Animal Sciences Commons^™

Altered Gene Response To Aflatoxin B1 In The Spleens Of Susceptible And Resistant Turkeys, Kent M. Reed, Kristelle M. Mendoza, Roger A. Coulombe Jr.

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Susceptibility and/or resistance to aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a threshold trait governed principally by glutathione S transferase (GST)-mediated detoxification. In poultry, domesticated turkeys are highly sensitive to AFB₁, most likely due to dysfunction in hepatic GSTs. In contrast, wild turkeys are comparatively resistant to aflatoxicosis due to the presence of functional hepatic GSTAs and other possible physiological and immunological interactions. The underlying genetic basis for the disparate GST function in turkeys is unknown as are the broader molecular interactions that control the systemic response. This study quantifies the effects of dietary AFB₁ on gene …

Optimizing Gastrointestinal Integrity In Poultry: The Role Of Nutrients And Feed Additives, Sunday A. Adedokun, Opeyemi C. Olojede

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Immunomodulation of the immune system by stimulating or suppressing one or both arms, is an emerging concept driven by the understanding of the host defense system. In particular, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) functions not only as a site for digestion and absorption of nutrients but also acts as a metabolic and immunological organ. This serves as a barrier against abnormal presentation of luminal constituents, caused by dysfunctional intestinal epithelial barrier, to the mucosal immune system. Invasion by pathogens in the case of disease or stress or a massive influx of commensal bacteria overcomes the defensive mechanisms, resulting in the full …

Differential Transcriptome Responses To Aflatoxin B1 In The Cecal Tonsil Of Susceptible And Resistant Turkeys, Kent M. Reed, Kristelle M. Mendoza, Roger A. Coulombe Jr.

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The nearly-ubiquitous food and feed-borne mycotoxin aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is carcinogenic and mutagenic, posing a food safety threat to humans and animals. One of the most susceptible animal species known and thus a good model for characterizing toxicological pathways, is the domesticated turkey (DT), a condition likely due, at least in part, to deficient hepatic AFB₁-detoxifying alpha-class glutathione S-transferases (GSTAs). Conversely, wild turkeys (Eastern wild, EW) are relatively resistant to the hepatotoxic, hepatocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive effects of AFB₁ owing to functional gene expression and presence of functional hepatic GSTAs. This study was designed to …

Poultry And Egg Education Project (Peep) Curriculum Resource, Sandria L. Godwin, John Ricketts

Extension Publications

The PEEP Curriculum for youth is one of the major outcomes associated with a USDA-AFRI project to develop a research-based educational program comprised of consumer-focused, impactful messages addressing poultry and egg safety practices. The six peer-reviewed lesson plans and objectives herein were developed directly from the research associated with this project.

The lesson plans are complete with requisite background information, objectives, activities, videos, and evaluation tools. The lessons can be integrated into standing or special 4-H programs related to poultry, STEM, and health and food science. The lessons can also be integrated into school-based agricultural education programs, specifically in pathways …

Phylogrouping And Antimicrobial Resistance Analysis Of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Isolated From Poultry Species, Sujata Bhave, Rahul Kolhe, Ranjan Mahadevaswamy, Chandrakant Bhong, Samir Jadhav, Saba Nalband, Dattatray Gandhale, Dushyant Muglikar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in the feces of healthy poultry and retail chicken. All 146 E. coli recovered from 351 samples were screened by PCR for detection of ExPEC strains. Nineteen (13.01%) isolates were confirmed as ExPEC. Distribution of ExPEC strains was revealed as follows: broiler (25%), layer (15.87%), and raw chicken (3.12%). Turkey, duck, and water samples were negative for ExPEC strains. ExPEC strains belonged to phylogenetic groups B2 (52.63%), A (36.84%), and D (10.53%). Twenty-three (15.75%) isolates were ESBL-positive, including four ExPEC strains. ESBL-positive …

A Comparative Phylotyping Analysis Of E. Coli Originating From Avian Colibacillosis Based On The Clermont Triplex Scheme And Gyra Gene Sequencing, Mohsen Amiri, Elham Ahmadi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Avian colibacillosis (AC) is frequently reported from poultry farms in the west of Iran. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the phylogeny of Escherichia coli isolated from AC through the Clermont triplex protocol and gyrA gene sequencing. One hundred and fifty fresh carcasses suspected of having died from colibacillosis were sampled. The specimens were examined for E. coli isolation and identification. The extracted DNA repertoire of the isolates was subjected to phylogenetic analysis using Clermont triplex PCR. A DNA fragment of 1.8 kbp of the gyrA gene was amplified from a representative of each phylogroup or subgroup …

Efficacy Of Natural Compounds With Novel Carrier Systems For Controlling Campylobacter Jejuni In Post-Harvest Poultry, Sandip Shrestha

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, is strongly associated with the consumption and/or mishandling of raw contaminated poultry products. Thus, interventions aiming to reduce C. jejuni counts on poultry products could greatly reduce the incidence of human campylobacteriosis. In the first study, the efficacy of a generally recongnized as safe (GRAS) compound, carvacrol (CR; derived from oregano oil), as an antimicrobial wash treatment to reduce C. jejuni on chicken skin was evaluated. Three delivery systems of CR: suspension, emulsion and nanoemulsion were used. C. jejuni counts were reduced up to 4 log10 cfu/sample by 2% dose of …

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment For Parts, Ground, And Msc Poultry Product Including Intervention Analysis And Exploration Of Enterobacteriaceae As An Indicator Organism In Poultry Processing, Leigh Ann Parette

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Samples collected at five different large bird poultry processing facilities over a period of 7 months from prescald to post debone locations were enumerated for Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. and the results were used to create Quantitative Microbial Risk Analyses (QMRA) models for parts, ground, and mechanically separated chicken (MSC) products. Sensitivity analyses indicated the points in the process at which reductions would be most advantageous to the endpoint and simulation models were run to test reductions required to meet the current USDA performance standards.

These data were analyzed to determine the reductions from one node (location) to …

Effect Of Cooking Method On Meat Texture In Normal And Woody Broiler Breast Fillets Using Instrumental Analysis And Descriptive Sensory Analysis, Lynda D. Combs

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Over the past few decades, broiler breast meat has changed in terms of meat quality. Meat quality has deteriorated with the rise in the occurrence of muscle myopathies. Conditions such as woody breast, which is described as pale and bulging areas of distinct hardness, compromise both the textural and technological traits that have been associated with breast meat. The Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (MORS) method is a common method for indirectly assessing poultry meat tenderness. A blunt version of the MORS (BMORS) has been shown to be a more sensitive method at higher degrees of toughness. A slightly larger stainless steel …

Enhancing Quality Of Life Through Foreign Direct Investment In Northern Mozambique, Sarah-Beth Delay

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has the potential to increase economic activity and improve GDP growth in low-income countries, but can hinder economic development (quality of life improvements) if not sustainable and holistic in manner. Africa serves as a host to many cases of FDI focused on economic growth, but not necessarily improving the quality of life for its citizens. FDI has spread throughout the African continent, where many countries are well endowed with natural resources, like minerals and coal. These economies have experienced rapid GDP growth with few benefits reaching citizens of the host country. Mozambique is a low-income country …

Microbiome Of Commercial Broilers Through Evisceration And Immersion Chilling, John A. Handley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States poultry industry generated 38.6 billion pounds (17,500 metric ton) of meat in 2014 which averaged to 121 pounds (55 kg) per individual of the U.S that same year. Of that meat generated by the poultry industry, an estimated 1 million cases of Salmonellosis will occur. Out of the 1 million cases approximately 40, 000 to 50,000 will be confirmed cases by the CDC. Recently, the USDA has requested changes in the inspection process and are currently allowing processors more freedom to utilize innovation to drive the increase in safer and more desirable foods. The new standards set …

Effects Of Carbon Dioxide On Turkey Poult Performance And Behavior, M G.L Candido, Y Xiong, R S. Gates, I F.F. Tinoco, K W. Koelkebeck

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Appropriate ventilation of poultry facilities is critical for achieving optimum performance. Ventilation promotes good air exchange to remove harmful gases, excessive heat, moisture, and particulate matter. In a turkey brooder barn, carbon dioxide (CO₂) may be present at higher levels during the winter due to reduced ventilation rates to maintain high temperatures. This higher CO₂ may negatively affect turkey poult performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of subjecting tom turkey poults (commercial Large White Hybrid Converters) to different constant levels of atmospheric CO₂ on their growth performance and behavior. In …

Identifying Genetic Factors Influencing Sperm Mobility Phenotype In Chicken Using Genome Wide Association Studies, Primordial Germ Cell Transplantation, And Rnaseq., Sohita Ojha

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sperm mobility is a major determinant of male fertility in chicken. In spite of low heritability of reproductive traits, sperm mobility has high heritability index which suggests presence of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing the trait. Our research focused on three objectives: i) to identify the QTLs affecting low mobility phenotype in chicken, ii) to understand the impact of Sertoli-cells and germ cells interactions in influencing the mobility phenotype and iii) to identify the genes and gene networks differentially expressed in male and female PGCs. To detect the QTLs, genome wide association studies (GWAS) was conducted which revealed the presence …

Evaluation Of The Correlation Between The Oxidation Reduction Potential And Free Chlorine Residual For Different Chlorine Sources Used In Poultry Drinking Water Sanitation, Samantha Renee Cox

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A critical component in commercial poultry production is to ensure birds are provided clean, quality water. Multiple disinfectants can be utilized to optimize a good water quality program. The goal of these water disinfectants is to greatly reduce or eliminate the presence of all bacteria. In recent years, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) meter has been a tool utilized by the poultry industry to monitor chlorine efficacy in drinking water. An ORP reading of 650-750 millivolts (mV) has become the industry standard for assuring an acceptable sanitizing residual of free chlorine is present for controlling microbial contamination regardless of the actual …

Identification Of Molecular Signatures Of Environmental And Nutritional Stress Responses In Poultry, Phuong Hieu Nguyen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Poultry production plays an important role in the food supply and security for billions of people. Poultry meat is considered the most efficient, nutritious source of protein, without religious taboos, and is relatively inexpensive. However, the poultry industry is facing substantial challenges. The global environmental temperature has experienced dramatic changes in the last few years. Modern broilers are not well adapted to environmental challenges (heat and cold stress), which have resulted in heavy economic loss in the poultry industry worldwide. In addition, the use of feed restriction regimens in management of breeders as well as the transportation of young chicks …

Glucans And The Poultry Immune System, Jacquie Jacob, Anthony J. Pescatore

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

With the reduced availability of antibiotics, poultry producers are looking for feed additives to stimulate the immune system of their birds. Some beta-glucans have been shown to improve gut health in poultry subjected to a bacterial challenge, to increase the flow of new immunocytes into the various lymphoid organs, to increase macrophage function, to increase antibody titers after a vaccination and to function as an anti-inflammatory immunomodulator. As a result, beta-glucans may provide a tool for producers trying to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics in poultry diets.

The Effects Of Xylanase Or An Algal Sourced Zinc Polysaccharide Complex On The Performance Of Laying Hens Fed A Corn And Soybean Diet, Ashley Bigge

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of two different feed additives on the performance of laying hens. Study 1 examined the effects of non-starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme inclusion in a low energy diet. Study 2 examined the effects of supplementing a paramylon zinc polysaccharide complex at increasing concentrations. Both studies utilized a randomized complete block design for treatment assignment, and data were analyzed using the Glimmix procedure in SAS 9.4 for windows.

The first study took place July 2014 to March 2015 and consisted of two phases. Each phase tested a positive control, negative control with lower ME …

Effect Of Aloe Vera And Vitamin E Supplementation On The Immune Response Of Broilers, Babak Darabighane, Ali Mahdavi, Farzad Mirzaei Aghjehgheshlagh, Abolfazl Zarei, Eleni Kasapidou, Samuel N. Nahashon

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background: herbs are among the feed supplements under investigation that could replace antibiotics to improve humoral and cellular immune response in birds. Objective: this study evaluated the potential of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) and vitamin E as immunostimulants on humoral and cellular immune responses in broilers. Methods: broilers were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: a negative control (basal diet + with no additive), basal diet + 1% Aloe vera gel in drinking water, and basal diet + 100 mg/Kg vitamin E in the feed. Antibody titers against sheep red blood cells and Newcastle disease virus were used …

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles And Virulence Factors Of Escherichia Colio157 Collected From A Poultry Processing Plant, Harun Hizlisoy, Serhat Al, Nurhan Ertaş Onmaz, Yeli̇z Yildirim, Zafer Gönülalan, Kadi̇r Semi̇h Gümüşsoy

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli O157 and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates in different poultry-originated materials. In total 300 samples of chicken carcass swabs (n = 50), chicken feces (n = 50), gizzard (n = 50), liver (n = 50), water in the final scald tank (n = 50), and equipment such as tables, conveyers, and knives (n = 50) were used as materials. Overall, 45 E. coli isolates were obtained from the 300 poultry samples. However, 13 (4.3%) of the samples were identified as E. coli O157 including 3 …

Nuclear Factor [Erythroid-Derived 2]-Like 2’S (Nfe2l2) Gene Expression In Feed Efficiency And Oxidative Stress In Avian Muscle, Devin Wayne Cook

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Oxidative stress may play a role in the phenotypic expression of feed efficiency (FE). The transcription factor NFE2L2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2) coordinates antioxidant response to oxidative stress and its activity is tightly regulated in part by KEAP1 (Kelch like-ECH protein 1) and the E3 ligase CUL3 (Cullin3). Thus, one objective was to determine mRNA expression of NFE2L2, KEAP1, and CUL3 as well as three antioxidant targets [glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2)] in breast muscle of immature pedigree broiler males (8 wk), immature Japanese quail males (4 wk) divergently selected for high …

Surveillance, Epidemiological, And Virological Detection Of Highly Pathogenic H5n1 Avian Influenza Viruses In Duck And Poultry From Bangladesh, Wahedul Karim Ansari, Md Safiullah Parvej, Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Sally Jackson, Stephen A. Bustin, Adel K. Ibrahim, Md Tanvir Rahman, Han Zhang, Mohammad Ferdousur Rahman Khan, Md Mostakin Ahamd, Md. Fasiur Rahman, Marzia Rahman, Khm Nazmul H. Nazir, Sultan Ahmed, Md Liakot Hossenn, Md Abdul Kafi, Mat Yamage, Nitish C. Debnath, Graba Ahmed, Hossam Ashour, Md Masoud, Ayman Noreddin, Md B. Rahman

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) continue to pose a global threat. Waterfowl are the main reservoir and are responsible for the spillover of AIVs to other hosts. This study was conducted as part of routine surveillance activities in Bangladesh and it reports on the serological and molecular detection of H5N1 AIV subtype. A total of 2169 cloacal and 2191 oropharyngeal swabs as well as 1725 sera samples were collected from live birds including duck and chicken in different locations in Bangladesh between the years of 2013 and 2014. Samples were tested using virus isolation, serological tests and molecular methods of RT-PCR. …

Comparisons Of Selected Household And Commercial Disinfectants Against Poultry Salmonella Isolates And A Survey Of Internal Parasites In Backyard Poultry In Arkansas, Kayleigh Moyle

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Backyard and exhibition poultry have been gaining in popularity and as such there has been a large increase in the number of small flocks. As the interaction with poultry has increased, so has the opportunity for diseases and parasites, for both birds and people. One of the major zoonotic illnesses is caused by the bacteria Salmonella, which can be found in commercial and small flocks. Salmonella is the number 2 contributor of foodborne illnesses so its prevalence in commercial flocks is of high concern. Despite improved cleaning, disinfection, and biosecurity practices, there is still potential for disease outbreaks and infections …

Characterization Of Broiler Lines Divergently Selected For Breast Muscle Color, Sara Katherine Orlowski

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An increase in the consumption of poultry has generated an increase in demand for higher yielding broilers. This has led to an increase in atypical meat and issues with appearance. Color is a direct result of a pH decline as meat goes through rigor mortis with meat generally becoming lighter. If the pH declines too rapidly or too slowly, meat quality can suffer. Physical properties of meat can be altered by pH. A fast pH decline results in pale meat with decreased tenderness. A slow pH decline can result in darker meat with a reduced shelf-life. With a known relationship …

A Molecular Approach To Understanding The Effects Of Original-Xpc On The Modulation Of The Cecal Microbiota And The Survival Of Salmonella In The Poultry Host, Stephanie Roto

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen commonly associated with poultry products; the economic burden to the U.S. is estimated to be approximately $693 million (without factoring in contaminated eggs). Recently, there has been pressure to withdraw sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics (also known as antibiotic growth promoters; AGP) from poultry due to concern over antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading to the human population. Therefore, various feed additives have been researched for their ability in providing protection against harmful pathogens and their potential growth promoting effects, both of which were attributes of poultry treated with AGP. This thesis consists of a comprehensive literature review that …

Cfd Model For Ventilation In Broiler Holding Sheds, Christian Heymsfield

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Broiler production in Arkansas was valued at over $3.6 billion in 2013 (University of Arkansas Extension of Agriculture). Consequently, improvement in any phase of the production process can have significant economic impact and animal welfare implications. From the time poultry leave the farm and until they are slaughtered, they can be exposed to harsh environmental conditions, both in winter and in summer. After road transportation, birds are left to wait in holding sheds once they arrive at the processing plant, for periods of approximately 30 minutes to two hours. This project was interested in this holding shed waiting time during …

Development Of A Biofilm Model For Evaluating Poultry Drinking Water Sanitation Procedures, Pramir Maharjan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Enclosed water system has created a minimal sanitation focus leading to biofilm issues which are a source of flock health challenges. A series of in vitro tests were conducted to evaluate biofilm growth on polyvinylchloride (PVC) surfaces when exposed to treated/untreated water sources (test water) that are typically supplied in commercial barns. PVC test coupons (15.16 cm2) were immersed in test water in beakers to grow biofilm. Test water supplies were characterized for microbial, mineral and pH content. Temperature of test water was set at 90 °F (32.2 ᵒC) on d1 and then dropping 1°F each day over 7-day period …

Appraisal Of The Impact Of Aluminosilicate Use On The Health And Performance Of Poultry, Ali Gilani, Hassan Kermanshahi, Abolghasem Golian, Saeed Seifi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Aluminosilicates are feed additives used for multiple purposes in the poultry industry. Bentonites, zeolites, and kaolins are types of aluminosilicate compounds that appear in the marketplace due to their capabilities as mycotoxin adsorbents and other qualifications. While there are some differences among their efficacies, anecdotal evidence confirms that these additives ameliorate aflatoxicosis and manure ammonia emission, and improve the durability of pelleted diets. Furthermore, these supplements are safe at 0.2%-1% inclusion levels in the commercial diet of broilers and layers and did not have any adverse effects on productive indices, and even promoted birds' performance. Nevertheless, their upper levels, especially …

Reduction Of Campylobacter Jejuni On Chicken Wingettes By Treatment With Caprylic Acid, Chitosan Or Protective Cultures Of Lactobacillus Spp., Ann Nicole Woo-Ming

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Poultry is one of the main sources of protein in the United States and in 2014 Americans ate approximately 100 lbs per person. However, consumption of poultry products is strongly associated with foodborne illness from Campylobacter. In the first study, chitosan, caprylic acid and their combination were evaluated as a coating treatment for the reduction of Campylobacter jejuni on poultry products. For the initial screening trials, chitosan of three different molecular weights (15-50 kDa, 190-310 kDa and 400-600 kDa) was evaluated at three concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%) and separately, caprylic acid was tested at 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% using chicken …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Meat And Bone Meal Nutritional Variability On Broiler Performance, Christopher Caleb Eagleson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this trial was to determine if varying the nutritional composition of meat and bone meal (MBM) would impact broiler performance and yield compared to diets which provide a consistent quality of MBM. Twelve hundred day-old male broilers from the Cobb 500 female line were randomly allocated to 48 pens (25 chicks/pen; 22 square feet) and grown to 49 days of age. Starter, grower, and withdrawal diets were formulated to contain MBM at 10, 7.5 and 5% respectively using the Cobb nutritional standards. Four treatments provided were: 1) H.J. Baker proprietary blend, ProPlus 57 fed continuously; 2) MBM …

Divergent Selection For Four-Day Relative Breast Yield And The Effect Of Thermal Manipulations On Growth Characteristics On Lines Selected For Different Processing Dates., James Grant Mason

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Genetic selections currently utilized in the poultry industry have been highly successful in promoting broiler growth rate and yield. However, these selections may have come at the expense of broiler physiology, as evidenced by an increase in physiological disorders. To address this experimentation was undergone to develop a novel method of selection to promote growth with minimal physiological impact and to assess how a new embryonic technique affects growth in broiler lines exhibiting different growth rates.

In the first experiment, a random bred control (RAN) broiler line was divergently selected for four-day relative breast yield (BY4) resulting in the high …