About Book

Scientific and technological advancements have led to great expansion of poultry sector in last few decades. The development of genetically superior stocks capable of higher production, even under adverse climatic conditions, has transformed poultry from rural farming to full-fledged industry. With advanced understanding of genetic mediation of animal physiology and behaviour and the discovery of the genome sequences of many species, animal production breeding programs can be improved in both speed and efficiency. Recently, there has been a major shift from the differentiation of poultry breeds according to morphological and feather colouring characteristics, to differentiation based on measurements at the molecular level. With advancement in molecular techniques, the DNA marker technology emerged as a finer tool for assessing the genetic variability. Predicting genomic estimate of breeding value of individual using SNPs across the whole genome paved way to conceptualization of “genomic selection” which emerged as the most advanced technology to revolutionize the animal production. The book deals with management of poultry production, hormones and metabolism, probiotics in poultry, artificial insemination, mycotoxins, vaccine failure and metabolism in poultry. It presents recent advances in poultry treatment and regulatory mechanism. It utilizes genetic principles to accomplish the goals for meat or egg production. Use of transgenic technology in poultry is also examined in this book. This book will be beneficial for the students, teachers, researchers, farmers and other professionals, who are interested to strengthen and expand their knowledge about chicken products in fields of poultry science, biotechnology, plant science and agriculture.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Regulatory Mechanism and Application of lncRNAs in Poultry...1

Abstract ..................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Overview of lncRNA ..........................................................................3

3. Biological functions of lncRNAs .......................................................5

4. The study of antisense long noncoding RNAs ...........................10

5. Regulation of muscle development by lncRNAs in poultry ....12

6. Regulation of lipid metabolism by lncRNAs in poultry ...........13

7. Regulation of poultry reproduction by lncRNAs

(sperm, egg production)....................................................................14

8. The role of lncRNAs in disease resistance breeding of

poultry .................................................................................................15

9. Study on antisense lncRNAs in poultry .......................................16

10. Conclusions .........................................................................................17

Acknowledgements ...........................................................................18

Conflict of interest .............................................................................18

Chapter 2 Aflatoxins: Their Toxic Effect on Poultry and Recent Advances in Their Treatment .......................................................................................28

Abstract ................................................................................................28

1. Background .........................................................................................29

2. Mycotoxins ..........................................................................................29

3. Factors affecting mycotoxin production ........................................30

4. Mycotoxin occurrence........................................................................31

5. Chemical nature and structural illustration .................................32

6. Levels of toxin production ..............................................................33

7. Toxicity of aflatoxins .........................................................................35

8. Mode of action of aflatoxins ...........................................................35

9. Absorption of aflatoxins in small intestine ..................................36

10. Effect of aflatoxins on enzymes ......................................................38

11. “Carry-over” of aflatoxins ...............................................................38

12. Immunosuppression ..........................................................................39

13. Safe level of aflatoxins and detoxification ....................................39

14. Physical and chemical methods.......................................................40

15. Biological methods ............................................................................43

16. Conclusion ..........................................................................................44

Chapter 3 Preventing Vaccine Failure in Poultry Flocks...................................57

Abstract.................................................................................................57

1. Introduction..........................................................................................57

2. Causes of vaccine failure...................................................................59

3. Preventing vaccine failure.................................................................64

4. Conclusion............................................................................................70

Chapter 4 Mycotoxins in Poultry.............................................................................76

Abstract.................................................................................................76

1. Introduction..........................................................................................77

2. Selected mycotoxins in poultry production..................................78

3. Interactions among mycotoxins.......................................................86

4. Prevention and control......................................................................88

5. Conclusion............................................................................................91

Chapter 5 Selenium Requirements and Metabolism in Poultry....................102

Abstract...............................................................................................102

1. Introduction........................................................................................103

2. Understanding the speciation and metabolism of selenium in

poultry.................................................................................................106

3. Animal experiment...........................................................................110

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................120

Acknowledgements...........................................................................121

Chapter 6 Artificial Insemination in Poultry......................................................129

1. Introduction........................................................................................129

2. Reproductive biology of poultry...................................................130

3. Techniques in artificial insemination and fertility evaluation in

poultry.................................................................................................140

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................145

Chapter 7 Variations on the Efficacy of Probiotics in Poultry........................155

1. Introduction........................................................................................155

2. Type of probiotic and micro-organisms used.............................156

3. Action mechanisms...........................................................................157

4. Variations on the efficacy of probiotics in poultry .................161

5. Research results from the use of probiotics in poultry ...........166

6. Conclusion..........................................................................................175

Chapter 8 Hormones and Metabolism in Poultry..............................................191

1. Introduction........................................................................................191

2. Glucose homeostasis .......................................................................192

3. Hormones controlling circulating concentrations of glucose and

metabolism ........................................................................................193

4. Hormonal control of growth .......................................................202

Chapter 9 Advances in Management of Poultry Production Using

Biotelemetry ............................................................................................219

1. Introduction........................................................................................219

2. Biotelemetry systems ......................................................................221

3. Use of biotelemetry in poultry production research ...............228

4. Use of biotelemetry in other fields ..............................................236

5. Conclusion ........................................................................................237

Citation......................................................................................................243

Index...........................................................................................................245

About Author

Aduardo Woods holds Ph.D. in Animal Biotechnology from Public University of Science, Pernambuco. He is an Associate Professor at University College, Luján. He has written many articles and research reports on domestic animal physiology, poultry science, and animal systems management. He has been awarded the “Outstanding Professor Award” for his excellence in teaching. His research interest includes veterinary immunology, veterinary epidemiology, livestock production and poultry domestication. Woods has also presented over 15 papers at international symposiums and conferences.