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<OL> <LI> Assess the prevalence and drug sensitivity of Campylobacter in non-commercial produced poultry such as small backyard flocks, organic produced poultry, and free range poultry. <LI> To evaluate the use of nutraceuticals (oils, herbs, spices) in broiler production for health and well-being. <LI> To assess the application of probiotics in broiler production on health/production performance and Campylobacter shedding. <LI> To study the gene expression profile of Campylobacter isolates from chickens of different rearing backgrounds using cDNA micro array technology and bioinformatics.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The emergence of pathogenic bacteria with resistance to many antibiotics has reduced the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment of infections. With the restriction of antibiotics, new ways must be explored to protect and improve the health status of broilers to guarantee animal performance and protect consumers.
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APPROACH: Researchers will study Campylobacter jejuni drug resistance, and gene expression in noncommercial produced poultry. Various herbs will be evaluated for use in broiler chickens production as alternatives for antibiotics. Further, different protobiotics will be utilized in broiler production to determine influence on intestinal flora and often parameters.
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PROGRESS: 2002/10 TO 2006/09<BR>
Trials were conducted to evaluate pokeweed extract on broiler chicken growth, health and foodborne pathogens Campylobacter jejuni (C.j.) and Salmonella. Chicks were subjected to 0, 125, 250, and 500 concentrations of pokeweed extract for a seven week period. Cloaca samples taken at 21-days of age showed a reduction in positive Campylobacter jejuni samples with 0 percent for the experimental 500 extract and 66% for the control. Ceca samples were also lower, with 20% vs. 100% positive for Campylobacter jejuni. At 49 days, 66% of the 500 extract were positive when compared to the control cecal samples (100%). Salmonella positive samples were 0 percent for the 500 extract treatment at seven weeks; whereas the other concentrations were positive. Mortality and lack of weight gain were negative attributes associated with the highest concentration of pokeweed extract. The extract shows promise in foodborne pathogen reduction in chickens. However more research is needed to fine tune dosage levels and timing of administering extract.
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IMPACT: 2002/10 TO 2006/09<BR>
Foodborne illness is a major concern for all people consuming poultry because poultry harbor Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella, which are leading causes of gastro enteritis in humans. The data from this study indicates potential efficacy of pokeweed extract against Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella foodborne pathogens, and suggests that additional research is warranted to determine if similar results occur in floor pens or commercial field studies. This could eventually lead to major reduction in the carrier state of infected broiler chickens entering the processing plant.