Phylogenetic analyses of Salmonella detected along the broiler production chain in Trinidad and Tobago.

This study was conducted to determine the phylogenies of Salmonella strains isolated from cross-sectional studies conducted at hatcheries, broiler farms, processing plants, and retail outlets (broiler production chain) in Trinidad and Tobago over 4 yr (2016-2019). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize Salmonella isolates. Core genome phylogenies of 8 serovars of public health significance were analyzed for similarities in origin and relatedness. In addition, Salmonella strains isolated from human salmonellosis cases in Trinidad were analyzed for their relatedness to the isolates detected along the broiler production chain. The common source of these isolates of diverse serovars within farms, within processing plants, between processing plants and retail outlets, and among farm-processing plant-retail outlet continuum was well-supported (bootstrap value >70%) by the core genome phylogenies for the respective serovars. Also, genome analyses revealed clustering of Salmonella serovars of regional (intra-Caribbean) and international (extra-Caribbean) origin. Similarly, strains of S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis isolated from human clinical salmonellosis in 2019 from Trinidad and Tobago clustered with our processing plant isolates recovered in 2018. This study is the first phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella isolates using WGS from the broiler industry in the Caribbean region. The use of WGS confirmed the genetic relatedness and transmission of Salmonella serovars contaminating chickens in broiler processing, and retailing in the country, with zoonotic and food safety implications for humans.

Commercial Feed Diluted with Different Fiber Sources and Enzyme Product for Broilers: Growth Performance, Carcass and Gut Health

The dilution of commercial broiler feed with copra meal (CM), palm kernel meal (PKM) and cassava leaf meal (CLM) and enzyme supplementation was investigated. Two hundred and eighty 7-day old Cobb 500 broilers were fed commercial feed alone or diluted with the test ingredients with and without enzyme. There were no interaction effects (p>0.05) on feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG). Poorer (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed on the diet diluted diets from 22-42 d, but this was restored (p>0.05) by enzyme supplementation. There was no interaction effect on final body weight (FBW). Diet dilution depressed FBW (p<0.05) but enzyme supplementation restored (p>0.05) this weight depression. Abdominal fat was lighter (p<0.05) on CLM compared to CM. There were no interaction effects (p>0.05) on the weight of gut segments and E. coli count. Heavier (p<0.05) liver, gizzard and intestine were observed on the test diets. Commercial feed dilution with CM, CLM and PKM at 100 g/kg for starter and 200 g/kg for finisher would be a viable option for smallholder broiler production. More research is needed into dilution levels and enzyme concentrations.(AU)

Determination of factors affecting profit by quantitative methods in broiler enterprises / Determinação dos fatores que afetam o lucro por métodos quantitativos em empresas de frangos de carne

This study was carried out to demonstrate how a regression model can be used as a decision support tool in the poultry sector, using variables that affect profit, within the scope of broiler enterprises that are engaged in contract production depending on broiler integrations. Enterprises included in the study were selected from Bolu, Sakarya and Ankara provinces those have the 24% of the rearing flocks and the integrations in Turkey. The 68 out of 9872 broiler enterprises existing in Turkey in 2017 were included in the study by random sampling method. The regression model obtained because of this study allows producers and institutions providing consultancy services in the broiler sector to monitor the marginal effect of variables that affect profit. As a result, when price and cost factors change under different risk conditions, the research model can be used as a decision support tool.

Este estudo foi realizado para demonstrar como um modelo de regressão pode ser utilizado como uma ferramenta de apoio à decisão no setor avícola, utilizando variáveis que afetam o lucro, dentro do escopo de empresas de frangos de corte que se dedicam à produção sob contrato, dependendo das integrações de frangos de corte. As empresas incluídas no estudo foram selecionadas das províncias de Bolu, Sakarya e Ancara, que possuem os 24% dos lotes de frangos de corte e as integrações na Turquia. As 68 das 9872 empresas de frangos de corte existentes na Turquia em 2017 foram incluídas no estudo pelo método de amostragem aleatória. O modelo de regressão obtido devido a este estudo permite aos produtores e instituições que prestam serviços de consultoria no setor de frangos de corte monitorar o efeito marginal das variáveis que afetam o lucro. Como resultado, quando os fatores preço e custo mudam sob diferentes condições de risco, o modelo de pesquisa pode ser usado como uma ferramenta de apoio à decisão.

Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Detected along the Broiler Production Chain in Trinidad and Tobago.

This cross-sectional study determined the serovars, antimicrobial resistance genes, and virulence factors of Salmonella isolated from hatcheries, broiler farms, processing plants, and retail outlets in Trinidad and Tobago. Salmonella in silico serotyping detected 23 different serovars where Kentucky 20.5% (30/146), Javiana 19.2% (28/146), Infantis 13.7% (20/146), and Albany 8.9% (13/146) were the predominant serovars. There was a 76.0% (111/146) agreement between serotyping results using traditional conventional methods and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in in silico analysis. In silico identification of antimicrobial resistance genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, peptides, sulfonamides, and antiseptics were detected. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 6.8% (10/146) of the isolates of which 100% originated from broiler farms. Overall, virulence factors associated with secretion systems and fimbrial adherence determinants accounted for 69.3% (3091/4463), and 29.2% (1302/4463) counts, respectively. Ten of 20 isolates of serovar Infantis (50.0%) showed MDR and contained the blaCTX-M-65 gene. This is the first molecular characterization of Salmonella isolates detected along the entire broiler production continuum in the Caribbean region using WGS. The availability of these genomes will help future source tracking during epidemiological investigations associated with Salmonella foodborne outbreaks in the region and worldwide.

The environmental cost of broiler production and carbon sequestration potential of eucalyptus plantations around farms in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

The present study aimed to evaluate the environmental cost of the production process of broilers from the approach of emergy accounting and carbon sequestration potential for broiler farms. The study assessed a standard farm of the conventional system containing ten houses in 19 ha. We evaluated the following indices solar transformity (Tr), renewability (%R), emergy yield ratio (EYR), emergy investment ratio (EIR), environmental loading ratio (ELR), emergy sustainability index (ESI), and emergy exchange ratio (EER) and carbon sequestration potential of eucalyptus plantation. The total emergy input was 2.79E-06 seJ ha-1 y-1 for the broiler growth process. The highest investment in the production process was related to materials, which came from feeding and electricity. The renewability index indicated the low sustainability of the system with increased consumption of economical materials and equipment, with a low proportion of the emergy use of renewable resources. High investment in broilers production in the conventional system generates an environmental loading ratio that indicates high environmental degradation. Planting trees in the surrounding areas of the farm facilities can minimize the externalities of the production system with the plantation carbon sequestration potential.

A Heuristic and Data Mining Model for Predicting Broiler House Environment Suitability.

The proper combination of environment and flock-based variables plays a critical role in broiler production. However, the housing environment control is mainly focused on temperature monitoring during the broiler growth process. The present study developed a novel predictive model to predict the broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) rearing conditions' suitability using a data-mining process centered on flock-based and environmental variables. Data were recorded inside four commercial controlled environment broiler houses. The data analysis was conducted in three steps. First, we performed an exploratory and descriptive analysis of the environmental data. In the second step, we labeled the target variable that led to a specific broiler-rearing scenario depending on the age of the birds, the environmental dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity, the ammonia concentration, and the ventilation rate. The output (final rearing condition) was discretized into four categories ('Excellent', 'Good', 'Moderate', and 'Inappropriate'). In the third step, we used the dataset to develop tree models using the data-mining process. The random-tree model only presented accuracy for predicting the 'Excellent' and 'Moderate' rearing conditions. The decision-tree model had high accuracy and indicated that broiler age, relative humidity, and ammonia concentration play a critical role in proper rearing conditions. Using a large amount of data allows the data-mining approach to building up 'if-then' rules that indicate suitable environmental control decision-making by broiler farmers.

Animal welfare: impacts of pre-slaughter operations on the currentpoultry industry

The pre-slaughter operations are characterized by all the steps after the phase of raising at the farm until hanging ofbirds on the slaughter line, and this period is relatively faster than the farm phase. Nevertheless, this phase can cause acutestress in broilers, due to the direct handling of the birds at catching and by offering unknown stressful stimuli to the birdsduring transportation, lairage and hanging on the slaughter line. Other stressful factors such as handling the bird, cratingdensity, impacts on live load, distance and duration of transport between farm and slaughterhouse, and microclimaticconditions in transport and lairage affect the welfare and, consequently, the meat quality of broiler chickens. The effectsof these losses will be felt by all sectors of poultry farming. For all these factors, it is important that the poultry productionchain be aligned in the near future to meet the external and internal consumers' requirements regarding animal welfare.Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the main critical points, which affect the welfare of broilers during pre-slaughter operations in intensive production systems.(AU)

Animal welfare: impacts of pre-slaughter operations on the currentpoultry industry

The pre-slaughter operations are characterized by all the steps after the phase of raising at the farm until hanging ofbirds on the slaughter line, and this period is relatively faster than the farm phase. Nevertheless, this phase can cause acutestress in broilers, due to the direct handling of the birds at catching and by offering unknown stressful stimuli to the birdsduring transportation, lairage and hanging on the slaughter line. Other stressful factors such as handling the bird, cratingdensity, impacts on live load, distance and duration of transport between farm and slaughterhouse, and microclimaticconditions in transport and lairage affect the welfare and, consequently, the meat quality of broiler chickens. The effectsof these losses will be felt by all sectors of poultry farming. For all these factors, it is important that the poultry productionchain be aligned in the near future to meet the external and internal consumers' requirements regarding animal welfare.Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the main critical points, which affect the welfare of broilers during pre-slaughter operations in intensive production systems.

Effect of Environmental Enrichment on the Body Weight in Broiler Chickens

The present study had the objective of analysing the impact of the use of environmental enrichment (music and light stimuli), broiler sex, and age in broiler chickens weight during growth. The observational study was carried out on a commercial farm. The environmental enrichment consisted of broilers stimulation by sound and light, and a house was kept without stimulus (control). The music stimuli consisted of different music styles and was played during the experiment to promote motivation for the birds. The light stimuli came from a coloured (red and green) LED strobe projector. Both stimuli were applied once a day for about 6 minutes, for five weeks. The broilers were weighed at the end of each week of growth. Throughout the growth period, broiler behaviours were analysed weekly through videos, and the leg disorders of the birds were put into score evaluations. The effects of the environmental enrichment type, gender, and age, and the probable interactions of these variables, on the weight of the broiler chickens were analysed by the comparative analysis of means, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test of multiple comparisons. 7, 14, and 21 day old broiler chickens did not differ on body weight when compared with age, gender, and environmental enrichment (broiler house) (p>0.05). Males from 21 days of age had an increase in body weight when compared with females. Light enrichment presented the lowest body weight when compared with all studied houses, while the absence of enrichment presented the highest broiler weight.(AU)

Effect of Environmental Enrichment on the Body Weight in Broiler Chickens

The present study had the objective of analysing the impact of the use of environmental enrichment (music and light stimuli), broiler sex, and age in broiler chickens weight during growth. The observational study was carried out on a commercial farm. The environmental enrichment consisted of broilers stimulation by sound and light, and a house was kept without stimulus (control). The music stimuli consisted of different music styles and was played during the experiment to promote motivation for the birds. The light stimuli came from a coloured (red and green) LED strobe projector. Both stimuli were applied once a day for about 6 minutes, for five weeks. The broilers were weighed at the end of each week of growth. Throughout the growth period, broiler behaviours were analysed weekly through videos, and the leg disorders of the birds were put into score evaluations. The effects of the environmental enrichment type, gender, and age, and the probable interactions of these variables, on the weight of the broiler chickens were analysed by the comparative analysis of means, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test of multiple comparisons. 7, 14, and 21 day old broiler chickens did not differ on body weight when compared with age, gender, and environmental enrichment (broiler house) (p>0.05). Males from 21 days of age had an increase in body weight when compared with females. Light enrichment presented the lowest body weight when compared with all studied houses, while the absence of enrichment presented the highest broiler weight.

Optimization Algorithm Applied to Environmental Control in Broiler Houses

The present study aimed to apply the Simulated Annealing (SA) optimization algorithm to find the ideal control of broiler housing rearing environment at 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of growth. Data from four types of houses using environmental control and similar flock density were recorded weekly in the morning and afternoon, during two seasons (summer and winter). The variables related to environmental and air quality data (temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, ammonia, and carbon dioxide concentrations) were registered and organized into the database to provide a descriptive analysis. The ideal rearing conditions were established as a goal, and we used the Simulated Annealing optimization algorithm to process the data. Such an approach may be applied in the cases that the ideal condition of optimization has multiple objectives, and when each variable is the result of a process. The model was implemented considering the optimal controlled environmental condition that depends on the age of broilers. Results indicated that there was a large dispersion of the data collected from the environmental variables. The process suggested that the optimized functions lead to absolute values obtained by the algorithm for each of the environmental factors of the controlled environmental system, representing the optimal condition of the environment found for each broiler age, considering the interactions of the variables. The maximum optimization was prominent to 21 and 35-d old birds, representing 40-48% of the improvement of the process. 28 and 42-d old birds might benefit from the controlled environmental optimization process by up to 30%.

Optimization Algorithm Applied to Environmental Control in Broiler Houses

The present study aimed to apply the Simulated Annealing (SA) optimization algorithm to find the ideal control of broiler housing rearing environment at 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of growth. Data from four types of houses using environmental control and similar flock density were recorded weekly in the morning and afternoon, during two seasons (summer and winter). The variables related to environmental and air quality data (temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, ammonia, and carbon dioxide concentrations) were registered and organized into the database to provide a descriptive analysis. The ideal rearing conditions were established as a goal, and we used the Simulated Annealing optimization algorithm to process the data. Such an approach may be applied in the cases that the ideal condition of optimization has multiple objectives, and when each variable is the result of a process. The model was implemented considering the optimal controlled environmental condition that depends on the age of broilers. Results indicated that there was a large dispersion of the data collected from the environmental variables. The process suggested that the optimized functions lead to absolute values obtained by the algorithm for each of the environmental factors of the controlled environmental system, representing the optimal condition of the environment found for each broiler age, considering the interactions of the variables. The maximum optimization was prominent to 21 and 35-d old birds, representing 40-48% of the improvement of the process. 28 and 42-d old birds might benefit from the controlled environmental optimization process by up to 30%.(AU)

Factors that Influence the Production, Environment, and Welfare of Broiler Chicken: A Systematic Review

The objective of the present study was to characterize the scientific production regarding the factors that influence broiler chicken production, and that were published from 2000 to 2015 in journals indexed in the database of Google Scholar, Scielo, and ScienceDirect. The research was done in the Thermal Comfort Laboratory at FEAGRI- UNICAMP, and the concept of the systematic review was applied. The research criterion was initially defined (the keywords) aiming to identify and evaluate the variables that describe the experimental characteristics and the animals. The primary keywords identified were: broiler chicken from commercial strains, broiler production, rearing conditions, thermal environment, air quality, acoustic environment, light intensity, management, and heat stress. Those were the key words searched in the database of the online libraries. The selected articles were registered into an electronic spreadsheet with the title, the name of the authors, year of publication, language, the journal where it was published, the keyword, the period when the research was done, source/ database, and the abstract. A total of 167 articles were selected, and only 34 were added to the review. The use of the systematic review of the literature allowed identifying the main variables that positively influence the broiler performance, such as the temperature near the thermal comfort, the use of roof lining, besides the use of adiabatic cooling and cast bricks in the laterals. The presence of positive ventilation, as well as the use of yellow curtains and constant lighting, has also influenced a better performance to broilers.(AU)

Factors that Influence the Production, Environment, and Welfare of Broiler Chicken: A Systematic Review

The objective of the present study was to characterize the scientific production regarding the factors that influence broiler chicken production, and that were published from 2000 to 2015 in journals indexed in the database of Google Scholar, Scielo, and ScienceDirect. The research was done in the Thermal Comfort Laboratory at FEAGRI- UNICAMP, and the concept of the systematic review was applied. The research criterion was initially defined (the keywords) aiming to identify and evaluate the variables that describe the experimental characteristics and the animals. The primary keywords identified were: broiler chicken from commercial strains, broiler production, rearing conditions, thermal environment, air quality, acoustic environment, light intensity, management, and heat stress. Those were the key words searched in the database of the online libraries. The selected articles were registered into an electronic spreadsheet with the title, the name of the authors, year of publication, language, the journal where it was published, the keyword, the period when the research was done, source/ database, and the abstract. A total of 167 articles were selected, and only 34 were added to the review. The use of the systematic review of the literature allowed identifying the main variables that positively influence the broiler performance, such as the temperature near the thermal comfort, the use of roof lining, besides the use of adiabatic cooling and cast bricks in the laterals. The presence of positive ventilation, as well as the use of yellow curtains and constant lighting, has also influenced a better performance to broilers.

Factors that Influence the Production, Environment, and Welfare of Broiler Chicken: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to characterize the scientific production regarding the factors that influence broiler chicken production, and that were published from 2000 to 2015 in journals indexed in the database of Google Scholar, Scielo, and ScienceDirect. The research was done in the Thermal Comfort Laboratory at FEAGRI- UNICAMP, and the concept of the systematic review was applied. The research criterion was initially defined (the keywords) aiming to identify and evaluate the variables that describe the experimental characteristics and the animals. The primary keywords identified were: broiler chicken from commercial strains, broiler production, rearing conditions, thermal environment, air quality, acoustic environment, light intensity, management, and heat stress. Those were the key words searched in the database of the online libraries. The selected articles were registered into an electronic spreadsheet with the title, the name of the authors, year of publication, language, the journal where it was published, the keyword, the period when the research was done, source/ database, and the abstract. A total of 167 articles were selected, and only 34 were added to the review. The use of the systematic review of the literature allowed identifying the main variables that positively influence the broiler performance, such as the temperature near the thermal comfort, the use of roof lining, besides the use of adiabatic cooling and cast bricks in the laterals. The presence of positive ventilation, as well as the use of yellow curtains and constant lighting, has also influenced a better performance to broilers.

Effects of Transportation Distance, Slaughter Age, and Seasonal Factors on Total Losses in Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT This study aimed at determining the total losses associated with the season, transportation distance, and slaughter age during the transportation of broilers from poultry farms to slaughterhouses in Turkey. All data and parameters were statistically analyzed and the change in total loss during transportation was evaluated by two-way analysis of variance to determine which factors or variables affect this change. Total transportation losses were compared among the four seasons of the year, two slaughter ages (younger broiler, 31-39 days of age; older broilers 40-46 days of age) and three distance ranges (short, 50 km; medium, 51-150 km; and long, 151 km). Total losses of 259.40 g, 307.35 g, and 350.14 g were determined for short, medium and long distances, respectively, indicating that losses increased with transportation distance (p 0.05). Broilers slaughtered at a younger age presented lower total losses than those slaughtered at an older age (p 0.05). When seasons were evaluated, the highest total loss was determined in the summer, which was not statistically different from that calculated for autumn, whereas total transportation losses in spring and winter were found relatively lower. The study showed long-distance transportation in the winter considerably increased total losses to levels similar to those obtained in the summer.(AU)

Climatic Variation: Effects on Stress Levels, Feed Intake, and Bodyweight of Broilers

ABSTRACT Chickens tolerate a very narrow range of climatic variation, and therefore, it is essential to determine the most suitable climatic area and weather for broiler production in open-house systems. In this study, 3060 broilers were used as experimental birds to investigate the effects of seasonal differences and climatic variations on the growth performance of broilers reared in an open-house system. Birds were kept under various treatment models that differ in climate Tropic zone, sub tropic zone and temperate zones. Data were recorded during July-August as summer months and January-February as winter months. Collected data was analyzed using the least square procedure given by Harvey-1990. Significantly higher (p 0.05) level of corticosteroids and H/L ratio of between the experimental birds was observed and consequent effect on feed intake was determined. The body weight and FCR at 42 day was significantly (p0.05) higher during winter season in subtropical zone. Subtropical climatic zone was found significantly better than other climatic zone. Efficient management of broiler farming that corresponds for effective feed intake during heat/cold stress to maximize birds efficiency can significantly increase production efficiency and acquiesce highest profit to broiler farming.(AU)

Climatic Variation: Effects on Stress Levels, Feed Intake, and Bodyweight of Broilers

ABSTRACT Chickens tolerate a very narrow range of climatic variation, and therefore, it is essential to determine the most suitable climatic area and weather for broiler production in open-house systems. In this study, 3060 broilers were used as experimental birds to investigate the effects of seasonal differences and climatic variations on the growth performance of broilers reared in an open-house system. Birds were kept under various treatment models that differ in climate Tropic zone, sub tropic zone and temperate zones. Data were recorded during July-August as summer months and January-February as winter months. Collected data was analyzed using the least square procedure given by Harvey-1990. Significantly higher (p 0.05) level of corticosteroids and H/L ratio of between the experimental birds was observed and consequent effect on feed intake was determined. The body weight and FCR at 42 day was significantly (p0.05) higher during winter season in subtropical zone. Subtropical climatic zone was found significantly better than other climatic zone. Efficient management of broiler farming that corresponds for effective feed intake during heat/cold stress to maximize birds efficiency can significantly increase production efficiency and acquiesce highest profit to broiler farming.

Effects of Transportation Distance, Slaughter Age, and Seasonal Factors on Total Losses in Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT This study aimed at determining the total losses associated with the season, transportation distance, and slaughter age during the transportation of broilers from poultry farms to slaughterhouses in Turkey. All data and parameters were statistically analyzed and the change in total loss during transportation was evaluated by two-way analysis of variance to determine which factors or variables affect this change. Total transportation losses were compared among the four seasons of the year, two slaughter ages (younger broiler, 31-39 days of age; older broilers 40-46 days of age) and three distance ranges (short, 50 km; medium, 51-150 km; and long, 151 km). Total losses of 259.40 g, 307.35 g, and 350.14 g were determined for short, medium and long distances, respectively, indicating that losses increased with transportation distance (p 0.05). Broilers slaughtered at a younger age presented lower total losses than those slaughtered at an older age (p 0.05). When seasons were evaluated, the highest total loss was determined in the summer, which was not statistically different from that calculated for autumn, whereas total transportation losses in spring and winter were found relatively lower. The study showed long-distance transportation in the winter considerably increased total losses to levels similar to those obtained in the summer.

Equilibrium condition during locomotion and gait in broiler chickens

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating a methodology to estimate the angulation and equilibrium condition, relating them to gait score and the main diseases of the locomotion system in males and females of commercial broiler strains. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement (2x2) was applied, consisting of two sexes and two genetic strains, with five replicates of 53 chickens each. The following characteristics related to broiler locomotion were studied: gait score (GS); incidence of Valgus (VAL) and Varus (VAR) deformities and of pododermatitis (POD); body angle relative the ground (ANG); equilibrium condition (EC); body weight (BW) and breast weight (BrW); and incidence of femoral degeneration (FD), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and spondylolisthesis (SPO). GS, and VAL and VAR were assessed inside a broiler house. Birds were then photographed to estimate ANG and EC. Birds were sacrificed at 42 days of age and analyzed for FD, TD, and SPO. Breast percentage was not influenced by sex or strain. Males showed better ANG than females, regardless of strain. Overall, the strains studied showed prostrated EC. The correlation between GS and the evaluated traits was low. There was a moderate to high association between EC and ANG both in males and females. GS showed low correlation with locomotion problems, and therefore, it is a poor indicator of skeletal diseases. On the other hand, the moderate to high correlations of ANG and EC with locomotion problems make them better indicators of bone diseases than gait score, which is possibly more related to EC and body posture than to bone pathologies.(AU)