Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “broiler”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Preliminary investigation on the nutritive value of krill meal in the feed of broiler chickens and laying hens.

Krill meal was used as a protein feed in rations for broiler chickens and laying hens and its nutritional effectiveness was studied in comparison with conventional feed-stuffs of animal origin. In experiments with 650 broiler chickens from 1 to 28 and from 29 to 56 days to fattening krill meal was added to the standard feedmixture in lieu of fish meal, and dried skim-milk, and at higher levels also in lieu of soyabean oilmeal. In the experiment with 22 layer hens kept in individual cages 3% of the fish meal were substituted by 3% of krill meal. The performance of chickens fed on diets with krill meal was lower in comparison with analogical groups fed on fish meal. Higher levels of krill meal, exceeding 15 and 11% in the first and second period of feeding respectively, reduced the weight gains and feed intake of chickens. The fatty acid C14, C18 and C18:1 content of internal body fat was changed in chickens fed on higher levels of krill meal. In the experiment with hens krill meal decreased the feed efficiency, the pigmentation of egg yolks, however, was more intensive and the vitamin A content of yolks was increased in comparison with the control group. The results show that krill meal can be used as a partial substitute of fish meal in the feed of broilers and hens.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1979

Effect of dietary Fe to Cu ratios on hematological and growth responses of broiler chickens.

A total of 2,640 broiler strain cockerels were used in three experiments to determine the interrelationships between Fe and Cu requirements of 1- to 21-day old broiler chicks. In each experiment, a starch non-fat milk basal diet was fed to chicks maintained in battery brooders beginning at 1 day of age. Maximum hemoglobin levels and packed cell volumes (PCV) of 21-day old chicks were found by feeding 80 parts per million (ppm) of dietary Fe and 8 ppm of dietary Cu from 1 to 21 days of age. The heaviest 21-day old chicks were found by feeding 80 ppm dietary Fe. Variations were found among experiments in the copper requirement based on body weight. The Cu requirement ranged from 8 to 16 ppm as indicated by 21-day old chick weights. A 10:1 dietary Fe to Cu ratio with an Fe requirement of 80 ppm appeared to maximize hemoglobin levels and PCV's of 21-day old broiler chicks; whereas, a 5:1 dietary Fe to Cu ratio, rather than a 10:1, 15:1, or 20:1 ratio, maximized 21-day old chick weights. Iron requirements for hematological and growth responses are essentially the same; however, the copper requirement may be slightly different for the two criteria.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Swab and excised tissue sampling for total and Enterobacteriaceae counts of fresh and surface-frozen broiler skin.

Excised broiler skin tissue (12.3 cm 2 area) was (a) blended for various times up to 2 min. or (b) shaken 25, 50, or 75 times with or without sterile glass beads. Blending for 10 sec. or shaking 75 times with glass beads yielded the highest total plate count (TPC) and Enterobacteriaceae count (ENT). Counts did not significantly differ between these methods when freshly processed, unfrozen broiler skin was sampled. However, blending yielded significantly higher TPC and ENT than the conventional sampling procedure or swabbing a 12.3 cm. 2 area of the intact skin for 30 sec. with a calcium alginate swab. When sampling hard chilled (surface frozen) broiler skin, there was no significant difference between shaking and blending for TPC, but shaking gave a significantly higher ENT with less variation than blending. Blending, however, yielded significantly higher TPC and ENT counts than swabbing.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

The control and prevention of necrotic enteritis in broilers with zinc bacitracin.

The effectiveness of zinc bacitracin in controlling andpreventing necrotic enteritis was tested by growing broilers in a facility where necrotic enteritis outbreaks had previously occurred. Broiler-crossed chicks were fed a commercial-type broiler diet containing 0 mg./kg., 33 mg./kg., or 55 mg./kg. of zinc bacitracin in the diet. Each treatment was replicated six times. Mortality, weight gain, feed conversion, and pigmentation were measured. The control group had 7.4% mortality due to necrotic enteritis as determined by necropsy of each bird upon death. Zinc bacitracin at 10 grams per ton had two mortalities, or 0.4% mortality due to necrotic enteritis. No mortality due to necrotic enteritis occurred with the higher levels of zinc bacitracin. The addition of zinc bacitracin significantly improved (P less than 0.01) the parameters of weight gain, feed conversion, and pigmentation.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

The folacin requirements of broiler chicks and quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Six experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary composition on the folacin requirement of broiler chicks and to determine the folacin requirement of growing Japanese quail. The folacin requirement of both chicks and quail could not be determined when an isolated soybean protein based diet containing 0.44 mg. folacin per kilogram was used. Dietary composition affects folacin requirement of growing broiler chicks. Three values for the folacin requirement of growing broiler chicks were determined when three different basal diets were fed. With a low-glycine, casein based diet, growth was limited more by glycine than folic acid which improved growth only at 1.69 mg./kg. When 0.7% glycine was added to this casein diet, the folacin requirement was determined to be between 0.34 and 0.49 mg./kg. diet. However, with a casein-gelatin based diet, the folacin requirement was found to be between 0.12 and 0.27 mg./kg diet. Folacin deficiency in growing Japanese quail caused poor feathering, high mortality, leg weakness and cervical paralysis. A curly-toe system was observed in coturnix chicks fed low levels of folacin and might also be a consequence of folacin deficiency. The folacin requirement of growing Japanese quail was found to be 0.30 to 0.36 mg./kg. diet when a casein-gelatin based diet was fed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Experimental infection of broiler and Leghorn chickens with virulent and avirulent isolates of hemorrhagic enteritis virus.

The effects of virulent and avirulent isolates of hemorrhagic enteritis virus were studied in Leghorn and broiler chickens. The viruses caused subclinical infections in both strains of birds. The avirulent isolate produced enlarged spleens, inclusion bodies, and antibody in all inoculated Leghorns. In broilers the avirulent virus produced infection in only half of the inoculated birds. Inclusion bodies were widely dispersed in the spleens of both types of birds. The virulent virus produced infection in all inoculated birds of both strains. Inclusion bodies were numerous in the spleens of Leghorn birds and were widely scattered in the spleens of broilers.

Adenoviridae Infections↗
PubMed1977

[Contribution to the aetiology and epidemiology of botulism in broiler chickens (authors transl)].

The second outbreak of botulism in broiler chickens diagnosed in the Netherlands is reported. In this case, the source of botulinum toxin was positively located. Despite the fact that the owner had emphatically assured that all sick and dead broilers had been carefully removed, several carcasses of broilers, almost unrecognizable at first sight, were found to be present in the litter covering the floor, particularly at the rear of the fowl house. The concentration of toxin in the carcasses in the area surrounding this source of infection averaged well over 1,000,000 LD50 per gram of tissue. This is more than sufficient to account for the outbreak of botulism as the oral MLD of the strain of Cl. botulinum type C isolated in previous studied had been found to be well over 4,000,000 LD50 per kg of body weight for chickens, the oral MLD of the strain of Cl. botulinum type C isolated in the second outbreak being found to be 2,000,000 LD50 per kg. of body weight. In discussing the origin of the infection, attention is finally drawn to the possible relationship with the fact that botulism has become increasingly common among waterfowl in the Netherlands since 1970.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1979

[Rickets-like changes in broiler chickens (author's transl)].

A disease in broiler chickens associated with rickets-like symptoms observed on post-mortem examination is described. The disease is not caused by deficiencies in the feed. Treatment with vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus has little if any effect. There is evidence to suggest a relationship with the origin of the broilers. It also is an established fact that the disease is related to the farm. Particularly those broilers will develop rickets-like symptoms, which were housed on litter previously used for chickens with the same disease. It probably is an infectious disease. Non-purulent inflammation of the glandular stomach is constantly observed in chickens showing rickets-like symptoms. This disease is transmissible to SPF chickens. It is not clear whether this is an accidental finding or typical of this clinical picture.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Changes in the biochemical and morphological indices of broiler chickens depending on the temperature and humidity conditions].

A varying temperature and humidity regime was tested on a total of 200 hybrid birds (White Plymouth Rock x Cornish crosses). Investigated were some indices of the carbohydrate metabolism and the deposition of vitamins in the organism as well as the effect of the temperature and humidity regime on the growth and development of broilers. It was established that the content of glycogen in the liver and the muscles in birds raised first at 32 degree C and relative air humidity of 65--70 per cent was higher than in birds raised at 36 degree C and relative air humidity of 45--50 per cent. Besides, these observations were coupled with some changes in the content of blood sugar and the amount of A and E vitamins in the liver. The body weight of the test broilers by the end of the experiment was 30 grams higher than that of the control group broilers.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1978

Sources of Salmonellae in broiler chickens in Ontario.

Sources of Salmonellae infecting broiler chicken flocks in Ontario were investigated from July, 1975 to April, 1976. Three broiler flocks were investigated on each of four farms which received chicks from a common hatchery. Samples of feed and new litter were preenriched in nonselective broth subcultured to Salmonella-selective enrichment broth and plated on Salmonella-selective differential agar. Samples of used litter, water, culled chicks, insects, mice, wild birds and environmental swabs were not cultured initially in the nonselective broth. Fecal samples from principal and occasional flock attendants were examined for Samonellae. Salmonella infection, as judged by contaminated flock litter was detected in six flocks on two of the farms while the flocks on the other farms remained negative. Salmonellae were isolated from 23 of 412 feed samples (nine serotypes), six of 35 new wood shaving samples (four serotypes), one of 29 pools of culled chick viscera (one serotype) and 44 of 267 used litter samples (14 serotypes). These results indicate that broiler chicken flocks were infected with diverse Salmonellae introduced in day old chicks, pelleted feeds, wood shavings and residual contamination from the preceding flock.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1976

[Antibiotic residues in organs and muscle tissues of broilers. I. Bacitracin, flavomycin, spiramycin and viriniamycin residues following administration of diets containing low levels of these antibiotics (author's transl)].

Two groups of broilers were fed two different feed mixtures. A feed containing a mixture of bacitracin, flavomycin, spiramycin and virginiamycin (20 ppm each) was administered to sixity broilers. Sixty other broilers were given a similar feed not containing any antibiotics. After slaughter, samples of kidney, liver and breast were examined for the presence of antibiotic residues. All samples were found to be negative for antibiotic residues. Four micro-organisms were used in performing the tests: Bacillus cereus Kiel, Bacillus subtilis 165, Bacillus subtilis BGA and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2026

Genomic characterisation of Enterococcus cecorum isolated from broiler chickens in the United Kingdom.

Enterococcus cecorum is an important poultry pathogen associated with lameness and increased mortality, leading to major welfare and economic impacts. Treatment is often challenging because disease is frequently detected late and the organism can localise in bone and joints, limiting antimicrobial efficacy. Presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes may further complicate treatment. Despite increasing global genomic research, only one recent study has investigated the phylogeny of E. cecorum from conventional UK broiler farms, using limited samples and a restricted time frame. In this study, 283 E. cecorum isolates were analysed, including 158 from the United Kingdom and 125 global non‑UK isolates. UK isolates comprised 123 archived by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) between 2003 and 2022, predominantly from clinical outbreaks with increased welfare culling and mortality, and 35 isolates from a UK study including clinical and environmental samples. Genome sequencing was used to assess phylogeny, AMR determinants and virulence factors (VFs). Single nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetic analysis identified eight major UK lineages with limited intra‑lineage diversity, indicating that UK isolates were genetically distinct from non‑UK populations. Using a 60‑SNP threshold, APHA isolates formed 18 subclusters, consistent with long‑term persistence and recurrent farm transmission, while multiple subclusters detected on some farms suggested repeated introductions. UK isolates carried fewer AMR genes than non‑UK isolates, with erm(B), lnu(C), tet(M) and tet(L) most prevalent. Screening of VF genes identified nine genes present in all isolates, with the remainder variably distributed. A subset of 60 UK isolates was examined for 13 previously described virulence‑associated genes, with phylogenetic clustering indicating associations between gene presence or absence and clinical status or mortality classification. The capsular polysaccharide gene cpsO was assessed in this subset and most non‑clinical or environmental isolates were cpsO‑negative, although several isolates from high‑mortality outbreaks also lacked this gene. Overall, this study provides insight into the phylogeny, AMR profiles and virulence gene diversity of E. cecorum within the UK broiler sector, supporting targeted surveillance and investigation of pathogenic mechanisms.

Antimicrobial resistance↗
PubMed2026

Prevalence, genomic characterization, and biofilm-forming capacity of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from faecal samples of broiler chickens in Jinan City, China.

The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in food animals threatens both veterinary and human medicine by compromising critically important antimicrobials. This study characterized the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, molecular epidemiology, and virulence attributes of ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from broiler farms in Jinan City, China. From 600 faecal samples, 537 E. coli isolates were recovered (89.5 % isolation rate), with 71 (13.2 %) identified as ESBL producers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed markedly more severe resistance among ESBL-producing isolates, with complete ampicillin resistance (100 %) and high-level resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (94.37 %), streptomycin (87.32 %), chloramphenicol (78.87 %), and tetracycline (70.42 %). Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins cefuroxime and ceftriaxone reached 43.66 % and 36.62 %, respectively, while amoxicillin/clavulanic acid susceptibility declined to 61.97 %. Whole-genome sequencing identified blaCTX-M-55 (29.58 %) as the predominant ESBL genotype, followed by blaCTX-M-64 (23.94 %), blaCTX-M-15 (19.71 %), blaCTX-M-14 (12.68 %), and blaCTX-M-65 (9.86 %). The plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene mcr-1 was detected in 25.35 % of ESBL-producing isolates, indicating a substantial reservoir of last-resort antibiotic resistance determinants, though physical linkage between mcr-1 and ESBL-encoding genes remains undetermined due to short-read sequencing limitations. Multilocus sequence typing revealed ST117 (18.3 %) as the predominant sequence type, associated mainly with serogroup O78 (25.4 %). Virulence gene profiling demonstrated high prevalence of the serum survival gene iss (85.9 %), commonly associated with avian pathogenic E. coli, though avian pathogenicity was not experimentally confirmed. Notably, 90.14 % of ESBL-producing isolates demonstrated biofilm-forming capacity, with 16.90 % classified as strong biofilm producers forming mature, mushroom-shaped microcolonies. These findings demonstrate that broiler chickens in the sampled Jinan farms constitute a significant reservoir of multidrug-resistant, biofilm-forming ESBL-producing E. coli harboring clinically relevant genotypes, including mcr-1. The predominance of ST117, reported in both poultry and human clinical settings, along with extensive co-resistance profiles, underscores the value of integrated surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship in poultry production, though direct zoonotic transmission evidence requires further comparative genomic and epidemiological investigation.

Antimicrobial resistance↗
PubMed2026

Functional characterization of lncIMF_17214 in regulating intramuscular fat deposition of yellow-feathered broilers.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content and lipid composition are key determinants of both the nutritional value and sensory attributes of poultry meat, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain insufficiently elucidated. In this study, triglyceride (TG) content was employed as a quantitative phenotypic proxy to dissect the molecular basis of IMF deposition in yellow-feathered broilers. By integrating TG phenotypic data from 315 individuals with transcriptomic profiles and whole-genome resequencing datasets, a TG-associated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), lncIMF_17214, was identified. Functional characterization revealed that lncIMF_17214 functions as a negative regulator of lipid deposition. Specifically, its knockdown led to significant increases in TG and total cholesterol concentrations, promoted lipid droplet accumulation, and decreased shear force in breast muscle, whereas its overexpression elicited the opposite effects. Mechanistically, lncIMF_17214 interacts with the RNA-binding protein CNBP, forming a regulatory complex that inhibits lipid accumulation. Furthermore, liver-directed overexpression increased the abundance of lncIMF_17214 in plasma exosomes, while liver-directed manipulation was associated with changes in hepatic and breast-muscle lipid deposition; direct exosome-mediated transfer to intramuscular adipocytes remains to be established. Transcriptomic profiling coupled with pathway enrichment analyses demonstrated that lncIMF_17214 predominantly influences steroid biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways. This suggests that it may be involved in the regulation of these pathways, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be further elucidated. Collectively, these findings define a lncIMF_17214-centered regulatory axis linking intracellular and systemic lipid metabolism and provide a robust molecular framework for the targeted improvement of meat quality traits in yellow-feathered broilers.

Breast muscle↗
PubMed2026

Therapeutic potential of a novel virulent bacteriophage XQ-1 against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection in broiler chickens.

Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) represents a significant subgroup within extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains and constitutes a substantial threat to the global poultry industry. Although the negative impacts of APEC have been mitigated considerably through antibiotic use, this practice has concurrently facilitated the widespread emergence and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant APEC strains worldwide. Consequently, bacteriophage has emerged as a promising alternative to antibiotics. In the current study, a novel virulent bacteriophage, designated XQ-1, was isolated from a sewage sample collected at a broiler chickens farm in Hubei Province, China. Notably, this bacteriophage exhibited the capability to lyse multiple APEC strains, including O1, O2, and O78 serotypes. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for bacteriophage XQ-1 was determined to be 0.001, yielding a maximum viral titer of 4.73 ± 0.31 × 1011 plaque-forming units (PFU) per milliliter. This bacteriophage displayed a latent period of 30 min, and a burst period of 80 minutes, corresponding to a burst size of 348 PFU per infected cell. Additionally, bacteriophage XQ-1 retained high lytic activity across a temperature range of 4-50 °C and maintained tolerance with a pH range of 3-11. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that bacteriophage XQ-1 holds potential as an effective disinfectant capable of directly lysing APEC strain JZ-1. In chick models subjected to intraperitoneal injection, exposure to APEC resulted in 100% mortality in chicks. However, treatment with bacteriophage XQ-1 significantly improved the survival rates of infected broiler chickens, reduced organ indexes, decreased bacterial loads in the liver and heart organs, and mitigated intestinal damage caused by APEC infection. Collectively, these findings suggest that bacteriophage XQ-1 represents a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of APEC infections in poultry.

APEC↗
PubMed1977

Effect of transportation on blood metabolites in broilers.

1. Groups of 30 broilers from seven flocks were bled and weighed at the farm and a further sample of 10 broilers from each flock was transported from 8 to 16 km to the laboratory prior to bleeding and weighing. 2. One haematological and 11 biochemical analyses were made on each blood sample. 3. Although transportation did lead to significant differences in certain variables, the trends were consistent and sampling following transit is considered acceptable for clinical pathology studies.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Effect of fasting on metabolism of free amino acids of various broiler tissues].

16 male broiler chicken fed with commercial-grade broiler fattening feed were killed in groups of four in intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 25 hours after the last food intake. The content of free amino acids was quantitatively determined in the small intestines, the liver and the complete muscular system. The highest concentration of free amino acids per gram of tissue could be detected in the small intestines between 3 and 6 hours and--phase shifted--in the liver between 6 and 12 hours after the last food intake. The changes of the concentration in the muscular system between the four measuring points were in most cases not statistically significant. The content of free amino acids in the three proofed tissues of fattening hybrids with a high demand of amino acids and a high protein synthesis performance was considerably above the values for rats as they are given in technical literature. The rhythmic changes of the concentration of free amino acids in the tissues in dependence on the interval between the last food intake and the killing require standardized conditions for metabolism-kinetic investigations of which the calculation of the content of free amino acids is part.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2026

Genome-informed qPCR tracking revealed preferential persistence of Bacillus subtilis BS9 in the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract.

This study aimed to develop a strain-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for Bacillus subtilis BS9 and characterize its persistence and spatial distribution in the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis identified a unique 110-bp sequence within a strain-specific genomic island, which was used to design a highly specific qPCR assay with excellent efficiency and sensitivity. In a 14-day in vivo trial, broiler chicks receiving daily oral doses of BS9 were analyzed using both culture-based methods and the newly developed qPCR. The assay was applied qualitatively, presence or absence, to detect BS9 in intestinal samples. BS9 was detected exclusively in the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum, with no presence in the gizzard or ileum. These findings demonstrate that BS9 exhibits region-specific persistence in the gut, likely reflecting adaptation to distinct physiological niches, which may contribute to its probiotic mechanisms.IMPORTANCEThis work provides the first detailed account of B. subtilis BS9's spatial persistence in poultry, revealing preferential adherence to specific intestinal regions. The strain-specific qPCR assay developed here offers a precise, culture-independent tool for tracking BS9 in complex gut environments. These insights into the genetic basis and tissue tropism of BS9 persistence advance our understanding of probiotic-host interactions and establish a framework for characterizing novel probiotic strains.

Bacillus subtilis↗