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A previous series of meta-analyses demonstrated that a protected blend of B vitamins (RPBV: folic acid, B12, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and biotin; Jefo, St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) improved milk fat and protein yield, with variation in the extent of the response. These results represent additional analyses of the same dataset to determine if the degree of response to RPVB on milk, fat and protein yield might be related to the level of production, lactation number, or days in milk (DIM). Results from 50 on-farm switchback trials conducted in 7 countries between 2005 and 2015 were included in the analysis. All herds participated in monthly milk recording services, and all were Holstein herds. A total of 6483 cows, averaging 163 DIM on the first test date, participated in the studies. Data were analyzed using regression models that accounted for the effects of trial, period, days in milk (DIM) and lactation number on milk and component yield. Milk yield and fat yield increased with B vitamin inclusion, and the extent of change was determined to increase with lactation number (P -protected B vitamin blend = 4.05 + [0.917 × control milk] - [0.0063 × DIM] + [0.246 × Lactation number] (R2 = 0.798) The use of regression models allows changes in milk, fat and protein yields with the rumen-protected B vitamin blend to be more accurately predicted.

Feedlot cattle is submitted to a diet rich in energy and reduced in fibres that induces the sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) with its lesions and clinical signs. Recent studies have demonstrated some amelioration of this condition by the use of isoquinolone alkaloids found in Macleaya cordata (Papaveraceae) such as Sanguinarine and Chelerythrine. These compounds have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-in?ammatory and immune-modulatory effects in both humans and animals The aim on this study, using histopathology and a score system, was to evaluate the differences between a non-treated and a treated group feed with these alkaloids, present in trade preparation Sangrovit-RS® as a source of sanguinarine (SG), chelerythrine (CH) and protropine (PA) standardized to 0.15% w/w SG, using feedlot cattle under a high-grain diet as an inflammatory model for gastrointestinal system. The samples of forestomachs were evaluated and graded using scores ranging from zero (0) to three (3) obtained at light-microscopic fields of 400X. Parameters such as inflammation, hydropic degeneration, hyperkeratosis, and vesicle formation were accessed in the different layers of the tissues, considering the severity and dispersion of the microscopic lesions. The soft tissues such as the abomasum, small intestine, cecum and colon had their total amount of inflammatory cells counted at light-microscopic fields of 200X. The rumen of the SG-CH-PRO-treated group showed a significant reduction in the epithelial hydropic degeneration scores (p ? 0.001) and lamina propria inflammation (p ? 0.001).The reticulum had a similar reduction in scores of epithelial (p ? 0.002) and stratum corneum hydropic degeneration (p ? 0.001), hyperkeratosis (p ? 0.002) and inflammation in lamina propria (p ? 0.001) and epithelium (p ? 0.002). The omasum had no significant differences. All non-keratinized tissues, except for ileum, had a significant decrease (p ? 0.001) in the total counting of inflammatory cells. In this trial, the feedlot cattle feed with high grain diet and treated with isoquinolone alkaloids expressed lesions that indicate ameliorations and worsening’s. Ameliorating effects of the alkaloids were better demonstrated in tissues with reduced or no corneal layer in the mucosa and in the absence of a lipopolysaccharides rich acidic environment reinforcing the notion of the topic action, the dependence of the media pH and the time of exposure modulating the pharmacological mechanisms of these alkaloids. The observed cytolytic (oncolysis) effect in epithelial forestomachs cells under low pH values, worsening the osmotic status, should be considered before clinical applications.

The complex interaction between the intestinal mucosa, the gut microbiota, and the diet balances the host physiological homeostasis and is fundamental for the maximal genetic potential of production animals. However, factors such as chemical and physical characteristics of the diet and/or environmental stressors can continuously affect this balance, potentially inducing a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut, where inflammatory parameters are present and demanding energy, but not in enough intensity to provoke clinical manifestations. It’s vital to expand the understanding of inflammation dynamics and of how they compromise the function activity and microscopic morphology of the intestinal mucosa. These morphometric alterations are associated with the release of structural and functional cellular components into the feces and the blood stream creating measurable biomarkers to track this condition. Moreover, the identification of novel, immunometabolic biomarkers can provide dynamic and predictors of low-grade chronic inflammation, but also provide indicators of successful nutritional or feed additive intervention strategies. The objective of this paper is to review the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of protected organic acids (OA) and essential oils (EO) [P(OA + EO)] on the intestinal health of broiler chickens raised under field conditions. The study was conducted on four commercial farms. Each farm consisted of four barns, two barns under a control diet and two tested barns supplemented with P(OA + EO), totaling 16 barns [8 control and 8 under P(OA + EO)]. The control group was supplemented with antibiotic growth promoters [AGP; Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (50 g/ton) during starter, grower and finisher 1, and flavomycin (2 g/ton) during finisher 2]. The tested group was supplemented with 636, 636, 454, and 454 g/ton of P(OA + EO) during starter, grower, finisher 1 and 2, respectively. Eighty birds were necropsied (40/treatment; 20/farm; and 5/barn) to collect blood, jejunal tissue, and cecal contents. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P < 0.05) or Kruskal-Wallis’ test and the frequency of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) genes was analyzed by Chi-Square test (P < 0.05). It was observed that the supplementation of P(OA + EO) reduced (P < 0.05) the histopathology scores, such as the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the epithelium and lamina propria and tended (P = 0.09) to reduce the serum concentration of calprotectin (CALP). The supplementation of P(OA + EO) reduced the serum concentration of IL-12 (P = 0.0001), IL-16 (P = 0.001), and Pentraxin-3 (P = 0.04). Additionally, P(OA + EO) maintained a cecal microbiota similar to birds receiving AGP. The substitution of AGP by P(OA + EO) reduced (P < 0.05) the frequency of four AMR genes, related to gentamicin (three genes), and aminoglycoside (one gene). Overall, the inclusion of P(OA + EO), and removal of AGP, in the diets of commercially raised broiler chickens beneficially changed the phenotype of the jejunum as shown by the lowered ISI scores which characterizes an improved intestinal health. Furthermore, P(OA + EO) significantly reduced the serum concentration of several inflammatory biomarkers, while maintaining the diversity and composition of the cecal microbiota similar to AGP fed chickens and reducing the prevalence of AMR genes.

This study evaluated the effect of organic acids–essential oils blend with or without oat hulls (OH) on growth performance, organ weights, blood parameters, gut morphology, microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments consisting of 1) a corn-soybean meal-wheat based diet (BAS), 2) BAS + 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), 3) BAS + protected organic acids–essential oils at 300 g/1,000 kg of feed (OE), and 4) BAS + protected organic acids–essential oils at 300 g/1,000 kg of feed + 3% OH (OEOH), in 8 replicate groups. Feeding was in starter (d 0 to 14), grower (d 14 to 24), and finisher (d 24 to 36) phases. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality were determined weekly. On d 36, 8 chickens per treatment were sampled for blood biochemistry, organ weights, cecal SCFA production, and microbiota. Treatments had no effect on FI and FCR at all phases. Both OE and OEOH treatments reduced (P

The objective was to study the effects of microencapsulated organic acids (OA) and essential oils (EO) on growth performance, immune system, gut barrier function, nutrient digestion and absorption, and abundance of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (ETEC F4) in the weaned piglets challenged with ETEC F4. Twenty-four ETEC F4 susceptible weaned piglets were randomly distributed to 4 treatments including (1) sham-challenged control (SSC; piglets fed a control diet and challenged with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)); (2) challenged control (CC; piglets fed a control diet and challenged with ETEC F4); (3) antibiotic growth promoters (AGP; CC + 55 mg·kg–1 of Aureomycin); and (4) microencapsulated OA and EO [P(OA+EO); (CC + 2 g·kg−1 of microencapsulated OA and EO]. The ETEC F4 infection significantly induced diarrhea at 8, 28, 34, and 40 hr postinoculation (hpi) (P < 0.05) in the CC piglets. At 28 d postinoculation (dpi), piglets fed P(OA+EO) had a lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea score compared with those fed CC, but the P(OA+EO) piglets had a lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea score compared with those fed the AGP diets at 40 dpi. The ETEC F4 infection tended to increase in vivo gut permeability measured by the oral gavaging fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 70 kDa (FITC-D70) assay in the CC piglets compared with the SCC piglets (P = 0.09). The AGP piglets had higher FITC-D70 flux than P(OA+EO) piglets (P < 0.05). The ETEC F4 infection decreased mid-jejunal VH in the CC piglets compared with the SCC piglets (P < 0.05). The P(OA+EO) piglets had higher (P < 0.05) VH in the mid-jejunum than the CC piglets. The relative mRNA abundance of Na+-glucose cotransporter and B0AT1 was reduced (P < 0.05) by ETEC F4 inoculation when compared with the SCC piglets. The AGP piglets had a greater relative mRNA abundance of B0AT1 than the CC piglets (P < 0.05). The ETEC F4 inoculation increased the protein abundance of OCLN (P < 0.05), and the AGP piglets had the lowest relative protein abundance of OCLN among the challenged groups (P < 0.05). The supplementation of microencapsulated OA and EO enhanced intestinal morphology and showed anti-diarrhea effects in weaned piglets challenged with ETEC F4. Even if more future studies can be required for further validation, this study brings evidence that microencapsulated OA and EO combination can be useful within the tools to be implemented in strategies for alternatives to antibiotics in swine production.

Infection with Eimeria sp. results in the activation of multiple facets of the host immune system; the use of phytogenics can modulate the inflammatory response and improve the performance of the challenged animal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial blend of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and castor oil on the immune response of broilers challenged with coccidiosis. A total of 864 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly distributed into six treatment groups (8 pens/treatment and 18 chicks/pen) in a three-by-two factorial design with three additives: control (non-additive), 100 ppm of monensin or 0.15% CNSL–castor oil. Challenge status was determined twice at 14 days of age. Unchallenged birds were inoculated by gavage with oocysts sporulated with Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima. Although the positive control (non-additive and challenged) and CNSL–castor oil treatment groups exhibited similar variation in weight gain (ΔBWG) compared to unchallenged birds fed without additives, the variation observed in birds fed diets containing CNSL–castor oil was associated with a higher maintenance requirement and not feed efficiency. In the second week after infection, ΔBWG of the CNSL–castor oil treatment group did not significantly change compared to the other treatment groups. At days 7 and 14 post-challenge, there was a higher excretion of oocysts in the control group, whereas the CNSL–castor oil and monensin groups did not differ. The CNSL–castor oil group exhibited increased gene expression of interferon (IFN), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), while the control group exhibited increased expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) and IL-1. The heterophils/lymphocyte ratio was low for the monensin treatment group. The unchallenged birds that received monensin treatment presented higher gene expression of IFN, COX and IL-1 compared to the other treatments, while the CNSL–castor oil group exhibited reduced gene expression, except for TNF. The commercial blend of cashew nut liquid and castor oil modulated the inflammatory response against Eimeria spp. In the absence of the parasite, there was no stimulation of genes involved in the inflammatory response, demonstrating that the blend is an effective tool in specifically modulating the immune system of birds afflicted with coccidiosis.

The intestinal tract harbors a diverse community of microbes that have co-evolved with the host immune system. Although many of these microbes execute functions that are critical for host physiology, the host immune system must control the microbial community so that the dynamics of this interdependent relationship is maintained. To facilitate host homeostasis, the immune system ensures that the microbial load is tolerated, but anatomically contained, while remaining reactive to microbial invasion. Although the microbiota is required for intestinal immune development, immune responses regulate the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota by evolving unique immune adaptations that manage this high-bacterial load. The immune mechanisms work together to ensure that commensal bacteria rarely breach the intestinal barrier and that any that do invade should be killed rapidly to prevent penetration to systemic sites. The communication between microbiota and the immune system is mediated by the interaction of bacterial components with pattern recognition receptors expressed by intestinal epithelium and various antigen-presenting cells resulting in activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Interaction between the microbial community and host plays a crucial role in the mucosal homeostasis and health status of the host. In addition to providing a home to numerous microbial inhabitants, the intestinal tract is an active immunological organ, with more resident immune cells than anywhere else in the body, organized in lymphoid structures called Peyer's patches and isolated lymphoid follicles such as the cecal tonsils. Macrophages, dendritic cells, various subsets of T cells, B cells and the secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) they produce, all contribute to the generation of a proper immune response to invading pathogens while keeping the resident microbial community in check without generating an overt inflammatory response to it. IgA-producing plasma cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, and γδT cell receptor-expressing T cells are lymphocytes that are uniquely present in the mucosa. In addition, of the γδT cells in the intestinal lamina propria, there are significant numbers of IL-17-producing T cells and regulatory T cells. The accumulation and function of these mucosal leukocytes are regulated by the presence of intestinal microbiota, which regulate these immune cells and enhance the mucosal barrier function allowing the host to mount robust immune responses against invading pathogens, and simultaneously maintains immune homeostasis.

The proposal on the ban of anticoccidials drugs from poultry feed highlights the importance of broiler breeders resistance to Eimeria as a criteria for animal genetic selection. The aim of this study was to compare the resistance between two commercial broiler breeds to Eimeria acervulina. Eight hundred male chicks from two commercial breeds (400 animals each) were housed from 1–42 days of age and randomly divided into 4 treatments with 8 replicates of 25 birds each. Following a factorial design, the treatments were AU, BU (breed A and B, unchallenged), AC and BC (breed A and B, challenged at 14 days of age by gavage with 1 × 106 oocysts of a field strain of E. acervulina). From 1–42 days, feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency and mean weight (MW) were weekly measured. For the clinical evaluation, feces were sampled from 18 to 24 days for the counting of excreted oocysts and twenty birds per treatment were euthanized at 20 days of age for the scoring of macroscopic lesions in the gut. The breeds did not show statistical differences in performance after the Eimeria challenge in all phases. Breed A presented a higher increase in FCR from 21 to 45 days in comparison to the breed B, which presented a deeper reduction in FI, BWG and MW at all periods post-infection when compared to the breed A. Despite of the challenge, breed A presented better performance indexes (P

The growing restriction of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) use in farming animals has raised a concern regarding the viability of the animal production system. In this new context, feed additives with proven positive impact on intestinal health may be used as strategy to avoid losses on performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a protected blend of organic acids and essential oils [P(OA+EO)] on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 1,080 Cobb × Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly distributed in four treatments with 10 replicates (27 birds/each). Treatments were as follow: non-challenged control; challenged control; AGP (enramycin at 10 g/t); and P(OA+EO) at 300 g/t. All birds on challenged groups were challenged with Eimeria spp. at 1 day and with Clostridium perfringens at 11, 12, and 13 days. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated until 42 days. At 17 days, one bird per pen was orally gavaged with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d) and blood samples were collected for FITC-d detection to assess intestinal permeability. At 21 days, apparent ileal nutrient and energy (IDE) digestibility, intestinal macroscopic and histologic alterations (ISI) and, expression of mucin2 (MUC2), claudin1 (CLDN1), and occludin (OCLN) genes in the jejunum were evaluated. From 1 to 42 days, birds from the non-challenged and P(OA+EO) groups had greater (P < 0.001) BWG compared to challenged control and AGP groups. The challenged control group presented the worst FCR (P < 0.001). IDE was 106 kcal/kg greater when broilers were fed P(OA+EO) compared to the challenged control group. Broilers supplemented with P(OA+EO) had improved intestinal integrity with lower blood FITC-d concentration and ISI scores, and greater expression of MUC2, CLDN1, and OCLN genes compared to the challenged control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the P(OA+EO) and the AGP led to increased growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal health of challenged broilers. A marked difference occurred in favor of the P(OA+EO), suggesting that this blend may be used to improve intestinal health and broiler growth performance in AGP free programs.

The effect of feeding spray-dried plasma (SDP) during the starter period was evaluated with a commercial broiler integrator on performance and overall health of broilers. The I See Inside (ISI) methodology assessing gut health in broilers was used as a tool to evaluate the impact of dietary interventions under commercial conditions. One hundred farms with approximately 1.1 million broilers were used at a Brazilian broiler integrator. Two groups of farms were fed either a control or an SDP diet containing 1% SDP, from 0 to 10 d of age. Diets were formulated to have similar nutritional density, containing zinc bacitracin and CuSO4 from 0 to 28 d. After 10 d, both groups were fed common commercial diets. Performance data were analyzed together or by type of ventilation system: positive pressure or negative pressure. Birds were sent to market as they reached 3.05 kg; therefore, age at slaughter (AS) was evaluated as a dependent variable along with other performance measures. From the 100 farms in the trial, 35 (16 control and 19 SDP farms) were selected for the assessment of broilers health, biosecurity, and local management. For that, 6 broilers per farm at 14 ± 2 d of age were necropsied and ileum sampled for the ISI methodology evaluation. Biosecurity and management were also evaluated to obtain the influence of those parameters on animal health. SDP-fed birds demonstrated improved feed conversion ratio, reduced mortality, and 1 d less for AS (P < 0.05) vs. control group (P < 0.05) regardless of the type of ventilation. During necropsy, birds fed SDP showed lower coccidiosis and locomotor system lesions as the overall ISI score compared to controls. Histologic intestinal alterations were also lower in SDP-fed broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding 1% SDP in the starter period to broilers resulted in improved performance and health under both good and bad management and biosecurity standards independent of the type of ventilation. Overall, there was good agreement between the ISI method and performance improvements observed.

SUMMARY Salmonella enterica has more than 2,500 different serovars that have been described as causes of human infections, and S. enterica serovar Enteritidis is the most prevalent of these serovars. In some regions in Brazil, S. enterica serovar Minnesota was prevalent in 37.93% of broiler samples. This study evaluated the effect of a prebiotic (PREB) based on mannan oligosaccharide on the immune response of broilers challenged against Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) or Minnesota (SM). PREB supplementation increased the weight gain and reduced Salmonella recovered and mRNA gene expression of IL12 in livers of SE-challenged broilers, but did not prevent colonization by SM in the liver at 16 h after challenge. At the time of challenge, birds supplemented with PREB had higher lymphocyte scores in the lamina propria, villi edema, and dilation, suggesting an inflammatory reaction when compared to a non-supplemented group. PREB supplementation could prevent SE colonization in the livers of broilers 16 h after challenge; however, it would have no effect on SM challenged birds. The challenge with serovar Enteritidis induces higher IL12 mRNA expression levels than challenge with SM.

The effects of lutein and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens were evaluated in the presence and absence of Salmonella lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immune challenge. Cobb chicks (360; 1 to 22 d of age) were used in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of CLA (0, 1, and 2%) and lutein (0 and 50 mg/kg) dietary levels. At d 8 and 15, birds were injected with BSA to assess IgY production. At d 20, birds were injected with LPS. Samples of liver, spleen, and duodenum were collected at 3 and 16 h post-LPS challenge for RT-qPCR analysis of RXRα, RXRγ, PPARα, PPARγ, TLR-4, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-12 gene expression. CLA decreased BW, BW gain (BWG), and G:F from d 1 to 20, but these effects were reversed when lutein was included in the 1% CLA diet (P < 0.001). The production of IgY anti-BSA increased following a 2% CLA supplementation (P < 0.01). LPS increased the liver:BW ratio at 3 h post-injection (P < 0.001) and decreased BWG at 3, 16, and 40 h (P < 0.001). Lutein decreased plasmatic nitric oxide levels (P < 0.01). LPS downregulated PPARα mRNA in the duodenum (P = 0.02) and liver (P = 0.04), and PPARγ (P = 0.01) and RXRα (P = 0.08) in the spleen; these effects were not reversed by CLA or lutein as initially hypothesized. Although LPS upregulated IL-1β (P = 0.02) and IL-12 (P = 0.07) expression, lutein downregulated these pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver (P = 0.03 and P = 0.07, respectively). Lutein decreased splenic (P = 0.09) but increased hepatic (P = 0.06) TLR-4 mRNA. A dietary CLA supplementation of 2% increased hepatic RXRα (P = 0.10). In conclusion, CLA decreased broiler chicken growth performance, but lutein could prevent this negative effect (depending on CLA dose). Lutein had an anti-inflammatory effect, and a 2% CLA supplementation improved the humoral immune response.

We evaluated the effects of a protease supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. Cobb chicks (392; 1-42 d) were divided into four treatments (seven replicates of 14 birds each). There were two feed formulations: a standard diet (SD) and a low crude protein and digestible amino acids diet (Low CP&AA). The two diets were either supplemented (+P) or not (−P) with a protease (Jefo Protease; 1.25 g kg−1). Performance was evaluated by feeding phases (1-7, 8-21, 21-35, and 35-42 d). On day 28, ileum samples were analyzed by a morphometric index for histological alterations (I See Inside Scoring System – ISI). Broilers fed the Low CP&AA had a poor feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, the addition of the protease to the Low CP&AA positively affected FCR and body weight gain and promoted a performance similar to the group fed SD−P. Birds fed diets supplemented with the protease presented the best ISI morphological index, mainly as a result of the low number of alterations regarding the lamina propria, epithelial thickness, and enterocyte proliferation. It is possible to conclude that the enzyme improves feed conversion and lamina propria, epithelial thickness, and proliferation of enterocytes index of broiler chickens when added to a standard diet or with a low crude protein and digestible amino acids diet.

Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-negative enteric bacterium Salmonella. Many serotypes, collectively known as broad-host-range serovars, such as S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis, are not restricted to particular host species, and their epidemiology can therefore be complex. These serotypes do not cause severe symptoms in poultry, but the eggs and meat of infected animals can become a reservoir of infection for the human consumer. In particular, asymptomatic carriers have a major role in Salmonella propagation in poultry and hence in food contamination, since they cannot be easily identified and isolated. The intestinal carrier state of chickens infected with S. enterica is one of the main causes of disease propagation in poultry.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a blend of organic acids (OAs) in diets with or without antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) in chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens. Day-old male broiler chicks were used in a trial with 4 treatments and 6 replicates of 50 birds per pen, for 43 days, in a completely randomized design. The treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement consisted of the presence or absence of enramycin (AGP) and of a blend of OA in the feed. All birds were inoculated at 7 days of age with an anticoccidial vaccine in the drinking water; on days 14, 15, and 16, they were inoculated with C. perfringens in the feed. OA improved weight gain, body weight, and feed intake in the periods 1–7 days and 1–21 days in chicks without antibiotic supplementation. The AGP had the main effect of increasing weight gain and body weight at 35 d; the OA increased weight gain, body weight, and feed intake at 43 days of age. The birds supplemented with OA without AGP had a higher number of CD3+ cells in the ileum mucosa and lower crypt depth than birds supplemented with both OA and antibiotic at 7 days. At 21 days of age, birds fed OA without AGP had higher villus height and a larger villus/crypt ratio; however, there were no differences in the CD3+ cells in the ileal mucosa. The use of OA was beneficial for weight gain and AGP for feed conversion, and the combination of OA and AGP brings complementary advantages in production.

SUMMARY Salmonellosis is one of the most common worldwide zoonosis, and the Enteritidis and Typhimurium serotypes are most prevalent. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a diet supplemented with mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) on CD3+ ,C D4+ ,C D8+, and goblet cell counts in the intestines of broilers vaccinated and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. The evaluation was based on randomized experiments including 45 chickens divided into 3 experimental groups. Group 1 received a nonsupplemented control diet. Group 2 received a diet supplemented with 1 kg MOS/t from d 1 to 21 and 0.5 kg MOS/t from d 22 to 56. Group 3 received a diet supplemented with 2 kg MOS/t from d 1 to 21 and 1 kg MOS/t from d 22 to 56. Chickens fed the lower level of MOS demonstrated reduced fecal shedding of Salmonella 14 d after being challenged (P < 0.05). Both groups of MOS-supplemented chickens showed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts in the ileal and cecal mucosa after being challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). Supplementation with MOS increased the specific T lymphocyte infiltration in the intestinal mucosa of chickens vaccinated and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta imunológica de frangos de corte frente a uma vacina vetorial HVT-IBV com posterior desafio com a cepa Moulthrop G603 aos 21 ou 28 dias de vida. Foram realizadas análises macroscópicas e histológicas da bolsa cloacal e quantificação de células imunológicas no baço (linfócitos B, T CD4+ e CD8+), bolsa cloacal (linfócitos T CD3+) e no sangue (linfócitos B, T CD4 de mucosa e T CD8 ativados). Aos 35 dias de idade, aves desafiadas aos 21 e 28 dias de idade, submetidas ou não a vacina vetorial, apresentaram maior contagem (P

The maintenance of integrity of the gastrointestinal tract is an important aspect for animal productivity, since it is able to absorb nutrients more efficiently and serves as a barrier against microorganisms. To control agents detrimental to intestinal integrity, growth-promoting antibiotics (AGP) are used, which reduce the number of toxin-producing microorganisms in the intestinal lumen, acting as anti-inflammatory agents. There is a demand for restriction of use of AGP in animal feed, but there are few studies showing what parameters we should observe to search for alternative additives. The aim of this study was to establish histological parameters that explain the effect of enramycin as growth promoter on intestinal health in broilers challenged with Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens. The zootechnical performance and the histology by I See Inside (ISI) methodology were evaluated on liver and ileum samples. Chickens challenged without AGP have the worst BWG, FCR, and histological ISI score (ISI score 9) in the ileum compared to non-challenged (ISI score 5). The use of enramycin on challenged group significantly minimized the ISI score in the ileum at 21 and 28 d (ISI score 7.4 and 8.0, respectively) compared with the challenged group not fed with enramycin (ISI score 9.2 and 9.9, respectively), associated with reduced lamina propria thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. We suggest these 2 histological parameters as a standard to compare products for gut health.

Problems with indoor husbandry and immunological challenges are some of the stressors that broilers may face which can affect production. Infectious diseases can compound the effects of excessive concentrations of ammonia causing respiratory and ocular inflammation and increased lacrimal production in broiler chickens. The objectives of this investigation were to establish normal values of tear production in chicks and compare the practicality of the different methods. Palpebral fissure length (PFL) and tear production were evaluated in Cobb 500 chicks at 5 d old and then at 5 d of age by the following methods: modified Schirmer's test I (mSTT1), phenol red cotton thread tear test (PRCTTT), and standardized endodontic absorbent paper point test (EAPPTT). Ten chicks at the age of 5 and 42 d were evaluated for each method. In addition, at 42 d, when the palpebral fissure permitted, a regular-sized Schirmer tear test I (STT1) was performed in another group of 10 chickens. Overall, PFL and the secretion of the aqueous phase of the tear film increased with age. Mean mSTT1 results were 5.00 ± 1.83 mm and 10.45 ± 2.58 mm for 5- and 42-d-old chicks, respectively. Mean PRCTTT results were 12.37 ± 1.80 mm and 25.58 ± 4.8 mm for 5- and 42-d-old chicks, respectively. Mean EAPPTT results were 7.13 ± 0.72 mm and 12.03 ± 0.92 mm for 5- and 42-d-old chicks, respectively. Mean STT1 for 42-d-old chicks was 11.40 ± 2.60 mm. Results obtained with endodontic paper points showed the lowest coefficient of variation and investigators found the test easier to perform. These values reported for broilers at different ages may be applied in poultry ophthalmology to help the diagnosis of lacrimal production disorders and to detect early disease symptoms that could cause economic losses in poultry production.

The aim of the present evaluation was to assess the efficacy of blends of organic acids and oregano extracts supplied from d 1 to 21 and from d 35 to 42 in feed, drinking water, or both, in controllingSalmonella Enteritidis persistence in the crop and ceca of broiler chicken. A total of 105 one-day-old male broiler breeder chicks were randomly distributed into 5 different treatments according to the supply of referred blends andSalmonella Enteritidis challenge.Salmonella Enteritidis was inoculated directly in the crop of birds at the 15 d of age. Treatments were unsupplemented unchallenged, unsupplemented challenged, supplemented through water and challenged, supplemented through feed and challenged, and supplemented through feed and water and challenged. Use of the additives in feed and water and in water alone efficiently controlledSalmonella shedding and reduced cecal persistence. Immune mechanisms involved are proposed.

SUMMARY The role of the gastrointestinal tract in the recognition and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms through inflammation is critical for the establishment of health. Sanguinarine is a quaternary ammonium salt that belongs to a group of benzophenanthridine and protopin alkaloids. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of using sanguinarine in the drinking water of broilers on reducing the Salmonella Enteritidis count and to assess changes in intestinal morphology and the expression of immune cells in the peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa of broilers challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. The treatment of Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged broilers with sanguinarine via drinking water reduced Salmonella Enteritidis isolation in the cecum and in the crop at 7 d postinoculation when compared with the control group. Broilers treated with sanguinarine via drinking water presented a significantly lower expression of goblet and CD3 + cells in the duodenum and jejunum and higher expression of cells positive for the markers cD4, cD8α, cD8α bright , cD8α dim , cD8β, tcr Vβ1, and cD28 in the blood compared with the nontreated birds. We also evaluated MHc i, MHc ii and tcr αβ Vβ2, but no differences were observed between treatments.

SUMMARY Different periods of hatching, called hatch windows, occur inside the same hatchery and birds’ development could be affected by this. This study evaluated morphology of the intestinal mucosa and gizzard, and the presence of CD3+ cells in thymus, spleen, and intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks hatched from different egg weights and in different hatch windows. Eggs from breeders at 38 wk of age were evaluated in a factorial 3 × 2 experimental design, with 3 hatch windows (hatching before 472 h of incubation, between 472 and 488 h of incubation, and between 488 and 504 h of incubation) and 2 egg weights (lightweight and heavyweight). Prematurely hatched chicks remaining inside the hatchery for longer periods presented improved koilin membrane development in the gizzard, and smaller presence of CD3+ cells in thymus, spleen, and ileum compared with those birds that hatched close to the standardized time for hatchery opening.

The present study evaluated the effect of aflatoxin B1 and Eimeria vaccine challenges and their interaction on intestinal morphology, applying the morphometric index “I See Inside” (ISI). Immune cellular response and broiler chicken performance were also studied. A total of 240 broiler chickens were divided in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 4 treatments, T1: Control diet and no challenge (CON), T2: Aflatoxin B1 (AFLA), T3: Control diet and Eimeria challenge (COC), and T4: Aflatoxin B1 and Eimeria challenge (AFLA+COC). The mathematical morphometric index ISI was applied to evaluate macro and microscopic alterations. Samples of liver and jejunum were analyzed for macrophages, CD4+, and CD8+ cells counting by immunohistochemistry at 7, 14, and 21 d of age. Chickens challenged with Eimeria presented higher ISI of macroscopic alterations associated to Eimeria lesion at the medium small intestine, lower body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), and worse feed conversion ratio compared to non-challenged birds. Both Eimeria and aflatoxin challenges modulated the immune cells in the jejunum and liver, generally increasing the number of macrophages, CD4+, and CD8+ cells in relation to the control group. Birds from COC and COC+AFLA groups presented higher ISI histological score in the jejunum at 7 and 14 d of age compared to the CON and AFLA groups. The reduction of FI and BWG was correlated to high histological ISI and resulted in a high presence of immune cells in tissues, suggesting immune response demand. The histological ISI had statistical correlation to broiler performance.

The use of Bacillus subtilis (BS) as a probiotic in bird feed was studied through the evaluation of its effect on th e infiltration of immune cells in the ileum and cecum mucosa of chickens challenged with Salmonella Minnesota (SM). The birds were divided into three treatment groups; Negative control, containing unchallenged birds; Positive control, with SM challenged birds; and Probiotic, with SM challenged birds fed with a diet containing BS (DSM 17299 2.13 x 10 cfu/g). The birds fed BS showed increased goblet and CD4+ 6 cell counts in the ileum and cecum before being challenged with SM in comparison to the birds not fed BS. After the SM challenge, the birds fed BS showed a reduction in the Salmonella counts at 48 Post Inoculation (PI) in the cloaca and cecum swabs and in litter samples and furthermore a reduction in CD8+ cells in the cecum compared to the challenged birds. Based on the results, it is concluded that feeding BS as a probiotic to broilers reduced the Salmonella spp. counts and thus, affected the mobilization of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the ileum and cecum mucosa.

The Cracidae family of neotropical birds is regarded as one of the most severely threatened in the world. They traditionally have been extensively hunted, and, thus, ex situ efforts for their conservation are recommended and involve the optimization of their care in captivity. Nutrition is a fundamental aspect of husbandry, which influences survival and reproduction in captivity. In this study, a total of 29 animals, including 3 species (Penelope obscura, Penelope superciliaris, and Aburria jacutinga), were subjected to monthly physical examination and blood sampling before and after dietary conversion from the traditional diet of broiler feed, fruits, and vegetables to a nutritionally balanced commercial diet specifically designed for wild Galliformes. The diet change produced differences in several parameters tested, including an increase (P0.05) in hemoglobin concentration for all species. Increases (P0.05) in erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, and body weight were observed in P. obscura, with a concomitant decrease in the standard deviation for such parameters that show improved uniformity. Globulins and lipase also were reduced (P0.05) in P. obscura. Although leukocyte count was lowered and eosinophils were increased in all 3 species after dietary conversion, only these 2 changes were significant (P0.05) in P. superciliaris. A. jacutinga had higher (P0.05) blood glucose concentrations than the other species, but diet had no effect on this parameter. Blood uric acid concentrations were higher (P0.05) after conversion to the commercial diet in P superciliaris. The provision of a commercial extruded diet as a single food source was beneficial, which led to a general improvement in clinical aspects and group uniformity in these 3 species of Cracidae.

Highlights • The ISI was applied to evaluate histologic alterations specific of Eimeria infection. • The ISI histological score show high correlation with broilers performance. • The higher the ISI scores the worse are the performance results of birds challenged., The present study evaluated the effects of coccidiosis on histological parameters and performance of broilers submitted to a mild challenge with Eimeria sp. A total of 132 broilers were randomly divided into two groups with 6 replicates of 11 birds each: negative control (NC) – birds uninfected and challenge (CH) - birds infected by gavage at day-one with 10x the manufacturer recommended dose of Bio-Coccivet R® live vaccine by Biovet, with strains of E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, E. necatrix, E. praecox, E. tenella and E. mitis. From 1 to 28 d of age, weekly the zootechnical performance was evaluated and samples of the liver, duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected and submitted to histological analysis by the I See Inside methodology (ISI). The ISI methodology is a metric evaluation of histological alterations in the intestine and liver. Which translates macroscopic and microscopic alterations into numbers and allows their correlation with the animal zootechnical performance. Pearson’s correlation was used to demonstrates how the damages to the gut, evaluated by ISI method, could affect negatively the performance of broilers. The presence of oocysts in histological analysis of the jejunum and ileum at 7d indicate a negative effect on performance over the next 2 weeks (14d and 21d). When the ISI total score was measured in the ileum at 14d, we observed a strong negative effect on zootechnical performance from that period on 14d, 21d and 28d. The obtained data demonstrates that the higher the ISI scores, the worse are the zootechnical performance results of broilers challenged with Eimeria sp. and the I See Inside scores could be applied to evaluate coccidiosis effect on performance in future.

Selenium is an essential mineral for organic function on animal and human body. This mineral is important due to its function as antioxidant in organism, it neutralizes the free radicals that are resultant from many factors but especially by immune response. Diet is the major source of selenium. In poultry, the nutritional requirements for all nutrients and even selenium was normally calculated based on experimental trial using health animal in very low challenge conditions. However, on practical way animals are continually exposed to different infection challenges and intense vaccine program increasing immune system activation. On this aspect, there are studies that show that immune activation response increases the necessity of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The objective of this review is to present recent patents information about the influence of selenium on immune response and practices applied on poultry production.

The effect of coccidiosis vaccine route on animal development and the efficiency of different routes to protect birds against different Eimeria challenges were evaluated. 135 Isa Brown® birds were used in two experimental phases. In the first phase, the birds were distributed in three treatments: non-vaccinated, vaccinated against coccidiosis by water and vaccinated by spray. In the second phase, these birds were challenged separately with different eimeria species oocysts (E. maximum, E. acervulina, E. tenella and E. necatrix). Weight gain, relative weight of Fabricius bursa, degrees of lesions in the intestines and counting of oocysts in the coproparasitological examination were evaluated. As a result, in most cases, birds challenged with different eimeria species and vaccinated against coccidiosis, by water or spray, showed better physical conditions, mainly by: best weight gain and lower intestinal lesions scores, compared to the birds challenged and non-vaccinated. Another interesting result refers to the different vaccine routes, showing no significant difference regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine and the vaccine reaction in animals.

SUMMARY In this trial, we assessed the effects of 2 different ages of breeders and of 2 periods of fasting posthatching on the performance of broilers up to 42 d of age. Male broilers from breeders of different ages (30 and 60 wk) were subjected to an experimental design with 4 treatments: 1) T1, chicks not subjected to fasting, from 30-wk-old breeders; 2) T2, chicks not subjected to fasting, from 60-wk-old breeders; 3) T3, chicks subjected to a 12-h fast, from 30-wk-old breeders; and 4) T4, chicks subjected to a 12-h fast, from 60-wk-old breeders. At the end of the trial, feed intake was greater for the chicks from older breeders. Fasting had a negative influence on feed intake in the period from 0 to 10 d of age. The birds from older breeders had a greater BW gain from 21 to 35 d of age when they were not subjected to a fasting period, but when birds were subjected to a fasting period, no differences between broiler breeder ages were observed on BW gain. Fasting did not exert a significant effect on the BW of the birds. Feed conversion was not influenced by the age of the breeders or by fasting.

Os psitacídeos estão cada vez mais próximos do ser humano devido à facilidade de manutenção que a espécie demanda. Portanto, a preocupação sanitária deve ser crescente, uma vez que as aves são reservatórios naturais de bactérias Gram negativas, como salmonelas, por exemplo. Sob condições de estresse, aves portadoras destas bactérias podem eliminar estes agentes nas fezes e dessa forma transmitir doenças, muitas delas zoonóticas como as salmoneloses para outros animais e seres humanos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de Salmonella sp. nas fezes de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) mantidas em cativeiro. Analisou-se através de cultura bacteriana um total de 129 amostras, sendo 86 suabes cloacais e 43 fezes presentes no fundo das gaiolas. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para o agente.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:47:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-01-01 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of broiler breeder age and the dietary energy level (2,900 and 3,200 kcal ME/kg) on performance and pancreas lipase and trypsin activities of chicks during the first week of life. The birds from the older breeders had higher feed intake (P = 0.001) and weight gain (P = 0.001) than chicks from the younger broiler breeders. The pancreas enzymes activities were not affected by broiler breeder age, however it was influenced by the dietary energy level. Chicks fed diet with high energy content showed higher lipase activity than those submitted to low dietary energy level (P = 0.013) and trypsin activity was not affected by energy diet. No improvement on chicks performance was observed, suggesting that is not necessary to feed diets with high energy level during the first week of age. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2004. Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, 80035-050 Curitiba PR Unesp, 14884-900 Jaboticabal SP Unesp, 14884-900 Jaboticabal SP

We describe the characterization of a spontaneously transformed chicken monocytic cell line that developed as a single colony of cells in a heterophil culture that was inadvertently left in the incubator over a period of 25 days. These cells, hitherto named HTC, grow efficiently at both 37 or 41 8C in culture medium containing either 5% FBS or 2% chicken serum. The HTC cells are acid phosphatase positive, show expressions of both class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC), CD44, K1, and K55 cell surface antigens, and engulf latex beads, produce nitrite and interleukin-6 on stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induces respiratory burst in HTC cells and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) into culture medium. Using gene-specific primers and reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the presence of mRNA trancripts for interferon-g (IFN-g), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) were detected. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of HTC cells modulated IL-1, IL-6, IFN-g, NOS mRNA levels as detected by RT-PCR analyses. Using different avian tumor virus gene-specific primers and PCR, the HTC cells were positive for the presence of avian leukosis virus (ALV) and Marek’s disease virus (MDV) but negative for reticuloendothelial virus (REV), chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV), and herpes virus of turkeys (HVT). The production of ALV antigens by HTC cells was further confirmed using p27 gag protein ELISA. Collectively, these results show that the HTC cells belong to myeloid/ macrophage lineage and were likely transformed by ALV and MDV but retain many interesting and useful biological activities. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:47:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2003-01-01 This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CWSC) as an inhibitor of the toxic effects of ochratoxin in broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. A total of 320 broilers was distributed into four treatments with four replicates of 20 birds each: T1 - control; T2 - 0.1% CWSC; T3 - 500 ppb of ochratoxin; T4 - 0.01% CWSC + 500 ppb of ochratoxin. The parameters evaluated were feed intake; weight gain, feed conversion; relative weights of liver, kidneys and bursa of Fabricius. Ochratoxin in diet negatively affected (P > 0.05) the feed intake and weight gain when the birds were 21 and 42 days of age, and affected the feed conversion at 42 days of age. Was no interaction between CWSC and dietary ochratoxin. The CWSC improve the feed conversion of birds exposed or not to ochratoxin at 42 days of age. The ochratoxin or CWSC in diet did not affect the relative weight of organs evaluated. These results reflect that ochratoxin in the level used in diet impaired the feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion of the birds and the CWSC did not ameliorate these parameters in the presence of the ochratoxin. © Asian Network for Scientific Information 2003. Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro Politécnico/Universidade Federal do Paraná Universidade Estadual Paulista

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:47:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2002-01-01 The effect of dietary vitamin (VS) and mineral (MS) mix withdrawal between 42 and 49 d of age on broiler chicken performance was evaluated. The diets were formulated based on corn and soybean meal, and the experiments were conducted in floor pens using wood shavings as litter. Trial 1 evaluated withdrawal of VS and MS mix at 42, 45, and 49 d. The resalts of this trial showed that VS and MS mix withdrawal at 42 d of age did not impair feed intake (FI) or weight gain (WG), but feed conversion (FC) was improved (P = 0.043) when both mixes were maintained in the diets until 49 d of age. Trial 2 assessed the withdrawal of VS or MS mix at 42 d of age. FI and WG were not affected by withdrawal, but FC was poorer (P = 0.035) for the broilers fed the diet without VS. The relative liver weight was reduced by VS or MS mix withdrawal (P = 0.014 and P = 0.001, respectively). Carcass, breast, and leg yields were not affected by VS or MS mix withdrawals in either trial. The findings of the study suggested that VS mix withdrawal during the final period of broiler chicken growth was more deleterious than the withdrawal of MS mix, because it affected FC ratio. VS or MS withdrawal during this period did not affect carcass yield. Fac. de Cie. Agrarias e Veterinarias Campus de Jaboticabal Unesp, Cep: 14884-900 Jaboticabal SP Fac. de Cie. Agrarias e Veterinarias Campus de Jaboticabal Unesp, Cep: 14884-900 Jaboticabal SP

SUMMARY We studied the efficacy of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) as an inhibitor of the toxic effects of ochratoxin in broilers from 1 to 42 d of age. A total of 288 broilers was distributed into four treatments with four replicates of 18 birds each: T1, control; T2, 0.25% HSCAS; T3, 2 ppm of ochratoxin; T4, 0.25% HSCAS + 2 ppm ochratoxin. The parameters evaluated were feed intake; weight gain; feed conversion; relative weights of the liver, kidneys, and bursa; and serum levels of Ca, P, total protein (TP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT). Ochratoxin in the diet negatively affected (P < 0.05) all performance parameters evaluated when the birds were 21 and 42 d of age. However, HSCAS did not affect performance, and there was no interaction between HSCAS and dietary ochratoxin. The liver and the kidneys of birds fed ochratoxin with or without HSCAS were relatively heavier (P < 0.05) than those of the control birds, demonstrating the influence of ochratoxin, but not of HSCAS, on the relative weight of these organs. Although the bursa of birds exposed to ochratoxin with or without HSCAS had a lower relative weight as compared to control birds, the difference was not significant. Ca, P, and TP serum levels were lower (P < 0.05) in birds exposed to ochratoxin, whereas AST and GGT levels were higher (P < 0.05) in these birds. These results reflect that ochratoxin in the diet impaired the productivity indexes and that HSCAS did not improve these parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary ochratoxin, in the presence or absence of aluminosilicate, on the histology of the bursa of Fabricius, liver and kidneys, and on the humoral immune response of broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease virus. The exposure of birds to 2 p.p.m. ochratoxin, in the presence or absence of aluminosilicate, reduced their humoral immune response and the number of mitotic cells in the bursa. The relative weight of the livers of the birds exposed to this toxin was increased and, microscopically, there was hepatocyte vacuolation and megalocytosis with accompanying hyperplasia of the biliary epithelium. The kidneys showed hypertrophy of the renal proximal tubular epithelium, with thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Aluminosilicate did not ameliorate the deleterious effects of the ochratoxin.

Matrizes avícolas, tipo corte (linhagem Ross), foram submetidas a três intervalos de arraçoamento: T1=48/48h, T2=programa 5/2 e T3=48/57/63h. O período de recria foi da 5ª até a 20ª semana. As variáveis estudadas neste ensaio foram: uniformidade de peso corporal, viabilidade criatória, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Na fase de produção (29ª a 44ª semana de idade), avaliou-se o efeito residual das aves submetidas aos tratamentos da fase de recria sobre os parâmetros produtivos. As variáveis estudadas foram: produção de ovos, peso médio de ovos, ovos incubáveis e conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as diferenças comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Durante o período de recria, o aumento do intervalo de arraçoamento (T3) apresentou melhor uniformidade de peso corporal, bem como melhor conversão alimentar (P0,05) nos períodos estudados. Os parâmetros ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar apresentaram piores resultados para as aves que receberam o menor intervalo de arraçoamento (P0,05) quanto aos parâmetros estudados, pois os dados de produção mostraram-se homogêneos para os diferentes tratamentos. Broiler breeders (Ross Line) were submitted to three different systems of feeding intervals namely: T1= 48/48h, T2 = scheme 5/2 and T3 = 48/57/63h. The study 1 was during the growing period from the fifth to the twentieth week. The variables studied in this assay were: body weight, uniformity, viability, weight gain and feed conversion. In the study 2, which as developed from the 29th to 44th week of age, the residual effect of the assay 1 was evaluated in regard to the productivity parameters. The variables mensured were egg production, egg weight, hatchability percentage and feed conversion per eggdozen. Data collected were subjected to analyses of variance and the differences were compared by the Tukey test. In the study 1 the increasing feed intervals resulted in better body weight uniformity as well as better feeding conversion (P0.05). The results were lower in the parameters of weight of gain and feed conversion for the birds that had received the smaller feed interval (P0.05), the production data shoved hight similarity in the different treatments.

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:22:27Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:22:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-04-30 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The influences of sex and age on hematological parameters were investigated in the ring-necked pheasant. Statistical comparisons were made for differences in values between male and female, 30 adults (52 week old) and 20 juvenile birds (5 week old). A variety of blood parameters showed statistically significant age and sex related differences. Adult males had higher values for Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and juveniles lower values for PCV. Adult females had higher values for basophils, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and total plasma protein. Juvenile females had higher values for hemoglobin. Adults had greater White Blood Cells (WBC), heterophils, eosinophils and monocytes. Serum biochemical values (uric acid, gamma glutamyl transferase, protein, albumin and globulins) were determined in young (5 week old) ring necked pheasants. There were no differences in any of these serum parameters among juvenile males and females. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. Aluna Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária FCAV-Unesp, Jaboticabal CNPq Departamento de Patologia Veterinária FCAV-Unesp, Jaboticabal Departamento de Medicina Veterinária UFPR, Curitiba Departamento de Zootecnia UFPR, Curitiba Aluna Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária FCAV-Unesp, Jaboticabal Departamento de Patologia Veterinária FCAV-Unesp, Jaboticabal

The present study was designed to compare the ability of different probiotics, applied in feed, to reduce Salmonella colonization and interfere with the cellular dynamics in the intestinal mucosa of broilers challenged with Salmonella enterica enterica sorovar Minnesota (SM). The following probiotics were used: A composed of Bacillus subtillis CCT 7711; B containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum; C consisting of Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750; and D with Enterococcus faecium. All tested probiotics were able to significantly reduce the Salmonella counts in cloacal swabs assessed at 48 h after inoculation when compared with the positive control. All probiotics were able to reduce the Salmonella counts in the cecum when compared to the positive control at 35 days. None of the tested probiotics reduced the Salmonella counts in the crop of broilers at 35 days of age. All probiotics induced an increase in the CD4 + and CD8+ cell counts in the cecum mucosa relative to the negative control group at 7 days of age; only probiotics C and D, reduced significantly the CD8 + cell counts in this same tissue of broilers at 35 days compared to positive control group. The results from this study indicated that the tested probiotics presented different effects on the reduction of SM counts and affected the cell dynamics in the cecum mucosa of broilers differently.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:47:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-01-01 The objective of this study was to evaluate different programs of the vaccination against Newcastle disease in Japanese quails. Two hundred and eighty eight 5-week-old Japanese quails were distributed into six different vaccine programs: T1 - vaccinated with LaSota strain of Newcastle virus (NDV) via intraconjunctiva instillation at five weeks of age and revaccinated at 13 and 21 weeks with NDV LaSota strain via intra-conjunctiva instillation; T2 - vaccinated with NDV B1 strain via intra-conjunctiva instillation at five weeks of age and revaccinated at 13 and 21 weeks of NDV B1 strain via intra-conjunctiva instillation; T3 - vaccinated with NDV Ulster 2C strain via intra-conjunctiva instillation at five weeks of age and revaccinated at 13 and 21 weeks of age with Ulster 2C strain; T4 - vaccinated with NDV VG-GA strain via intra-conjunctiva instillation at five weeks of age and revaccinated at 13 and 21 weeks with NDV VG-GA strain via intra-conjunctiva instillation; T5 - vaccinated with NDV LaSota strain, which was inactivated and emulsified in mineral oil, subcutaneous, at five weeks of age and were not revaccinated; and T6 - not vaccinated. At 17 and 25 weeks of age, all birds were challenged with a velogenic strain of NDV and a group of specific pathogen free (SPF) broilers was used as control of the virus. Five and 14 days after challenge, tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from each bird for virus isolation. The quails from all experimental groups did not show any clinical sign of NDV, although 100% of SPF broilers that died after the challenge showed clinical signs of Newcastle disease. NDV isolation was possible in all SPF broilers and 5 and 14 days after challenge in the nonvaccinated group of quails (T6), suggesting that quails can be NDV carriers. In the vaccinated groups, NDV was not re-isolated, demonstrating the importance of vaccination to control virus dissemination by quails infected with NDV. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2004. UNESP, Jaboticabal - SP UFPR, Curitiba - PR LARA, Campinas - SP UNESP, Jaboticabal - SP

Uma série de aditivos alimentares, incluindo antibióticos, tem sido amplamente utilizados na indústria avícola durante vários anos. A manipulação das funções gastrointestinais e da microbiota dos animais domésticos com aditivos alimentares é reconhecida como uma importante ferramenta para melhorar o desempenho e a eficiência alimentar. Recentemente, as preocupações com os possíveis resíduos de antibióticos e resistência a doenças tem despertado restrições no uso de antibióticos na indústria animal. A proibição do uso de antibióticos como aditivos na alimentação animal pela União Européia, tem acelerado as investigações sobre aditivos alternativos. Como alternativas, os óleos essenciais e ácidos orgânicos já são utilizados na alimentação animal para melhorar o desempenho e para controlar a população de microorganismos patogênicos no intestino em sistemas de manejo intensivo. O objetivo desta revisão é abordar a importância do equilíbrio da microbiota intestinal e como ácidos orgânicos e o carvacrol podem atuar no desenvolvimento da microbiota intestinal, no controle de bactérias patogênicas como Salmonella e Campylobacter e no desempenho zootécnico dos animais.

Since the beginning of the 20th Century, Influenza can be understood as an illness associated to a viral infection, and its etiological agent can be better characterized. From then on, the swine species has occupied a prominent place in the Influenza epidemiology, for it allows the circulation and replication of viruses of potentially human and avian origin. The aim of the present study was to determine the current seroprevalence for the H3N2 virus subtype in two types of pig-raising systems in the state of Parana-Brazil. The first one represents pig farms, with an adequate health, nutritional, and environmental management; and the second one represents pig runs, without an adequate health, nutritional, and environmental management. To accomplish these aims, 675 blood samples of pigs were analyzed by HI (hemagglutination inhibition) assay and the interference of the pig management and climatic conditions of each region were analyzed. The results showed that 46% of the pig farms are positive, as opposed to 6% of the pig runs; and 20% of the animals on pig farms are serum positive, as opposed to 3% of the animals in pig runs. Likewise, the samples coming from colder areas in Parana presented, as a rule, a high positivity index. The results allow concluding that the virus is present in pig-raising facilities, and the strategies for preventing future epidemics and epizooties must consider the role of swine as an important factor in the epidemiology of influenza. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17525/vrr.v15i1.36

Neste experimento ovos férteis oriundos de matrizes de uma mesma linhagem genética, mas com idades distintas (30 e 60 semanas), foram incubados sob condições rotineiras. Após a eclosão, as aves foram sexadas, selecionadas, e alocadas em quatro grupos. Dois destes grupos receberam ração logo após o alojamento, enquanto os outros grupos foram submetidos a jejum de 12 horas. Foram realizadas colheitas de sangue no momento do alojamento e semanalmente no decorrer do experimento. Os títulos de anticorpos para as doenças de Newcastle, Gumboro e Bronquite Infecciosa foram avaliados. Também foi avaliado o efeito destas duas variáveis sobre a resposta local à aplicação subcutânea de um veículo vacinal oleoso e sobre a presença e severidade de lesões macroscópicas nos órgãos do sistema digestório aos 19 e 30 dias de idade. Somente os títulos de anticorpos contra a doença de Newcastle, medidos aos sete dias, foram afetados pelo período de jejum de 12 horas. Nem o período de jejum nem a idade de matrizes afetaram a severidade das lesões macroscópicas no sistema respiratório e digestório aos 19 e 30 dias de idade.

Salmonella Heidelberg is one of the 3 most frequently isolated serovars from human Salmonella cases in Canada, and the fourth most commonly reported Salmonella serovar in human foodborne disease cases in the United States. Since 1962, Salmonella Heidelberg has been isolated and reported in poultry and poultry products in Brazil. The poultry industry has focused efforts on reducing salmonellae incidence in live production in an effort to reduce Salmonella in the processing plant. A better understanding of the initial infection in chicks could provide approaches to control Salmonella contamination. The objective of the present study was to evaluate 2 Salmonella Heidelberg strains that differed in the presence of virulence genes invA, agfA, and lpfA; antimicrobial resistance profiles; and epidemiologic profiles on aspects of pathogenicity and intestinal morphology. Newly hatched broiler chicks were inoculated with 2 strains (SH23 and SH35) of Salmonella Heidelberg and cecal morphometry, histopathology, electron microscopy, and bacterial counts in the liver and cecum were assessed. The SH23 and SH35 strains resulted in different changes in villi height and crypt depth and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cecum. The SH35 group had higher liver and cecum bacterial cell counts when compared with SH23 strains.

A patologia clínica é usada na medicinaveterinária há muitos anos para avaliar as alteraçõesmetabólicas que possam indicar algum sinalde doença nos animais. Apesar do uso dos parâmetroslaboratoriais ser rotina em animais de companhia,não são comumente utilizados para avaliaçãoclínica de aves selvagens ou de produção. Aausência de informações sobre valores sanguíneosde referência limitou o uso destas ferramentas namedicina de aves. Os parâmetros laboratoriais namedicina de aves são úteis para avaliar aspectosrelacionados à saúde animal. Desta forma, assimesta revisão apresenta formas de utilização da patologiaclínica (hematologia e bioquímica clínica)para auxílio na avaliação e monitoramento da saúde das aves.

We recently reported a comparison of glycoprotein-encoding genes of different Marek's disease virus pathotypes (MDVs). One mutation found predominantly in very virulent (vv)+MDVs was a 12-bp (four-amino acid) deletion in the glycoprotein L (gL)-encoding gene in four of 23 MDV strains examined (three were vv+MDVs and one was a vvMDV). This mutation was noted in the gL of the TK (615K) strain, but not in the RL (615J) strain of MDV. These strains have identical mutations in the meq gene characteristic of vv+MDVs but can be distinguished by the mutation in the gL-encoding gene. The TK strain was originally isolated from vaccinated chickens and appeared to confer or enhance horizontal transmission of the vaccine virus, herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT). Because the molecular basis for increased virulence of MDV field strains is unknown, we hypothesized that one mechanism might be by coreplication of MDV-1 strains with HVT and that it could be mediated by the mutation of gL, an essential component of the glycoprotein H/L complex. In this study, we compared the pathogenicity of TK (615K) and RL (615J) strains of MDV in the presence and absence of simultaneous HVT coinfection. MDV infections were monitored at the levels of viremia (for both MDV-1 and HVT), clinical signs of MD, tumor incidence, and mortality in 1) inoculated chickens, 2) chickens exposed at 1 day of age, 3) chickens exposed at 2 wk of age, and 4) chickens exposed to both TK/HVT- and RL/HVT-infected chickens at 6 wk of age. We found high incidences of clinical MD signs in all inoculated treatment groups and all chickens exposed to TK and RL viruses, regardless of the presence of HVT. The median time to death of chickens exposed to TK1HVT-infected chickens, however, was lower than the other treatment groups for contact-exposed chickens. Although this difference was not considered to be statistically significant to a rigorously interpreted degree because of the removal of chickens for sampling from the test groups, these data suggest that replication of the TK strain and HVT, when coadministered, might incrementally affect the virulence of MDV-1 strains. The strict correlation of this enhancement of virulence with the mutation in gL, however, requires additional experiments with genetically identical MDV background strains.

O controle da umidade da cama na criação comercial de aves é essencial, especialmente no verão, quando há maior ingestão de água pelas aves e as fezes ficam muito liqüefeitas. Uma solução é incorporar substâncias adsorventes de água na dieta, como aluminossilicato, que reduz a água livre e proporciona menor umidade na cama. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar se o aluminossilicato pode melhorar o aspecto das fezes ao ser adicionado na ração de frangos. Foi realizado numa granja comercial em São José dos Pinhais-PR, utilizando-se dois tratamentos e quatro repetições com 25 aves cada. No primeiro tratamento adicionou-se 1% de aluminossilicato (SilvetÒ) à dieta, no segundo, o produto estava ausente. Dos 3 aos 40 dias de vida as aves receberam ração e água ad libitum, sendo pesadas aos 22 e 40 dias e avaliadas quanto consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Realizou-se também necropsia de 4 aves por tratamento, para observação de possíveis lesões macroscópicas e colheita dos conteúdos intestinais que foram enviados para análise de umidade total e cinzas. Os resultados foram submetidos a ANOVA, não havendo diferenças significativas quanto ao desempenho das aves entre os tratamentos, entretanto, em ambas as idades as porcentagens de cinzas e umidade total foram maiores nas aves que receberam aluminossilicato. A inclusão do aluminossilicato na dieta não influencia no desempenho das aves, porém melhora o aspecto fecal, aumentando a quantidade de matéria seca e reduzindo a umidade livre nas fezes excretadas. The use of aluminossilicate (silvet®) as an adjuvant in broiler feces aspect and performance improvement Abstract The control of bed humidity in the creations of r commercial broiler chicken is essential, especially in the summer, when there is a larger ingestion of water the feces becoming more liquefied. The incorporation of water adsorptive substances to the diet, such as the aluminossilicate, reduces the free water and provides lower humidity in the bed. This study was carried out to evaluate the use of aluminossilicate on feces aspect. Two treatments and four repetitions with 25 chicks each were performed in a commercial farm in São José dos Pinhais-PR. At the first treatment 1% of aluminossilicate was added (SilvetÒ) to the diet, while the product was absent in the other. From 3 to 40 days of life the chicks received ration and water ad libitum and were weighted at days 22 and 40 and evaluated over ration consumption, bodyweight gain and alimentary conversion. Necropsy of 4 chicks per treatment was carried out in order to detect possible macroscopic lesions, collect intestinal contents and analyze total humidity and ashes content in the feces. The results submitted to the statistical method ANOVA, did not show expressive differences between the treatments for animal performance. However, in both ages the total humidity and ash percentage were higher on broiler that received aluminossilicate. Aluminossilicate inclusion on diet did not influence in the broiler performance, although it improved the feces aspect by increasing the drought matter quantity and reducing the feces free humidity.