Poultry Science最新文献

{"title":"High dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris with extrusion or enzyme superdosing: Effects on broiler performance, welfare, and meat quality","authors":"A.R. Mendes ,&nbsp;O. Madacussengua ,&nbsp;J.M. Pestana ,&nbsp;C.F. Martins ,&nbsp;M.P. Spínola ,&nbsp;D.F.P. Carvalho ,&nbsp;M.M. Costa ,&nbsp;P. Ferreira ,&nbsp;J.I. Ferreira ,&nbsp;A.M. Fontes ,&nbsp;M.P. Mourato ,&nbsp;A.J. Davis ,&nbsp;A.M. Almeida ,&nbsp;M. Lordelo ,&nbsp;J.A.M. Prates","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105372","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105372","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> as an alternative feed ingredient for broilers, focusing on the effects of extrusion processing and superdosed enzyme supplementation. The objective was to assess its impact on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, animal welfare parameters, and meat quality, with particular emphasis on how microalga extrusion and enzyme supplementation influence these parameters. A digestibility trial suggests that extrusion improves true metabolizable energy and amino acid bioavailability, particularly lysine and methionine, enhancing nutrient utilisation. A feeding trial investigated the effects of a 15 % dietary inclusion of <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em>, either untreated, extruded, or supplemented with a superdose of pancreatin, compared to a conventional maize–soybean control diet. Results indicated that <em>C. vulgaris</em> inclusion did not negatively affect broiler growth, with extrusion improving final body weight compared to the control. Superdosed enzyme supplementation reduced digesta viscosity. <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em>-fed birds, particularly the untreated group, showed minor effects on beak condition, with slightly higher feed adhesion. However, superdosed enzyme supplementation mitigated this effect. Excreta scoring remained unaffected, indicating good digestibility. Meat from <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em>-fed broilers showed improved nutritional quality: yellowness increased, oxidative stability improved, and a healthier lipid profile with higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and a lower n-6/n-3. The mineral composition of breast meat was enhanced, with increased potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels, and reduced sodium. These findings suggest that <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> is a promising and environmentally more sustainable feed ingredient that supports broiler performance while enhancing meat quality. Future research should refine processing methods and inclusion strategies to maximise nutrient bioavailability and cost-effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105372"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential role of Dermanyssus gallinae as a vector of chicken infectious Anemia Virus","authors":"Kai Xu ,&nbsp;Xuedi Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhonghao Wang ,&nbsp;Jing Liu ,&nbsp;Shuo Yin ,&nbsp;Yixin Wang ,&nbsp;Jianhua Qin ,&nbsp;Chuanwen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Dermanyssus gallinae</em> is a major hematophagous ectoparasite in laying hens and acts as a vector of various pathogens. Chicken infectious anemia virus (<strong>CIAV</strong>) infection induces immunosuppressive disease in chickens, and it has been detected in <em>D. gallinae.</em> However, the role of <em>D. gallinae</em> in the transmission of CIAV has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess the role of <em>D. gallinae</em> as a vector for CIAV through an <em>in vivo</em> experiment. Chicks developed viremia at 7 days post-infection with CIAV suspension, prompting the selection of this time point for the mite biting on chicks. Two methods of mite infection were then evaluated: blood-feeding and cutaneous contact, and results indicated that <em>D. gallinae</em> was infected by two methods, achieving infection rates of 100 % and 96.6 % within 72 h, respectively. CIAV persisted within mites for up to 63 days, although the viral load progressively decreased from 12.36 to 6.44 (day 1 to 63) (Log₁₀ copies/µL) over time. Furthermore, offsprings of CIAV-infected mites, including generations N0, N1, N2, N3, and N4, tested positive for CIAV, with viral loads of 8.58, 7.16, 8.05, 8.27, and 8.38 (Log₁₀ copies/µL), respectively. CIAV infection shortened mite lifespan but did not affect oviposition or hatchability. High-throughput sequencing revealed that <em>D. gallinae</em> exhibited 940 differentially expressed genes following CIAV infection, with 593 being upregulated and 347 being downregulated. The longevity regulating pathway was identified as one of the most significantly enriched pathway. Finally, <em>D. gallinae</em> was shown to retransmit CIAV <em>via</em> infection and oral administration, as evidenced by typical clinical signs, histopathology, and detection of CIAV in blood and organs of infected chicks. CIAV infection in chicks adversely affected growth performance and immune organ development. The collective findings indicate that <em>D. gallinae</em> serves as a vector for CIAV, which could be transmitted through transovarial and transstadial transmission within mites. Therefore, controlling <em>D. gallinae</em> populations on poultry farms is essential for preventing the spread of avian pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105365"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Enterococcus faecium AL41 on growth performance, immune parameters, morphology, and tight junction proteins in intestine of chicks","authors":"Levkut Martin ,&nbsp;Karaffová Viera ,&nbsp;Grešáková Ľubomíra ,&nbsp;Čechová Michaela ,&nbsp;Faixová Zita ,&nbsp;Szabóová Renáta ,&nbsp;Rudolf Žitňan ,&nbsp;Róbert Herich","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105361","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105361","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the study we investigated how post-hatch preventive administration of <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> AL41 affects growth performance, the intestinal immune parameters and barrier factors, and morphology of jejunum in chickens. Chicks were divided into two groups as control (C) and <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> AL41 (EF). Samples (<em>n</em> <em>=</em> <em>10</em>) from blood and small intestine were taken at days 5, 8, and 11 of the life. Body weight gain increased in EF treated chicks on day 11. From day 8 to 11quantity of IgA in intestinal flush was lower in EF group. Relative expression of occludin gene was up-regulated at day11 in EF group and in same group claudin 1 gene was up-regulated at days 5 and 11. Jejunal CD3⁺<em>lamina propria</em> lymphocytes (LPL) showed stimulation at days 5 and 11. Similarly, CD4⁺, CD8⁺LPL cells were increased at day 8 in experimental group. IgA cells were stimulated at days 8 and 11in EF group. Finally, CD45⁺ LPL cells showed increase at day 11 of life in EF group. Morphological parameters of jejunum were increased in EF group as height of villi at day 1, cutting surface at days 5, 11 and depth of crypts at days 8 and 11. On the other hand, adding of <em>E. faecium</em> AL41to broilers did not show any impact on white blood cell counts in peripheral blood, phagocytic and metabolic activity, quantity of MUC-2, and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). Our trial indicated that early administration of EFAL41after hatching affects growth performance improves health function as intestinal morphology, barrier integrity of gut and intestinal immunity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105361"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144185344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A panting behavior-driven assessment framework for summer ventilation quality optimization in layer houses","authors":"Zixuan Zhou ,&nbsp;Lihua Li ,&nbsp;Hao Xue ,&nbsp;Yuchen Jia ,&nbsp;Yao Yu ,&nbsp;Zongkui Xie ,&nbsp;Yuhan Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ventilation quality in summer layer houses is critical for heat stress prevention, production performance, and poultry welfare. Addressing the issue of \"qualified environmental parameters but chicken discomfort\" caused by traditional methods overlooking spatial heterogeneity and individual differences, a dynamic ventilation quality assessment method based on panting behavior detection in laying hens was proposed. The YOLOv10-BCE panting behavior detection model was developed by embedding the BiFormer module into the backbone network to enhance multi-dimensional feature extraction, compressing neck structure parameters using the C3Ghost module, and integrating Efficient Intersection over Union (EIOU) loss to improve detection accuracy and convergence speed. K-means clustering and linear regression algorithms were employed to establish a quantitative correlation curve between ventilation quality and panting behavior, forming a Normal-Alert-Danger ventilation quality (VQ) classification standard. Experimental results demonstrated that the YOLOv10-BCE model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 95.8 % and a detection speed of 0.2 ms, significantly outperforming comparative models such as Faster R-CNN, SSD, and YOLOv9. The ventilation quality correlation model showed high fitting accuracy with an R² value of 0.974. Significant physiological differences (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) in chickens across VQ grades validated the model's discriminative ability. The method accurately identified latent ventilation anomalies and spatial dead zones in large-scale layer houses. After ventilation strategy optimization, panting prevalence decreased by 65 %, establishing a closed-loop \"monitoring-assessment-regulation\" dynamic feedback mechanism. This study provides a behavioral-quantitative assessment solution for summer layer house ventilation quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105371"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary grape pomace ameliorates intestinal damage and oxidative stress by modulating MAPK-Nrf2/ARE pathways in coccidia-challenged broilers (Gallus gallus)","authors":"Milan K. Sharma,&nbsp;Eliot M. Dugan,&nbsp;Melissa Y. Huang,&nbsp;Cydney Jackson,&nbsp;Matthew J. Pataki,&nbsp;Peter R. Gracey,&nbsp;Chloe J. McGovern,&nbsp;Elad Tako","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Grape pomace (<strong>GP</strong>) is an agricultural byproduct rich in bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties that have proven to have strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties in chickens. As a part of a defense mechanism, coccidiosis initiates oxidative bursts, generating large amounts of free radical species that negatively affect the gut health of chickens. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of GP in broilers infected with coccidiosis on physiological and molecular markers of gut health, immune response, and oxidative status. A total of 120 male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments. The four treatment groups were i) non-challenged control without any dietary feed additives (<strong>NCC</strong>), ii) challenged control without any dietary feed additives (<strong>CC</strong>), iii) CC with 0.5 % dietary inclusion of concord grape pomace (<strong>0.5GP</strong>), and iv) CC with 0.75 % dietary inclusion of concord grape pomace (<strong>0.75GP</strong>). On d 14, broilers grouped in CC, 0.5GP, and 0.75GP were orally inoculated with 20 × doses of commercial live coccidiosis vaccine to induce coccidiosis. Results indicated that 0.75 % inclusion of GP reduced the occurrence and severity of the intestinal lesions associated with <em>Eimeria</em> at d 20 (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05). The inclusion of either 0.5 or 0.75 % of GP improved the intestinal histomorphology in all three sections of the small intestine during the acute and recovery phases of coccidial infection (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05). At d 20, 0.75GP tended to maintain the same level of IL-1β as that of NCC and downregulated the expression of IL-10 (<em>P</em>&lt;0.1). Additionally, during the recovery phase, the CD8+ T-cell population was lower in the 0.75GP group compared to CC and 0.5GP (<em>P</em>=0.059). At d 20, the MAPK-Nrf2/ARE pathway was activated due to oxidative burst by coccidial challenge; however, 0.75 % GP inclusion was able to inactivate the path (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05). These findings suggest that grape pomace possesses the potential as a sustainable feed additive to improve gut health, immune response, and oxidative stability in broilers infected with coccidiosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105364"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144177933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impact of the host defense peptide Pap12-6 on immune response and epithelial integrity in chicken-derived ileal explant cultures","authors":"Rege Anna Márton ,&nbsp;Patrik Tráj ,&nbsp;Máté Mackei ,&nbsp;Csilla Sebők ,&nbsp;Júlia Vörösházi ,&nbsp;Ágnes Kemény ,&nbsp;Evelin Kámán-Tóth ,&nbsp;Dávid Géza Horváth ,&nbsp;Viviána Molnár-Nagy ,&nbsp;Zsuzsanna Neogrády ,&nbsp;Gábor Mátis","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to the spread of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to search for novel antimicrobial agents. In poultry farming, animals are constantly exposed to enteral pathogens and are simultaneously required to maintain high production performance, making it challenging to preserve enteral homeostasis. Host defense peptides (HDP), regarded as putative antibiotic substitutes, have been considered beneficial for poultry gut health; however, many peptides have yet to be investigated from this perspective. In the present study, chicken ileal explant cultures were used to examine the effects of the HDP Pap12-6 (PAP) on enteral immune state and tight junction (TJ) protein abundance. The peptide was applied at 25 and 50 µg/ml concentrations alone (PAP-low and PAP-high, respectively) and in inflammatory conditions evoked by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C, 50 µg/ml), at the same doses (PI:C+PAP-low and PI:C+PAP-high, respectively). According to the results, PAP did not influence metabolic activity and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity, hence the viability of the explants. Regarding the immune state, the level of interleukin (IL)-2 was increased by PAP-low, PAP-high, and PI:C+PAP-low, whereas IL-8 concentration was raised by PI:C+PAP-low treatment. Furthermore, PI:C+PAP-high decreased the elevated interferon (IFN)-γ production caused by Poly I:C. In the case of TJ proteins, PAP-low elevated the expression of occludin, whereas PAP-high increased the abundance of claudin-3. Conclusively, PAP displayed immunomodulatory effects and may have contributed to epithelial integrity without being cytotoxic, suggesting its potential as an antibiotic alternative in poultry farming. However, the detailed mechanism of action and concentration-dependent activity of PAP must be elucidated in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105376"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship between comb development, immune regulation, growth hormone, testosterone, and growth traits in Tianfu broilers","authors":"Kunlong Qi ,&nbsp;Felix Kwame Amevor ,&nbsp;Zheliang Liu ,&nbsp;Juan He ,&nbsp;Dan Xu ,&nbsp;Chencan Zhai ,&nbsp;Yingjie Wang ,&nbsp;Liuting Wu ,&nbsp;Yan Wang ,&nbsp;Gang Shu ,&nbsp;Xiaoling Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105367","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105367","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The comb, a secondary sexual characteristic in chickens, plays a crucial role in sexual selection, physiological regulation, and growth performance. This study explores the relationship between comb development, circulating hormone levels, and growth traits in Tianfu broilers. Weekly measurements of comb size and body weight from hatching to market age (day 70) revealed significant individual variations in comb traits. Based on comb size, chickens were categorized into large comb and small comb groups at market age. Histological analysis revealed that chickens with large combs exhibited thicker dermal, but the central layer exhibits the opposite, with sex-specific differences in collagen fiber content and epithelium thickness. Additionally, while only a few lymphocytes were observed in the combs of the large-comb group, focal lymphocyte aggregation was evident in the small-comb group. Circulating growth hormone (<strong>GH</strong>) and testosterone levels were significantly higher in chickens with large combs, particularly in roosters, where testosterone levels showed a significant correlation with testicular weight. It was observed that the GH levels were significantly correlated with comb development, independent of sex. Correlation analysis indicated a trade-off between comb size and carcass yield, suggesting that resource allocation favors ornamentation and reproductive system over meat production. These findings provide insights into the biological significance of comb development, emphasizing its potential as a marker for reproductive fitness and immunomodulatory functions in poultry breeding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105367"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research note: Assessing disturbance and its impact on behavior in the early-life of broiler chicks","authors":"Alexandra Jackson ,&nbsp;Denise Landers ,&nbsp;Joseph Purswell ,&nbsp;Bethany Baker-Cook","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Behavioral disturbance in poultry is relatively understudied; however, it plays an important role in influencing bird well-being. While disturbance to rest has been well-examined, all behaviors are susceptible to disturbance by conspecifics and merit evaluation. This study assessed behavioral disturbances in broiler chicks during the first week of life, focusing on variations in age, time-of-day, and the impact of disturbance on behavior performance. Seventy-five mixed-sex chicks were randomly placed into three pens (25 birds/pen), with three focal subjects per pen (<em>n</em> = 9). Behavior was continuously recorded from days 1 to 7 of age. Chick behaviors assessed include locomotive, sleeping, sitting, eating, drinking, preening, allopreening, comfort, exploratory, and play. Disturbances were recorded and analyzed for frequency by age and time of day. The likelihood of chicks resuming a behavior post-disturbance was calculated. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to assess the impact of age and time of day on disturbance frequency and behavior type on the return to behavior. The frequency of disturbances was highest on day 1 of age, with exception of day 2. Disturbances decreased on day 3 of age and then declined further on Day 6 (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, disturbance to behavior occurred more during the mid-day period, afternoon, evening than the pre-dark period and morning period (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). The type of behavior (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) disturbed also affected the likelihood of return, with chicks more likely to resume locomotive, sitting, sleeping, drinking, eating, and preening behaviors than allopreening, exploratory, play, or comfort behaviors. Overall, chick age and time of day influenced the frequency of behavioral disturbances during the first week of life. Additionally, the type of behavior performed pre-disturbance did affect the likelihood of returning to that behavior. These findings highlight the potential impact of environmental novelty post-placement and chick diurnal activity during early-life have on disturbance frequency, and how the function of behaviors influence their return post-disturbance. Further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of disturbance on the behavior and well-being of birds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105355"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144204141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Domestic goose egg yolk vitelline membrane structure and protein characterization","authors":"Krzysztof Damaziak ,&nbsp;Marek Kieliszek ,&nbsp;Dobrochna Adamek-Urbańska ,&nbsp;Wojciech Wójcik ,&nbsp;Agnieszka Ostrowska","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The vitelline membrane (VM) of an avian egg is a multilayered protein structure that surrounds the yolk and plays important roles in bird reproduction. This study presents the first analysis of the structure and protein composition of the VM in domestic geese, comparing two breeds with different origins: Lands (LsD) and Garbonosa (Ga) geese. To characterize the VM structure, histological preparations were stained using the Gordon-Sweet, eosin, Gomori trichrome, and Verhoeff-van Gieson methods. Micrographs were taken for both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. After electrophoresis, one protein band (band 1) from the LsD goose and two protein bands (bands 2 and 3) from the Ga goose were selected from the gels and subjected to detailed proteomic analysis. The VM of the Ga goose was thicker than that of the LsD goose (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In the outer layer of the LsD goose, only one sublayer was observed, while the Ga goose had five sublayers. In the inner layer, the LsD goose had six sublayers, while the Ga goose had twelve. The protein fibers forming the outer layer of the VM in the Ga goose were significantly thicker than those in the LsD goose. Analysis of the selected protein bands showed a higher abundance of all identified proteins in the Ga goose VM: band 1 identified as vitelline membrane outer layer protein 1 (VMO-I), band 2 as zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 1 (ZP1) and zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3 (ZP3), and band 3 as apovitellenin-1 (APOV1). These proteins play roles in stabilizing the VM (VMO-I), are involved in fertilization (ZP1 and ZP3), and facilitate lipid transport from the blood to the yolk (APOV1). The structural and proteomic differences in the VM between LsD and Ga geese are probably due to their different origins, domestication histories, and varying intensities and directions of selection. The results suggest differences in the natural defense mechanisms of eggs from LsD and Ga geese. These findings provide valuable insights for improving reproduction, particularly for enhancing the efficiency of artificial incubation of goose eggs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105337"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144185360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Allicin mitigates fumonisin B1-induced kidney toxicity in quails: Modulating fibrosis, NF-κB signaling pathway, and mitochondrial damage","authors":"Yangwan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yihao He ,&nbsp;Xueyan Zhu ,&nbsp;Yang Liu ,&nbsp;Changyu Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.psj.2025.105356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) is a common mycotoxin, which is a water-soluble metabolite produced through the metabolism of Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferator. Crops and feedstuffs are widely contaminated by FB₁ from the environment, posing risks to livestock and human health. Currently, there is no therapeutic approach available for FB₁ intoxication. Allicin, an organic sulfur compound extracted from garlic, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and intestinal regulatory properties. However, investigations into allicin’s role in alleviating FB₁-induced quail nephrotoxicity remain relatively limited. This study thus aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which allicin exerts a protective effect against FB₁-induced kidney injury in juvenile quails. A total of 150 juvenile quails were randomly divided into five groups and treated with varying allicin concentrations (0, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. The blood and kidney tissues were subsequently screened using serum biochemical indices and histological staining, which suggested that 500 mg/kg of allicin was the optimal concentration that exerts protection to the quail kidneys. Another 120 juvenile quail were randomly divided into four groups (<em>n</em> = 30): control, allicin, FB₁, and allicin+FB₁. The pathological changes in kidney tissues induced by FB₁ and genes associated with nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs), inflammation, fibrosis, and mitochondrial damage were evaluated after 8 weeks. FB₁ triggered kidney fibrosis and mitochondrial injury by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway, modulating NXR expression, and regulating corresponding CYP450 subtypes, which culminated in pathological injury to kidney tissues. Notably, allicin alleviated FB₁-induced kidney injury in quails, possibly by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, fibrosis, and mitochondrial damage, suggesting the potential application of allicin in preventing FB₁-induced toxicity in quail.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20459,"journal":{"name":"Poultry Science","volume":"104 8","pages":"Article 105356"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144185356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}