cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306612
title: Effect of Graded Levels of an Enhanced E.coli Phytase with Step-Wise Reduction of Supplemental Inorganic Phosphate on Growth Performance of Broilers Fed Corn-Soy Diet

description: ABSTRACT This study evaluated the potential of incremental doses of an enhanced Escherichia coli-derived phytase to support step-wise reduction of supplemental inorganic phosphate in an all-vegetable broiler diet. Corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 0.40/0.80%, 0.35/0.70%, and 0.30/0.60% avP and Ca, respectively from 0-10, 10-25, and 26-42 days posthatch served as experimental control (PC). Three test diets were formulated with 500, 1000, and 1500 FTU/kg of phytase assigned respectively an avP matrix of 0.15, 0.19, and 0.23% and a fixed Ca matrix of 0.15%. An additional diet (PC++) containing extra avP and Ca (+0.05% avP/+0.1% Ca) to that of PC was included to test if avP and Ca were not limiting in PC. Each diet was offered to 16 replicates of straight-run broilers kept in floor pens (30 birds per pen). PC++ had lower (p&lt;0.05; 10 and 25 d) or similar (42 d) BW and toe ash compared with PC confirming the avP and Ca set in PC were sufficient to support optimal growth and bone mineralization. Compared to the PC, diets containing 1000 and 1500 FTU phytase had higher BW (p&lt;0.05) at 10 and 25 d. For the overall period of 0-42 d, FI, BW and FCR did not differ across treatments. Percentage-, but not the absolute-, toe ash at phytase treated groups was significantly (p&lt;0.05) low compared with the PC. The experiment demonstrated that 1500 FTU/kg of enhance E. coli phytase supports optimal BW and FCR of broilers fed corn-soy diet largely void of supplemental inorganic phosphate.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306610
title: Preventive, Behavioral, Productive, and Tissue Modification using Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in the Drinking Water of Two Broiler Breeds under Microbial Stress

description: ABSTRACT A study was conducted to investigate the influence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPS) and inorganic selenium supplementation in the drinking water on behavior, performance, and immunity of Arbor Acres® and Ross®308 broilers exposed to E. coli O157:H7 1.6 × 108 challenge at the 10th day of age. 180 one-day-old female broilers were divided into six groups, each with 30 chicks. G1 and G4 were supplied with 1 mL SeNPS 100 mg.L-1/L, G2 and G5 were supplied with 1 mL inorganic selenium 100 mg.L-1/L, and G3 and G6 were supplied with non-supplemented water. Where, G1, G2, and G3 were Arbor Acres®, while G4, G5, and G6 were Ross®308 broilers. A total of 1280 samples (160 sera, 160 intestinal swabs and 960 organ samples including liver, spleen, bursa, heart, breast muscles, and thymus) were collected in a study period of 38 days. A highly significant increase (p&lt;0.01) of weight gain, feed conversion, performance index, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase was recorded in G4 Ross®308 compared to other supplemented and control groups. G1 Arbor Acres® and G4 Ross®308 broilers, also revealed a highly significant decline (p&lt;0.01) in total bacterial and enterobacteriaceae counts of intestine and breast muscles compared to G2 Arbor Acres® and G5 Ross®308 broilers and to controls. Photomicrographs revealed a higher degree of cellular and tissue protection in G4 and G5 Ross®308 compared to G1 and G2 Arbor Acres® broilers. An improvement from SeNPS supplementation was detected on behavior, performance, bacterial load, immunological, antioxidant profiles, and tissue architecture in broilers breeds with special reference to Ross®308 compared to Arbor Acres® broilers.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306608
title: Effects of E. Coli Infection on the Expressions of TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway in Broiler Intestine

description: ABSTRACT This experiment aimed to investigate whether Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection could affect the TGF-β/smads signaling pathway in the jejunal tissue of chickens. One-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly divided into 2 groups and treated with intraperitoneal E. coli or broth injection. Clinical signs of the birds were assessed every day. Spleen and bursa of Fabricius of the birds, post-infection (pi), were collected to evaluate immune organ index. Jejunal tissues were collected to ascertain the expression of TGF-βs, TβRs, and Smads. The results showed that the infected birds had significantly higher index of the spleen (24hrs and 48hrs pi) compared with birds in the control group (p&lt;0.05). The relative gene expression of TGF-β4 increased (p&lt;0.05), while the expression of Smad7 down-regulated in the E. coli group (p&lt;0.01). There was no significant difference in TGF-β2, TGF-β3, TβR I, TβR II, Smad2, Smad3 expression (p&gt;0.05). In conclusion, TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway was associated with the immune response of broilers in E. coli infection and TGF-β4 was the main subtype interacting with E. coli infection.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306607
title: Interactions Between Non-Allelic Loci and Their Effects on Categorized Meat Performance Traits in Ducks

description: ABSTRACT Traits associated with meat performance are characterized by a complex inheritance model, including the effects of non-allelic interactions. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of non-allelic interactions between pairs of loci in each of two alternative groups based on four important performance traits of ducks: body weight (BW), carcass yield calculated as the ratio of carcass weight to body weight (CY), breast and leg muscle yield as a fraction of carcass weight (BL-CW), and skin weight and abdominal fat, again as a fraction of carcass weight (SF-CW). The experimental material was based on an F2 cross between two parental lines: A-55 (Polish Peking) and GL-30 (French Peking). In total, 368 individuals were recorded. All of the birds (including parents and F1) were genotyped for 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Entropy was taken as a measure of interaction between pairs of loci, and the chi-square test was used to verify significance. In total, 253 pairs of loci were analyzed in both categories of each of the four traits. Statistically significant interactions were obtained for each trait. However, it was observed that some of the loci showed a greater tendency to have significant opposite interactions for alternative categories of the same trait. The results indicate the dependence of the recombination rate within pairs of loci on the level of each of the four traits.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306604
title: New Isospora and Host Species in Brazilian Passerines

description: ABSTRACT Normal passerines (n=216) were evaluated for oocysts of Isospora in feces at the Triage Center for Wild Animals (CETAS, IBAMA, Belo Horizonte; August 21 to September 21, 2012). The positive samples with oocysts represented 13.0% of Cardinalidae (n=23), 11.2% of Emberizidae (n=107), 50% of Icteridae (n=10) and 60.3% of Thraupidae (n=68). The probability of fecal oocysts attributable to the host in Thraupidae is higher than in Cardinalidae, Emberizidae, Fringillidae and Turdidae, but similar to Icteridae. No oocysts were found in Fringillidae and Turdidae. Within Thraupidae, Isospora was for the first time described in Paroaria dominicana and Schistochlamys ruficapillus and within Icteridae, in Gnorimopsar chopi. Saltator similis presented a higher risk, 66.9% greater than Lanio pileatus and Sporophila caerulescens and with a 27.9% greater probability than Sporophila nigricolis. The new coccidian species described were Isospora dominicana [ellipsoid oocysts, 25 (30-20) x 25 (28-20) µm] in Paroaria dominicana; Isospora beagai [ovoid oocysts, 28 (32-17) x 25 (29-16) µm] and Isospora ferri [ellipsoid oocysts, 20 (22-16) x 18 (22-15) µm] in Saltator similis; Isospora ruficapillus [spheric to subspherical oocysts, 25 (26-23) x 24 (25-21) µm] in Schistochlamys ruficapillus; and Isospora chopi [spherical to sub-spherical oocysts, 24.5 x 22 (30-20 x 25-20) µm] and Isospora gnorimopsar [sub-spherical to ovoid oocysts, 27 x 23 (32-22 x 28-20) µm] in Gnorimopsar chopi. The morphometry and features were compared with previously described Isospora in passerines. New coccidian species and new passerine hosts are described for Isospora and recommends for constant monitoring during rehabilitation, especially for the hosts of Thraupidae and Icteridae.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306603
title: The Effect of a Balanced Diet Containing Yellow Lupin (Lupinus Luteus L.) on Carcass and Meat Quality of Broiler Ducks

description: ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the final productivity parameters, carcass and meat quality in ducks fed with yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) as a protein source instead of soybean meal. 200 Cherry Valley ducks were divided into two equal groups. Control (1) was fed with soybean meal, experimental (2) was fed with yellow lupin. Productivity parameters were calculated. After 8 weeks of rearing, 10 ducks from each group were slaughtered. The pH of breast muscles was measured 15 minutes and 24 hours post-mortem. Carcasses were dissected and each carcass part was weighed. After dissection, breast and leg muscles were analysed for selected parameters of meat quality (water holding capacity, and colour). Additionally, drip loss in breasts was analysed. The body weight of ducks, as well as FI and FCR between groups was compared (p&lt;0.05). There were no differences (p&gt;0.05) between groups in post-slaughter parameters, but the weight of offal was higher (p&lt;0.05) in group 1 than in group 2. There were no differences in the weight of carcass muscles and fatness between the two groups (p&gt;0.05). Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of breast muscles were higher (p&lt;0.05) in group 2 than in group 1. The water-holding capacity of leg muscles was higher (p&lt;0.05) in group 1 than in group 2. Yellow lupin in duck feed as a high-protein component did not deteriorate most meat traits, or the physicochemical parameters of their muscles. It can be proposed as a partial alternative to soybean meal.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306600
title: Phytobiotic Activity of Piper Auritum and Ocimum Basilicum on Avian E. Coli

description: ABSTRACT Natural antimicrobials, known as phytobiotics, are used in bacterial infections. The objective of this study was to evaluatethe phytobiotic activity, in vitro and in vivo, of an extract and an essential oil of Piper auritum and Ocimum basilicum on avian Eschericia coli serotype O2 in broiler chickens experimentally infected. For the in vitro test, extracts at 4, 8, 12 and 16% in water-based solvent or alcohol at 70% were prepared from leaves of both plants. In the essential oils, solvents at 10% were used. A concentration of 1×108 CFU mL-1 of bacteria was seeded and on each sense disc, 25 µL of the extract or essential oil were poured, except on the positive or negative control. The diameter of the inhibition zone (DIZ) of bacterial growth was measured. In the in vivo test, 40 chickens were inoculated, by intratracheal route, with a bacterial suspension of 1 × 108 CFU mL-1. E. col was identified and isolated from the organs; mortality, morbidity and relative weight of the organs were measured, and postmortem lesions and histopathologic findings were observed. A completely randomized design and the Kruskal-Wallis test for data analysis was used. By increasing the concentration of the extract, DIZ was greater; at the time of slaughter, differences in body weight (p&lt;0.05) were found and the majority of lesions were observed in lungs. It is concluded that leave extracts of P. auritum and O. basilicum had phytobiotic activity on E. col serotype O2.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306599
title: Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis Can Be Considered as a Probiotic Alternative to Reduce Heat Stress in Laying Japanese Quails

description: ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis, SP) on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, hen day egg production, intestinal microflora, heat stress biomarkers, and HSP70 gene expression in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) suffering heat stress condition. A total of 250 female quails were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet+ 0.03 % probiotic, 3) basal diet+ 0.1 % SP, 4) basal diet+ 0.3 % SP, 5) basal diet+ 0.5 % SP. During the last 6 days of the experiment, the quails were exposed to 8h of 34±1°C. The birds had free access to feed and water during the experiment. The results showed that using probiotic and different levels of Spirulina had no significant effect on laying performance of Japanese quails (p&gt;0.05). Probiotic supplement increased Lactobacil bacteria population in laying quails’ ileum under heat stress (p&lt;0.05). Different levels of SP decreased Escherichia coli population in laying quails’ ileum suffering heat stress (p&lt;0.05).SP at the level of 0.5% caused the lowest blood Malondialdehyde level, heterophil, and H/L ratio (p&lt;0.05).However, HSP70 gene expression in the heart or the liver of laying quails was not different (p&gt;0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that SP at the level of 0.5 % has the potential to be considered as a probiotic alternative in the diet of laying quails suffering heat stress condition.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306597
title: Effects of Lactobacillus Reuteri E81 Added into Rations of Chukar Partridges (Alectoris Chukar) Fed Under Heat Stress Conditions on Fattening Performance and Meat Quality

description: ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of the addition of Lactobacillus reuteri E81 (LRE) into rations of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) fed under heat stress (HS) conditions on fattening performance and meat quality. This study included 256 chukar partridges aged 1 day. The study comprised an adaptation period of 7 days and a fattening period of 35 days and included 8 different groups with 32 animals in each group. Each group was further divided into four subgroups with eight animals in each subgroup. At the end of the study, the best results in terms of fattening performance in the non-HS groups were obtained in the LRE 600 ppm group and in the HS groups, SLRE 200 ppm had the best effect on average live weight and average live weight increase, whereas SLRE 400 ppm had the best effect on FCR (p&lt;0.05). The analysis of the samples collected from chukar partridges on day 21 showed that, there was no effect on the colour parameters and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in the LRE in the HS and non- HS groups, whereas the meat pH level decreased in the SLRE 400 ppm group (p&lt;0.05). The analysis of the samples collected on day 42 showed that there was no effect on colour parameters in the HS and non-HS groups. TBARS level decreased at the dose of LRE 200 ppm in the non-HS group, and the meat pH level decreased in both HS and non-HS groups (p&lt;0.05).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306595
title: Dried Cassava Residue in Laying Quail Feeding

description: ABSTRACT This study evaluated the performance, egg quality, relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs, and the intestinal morphometry of laying quails fed diets containing levels of dried cassava residue (DCR). A total of 120 150-day-old Japanese quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0.0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; and 10.0% of DCR), four replicates, and six birds per experimental unit. The dietary inclusion of DCR did not affect (p&gt;0.05) performance, internal egg quality, yolk color, and the values of villus height, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratio for the segments of the small intestine. However, a linear increase (p&lt;0.05) was found for eggshell thickness, relative weight of the gizzard, and small intestine with increased dietary levels of the residue. For the relative weight of the pancreas, a quadratic effect (p&lt;0.05) was observed, with the lower relative weight estimated at 4.04% DCR inclusion. Comparing to the control group (0% of DRC inclusion) the quails fed 5% of DRC showed a lower relative weight of the pancreas. The inclusion of up to 10% of dried cassava residue in laying quail’s diets does not interfere with the performance. Among the organs of gastrointestinal tract, the inclusion of dried cassava residue increased the relative weight of gizzard and small intestine. In addition, it improves eggshell quality by increasing eggshell thickness.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306592
title: Circulation of Major Respiratory Pathogens in Backyard Poultry and their Association with Clinical Disease and Biosecurity

description: SUMMARY Raising backyard birds is a common practice in Brazil, mainly in the countryside or suburban areas. However, the level of respiratory pathogens in these animals is unknown. We sampled two hundred chickens from 19 backyard flocks near commercial poultry farms and performed ELISA to Infectious Bronchitis Virus, avian Metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. We evaluated the association between the predictive ability of ELISA and Hemagglutination-inhibition (HI)by comparing results from eight flocks positive to Mycoplasma gallisepticum on ELISA. Besides, we assessed essential biosecurity measures in the properties (multiple species birds, rodent control, hygienic conditions, and water quality for the bird`s consumption). We could access the vaccination program only on four properties; in three of them, the birds were supposedly vaccinated for IBV. Overall the properties had a poor score for the biosecurity measures, and the seroprevalence in backyard poultry flocks for IBV, a MPV, MS, and MG were respectively 87.5% (14/16), 89.5% (17/19), 100 (19/19) and MG 84.21% (16/19). We found low specificity and predictive value between ELISA and HI in MG analysis and a positive correlation between the presence of clinical symptoms and mean MG titers. Backyard chicken are pathogens’ reservoirs and pose a risk for the commercial poultry farms in the region, and further efforts of the governmental entities and private sector of poultry production should consider these information to avoid future economic losses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306591
title: Influence of Levels of Dietary Fiber Sources on the Performance, Carcass Traits, Gastrointestinal Tract Development, Fecal Ammonia Nitrogen, and Intestinal Morphology of Broilers

description: ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber source levels on the fecal ammonia nitrogen, growth performance, carcass traits, gastrointestinal tract development, and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 420 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly divided into 5 groups, each with seven replicates of twelve chicks. Rice hulls (RH) and soybean hulls (SH) were ground through a hammer mill with a 2-mm screen. The RH and SH experimental diets were as follows: 0% (control); 2.5% RH; 2.5% SH; 5% RH; and 5% SH. No significant differences were found in growth performance and fecal ammonia nitrogen among the dietary treatment groups (p&gt;0.05). Compared with the control, the experimental diets with 2.5% SH significantly decreased the wing weight of chickens (p&lt;0.05), while no significant differences in the weight of the other visceral organs were observed. Compared with the control, broilers in the 5% SH group had a longer jejunum and ileum (p&lt;0.05). Feeding the broilers SH and RH had no effect on the villus area and crypt depth of the intestine. Compared with the control, the experimental diet with 2.5% RH significantly increased the duodenal villus height of chickens (p&lt;0.05). These findings suggest that the inclusion of 5% SH in the diets resulted in improved intestinal morphology without negatively affecting growth performance and carcass traits.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306590
title: Effects of Phytase Inclusion in Broiler Breeder Diets During Early Lay on their Fecal and Egg Characteristics

description: ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of phytase inclusion in broiler breeder diets on fecal and egg characteristics. A total of 48 female broiler breeders were evaluated in this study from 21 to 31 weeks of age. The dietary treatments were fed from 30 to 31 wks of age, and included a Positive Control (PosCon) diet, containing 3.0% calcium and 0.50% available phosphorus (AvP); a Negative Control (NegCon) diet, with 3.0% calcium and 0.25% AvP; Negative Control diet + 275 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+275), and Negative control diet + 550 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+550). Egg, yolk, albumin, and eggshell weight, albumin height, and eggshell thickness were measured. Fecal parameters included fecal moisture, liquid portion, and mineral content. After 14 d on the experimental diets during the onset of lay, the NegCon+550 diet increased (p&lt;0.01) fecal moisture content. In general, hens fed the highest enzyme level (NegCon+550) excreted fewer (p&lt;0.05) divalent and trivalent cations, which included Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn. Fecal Na and K levels were not affected by dietary treatments. The NegCon+550 diet increased fecal P when compared with the NegCon and the NegCon+275 diets. The NegCon+550 and PosCon diets exhibited similar fecal P. No significant effects on egg characteristics were observed. It was concluded that during early lay, various signs of fecal changes would probably be observed at phytase dosages above approximately 500 FTU/kg characterized by increased fecal moisture content and excretion of P in broiler breeders.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14306589
title: Coconut Cake in Diets for Quail in the Laying Phase

description: ABSTRACT Currently, agro-industrial by-products have increasingly been used in animal feeding, as they constitute an alternative source of nutrients for the animal diet and a way to simultaneously reduce environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to examine increasing levels of inclusion of coconut cake in Japanese quail diets in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 360 Japanese quails were allotted to eight treatments with nine replicates and eight birds per experimental unit, in a randomized-block design. Five diets were formulated: a diet without inclusion of the by-product; and diets containing 3, 6, 9, and 12% coconut cake. The experiment lasted 63 days, with evaluations occurring at every 21 days. The following variables were analyzed: feed intake, laying rate, feed conversion, egg weight, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk, albumen and shell percentage, shell thickness, and shell weight. The treatments elicited a positive linear response from laying rate, whereas feed conversion per egg mass decreased linearly. In terms of egg-quality traits, shell percentage was influenced, increasing linearly. Coconut cake inclusion at 12% in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying improved feed conversion per egg mass and increased egg-laying rate and eggshell percentage.