scholarly journals An Evaluation of Two Different Broiler Catching Methods

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Käthe Kittelsen ◽  
Erik Granquist ◽  
Agnete Aunsmo ◽  
Randi Moe ◽  
Elisiv Tolo
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Upright Position ◽  
Animal Density ◽  
Catching Methods

Catching is the first step in the pre-slaughter chain for broiler chickens. The process may be detrimental for animal welfare due to the associated handling. The aim of this pilot study was to compare two different methods to manually catch broilers: Catching the broilers by two legs and carrying them inverted (LEGS) or catching the broilers under the abdomen and carrying them in an upright position (UPRIGHT). Wing and leg fractures upon arrival at the abattoir, animal density in the drawers, birds on their back, broilers dead-on-arrival and time to fill the transport modules were investigated. The results showed that mean crating time was shorter in the UPRIGHT method (p = 0.007). There was a tendency for more wing fractures in broilers caught by the LEGS (p = 0.06). The animal density in the drawers was lower and with a smaller range in the UPRIGHT method (p = 0.022). The results indicate that catching the broilers under the abdomen in an upright position may improve broiler welfare in terms of fewer wing fractures, more consistent stocking density in drawers and potentially reduced loading time.

scholarly journals Curcumin reduces enteric isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α and prostaglandin GF2α in specific pathogen-free Leghorn chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor M. Petrone-Garcia ◽  
Raquel Lopez-Arellano ◽  
Gabriela Rodríguez Patiño ◽  
Miriam Aide Castillo Rodríguez ◽  
Daniel Hernandez-Patlan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Specific Pathogen Free ◽  
Post Challenge ◽  
Eimeria Maxima ◽  
Lipid Oxidation Products ◽  
Challenge Control ◽  
Specific Pathogen

AbstractThe purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate and determine the concentration of prostaglandin GF2α (PGF2α) and isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α in plasma and intestine of specific pathogen-free (SPF) Leghorn chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima, with or without dietary supplementation of curcumin using solid‐phase microextraction and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Eighty 1-day-old male SPF chickens were randomly allocated to one of four groups with four replicates (n = 5 chickens/replicate). Groups consisted of: (1) Control (no challenge), (2) Curcumin (no challenge), (3) Eimeria maxima (challenge), and (4) Eimeria maxima (challenge) + curcumin. At day 28 of age, all chickens in the challenge groups were orally gavaged with 40,000 sporulated E. maxima oocysts. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the groups regardless of the treatment or challenge with E. maxima. Enteric levels of both isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α and PGF2α at 7 days and 9 days post-challenge were significantly increased (P < 0.01) compared to the non-challenge control chickens. Interestingly, the enteric levels of both isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α and PGF2α at 7 days post-challenge were significantly reduced in chickens fed curcumin, compared to control chickens challenge with E. maxima. At 9 days post-challenge, only levels of isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α in the enteric samples were significantly reduced in chickens challenged with E. maxima supplemented with curcumin, compared with E. maxima challenge chickens. No differences of isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α or PGF2α were observed in plasma at both days of evaluation. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the challenge control or chickens challenge with E. maxima and supplemented with curcumin at both times of evaluation. The results of this pilot study suggests that the antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin reduced the oxidative damage and subsequent intestinal mucosal over-production of lipid oxidation products. Further studies to confirm and extend these results in broiler chickens are required.

scholarly journals Impact of On-Farm Interventions against CTX-Resistant Escherichia coli on the Contamination of Carcasses before and during an Experimental Slaughter

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Michaela Projahn ◽  
Jana Sachsenroeder ◽  
Guido Correia-Carreira ◽  
Evelyne Becker ◽  
Annett Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Slow Growing

Cefotaxime (CTX)-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are still an ongoing challenge in human and veterinary health. High prevalence of these resistant bacteria is detected in broiler chickens and the prevention of their dissemination along the production pyramid is of major concern. The impact of certain on-farm interventions on the external bacterial contamination of broiler chickens, as well as their influence on single processing steps and (cross-) contamination, have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated breast skin swab samples of broiler chickens before and during slaughter at an experimental slaughter facility. Broiler chickens were previously challenged with CTX-resistant Escherichia coli strains in a seeder-bird model and subjected to none (control group (CG)) or four different on-farm interventions: drinking water supplementation based on organic acids (DW), slow growing breed Rowan × Ranger (RR), reduced stocking density (25 kg/sqm) and competitive exclusion with Enterobacteriales strain IHIT36098(CE). Chickens of RR, 25 kg/sqm, and CE showed significant reductions of the external contamination compared to CG. The evaluation of a visual scoring system indicated that wet and dirty broiler chickens are more likely a vehicle for the dissemination of CTX-resistant and total Enterobacteriaceae into the slaughterhouses and contribute to higher rates of (cross-) contamination during processing.

scholarly journals High stocking density alters bone-related calcium and phosphorus metabolism by changing intestinal absorption in broiler chickens

2018 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z.W. Sun ◽  
Q.H. Fan ◽  
X.X. Wang ◽  
Y.M. Guo ◽  
H.J. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Absorption ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Phosphorus Metabolism ◽  
Calcium And Phosphorus

scholarly journals Impacts of stocking density rates on welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical profile in broiler chickens

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Mishkatul Zabir ◽  
Mohammad Miah ◽  
Mahabub Alam ◽  
Md Bhuiyan ◽  
Md Haque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Biochemical Profile

Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 924 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Fisher ◽  
J. R. Webster
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Dairy Management ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Cow Welfare

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.

scholarly journals Effect of stocking density on performance, carcass yield, productivity, and bone development in broiler chickens Cobb 500®

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4Supl1) ◽  
pp. 2705
Author(s):  
Cleoneide Dos Santos Henrique ◽  
Andréia Fróes Galuci Oliveira ◽  
Thales Silva Ferreira ◽  
Eduardo Santos Silva ◽  
Bruna Finotti Fonseca Reis de Mello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Bone Development ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Total Phase ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

This study aimed to assess the effect of stocking density of 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds m?2 on performance, carcass and cut yields, productivity, and bone development of broiler chickens Cobb 500®. The experimental design was completely randomized design with four treatments (stocking densities) and four replications. The assessments were performed weekly at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. The best live weight result was found at a density of 10 birds m?2 in the period from 1 to 7 days. No effect of density was observed on feed intake and weight gain. From 1 to 14 days, the best live weights were found at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2, in addition to a higher feed intake at densities of 10 and 12 birds m?2. Weight gain was better at a density of 10 birds m?2, showing no differences from densities of 12 and 14 birds m?2. In the period from 1 to 21 days, live weight and weight gain were higher at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2. The highest feed intake was observed at a density of 10 birds m?2, which showed no difference from the density of 14 birds m?2. A difference (P < 0.05) was observed for live weight, weight gain, and feed intake of animals reared at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2 for the phases from 1 to 35 days and the total phase from 1 to 42 days of bird age when compared to 16 birds m?2, which presented lower performance. However, feed conversion of 1-7, 1-14, 1-21, 1-35, and 1-42 days and carcass and cut characteristics showed no significant differences for all treatments. On the other hand, productivity was higher in the treatments with 14 and 16 birds m?2, but without difference between each other. No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between stocking density and age for the assessed bone parameters. Similarly, no difference (P > 0.05) was observed for bone development of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities for the studied parameters. Thus, the increased density of 10 or 12 birds m?2 to 14 birds m?2 has no influence on zootechnical performance, carcass and cut yields, and bone development, but increases broiler chicken productivity reared in a conventional shed without air conditioning.

scholarly journals Effects of a Partially Perforated Flooring System on Ammonia Emissions in Broiler Housing—Conflict of Objectives between Animal Welfare and Environment?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 707
Author(s):  
Carolin Adler ◽  
Alexander J. Schmithausen ◽  
Manfred Trimborn ◽  
Sophia Heitmann ◽  
Birgit Spindler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Nh3 Emission

A partially (50%) perforated flooring system showed positive effects on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators without affecting production performance. Ammonia (NH3) is the most common air pollutant in poultry production, with effects on animal welfare and the environment. The objectives of animal welfare and environmental protection are often incompatible. Therefore, this study addresses the question of how a partially perforated flooring system affects NH3 emissions. According to German regulations, three fattening periods were carried out with 500 Ross 308 broilers per barn (final stocking density: 39 kg m−2). The experimental barn was equipped with an elevated perforated area in the supply section, accessible by perforated ramps. The remaining area in the experimental barn and the control barn were equipped with wood shavings (600 g m−2). Besides the different floor types, management was identical. Air temperature (Temp), relative air humidity (RH), NH3 concentration, and ventilation rate (VR) were measured continuously. Furthermore, dry matter (DM) content, pH, and litter quality were assessed. Towards the end of the fattening periods, the NH3 emission rate (ER) of the partially perforated flooring system was higher compared with that of the littered control barn (all p < 0.001). This effect is mainly caused by the higher NH3 concentrations, which are promoted by the lack of compaction underneath the elevated perforated area and the increase in pH value under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, the partially perforated flooring system offers different approaches for NH3 reduction that were previously not feasible, potentially contributing equally to animal welfare and environmental protection.

scholarly journals Effects of stocking density on the growth performance and digestive microbiota of broiler chickens

2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1878-1889 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Guardia ◽  
B. Konsak ◽  
S. Combes ◽  
F. Levenez ◽  
L. Cauquil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stocking Density
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