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Copyright of Journal of Applied Veterinary Science & Technology is the property of Universitas Airlangga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The overall beneficial effect of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the welfare of broiler chickens, turkeys, and laying hens has already been discussed in the literature. However, scant information is available regarding the benefits of feeding live BSFL to medium‐growing chicken hybrids reared under organic/free‐range conditions, and whose welfare is frequently cited as being inadequate. The aim of this research was to advance our knowledge of this topic. To this end, 240 label naked neck birds (Hubbard JA57 hybrid) were assigned, at 21 days of age, to four experimental groups (6 replicates/treatment, 10 chickens/replicate), created according to sex (M/F) and the provision of a 10% live BSFL dietary supplementation (control males, control females, larvae males, and larvae females), and raised until 82 days of age. We performed behavioural observations, a tonic immobility test, and an avoidance distance (AD) test. We assessed feather damage and cleanliness, hock burn, footpad dermatitis, and skin lesion scores, and determined the concentration of excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM) and the heterophile to lymphocyte heterophile/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. The behavioural observations demonstrated increased physical and foraging activity (p < 0.05) in the live BSFL administered groups compared with C ones, providing valuable data on the explorative and recreational behaviour of this chicken genotype. The results also evidenced the usefulness of live BSFL as a fear reducer in females, as those receiving the BSFL supplement moved closer to the operator during the AD test (p < 0.01). No physical injuries or damage were observed on the birds, regardless of whether they received the BSFL supplementation or not. The ECM were unaffected by BSFL supplementation, while the H/L ratio was higher in the larvae groups than in the control ones (p = 0.050). In conclusion, live BSFL provision could constitute a powerful tool for improving life quality in medium‐growing chickens. Further research is required to clarify the stress modulation role of live BSFL on poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key characteristic of free-range chicken farming is to enable chickens to spend time outdoors. However, each chicken may use the available areas for roaming in variable ways. To check if, and how, broilers use their outdoor range at an individual level, we need to reliably characterise range use behaviour. Traditional methods relying on visual scans require significant time investment and only provide discontinuous information. Passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems enable tracking individually tagged chickens’ when they go through pop-holes; hence, they only provide partial information on the movements of individual chickens. Here, we describe a new method to measure chickens’ range use and test its reliability on three ranges each containing a different breed. We used an active RFID system to localise chickens in their barn, or in one of nine zones of their range, every 30 seconds and assessed range-use behaviour in 600 chickens belonging to three breeds of slow- or medium-growing broilers used for outdoor production (all

Abstract The purpose of this study was to isolate Toxoplasma gondii from tissues of free-range chickens in the southwestern region of Goiás, to detect and molecularly characterize the genetic material of the parasite, and to determine the seroprevalence of the protozoan parasite in these animals. A seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies of 76% (19/25) was found among the chickens, while genetic material from their tissues was detected in 56% (14/25). A total of 14 isolates was obtained in the bioassay, ten of which were considered acute, eight were considered isolates of high virulence lethal to mice, and four of low virulence, considered non-lethal but with the ability to chronify the infection. Seven of the ten isolates showed significant morphometric differences from the RH strain, in terms of nucleus-complex-apical distance, length and width. Genotyping of the acute isolates was performed by RFLP-PCR, using 11 genetic markers: SAG1, SAG2 (3’SAG2 and 5’SAG2), alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and APICO. The results were compared and classified according to the genotypes listed on the ToxoDB Platform, where different profiles were observed indicating the presence of two known genotypes (#7 and #63) and five new genotypes (NEW 3, NEW4, NEW5, NEW6, NEW 7). The results showed high seroprevalence, isolation rate, molecular detection and genotypic variations of T. gondii in free-range chickens in the southwestern region of Goiás.

This research aims to investigate the production performance of free-range chickens fed with banana peel flour as a substitute for bran in the ration. Free- range chickens, commonly known as "non-purebred chickens", are closely related to the community. These chickens exhibit diverse genetic traits and are commonly found in the wider community, for both animal protein consumption and as a supplementary source of income to improve their economy. The research was conducted in Merauke from October to December 2022, and the materials used included 48 three-week-old free-range chickens with a weight of 150-200g, concentrate, yellow corn, bran, and banana peel flour. A Randomized Block Design was used with 4 treatments namely P0 = control diet (0% banana peel flour), as well as P1 = 25%, P2 = 50%, and P3 = 100% banana peel flour substituting bran, distributed into 4 groups based on body weight. The observed variables were ration consumption, weight gain, and ration conversion. Meanwhile, data were analyzed using analysis of variance and further tested with the least significant difference (LSD) test. The results showed that the use of banana peel flour as a substitute for bran significantly reduced ration consumption (P<0.05) but did not have a significant effect (P>0.05) on weight gain and ration conversion. Utilization of banana peel waste as animal feed will have an impact on reducing environmental pollution and changing the socio-economic conditions of farmers. Research using banana peel waste as poultry feed is the first time it has been conducted in Merauke Regency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to describe the growth curve of Brazilian Creole chickens of the Canela-Preta breed raised in two different rearing systems using non-linear growth models. A total of 400 birds were divided into two groups of 200 animals (of both genders), which were kept in confined or semi-confined systems. The confined birds were housed in an experimental masonry shed and the semi-confined animals were housed in another shed with access to pasture from 29 days of age. Birds were individually weighed every seven days during six months for determination of the growth curves of body weight using 10 non-linear models. The parameters of the models were estimated using the Gauss Newton method. The performance of the models was assessed using mean squared error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R2), percentage of convergence, and residual mean absolute deviation (MAD). With the exception of the Inverse Polynomial, all the other models had R2 values close to one. Therefore, the best models were chosen based on the lowest MSE and MAD values, with the Richards model ranking first followed by the Von Bertalanffy model. Gender and rearing system effects significantly influenced (p

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolates have emerged in various ecologic compartments and evolved to spread globally. We sought to (1.) investigate the occurrence of ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec) in feces from free-range chickens in a rural region and (2.) characterize the genetic background of antimicrobial resistance and the genetic relatedness of collected isolates. Ninety-five feces swabs from free-range chickens associated with two households (House 1/House 2) in a rural region in northern Tunisia were collected. Samples were screened to recover ESBL-Ec, and collected isolates were characterized for phenotype/genotype of antimicrobial resistance, integrons, and molecular typing (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST)). Overall, 47 ESBL-Ec were identified, with the following genes detected: 35 blaCTX-M-1, 5 blaCTX-M-55, 5 blaCTX-M-15, 1 blaSHV-2, and 1 blaSHV-12. Resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and colistin was encoded by aac(6′)-Ib-cr (n = 21), qnrB (n = 1), and qnrS (n = 2); tetA (n = 17)/tetB (n = 26); sul1 (n = 29)/sul2 (n = 18); and mcr-2 (n = 2) genes, respectively. PFGE and MLST identified genetic homogeneity of isolates in House 1; however, isolates from House 2 were heterogeneous. Notably, among nine identified sequence types, ST58, ST69, ST224, and ST410 belong to pandemic high-risk clonal lineages associated with extrapathogenic E. coli. Minor clones belonging to ST410 and ST471 were shared by chickens from both households. The virulence genes fyuA, fimH, papGIII, and iutA were detected in 35, 47, 17, and 23 isolates, respectively. Findings indicate a high occurrence of ESBL-Ec in free-range chickens and highlight the occurrence of pandemic zoonotic clones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Growth pattern is essential for economically efficient poultry production. In this study, we aimed to describe the growth curve of chickens of the Canela-Preta breed reared in two different rearing systems, considering their different plumage colors. Initially, 204 one-day-old male and female chicks were randomly distributed in confinement and semi-confinement (102 animals in each system) without separation by gender. The animals were individually identified by wing and foot plastic brands and were weighted every seven days. The body weight and age records were used to estimate the growth curves of the following factors using the Richards model: plumage color, gender, and rearing system. The likelihood ratio test was used to verify the equality of parameters and identify nonlinear models to compare the growth patterns of the evaluated groups. The growth pattern of Canela-Preta chickens changed as a function of gender, plumage color, and rearing system. Females with black plumage, black and gold hens, and males with black and white plumage showed greater sensitivity to changes in rearing systems. Within-breed selection strategies for specific colors can improve the use of growth pattern differences, improving production efficiency. Semi-confinement is suitable for rearing Canela-Preta chickens with any plumage color, as these animals meet the free-range poultry niche market requirements.

The PCDD/F profiles in free-range chicken eggs and the corresponding soils from private households in Vietnam were compared. The main trend in the change in the profile of PCDD/F congeners during bioaccumulation in eggs is a relative increase in the contributions of low-chlorinated congeners and a decrease in the contribution of OCDD. Differences in the profile of hexachlorinated congeners in eggs and soil may indicate additional sources of PCDD/F in eggs other than the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickens are a host to a variety of pathogens of zoonotic importance and this depends more on the husbandry system practiced. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp which are more prevalent in free-range chickens (FRC) can be acquired by humans via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat (muscle) and/or viscera contaminated with infective stages of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices on the household consumption of FRC meat and viscera by rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa, as a risk factor in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens with special emphasis on T. gondii and Toxocara spp. A cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty (20) randomly selected households in four selected communities located on the northern coast (Gingindlovu and Ozwathini) and southern coast (uMzinto and Shongweni) of KZN province using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine the presence of selected zoonotic pathogens in FRC, birds were purchased from randomly selected households in the study localities for sacrifice. Brain tissues were collected and subjected to molecular detection of T. gondii using TOX4 and TOX5 primers while other tissues and organs that were collected were subjected to molecular detection of Toxocara spp using Nem 18S primers. Questionnaire data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were used to assess knowledge and practices related to FRC consumption and zoonosis transmission. Molecular results showed four positive samples for T. canis from Gingindlovu (n = 1), uMzinto (n = 1), and Shongweni (n = 2). The role of FRC consumption in zoonosis transmission is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis research has been aimed at evaluating the effects of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) on the growth, slaughtering performance, and blood parameters of medium-growing chickens.MethodsA total of 240, 28-day-old, Label Rouge Naked Neck chickens were allotted to four experimental groups, according to the gender (males-females) and to the absence (control group, C) or presence (larvae group, L) of a dietary supplementation with 10% live BSFL, on the basis of the expected average daily feed intake (ADFI) (6 replicates/diet, 10 chickens/replicate). The birds were weighed weekly, and the feed consumption was recorded to calculate the average live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG), and the ADFI. At 82 days of age, 2 birds/replicate (12 birds/diet) were selected and slaughtered. The blood samples were collected, and the carcass traits (carcass, breast, thigh, and organ weights and yields) were assessed.Results and discussionsOverall, the administered live BSFL did not impair the growth and slaughtering performance, or the blood traits, while the C females showed a better FCR than the treated ones (P < 0.05). The live BSFL consumption time was longer for the females than for the males (P < 0.001). The weight of the immune organs (spleen and bursa of Fabricius) increased as the live BSFL supplementation increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the provision of live BSFL reduced the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT, U/l) activity content in the blood (P < 0.05). Finally, both the leukocytes (%) and the monocytes (%) were more abundant in the C groups than in the larvae ones (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In short, the supplementation of live BSFL can be used successfully as an environmental enrichment, without affecting the growth performance of male birds. Furthermore, the immune organ activity could be enhanced by the provision of live BSFL.

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasites worldwide and affects the vast majority of warm-blooded animal species, including humans. Postnatal infection in humans occurs through the ingestion of sporulated T. gondii oocysts or via the oral intake of parasite tissue cysts during the consumption of raw or undercooked meat. In this regard, given their high exposure to oocysts, chickens (Gallus domesticus) raised on the ground constitute a potential source of T. gondii.

ABSTRACT: Free-range chickens are predisposed to diverse parasitic infections during scavenging. Accurate identification of these parasites using morphological characters has been a challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to identify nematodes from the Heterakidae and Ascarididae family infecting free-ranging chickens from KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques. Forty-two free-ranging adult indigenous chickens were purchased from randomly selected households in Shongweni (n=12), Umzinto (n=10), Gingindlovu (n=10) and Ozwathini (n=10) rural villages and examined for nematodes of the Heterakidae and Ascarididae family. Collected specimen were identified morphologically and confirmed using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal markers. Results showed that Ascaridia galli was common, occurring at all sampling locations with an overall prevalence of 58.3%, while Heterakis gallinarum and H. beramporia occurred in three locations. Ascaridia galli had high prevalence in Shongweni (58.3%), followed by Gingindlovu (40%), Ozwathini (20%) and Umzinto (10%). Heterakis gallinarum infection was prevalent in three locations, with an overall prevalence of 90% in Gingindlovu, 80% in Ozwathini and 58.3 % in Shongweni. Heterakis gallinarum and H. beramporia were not recorded in Umzinto. Heterakis beramporia was recorded in low prevalence in Gingindlovu (20%), Ozwathini (10%) and Shongweni (8.3%) villages. Mixed infections of A. galli and H. gallinarum were recorded in Gingindlovu, Ozwathini and Shongweni, and H. gallinarum and H. beramporia in Gingindlovu. Molecular analysis confirmed identification of A. galli, and further showed close relationship with the GenBank-derived South African isolates. Haplotype network further confirmed their ancestral history, where all South African A. galli isolates formed five novel haplotypes corresponding with the structure of the phylogenetic tree. Similar structure was observed with Heterakis isolates, where analysis of the cox1 gene showed that H. gallinarum formed a well-supported monophyletic clade with other Heterakis species. The ITS marker identified three specimens from Gingindlovu, Ozwathini and Shongweni as H. beramporia, which formed strongly supported sister clade to H. indica and this is the first report confirming the occurrence of H. beramporia in South Africa.

Characterizing the gut microbiota of free-range and alternative poultry production systems provides information, which can be used to improve poultry welfare, performance, and environmental sustainability. Gut microbiota influence not only the health and metabolism of the host but also the presence of zoonotic agents contaminating food of animal origin. In this study, the composition and diversity of the cecal microbiota community of free-range grown chickens were characterized by 16S rDNA high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Significant differences were observed in the composition of chicken cecal microbiota at the time points of 28 days of age (Indoor group) and 56 days of age (Outdoor group), i.e., before and after the outdoor access period of chicken groups. The Outdoor group showed a richer and more complex microbial community, characterized by the onset of new phyla such as Deferribacterota and Synergistota, while the Indoor group showed an increase in Campylobacterota. At the species level, it is noteworthy that the occurrence of Mucispirillum schaedleri in Outdoor group is known to potentially stimulate mucus layer formation in the distal intestinal tract, thus being associated with a healthy gut. We also report a significant decrease in the Outdoor group of Helicobacter pullorum, highlighting that the lower abundance at the age of slaughter reduced the possibility to contaminate chickens' carcasses and, consequently, its zoonotic potential. As revealed by a mutual exclusion study in network analysis, H. pullorum was present only if Bacteroides barnesiae, an uncultured organism of the genus Synergistes, and Bacteroides gallinaceum were absent. Finally, microbiome predictive analysis revealed an increase of vitamins and micronutrient biosyntheses such as queuosine (Q) and its precursor pre Q0, in the Outdoor group, suggesting that the outdoor evolved microbiota of chickens do contribute to the vitamin pool of the gut and the biosynthesis of micronutrients involved in vital cell processes.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The most affected population are pregnant women, newborns, and immunosuppressed patients. The State of Tabasco, Mexico, has both climatic and biotic conditions that favors the parasite's dissemination and perpetuation, which create its great genetic variability, and can also generate the appearance of more virulent variants. To date, 319 different genotypes have been described worldwide with a wide variation of its virulence levels in murine models. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and genotype Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chicken tissues and to predict the virulence of the obtained isolates by the identification of the associated genetic markers. METHODOLOGY: Heart and brain samples of 12 free-range chickens from seven municipalities of Tabasco were collected to attempt the parasite's isolation in mice. Obtained tachyzoites were propagated in NIH3T3 mice fibroblasts. Parasite DNA was extracted and used to genotype each isolate by Mn-PCR-RFLP of 15 T. gondii genetic markers. RESULTS: Twelve isolates were obtained in total. Two belonged to the genotype ToxoDB #8, tree ToxoDB #28, four ToxoDB #38 and three genotypes which has not yet been described or reported. The genotypes #8, #28 and #38 have already been described in States from the Center and Southwest regions of Mexico, whereas the three new genotypes have not been reported and were identified as the genotypes ToxoDB #344, #345 y #346. In virulence markers ROP18/ROP5, were identified combinations of alleles that can predict high and low virulence in murine models. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasma gondii is highly prevalent in Tabasco, Mexico since isolates were obtained in more than 50% of the sampled animals. From these isolates virulent and non-virulent variants in murine model are predicted, which could have a direct impact in public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research on free-range chickens shows that individual behavioral differences may link to range use. However, most of these studies explored individual behavioral differences only at one time point or during a short time window, assessed differences when animals were out of their social group and home environment (barn and range), and in specific tests or situations. Therefore, it is yet unclear how different behaviors relate to range use and how consistent these behaviors are at the individual level. To fill this gap, we here aimed to describe the behavioral budget of slow-growing male broiler chickens (S757N) when in their social group and home environment during the whole rearing period (from the second week of life to the twelfth week, before slaughter), and to relate observed behavioral differences to range use. For this, we followed a sample of individuals in two flocks (n = 60 focal chickens out of 200 chickens per flock), over two seasons, during three periods: before range access (from 14 to 25 days old), during early range access (first weeks of range access, from 37 to 53 days old), and during late range access (last weeks of range access, from 63 to 87 days old). By the end of each period, individual tests of exploration and social motivation were also performed, measuring exploration/activity and sociability propensities. Our results show that foraging (i.e., pecking and scratching at the ground) was the only behavior that correlated to range use for all three rearing periods, independent of the season. Foraging was also the only behavior that showed within-individual consistency from an early age and across the three rearing periods. Foraging may, therefore, serve as a useful behavioral predictor of range use in free-range broiler chickens. Our study increases the knowledge of how behaviors develop and relate to each other in a domesticated and intensely selected species, and improves our understanding of the biology of free-range broiler chickens. These findings can, ultimately, serve as a foundation to increase range use and improve chicken welfare.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from free-range chickens in the metropolitan area of Goiânia, Goiás, in Brazil’s central-west region. The seroprevalence rate was found to be 96%, according to an indirect hemagglutination assay. Brain and heart samples were processed by peptic digestion for a mice bioassay. The tissues were homogenized and the resulting samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which revealed that 64% of them contained the parasite's DNA. The mice bioassay revealed 15 isolates, 8 of them tachyzoites isolates from the peritoneal lavage and 7 from brain cysts. T. gondii genotypes were determined through PCR-RFLP, using the following markers: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, alt. SAG2, Apico and CS3. Three genotypes were identified, inclued ToxoDB #65, and the other two are not yet described in the literature. Hence, we conclude that the isolates obtained from the metropolitan area of Goiânia showed relatively low genetic diversity.

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease, which is prevalent across the world and has a strong environmental component in its transmission chain. The present study determined the seroprevalence and factors related to Toxoplasma gondii infection among free-range chickens from an Atlantic Forest area in Northeastern Brazil. A total of 550 free-range chickens were tested for T. gondii antibodies usingthe indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, cut-off point 1:16), and 269 (48.9%; 95% CI = 44.7-53.1%) were positive. Among the 61 properties 57 (93.4%) had at least one seropositive animal. The robust Poisson regression model showed that the variables/categories associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii were: region of origin of the animals/urban area (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.346; P

Copyright of Modern Food Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Office of Modern Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Food contamination is an important and growing public health concern due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. In this context, the egg, consumed all over the world, stands out. This food has been pointed out as a carrier of several bacteria, causing outbreaks of food toxinfection. The production of free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs has been an alternative for generating income for producers in Brazil; however, there is no monitoring of the sanitary quality of this product. The objective of this study was to identify microorganisms in 128 free-range chicken eggs sold in open markets in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out at commercial fairs in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazilian semiarid region. The minimum number of eggs to be used was determined by the formula for simple random samples considering the following parameters: expected frequency of positive eggs of 50% (for sample maximization), 95% confidence level and sampling error of 10%. The minimum number of eggs to be sampled was 97; however, 128 eggs were obtained in the period from August 2018 to April 2019. The internal content of the eggs was subjected to bacteriological culture using an adapted methodology, and for the in vitro susceptibility assessment the disk diffusion method on Müller-Hintonagarwas used. In addition to biochemical tests, Gram-negative bacteria were subjected to microbiological diagnosis using the MALDI-TOF (Matrix Associated Laser Desorption-Ionization - Time of Flight) technique. Bacterial growth was found in 40 (31.3%) eggs. The microorganisms most frequently isolated were Staphylococcus spp. (27.5%), Bacillus spp. (15%) and Enterobacter cloacae (25%). There was bacterial growth in albumens [n = 10; 7.8%] and in egg yolks [n=38; 29.7%] (P < 0.001). The antimicrobials that showed highest resistance rates were ampicillin (95.5%), amoxicillin +. clavulanic acid (77.3%), cephalothin (72.7%), nalidixic acid (72.7%), cephalexin (68.2%), imipenem (63.3%) and ertapenem (59.1%). Discussion: The frequency of bacterial isolation obtained in this study was high and reflects contamination of the eggs, which can occur through the shell, and factors such as air humidity, time and temperature favor the migration of bacteria from the shell to the internal content of egg. Food toxinfection occurs due to improper conditions in food processing, and it is essential to guarantee correct handling, promoting health quality. Therefore, some care related to egg management is necessary, from primary production to commercialization, ensuring food safety for consumers. Another point to be highlighted concerns the way of marketing this product. Eggs from free-range chickens are usually sold in open markets, kept at room temperature from production to final distribution, mainly in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Temperature, storage time and chicken's characteristics (lineage, age, nutritional management and health status) are factors that have a direct influence on the quality of the food offered to the consumer. The high frequency of isolated bacteria warns of the implementation of control measures to avoid contamination of this product and the importance of the correct use of antimicrobials in poultry, in order to avoid the spread of resistance-carrying pathogens, minimizing economic, health and environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival of juveniles from hatching until recruitment is a critical determinant of indigenous chicken population growth under extensive free-range production systems. A longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the impact of vegetation cover on survival of indigenous chicken broods in Msinga, South Africa. Survival records of 281 chicks hatched in sparsely vegetated (SV) communal lands and 233 hatched chicks in densely vegetated (DV) resettlement areas were collected from hatch until 12 weeks of age. Data on probable cause of death of individual chicks was collected using a structured checklist. Kaplan-Meir survival distributions and log rank tests were used to estimate the survival functions of broods between vegetation cover types. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between management factors and mortality risk in SV and DV. Chick survival from hatching to 12 weeks was higher in SV (55 ± 3.14%) than DV (41 ± 4.19%) (P < 0.05). Mean chick survival time did not differ between SV (56 ± 3.30 days) and DV (49 ± 3.23 days) (P > 0.05). Aerial predators were the major cause of chick mortality (over 60%) followed by terrestrial predators (30%) in both vegetation cover types. The odds of mortality were higher in DV compared to SV (P < 0.05). It was concluded that increasing vegetation cover decreases survival of scavenging chicks between hatching and end of brooding at 12 weeks of age, and therefore brood management actions should ensure adequate protection of free-ranging chicken broods in densely vegetated rearing habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a diet containing yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.; TM) larva meal on quality parameters (pH24, color and drip losses), proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of meat from free-range chickens. A total of 140 medium-growing hybrid female chickens were free-range reared and randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: a control group and a TM group, in which TM meal was included at 75 g kg−1 as fed in substitution of corn gluten meal. Each group consisted of five pens as replicates, with 14 chicks per pen. At 97 days of age, ten birds (two birds/pen) from each feeding group were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Quality parameters and proximate composition of breast and thigh meat were not affected by treatment. The effects of dietary TM larva meal on the FA profile of thigh meat were negligible. Breast meat from TM-fed chickens showed higher oleic and α-linolenic acid percentages as well as lower atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that TM inclusion in diets for free-range chickens did not prejudice meat quality traits. The obtained results confirm that TM can be considered a promising insect protein source for the poultry feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Active Radio Frequency Identification enables precise evaluation of range-use in situ. • We provide two reliable and repeatable indicators of range-use. • Indicator one varies with chickens' time outside, their gregariousness, and activity. • Indicator two is associated with the extent of exploration of the range. • Range-use increases with temperature, but does not vary between sexes. A key characteristic of free-range chicken farming is to enable chickens to spend time outdoors. However, each chicken may use the available areas for roaming in variable ways. To check if, and how, broilers use their outdoor range at an individual level, we need to reliably characterise range use behaviour. Traditional methods relying on visual scans require significant time investment and only provide discontinuous information. Passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems enable tracking individually tagged chickens' when they go through pop-holes; hence, they only provide partial information on the movements of individual chickens. Here, we describe a new method to measure chickens' range use and test its reliability on three ranges each containing a different breed. We used an active RFID system to localise chickens in their barn, or in one of nine zones of their range, every 30 seconds and assessed range-use behaviour in 600 chickens belonging to three breeds of slow- or medium-growing broilers used for outdoor production (all <40 g daily weight gain). From those real-time locations, we determined five measures to describe daily range use: time spent in the barn, number of outdoor accesses, number of zones visited in a day, gregariousness (an index that increases when birds spend time in zones where other birds are), and numbers of zone changes. Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) were performed on those measures, in each production system, to create two synthetic indicators of chickens' range use behaviour. The first two PCA axes represented over 90% of the variance of the five measures and were both consistent over time and correlated with independent visual scans. Contributions of the five measures to the PCAs were similar among breeds, except for the correlation between the number of outdoor accesses and the four other measures. PC1 correlated with time spent inside the barn and zone changes frequency, whilst PC2 was explained by exploration of the range. Taken together, PC1 and PC2 indicators showed that range use increased with age, outdoor temperature (in spring), and did not differ between males and females. Importantly, daily scores for both indicators were repeatable among individuals - particularly in PC1 - showing inter-individual variability on range-use. The characterisation of broiler behaviour around their range with these reliable and repeatable indicators provides novel tools to help understand individual variations of range-use in free-range farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract The present report aims at describing the occurrence of Marek's Disease (MD) in a free range poultry farm based on macroscopic and microscopic lesions. For this purpose, seven free-range chickens were evaluated by gross and microscopic examination. Tumor lesions were observed in the liver and ovary, in addition of enlarged kidney and spleen, skin thickening and whitish lesions in streak form in the breast muscle. Fragments of the affected organs were collected and placed in 10% formalin for processing by the usual histopathology techniques, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Under microscopic evaluation, we observed pleomorphic populations of neoplastic lymphoreticular cells with pyknotic nuclei in the same organs, all compatible with MD. The macroscopic and microscopic lesions presented in this study were consistent with MD, meaning that the MD virus is present in the rearing environment of the studied chicken farm.

Free-range chicken farming allows egg-laying hens to move freely through their environment and perform their natural behavior, including laying her eggs. However, it takes time to gather these eggs manually, giving rise to high labor costs. This study proposes a smart mobile robot for poultry farms that can recognize eggs of two different colors on free-range farms. The robot can also pick up and sort eggs without damaging them. An egg feature extraction method with automatic thresholding is employed to detect both white and brown eggs, and a behavior-based navigation method is applied to allow the robot to reach the eggs while avoiding obstacles. The robot can move towards the position of each egg via visual tracking. Once the egg is within the collection area of the robot, it is gathered, sorted and stored in the tank inside the robot. Experiments are carried out in an outdoor field of size 5 m × 5 m under different climatic conditions, and the results showed that the average egg recognition rate is between 94.7% and 97.6%. The proposed mobile poultry robot is low in production cost and simple in operation. It can provide chicken farmers with automatic egg gathering on free-range farms.

The effects of managerial systems on the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in Free-Range Chickens (FRCs) from northern Paraná, Brazil were investigated. The most predominant (23.3%; 61/262) cestode observed was Raillietina cesticillus; Heterakis gallinarum (71.4%; 187/262) and Ascaridia galli (45%; 118/262) were the predominant nematodes; Postharmostomum commutatum was the only trematode observed in 2.7% (7/262) of FRCs. The most elevated parasitic burdens were associated with Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, and Raillietina cesticillus. Significant (p ? 0.05) associations were observed when the effects of the types of bedding, soil type, and fence restriction of FRCs were considered relative to the possibility of helminthiasis. The type of bedding, the length of the sanitary break, and the presence of shading significantly (p ? 0.05) influenced the possibility of FRCs being infected by H. gallinarum. Most parameters evaluated were significantly associated with infection of FRCs by A. galli. These findings suggest that FRCs from northern Paraná are infected by a wide-range of gastrointestinal helminths, but more frequently by R. cesticillus, H. gallinarum, and A. galli. Moreover, the type of floor bedding, the soil type, and the usage of fences in the management of FRCs is directly related to gastrointestinal helminthiasis.

Free-range chicken production often referred to as “family-poultry production†(FPP) is practiced mostly by households in developing world contributing nominal livelihood values. The study investigated personal characteristics of respondents, habits and practices, numbers of chickens and other animals cared for, causes of chicken loss, chickens’ diseases and health care awareness by respondents, and preferred extension capability to provide linkage services. Fifty farmers were interviewed using multi-stage random sampling procedure. Results showed that 70% of respondents were female and 42% were within 18 to 45 age bracket. Adult female (48%) spend the most time caring for the chickens while, 30% and 24% keep chickens for sales and consumption respectively. 76% provide housing, 74% feed-supplement and 80% medication to support their flocks like intensive system. Predators (40%) and diseases (36%) were the main causes of poultry loss. Continuous sensitization on basic information about chicken care (100%) and market accessibility (76.51%) were some of the preferred extension capability by farmers. Continuous training and provision of linkage services (simple housing, feed-supplement, vaccination against Newcastle-Disease and deworming of birds) are recommended extension capability to develop FPP business.

It is of merit to study the appropriate amount of dietary fiber to add to free-range chickens’ feed to improve their microbial diversity and gut health in times of plant fiber deprivation. Lignocellulose is a useful source of dietary fiber, and its positive effects on the growth performance and laying performance of chickens has already been proven. However, few researchers have researched the effects of adding it on the gut microbiota of chickens. In this research, we added three different levels of eubiotic lignocellulose (0%, 2%, and 4%) to the feed of caged and free-range Bian chickens from September to November, aiming to observe the effects of added dietary fiber and different rearing systems on the gut microbial diversity and gut health of chickens, as well as to determine an appropriate amount of lignocellulose. The results showed that adding dietary fiber increased the thickness of the cecum mucus layer and the abundance of Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium in caged chickens, and 4% lignocellulose was appropriate. In addition, adding lignocellulose increased the microbial diversity and the abundance of the butyrate-producing bacteria Faecalibacterium and Roseburia in fee-range chickens. The α-diversity and the length of the small intestine with 2% lignocellulose in free-range chickens were better than with 2% lignocellulose in caged chickens. Maybe it is necessary to add dietary fiber to the feed of free-range chickens when plant fibers are lacking, and 2% lignocellulose was found to be appropriate in this experiment. In addition, compared with caged chickens, the free-range chickens had a longer small intestine and a lower glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level. The significant difference of GLP-1 levels was mainly driven by energy rather than short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). There was no interaction between added dietary fiber and the rearing system on SCFAs, cecum inner mucus layer, and GLP-1.

Cytodites nudus e Laminosioptes cysticola são ácaros cuja ocorrência é pouco relatada e cuja infestação simultânea nunca foi descrita na literatura científica brasileira. C. nudus é conhecido como ácaro dos sacos aéreos e pode provocar sinais respiratórios, pneumonia e emagrecimento, quando presente em grande número no hospedeiro. L. cysticola parasita o tecido conjuntivo de galiformes e provoca a formação de pequenos nódulos subcutâneos calcificados, que podem ser confundidos com nódulos de tuberculose aviária. No presente trabalho, são discutidos os aspectos patológicos das lesões causadas pelos ácaros C. nudus e L. cysticola e a caracterização morfológica desses parasitas.The occurrence of Cytodites nudus and Laminosioptes cysticola mites is rare and there is no report of this simultaneous infestation in Brazilian scientific literature. C. nudus is known as the air sacs mite and may cause respiratory signs as well as pneumonia and weight loss when present in large numbers in the host. L. cysticola is found in connective tissue of galliforms and causes formation of small calcified subcutaneous nodules that can be confused with the characteristic nodules found in avian tuberculosis. In this paper are discussed the pathological findings of lesions caused by C. nudus and L. cysticola and their morphological characterization.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of alternative feedstuffs as partial substitutes of corn and soybean in free-range broiler diets on performance, carcass yield and technical-economic viability. A total of 400 Pescoço Pelado broilers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design (CRD), with four treatments (treatment 1:Control; treatment 2: 10% rice bran inclusion; treatment 3: 10% ground cassava leaves; and treatment 4: 10% ground lead tree hay) with four replicates per treatment. Each replicate consisted of a group of 25 birds per paddock, separated per sex. Initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), body weight (BW), daily weight gain (DWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. Carcass, cuts (breast, thigh, drumstick, back, neck, leg and wings), abdominal fat and giblets (gizzard, heart and liver) yields were determined. The technical-economic viability of each treatment was assessed by determining the cost of feed per kg body weight, economic efficiency index and cost. The highest final weights were obtained with the use of rice bran. Rice bran and cassava leaves promoted higher carcass yield, as well as lower back and abdominal fat yields. The use of cassava leaves showed better economic efficiency among the treatments with alternative feedstuffs. The use of alternative feedstuffs at 10% inclusion in substitution of corn and soybean meal did not not result in major changes in performance and carcass parameters, and economic efficiency, and therefore, their use is recommended when the availability or the price of key ingredients, such as soybean meal and corn, increase.

In this study, the physical-chemical characteristics and proximate composition of the meat of of two strains of broilers (Paraíso Pedrês and Máster gris plumé - Super Pesadão, utilized for semi-intensive rearing) and Cobb® strain, utilized in intensive rearing systems) were evaluated. Differences related to strain and sex (males and females) were studied. Cobb® broilers were slaughtered at 45 days and the other strains at 85 days. The following characteristics were evaluated in breast and thigh meat: moisture, protein, ether extract, ashes, color (CIEL*a*b*), final pH, cooking loss (CL) and shear force (SF). Bird strain and sex influenced breast color parameters, with Cobb® presenting higher yellowness (b*) and redness (a*) means, whereas females had higher b* values and males, a* values. Paraíso Pedrês had lower SF values. As to proximate composition, there was an interaction between strain and sex, with higher ether extract values in the meat of Super Pesadão males. Cobb® birds presented higher lightness (L*) and b* values, and there was no effect of sex on color parameters. Higher pH and SF values were found in the meat of Super Pesadão birds. There was an interaction between strain and sex for b* and SF values, with higher b* values obtained with Cobb® males, while differences between sex, with superiority for females in the Paraíso Pedrês strain and for males in the Cobb® strain were found. Increased values of SF for males were obtained for Super Pesadão strain. Both Paraíso Pedrês and Super Pesadão strains presented physicochemical and proximate composition characteristics similar to those of Cobb® strain in the cuts breast and thigh so that in a few parameters, no differences between the birds kept in this two rearing systems were found.

The aim of this study was to detect, isolate and genetically characterize Toxoplasma gondii from tissues obtained from free range chickens which were breed in farms from patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in Misiones, Argentina. Thirty three samples of head (refrigerated = 18 and frozen = 15) from free range chickens were processed. Refrigerated (n = 18) chicken central nervous systems (CNS) were bioassay in mice. DNA was obtained from all samples (n = 33) and PCR was performed using TOX5-TOX8 T. gondii specific primers. Positive PCR samples were characterized by nested-PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism using the markers SAG2, BTUB, GRA6, SAG3, PK1, L358, C22-8, C29-2 and Apico. T. gondii DNA was amplified in 30.3% (10/33) of CNS samples. Isolates were obtained in 27.7% (5/18) of inoculated CNS samples (TgCk11-9Arg, TgCk13-5Arg, TgCk14-5Arg, TgCk14-6Arg and TgCk14-7Arg). Seven samples showed a restriction pattern to all markers and were identified as atypical with several alleles type III. Genotyping of T. gondii from samples of patients with retinochoroiditis in the same area could improve the understanding of the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in free-range chickens of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil and to identify risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection. Blood samples were collected from all the adult chickens raised in the Archipelago and screened by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (430 samples, in total). Univariate analysis (Chi-square) and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between various variables possibly predictive of an increased likelihood of T. gondii infection. The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection in chickens of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago was 88.4% (380/430; 84.6%–91.0%; 95% CI), ranging from 57.1% to 100.0% among the studied properties. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection were the number of domestic cats in the properties (p = 0.022), the presence of feral cats (p = 0.006) and the presence of an open water source (p = 0.046). Domestic and feral cats should be prevented from accessing the water and food supplied to chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of Toxoplasmagondii antibodies in free-range chickens (FRC) has become a method for monitoring soil contamination withT. gondiioocysts shed in cat faeces.Although several methods have been employed for T. gondiiantibody detection in chicken sera, limited information is available on the use of indirect fluorescentantibody test (IFAT) for this purpose. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of IgGantibodiesto T. gondii in the sera of 241 FRC randomly obtained from 10 local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo state, southwestern Nigeria using IFAT. Antibodies specific forT. gondii were detected in 26(10.8%)serawith titre of 1:25 in 26 samples, and 1:50 in 5 samples. Seropositive FRC were detected in all 10 LGAs of Oyo State. There was no significant association between T. gondii seroprevalence and age, gender orsource of the FRC. The results of the present study show that the IFAT is valuable in detecting antibodies to T. gondii in FRC sera and that infection of these chickens with T. gondii is widespread in the study area. Adequate precautions should be taken during preparationof FRC from the study area for food, as they could serve as potential source of infection for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed efficiency for males and females of two three-way experimental hybrids of free range chickens (Campero Casilda y Campero Pergamino) and in Campero INTA as reference genotype, was calculated in five consecutive weekly periods between 42 and 77 days of age as well as in the overall period. No significant difference among groups in efficiency and related variables were evident in each of the periods, in both sexes. Males were heavier, had higher average daily feed intake, higher average daily weight gain and showed higher feed efficiency and lower conversion ratio than females. The behavior of the two variables -feed intake and body weight gain- determining feed efficiency shows that at the end of the fourth of the five periods (63-70 days old), males have already reached the target slaughter weight of 2500 g but not the minimum age (70 days) required by the production protocol, a situation not evident in females. This fact determines that males must be slaughtered at least one week after with a higher body weight (3000 g). Going from 4th to 5th period (70-77 days) increases feed intake and decreases body weight gain, resulting in a decreased feed efficiency, or its equivalent, a deterioration of the feed conversion ratio. In terms of these traits the three genetic groups show equivalent behaviors with conversion values (> 3 kg of feed per kg weight gain) higher than those usually reported for the intensive production model. This situation must be taken into account when poultry meat production takes place under more or less extensive systems that emphasize the preservation of animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production environments for meat poultry are generally bi-dimensional open areas where birds tend to cluster along the walls. We investigated the impact of increasing environmental complexity (EC) on slow-growing free-range chickens raised under commercial conditions. The study was conducted in four farms, each with three independent houses and outdoor ranges that were outfitted with panels, perches or remained under standard management (control). Forty birds per house were individually tagged and their locations (in XY coordinates) recorded from weeks of age 6 to 12. Total and net distance travelled, use of the central areas indoors, and core areas were calculated from the indoor and outdoor locations. Core areas define the areas of activity according to assigned probability levels, (50, 75 and 100% in this study). Production and welfare indicators were collected at slaughter; incidence of footpad dermatitis, fluctuating asymmetry and growth rate. Results showed an EC treatment effects ( P < 0.05) with more birds using the central indoor area in the panel and perch treatment than controls ( P < 0.05). The interaction between treatment and temperature affected total distance travelled indoors ( P < 0.05), while net distance was affected by weeks of age and treatment interaction ( P < 0.05). No treatment or age period effects ( P > 0.05) were found for core areas indoors. The use of the outdoor area was affected by the birdś weeks of age and the temperature ( P < 0.05), although the use of the outdoor area remained low, with an average of 63.08 ± 5.37% of the tagged birds never observed outside. The size of the core areas outside at 50 and 100% increased with age period ( P < 0.05). No treatment effect was found for production and welfare indicators. Although the benefits of the EC treatments may have been restricted by the small number of devices introduced, these results suggest that EC facilitates a more homogeneous use of the space inside the houses and that the use of the outdoor area increased with the experience provided by age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study determined the seroprevalence of S. gallinarum infection in freerange chickens in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 2772 serum samples collected from free-range chickens in 12 selected villages/towns in Nasarawa State were screened for specific antibodies against S. gallinarum by the rapid serum agglutination method. Overall, 236 (8.5%) of the chickens had detectable antibodies against S. gallinarum. Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone had a significantly higher (p<0.05) antibody prevalence of 109 (9.5%) when compared with Nasarawa North, 59 (8.5%) and Nasarawa West, 68 (7.2%). There was significant difference (p<0.05) in S. gallinarum antibody prevalence in chickens sampled from individual villages/towns, with Assakio, Keana and Wamba having significantly higher antibody prevalence rates of 17 (21.3%), 21 (21.0%) and 16 (20.0%), respectively. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the prevalence of S. gallinarum antibody in the sampled chickens in relation to age, and prevalence was found to be higher (p<0.05) in the older.birds Thus chickens of age greater than 34 weeks and 28-34 weeks had antibody prevalence of 47 (13.4%) and 57 (10.0%), respectively. S. gallinarum antibody prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the rainy season (June to October) 126 (10.5%) with the highest infection peak in September, when compared with the dry season (December to May), 110 (7.0%). The layer chickens had a significantly higher (p<0.05) antibody prevalence of 138 (19.1%) compared with cockerel, 60 (5.3%) and pullets, 38 (4.1%). The detection of S. gallinarum antibody in theseunvaccinated apparently healthy chickenssconfirms the presence of fowl typhoid.Since these birdss are usually managed under the extensive system, they could contribute to further spread of the infection in the environments. This could threaten the development of poultry industry in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Univariate and multivariate characterization of male and female chickens belonging to two three-way experimental hybrids developed for producing free range chickens, in comparison with Campero INTA as the reference genotype, both in terms of a set of linear measurements recorded before slaughter as well as with four zoometric indices, revealed an at least partially independent genetic basis for shape and body size. The principal component multivariate analysis of carcass yield at slaughter plus breast, legthigh and abdominal fat proportions evinced the presence of sources of variation for breast and leg-thigh independent of body fat content as well as two sources of variation for breast percentage, one independent and the other negatively associated with leg-thigh proportion. Although the multivariate analysis allowed characterizing the birds of each sex in terms of some particularities of potential selective significance not apparent when using a univariate approach, differences among genetic groups within sex were not remarkable from a productive point of view. Slow-growing type birds evaluated in this study showed a good breast muscle development -unlike the old-fashioned field chickens- maintain the typical sexual dimorphism of the species and exhibit their characteristic “pheasant type” phenotype together with a variable plumage pigmentation different from pure white which identifies and distinguishes them from those hybrids usually exploited by the commercial poultry industry. Regarding slaughter traits both experimental three-way crosses can be considered similar not only between them but also when compare with the reference genetic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]