Volume 4 : Issue 4, December 2014

Table of Contents,

Issue 4 (25 December 2014), pp. 75-93

Research Title/
Graphical Abstract

Article Information/
Abstract

Download

S2322455X1400012-4

Assessment of the Microbial Safety and Quality of Eggs from Small and Large-Scale Hen Breeders


Original Article, D12
Cader Sh, Goburdhun D and Neetoo H.
J. World's Poult. Res.
4(4): 75-81, 2014

ABSTRACT: Egg is considered a nutritionally complete food and an excellent source of protein. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the level of hygienic practices in small and large scale hen breeders, (ii) to evaluate the microbiological safety and quality of eggs along the production chain and (iii) to compare the shelf-life of eggs stored at ambient and refrigerated temperatures. The post-laying hygienic practices of farmers were assessed by a survey. Eggs obtained at post-laying and at retail were microbiologically analyzed for TVC, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Yeasts and Molds. Eggs were also stored at ambient (ca. 22°C) or chilled temperature (4 ± 1°C) over a period of 23 days and analyzed every 6 days. Parameters tested included TVC, yolk index, Haugh unit and pH of the albumen. The survey revealed that neither small nor large-scale hen breeders washed the eggs before sale; however inspection for cracks and dry removal of dirt on egg surfaces were performed. The mean population of TVC, Staphylococcus spp. and Yeasts and Molds just after laying was ca. 4.6, 3.1 and 2.8 log cfu/g (egg shell) and 3.1, 2.5 and < 1.0 log cfu/g (egg content) respectively and ca. 4.8, 4.6 and 3.5 log cfu/g (egg shell) and 3.2, 3.0 and
Keywords: Egg, Pathogens, Shelf-Life, Storage, pH, Yolk Index

alt

S2322455X1400013-4

In-vitro Quantitative Assay of Interferon Gamma in Serum of Nigerian Indigenous and Exotic Breeds of Chickens


Original Article, D13
Oluwaseun E and Omolade O.
J. World's Poult. Res.
4(4): 82-85, 2014

ABSTRACT: The Nigerian Indigenous breeds of Chicken (NIC) have thrived in harsh tropical environment with little veterinary care and poor nutrition compared with the introduced exotic breeds which performs sub-optimally in the tropics. However, they receive little attention for commercial production in spite of low input required. A comparative assessment of cellular immune response of the indigenous and exotic breeds was carried out to provide scientific explanation for their hardy nature and justify production for economic purposes. Fifteen chickens from each of three indigenous breeds i.e. Frizzled- feathered, Naked-neck and Smooth-feathered, and 8 Isa Brown pullets were 10 weeks old and reared in separate cages. The chickens were stabilized and administered Newcastle Disease Vaccine (NDV), LaSota strain. At 14 and 16 weeks old, all breeds were administered NDV Komarov strain in Freund’s adjuvant and in PBS intramuscularly as sensitizing and challenge inoculants, respectively. They were bled for serum 5 days later and concentrations of Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were determined using competitive Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that the Frizzled-feathered chickens had the highest concentration of IFN-gamma (58±2.8 pg/ml) which was significantly higher than 49±3.2 pg/ml and 44±2.5 pg/ml recorded for Smooth-feathered and Isa brown breeds respectively. Also, concentration in Naked-neck breed was 54±2.9 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than Isa Brown. Isa Brown had the significantly lowest concentration. It was concluded that the three NIC studied, have inherent capacity to mount higher levels of cellular immune response compared with the exotic Isa brown, when challenged.
Keywords: Cellular Immunity, ELISA, Exotic Breed, Interferon-Gamma, Nigerian Indigenous Chickens.

alt

S2322455X1400014-4

Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Helminths of Native Turkeys in Amol, Iran

Original Article, D14
RanjbarBahadory Sh, Hoghoghi Rad N, Ramezani A, Babazadeh D, Falah S, Ghavami S.
J. World's Poult. Res.
4(4): 86-88, 2014

ABSTRACT: Native turkeys are kept as domestic bird in rural environments and can be infected with bacterial, viral and parasitic agents. Capillaria and Ascaridia are nematodes of small intestines of domestic birds such as turkey. Small intestine trematod of birds like echinostomiasis need intermediate hosts for evolution. Raillietina tetragona and Raillietina echinobothrida are parasites in small intestines of birds. These parasites can cause economic loss and create problems for turkey. The purpose of this study was to determine the genus and species, frequency and severity of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Gastrointestinal of 60 slaughtered turkeys of Amol city were necropsied and examined. 25% of the samples were not contaminated and 75% of samples were infected with nematode, cestode and trematode. Prevalence and parasite species, including: 20% Capillaria, 51% A. gali, 8% R. tetragona, 8% R. echinobothrida and 11% Echinostoma. The results indicated that the highest prevalence of helminth parasites in turkeys of Amol and north of Iran was nematode.
Key words: Turkey, Helminth, gastrointestinal, Amol

alt

S2322455X1400015-4

Prevalence of Haemoparasites in Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) in Ibadan, Nigeria

alt

Original Article, D15
Olayemi OA, Jubril AJ and Adekola AA.

J. World's Poult. Res.
4(4): 89-93, 2014

ABSTRACT: Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) are ubiquitous passerine birds found in Nigeria. Researches on avian haemoparasites in domestic and wild birds in Nigeria have been receiving considerable attention over the years. In recent studies, the commonly reported haemoparasites include Haemoproteus sp, Plasmodium sp., Leucocytozoon, Hepatozoon and nematode microfilariae. These haemoparasites have been associated with several pathologic changes and diseases in affected birds. However, there is dearth of information on the prevalence of haemoparasites associated with village weaver in Nigeria. This present study evaluated the prevalence of haemoparasites in village weavers birds found in Ibadan, Nigeria and the associated haematological changes. 30 weaver birds were captured from the suburb of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The buffy coat smears of the birds were made to ascertain the prevalence of haemoparasites using light microscopy to determine the morphological characteristics of the haemoparasites observed. The morphological characteristics of the haemoparasites observed were consistent with Haemoproteus spp., Leucocytozoon spp., Plasmodium spp., and microfilariae. Out of the total number of the village weavers sampled, 22 (73.33%) had one or more haemoparasites. Haemoproteus spp was observed in 19 (63.33%) birds, microfilariae was seen in 10 (33.33%) while 7 (23.33%) had Leucocytozoon spp with Plasmodium spp. in 5 (16.67%), being the least prevalent in this study. The co-infection with different haemoparasites was significant (p <0.05) which indicated an increased relative risk of a superimposed haemoparasite infection in already infected birds. The erythrocyte parameters and indices (PCV, RBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC) were slightly higher in the uninfected weaver birds than in the haemoparasite infected population.
Key words: Haemoparasites, Village weavers, Buffy coat smear, Haematological parameters

alt