Search

The present study aimed to find whether low doses of mixed mycotoxins would affect egg quality in laying hens, and to explore the oxidative stress induced liver damage through endoplasmic reticulum during summer stress. A total of 96 Jinghong laying hens, 36 wks of age, were divided into four treatments, with eight repetitions per treatment and three hens per repetition. All the hens were raised in summer (average temperature: 31.3 ± 0.5℃; average humidity: 85.5 ± 0.2%) for 28d. One treatment was fed a basal diet as control (CON), and the other three treatments were fed the same diets containing 3.0 mg/kg deoxynivalenol (DON), 0.5 mg/kg T-2 toxin (T-2), and 1.5 mg/kg DON + 0.25 mg/kg T-2 toxin (Mix). Albumen height and Haugh unit were decreased (P < 0.05) in the Mix group on day 14 and 28. The activity of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were decreased (P < 0.05) in the DON, T-2, and Mix groups. The alkaline phosphatase level in DON, T-2, and Mix groups was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The level of interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the Mix group were higher (P < 0.05) than CON, DON, and T-2 groups. Mix group upregulated the mRNA expressions of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase, activating transcription factor4, IL-1β, nuclear factor-κ-gene binding, and nuclear respiratory factor 2 in the liver (P < 0.05). The results showed that low doses of DON and T-2 toxin could cause oxidative stress in the liver, but DON and T-2 toxin have a cumulative effect on virulence, which can reduce egg quality and cause endoplasmic reticulum stress in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of organic zinc (OZn) and probiotic on growth performance, oocysts number, and histological features of cecum of quails following Eimeria tenella challenge. A total of 480 Japanese quails were distributed into six treatments as follows: untreated uninfected; untreated infected; E. tenella challenge + amprolium; E. tenella challenge + OZn; E. tenella challenge + probiotic; and E. tenella challenge + OZn + probiotic. Except untreated uninfected, all groups were orally gavaged at day 8 with 5 × 104E. tenella sporulated oocysts. Supplementation of OZn + probiotic improved (P = 0.001) growth performance compared to the untreated infected group. Lesion score of intestine and mortality was lower (P < 0.01) in quails supplemented with OZn + probiotic. Moreover, oocysts per gram (OPG) and histological dimensions of cecum in challenged birds were alleviated in OZn + probiotic. The histological findings of quails supplemented with OZn + probiotic showed normal intestinal villi with gentle sloughed epithelium. We concluded that OZn + probiotic may be safely included in the diet of Japanese quails to control coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of different oilseed co-product supplementations on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, N retention, yields of milk and milk constituents, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of Beetal goats. In the lactation trial, thirty-six lactating multiparous Beetal goats (45 ± 2.04 kg; 15 ± 2.3 days in milk) were assigned to four experimental rations according to randomized complete block design. The blocks were balanced for daily milk yield, parity, and body weight. The goats were either fed a maize silage and wheat straw–based basal ration ad libitum (control) or the control ration was supplemented with cotton seed cake, mustard seed cake, or maize oil cake on an iso-N basis. At the end of lactation trial, four goats (44 ± 0.8 kg BW; producing 1250 ± 110 g milk/day) were selected and moved to individual metabolism crates for a digestibility and N balance experiment, using a Latin square design (4 × 4). Supplementation of the co-products increased intakes of forage mixture (P = 0.002), total dry matter (DM; P < 0.001), neutral detergent fibre (NDF; P = 0.003), and crude protein (CP; P < 0.001). The additional N supplied by the co-products increased (P < 0.001) N retention, yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose. Further comparison of the rations supplemented with the co-products revealed that the greatest (P < 0.05) increase in yields of milk (240 g/day), milk protein (11.6 g/day), fats (16.3 g/day), and lactose (11.2 g/day) was recorded for maize oil cake, as compared to the control. Except C8:0, supplementation of the co-products decreased (P < 0.01) the contents of all de novo–synthesized saturated FAs (SFAs) and increased (P < 0.001) the contents of health beneficial C18:1n-9, C18:1 tans-11, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, C20:2n-6, C20:5n3, and total unsaturated FAs in milk fat. Our findings demonstrated that the oilseed co-product inclusion in dairy goat rations significantly improves forage biomass utilization, yields of milk and milk constituents, and milk FAs’ profile, with the largest impact being observed for maize oil cake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 90-day study, 32 growing lambs aged 3 months were utilized to evaluate the effects of various levels of spirulina dietary supplement on productive performance, nutritional digestibility, and meat quality in growing Najdi lambs. The lambs were put into 4 groups of 8 lambs each at random. The diet consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) without spirulina (CONT), and the TMR diet supplemented with spirulina at the levels of 2 ppm (SPP2), 4 ppm (SPP4), and 8 ppm (SPP8). The treatment groups, especially SPP8, showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight and average daily gain (p < 0.05) compared to the CONT group. Dry matter intake and acid detergent fiber were also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in SPP8 compared to other treated groups and CONT. The N absorption, N retention, and percentage of N digestibility coefficient were greater (P < 0.05) in lambs in the treatment groups than in the CONT. Blood biochemistry variables were not significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by the treatments, with the exception of the serum concentration of triglyceride and bilirubin. Carcass profile and meat quality, including back fat, body wall fat, and cooking loss, were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with dietary spirulina. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that spirulina dietary supplementation at the level of 8 ppm increased weight gain, nutritional digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and meat composition in growing Najdi lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to study the effects of conventional and free range systems on egg quality attributes, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol contents of laying hen. Two hundred and forty R1 cross of Rhode Island Red (RIR) × Fyoumi (F) layers during the peak production were divided into two groups and reared in two different housing systems (free range vs. conventional systems). The statistical analysis of the results revealed that the housing system (modification of diet) significantly (p < 0.05) affected egg quality, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol contents. The highest (p < 0.05) whole egg and albumen weights were recorded for eggs produced in a conventional system and higher yolk weight and shell thickness were recorded in free range hens. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower concentration of saturated and higher concentration of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed in eggs produced under a free range system. In addition, higher level of total omega-3 fatty acids and higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids were observed in free range eggs as compared to those in the conventional system. From the results of the present study, we concluded that eggs produced from Rhode Island Red × Fyoumi laying hens in a free range system are qualitatively superior compared to those in the conventional system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to assess the hematological and histopathological changes in major carp (Catla catla) exposed to different concentrations of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd). For this purpose, Catla catla fish, weighing approximately 230–235 g, were randomly divided into four groups and then exposed to acute doses of Cu (1.25 ppm), Cd (4.5 ppm), and their mixture (2.25 ppm) for 96 h and then 20, 30, and 40% respectively for a period of 30 days. Results showed that red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), lymphocyte, and monocyte decreased significantly, while the total white blood cell count and neutrophil population significantly increased in experimental groups as compared with the control one. Histopathological examination of liver tissues showed karyorrhexis, hepatic cells degeneration, congestion, and hemorrhages. Microscopic analysis of gills' sections revealed lamellar atrophy, telangiectasia, and necrosis of lamellar epithelial cells. In the kidneys, different histopathological ailments like atrophy of glomeruli, necrosis of renal tubular cells, increased urinary spaces, degeneration of renal tubules, and melanomacrophage aggregates were observed, while in the intestine, atrophy of villi, sloughing of epithelial villi, and congestion were seen after 30 days of exposure. In conclusion, the study indicates that exposure to Cu and Cd for longer period of time causes adverse hematological and histopathological changes in Catla catla fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to study the effect of protease as well as three dietary crude protein levels on growth and nutrient digestibility in broilers. The broiler chickens (n = 540) were assigned to six dietary treatments with six replicates. Three dietary crude protein (CP) levels (17, 19, and 21%) along with two levels of protease (0 and 30,000 IU/kg) were investigated in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement during the starter phase. Body weight was higher (P < 0.05) in group fed with CP-21; however, feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in CP-19 and CP-21. Resultantly, FCR was significantly (P < 0.05) improved in birds fed with CP-21. Similarly, body weight, feed intake, and FCR were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in enzyme-treated birds compared to the untreated birds. For practical purpose, birds fed CP-19 with protease enzyme resulted in improved FCR compared to birds fed with CP-21. The results revealed that CP and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in birds fed with CP-21 along with supplementation of enzyme while abdominal fat was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the same group compared to birds fed with CP-17. These results indicated that a diet having 21% CP supplemented with 30,000 IU/kg protease enzyme was superior in improving the performance and digestibility of nutrients in broiler during the starter phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research study was designed to determine the inclusion of 2% dietary essential coconut oil with and without coccidiosis challenge on performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal histomorphology in broilers. A total of 560 broiler chicks were divided into 4 groups and then subdivided into 5 replicates. Coconut oil was used at 2% in feed, whereas coccidiosis challenged was introduced using 30,000 oocysts. The other four groups were designated as G1 (without coconut oil and without oocysts), G2 (without coconut oil with oocysts), G3 (with coconut oil without oocysts), and G4 (with coconut oil and with oocysts). The results revealed that the overall feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.01) increased in G1 and G2 than G3 and G4 groups. Overall weight gain was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in G3 compared with all other groups. Significantly (P < 0.01) better feed conversion ratio was recorded at the finisher phase in G3 and G4 groups in comparison with G1 and G2. The villus length, width, and surface area were higher (P < 0.01) in G3 compared with G2. Based on the findings of the present study, it was concluded that the use of 2% coconut oil in broiler feed improved growth performance and villus histology during coccidial challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-hundred-eighty-day-old broiler chicks were divided into seven groups. The groups were designated as T1, thermoneutral zone; T2, heat stressed (HS); T3, HS + zinc (Zn) supplementation (30 mg/kg); T4, HS + Zn (60 mg/kg); T5, HS + probiotic (0.1 g/kg); T6, HS + probiotic (0.1 g/kg) + Zn (30 mg/kg); and T7, HS + Zn (60 mg/kg) + probiotic (0.1 g/kg). Significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in villus height (VH), VH to crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area of all intestinal segments in the T2 group when compared with the T1 group. The same parameters had significantly higher (p < 0.05) values in the jejunum and ileum of the Zn- and probiotic-supplemented groups (alone + combination) when compared with the T2 group. The birds exposed to HS showed fewer (p < 0.05) intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the jejunum and ileum than the T1 group, while their count increased in the jejunum and ileum with dietary treatments. In conclusion, Zn and probiotic positively modulated the intestinal microstructures of broilers kept under high environmental temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation of various levels of milk thistle (MT) on growth performance, oxidative stress, and immune response of natural summer stressed broilers. A total of 120 1-day old broiler chicks were distributed into 4 treatments: MT-0 (control), MT-5 (5 g/kg of MT), MT-10 (10 g/kg of MT), and MT-15 (15 g/kg of MT), each with 3 replicates having 10 birds per replicate. Results showed that overall feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dressing percentage were significantly (P < 0.5) higher with MT-15 as compared with the other experimental treatments. Unlikely, significantly lower level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed with MT-15. Dietary supplementation of MT had no significant effect on paraoxonase activity in broiler. Antibody titer was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with MT-15 while it was lower with the control treatment. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of MT at the rate of 15 g/kg can significantly lower the negative effects of natural summer stressed broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current experiment was performed to find the potential effect of inorganic and organic forms of zinc (Zn) on growth, intestinal histomorphology, immune response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broiler. In this experiment, a total of 450 broiler chickens were assigned to four experimental and control groups. The birds received organic Zn at the rate of 50 mg/kg (OZ-50) and 60 mg/kg (OZ-60) or inorganic Zn at the rate of 50 mg/kg (IZ-50) and 60 mg/kg (IZ-60) for an experimental period of 30 days. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed consumption, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency factor (PEF) were recorded in OZ-50. Similarly, antibody titer against infectious bronchitis (IB) and PON1 activity was higher (P < 0.05) in OZ-50 compared with the control group. In addition, significantly (P < 0.05) higher villus dimensions and goblet cell count were recorded for the group OZ-50 compared with other treatments. It was concluded that the organic form of Zn was superior in improving the growth, histological features of intestines, humoral response, and PON1 activity in broiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surroundings of wild and captive birds are divergent in existence. Wild birds inhabiting their natural environment have unlimited resources availability. They face variety of captivity stresses when moved from wild habitat to caged enclosures. The effect of similar captivity stresses on the DNA of birds living in cages for longer stretches of time is addressed in this study. The laboratory analysis to investigate DNA damage in Pavo cristatus was performed using single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or comet assay. Our results showed that measurable DNA damage was observed in Pavo cristatus species. Endogenous stress factors owing to long-term captivity were responsible to cause this damage. The caged conditions provided to the captive birds can be improved in order to prevent DNA impairment. Moreover, appropriate monitoring and effective management are necessary on continual basis to ensure the well-being of caged birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc (Zn) and a probiotic on the growth and intestinal health of broiler chickens. One hundred ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 groups. The birds were supplemented with Zn (30 and 60 mg/kg) and a probiotic mixture alone or in combination with Zn. The results revealed that the broilers receiving a probiotic mixture alone or in combination with Zn (30 and 60 mg) increased (P < 0.05) final body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and total goblet cell count in duodenum compared with the control group. Morphometry of the duodenum also revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH and crypt depth in all the supplemented groups, whereas ileal VH increased (P < 0.05) only in Zn60 group when compared with control. Based on our results, we concluded that compared to the individual supplementation, the combined effect of Zn and probiotic mixture was superior in improving the growth performance and histomorphology of the intestine; however, the effect of two levels of Zn did not vary when combined with probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to find the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in feed, drinking water, and their residues in meat and internal organs in broilers at three different locations in Charsadda. For this purpose, a total of 48 representative water and feed samples and 240 meat and internal organs of broilers were collected. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of Zn and Mn were found in feed samples. In water samples assessed for heavy metals, a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Pb was observed at Umerabad and Kula Dher as compared with Nisatta whereas a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Ni was recorded at Umerabad as compared with Nisatta and Kula Dher. Similarly, a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Mn in water was recorded at Kula Dher as compared with Nisatta and Umerabad. The concentration of Pb in water at all locations and the concentration of Ni at Umerabad were above the maximum permissible limits. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Pb in the liver, breast, and thigh muscles and a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Mn in the liver, gizzard, breast, and thigh muscles of broilers were recorded at Kula Dher. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean concentration of Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, and Zn was recorded in the liver as compared with the gizzard, breast, and thigh muscles. It was concluded from the present study that broiler farms near the roadside/canal and waste disposal site/wastewater drains cause accomulaiton of high concentrations of some heavy metals in meat and internal organs of broiler birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]