Longitudinal study on background lesions in broiler breeder flocks and their progeny, and genomic characterisation of Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: In broiler breeders, background mortality is rarely addressed, however, it represents the death of a vast number of birds, a constant productivity loss, welfare concerns and it might affect chick quality. The study aimed to unveil lesions leading to mortality in a study population perceived as healthy, combined with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Escherichia coli, a well-known contributor to disease problems in poultry. Broiler breeders (n = 340) originating from three distinct, putative healthy flocks and their progeny (n = 154) were subjected to a comprehensive post-mortem examination, bacteriological sampling, and sequencing of 77 E. coli isolates. Productivity data confirmed an exemplary health status of the enrolled flocks, and post-mortem examination further verified the absence of

SUBMITTER: Kromann S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9264609 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature