Search Results (113)

Native chicken production in the Philippines is increasing, accounting for nearly half of the total population of raised chickens. Health-conscious consumers prefer native chicken due to its lower fat content. To support this growth, the government established a breeding facility featuring 10 pens, each housing 2 to 6 laying hens and a rooster, which began operation in November 2023. In recent months, staff observed a decline in laying performance in some pens. Because chicken behavior is a key indicator of growth and production performance, this study aims to implement a real-time laying hen activity recognition system using You Only Look Once Version 11 (YOLOv11) to classify hen behaviors into multiple categories. These include active behaviors (walking, eating, drinking, pecking, dust bathing, and preening), inactive behaviors (resting or inactivity), and environmental objects (feeders and water cans). A dataset of 464 images was collected from the breeding facility in Zamboanga City, Philippines. To capture hen behavior, a TP-Link Tapo C510W outdoor WiFi camera was mounted on the ceiling at a height of 80 cm above the ground. The model demonstrated excellent performance in detecting static objects such as feeders and water cans. Among behaviors, pecking and walking were identified as the most common, while drinking and dust bathing were relatively rare. The YOLOv11-based activity recognition system successfully achieved real-time classification of hen behaviors with strong performance across most activity classes. The system reached 95% mAP50, with particularly high accuracy in detecting static objects and distinctive behaviors, thereby providing a solid foundation for future improvements in recognizing more complex or challenging behaviors. Full article

Against the backdrop of the full implementation of “antibiotic ban” and “zinc restriction” policies in livestock and poultry breeding, and the growing consumer demand for safe livestock and poultry products, the development of natural and efficient green feed additives has become crucial for the sustainable development of the animal husbandry industry. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has attracted extensive attention in poultry production due to its various biological activities and safety. This paper thoroughly reviews the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of curcumin, and elaborates on its core molecular mechanisms of action, which mainly involve the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and lipid metabolism regulatory effects. It further clarifies the practical application value of curcumin in major poultry species including broilers, laying hens, ducks and quails, showing that curcumin can significantly improve poultry production performance, optimize meat and egg quality, protect intestinal health, and enhance the ability of poultry to resist stress and diseases. Meanwhile, the review notes curcumin’s current application limitations (low bioavailability, poor stability, unclear standardized dosage, and high industrialization cost) and proposes targeted future research directions to address these issues. In conclusion, curcumin is a promising green feed additive alternative to antibiotics, and its large-scale and standardized application in poultry production will effectively promote the green, healthy and sustainable development of the poultry industry. Full article

Heat stress is a major constraint to global egg production, as rising temperatures increasingly challenge the physiological limits of commercial layer chickens. This review integrates current advances in stress physiology to demonstrate that heat stress is not merely a thermoregulatory problem but a multi-systemic disruption involving neuroendocrine overload, metabolic imbalance, oxidative damage, immune suppression, and gastrointestinal barrier breakdown. These interacting pathways collectively impair egg production, shell quality, feed efficiency, and hen welfare. The review also synthesizes emerging mitigation strategies across environmental control, nutritional interventions, genetic and breeding innovations, welfare-oriented housing systems, and precision monitoring technologies. Studies indicate that targeted cooling, antioxidant, and electrolyte supplementation, the selection of heat-tolerant strains, enriched environments, and sensor-based early-warning systems can significantly enhance egg-laying hen resilience. Remaining gaps include a limited understanding of multi-stressor interactions, microbiome-mediated thermal tolerance, and the large-scale implementation of precision tools. The review provides a forward-looking framework for improving heat resilience in modern layer systems. Full article

Zoonotic Salmonella is one of the most important foodborne zoonoses worldwide, with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) being the most important serovars, which may be transmitted via poultry meat and eggs. Vaccination of breeding- and laying-hen flocks using live vaccines administered via drinking water has long been a well-recognized tool and contributed significantly to decreasing cases of salmonellosis in humans and its prevalence in the chicken sector. However, if a vaccine strain is detected in feces from recently vaccinated birds, it is imperative to have methods for reliably distinguishing between field and vaccine strains. In this study, we validated a disc diffusion method based on the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the vaccine strains contained in a live bivalent vaccine conferring protection against SE and ST. Discs from eight suppliers were sourced and tested for their suitability for reliably distinguishing between field and vaccine strains, a requirement fulfilled by discs from four suppliers. This method serves as an alternative approach for laboratories equipped to perform disc diffusion assays, and it is also a more cost-effective solution than real-time PCR assays. Full article

Background: Machine learning (ML) holds great promise for genomic breeding value prediction in livestock and poultry, yet its application in layer breeding remains limited. Methods: In this study, we used whole-genome resequencing data from 834 Wenshui Luhua Green-Shelled (WLGS) laying hens to predict genomic breeding values for eight egg production and egg quality traits using multilayer perceptron (MLP), random forest (RF), and genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP). Model performance was evaluated via 10-fold cross-validation, and the effects of data type and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density were examined. Results: Heritability analysis indicated moderate heritability for egg number (EN) at 0.327. Egg weight-related traits (EW-30W, EW-40W, and EHD-40W) exhibited high heritability (0.570–0.631), while eggshell strength (ESS-40W) and thickness (EST-40W) showed moderate heritability at 0.228 and 0.220, respectively. Model comparisons revealed that RF performed best for egg shape index (ESI-30W, 0.395) and most egg quality traits, whereas GBLUP yielded optimal results for egg weight traits, achieving prediction accuracies of 0.392 for EW-30W and 0.432 for EW-40W. Whole-genome resequencing data consistently outperformed 50K chip data across all models, with GBLUP improving EW-40W prediction accuracy by 24.9%. SNP density analysis further showed that GBLUP remained stable under low-density conditions, while MLP and RF progressively improved with increasing density, with RF demonstrating the most pronounced advantage at high densities. Conclusions: In summary, the GBLUP model is suitable for traits with high heritability and low-density marker scenarios, while the RF model demonstrates significant predictive advantages for egg production and specific egg quality traits under high-density conditions. This study provides scientific basis for model selection in the genomic selection program for laying hens. Full article

Myo-inositol (MI) is an essential dietary polyol involved in host metabolism. However, the identity and diversity of MI-utilizing gut bacteria in poultry remain largely unknown. This study aimed to isolate anaerobically growing bacteria enriched under MI-based cultivation conditions from two commercial laying hen breeds. Digesta samples were cultured on minimal growth media containing MI as the sole (Trial 1) or principal (Trial 2) carbon source. Isolates were purified, screened by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Among 42 sequenced isolates, ten representative strains were classified within the phyla Pseudomonadota (n = 5), Bacillota (n = 4), and Bacteroidota (n = 1). Members of the Escherichia-Shigella clade were most frequently recovered, followed by Clostridium, Enterococcus, Pediococcus, and Bacteroides. Selected Escherichia-Shigella isolates were screened negative for ipah and ial virulence genes, except for three isolates that tested positive only for the ipah gene. These findings provide the first culture-based framework for investigating MI-responsive bacteria in the chicken gut. Full article

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical public health challenge requiring a coordinated One Health approach. Escherichia coli is a key indicator of AMR and fecal contamination, as well as a zoonotic pathogen transmissible from animals to humans, often through contaminated products like meat and eggs. This study assessed the presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and associated resistance genes in 248 cloacal/eggshell samples collected from four autochthonous Portuguese laying hen breeds (Preta Lusitânica, Amarela, Branca, and Pedrês Portuguesa) raised under low antibiotic exposure. A total of 81 E. coli isolates were analyzed for phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility (EUCAST/CLSI) and genotypic resistance, using PCR. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was observed in 98.0% of the isolates. Gentamicin resistance was particularly high (97.1% cloacal; 95.7% eggshell isolates), followed by tetracycline (31.0% cloacal; 41.0% eggshell) and ampicillin (14.0% cloacal; 24.0% eggshell). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 14.3% of cloacal and 17.4% of eggshell isolates. Notably, no resistance was found against critically important antibiotics. The most prevalent resistance genes were sul2 (45.0% cloacal; 48.0% eggshell) and bla_TEM (45.0% cloacal; 36.0% eggshell). Detection of resistant and MDR E. coli in low input systems suggests environmental acquisition, with chickens as reservoirs, highlighting the need for One Health surveillance. Full article

Blood and meat spots are key internal egg quality indicators, and clarifying their genetic characteristics in late laying periods is critical for quality improvement via selective breeding. This study collected 392 eggs from 421 96-week-old Rhode Island Red hens across 69 families, analyzing 10 traits including blood/meat spots and standard egg quality traits. Heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated using the DMU package. The incidences of blood and meat spots were 15.8% and 64.8%, respectively. Blood spots were yolk-localized, single and <1 mm in diameter, while meat spots mostly occurred on chalazae (83.5%) and thick albumen (33.1%), mostly multiple (56.1% with 2–5 spots) and 1.80 ± 1.53 mm in diameter (30% >2 mm). Blood spots had low heritability (0.05), meat spots moderate heritability (0.20). The two traits showed high positive genetic correlation (r_G = 0.93), and strong negative genetic correlations with albumen height and eggshell strength. In conclusion, blood and meat spots in late-laying hens differ in distribution, size and number, and meat spots are amenable to genetic selection for internal egg quality enhancement. Full article

Egg components, including weight of yolk, albumen, and eggshell, are economically important traits in poultry breeding and production, and we thus conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for them. We used an F₂ resource population of hens (n = 142) in different periods of laying, obtained by crossing breeds with contrasting phenotypes, and then genotyped them using the Illumina Chicken 60K iSelect BeadChip. Significant associations were found between 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and yolk weight at 18–28 weeks of age (YW1). Eighty-seven SNPs were associated with thick albumen weight at 18–28 (TAW1) and 29–42 (TAW2) weeks of age. Four SNPs were associated with eggshell weight at 18–28 weeks of age (ESW1). Fifty-three candidate genes were identified in the positions of these SNPs, and seven prioritized candidate genes (PGCs) were revealed in regions where 2–4 SNPs associated with the studied traits were localized. These were as follows: SYTL5 (YW1, TAW1), FRY (TAW1), GABRG3 (YW1, TAW1), ALDH1A3 (YW1), VCL (YW1), HYDIN (YW1), and TIMP4 (TAW1). Allelic variants at the ALDH1A3, VCL, HYDIN, FRY, and TIMP4 loci were associated with higher YW1 and TAW1. These SNPs and PGCs are potential genetic markers for characterizing egg weight parameters and their components in chicken breeding to achieve egg production improvements. Full article

Laying hens in the late laying period often experience reduced productivity and declining egg and meat quality, which limits breeding efficiency and resource utilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of multi-component Botanical Crude Extracts (BCEs) on egg and meat quality, metabolic health, and gut microbiota in aged laying hens. A total of 4320 hens were supplemented with 0.3% BCEs for 100 days, with evaluations at 60 and 100 days. BCE supplementation significantly enhanced egg flavor by promoting aromatic and fat-soluble volatiles and reducing odorous compounds (p < 0.05). BCEs improved yolk nutrition by enriching n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and optimizing the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.05). A moderate reduction in amino acids was observed, which may reduce bitterness and ammonia burden (0.05 ≤ p < 0.10, trend). In muscle, BCEs improved protein–fat distribution, increased intramuscular fat, and enhanced flavor-related metabolites, significantly improving meat quality of culled hens (p < 0.05). BCEs also reshaped gut microbiota, reducing harmful taxa and promoting short-chain fatty acid and aromatic metabolite biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Serum metabolomics revealed modulation of AMPK, calcium, and cholesterol pathways, improving antioxidant capacity and lipid regulation (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses linked beneficial bacteria and metabolites with yolk DHA levels and flavor (p < 0.05). Overall, BCEs enhanced egg and meat quality and physiological health, providing guidance for functional feed strategies in aged laying hens. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic glycinate forms at two inclusion levels in layer breeders during the late laying cycle over 6 weeks (66 to 72 weeks of age). For this, a total of 180 layer breeders (162 hens and 18 males; Lohmann LSL Ultralite) were randomly divided into three treatment groups having six replicates of nine hens each and one male for each replicate following a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments included: (1) Basal diet + inorganic trace minerals at breed recommended levels (ITM100), (2) Basal diet + organic trace minerals at recommended levels (OTM100), (3) Basal diet + organic trace minerals at half dose of recommended levels (OTM50). The trace mineral contents in the samples (feed, bone, and excreta) were determined through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The results indicated that glycinate minerals supplementation at half dose enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) tibial breaking strength compared to the inorganic minerals (38.97 vs. 29.55 MPa). Similarly, egg quality (egg geometry, yolk index, eggshell properties), and hatching traits (hatchability and fertility) were enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) following the use of glycinate organic minerals as compared to inorganic minerals. Copper deposition was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the OTM100 as compared to other groups. Excreta levels of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the ITM100 group compared to OTM100 and OTM50. In conclusion, supplementation of glycinate trace organic minerals to layer breeder hens during the late laying cycle had enhanced the bone and eggshell breaking strength, hatching traits, and absorption of certain trace minerals. Full article

Objectives: This study systematically compared the differences in egg quality between the BIAN chicken, an indigenous breed of Shanxi Province, and the Hy-Line Brown, a commercial breed, through the integration of non-targeted metabolomics and volatile flavoromics methods. Methods: A total of 675 metabolites and 84 volatile flavor compounds were identified in eggs from 300-day-old laying hens using LC-MS and GC × GC-TOF MS techniques. Results: BIAN chicken eggs exhibited notable advantages in flavor quality. The relative odor activity value (ROAV) of 1-octen-3-ol, a key flavor component, was 27.01 in BIAN compared with 13.46 in Hy-Line Brown, contributing to the characteristic mushroom aroma of BIAN eggs. Furthermore, the levels of heptaldehyde, 2-pentylfuran, and styrene in BIAN chicken eggs were significantly elevated, contributing to its characteristic flavor profile. Metabolomic analysis identified 40 breed-specific metabolites in BIAN chicken, with 21 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated. These metabolites were primarily involved in biological processes such as α-linolenic acid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, highlighting the distinctive lipid metabolism regulation in BIAN chicken. Sensory evaluation based on relative odor activity values (ROAV) demonstrated that BIAN chicken eggs exhibited enhanced sweet, fruity, herbal, and citrus aromas, which correlated with the enriched lipid metabolism pathways. Conclusions: This study elucidates the molecular basis of distinctive egg quality characteristics in local chicken breeds, offering a scientific rationale for the conservation and utilization of indigenous breeds and the documentation of their unique metabolic and sensory properties. Furthermore, it furnishes a theoretical framework for understanding breed-specific flavor development and provides baseline data for future genetic selection and nutritional intervention strategies. Full article

High genetic variation in African indigenous chicken populations provides opportunities for long-term genetic improvement. This study estimated genetic parameters for economic traits based on data derived from a nucleus flock comprising two generations, derived from 40 sires and 200 dams in a line breeding program through mass selection. Body weight (BW) at different weeks was analyzed for 1370 chickens. Similarly, egg performance was evaluated on 473 hens kept for 44 weeks. Genetic parameters were estimated using a multi-trait animal model based on an average information-restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) algorithm in WOMBAT software. Body weight showed significant heritability (p < 0.001), ranging from 0.251 for body weight at 8 weeks of age (BW8) to 0.34 for body weight at 16 weeks of age (BW16), indicating a good genetic improvement potential. Egg production traits had low to moderate heritability (0.08–0.37). Positive genetic correlations among growth traits, particularly BW8 and body weight at 12 weeks of age, BW12 (rG = 0.94), suggest shared genetic influences and the possibility of improving multiple traits simultaneously. The genetic correlation between BW16 and the cumulative egg number varied from low and negative (−0.02) in the first two months to high (0.51) in the cumulative egg number over six months, suggesting that heavier birds lay more eggs over time. Our limited dataset based on two generations and pedigree demonstrates that BW16 with egg production has moderate heritability and strong genetic correlations that can lead to genetic progress toward the development of a dual-purpose breed, and this offers a scientific basis for breeders to develop selection indices to develop a dual-purpose breed for smallholder production systems. Full article

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a significant metabolic disorder in modern poultry production, particularly affecting high-yielding laying hens. This condition compromises bird welfare, productivity, and economic sustainability within commercial farming systems. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms through which hepatic lipid accumulation, metabolic dysfunctions, hormonal imbalances, genetic susceptibilities, and environmental stress contribute to the development of NAFLD. The multifactorial nature of NAFLD is explored through a critical assessment of the literature, highlighting the influence of diet composition, management practices, and physiological demands associated with intensive egg production. Emphasis is placed on recent advancements in nutritional modulation, selective breeding, and housing improvements aimed at prevention and mitigation of NAFLD. Furthermore, the review identifies key research gaps, including limited understanding of epigenetic influences and the long-term efficacy of intervention strategies. An integrative framework is advocated, synergizing genetics, nutrition, and environmental optimization to effectively address the complexity of NAFLD in poultry and supports the development of resilient production systems. The insights presented aims to inform both future research and practical applications for enhancing poultry health and performance. Full article

The poultry industry, a globally fast growing agricultural sector, provides affordable animal protein due to high efficiency. Gallus gallus domesticus are the most common domestic birds. Hybrid chicken breeds (crosses) are widely used to achieve high productivity. Maintaining industry competitiveness requires constant genetic selection of parent stock to improve performance traits. Genetic studies, which are essential in modern breeding programs, help identify genome variants linked to economically important traits and preserve population health. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has identified millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (INDELs), enabling detection of genome-wide regions associated with selection traits. Recent studies have pinpointed such regions using broiler lines, laying hen lines, or pooled genomic data. This review discusses advances in chicken genomic and transcriptomic research focused on traits enhancing meat breed performance and reproductive abilities. Special attention is given to transcriptome studies revealing regulatory mechanisms and key signaling pathways involved in artificial molting, as well as metagenome studies investigating resistance to infectious diseases and climate adaptation. Finally, a dedicated section highlights CRISPR/Cas genomic editing techniques for targeted genome modification in chicken genomics. Full article