Effects of different mating strategies in broiler breeder during peak and postpeak phase on subsequent broiler performance

Abstract

Two experimental trials on commercial broiler (Ross-308) were conducted to evaluate the carryover effect of artificial insemination ( AI ) in parent flock ( PF ) kept in cages ( C ), and on floor ( F ) in comparison to natural mating ( NM ) in floored PF. A total of 900 broiler chicks were obtained from 38-week-old PF (peak production), representing C, F, and NM evenly during first trial, whereas in second trial, similar number of chicks were obtained from same PF during postpeak phase (55 wk of age). Subsequent effects of AI and NM in PF were evaluated by bacteriology, posthatch mortality, growth performance, immune response, and carcass traits on experimental birds (broiler). Chicks being produced through NM exhibited significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) improved growth performance (feed conversion ratio, weight gain, European efficiency factor) along with the least ( P ≤ 0.05) posthatch mortality and prevalence of Escherichia coli , Salmonella Pullorum , and Mycoplasma gallisepticum . Moreover, the experimental chicks obtained from floored PF subjected to AI particularly during postpeak phase expressed the highest ( P ≤ 0.05) contamination of the said pathogens along with posthatch mortality. However, immune response against New Castle disease and infectious bronchitis vaccines and slaughtering parameters remained nonsignificant ( P > 0.05) among the 3 treatments under both trials. It is concluded that the best growth performance along with the least depletion and microbial load of concerned pathogens were being pertained by the experimental birds representing NM.

Genome sequencing of drake semen micobiome with correlation with their compositions, sources and potential mechanisms affecting semen quality

“…Since the 21st century, global market demand for poultry meat has increased year by year from 71,293,729.64 tons in 2001 to 139,219,230.84 tons in 2022 ( FAO, 2024 ), which prompted the development of intensive rearing systems and AI technology in the poultry industry ( Campbell et al, 2019 ; Shaheen, et al, 2020 ). As early as the last half of 20th century, AI technology began using in the chicken industry to improve fertility and achieve breeding goals ( Bilcik et al, 2005 ; Santiago-Moreno and Blesbois, 2022 ).…”

“…In other words, the semen used for AI in poultry is more susceptible to microbial contamination during collection ( Althouse et al, 2000 ; Łukaszewicz et al, 2015 ; Sannat et al, 2015 ; Lee et al, 2020 ; Nadaf et al, 2022 ). Shaheen et al . (2020) observed significantly higher loads of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Pullorum , and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in hens and their offspring in the AI group compared to those in the natural mating group, which result sufficient support the view.…”