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The objective of this study was to determine the presence of C. difficile in seafood, to identify the ribotype of isolates, to reveal the distribution of their toxinogenic genes and to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility of C. difficile strains. For this purpose, a total of 755 seafood samples were analysed. Sixteen isolates were verified as C. difficile [14 (5.28%) bivalve molluscs and 2 (2.0%) shrimp] whereas none of the ribotypes detected were human pathogenic ribotypes. Among C. difficile isolates only one of the bivalve mollusc (RT003) was found to be toxigenic (A+B+CDT+) that had also toxin-producing ability. All isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and resistant to cefotaxime. Results of this study indicate that the rate of C. difficile in seafood is much lower than in meat or poultry products. However, consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated bivalve molluscs could be a potential source of C. difficile that may pose a risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canthaxanthin and β-apo-8'-carotenoid ethyl ester are widely used as feed additives in poultry feed for enhancing the color of poultry products. The excessive intake of the two colorants can cause health damage. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of canthaxanthin and β-apo-8'-carotenoid ethyl ester are 0.03 mg/kg·bw and 0.015 mg/kg·bw, respectively. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) was used to determine two colorants in chicken eggs and meat. A PRiME HLB solid-phase extraction cartridge was used to extract and clean-up the sample. BEH C18 column was used as the separation column, with water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05 mg/kg, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.1 mg/kg. The recoveries were between 90% and 104%. The daily intake of two colorants in chicken eggs and meat was evaluated based on the detection data, food consumption data and weight data of the population. The mean estimated daily intake (EDI) values of canthaxanthin through chicken eggs and meat were 1.09 µg/(kg·bw·d) and 0.013 µg/(kg·bw·d), respectively. The mean EDI value of β-apo-8'-carotenoid ethyl ester through eggs was 0.44 µg/(kg·bw·d). The results showed that eggs were the main contributor to the daily intake of two colorants. The mean hazard quotients (HQ) values of two colorants through chicken eggs and meat was within a safe range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry products are an important source of foodborne Salmonella infections in humans. Amongst these, the prevalence of S. Infantis is rising. In this study, the protection efficacy of an authorized live-attenuated S. Typhimurium vaccine against S. Infantis, was examined using a seeder-bird model in broilers. Vaccinated birds displayed a significantly lower colonization of S. Infantis bacteria in the caeca compared to the non-vaccinated counterparts (P = 0.017), with no significant differences observed in the spleen among the groups, three days post-infection. Thirty-two days post-infection, the disparity in average S. Infantis concentration between all-vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds was significant in both caeca (P = 0.0003) and spleen (P = 0.0002). Interestingly, a third group, consisting of seeder birds that were not vaccinated but housed with vaccinated penmates, exhibited significantly lower S. Infantis levels in both caeca (P = 0.0014) and spleen (P < 0.0001) compared to the non-vaccinated group. These findings underscore the potential of a live-attenuated S. Typhimurium vaccine administered to 2-day-old chicks in conferring protection against S. Infantis in broilers up to slaughter age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Recent research has shown that encapsulated raspberry powder (RP) is a natural colourant for foodstuffs. However, no research has been conducted on its use in chicken nuggets. In addition, the effect of RP on products with and without phosphate addition is unknown. This study assessed the effects of RP (control, 0.5%, 1.0%) and phosphate (0.0%, 0.3%) on the pH and colour quality properties of nuggets. 2. In the production of RP, red raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) juices were encapsulated using maltodextrin in a spray-dryer. Antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin, total phenolics, colour, moisture and pH analyses of the RP were performed. 3. Nuggets were packaged in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 40%CO2 + 60%N2) and were stored at 2.0 ± 0.5°C for 120 d. The pH and external and internal surface colour (L*, a*, b*, C* and h) values were measured on d 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 of storage. 4. The addition of phosphate increased the pH in the samples, while these decreased with the addition of RP (p < 0.05). During storage, the highest pH were seen in the phosphate samples and the lowest in the nuggets with 1.0% RP addition (p < 0.05). 5. With the addition of phosphate, the external surface a* value of nuggets increased (p < 0.05). Depending on the level of RP added to the nuggets, the external surface L* value decreased and a* and b* values increased (p < 0.05). After d 30 of storage, the a* value increased in the samples with RP addition and this increase was higher in the with phosphate nuggets (p < 0.05). 6. The internal surface a* value increased with the addition of RP during nugget production (p < 0.05). The increase in a* value was greater in samples with added phosphate (p < 0.05). During storage, the highest a* values were seen in nuggets treated with phosphate + 0.1% RP (p < 0.05). The addition of RP to chicken nugget emulsion improved redness, colour stability and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth is a pseudocereal that has a potentially greater role to play in reducing malnutrition and promoting animal feed security because of its high quality and ability to adapt to environmental stresses. We review the nutrient content and its value for poultry feeding, as well as uses in industry and for human food that might impact on its availability for poultry. Wit effective processing to detoxify antinutritive components by extrusion or autoclaving, it can be incorporated at up to 40% in the diet of broiler chickens without loss of productivity. Its nutritional value is high, in terms of protein, oil, mineral and antioxidant content, as well as its excellent amino acid balance. Amaranth is likely to be most beneficial as feed grain for poultry in extreme climatic regions, such as those that are drought prone, as long as effective processing can be incorporated into the feed production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an advanced ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for quantifying ethoxyquin (EQ). The approach employed a distinctive antioxidant added extraction step designed to prevent ethoxyquin decomposition and maintain analytical precision. This method effectively determines residue levels of EQ in eggs, processed egg products, poultry muscle, salmon, and liquid milk. The method was shown to have a limit of quantitation (LOQ) for eggs, milk, salmon, and chicken muscle of 1.5 µg/kg, 1.9 µg/kg, 2.1 µg/kg, and 1.2 µg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of EQ ranged from 79.2% to 107.6%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) below 8.4%. A surveillance study for the presence of EQ in different types of eggs and poultry muscle available in Singapore was conducted and a total of 140 samples were tested. EQ residues in all samples were found to be below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MRLs of 500 µg/kg. Some samples of salted and preserved eggs from China were detected with higher concentration of EQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing human population is currently facing an unprecedented challenge on global food production and sustainability. Despite recognizing poultry as one of the most successful and rapidly growing food industries to address this challenge; poultry health and safety remain major issues that entail immediate attention. Bacterial diseases including colibacillosis, salmonellosis, and necrotic enteritis have become increasingly prevalent during poultry production. Likewise, outbreaks caused by consumption of undercooked poultry products contaminated with zoonotic bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria, are a serious public health concern. With antimicrobial resistance problem and restricted use of antibiotics in food producing animals, bacteriophages are increasingly recognized as an attractive natural antibacterial alternative. Bacteriophages have recently shown promising results to treat diseases in poultry, reduce contamination of carcasses, and enhance the safety of poultry products. Omics technologies have been successfully employed to accurately characterize bacteriophages and their genes/proteins important for interaction with bacterial hosts. In this review, the potential of using lytic bacteriophages to mitigate the risk of major poultry-associated bacterial pathogens are explored. This study also explores challenges associated with the adoption of this technology by industries. Furthermore, the impact of omics approaches on studying bacteriophages, their host interaction and applications is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study evaluated the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin and the presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) mechanisms in 97 nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. isolated from broilers and carcases from three different regions in Brazil. The presence of mutations in quinolone resistance determination regions (QRDRS) was investigated in the ciprofloxacin-resistant strain by DNA sequencing. 2. Most of the Salmonella spp. (85.6%) had intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin and only one isolate was resistant. MIC breakpoints ranged from ≤0.03 to 1 µg/ml and 67.0% of the strains had a MIC of 0.25 µg/ml (n=65). Thirteen strains (13.4%) were susceptible to ciprofloxacin with MIC ≤0.06 µg/ml. The qnrB gene was detected in eight isolates with intermediate resistance and in two susceptible strains. The other PMQR genes, qnrA, qnrC, qnrD, qnrS, qnrVC, aac(6′)-Ib, qepA, oqxAB and mutations in QRDR were not detected in any strain. 3. There was a high frequency of ciprofloxacin intermediate resistant Salmonella from broiler and broiler carcases from Brazil. The presence of these strains in poultry and derived products poses a risk to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the market for emulsified chicken sausages (ECS), which are poultry meat products, has been growing owing to their excellent nutritional and eating qualities and because of their consumption is not forbidden by any cultural and religious laws. Sorghum dried distillers' grains (SDDGs), a byproduct of the brewing of Taiwan's famous sorghum wine (kaoliang liquor), are rich in nutrients; however, due to a lack of suitable processing applications, they pose serious waste problems. This study aimed to assess the quality of ECS formulated by replacing corn starch with SDDGs at levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80%, and 100%. ECS containing SDDGs showed substantially higher water-holding capacity (WHC) (7.83 to 15.49%), hardness (224.17 to 340.00 gf/mm2), cohesiveness (0.10 to 0.15), and lower L* (57.75 to 52.47), a* (4.95 to 3.83), b* (13.61 to 10.77), and pH values (6.04 to 5.71) compared to those of control ECS (5.35%, 185.67 gf/mm2, 0.08 and 63.03, 5.08, 14.90, 6.22) (p <.05); however, they did not affect springiness. Additionally, control ECS exhibited the lowest water loss (6.16%), fat loss (2.80%), water-holding capacity (WHC) (5.35%), cooking loss (8.96%), hardness (185.67 gf/mm2), cohesiveness (0.08), gumminess (20.12 gf), and chewiness (0.33 mJ), which substantially increased with increasing SDDGs levels; however, the L*, a*, b*, and pH values decreased. According to our results, we confirm the ECS could be prepared using SDDGs, offering potential and effectively improve the diversity of poultry meat products, establish appropriate processing and application of dried distillers' grains, and reduce waste and environmental problems caused by alcohol brewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amantadine is one of the most prescribed antiviral medications. Considering its abuse is life-threatening, monitoring amantadine residues is urgently needed. This study designed a dipstick assay based on lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platforms with an indicator range of 50–200 ng/mL. The dipstick consists of four coloured test lines that detect the concentration of amantadine semi-quantitatively in the range of 0–200 ng/mL. The amantadine concentration was categorised as 0–50, 50–100, 100–200, or > 200 ng/mL, depending on the response of the test lines. Furthermore, we measured the amantadine residues in commercial meat samples by this LFIA. The results were highly agreeable with those determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The LFIA shows potential for routine monitoring of amantadine in meat products, and the results of this study provide insight into the development of new LFIA devices for use in agricultural industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global demand for poultry products, together with the growing consumer concerns related to bird health and welfare, pose a significant challenge to the poultry industry. Therefore, the poultry industry is increasingly implementing novel technologies to optimize and enhance bird welfare and productivity. This second part of a bipartite review on omics technologies in poultry health and productivity highlights the implementation of specific diagnostic biomarkers based on omics-research in the poultry industry, as well as the potential integration of multi-omics in future poultry production. A general discussion of the use of multiple omics technologies in poultry research is provided in part 1. To date, approaches focusing on one or more omics type are widely used in poultry research, but the implementation of these omics techniques in poultry production is not expected in the near future. However, great potential lays in the development of diagnostic tests based on disease- or gut health-specific biomarkers, which are identified through omics research. As the cost of omics technologies is rapidly decreasing, implementation of multi-omics measurements in routine poultry monitoring systems might be feasible in the more distant future. Therefore, the opportunities, challenges and requirements to enable the integration of multi-omics-based monitoring of bird health and productivity in future poultry production are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the optimal control of batching equipment in the poultry processing industry. The problem is to determine a control policy that maximizes the long-term average revenue while achieving a target throughput. This problem is formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). The developed MDP model captures the unique characteristics of poultry processing operations, such as, the trade-off between giveaway and throughput. Structural properties of the optimal policy are derived for small-sized problems where batching equipment utilizes a single bin. Since the MDP model is numerically intractable for industry-sized problems, we propose a heuristic index policy with a Dynamic Rejection Threshold (DRT). The DRT heuristic is constructed based on the salient characteristics of the problem setting and is easy to implement in practice. Numerical experiments demonstrate that DRT performs well. We present an industry case study where DRT is benchmarked against current practice, which shows that the expected revenue can be potentially increased by over 2% (yielding an additional revenue between 750,000 and 2,270,000 Euros per year) through the use of DRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study an earth-air heat exchanger system proposed to cover the living environment needs and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of an industrial poultry house in southern Algeria. For this purpose, a detailed mathematical model was used to determine the thermal needs of this industrial building. The soil temperature was studied to estimate the appropriate depth for installing the earth-air heat exchanger, followed by a parametric and economic study to determine its dimensions and cost. Finally, compare its performance with the systems currently used in this industrial farm. The study results, which were obtained in extreme working conditions, showed that the earth air heat exchanger could cover 45% and 38% of the heating and cooling demands, respectively. In summer, the proposed heat exchanger was able to reduce the temperature from 47°C to 27.1°C, while in winter, it was able to increase the temperature from 4.8°C to 22.9°C, and its performance was stable compared to the systems currently used, and, it recorded temperatures better under hot outside conditions. Furthermore, its use reduces CO2 emissions to 719 kgCO2/day in heating and 2531 kgCO2/day in cooling, making it a suitable solution for this type of industrial building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The objective of this study was to evaluate performance of a commercial loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method as an alternative method for the detection of Campylobacter spp. in primary production samples, poultry rinses and raw poultry products, as compared to the US Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guide Book PCR reference method, MLG 41A. 2. The Campylobacter spp. LAMP was used in conjunction with a ready-to-use enrichment broth that does not require microaerophilic incubation. After enrichment, boot swabs from poultry farms, carcase rinses and raw poultry products were tested by the LAMP method and the MLG 41A PCR method. 3. The ready-to-use enrichment broth enabled the growth of Campylobacter spp. within 22 to 28 hours under aerobic incubation conditions. The LAMP method enabled Campylobacter detection in the enriched samples of various poultry matrices and had equivalent sensitivity and specificity to the MLG 41A PCR method. 4. No significant difference (95% confidence interval) was found between the alternative and the MLG 41A PCR method, as determined by probability of detection analysis, except for neutralising buffered peptone water post-chill rinsates. For the post-chill neutralising buffered peptone water rinsates, the LAMP method had significantly higher confirmed portions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry products such as chicken and eggs are part of staple foods and a source of protein in Indonesia so their availability for consumers needs to be ensured. Besides that, there is also a pressing need to reduce imports and keep prices stable. In Indonesia, poultry products are consumed more than beef, fish, and other staple protein products. This paper aims to develop a model of poultry product-supply chain using System Dynamics (SD) approach to a) capture the causality between variables in the availability of corn supply, feed mills, chicken production and customer demand; and b) to create a scenario where commodity demands can be fulfilled adequately so that food security can be strengthened. As the main ingredient of poultry feed, corn produce can be increased by using a tight planting method and the use of superior seeds. The sustainable availability of chicken feed is then expected to help boost poultry produce, in addition to improving the chicken farming methods per se. The proposed model is expected to provide a better understanding of poultry product food chain, which will subsequently inform relevant policymakers in formulating strategic programmes to strengthen food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weak market linkages, unavailability of cold-storage, and the significant loss of eggs due to breakage and low shelf-life contribute to the unaffordability and the low consumption of eggs in low-income countries like Ethiopia. The effect of spray- and oven-drying of eggs from local (Ethiopian) and exotic (imported) chicken breeds on physical, techno-functional, and nutritional composition of egg-powders were evaluated. Exotic (n = 150) and local (n = 140) eggs were spray/oven dried. The yield, bulk-density, flowability, and the foaming-, emulsification-, and water/oil absorption-capacity of the egg powders were assessed. The concentrations in energy, protein, fat, ash, and minerals were determined. The egg-powders' contribution to nutrient requirements for a child and their potential use as an alternative protein source in ready to use therapeutic foods (RUTF) were estimated. The low moisture (<5%) and water activity (aw~0.4–0.5) of the egg-powders implied unfavorable conditions for microbial growth. Local eggs had higher energy and fat content, whereas protein was higher in the exotic eggs (P <.05). About 12.5 g of egg powder (one egg) can fulfill >75%, 30%, and 40% of fat, energy, and calcium requirements for children 6–23 months of age, respectively. Only 6 g and 4 g of egg-powder are needed to fulfill protein and choline requirements, respectively. Considering the quality/quantity of proteins, egg powders can be alternative protein sources in RUTFs. The drying of local and exotic eggs with oven- and spray-drying yielded egg powders with acceptable techno-functional properties, but future studies should elucidate differences observed by egg type and drying; and investigate the shelf-life. Drying eggs can be a viable food systems' intervention that can improve the safety and quality of diets in low-income countries like Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of the dietary use of different doses of Moringa oleifera essential oil (MOEO) on performance parameters, internal organ weights and meat quality in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to Heat Stress (HS). For this purpose, 320 male day-old quail chicks were used. Seven days of preliminary (physical exercise) and a 35-day fattening period were applied. The animals were divided into 8 groups, each including 40 animals according to temparature (C: 25 °C and SC: 37 °C) and dietary doses (C, 200, 400 and 600). Each group was divided into 4 subgroups, each comprising 10 animals. The consequences of this study showed that, in the stress-free (HSF) groups, while all of the different doses of dietary MOEO positively affected growth performance, feed intake and feed efficiency, in the HS groups, similar positive effects were observed with the use of 200 ppm of dietary MOEO. While no effect was detected on internal organ weights on Days 21 and 42 in the HSF and HS groups, a dose-dependent increase was determined in the intestinal pH value on day 42 in the HS group (p <.05). Additionally, in the analysis of meat quality on the 21st and 42 days compared to the controls, no effect was observed on the meat colour parameters value and TBARS level in the HS and HSF groups. Based on the consequences of this study, it is considered that, MOEO could be used as an alternative product in poultry, at a dose of 200 ppm, to reduce the detrimental effects of HS. Temperature stress, performance parameters and serious problems in the health of poultry. Moringa olifera helps regulate performance parameters in poultry exposed to heat stress. Since the addition of Moringa oleifera to the diets does not affect the organ weight and meat quality in 21 and 42 days, it does not cause any negative effects for the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Salmonellosis is one of the most important diseases in public health and it is usually associated with poultry product consumption. This study aimed to validate rapid methods to detect Salmonella spp. from poultry samples. 2. A DNA isothermal amplification method, previously developed for other matrices, was applied for the specific detection of Salmonella spp. from various samples, including poultry tissues, drag and boot swabs, faeces and feed. A new procedure was validated with Salmonella spp. serotypes and isolates from other enteric bacterial species, as well as naturally contaminated poultry samples. 3. The study demonstrated the successful development and implementation of a procedure, including a DNA isothermal amplification method, for the detection of Salmonella spp. directly from tissues, drag and boot swabs, faeces and feed. The whole procedure can be performed in less than 24 hours and it has been successfully used in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compilation of volatile N-nitrosamine levels in processed (e.g., cured, canned, smoked) meat and poultry products is presented. Over 1800 samples of processed meat products including bacon, ham, salami, sausage, and various other processed meat and poultry products have been examined for the presence of eight volatile N-nitrosamines. The database compiled from the literature is based on 25 references published for the period of 1985 to 2018 from 14 countries. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), are the most frequently identified volatile N-nitrosamines occurring in processed meat and poultry products. N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), and N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) are also frequently observed to a lesser extent. The processed meat and poultry products with the highest levels of volatile N-nitrosamines were pork (fried, fat only eaten), poultry (fried), poultry (spiced, grilled), and bacon (fried). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Salmonella is one of the most important pathogens in public health and it is usually associated with food-borne diseases. Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are widespread in the world with outbreaks frequently associated with consumption of poultry products; furthermore, there is an increasing public health concern with the wide dissemination of the serovar Heidelberg in poultry flocks. 2. The aim of the experiment was to develop and to validate rapid methods to detect Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg by real-time PCRs and test isolates from pre-enriched poultry samples. 3. Three real-time PCRs were developed and used in combination to detect the serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Heidelberg. These assays were validated by the analysis of 126 Salmonella isolates, eight other enteric bacterial species and 34 naturally contaminated poultry samples after pre-enrichment with buffered peptone water (BPW). 4. Real-time PCRs detected the isolates of the most important poultry serovars (Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Heidelberg) with 100% inclusivity and exclusivity in each assay. The PCR identified monophasic variants of the serovars Typhimurium and Heidelberg. All PCRs were validated in detecting these specific serovars directly from pre-enriched poultry samples. The whole analytical procedure was performed in less than 24 h in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the poultry value chain in the Dormaa District and Sunyani Municipality in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to obtain cross-sectional data from 203 value chain actors through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The poultry products considered were broilers and layers, and the value chain actors were producers, traders, and processors. The results of the Duncan's Index of Dissimilarity of ∼75% revealed that the poultry value chains are highly gender-segregated (i.e., men and women cluster at different levels of the value chain). The producer level of the value chain was dominated by men, and the trader and processor levels were dominated by women. The results regarding value addition and return on investment (ROI) revealed that the producers added the highest value in both the broiler and layer value chains. The producers' ROI was generally higher in the broiler value chain than in the layer value chain. The male value chain actors were found to add higher value compared to their female counterparts. This was because the men generally operated on larger scales than the women. The study highlights the role of the government, researchers, nutritionists and training institutions for the development of the poultry value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colistin has been re-assessed as a critically important antimicrobial in humans due to its efficacy against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, in particular P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and K. pneumoniae. The recent discovery of mobile colistin resistance (mcr) determinants in humans and animals has brought concerns regarding the future of this antimicrobial. In this paper, we aim to highlight the current challenges with colistin resistant bacteria and to summarize reliable global data on colistin resistance in poultry production. In addition, we present and compare data from a screening for colistin resistance carried out on a collection of clinical Escherichia coli isolated from poultry in Italy. In Europe, resistance rates for Salmonella and E. coli are in general low with sporadic incidence of high colistin resistance levels. Absence of resistance or very low rates have been recorded in countries where colistin is either not employed (e.g. Norway) or used in minimal amounts (e.g. Denmark) in food-producing animals. In large poultry meat producing countries, such as China and Brazil, the widespread use of colistin has resulted in the dissemination of resistance determinants in diverse bacterial species. Worryingly, these bacteria are often co-resistant to other critically important antimicrobials, such as extended-spectrum cephalosporins. The data gap for many countries and for zoonotic bacteria, the role of the “phantom resistome” and the circulation of mcr-carriers expressing resistance phenotypes close or below the current ECOFF values, should be considered in future investigations. The importance of poultry as a cheap protein source and the global effort to mitigate colistin resistance and preserve this essential antimicrobial require a thorough re-assessment of colistin use in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh poultry meat and poultry products are highly perishable foods and high potential sources of human infection due to the presence of several foodborne pathogens. Focusing on the microbial control of poultry products, the food industry generally implements numerous preventive measures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety management system certification together with technological steps, such as refrigeration coupled to modified atmosphere packaging that are able to control identified potential microbial hazards during food processing. However, in recent years, to meet the demand of consumers for minimally processed, high-quality, and additive-free foods, technologies are emerging associated with nonthermal microbial inactivation, such as high hydrostatic pressure, irradiation, and natural alternatives, such as biopreservation or the incorporation of natural preservatives in packaging materials. These technologies are discussed throughout this article, emphasizing their pros and cons regarding the control of poultry microbiota and their effects on poultry sensory properties. The discussion for each of the preservation techniques mentioned will be provided with as much detail as the data and studies provided in the literature for poultry meat and products allow. These new approaches, on their own, have proved to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms in poultry meat. However, since some of these emergent technologies still do not have full consumer's acceptability and, taking into consideration the hurdle technology concept for poultry processing, it is suggested that they will be used as combined treatments or, more frequently, in combination with modified atmosphere packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted to assess poultry farmers' information needs and sources in selected rural communities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data were collected from 150 poultry farmers in 13 communities. Information on disease management, egg storage, feeding and nutrition, vaccination, shelter, pesticide application, marketing of poultry products, and debeaking were the major information needs of the poultry farmers in the study area. The major sources of information for the poultry farmers were from family and friends, the Internet, books, the veterinary office, leaflets, television, researchers, and newspapers. Some of the major constraints faced by poultry farmers when accessing information include lack of skills to access information, inadequate information resources on poultry, inadequate veterinary officers, lack of information centers, and inappropriate airing time of agricultural program on radio stations. The study recommended that community libraries and information centers should be established: It is important that such rural libraries and information centers should contain simple agricultural reading materials, such as leaflets, agricultural magazines, books, and research reports that are written in non-technical language. The veterinary service department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture should identify relevant sources and use them to deliver information to the poultry farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry meat and eggs are important foods for fulfilling the dietary needs of the ever-growing human population. Efficient poultry production, however, necessitates use of pharmaceutical products, such as antibiotics, as prophylactic and curatives to ensure rapid growth and health. Nevertheless, inappropriate and non-judicious use of these drugs results in an accumulation of toxic and harmful residues in meat and eggs of treated birds which affect consumer health by triggering allergic reactions and transmitting antibiotic-resistant microbial infections. Therefore, regulatory authorities must take rigorous steps to curtail inappropriate use of numerous drugs for animal use in order to provide safe animal origin food to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the leading causes of foodborne illness in poultry products isSalmonella enterica.Salmonellahazards in poultry may be estimated and possible control methods modeled and evaluated through the use of quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) models and tools. From farm to table, there are many possible routes ofSalmonelladissemination and contamination in poultry. From the time chicks are hatched through growth, transportation, processing, storage, preparation, and finally consumption, the product could be contaminated through exposure to different materials and sources. Examination of each step of the process is necessary as well as an examination of the overall picture to create effective countermeasures against contamination and prevent disease. QMRA simulation models can use either point estimates or probability distributions to examine variables such asSalmonellaconcentrations at retail or at any given point of processing to gain insight on the chance of illness due toSalmonellaingestion. For modelingSalmonellarisk in poultry, it is important to look at variables such asSalmonellatransfer and cross contamination during processing. QMRA results may be useful for the identification and control of critical sources ofSalmonellacontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2014–2015 H5Nxhigh pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak affected 211 commercial premises, 21 backyard flocks, 75 individual wild birds and four captive-reared raptors in 21 Western and upper Midwestern states, resulting in death or culling of over 50.4 million poultry in the stamping-out programme that cost the US government $850 million. The outbreak had a negative $3.3 billion impact on the economy. Seventeen trading partners suspended imports of all US-origin poultry and poultry products while 38 trading partners regionalized the United States, and allowed trade in poultry and poultry products to continue from areas of the US not affected by HPAI. Disease response and control activities in addition to the use of comprehensive surveillance and regionalization (zoning) as prescribed by the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code are a scientifically valid and effective means to maintain safe trade in poultry and poultry products. This was further realized during the 2016 H7N8 HPAI outbreak in Dubois County, Indiana, with greater acceptance of regionalization and continuity in trade with a more limited cost of $30 million for eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The conjugated linoleic acid is one of the many lipid molecules that had proven to be beneficial to the human health. Conjugated linoleic acid is reported to have anticancer and anti-diabetic properties, as well as exhibiting marked effects on the body composition. Conjugated linoleic acid is a term used to describe positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; LA). The two main isomers are cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12. The mechanism by which dietary conjugated linoleic acids impart their reported effects involved the regulation of lipid mediator synthesis, and/or transcriptional regulation of gene expression through peroxisome proliferator activated receptors. Chicken has been considered as an appropriate model for nutritional research since they are highly sensitive to dietary manipulation. Therefore, the dietary inclusion of conjugated linoleic acids in poultry diets would be of great advantage to consumers since chicken meat is low in fat and cholesterol. In addition, through the consumption of conjugated linoleic acid-enriched meat and egg products, the human population would have gained conjugated linoleic acids that are crucial for health and well-being. This review attempts to provide an overview of the available data on conjugated linoleic acids in poultry meat, products originating from different poultry species, as well as the observable inclusion effects of conjugated linoleic acids in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Augmenting the meat production is among the primary breeding objective of genetic selection programs in poultry production. However, the knowledge about the expression of genes regulating muscle growth at the molecular level is inadequate. Activin type IIB receptor (ACTRIIB) has been reported to play vital role in the negative regulation of muscle growth by binding to multiple members of transforming growth factor-β superfamily. The present investigation was carried out to comprehend the trend ofACTRIIBmessenger RNA in pectoralis major muscle during embryonic (E5-20) and post embryonic age (days 1, 14, 28, and 42) in both Control Broiler (CB) and Aseel by using Real-time PCR. The expression profile ofACTRIIBgene displayed a similar trend in CB and Aseel, however Aseel showed significantly (P < 0.001) higher transcription throughout the period. The fold change in expression ofACTRIIBin Aseel relative to CB varied from 3.94 to 14.72 folds and 3.28 to 7.14 folds during embryonic and post embryonic age, respectively.ACTRIIBexhibited its peak on E7, E11, and E16 during embryonic age, which coincides with the formation of primary and secondary muscle fibers in both lines. While at the time of post-embryonic age,ACTRIIBshowed highest transcription on day 1 and lowest transcription on day 28 in both CB and Aseel. Within each line, the expression ofACTRIIBdiffered significantly (P < 0.001) between days in the course of embryonic and post-embryonic period.ACTRIIBgene expression had significant (P < 0.05) effect on all carcass traits except neck weight. Our results suggest that Aseel expressed higher levels ofACTRIIBtranscript than CB. The study inferred that expression pattern ofACTRIIBwas analogous in both CB and Aseel, which might imply that molecular mechanisms underlying muscle development and regulation are comparable in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics of broiler (BR) and Taiwan native chicken (TNC) pectoralis muscle heated at temperatures of 50–95°C.With increasing temperature, cooking loss, collagen solubility, shear force value and hardness, of samples increased in both chicken breeds. Rapid decreases in protein solubility were observed when the meat was heated to 50°C and gradually decreased thereafter.Meat from BRs and native chickens performed differently upon heating in certain characteristics. TNC meat had longer cooking time and lower myofibrillar fragmentation index than BR meat did. TNC meat had higher collagen content, shear force values and springiness but lower collagen solubility than BR meat did.BR meat had significantly higher onset and end transition temperatures than TNC meat did. In BR meat, a sensory analysis revealed that moisture release decreased and chicken flavour increased with increasing temperature.Protein solubility, cooking loss and the texture of heated meat were highly correlated.This study scientifically assessed the performances of the two breeds of chickens with different thermal treatments; producers could utilise the information to produce poultry products with more desirable qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of additional human contact (AHC) on the human–animal relationship (HAR) in broilers and on the birds’ productivity. A total of 1558 broiler one-day-old chicks were distributed into 12 equally sized pens at two different stocking densities (SDs), calculated on estimated weight at slaughter (4 pens with 32 kg/m2and 8 pens with 16 kg/m2). Six groups (2 high and 4 low SDs) received AHC, which consisted of 30-min sessions with visual human contact three days/week. The remaining six groups received as little human contact as possible and served as controls. A touch test was used to assess the human–broiler relationship and the production parameters measured were growth rate, mortality, feed consumption and feed conversion. The AHC treatment had a positive effect on the quality of the HAR but failed to affect any production parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The main objective of this study was to explore factors that influence consumers’ choice of imported poultry meat products in Zimbabwe, a developing market. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse data collected from a sample of 305 consumers. The study found that factors that influence consumers’ choice of imported poultry meat products are price, health and safety issues, accessibility, appearance, taste, tenderness, genetically-modified food status, product labelling, country of origin, packaging, production methods and branding. These factors are classified into three overlapping categories, namely economic factors, quality and product attributes, and the firm’s marketing efforts. Economic factors include price in relation to consumer disposable income. Quality and product attributes include health and safety issues, appearance, taste, tenderness, genetically-modified food status, packaging, country of origin and production methods. The firm’s marketing efforts include price, accessibility, product labelling, packaging and branding. These findings have implications for theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chicken fat ethyl ester (CFEE) was developed through alkali-catalyzed transesterification with ethanol using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. Parameters affecting the process of transesterification such as the catalyst concentration, ethanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction duration are investigated. As a result, maximum CFEEs of 90% (~96.21 ester content% w/w) was obtained under optimal conditions of 1.0 wt.% KOH, 8:1 ethanol to fat molar ratio, a reaction temperature of 70°C, and a duration of 90 min. Dry washing method using (3.0% w/w) of silica gel was used to purify the crude ethyl ester from the residual catalyst, glycerol, and other impurities. Properties of the produced ethyl esters were determined and found in accordance with specifications prescribed by the ASTM standards. Moreover, blends of CFEEs and petrodiesel were prepared and evaluated according to ASTM test methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on 305 surveyed consumers in Zimbabwe’s two major cities (Harare and Bulawayo), the study sought mainly to measure consumer ethnocentrism and to test psychometric properties of the CETSCALE in Zimbabwe using structural equation modeling. It was established that the construct of consumer ethnocentrism comprises two dimensions, namely negative influence of foreign products, and preference for domestic products. Consumer ethnocentrism was found to be moderately high. The psychometric properties of the CETSCALE tested above the required thresholds. Consumer ethnocentrism was found to negatively influence consumer attitude towards imported poultry products. The study has implications for managers and future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ready-to-eat (RTE) muscle foods refer to a general category of meat and poultry products that are fully cooked and consumable without reheating. These products, including whole and sliced pork, beef, turkey, chicken, and variety of meats, in the forms of ham, roast, rolls, sausage, and frankfurter, are widely available in the delicatessen section of retail stores or various food service outlets. However, difficulties in avoidance of contamination by foodborne pathogens, notablyListeria monocytogenes,during product postlethality repackaging render RTE meats labile to outbreaks. Accordingly, the USDA-FSIS has established processing guidelines and regulations, which are constantly updated, to minimize foodborne pathogens in RTE products. Technologies that complement good manufacturing practice have been developed to control RTE meat safety. Among them, various antimicrobial product formulations, postpackaging pasteurization (thermal and nonthermal), and antimicrobial packaging are being used. Through these efforts, outbreaks linked to RTE meat consumption have substantially reduced in recent years. However, the pervasive and virulent nature of L. monocytogenes and the possible presence of other cold-tolerant pathogens entail continuing developments of new intervention technologies. This review updates existing and emerging physical and chemical methods and their mode of action to inactivate or inhibit threatening microorganisms in RTE muscle foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1.Salmonella enteritidis(SE) is reported as the most common food-borne pathogen transmitted through poultry products. The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) is a candidate gene associated with SE-mediated immune response and is related to the phagocytosis of SE. In this study, the classical single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G2357A in exon 8 of theNRAMP1gene was detected. The expression ofNRAMP1mRNA was first investigated in heterophil granulocytes and spleen in chicks from two different Chinese native breeds at 1, 3 and 10 d post-infection. In addition, the association with the effect of SE challenge was identified. 2. The G2357A SNP showed no significant association withSalmonellanatural infection in birds from two different Chinese native breeds. 3. The upregulation ofNRAMP1mRNA in heterophils and spleen was involved in the response to pathogenic SE colonisation during the acute infection period in chicks. The results suggest that genetics, age, gender and interactions among these factors play important roles in the modulation ofNRAMP1mRNA expression and copy number by SE-mediated immune response in different Chinese chickens. 4. In conclusion, the enhancement of host immunity mediated by the upregulation ofNRAMP1mRNA in heterophil granulocytes and spleen might be more obvious and earlier in the chicks resistant to infections with SE than in susceptible chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines the relationships among consumer awareness, ethnocentrism, and loyalty toward imported poultry meat products. Four hundred consumers were randomly intercepted while shopping in major supermarkets using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The structural equation modeling technique was used to test the integrative model. The results show that consumer awareness positively influences consumer ethnocentrism, while consumer awareness does not influence consumer loyalty. The results also reveal that consumer ethnocentrism negatively influences consumer loyalty. It is recommended that marketers consider consumer awareness, ethnocentrism, and loyalty when designing marketing programs in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. Poultry marketers are advised to offer quality products accompanied by aggressive promotions to improve their image. Foreign poultry marketers should also consider setting up manufacturing facilities in developing countries such as Zimbabwe so that their products may be viewed as appropriate and contributing to the development of these economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Two experiments were conducted to develop naked neck (Na/na) and normal feathered (na/na) crossbreds and compare their growth performance, linear body measurements and carcass characteristics in the first and second filial generations. 2. In the first experiment, 4 indigenous naked neck males (Na/na) were mated to 36 Lohmann commercial females (na/na) in a ratio of 1:9. The two genotypes (Na/na, na/na) were allocated randomly according to batches of hatch, sire lines and sex to three different villages. 3. In the second experiment, 10 males and 100 females of F1Na/nabirds were selected and matedinter sein a ratio of 1:10. The three genotypes (Na/Na, Na/naandna/na) were compared in a randomised complete block design experiment, with the three villages, hatch and sex as blocks and the three genotypes as treatments. F1Na/nabirds had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight, body weight gain, linear body measurements, survivability and carcass yield than theirna/nacounterparts. 4. In the F2generation,Na/NaandNa/nabirds had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight, body weight gain, linear body measurements, survivability and carcass yield compared to theirna/nacounterparts. 5. The birds showing the naked neck phenotype appeared to show superior performance compared to normal feathered birds and could be exploited for potential utilisation in local poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence and concentration of thermotolerantCampylobacterspp. at different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina. METHODS: Three integrated poultry companies were sampled. Each supply chain was considered at different stages from the reproductive farm to chicken meat at a retail market. The stages sampled were: (a) hens from breeder flocks, (b) eggs in the incubator, (c) broiler chickens in flocks (aged <1 week and >5 weeks), (d) chickens at a slaughterhouse, and (e) chicken meat at a retail market. The chickens sampled along each supply chain were in the same batch. Samples collected were: (a) cloacal samples from hens and chickens on the farms, (b) fertile eggs, (c) feed, water and litter from flocks, (d) chicken carcasses from the slaughterhouse and retail market, and (e) caeca and livers from the slaughterhouse. Samples obtained were examined forCampylobacterspp. The isolates were biotyped and the genus and species identified by PCR.Campylobacterspp. on chicken carcasses at slaughterhouse and retail market were enumerated. RESULTS: The highest proportions ofCampylobacterpositive samples were observed in carcasses at retail (25/30, 83.3%) and faecal samples from breeding hens (27/45, 60.0%). Only 3.3% (3/90) samples collected from broiler chickens aged <1 week were positive, but the percentage of positive samples had risen to 28.9% (26/90) by the end of the rearing period. The proportions ofCampylobacterpositive carcasses and caecal contents at the slaughterhouse were both 33.3% (10 of 30 samples each). The concentration ofCampylobactercontamination observed on carcasses at retail markets ranged from no bacteria/carcass to 3.71 log10cfu/carcass. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained provide essential information for future quantitative risk assessments aiming to estimate the probability of a person contracting campylobacteriosis following consumption of broiler meat in Argentina. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proportions ofCampylobacter-positive samples found in this preliminary study indicate that a large proportion of the cases of human gastroenteritis in Argentina may be due to this pathogen. Human cases of gastroenteritis should be studied in greater detail and measures should be developed to reduce the proportion of poultry products that are contaminated byCampylobacterspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between farm, wholesale, and retail prices provides insight into marketing efficiency including the welfare of both consumers and farmers. Investigating the price transmission process at different levels in the marketing channel is crucial in assessing the market efficiency in poultry meat and egg subsectors in Malaysia. Changes in the farm or wholesale price could lead to changes in retail prices asymmetrically and this might distort the poultry and egg markets. This study applied the error correction model of price transmission for the entire poultry meat and egg value chain. The test was carried out using retail and farm monthly price data of poultry meat and eggs from 2000 to 2007. Empirical results suggest that the farm and retail price transmission process for the poultry and egg market is asymmetric. Price transmission estimates with rising farm prices generally are larger than corresponding estimates associated with falling farm prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiramycin, tylosin, bacitracin and virginiamycin are among a group of antibiotic growth promoters that have been banned in the European Union since the 1999 Council. This was due to concerns over the development of resistant bacteria emerging between humans and animals with the threat of antibiotics no longer being able to be used effectively to treat human infections. A sensitive and fast immunochemical method is presented for the determination of these four antibiotic growth promoters simultaneously in poultry tissue. The method employs methanol extraction followed by sample clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with determination by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). The limit of detection (LOD) was less than 1 ng g−1and the detection capability (CCβ) was 3 ng g−1or less for all four antibiotic growth promoters. Validation was completed with both raw and cooked chicken, therefore either matrix could be used for the monitoring of these banned drugs. In a feeding trial no residues of either bacitracin or virginiamycin were found in medicated birds even without a withdrawal period. In the case of tylosin and spiramycin much higher residues level were detected immunochemically than was the case by mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period from 1985 to 1999, about 600 samples of total diet foods from Canadian cites were analysed for dioxins, furans and non-ortho-PCBs. Toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations on a lipid basis were found to be the highest in dairy and beef products followed by poultry and pork. These levels decreased over the 15-year period of sampling, particularly those for fluid milk, less so for poultry and pork and little or no change for beef. Calculation of the human daily intake for the years 1985–1988 showed values a little less than 1 pg of TEQ2005polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran per kg body weight, falling progressively to less than 0.5 pg of TEQ in 1999. These estimates are lower than the 2.3 pg of TEQ currently recommended by the WHO. The main categories of foods contributing to the TEQ were animal meats and dairy products, with lesser amounts from fish and other foods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Listeria monocytogenesis the causal agent of listeriosis, a highly lethal food-borne disease. We identified isolates ofL.monocytogenespresent in poultry products bought at local retailers. The bacterial DNA was isolated and patterns were compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Food isolates were also compared against three strains isolated from patients with listeriosis. Results showed 13 PFGE groups (>90% similarity). Of these, two patterns were shared by poultry and human strains. A particular group was found in 53% of the ground turkey meat and in a strain from a sporadic listeriosis case. Another group included an outbreak clone and 11 strains isolated from chicken. Data suggestL. monocytogenesshould be included in risk assessment studies and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plans of this matrix. It is also important to reinforce consumer education to avoid health risks during handling and processing of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although numerous studies have been conducted on microbial contaminants associated with various stages related to poultry and meat products processing, only a few reported on fungal contamination of poultry litter. The goals of this study were to (1) characterize litter fungal contamination and (2) report the incidence of keratinophilic and toxigenic fungi presence. Seven fresh and 14 aged litter samples were collected from 7 poultry farms. In addition, 27 air samples of 25 litters were also collected through impaction method, and after laboratory processing and incubation of collected samples, quantitative colony-forming units (CFU/m3) and qualitative results were obtained. Twelve different fungal species were detected in fresh litter and Penicillium was the most frequent genus found (59.9%), followed by Alternaria (17.8%), Cladosporium (7.1%), and Aspergillus (5.7%). With respect to aged litter, 19 different fungal species were detected, with Penicillium sp. the most frequently isolated (42.3%), followed by Scopulariopsis sp. (38.3%), Trichosporon sp. (8.8%), and Aspergillus sp. (5.5%). A significant positive correlation was found between litter fungal contamination (CFU/g) and air fungal contamination (CFU/m3). Litter fungal quantification and species identification have important implications in the evaluation of potential adverse health risks to exposed workers and animals. Spreading of poultry litter in agricultural fields is a potential public health concern, since keratinophilic (Scopulariopsis and Fusarium genus) as well as toxigenic fungi (Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium genus) were isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although organic fertilizer sources are widely marketed for application to turfgrasses, there is limited research that examines their effect on turfgrass performance in the humid south-eastern United States. For this work, ‘organic’ refers to commercial fertilizers manufactured from wastes such as sewage sludge (biosolid), poultry byproducts (manure, litter, feather meal), or other byproducts (whey, meals, oils). Organic fertilizers can behave as a slow-release N fertilizer, with a delayed greening response, low burn potential, and varying N release rates in different environments. Three separate 3-month long studies (one creeping bentgrass, two hybrid bermudagrass) evaluated the effects of organic fertilizers on various turfgrass and soil parameters. The objectives of this research were to evaluate turfgrass response to organic fertilizers in the field by measuring turf colour, quality, clipping yield, N uptake, total soil microbial biomass, soil inorganic (NO3-N, NH4-N), and organic N and carbon content. Organic N sources included materials made from dehydrated biosolids, turkey litter, and meat, bone, blood and feather meal. These sources were compared with hybrid bermudagrass and bentgrass fertilized with urea or a commercial urea/methylene urea fertilizer. All N sources were applied one time each year at a rate of 4.9 g N m−2. Plots were moved to a new location in each year of the study. In general, application of sources with large portions (or 100%) of soluble N (urea and a urea/methylene urea blend) produced turf with a darker green colour, higher N content, and greater clipping yield than plots fertilized with materials containing organic N. Urea provided consistent high quality colour for the same 10–12 week period as the organic sources, and no organic source provided acceptable colour for any longer period than soluble N sources. There were few differences in soil N, C, or microbial biomass due to N source. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the possibility of extending shelf life of marinated poultry meat products by high pressure processing was evaluated. Relevant spoilage and pathogenic strains were selected and used as target microorganisms (MOs) for challenge experiments. Meat and brine were inoculated with MOs and treated at 450 MPa, 4 °C for 3 min. The results of inactivation show a decreasing pressure tolerance in the series Lactobacillus > Arcobacter > Carnobacterium > Bacillus cereus > Brochothrix thermosphacta > Listeria monocytogenes. Leuconostoc gelidum exhibited the highest pressure tolerance in meat. A protective effect of poultry meat was found for L. sakei and L. gelidum. In parallel, the influence of different marinade formulations (pH, carbonates, citrates) on protein structure changes during a pressure treatment was investigated. Addition of sodium carbonate shows a protection against denaturation of myofibrillar proteins and provides a maximum water-holding capacity. Caustic marinades allowed a higher retention of product characteristics than low-pH marinades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A previous study has shown that emulsions of monocaprin in citrate lactate buffer at pH 4·1-4·3 are highly active in killing Campylobacter in water, where they reduce viable bacterial counts by more than 6 log10 colony forming units (cfu) in 1 min at a concentration of 1·25 mM (0·03%). 2. The present study was carried out to evaluate whether monocaprin emulsions could be used to kill Campylobacter on raw poultry. 3. It was shown that immersion of naturally contaminated chicken legs in 20 mM (0·5%) monocaprin emulsion at pH 4·1 for 1 min at 20°C reduced the number of Campylobacter by 2·0 to 2·7 log10 cfu. Pre-chill dipping of whole carcases into 20 mM monocaprin emulsion in the slaughterhouse also caused a significant reduction in Campylobacter contamination. 4. Immersion in monocaprin emulsions at pH 4·1 was also assessed as a means to reduce the number of psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria. There were lower psychrotrophic bacteria counts on treated chicken parts than on untreated controls after storage at 3°C for up to 14 d. 5. Immersion in emulsions of monocaprin, which is a natural lipid classified as GRAS, may be a feasible method to reduce the number of Campylobacter and spoilage bacteria on raw poultry. This method could reduce the risk of human exposure to Campylobacter, and at the same time increase the shelf-life of poultry products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen of turkeys with considerable economic impact on poultry production. Although vaccination is widely used for the control of the disease, questions regarding vaccine safety and efficacy remain to be elucidated. This report describes the problems associated with reproducibility of the aMPV-vaccine response, comparing T-lymphocyte-compromised and T-cell-intact turkeys. In three consecutive experiments, turkeys partially depleted of T-lymphocytes by treatment with cyclosporin A as well as untreated turkeys were vaccinated with a commercial live aMPV subtype A (aMPV-A) vaccine at 2 weeks of age. Two weeks later they were challenged with a virulent aMPV-A strain. Despite similar genetic background of the turkeys, comparable housing conditions under isolation and the application of the same aMPV-A vaccine, considerable variation was observed among the experiments regarding replication of the vaccine virus, vaccine-induced clinical signs and protection against challenge infection. The results indicate that differences in the outcome of aMPV-A vaccination may be associated with T-lymphocyte suppression and additionally with an interfering aMPV-B vaccine exposure at the hatchery in two of the experiments. Our study provides possible explanations for the variable protection provided by aMPV vaccines under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of egg-containing, soy-based, fish, shrimp and vegetable products sold in Canada were analysed for melamine (MEL) using a sensitive solid-phase extraction LC-MS/MS analytical method. MEL was detected above the method quantification limit of 0.004 mg/kg in 98 of the 378 samples analysed. Concentrations in the various food product groups ranged 0.00507-0.247 mg/kg (egg-containing items), 0.00408-0.0479 mg/kg (soy-based meat substitutes), 0.00409-1.10 mg/kg (fish and shrimp products), and 0.00464-0.688 mg/kg (vegetable products). MEL was detected less frequently in egg- and soy-containing products. The presence of MEL in most of the Canadian Total Diet Study shrimp composites collected after 2001 suggested the residues in shrimp were caused by a relatively recent exposure to MEL. All concentrations of MEL reported were lower than the 2.5 mg/kg interim standard established for MEL in items containing milk and milk-derived ingredients and the respective maximum residue limits for cyromazine and its metabolite, melamine, in vegetables set by the Canadian Government (2009; http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/chem-chim/melamine/qa-melamine-qr-eng.php#8). The consumption of foods containing these low levels of MEL does not constitute a health risk for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of spray-drying conditions on the physicochemical properties of chicken meat hydrolysate powder was studied in this work. Enzymatic reaction, using Alcalase® (Novozymes, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), was carried out at 52.5°C, 4.2 g enzyme/100 g protein, and pH of 8.0 to obtain protein hydrolysate. The spray drying was carried out on a laboratory spray dryer and maltodextrin 10DE was used as carrier agent. A central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effect of the independent variables inlet air temperature, feed flow, and maltodextrin concentration on the responses powder moisture content, bulk density, mean particle diameter, and hygroscopicity. All variables had a significant effect on the properties and morphology of protein hydrolysate powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]