Articles

Poultry Welfare and its positive behavioural indicators Dr. Abhijeet Champati Assistant Professor, Department of LPM, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOADU, Bhubaneswar-751003 Corresponding author : [email protected] ABSTRACT There have been growing concerns and awareness among consumers regarding the welfare needs of birds and the source of their poultry products. The concepts of welfare focus on the freedoms and needs of birds as well as their physiological, mental and social well being and also take into account the economics, legality of the rearing systems. It’s the well educated and informed decisions made by the consumers that can promote the all round welfare in poultry rearing.To aid them into better decision making, more research and survey of economical welfare practices in different situations is required.This article reviews the welfare in poultry and its governing behavioural indicators that can help make decisions in management and improve production without hampering the physical and mental health of birds. Keywords: Welfare, Poultry, Behaviour, dustbathing Introduction Poultry birds are commercially grown and raised for their eggs and meat all over the world. Poultry has proven to be the most effective animal product in the world market for producing high-quality protein (Pandey, 2018). The sector has experienced significant expansion and advancement in recent decades, both in India and globally. With a yearly growth rate of 6-7% in egg production and 7-8% in broiler meat, poultry is currently one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in India (BAHS, 2023). The rapid advancements in animal genetics, feeding, and management techniques are responsible for this spike in output. This fast growth is also supported by the high stock density intensive rearing viz. deep litter and cages, commercially seeking to maximize profit by application of modern technologies and facilities of management and reduce labout cost and boost productivity. Presently, people are more interested in learning where poultry products come from and how to improve the welfare of the birds. This consequently influences their attitude when making product purchases. The global chicken business has moved away from the traditional cage system and toward more welfare-conscious alternative rearing techniques as a result of these welfare issues. This article examines the notions of wellbeing in the raising of chicken as well as the variety of metrics used to measure it. Concepts of Poultry Welfare Animal welfare is influenced by an animal’s mental and physical health. There are several ways that the housing system may impact the welfare of birds. Researchers that work on animal welfare generally agree that integrating data from various sources using a variety of approaches is the most comprehensive way to assess welfare. (Bhanja and Bhadauria, 2018; EFSA, 2005) Concept of Freedom The five freedoms as applicable to poultry an ideal state of welfare for poultry birds that need to be kept in mind while rearing. These are:- Concept of Comprehensive Approaches A thorough approach to animal welfare was presented by Dockès and Kling-Eveillard (2006), concentrating on four key concerns. The following summarizes them, with implications for the welfare of poultry: Behavioural Indicators of welfare Animal welfare includes an animal’s state of mind and body. A housing system, or rather the environment, can have a number of effects on hen welfare. Therefore, in order to evaluate an animal’s welfare within a specific housing system, a number of indicators, such as the mortality rate, stress, illness and health condition and most prominently behavioural indicators must be taken into account simultaneously. Natural behaviour as defined as behaviour an animal normally shows when exposed to conditions similar to its natural habitat. These are congenial and promote biological functions that are significant to the animal’s welfare. Birds reared in cages often lack the expressions of certain natural behaviour. Tatural behaviours have been listed below. It is linked to aggressive behavior, tonic immobility, aggression, freezing behavior, adrenal cortical activity, and heart rate increase and its impact on the quality of meat. The behavior of cannibalism is harmful to the wellbeing of birds, especially as it results in pain and injury. It has to do with extreme feather pecking, and some authors think that rather than social and natural behaviors, it results from genetic selection favoring individual performance (Bhanja and Bhadauria, 2018). The birds frequently divide into smaller groups when there is room, each with its own set social hierarchy. Particularly in high-density systems where a few dominant individuals may control the feed, water, and available space, social dominance can lead to management issues. When new groups or flocks mix, the dominance hierarchy and the agonistic interactions that go along with it are always restored. Table: On farm welfare assessment of poultry Welfare principles Criteria Assessment Measures Good feeding Absence of prolonged hunger and thirst   Assessed at abbatoir or feeder/drinker space Good housing Ease of movement, thermal and resting comfort Plumage condition, litter quality, stocking density, panting, huddling Good health No injuries, disease or pain and distress Lameness, hock burn, foodpad dermatitis, mortality Appropriate behaviour To express social and natural behaviour, human-bird relationship, positive emotional state Avoidance distance test, assessment of qualitative behaviour Conclusion In today’s intense production units, the wellbeing of laying hens is widely acknowledged as a concern. When welfare measures are implemented, the degree of freedom that informed and educated consumers have over their choices may be crucial. Therefore, our decisions about ensuring the welfare of laying hens should be guided by our understanding of the motivations for their behavior and choice of environmental alternative. References Tauson, R.2005. Management and housing systems for layers—Effects on welfare and production. World’s Poult. Sci. J. 61, 477–490 Papageorgiou, M. Goliomytis, M. Tzamaloukas, O. Miltiadou, D.andSimitzis, P.2023. Positive Welfare Indicators and Their Association with Sustainable Management Systems in Poultry. Sustainability, 15, 10890 Campbell, D.L.M. Makagon, M.M.J. Swanson, J.C. and Siegford, J.M.2016. Perch use by laying hens in a commercial aviary. Poult. Sci. 95, 1736–1742 Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS), GoI, DAHD. Pp14-23

Role of phytoestrogens in modulating Reproductive health in crossbred cattle Dr. Juli Chakma1 and Dr. Divyaprakash R Choravada2 1Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOADU, Bhubaneswar-751003 2Assistant Professor, Department of VeterinaryBiochemistry, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOADU, Bhubaneswar-751003 Corresponding author : [email protected] ABSTRACT Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds in plants with estrogen-like activity, have emerged as a potential solution for enhancing reproductive health in crossbred cattle. Phytoestrogens offer a promising, natural alternativeAdditionally, phytoestrogens are associated with other health benefits like antioxidant properties and enhanced immune function, contributing to the overall well-being of the animals.Recent research highlights the effectiveness of phytoestrogens in improving reproductive performance. These findings underscore the potential of phytoestrogens as a cost-effective, natural strategy for enhancing reproductive health in crossbred cattle.This article examines the different types of phytoestrogens, their mechanisms of action, and the scientific evidence supporting their use. By understanding these aspects, farmers and veterinarians can make informed decisions about integrating phytoestrogens into cattle management practices, ultimately leading to healthier and more productive livestock. Keywords: Phytoestrogen, oestrus, reproduction, hormones INTRODUCTION Phytoestrogens are a type of secondary metabolite produced by plants during photosynthesis, primarily involved in host-microbe interactions and defense mechanisms. Chemically, phytoestrogens encompass over 100 molecules across various chemical classes, including isoflavones, flavones, coumestans, stilbenesandlignans(Wocławek-Potockaet al., 2013). The effects of phytoestrogens on livestock production have been recognized for some time. In farm animals, diets rich in phytoestrogens can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to silent heat, progesterone deficiency, embryonic loss, and reduced semen quality. Conversely, incorporating phytoestrogenic plants into the diets of growing animals has shown beneficial effects, such as stimulating weight gain and increasing growth rates. However, phytoestrogens work by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, either mimicking or modulating the effects of endogenous estrogens. This interaction can regulate hormonal balance, improve estrous cycle regularity, and enhance fertility in crossbred cattle. Moreover, phytoestrogens have been associated with other health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and improved immune function, contributing to the overall well-being of the animals (Chakma et al., 2023). Challenges in Reproductive Health Management Managing reproductive health in livestock, particularly crossbred cattle, presents several complex challenges. These issues significantly impact productivity and profitability in the dairy and meat industries. Detailed below are the primary challenges in reproductive health management: 1. Infertility Infertility in cattle can be a significant barrier to effective reproductive health management. Causes of infertility include: Infertile cows are unable to conceive or maintain a pregnancy, leading to economic losses due to reduced milk production and fewer calves. 2. Irregular Estrous Cycles Regular estrous cycles are essential for predictable and efficient breeding programs. Irregular cycles complicate these programs by making it difficult to determine the optimal breeding time. Factors contributing to irregular estrous cycles include: Managing and predicting estrous cycles in cattle with irregular cycles can be challenging and time-consuming. 3. Low Conception Rates Low conception rates can stem from multiple factors: Low conception rates affect the overall reproductive efficiency, delaying the production of new calves and reducing milk yield. 4. Silent Heat Silent heat, or subestrus, is a condition where cows undergo estrous cycles without exhibiting noticeable signs of heat. This makes it difficult for farmers to identify the optimal breeding time. Contributing factors include: Silent heat can lead to missed breeding opportunities, further complicating reproductive management. 5. Pregnancy Loss Pregnancy loss, including early embryonic death and abortions, is another significant challenge. Factors contributing to pregnancy loss include: Pregnancy loss not only reduces the number of calves born but also leads to economic losses and can impact the overall health of the cow. Types of Phytoestrogens Mechanisms of Action Phytoestrogens exert their effects through several mechanisms: Benefits of Phytoestrogens in Reproductive Health Practical Application of Phytoestrogens Incorporating phytoestrogens into livestock diets can be done through the inclusion of phytoestrogen-rich plants such as soybeans, clover, flaxseeds, and certain legumes. This approach offers a natural, sustainable alternative to synthetic hormones and supplements. Farmers can integrate these plants into feed or use commercially available phytoestrogen supplements formulated for livestock. Challenges and Considerations While phytoestrogens offer many benefits, their use also presents some challenges and considerations: CONCLUSION In conclusion, phytoestrogens offer a natural, sustainable, and potentially highly effective approach to enhancing reproductive health in crossbred cattle. By addressing the unique reproductive challenges faced by these animals, phytoestrogens can contribute significantly to improving productivity and profitability in the dairy and meat industries. As research progresses and practical applications are refined, phytoestrogens are likely to become an integral part of reproductive health management in livestock, promoting both animal well-being and economic sustainability. REFERENCES Braden A.W.H., N.K. Hart and J.A. Lamberton, 1967.The oestrogenic activity of and metabolism of certain isoflavones in sheep. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 18: 335-348. Chakma, J., Kaur, N., Namdeo, S., Patir, M., Dutta, N., Jadhav, S. E., …& Singh, S. K. (2024). Effect of Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos leaves supplementation on gas production kinetics and feed degradation with cattle inoculum. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 24(1), 137-148. Wocławek-Potocka I., C. Mannelli, D. Boruszewska, I. K. Zieba,T. WaVniewski and D. J. SkarHyNski, 2013. Diverse effects of phytoestrogens on the reproductive performance: Cow as a model. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2013:1-15. Yildiz, F., 2005.Phytoestrogens in Functional Foods.Taylor & Francis. Ltd. Pp. 3-5: 210-211.

Exploring the Use of Essential Oils in Poultry production Dr. Juli Chakma1 and Dr. Divyaprakash R Choravada2 1Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOADU, Bhubaneswar-751003 2Assistant Professor, Department of VeterinaryBiochemistry, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOADU, Bhubaneswar-751003 Corresponding author: [email protected] ABSTRACT Essential oils are increasingly recognized as viable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in organic poultry farming systems due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and growth-promoting properties. Research indicates that essential oils like oregano, clove, and thyme can significantly enhance feed efficiency, weight gain, and immune function in poultry, while also reducing pathogen load and improving gut health. Essential oils (EOs), derived from various plants as secondary metabolites, have emerged as one such alternative. Essential oils are recognized for their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, digestive stimulant, immunomodulatory, and hypolipidemic properties, as well as their ability to alleviate heat stress. Unlike antibiotics, they leave no residues in animal products. These natural bioactive compounds provide a chemical-free solution that aligns with the principles of organic farming. Despite their benefits, challenges such as variability in efficacy and economic considerations must be addressed. Ongoing global research is investigating various combinations and cocktails of essential oils or their active extracts to fully understand their multifaceted potential as feed additives. The expanding scope of essential oil research is expected to significantly reduce the extensive use of antibiotics in feed additives. Looking forward, the role of essential oils in poultry feeding is poised to play a crucial role in industry development. Keywords: Essential oil, poultry, bioactive substances, clove Introduction Essential oils (EOs) or volatile oils are aromatic oily liquids obtained through distillation from various plant parts such as flowers, buds, seeds, leaves, twigs, bark, wood, fruits, and roots [1]. They are extracted using steam or organic solvents (such as ethanol, methanol, toluene, or other organic solvents) and have been used traditionally for centuries across different parts of the world. EOs are valued for their pleasant flavors, aromas, and preservative properties. Specific components of EOs can be extracted from plant parts or synthesized. EOs typically contain a diverse array of compounds including terpenes, alcohols, acetones, phenols, acids, aldehydes, and esters. These substances can play a protective role against bacterial, fungal, or insect attacks. Therefore, EOs are considered natural, complex, multi-component oils. Essential oils are plant essences obtained through water and/or steam distillation, consisting of benzene or terpene derivatives. They are highly valued for their antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. Many plant sources of essential oils have been studied for their efficacy as feed additives. To assess the antioxidant capabilities of specific phytogenic products, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity is determined. Thyme oil, for example, has been found to exhibit better antioxidant properties Phenolic compounds with hydroxyl groups have antioxidant qualities that reduce hydroxyl peroxide formation. The global demand for organic poultry products has surged in recent years, driven by consumer preferences for naturally raised animals and sustainable farming practices. Organic poultry farming emphasizes the use of natural inputs and prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, including antibiotics, as growth promoters. This shift necessitates the exploration of natural alternatives that can ensure poultry health and productivity while adhering to organic farming principles.Essential oils are intricate mixtures of volatile compounds produced by living organisms and isolated solely through physical methods, such as pressing and distillation, from specific parts of plants with known taxonomic origins. Mode of Action of essential oil In broiler production, essential oils have shown potential for therapeutic treatment in various scenarios. They enhance poultry production by boosting the activity of digestive enzymes, reducing fermentation products, lowering pathogen levels, improving nutrient digestion, increasing intestinal accessibility to essential nutrients, and enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function.Using essential oils, their compounds, and newly screened compounds to control pathogens in organic poultry production. Organic poultry production faces challenges beyond salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis, including coccidiosis, clostridia infections, internal and external parasites, and high disease-related mortality. The potential of essential oils and their compounds in addressing these challenges, both pre-harvest and post-harvest, warrants further exploration. Antioxidant activity of essential oil An important area of current research focuses on mitigating biological damage caused by free radicals. Natural antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting animals and the food industry from oxidative stress, thereby preventing food deterioration caused by oxidative activity.The antioxidant mechanisms of essential oils (EOs) rely on their ability to donate a hydrogen or an electron to free radicals and to delocalize the unpaired electron within their aromatic structure. This protects other biological molecules from oxidation. Various methods have been employed to examine the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds in vitro, providing values that can be used to rank the antioxidant potential of aromatic substances.Antioxidant activity has been reported for various essential oils (EOs), including those from rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis), lavender (Lavandulaspp), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus obliqua, clove (Syzygiumaromaticum), Lippiaberlandieri, Origanumglandulosum, and Origanumvulgare. In a study by Wei and Shibamoto, EOs from angelica seed (Angelica archangelica), celery seed (Apiumgraveolens), chamomile (Anthemisnobilis), ginger (Zingiberofficinale), jasmine (Jasminumofficinale), juniper berry (Juniperuscommunis), lavender (Lavandulaofficinalis), parsley seed (Petroselinumsativum), patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli), peppermint (Menthapiperita), rose (Rosa damascena), sandalwood (Santalum album), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and ylang-ylang (Canangaodorata) were examined for their ability to prevent oxidative damage, with thyme and clove being the most effective. Effects of dietary EOs in poultry Replacing antibiotic performance enhancers with safe and natural substances is a key goal in the poultry industry. Promising results have been observed with the use of essential oils (EOs) and other natural products as performance enhancers. Typical performance parameters in poultry rearing include body weight, growth, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Studies have reported that incorporating oregano EO at 50 and 100 mg/kg in normal broiler diets had no significant effect on overall body weight and feed conversion ratio, showing no difference from control groups or from groups supplemented with 200 mg α-tocopheryl acetate (Lee et al., 2024). Factors that affect the effectiveness of essential oils The effectiveness of essential oils is influenced by a variety of factors. Key factors include:Plant Source