World’s Poultry Science Journal

Modern animal farming is increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), a critical component of computer vision (CV) and deep learning playing a pivotal role in enhancing productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare. In poultry farming, a cornerstone of global agriculture that contributes significantly to the world’s meat and egg supply, Convolutional Neural Networks have emerged as powerful tools in poultry management and health monitoring due to their proficiency in image and video analysis. Ensuring poultry health is essential for food safety, economic efficiency, and animal welfare. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements and applications of CNN-based models in poultry health monitoring, covering disease detection, behaviour classification, and overall poultry management. We analysed 54 selected articles, categorising them into disease detection and classification, behaviour monitoring, and poultry detection, localisation, and tracking. The results highlight the high accuracy and efficiency of CNN models in early disease detection, identifying specific diseases, and monitoring behavioural changes, key factors for timely intervention and improved poultry welfare. Prominent models such as YOLO, Faster R-CNN, and ResNet are frequently used, showcasing their robustness across various tasks. The analysis indicates a global research effort, with significant contributions from countries like China and the USA. Despite notable progress, challenges remain, including the limited diversity of datasets, the need for non-invasive methods to monitor critical health indicators like body temperature and weight, and the integration of CNN with other AI-driven technologies. Overcoming these challenges through continued research and innovation is vital for advancing poultry health management and ensuring higher standards of productivity, sustainability, and welfare in the industry.

Crossbreeding is the mating system aimed at improving the desirable traits through mating of individuals with different genetic backgrounds to produce offsprings which performs better than their parents. Additionally, this mating system represents one of the traditional ways of improving both egg production and quality. However, the best chicken breeds suitable for crossbreeding for improvement of egg production traits in the poultry industry are not fully explored. In this review, the origin of exotic and indigenous chickens used for crossbreeding are documented. Furthermore, the egg production performance and crossbreeding parameters such as heterosis, specific combining ability, general combining ability, reciprocal and maternal heterosis in indigenous , exotic and crossbreds are reported. This review emphasises the significance of crossbreeding exotic and indigenous chickens for improved egg production traits. In addition, it highlights the great potential for genetic improvement of indigenous chickens through crossbreeding.

Broiler chickens have been accompanied with significant genetic modification to provide markets with higher quantities of meat. However, the modifications might negatively deregulate expression of responsible genes in the synthesis of ribonucleotide reductase with role of either DNA production or repairment of genes. Then, this deregulation reduces energy (ATP) production in muscular mitochondria, and enhances cell death. In subsequent, the normal procedures of cellular division, collagen generation, and vascular network development in the woody breast (WB) muscle will be disrupted and, this in turn, increases either fibrosis (tough meat) or fat accumulation in WB, loses its normal physical feature, nutritional value, and desirable taste for consumers. In order to deal with the issue, studies have offered several approaches to overcome the issue, one of the cheapest and practical strategies to address the issue is using nutritional strategies such as Silybum marianum. Silybum marianum contains silybin, fatty acids from omega family, and flavonoid as a kind of polyphenolic compound such as silymarin, which respectively might acclimatise the muscle metabolism, improve the mitochondrial reticulum, and enhance the ATP synthesis with the help of many intrusive factors alongside of the intestine–liver–muscle axis as well as the modulatory activities of immune cells and gut colonisation of beneficial bacteria. To sum up, each of this compounds existing in Silybum marianum and its derivations via different metabolic pathways might modulate either collagen or fat amounts in muscle to finally cope with muscle disorders such as WB myopathy without having other side effects.

Reproductive behaviour plays a crucial role in goose production. To date, in most production systems, natural mating is favoured, which has a large impact on successful fertilisation. Two-thirds of the courtships and copulations occurred before noon in Zatorska and Grimaud geese. Depending on the breed, mating activity showed a seasonal pattern (peaking around January–February in Zatorska geese), ranged between 0.5 and 8.5 mating/day, was twice as common in the morning, varied with age and correlated with fertility. To accommodate a less stressful environment for laying and to protect the eggs, individual nest boxes (0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 m, made of wood, bedded with straw) should be provided along the walls of the shed. Depending on the breed, oviposition interval may vary greatly (between 29 and 60 h), and egg laying may occur in specific times of the day or throughout the day. Broodiness in intensive production systems, due to artificial incubation, is an unwanted behaviour. Despite persistent selection, the occurrence of broodiness is almost 100% in some goose breeds (e.g. Magang or Zhedong geese), while in others, it is less than 5% (Rhine or Huozan geese). Parental care is not relevant in intensive production systems; however, occasionally, goslings are naturally hatched, and the observation of parental behaviours may give insight into the needs of the goslings. Proper environmental conditions and husbandry practices that mimic natural settings can enhance reproductive success, increase gosling survival rates and maintain a healthy social structure within the flock. By recognising and integrating goose reproductive behaviours into management practices, farm managers can optimise production, improve breeding outcomes and ensure the welfare of the animals. This approach leads to healthier flocks, better reproductive performance and, ultimately, more sustainable and humane goose farming operations.

The current Ukrainian native chicken gene pool is experiencing a decline in the number of breeds and maintained flocks. The major chicken breeds and lines of Ukrainian selection currently involve the Poltava Clay, Birkivska Barvysta, White Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red, representing different utility purpose types (i.e. layer and dual purpose). The local germplasm conservation agenda implies, among other measures, exploration of the genetic diversity of Ukrainian native chicken breeds using various types of molecular markers (e.g. indels, PCR-RFLPs and microsatellites). The purpose of this article is to review recent results of the complex genetic studies for assessing the features of population structure and variation in local breeds and lines. In particular, native gene pool stocks were examined for polymorphisms of the following genes: PRL, PRLR, GH, GHR, IGF1, PIT1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 and Mx. Based on these results, association of the identified polymorphic loci with productive traits (i.e. egg and meat performance) was investigated. For each of the experimental chicken lines, promising genotypes were established for further implementation in marker-assisted selection programs. Using microsatellites, the main variability parameters were established in the experimental populations, their genetic differentiation was analysed, and genetic distances were calculated between the experimental lines. KEYWORDS: Ukrainian chicken gene pool; native breeds; populations; genetic diversity; genes; alleles; microsatellites

Dong Tao Chicken is a variety of chicken indigenous to Vietnam. Particularly from Hong Yen, in Northern Vietnam. Dong Tao is well known for its exorbitant prices. Dong Tao chicken’s high selling price is influenced by a number of reasons, including outstanding meat quality, great consumer interest, and limited availability. The size of the leg bones distinguishes Dong Tao from other species of chicken. Huge leg bones cause the growth of large muscles, resulting in a significantly greater leg morphology than other varieties of chicken in general. No research report is currently available that comprehensively compares Dong Tao chicken to any other variety. As a result, this paper discusses the structure and morphology of Dong Tao in comparison to other poultry breeds, as well as its breeding methods, nutritional value content, and processing techniques. According to literary studies, Dong Tao Animal Husbandry is generally practiced in traditional and semi-cultural methods. Dong Tao has similar nutritional value as other chickens. Furthermore, like other chicken meat chain manufacturing, Dong Tao has at least four subsystem limits.

This paper reviews the diverse applications of the bamboo plant in livestock and poultry production, with a focus on its potential as feed and fodder. Specifically, the review highlights the benefits of bamboo leaves and extracts in improving body weight, feed effi ciency, and overall performance in broiler chickens. Additionally, the medicinal properties of bamboo, such as its immunomodula tory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and growth-promoting effects, are discussed. The presence of bioactive molecules, particularly flavo noids, in bamboo leaves also contributes to extending the shelf-life of broiler meat by reducing lipid oxidation. This review aims to provide a foundation for further research into the utilisation of bamboo in animal production.

Chicken infectious anaemia (CIA), an emerging disease of poultry, is caused by Chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV) of Gyrovirus genus and Anelloviridae family. CIAV is a single stranded, circular DNA virus and is highly resistant to disinfectants and external environment. The disease mainly affects young chickens of 2–4-weeks of age; however, after attaining the sexual maturity, clinical signs become less evident. The disease is the leading cause of immunosuppression in poultry which results in synergistically enhanced immunopathology along with other pathogens. The virus is transmitted vertically to the progeny and therefore is an important rising concern in the specific pathogen free poultry industry. Emerging genotypes and recombination events in CIAV genome have been reported from different countries. The spectrum of genotypic variations suggests the need for detailed genetic study of currently circulating CIAV genotypes and designing of updated diagnostics and vaccines, if required. The increasing genetic variability in the genotypes is also resulting in significant variations in pathogenecity of CIAV isolates. These variations might lead to immune escape and alter the transmission and virulence pattern of the virus in future. Therefore, the study of emergence of CIAV and its effect on phenotype is an important research gap to be filled in

As global poultry production expands to meet rising demand, the susceptibility of birds to heat stress has increased owing to advancements in chicken genetics and global warming. This review explores the significant impact of heat stress on poultry gut health by altered gut permeability and microbiota. Heat stress is charac-terised by prolonged exposure to elevated ambient temperatures, triggering thermoregulatory processes in poultry, which can lead to adverse effects such as respiratory alkalosis and bone degeneration. These physiological disruptions compromise homoeostasis, suppress intestinal immunity and digestive functions and cause gastro-intestinal inflammation, thereby affecting the growth, productivity and overall well-being of poultry. Various strategies, including housing modifications, genetic selection, food manipulation and the use of feed additives, such as bioactive chemicals, prebiotics, organic acids, medicinal plants and probiotics, have been employed to mitigate these effects. This review emphasises the role of feed additives in supporting poultry gut health, thereby enhancing animal welfare, productivity and sustainability in the face of climate change. Future research avenues are suggested to improve our understanding and development of effective nutritional strategies to combat heat stress in poultry.

The Pati duck, originating in Assam, India, is the first recognised native duck breed in the country. Widely distributed across Assam, this breed is crucial for generating income, employment and providing nutritional security to the resource-poor rural population. Traditionally reared by the Assamese people, the Pati duck holds a rich cultural heritage and contributes significantly to the local economy. However, scientific research on its improvement and conservation remains limited, posing a threat to its sustainability. This review aims to address this gap by evaluating existing studies on the Pati duck's development and conservation. Key challenges include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, genetic erosion from crossbreeding, and insufficient scientific breeding programmes. Additionally, the lack of systematic disease management practices exacerbates these issues. The review highlights the necessity for integrated conservation strategies, such as habitat restoration to protect natural breeding grounds, community engagement to promote traditional rearing practices and the establishment of dedicated breeding centres to maintain genetic purity. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the current status and challenges of the Pati duck, this paper offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers and local communities to ensure the sustainable development and conservation of this valuable indigenous breed.

Newcastle disease (ND) severely affects domestic chickens and birds like ducks, turkeys, and pigeons. This review, based on 31 studies in Ethiopia from 2000-2024, analyzed ND prevalence using a random-effects model. Results show 83.3% of studies came from Oromia and Amhara regions. The overall ND prevalence was 22%, with the highest rates in the South (45%) and lowest in Oromia (17%). Serological tests showed higher prevalence (28%) than molecular tests (18%). Males and domestic chickens had lower odds than females and exotics. The review indicated four NDV genotypes (I, II, VI, VII) circulating in Oromia and three (II, VI, VII) in Amhara. Publication bias appeared in funnel plot, but did not significantly impact the overall results. The high ND prevalence and study variations underscore the urgent need for further research and prevention.