Grading in poultry breeding is the process sorting birds into categories based on their body weights. Grading is the process of sorting individual birds into categories based on bodyweight (super light, light, average, heavy) so that birds within respective categories can be managed back to standard. Grading is the process of shorting of all individual birds in a flock (both Male & Female separately) into 3 sub-populations based on body weights (physiological state) so that each group can be managed back to the standard to have perfect uniformity in the whole flock at the point of Lay (POL). A uniform flock is easier to manage than a variable one; birds in similar physiological stale will respond more similarly to managemental factors.

Background of Grading
There is always a natural variation in a flock, even at day old. At placement, the chick body weight in a flock should have minimum variation. As chicks grow, the variation in the flock increases further due to difference of response of individual birds to factors like vaccination, disease, differing competitiveness of feed, etc. The increased variation reduces overall flock performance and makes the flock management much more difficult.

Understanding the Principles of Grading
Grading is a systematic process that adheres to well-defined principles. It’s a great way to improve the uniformity of a flock!

With grading, the flock is separated, and groups of smaller and bigger birds are formed to improve the total flock uniformity. The grading principles serve as guidelines to ensure consistency, and fairness while classifying birds. The primary principles of grading are the following:

1. Objectivity: Grading should be based on measurable and observable characteristics, minimizing subjective judgments.
2. Traceability: Detailed records should be maintained to track the grading process and facilitate future analysis.
3. Continuous Improvement: Grading practices should be regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate advancements in breeding management.

Purpose
Grading improves uniformity in a flock by separating birds into groups based on their weight so that they can be managed back to the standard.

Benefits
A uniform flock is easier to manage because birds in similar physiological states respond similarly to management.

When to grade
Grading is usually done when the flock is 7–14 days old, and then again at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age. It’s recommended to grade as soon as possible so that the birds can recover from growth retardation.

How to grade
To grade, you can:
1. Weigh a minimum of 2% of the flock to calculate the average weight and variation in body weight.
• Measure the variation in body weight using the coefficient of variation (CV%) or uniformity (%).
• Separate the birds into categories based on their weight.
• Manage each group to bring them back to the standard weight.

Grading Procedure
Depending on the uniformity 3 to 4 sub-populations may be made; Heavy, Medium, Light & Super light (if necessary). Some breeder houses have fixed pen or partitions and some houses has adjustable partitions; in both cases at least one pen shall be left empty during chick placement for Grading operation. It is better to have adjustable Partition and divide the whole house in 4 parts for Female & 4 parts for Male; with 2 parts each for medium size group (usually over 65% of total population), One part each for Heavy & Light Weight group for both Male & Female. Arrange Brooding in one part each for Male & female separately. Start grading on 8th day itself and shift them in different pen, keepingthe lighter group at the entry side. With advancing age & body weight, arrange 100% grading at the end of 4, 8 & 12 weeks and give floor space accordingly in the respective pen. In case of fixed pen, calculate the floor space, no of feeder & drinker as per maximum no of birds to place after grading. Similarly, in case of adjustable pen adjust the size as per no of birds to be housed along with sufficient no of feeder & drinkers. If stocking density in a pen is not adjusted with floor space, feeder & drinker space, then grading will cause more problem.

Variation in a flock can be measured by 2 different ways:
1. Coefficient of Variation (CV%) – this measured the variations of body weight within the flock, the flock with lower CV’s is a less variable flock.
2. Uniformity% – this measures the evenness of body weights within a flock, the higher the uniformity the less variable the flock is.

Key Issues during Grading:
• Start Grading of Male & Female simultaneously @ 2nd Week or 29th day.
• A successful Grading should minimize the variability in graded flock than the original flock with the CV% shall be around 8 and Uniformity above 80%.
• Each sub-population should be re-weighted & counted to confirm the Av Body Wt and CV%/ Uniformity so that projected (re-scheduled) target body weights & Feeding rates can be determined.
• Inaccurate bird counting will lead to incorrect quantity of Feed, which invite future problem
• Each sup-population should have own dedicated feeding system. Otherwise, supplementary feeding must allow even distribution of feed & adequate feeding space per bird.
• Ensure the stocking density, feeding & drinking space are consistent as per guidelines after grading; specially for the adjustable size pen.

Flock Management after Grading:
• Following grading, the flock need to be managed to achieve targeted body weight in graded group in uniform & coordinated manner. Post grading management to maintain uniformity within graded pen is more important than the grading itself. The most important issue is the post grading management results in the birds converging to a common target body weight at Transfer to laying house.
• Post Grading Feed Quantity should be adjusted to individual pen and graded birds body weights to bring each sub-population gradually back to the target line.

Challenges for Grading
• Grading is often seen as a herculean task. Add to that the misconception that it involves too much work for a very little return, and there are numerous reasons why farm owners do not want to grade their flock.
• Increased costs due to more labor.
• Stressful for birds to move between the pens.
• Feeder & drinker configurations. Managing feed times.

Take Home Message
• Feed level must be recalculated on a weekly basis calculating for changes in liveability.
• Feed recalculation twice a week gives excellent results specially for Light weight group where higher increase level is required.
• Feed calculation based on individual pen birds Av Body Wt & bird numbers
• Feed level should never be reduced
• Feed level for Light Wt group should remain same first week post grading owing to the fact that reduced competition from heavier birds will give a good amount extra feed to all birds.
• Smaller for Heavy Wt Bird group
• Greater for Lighter Wt Bird group
• Standard for Medium Wt bird group
Never hold feed increment for any group for more than 2 weeks

Post Grading: Continuous Improvement
Flock grading is an ongoing process that requires regular review and refinement. Post-grading activities are essential for continuous improvement and sustained breeding success.

By mastering flock grading and adhering to best practices, poultry breeders can achieve optimal flock management, genetic progress, and long-term profitability in their breeding operations.

With the expansion of the poultry industry, farm owners have looked further in detail about ways to improve the hatching eggs and chick output. With increased research, what we know is that one certain way of increasing the overall performance is by maintaining flock uniformity.

A well-graded flock is bound to be more predictable, easier to manage, and more profitable. Combine this with the extensive features that seasoned poultry management software offers, and farm owners will start managing a flock with much greater production potential.

Introduction
The poultry industry has seen exponential growth over the last few decades, driven by the demand for high-quality protein sources such as chicken. However, the intensification of poultry production has also brought challenges, particularly in managing the health of broilers, which are reared under conditions that can predispose them to stress and diseases. Among these, gut health is a critical area of focus because it directly influences the overall health, performance, and productivity of the birds.

Traditionally, antibiotics have been used extensively to manage gut health issues and prevent diseases. However, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and global consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry has necessitated a shift toward non-antibiotic solutions. Phytomolecules, bioactive compounds derived from plants, have emerged as a promising alternative for maintaining gut health in broilers. This article delves into the significance of gut health in broilers, explores the role of phytomolecules and highlights their effectiveness as a sustainable solution in modern poultry operations.

Understanding Gut Health in Broilers
Gut health refers to the optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is essential for nutrient absorption, immune response, and overall well-being of broilers. In poultry, the gut is not only responsible for digestion but also acts as a key barrier against pathogens, playing a critical role in the immune system. (Image 1)

(Image 1) Source: Guillermo Tellez-Isaias et al 2023, Engormix

A healthy gut consists of a balanced microbial population (microbiota), an intact intestinal barrier, and a well-regulated immune response. Any imbalance in these components can lead to gut dysfunction, manifesting as poor nutrient absorption, diarrhoea, increased susceptibility to infections, and reduced growth performance.

Common gut health challenges in broilers include:
1. Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiota, often caused by stress, poor nutrition, or infections, can disrupt gut function.
2. Enteric diseases: Diseases like necrotic enteritis (caused by Clostridium perfringens) and coccidiosis (caused by Eimeria species) can severely damage the intestinal lining.
3. Leaky gut syndrome: Increased intestinal permeability can allow harmful substances to pass into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.
4. Poor nutrient absorption: Impaired gut function can reduce the efficiency of nutrient absorption, affecting growth rates and feed conversion ratios.

Source: Self Field observations

Maintaining optimal gut health is, therefore, essential to achieving high productivity, reducing mortality, and ensuring efficient feed utilization in broilers.

The Role of Phytomolecules in Gut Health
Phytomolecules are bioactive compounds derived from plants, including essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. These molecules possess a wide range of biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, making them effective in maintaining and improving gut health.

Over the years, research has demonstrated the potential of phytomolecules to support gut health in poultry. Several studies have shown that these plant-derived compounds can modulate the gut microbiota, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and enhance immune responses, thus promoting better growth and health in broilers.

1. Antimicrobial Properties
One of the primary benefits of phytomolecules is their ability to exert antimicrobial effects. Many essential oils and plant extracts contain compounds like carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol, which have been found to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens. These antimicrobial properties help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, reducing the risk of infections and dysbiosis. (Image 2)

A study by Burt (2004) demonstrated that essential oils containing carvacrol and thymol are effective in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella and Campylobacter in broilers. Similarly, Liu et al. (2012) found that phytogenic compounds such as oregano and thyme oils can significantly reduce the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the poultry gut.

2. Antioxidant Effects
Oxidative stress is a common challenge in modern poultry production, especially under intensive farming conditions. Excessive oxidative stress can damage the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and compromised gut integrity. Phytomolecules such as flavonoids and phenolic acids have strong antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the intestinal cells from oxidative damage. (Image 3)

Flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechins, have been shown to enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduce inflammation, and promote gut integrity. In a study conducted by Rehman et al. (2020), supplementation with flavonoid-rich plant extracts improved the gut health of broilers by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the intestinal barrier function.

(Image 3) Source: Yammine, Jina et al. Heliyon, Volume 8, Issue 12, e12472

3. Anti-inflammatory Action
Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to poor nutrient absorption, tissue damage, and increased susceptibility to infections. Phytomolecules possess anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate gut inflammation and support tissue repair. Compounds such as curcumin (found in turmeric) and gingerols (found in ginger) are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. A study by Khaleel et al. (2021) demonstrated that dietary supplementation with curcumin significantly reduced gut inflammation in broilers and improved their overall performance. Similarly, ginger extract has been found to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance gut health in poultry.

4. Enhancing the Intestinal Barrier
The intestinal barrier is the first line of defence against harmful pathogens and toxins. Phytomolecules, particularly tannins and essential oils, can strengthen the intestinal lining by promoting the production of tight junction proteins that seal the spaces between intestinal cells. This helps reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and prevents the translocation of harmful substances into the bloodstream. (Image 4)

In a study by Yang et al. (2015), tannin-rich plant extracts were found to enhance the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa of broilers, resulting in improved gut integrity and reduced incidence of leaky gut.

5. Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Phytomolecules have prebiotic effects that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. A balanced gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health by enhancing nutrient absorption, stimulating the immune system, and protecting against infections.

Research by Windisch et al. (2008) found that phytogenic feed additives, including essential oils and polyphenols, can modulate the gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic bacterial populations. This microbiota modulation helps maintain gut homeostasis, which is essential for optimal growth and performance in broilers.

Phytomolecules in Commercial Broiler Production
The use of phytomolecules as feed additives in broiler production is gaining popularity as a natural and effective alternative to antibiotics. Various commercial phytogenic products containing essential oils, plant extracts, and other bioactive compounds are now available for use in poultry diets.

Benefits of Phytomolecules Supplementation
1. Improved Growth Performance: Several studies have shown that phytomolecules supplementation can enhance growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and overall performance in broilers. For example, Yang et al. (2015) reported that broilers supplemented with a blend of essential oils and polyphenols exhibited higher weight gain and better feed efficiency.

2. Reduced Mortality and Morbidity: By promoting gut health and enhancing the immune system, phytomolecules help reduce the incidence of enteric diseases and lower mortality rates in broilers. A study by Ciftci et al. (2010) found that broilers fed with a diet containing thyme and rosemary essential oils had a lower incidence of necrotic enteritis and improved survival rates.

3. Enhanced Feed Efficiency: Phytomolecules improve nutrient absorption by maintaining gut integrity and supporting the activity of digestive enzymes. This leads to better feed efficiency and reduced feed costs, which are critical factors in commercial broiler production.

4. Sustainability and Consumer Acceptance: The use of phytogenic feed additives aligns with the growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry products. As these additives are derived from natural sources, they are perceived as safe and environmentally friendly, contributing to the sustainability of poultry production.

Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of phytomolecules in poultry production are well-documented, there are some challenges associated with their use.
These include:

– Variability in Efficacy: The efficacy of phytomolecules can vary depending on factors such as plant source, extraction method, dosage, and the overall diet composition. Standardization of phytogenic products is essential to ensure consistent results.

– Cost: Phytogenic feed additives can be more expensive than traditional antibiotics. However, the long-term benefits, including improved bird health and performance, can offset the higher initial costs.

– Regulatory Approval: Globally in some regions, the use of certain phytomolecules in animal feed may be subject to regulatory approval. Producers should ensure that the phytogenic products they use comply with local regulations.

Conclusion
Gut health is a cornerstone of successful broiler production, influencing not only the health and welfare of the birds but also their growth performance and profitability. As the poultry industry continues to shift toward antibiotic-free production systems, phytomolecules offer a natural and effective solution for maintaining gut health in broilers.
By leveraging the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating properties of phytomolecules, poultry producers can improve gut integrity, reduce the incidence of enteric diseases, and enhance the overall performance of their birds. The multiple mechanisms through which phytomolecules support gut health, such as promoting beneficial microbial populations, protecting the intestinal barrier, and mitigating oxidative stress, make them a valuable tool in the pursuit of sustainable poultry production.

The growing body of research supporting the efficacy of phytomolecules in improving broiler gut health underscores their potential as a reliable alternative to antibiotics. Studies have consistently demonstrated that these plant-derived compounds can improve growth performance, reduce mortality, and enhance feed efficiency, all while aligning with consumer demands for natural, antibiotic-free products.

In conclusion, phytomolecules represent a promising, natural solution for enhancing gut health in broilers, offering benefits that extend beyond disease prevention to improving overall flock performance. As the poultry industry moves toward more sustainable and consumer-friendly practices, phytomolecules will likely play an increasingly important role in maintaining the health and productivity of broilers in antibiotic-free production systems.
The future of broiler production lies in sustainable practices that prioritize animal health and welfare without relying on antibiotics. Phytomolecules offer a natural and scientifically backed solution to the challenges of maintaining gut health in broilers, making them a critical component of the next generation of poultry feed additives.

References:
References are available on request.

Author:
DEEP CHAND VASHISHTHA -M.Sc , MBA
NSM- Bioncia International Pvt Ltd

Stress comes in many forms and seems to affect the performance of birds. The term “stress” is used to describe the detrimental effect of variety of factors on the health and performance of poultry (Rosales, 1994) Or “Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand”, whereas stressor can be defined as “an agent that produces stress at any time”. Therefore, stress represents the reaction of the animal organism (i.e., a biological response) to stimuli that disturb its normal physiological equilibrium or homeostasis (Selye, 1976). The commercial high yielding breeds are more susceptible to stress and diseases. Stress represents the reaction of the animal organism (i.e., a biological response) to stimuli that disturb its normal physiological equilibrium or homeostasis. The importance of animal responses to environmental challenges applies to all species. However, poultry seems to be particularly sensitive to temperature-associated environmental challenges, especially heat stress. Understanding and controlling environmental conditions is crucial to successful poultry production and welfare. Heat Stress not only causes suffering and death in the birds, but also results in reduced or lost production that adversely affects the profit from the enterprise.

Heat stress or any type of Stress have side effect on Vital organs heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Heat Stress adverse effects on liver
The liver is pivotal organ of metabolic activity, which performs essential cellular functions containing the balance of energy metabolism, biosynthesis of vitamins and minerals, and ammonia detoxification (Schliess et al., 2014). Elevated blood flow transfers from the hepato-splanchnic region to respiratory muscles and superficial body tissues to accelerate heat dissipation and decrease body temperature under heat stress, therefore, liver is more sensitive to heat stress (Hai et al., 2006; Crandall et al., 2008). It has been reported that heat stress caused liver fat accumulation and inflammation, and impaired liver function in broiler.

Heat stress adverse effects on respiratory system
Heat stress can cause damage to the lung tissue of broiler chickens by disrupting the integrity of the blood-air barrier and increasing permeability diseases can cause different degrees of lung damage Mammals mainly rely on sweat glands to dissipate heat and maintain body temperature balance (Yahav, 2015), but poultry lack sweat glands, so they primarily dissipate heat through respiration when the temperature is too high (Bell et al., 2001). High-frequency breathing leads to increased susceptibility of lung tissue damage in a heat stress environment. Damage to the blood-air barrier can lead to increased lung permeability, impaired oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange function, and induce respiratory difficulties (Wang et al., 2020), further leading to various lung diseases such as tuberculosis and pulmonary inflammation (Research has shown that heat stress causes lung injury and results in the upregulation of various proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor.

Conclusion
High ambient temperature has emerged as a major constraint for the future development of the poultry industry, especially in the tropics and subtropics. The scarcity of resources coupled with harsh environmental conditions is the most crucial predicaments in the way to rationalize optimum production of broiler. Heat stress disturbs the physiological biochemistry of the broiler which ultimately reduces feed intake and feed efficiency which ultimately results in reduced performance and productivity. Under hot environmental conditions, feed utilization is disturbed by the deposition of fat and oxidative stress. In addition, changes in blood cells, acid-base balance, immune response, liver health, and antioxidant status are some of the major dynamics altered by heat stress.

Alleviating the Adverse Effects of Heat Stress is mandatory to achieve Production & performance poultry Business.

Introduction
Poultry nutritionists must search for ways to lower the overall cost of feed as the price of dietary energy sources continues to rise steadily. As a result, they have at times opted to incorporate lower-quality energy feed ingredients as a solution to this problem. These methods may cause the birds to perform poorly in terms of feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, and overall low productivity. Feathered creatures are by nature omnivores that are designed from an early age to consume both plant and animal materials. But for several reasons, the diet of chickens is increasingly changing to a vegetarian diet. This change caused the loss of some important entities, such as creatine, a key substance in meat that is not found in plants. Creatine is a crucial compound for cellular energy production. Creatine phosphate is the primary substance responsible for supplying ATP, the cell’s energy source. When creatine is not obtained through diet, the body’s creatine levels decrease and must be replenished through endogenous amino acid synthesis. Poultry farming has experienced significant growth in recent years, with poultry production increasing by nearly four times since 1957. This growth has been primarily driven by the rise in carcass (+12%) and breast meat production (+50%). What if we could enhance embryo development by providing a readily available energy source to improve hatchling survival and the first days of life? This can be achieved by supplementing broiler breeders with creatine. Creatine enables muscle cells to generate additional energy by converting low-energy ADP back into ATP. While creatine is naturally present in muscle tissue and animal-derived foods, the concentrations in animal proteins can vary widely due to the quality of raw materials and the instability of creatine under harsh processing conditions. Moreover, animal protein is seldom included in animal feed, as most bird feed is composed of plant proteins and grains.

Benefits of Creatine Forerunner
Even though birds have the ability to produce their own creatine, the amount generated is insufficient to meet the demanding growth and performance needs of modern broilers. The early stages after hatching are crucial for the development of efficient broilers, as they require a significant amount of energy. This is why creatine plays a vital role in this process. While creatine can be transferred from the hen’s diet and synthesis to the egg, the levels passed on are typically low. By supplementing broilers with creatine, we can ensure that the embryo receives an additional energy reserve that can be utilized post-hatching. However, creatine is sensitive to heat and can be lost during the preparation of bird feed supplements.

A strategic solution is to include the creatine precursor guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the mix, which supports optimal nutritional conditions. GAA is converted to creatine in the liver and stored in muscle tissue, making it a valuable addition to animal feed for broilers.

Effects of Maternal Nutrition on Hatchability
New research from Israel has revealed significant findings that support the transfer of creatine from chicken to chicken when GAA (creatine precursor) is added.
Some research indicates that supplementing broilers with GAA may impact the accumulation of creatine in laying hens. The addition of GAA to chicken feed has been proven to boost the creatine levels in both egg yolk and albumin, with the most noticeable impact seen in the yolk, which is crucial for embryo development. By including dietary GAA (0.15%), the creatine content of the entire egg can be increased by over 40%.

GAA: What does it ENTAIL?
Natural amino acid derivative guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is widely known for its pivotal function in the manufacture of creatine, a vital substance involved in the metabolism of cellular energy. GAA, sometimes referred to as betacyamine or glycocyamine, has been studied as a dietary supplement for increasing energy. In vertebrate animals, GAA is the sole direct precursor that produces creatine. Glycine and arginine are the building blocks for the synthesis of GAA, a metabolic intermediate product that is mostly produced in the kidney and pancreas. GAA is converted to creatine by methylation once it reaches the liver. In the creatine biosynthesis pathway, the primary regulated and rate-limiting step is the synthesis of GAA from arginine and glycine. Interestingly, this synthesis is accomplished in different organs, the first step (synthesis of guanidinoacetic acid from arginine and glycine) taking place in the kidney, the second one (synthesis of creatine from guanidinoacetic acid) in the liver. Thus, guanidinoacetate is synthesized in the kidney, and then transported to the liver where it is converted to creatine, which is then transported to its destination organs.

GAA Biosynthesis
The synthesis of guanidinoacetate requires two amino acids, arginine and glycine. Arginine transfers its amidino group to the amino group of glycine to produce ornithine and GAA, catalyzed by L-arginine: glycine amidino transferase (AGAT). Guanidinoacetate is then methylated by the methyl group of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is synthesized from methionine. This reaction produces creatine and S-adenosylhomocysteine ​​(SAH) and is catalyzed by guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT). Creatine synthesis is an inter-organ metabolic process, with GAA synthesis occurring primarily in the kidney and GAA methylation occurring primarily in the liver. The addition of GAA for creatine synthesis imposes a methylation demand on the body because creatine synthesis is considered to be the major user of methyl groups from SAM (S-adenosyl methionine). Thus, methyl group of betaines can be used in transmethylation reactions for synthesis of creatine and may reduce the requirement for other methyl group donors such as methionine and choline. Betaine is an osmolyte that helps maintain cellular water homeostasis and serves as a methyl group donor, which are its two main metabolic functions. It has been shown that the antioxidant mechanism of betaine strengthens non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses.


Appropriate GAA Dose
The growth performance of broiler chickens may be successfully enhanced by dietary supplementation of 600-1200 mg/kg GAA. The lowest dose required to boost performance is 600 mg/kg GAA. GAA concentrations up to 1500 mg/kg feed did not affect broiler performance or mortality; However, at 3000 mg/kg feed, food intake and body weight decreased somewhat, although not significantly. Feed intake was significantly affected by the highest level of inclusion (6000 mg GAA/kg feed), resulting in a significant reduction in weight gain. GAA treatment had no apparent effect on mortality or feed efficiency.

Why is GAA Used?
· As a creatine precursor GAA plays an important role in energy metabolism.
– However, due to the instability of creatine in the production process and cost, GAA has been studied as an effective alternative to creatine supplements.
– GAA has been tested as a potential feed additive to improve energy utilization and growth performance in poultry.
– GAA has been combined with methionine to improve growth performance and may also act as an arginine sparing agent in birds.
– GAA supplementation increases growth, reproductive performance and meat quality in poultry.
– Among its many proven benefits, GAA effectively improves feed conversion ratio and animal performance.
– GAA has many roles outside of creatine, including stimulation of insulin secretion, neuromodulation and vasodilation.
– Supplemental GAA improves growth performance in heat-stressed chickens.
– Cold stress is another physical environmental stress that hugely impacts the poultry industry. During commercial broiler production, cool temperatures are the primary cause of ascites and related deterioration of growth performance. Dietary inclusion of 1.2 g/kg GAA and betaine improved FCR in broilers under cold stress, suggesting GAA can be used as an efficient supplement to improve the harmful effects of cold stress in broilers.
– Furthermore, GAA can be utilized as a feed supplement in intensive rearing systems to improve feed efficiency and minimize myopathies in the pectoral muscle.
– Supplemental GAA can be used to enhance the fertility rate and sperm penetration in aged broiler breeder hens, possibly by increasing ATP availability in sperm mitochondria, thereby increasing sperm motility and fertility rate.
– Another way that has the potential to increase the productivity of native chickens is to use betaine. Betaine has an effect as a methyl donor for methionine and its diverse physiological properties can improve the intestinal environment and increase the ability of feed absorption. Accumulation of betaine in cells may protect against osmotic stress.
– GAA is known to have an antibacterial effect.
– GAA is safe and potentially efficacious in poultry nutrition, supporting growth in chickens for fattening.

Conclusion
There is a growing body of research dedicated to determining the most effective methods for feeding day-old chicks in order to ensure they develop into healthy, rapidly growing birds. Solutions range from providing small, easily digestible feed pellets to utilizing specially designed feeders that allow young chicks to access their food with ease. Enhancing the nutritional content of eggs with creatine to better align with the physiological needs of modern broilers is a crucial step towards enhancing broiler production in terms of health, growth, and efficiency. Recent studies on using GAA as a creatine source have shown that incorporating GAA into the diet of broiler breeder hens is a practical and efficient approach to achieving this goal.

Emerging Technologies in Poultry Litter Management: Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency in Poultry Production

Efficient poultry litter management for broiler chicken farms is essential for maintaining bird health, ensuring farm profitability, and protecting the environment. One key tool in this effort is the Poultry Litter Decision Support System (PLDSS), which outlines a five-step plan for effective litter management. Additionally, a temperature prediction model can aid in litter pasteurization, further enhancing its efficacy. Innovative technologies such as electronic noses and AI-powered robots are being employed to address challenges related to odor control and litter management tasks. Moreover, the use of artificial turf flooring is showing promise in improving air quality within laying hen houses.

Keywords: Poultry litter management, PLDSS, litter pasteurization, e-nose, AI robots, artificial turf flooring

The poultry industry’s phenomenal growth creates a critical challenge: managing the vast amount of poultry litter, a mix of manure and bedding materials. The intricate interplay among the poultry industry’s worldwide impact, technical advancements, and the urgent demand for innovative approaches to litter reduction are significant factors compelling us to consider litter management.

With the United States leading the way in broiler production, the global output reached a staggering 101.2 million metric tons in 2021.This exponential growth necessitates sustainable practices to handle poultry litter efficiently. As the poultry industry continues to expand, effective waste management becomes paramount.
The amount of chicken manure produced globally is astounding. The amount of broiler meat produced in 2021 was estimated to be 101.2 million metric tons; by 2023, that amount is expected to increase to 103.4 million. About 1.1 to 2.4 MT of dry manure, 7.3 to 12.7 MT for turkeys, and 3.9 MT for ducks are produced by 1000 birds raised to market age on commercial farms. 9486 MT of hatchery waste, 1.74 million MT of slaughterhouse waste, and 38.33 million MT of chicken manure were produced in India in 2018–2019. To properly manage the waste from poultry, this exponential growth calls for sustainable practices.

Not only is efficient litter management important for the environment, but it’s also essential for farm productivity and animal welfare. Litter management that is done right enhances bird health, productivity, and profitability. However, poor handling can result in disease outbreaks and significant financial losses.

Poultry Litter Decision Support System (PLDSS)
Applying chicken manure to row crops and pastures is an inexpensive substitute for synthetic fertilizers. Because of the high P to N ratio in chicken litter, applying it in accordance with the agronomic N requirements of the fodder has over time led to a buildup of P in the soil. P runoff can hasten eutrophication, which can seriously degrade water bodies that support aquatic, recreational, and drinking water uses, despite P being a necessary nutrient for plant growth. There are numerous definitions for a DSS. But it can be thought of as an interactive, adaptive, and flexible computer-based information system designed specifically to help identify and resolve a complex, poorly organized, or unstructured.

The Poultry Litter Decision Support System (PLDSS) is a comprehensive five-step management plan that begins by estimating farm-produced poultry litter and compost, assessing their nutrient content for proper application. It then identifies suitable land for spreading, aligns application with crop nutrient needs, and manages excess litter by exploring responsible disposal options. Over time, the PLDSS can create a database to aid research on non-point source pollution and inform businesses about surplus litter for value-added products, offering a holistic view of poultry litter management challenges.

Litter Temperature Prediction Model & Pasteurisation Decision Support Tool
The model was created using a data set that included 542 temperature profiles taken at different depths during a litter pasteurization cycle that lasted six to ten days in about 100 litter heaps that were treated on eight farms. There are more than 90,000 distinct temperature records in the data collection. Using 75% of the data for development and 25% for validation, an empirical model of the dataset was created.

As part of the chicken CRC project Methods to quantify and inactivate viruses in chicken litter, a litter temperature prediction model and a pasteurization decision assistance tool were created. The tool’s parameters are listed in the following. Purpose of this tool is to forecast temperatures and offer user-defined summary temperature data for poultry broiler litter that has been heaped for pasteurization.

A sectional heat map of the heap/windrow at a given time with a table showing the percentage of the heap in different temperature classes, average, minimum, and maximum heap temperatures, the proportion of the heap/windrow reaching specified temperatures and durations, and temperature profiles at specified depths.

Animal Waste Management Software
Software for animal waste management (AWM) is a tool for planning and designing projects that supports the calculations needed for manure management systems. Lagoon, storage pond, storage tank, and stacking facility design is supported by the expected daily production of manure, bedding, and process water. Average monthly precipitation and evaporation statistics are utilized in the AWM methods and computations, which are based on data from the AWMFH. Additionally, the program encourages the design of multiple-cell anaerobic and aerobic lagoons that can be used alone or in conjunction with other manure storage facilities. Users of the program can produce preconfigured reports for design, operation, and maintenance. Design variables that are integrated into the report templates can be used to create customized reports. Manure Master, a streamlined tool for calculating the amount of cropland required to create the nutrients generated by an animal feeding operation, is also included in AWM. The nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium content of the manure and the amount of these nutrients utilized by crops are combined to create a gross nutritional balance that is calculated by Manure Master. This balance can be calculated based on known recommended fertilizer application rates, or it can be estimated based on the nutrient content of the plant. The nitrogen balance is calculated with the expected losses from leaching, denitrification, and volatilization.

Artificial Turf Floor
Artificial turf flooring has the potential to significantly improve the air quality in laying hen houses, according to studies. Artificial turf drastically lowered ammonia, carbon dioxide, and particle sizes when compared to regular wood shavings. The reasons for this progress are several. First off, artificial turf reduces ammonia generation directly by preserving more nitrogen and lowering the pH of manure.

Secondly, by reducing sources on the floor where hens interact, the turf itself lowers airborne particulate pollution. Lastly, it appears that artificial turf affects airflow patterns, which results in a more uniform gas distribution and a decrease in concentration gradients inside the housing. It’s vital to remember that proper comparisons of air quality between various flooring types depend on maintaining stable and regular ventilation rates.

Electronic Nose
Effective poultry litter management involves addressing odor issues associated with poultry waste. Traditional olfactometry, while valuable, can be costly due to sample collection and analysis expenses. To overcome these limitations, electronic noses (e-noses) offer an affordable and real-time alternative. E-noses detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to odors, providing accurate measurements. Integrating e-noses alongside traditional methods allows poultry farmers to make informed decisions, minimize odors, and maintain a healthier environment for both birds and humans.

AI-Powered Robots for Litter Management
Numerous businesses have created robots to assist in managing the litter in broiler homes for chickens. For instance, Octopus Robots, a French business, has introduced two fully autonomous robots, one of which is intended to turn and aerate chicken bedding. A different business, Metabolic Robots, has developed a robot that can oversee, measure, monitor, and regulate operations on chicken farms. These robots can grind, mix, aerate, tilt, decake, scare, and pulverize poultry litter. The effectiveness of litter management in chicken broiler houses can be increased with the employment of these robots.
The AI-driven autonomous robots are meant to clean the litter in chicken broiler houses. It has a scarifier installed to aerate the litter once a day, preventing crusting and enabling reduced ammonia levels. In the chicken shed, the robot is also capable of gathering data on temperature, humidity, and ammonia levels. AI-powered robots can not only scarify the litter but also carry out other duties like drying the litter, preventing scab development, lowering ammonia generation, distributing sanitizing solutions, and cleaning the litter by misting sanitizing solutions. The robot has the ability to administer local adaptive therapy and disperse itself as near to the target as it can.
Robots using artificial intelligence (AI) are useful and effective technologies for controlling litter in chicken broiler facilities. Their capacity for multitasking on their own can enhance litter control effectiveness and promote a healthier environment for the chickens. Emerging technologies offer a beacon of hope. Precision livestock farming and waste-to-energy processes are just a few examples of innovative solutions that can minimize environmental impact, enhance resource utilization, and safeguard animal and human health.

References :
Sohn, J. H., Hudson, N., Gallagher, E., Dunlop, M., Zeller, L., & Atzeni, M. (2008). Implementation of an electronic nose for continuous odour monitoring in a poultry shed. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 133(1), 60-69.
Ren, G., Lin, T., Ying, Y., Chowdhary, G., & Ting, K. C. (2020). Agricultural robotics research applicable to poultry production: A review. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 169, 105216.
Kelleher, B. P., Leahy, J. J., Henihan, A. M., O'dwyer, T. F., Sutton, D., & Leahy, M. J. (2002). Advances in poultry litter disposal technology–a review. Bioresource technology, 83(1), 27-36.
Kang, M. S., Srivastava, P., Tyson, T., Fulton, J. P., Owsley, W. F., & Yoo, K. H. (2008). A comprehensive GIS-based poultry litter management system for nutrient management planning and litter transportation. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 64(2), 212-224.

By Dr. Shiva Kumar, Director – Technical, TN South Asia

Poultry derived food products are the most important animal protein sources globally. India is the third-largest egg producer and the fourth-largest chicken producer in the world. Poultry meat and eggs are the most important animal protein sources available, and a significant increase is forecasted in demand.

But there is also a significant number of challenges facing the Indian poultry and allied industries with respect to sustainable production of poultry meat and eggs where market demands, and consumer needs will put more constraints on the production systems and methods. These challenges are dynamic and diverse, and solutions and opportunities will require development of appropriate technology, using and advancing our knowledge base.

Sustainable poultry farming is based on three pillars: environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable. For all these pillars, innovation will be key and hence, advances in animal nutrition will play an important role, where we have concrete challenges in economical optimization of the value chain and meeting product quality demands, whilst safeguarding animal wellbeing and human health.

Trouw Nutrition is an organisation that deeply cares about building a more sustainable future – both for our industry and for consumers. We are committed to transform science into actionable, practical nutrition and farm management solutions to help customers produce quality poultry meat and eggs. We support food producers with the technology that puts advice and data at their fingertips.

Feeding the Future is the essence of Trouw Nutrition (a Nutreco company), expressing the challenge to double food production while halving the carbon footprint. Our ambition is to contribute meeting the rising global demand with growing number of world population in a sustainable manner. The Trouw Nutrition way focuses on innovation, quality, sustainability, and integrated solutions.

Our solutions are built on four solid pillars. Each one contributes to help our customers adding more value to their business in a sustainable and a safe way.

Trouw Nutrition is built on a strong commitment to transform science into actionable, practical nutrition and farm management solutions. We focus on our four innovation pillars that deliver sustainability benefits to animals, farms, and the environment:

Early Life Nutrition:
Birds are confronted with various stressful events during their life, especially in critical transition periods such as hatch and transport. Provision of nutrition and water during the immediate post-hatch period and during transit from hatchery to farm has shown promising effects on broiler performance and health in the first days and weeks of life (Bergoug et al., 2013; Published results, Trouw Nutrition 2016). Early life interventions do not per se result in higher market weights or improved feed efficiency in each flock, but it will contribute to more stable and consistent performance and a reduced risk of birds developing health problems.

Health Life:
Animal Nutrition is an important part of the solution to help to contain Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Adequate animal nutrition (well-balanced and well-formulated feed) combined with good hygiene practices on farms and proper housing are key in promoting animal health and welfare. A balanced diet of compound feed supported by specialty feed ingredients/additives meets the animal’s physiological requirements and maintains the balance of the gut flora. Poultry Gut health is in fact a key factor in keeping birds healthy and resilient to stressors, such as heat or pathogens.

Trouw Nutrition Poultry Gut Health Solution, integrates Farm, Feed and Health approach.

Feed​ – Premixes, Young Animal Feed (ChickCare, NutriOpt, feed formulation advice including Intellibond C,
Feed safety: Fysal/Fylax/Toxo
Farm​ – Advice on farm management​ and biosecurity​, Selko pH (drinking water) with dosing systems
Health​ – Selko pH (water) + Selacid (feed), Gut health evaluation​

Water and feed acidification will contribute to maintaining a stable microbiota in poultry. The efficacy of organic and inorganic acids can be further enhanced by inclusion of medium chain fatty acids or other natural antimicrobial compounds that exert a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity at relative neutral pH ranges.

Precision Nutrition:
From an economical point of view, we need in general to meet nutrient requirements of the birds in the most efficient and economical way and assure that animals are in good health to exploit their potential.

Efficient use of resources e.g. feed ingredients will benefit environmentally sound production. In this respect, use and conversion of co-products from the food and biofuel industry to highly animal nutrition products is contributing to sustainable production as well. One of the challenges in our industry is to be flexible with our raw material usage to manage higher use of low-quality ingredients and anticipate on fluctuations in raw material prices, whilst at the same time we need to have grip on variation in raw material quality and assure that the feed delivers the same high performance.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid technique to evaluate the nutrient profile of feed ingredients. A more advanced precision nutrition system such as NutriOpt from Trouw Nutrition has incorporated NIRS, with its extensive nutrient databases.

NutriOpt is an integrated nutritional precision-feeding tool from Trouw Nutrition, which enables the poultry farmer or grower or feed miller to optimize both feed costs and production results to maximize financial benefits in the value chain. It consists of several key elements that complement and support one another in optimizing animal nutrition, performance and associated costs through precise real-time analysis, modelling and calculation.

To offer real-time feed analysis, Trouw Nutrition has introduced the NutriOpt On-site Adviser (NOA). This innovative solution reveals the real nutritional value of your feed ingredients and helps to improve performance and profitability. Powered by our comprehensive NutriOpt database, the NutriOpt On-site Adviser provides with accurate analytical results to make better-informed choices.

The portable NIR scanner and the mobile app enable you to get analytical results of nutrients in raw materials and finished feed onsite. The mobile app connects the handheld scanner to the NutriOpt nutritional database and advice on the nutritional value of the scanned materials. The NutriOpt On-site can be even connected to your decision-making tools for a smooth optimisation process.

NOA can perform convenient analysis without samples leaving your farm, and the poultry farm owner can enjoy a greater control over their animal performance.
In relation to feed safety, mycotoxins are probably one of the most important risk factors that need to be controlled among the Indian poultry Industry. It is also encouraging to note, that rapid diagnostics are now more widespread globally adopted for quality control to take appropriate measures once mycotoxin contamination in raw materials is detected. It is an essential part of feed quality assurance and with the right measures the risks can be mitigated, which will prevent unexpected performance losses and health problems.

Measuring mycotoxin levels in feed can be time-consuming and requires specialised and costly methodology. Trouw Nutrition offers “Mycomaster”, a tool to analyse mycotoxins.

Mycomaster provides rapid, cost-effective, and quantitative mycotoxin analyses of over 40 validated feed raw materials and final feed. And it works on-site, bringing flexibility to testing frequency, in support to Feed quality control, formulation decisions and remediation strategies.

Tackling the challenges:
The importance of using a holistic approach to enable successful conversion of feed into high quality poultry protein in a sustainable way is evident for the Indian poultry producers. These high producing birds must be able to consume, digest, absorb and convert sufficient nutrients to meet their genetic potential, and do this consistently from flock to flock. To do this successfully and achieve high consistent production with acceptable risk will require increased use of existing technology and expanding our knowledge and information network. At Trouw Nutrition, we have the tools to support the challenges faced by the poultry producers to make better choices to support the production chain. For a complete overview of our tools and services, please contact your nearest Trouw Nutrition expert/representative.

For further information, kindly write to us at customercareindia@trouwnutrition.com
or visit our website: www.trouwnutrition.in

Dr. Sekhar Basak
CMD, Innovista Group

At Innovista, we understand the paramount importance of maintaining optimal flock health and maximizing productivity in the poultry industry. To achieve this, we have developed a comprehensive approach known as integrated health management programs, which combine cutting-edge technologies, precision nutrition, and strategic disease management practices.

The cornerstone of an effective integrated health program is the synergistic combination of vaccinations and anticoccidial interventions. By employing these two elements harmoniously, we can provide comprehensive protection against the threat of coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that can severely impact bird health and performance.

Vaccinations play a pivotal role in stimulating the flock’s immune response, preparing the birds to mount an effective defense against coccidial infections. Simultaneously, the judicious use of anticoccidial products, such as ionophores or synthetic chemicals, helps to minimize the severity of coccidiosis outbreaks and mitigate the associated economic losses.

At Innovista, we recognize the invaluable expertise of veterinary professionals in implementing successful integrated health programs. Their in-depth knowledge and
experience allow them to design tailored vaccination protocols, guide the prudent use of anticoccidials, and continuously monitor flock health through regular observations and data analysis.

Effective integrated health programs rely on a data-driven approach, leveraging monitoring systems and analysis tools to gather insights into flock performance, environmental conditions, and potential health challenges. This enables proactive adjustments and optimizations to the program based on real-time information.

We believe that the journey to optimal flock health begins at the hatchery. By administering coccidial vaccines early in the birds’ lives, we can stimulate their immune
systems and establish a robust foundation for future disease resistance. This controlled exposure to coccidia facilitates the development of robust immunity, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and economic losses down the line.

Building upon this foundation, we integrate in-feed anticoccidials into our integrated health programs, providing continuous protection against coccidiosis throughout the
production cycle. Our careful selection of ionophores or synthetic chemicals ensures effective control of coccidial infections while minimizing the impact on beneficial gut bacteria and promoting overall intestinal health.

At Innovista, we firmly believe that collaboration between our team of experts and poultry producers is the key to success. By combining our extensive knowledge, data-driven insights, and a commitment to best practices, we can tailor integrated health programs that optimize flock health, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable growth in the poultry industry.

Contact us at info@innovistaconsulting.com or +91 9871203111.

Dr.Partha P. Biswas
M.Sc.,Ph.D.,F.Z.S.,F.Z.S.I.
Former Asso. Professor & H.O.D.,
Dept. of Zoology, R.K.Mission V.C.College,
Kolkata ,W.Bengal.
Senior Consultant, Aqua-Vet inputs,
Fin-O-Wing Formulations, Kolkata-700084

The chicken industry is becoming more vulnerable to environmental shifts, particularly high temperatures. Open-sided poultry species are susceptible to heat stress, negatively impacting growth and productivity. Factors determining heat stress include temperature radiation, humidity, metabolic rate, age, and duration. Modern commercial broilers are more sensitive to heat stress, making understanding and controlling environmental conditions crucial for poultry production and health. High temperatures in birds reduce antioxidant capacity, requiring food handling and expensive cooling. Understanding and controlling environmental conditions is crucial for poultry production and health.

Thermoregulatory Device in Chicken
Unlike mammals, birds do not have sweat glands, but they have developed a number of behavioral adaptations to cope with heat, including increased breathing rate, panting and raised wings. Commercial poultry prioritize high production, making broilers more sensitive to environmental stresses, and affecting meat quality and immune problems. Under conditions of heat stress, metabolic heat increases, and the animal succumbs to hyperthermia. In summary, it can be concluded that high ambient temperature outside the thermoneutral region during the production phase has a bad effect on meat production, meat quality and causes serious immune problems in broilers.

Heat Shock Proteins of Poultry Birds During Heat Stress
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are stress proteins found in all living organisms that are activated by high environmental temperatures to protect cells from stressors such as heat. The 70 kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70) are a family of proteins known for their potential role in thermotolerance and widely regarded as cellular thermometers. Over expression of HSP70 has been observed under oxidative stress, leading to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenging and pulmonary endothelial protection against bacterial toxins. They keep cells in order by synthesizing other proteins, attract immune cells and participate in protein assembly and degradation. Higher HSP expression is associated with better heat tolerance and is produced by all living organisms in high temperature environments.

Effects of Heat Stress in Poultry Birds
Reduced voluntary feed intake which affects the functionality of the entire digestive system High environmental temperatures activate the hypothalamus–pituitary axis, brain-gut axis and elevate plasma corticosterone concentrations, affecting the digestive system’s functionality.

This leads to changes in motility, flux patterns, secretory activity, content viscosity and pH Generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and the efficacy of the antioxidant defense system deteriorate. Overproduction of ROS in mitochondria can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA Heat stress can impair the feeding process, nutrient absorption and utilization, although water intake increases rapidly Upregulation of adipokines secretion (leptin and adiponectin) and the expression of their receptors can negatively regulate feed intake and calorie consumption thus resulting in decreased metabolic heat production The decline in trypsin, chymotrypsin and amylase (intestinal secretion) due to reduced feed intake often results in impairment of digestive functionality, nutrient digestibility Hypoperfusion and an increase in blood flow to the skin surface occur as an adaptive response of the circulatory system to stabilize blood pressure and promote heat loss It is known that heat challenge has an immune-suppressive effect.

Use of Dietary Phytochemicals to Reduce Heat Stress
Experimental studies on poultry birds suggest phytochemical ingestion may reduce heat stress effects. These phytochemicals can directly or indirectly influence genes and metabolic pathways, with stress reduction linked to antioxidant qualities.

Fig.3: The chicken’s response to being overheated. Chickens raised in high temperatures produce more reactive oxygen species and show signs of immunological inflammation in addition to consuming less food.

Mitigating Heat Stress Using Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), A Secondary Metabolite in Green Tea

Green tea’s most prevalent catechin, EGCG, is thought to be its most bioactive ingredient and possesses potent antioxidant properties. The primary cause of heat stress-induced oxidative stress in poultry is damage to tissues and cells, which is mostly manifested in an increase in MDA (malondialdehyde) concentration in such tissues and cells. It has been demonstrated that adding the polyphenol EGCG to broilers housed in thermoneutral environments may increase their antioxidant capacity. Acutely heat-stressed broilers may have greater antioxidant capacity and less oxidative damage in their muscles because EGCG may activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Reducing Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens With Additional Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) and Onion (Allium Cepa)

Onion and its derivatives including saponins, aglycones, quercetin, cepaenes, flavonoids, organosulfurs, and phenolic compounds showed various pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects.When broilers are heat stressed, the combination of onion and ginger supplements increases the nutrition of the groups more than no supplementation.

According to research results, growth performance, carcass quality, antioxidant levels and immune system response of broilers are improved when fed 10 g of ginger and and 2.5 g of onion during heat stress. Ginger contains substances with powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, including chagaol, ginger diol and ginger diol. Ginger (2%) added to broilers suffering from heat stress significantly improved blood biochemical parameters and growth indicators compared to the control group.

Seeds of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) improve Bird’s Ability to Live in Heat-stressed Conditions

Black cumin seeds have been shown to have pharmacological and antibacterial properties and also contain drug-like compounds. The volatile oil (0.4-0.45%) contains saturated fatty acids, which include: nigellone, which is the only component of the carbonyl fraction. oil, thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), dithymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, α and β-pinene, d-limonene, d-citronellol, carvacrol, t-anethole, 4-terpineol and longifolin etc. Thymoquinone improves hatchability, pos-thatching performance and antioxidant activity of thermally stressed broiler embryos. Black cumin extract has been shown in trials to reduce serum MDA levels and protect against oxidative stress.

Hot Red Pepper (HRP) Reduces Heat Exhaustion in Birds

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is abundant in capsaicin, a terpenoid found in HRP that helps prevent heat exhaustion in birds. Carotenoids, which are rich in vitamins E, C, and provitamin A (beta carotene), are known to have powerful antioxidant qualities that help prevent the damaging effects of free radicals and, in certain situations, oxidative stress, which can lead to cell death in broilers. Furthermore, it has been found that adding capsaicin, an active ingredient in red pepper that is present in grill feed at a dose of 50 mg/kg, can lessen the harmful effects of heat stress.

Moringa (Moringa Oleifera)helps to Survive Birds Under Heat Stress

Moringa leaves contain high levels of total polyphenols (260mg/100g), b-carotene (34mg/100g), kaempferol (34mg/100g), quercetin (100mg/100g), as well as a total antioxidant capacity of 260mg/100g. Kaempferol and quercetin are the flavonoids present in moringa leaves and possess strong antioxidants. It has been found that 0.3% incorporation of M. oleifera leaf meal improves the performance and physiological parameters of broilers and also helped the birds survive under heat stress.

THYME (THYMUS VULGAIS) Protects Chicks Against Heat Stress

The two most important bioactive compounds in this plant are carvacrol and thymol, which may be the primary source of thyme’s pharmacological actions. Thus research has identified linalool, thymol, carvacrol, gamma-terpineol, and geraniol as the primary components of thyme. Dietary thyme essential oil (150–200 mg/kg) is more effective at shielding chicks from the harmful effects of heat stress while also enhancing immunological function and development performance. One material that may be able to improve growth in broilers located in hot climates is thyme oil.

Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum) Seed in Ameliorating the Impact of Thermal Challenges

According to research, broilers under heat stress that are fed 2% coriander seed have higher feed intake, weight gain, reduced panting, and higher levels of corticosterone. The broilers’ poor intestinal absorptive capacity and shape may be connected to the rise in corticosterone levels during stress. Furthermore, according to a different study, adding 2% coriander to the diet helps broiler birds by lessening the effects of heat shock. The supplement, according to the author, benefitted broilers that were experiencing heat stress and enhanced their blood parameters, immunity, and overall performance.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) Powder as Antioxidant in Thermally Challenged Birds

The common herbal plant, cinnamon contains different active phenolic compounds, which include flavones, catechin, isoflavones, flavonoids and other phenolics. The main bioactive constituent of cinnamon is cinnamaldehyde. The phenolic components function as antioxidants and can effectively scavenge ROS. Cinnamon supplements help in homeostasis due to the reduced pH caused by heat stress. It has also been reported that an increase in the activity of CAT, total antioxidant capacity and SOD and a decrease in the MDA when birds were placed in a thermally challenged environment during their finishing phase.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) for Heat-stressed Broilers

The yellowish pigments of turmeric, namely demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are commonly referred to as curcumoids. Curcuminoids are an antioxidative compound found in turmeric. Researchers have shown the effects of turmeric powder supplement at 0.3 and 0.6 g/kg when administered to birds under heat stress. The superoxide radicals are neutralized, and there is an increase in the activity of SOD and CAT (ROS-removing enzymes or antioxidant enzymes ) and a decrease in MDA in broilers. The increased level in MDA indicates oxidative damage in liver of heat stressed broilers.

Conclusion
Heat stress can hurt poultry birds by making them grow slower, weakening their immune system, causing intestinal inflammation, and causing other health problems. It can also trigger oxidative process. But using natural substances called phytogenic compounds can help chickens who are raised in hot conditions.But more research is needed to understand the molecular changes made by medicinal herbs and the interactions between their active components, gut microbiota, and gut barriers. By using these approaches, we can improve chicken welfare and make poultry production more sustainable and efficient.

Wouter Van Der Veken, Global Product Manager Probiotics, Huvepharma

Dr Sanjay Singhal, Chief Operating Officer, Stallen South Asia Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai

Mycoplasma, contrary to many other organisms, lack a cell wall, making them smallest free-living organisms with respect to of both size and gene number. Pathogenic Mycoplasma species in chickens are Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). MG is typically the more virulent species and results in substantial financial losses. On commercial layer farms across different age groups, MS is a prevalent pathogen and is more ubiquitous.

The ability of different strains of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) to produce illness varies greatly, with numerous forms appearing moderate. In highly susceptible birds, more pathogenic MS strains can cause serious joint infections, respiratory illnesses, and reduced egg production.

MS often manifests as a mixed infection with other respiratory pathogens, which include the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). MS may not necessarily be the primary the cause. These mixed infections can cause significant chronic respiratory illness, particularly under harsh environmental circumstances including high ammonia, low temperatures, and dust. Birds with MS may react more to other live vaccines. Layers of egg yolk peritonitis caused by E. coli have been linked to MS aetiology.

Transmission
Horizontal transmission occurs through direct contact. Birds carry the infection for the rest of their lives. In many respects, the spread appears to be like that of M. gallisepticum except that it is more rapid. Yet reports of slow spreading infections exist. Only a few percent of birds may show clinical symptoms, but most birds often acquire illness by respiratory transmission. Infection may also occur because of environmental contamination or fomites. In chickens and turkeys, vertical transmission is a crucial factor in the spread of MS. When commercial breeder flocks are infected during egg production, the rate of egg transmission seems to peak in the first 4-6 weeks following infection; beyond that, the transmission may stop, although the infected flock may shed at any moment.

Pathophysiology
The pathologic characteristics of synovitis induced by MS involve the joints’ synovial cells hypertrophy and become more proliferative. Activated synovial fibroblasts (SFs) are the primary constituents of hyperplastic synovial tissue in humans with arthritis and play a significant role in the pathophysiology of synovitis.

Matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsins, chemokines, and cytokines are produced by activated synovial fibroblasts, which worsen inflammation and degrade bone and cartilage. For arthritis, reducing the number of activated synovial fibroblasts is a potential treatment approach.

Clinical signs
In poultry, Mycoplasma synoviae usually manifests as upper respiratory tract infection; it may cause mild respiratory disturbances such as rales but is usually subclinical. When the infection spreads to the joints, certain strains of MS may cause a transition from the acute to the chronic phase. Exudative tenosynovitis, an inflammation of the tendons and synovial membranes brought on by invasion of the joint tissue, ultimately results in lameness. The keel bone bursa and the hock (tibial metatarsal) joints are the main regions affected; however other joints may also be damaged. Although this type can be observed in flocks as young as 4 weeks old, it usually manifests itself soon after mature pullets are transferred to the laying farm.

Generally, there is no impact on egg production if the flock is exposed to MS during the laying phase. Egg production may decrease, and desirable egg quality may decrease in flocks that face challenges throughout the laying season. A flock of MS-positive birds that are treated with periodic antibiotic feed therapy might display an irregular egg production curve. Due of restricted movement to feed, water, and nests, lameness from tenosynovitis might further affect egg production.

Oviduct tropism of MS strains have been found recently in commercial layers. It is noticed that flocks infected with certain strains of MS have a higher proportion of cracked and broken eggs. On the apex of the egg, or pointed end, there is a distinctive eggshell defect that may be seen. The rough surface of the eggshell, located 2 centimetres from the apex, is characterized by thinning and translucency, resembling glass eggs. These eggshells lack part of the palisade layer and the mammillary knob layer, according to scanning electron microscopy.

Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of mycoplasmosis is crucial for effective management. It is typically achieved through a combination of clinical signs, post-mortem examinations, and laboratory tests. These tests may include serology (blood tests), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and bacterial isolation from affected tissues.

Treatment
Antibiotics can be administered to control the spread of the disease and manage clinical symptoms. Tetracyclines, tylosin, and lincomycin are commonly used antibiotics. However, it is important to note that these treatments are not curative and are used to suppress the disease.

Prevention and Control
Biosecurity Measures: Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of mycoplasmosis. This includes limiting visitor access, maintaining separate footwear and clothing for workers, and disinfecting equipment and facilities regularly.
Cleanup Programs: Use of appropriate molecule for effective cleaning up of mycoplasmal infection prior to vaccination may provide better results.

Minimize Stress: Stress weakens the immune system, making birds more susceptible to infections. Provide a low-stress environment by ensuring proper nutrition, ventilation, and living conditions.

Surveillance: Regularly monitor your flock for any signs of illness. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and reduces the spread of the disease.

Vaccination: There are vaccines available for both MG and MS, Stallen has killed vaccines against both MG and MS named as MYC Vac and MS Vac respectively, which provides better protection against avian mycoplasmosis. Our MS Vac is the only killed vaccine against Mycoplasma synoviae available in Indian Market. Recommended dose of both vaccines by parenteral route 0.5ml/ bird.

For better results, proper cleanup program with effective anti- mycoplasmal drug is recommended. The above-mentioned vaccines can also be used in midlay vaccination if the priming is done with the live vaccines.

Recommended vaccination schedule