Equine synovial fluid protein equalization via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries

To gain further knowledge of the equine synovial fluid (SF) proteome, we propose a protocol based on the equalization of the relative concentrations of its proteins, which leads to the modification of the standard electrophoretic pattern revealing low-abundance proteins that otherwise remain undetected. Fresh SF samples were collected from ten macroscopically normal metacarpophalangeal joints of crossbred horses. The samples were processed using standard procedures as the control and via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLL) using low ionic forces (NaH2PO4 10 mM) at different pHs (4.0, 7.0, and 9.3) with 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 25 mM DTT for protein resolubilization. Proteins were then separated by conventional 8% SDS-PAGE and stained with coomassie blue. After separation of the equalized proteins, there was a significant reduction in the albumin (the most abundant protein in the SF) and, at the same time, other protein bands arise that were not visible without CPLL processing. In addition, there was variation in the protein profiles at different pHs. The results suggest that protein equalization of the equine SF by CPLL could be a useful tool to better understand the articular homeostasis and/or for the detection of new biomarkers of joint pathology.

The use of mixed light-emitting diodes and natural light in combination with daylength affects turkey hen performance, eye development, and feather coverage

Lighting is a complex management tool in turkey production, controlled by three parameters; daylength, intensity, and chromaticity. As light-emitting diodes (LED) increase in popularity as alternatives to traditional light sources, research regarding LED impacts on commercial-type turkey production is lacking. Therefore, turkey hens of the same strain were reared under experimental brooding and grow-out conditions with six lighting treatments. An environmentally and light controlled facility (ECF) consisted of 5,000 Kelvin (K) LED or 5,000K + far-red LED (639nm) (RED) with either 12h short or 18h long daylength to test LED spectra. In the remaining treatments, hens were exposed to sunlight in a curtain-sided facility (CSF) as two treatments 1) natural decreasing daylength from September to November (NAT) or 2) natural daylight + 5,000 K LED lighting with an 18h long blocked daylength (BLK). The intensity was 9 footcandles in the ECF and naturally fluctuating in the CSF. Hen's performance was evaluated at 5, 9, and 14 weeks for eye development and feather coverage. Hens brooded and grown-out under NAT light had significantly increased body weight gain compared to BLK hens for the same period. Hens reared with RED LED spectrum had significantly increased eye anterior-posterior distance than birds raised in the NAT treatment. A significant reduction in red heat signature on the breast tissue in the NAT treatment compared to all other 18h treatments indicated improved feather coverage. However, these same results were not observed during serum thyroid hormone analysis. While turkey hens reared under different lighting programs had similar ending performance, lighting parameters significantly affected bird performance during the growing period, bird's eye development, and body feather coverage. Therefore, potential effects on growth patterns and physiology should be considered when choosing a LED lighting program for turkeys

History and current status of Marek's disease in turkeys

Marek's disease (MD), caused by a highly contagious and oncogenic herpesvirus, causes immunosuppression and tumors in chickens. Although several reports on the occurring lymphomas (MD-like conditions) in turkeys have been published, less attention has been paid to the disease in this species. Recently, Marek's disease virus (MDV) has been demonstrated in lymphomatous tumors in commercial turkeys in several countries. The present review aimed to describe the past and recent situation of MD in turkeys, including clinical picture and methods used for diagnosis. Additionally, three hypotheses that might explain the emergence of MDV in turkeys, including virus evolution and evolution of MDV variants, modern hybrid turkeys, and raising of turkeys close to chickens, were discussed. The pathogenesis of MDV infection in turkeys remains unclear, and further investigations are necessary. Although herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) vaccine didn't protect turkeys against challenge with a virulent MDV, Rispens strain is effective, highlighting the need for further assessment of the effectiveness of MDV vaccines in turkeys.

A case report of biochemistry and serum amyloid A in a moribund free-ranging Baltic herring gull (Larus argentatus) with necrotic wing fracture

An adult herring gull (Larus argentatus) found lethargic and moribund showed an open fracture of the right radius and ulna with necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Hematologic testing and plasma biochemical analysis revealed elevated creatinine kinase consistent with traumatic muscle damage in addition to hyperuricemia, hyperkalaemia, and hyperphosphatemia consistent with renal insufficiency. Increase in the acute phase protein Serum Amyloid A indicate a high degree of inflammation supported by leucocytosis, heterophilia, and hypoglycaemia pointing towards septicaemia. This case provides knowledge about Serum Amyloid A in gulls, and how bone fracture and secondary infection may affect gull blood haematology and biochemistry.

Detection of CTX-M-Type Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Salmonella Typhimurium in Commercial Poultry Farms in Copperbelt Province, Zambia

In Zambia, poultry is a rapidly increasing sector contributing 4.8% of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), thus providing a significant income-generating activity. Worldwide, poultry is a major reservoir of Salmonella with an increasing incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains. ESBLs are enzymes produced by bacteria and are capable of inactivating a wide range of beta-lactam antibiotics. Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are the most important foodborne serotypes in many countries, infecting both humans and animals and are transmitted to humans through the food supply chain. CTX-M ESBLs have been described in Salmonella Typhimurium isolates with resistant genes located on transferable plasmids. This study aimed to detect S. Typhimurium, their antimicrobial resistance, and CTX-M-type ESBL Producing strains in commercial poultry farms in Copperbelt Province, Zambia. Five districts were considered for this study, where one poultry farm per district was randomly selected for sampling. An overall number of 384 fecal samples were analyzed using microbiological and molecular methods. S. Typhimurium was detected at 17.7% (CI: 14.2%-21.8%) in commercial poultry farms in Copperbelt Province, of which 12.8% (CI: 9.8%-16.5%) were found harboring the CTX-M-Type ESBL genes. S. Typhimurium isolates showed 88.2% resistance to at least one antimicrobial compound. All the isolates showed 100% resistance to tetracycline, followed by ampicillin and amoxicillin at 91.2%. These isolates also showed 58.8% resistance to cefotaxime and 54.4% to ceftazidime. Detection of CTX-M ESBL producing Salmonella Typhimurium suggests the contamination of chicken food chain at farm level and calls for public health protection measures.

Avian Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae: Advances in diagnosis and control

Both of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) infections are the most common Mycoplasma infection in domestic poultry. The disease is associated with economic losses in poultry. MG and MS are commonly spread within chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) flocks; however, they are frequently isolated from quails (Coturnix coturnix) and several avian species. Diagnosis of MG or MS infections is confirmed by isolating the organism in a cell-free medium or directly detecting its DNA in infected tissues or swab samples. Serological tests are also widely used for diagnosis. However, advances in molecular biology represented a rapid and sensitive alternative to the traditional culture methods requiring specialized techniques and sophisticated reagents. Several Mycoplasma molecular diagnostic tests are implemented: including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), arbitrary primed polymerase chain reactions (AP‐PCR), and Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex MGMS). Current control practices against Mycoplasma infection include intense biosecurity, biosurveillance, medication, and vaccination. However, the egg-borne nature of avian Mycoplasma infection complicates controlling the infection. This review focuses on the advances in diagnosis and control of avian Mycoplasma infection, especially MG and MS infections.

Developing probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids to control Salmonella spp. in commercial turkeys at the University of Arkansas, USA

In the United States, non-typhoidal Salmonella causes over one million foodborne infections every year and turkey meat contaminated with Salmonella has been associated from the farm to the processing plant. These outbreaks emphasize efforts on decreasing and preventing human illness associated with live poultry contact through comprehensive interventions from \farm-to-fork" levels. This review article revises the role of the turkey upper respiratory tract, which is now known to play a crucial role in colonization and as a source of contamination, for this remarkable bacterium that has co-evolved to infect plants and animals. Because agriculture represents over 60% of the economy of the state of Arkansas, the mission of our laboratory over the last 21 years has been directed to evaluate and develop applied research to help reduce the incidence of Salmonella spp. from commercial turkey operations. A summary of the published research is presented.

Alternative approaches to antimicrobial use in the turkey industry: Challenges and perspectives

Poultry production has experienced a major shift with the prohibition of the use of antimicrobials and antibiotics as growth promoters. The industry in general, and more specifically turkey producers, are facing a changing world in that many consumers have a perception and certain beliefs about food production while the truth maybe something else. Additionally, perception has become a reality when it comes to consumer acceptance, which affects consumer purchasing behavior. In this regard, in many cases and genres, the public perception of antibiotic use in turkey production can be generally negative. The truth that antibiotics and other antimicrobials can be beneficial to both turkeys and consumers is lost. Therefore, turkey producers are accepting the challenge to rear turkey flocks without growth promoting antibiotics or antimicrobials. In some cases and some locales, this has become the law. In other markets, consumer desires and purchasing habits are the driving force for change. Turkey producers are scrutinizing production practices to ascertain and provide the optimal environment for turkey production. In addition, alternatives to antibiotics are being developed, tested, evaluated, and used for turkey production in increasing frequency. These include, but not limited to, probiotics (direct-fed microbials), prebiotics, organic acids, essential oils, spices, and plant and yeast extracts. Researchers are joining forces with turkey producers to develop use plans for these feed additives that, in most cases, are not the same as for antibiotic administration. Turkey producers have become proactive in developing these plans and are preparing to provide exceptional quality products that will meet consumer acceptance. However, more research focusing specifically on turkeys is certainly needed so that these alternative approaches can be optimized to meet the turkey production necessities.

Infection with Avian Coronaviruses: A recurring problem in turkeys

Turkey coronavirus (TCoV) is a Gammacoronavirus causing acute contagious enteritis in young turkeys, leading to impaired growth, low feed conversion, and increased mortality. The TCoV infections, in association/combination with other enteropathogenic viruses, bacteria & protozoa, are associated with poult enteritis-mortality syndrome (PEMS) in turkeys of 1-4 weeks age. In this review, classification & genotyping of TCoV, the implications of its recombination, and challenges to develop efficient vaccines against it are discussed. Though TCoV is monophyletic with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) with a sequence similarity of ≥86, however a classification scheme gathering all avian coronaviruses (ACoVs) is not established. Based on the N gene, ACoVs are classified into five clades. Clades 1 & 2 (chickens), Clade 3 (pigeon) Clade 4 (duck), and Clade 5 (goose). The Spike (S) gene of ACoVs has shown exceptional lability of being easily switched with multiple recombination events suggesting that TCoV may be an IBV recombinant. Recombination events altered the pathogenicity, host specificity, and tissue tropism of TCoVs. Attempts to develop attenuated, inactivated, DNA, and virus-vectored vaccines are ongoing. Experimentally, the attenuated TCoV strains induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses and completely protected against the homologous challenge but not heterologous TCoV challenge. Meanwhile, genetically engineered vaccines, either DNA or virus vectored vaccines, are limited with either late induction of a protective immune response and/or inability of the elicited antibody to neutralize virus infection and protect against virus challenge. Future research should focus on improving vaccine efficiency against TCoVs by developing more immunogenic vaccines, determining the appropriate dosing regimens, and include potent adjuvants.