My Title

Previous issue | Next issue | Archive

Volume 16 (1); March 2026

Effects of Feed Restriction on Physiological and Behavioural Responses in Broiler Chickens

Research Paper

Effects of Feed Restriction on Physiological and Behavioural Responses in Broiler Chickens

Christinah MM, Collins MN, Grace MT, Masibonge G, and Busisiwe G.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 1-8, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600001-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.1

ABSTRACT: The rapid growth of broiler chickens can sometimes lead to metabolic disorders, skeletal issues, and excessive fat deposition, all of which affect chicken welfare and production efficiency. Feed restriction is a questionable management method used during various growth periods to improve economic efficiency, optimise gut development, and reduce the prevalence of metabolic and skeletal issues. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of feed restrictions on physiological and behavioural responses in broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old broiler chickens, with an average body weight of 45 ± 3 g, were randomly allocated into three treatment groups. All chicks were fed ad libitum during the starter phase to promote uniform growth and health during this critical early stage of development. Upon reaching the grower phase (21 days), they were allocated to one of three experimental groups (n=80), including an untreated group with no feed restriction (FR0), a mild restriction (FR1) group with feed withheld for evry other days, and a moderate feed restriction (FR2) group with feed withheld for every two days. Welfare indicators, including feather condition, pecking behaviour, footpad and skin health, eye, beak, and comb conditions, gait score, body condition, vent pasting, and respiratory function, were evaluated at 42 days. Significant differences were observed across the feed restriction groups in feather condition, pecking behaviour, footpad and skin health, gait score, and body condition compared to FR0. However, respiratory function, condition of the eye, beak, and comb were not affected. Chickens in the FR0 group exhibited superior welfare outcomes, including the highest feather condition score, lowest aggression levels, healthiest footpads, and optimal body condition. In contrast, the FR2 group experienced lowest welfare outcomes including lowest feather wear score, higher aggression, and poor body condition. The present study demonstrated that broiler welfare indicators, such as feather condition, pecking behaviour, body condition score, gait score, and footpad and skin condition, are significantly impacted by feed restriction.
Keywords: Broiler chicken, Feed restriction, Feather condition, Feed efficiency, Welfare indicator

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Isolation and Identification of Antibiotic-Resistance Pathogenic Bacteria from Chicken Eggshells

Research Paper

Isolation and Identification of Antibiotic-Resistance Pathogenic Bacteria from Chicken Eggshells

Kartika AI, Charanita FM, Fitria MS, Darmawati S, and Homsana A.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 9-21, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600002-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.2
ABSTRACT: Chicken eggs represent a globally important source of animal protein for human consumption. Chicken eggs can serve as a source of bacterial contamination, including pathogenic bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Improper handling during purchase, storage, and cooking may allow pathogenic bacteria to infect consumers. The present study aimed to identify antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in chicken eggshells. This preliminary and exploratory study was carried out in several stages. These stages included collecting ten chicken eggs from five different stores in Semarang, Indonesia, performing bacterial culture, testing susceptibility to novobiocin and amoxicillin via the Kirby-Bauer method, performing Gram staining, and examining colony and cell morphology. The next stage included DNA extraction, 16S rRNA gene amplification, sequencing, and confirmation using morphological observations. The current results indicated that seven out of ten egg samples contained bacteria in their shells. Molecular identification revealed that bacterial isolates labeled A, B, C, D, E, F1, F2, G1, and G2, isolated from chicken egg, were closely related to Staphylococcus durrellii, Staphylococcus schleiferi, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus shinii, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus cohnii, and Pseudomonas ficuserectae, respectively. Antibiotic resistance results demonstrated that samples A, B, C, F1, F2, and G2 were resistant to amoxicillin, while samples C and F2 were resistant to novobiocin. Chicken eggshells were found to include antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, often resistant to amoxicillin. These current results indicated possible public health risks and highlight the importance of enhancing food safety measures.
Keywords: Chicken eggshell, Contamination, Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Serum Lipid Profile, and Immunity in Broiler Chickens

Research Paper

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Serum Lipid Profile, and Immunity in Broiler Chickens

Sarkar PK, Munshi MR, and Saha T.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 22-30, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600003-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.3

ABSTRACT: Medicinal herbs have long been used in animal feed to enhance productivity and ensure the safety of animal products. In the present study, black cumin seed, a traditional herbal medicine widely used in South Asia, was investigated for its effects on productive performance, carcass traits, serum lipid profile, and immune status in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old mixed-sex broiler chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments with three replicates of 12 chickens each. The chickens were provided a balanced mash diet supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% black cumin seed powder (dry matter basis) for up to five weeks. Weekly body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were evaluated in the current study. After five weeks, the final body weight was significantly higher in the 1% and 1.5% black cumin-supplemented groups compared to the control. Feed conversion ratio was significantly low, while the European production efficiency index and the broiler performance efficiency factor were significantly higher in the 1.5% black cumin-supplemented group compared to the control group. Regarding carcass traits, abdominal fat (0.58%, 0.86%, and 0.77%) was significantly lower, while breast muscle yield (23.70%, 23.77%, and 24.84%) was significantly higher in the black cumin-treated groups of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively, compared to the control group. However, the serum lipid profile indicated no significant differences. Among the immune organs, thymus weight (0.27%, 0.23%, and 0.24%) was significantly higher in the black cumin-supplemented groups than in the control. Immunoglobulin levels of IgM (3.13, 2.27, and 2.4 mg/mL) and IgG (4.57, 3.83, and 3.90 mg/mL) were notably higher in the black cumin-supplemented groups of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively, compared with the control group. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of black cumin at 1% or 1.5% can have a positive effect on productive performance, some carcass traits, thymus weight, and immunoglobulin levels.
Keywords: Black cumin, Carcass trait, Growth performance, Immunity, Serum cholesterol

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Assessment of Chicken Meat Quality Through Categorized Image Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence

Research Paper

Assessment of Chicken Meat Quality Through Categorized Image Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence

Biabanian A, Shojaedini SV, and Misaghi N.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 31-41, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600004-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.4

ABSTRACT: As consumer demands for high food quality have risen, the swift and non-destructive assessment of chicken meat freshness has become crucial for public health. The present study developed an artificial-intelligence-based digital imaging approach to estimate chicken meat quality by analyzing images categorized as healthy, defrosted, or rotten. A total of seven pre-trained convolutional neural network architectures, including Xception, Inception V3, MobileNet, DenseNet121, VGG16, VGG19, and a baseline convolutional neural network (CNN), were considered for the current study. Chicken meat samples were photographed under controlled lighting, and their quality categories were confirmed by expert inspections. Model performance was evaluated by overall classification accuracy. Among the tested architectures, the VGG19 network achieved the highest mean accuracy of 94.3%, outperforming compared to the baseline CNN by approximately 9%, while other networks exceeded 85% accuracy, indicating reliable recognition capability. This study confirmed that AI-based digital image analysis can accurately classify chicken meat freshness in a non-destructive manner. Among the tested models, VGG19 achieved the highest performance and demonstrated its strong capability for reliable meat quality assessment.
Keywords: Accuracy, Artificial intelligence, Chicken meat quality, Deep learning, Transfer learning

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Effects of Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Cake and Seeds on Growth Performance and Carcass Yield of Broiler Chickens

Research Paper

Effects of Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Cake and Seeds on Growth Performance and Carcass Yield of Broiler Chickens

Benlaksira SB, Djeffal S, and Djeghim F.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 42-52, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600005-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.5

ABSTRACT: In dry and semi-arid environments, prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) are commonly used for their nutritional and commercial value. Cladodes are used for animal feed, and the fruits are consumed as a traditional food. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating Opuntia ficus-indica (O. ficus-indica) fruit seeds and cakes into broiler chickens' diets. A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chickens with an average body weight of 52 grams were reared for 49 days and allocated to four dietary treatments. The first group received diets supplemented with 5% O. ficus-indica fruit seed (S5), and the second group received diets supplemented with 10% O. ficus-indica (S10). The third group received either fruit seed cakes at 5% (C5), and the fourth group received fruit seed cakes at 10% (C10). Broiler growth performance and efficiency were assessed weekly. Mortality was recorded for all groups during each rearing phase, and seven carcass characteristics were documented for ten broiler chickens at the end of the trial. Finally, to evaluate the safety of the plant inclusion, a panel of blood biochemical parameters, including total protein, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglycerides, was analyzed on day 49. Supplementing at 10% notably increased carcass weight and yield, and both 5% and 10% levels significantly enhanced feed efficiency across the groups. Group S5 had the lowest consumption index value (1.67), while the control group had the highest (2.60). Compared to the control group, which received only a basic feed (69.06%), Group S10 had the highest carcass yield (78.16%). The biochemical parameters of all groups were in agreement with reference values and lower than those recorded in the control group. The current findings emphasized the potential of O. ficus-indica as a valuable feed additive to improve broiler growth and carcass quality, without affecting biochemical parameters.
Keywords: Biochemical parameter, Broiler chicken, Growth performance, Opuntia ficus-indica

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

The Impact of Fermented Local Feed on Turkey Production Performance in the Grower Period

Research Paper

The Impact of Fermented Local Feed on Turkey Production Performance in the Grower Period

Sulistiyanto B, Utama CS, Sumarsih S, and Cinderawati NM.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 53-59, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600006-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.6

ABSTRACT: The rising demand for turkey meat in Indonesia is driving an expansion in turkey farming businesses. However, many farmers ignore the nutritional requirements of their poultry and frequently incorporate unprocessed water hyacinth into their feed, which provides low nutritional value. The present study aimed to improve the nutritional value of feed through fermentation to enhance feed quality on smallholder farms. The present study involved 180 heads of eight-week-old turkeys divided into three groups, including basic feed as a control, local feed, and fermented feed. Body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion, and mortality rates were measured during the study. The current results indicated that turkeys fed fermented water hyacinth had improved growth performance, as evidenced by increased body weight and daily weight gain and reduced mortality. The turkeys fed local feed did not indicate improvements in growth performance due to the use of poor-quality local feed. The fermentation method could improve the quality of feed ingredients, thereby enhancing turkey growth performance. Fermented feed given to turkeys could improve production performance by increasing body weight and daily weight gain, also decreasing feed convertion, and mortality rates during the grower period.
Keywords: Fermented feed, Fermentation, Local feed, Performance, Turkey

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Impact of Supplementation of Herbal Blend and Cinnamon Powder on Growth Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens

Research Paper

Impacts of Supplementation of Herbal Blend and Cinnamon Powder on Laying Performance and Egg Quality in Laying Hens

Vu HQ, Nguyen DV, and Vu TD.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 60-67, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600007-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.7

ABSTRACT: Herbal plants are increasingly used in animal production as natural alternatives to enhance digestive health, improve animal performance and product quality, and reduce reliance on antibiotics. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a specific herbal mixture powder (HMP), composed of Bidens pilosa (80%), cinnamon (15%), and anise (5%), at different inclusion levels and to directly compare its impact with that of cinnamon powder (CP) on laying hen performance, egg quality, and egg nutritional content. This comparative study randomly assigned 360 laying hens to five dietary treatments with three replicates of 24 hens per group, and fed the experimental diets for 35 weeks. The treatment groups included the control group, which received the basal diet without supplementation (CG), basal diets supplemented with HMP at 1.0% (TG1), basal diets supplemented with HMP at 1.5% (TG2), basal diets supplemented with HMP at 2.0% (TG3), and a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% of CP (TG4). The present results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with 1.5% or 2.0% of HMP significantly improved laying rate and egg productivity, as indicated by reduced feed consumption per 10 eggs, without significantly affecting egg weight, yolk weight, yolk percentage, albumen weight, or albumen percentage compared to the control group. Additionally, HMP inclusion enhanced yolk pigmentation, eggshell weight and percentage, shell thickness, and Haugh units, although egg yolk crude protein content remained unchanged across treatment groups. The TG4 indicated improvements in certain egg quality traits, including higher haugh units and lower yolk fat and cholesterol levels than the control group. Supplementing with 1.5% and 2% of HMP notably decreased egg yolk cholesterol and fat levels compared to the control group, suggesting potential health benefits for consumers seeking lower-cholesterol eggs. The present study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with a multi-herbal powder mixture, particularly at 1.5 and 2.0%, significantly enhanced laying rate, egg production, and feed efficiency in laying hens. Additionally, it improved egg quality, including yolk color, eggshell thickness, and haugh units, and reduced egg yolk fat and cholesterol, providing a natural strategy for producing healthier eggs while potentially reducing reliance on synthetic additives.
Keywords: Cholesterol, Egg quality, Herbal supplementation, Laying hen

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

The Potential of Active Compounds in Gelinggang Leaf Extract as a Natural Antimicrobial for Laying Hens

Research Paper

The Potential of Active Compounds in Gelinggang Leaf Extract as a Natural Antimicrobial for Laying Hens

Ariqoh H, Retnani Y, Hermana W, Wijayanti I, Firdaus M, and Taryati.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 68-75, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600008-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.8

ABSTRACT: Cassia alata L. (gelinggang) has been widely reported to contain bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. The advantages of utilizing Cassia alata L. encompass its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihepatotoxic, and cytotoxic properties. This in vitro laboratory study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, and antibacterial activity of gelinggang leaf extract as a potential natural antimicrobial feed ingredient. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. using the agar well diffusion method. Proximate analysis revealed that Cassia alata leaf powder contained 20.35% crude protein, 10.05% crude fiber, 5.32% crude fat, 5.45% ash, and 51.44% nitrogen-free extract. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, glycosides, triterpenoids, and steroids. The ethanol extract demonstrated moderate inhibitory antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. at concentrations ranging from 50% to 100%; in contrast, lower concentrations exhibited weak activity inhibition. Cassia alata leaf extract demonstrated nutritional value with high protein content (20.35%) and moderate in vitro antibacterial potential, indicating its promise as a natural antimicrobial candidate.
Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Animal feed additive, Bioactive compound, Cassia alata

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Impact of Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) Extract on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Biochemistry, and Visceral Organ Characteristics in Laying Hens

Research Paper

Impact of Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) Extract on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Biochemistry, and Visceral Organ Characteristics in Laying Hens

Hai PV, Vinh ND, and Son HV.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 76-83, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600009-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.9

ABSTRACT: The overuse of antibiotics in poultry production has intensified the studies for plant-derived antioxidants that can sustain productive performance while improving product quality and bird health status. Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) bulbs are sources of quercetin and sulfur compounds with documented immunomodulatory effects in broiler chickens, but evidence regarding their effects in laying hens is limited. This study assessed the impact of dietary chive bulb extract (CBE) on productive performance (egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), egg quality (Haugh unit, yolk color, shell performance), serum biochemistry (lipid profile, liver enzymes, protein fractions, minerals, immunoglobulins), immune-related organs (spleen, liver) and selected visceral organ characteristics (heart, crop, jejunum, ileum, caeca, abdominal fat) in laying hens. Seventy-two 50-week-old CP Hy-Line Brown laying hens (1.91 ± 0.18 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% CBE (dry matter basis). Each treatment consisted of three replicates with six hens per replicate. The feeding trial lasted eight weeks after a one-week adaptation period. Egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio were not affected by CBE, although feed intake increased and was highest at 1.5% CBE. Supplementation with 1.5% CBE significantly increased the Haugh unit of freshly laid eggs without altering yolk color, eggshell color, thickness, or breaking strength compared to the control group. CBE at all levels did not influence immunoglobulin concentrations, visceral organ weights, or intestinal pH and length, indicating an absence of adverse effects on health status. In contrast, CBE improved aspects of the serum lipid profile by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plus very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) at 1.0% inclusion and decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at 1.5% inclusion. Additionally, CBE lowered alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the 1.0% and 1.5% groups compared to the control, and elevated serum phosphate concentration in all supplemented groups relative to the control. Overall, dietary inclusion of up to 1.5% CBE in laying hens enhanced egg albumen quality and modulated some serum lipid and mineral profiles without compromising productive performance or organ integrity in laying hens.
Keywords: Chive, Egg production, Egg quality, Laying hen

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Effects of Ensiled Ficus nota Fruit Meal on Growth Performance and Nitrogen Balance in Broiler Chickens

Research Paper

Effects of Ensiled Ficus nota Fruit Meal on Growth Performance and Nitrogen Balance in Broiler Chickens

Taer AN, Hebron IU, Taylaran RD, Alcantara CG, Gonzaga NR, Politud ERR, and Camay RM.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 84-101, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600010-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.10

ABSTRACT: Increasing antimicrobial resistance has driven demand for phytogenic feed additives in poultry production. The present study aimed to assess phytochemical, proximate, and antinutritional profiles of Ficus nota (Blanco) Merr. fruit meal processed by drying or ensiling, and evaluated the effects of processing method and antibiotic supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. In a 42-day trial, 144 day-old unsexed broiler chickens (35 ± 0.5 g) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of antibiotic inclusion (with or without doxycycline) and Ficus nota (FN) administration. The treatments consisted of a control diet without FN, 100 g/kg dried FN (DFN), 100 g/kg ensiled FN (EFN), and a 50 + 50 g/kg combination of DFN and EFN (DFN + EFN), replicated three times with six chickens each. Growth performance was evaluated weekly from days 14 to 42, carcass traits at slaughter, and crude protein (CP) digestibility and nitrogen and phosphorus balance from total excreta. Ensiling preserved flavonoids (1.30 mg QE/g) and phenolics (12.01 mg GAE/g) while reducing tannin concentration compared to drying process. FN treatment significantly affected body weight, with the DFN group (852.21 g) significantly lower than the control (920.68 g). The DFN group exhibited the poorest feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase (1.13) but the highest during the finisher phase (0.97). Antibiotic-supplemented groups had lower overall FCR (1.06) than antibiotic-free groups (1.15), across all FN treatments. Antibiotic-supplemented groups had lower CP digestibility (64.50% versus 65.52%), higher nitrogen (17.48 versus 16.20 mg/kg) and phosphorus (2.77 versus 2.53 mg/kg) excretion than antibiotic-free groups. Among FN treatments, the control group achieved the highest CP digestibility (66.68%). The EFN group achieved the highest nitrogen retention (33.65 mg), followed by the control (32.74 mg), DFN (30.19 mg), and DFN+EFN (28.92 mg) groups. Carcass recovery (79.47% ) and chilling loss (0.63%) did not differ significantly among treatments. Ensiled FN fruit meal was a viable phytogenic feed additive that improved nitrogen retention while maintaining growth performance. Blending dried and ensiled FN fruit meals exhibited antagonistic interactions between tannins and organic acids.
Keywords: Antibiotic, Broiler chicken, Ensiling, Ficus nota, Nitrogen retention, Phytogenic feed additive, Tannin

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Microbial Screening of Housing and Equipment Before the Arrival of Day-Old Chickens

Research Paper

Microbial Screening of Housing and Equipment Before the Arrival of Day-Old Chickens

Duong CM, Houbari NAKN, Du NTQ, Le HN, and Ho TKH.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 102-109, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600011-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.11

ABSTRACT: Cleaning and disinfection are essential parts of farm management biosecurity. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of opportunistic bacteria on environmental surfaces and equipment in broiler houses on Day 0, just prior to the arrival of day-old chickens. Samples were collected from nine broiler houses, located on different farms in two provinces in Southern Vietnam. Five swab samples were randomly collected from each house, focusing on ceiling and wall surfaces, fan blades, feeders, and drinkers’ heaters. Each environmental sample was analyzed for coliform and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) counts and for the presence of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). Before placing chickens in the houses, samples were collected from 10-day-old chickens on each farm. Feather swabs were collected from the body surface for Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella species, and S. aureus, while yolk samples were screened for E. coli and Salmonella species. High bacterial loads were detected in all environmental samples. Specifically, coliform and S. aureus counts reached 6 log₁₀ CFU/cm² from ceilings and walls. Additionally, equipment surfaces demonstrated substantial bacterial contamination, with counts of 6-11 log₁₀ CFU per feeder or drinker, 9-11 log₁₀ CFU per fan blade, and 6-10 log₁₀ CFU per heater. Clostridium perfringens was found on environmental surfaces and equipment in most broiler chicken houses, except for houses 1, 3, and 5, and in a feather sample from a day-old chick. Escherichia coli was identified in all chicken samples. Salmonella spp. were found in the yolk samples at six out of nine farms (66.7%), whereas S. aureus was isolated from 17 of 18 feather samples (99.4%). The presence of these enteric bacteria and S. aureus on the environment and equipment surfaces indicated that microorganisms from the previous flock persisted despite thorough cleaning and disinfection. This residual contamination indicated that bacteria persisted mainly during the broiler cycle due to insufficient environmental sanitation and the presence of already infected chickens. The current results demonstrated that existing disinfection methods are insufficient to protect newly stocked flocks. These findings underscore the need for improved hygiene standards to reduce the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in poultry production.
Keywords: Biosecurity, Broiler house, Cleaning, Disinfection, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Development of Antimicrobial Resistance in Layer Chicken Farms in Indonesia: A Review

Review

Development of Antimicrobial Resistance in Layer Chicken Farms in Indonesia: A Review

Mahapurta IM, Agustina KK, and Besung INK.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 110-126, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600012-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.12

ABSTRACT: Layer farming plays a vital role in providing animal-derived food products. Increased production raises concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), mainly due to widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics as growth promoters and prophylactic therapeutics. The present study aimed to investigate the development and risk factors associated with AMR in layer farms across Indonesia. Antimicrobial resistance represented a significant global threat to both human and animal health, leading to treatment failures, rising healthcare costs, and the spread of resistant pathogens through the food chain. Bacterial resistance mechanisms, including antibiotic inactivation, modifications of antimicrobial target sites, and reduced cellular permeability, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria further exacerbated AMR problem. Globally, regulations on antibiotic use in livestock farming differed significantly, with some countries implementing stringent bans while others continued to permit their use. In Indonesia, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been officially prohibited; however, enforcement remained inconsistent due to limited access to veterinary services, inadequate monitoring systems, and insufficient awareness among farmers. Effective AMR management depended on a one health framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. To promote responsible antimicrobial use and strengthen veterinary services, cross-sectoral coordination was vital for advancing training, infrastructure, and diagnostics. These efforts enabled the development of evidence-based policies, including regulations on the use of antibiotics in livestock and national action plans supported by robust surveillance systems. By adopting systemic approaches and innovative farm management practices, the risks associated with AMR can be effectively mitigated, ensuring the sustainability of the livestock sector and safeguarding global health.
Keywords: Antibiotic residue, Antibiotic use, Antimicrobial resistance, Layer farming, One health

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

A Review on Valorizing Poultry Wastes: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions

Review

A Review on Valorizing Poultry Wastes: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions

Godana MB and Senbeta EK.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 127-141, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600013-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.13

ABSTRACT: The global poultry industry has experienced significant growth, leading to a noticeable increase in waste generation, including faecal excreta, feed spillage, feathers, hatchery effluent, animal mortality, and bedding material. Conventional disposal techniques such as burning, incineration, burial, and landfilling have adverse effects on the environment and human health. These disposal methods pollute the air, water, and soil by increasing greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating disease transmission, including cholera, typhoid, malaria, filaria, and dengue fever. Thus, it is imperative to use sustainable and eco-friendly waste management methods, such as composting, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, rendering, microbial and enzymatic treatment, and vermicomposting, which help recycle poultry wastes by converting them into useful products such as organic fertilizer, animal feed, biogas, drugs, and cosmetics. The objective of this literature review is to provide an overview of the scientific literature on sustainable and environmentally acceptable methods for valorizing poultry waste into valuable products. Valorizing poultry wastes can reduce environmental and health impacts while producing valuable products used as animal feed and industry raw material. Composting poultry waste can be used to create organic fertilizer for soil amendment. Anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification are techniques that can generate biogas, syngas, and biochar as energy and feedstock, such as feather meal, meat and bone meal, and tallow from poultry waste. Through rendering, fats and proteins can be recovered from abattoir wastes and used in the soap, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in animal feed. Vermicomposting is another poultry-waste valorisation method that uses earthworms to decompose organic waste and produce high-quality compost. The aforementioned methods for valorizing poultry waste contribute to a circular economy by recycling waste through eco-friendly and sustainable processes, though their applications are limited by elevated capital and energy costs, scalability challenges, technical complexity, and sensitivity to waste variability. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the adoption of poultry waste valorization methods among poultry producers and enhance sustainability in the poultry sector by minimizing pollution caused by poultry waste and recycling it into valuable products.
Keywords: Circular economy, Disposal, Eco-friendly, Poultry, Valorisation

[Full text-PDF] [Crossref Metadata] [Scopus] [Export from ePrints]

Effects of Snail-Based Calcium Supplements on Production Performance and Economic Viability in Laying Poultry: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Systematic Review

Effects of Snail-Based Calcium Supplements on Production Performance and Economic Viability in Laying Poultry: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cordova SM, Hebron IU, Taylaran RD, Alcantara CG, Gonzaga NR, Politud ERR, and Camay RM.

J. World Poult. Res. 16(1): 142-156, 2026; pii: S2322455X2600014-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.36380/jwpr.2026.14

ABSTRACT: Snail-based calcium may substitute for conventional calcium sources in laying-poultry diets, especially in regions with abundant invasive snails. The effects of snail-based calcium on egg productivity and profitability differ depending on the snail species, processing method, and inclusion level. The present study aimed to estimate the effects of snail-based calcium supplementation on hen-day production and egg weight in laying poultry. Following PRISMA guidelines, nine databases through 2025 were searched for controlled trials comparing snail-derived calcium with conventional sources in laying hens. Out of 825 records, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria after systematic screening for study design, outcome reporting, and variance data. Egg weight and hen-day production were the primary outcomes; economic outcomes were analyzed qualitatively due to limited variance in the data. Using a random-effects model, pooled results indicated that snail-shell calcium significantly reduced egg weight compared to the conventional calcium sources, with no significant effect on hen-day production. Subgroup analysis indicated that quail maintained comparable egg production when fed snail-shell calcium, whereas layer hens experienced a significant decline. Among 26 economic comparisons, 69.2% reported favorable outcomes for snail-based calcium, primarily because lower ingredient costs offset the slight reduction in egg output. Heterogeneity was high for egg weight (I² = 81.6%) and hen-day production (I² = 93.5%). Snail-based calcium can be viable when processed appropriately and used at species-appropriate inclusion levels. Overall, the meta-analytic results suggested that snail-shell calcium can be a practical, cost-effective alternative when properly processed and used at levels suited to the target poultry species.
Keywords: Calcium supplementation, Golden apple snail, Laying hen, Snail shell, Snail-based calcium