Assessing MHC-B diversity in Silkie chickens.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic region on chromosome 16, which contains numerous immune response genes, and is known to influence disease susceptibility and resistance in chickens. Variability of MHC-B haplotypes in various well-known and commercially utilized breeds has previously been identified. This study aims to understand MHC-B diversity in the Silkie breed using a high-density SNP panel that encompasses the chicken MHC-B region.

Research Note: Stocking density effects on production qualities of broilers raised without the use of antibiotics.

In no antibiotics ever (NAE) broilers, enteric diseases pose a threat to intestinal health and generally welfare, which can be exacerbated because of stocking density. Through knowledge of litter condition and management, disease can be minimized, and broiler welfare can be improved. To evaluate how stocking density influences NAE broilers raised in conventional housing, we evaluated production traits for broilers raised at two stocking densities within a single commercial house.