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Volume 15 (1); March, 2025

Effects of Six-Hour Pre-Incubation Thermal Conditioning and Prolonged Storage on Egg Quality, Embryogenesis, Hatchability, and Post-Hatch Physiology of Plymouth Rock Hybrid Chickens in Tropical Climate of Ghana

Research Paper

Sasu P, Agbehadzi RK, Ackah EM, Adjei-Mensah B, Felicia EE, Danquah CA, Tona K, Hamidu JA, and Were P.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 1-22, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500001-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.1

ABSTRACT: Prolonged storage negatively impacts incubation outcomes in commercial hatchery operations, highlighting the need for efficient storage strategies. This study assessed the impact of prolonged storage durations and six-hour pre-incubation thermal conditioning (PTC) on egg quality, embryonic development, hatchability, chick quality, blood profile, and thermoregulation. A total of 2,000 fertile eggs were collected from a flock of 72-week-old Plymouth Rock hybrid hens and subjected to a 2 × 2 factorial design, involving storage for either 14 or 21 days, with or without the application of 6-hour PTC. Following storage, the eggs were incubated in a Jamesway P5000 set at a temperature of 37.5°C and relative humidity of 56%, then transferred on incubation day 18 to a hatcher set at 36.5°C and 60% until hatching. Results revealed that prolonged egg storage without PTC significantly diminished egg protein while PTC effectively countered this decline, enhancing Haugh unit values and blastoderm diameter. Prolonged egg storage without PTC also resulted in increased relative egg weight loss (REWL), fluctuated daily eggshell temperature, and reduced embryonic growth during incubation while PTC significantly reduced these effects, with embryos demonstrating significantly enhanced growth. Additionally, while fertility rates remained stable across all treatments, PTC significantly reduced mortality and improved hatchability by 11.4% in 14-day stored eggs and 10.8% in 21-day stored eggs. It also shortened incubation time, increased post-hatch chick body weights and enhanced their hematological and serum profiles, including normalized thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels compared to the non-PTC (control) group. Pearson correlation showed that longer incubation time was positively correlated with higher rectal temperature, serum glucose, and thyroid hormones, but negatively correlated with hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and total protein in non-PTC chicks. In conclusion, six-hour pre-incubation thermal conditioning mitigates the negative effects of prolonged egg storage and enhances embryogenesis, hatchability, chick quality, blood profile, and thermoregulation in Plymouth Rock hybrid chickens.
Keywords: Embryonic development, Extended egg storage, Plymouth rock hybrid chicken, Pre-incubation thermal conditioning, Thermoregulation

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Evaluation of Zootechnical Performance of Muscovy Ducks in South Benin

Research Paper

Evaluation of Zootechnical Performance of Muscovy Ducks in South Benin

Houessionon FJB, Bonou AG, Dahouda M, Dougnon TJ, Mensah GA, and Youssao Abdou Karim I.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 23-32, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500002-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.2

ABSTRACT: Studies on the zootechnical performance of Muscovy ducks are scarce in Benin. The current study aimed to evaluate the performance of these ducks in a controlled environment for a better valorization of potentialities. Data were collected from 193 ducks for growth performance, 30 ducks for egg-laying performance, and 71 eggs for egg characteristics of Muscovy ducks in South Benin. The ducks were raised in controlled conditions. At hatching, male and female ducks had similar weights and body measurements. From week 2 to week 68, males had significantly higher weight than females. Males had higher initial specific growth than females (0.52 vs 0.63 per week), while females were older than males regarding age inflection point (33.10 vs 25.98 weeks). In addition, males had longer bodies, wider thoraces, and longer tarsus than females. Regarding the wingspan, the difference between males and females was observed from week 8, with higher values in males. Individual feed intake and feed conversion ratio increased as the ducks grew older. In the first week, the individual feed intake was 20.08 g per day, and the feed conversion ratio was 1.51. After 20 weeks of age, Muscovy ducks consumed 136 g daily with a high feed conversion ratio of 26. The age of the first egg of Muscovy duck was 6.17 months, and the average number of eggs laid per brooding was 15.37 eggs. The brooding duration was 35.63 days, with a hatching rate of 73.06%. The duckling’s survival rate at hatching was 95.28%, of which 97.47% were weaned. The average weight of a duck egg was 63.56 g, and that of the shell was 8 g, while albumen and yolk amounted to 30.01 g and 23.86 g, respectively. Duck eggshell dominant color was white (60.5%), followed by dirty white (26.31%), and finally brown (13.64%). These results on the zootechnical performance of the Muscovy duck can be considered a reliable basis for this species’ potential improvement in South Benin.
Keywords: Average daily gain, Benin, Feed conversion ratio, Muscovy duck, Weight, Zootechnical performance

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Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Spirulina on Health Status, Growth Performance, and Slaughter Traits in Quails

Research Paper

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Spirulina on Health Status, Growth Performance, and Slaughter Traits in Quails

Harouz-Cherifi Z, Abdelli A, Messad S, and Habbi-Cherifi A.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 33-41, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500003-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.3

ABSTRACT: The supplementation of sustainable alternative sources such as nutrient-rich algae, especially rich in proteins, in animal feed is a promising and innovative strategy to improve feed autonomy, especially in poultry diets. This study evaluated the effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on growth performance and slaughter characteristics in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 180 unsexed, 2-day-old quail chicks with a mean body weight of 9 ± 1.42 g were randomly assigned to three dietary groups, each containing 60 quails. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups, with 15 quails in each (4 repetitions per group). Three groups were provided with commercial diets (starter, grower, and finisher) for five weeks. These diets were supplemented with Spirulina at concentrations of 0.5 g/kg (SP0.5), and 1 g/kg (SP1), while the control group (SP0) received no Spirulina supplementation. Growth performance was monitored, and at the end of the trial (35 d), 60 quails (20 per group) were slaughtered for carcass evaluation including hot and cold carcass weight and liver weight. Results showed that Spirulina supplementation at 1 g/kg (SP1) significantly increased feed intake and weight gain compared to the control and SP0.5 groups. Significant differences in growth performance and feed intake were observed between the Spirulina-supplemented groups (0.5 and 1 g/kg) and the control group. Carcass characteristics, including hot carcass yield and liver weight, were significantly higher in the SP0.5 and SP1 groups compared to the control group (SP0). In conclusion, supplementing quail diets with 0.5 and 1 g/kg Spirulina improved growth performance and carcass quality without negative effects on overall performance. This supplementation can be considered as a cost-effective diet ingredient for enhancing meat quality in quail production.
Keywords: Carcass trait, Growth, Japanese quail, Performance, Spirulina platensis

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Effect of Cassava Silage Diet on Performance and Internal Organs of Male Ducks

Research Paper

Effect of Cassava Silage Diet on Performance and Internal Organs of Male Ducks

Sandi S., Sahara E., Laconi E.B., Sudarman A., Wiryawan K.G., and Mangunwijaja D.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 42-52, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500004-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.4

ABSTRACT: It would be beneficial to consider supplementary feeding of livestock as a means of increasing production, although this may be constrained by the residues produced. Silage is one of the forage feed conservation techniques that has also been the subject of interest in recent years concerning poultry feed. The present study aimed to gain insight into the potential impact of feeding cassava-based silage (CS) on the internal organs and performance of male ducks. The study was conducted using 200 male local ducks aged one day, which were then reared in cages for 10 weeks. The research design was based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were arranged based on the amount/percentage of silage used in the basal ration and were as follows S0 (silage ration 0% CS/control), S25 (silage ration 25% CS), S50 (silage ration 50% CS), S75 (silage ration 75% CS), and S100 (silage ration 100% CS). In further observations, several variables were considered, including body weight gain (BWG), ration consumption, ration conversion, abdominal fat percentage, spleen percentage, liver percentage, kidney percentage, heart percentage, gizzard percentage, pancreas percentage, thyroid percentage, serum thiocyanate levels, and mortality, as well as serum thiocyanate. The results indicated a notable decline in performance (p < 0.05) in BWG observations when CS was provided in amounts exceeding 25% and consumption exceeded 50%. Furthermore, there was a notable increase in the weight of internal organs, which appeared to coincide with an increase in the level of use of cassava-based silage in duck rations. Based on the results of the study the use of cassava-based silage could be considered as a potential alternative or replacement for up to 50% of basal rations, without necessarily resulting in significant changes in the performance and internal organs of livestock.
Keywords: Body weight, Complete ration, Cassava, Silage, Internal organ, Male duck.

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Effects of Yogurt Supplementation on Feed Efficiency, Growth Performance, and Ileal Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chicken

Research Paper

Effects of Yogurt Supplementation on Feed Efficiency, Growth Performance, and Ileal Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chicken

Hossain ME, Munni MB, Amin US, Alam M, Islam S, Akter N, and Hoque MA.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 53-64, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500005-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.5

ABSTRACT: The use of probiotics, particularly fermented yogurt, in poultry diets has gained substantial interest due to their capacity to enhance growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and nutrient absorption in broiler chickens. This study evaluated the effects of yogurt supplementation on broiler performance and nutrient utilization. Two hundred one-day-old Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments using a completely randomized design. Each treatment group included five replicates with eight chicks per replicate. The dietary treatments consisted of a control diet (without yogurt), locally prepared yogurt (5 mL/L in drinking water), yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA, 5 mL/L), yogurt fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus (ST, 5 mL/L), and yogurt co-fermented with L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus (LA+ST, 5 mL/L). The performance and ileal digestibility of nutrients were measured. Results indicated that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) significantly decreased in the LA+ST group at 0-14 days, with an 11.7% reduction compared to the control. Broilers receiving yogurt demonstrated a higher average daily gain (ADG) at 0-14 days, with the LA+ST group showing an 8% improvement over the control. At 0-28 days, the LA+ST group maintained the highest ADG, 6.8% higher than the control. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly improved with yogurt supplementation at 0-14 days. Compared to the control, FCR improved by 3.6%, 7.9%, 5.7%, and 15.7% in the Local, LA, ST, and LA+ST groups, respectively. Additionally, yogurt fermented with specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) significantly enhanced the ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), and total ash (TA). These findings highlight the efficacy of yogurt fermented with L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus as a dietary supplement to enhance growth performance and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens.
Keywords: Broiler, Daily gain, Feed conversion ratio, Feed intake, Yogurt

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Broiler Farming in the Face of Accelerating Climate Change: Risks for Production and Food Security

Research Paper

Broiler Farming in the Face of Accelerating Climate Change: Risks for Production and Food Security

Mouss AK, Hammouche D, and Meziane R.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 65-73, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500006-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.6

ABSTRACT: Climate change poses significant challenges to poultry farming, particularly when broiler farms rear chickens in suboptimal housing conditions. The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of climate change, expressed through the Temperature Humidity Index (THI), on quantitative (carcass yields, pectoral muscles, thighs and drumsticks, and abdominal fat rate) and qualitative production parameters (composition of muscles in dry matter, mineral matter, crude proteins, and fat). The study was conducted in two separate poultry buildings over 45 days in northern Algeria. A total of 300 one-day-old unsexed chicks were randomly allocated into three replicates of 50 broilers each per building. The conditions of temperature and relative humidity were strictly regulated in control group but it was unregulated, exposing birds to natural climate variations in the experimental group. The impact of climate change, represented by the Temperature Humidity Index (THI), on carcass yield, pectoralis major and minor (pectoral muscles), sartorius and gastrocnemius (thigh and drumstick muscles), as well as abdominal fat content were evaluated. The results revealed that the control group was exposed to THIs of 30.88, 20.45, and 19.19, while the experimental group was subjected to THIs of 33.07, 31.48, and 30.87 for the three growth phases. The increase in THI resulted in significant proportional deteriorations in the experimental group compared to the control group, for all the parameters under study, particularly at the end of breeding. There were reductions in yields of -6.12% for eviscerated carcasses, -8.16% for thighs and drumsticks, and -9.28% for pectoral muscles. Furthermore, the abdominal fat rate increased by +21.03%. The nutritional composition of pectoral muscles showed that chickens in the experimental group had +6.17% dry matter, +13.23% fat, -13.88% mineral matter, and -8.78% crude proteins. A similar trend was observed for thigh and drumstick muscles, with +6.10% dry matter, +14.39% fat, -12.28% mineral matter, and -12.50% crude proteins. The study highlighted the impact of climate change on poultry farming, which potentially affects production and threatens food security.
Keywords: Broiler chicken, Carcass, Climate change, Food security, Muscle, Nutritional quality, Yield

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Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Chestnut tannin on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Cholesterol in Ulu Chickens

Research Paper

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Chestnut tannin on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Cholesterol in Ulu Chickens

Maslami V, Erwan E, Irawati E, Fitra D, Afriadi, and Emadi M.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 74-80, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500007-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.7

ABSTRACT: Tannin from chestnuts has garnered interest in poultry nutrition due to its potential impact on meat quality. The current study investigated the effects of Chestnut tannins (CT) which were derived from natural chestnut wood, on poultry health and meat characteristics. The primary objective was to determine the effects of CT supplementation in commercial feed on performance, carcass, and meat cholesterol in Ulu chickens. A total of 48 one-day-old Ulu chickens were divided randomly based on a completely randomized design into four treatment groups, with four replications each, and raised until 63 days of age. The treatments consisted of varying doses of CT (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) supplemented with a commercial diet. The parameters measured were performance, carcass traits, and meat cholesterol. The results showed that the supplementation of different levels of CT did not significantly alter performance, carcass traits, and meat cholesterol in ulu chickens. However, correlation and trend analysis indicated that the 0.3% CT treatment yielded the best growth performance, with a body weight gain of 934.85 g and a feed conversion ratio of 2.53, respectively. Conversely, the best treatment for reducing meat cholesterol was 0.2% of CT. It can be concluded that while CT supplementation did not influence the performance and carcass characteristics, it was effective in reducing meat cholesterol levels in Ulu chickens.
Keywords: Carcass, Cholesterol, Performance, Chestnut tannins, Ulu chicken

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Prevalence, Gross Pathology, and Histopathology of Marek’s Disease in Backyard Chickens in Northeastern Tunisia

Research Paper

Prevalence, Gross Pathology, and Histopathology of Marek’s Disease in Backyard Chickens in Northeastern Tunisia

Kaboudi K, Mkadem E, and Amara A.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 81-91, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500008-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.8

ABSTRACT: Marek's disease (MD) is a common worldwide lymphomatous and neuropathic disease of chickens. Infection can cause significant losses in chicken production due to high mortality and morbidity. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of MD in backyard flocks in the Grand-Tunis region of northeastern Tunisia and to analyze clinical cases over an eight-year and three-month period, from September 2012 to December 2020. A total of 798 cases were received for necropsy examination in the avian clinic of the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Tunisia. Among these, chicks suspected of having MD underwent clinical observation, postmortem examination, and histopathological analysis. The results showed that 61 chickens (7.64%) were suspected to have MD. Clinical and postmortem examinations revealed different forms of MD including visceral (31 cases), mixed (20 cases), and nervous forms (10 cases). Postmortem examinations showed two types of lesions including hypertrophy and lymphomatous tumors. The highest frequencies of lesions were noted in the liver (74%), spleen (62%), sciatic nerves (48%), lungs (36%), and kidneys (31%). Hypertrophy predominated in the spleen (49%), sciatic nerves (48%), liver (28%), kidneys (25%), lungs (21%), proventriculus (18%), and gonads (17%). Conversely, lymphomatous tumors were more frequently observed in the liver (46%), heart (23%), lungs (15%), and spleen (13%). Histopathological investigations revealed pleomorphic infiltrations with lymphocytes and plasmocytes in visceral organs, sciatic nerves, and the skin. High histological scores were recorded in the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and heart. The current study confirmed endemic MD in backyard chicken populations in Grand-Tunis région and confirmed that it can be a serious threat to poultry health in the study area.
Keywords: Backyard chickens, Clinical examination, Histopathology, Lymphoma, Marek's disease, Postmortem examination

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Effects of Chitosan-Stearin on Quality of Chicken Egg Storage at Room Temperature

Research Paper

Effects of Chitosan-Stearin on Quality of Chicken Egg Storage at Room Temperature

Purnawarman T, Nasution MIA, Soenarno MS, Siswanto, Yunilas, Hasanah U, and Wahyuni S.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 92-102, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500009-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.9

ABSTRACT: Consumption of chicken eggs has perishable properties, the quality of eggs declines faster and the shelf life of eggs is considerably short at room temperature compared to cold temperatures. The present study aimed to evaluate the application of chitosan-stearin as a coating on the quality of chicken egg storage at room temperature. The present study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 4 x 5 factorial pattern with three replications. Each replicate consisted of six fresh chicken eggs, resulting in 360 eggs. The groups included Without Coating (FD0), Virgin Coconut Oil (FD1), 1.5% Chitosan + 1% Stearin (FD2), and 3% Chitosan + 1% Stearin (FD3). The second effective variable in grouping was storage time 0 Days (ST0), 14 Days (ST14), 28 Days (ST28), 42 Days (ST42), and 56 Days (ST56). The current results indicated that the storage time and the formula dosage had a notable effect on haugh unit, yolk index, and albumen index, but no significant effect on the pH of the albumen. Formula dosage had no significant effect, but storage time had a significant effect on yolk pH and color, and weight loss. There was an interaction between formula dosage and storage time on haugh unit, albumen index, and yolk index, but there was no interaction on albumen pH, weight loss, yolk pH, and yolk color. The Chitosan-Stearin coating can maintain the quality of chicken eggs during storage for up to 56 days. The use of 3% Chitosan + 1% Stearin as a coating formula indicated the best results in maintaining the quality of chicken eggs during storage time at room temperature.
Keywords: Chicken egg, Chitosan, Coating, Room temperature, Stearin

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Effects of Olive Leaf Extract on Growth Performance and Immunobiochemical Parameters in Turkey Poults

Research Paper

Effects of Olive Leaf Extract on Growth Performance and Immunobiochemical Parameters in Turkey Poults

El Khder GM, Mostafa DIA, Sarhan MM, Abd El Kader SA, Ewis HA, Abd El Wahab SA, and Kassem M.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 103-117, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500010-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.10

ABSTRACT: Olive leaf extract (OLE) is known to have numerous bioactivities attributed to its high phenolic compound content. This study aimed to investigate the impact of OLE and Ceftriaxone on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in turkey poults. A total of 150 cloacal swabs were taken from turkey poults for isolation and identification of E. coli. Fifty-one-day-old turkey poults were divided into five equal groups. The first group served as the control, and the second group orally received 400 mg/kg body weight OLE daily for 35 days. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were infected with a culture suspension of E. coli O78 (0.3 ml, 3×107 organism/ml) via the nasal route. The third group was infected untreated. The fourth group was treated with 50 mg/Kg body weight of Ceftriaxone for 5 consecutive days. The fifth group received 400 mg/kg body weight of OLE from day to day 35 of age. Bacteriological examination revealed positive swabs in 18.18%, 46.67%, and 53.33% of healthy, diseased, and recently deceased poults, respectively. Serological identification of E. coli isolates included O157 (2), O78 (2), and O11 (1). Poults of the third group showed typical clinical signs, gross pathological changes such as congestion in various organs, and a 30% mortality rate. Additionally, significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed, alongside anemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Conversely, significant increases were noted in the phagocytic index, killing percentage, total globulin, immunoglobulins, and the albumin/globulin ratio. Furthermore, significant increases were observed in FCR, leukocytic counts, lysosome, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-10, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Poults in the fourth and fifth groups showed fewer clinical signs, lower lesion scores, and reduced mortality rates. Additionally, there was a decrease in E. coli re-isolation, modulation of altered parameters, and improvement in pathological lesions compared to the infected, untreated poults. Both OLE and Ceftriaxone were found to modulate the haematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters, as well as mitigate performance changes and pathological lesions induced by E. coli infection in turkey poults.
Keywords: Blood parameter, Ceftriaxone, E. coli, Olive leaves extract, Performance, Turkey poult

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Impacts of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E Supplementation on Growth Performance, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Blood in Broiler Chickens

Research Paper

Impacts of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E Supplementation on Growth Performance, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Blood in Broiler Chickens

Hossain J, Hossain ME, and Ahammed M.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 118-127, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500011-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.11

ABSTRACT: Metabolism, lipid synthesis, and reducing oxidative stress contribute to broiler chickens' growth and immunity. The current study examined how zinc, vitamin E, and selenium impact broiler growth, carcass characteristics, hematological and serum biochemical parameters, and profitability. There were 300-day-old straight-run chicks (Indian River) raised in a deep litter system until 28 days old. On day 7, the chicks were randomly divided into four groups of 75 chicks, each group replicated into 3 replications. Supplementation of zinc, selenium, and vitamin E through water was conducted from day 7 to day 28. This experiment was performed during the lifespan of chickens from 0 to 28 days of age. The treatment groups were control (drinking water with no supplementation), Zn (drinking water with 4 ml/L zinc), Se+Vit E (drinking water with 0.25 ml/L E-Sel), and Zn+Se+Vit E (drinking water with both 4 ml/L zinc and 0.25 ml/L E-Sel). The results indicated significant changes in growth and feed conversion ratio among Zn, Se, and Vit-E supplemented groups. Among the supplemented groups, the Zn+Seleium+VitaminE group exhibited higher growth performance, lower cholesterol, and lower production costs. The findings showed no significant changes in dressing characteristics and feed consumption among groups. The combined group of Zn, Se, and Vit-E had a lower abdominal fat content than other supplemented groups. Supplemented with Zn, Se, and Vit-E groups had lower cholesterol and LDL levels than the control group. Serum differential leukocyte count (eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes) and liver and kidney function tests (ALT, AST, creatinine) showed no significant variations between the groups. Antioxidants increased profitability, with the Zn+Se+Vit E group having a higher profit per kg broiler and cost-benefit ratio. Broiler growth performance, dressing characteristics, biochemicals, and hematological indicators are associated with supplementation Zn, Se, and Vit- E. The addition of Zn (4 ml/L) and Se and Vit E solution (E-Sel) (0.25 ml/L) to drinking water could enhance broiler growth performance and reduce cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration.
Keywords: Broiler, Selenium, Vitamin E, Zinc, Performance

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Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms of Growth Hormone Gene and Egg Production Traits in Chickens: A Systematic Review

Review

Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms of Growth Hormone Gene and Egg Production Traits in Chickens: A Systematic Review

Rankotsane HV, Louis TT, and Abdulkareem AA.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 128-133, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500012-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.12

ABSTRACT: Chicken performance traits are affected by the chicken growth hormone (cGH) gene due to its essential part in metabolism and growth, and genetic polymorphisms may be useful as a genetic marker for growth traits. However, no comprehensive review provides information on the cGH polymorphisms and their correlation with egg production traits. The study systematically reviewed the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the growth hormone gene and their association with the chicken’s egg production traits. Four databases, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science, were used to search the literature where the keywords ‘growth hormone, single nucleotide polymorphisms, genetic variations, genetic effects, egg production traits, and chickens were the keywords during the literature search. The outcomes revealed that four articles published in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018 were included. The results indicated that four SNPs (T185G, G662A, T3094C, and C3199T) were identified, with allelic frequencies ranging from 0.020 to 0.964 and genotypic frequencies ranging from 0.007 to 0.930. The findings indicated that some of the articles used more than one breed. The present reveiw revealed that egg number was found to be significantly associated with discovered genotypes six times, while body weight at first egg and egg weight at first egg were found to be significantly related to discovered genotypes four times. However, additional research is required to validate the identified SNPs. Furthermore, identified SNPs could serve as possible molecular markers to genetically improve egg production in chickens.
Keywords: Average egg weight, Body weight, Egg number, Egg weight, Genotype

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Roles of Environment, Nutrition, and Genetics in Woody Breast Condition in Chickens

Review

Roles of Environment, Nutrition, and Genetics in Woody Breast Condition in Chickens

Shakeri M.

J. World Poult. Res. 15(1): 134-138, 2025; pii: S2322455X2500013-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2025.13

ABSTRACT: Woody breast (WB) condition is a muscle disease in broiler chickens that makes breast meat hard and rubbery, and it has a negative impact on the texture and appearance of fast-growing broiler chicken breast muscle. This condition is safe for consumers, but the meat generally goes under extra meat processing, such as making pet foods, because of lower consumer acceptance, which is an additional cost for the industry. The exact etiology of myopathy is unknown. Although there is no promising solution for the issue, several strategies, such as nutrition, have been introduced to reduce the WB rate. The present study reviewed the strategies that improved WB conditions, including genetics, nutritional, and environmental factors such as temperature and air quality.
Keywords: Broiler chicken, Environment, Genetic, Mitochondria, Nutrition, Woody breast