Brazilian Journal of Poultry Sciencehttps://www.scielo.br/journal/rbca/feed/2024-01-23T19:59:19.065000ZVol. 26 No. 1 - 2024WerkzeugIdentification of Genes Affected Blue Eggshell Coloration in Xuefeng Black-Bone Chickens10.1590/1806-9061-2022-17292024-01-23T19:59:19.065000Z2020-08-09T06:48:20.136000ZZi, QLi, PLei, JQu, XHe, CYao, YZou, XGuo, S
<em>Zi, Q</em>;
<em>Li, P</em>;
<em>Lei, J</em>;
<em>Qu, X</em>;
<em>He, C</em>;
<em>Yao, Y</em>;
<em>Zou, X</em>;
<em>Guo, S</em>;
<br/><br/>
ABSTRACT Blue eggshells have become economically valuable due to their higher popularity among consumers when compared with eggs of other colors, particularly in East Asia. However, eggshell colors vary widely and gradually become lighter with the increase of age. Therefore, to determine the association between DNA methylation and gene expression on the molecular mechanism of eggshell color variation in Xuefeng Black-bone chickens, we collected the shell glands from chickens that produced dark blue eggshells and light blue eggshells, respectively, and performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) on them. The results showed that in the context of CG, DNA methylation levels were the highest compared to CHG and CHH contexts, and were negatively correlated with gene expression levels in three different gene regions in all samples, while there was no significant correlation in the contexts of CHG and CHH. Furthermore, when disregarding the location of coding genes, a total of 55 genes will show differences not only in expression levels but also in DNA methylation levels, and among the majority of differential expression genes (n=50), the DNA methylation levels in the gene body region were the highest. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed in these genes and the results showed that the genes NR1H4 and HEPHL1, ABCA4 and ABCA12, and the pathways, cell adhesion molecular, ABC transporters, ECM-receptor interaction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, may affect the color variation of the blue eggshell of Xuefeng Black-bone chickens.Wild Birds as Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteria in Mulungu, Brazil10.1590/1806-9061-2022-17912024-01-23T19:59:19.065000Z2020-08-09T06:48:20.136000ZBeleza, AJFMaciel, WCCarreira, ASMarques, ARLima, BPNogueira, CHGFreitas, CMPSilva, INGRibeiro, LRMelo, LSPascoal Fº, NMTeixeira, RSCVasconcelos, RH
<em>Beleza, Ajf</em>;
<em>Maciel, Wc</em>;
<em>Carreira, As</em>;
<em>Marques, Ar</em>;
<em>Lima, Bp</em>;
<em>Nogueira, Chg</em>;
<em>Freitas, Cmp</em>;
<em>Silva, Ing</em>;
<em>Ribeiro, Lr</em>;
<em>Melo, Ls</em>;
<em>Pascoal Fº, Nm</em>;
<em>Teixeira, Rsc</em>;
<em>Vasconcelos, Rh</em>;
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ABSTRACT Caatinga is a biome unique to Brazil, where degradation caused by anthropogenic actions has led to loss of biodiversity and put many species at risk of extinction. The Ceará state is located within the Caatinga and has a rich avifauna. It comprises 433 species, including 13 species that are in danger of extinction, which are found in the Baturité Massif. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and diversity of enterobacteria in wild birds and determine their susceptibility to antimicrobials. Cloacal swab samples were collected from 50 individuals of 28 different species, including the Ceara Gnatheter (Conopophaga cearae) and the Red-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanocephala), which are classified as vulnerable (VU) by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment. A total of 55 isolates belonging to 14 different species of Enterobacteriaceae were identified. Among them, Pantoea agglomerans and Escherichia coli were the most prevalent species with isolation rates of 36% and 26%, respectively. The highest rate of antimicrobial resistance found was to ampicillin (41.8%), followed by nalidixic acid (36.3%) and amoxicillin associated with clavulanic acid (32.7%). Drugs that presented best efficacy were tobramycin (96.4%), ciprofloxacin (92.6%), and tetracycline (90.9%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 23.5% of the analyzed strains. This research provides important information about the composition of the cloacal microbiota of wild birds in Mulungu, Brazil, as well as their health status. Additionally, these results demonstrate that they harbor multidrug-resistant strains of Enterobacteriaceae.Eggshell Quality Comparison between Blue-Shelled and White-Shelled Eggs of Brown Tsaiya Ducks10.1590/1806-9061-2023-18392024-01-23T19:59:19.065000Z2020-08-09T06:48:20.136000ZChen, YHLiu, JYChen, YSYe, JCLo, NWLee, SM
<em>Chen, Yh</em>;
<em>Liu, Jy</em>;
<em>Chen, Ys</em>;
<em>Ye, Jc</em>;
<em>Lo, Nw</em>;
<em>Lee, Sm</em>;
<br/><br/>
ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the egg quality between the bluish-shelled (BSh) and whitish-shelled (WSh) eggs of Taiwanese Tsaiya ducks. Experiments were conducted to determine eggshell thickness and strength, heat absorption capability, and egg yolk lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that the eggshell thickness and strength of BSh eggs were higher than that of WSh eggs during both the autumn and winter seasons (p<0.05). The egg surface temperature in either indoors and outdoors conditions was higher in the BSh group than in the WSh group. The extent of lipid peroxidation was determined to analyze the anti-oxidative ability of egg yolk. When eggs were stored at room temperature in autumn for 0 day and 7 days, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in BSh eggs (1.21±1.04 and 1.49±0.69, respectively) were lower than those of WSh eggs (3.42±1.32 and 3.74±1.86, respectively) (p<0.05). Moreover, TBARs in the BSh group stored at 4°C for 14 days were also lower than those of the WSh group, indicating that despite the heat absorption capability of BSh eggs being higher, the anti-oxidative ability remained sound. Then, we determined serum red blood cells, which are the original source of the anti-oxidant component biliverdin in the egg shell. The results showed that the levels of red blood cells and packed cell volume in the BSh group were higher than those of the WSh group (p<0.05). All in all, we suggest that BSh eggs with higher eggshell thickness and strength and antioxidant capacity may possess greater quality and shelf life.Assessment of the Climate Change Impact on Broiler Chickens in Northern Tunisia10.1590/1806-9061-2023-18462024-01-23T19:59:19.065000Z2020-08-09T06:48:20.136000ZMN, El MelkiA, AyemenK, El MoueddebS, Khlifi
<em>Mn, El Melki</em>;
<em>A, Ayemen</em>;
<em>K, El Moueddeb</em>;
<em>S, Khlifi</em>;
<br/><br/>
ABSTRACT Climate change continues to influence global ecosystems, raising concerns for livestock. This study assesses the impacts of climate change on broiler chickens in northern Tunisia, focusing on well-being and mortality rates during summer. Historical data from the NRMCM5.1 and MPIESM1.2 models, were utilized, covering 1970 to 1997. Projections for 2041-2070 under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emissions scenarios were examined, providing insight into future challenges. The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and Temperature-Humidity-Velocity Index (THVI) served as thermal comfort indicators. The research utilized temperature and relative air humidity data from two models and scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) as inputs for the DCP system, thus evaluating comfort parameters (THI and THVI). The analysis involved calculating annual temperature and humidity averages at the system’s output for each grid and region. Historical and projected data were employed to assess mortality levels by identifying heatwave periods, which had an average duration of 2.7 consecutive days with THI exceeding 30.6°C. The analysis showed significant increases in THI and THVI in the RCP8.5 pessimistic scenario, indicating a risk of heat stress. Mortality rates were used as a measure of the vulnerability of the poultry industry to climate change, and the projections showed substantial average increases of 2.2°C for THI and 1.5°C for THVI.. The RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios predicted an increase in mortality for the period 2041-2070, with averages increasing from 0.8 to 1.3 for RCP8.5 and from 0.6 to 1.1 for RCP4.5, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies to ensure sustainability in poultry farming.The Effects of Breed and Body Mass Index on the Incidence of Arrested Laying Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Geese10.1590/1806-9061-2023-18522024-01-23T19:59:19.065000Z2020-08-09T06:48:20.136000ZFTÖ, BulutH, DoğanE, Erdem
<em>Ftö, Bulut</em>;
<em>H, Doğan</em>;
<em>E, Erdem</em>;
<br/><br/>
ABSTRACT This exploratory study aimed to investigate the effects of breed and body mass index (BMI) on arrested-laying (AL) associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (AL-PCOS) in geese. Moreover, detailed pathological assessments in geese with AL were also performed. Mast geese and Large gray geese were reared under intensive feeding conditions. Observations during the laying season showed that all AL cases (n:8) (7.84%) were in Mast geese (n:102) fed with energy and protein-dense feeds. Necropsy revealed that all Mast geese with AL also had PCOS (8/8). In Mast geese, a significant difference was observed in body weight (BW) (p<0.0001) and BMI (p<0.0001) between the AL-PCOS group and the regular laying group. Follicle classifications detected by necropsy in AL-PCOS geese showed that among the Mast geese with AL-PCOS (n=8), two had atretic and cystic follicles (25%), four had type-1 and type-2 follicles (50%), and two had necrotic type-3 follicles (25%). The research data revealed that AL-PCOS might be correlated with breed and BMI, and that overfeeding and high BMI might increase AL- PCOS in breeds with high egg production, such as Mast geese. Therefore, it is crucial for farms raising high-yielding breeds such as Mast geese to strictly follow the laying periods and feeding regimes for high profitability. No previous reports had ever investigated AL-PCOS in geese, making this study the first of its kind. Moreover, the current study is also among the few presenting data on geese reproductive physiology and pathology.Comb Color Analysis of Broilers Through the Video Surveillance System of a Poultry House10.1590/1806-9061-2023-18912024-01-23T19:59:19.065000Z2020-08-09T06:48:20.136000ZTY, WeiTH, LinYC, Tsai
<em>Ty, Wei</em>;
<em>Th, Lin</em>;
<em>Yc, Tsai</em>;
<br/><br/>
ABSTRACT Livestock and poultry production are critical agricultural industries. Intelligence in the poultry industry has received increasing attention in recent years. An intelligent monitoring system was implemented to manage the poultry house and improve its feeding conditions. Experts can remotely diagnose the health of chickens using a monitor screen. An intelligent video surveillance system was used in this study to evaluate the physical appearance of broilers in a poultry house. Comb color was studied during the long chicken growth phase, and color changes were statistically analyzed. The video surveillance system includes meticulously color-calibrated cameras with an additional YOLOv4 algorithm for comb detection and color recovery. The image data was stored for up to 90 days and then analyzed to understand comb color behavior during growth. This study develops a technique for automatically extracting comb colors that can assist professionals in making color-related broiler health diagnoses in the future.