Search Results (738)

This study evaluated genetic parameters for test-day egg production in four Thai native synthetic chicken lines—Soi Nin, Soi Pet, Kaen Thong, and Kaimook e-san—under heat stress in Thailand. A total of 11,887 monthly test-day egg records from 1134 hens, collected between January 2023 and July 2025, were analyzed using a repeatability test-day model with the temperature–humidity index (THI) as an environmental covariate. THI thresholds from 70 to 80 were evaluated, and the THI1 equation provided the best model fit with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and the lowest mean squared error (MSE). With increasing THI, heritability estimates declined from 0.255–0.323 at THI 70 to 0.173–0.236 at THI 80, a 26.9–32.2% decrease reflecting reduced additive genetic variance and consequent lower genetic expression under heat stress. Genetic correlations between egg production and heat stress were positive at low THI (0.250–0.600) but became negative at THI ≥ 73, suggesting antagonism between productivity and thermotolerance under severe stress. The rate of decline in egg production increased with increasing THI, from −0.35 to −0.45 eggs/bird/THI at THI 73, −0.80 to −1.22 at THI 76, and −1.76 to −2.35 at THI 80. The ranges of heritability and decline rates reflect the variation observed among the four Thai native synthetic chicken lines examined in this study. Kaimook e-san consistently showed the steepest decline in egg production, whereas Soi Nin exhibited the smallest, indicating greater resilience. These findings reveal significant genetic variation in heat tolerance among Thai native synthetic lines and underscore the need to consider both productivity and environmental sensitivity in breeding programs to sustain egg production under future climate change. Full article

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in animal-derived foods are increasingly important for human health. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), rich in n-3 PUFA, is a promising feedstuff for producing n-3 PUFA-enriched animal products. However, research on dietary Sacha inchi oil (SIO) supplementation in laying hens remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of SIO on production performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid (FA) composition in laying hens. A total of 192 hybrid hens [(♂ White Leghorn × ♀ Egyptian Fayoumi); initial body weight: 1910 ± 22.14 g; age: 25 weeks old] were randomly assigned one of the four diets: a basal diet (CONT), and three tested diets based on CONT with the addition of 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% SIO (as-feed basis) (SI15, SI30, and SI45, respectively). Each dietary treatment included 48 hens housed in 12 battery cages for 56 days with 4 birds per cage. Increasing dietary SIO levels significantly reduced average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). Egg yolk weight linearly increased (p < 0.05) with higher SIO inclusion, while other egg quality traits were unaffected. SIO supplementation significantly increased (p = 0.001) yolk n-3 PUFA level (from 0.79% to 8.29% on day 28, and from 0.87% to 9.13% on day 56) and substantially reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio by about nine-fold on both 28 and 56 days. In conclusion, SIO is a promising n-3 PUFA-rich feed ingredient for egg production. Adding 3.0–4.5% SIO in laying hen diets can enhance egg yolk weight and n-3 PUFA level while reducing feed intake without negatively affecting egg production or quality. Full article

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging enteric pathogen in pigs and a newly recognized zoonotic coronavirus in humans. Genetic analyses suggest that PDCoV originated from avian deltacoronaviruses, with sparrow deltacoronaviruses (SpDCoVs) being the most closely related. House sparrows (Passer domesticus) frequently visit farms and interact directly with pigs in barns, raising the possibility of interspecies transmission. We hypothesized that PDCoV can be transmitted between pigs and house sparrows. To investigate this, 200 house sparrows near Ohio swine farms were sampled and screened for gammacoronaviruses and deltacoronaviruses using RT-PCR targeting the conserved RNA polymerase region. Deltacoronaviruses and gammacoronaviruses were detected in 18.0% (36/200) and 5.5% (11/200) of fecal samples, respectively. Genomic sequence analysis of representative samples revealed that SpDCoVs are closely related to, but not direct ancestors of, PDCoVs. These SpDCoVs appear to be widespread in the U.S. Midwest and may contribute to PDCoV evolution. Attempts to isolate SpDCoV from these samples in embryonated chicken eggs and four cell lines were unsuccessful. Because coronaviruses frequently cross species barriers to cause epidemics and/or pandemics in humans and livestock, these findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of deltacoronaviruses in diverse wild animals, livestock, and humans to safeguard public health. Full article

Salmonella presents serious risks to human health, causing about 150,000 deaths per year through the consumption of contaminated food, especially chicken eggs. Consequently, risk of salmonellosis from chicken eggs is of significant interest to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). Models that predict the risk of salmonellosis from chicken eggs are valuable tools for protecting public health. After a review of existing models, the SFDA selected the Poultry Food Assess Risk Model (PFARM) for the purpose of evaluating its ability to assess the risk and severity of salmonellosis for a small cohort of chicken egg consumers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a proof-of-concept and pilot study. The PFARM was selected because it uses novel methods to consider more risk factors for salmonellosis than other models, such as growth potential and zoonotic potential of Salmonella, buffering capacity of the meal, and consumer behavior, health, and immunity. The SFDA examined chicken eggs from retail stores in Riyadh for Salmonella contamination and surveyed 125 consumers to obtain data for simulating how they store, prepare, and consume eggs at home, and their resistance to salmonellosis. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken eggs at retail was 7% (7/100). The isolated Salmonella serotypes were Cerro (n = 4), Enteritidis, Stanley, and Winston. Salmonella’s mean number (growth units) per contaminated egg was 1.58 log₁₀ (range: 0 to 3.08 log₁₀). The mean category for consumer survey results ranged from 1.1 (very low risk) for meal preparation time to 3.7 (high risk) for home storage time with 34.4% of consumers having low resistance to salmonellosis. Per 100,000 egg meals, the PFARM predicted 88 infections, two illnesses, and no hospitalizations or deaths. The consumers who became ill were exposed to Salmonella Enteritidis, had moderate resistance to salmonellosis but high-risk behaviors for egg storage (temperature abuse), meal preparation (poor hygiene), and consumption (undercooked eggs). These results showed that the studied chicken eggs posed a low risk and severity of salmonellosis for the surveyed consumer cohort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and that the PFARM was fit-for-purpose. The next step is to improve the PFARM and apply it more broadly in Saudi Arabia to better define the problem and its control. Full article

In November 2024, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in backyard poultry in Timiș County, Western Romania. The index cases involved chickens and domestic geese found dead with lesions characteristic of HPAI. Laboratory confirmation was achieved by real-time RT-qPCR targeting the matrix, H5, and N1 genes, followed by virus isolation in embryonated specific-pathogen-free eggs. Sequencing of the hemagglutinin cleavage site revealed the multi-basic motif PLREKRRKR/GLFG, consistent with a highly pathogenic phenotype. To investigate potential viral persistence, tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from apparently healthy selected backyard poultry (chickens, geese, ducks and pheasants). RNA extraction and RT-qPCR, performed using protocols validated by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, yielded negative results for all samples. Internal controls confirmed assay reliability, excluding the possibility of PCR inhibition. The investigation confirmed the occurrence of HPAI H5N1 in backyard poultry and demonstrated the absence of detectable viral persistence in surrounding flocks under the tested conditions. These findings highlight the importance of rapid molecular diagnostics, active surveillance, and strict biosecurity in limiting virus spread. Continued monitoring under the One Health framework is essential to mitigate the risk of avian influenza at the human–animal–environment interface. Full article

Salmonella is a major cause of infectious enteritis worldwide. In Japan, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Infantis, and S. Thompson are common in broilers and laying hens and are frequently detected in patients with salmonellosis and food workers. Monophasic S. Typhimurium, also found in these populations, often exhibits multidrug resistance. However, multidrug-resistant monophasic S. Typhimurium has not been reported from domestic poultry, suggesting that other livestock products may be potential sources. Therefore, we examined Salmonella prevalence in retail pork, beef, and quail eggs, and characterized isolates from these products and from food workers using serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and multilocus sequence typing. Salmonella was highly prevalent in pork liver (43.3%, 13/30) and imported chicken (20.7%, 18/87). Eleven pork liver isolates and two imported chicken isolates (Brazil and Thailand) were multidrug-resistant monophasic S. Typhimurium sequence type (ST) 34. Among 232 isolates from food workers, monophasic S. Typhimurium was the third most frequent serovar, with 63.2% (12/19) being multidrug-resistant ST34. Salmonella was not detected in beef. Hence, food workers may acquire multidrug-resistant monophasic S. Typhimurium ST34 through contaminated pork liver and imported chicken. Thorough cooking of chicken and pork meat, including liver, is essential to reduce the risk of Salmonella transmission. Full article

This paper investigates the prevalence of obesity and its links to health and dietary habits in middle-aged and older populations in Europe (50+), with a particular focus on Croatia. In Croatia, only 33.9% of adults have a normal BMI, while almost two-thirds (64.8%) are classified as overweight or obese, placing Croatia among the EU countries with the highest prevalence of overweight. Obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we used data from the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe), for the last four waves (wave 6–wave 9). The nutritional status was investigated (using the body mass index, BMI) as well as its relationship with cardiovascular disease and dietary habits. Different BMI categorizations were used (i) for the population under and (ii) over 65 years of age, and the results show that a significant proportion of the middle-aged and older European population is overweight or obese. When it comes to dietary habits, statistically significant differences in meat, fish, or chicken consumption were noted (p < 0.001): the Croatian population, especially men, consumes them significantly more often on a daily basis compared to the EU average. Similar patterns of dairy, legumes/eggs, and fruit/vegetable consumption were observed between the EU and Croatia, although there are some statistically significant differences in daily dairy consumption among the older population and in consumption of legumes/eggs and fruit/vegetables 3–6 times a week among the older population. The prevalence of CVD generally increases with increasing BMI in both regions and age groups. However, Croatia has a statistically significantly lower prevalence of high cholesterol compared to the EU in both age groups. Also, the trend of diabetes is more pronounced in the middle-aged population in Croatia compared to the EU. These results indicate specific differences in dietary habits and the association of BMI with certain CVDs in Croatia compared to the European Union average. Full article

This article presents a methodology for estimating the gripping forces in a Fin Ray-type gripper, based on the integration of experimental and computational approaches. The development and validation methods includes (1) mechanical modeling and material selection; (2) experimental tests to relate FG finger displacement to maximum applied force using a load cell; (3) validation of the computational model through finite element method (FEM) simulations in ABAQUS using experimental data; and (4) experimental analysis of the FG handling a chicken egg, with the FEM determining the stress applied to the egg. The computational results showed a maximum stress of approximately 7 MPa on the egg, with no signs of damage, demonstrating the FG’s suitability for handling delicate objects in both the experimental and computational procedures, thus enabling safe object handling without causing damage. This work advances research on Fin Ray-type flexible end-effectors, emphasizing their utility in manipulating fragile objects without requiring complex force and pressure control algorithms. Full article

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly infectious disease affecting birds. Some strains of AI virus (AIV) have zoonotic potential, posing a threat to humans. The H4N6 subtype is a low-pathogenic virus and causes mild infection in poultry. However, it has raised increasing concern due to its capability to infect pigs and its high potential for reassortment when co-infected with other strains. This study investigated the antiviral properties of turkey-derived Ligilactobacillus salivarius UMNPBX2 (L. salivarius UMNPBX2) cell-free extract (CFE) using both cell culture and in ovo methods. We assessed the growth kinetics of the H4N6 virus and the cytotoxicity of L. salivarius UMNPBX2 CFE in Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. The results revealed that the CFE from the 10⁹ CFU/mL L. salivarius UMNPBX2 overnight culture had strong antiviral activities (p < 0.05). The CFE obtained from 10⁷ to 10⁵ CFU/mL of overnight culture also significantly reduced viral replication (p < 0.05), demonstrating dose-dependent inhibition of viral replication. Additionally, CFEs did not increase pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression of IL-1β and IL-6 but rather tended to decrease it (IL-6). The embryo survivability experiments revealed a significant dose-dependent increase in survival rate (p < 0.05). The findings of this study highlight the antiviral properties of L. salivarius UMNPBX2 CFE, which contain potential postbiotics against the H4N6 virus, warranting in vivo studies. Full article

The yolk sac (YS) plays a pivotal role in avian embryonic development, contributing to both haematopoiesis and immune maturation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in ovo administration of a commercial probiotic blend (Slab51^®) on YS cellular dynamics in chicken embryos. At embryonic day (ED) 18, Ross308 broiler eggs were injected with either the probiotic suspension (P) or sterile saline solution (C). YS tissues were sampled at 8, 12, 24 and 36 h post-inoculation for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Probiotic-treated embryos exhibited a significant reduction in granulocytic foci within the YS, potentially reflecting enhanced peripheral migration of mature granulocytes. Concurrently, a progressive increase in Iba-1+ macrophages was observed in the probiotic group, suggesting accelerated macrophage differentiation. Immunophenotyping revealed a predominance of M1-iNOS+ macrophages across all timepoints, although a significant increase in M2-CD204+ macrophages was detected at 36 h in probiotic-treated embryos, indicating a possible anti-inflammatory shift. Furthermore, a marked increase in CD31+ endothelial cells in the probiotic group supports an associated rise in neo-angiogenesis. These findings suggest that in ovo probiotic administration modulates the YS microenvironment by promoting early macrophage recruitment, macrophage polarization and vascular remodeling. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate probiotic-induced structural and immunological alterations in the chicken embryo YS. These results provide novel insights into the early immunomodulatory effects of probiotics and highlight the potential of the YS as a key mediator of host–probiotic interaction during embryogenesis. 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

Background/Objectives: Antigenic drift of influenza A(H1N1pdm09) viruses has led to periodic replacement of vaccine strains. Understanding how structural differences in glycoproteins influence immune protection is crucial for improving vaccine effectiveness. Methods: We conducted a structural analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins from drifted A(H1N1)pdm09 strains: A/South Africa/3626/2008 and A/Guangdong–Maonan/SWL1/2020, as well as their cold-adapted live attenuated vaccine (LAIV) reassortant strains (A/17/South Africa/2013/01(H1N1)pdm09 and A/17/Guangdong–Maonan/2019/211(H1N1)pdm09). We compared their replication in chicken embryo and mammalian cell culture, assessed type I interferon induction, and evaluated post-vaccine protection in mice after homologous and heterogeneous viral challenges. Results: The two vaccine strains had distinct glycosylation patterns for HA and NA. However, they had similar replication capacity in embryonated egg and mammalian cells. In the mouse respiratory tract, both strains replicated similarly. A/17/South Africa/2013/01(H1N1)pdm09 induced significantly higher levels of IFN-α and Mx1 in vitro, and it elicited earlier IgM and IgG response after vaccination in mice. At day 6 after immunization, it provided 70% protection from homologous challenge. A/17/Guangdong–Maonan/2019/211(H1N1)pdm09 did not prevent death, but it reduced viral titer in the lungs. Interestingly, A/17/South Africa/2013/01(H1N1)pdm09 provided full protection from heterologous H5N1 challenge, while A/17/Guangdong–Maonan/2019/211(H1N1)pdm09) only provided partial protection. Conclusions: Differences in HA and NA glycans among A(H1N1)pdm09 strains may influence innate and adaptive immunity, as well as cross-protection. These findings emphasize the importance of glycoprotein structure when selecting vaccine candidates for optimal homologous and cross-protection against influenza. 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

Food price volatility is a persistent challenge in Indonesia, where agriculture is central to food security and rural livelihoods. While price transmission has been studied, little is known about how volatility spreads sub-nationally in archipelagic economies with fragmented infrastructure. This study applies a Dynamic Conditional Correlation GARCH (DCC-GARCH) model to monthly rural producer price data from 2009 to 2022 for six commodities: rice, chicken, eggs, chili, cayenne, and shallots. Results show that Java functions as the core volatility transmitter, with long-run conditional correlations exceeding 0.92 in Sumatra, 0.91 in Kalimantan, and 0.90 in Papua, reflecting strong and persistent co-movements. Even in low-production regions such as Maluku, significant volatility linkages reveal structural dependence on Java. Volatility clustering is particularly intense for perishables like chili and shallots. The findings highlight the need for spatially differentiated stabilization policies, including upstream interventions in Java and cooperative-based storage systems in outer islands. This study is the first to apply a DCC-GARCH framework to rural producer price data in an archipelagic context, capturing volatility transmission across regions. Its novelty lies in linking these spillovers with regional market dependence, offering new empirical evidence and actionable insights for designing inclusive and geographically responsive food security strategies. Full article

Due to the effects of pigment deposition and microstructure, the color of eggshells may influence the quality traits and hatchability of eggs. These traits are critical for breeding efficiency and economic outcomes in poultry production. Herein, Beijing-You chicken eggs were used as a model to investigate the effects of eggshell color due to their color-related polymorphism. A total of 4422 eggs were analyzed for their hatchability, categorized by storage duration and eggshell color. Results revealed that white-shelled eggs exhibit significantly lower hatchability and higher early embryo mortality compared to other colors, particularly after long-term storage. Purple-shelled eggs demonstrated superior eggshell quality, including higher strength, thickness, and weight, as well as better internal egg quality indicators such as thick albumen height, Haugh units, and yolk color. Eggshell translucency showed a positive correlation with storage time and egg weight loss at all shell color types, with higher translucency levels associated with greater weight loss over time. This study examines associations between eggshell color, hatchability, translucency, and quality traits. Full article