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PubMed1993

Cost-benefit analysis of a screening strategy for Salmonella enteritidis in poultry.

Salmonella enteritidis is an emerging problem in several industrial countries. Outbreaks caused by this organism are almost always associated with the consumption of eggs and egg-products originating from infected poultry flocks. To reduce human infection, elimination of contaminated flocks could be considered. In this study we estimated the effectiveness of such a measure to reduce human infections. If poultry flocks are screened for S. enteritidis only once during their laying period, there is a 43.7% reduction in contaminated eggs. The effectiveness increases if the frequency of screening is increased, resulting in a 65.4% reduction in contaminated eggs after three screenings. The costs of this intervention strategy are determined by both the costs of screening and the economic losses of destroying poultry flocks.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Microbial and nutritional aspects of feeding fermented feed (poultry by-products) to pigs.

Broiler by-products (heads, feet, and viscera) mixed with 4% dextrose were pasteurized for 4 min at 90 degrees C core temperature, cooled to 20 degrees C, and fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum as starter culture. These fermented poultry by-products were fed to 12 individually housed fattening pigs as part (17.6% of the dry matter) of their fattening ration, the remainder composed of compound pig feed. Control pigs received a compound pig feed only. Both groups of pigs were fed restrictively on the basis of body weight. The technical results of the pigs fed the experimental diet showed a significantly improved feed:gain ratio (2.46 vs 2.57), a significantly higher carcass weight (86.1 vs 81.8 kg), a lower meat percentage (50.9 vs 52.5%) and an increased backfat thickness (21.5 vs 18.7%). The bacterial flora in the intestinal tract of the pigs fed the experimental diet differed significantly from the control animals. Decreased colony counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, enterococci and lactobacilli were found in the rectal content and the prevalence of salmonella was lower. It is suggested that the improved feed:gain ratio and the reduced bacterial activity of the measured groups of bacteria is a result of 1) the higher energy content of the diet, and(or) 2) an assumed enhanced digestibility of nutritional components in the diet, and(or) 3) the lower incidence of diarrhea in the pigs fed with fermented poultry by-products. This resulted in a lower contamination level of enteropathogenic bacteria like, salmonella and Escherichia coli, in the gastro-intestinal tract of the pigs fed fermented poultry by-products.

Animal Feed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cadmium and lead in muscle tissue and organs of broilers, turkeys and spent hens and in mechanically deboned poultry meat.

Cadmium and lead levels have been determined in meat, livers and kidneys of turkeys, in livers and kidneys of spent hens, in kidneys of broilers and in mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM), by dry ashing of the sample with Mg(NO3)2 followed by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric analysis. The possible age-dependent cadmium and lead accumulation in livers and kidneys of turkeys was also studied. The cadmium concentrations in meat and organs of poultry are in good agreement with data reported for other countries, but lead concentrations were low compared with most data reported in the literature. The cadmium levels in kidneys and livers of turkeys increased with age, whilst the lead concentrations were unrelated to age. The cadmium and lead concentrations in industrially prepared MDPM from broiler carcasses were very low (less than 0.001-0.004 mg/kg and less than 0.01-0.06 mg/kg, respectively). In MDPM prepared from backs (including the kidneys) and necks, elevated cadmium concentrations were found. The increase was related to the cadmium concentrations in the kidneys. In MDPM prepared from broilers, turkeys and spent hens the cadmium concentrations varied between 0.001 and 0.002 mg/kg, 0.005 and 0.006 mg/kg and 0.007 and 0.028 mg/kg, respectively. For lead the concentrations in meat and MDPM were similar. It can be concluded from the results that in MDPM prepared from spent hens and possibly turkeys, when incorporating the kidneys, cadmium concentrations greater than 0.05 mg/kg, (the legal limit for cadmium in poultry meat in The Netherlands) may occur.

Aging↗
PubMed2000

Optimal loading rates and economic analyses for anaerobic digestion of poultry waste.

Four combinations of litter and carcasses from broiler chickens were examined utilizing a thermophilic, stirred-tank digester of demonstration size of approximately 10,000 gal. Under computed optimal loading rates, litter with paper bedding had the highest daily production of methane over an 8-day retention period. The greatest methane production per lb of volatile solids was achieved over 10 days with litter and paper bedding combined with carcasses. This research found that sufficient poultry litter is generated within 20 mi (32 km) of Moorefield, WV, to support a commercial-sized digester operation. However, anaerobic digestion of poultry waste cannot be financially supported by methane production alone. To be financially viable, anaerobic digestion requires a disposal fee for poultry waste and/or the sale of the digested solid effluent as an organic fertilizer to retail markets.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2005

Investigation of nitrogen-bearing species in catalytic steam gasification of poultry litter.

The production of broiler chickens has become one of the largest sectors in U.S. agriculture, and the growing demand for poultry has led to an annual production growth rate of 5%. With increased demand for poultry, litter management has become a major challenge in the agriculture industry. Although the catalytic steam gasification has been accepted as a possible and feasible method for litter management, concern has been expressed about the presence of nitrogen and phosphorus containing species in the fuel gas and/or in the final solid residue. The possible release of phosphorus as phosphine gas in the fuel gas can have an adverse impact on the environment. Similarly, possible release of ammonia from the nitrogen containing species is also not acceptable. Hence, under partial U.S. Department of Agriculture support, a study was conducted to examine the fate and the environmental impact of the nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing species released during catalytic steam gasification of poultry litter. From various preliminary tests, it was concluded that most (approximately 100%) of the phosphorus would remain in the residue, and some (20-70%) of the nitrogen would end up as ammonia in the fuel gas. The effects of temperature, catalyst loading, and type of catalyst on ammonia liberation were studied in a muffled furnace setup at atmospheric pressure. The fraction of nitrogen released as ammonia was found to decrease with an increase in temperature during pyrolysis and steam gasification. It also decreased with an increase in catalyst loading.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Airborne bacteria, endotoxin and fungi in dust in poultry and swine confinement buildings.

Airborne dust in swine and poultry confinements was analyzed to determine concentrations of total and gram-negative bacteria, total fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus and endotoxin. Airborne concentrations of total and gram-negative bacteria in swine and confinement units have been found to be as high as, or higher, than those found in other environments, such as wastewater treatment plants and cotton card rooms, where microbiologically contaminated organic dusts were present. Airborne endotoxin concentrations in the swine units (average 0.12 micrograms/m3) and poultry units (average 0.31 micrograms/m3) were in the range where clinical effects have occurred in other populations. Therefore, health studies of poultry and swine confinement workers with concurrent estimation of the individual daily exposure dose are warranted.

Air↗
PubMed1988

Exposures to carbon dioxide in the poultry processing industry.

The use of dry ice has increased dramatically in poultry processing plants because of changes in the fast food industry. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in four such plants were measured and were found to exceed the Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health Level (50,000 ppm) inside holding coolers where ventilation is poor. In other areas, where dry ice is delivered to poultry packages, time-weighted average exposures can exceed the threshold limit value of 5000 ppm by substantial margins, even if local exhaust ventilation systems are present. Reports of adverse health effects from carbon dioxide exposure and various control measures are reviewed. Recommendations regarding sampling and analytical techniques also are presented. Operators of poultry plants where dry ice is used need to recognize the occupational hazards of exposure to carbon dioxide.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

The combination of zinc compounds and acidic pH limits aerobic growth of a Salmonella typhimurium poultry marker strain in rich and minimal media.

The objective of the present study was to examine the combined effects of zinc compounds with different acidic pH levels on the aerobic growth of a S. typhimurium poultry isolate in either rich or minimal media. When overall main effects of pH levels of medium or concentrations of Zn compounds were compared, growth rates of the S. typhimurium poultry isolate were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by stepwise increase of pH levels of medium (pH 4, 5, 6, and 7) or concentrations (0.67, 3.35, and 6.03%) of Zn compounds (Zn acetate and Zn sulfate). In general growth rates of S. typhimurium poultry isolate appeared to be more reduced by Zn acetate than by Zn sulfate and more reduced in minimal media compared to rich media.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Genetic linkage between erm(B) and vanA in Enterococcus hirae of poultry origin.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have frequently been isolated from Norwegian poultry production following the prohibition of the glycopeptide growth promoter avoparcin since 1995. In the present study, a close genetic linkage between the vanA and erm(B) determinants in an Enterococcus hirae isolate of poultry origin is demonstrated, a result that indicates a mechanism for co-selection and maintenance of vancomycin resistance in absence of selective pressure from avoparcin. A total of 36 vanA-positive enterococci of poultry origin, also phenotypically resistant to erythromycin and/or tetracycline, were analyzed by PCR for identification of erm and tet resistance determinants. An E. hirae isolate harbored erm(B) and tet(K), and in this isolate vanA and erm(B) were located on a BamHI fragment of an approximately 50-kb plasmid. Approximately 3 kb of this fragment was amplified by PCR with vanA and erm(B) primers. Sequence analysis of the region between erm(B) and vanZ of Tn1546 showed a truncated IS1216V inserted downstream of the erm(B) stop codon, aligned with a conserved copy of the 3'-inverted terminal repeat of Tn1546. Mating experiments with the E. hirae isolate as donor and E. faecalis JH2-2 as recipient did not result in any transconjugants, indicating that the vanA/erm(B)-carrying plasmid was nonconjugative under the given experimental conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Distribution of streptogramin resistance determinants among Enterococcus faecium from a poultry production environment of the USA.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of agricultural use of antimicrobials on the present and future efficacy of therapeutic drugs in human medicine is a growing public concern. Quinupristin/dalfopristin has been approved to treat human disease caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and is related to virginiamycin, a streptogramin complex that has long been used in USA agriculture poultry production. METHODS: Streptogramin-resistant isolates of E. faecium from poultry production environments on the eastern seaboard were recovered without selection for streptogramin resistance and examined using ribotyping to evaluate clonal bias. Colony PCR screening for the previously described streptogramin resistance determinants erm(A), erm(B), msr(C), vgb(A), vat(D) and vat(E) was performed to determine the prevalence of streptogramin resistance mechanisms from these environments. RESULTS: The collection of E. faecium isolates was unevenly distributed among 28 ribogroups and did not cluster geographically. The most prevalent ribogroups was composed of isolates that possessed diverse antimicrobial resistance profiles. Of the 127 isolates examined, 63% were resistant to quinupristin/dalfopristin. The resistance determinants erm(A) and erm(B) were observed among 6% and 10%, respectively, of streptogramin-resistant isolates. msr(C) was detected in a single isolate that was resistant to macrolide and lincosamide antimicrobials. The streptogramin B hydrolase vgb(A) and the streptogramin A acetyltransferases genes vat(D) and vat(E) were not detected in any of the E. faecium isolates. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there is widespread resistance to streptogramin antimicrobials among E. faecium throughout the poultry production region in this study and that the mechanisms of resistance to streptogramin antimicrobials within this population remain largely uncharacterized.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2005

High occurrence and persistence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci in poultry food samples in Portugal.

OBJECTIVES: We determined the presence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci (ARE) in commercialized poultry samples from Portugal and analysed their clonal diversity and the resistance genes harboured by these strains. METHODS: Ninety-nine retail poultry samples of 10 widely commercialized brands were studied (1999-2001). Samples were enriched and plated on selective media with and without vancomycin, gentamicin, streptomycin or kanamycin. Antibiotic susceptibility was established following standard criteria. Identification and detection of genes coding for resistance were determined by PCR. Clonal relatedness was established by PFGE. RESULTS: A high percentage of samples contained vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) (48%), or enterococci highly resistant (HLR) to gentamicin (34%), streptomycin (32%) or kanamycin (30%). Co-resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and quinupristin/dalfopristin was observed in most of these isolates. VRE were classified as VanA phenotype-vanA genotype (38% of samples), VanB phenotype-vanA (13%) or VanC phenotype-vanC1 (23%). All HLR to gentamicin isolates contained aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia. We detected erm(B) in both erythromycin-resistant and -susceptible isolates. Some VRE and HLR to gentamicin strains were recovered from different samples and brands. Long-term persistence of particular VRE strains (>2 years), exhibiting different Van phenotypes, was observed. CONCLUSIONS: High occurrence of ARE suggests maintenance of selective pressure by the use of antibiotics/other substances in the Portuguese poultry environment. Persistence of a number of widespread PFGE types containing different resistance genes might reflect environmental/host-adapted enterococcal strains that might contribute to the maintenance of antibiotic resistance, thus constituting a resistance reservoir that is non-sensitive to banning interventions.

Acetyltransferases↗
PubMed1991

Importance of essential fatty acids and their derivatives in poultry.

More than thirty-five years have passed since essential fatty acid requirements were demonstrated for poultry. Subsequent studies were conducted to establish a recommended level of linoleic acid for growing poultry. Although a requirement of 1% linoleic acid is suggested, a critical evaluation of the nutritional and metabolic significance of essential fatty acids is lacking. Perhaps alpha-linolenic acid is also essential, but direct evidence is not yet available. Recent literature indicates that several individual fatty acids, including the polyunsaturates derived from essential fatty acids, are biologically active. Furthermore, the numerous eicosanoids biosynthesized from specific polyunsaturates act as either cellular autocrine or paracrine signaling agents. Formation of eicosanoids is ubiquitous in tissues and organs, and these compounds influence nearly all systems in mammalian species. However, although such compounds have been studied extensively in mammalian systems, the formation of polyunsaturates, the biosynthesis of eicosanoids and the biological effects of these compounds have not been intensely studied in domestic poultry.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1993

Local modulation of skeletal growth and bone modeling in poultry.

Skeletal growth and bone modeling in poultry are regulated by complex interactions between the animal's genetic potential and a host of systemic and localized factors (growth factors and cytokines) influencing bone biology. The objective of these interactions is to orchestrate the achievement of bone architecture that balances functionally appropriate morphology with the skeleton's involvement in mineral homeostasis. Within this context, bone modeling in the growing animal represents an adaptive process that is distinct from bone remodeling, which is the term used to describe the resorption and formation of mineralized tissue that maintains skeletal mass and morphology in the adult. As many of the skeletal lesions that afflict poultry are the consequence of abnormalities in bone modeling, not bone remodeling, an appreciation of the differences between these two contrasting processes is a prerequisite for understanding the pathogenesis of skeletal lesions in poultry.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Bioaccumulation and biosorption of lead by poultry litter microorganisms.

Microorganisms are known to interact with metals through a number of mechanisms, including binding the metals to their cells' walls and intracellular accumulation. Poultry litter has a high density of various microorganisms along with many nutrients. The objective of this research was to study the removal of Pb from an aqueous solution by the microorganisms found in poultry litter under an aerobic environment. A Pb(NO3)2 solution was treated with the aqueous extract of either the nonradiated litter or gamma-radiated litter in order to differentiate between the removal of Pb through bioaccumulation (by the living organisms) and biosorption (by the dead organisms). Lead removal was measured using anodic stripping voltammetry. Both the nonradiated and the gamma-radiated litter removed significant amounts of Pb. After 14 d, the amount of Pb removed through bioaccumulation by the nonradiated litter and through biosorption by the radiated litter was about 44 and 30%, respectively. There was no increase in Pb removal between 14 and 60 d. The biomass density of the aqueous extract of poultry litter increased significantly in the presence of 400 ppb Pb(NO3)2.

Absorption↗
PubMed1998

Intestinal protozoa important to poultry.

Parasites of two groups are important in poultry, the coccidia and the mastiogophora (flagellates) (Table 1). Most of the Coccidia in poultry are in the genus Eimeria, but a few species of Isospora, Cryptosporidium, and Sarcosporidia are represented. The Eimeria are best known, with seven important species recognized in chickens and several others in turkeys. Diagnosis of coccidiosis is by recognition of classic signs and lesions, by gross examination, and can be aided by microscopic examination of feces and intestinal contents. Control of coccidiosis is by preventive use of anticoccidials and by immunization. Cryptosporidium are common in poultry but little is known of their importance, except for the occasional outbreak of respiratory cryptosporidiosis in turkey poults. Of the flagellates, Histomonas meleagridis is the best known. Infections in turkeys may cause near 100% mortality, but outbreaks in chickens are more often marked by morbidity and subsequent recovery. Recent outbreaks in broiler breeder pullets caused excessive losses from mortality (5 to 20%) culling, and overall poor flock performance. Histomonas organisms are carried by eggs of the cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum enabling them to survive for long periods in soil as a source of infection. In the U.S. there are no products available for treatment of blackhead. Preventive use of anthelminthics to destroy the cecal worm carrier show some promise in reducing exposure.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Natural and experimental infections of Arcobacter in poultry.

Arcobacter butzleri causes human enteritis and is frequently recovered from poultry carcasses. The purpose of this study was to determine 1) the natural distribution of A. butzleri in poultry and 2) its relative pathogenicity in experimentally infected poultry. Cloacal samples (n = 407) were collected on four occasions from three flocks of chickens. Overall, Arcobacter spp. were recovered from 15% of the birds; A. butzleri was identified in 1% of cloacal samples. Three experimental trials were conducted to determine the susceptibility of birds. In Trial 1, 3-d-old chicks (n = 62) were divided into three groups and infected per os with 1) A. butzleri American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 49616, 2) a suspension of four field strains of A. butzleri isolated from retail purchased chicken, and 3) Campylobacter jejuni (positive control). Arcobacter was not detected in cloacal swabs or in cecal samples of chicks through Day 5 postinfection; C. jejuni was detected in cloacal swabs of all positive control birds. In Trial 2, 5-d-old outbred turkey poults (n = 88) were infected as described above with the addition of a group infected with a suspension of four field strains of A. butzleri from turkey meat. Arcobacter butzleri was recovered from either cloacal swabs or cecal contents of only 6.0% of birds (4 of 67); C. jejuni was recovered from 100% of the positive control birds (n = 21). In Trial 3, 3-d-old turkey poults of the highly inbred Beltsville White strain (n = 141) were experimentally inoculated. In contrast to earlier trials, A. butzleri was recovered overall from the cloacal swabs or tissues of 65% of the turkeys.

Aging↗
PubMed1999

Reducing phosphorus runoff and improving poultry production with alum.

This is a review paper on the effects of aluminum sulfate (alum) on ammonia volatilization and P runoff from poultry litter. Initially, laboratory studies were conducted that showed P solubility could be reduced in poultry litter with Al, Ca, and Fe amendments, indicating that these amendments may reduce P runoff. These results were confirmed in small plot studies in which alum applications to litter were shown to decrease P concentrations in runoff by as much as 87%, while improving tall fescue yields. Leaf tissue analyses indicated that the yield improvements were due to increased N availability, which we hypothesized was due to reduced NH3 volatilization. This result was confirmed in laboratory studies that showed that alum was one of the most effective (and cost-effective) compounds for reducing NH3 volatilization. Field trials conducted at commercial broiler farms in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency showed that alum additions to poultry litter lowered litter pH, particularly during the first 3 to 4 wk of each growout, which resulted in less NH3 volatilization and lower atmospheric NH3. Ammonia volatilization rates were reduced by 97% for the first 4 wk of the growout. Broilers grown on alum-treated litter were heavier than the controls (1.73 vs 1.66 kg) and had lower mortality (3.9 vs 4.2%) and better feed efficiency (1.98 vs 2.04). Electricity and propane use were lower for alum-treated houses. As a result of these economic benefits to the integrator and grower, the benefit:cost ratio of alum addition was 1.96. Phosphorus concentrations in runoff from small watersheds were 75% lower from alum-treated litter than normal litter over a 3-yr period. Long-term small plot studies on alum use have shown that alum-treated litter results in lower soil test P levels than normal litter and does not increase Al availability in soils or uptake by plants.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2000

The use of instructional technology in poultry science curricula in the United States and Canada: 2. Factors contributing to the use of instructional technology.

This paper describes a study conducted in recognition of the increasingly widespread use of computers and the importance of exposure to instructional technology (IT) in all aspects of the poultry science curriculum. The study consisted of the distribution and analysis of two cross-sectional surveys. One survey was sent to departments to obtain profiles of poultry science degree programs and the availability of IT and general support for its use. The second survey was sent to faculty to obtain individual profiles of IT use and of factors which may influence IT use. Herein are reported the results and analysis of those factors that are thought to contribute to or limit the diffusion of these media among poultry science faculty. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and contingency table comparisons using Likelihood Ratio chi-square. Factors that appear to be most important to faculty use of IT are availability of desired IT equipment, access to adequate expert assistance, availability of knowledgeable peers willing to share their experience and expertise, and exposure to concrete examples and ideas of how to use IT. All of these factors contribute to another important factor in participation and adoption: making it as easy as possible for faculty to learn and to use advanced IT methods.

Agriculture↗