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26th World's Poultry Congress, abstracts selected in
2020

Michèle Tixier-Boichard, Michel Jacques M.J. Duclos

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To cite this version:

Michèle Tixier-Boichard, Michel Jacques M.J. Duclos. 26th World's Poultry Congress, abstracts selected in 2020. 2022. hal-04213764

HAL Id: hal-04213764

https://hal.science/hal-04213764v1

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26th World's Poultry Congress
Book of abstracts 2021

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WPC
WORLD'S POULTRY
CONGRESS

POSTPONEMENT
07th > 11th
AUGUST
2022

PARIS, FRANCE
PALAIS DES CONGRÈS

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MORE INFORMATIONS AT

**WPCPARIS2022.COM**

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education organization research
**Book of abstracts**
**Abstracts submitted in 2019 and accepted in 2020**

**26th World's Poultry Congress**

**Organized by**

**French Branch of the World's Poultry Science Association**

The 26th World's Poultry Congress - 07-11 August 2022

**Publisher**

French Branch of the World's Poultry Science Association

**Editors**

Dr Michèle TIXIER-BOICHARD, chair of 26th WPC

Dr Michel DUCLOS, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of 26th WPC

Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) – Colloquium Group (Paris, France)
## Contents

Welcome page 3

Committee members page 4

Working groups page 5

Scientific experts page 6

Reviewers page 7

Sponsors page 10

Abstracts per session page 14

Object oriented sessions page 17

Working group sessions page 177

Authors index page page 690
Dear participants to the 26th WPC, dear readers,

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemics, which emerged in 2020 and is still present, the highest priority of the French Branch of WPSA and the organizing committee of the 26th World's Poultry Congress has been to organise a successful congress, avoiding health hazards and welcoming participants from all continents. As a consequence, the event planned in 2020 had to be postponed to 2021 and again to 2022.

Nevertheless, the Organising Committee and the board of WPSA decided to celebrate the centenary of WPC with an on-line event on August 10, 2021 opened to all WPSA members. This event can be viewed as replay on the WPSA website.

Furthermore, it was also decided to value the abstracts received in 2019 and accepted in 2020, by organising monthly webinars from September 2021 to June 2022, to bridge the gap between the centenary of the WPC and the 26th WPC in August 2022. These abstracts are presented in the following 'Centenary book', published as an online document by the WPSA.

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Let's celebrate!

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POSTPONED

07-11 AUGUST 2022

PARIS, FRANCE | PALAIS DES CONGRÈS

Dr Michèle TIXIER-BOICHARD, chair of 26th WPC

Dr Michel DUCLOS, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of 26th WPC and secretary of the WPSA French branch

Dr Christophe BOSTVIRONNOIS, President of WPSA French Branch

The organizing committee will publish regular updates on https://wpcparis2022.com
# Committee

## Organizing Committee

### French Branch of the World's Poultry Science Association

* Michèle TIXIER-BOICHARD (INRAE, France), Chair of the organizing committee

* Michel Duclos (INRAE, France), Chair of the scientific committee

* Christophe BOSTVIRONNOIS (CHR HANSEN, France), President of the French WPSA branch

* Catherine HAMELIN (CCPA, France)

* Agnès NARCY (INRAE, France)

* Yves NYS (INRAE, France)

* Angélique TRAVEL (INRAE, France)

* Michel LESSIRE (INRAE)

* Pierre-André GERAERT (Adisseo, France)

* Daniel GUEMENE (INRA-SYSAAF, France)

* Adeline MATHIAUD (Mixscience, France)

## Board of the World's Poultry Science Association

* Ning YANG (President), China

* Roel W.A.W. MULDER (Secretary and assistant, treasurer), Netherlands

* Francine A. BRADLEY (Treasurer and assistant secretary), USA

* Bob BURESH (Senior Vice-president), USA

* Werner BESSEI (Vice-president), Germany

* Yves NYS (Vice-president), France

* Julie R. ROBERTS (Vice-president), Australia

* Zehava UNI (Vice-president), Israel

* Sakchai SRIBOONSUE (President Asia Pacific Federation), Thailand

* Estella PRUKNER-RADOVCIC (President European Federation), Croatia

* Edir N. SILVA (Immediate past-president), Brazil

* Dorien VELNER (Assistant to the general secretary), The Netherlands
**Scientific Committee members**

**Chairman**

Michel DUCLOS (France)

**Working Group of the European Federation**

* Peter VAN HORNE (New Zealand) - EF1 Economy

* Sanna STEENFELDT (Denmark) - EF2 Nutrition

* Steffen WEIGEND (Germany) - EF3 Genetics

* Cristina ALAMPRESE (Italy) - EF4 Egg quality

* Massimiliano PETRACCI (Italy) - EF5- Meat Quality

* Ampai NANGSUAY (Thailand) - EF6 Reproduction

* Virginie MICHEL (France) - EF9 Welfare

* Hafez HAFEZ (Germany) - EF10 Turkeys

* Eva SOSSIDOU (Greece) - EF11 Education

* Barbara TZSCHENTKE (Germany) - EF12 Physiology

**Working groups of the Asia-Pacific Federation**

* Alan GIBBINS (New Zealand) - AP1 Small Scale Family Poultry Farming

* Hardi PRASETYO (Indonesia) - AP2 Waterfowl

* Anel ENGELBRECHT (South Africa) - AP3 Ratites

**Networks**

* Martino CASSANDRO (Italy) - Mediterranean Poultry Network

* Harry SWATSON (South Africa) - African Poultry Network

**WVPA partnership**

* Nicolas ETERRADOSSI (France) - WVPA Hygiene and Pathology
**Scientific experts**

* Sammy AGGREY (USA)

* Maureen BAIN (UK)

* Marion BERNARDEAU (France)

* Cécile BERRI (France)

* Werner BESSEI (Germany)

* Elisabeth BLESBOIS (France)

* Anne BOURDILLON (France)

* Isabelle BOUVAREL (France)

* Joaquim BRUFAU (Spain)

* Mingan CHOCT (Austria)

* Olivier DEMEURE (France)

* Xavier FERNANDEZ (France)

* Pierre-André GERAERT (France)

* Daniel GUEMENE (France)

* E. Fallou GUEYE (Senegal)

* Sandrine LAGARRIGUE (France)

* Susan LAMONT (USA)

* Philippe LESCOAT (France)

* Yves NYS (France)

* Tom PORTER (USA)

* Hervé REMIGNON (France)

* Julie ROBERTS (Australia)

* Markus RODEHUTSCORD (Germany)

* Birger SVIHUS (Norway)

* Zehava UNI (Israel)

* Xiquan ZHANG (China)
Thanks to all the reviewers

<table><tr><td>Samuel</td><td>AGGREY</td></tr><tr><td>Roland</td><td>AKAKPO</td></tr><tr><td>Cristina</td><td>ALAMPRESE</td></tr><tr><td>Masoud</td><td>ALIPANAH</td></tr><tr><td>Elisabeth</td><td>BAEZA-CAMPONE</td></tr><tr><td>Maureen</td><td>BAIN</td></tr><tr><td>Dolores</td><td>BATONON-ALAVO</td></tr><tr><td>Marion</td><td>BERNADEAU</td></tr><tr><td>Cécile</td><td>BERRI</td></tr><tr><td>Werner</td><td>BESSEI</td></tr><tr><td>Elisabeth</td><td>BLESBOIS</td></tr><tr><td>Anne</td><td>BOURDILLON</td></tr><tr><td>Isabelle</td><td>BOUVAREL</td></tr><tr><td>Joaquim</td><td>BRUFAU</td></tr><tr><td>Stéphanie</td><td>CASTAGNOS</td></tr><tr><td>Hervé</td><td>CHAPUIS</td></tr><tr><td>Marianne</td><td>CHEMALY</td></tr><tr><td>Mingan</td><td>CHOCT</td></tr><tr><td>Anne</td><td>COLLIN</td></tr><tr><td>Pauline</td><td>CRÉACH</td></tr><tr><td>Nuhad</td><td>DAGHIR</td></tr><tr><td>Olivier</td><td>DEMEURE</td></tr><tr><td>Nicolas</td><td>DESTOMBES</td></tr><tr><td>Michel</td><td>DUCLOS</td></tr><tr><td>Ian</td><td>DUNN</td></tr><tr><td>Anel</td><td>ENGELBRECHT</td></tr><tr><td>Nicolas</td><td>ETERRADOSSI</td></tr></table>
Julien FABLET

Xavier FERNANDEZ

Corinne FORGET

Janet FULTON

Joël GAUTRON

Pierre-André GERAERT

Alan GIBBINS

Sandrine GRASTEAU

Daniel GUEMENE

E. Fallou GUEYE

Nicolas GUYOT

Hafez HAFEZ

Catherine HAMELIN

Hervé JUIN

Sébastian KACZMAREK

Susan LAMONT

Philippe LESCOAT

Michel LESSIRE

Christine LETERRIER

Michel MAGNIN

Bertrand MEDA

Sonia METAYER-COUSTARD

Corinne MORVAN

Agnès NARCY

Massimiliano PETRACCI

Hardi PRASETYO

Christophe PRAUD

Emilie RECOULES

Sophie REHAULT-GODBERT

Hervé REMIGNON
<table><tr><td>Juliet</td><td>ROBERTS</td></tr><tr><td>Markus</td><td>RODEHUTSCORD</td></tr><tr><td>Catherine</td><td>SCHOULER</td></tr><tr><td>Evangelia</td><td>SOSSIDOU</td></tr><tr><td>Sanna</td><td>STEENFELD</td></tr><tr><td>Birger</td><td>SVIHUS</td></tr><tr><td>Sophie</td><td>TESSERAUD</td></tr><tr><td>Michèle</td><td>TIXIER-BOICHARD</td></tr><tr><td>Barbara</td><td>TZSCHENTKE</td></tr><tr><td>Zehava</td><td>UNI</td></tr><tr><td>Peter</td><td>VAN HORNE</td></tr><tr><td>Philippe</td><td>VELGE</td></tr><tr><td>Steffen</td><td>WEIGEND</td></tr></table>
# SPONSORS

## DIAMOND

### ADISSEO

https://www.adisseo.com/
Immeuble Antony Parc 2
10, Place du Général de Gaulle
92160 Antony, France

### CEVA

https://www.ceva.com/fr
7 rue Vignon 75008 Paris, France

## PLATINUM

### EVONIK

https://corporate.evonik.com/en/
Evonik Industries AG
Rellinghauser Straße 1—11
45128 Essen, Germany

## GOLD

### DSM

https://www.dsm.com/corporate/home.html
Het Overloon 1
6411 TE Heerlen, The Netherlands

### ELANCO

https://www.elanco.com/en-us
Colectora Este Ramal Pilar Manuel Alberti Suite 317, Buenos Aires, Argentina

### MSD animal health

https://www.msd-sante-animale.fr/
7, rue Olivier de Serres – Angers Technopole
C.S. 17144
49071 Beaucouze, France

### NOOVISTAGO

https://fr.metex-noovistago.com/
32 rue Guersant
75017 Paris, France
### NOVUS

https://www.novusint.com/en-GB/

20 Research Park Drive, Saint Charles, Missouri, 63304 USA

### SILVER

#### MAREL

https://marel.com/fr

ZI Du Dressève
56150 Baud, France

### BRONZE

#### AGIMPROVE

https://www.agrimprove.com/

Landgoedlaan 20
7325 AW Apeldoorn, The Netherlands

#### CCPA

https://www.groupe-ccpa.com/

ZA du Bois de Teillay
Quartier du Haut-Bois
35150 Janzé, France

#### DELACON

https://www.delacon.com/

Langwiesen 24
4209 Engerwitzdorf, Austria

#### IFF

https://www.iff.com/

New York, NY, USA

#### ID4FEED

https://id4feed.com/

Square du Rhône
12, Avenue du Rhône BP 226
74006 Annecy, France

#### KERSIA

https://www.kersia-group.com/

55 boulevard Jules Verger
BP10180
35803 Dinard, France
## TROUW NUTRITION

https://www.trouwnutrition.fr/
12, Rue Pernelle
75004 Paris, France

## ZINPRO

https://www.zinpro.com/
10400 Viking Drive, Suite 240
Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA

## OTHER PARTNERS

### CHR HANSEN

https://www.chr-hansen.com/fr/
Boege Alle 10-12
2970 Hoersholm, Denmark

### DOMINANT CZ

https://dominant-cz.cz/
Studenec, Czech Republic

### HENDRIX GENETICS

https://www.hendrix-genetics.com/en/
Villa 'de Körver', Spoorstraat 69
5831 CK Boxmeer, The Netherlands

### HUVEPHARMA

https://www.huvepharma.com/
Headquarters & Production Plant
Sofia, Bulgaria

### JEFO

https://jefo.ca/fr/
5020, avenue Jefo - C.P. 325
Saint-Hyacinthe (Québec), Canada

### JRS

https://www.jrs.eu/jrs_en/life-science/animal-nutrition/
Rosenberg, Germany

### PHILEO

https://phileo-lesaffre.com/en/
137 rue Gabriel Péri
Marcq-en-baroeul, France
## MEDIA PARTNERS

### MEAP

http://www.meap.net/news/index.php/en/

Zalka, Lebanon

### AVI NEWS

https://avicultura.info/paises/europa/

Camí Ral 495 2º2º

08301 Mataró, Barcelona

## OTHER PARTNERS

### AVIAGEN

https://eu.aviagen.com/language-mini-site/show/fr

Beaucouzé, France
Number of abstracts per session

OBJECT ORIENTED SESSIONS

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>Number</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Adapting poultry production to climate change</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Diversity of production systems and services delivered to humans</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Early management of broilers (embryo or starter phase)</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Genetics x environment interactions and epigenetics</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Genetics x nutrition interaction on the digestive microbiota</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Innovative strategies to answer new expectations from the society</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>Integrated strategies to control meat quality defects</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Interpretating the citizen's and consumer's expectations</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Management of broiler breeders</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Pluridisciplinary approaches to reach the One health objectives</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>Poultry production for insuring food security</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Reducing the environmental impacts of poultry production</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>Robotics and big data for precision farming</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>Towards longer carriers in layers</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Understanding nutrition x genetics interaction to optimize feed efficiency</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Understanding the microbiome for an improved management of Health and Welfare</td><td>23</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Networks</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>African Poultry Network</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Mediterranean Poultry Network</td><td>2</td></tr></tbody></table>
WORKING GROUP SESSIONS

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>Number</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>ECONOMY AND MARKETING</strong></td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td><strong>NUTRITION</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Feedstuffs</td><td>60</td></tr><tr><td>Protein nutrition</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Feed technology</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Mineral nutrition</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Physiology of nutrition</td><td>34</td></tr><tr><td>Ingestion and digestion</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>Feeding in alternative production systems</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Metabolism</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td><strong>GENETICS</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Quantitative genetics</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td>Molecular genetics</td><td>31</td></tr><tr><td>New traits for poultry breeding</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td><strong>EGG QUALITY</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Construction of egg quality</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Quality of egg products</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td><strong>MEAT QUALITY</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Construction of meat quality</td><td>19</td></tr><tr><td>Meat processing</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td><strong>REPRODUCTION</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reproductive physiology</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Reproductive biotechnologies</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td><strong>WELFARE</strong></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Welfare and behaviour</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>Managing poultry welfare</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td><strong>TURKEYS</strong></td><td>12</td></tr></tbody></table>
EDUCATION 4

PHYSIOLOGY

General physiology 19

Incubation physiology 11

SMALL SCALE FAMILY POULTRY FARMING 11

WATERFOWL 3

RATITES 3

HYGIENE AND PATHOLOGY 68

TOTAL of ABSTRACTS 618
OBJECT ORIENTED SESSIONS

ADAPTING POULTRY PRODUCTION TO
CLIMATE CHANGE
DETERMINATION OF THE HEAT SHOCK RELATED FACTOR EXPRESSION PATTERN AFTER HEAT TREATMENT OF TWO-DAY-OLD CHICKEN

R. Toth*(1), N.Tokodyne szabadi(1), B.Lazar(1), K.Liptoi(3), A.Korosine molnar(2), E.Patakine varkonyi(4), E.Gocza(1)

(1)NARIC Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Gödöllő, Hungary

(2)Reformed Lyceum High School, Gödöllő, Hungary

(3)National Centre of Biodiversity and Gene conservation, Gödöllő, Hungary

(4)National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation, Gödöllő, Hungary

* Corresponding author: toth.roland.imre@abc.naik.hu

Nowadays, the drastically increased average temperature has a significant environmental effect on agriculture and animal husbandry. The high temperature is a negative stressor for the animals. In this case, the milk-, meat- and egg production of the animals dramatically decrease. HSP superfamily members are the essential genes in the stress response. Heat stress induces the increase of the expression level of heat stress-related factors (HSFs and HSPs).

In our research, we wanted to develop a new method that helps in the adaptation to the higher temperature at adult age in poultry. It is known if the birds are keeping on the first few days after hatching in higher temperatures than the optimal, they develop a higher tolerance to the increased environmental temperature. It was published that HSP70 family members were highly expressed in the brain, gonads after heat stress.

Transylvanian necked neck chickens were used at our experiment. We incubated the two days old chicks at 38.5o C for 12 hours. We collected the samples (brain, liver, gonads, and muscle) in RNA later immediately after the heat-treatment and on the 14th week after hatching. We used as a control group the non-heat treated two days old Transylvanian necked neck chickens.

We isolated RNA from the collected samples. As the first step, we diluted the isolated RNA samples to 100 ng/µl concentration. As the next step, we pooled these diluted RNA samples belonging to the same group (according to the treatment and organs). We determined the expression level of heat-shock related factors using real-time PCR. We used GAPDH as a housekeeping gene and chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF) as the plate control sample.

We found that in heat-treated female chickens, the expression level of all examined factors (HSP70 HSP90, HSF1, HSF2, HSF3, HSF4) decreased in gonads at adult age compared to the control group. In the muscle, we found elevated expression levels at all of the heat shock factors immediately after heat treatment compared to control, but these differences disappeared at adult age. In the case of the brain, we determine increased expression in the HSP70 level only at a matured age.

We think that an optimal heat treatment method will help to develop tolerance to heat stress that occurs in the hot summer.
ID: 482

HOW CHRONIC HEAT STRESS AFFECTS IN VIVO AND POST-MORTEM OXIDATIVE PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS?

S. Mattioli*(1), A.Mancinelli(1), F.Soglia(2), M.Zampiga(2), C.Castellini(1), A.Dal bosco(1), M.Petracci(2), F.Sirri(2)

(1)University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

(2)University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

* Corresponding author: simona.mattioli@hotmail.it

Heat stress is one of the major environmental stressors in intensive poultry production since it can adversely affect behaviour, immune response and productivity including meat quality. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the effect of chronic heat stress on oxidative status of broiler chickens, comparing the in vivo response (blood parameters) to the meat oxidation. A total of 300 1-d-old male chicks (Ross 308) were divided in two experimental groups (6 replicates/group of 25 chickens/each): Thermoneutral (TN) raised under conventional environmental conditions for the whole rearing cycle and Heat Stress (HS) subjected to chronic heat stress conditions (30°C for 24 h/d) from 35 to 41 d. Chickens were fed the same standard diet and the water was supplied ad libitum. At slaughtering (41 d), blood was collected (n=12 animals/group) and plasma/serum obtained by centrifugation. Twelve breasts were also collected for each experimental group and stored for oxidative parameters (tocopherols, retinol, carbonyls, TBARS) and fatty acids profile evaluations. A linear model was applied and the temperature was considered as the fixed effect. T-test was used for groups comparison (P<0.05). Results showed that HS chickens had slightly lower plasma antioxidants (mainly α-tocopherol) and worse in vivo oxidative status (5.40 vs. 1.77 nmol/mg proteins and 31.38 vs. 28.50 nmol MDA/mL, for carbonyls and TBARS respectively; P<0.05) than TN ones. On the contrary, the oxidative profile of meat was not affected by the higher temperature. Similarly, the fatty acids profile of meat did not change between groups, whereas the concentration of MUFA (mainly oleic acid, C18:1n-9), showed a lower proportion in HS serum than TN (12.7 vs. 15.6%; P<0.01). As for meat oxidation, TN breasts exhibited significantly higher carbonyl content (1.77 vs. 1.53 nmol/mg of protein; P<0.05) than HS group, coupled with a lower amount of TBARS (4.70 vs. 5.23 mg MDA/kg of meat; P<0.001). Although apparently contrasting, these results might be explained by considering that, aside from MDA, lipid oxidation can result in different reaction-products not quantifiable with this method. In conclusion, the chronic heat stress conditions tested in this study did not negatively affect the oxidative status of meat although slightly influenced the in vivo one. Thus, other insights are needed to clearly define the oxidative mechanisms elicited by heat stress conditions in fast-growing broilers.
ID: 491

FUNCTIONAL AMINO ACIDS ARE EFFICIENT TO RESTORE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS
OF BROILERS SUBJECT TO A HEAT-STRESS CHALLENGE

T. Chalvon-demersay*(1), H.Sato(2), W.Sato(2), M.Bannai(2), Y.Tsuneyoshi(2), S.Toyoda(2), E.Corrent(1), L.William(1)

(1)Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition Europe, Paris, France

(2)AJINOMOTO ANIMAL NUTRITION GROUP, Tokyo, Japan

* Corresponding author: chalvon-demersay_tristan@eli.ajinomoto.com

Heat stress (HS) is associated with decreased performance and livability of chicken broilers. Published literature provides evidence that arginine or glutamine supplementation could be useful in birds facing this challenge. In addition, branched-chain and sulfur amino acids support immunity and oxidative stress defense, parameters which are impaired in this context. The current study aimed to compare the efficiency of these different amino acids to restore performance and other physiological traits in HS broilers.

Seven hundred sixty-eight newly hatched male chicks (Ross 308) were fed common starter and grower diets until 21 days of age. After this period, they were allocated for another 21 day-period to 6 treatments. Basal diets were formulated following Ajinomoto recommendations. For all except one treatment (CTRL), chicken broilers faced a HS (average temperature: 31.06°C, average humidity: 77.27%). Among HS birds, one treatment was not supplemented (CTRL-HS) while the others received one of the following supplementations: 0.5% arginine (ARG), 0.25% glutamine (GLN), 1.0% branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) or 0.25% cystine (CYS2). Performance and livability of animals were followed. The effect of HS on gene expression in jejunum was assessed using an Affymetrix® Chicken Gene 1.1 ST Array Strip. At the end of the trial, jejunum morphology and plasmatic oxidative stress markers were measured. All data were subjected to an ANOVA.

HS decreased body weight gain (-11.7%), feed intake (-5.0%), villous height in jejunum (-20.7%) and increased feed conversion ratio (+7.0%) with no effect on plasmatic oxidative stress markers or livability. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that adaptation to HS was associated with a process similar to tissue healing in the jejunum. The supplementation of ARG, GLN, BCAA significantly improved performance of HS broilers from d21 to d42, ARG being the most efficient amino acid. During this same period, CYS2 increased numerically performance. No effect of the supplementations was noticed on plasmatic oxidative stress markers or livability but the supplementation of CYS2 increased villus height in jejunum.

This study showed that amino acids are capable of partially restoring performance in HS broilers when supplemented over the requirement for growth. While the effect of ARG, GLN AND BCAA could rely on their ability to support tissue healing, CYS2 could be beneficial via the improvement of gut morphology.
ASSESSING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SLOW GROWN BROILERS

C. Dunkley* (1)

(1)University of Georgia, Tifton, United States

* Corresponding author: cdunkley@uga.edu

We conducted a study to evaluate the sustainability of slow-growing broiler chickens. The same poultry company produces slow-growing and conventional broilers. The management practices used in the production of these birds were the same. We estimated the greenhouse gas emissions from all the farms in the complex using the Poultry Carbon Footprint Calculation Tool (PCFCT). This spreadsheet was designed to calculate emissions from broiler grow-out, pullet and breeder farms. We calculated the emissions from information we collected from each farm. This information included the farm data (number and size of houses, type of birds, number of birds, number of flocks grown each year and the number of days it took to grow each flock), the activity data and the manure management. The activity data consisted of information we collected from farm records of: electricity use, fuel use (diesel or liquid petroleum gas) from the year 2018. This information was from all broiler farms in a broiler complex. There was a total of 571 regular broiler houses and 952 slow-growing houses. The activity data was then used to calculate the emissions from mechanical sources (heaters, etc.), non-mechanical sources (manure, etc.), and electricity use.

More square footage was required to raise the slow-growing birds, leading to an additional 381 houses. An additional 17.2 days was required for slow-growing broilers to reach an average market weight of 7.5lbs. The company placed more slow-growing birds during the period than conventional birds, with 3.07 million more broilers placed in slow-growing houses. The livability for both flocks was 96%. Slow-growing broilers had 25% more total greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally grown broilers.
EFFECTS OF SEQUENTIAL FEEDING ON PERFORMANCES OF BROILERS IN HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE

C. Kpomasse*(1), E.Boromna(2), O.N'nanle(3), F.Houndonougbo(4), K.Tona(1)

(1) Regional Center of Excellence on Poultry Sciences (CERSA), University of Lome, Republic of Togo, Lome, Togo

(2) Centre d'Excellence Régional Sur les Sciences Aviaires (CERSA), Université de Lomé, Togo., Lome, Togo

(3) CENTRE D'EXCELLENCE REGIONALE SUR LES SCIENCES AVIAIRES (CERSA), Lome, Togo

(4) Laboratoire LARAZE, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, Cotonou, Benin

* Corresponding author: claudez1984@yahoo.fr

Fast-growing broilers are still recording poor growth performance in tropical conditions. Thus, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitable feeding program in order to improve their performances in tropics. A total of 770 10-day-old Cobb500 broilers were assigned to 7 treatment groups having 5 replicates of 22 birds each. Group CONT (control) fed complete diet with constant energy (Estandar) and constant protein (Pstandar) levels. Sequential groups were fed two types of diet alternated in morning and afternoon: group B fed with Estandar and low protein level (Plow) diet and thereafter with Estandar and high protein level (Phigh), group C fed diet with Pstandar and low energy level (Elow) diet and subsequently with Pstandar and high energy level (Ehigh), group D received Elow Plow diet and thereafter with Ehigh Phigh diet; group E, F and G received diet with Elow Phigh and subsequently with Ehigh Plow respectively in 24H, 12H and 48H cycles. Feed was provided two times daily: 6.30 AM and 6.00 PM in all groups except group F which was served diets 7.30 AM and 1.00 PM . Broiler chickens were conducted during 5 weeks. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily. At 45 days of age, a sample of 6 chickens per replicate were slaughtered for carcass evaluation, ultimate pH (pHu) and water holding capacity (WHC) of meat. Results showed that temperature and relative humidity in the morning were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in evening. Feed intake in morning was significantly (p0.05) across the treatment groups. However, body weight and WHC were significantly improved and abdominal fat significantly reduced (p<0.05) in group C birds. It was concluded that alternate low energy and high energy with constant protein level diet in broilers could improve their growth performance under tropical conditions.

Keywords: Sequential feeding, broilers, meat quality, tropical climate.
CYCLIC HEAT STRESS IN COMBINATION WITH A CHALLENGING DIET REDUCES BROILER PERFORMANCE AND MODIFIES ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

S. Jansseune*(1), E.Eckhardt(2), P.Cozannet(2), A.Hachemi(2), Y.Lautrou(3), R.Kwakkel(4), J.Van
baal(4), M.Briens(2)

(1) Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands

(2) Adisseo S.A.S., Commentry, France

(3) Ecole supérieure d'Agriculture, Angers, France

(4) Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands

* Corresponding author: s.jansseune@gmail.com

Heat stress (HS) is a major concern in poultry production. Cyclic HS (cHS) impairs performance, welfare and behavior, increases risks of leaky gut, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cHS in combination with a challenging diet on broilers performance and welfare parameters. A total of 2,112 day-old Ross 308 male broilers were distributed in a randomized block design with 2 temperature conditions x 2 diets (24 pen replicates per treatment combination). Temperature conditions were thermoneutrality (TN) or cHS from d 22 to d 42. TN was set at 22°C with relative humidity (RH) of 60-75 %. cHS was set at 35°C for 10 h and 28°C for 14 h with RH of 50-60 %. Diets D1 and D2 were iso-metabolizable energy and iso-digestible amino acids and fed from d 0. The challenging diet (D2) was higher than the control diet (D1) in soluble fiber (0-21 d: +96%; 22-42 d: +112 %) and total protein (0-21 d: +11%; 22-42 d: +10%). Results were analyzed by ANOVA and linear regression. At d 21, body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were reduced by D2, whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) was increased (p<0.05). From 21 to 42 d, cHS vs TN and D2 vs D1 increased FCR by 10.2% and 4.6% respectively (p<0.05). Final BWs were 3,539 g, 2,992 g, 3,190 g, and 2,851 g for TND1, cHSD1, TND2 and cHSD2, respectively, and were significantly different for main effects and the interaction. Broilers fed D2 had a lower cHS-induced reduction of BW than broilers fed D1 (p<0.40). At 22 d, cHS significantly increased rectal temperature (RT) by 0.99°C (n=12). Later, at d 29, 36 and 42, RT remained higher in cHS group with +0.65°C on average (p<0.05), showing an adaptation of broilers subjected to cHS after d 22. Accordingly, HS increased blood glucose (6.9%) and pH (0.94%) at d 22 (p<0.05) but at d 36 measurements of glucose stress response and blood alkalosis were not significant (n=6). More biomarkers (blood gases, hematology, OS and inflammation) will be analyzed and presented at the congress. In conclusion, the cHS model reduced broiler performance and modified their growth and thermoregulatory response. However, the challenging diet have alleviated broiler sensitivity to HS, by lowering BW gain and FI, a result that will have to be compared with welfare parameters.
CENTRAL TAURINE CONTRIBUTES TO THERMOREGULATION AND FOOD INTAKE IN CHICKS

M. Elhussiny\*(1), P.Tran(1), M.Furuse(1), T.Bungo(3), V.Chowdhury(1)

(1)Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan

(3)Hiroshima University, Higashi-hiroshima, Japan

* Corresponding author: vc-sur@artsci.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Our recent findings reported that intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) increased the plasma taurine concentration and lowered the body temperature in chicks (Eltahan et al., 2017). Moreover, our group previously reported that developing embryonic brain concentrations of taurine and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) were higher than those in the muscle (Sato et al., 2009). The aim of this study was to examine the central effects of taurine on body temperature and food intake in neonatal chicks and to investigate the central regulatory factors of taurine-dependent thermoregulation and food intake. In Experiment 1, 6-days-old Julia layer chicks (n = 12) were intracerebroventricularly injected with different doses (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 µmol/10 µl) of taurine under control thermoneutral temperature (CT). In Experiment 2, 6-days-old Julia layer chicks (n = 12) were intracerebroventricularly injected with 0 or 5 µmol of taurine and exposed to either a high ambient temperature (HT: 35 ± 1°C for 60 min) or a CT (30 ± 1°C for 60 min) in temperature-controlled chambers. Rectal temperature was recorded at 0, 30 and 60 min after the treatment and food intake was recorded at 0 and 60 min. Chicks were properly anesthetized by isoflurane before collection of the blood and brain (diencephalon). Experimental data were subjected to a Thompson rejection test to eliminate outliers and the remaining data were used for statistical analysis by the Stat View version 5.0. The results showed that central taurine induced dose dependent hypothermia and reduced food intake under CT. In contrast, central taurine attenuated food intake reduction and induced hyperthermia under HT. It was further found that central taurine significantly decreased the 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol in the brain which is a major metabolite of norepinephrine (NE), while the brain serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, 3,4-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid were not changed by the central taurine. Moreover, plasma glucose, uric acid and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase as well as the diencephalic mRNA expressions of NPY, GABAA and GABAB receptors were not significantly changed in taurine injected chicks. In conclusion, central taurine significantly decreased the body temperature and food intake of chicks under CT, which might be linked with the central NE metabolism. In addition, brain taurine may work against food intake declining under heat stress and contribute to hyperthermia.
EFFECT OF A COATED DIETARY BETAINE AND ANTIOXIDANTS SUPPLEMENTATION PRODUCT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, MEAT YIELD AND QUALITY OF BROILERS UNDER WARM CONDITIONS

Q. Pagé(1), C.Le dain(1), A.Mathiaud*(1), N.Brevault(1)

(1)MIXSCIENCE, Bruz, France

* Corresponding author: adeline.mathiaud@mixscience.eu

High environmental temperature can decrease growth performance of broilers by reducing feed intake and breast meat yield. Meat quality can also be impaired as a result of oxidative stress. Dietary betaine may reduce such negative effects thanks to its osmoprotective properties. In addition, antioxidants may protect against oxidative stress. This trial compared under warm conditions the effect of supplementing broiler diets with free betaine or with a coated blend of active ingredients (Metalixir S; vectorization technology). The trial took place at IRTA in Spain. A total of 828 days-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments, each replicated 16 times. Dietary treatments were: Negative control (NC, no additive), free betaine (FB, NC + 1 kg/t of anhydrous betaine), Metalixir S (MS, NC + 750 g/t of Metalixir S). From hatching till 21 d, housing temperature was set according to standard practices. From 21 d to 40 d, housing temperature varied every day to simulate high summer temperatures (08:00-11:00: 28°C, 11:00-18:00: 30-32°C, 18:00-8:00: 24°C). Growth performance was measured throughout the experiment. At 40 d, 18 birds per treatment group were sacrificed. Breast meat yield, footpad dermatitis and meat quality were measured. Throughout the period, there was a significant improvement of bodyweight gain (+2.6 g/d; P<0.05) and FCR (-4 pt; P<0.05) for birds fed MS compared to NC and FB. There was no significant difference in growth performance for birds fed FB compared to NC. Both MS and FB increased numerically breast meat yield compared to NC (+0.3 pt). Birds fed MS tended to have lower white stripping scores than birds fed NC and FB diets (P<0.1). No difference was found among treatment groups concerning footpad dermatitis. This trial suggests an additional effect of coated dietary betaine and antioxidants (MS) on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers compared to betaine (FB) alone.
# ROLE OF NATURAL VITAMIN C ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE AND IMMUNE RESPONSES IN BROILERS UNDER HEAT STRESS

W. Kim*(1), C.Chen(1), D.White(1), Y.Tompkins*(1)

(1)University of Georgia, Athens, United States

* Corresponding author: wkkim@uga.edu

## Introduction

Vitamin C participates in important biological processes & preventing oxidation. Because poultry can synthesize Vitamin C, it is not considered as required dietary nutrient for poultry. However, when chicken is subjected to environmental stressors, Vitamin C supplementation is necessary to satisfy growth requirements. C Power (natural supplement containing Vitamin C equivalent) exhibits high antioxidant activity. Thus, objective of study was to evaluate comparative effects of Vitamin C & C Power on growth performance, antioxidant defense & immunity in heat stressed broilers.

## Experimental design

A total of 480 1d old Cobb500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (6 repx20 birds/pen); Control T1: were given corn/soybean meal diet without vitamin C; T2@200g/ton Vitamin C (35%); T3@100g/ton C Power; and T4@200g/ton C Power. Birds were given exposure under heat-stress for 8h per day for 42d, body rectal temperature was recorded as stress indicator using thermocouple rectal before & during heat exposure. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), & feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly. At 5wk, liver samples were collected for gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, heat stress apoptosis markers & antioxidant properties. At 6wk, 4 birds per pen were randomly selected to measure body composition using DEXA. Experimental data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA using SAS software & differences between means were determined using Duncan's Multiple Range test ($P \le 0.05$).

## Results

In starter phase, Vitamin C (T2) & low concentration of C Power (T3) exhibited a higher BW at end of 1 wk ($P=0.011$) & 2wk ($P=0.006$) when compared to control group (T1). T2 showed higher BWG ($P=0.014$) & FI($P=0.026$) than T1 at 1wk, whereas there was no difference between T2&T3. T3 improved FCR ($P=0.043$) at 2wk compared to other groups. At end of 6 wk, BW was significantly higher (2650.7g) in T4 than Control (2579.1g) and there was no significant difference between T2&T3. FCR was significantly better in T3&T4 than T1&T2. At 4 wk, body temperature of T2&T3 was significantly reduced than T1. No differences in body composition & gene expression among treatments were recorded.

## Conclusion

It is demonstrated that under heat stress, broiler growth performance was improved by Vitamin C or C Power. C Power has the potential to benefit poultry production under heat-stressed environment.
PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF A NEW PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE VIA MODULATION OF HYPOTHALAMIC FEEDING- AND DRINKING-RELATED NEUROPEPTIDES IN CYCLIC HEAT-STRESSED BROILERS

E. Greene(1), R.Cauble(1), H.Kadhim(1), B.Mallmann(1), I.Gu(1), S.Lee(1), S.Orlowski(1), S.Dridi*(1)

(1)University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States

* Corresponding author: dridi@uark.edu

Identification of alternatives to antibiotics in livestock and poultry is necessary. Fueled by consumer preferences, phytogenic feed additives are increasingly used in the food system, however their mode of action is not well defined.

Here, we used broiler chickens to determine the effect of the phytogenic feed additive “Comfort” (PFA-C) as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms on growth performance under chronic cyclic heat stress (HS). Three week-old male Cobb500 broilers (n=600) were maintained in environmentally controlled chambers, fed three diets (control or PFA-C at 250 and 400 ppm), and subjected to two environmental conditions (12h/d cyclic heat stress, HS, 35°C vs. thermoneutral condition, TN, 24°C) for 3 weeks in a 3 × 2 factorial design. Feed and water intakes were recorded daily and body weights were measured weekly. Core body temperature was recorded continuously using thermologgers. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected to measure gas, hematology, electrolytes, and circulating metabolites using iSTAT portable system. Hypothalamic samples were harvested for target gene expression analyses. HS significantly increased birds' core body temperature, water intake, and the hypothalamic expression of HSP70, while it decreased feed intake, body weight, and woody breast (WB) incidence. PFA-C supplementation down regulated the hypothalamic expression of HSP70, reduced the core body temperature, increased feed and water intake, and improved body weight in heat-stressed broilers. At molecular levels, the effect of PFA-C on growth performance seemed to be mediated via modulation of hypothalamic expression of melanocortin receptor 2 (MC2R), vasopressin (AVP), aquaporin 2 (AQP2) and ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit beta 1 (ATP1B1) polypeptides.

In summary, PFA-C supplementation ameliorates heat stress productivity losses via a potential cyto-protective effect, reduction of hypothalamic intracellular stress, and modulation of hypothalamic feeding- and drinking-related polypeptide expression.
ID: 940

HEAT LOAD UPREGULATES THE EXPRESSION OF INTESTINAL HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS AND ALTERS TIGHT JUNCTIONS AND MITOCHONDRIAL DYNAMICS IN BROILER CHICKENS.

R. Cauble(1), E.Greene(1), A.Dhamad(1), S.Dridi*(1)

(1)University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States

* Corresponding author: dridi@uark.edu

Unusually warm and longer season temperatures have increased markedly over the past years and predicted to be even larger during the next decade. Global warming and heat stress (HS) are already affecting animals, insects and crops. In broilers, that play a key role in worldwide meat production, HS alters gut health, however the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well defined. The present study aimed to determine the effects of heat stress on gut integrity and to define the fundamental signaling pathways. One-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 12 environmental chambers (2 pens/chamber and 20 birds/pen) and reared under standard conditions. The rearing temperature was gradually decreased from 32°C for days 1 to 3, 31°C for days 4 to 6, 29°C for days 7 to 10, 26°C for days 11 to 14, and 24°C thereafter. On day 28, the ambient temperature was increased within 10 minutes to 35°C in half of chambers to induce HS, with the remaining chambers maintained at 24°C. Two hours after the onset of HS, birds were euthanized by cervical dislocation and intestinal segments were collected, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C for molecular analyses. The porcine jejunal (IPEC-J2) cells were cultured and exposed to HS (45°C) for 2 hours. Control cells were maintained at 37°C. Leaky gut syndrome was assessed by FITC-d method. The expression of target genes and proteins were measured by real-time qPCR and immunoblot, respectively. The tight junction integrity and structure were assessed by TEER and immunofluorescence staining. HS significantly increased core body temperature and circulating FITC-d levels in broilers and reduced TEER and increased FITC-d levels in the basolateral chamber in IPEC-J2 cells, indicating a leaky gut. HS upregulated the expression of HSP60/70/90 in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Biochemical analysis and immunofluorescence staining showed that HS altered the tight junction protein expression and structure confirming a leaky gut syndrome. Electron microscopy, showed elongated mitochondria under HS condition which suggest an enhanced fusion and absence of fission. These data has been confirmed by an upregulation of MFN1 gene. Together, this is the first evidence showing that heat load induced intestinal stress and alters mitochondrial dynamics and gut integrity resulting in leaky gut syndrome.
ASSESSMENT OF AFLATOXINS CONTAMINATION IN POULTRY FEED AND FEEDSTUFFS IN THE THREE REGIONS OF MYANMAR

Y. Aung\*(1), T.Oo(2), S.Po(3), H.Myint(3)

(1)Department of Medicine, University of Veterinary Science, Nay pyi taw, Myanmar

(2)University of Veterinary Science, Nay pyi taw, Myanmar

(3)Department of Medicine, Nay pyi taw, Myanmar

* Corresponding author: yehtutaung78@gmail.com

Aflatoxins contamination in poultry feed and feedstuffs are a widespread occurrence in countries with
high temperature and humidity. Since Myanmar has hot and humid climate condition, this study was
conducted to investigate the prevalence and level of aflatoxins contamination in poultry feed and
feedstuffs by the ELISA technique (Romer Labs®). Sampling was done from poultry farms, poultry feed
shops and feed mills from Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw regions. Totally 135 samples, each of 15
samples of corn, groundnut cake and complete feed, were collected from each region. The data
obtained were analyzed by Chi Square test and p<0.05 is considered as significant. Based on types of
feed, prevalence of aflatoxins contamination in groundnut cake (100%) and complete feed (95.56%)
was significantly higher than (p<0.05) in prevalence of aflatoxins contamination among Nay Pyi Taw
(93.33%), Yangon (80%) and Mandalay (75.56%). The mean aflatoxins level in groundnut cake
(148.25µg/kg) were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those of corn (36.25µg/kg) and complete feed
(31.21µg/kg) in detected regions. The prevalence of aflatoxins contamination with exceeding level of
ASEAN regulatory limit based on types of feed were (35.56%, 35.56% and 88.89%) in corn, complete
feed and groundnut cake, respectively. Based on regions, it was highest in Nay Pyi Taw (64.44%),
followed by Mandalay (51.11%) and Yangon (44.44%). By categorization of aflatoxins level into low,
medium and high, (71.11%) of groundnut cake was contaminated at high level whereas (64.44%) of
corn and complete feed were contaminated at low level. Highest prevalence, highest mean level and
highest percentage with exceeding ASEAN regulatory limit of aflatoxins were occurred in groundnut
cake samples in comparison with corn and complete feed samples in the detected regions of Myanmar.
Overall, this study indicates that aflatoxins contamination in most of groundnut cake samples from the
three regions of Myanmar were higher than ASEAN regulatory limit and still need to maintain quality
of the feedstuff and finished feed using groundnut cake.
INFLUENCE OF CHRONIC AND ACUTE HEAT STRESS MODELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS AND GENE EXPRESSION IN BLOOD OF SOME STRESS MARKERS OF BROILERS.

J. Teyssier*(1), A.Preynat(2), M.Briens(2), E.Greene(1), S.Dridi(1), S.Rochell(1)

(1)University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States

(2)Adisseo France S.A.S., Commentry, France

* Corresponding author: jteyssie@uark.edu

Heat stress (HS) is an important environmental stressor that decreases bird performance and causes significant economic losses for the global poultry industry. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of an acute HS model and two chronic HS models (constant and cyclic) on performance, carcass characteristics and stress-related gene expression in the blood of broiler chickens. A total of 720 Cobb 500 male chicks were allocated to 12 environmentally controlled chambers divided into two pens of 30 broilers and were reared under thermoneutral temperatures until d20. From d20 to d41, 4 chambers were set to a thermoneutral temperature of 24°C with half of the birds pair-fed to equalize feed intake with constant HS birds (PF) and the other half fed ad-libitum (CTRL). Four other chambers were set to 35°C (constant HS), and the remaining 4 chambers were set to 35°C for 12h and 24°C for the next 12h (cyclic HS). At d41, a total of 16 CTRL birds were randomly selected (4 birds per pen) and exposed to acute HS (35°C for 2 hours). Standard starter (d0 to d13), grower (d13 to d27) and finisher (d27 to 41) diets were fed throughout the experiment. Feed intake and BWG were measured weekly and carcass traits were determined at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected on d41, and for the cyclic HS groups, samples were taken before and after 6h of HS (35°C). Gene expression of HSP70, TNFα, IL-6 and IL-18 was determined on 4 birds per treatment. At d41, BWG and FCR of constant and cyclic HS birds were decreased compared with CTRL birds (P < 0.001), and these reductions were greater with constant HS than with cyclic HS (P < 0.001). Performance of PF birds was better than constant HS birds but lower than CTRL broilers (P < 0.001). A higher fat yield was obtained with constant and cyclic HS birds compared to the CTRL ones (P < 0.001) and a lower breast and tender yield was measured (P < 0.001). Gene expression of blood samples revealed that HSP70 was upregulated in all treatments compared to CTRL birds. TNFα and IL-6 were upregulated in PF and constant HS birds and IL-18 was upregulated in constant HS birds. These analyses bring a better understanding of metabolic responses and different stress and inflammation marker levels involved under different HS models.
AFRICAN POULTRY NETWORK
ANTI-MYCOTOXIN AGENT AS A FEED ADDITIVE TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYER CHICKENS IN
TOGO

K. Tona(1), K.Attivi(1), B.Bruneel*(2), L.Segers(2)

(1)CERSA, Lomé, Togo

(2)Orffa Additives BV, Werkendam, Netherlands

* Corresponding author: Bruneel@orffa.com

Mycotoxins are a great threat for animals' health as they affect feed intake and efficiency, immune
system and reproduction. According to Hanvi et al. (2016), the most frequent occurring mycotoxins in
maize samples from Togo were fumonisins (88%, 101-1838 µg/kg) and aflatoxin B1 (38%, max. 256
µg/kg). One of the methods to reduce mycotoxin exposure is the usage of in feed anti-mycotoxin
agents. However, there are many and their efficiency is highly variable. The objective of this study was
to investigate the effect of a specific anti-mycotoxin agent (Excential Toxin Plus, Orffa Additives BV) on
laying hen performance. Birds were housed in cages (3 layers per cage) and followed for 12 weeks (first
4 weeks = adaptation). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The trial was performed as a
randomized complete block design with two dietary and two age treatments (each treatment consisted
of 6 replicates with 35 birds/replicate). Dietary treatments were: control diet without (TE) and with 1.5
kg/ton of anti-mycotoxin (TB). Age treatments were: 49-week-old laying hens (young) and 65-week-old
laying hens (old). Production performance, egg quality and haematological parameters were
measured. The collected data was subjected to one-way ANOVA analysis using Graphpad prism
5.0 software. Egg production of the old hens fed the anti-mycotoxin agent (old TB) was significantly
higher (P <0.05) than that of the control group (old TE). A similar, non-significant, result was seen in
the young hens. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed the anti-mycotoxin (TB) was improved compared to
the control group. Interestingly, daily feed intake of hens of old TB and young TB was lower than those
of old TE and young TE, respectively. Egg weight in old TB was higher than that of old TE. Moreover, a
similar trend was recorded in the young hens. Albumen and shell weight of the eggs of old TB were
significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of old TE. The same trend, but non-significant, was observed in
young hens. The anti-mycotoxin agent slightly improved the yolk colour of both young and old hens.
Haugh units, haematocrit value and mortality were statistically similar in all treatments.

It can be concluded that incorporation of the anti-mycotoxin agent has a beneficial effect on laying hen
performance (e.g. egg production). Regardless of the age of the hens, the anti-mycotoxin was effective
in influencing egg weights.
# EFFECT OF ANTI-MYCOTOXIN AGENT SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE OF GROWER-FINISHING BROILERS IN SENEGAL

A. Missohou(1), S.Aboma(1), B.Bruneel*(2), L.Segers(2)

(1)Ecole Inter-Etats des Sciences et Médecine vétérinaires (EISMV), Dakar, Senegal

(2)Orffa Additives BV, Werkendam, Netherlands

* Corresponding author: Bruneel@orffa.com

Mycotoxins are common contaminants in animal nutrition and produced by certain fungi. Exposure to mycotoxins can affect health and performance of farmed animals, resulting in lower growth, reduced immune response and even death (Leeson et al., 1995). The most common mycotoxins in cereals (and arachidic meal) used in poultry feed in tropical Africa are aflatoxins. One way to prevent chronic exposure to aflatoxins in chickens consists of supplementing feed with anti-mycotoxin agents. In Senegal, very few studies have been conducted on the effect of anti-mycotoxin agents on broiler performance.

The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of a specific anti-mycotoxin agent (Excential Toxin Plus, Orffa Additives BV) on the zootechnical performance of broilers. 600 non-sexed chicks (Cobb500) were fed for 10 days on a maize/arachidic meal/wheat bran/fish meal-based diet. Pelleted feed and drinking water were provided ad libitum. At day 11, chicks were randomly assigned to 12 pens and divided into 3 treatments according to the content of anti-mycotoxin agent in the feed (0, 1 or 5 kg/ton). For the preparation of experimental rations, arachidic meal containing 160.4 µg aflatoxin/kg was used. Weekly measurements of body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were performed. At the end of the rearing period (42 days), carcass and organ weights were determined. The collected data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Incorporation of the anti-mycotoxin agent into the feed at a rate of 1 kg/ton resulted in a 2% improvement in BW at 42 days (p <0.096) and an improvement in FCR of 5% compared to the control. Incorporation of the anti-mycotoxin agent into the feed at a rate of 5 kg/ton did not significantly change the end BW. No significant effects were observed either on carcass weight or carcass yield nor on the ratios of the weight of different organs to the carcass weight.

It can be concluded that incorporation of the anti-mycotoxin agent at 1kg/ton of feed has a beneficial effect on performance. These results are, however, below expectations probably because of the low aflatoxin contamination of the arachidic meal used. The level of aflatoxin contamination from which toxic effects are observable vary according to the authors (Suganthity al., 2011; Yunus et al., 2011). To better appreciate the effect of the anti-mycotoxin agent, commercial aflatoxin could be used in future trials.
EFFECT OF VINEGAR ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN FAST AND SLOW GROWING CHICKENS

A. Toye(1), D.Ibiwoye*(1), O.Rotimi(1)

(1)University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

* Corresponding author: ibiwoyedemilade8@gmail.com

Exotic chicken that have been bred for fast growth have shown certain health issue like cardiovascular
risk. Independently, vinegar has been shown to reduce cholesterol in species other than chickens. In
view of this, a research study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vinegar on growth and
cardiovascular risk on Exotic chickens and Local chickens to determine whether the observed effects
were dependent on genotype. A total of ninety-six (96) day old birds consisting of forty-eight (24 Anak,
24 Arbor acre, twenty four (24) Noiler and 24 improved Yoruba chickens were randomly assigned to
dietary treatment group, each having 12 replications of the same breed of the bird in a factorial layout
within a complete randomized design such that birds in each genotype were randomly allocated to
two diet that are defined by diet 1 (control), diet 2 (normal feed mixed with 4% vinegar). During the
experimental period of 8weeks, growth performance traits and linear measurement including body
weight, body length, body girth, wing length, thigh length, drumstick lenth, shank length, keel length
were recorded weekly. Blood haematology and serum chemistry at age 8 weeks were also analyzed.
At the end of the analysis, it was discovered that vinegar has a transient effect on Body Mass Index at
week 6. It was shown that vinegar reduced cardiovascular risks through a reduction in Lipidemia (Total
cholesterol and blood triglyceride). It also helps in the improvement of Insulin secretion and action.
Vinegar had no effect on other cardiovascular risk factors including inflammation as measured by
White blood cell count (WBC) and blood rheological risk indices including RBC, PCV.
ID: 561

# FIRST TIME USE OF NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING TECHNOLOGY TO MONITOR VACCINE VIRUS REPLICATION IN EGYPT

M. Fawzy*(1)

(1) MSD Animal Health, Sharkia, Egypt

* Corresponding author: mohmed.fawzy@merck.com

This study is aimed to evaluate the first attempts of using Next-Generation Sequencing Technology to monitor rHVT-ND-IBD vaccine replication in Egypt and correlate these results with hatchery vaccination audit, serological results and field performance parameters. For this purpose, a total of 160,000 commercial broilers vaccinated subcutaneously at a day of old with rHVT-ND-IBD were observed from a day of old till slaughter age. These birds were obtained from two different breeder farms with two different breeds (Ross and Cobb) and hatched in the same hatchery and reared in the same farm under the same management with different houses. The hatchery vaccination process including vaccine storage, preparation and administration were evaluated and recorded using a digital platform. For vaccine take evaluation; feather pulps from randomly selected 20 birds per house at 25 days were placed onto FTA cards to investigate vaccine take evaluation and to correlate the NSG result with serology, 25 blood samples per house were collected at slaughter age from the same two housesto evaluate antibodies titers against NDV using HI test and IBDV using two different commercial specific ELISA kits. Finally, field performance parameters were evaluated for the whole flock. The hatchery vaccine evaluation for vaccine storage, preparation and administration was 100% for Ross birds and for the Cobb birds vaccine storage and administration was 100% while vaccine preparation was 95%. The results of Next-Generation Sequencing showed that 16 from 20 were positive for rHVT ND-IBD in Ross birds and 13 from 20 in Cobb birds. For serological evaluation; the Mean ND HI test was 5.6 and 4.9 for Ross and Cobb house, respectively. For mean antibody titer against IBDV was 9569 (Ross) and 9922 (Cobb) using the commercial Synbiotics, BD+ ELISA kit, while 4903 (Ross) and 3278 (Cobb) using the commercial IDvet, ID Screen® IBD VP2 ELISA kit. Field performance parameters for the whole flock demonstrated 96.99 livability % with average body weight 2,597 gm with 1.76 FCR and 309.56 EPI. In conclusion; the new technology of Next-Generation Sequencing able to evaluate vaccine administration accuracy and program effectiveness.
AVIAN LEUKOSIS VIRUS SUBGROUPS A/B AND J ANTIBODY PROFILES OF LAYERS FROM FARMS WITH
CASES OF AVIAN NEOPLASTIC DISEASES IN KADUNA AND PLATEAU STATES, NIGERIA.

N. Sani*(1), S.Abalaka(1), S.Oladele(2), P.Abdu(3), C.Njoku(4)

(1)UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA, ABUJA, NIGERIA., Abuja, Nigeria

(2) AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA., Kaduna, Nigeria

(3)AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA., Zaria, Nigeria

(4)UNIVERSITY OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA., Jos, Nigeria

* Corresponding author: nuhu.sani@uniabuja.edu.ng

Avian neoplastic disease has been identified as one of the major diseases affection poultry production
in Nigeria. The avian neoplastic diseases of importance in poultry are Marek's disease, avian leukosis
and reticuloendotheliosis. Available literature shows that there is an increase in outbreaks of avian
neoplastic diseases in Kaduna and Plateau States, most of which have been attributed to MD despite
vaccination of commercial chickens. Previous reports indicate high seroprevalence of avian leukosis
virus (ALV) p72 antigen in layers from farms with cases of avian neoplastic diseases tentatively
diagnosed as Marek's disease, in Kaduna and Plateau States. The specific subgroups responsible for
ALV infection in layers in Kaduna and Plateau States is still unknown, hence the need for this study.
Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the ALV A/B and J antibody profiles of layers
from farms with cases of avian neoplastic diseases in Kaduna and Plateau States, Nigeria. Seven and 16
layer farms with cases of neoplastic diseases in Kaduna and Plateau States respectively, were screened
for the presence of antibodies to ALV subgroups A/B and J using IDEXX enzyme linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) kits. Out of the seven farms screened in Kaduna State, antibodies to ALV subgroup A/B was
detected in six (85.7%) of the farms, while antibodies to ALV subgroup J was detected in only one
(14.3%) farm. Antibodies to both ALV subgroups A/B and J were detected in one farm (Z5), which
suggest co-infection of the two subgroups in one farm. Out of the 16 farms screenedin Plateau State,
antibodies to ALV subgroup A/B were detected in 15 (93.8%) of the farms, while antibodies to ALV
subgroup J were detected in six (37.5%) farms. Antibodies to both ALV subgroups A/B and J were
detected in five (31.3%) of the farms screened. The high detection of antibodies to ALVA/B suggests
that ALV infection in layers is mostly due to ALV subgroup A/B in the study areas. A detailed study to
determine the source of ALV infection in layers so as to effectively control the infection and reduce
associated production problems is recommended. To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report
of concurrent detection of antibodies to ALV A/B and ALV-J in layer farms in Nigeria.

Keywords: Avian neoplastic disease, antibodies, avian leukosis virus.
EVALUATION OF IMMUNE RESPONSE OF TANZANIAN FREE-RANGE LOCAL CHICKENS FOLLOWING CHALLENGE WITH A LENTOGENIC STRAIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS

G. Chiwanga\*(1), J.Mushi(2), E.Amuzu-aweh(3), M.Walugembe(4), E.Mollel(2), R.Max(2), R.Gallardo(5), T.Kelly(5), S.Lamont(6), J.Dekkers(6), H.Zhou(7), P.Msoffe(2), A.Muhairwa(2)

(1) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania

(2) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, Morogoro, Tanzania

(3) Department of Animal Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana., Accra, Tanzania

(4) Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA, Ames, United States

(5) School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA, Davis, United States

(6) Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA, Ames, United States

(7) Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA, Davis, United States

* Corresponding author: chiwanga2000@yahoo.com

Free range local chicken(FRLC) keeping is the major form of chicken production in Africa. The chickens show relative adaptability to disease, a low plane of nutrition, and tropical climate. Given the wide phenotypic and genotypic diversity exhibited in these birds, assessing innate resistance to Newcastle disease(ND) was the focus of our investigation. Our research focuses on three major ecotypes of local chickens in Tanzania, namely Morogoro-medium, Kuchi and Ching'wekwe. This study aimed to evaluate immune response following challenge with a lentogenic strain of ND virus(NDV) among threechicken ecotypes as a measure of protection against ND. In total, 623Morogoro medium, 417Kuchi, and 562Ching'wekwe, were raised from parent breeding stocks. At 28days of age, chicks were challenged with a lentogenic LaSota NDV through oculo/nasal route. At 2 and 6days post infection(dpi), tear samples were collected from each chicken for NDV RNA isolation and subsequently analyzed using qRT-PCR to measure ND viral clearances. At 10dpi, blood samples were collected, sera isolated and tested to determine ability of the FRLC types to raise anti-NDV antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) using the IDEXX® NDV test kit and reading absorbances by spectrophotometer. Univariate analyses were done in linear model to compute viral clearances and antibody titres for the ecotypes as least square means(LSM) considering chicken ecotypes, replicate numbers as main effects. Ching'wekwe ecotype had highest viral clearance rate(0.26) compared to Kuchi(0.22) and Morogoro-medium(0.22) which had similar viral clearance rates. The viral clearance rates were only significantly different between Ching'wekwe and Morogoro-medium and between Ching'wekwe and Kuchi ecotypes. The LSM antibody level differences was significant between Kuchi(3.54) and Ching'wekwe(3.53) and between Morogoro-medium(3.55) and Ching'wekwe. The findings imply that there are some NDV clearance rates and immunological differences among the ecotypes when challenged with NDV; this may reflect differences in ability to mount an adaptive immune response following infection and relative susceptibility to the virus among chicken ecotypes. This study was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Genomics to improve Poultry (cooperative agreement number AID-OAA-A-13-00080).
ID: 1335

# MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF TANZANIAN FREE-RANGE LOCAL CHICKEN ECOTYPES WITH AND WITHOUT NDV VACCINATION AFTER VELOGENIC NDV NATURAL EXPOSURE CHALLENGE

J. Tsaxra*(1), J.Mushi(2), G.Chiwanga(2), E.Amuzu-aweh(3), Y.Wang(4), S.Lamont(5), T.Kelly(6), E.Mollel(2), P.Msoffe(2), J.Dekkers(5), R.Gallardo(6), H.Zhou(4), A.Muhairwa(2)

(1) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania

(2) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, Morogoro, Tanzania

(3) Department of Animal Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, Accra, Ghana

(4) Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA, Davis, United States

(5) Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA, Ames, United States

(6) School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA, Davis, United States

* Corresponding author: johngenda2908@gmail.com

Free range local chickens (FRLC) important resources for livelihoods of rural communities in Tanzania. They provide meat, eggs and income for poor families through sales of poultry and poultry products. FLRC are adapted to harsh weather and believed to be resilient to infections and parasite infestations. This study aimed to compare the severity of post-mortem(PM) lesions between chickens pre-challenged with LaSota Newcastle disease Virus(NDV) strain and naïve chickens. The experiment had two groups; the first group of 763 chickens was pre-challenged with 200µl of 1*107 titer of LaSota vaccine strain of NDV and after three months was naturally exposed to virulent NDV(vNDV) strains at 28 days of age(doa). The second group of 1258 naïve chickens was exposed naturally to vNDV strain at 28doa. In natural exposure trials in both pre-challenged and naïve groups, seeder birds were prepared by mixing with positive vNDV by Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) market birds to amplify vNDV. The infected seeder birds of the same age with group of naïve birds at 4 days post exposure (dpe) to vNDV were mixed with the experimental birds; and mortalities monitored for 21 days and survivors were euthanized. From the dead and euthanized chickens, PM lesion scores recorded from the trachea, proventriculus, intestines and caecal tonsils and scored 0 to 4 according to the extent of haemorrhagic lesions. Data analysis was done in MS excel and R statistical software; linear model to compute mortalities percentages, PM lesion score for the chickens and the least square means(LSM) respectively considering the chicken experimental groups, the pre-challenged and naïve as main effects. Twenty-percent of pre-challenged chickens died by 18dpe while the remaining survived to end of the experiment. In naïve group, 99% died by 14dpe and the rest survived to the end of experiment. The mean PM lesion score among birds that died during the natural exposure trial were significantly higher in naïve birds(5.06) compared to the pre-challenged birds(4.39). On the contrary, among survivors of the trial, PM lesion scores were higher in the pre-challenged birds(2.63) relative to naïve birds(1.82). The differences in survival and severity of lesions are likely due to some birds being pre-challenged and age differences during exposure to vNDV, are might have offered some degree of protection to vNDV infection which contributed to the differences in morbidities and mortality between the two groups.
DIVERSITY OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
AND SERVICES DELIVERED TO HUMANS
ID: 331

A SERIOUS GAME TO MAKE FARMERS AWARE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY FREE-RANGE POULTRY SYSTEM

M. Pertusa*(1), V.Falcon(1), B.Meda(2), I.Bouvarel(1), A.Chevereau(3), S.Lavoyer(4), G.Chiron(1), L.Fortun-lamothe(5)

(1) ITAVI, Paris, France

(2) BOA, INRAE, Nouzilly, France

(3) Chambre d'agriculture Pays de la Loire, Le Mans, France

(4) Association Française Agroforesterie, Auch, France

(5) GENPHYSE, INRAE, Castanet-tolosan, France

* Corresponding author: pertusa@itavi.asso.fr

The outdoor run, an essential component of free-range poultry systems, can be managed and implemented in different ways by farmers. Chiron et al. (2019) develop a conceptual framework to evaluate the services provided by free-range poultry systems in five dimensions: resource and value production, life quality, relationships between farmers and society, territorial integration, and environmental quality. To raise awareness about the diversity of services provided, and in fine, help farmers/technicians to take into account those services when planning the implementation and the management of the outdoor run, a serious game was developed. Such an approach was found the most effective one to share knowledge among stakeholders, as demonstrated by previous experiences in agriculture (e.g. Martin et al., 2011). The development of the serious game took place in three steps. The first one was to establish the objective and main constraints of the game. The second one aimed at establishing the game mechanics and rules. The last one was the test of the game with actual operators. The objective of the game is to design an outdoor run that maximizes the provision level and the diversity of services, while considering socio-technical constraints (such as the pedoclimatic context) and limited resources. The game is collaborative as the design is made within a team of 3-4 players in about 90 minutes. A board representing a simplified outdoor run was designed. On this board, players can choose different options to organize the outdoor run (e.g. planting trees or hedges, while choosing the location and species). Each choice will have direct impacts on foraging behaviour of the birds and the provision (or not) of services. For instance, sowing honey plants could be attractive for birds, and it will have positive implications for local biodiversity and economic performance. However, actions are limited because of their cost in labour time and money. The game was then tested with groups of farmers and technicians. The playful approach was found effective to introduce complex notions such as "services" to farmers. Furthermore, it offers a support for discussion between players, allowing them to share their own experiences regarding outdoor runs. Therefore, this game could be used as a progress tool for farmers and technicians involved in free-range poultry systems.

Chiron et al. (2020). World Poultry Congress

Martin G. et al. (2011). Environmental Modelling & Software
EVALUATING SERVICES PROVIDED BY FREE-RANGE POULTRY SYSTEMS: THE "BOUQUET" APPROACH.

G. Chiron*(1), B.Meda(2), M.Pertusa(1), J.Protino(3), L.Fortun-lamothe(4), L.Dupuy(5), S.Lavoyer(6), O.Tavares(7), P.Guillet(8), I.Bouvarel(1)

(1) ITAVI, Paris, France

(2) BOA INRAE, Nouzilly, France

(3) SYNALAF, Paris, France

(4) GENPHYSE, INRAE, Castanet-tolosan, France

(5) APESA, Pau, France

(6) AFAF, Auch, France

(7) ITAB, Angers cedex 02, France

(8) Chambre d'agriculture Pays de la Loire, Le mans, France

* Corresponding author: chiron@itavi.asso.fr

In free-range poultry production, outdoor run is a key element for the multiperformance of the farming system. However, managing the outdoor run can be seen more as a constraint when its potential to provide more global agroecological solutions and meet society's expectations, beyond animal welfare, is not perceived. Thus, it is necessary to provide tools for farmers, adapted to different knowledge levels and context, allowing them to think about an optimized management of the outdoor run or to better take into account the diversity of services it provides. The objective of this study was to develop and test a generic method to assess the services provided by different free-range poultry systems (i.e. species, location, or outdoor run characteristics). First, a conceptual framework was developed through a participatory approach by experts before being challenged by futures users (farmers, advisors, outdoor run management structures...) in three poultry production regions (West, South-East and South West of France). The conceptual framework finally considers 13 services, being allocated in five different service categories (production of resources and value, farmer's life quality, farmer-consumer-citizen interconnection, territorial integration and environmental quality). For each service, the experts also selected relevant indicators to assess each service in an easy, quick, and cheap way in commercial farms. These indicators are based on either on-farm surveys (e.g. labour time or economic performance) or in situ measurements (e.g. assessing animal welfare). In order to validate the feasibility and genericity of the method in practical conditions, 21 commercial houses were studied. These farms differed in their location (West, South-East and South West of France), the production (chicken meat, eggs, duck meat) and the shape, size, and design (trees, bushes, woods...) of the outdoor run. The first results indicates that the method is enough sensible to highlight different bundles of services according to the outdoor run characteristics. Therefore, this method could be used by farmers and their advisors, to evaluate the actual provision of services by a free-range poultry system, and further discuss about the most adequate management of the outdoor run for a maximal provision of services.
ID: 1033

JAPANESE QUAIL FARMING IN INDIA

E. Subbiah*(1), Pandian C.(1), Selvan S.T.(1), Sundaresan(1), Omprakash A.V.(1)

(1)TAMIL NADU VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY (TANUVAS), INDIA, Chennai, India

* Corresponding author: vetezhil2015@gmail.com

At present quail have become the third largest avian species in number only next to chickens and ducks in the country. Quail are very suitable for commercial production of both meat and eggs. Quail can adopt all types of climate and environment and Indian climate is very suitable for raising quails commercially. One sq.ft. floor space sufficient to rear five broiler quails as well as less fixed investment for housing and equipment. In quail rearing, there is a good return on investment in a short period of five weeks and they are more disease resistant than chicken and do not require any vaccination as of date. The ICAR-CARI has come out with few strains namely CARI UTTAM, CARI BROWN, CARI SUN-HERI, CARI UJJAWAL (White breasted quail), CARI SWETA (White feathered quail) and CARI PEARL (White egg shell line). Japanese quail was introduced in Tamil Nadu in the year 1983. The Poultry Research Station, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai has released three meat typestrains of Japanese quail viz: Nandanam Japanese quail -I, Nandanam Japanese quail -II, Nandanam Japanese quail -III, during 1993 - 2004 with gradually improved weight gain and feed efficiency and broiler type breeder quail in 2013. Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Namakkal, hasreleased a meat-type Japanese quail hybrid strain, Namakkal quail -I and Namakkal gold quail for the benefit of farming community. GADVASU, Ludhiana released three strains of Japanese quail as Punjab - I, II and III while CPDO, Northern region and CPDO, Western region have also released new strains of Japanese quail. Japanese quail farming is making rapid strides in Tamil Nadu that meets the huge demand in South India. Japanese quail farming for eggs is popular in Kerala. About 30 million meat type broiler quail are produced in Tamil Nadu and 50 million Japanese quail eggs in Kerala annually. Japanese quail will consume around 500 g of feed and FCR is 2.5 to 3. Female body weight (250 g) will be always higher than male body (185-190 g) weight. The age at marketing is 28 to 30 days. Female Japanese quail will start lay at the end of 6th week and egg production is 200-220. A sex ratio of 1:3 (Male: Female) will give optimum fertility rate and hatchability is 75-80% and 65 to 70% respectively. The average selling price of Japanese quail meat is $0.5 per quail. Hence, rearing of Japanese quail will provide employment opportunities for the jobless youth.
EARLY MANAGEMENT OF BROILERS
ID: 101

EARLY FEEDING MANAGEMENT OF TWO DIFFERENT STRAIN OF BROILER STARTER PHASE

N. Mulyantini* (1)

(1)University of Nusa Cendana, Faculty of Animal Science, Kupang ntt, Indonesia

* Corresponding author: ngamulyantini@yahoo.com.au

Early feed restriction program to improve performance of broilers have been limited due to the lack of consistent results. These inconsistent results occur because many factors, such as restriction type applied, the age of application, and strain. Different strain of broiler chickens may have different body characteritics that will lead to different carcass yield and abdominal fat. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of early feed restriction on the performance of two commercial broiler strains. Three hundreds (300) broiler chicks were allocated to 6 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 chicks/replicate. The experiment used a factorial design with 2 strains, and 3 feeding methods. The 3 feeding methods were as follows:1) ad libitum consumption defined in Cobb 500 guidelines, 2) quantity restriction (60% of the daily ad libitum consumption defined in Cobb 500 guidelines), 3) timerestriction (standard feed offered for 9 hour/day). Chicks were exposed to feed restriction from 7-14 day of ages. Following the restriction period, the chickens were fed ad libitum. The research was terminated at 35 days of age. Chickens were provided with regular pelleted starter diet until 3 weeks of age. From 3 to 5 weeks of age, all chickens were given finisher diets. All of the finisher diets contain 20% crude protein and EM 3150 kkal/kg. Chickens from each strain were standardized to a similar weight. Data were subjected to One-Way ANOVA procedures of SAS software for analysis of variance. The results show that weight gain and carcass yields of broilers of both strains fed restricted diet was significantly lower than those fed ad libitum. However, feed restriction program at an early age improved feed efficiency for both strain A and B. On 14-21 days of age feed restriction increases feed intake. The higher feed intake can be related to the hypertrophy of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs after the restriction period, when the chickens are fed ad libitum. However, on 14-21 days of age chickens were not able to compensate for the weight lost during the restriction program. Abdominal fat of chickens restricted by quantity was the lowest. Performance of strain A broiler weresignificantly better than strain B. The better performance of strain A would be expected as it was the strain selected for higher body weight, and faster growth. Quantity restriction was most severe for strain B than strain A.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER STARTER BIRDS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH TURMERIC
(CURCUMA LONGA)

C. Nwogu*(1), R.Nwogu*(1), C.Okuoha(1), C.Okoli(3)

(1) Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria, Owerri, Nigeria

(3)Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Owerri, Nigeria

* Corresponding author: marychinwe50@yahoo.com

Introduction: Success in poultry production is mainly the nutrition, breeding and management as well as the optimal development of birds immune status. Antibiotics were the utmost regularly used as feed additives but the use of antibiotics is not only restricted but also their practice in livestock and poultry industry have been prohibited in many countries due to modification of natural gut microbiota and drug resistance in microorganism and human. This can be stopped by supplementing the use of these antibiotics with the use of non-conventional herbs like turmeric. Turmeric is noted to be rich in minerals and it has the ability to stimulate the digestive system, increase the secretion of intestinal lipases, amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin enzymes hence enhancing digestibility (Rajput et al., 2012)In this way, the modification of natural gut microbiota and drug resistance in microorganism and human will be greatly reduced. The objective of the study was therefore to evaluate the growth performance of broiler starter birds fed diet supplemented with turmeric (Curcuma longa). Material and Methods: Sixty day old abor acre broiler chicks were used to address the effect of supplementing turmeric in broiler starter birds on the growth performance after 4 weeks of feeding trial. The birds were divided into four groups of 15 birds each, each group was further replicated 3 times with 5 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The feed offered to the birds were 0%, 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% turmeric supplementation. At the 4th week of the experiment, growth performance indices (feed intake, weight gain & FCR) of the birds were determined. Highest feed intake was observed in T3 0.50% turmeric as it achieved significantly (P<0.05) higher values than other treatment. There is also a corresponding significantly (P<0.05) higher values in weight gain in the birds in T3 0.50% turmeric. However, the FCR in different dietary treatment during the 28 day feeding trial was not statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: It may therefore be inferred that supplementation of turmeric rhizome powder at 0.50% supplementation yielded better results in the growth performance. Keywords: turmeric, broilers, feed, growth.

References

Rajput, N., Muhammad, N., Yan, R., Zhong, X., Wang, T. (2012) Effect of dietary supplementation of Curcumin on growth performance, intestinal morphology and nutrients utilization of broiler chicks. J. Poult. Sci. 50:44-52.
DEVELOPMENT OF A BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL BLOOM MODEL SIMULATING COMMERCIAL HATCHING CONDITIONS TO EVALUATE FORMALDEHYDE FUMIGATION ALTERNATIVES

D. Graham\*(1), C.Selby(2), L.Graham\*(1), K.Teague(1), C.Vuong(1), G.Tellez-isaias(1), B.Hargis(1)

Microbial blooms that emerge during hatch consist of apathogenic and pathogenic organisms, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Commercially, horizontal transmission of these organisms occurs throughout hatch. Objectives of the present study included development of a novel multi-pathogen laboratory challenge model to mimic commercial conditions and optimization of sampling methods to quantify bacterial and/or fungal presence within the hatch cabinet. The pathogen challenge mix (PM) was recreated based on bacterial or fungal isolates recovered from infertile egg homogenates. Selected isolates included Enterococcus faecalis (~10^8 CFU/egg), Staphylococcus aureus (~10^8 CFU/egg), Staphylococcus chromogens (~10^8 CFU/egg), Aspergillus fumigatus (~10^6 spores/egg), and two Escherichia coli (~10^8 CFU/egg) isolates. Challenge (100µL of pathogen mix) was administered to a 28mm area on the blunt end of the eggshell on d19 of embryogenesis (3 hatchers/trt, n=225/hatcher). Microbiological data, such as environmental hatcher samples (open plate method), fluff samples, and post-mortem gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples were collected to evaluate PM circulation within the hatch cabinet and colonization of GIT in three experiments. There were significantly (P<0.05) more presumptive Gram-negative bacteria, Enterococcus, and S. aureus recovered from day-of-hatch GIT samples and fluff samples of the PM group compared to the non-challenged group in all experiments. The PM group had a marked (P<0.05) increase in A. fumigatus recovered from fluff samples compared to the control in two out of three experiments. Additionally, the PM hatchers had an average cumulative increase of 2200 colony forming units (select bacteria and fungi) from d20 of embryogenesis to day-of-hatch indicating that application of the PM to eggshells results in a measurable microbial bloom under laboratory conditions. These data suggest this innovative multi-pathogen challenge model could be utilized to evaluate fumigation alternatives to carcinogenic formaldehyde.

<footnote>(1)University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States</footnote>

<footnote>(2) University of Arkansas, 72704, United States</footnote>

<footnote>* Corresponding author: bmahaffe@uark.edu</footnote>
CHICK VOCALIZATIONS: DEVELOPMENT OF A RECORDING AND ANALYSIS METHOD

C. Pauline*(1), F.Michaud(2), B.Brouard(2), B.Gazengel(2), L.Simon(3), A.Collin(4), S.Métayer-coustard(4), A.Travel(5)

(1) ITAVI, Ploufragan, France

(2) Laboratoire d'Acoustique de l'Université du Mans, LAUM - UMR 6613 CNRS, Le Mans Université, Le
mans, France

(3) Laboratoire d'Acoustique de l'Université du Mans, LAUM - UMR 6613 CNRS, Le Mans Université, Le
mans, Finland

(4) BOA, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France

(5) ITAVI, Nouzilly, France

* Corresponding author: creach@itavi.asso.fr

Genetic selection on the production performances leads to more efficient animals but also more demanding and less rugged against disturbances in their environment. In this context, the chicks's quality control at start-up period, is a major lever. Its evaluation is based on visual indicators, partly subjective and time-consuming and does not account for the multiple components of chicks's quality. Sound indicators of vocalizations emitted by the chicks at hatching could be a good candidates to characterize, in a complementary way, the chicks's quality. Indeed, they are early indicators, not invasive, easy and quick to measure directly on animals alone or in groups. It becomes possible to obtain a result in real time allowing punctual and/or continuous monitoring. This study aims to develop a method for recording and analysing chicks vocalizations emitted during the first 3 days of life (D0 to D3). This study, part of a project named Chick'Tip, received financial support from the French Agriculture Ministry (CAS DAR). First, a bibliographic review identified vocalizations categories emitted by chicks (comfort, distress, snuggle, fear or pleasure trills) and identified their sound characteristics. Then, two programs developed under Matlab, made it possible (1) to automate the recording of sound sequences and (2) to detect audio events and identify comfort and distress vocalizations, through a time-frequency analysis of their signature. The study defined optimal sound recording, under laboratory conditions, allowing an optimal analysis of sound signals: a group of ten chicks, omni-directional microphones, 2-minute recording sequences. Between D0 and D3, chicks emit short sounds with a limited frequency range (2000 - 5000 Hz). The program developed is functional to characterize the following sound indicators: the frequencial gravity center, spectral spreading and instantaneous frequency. Work must be continued to test the method on a wider variety of recordings (genetic strains, different environments), and to characterize other categories of vocalizations (fear or pleasure trills) so that they can also be detected. It now remains to assess whether a link can be made between the frequency of more or less marked appearance of comfort or distress vocalizations and the visual or physiological quality parameters of the chick.
EFFECTS OF POST-HATCH FAST OF CHICK ON DIGESTIVE TRACT DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE ACCORDING TO DIET AND REARING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

I. Gabriel*(1), P.Dartois(1), M.Duclos(1), M.Leconte(1), L.Lardic(1), N.Même(1), T.Larcher(2), H.Juin(3), C.Le bourhis(1), M.Renouard(1), I.Bouvarel(4)

(1)INRAE, Nouzilly, France

(2)INRAE, Nantes, France

(3)INRAE, Saint-pierre-d'amilly, France

(4)ITAVI, Nouzilly, France

* Corresponding author: irene.gabriel@inra.fr

In commercial conditions, chicks underwent a post-hatch fast (PHF) between 24 and 72h, and about 24h when hatchery and farm are in the same region. Effects on digestive tract development (DTD) and animal growth are controversial due to several factors such as definition of bird age (from hatching in most studies, or from farm arrival), animal genetics, or dietary and environmental conditions (DEC). Here, the effect of PHF was studied on body weight (BW) and DTD of Ross PM3, during a first experiment (48h fast), with age of birds determined as the age at farm arrival with access to feed and water. To study the effect of DEC, birds were reared either in optimal DEC, or damaged DEC (low quality diet and/or low quality rearing environment) in a 2x2x2 factorial design (6 pens/treatment; 54 birds/pen of 2.3 m2 of useful area). In a second experiment, the effect of a shorter PHF (24h) was studied on chick BW and DTD.

In the first study, PHF showed effects on DTD, BW and animal health, differing according to DEC. At the farm arrival, PHF chicks had lower BW than direct fed (DF) chicks (-3.5 g), due to lower yolk sac (YS)(2.0 vs 5.1 g), but similar BW without YS. The relative weight (rW) of the segments of the DT (expressed relative to BW without YS) was higher in PHF chicks (proventriculus : +37% ; gizzard : +33% ; small intestine (SI) : +27 ; caeca : +79%). At 3 weeks of age (w), PHF showed no effect on the DT, but, at 5 w, a lower rW of gizzard (-14%) was observed in PHF chickens, irrespective of DEC. No difference in SI morphology was observed at 3 and 5 w, irrespective of DEC, as well as for dry matter ileal digestibility at 3 w. In optimal DEC, PHF led to beneficial effect on BW as well as at 3 w (+5%) and 5 w (+3.5%). Damaged DEC led to a higher decreased BW in PHF than in DF chickens, -12% and -10.5% respectively at 3 w, and -16% and -10% at 5 w. This led to a lower final BW in PHF compared to DF chickens (-3.5%). These damaged DEC led to higher footpad dermatitis in PHF chickens at 3 w, but no difference at 5 w. In the second study, a decrease of chick BW after PHF was also observed (-2.6 g), due to lower YS (3.2 vs 6.0 g), as well as an increase of the rW of the segments of the DT (proventriculus : +21% ; gizzard : +25% ; SI : +23% ; caeca : x 2.75).

In conclusion, PHF (24 or 48h) has a positive effect on the chick DTD. These PHF seem beneficial on bird growth in optimal, but not in damaged DEC. This period of live needs to be managed according to DEC.
# THE EFFECT OF ENRICHED PRE-STARTER DIETS COULD LEAD TO BETTER BROILER PERFORMANCE AT MARKET AGE DISREGARDING THE STOCKING DENSITY

R. Franco-rosselló\*(1), A.Navarro-villa(1), J.Polo(2), D.Solà-oriol(3), A.García-ruiz(1)

(1)Trouw Nutrition R&D, El viso de san juan (toledo), Spain

(2) APC Europe, S.L.U., Granollers (barcelona), Spain

(3) Servei de Nutrició i Benestar Animal (SNiBA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra (barcelona), Spain

\* Corresponding author: r.franco@trouwnutrition.com

Broiler early nutrition is becoming an important topic due to the positive correlation between early growth rate and market weight. A variety of early nutrition strategies reported that gut and the muscle development, immunity and overall growth can be improved by lowering Ca levels, supplementing spray dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and/or feeding extra amino acid levels. Additionally, recent works suggested that stocking density represents the main restriction for modern chickens to express their full growth potential at market age. The current study aimed to investigate whether providing low Ca, SDPP and extra amino acid levels in a pre-starter period could result in better growth at market weights and if these strategies could interact with the stocking density. A total of 1504 male day-old Ross 308 broilers were allocated across 48 collective pens and randomly assigned to experimental treatments. The study followed a 2 pre-starter programs (Standard vs. Enriched) x 3 stocking densities (Low: 27 kg BW/m2; Medium: 33 kg BW/m2 and High: 39 kg BW/m2) factorial arrangement treatments. Birds received the different pre-starters (Standard or Enriched) from placement up to 4th day and, subsequently, all birds received a common 3-phase feeding program (4-10d, 10-28d and 28-42d) based on the CVB recommendations. Birds under Low stocking densities showed higher body weight (BW) and better fed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those under High stocking density (P<0.05) after 28 days. On the other hand, birds fed Enriched pre-starter led to greater daily weight gain (DWG) in the 0-4 d period thereby resulting in a higher BW at 4 days (P<0.0001). The latter effects on BW were maintained over the complete production cycle which resulted in a 2.4% higher BW at market age (P<0.05) and heavier carcasses (+2.2%; P<0.05) compared to birds fed the Standard pre-starter diet. No interaction between pre-starter nutritional strategy and density level was identified for BW, DWG, daily feed intake, FCR, uniformity or carcass yield. However, birds fed the Enriched diet led to a lower incidence of lameness compared to the Standard pre-starter diet, being this effect only evident when High stocking densities were used (P<0.05). Based on these results, there was a positive correlation between early growth and market weight using Enriched pre-starter diets disregarding the stocking density used.
ID: 1326

EFFECT OF INCREASED TEMPERATURE AT THE BEGINNING OF INCUBATION ON DAY-OLD CHICK QUALITY IN BROILERS

M. Skoupá*(1), T.Opavská(1), M.Lichovníková(1), M.Foltyn(3)

(1)Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

(3)Výkrm Třebíč, Kutná hora, Czech Republic

* Corresponding author: xskoupa2@mendelu.cz

The significance of conditions during incubation period for broiler chickens has been recognized to be critical due to the fact that broilers spend up to 40% of their total life inside the egg during incubation. Thus, anything that can optimize posthatch growth and development may have great scientific and practical interest. The present study was therefore conducted to elucidate the effects of increased temperature during first 36 hours of incubation on embryonic development, hatchability and day-old chick quality. The experiment was conducted using Ross 308 fertile eggs that had been stored for 4 days, broiler breeder's age was 55 weeks. For the experiment totally 1200 hatching eggs were used in 20 repetitions. The temperature in hatching machine at first 36 hours of incubation for control group (CG) was 100.8°F. For experimental group (EG) the temperature at first 36 hours of incubation was 102.5°F.

There was no significant difference in fertility between the groups, however the hatchability was higher in CG (P<0.05). Hatchability of fertile eggs was 92.2% in CG and 90.4% in EG. There was not significant difference between CG and EG in early and middle stage embryonic mortality.

But mortality in the last third of incubation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in EG. In CG the late mortality was 2.47%, in EG 4.17%. In average day-old chick weight neither yolk sac weight, percentage of yolk sac from the weight nor triiodothyronine (thyroid hormone T3) activity there was not significant difference between the groups.

Temperature setting change in hatching machine at first 36 hours of incubation from standard 100.8°F to 102.5°F had negative impact on day-old chick hatchability.
GENETICS X ENVIRONMENT
INTERACTIONS AND EPIGENETICS
TRANSCRIPTOMIC PROFILE OF EARLY WHITE LEGHORN PGCS*

M. Bednarczyk\*(1), A.Dunislawska(2), A.Szczerba(3), M.Siwek(3)

(1) UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland

(2) UTP, University of Science and Technology, Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz, Poland, Bydgoszcz, Poland

(3)

* Corresponding author: marbed13@op.pl

In vertebrates crucial epigenetic reprogramming events occur during germ cell development and early embryogenesis. Primordial germ cells (PGCs), as the precursors of reproductive cells are important tool in the epigenetic studies and in study on reproduction of vertebrates. However, the epigenetic regulation of gene expression during PGCs migration in vivo has been rarely studied due to limited cell number. Especially, little is known about the comprehensive transcriptome dynamics in the chicken PGCs during early developmental stages. The establishment of the precise methods of isolation of competent and high quality avian PGCs as well as the method of RNA isolation from a single animal cell, offers a unique system for the study of an early germ cell differentiation. In the current study the transcriptomes of White leghorn PGCs at three developmental stages: 4.5, 8 and 12 day of embryo incubation were investigated. PGCs were collected and RNA was isolated with commercial kit for single cells application (GeneElute Single Cell RNA Purification Kit, Sigma Aldrich). The quality and quantity of obtained RNA was controlled by 2100 Bioanalyzer instrument (Agilent). High quality and purity RNA was intended for microarray analysis (One-color microarray-based gene expression analysis, Agilent). Microarray analysis was carried out according to the manufacturer's protocol. After scanning and feature extraction, obtained data were analysed by GeneSpring GX software (Agilent).

The number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) between 4.5 and 8 days of embryo incubation was 403 DEG, while between 8 and 12 days was 5304 DEG. These data may indicate that the highest biological activity occurs between 8 and 12 days of embryo development. Unique DEG undergoing gradual increase in expression from 4.5 to 12 days (141 DEG) are mostly involved in pathways related to multicellular organism process, cell communication, signalling or signal transduction, system development and anatomical structure morphogenesis.

These results help us to understand the chicken PGCs development and conduct the future studies to understand the nature of transcriptome changes in PGCs isolated from chicken donor, cultured in vitro, injected into recipient embryos and subjected to interaction between donor/recipient PGCs.

*The research was supported by the National Science Centre, grant no. UMO-2017/27/B/NZ9/01510In vertebrates crucial epigenetic reprogramming events occur during germ cell development and early embryogenesis. Primordial germ cells (PGCs), as the precursors of reproductive cells are important tool in the epigenetic studies and in study on reproduction of vertebrates. However, the epigenetic regulation of gene expression during PGCc migration in vivo has been rarely studied due to limited cell number. Especially, little is known about the comprehensive transcriptome dynamics in the chicken PGCs during early developmental stages. The establishment of the precise methods of isolation of competent and high quality avian PGCs as well as the method of RNA isolation from a single animal cell, offers a unique system for the study of an early germ cell differentiation. In the current study the transcriptomes of White leghorn PGCs at three developmental stages: 4.5, 8 and 12 day of embryo incubation were investigated. PGCs were collected and RNA was isolated with commercial kit for single cells application (GeneElute Single Cell RNA Purification Kit, Sigma Aldrich). The quality and quantity of obtained RNA was controlled by 2100 Bioanalyzer instrument (Agilent). High quality and purity RNA was intended for microarray analysis (One-color microarray-based gene expression analysis, Agilent).
Microarray analysis was carried out according to the manufacturer's protocol. After scanning and feature extraction, obtained data were analysed by GeneSpring GX software (Agilent).

The number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) between 4.5 and 8 days of embryo incubation was 403 DEG, while between 8 and 12 days was 5304 DEG. These data may indicate that the highest biological activity occurs between 8 and 12 days of embryo development. Unique DEG undergoing gradual increase in expression from 4.5 to 12 days (141 DEG) are mostly involved in pathways related to multicellular organism process, cell communication, signalling or signal transduction, system development and anatomical structure morphogenesis.

These results help us to understand the chicken PGCs development and conduct the future studies to understand the nature of transcriptome changes in PGCs isolated from chicken donor, cultured in vitro, injected into recipient embryos and subjected to interaction between donor/recipient PGCs.

*The research was supported by the National Science Centre, grant no. UMO-2017/27/B/NZ9/01510
ID: 1043

GENE EXPRESSION, DNA METHYLATION AND GLUTATHIONE LEVELS OF MEAT-TYPE CHICKENS FED DIETARY METHIONINE FROM DIFFERENCES SOURCES AND SUBJECTED TO HEAT STRESS

M. Milfort\*(1), J.Foutz(1), W.Habashy(2), G.Schneiders(1), A.Fuller(1), R.Whelan(3), R.Rekaya(1)

(1)University of Georgia, Athens, United States

(2) Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt

(3) Evonik Nutrition and Care GmBh, Hanau-wolfgang, Germany

* Corresponding author: milfort@uga.edu

Heat stress (HS) generates reactive oxygen species and causes oxidative stress in tissues. Most of the cellular studies on HS have been reported using liver tissue. There are studies that suggest that dietary methionine which is a precursor to glutathione, a major antioxidant in the body can be used to ameliorate the negative effects of HS. We therefore tested the efficacy of methionine from two sources on the molecular expression and DNA methylation of genes in the transsulfuration pathway, and, reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) level ratio in the Pectoralis (P.) major. The genes studied were cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma lyase (CTH). For this study, Cobb500 broiler chickens were subjected to thermo-neutral temperature (TN) (25oC) or HS (35oC) from day 7 to 35. Additionally, birds in both treatments were fed recommended diets supplemented with molar equivalent of either DL-Methionine (DL-Met) or Methionine Hydroxy Analogue (MHA) at either requirement. The P. major was sampled at day 10, 21 and 35 for both cellular and molecular assays. mRNA expression differences were done using the ΔΔCt method with DLM as the control and β-actin as internal control. Under TN conditions, CBS was upwardly expressed about 30 fold in the MHA group at day 10, and about 2.5 fold at day 21, but was undetectable at day 35 when compared with the group fed DLM. However, under HS, CBS was upregulated two fold at day 10, and 34 fold at day 21, but was undetected at day 35 when compared with the group fed DLM. However, CTH was downwardly expressed in the MHA group at day 10, significantly upregulated at day 21 and undetectable at day 35 compared to the DLM group under TN conditions. However, under HS, CTH was upregulated about 80 fold in the MHA group, significantly downregulated at day 21 and undetectable at day 35 when compared with the DLM group. The differences in gene expression from the different methionine sources did not translate into significant differences in glutathione levels across the days measured. This may be due to differential DNA methylation in the CBS gene with respect to the different methionine sources. It could be concluded that difference sources of dietary methionine caused differences in gene expression in the transsulfuration pathway, however, under both thermo-neutral and heat stressed conditions, the GSH/GSSG ratios were not significantly different putatively due to methylation.
TRANSGENERATIONAL INHERITANCE OF FATTY LIVER IN CHICKEN MEDIATED BY DNA METHYLATION

X. Tan*(1), R.Liu(2), S.Xing(2), Y.Zhang(2), Q.Li(2), M.Zheng(2), G.Zhao(2), J.Wen(3)

(1)Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

(2)Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

(3)Institute of Animal Sciences, 北京, China

* Corresponding author: tanxiaodong08@163.com

In the chicken, liver is the core organ for lipid metabolism. Disorders of lipid metabolism in liver can cause fatty liver syndrome (FLS) in chicken. Studies have shown that FLS has a predisposition to transgenerational inheritance, which may be related to an epigenetic modification. DNA methylation plays the most extensive form of epigenetic modification, while the role in the mechanism of transgenerational inheritance of FLS is limited. Aiming to study the potential mechanism, we designed the experiments as follows:

1. Establishment of chicken FLS model. The 3×3 two-factor experiment was conducted, both male and female chickens from three breeds (White Leghorns, Jingxing-Huang (JXH), Beijing-You chicken) and three diets (basal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), methionine-deficiency diet) were used. The HFD may cause liver damage with higher alanine aminotransferase. And serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) of JXH were increased significantly. Unsurprisingly, the combination of JXH × HFD were found to be highest incidence (41.94%) of FLS.

2. The test for transgenerational inheritance model of FLS. The combination of JXH (F0) × HFD was used in this section. The paternal group (cocks with FLS × healthy hens), maternal group (healthy cocks × hens with FLS), and control group (healthy cocks and hens) were created and mated to produce offspring (F1). Serum TG and TC content were no difference between maternal and control group, but significantly increased in paternal group compared to other two groups in F1. Expectedly, the incidence (41.5%) of FLS in paternal group is significantly higher than that in maternal (20.0%) and control group (18.75%). Therefore, the male chickens with FLS and healthy female chickens were used to produce offspring (F1-F3).

3. Analysis of the mechanism of transgenerational inheritance of FLS mediated by DNA methylation. The great difference of expression and methylation profiles was detected between fatty liver and normal liver by RNA-seq and WGBS in F1 and F3. Key gene IGF2BP1 was found the same differential tendency of two levels in F1 and F3. Ca signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway were enriched in both F1 and F3.

In conclusion, we constructed an ideal model to study the mechanism of transgenerational (paternal) inheritance of FLS; the DNA methylation played a crucial role in this process, and the expression and methylation difference were found to persist in at least 3 generations; the gene IGF2BP1, as well as Ca signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway were regulated by DNA methylation in F1 and F3, which were effective in the transgenerational inheritance of FLS. Our results would further the study of transgenerational inheritance of FLS in chicken.
GENETICS X NUTRITION INTERACTION ON
THE DIGESTIVE MICROBIOTA
INTEGRATION OF PROTEOME, TRANSCRIPTOME, AND METAGENOME ANALYSES PROVIDES INSIGHTS
INTO THE FISHY ODOR OF DUCK EGGS

J. Zheng\*(1), X.Li(2), G.Xu(1)

(1)College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China

(2)China Agricultural University, Beijing, China

* Corresponding author: jxzheng@cau.edu.cn

Though the consumption of duck eggs increased gradually, the fishy odor restricts the development of the duck egg industry to some extent. Base on the result that trimethylamine (TMA) caused the intense fishy odor in duck eggs, the main purpose of this study was to reveal the genetic basis of the fishy odor of duck eggs.

The study population included 492 female Jingjiang ducks pure line (60-72 wks old). Ducks with high and low levels of TMA were killed after choline addition, and samples were collected for subsequent experiments and analysis. The results showed that the TMA content in serum, cecum, and eggs of ducks had significantly positive correlations (PP

Livers from 6 ducks at the top and 6 ducks from the tail of the TMA deposition distribution were sampled for transcriptomic sequencing, proteomic expression profiling, and FMO3 enzyme activity detection. RNA-Seq sequencing results revealed that 712 transcripts, and 499 transcripts down-regulated and up-regulated TMA deposition, respectively. The FMO3 transcript significantly down-regulated the TMA content in duck eggs (FDR = 6.68E-19). Meanwhile, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that the module with FMO3 transcript was strongly associated with the TMA content in duck eggs (R = 0.61). Proteomic results showed that 112 proteins, and 106 proteins down-regulated and up-regulated TMA deposition, respectively. FMO3 protease significantly down-regulated the TMA content in duck eggs (P = 0.00876). The GO entries of differentially expressed proteins mainly included oxidoreductase activity pathways. Furthermore, the TMA content of duck eggs decreased with the increase of FMO3 enzyme activity. Besides, The 16S V4 amplicon sequencing results showed, that Mucispirillum and Akkermansia were positively and negatively correlated with the TMA level, respectively.

In summary, the TMA content was affected by Mucispirillum and Akkermansia in the cecum of ducks. Then, TMA reaches the liver via intestinal absorption and blood circulation. The TMA oxidation was affected by FMO3 mRNA expression, FMO3 protein expression, and FMO3 enzyme activity in the liver. All these parts above jointly regulate the TMA metabolism in ducks, which resulting in different levels of fishy odor in duck eggs.
THE EFFECT OF GENOTYPE, SEX AND FEED MANAGEMENT ON THE MICROBIAL SAFETY OF CHICKEN MEAT PRODUCTION

E. Skrivanova*(1), R.Svejstil(1), H.Subrtova salmonova(1), N.Modrackova(1), K.Lalouckova(1), D.Chodova(1), E.Tumova(1)

(1)Czech university of life sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

* Corresponding author: skrivanovae@af.czu.cz

In terms of both welfare and economic traits of meat production, the developed countries tend to focus on production of poultry meat from optimalised conditions. Aside from the production itself, a critical point in production of poultry meat is, of course, its microbial safety. One of the examples of the aforementioned trends is the use of various genotypes (medium-fast or slowly growing chicken) and feed restriction. The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the effect of the genotype and feed restriction on the microbial parameters of poultry meat production.

The experiment was carried out on three genotypes of chicken: Ross308 (standard broiler chicken meat genotype, fast growth), Hubbard (JA) (medium-fast growth) and Isa Dual (slowly growing chicken). We used males and females separately, both either ad libitum, or with restricted feeding (30% quantitative feed restriction). After the euthanasia (Ross308 in 31 days, Hubbard in 45 days and Isa Dual in 77 days) the microbiological analysis of the caecum content was performed. We enumerated the number of total bacteria, Escherichia coli, salmonellas, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Regarding to genotype, total count, bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli were significantly (P≤0.05) the lowest in Dual (9.69, 8.77 and 5.85 Log10 CFU/g, respectively) and with respect to sex, males had more (P≤0.05) total counts of bacteria (9.96 in males vs. 9.76 Log10 CFU/g in females, all genotypes). The significant interaction of all factors (ie sex, genotype and feed restriction), was observed in total counts (P≤0.001) and Bifidobacterium spp. (P≤0.05), with a higher variability among groups in JA in comparison with Ross and Dual. In particular, the counts of total bacteria in JA varied from 10.6 Log10 CFU/g in males with feed restriction to 9.39 Log10 CFU/g in females with feed restriction. In terms of bifidobacteria, the highest counts of 9.78 Log10 CFU/g were found in males with feed restriction, while the lowest were 8.68 Log10 CFU/g in felames with feed restriction.

These results indicate that the choice of sex, genotype and feed management can be crucial for the hygiene and safety of animal products. The results can be used for further decisions concerning the safety of chicken meat production.

The study was supported by the project of Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, no. MZe QK1910387.
MULTI-OMICS APPROACHES TO DECIPHERING THE COEVOLUTION OF HOST AND GUT MICROBIOTA

L. Yang(1), H.Zhou(2), J.Ding(1), R.Dai*(1), C.He(1), K.Xu(3), C.Honaker(4), Y.Zhang(5), P.Siegel(4), H.Meng*(6)

(1)Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University;
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China

(2)shanghai jiao tong university, Shanghai, China

(3) Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University;
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai, China

(4) Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

(5) Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, Roanoke, Virginia, United States

(6) Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University,
Shanghai, China

* Corresponding author: haozhou69@gmail.com

Although the emergence of the hologenome theory has broadened our perspectives for studying host-
microbe interactions, there is a void in its application in higher organisms. Chickens from lines that had
undergone long-term (56 generations) bidirectional selection for high (HW) and low (LW) 56-day body
weight from a common founder population provided an ideal model to further explore the coevolution
of the holobiont under selection pressure. Using chickens from these lines, we applied multi-omics
technology and observed that the selection pressure on the holobiont dramatically altered the
intestinal DNA methylation and gene expression profile of host as well as the composition of gut
microbiota. On the microbiome side, five genera from the Ruminococcaceae family and two genera
from the Lachnospiraceae family increased in the HW. Energy metabolism-related pathways, such as
glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and citric acid cycle, were enriched in the microbiome of HW. On the other
side, after long term bidirectional selection, there were 4,779 different methylation regions (DMR) and
327 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the gut of HW and LW. Of them,
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) was the most down-regulated genes in
the gut of LW. Its expression was likely regulated by both a DE miRNA, gga-miR-2128 that was up-
regulated in LW, and a DMR that was involved in CpG island whose distance to the transcription start
site of IGF2BP1 was only 388bp at LW genome. Integrated analysis of host and gut microbial data
revealed that DEGs could link to gut microbes. For instance, expression level of IGF2BP1 remarkably
correlated with the abundance of several microbes, such as Veillonella, Lactobacillus, and
Methanocorpusculum, which were highly abundant in gut of HW, suggesting an adaptive interaction
may have between host and gut microbiota. Overall, these results provided evidence for the hypothesis
that there is a coevolution relationship between the host and gut microbiome and that both could
contribute to the fitness of the holobiont.
# THE EFFECT OF MINERAL SORBENT ON THE INTESTINAL MICROFLORA OF EGG LAYERS AND THE EXPRESSION OF GENES ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNITY

I. Kochish\*(1), O. Myasnikova(2), V. Smolensky(1), V. Martynov(1)

(1) Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named after Skryabin, Moscow, Russia

(2) Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named after Skryabin, Москва, Russia

\* Corresponding author: omyasnikova71@gmail.com

Since the presence of mycotoxins requires time for them to be identified, preventive doses of sorbents are regularly added into egg-laying hens feed by modern manufacturers of poultry products. Due to the fact that modern enzyme-based sorbents are rather expensive, commercial egg producers are willing to use natural mineral sorbents based on bentonite, clay or carbon. Recently, the carbon-based sorbent (Shungit) in its fullerene-like form C60 has started to be actively used in the Russian Federation.

A feed experiment was launched to study the effect of the mineral sorbent on the intestinal microflora of egg-laying hens as well as the expression of the genes associated with immunity. The studies conducted were based on birds from 26 to 29 weeks of age, in the vivariums of the laboratory of genetics and genomics of birds, at the Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named by K.I. Scriabin. Before the start of the research, the productivity of the birds at the age of 20-25 weeks was estimated and the groups of the same egg-laying intensity were formed. The birds of the control group have been fed for 28 days in accordance with the recommendations for commercial layers. In the diet of the experimental group, the studied sorbent was added in an amount of 1500 g per ton of feed. The intensity of egg production, egg number per bird and egg weight were determined. At the end of the study, ten hens from each group were randomly chosen for sampling tissues and contents of selected blind gut processes. The contents of the blind processes were studied for a microbial profile by NGS sequencing of microbial DNA on the Gene Studio S5 instrument (Termofisher scientific, Inc). Sequencing results were analyzed using Ion Reporter to determine the composition of the microbiota (https://ionreporter.thermofisher.com/ir). The expression of genes associated with immunity (β-defensin-9, proencephalin, Galinacin-10, interleukin-8) was evaluated on RNA which was isolated from the tissue of the blind processes of the intestine. In total, the production of poultry of the experimental and control groups did not differ significantly, yet there was a decreasing egg weight trend for the hens treated with sorbent as compared to the control group. The tendency to a decrease or the increase deceleration in egg weight may be associated precisely with the removal of part of the nutrients in the feed. It was found that the content of beneficial bacteria of the family Lactobacillaceae was reduced to 62,6%. Furthermore, the cellulolytic bacteria of the Ruminococcaceae family was increased to 72,3%. Along with this, there was a significant 600% increase in pathogenic and undesirable microorganisms, the increase was due to the bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. The effect of the sorbent on the expression of genes related to productivity has been studied as well. Since mycotoxins have an immunosuppressive effect, the impact of the sorbent is expected precisely on the genes associated with immunity rather than productivity. The expression of the β-defensin 9 gene has decreased by more than 5 times, the proenkephalin and galinacin-10 gene has decreased by 4 times and interleukin-8 has decreased by 1.75 times. The data obtained illustrate an overall decrease in inflammatory processes in the body, which is apparently associated with the adsorption of mycotoxins and their removal from the body.

Thus, the Mustala mycotoxin adsorbent used for preventive purposes can affect the absorption of nutrients by changing the profile of the microbiota (reducing lactobacilli and increasing cellulolytic bacteria), while there is no doubt about its positive effect on the immunity of poultry.
# THE KICK-STARTER EFFECT OF ARABINOXYLAN-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (AXOS) ON ARABINOXYLAN DIGESTION IN THE YOUNG BROILER

A. Bautil\*(1), J.Buyse(1), M.Bedford(2), C.Courtin(1)

* Corresponding author: an.bautil@kuleuven.be

With the ban of prophylactic antibiotics in 2006, the use of prebiotic oligosaccharides as tools to maintain and promote broiler's health and performance responses has attracted more and more interest. In addition, the beneficial effects observed upon endoxylanase supplementation of broiler feed were recently explained by their ability to create such prebiotics, in this case arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS), in the hindgut of broilers. However, the prebiotic function of AXOS in its classical sense can be questioned, as the performance effects observed cannot be explained in full by the augmented selective microbial fermentation and subsequent short-chain fatty acid production. The objective of this study was hence to assess and understand the possible additive effects of dietary AXOS addition on the age-related arabinoxylan (AX) digestion in the hindgut of broilers. Therefore, a feeding trial was performed on 480 one-day old chicks (Ross 308) receiving a wheat-based diet supplemented with or without AXOS (0.5%), containing no endoxylanases. Digesta samples from the ileum and caecum, and feces were collected at six different broiler ages: d 5, d 10, d 15, d 21, d 28 and 35 and examined for AX content and digestibility values, intestinal viscosity and microbial AX-degrading enzyme activities. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and the post-hoc Tukey's HSD test to further identify significantly different means. Higher intestinal viscosity values were observed for AXOS fed broilers compared to control fed broilers (P < 0.01). This remarkable observation could be explained by the faster acquired AX solubilizing capacity of the AXOS fed intestinal microbiome (P < 0.05). When 0.5% AXOS was fed from hatching, higher total tract water-extractable AX and total AX digestibility coefficients were observed, especially for broilers younger than 15 d of age (P < 0.04). The impact of AXOS on hormonal changes delaying transit time and/or the emergence of a microbial community with enhanced AX degrading capacity are probably at the basis of these observed enhanced AX digestibilities at young broiler ages. Our results hence indicate that the provision of AX-derived oligosaccharides has the potential to kick start dietary fibre digestion in the hindgut of young broilers. It enables a greater functional value to be extracted from the dietary fibre fraction from youngbroiler ages onwards.

<footnote>(1)KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium</footnote>

<footnote>(2) AB Vista, Marlborough, United Kingdom</footnote>
INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO ANSWER
NEW EXPECTATIONS FROM THE SOCIETY
ID: 237

# INNOVATIVE, NON-INVASIVE, FAST AND HIGHLY ACCURATE VISIBLE-NEAR-INFRARED IN OVO SEXING METHOD ON BROWN CHICKEN EGGS

M. Corion*(1), B.De ketelaere(1), W.Saeys(1), J.Keresztes(3)

Today, 6 billion chicks from layer lines are yearly hatched with only 50% raised as laying hens for egg production. Whereas the remaining 50% are males with inefficient growth for meat production. Billions of healthy animals are killed at birth, raising substantial ethical concern. Therefore, an alternative method is required to pre-select males during embryonic development. This method is called in ovo sexing and allows more humane male culling. A robust and non-invasive in ovo color sexing technique was developed in this research. Thereby, visible-near-infrared (vis-NIR) point spectroscopy was used, which has the advantage over state of the art hyperspectral imaging in terms of accuracy and cost.
Three independent experiments were each conducted on a batch of 600 Isa Brown eggs. These eggs were individually illuminated on a daily basis by a halogen lamp and transmitted light over 180° was measured in a 300-1145 nm range. Every sample was measured five times with a specific exposure time between 500-1000 ms. An optimal preprocessing strategy was subsequently performed on the average signals. After preprocessing, the dataset was randomized and divided in a 60% calibration set and a 40% validation set. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with cross-validation was then used together with forward interval partial least squares (FiPLS) for variable reduction for determination model construction. Finally, only data was used from eggs with hatched chicks that were color and vent sexed without mismatches.

Results on the validation set demonstrated that the highest accuracies of 98.54% at day 13 and 99.52% at day 14 were achieved on the full wavelength range in experiment 3. This accuracy is lowered to 83.45% at day 12 since the colored feathers were insufficiently developed. On the other hand, growing embryos absorbed more light which resulted in a lower prediction of 93.62% at day 18. Furthermore, a variable reduction in experiment 2 at day 14 resulted in a smaller range with a 98.46% prediction, proving potential use of smaller spectrometers towards industrial application. Finally, model robustness was proven by correctly classifying with 98.63% the full dataset of experiment 3 at day 14 with this reduced model of experiment 2.

In conclusion, non-invasive vis-NIR in ovo sexing on brown eggs is highly accurate and has the potential for cost-efficient and high throughput application in hatcheries after two weeks of incubation.

<footnote>(1)MeBioS KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium</footnote>

<footnote>(3) Apple Inc., Cupertino, ca, United States</footnote>

<footnote>* Corresponding author: matthias.corion@kuleuven.be</footnote>
GROWTH AND SLAUGHTERING PERFORMANCE OF MUSCOVY DUCK FED WITH INSECT LIVE LARVAE AS ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT

M. Gariglio\*(1), S.Dabbou(2), I.Biasato(3), M.Meneguz(3), A.Imarisio(4), S.Bellezza oddon(3), M.Renna(4), F.Gai(5), L.Gasco(3), A.Schiavone(4)

(1) University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy

(2) Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, San michele all'adige, Italy

(3) Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy

(4) Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy

(5) Institute of Science of Food Production, National Research Council, Grugliasco, Italy

Introduction. Pecking is an important problem in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica) production but few works investigated this phenomenon, probably related to redirected foraging. The aim of the present work was the evaluation of growth and slaughtering performance of Muscovy duck fed with Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) live larvae as environmental enrichment. Material and methods. A total of 126 female Muscovy ducks (3d-old, average live weight, LW: 79.8±3.3 g) were allotted in 18 pens (6 replicate/treatment, 7 birds/pen) and assigned to 3 experimental treatments. The C group (control) was fed with commercial feed, while HI and TM groups where fed with commercial feed supplemented with HI and TM live larvae (provided as 5% of expected daily feed intake, DFI), respectively. The LW, average daily gain (ADG), DFI, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated for starter period (3-31d-old), grower-finisher period (31-55d-old) and for the whole experimental period (3-55d-old). Larvae consumption time was recorded daily during the whole trial. At the end, 12 birds/treatments were selected for average LW and slaughtered. Hot and chilled carcass weight were recorded, as well as organs (spleen, liver, heart, bursa of Fabricius) and abdominal fat weight. Breast and thigh muscles where excised, weighed and the corresponding yields where then calculated. Larvae consumption time was analyzed by Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM), while all the other data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (P0.05). The larvae consumption time was affected by the age of the birds (P0.05). Hot and chilled carcasses weight were not affected by dietary treatment, as well as the weight of the organs and the abdominal fat content (P>0.05). Breast and thigh yields were similar among groups (P>0.05; 16.9±1.5 g and 22.9±1.2 g on average, respectively). Conclusion. The supplementation of 5% of HI and TM live larvae in Muscovy duck did not affect the growth and the slaughtering performance of the birds. The age of the birds influenced the larvae consumption time but the animals did not have preference between the two insect species.

<footnote>* Corresponding author: marta.gariglio@unito.it</footnote>
LOW-INPUT OUTDOOR AND ORGANIC POULTRY PRODUCTIONS: HOW TO IMPROVE ANIMAL WELFARE IN THESE SYSTEMS?

C. Bonnefous*(1), A.Collin(1), J.Niemi(2), M.Väre(3), P.Parrott(4), K.Walley(5), M.Re(6), R.Ponzio(7), A.Zuliani(8), T.Rodenburg(9), V.Guesdon(10), E.Delanoue(11), A.Roinsard(12), L.Warin(13), C.Leterrier(14)

(1) INRAE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France

(2) Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Seinäjoki, Finland

(3) Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland

(4) Harper Adams University, Newport, United Kingdom

(5) Harper Adams University, ,, Newport, United Kingdom

(6) AIAB, Roma, Italy

(7) Slow Food, Bra, Italy

(8) Veterinari senza Frontiere - VSF, Legnaro (padova), Italy

(9) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands

(10) YNCREA Hauts de France, ISA Lille, Lille, France

(11) Itavi, Institut de l'Elevage, Ifip, Paris, France

Although low-input outdoor and organic poultry production systems allow natural expression of poultry behaviour and are expected to support a high level of animal welfare, health and welfare issues are still observed (van de Weerd and al. 2009). In order to improve animal welfare in these systems, they must first be characterised and qualified because the diversity of practices applied in these systems can lead to a range of welfare problems. Our methodology enabled us to highlight the major animal welfare challenges and concerns in low-input outdoor and organic poultry production systems at the European level. Firstly, standards, regulations and labelling schemes imposing practices in these systems were gathered and described. Secondly, relevant peer-reviewed articles, congress proceedings and on-going research projects were reviewed to ensure state-of-the-art information on practices and their impacts on animal welfare. Thirdly, interviews with key-informants were conducted in Italy, Finland, France and the United Kingdom to acknowledge any gaps in identification of the animal welfare challenges and related solutions. The study identified close to 50 systems, which differed in their characteristics. For instance, variations in space allowance, application of mutilations and free range access differed substantially between identified systems. The screening of grey literature and articles enabled to check innovative solutions related to ethics, behaviour, health and management issues such as the use of genetic strains, phytobiotics and enrichment of the range. The results of the interviews enlighten the perception of stakeholders regarding animal welfare in these systems. In fact, items such as "the 5 freedoms" and "Animal needs" or "Consumers perception" were systematically raised whereas "Regulation" was qualified as a component of animal welfare definition only by stakeholders from Finland and Italy. Besides providing a shortlist of systems, our study allowed us to inventory the issues and the barriers and levers related to them in a database. A comprehensive inventory of current and prospective production practices in poultry low-input outdoor and organic systems helps us to understand the diversity of farming systems and the barriers and levers to animal welfare observed in these systems.

Funding: The PPILOW project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement N°816172. "http://www.ppilow.eu"

Reference: Van de Weerd, H. A., R. Keatinge, and S. Roderick. 2009. "A Review of Key Health-Related Welfare Issues in Organic Poultry Production." World's Poultry Science Journal.

Key-Words:poultry, low-input outdoor, organic, practices, welfare

<footnote>* Corresponding author: claire.bonnefous@inra.fr</footnote>
EFFICACY OF 1% FLURALANER AQUEOUS SOLUTION IN THE TREATMENT OF INFESTATIONS OF MENACANTHUS CORNUTUS ON LAYING HENS

G. Perdoncini*(1), N.Soares(2), S.Verza(3), R.Della matta(1), J.Werlich(1)

(1)MSD Animal Health, Brazil, São paulo, Brazil

(2)São Paulo Biological Institute, São paulo, Brazil

(3)Yoshikawa Farm, Bastos, são paulo, Brazil

* Corresponding author: gustavo.perdoncini@merck.com

Infestations of poultry by lice have generated economic losses for the egg industry including drop in egg production, skin irritation and it can adversely affect animal welfare. 1% fluralaner aqueous solution was evaluated under controlled conditions as a treatment for laying hens infested with Menacanthus (M.) cornutus. The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of 1% (10 mg/mL) fluralaner aqueous solution intended for treatment of M. cornutus infestation in laying hens in Brazil. Ninety birds were divided into two groups of 45 birds: one shed was assigned to the Control Group (CG) that is untreated and another one was the Treated Group (TG). In the TG the hens received the treatment via drinking water on Study Day (SD) day 0 and 7, at a dose of 0.5 mg fluralaner per kg of body weight (BW) (equivalent to 0.05 mL product/kg BW). Hens were individually examined for the level of M. cornutus infestation on Day -5 (before treatment), and on Days 7, 14, 21 and 42 after treatment, following the criteria: Level 0 - no lice; Level I - Low - Presence of lice in the cloaca and/or ventral region; Level II - Moderate - Presence of lice in the cloaca and wings; Level III - Strong - Presence of lice in the cloaca, wings and back; Level IV - Extra Strong - Presence of lice on cloaca, wings, back and neck. During the study, the level of M. cornutus infestation was checked using a scale from 1 to 4 in both groups. The average score on day -5 was 1.8 in both TG and CG. After the administration of 1% of fluralaner solution, no lice were identified in the TG between day 7 and day 42. After treatment the mean infestation scores in the CG on days +7, +14, +21 and +42 were 2.4, 2.1, 1.8, and 2.6 respectively. There were no abnormal health observations after treatment. As a systemic acaricide given in the drinking water, fluralaner provides a combination of potent efficacy, bird safety, and user convenience due to a ready-to-use aqueous solution for water administration with zero egg withdrawal time for laying hens. Under the described experimental conditions, 1% (10 mg/mL) fluralaner solution caused no adverse effects in treated birds and was highly effective in eliminating the infestation of M. cornutus from day 7 up to the study end (42 days after the first treatment administration). The present study followed local regulations. It was submitted for evaluation by an Ethics Committee on Animal Use under the number 2019/10-03 before the study started.
THE MEAT PRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT CROSSBRED GENOTYPES OF YELLOW HUNGARIAN CHICKEN BREEDS IN TWO KEEPING SYSTEM

Á. Drobnyák*(1), B.László(2), M.Heincinger(3), K.Károly(3), A.Almási(4), Á.Zimborán(5), R.Szabó(5), M.Kovács-weber(5)

(1) Szen t István University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Gödöllő, Hungary

(2) National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation, Institute for Farm Animal Gene Conservation, Gödöllő, Hungary

(3) Lab-nyúl Kft., Gödöllő, Hungary

(4) Bábolna Tetra Kft., Bábolna, Hungary

(5) Szent István University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Gödöllő, Hungary

* Corresponding author: drobnyak.arpad@gmail.com

The demand for poultry products has increased, therefore products from alternative keeping system became more important. The aim of this study was to investigate the meat production parameters of crossbred genotypes of Yellow Hungarian chickens. 3 crossbred genotypes (A: 50 % Yellow Hungarian + 50 % TETRA HB, D: 25 % Yellow Hungarian + 25 % TETRA HARCO + 50 % TETRA HB, E: 25 % TETRA H + 25 % Yellow Hungarian + 50 % Tetra HB) were established as F2 generations and were compared to pure breed Yellow Hungarian (YH) as a control group. Two types of pens were used (indoor: 2.5 × 3 m and free range: 2.5 × 5 m). Totally 320 birds (4 genotypes, 2 types of pen, 40 birds/pen) were reared in the same condition (deep litter). The outdoor yards were completely covered with forage. Outdoor access from these pens was provided after 35 days of age during daylight hours through a single doorway (30 × 30 cm) in the free range groups. The animals were slaughtered at the age of 98 days. The live weight and feed consumption were measured every two weeks.

In the free range system, the E genotypes reached the highest live weight (3044 g), it was significantly higher than that of D (2628 g) and A (2222 g) groups, all of them were significantly higher than the live weight of purebred YH (1516 g). The ratio of carcass did not differ between groups (A: 70.2%, D: 69.8%, E: 71.6% and YH: 66.9%). The feed conversion values were 2.9 kg/kg (A group), 2.2 kg/kg (D group), 3.0 kg/kg (E group) and 2.5 kg/kg (YH group). In the indoor systems, the A (2440 g), D (2441 g) and E (2525 g) groups had significantly higher live weight than the pure breed YH (1498 g). There were no significant differences in the ratio of carcass between genotypes. The feed conversion was A: 2.3 kg/kg, D: 3.2 kg/kg, E: 2.8 kg/kg, YH: 4.1 kg/kg. The effect of keeping systems was demonstrated only in one case, the live weight of free range E (3043 g) was significantly higher than the indoor E (2525 g).

According to the results, there was one outstanding crossbred genotype (E: 25 % TETRA H + 25 % Yellow Hungarian + 50 % Tetra HB), which could be used for the meat production sector.
PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF TWO DUAL-PURPOSE CHICKEN BREEDS IN A MOBILE STABLE SYSTEM

F. Kaufmann\*(1), U.Nehrenhaus(2), R.Andersson(2)

(1)Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, Osnabrück, Germany

(2)Osnabrück University of Applied Science, Osnabrück, Germany

* Corresponding author: f.kaufmann@hs-osnabrueck.de

Debates on culling day-old male egg-type chicks are constantly growing. Besides the in-ovo sex determination and the fattening of male chicks of layer lines, the use of Dual Purpose Breeds is considered as a strategy to avoid killing of day-old male egg-type chicks. The current study investigated the performance of two Dual Purpose Breeds in a mobile production system under organic conditions. 509 Lohmann Dual (LD) and 505 Lohmann Dualexperimental (LDex) day old chicks were reared in two mobile stable barns as hatched. The cockerels were slaughtered on day 85, the hens remained in their respective mobile barn for a prolonged laying period (74 weeks, including molting). Body weight (BW) development, group feed consumption and mortality was recorded at regular intervals. At time of slaughter of the males, randomly selected birds (n = 30 / group and genotype) were dissected to determine slaughter weight (SW) and carcass composition. Additionally, laying performance (quantitative and qualitative) of the hens was recorded and evaluated in frequent intervals during the laying period. Average BW and SW of cockerels at d 85 was 2,650 (SD: 262.1) and 1,786 g (SD: 185.3) in LD and 2,176 (SD: 263.9) and 1,449 g (SD: 179.3) in LDex, respectively. Over the fattening period, average daily weight gain was 34.6 g in LD and 29.7 g in LDex. Percentage of breast muscle (16.3 %) and legs (32 %) did not differ between genotypes. In 68 weeks of production, average laying performance (excluding molting) was 62.2 % in LD and 66.9 % in LDex; an average LD hen produced 289 eggs whereas it was 307 eggs in LDex. Average egg weight during 68 weeks of production was around 60.5 g in both genotypes, whereas LD hens had a higher feed consumption per kg egg mass (X:1) when compared with LDex (2.9 kg vs. 2.4 kg). The performance of both Dual Purpose Breeds is not comparable with those of specialized hybrids. The use of such breeds may still be sufficient if the products realize higher prices at the market as their production is more expensive and less efficient when compared to specialized hybrids. However, when taking animal welfare and ethical aspects into account, the use of Dual Purpose Breeds may still be considered as one potential strategy to avoid culling of day olds.
INTEGRATED STRATEGIES TO CONTROL
MEAT QUALITY DEFECTS
NEW GENES OF INTEREST IDENTIFIED FOR MEAT QUALITY IN CHICKEN

E. Le bihan-duval*(1), E.Pampouille(2), C.Hennequet-antier(1), S.Beauclercq(1), A.Juanchich(3), A.Brionne(3), S.Boitard(4), C.Berri(1)

(1)INRAE, Nouzilly, France

(2)ITAVI, Nouzilly, France

(3)INRAE, 37380, France

(4)INRAE, Castanet tolosan, France

* Corresponding author: elisabeth.duval@inra.fr

Spectacular gains in the productive capacities of meat-type chickens have been accompanied by important changes in their morphological and metabolic characteristics, but also by the appearance of increasing meat quality defects, such as acid or DFD meat conditions, and more recently white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB) muscular disorders. While many omics studies have been conducted during the last decade in order to identify the underlying biological pathways, they do not allow distinguishing consequences from causes. Genetic studies can contribute to identify candidate genes at the origin of the defects as well as polymorphisms that could be used for marker-assisted selection. Two chicken lines divergently selected for the breast meat ultimate pH (pHu) were used in order to map the genomic regions controlling this trait as well as WS defect. Results indicated a polygenic inheritance of meat defects but suggested a few outstanding regions and candidate genes involved in human glycogen storage diseases. This was the case for PPP1R3A, SLC37A4, GAA, and PHKA1, which were evidenced within selection signatures or QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) regions controlling pHu. A few WS-QTLs were also identified, whose gene content analysis suggested positional and functional candidates, such as LRSAM1 at the origin of a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy, characterized by progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy in human. Other genes such as MYH1F and MYH15, involved in muscle development and fibre regeneration, appeared as other promising candidate genes. Although divergent selection for breast meat ultimate pH had led to a correlated response on susceptibility to WS (with an increased incidence in pHu+ line), no common QTL controlling both pHu and WS phenotypes was evidenced. Nevertheless, the genetic control of WS appeared to be in part dependent on the energy status of the muscle, since the WS-QTLs identified in the pHu+ line were not recovered in the pHu- line. This highlights that complex gene by gene interactions could contribute to the establishment of this muscle physiopathology.

In conclusion, these studies suggested several candidate genes whose variability in expression or functionality could predispose to meat quality defects in chicken. They provide a first basis for future works aimed at validating their causal role and identifying candidate mutations by taking advantage of the sequence data already acquired on the pHu lines.
# FEEDING HIGHER DOSES OF L-HISTIDINE FOR DECREASING BREAST MUSCLE MYOPATHIES IN BROILER CHICKEN: A USEFUL APPROACH?

J. Lackner*(1), V.Hess(1), H.Sauerwein(2), G.Baldi(3), L.Stef(4)

(1)Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Hanau-wolfgang, Germany

(2) Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Institute for Animal Science, Physiology & Hygiene Unit, Bonn, Germany

(3) University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Cesena, Italy

(4) Banat University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania

* Corresponding author: julia.lackner@evonik.com

## INTRODUCTION

The high demand for white meat has led to modern broiler chicken reaching the slaughter weights in shorter times. Now the industry is confronted with several muscle defects like white striping (WS), woody breast (WB) and spaghetti meat (SM) leading to losses of high-quality meat for the marked. Several studies describe high metabolic stress and excessive formation of reactive oxygen species in affected muscles. In a previous experiment, we showed that feeding high amounts of L-Histidine (His) can increase the concentration of the natural antioxidant carnosine in skeletal muscles of broilers. In this study, the effect of feeding different dosages of His to the outcome of meat quality defects in broiler breast filets was investigated.

## MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (n = 440) were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Birds were feed ad libitum and four feeding phases were scheduled. The feeding groups were given different ratios of His:Lys (41, 44, 47, 50 and 54). Performance was determined at the end of each feeding phase and all birds were slaughtered at 38 days of age. Breast myopathies (WS, WB, and SM) were graded (normal, moderate or severely affected) and pH was measured on all right filets directly after slaughter and after 24 h. Pale-soft and exudative (PSE) and dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat was also recorded. Drip loss was measured at Day 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 of storage at 2 °C by using the left filets of two randomly selected birds of each pen. Data were analyzed with Minitab18© by using the x2-test for grading and Kruskal-Wallis-test or one-way ANOVA for all other data. Significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05.

## RESULTS

Performance and drip loss were not different between the feeding groups. At a His:Lys ratio of 50 PSE meat and lower pH were more frequently observed than in all other treatments 24 h after slaughter. WS and WB were present in 45 % and 72 % of the filets, respectively. Both myopathies showed a trend to lower incidences by feeding a ratio of 44 compared to all other groups, whereas a ratio of 47 showed the highest incidence.

## CONCLUSION

Feeding His can impact meat quality of broiler breast filets. A moderately higher amount of His tended to decrease the incidence of WS and WB. However, the negative impact by feeding a His:Lys ratio of 47 must be considered. Including higher His levels than currently recommended in broilers' diets while balancing the His:Lys ratio could help to manage quality problems.
MOLECULAR PHENOTYPING OF WHITE STRIPING AND WOODEN BREAST DEFECTS

C. Praud(1), J.Jimenez(1), E.Pampouille(1), N.Couroussé(3), E.Godet(1), E.Le bihan-duval(1), C.Berri*(1)

(1)INRAE, Nouzilly, France

(3)INRAE, 37380, France

* Corresponding author: christophe.praud@inra.fr

White striping and wooden breast defects are two myopathic syndromes whose occurrence increases in modern fast-growing broilers. The impact of these defects on the quality of the meat is very important as they greatly affect its visual aspect, nutritional value and processing yields. The research conducted to date has improved our knowledge of the biological processes involved in the occurrence of these meat defects, but for now, no solution has been identified to reduce significantly their incidence without affecting growing performance. This study aims to follow the evolution of molecular markers linked to fast growing and appearance of defects in order to identify potential biomarkers for diagnostic purposes but also to improve our understanding of physiological dysregulation involved. This was done through enzymatic, histological and transcriptional approaches by considering slow- and fast-growing breast muscles, affected or not by WS and WB. Mitochondrial activity and ROS production were respectively lower and higher in the fast growing muscles compared to slow growing ones. Among the markers linked to muscle remodeling, the immunohistochemical staining of several genes involved in fibrosis and muscle fiber regeneration or necrosis was higher in fast growing compared to slow-growing muscles. For three of them, their amount also increased lineary with the presence and severity of WS and WB defects, making them potential biomarkers to accurately assess their presence and severity. The muscular expression of several genes implicated in the development of connective tissue and in the regulation of the myogenesis process was also positively linked to the presence and severity of the defects. Our results demonstrate a metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress in fast-growing chickens and muscle remodeling associated to the defects in a quantitative manner. They alsosuggest several molecular biomarkers, whose potential for the development of diagnostic tests have now to be validated in other genotypes and experimental contexts.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MUSCLE WATER PROPERTIES AND TEXTURE CHARACTERISTICS IN RAW
INTACT BROILER PECTORALIS MAJOR WITH THE WOODY BREAST CONDITION

B. Pang(1), J. Zhang(2), B. Bowker*(3), H. Zhuang(3)

(1)College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China

(2)Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forest Science, Beijing, China

(3)USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, United States

* Corresponding author: qdpangbin@126.com

Abstract Relationships between muscle water properties and texture characteristics were investigated in raw intact broiler breast fillets (pectoralis major) with the woody breast (WB) condition. Raw intact broiler breast fillets were collected from a commercial plant. Tactile characteristics of fillets were determined with both subjective scores (3-point scale) based on palpable hardness and rigidity and blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (BMORS). Water properties were determined with time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Muscle water properties or specific water components were determined using an inverse Laplace algorithm (CONTIN). Spearman correlation was used to estimate relationships between WB scores and NMR measurements and Pearson correlation for relationships between BMORS measurements and NMR measurements. Three water components, hydration water (T2b), intra-myofibrillar water (T21), and extra-myofibrillar water (T22) were identified in raw intact chicken fillets. There were significant relationships between NMR measurements (P < 0.001; r > 0.45) and WB scores and between NMR measurements and BMORS measurements (P < 0.05; r ≥ 0.24) regardless of water component. The greatest Spearman correlation coefficients were found for relative contents of T21 and T22, which were -0.78 and 0.77, respectively, indicating that the extra-myofibrillar water (T22) may contribute to subjective tactile characteristics, palpable hardness and rigidity, of the fillets with the WB condition. The greatest Pearson correlation was noted for T21 relaxing time (0.72), indicating that the greater mobility of intra-myofibrillar water may contribute to the greater BMORS measurements of broiler fillets with the WB condition. These results demonstrate that muscle water properties may contribute to the specific texture characteristics of broiler pectoralis major with the WB condition.

Key Words: BMORS, intra-myofibrillar water, extra-myofibrillar water, NMR, wooden breast
MITOCHONDRIA-RELATED GENES AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF MITOCHONDRIA IN CHICKEN PECTORALIS MAJOR WITH WHITE STRIPING AND WOODEN BREAST

M. Hosotani*(1), T.Kawasaki(2), Y.Hasegawa(3), Y.Wakasa(1), M.Hoshino(1), N.Takahashi(1), H.Ueda(1), T.Iwasaki(3), T.Watanabe(1)

(1)Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan

(2)Research Office Concerning the Health of Humans and Birds, Abashiri, Japan

(3)Department of Food Science and Human Wellness, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan

* Corresponding author: m-hosotani@rakuno.ac.jp

In recent years, broilers have suffered from muscle degeneration and fibrosis, known as white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB). This degeneration has been suggested to result from hypoxia in the pectoralis major. In this study, we focused on muscle fiber mitochondria, the first organelles to be affected by ischemic stress. Samples collected from the pectoralis major were classified by fibrosis grade and analyzed morphologically and genetically.

Thirty-six 55-day-old broiler superficial pectoral muscles were sampled and graded according to the rate of tissue fibrosis as "normal" (n = 4), "mild" (n = 8), "medium" (n = 11) or "severe" (n = 13). Observations of muscle fibers were performed with optical microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze expression of genes that control mitochondrial fusion and fission - mitofusin-1 (MFN-1), MFN-2, optic atrophy-1 (OPA-1), and dynamin-1 related protein 1 (DRP-1). Expression of the apoptosis-related gene, caspase-3 (CASP3), was also analyzed.

As fibrosis grade increased, muscle fiber swelling, degeneration, and regeneration were observed. Muscle fibers with many small vacuole degenerations were observed at all fibrosis grades. TEM observation showed normal myofibrils and mitophagy in vacuolar muscle fibers. Mitochondria-related gene expression tended to decrease with increasing fibrosis grade, and significant expression differences between the normal and severe group were observed in all genes, except MFN-2. No significant difference was found in CASP3 expression.

Because mitophagy of muscle fibers is also seen in normal chicken muscle fibers, we propose that this is a physiological phenomenon particular to fast-growing broilers. Broiler muscle fibers affected by early ischemic stress are repaired by dynamic changes in mitochondria and mitophagy. However, when the ischemic state persists, repair mechanisms appear insufficient. With persistent ischemia, expression of mitochondrial-related genes decreases, muscle fiber necrosis and fibrosis rapidly progresses, and severe fibrosis occurs. This study suggests that ischemic stress leads to WS and WB. Suppression of ischemic stress during initial rearing of poultry could be a means to prevent the development of fibrosis.
BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN SPAGHETTI MEAT CHICKEN BREAST DURING REFRIGERATED STORAGE

G. Tasoniero*(1), H.Zhuang(2), B.Bowker(2)

(1) USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, ga, United States

(2) USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, United States

* Corresponding author: giulataso@hotmail.it

The aim of the study was to provide insight on the postmortem evolution of Spaghetti Meat (SM), as no data are currently available on the effect of SM on the proteolytic processes occurring during meat aging. During two trials, 30 severe SM and 30 unaffected (N) fillets were subjected to 7 days of refrigerated storage. At days 0, 3 and 7, myofibrillar proteins profiles, free calcium concentration, calpain activity as well as the degradation patterns of desmin and troponin T (TnT) were assessed on 5 different breasts per group. A two-way ANOVA was carried out considering group (G: N and SM), time (T: 0, 3, 7) and their interaction G × T as fixed effects and trial as a random effect. Overall, the SM myopathy had only a minor impact on the myofibrillar proteins profiles, while free calcium concentration, calpain activity as well as desmin and troponin-T proteolysis were not affected by the occurrence of the pathologic condition. As expected, postmortem time exerted a strong effect on all the measured traits. As the concentration of free calcium increased from day 0 to 7 (d0 = 43.6 µM; d3 = 40.5 µM; d7 = 54.5 µM; P = 0.0392), casein zymograms demonstrated a progressive decrease in the proportion of native µ/m calpain (d0 = 70.1%; d3 = 48.0%; d7 = 29.4%) concomitant with the accumulation of its autolyzed form (d0 = 29.9%; d3 = 52.0%; d7 = 70.6%; P < 0.0001). Concurrently, the electrophoretic profiles of myofibrillar proteins from both muscle conditions exhibited a similar progression of protein degradation. Western blots for desmin and TnT from both N and SM exhibited bands corresponding to intact proteins and degradation products, and their relative abundances were quantified. As a result of storage, the abundance of the intact desmin decreased (d0 = 52.7%; d3 = 41.6%; d7 = 34.4%), coupled with the accumulation of its 39-kDa degradation product (d0 = 47.3%; d3 = 58.4%; d7 = 65.7%; P = 0.0001). As for the degradation pattern of TnT, the bands ascribed to the protein intact form (41.7 – 39.9 kDa) reflected a tendency to decrease over time; at the same time, the 32.5 and 30.2 kDa fragments ascribed to TnT degradation products tended to accumulate (P = 0.0559). Overall, the lack of significant interaction effects between muscle condition and storage time suggested that the proteolytic processes taking place during the postmortem period are similar in SM and N breast meat.
ID: 1174

EFFECTS OF MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON BREAST QUALITY OF HEAVY BROILERS

M. Schneegans*(1), C.Alleno(2), J.Duclos(1)

(1)Timab Magnesium, Dinard, France

(2)Zootests, Ploufragan, France

* Corresponding author: mariesophie.schneegans@roullier.com

Wooden Breast (hardness of broiler fillet) is a myopathy occurring in heavy broiler breast. Even if it doesn't represent a food safety issue, it results in huge economic losses to the industry as it affects meat quality (hardness of the meat, lower water holding capacity). Magnesium (Mg) is known for its implication in multiple biological functions and particularly in muscle metabolism. Nevertheless, this element is not taken into account in poultry diets as their content exceeds the nutritional requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Mg supplementation using a commercial product (Optibreast®) on the occurrence of myopathies. A total of 400 broilers (Ross308-males) were randomly assigned to two groups, control and treatment group. The basal diet fed was similar for the two groups, except for the Mg supplementation for the treatment group. Magnesium supplementation was provided during growing and finishing periods by addition of 0.15% of Mg2+ of the basal diet. Growth performances were periodically registered. Magnesium supplementation had no significant effect on final bodyweight (average 3683g) and performances. In a precedent study, the occurrence of Wooden Breast was significantly lower with Mg supplementation (data not shown). Recently, it has been proven that using instrumental compression force to assess fillet hardness is a reliable tool to identify Wooden Breast. Regarding meat quality, at day 45, 40 broilers from each group were randomly selected, measuring fillet tenderness one day after slaughter (by physical method using a compression machine, 3 repeats per fillet). Compression force for control and treatment group was 9.93N and 8.13N (p=0.054), respectively. Hardness for control and treatment group was 3.35N/mm and 2.74N/mm (p<0.05), respectively. We can conclude that Mg supplementation had a significant positive effect on breast quality of heavy broilers.
INTERPRETATING THE CITIZEN'S AND
CONSUMER'S EXPECTATIONS
OUTLINE OF RECENT BREEDERS' VIEW ON JAPANESE DOMESTIC FOWLS

K. Kudo\*(1), H.Ogawa(1)

(1)Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan

* Corresponding author: kkudo.6e5a4d3g2b1e@gmail.com

Through the breeding process in Japanese fowls, the eager selection based on the breeders' preferences for their fowls, was successful in creating the various morphological characteristics. It is expected that the relationships between the breeders' consideration and the characteristics of breeds are helpful to comprehend the process of domestication. However, the reason why some characteristics attracted the breeders, and the background of motivation for breeding, remain unclear. To understand the real relationships between preferences for the breeds and the characteristics of each breed, it is important that the outline of breeder's view on Japanese breeds are clarified. In this study, we attempted that the Japanese breeder's view on their breeds is elucidated by using the sociological methods.

To grasp the image of breeders' view and to determine the key question items, we conducted the pre-interview survey. Subsequently, the main interview survey was performed in 23 prefectures in Japan. Semi-structured interview was adopted with using the open-ended interview questions and designed 7 key questions. The study participants were Japanese fowl breeders who displayed their fowl in competitive exhibition. The conversation between the participants and the interviewer was recorded by video and the contents were dictated. The dictated sentences were analyzed by using text mining method, and the non-parametric multivariate methods were performed for comparing the breeders' opinion from the extracted words. Because the breeders provided care for their family's fowls from childhood, they had been wanting to breed their own fowls. On the other hand, the competitive exhibition was the opportunity to the breeders for cultivating the potential new breeders. The principal purpose of breeding was to admire the appearance (75%), however, some breeders showed the certain opinion for preservation of rare and region-specific breeds. Most of breeders value the shape of breeds in breeding (p

The recent breeders' opinions indicate the importance of the correspondence between the shape and significance in some breeds, and the conflict between their convictions and the predetermined constraints.
ID: 1442

STAKEHOLDERS' PERCEPTIONS OF LAYING HEN WELFARE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SERBIA

L. Perić*(1), V. Rodić(2), M. Đukić stojčić(1), J. Despotović(2)

(1)University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Novi sad, Serbia

(2)University of Novi sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Novi sad, Serbia

* Corresponding author: lidija.peric@stocarstvo.edu.rs

Improvement of the laying hen welfare legislation in developed countries so far has been mainly driven by citizens' expectations and market demands. However, successful transition to housing systems with improved welfare has been achieved only in those countries where support of all relevant stakeholders is provided. In the non-EU countries, the animal welfare legislation applying to egg production systems is overall less comprehensive and detailed than the legislation in the European Union. Even though Serbia, being a candidate country for the EU accession, makes serious efforts to gradually align national legislation with the EU entry requirements no significant achievements in this sense have been done so far. Even though from the 1st of January 2021, keeping laying hens in battery cages will be banned in Serbia, the vast majority of laying hens is still in classical, non-enriched cages. Therefore, the transition to permitted systems needs support of different egg sector stakeholders. Yet, little is known about their perceptions of animal welfare. The main aim of this paper was to examine the main egg sector stakeholders' perceptions of laying hens welfare. For this purpose, the quantitative research has been done through a survey with 545 different stakeholders: 57 farmers, 157 poultry specialists i.e. veterinarians and extension agents, and 331 citizens. Since observed variables are categorical, to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in stakeholders' perceptions of laying hen welfare a Chi-Square test has been used. The results obtained show that the welfare of laying hens is of great importance for the majority of respondents (87%). However, the willingness to support welfare by paying a higher price for eggs produced in non-cage systems is significantly less. On average, 67% of respondents are willing to pay a higher price. Testing of differences amongst different stakeholders groups has shown that there are no statistically significant differences, both in terms of importance of animal welfare (c2 (2, n=545) = 0,793, p = 0,673 Cramer's V = 0,038) as well as in terms of their willingness to support animal welfare through higher eggs prices c2 (2, n=545) = 0,106, p = 0,948 Cramer's V = 0,014).
MANAGEMENT OF BROILER BREEDERS
MODELLING LIFE-TIME ENERGY PARTITIONING IN BROILER BREEDERS WITH INCREASED BODY WEIGHT
AND DIFFERING REARING PHOTOPERIODS

S. Van der klein*(1), G.Bédécarrats(2), M.Zuidhof(1)

(1)University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

(2)University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada

* Corresponding author: sv1@ualberta.ca

Understanding energy partitioning in broiler breeders is needed to provide efficiency parameters for breeding goals. This study compared 4 models partitioning metabolizable energy (ME) intake to body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and egg mass production (EM) and described effects of BW and photoperiod on energy partitioning. Ross 708 broiler breeders (n = 180) were kept in 6 pens, controlling individual BW of free run birds with precision feeding stations. Half of the birds in each chamber were assigned to the breeder-recommended target BW curve (Std) or to an accelerated target BW curve reaching the 21-week BW at week 18 (High). Pairs of chambers were randomly assigned to 8L:16D, 10L:14D, or 12L:12D rearing photoschedules and photostimulated to 16L:8D at week 21. Hens were palpated daily to identify the presence of hard-shelled eggs to determine age at first egg and egg production. Eggs matched with individual hens were weighed. Model [1] was: MEI = a·BW^b + c·ADG·BW^d + e·EM + ε, where MEI = daily ME intake (kcal/d); BW = BW (kg); ADG = ADG (g/d); EM = EM (g/d). Models [2-4] were the same as model [1], except that individual [2], age-related [3], or individual and age-related [4] variation was separated from other sources of random variation by including 1 [2,3] or 2 [4] normally distributed random term(s) associated with maintenance requirements (a). Model parameters were estimated with SAS PROC NLMIXED and treatment differences with PROC MIXED. The mean square error was 2,111, 1,532, 1,668, and 46 for models [1-4] respectively, inferring extra random variation was explained by incorporating 2 random terms. Standard deviation was 20.1 kcal/kg^0.58 associated with age and 10.9 kcal/kg^0.58 with the individual, indicating twice as much variation was explained by age compared to the individual bird. Estimated ME partitioned to maintenance was 130.6 ± 1.15 kcal/kg^0.58, and the ME requirement for ADG and EM were 0.63 ± 0.03kcal/g/kg^0.54 and 2.42 ± 0.04 kcal/g, respectively. Maintenance estimates were 123.4 and 137.8 kcal/kg^0.58 for Std and High BW treatment (P < 0.001), and 134.4, 132.2, 125.3 kcal/kg^0.58 for the 8L:16D, 10L:14D, or 12L:12D treatments, respectively (P < 0.001). Although hens on the Std treatment with a 12L:12D rearing photoschedule were most energetically conservative, their reproductive performance was the poorest. The proposed model provided a biologically sound estimation of life-time energy partitioning in broiler breeders.
EFFECTS OF DIET DENSITY AND FEEDING FREQUENCY ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILER BREEDER PULLETS

R. Van emous*(1), A.Mens(1)

(1) Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands

* Corresponding author: rick.vanemous@wur.nl

Broiler breeders need to be fed restricted to prevent health and production problems, especially during the rearing period. However, little information is available on production performance during the pullet phase. Therefore an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of diet density and feeding frequency on performance of broiler breeder pullets. In total, 960 female pullets (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to 24 floor pens (40 pullets/pen) to 4 different treatments within a 2 x 2 factorial completely randomized block design. From 3 weeks onwards, pullets received either control diets (CON) or diluted diets (DIL) containing oat hulls. Besides the diluted diets, pullets were fed once (FO) or twice (FT) a day. The FO pullets were fed at 0815 h (100% daily amount of feed) and the FT pullets at 0815 h (60% daily amount of feed) and 1215 h (40% daily amount of feed). Pullets were fed a 5-phase feeding program. The pens contained plastic slats (25%), 2 feeding troughs and 7 drink cups above the slats. Birds of all treatments were fed to reach the same target body weight (BW). To meet target BW, DIL-pullets received a 16% higher amount of daily feed. Body weight was measured weekly and BW uniformity (CV) at 10 and 20 weeks of age. Water intake was measured weekly and cumulative water, feed intake and water/feed ratio were calculated. Litter quality (friability and wetness) and dry matter (DM) content were measured at 10, 15, and 20 weeks of age. At 20 weeks of age litter and manure (below slats) production was determined. The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Pullet BW and uniformity were not affected by diet density at 10 and 20 weeks of age. The similar water intake and higher feed intake resulted in a lower water/feed ratio (2.11 vs. 2.50 mL/g; P = 0.032) for the DIL-pullets, resulting in a higher DM content (751 vs. 699 g/kg; P < 0.001), improved litter quality and 20% higher manure production. The FT-pullets showed a lower BW CV (11.5 vs. 14.2%; P < 0.001) at 10 weeks of age, however, no effect was found at 20 wk of age. Feed intake, water intake, water/feed ratio, DM of the litter, litter quality and manure production were not affected by feeding frequency. In conclusion, diluted diets during the rearing period resulted in a higher feed intake, lower water/feed ratio, improved litter quality and higher manure production. Furthermore, twice a day feeding improved BW uniformity halfway the rearing period.
UTILIZATION OF "DILUTED SPLITFEEDING SYSTEM" IN ADULT BROILER BREEDER HENS

C. Alfonso-carrillo*(1), J.De los mozos(2), F.Sánchez fernandez(3), A.García-ruiz(1)

(1)Trouw Nutrition R&D, Toledo, Spain

(2) Trouw Nutrition, Toledo, Spain

(3) Trouw Nutrition, Madrid, Spain

* Corresponding author: c.alfonso@trouwnutrition.com

Broiler breeders hens are feed restricted during all their live to ensure their health and performance. However, it has a negative effect on bird welfare as birds could be chronically hungry. On the other hand, broiler breeders hens are fed once a day mainly during the morning and this approach might not be ideal. The called Splitfeeding system in laying hens provides an optimal supply of nutrient requirements using two different diets throughout the day, according to egg formation phases, improving eggshell quality and sustainability. This study was conducted to assess whether the concept of Splitfeeding combined to a lower quantitative feed restriction might be utilized in broiler breeders as a potential strategy to alleviate hunger felling and improve performance in the last phase of production cycle. A total of 2560 breeder females 53 weeks aged were allocated in 20 pens for 10 weeks. Ten of this pens received a single control diet (165 g/henxday; 11.4MJ ME/kg, 14% CP, 3.2% Ca, 0.28 %dP) at 6:00 am whereas the other 10 pens followed a diluted splitfeeding program (DSF) which had two meals, one with a morning diet given at 6:00 am (95 g/henxday) and an afternoon diet supplied at 13:00 pm (95 g/henxday). DSF was formulated with a mixture of fiber sources to provide less AME (-1%), CP (-2%), Ca (-2%) and dP (-11%) than the control diet. Animals who received DSF had a greater egg production, hatching eggs and chicks produced compared to the control diet, without negatively affecting egg shell quality. The higher total feed intake and the lower fasting period with DSF increased time spent eating and reduced stereotypic object pecking, which may indicate a reduced hunger feeling and frustration of feeding motivation. Finally, the use of DSF affected positively to economics, decreasing the production cost per chick hatched up to 10.5%.
PREFERENCE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESTING AREAS IN BROILER BREEDERS

A. Mens*(1), I.De jong(1), R.Van emous(1)

(1)Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands

* Corresponding author: annemarie.mens@wur.nl

Chickens prefer to sleep on an elevated area during the night. In addition, chickens also use elevated resting areas for fleeing, comfort behaviour and thermoregulation during the day. Current national regulations do not require elevated resting areas for broiler breeders during rearing. However, increasing concerns about animal welfare are pushing towards including perches in broiler breeder husbandry, although hardly any research has been done on broiler breeders' preferences for resting areas. We observed the preference for particular resting areas in female Ross 308 broiler breeders, housed in 24 floor pens (40 pullets/pen at d0) with 4 feeding treatments in a 2x2 factorial design. From 3 weeks of age onwards, pullets received either control diets (CON) or diluted diets (DIL) containing oat hulls and they were fed once (FO) or twice (FT) a day. The FO pullets were fed at 0815 h (100% amount of feed) and the FT pullets at 0815 h (60% amount of feed) and 1215 h (40% amount of feed). The pens contained elevated plastic slats (25% of the floor area), 2 plastic mushroom shaped perches (2m), wood shavings as litter material, 2 feeding troughs and a drinking line (7 cups) above the slats. From 16 to 40 weeks of age, the number of animals per resting area (litter, slats, perches, drinking line and nest (from 22 weeks of age)) were counted biweekly, half an hour after lights went off. Data were analysed with analysis of variance as a randomised block design. During rearing (until 21 weeks of age) 51% of the pullets rested on the slats, 33% on the perches, 9% on the drinking line and 7% on the litter. During production, more hens tended to rest on the litter (10%; p=0.09) and less hens rested on the perches than in rearing (25%; p<0.001). This shift is probably due to use of the nests as an additional resting place. The number of hens resting on the slats (49%) and drinking line (9%) was similar to the rearing phase. Interestingly, in both rearing and production, FT animals rested more on the slats than FO animals (45 vs 52%; 36 vs. 65%, p=0.002). During rearing, this effect tended to be enhanced by diluting the diet (p=0.067). As a consequence, FT animals rested less on the perches than FO animals (p<0.001) in both phases (29 vs 20; 43 vs. 23%; p=0.014). In conclusion, broiler breeders preferred to rest on elevated slats compared to perches and litter. Feeding management seems to influence the preferred resting area.
IMPACT OF AGE AND BODY WEIGHT OF BREEDING HENS ON EGG QUALITY TRAITS IN BROILER
BREEDERS

F. Farooq\*(1), N.Mukhtar(2), A.Yousaf(3), T.Ahmad(4), J.Iqbal(5)

(1)Department of Poultry Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(2)Department of Poultry Sciences PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(3) Faculty of Vet and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(4) Faculty of Vet and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(5)UAF Sub Campus TTS University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

* Corresponding author: dr_farhanf@hotmail.com

Several factors can affect the poultry egg characteristics, including hen age, environment, nutrition and genetics. Breeding dam's body weight and age has strong association and impact on hatching egg quality. A study was conducted to see the impact of broiler breeder age (30 versus 60 weeks) and body weight (standard, low and high weight) on egg quality traits in ROSS-308 broiler breeders. One thousand and fifteen hundred Ross308 females and one hundred and fifty males (male to female ratio 1:10) were kept with females of standard body, under-weight and over-weight females were kept with 500 females in each group. All birds were selected and managed separately in the same shed. Birds were fed according to management guide book of Ross308(Aviagen).

All hens were weighed at the start of the trial. Egg production was recorded on daily basis. Eggs were collected 8 times in a day. The collected eggs were classified as 'normal' or 'damaged'; the letters included the following: broken eggs and cracked eggs. To measure egg quality traits, 250 eggs from each treatment groups (50 from each replicate) were used at second day of collection. Egg quality traits like egg mass, chick weight, shape index, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk diameter, yolk index, color index, Haugh unit, shell weight, shell thickness, egg length and egg diameter were measured according to the prescribed scientific method. The data was gathered for investigation of variance (ANOVA) with Completely Randomized Design with the assistance of SPSS-16.00

Data showed that the age of breeding hens has significant effect on egg traits as compare to body
weight of hens. Egg weight, chick weight, shape index, yolk height, yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk
index, yolk color, Haugh unit, shell weight, shell thickness, egg radius and egg diameter has significant
(P<0.05) effect on all internal and external egg traits in all breeding hens. It is concluded that the age
of breeding hens has significant impact on egg quality and chick quality traits.
ID: 1384

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID SOURCES FED TO BROILER BREEDERS: IMPACT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE
OVER HATCHES

A. Thanabalan*(1), J.Moats(2), K.Price(3), E.Kiarie(1)

(1)University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada

(2)O&T Farms, Saskatoon, Canada

(3)Alltech, Guelph, Canada

* Corresponding author: athanaba@uoguelph.ca

Enriching broiler breeder (BB) diets with omega-3 fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may impact progeny (PR) growth performance. The effects of BB age and enrichment of diets on PR growth performance parameters were examined. A total of 588 BB pullets (Ross 708) and 60 cockerels day-old were placed in separate rearing pens (28♀ and 20♂/pen) and fed three diets: 1) corn and soybean meal control (CON), 2) CON + source of DHA or, 3) CON + source of ALA. Birds were fed (♀ pens; n=9 for CON & n=6 for DHA/ALA) to wk 22, moved to a laying house and grouped based on rearing diets (60♀ and 10♂/pen). Birds reared on CON were split into: CON-CON, CON-DHA and CON-ALA. Birds reared on DHA and ALA either continued these diets or switched to CON. Fertile eggs (210/diet) were collected and incubated at wk 34, 44 and 54. Chicks were placed in cages (8/cg) based on BB diet, sex and BW. PR diets were (BB rearing-BB laying-PR diet): CON-CON- CON, CON-DHA-DHA, CON-DHA-CON, CON-CON-DHA, CON-CON-ALA, CON-ALA-CON, CON-ALA-ALA, DHA-DHA-DHA, DHA-DHA-CON, DHA-CON-DHA, DHA-CON-CON, ALA-ALA-ALA, ALA-CON-CON, ALA-CON-ALA and ALA-ALA-CON. Feed intake (FI) and BW data was collected on d0, 10 and 42. Body weight gain (BWG) and mortality corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for d 10 and 42. On d 42 a subsample of birds were sampled for breast yield. Data was analyzed on a factorial arrangement of diet, maternal age and progeny sex. There was no (P>0.05) interaction between BB age, diet and PR sex on measured variables. An interaction between BB age and diets was such that BWG of all progeny from wk 54 BB were significantly heavier regardless of diet. Males from wk 54 BB were the heaviest at hatch (P<0.001). However, progeny from 44 wk BB were heaviest at d 10 and 42 with no diet effect (P<0.001). There were no diet effects for any measured parameters. Progeny from wk 44 BB had the lowest FCR at d 10 and progeny from wk 54 BB had the lowest FCR at d 42 (P<0.001). Males were heavier than females at d 0 and 10, but no differences were seen by d 42 (P<0.001). Progeny from wk 44 and 54 BB had heavier breast muscle yield than progeny from wk 34 BB (P<0.001). Lastly, females had heaviest breast muscles at d 42 (g/kg, P=0.027). These data indicated that BB age and PR sex consistently influenced PR growth performance. Enriched diets for the BB and/or PR with ALA and DHA did not have consistent effects on BW gain, FCR or FI.
ID: 1386

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS SOURCES FED TO BROILER BREEDERS THEIR PROGENY: IMPACT ON LESION SCORES AND IMMUNE ORGAN WEIGHT IN BROILER CHICKENS UPON COCCIDIOSIS CHALLENGE

A. Thanabalan\*(1), J.Moats(2), K.Price(3), E.Kiarie(1)

(1)University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada

(2)O&T Farms, Saskatoon, Canada

(3)Alltech, Guelph, Canada

* Corresponding author: athanaba@uoguelph.ca

Enriching broiler breeder (BB) diets with omega-3 fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may impact progeny (PR) immune response. The effects of BB age and enrichment of diets on PR response to coccidiosis challenge were examined. A total of 588 BB pullets (Ross 708) and 60 cockerels day-old were placed in separate rearing pens (28♀ and 20♂/pen) and fed three diets: 1) corn and soybean meal control (CON), 2) CON + source of DHA or, 3) CON + source of ALA. Birds were fed (♀ pens; n=9 for CON & n=6 for DHA/ALA) to wk 22, moved to a laying house and grouped based on rearing diets (60♀ and 10♂/pen). Birds reared on CON were split into: CON-CON, CON-DHA and CON-ALA. Birds reared on DHA and ALA either continued these diets or switched to CON. Fertile eggs (210/diet) were collected and incubated at wk 34, 44 and 54. Chicks were placed in cages (8/cg) based on BB diet, sex and BW. PR diets were (BB rearing-BB laying-PR diet): CON-CON- CON, CON-DHA-DHA, CON-DHA-CON, CON-CON-DHA, CON-CON-ALA, CON-ALA-CON, CON-ALA-ALA, DHA-DHA-DHA, DHA-DHA-CON, DHA-CON-DHA, DHA-CON-CON, ALA-ALA-ALA, ALA-CON-CON, ALA-CON-ALA and ALA-ALA-CON. Chicks were challenged with a mixed Eimeria culture on d 10. Duodenal and jejunal lesion scores were assessed on d 15. Organ (liver, spleen and bursa) weights were assessed on d 15 and 42. Data was analyzed on a factorial arrangement of diet, maternal age and progeny sex. There was no (P>0.05) interaction between BB age, diet and PR sex on measured variables. Diet effect was noted for d 15 liver weights with DHA-CON-CON treatment having heavier (P=0.032) liver than ALA-CON-CON and DHA-DHA-CON diets. ALA-ALA-CON treatment had heavier (P=0.001) bursas than CON-ALA-CON and DHA-CON-DHA at d 42. An interaction between BB age and sex was male PR reporting heavier bursa than female PR from 34 and 44 wk old BB. At d 15, female PR from 54 wk BB had the heaviest spleens and female PR from wk 44 BB had the lightest (P=0.044). An interaction (P=0.043) between BB age and diet was observed on jejunal lesion scores with the greatest (P<0.001) lesion scores observed in PR from 54 wk old BB. The PR from 54 wk old BB showed heavier (P<0.05) d 42 spleen and liver. These data indicated that BB age and PR sex influenced PR responses challenge. Enriching diets for BB and/or PR with ALA and DHA did not have consistent effects on intestinal and immune organs response in broiler chicks challenged with coccidiosis.
MEDITERRANEAN POULTRY NETWORK
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES IN FOUR ITALIAN LOCAL CHICKEN BREEDS: LIVORNO, SICILIANA, MUGELLESE AND VALDARNESE

A. Franzoni* (1), S. Salvucci (2), F. Mannelli (3), A. Schiavone (4), A. Buccioni (3), M. Marzoni (2)

(1) Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie - University of Turin; Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie - University of Pisa, Grugliasco (to), Italy

(2) Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie - University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

(3) Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali - University of Florence, Firenze, Italy

(4) Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie - University of Turin, Grugliasco (to), Italy

* Corresponding author: alessandro.franzoni10@gmail.com

In recent years the interest in saving biodiversity and local breeds has grown and become a matter of great importance (Franzoni et al., 2018). The aim of this study was to characterize, evaluate and compare the reproductive performances over the first breeding season of five Italian local chicken populations of four different local breeds: black Livorno (BL), white Livorno (WL), Siciliana (S), Mugellese (M) and Valdarnese (V). The sex ratio for each population was 1:8.

Birds were housed in outdoor pens (2,5 m2/bird) and fed ad libitum with a commercial breeder diet. A total of ten incubations were performed for each breed during the reproduction season from 39th to 57th week of age. Eggs were collected twice a day, labeled and stored for maximum 7 days in an environmental controlled room (16°C, 75% RH). A batch of minimum 25 eggs for each considered population was incubated following good hatchery practices.

At 7 and 18 days of incubations two candlings were performed. All the removed eggs were open to record true fertility (TF) and the exact age of death in days for each embryo, thus to assess early mortality (eM, 1-4 days), early middle (emM, 5-10 days) and late middle (lmM, 11-17 days) mortality. At the end of each incubation, hatchability (H) and late mortality (IM, 18-21 days) were assessed according to the same procedure, were determined.

All the recorded data were analyzed by Chi-squared test using the statistical analysis software JMP 9.0.1 (SAS institute Inc., 2009, Cary, North Carolina, USA), for evaluating the age effect within each population and comparing populations at the same age. Differences (p
References:

- Franzoni A., A. Schiavone, and M. Marzoni. 2018. Phenotypic characterisation of Italian local chicken population. 6th Mediterranean Poultry Summit Book of Abstracts, Supplement of World's Poultry Science Journal. 74:37. (Link: http://www.mpn-wpsa.org/to2018/usb/pages/BoA_online.pdf)
EFFICACY OF BIVALENT RHVT-ND-IBD VECTOR VACCINE AGAINST CHALLENGE WITH VELOGENIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS GENOTYPE -VII.1.1 IN COMMERCIAL BROILERS

H. Sultan*(1), S. Talaat(2), L. Tantawi(3), A. Khaled(2)

(1) Department of Birds and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufiya, Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

(2) Department of Birds and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufiya, Egypt, Menoufiya, Egypt

(3) Department of Pathology, Animal Health Research Institute. Dokki, Giza, Egypt,, Giza, Egypt

* Corresponding author: sukkara@gmail.com

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide, with a diversity of genotypes associated with severe economic losses in all poultry sectors. Class II genotype VII.1.1 NDV are predominant in Middle East and Asia, despite intensive vaccination programs using conventional live and inactivated NDV vaccines. In Egypt, the disease is continuously spreading causing severe economic losses in poultry. In this study the protective efficacy of commercial bivalent herpes virus of turkey-Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease (bivalent rHVT-ND-IBD) vector vaccine against challenge with velogenic NDV strain (Chicken/USC/Egypt/2015) was evaluated in commercial broiler chicks. Four vaccination regimes were used; live NDV genotype II (clone 30) vaccine on day 1 and 14 (G1, G2, G3, G4) with either inactivated NDV genotype II vaccine on day 7(G1) or bivalent rHVT-ND-IBD vector vaccine on day 1 (G3) or both vaccines on day 1 and 7 (G2), in addition non-vaccinated group (G5). All groups were challenged on day 28. The protection conferred by all vaccines regimes was evaluated after experimental infection based on mortality rate, clinical signs, gross lesions, seroconversion and the mean lesion scores (MLS) of histopathological changes in brain, trachea, spleen, kidneys, bursae and thymus at 14 days post-challenge (dpc). The results showed that the mortality rates were 2.5%, 0%, 15% and 42.5%, respectively, in G1, G2, G3 and G4 vs 100% in G5. Moreover, the MLS were 1.3, 1, 1.8 and 2.2, respectively, in G1, G2, G3 and G4 vs 3.0 in G5. It was concluded from this study that a complete clinical protection against challenge with genotype VII.I.I NDV was revealed in commercial broiler chickens vaccinated with live NDV genotype II and both the inactivated NDV genotype II and bivalent rHVT-ND-IBD vaccines. Upon that the combination of bivalent rHVT-ND-IBD with live and inactivated ND vaccines in commercial broilers is recommended to obtain optimum clinical protection against genotype VII.1.1, especially in endemic countries.
PLURIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES TO
REACH THE ONE HEALTH OBJECTIVES
# EFFECT OF DIETARY INDIGESTIBLE CRUDE PROTEIN SUPPLY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOOTPAD DERMATITIS IN BROILERS OVER TIME.

P. Sakkas*(1), M. Mireaux(2), A.Bruchec(3), M.Panheleux(3)

(1)Groupe CCPA, Janzé, France

(2)CCPA groupe, Janze, France

(3)CCPA group, Janze, France

* Corresponding author: psakkas@ccpa.com

There is interest in substituting soybean meal (SBM) in European broiler diets by homegrown protein sources such as rapeseed (RSM) and sunflower meal (SFM) and in reducing nitrogen (N) excretion to ameliorate broiler farm environmental impact. Although, footpad dermatitis (FPD) development is augmented by increased CP content, effects are confounded by changes in electrolyte balance (DEB), increased weight gains, imbalances in EAA:Lys ratios and variable grain source soluble NSP content. Herein, we offered diets with similar digestible CP (dCP) but different indigestible CP content (inCP), whilst accounting for these factors. We hypothesized that at decreasing inCP levels, broilers would achieve similar ADG but show reduced FPD development and improved litter quality.

1800 male Ross 308 day old chicks were housed in 48 pens and were offered diets with low (L), medium (M) or high (H) levels of inCP with increments of ≈ 0.5 % inCP, over the grower (d10-21), finisher1 (d21-30) and finisher2 (d30-42) periods. M diets were SBM based, whilst RSM and SFM partially replaced SBM in L and H diets, respectively. We assessed FPD on d21, 29 and 41, litter N content, and temperature (T) on d21 and 29, and litter DM content on d21, 29 and 41. Data were analysed with diet as a factor and pen as the replicate with the GLM procedure.

Diet significantly affected (P<0.01) ADG, ADFI and FCR over finisher2 and overall growing periods; H diets resulted in significantly greater FCR and smaller ADG than both L and M diets, whilst ADFI was significantly higher for L diets than both H and M diets. FPD was significantly lower (P<0.05) for L than M diets and both M and H diets at d29 and 41, respectively. Litter DM content was significantly greater (P<0.05) for L in comparison to H diets and was intermediate for M diets, at all dates. Litter N content and T were unaffected.

In conclusion, formulating diets low in inCP content ameliorated FPD severity as early as 29 days of age. Furthermore, they improved performance during the finisher2 and overall growing periods. This may be due to a negative impact of excessive inCP on gut health, an effect of FPD severity on performance, or both. Future studies should investigate other primary ingredients within the same concept and to elucidate to what extend effects on performance are attributed to the level of systemic and local inflammation.
# BIOSECURITY IN POULTRY FARMING: A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO PROMOTE COMPLIANCE WITH BIOSECURITY MEASURES

N. Rousset\*(1), E. Koulete(2), L. Cadet(1), F. Kling-eveillard(3), S. Boudet(3), A. Scoizec(2), S. Le Bouquin(2)

(1) ITAVI, Ploufragan, France

(2) Anses, Ploufragan, France

(3) Idele, Paris cX 12, France

Biosecurity is defined as all measures taken to prevent both the introduction and the spread of disease agents on the farm and between them. Consecutive to the influenza avian outbreaks in France, a reinforcement of legislation occurred, requiring poultry keepers to apply strictly biosecurity measures. However, prescriptive approaches could have limitations as regards their effective compliance due to a lack of understanding, but most of all to the difficulties encountered in implementing them. The project PartAge aims to propose an alternative approach using participatory methods, for a sustainable compliance.

Two groups of 11 farmers each were included in the project. Qualitative interviews were carried out during the first two steps: an initial diagnosis in 2018 and a midterm evaluation in 2019, with a participatory meeting between the two steps. For the first step, the farmers' interview guide included the own farmer's perception of biosecurity and sanitary risk, his implemented practices, and the description of improvement paths possible on the farm. For the second step, the interview guide included a feedback on the participatory meeting, the impact of this meeting on knowledge, attitudes and practices, and the expectations of farmers for a next participatory meeting.

Initial diagnosis showed two different farmer's views about "biosecurity": "a common sense, normal practices", vs "standards, constraints that could be useful". The main motivation to implement biosecurity measures was the belief on their efficiency to avoid contaminations. However, farmers were uncomfortable with checking of external stakeholders practices, which was a real constraint for compliance at farm level. The levers and barriers to change appeared essentially material (financial, work organization). At the end of this first step, knowledge and working comfort appeared as interesting levers, which it seems possible to address during a participatory meeting. Then, the midterm evaluation revealed that the first participatory meeting had an overall but limited impact on knowledge, had changed the attitude of more than a third of the farmers and the practices of the majority of them. This is consistent with the plebiscite for sharing ideas between peers.

For the end of the project, two meetings scheduled in 2020 will permit to continue the exchange between peers. Partners aim to provide tools to implement participatory methods to improve biosecurity in poultry farming.

<footnote>\* Corresponding author: rousset@itavi.asso.fr</footnote>
DUST EXPOSURE LEVELS IN DUCK OVERFEEDING SYSTEMS AND POTENTIAL RISK TO WORKERS' HEALTH

J. Litt(1), M.Pertusa*(1), G.Brohan(2), A.Vanhoye(2), N.Boizumeau(3), C.Delaqueze(4), B.Boutouil(4), A.Laravoire(5), N.Rousset(1)

(1) ITAVI, Paris, France

(2) Cnam IHIE-SSET Ouest, Angers cedex 1, France

(3) MSA Sud Aquitaine, Saint-pierre du mont, France

(4) MSA Maine et Loire, Angers cedex 9, France

(5) Chambre d'Agriculture des pays de la Loire, Angers cedex 2, France

* Corresponding author: litt@itavi.asso.fr

Duck housing systems during overfeeding have changed considerably over the past 4 years, in line with animal welfare regulation. These new housing systems impact working conditions of farmers, who show greater respiratory discomfort due to 1. more aerial dust due to greater freedom for animal's movement and 2. drier ambient air that would favor the suspension of these dusts in the air. In this context, we are conducting a study (project AGAtE) on dust exposure levels and protective measures to prevent respiratory diseases induced by inhalation of particles. A part of the study consists in measuring the dust exposure levels in commercial overfeeding farms, during different working tasks. Thirty-one overfeeding farms and their workers were followed in 2018-2019 during 4 working tasks: animal arrival (A), feed preparation and overfeeding during the first 4 days (B), during the last 4 days (E), animal leaving (L). Measurements were repeated at two periods (November to February; April to August), i.e. 8 campaigns of measurement per farm. The farms produced ducks only and had a minimum of 600 overfeeding places in a closed building. Nine were located in the West and 22 in the South West of France. For each campaign, we recorded data related to: 1. quantities of inhalable (particles < 100 µm) and alveolar (< 5 µm) dust, using two CIP10 (TECORA®) carried by the worker at the level of the respiratory tract, 2. workers' activities during the measurements 2. indoor/outdoor temperature and hygrometry, 3. configuration of the building and settings of equipment, 4. animals' performances and their body condition.

We observed very variable levels of exposure between working tasks and, to a lesser degree, between farms within the same working task. The task A records the highest dust levels. For inhalable dust, the concentration ranges from 0.97 to 104.72 mg/m3 and for alveolar dust from 0.08 to 6.76 mg/m3. For this task, the variability among farms could probably be explained by great differences between farmers' activities (some push carts, others catch ducks, others take cages, ...). Staff from poultry catching companies, who carries out this task frequently, is thus particularly exposed to dust; these workers should be included in the prevention approach. Data on the measured dust quantities and the farm equipment will be analysed in order to propose preventive and corrective measures.