature was on average 5°C higher compared to industry recommendation. No significant differences were found in growth performance between the control and DFM treatment, yet BW at d 42 in both treatments was reduced by 19% compared to the breed standard. The DFM treatment significantly reduced mortality among the birds. Overall mortality from d 1 to d 35 was reduced from 4.58% to 0.42% (P = 0.023) and overall mortality from d 1 to d 42 was reduced from 5.83 to 0.83% (P = 0.027). This was driven by the difference in heat-stress related mortality in the finisher phase from d 25 to d 42, where mortality reached only 0.44% in the DFM treatment versus 2.88% in the unsupplemented control treatment. Post-mortem analysis confirmed heat-stress related hypoxia. In conclusion, the dual strain DFM may have provided improved (intestinal) homeostasis and barrier function allowing increased resilience to heat stress in broilers.

Elucidating the Varying Impact of Necrotic Enteritis Using Performance and Health Indicators in Broiler Infection Models.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) continues to be a significant burden to the poultry industry, compounded by pressure to reduce antibiotic use. Researchers use NE-challenge models to study the infection biology of NE and as screening tools to develop potential novel interventions. Currently, data are limited comparing such models between research establishments, and few indicate which quantitative metrics provide the most accurate measure for determining the efficacy of interventions. We compared data from 10 independent NE-challenge trials incorporating six challenge models employed in four geographical regions to determine the extent of variability in bird responses and to determine, using principal component analysis (PCA), which variables discriminated most effectively between nonchallenged control (NC) and challenged control (CC) groups. Response variables related to growth performance (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion), health (mortality, lesion scores, NE induction rate), and, in three trials only, gut integrity (tight junction protein claudin-1, claudin-2, and zonula occludens-1 expression, coccidia counts, and intestinal permeability [assessed by FITC-dextran assay]). Treatments included a CC, which varied between trials (for example, in Eimeria predisposition, Clostridium perfringens strain, and days of inoculation), and a NC. The degree of response to challenge in CC birds varied significantly among models and trials. In all trials, lesion scores 1 to 4 days postchallenge were increased in CC vs. NC birds and varied both within and among models (by 0.29-1.17 points and 0.05-2.50 points, respectively). In addition, NE-related mortality at day 28 was increased in CC vs. NC, both within and among models (by 1.79%-4.72% and 0.02%-16.70%, respectively), and final (day 35 or 42) body weight was reduced by 3.9%-14.4% and overall FCR increased by up to 27% across trials (P , 0.05). A PCA on the combined dataset including only performance indicators failed to adequately differentiate NC and CC groups. However, the combination of performance and gut integrity variables and standardization of data by trial and phase achieved greater resolution between groups. This indicated that the inclusion of both types of variables in future NE-challenge studies would enable the generation of more robust predictions about intervention efficacy from different types of infection models. A final PCA based on a subset of key indicator variables, including body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, and lesion score, achieved a good level of separation between NC and CC status of birds and could, with further research, be a useful supplement to existing approaches for assessing and predicting the NE status of birds in the field.

Determinación del impacto variable de la enteritis necrótica mediante indicadores de rendimiento y salud en modelos de infección de pollos de engorde. La enteritis necrótica (EN) sigue siendo un problema importante para la industria avícola, que se ha agudizado por la presión para reducir el uso de antibióticos. Los investigadores utilizan modelos de desafío de enteritis necrótica para estudiar la biología de la infección de este problema y como herramientas de detección para desarrollar posibles intervenciones novedosas. Actualmente, los datos que comparan dichos modelos entre grupos de investigación son limitados y pocos indican qué métricas cuantitativas proporcionan la medida más precisa para determinar la eficacia de las intervenciones. Comparamos datos de 10 ensayos independientes de desafío para enteritis necrótica que incorporan seis modelos de desafío empleados en cuatro regiones geográficas para determinar el grado de variabilidad en las respuestas de las aves y determinar, utilizando el análisis de componentes principales (PCA), qué variables discriminaron más efectivamente entre el control no desafiado (NC) y grupos de control desafiados (CC). Variables de respuesta relacionadas con el rendimiento del crecimiento (aumento de peso, consumo de alimento, conversión alimenticia), salud (mortalidad, puntuaciones de lesiones, tasa de inducción de enteritis necrótica) y, en sólo tres ensayos, la integridad intestinal (proteína de unión estrecha claudina-1, claudina-2, y expresión de zonula occludens-1, recuentos de coccidias y permeabilidad intestinal [evaluada mediante ensayo FITC-dextrano]). Los tratamientos incluyeron un control desafiado, que fue variable entre los ensayos (por ejemplo, en la predisposición a Eimeria, la cepa de Clostridium perfringens y los días de inoculación) y un control no desafiado. El grado de respuesta al desafío en aves del grupo control desafiado varió significativamente entre modelos y ensayos. En todos los ensayos, las puntuaciones de lesiones de 1 a 4 días después del desafío aumentaron en las aves del grupo control desafiado en comparación con el control no desafiado y variaron tanto dentro como entre los modelos (entre 0.29 y 1.17 puntos y entre 0.05 y 2.50 puntos, respectivamente). Además, la mortalidad relacionada con enteritis necrótica en el día 28 aumentó en el control desafiado en comparación con el control no desafiado, tanto dentro como entre modelos (entre un 1.79% y un 4.72% y entre un 0.02% y un 16.70%, respectivamente), y el peso corporal final (día 35 o 42). se redujo entre un 3.9% y un 14.4% y la conversión alimenticia en general aumentó hasta un 27% en todos los ensayos (P ,0.05). El análisis de componentes principales sobre el conjunto de datos combinado que incluye solo indicadores de desempeño no logró diferenciar adecuadamente los grupos control no desafiado y desafiado. Sin embargo, la combinación de variables de rendimiento e integridad intestinal y la estandarización de los datos por ensayo y fase lograron una mayor resolución entre los grupos. Esto indicó que la inclusión de ambos tipos de variables en futuros estudios de desafío para enteritis necrótica permitiría la generación de predicciones más sólidas sobre la eficacia de la intervención a partir de diferentes tipos de modelos de infección. Un análisis de componentes principales final basado en un subconjunto de variables indicadoras clave, incluido el peso corporal, el consumo de alimento, el índice de conversión alimenticia, la mortalidad y la puntuación de las lesiones, logró un buen nivel de separación entre el estado de las aves no desafiadas y desafiadas y podría, con más investigación, ser un complemento útil a los enfoques existentes para evaluar y predecir el estado de enteritis necrótica de las aves en el campo.

Multiphasic nonlinear mixed growth models for laying hens.

Appropriate evaluation of BW and gain during rearing is required for optimal extended laying performance in laying hens. The objective of this study was to compare monophasic, diphasic, and triphasic Gompertz and logistic models describing BW and gain in individually fed free-run laying hens and to study the variation between individuals in shape parameters. Fifteen Lohmann Brown Lite hens were fed ad libitum from week 0 to 43 with a precision feeding system, measuring feed intake and BW individually in a group housed setting. Random variables related to mature weight and timing of maximum gain during the pubertal growth phase were introduced into the multiphasic model for BW with the best fit. For both the weight-age and gain-age functions, the diphasic and triphasic Gompertz and logistic model models fitted the data better than the monophasic models. The Gompertz model was able to identify the ages at the highest gain at similar time points for both BW and gain, whereas the logistic models failed to do so. The derivative of the multiphasic Gompertz models for the gain-age relationship identified age at the highest gain at similar ages as compared with the logistic models for gain. The mixed models predicted that the individual mature BW ranged from 1.83 kg to 2.10 kg and the variability in the timing of the highest rate of gain during the pubertal growth spurt ranged from 15.26 wk to 19.79 wk. Including random terms associated with the mature BW and the second inflection point of the diphasic Gompertz growth model allowed for identification of variability in the growth curve shape between individuals, which can be a tool to study the relationship between the individual growth curve shape and performance parameters.

Modeling life-time energy partitioning in broiler breeders with differing body weight and rearing photoperiods.

Understanding energy partitioning in broiler breeders is needed to provide efficiency indicators for breeding purposes. This study compared 4 nonlinear models partitioning metabolizable energy (ME) intake to BW, average daily gain (ADG), and egg mass (EM) and described the effect of BW and rearing photoperiod on energy partitioning. Ross 708 broiler breeders (n = 180) were kept in 6 pens, controlling individual BW of free run birds with precision feeding stations. Half of the birds in each chamber were assigned to the breeder-recommended target BW curve (Standard) or to an accelerated target BW curve reaching the 21-week BW at week 18 (High). Pairs of chambers were randomly assigned to 8L:16D, 10L:14D, or 12L:12D rearing photoschedules and photostimulated with 16L:8D at week 21. Model [I] was: MEId = a × BWb + c × ADG × BWd + e × EM + Îµ, where MEId = daily ME intake (kcal/day); BW in kg; ADG in g/day; EM in g/day. Models [II-IV] were nonlinear mixed versions of model [I] and included individual [II], age-related [III], or both individual and age-related [IV] random terms to explain these sources of variation in maintenance requirement (a). Differences were reported as significant at P ≤ 0.05. The mean square error was 2,111, 1,532, 1,668, and 46 for models [I-IV] respectively, inferring extra random variation was explained by incorporating 1 or 2 random terms. Estimated ME partitioned to maintenance [IV] was 130.6 ± 1.15 kcal/kg0.58, and the ME requirement for ADG and EM were 0.63 ± 0.03 kcal/g/kg0.54 and 2.42 ± 0.04 kcal/g, respectively. During the laying period, maintenance estimates were 124.2 and 137.4 kcal/kg0.58 for standard and high BW treatment, and 130.7, 132.2, and 129.5 kcal/kg0.58 for the 8L:16D, 10L:14D, or 12L:12D treatments, respectively. Although hens on the standard BW treatment with a 12L:12D rearing photoschedule were most energetically conservative, their reproductive performance was the poorest. Model IV provided a new biologically sound method for estimation of life-time energy partitioning in broiler breeders including an age-related random term.

Comparison of mathematical and comparative slaughter methodologies for determination of heat production and energy retention in broilers.

Understanding factors affecting ME availability for productive processes is an important step in optimal feed formulation. This study compared a modelling methodology with the comparative slaughter technique (CST) to estimate energy partitioning to heat production and energy retention (RE) and to investigate differences in heat dissipation. At hatch, 50 broilers were randomly allocated in one of 4 pens equipped with a precision feeding station. From day 14 to day 45, they were either fed with a low-ME (3,111 kcal/kg ME) or a high-ME (3,383 kcal/kg ME) diet. At day 19, birds were assigned to pair-feeding in groups of 6 with lead birds eating ad libitum (100%) and follow birds eating at either 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the paired lead's cumulative feed intake. Heat production and RE were estimated by CST and with a nonlinear mixed model explaining daily ME intake (MEI) as a function of metabolic BW and average daily gain (ADG). The energy partitioning model predicted MEI = (145.10 + u) BW0.83 + 1.09 × BW-0.18 × ADG1.19 + Îµ. The model underestimated heat production by 13.4% and overestimated RE by 22.8% compared with the CST. The model was not able to distinguish between net energy for gain values of the diets (1,448 ± 18.5 kcal/kg vs. 1,493 ± 18.0 kcal/kg for the low-ME and high-ME diet, respectively), whereas the CST found a 148 kcal/kg difference between the low-ME and high-ME diets (1,101 ± 22.5 kcal/kg vs. 1,249 ± 22.0 kcal/kg, respectively). The estimates of the net energy for gain values of the 2 diets decreased with increasing feed restriction. The heat increment of feeding did not differ between birds fed with the low- or high-ME diet (26% of MEI). Additional measurements on heat dissipation, physical activity, and immune status indicated that the energetic content of the diet and feed restriction affect some parameters (shank temperature, feeding station visits) but not others (leukocyte counts, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and immune cell function).

A model of pre-pubertal broiler breeder estradiol-17ß levels predicts advanced sexual maturation for birds with high body weight or short juvenile day-length exposure.

As broiler breeders face increased reproductive challenges specifically related to overfeeding, a clear understanding of the physiological effects of BW and rearing photoperiod on reproductive development is needed. The objective was to use mathematical models to compare plasma estradiol-17ß (E2) concentration to characterize the effect of BW and rearing photoperiod on E2 levels. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used. Hens (n = 180) were fed with a precision feeding system to allocate feed individually to achieve the breeder-recommended BW curve (Standard) or to a BW curve reaching the 21 wk target at 18 wk (High). Hens were on 8L:16D, 10L:14D, or 12L:12D photoschedules during rearing and were photostimulated at 21 wk. Age at first egg (AFE) was recorded. Plasma E2 levels were determined weekly between week 20 and 28. Two modified Gompertz models described E2 level as a function of (a) chronological or (b) physiological (relative to AFE) age. Timing of E2-inflection point was compared between models and treatments. Differences were reported as significant at P ≤ 0.05. The chronological age model inferred that High BW reduced the duration between the E2-inflection point and AFE, whereas the physiological age model inferred that High BW only reduced the duration between photostimulation and the E2-inflection point. Hens on the Standard BW treatment had a longer period between photostimulation and the E2-inflection point compared to hens on the High-BW treatment (11.03 vs. 1.50 wk, respectively, based on physiological age). Hens on the 12L:12D photoschedule had a longer period between photostimulation and the E2-inflection point compared to hens on the 8L:16D or 10L:14D photoschedule, both in the Standard and High BW (28.91 vs. 1.78 and 2.40 wk, 2.65 vs. 0.93 and 0.94 wk, respectively, based on physiological age). The described methodology and results provide quantitative insight into E2 dynamics and serves as a model for future endocrinological studies in poultry reproduction.

The effect of rearing photoperiod on broiler breeder reproductive performance depended on body weight.

Body weight (BW) and rearing photoperiod are important factors affecting sexual maturation rate and reproductive performance in broiler breeders. The current experiment used a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments to study the interaction between BW and rearing photoperiod on reproductive performance in group housed broiler breeder hens, while minimizing variation in BW. Hens (n = 180) were fed with a precision feeding system to allocate feed individually to achieve the breeder-recommended target curve (Standard) or to a target curve that reached the 21 wk BW at 18 wk (High). Hens were on 8L:16D, 10L:14D, or 12L:12D photoschedules during rearing and were photostimulated at 21 wk with a 16L:8D photoschedule. Sexual maturity (defined as age at first egg) and individual egg production to 55 wk were recorded. At 55 wk, proportional weights of individual body components were determined by dissection. Differences were reported as significant at P ≤ 0.05. A significant interaction between BW and rearing photoschedule affected age at sexual maturity and egg production. In the High BW treatment, age at sexual maturity did not differ between hens under the 8L:16D and 10L:14D photoschedules (173 vs. 172 d, respectively). In the Standard BW treatment, the 12L:12D rearing photoperiod delayed sexual maturity compared with the 8L:16D rearing photoperiod (266 vs. 180 d, respectively). All hens on the High BW treatment laid at least 1 egg before the end of the experiment. Conversely, 3.3, 18.1, and 37.6% of Standard BW hens on the 8L:16D, 10L:14D, and 12L:12D photoschedules, respectively, never commenced egg production. At the end of the experiment, proportional breast weight was higher and proportional fatpad weight was lower in Standard compared to High BW hens (25.8 vs. 27.5% and 2.4 vs. 1.5% of BW, respectively). We conclude that increased BW partially counters the effect of longer photoschedules on sexual maturity in broiler breeders and that dissipation of the photorefractory state depends on BW.

Early photostimulation at the recommended body weight reduced broiler breeder performance.

To synchronize the onset of sexual maturity in the face of high BW variation, the age at photostimulation has been increasing in the broiler breeder industry. This experiment studied the effects of increased BW and earlier photostimulation on broiler breeder reproductive performance where within-treatment BW uniformity was very high. The experiment tested BW and age at photostimulation treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Hens (n = 120) were fed with a precision feeding system to allocate feed individually following the breeder-recommended target BW (Standard) or to a 22% heavier target BW curve reaching the Standard 21 wk BW at 18 wk (High). Hens were photostimulated at either 18 wk (18WK) or 21 wk (21WK) with a 16L:8D photoschedule. Age at first egg (AFE) and individual egg production to 55 wk were recorded. Differences were reported as significant if P ≤ 0.05. The AFE was decreased and maturation interval between photostimulation and AFE was shorter for hens on the High BW treatment compared to the Standard BW treatment (178.1 vs. 194.7 d and 41.8 vs. 58.2 d, respectively). Hens on the 21WK treatment had a decreased AFE compared to the 18WK treatment (177.0 d vs. 195.9 d) and their maturation interval was shorter (30.0 d vs. 69.9 d). The CV for AFE was higher in the 18WK treatment compared to the 21WK treatment (28.2% vs. 11.2%). Total egg production was higher for hens on the High BW treatment compared to the Standard BW treatment (129.4 vs. 92.8, respectively). Total egg production was higher for hens on the 21WK treatment compared to the 18WK treatment (138.4 vs. 83.8, respectively). Egg weight of Standard BW × 18WK hens was lower compared to High BW × 18WK hens. Current recommended breeder BW may be too low for optimal sexual maturation after photostimulation. It is concluded that even when BW variation is minimized, photostimulation at 18 wk of age is not recommended.

The effect of quantitative feed restriction on allometric growth in broilers.

Feed restriction in broilers is aimed at preventing metabolic disorders, increasing feed efficiency, or manipulating carcass conformation. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of modest graded levels feed restriction during the second and third wk of life. Mixed-sex chickens were raised in pens with 4 replications per treatment to 35 d of age. Chickens were fed ad libitum throughout the trial, or 90, 80, or 70% of expected ad libitum feed intake during the second wk of life, or 95, 90, 85, or 80% of expected ad libitum feed intake during the third wk of life. Feed intake, BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured and weekly dissections were conducted to characterize allometric growth of the breast muscle, legs, abdominal fat pad, liver, gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), and heart. Feeding 70% of ad libitum during wk 2 and 80% during wk 3 reduced ADG during the restriction period and reduced BW at the end of the restriction period, but chickens exhibited complete compensatory growth within one wk after the restriction period. No significant effects of restriction treatment were found on BW, FCR, fat pad, empty GIT, breast muscle, heart, legs, and liver weight at d 35, but allometric growth curve for breast muscle was lower in birds fed 80 and 85% of ad libitum during wk 3, and for birds fed 70% of ad libitum in wk 2. Allometric growth curves for all body parts were different between males and females, except for the liver. Females had higher relative fat pad, breast muscle, and liver weight and a lower GIT and heart and leg weight compared with males at d 35. Feed restriction could differentially affect males and females. This study showed that feeding 70% of ad libitum in wk 2 might be beneficial to reduce fat pad, but later feed restriction in wk 3 may reduce breast muscle weight at broiler processing age.

Effects of feed access after hatch and inclusion of fish oil and medium chain fatty acids in a pre-starter diet on broiler chicken growth performance and humoral immunity.

Delayed feed and water access is known to impair growth performance of day old broiler chickens. Although effects of feed access on growth performance and immune function of broilers have been examined before, effects of dietary composition and its potential interaction with feed access are hardly investigated. This experiment aimed to determine whether moment of first feed and water access after hatch and pre-starter composition (0 to 7 days) affect growth rate and humoral immune function in broiler chickens. Direct fed chickens received feed and water directly after placement in the grow-out facility, whilst delayed fed chickens only after 48 h. Direct and delayed fed chickens received a control pre-starter diet, or a diet containing medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) or fish oil. At 21 days, chickens were immunized by injection of sheep red blood cells. The mortality rate depended on an interaction between feed access and pre-starter composition (P=0.014). Chickens with direct feed access fed the control pre-starter diet had a higher risk for mortality than chickens with delayed feed access fed the control pre-starter diet (16.4% v. 4.2%) whereas the other treatment groups were in-between. BW gain and feed intake till 25 days in direct fed chickens were higher compared with delayed fed chickens, whilst gain to feed ratio was lower. Within the direct fed chickens, the control pre-starter diet resulted in the highest BW at 28 days and the MCFA pre-starter diet the lowest (Δ=2.4%), whereas this was opposite for delayed fed chickens (Δ=3.0%; P=0.033). Provision of MCFA resulted in a 4.6% higher BW gain and a higher gain to feed ratio compared with other pre-starter diets, but only during the period it was provided (2 to 7 days). Minor treatment effects were found for humoral immune response by measuring immunoglobulins, agglutination titers, interferon gamma (IFN- γ ), and complement activity. Concluding, current inclusion levels of fish oil (5 g/kg) and MCFA (30 g/kg) in the pre-starter diet appear to have limited (carryover) effects on growth and development, as well as on humoral immune function.

Genetic and Non-Genetic Inheritance of Natural Antibodies Binding Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin in a Purebred Layer Chicken Line.

Natural antibodies (NAb) are defined as antibodies present in individuals without known antigenic challenge. Levels of NAb binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in chickens were earlier shown to be heritable, and to be associated with survival. Selective breeding may thus provide a strategy to improve natural disease resistance. We phenotyped 3,689 white purebred laying chickens for KLH binding NAb of different isotypes around 16 weeks of age. Heritabilities of 0.12 for the titers of total antibodies (IgT), 0.14 for IgM, 0.10 for IgA, and 0.07 for IgG were estimated. We also estimated high, positive genetic, and moderate to high, positive phenotypic correlations of IgT, IgM, IgA, and IgG, suggesting that selective breeding for NAb can be done on all antibody isotypes simultaneously. In addition, a relatively substantial non-genetic maternal environmental effect of 0.06 was detected for IgM, which may reflect a transgenerational effect. This suggests that not only the genes of the mother, but also the maternal environment affects the immune system of the offspring. Breaking strength and early eggshell whiteness of the mother's eggs were predictive for IgM levels in the offspring, and partly explained the observed maternal environmental effects. The present results confirm that NAb are heritable, however maternal effects should be taken into account.

Genetic relations between natural antibodies binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin and production traits in a purebred layer chicken line.

Natural antibodies (NAb) are an important component of the first line of immune defense. Selective breeding for enhanced NAb levels in chickens may improve general disease resistance. It is unknown what the consequences of selection for NAb will be on the productive performance of laying hens. In this paper we describe the genetic relations between NAb titers binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin at 19 wk age and production traits in a white purebred leghorn chicken line observed in several time periods. A linear animal model was used to estimate (co)variance components, heritabilities, and correlations. Negative genetic correlations were found between egg weight and NAb titers, and between egg breaking strength and NAb titers. Positive genetic correlations were found between the feed conversion ratio (consumed feed/egg mass produced) and NAb titers, and egg production and NAb titers. Negative phenotypic correlations were found between body weight and NAb titers, between egg weight and NAb titers, and between egg breaking strength and NAb titers. Positive phenotypic correlations were found between egg production and NAb titers, and feed conversion ratio and NAb titers. In general, phenotypic correlations were more often significant, but less pronounced than genetic correlations. Other production traits were not found to be significant related to NAb titers. These findings suggest that there is a genetic tradeoff between levels of immunity and some production traits, although the underlying mechanism(s) remain(s) unclear. The results suggest possible consequences for production efficiency as a result of selective breeding for improved general disease resistance by natural antibodies.