Poultry meat is one of the most sought-after foods worldwide, valued not only for the nutrition it provides, but also for its palatability

Besides being popular for its protein, vitamin and mineral content, poultry meat also contains bioactive compounds, particularly carnosine and anserine that determine its palatability. Both these compounds contribute to the umami taste, known to be a key component of meat flavour, with their quantities primarily being influenced by genetics. Moreover, their levels tend to vary among breeds and are often used to determine meat quality.

Besides breed, the carnosine levels in meat tend to depend on a variety of other factors including muscle fibre type and whether the meat is raw or cooked. Meat from the breast and thigh muscles are usually found packed with carnosine, with concentrations being greater in Korean native chickens and Thai indigenous and hybrid native chickens.
On the other hand, anserine is generally found in the skeletal muscles of chickens, cattle and certain species of fish. Its levels are often higher in breast meat compared to thigh meat, given its function in buffering proton production in breast muscle. Moreover, similar to carnosine, the levels of this compound in meat can be determined by the type of meat and chicken line.

A recent study conducted at Chungnam National University aimed to explore the genetic and environmental factors that affect carnosine and anserine content in meat in Korean native chicken red brown line (KNC-R). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the histamine-N-methyl transferase (HNMT) and histamine-N-methyl transferase-like (HNMT-like) genes and their association with the carnosine and anserine content was studied.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were used to genotype one synonymous SNP (rs29009298C/T) of the HNMT gene. On the other hand, PCR allele competitive extension (PACE) genotyping technology was used to genotype four missense SNPs (rs734406537G/A; rs736514667A/G; rs15881680G/A and rs316765035T/C) of the HNMT gene, and one missense SNP rs737657949A/C of the HNMT-like gene.

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. Moreover, breeding methods were also found to influence carnosine content to a great extent, with female chickens showing comparatively higher levels than males.

Two associations could be identified between the genotypes of the synonymous SNP: rs29009298C/T, missense SNP rs736514667A/G of the HNMT gene and the content of carnosine. Given its efficiency and precision, PACE technology was therefore regarded as a useful and reliable tool that could be used for the improvement of livestock systems.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has recently developed a new tire for the purpose of tackling the challenges associated with harvesting needs by combining high performance, reliability and eco-friendliness

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST integrates advanced technical solutions to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Thanks to the VF (Very High Flexion) technology, the tire can carry up to 40% more load than a standard tire at the same inflation pressure, thus enabling a wider and more even weight distribution on the ground, significantly reducing the risk of compaction and promoting soil conservation, which is key to maintaining fertility and agricultural productivity.

For demanding operating conditions, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST features a reinforced polyester casing combined with three layers of steel belts that ensure greater resistance to deformation and superior protection against mechanical stress, extending a tire’s service life even in case of high and cyclic loads. Compound formulation has also been given additional attention to provide high cut and chip resistance, as well as against damages caused by residual stubble or other abrasive materials on the ground, thus minimising the risk of punctures and reducing maintenance costs.

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST's tread features an innovative open-shoulder design that improves traction on rough and wet terrain while enhancing self-cleaning properties. Moreover, it offers remarkable on-road handling, ensuring even wear, better steering control, as well as remarkable driving comfort. Another advantage is the CFO technology (Cyclic Field Operations) that enables the tire to tolerate temporary overloads beyond its capacity, as it occurs when the combine harvester's tank reaches maximum fill and then returns to standard operating conditions once the load is reduced, preventing structural damage and ensuring a longer product life-cycle.

Additionally, the tire has a long service life, owing to its targeted design choices that help reduce the overall environmental impact by limiting the need for frequent replacements and decreasing the quantity of materials and resources required for manufacturing and product life-cycle management.

"Thanks to its innovative design, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST tackles these challenges by reducing the pressure exerted on the soil since it has a larger footprint. Not only does this preserve soil health, but it also promotes higher and more sustainable farming yields". - says Dilip Vaidya, senior president & director technology at BKT.

Respiratory diseases in chickens are generally caused by a variety of bacteria belonging to the genus ‘Mycoplasma,’ that possess certain distinctive features that set them apart from typical bacteria

While a total of 20 Mycoplasma species have been isolated from avian hosts, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual, only four species are considered pathogenic in poultry. Out of these two particular species namely, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken.

In broiler chickens, MG is a primary cause of chronic respiratory disease that can have detrimental impacts on both egg production and meat processing. The most notable impact includes a sharp drop in the number of eggs laid per hen over the production cycle. In case of large commercial operations, MG can cause increased condemnation in the processing plant. This means that a large number of carcasses may need to be discarded after being deemed unsafe for human consumption. Common symptoms of MG include coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties, as well as the presence of nasal discharge and conjuctivitis with frothiness around the eyes. Severity may vary from mild to severe, with some cases occurring alongside E coli infections.

MS on the other hand, is transmitted through the egg and often causes subclinical infection of the upper respiratory tract. Infection rate is reported to be low, with some progeny even being free of infection. The infection affects layer flocks of various age groups, resulting in a decrease in egg production and significant abnormalities in egg shells. First signs of MS, also known as infectious synovitis include discolouration of head parts and difficulties in walking, mainly due to the occurrence of inflammation in their hocks and footpads. Morbidity of the disease is considered moderate, with the overall mortality rate ranging from 1-10%.

Controlling both MG and MS involves administering antibiotics. Treatment options for MG involves using tylosin or tetracyclines to reduce egg transmission. For MS, a live, temperature-sensitive vaccine (MS-H) is available in many countries.