Reduced ribonucleotide reductase RRM2 subunit expression increases DNA damage and mitochondria dysfunction in woody breast chickens.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2; subunit of ribonucleotide reductase) in severe woody breast (WB) and normal breast muscles.

Animals: 40 8-week-old male Ross-708 broiler chickens.

Methods: Quantitative PCR was performed to determine gene expression, and commercial ELISA/assay kits were used to obtain several enzymatic activities.

Research Note: Bacterial composition of settled dust during growout of broiler chickens.

Dust present in poultry houses can disseminate bacteria in air and deposit them on surfaces. This study evaluated bacteria in settled dust during growout of broilers from 2 flocks (Flocks A and B). Dust samples for bacteria analyses were obtained during 6 wk of growout (Flocks A and B) and 1 wk after flock termination (Flock B) by environmental swabbing and collecting dust in petri dishes from multiple locations inside the poultry house.

Impact of poultry litter Salmonella levels and moisture on transfer of Salmonella through associated in vitro generated dust.

Dust present in poultry houses can contain high concentrations of microorganisms and has the potential to include pathogens from the litter. The objective of this study was to examine in vitro the potential for litter to dust transfer of aerobic bacteria, Salmonella, E. coli, and coliforms, and the role of the litter moisture on this process.