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The present study examines onboard thermal microclimatic conditions and thermoregulation of pullets exposed to accidental hypothermia during wet-cold weather transportation conditions, and the effect of rewarming on colonic temperature (CT) of the birds immediately after transportation. A total of 2200 pullets were transportation for 5 h in two separate vehicles during the nighttime. The last 3 h of the transportation period was characterized by heavy rainfall. During the precipitation period, each vehicle was covered one fourth way from the top-roof with a tarpaulin. The onboard thermal conditions inside the vehicles during transportation, which comprised ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded, while humidity ratio and specific enthalpy were calculated. The CT of the birds was recorded before and after transportation. During transportation, onboard thermal heterogeneity was observed inside the vehicles with higher ( p < 0.05) values in the front and center, and lower values recorded at the air inlets at the sides and rear planes. The CT values recorded in birds at the front and center planes were between 42.2 and 42.5 °C, indicative of mild hypothermia; while lower CT values between 28 and 38 °C were recorded at the sides and rear planes, indicative of mild to severe hypothermia. Several hours of gradual rewarming returned the CT to normal range. The result, for the first time, demonstrated the occurrence of accidental hypothermia in transported pullets under tropical conditions and a successful rewarming outcome. In conclusion, transportation of pullets during wet weather at onboard temperature of 18-20 °C induced hypothermia on birds located at the air inlets, which recovered fully after several hours of gradual rewarming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, Meat Inspection (MI) aims to protect public health by ensuring that minimal hazardous material enters in the food chain. It also contributes to the detection and monitoring of animal diseases and welfare problems but its utility for animal surveillance has been assessed partially for some diseases only. Using the example of poultry production, we propose a complete assessment of MI as a health surveillance system. MI allows a long-term syndromic surveillance of poultry health but its contribution is lowered by a lack of data standardization, analysis and reporting. In addition, the probability of case detection for 20 diseases and welfare conditions was quantified using a scenario tree modelling approach, with input data based on literature and expert opinion. The sensitivity of MI appeared to be very high to detect most of the conditions studied because MI is performed at batch level and applied to a high number of birds per batch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementing reduced-protein diets with L-carnitine on growth performance and occurrence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) syndrome in broiler chickens reared at high altitude. A total of 156 day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to three dietary treatments and reared up to 42 days of age. A normal-protein diet (NPD) was formulated according to the National Research Council (1994) and served as control. A reduced-protein diet (RPD) was also prepared to contain 3% less protein than that of the NPD. An additional RPD diet was prepared by supplementing L-carnitine (LC) at 100 mg/kg to the RPD. Results showed significant improvements in feed:gain and carcass yield in birds fed on RPD when supplemented with LC. The proportions of liver, heart, and abdominal fat pad relative to body weight and the right ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV) were significantly higher in birds fed on the RDP than those of the control fed the NPD. Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements recorded from lead II supported the development of PAH in birds fed RPD as evidenced by deep S waves. Supplementing LC to the RPD significantly reduced the liver weight, abdominal fat deposition, and RV:TV, which reflected in reduced S waves. Feeding broilers with the RPD significantly reduced serum concentrations of nitricoxide (NO) and uric acid (UA). However, supplementation of the RPD with LC significantly increased the serum concentrations of NO. In conclusion, feeding reduced-protein diets to broilers reared at hypobaric hypoxia increases their susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension. Dietary LC supplementation of reduced-protein diets had beneficial effects in preventing PAH mortality mainly through enhancing blood NO concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of providing environmental enrichment in the form of perches and string on the behaviour and welfare of commercial broiler chickens. Houses containing ~23 000 broiler chickens were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial design. Treatments involved two levels of access to perches (P) (present (24/house) ‘+P’ or absent ‘−P’) and two levels of access to string (S) (present (24/house) ‘+S’ or absent ‘−S’). All houses contained windows, and 30 straw bales were provided from day 10 of the rearing cycle. Treatments were applied in one of four houses on a single farm, and were replicated over four production cycles. Behaviour and leg health were observed in weeks 3 to 5 of the rearing cycle. Production performance and environmental parameters were also measured. There was an interaction between perches and age in the percentage of birds observed lying, with higher percentages of birds observed lying in the +P treatment than in the −P treatment during weeks 4 and 5. There was also a significant interaction between string and age in the percentage of birds observed in locomotion, with higher percentages observed in locomotion in the −S treatment than in the +S treatment during weeks 4 and 5. There was also an interaction between string and age in average gait scores, with lower gait scores in the +S treatment than in the −S treatment during weeks 3 and 5 but not within week 4. Daytime observations showed that perches and strings were used frequently, with one bout of perching occurring approximately every 80 s/perch, and one bout of pecking at string occurring every 78 s/string on average. There was a significant effect of age on use of perches (P<0.001) and string (P<0.001), with perching peaking during week 5 and string pecking peaking during week 3. We conclude that commercial broilers in windowed houses with access to straw bales display an interest in additional enrichment stimuli in the form of perches and string, and therefore that these stimuli have the potential to improve welfare. In addition, provision of string as a pecking device appeared to positively influence walking ability. However, this effect was numerically small, was only shown in certain weeks and was not reflected in the other leg health measure (latency to lie). The results also showed an apparent negative effect of string and perches on the activity levels of birds (recorded away from the immediate vicinity of these enrichments) towards the end of the production cycle. These results emphasise the need for further research into optimum design and layout of enrichment stimuli for modern broilers in windowed houses to ensure that their provision leads to clear welfare benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxic stresses on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured lung fibroblasts of meat-type chickens. Isolated and subcultured primary lung fibroblasts were exposed to hypoxia. The presence of VEGF and the effects of hypoxia on cultured lung fibroblasts and in the culture media were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry using streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method and ELISA using commercially available primary monoclonal antibodies were used for evaluation in both 6-h and 12-h hypoxic fibroblasts. The level of VEGF was slightly higher in the 6-h hypoxic group (1.22 ng/mL) than in the 6-h control group (1.27 ng/ml) in cell culture media by LISA. In the 6-ah hypnotic group, a correlation between the decrease in imminency score and increase in medium with VEGF was observed. The presence of VEGF was shown in cultured chicken lung fibroblasts from meat-type chickens. In conclusion, a significant decrease in immunocytochemical staining score was observed along with a slight increase in the amount of VEGF in culture media under hypoxic conditions. The results suggest that VEGF might have a role in edema formation via permeability increase in the lungs of ascitic meat-type chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The enzyme phytase is able to initiate the release of phosphates from phytic acid, making it available for absorption within gastrointestinal tract and following utilization. The aim of the study was to determine effects of Escherichia coli phytase administration on morphological, densitometric and mechanical properties of femur in 16-week-old turkeys. One-day-old BUT Big-6 males were assigned to six weight-matched groups. Turkeys receiving diet with standard phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) content belonged to the positive control group (Group I). Negative control group (Group II) consisted of birds fed diet with lowered P and Ca content. Turkeys belonging to the remaining groups have received the same diet as group II but enriched with graded levels of Escherichia coli phytase: 125 (Group III), 250 (Group IV), 500 (Group V) and 1000 (Group VI) FTU/kg. At the age of 112 days of life, the final body weights were determined and the turkeys were sacrificed to obtain right femur for analyses. Geometric and densitometric properties of femur were determined using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) technique, while mechanical evaluation was performed in three-point bending test. Results: Phytase administration increased cross-sectional area, second moment of inertia, mean relative wall thickness, cortical bone mineral density and maximum elastic strength decreasing cortical bone area of femur (P < 0.05). Reduced dietary Ca and P content decreased final body weight of turkeys by 6.5% (P = 0.006). The most advantageous effects of Escherichia coli phytase administration on geometric, densitometric and mechanical properties of femur were observed in turkeys receiving 125 and 250 FTU/kg of the diet. Phytase administration at the dosages of 500 and 1000 FTU/kg of the diet improved the final body weight in turkeys. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study indicate a possible practical application of Escherichia coli phytase in turkey feeding to improve skeletal system properties and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing susceptibility of broiler chickens to ascites syndrome has coincided with a continuing genetic and nutritional improvement in their feed efficiency and growth rate. Imbalance between oxygen supply and the oxygen required to sustain rapid growth rates and high food efficiencies is believed to be the primary cause of ascites. This imbalance is caused by exogenous and/or endogenous factors. Selection in fast growth broilers, have also resulted in the development of birds with changed anatomical, physiological, metabolic and hematological parameters including thyroid hormone activity, partial pressure of O2 and carbon dioxide in venous blood, cardiac β-adrenergic receptors and hematocrit levels that coincide with susceptibility to ascites in broiler chickens. Observations to date have indicated that the structural or endocrine changes are often linked with ascites susceptibility and may be influenced during the early stages of development, embryogenesis and incubation. In this review, particular attention is paid to the interactions between endogenous and exogenous factors as predisposing factors for development of ascites syndrome. Additionally, preventive management procedures like different lighting schedules, feed restriction protocols and supplementation of feed with antioxidants which reduce the incidence of ascites in broiler chickens are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research work was designed to know the effect of carbohydrate rich diet on the experimental pathology of necrotic enteritis in broilers. For experimental purpose, 15 birds of 14 days of age were grouped into 3 (A, B and C). Birds of group A were fed with 400gm maize/kg (40% increase) and group B were fed with 200gm maize/kg (20% increase) of normal feed from day 14 to day 27 and challenged from day 21 to 25 days with 1x108 CFU/3ml of inoculums of Cl. perfringens consecutive 5 days. Group C was kept in control without additional maize. Birds of all groups were observed up to 27 days of age. The clinical signs diarrhea, ruffled feather were common in both group A and B, and less feed intake in group A than group B. There was no mortality in any groups. Birds of all groups were sacrificed at the day 28. Necrosis and hemorrhage in intestine, enlarged liver, and hemorrhage in the base of heart were found in group A (+++). In impression smear of intestines, the average 10-12 bacteria were found in group A and 8-10 bacteria were found in group B in higher magnification (100X). In histopathology, severe infiltration of inflammatory cells including heterophils and lymphocytes and sloughing off mucosal epithelium that changed by pink color cytoplasm with pyknotic nuclei were observed in group A (+++) while group B showed infiltration of inflammatory cells and sloughing off mucosal epithelium (++). The birds of group C were normal in all respects. Anaerobic bacteria counted from intestinal content of group A was 2.8x107 CFU/ml, group B was 2.2x107 CFU/ml and group C was 1.0x107CFU/ml. From the findings, it may be said that carbohydrate rich diet is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to examine how different fats commonly used in the feed industry affect broiler performance, nutrient digestibility and microbial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens challenged with virulent Clostridium perfringens strains. Two experiments were carried out, each including 480-day-old male broilers (Ross 308), which were randomly distributed to eight experimental groups using six replicate pens per treatment and 10 birds per pen. In Experiment 1, birds were fed diets containing soybean oil, palm kernel fatty acid distillers, rendered pork fat and lard. In Experiment 2, birds were fed diets containing rapeseed oil, coconut oil, beef tallow and palm oil. In both experiments, the birds were either not challenged or challenged with a mixture of three C. perfringens type A strains. Irrespective of the fat type present in the diet, C. perfringens did not affect broiler chicken body weight gain (BWG) and mortality in either of the two experiments. The BWG was affected by dietary fat type in both experiments, indicating that the fatty acid composition of the fat source affects broiler growth performance. In particular, the inclusion of animal fats tended to improve final BW to a greater extent compared with the inclusion of unsaturated vegetable oils. In Experiment 2, irrespective of the dietary fat type present in the diet, C. perfringens challenge significantly impaired feed conversion ratio in the period from 14 to 28 days (1.63 v. 1.69) and at 42 days (1.65 v. 1.68). In both experiments apparent metabolizable energy values were affected by dietary fat type. Irrespective of the fat type present in the diet, C. perfringens challenge decreased the digesta pH in the crop and ileum, but had no effect in cecal contents. Moreover, in Experiment 1, total organic acid concentration in the ileum was two to three times lower on soybean oil diets as compared with other treatments, indicating that C. perfringens as well as dietary fat type significantly affects microbiota activity in the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The influence of riboflavin on the function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis during chicken embryogenesis is poorly understood. Therefore, examination of the effects of in ovo riboflavin supplementation on the possible linkage between the thyroid gland function and chick embryonic development seems to be interesting. Eggs on the sixth day of incubation were injected with 0 (control), 60, or 600 µg of riboflavin/egg. Blood samples were collected on the 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th days of embryogenesis. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in plasma samples were determined by radioimmunoassay method. The time of external pipping and hatching of each chick as well as the body weights of sampled and newly hatched chicks were recorded. Generally, riboflavin supplied in ovo did not affect chicken embryo mortality and hatchability; however, a dose of 600 µg of riboflavin/egg had a tendency to reduce embryo body weight. Chicks exposed to 60 µg of riboflavin/egg hatched 3.7 h earlier in comparison with controls and were characterized by a higher synchronization degree of hatching. Both applied doses of riboflavin significantly elevated T4 concentrations in blood plasma of the chicken embryos; however, on day 20 of embryogenesis, both applied doses of riboflavin decreased T3 levels in blood circulation. The data presented here suggest that riboflavin supplementation at the early stages of embryogenesis markedly affects embryonic development and influences thyroid hormone metabolism during the second half of embryogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the involvement of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of T3-induced pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens, caspase-1, -2, and -3 gene expressions were evaluated by semiquantitative RT-PCR in the lungs and left and right heart ventricles. One-day-old fast-growing chickens were randomly divided into 2 equal groups with 3 replicates per group. Chicks were reared for 7 weeks under standard conditions. T3 as a thyroid hormone was added to the ration after week 1 of rearing. Pulmonary hypertension was induced at 49 days based on RV/T V ratio index. The caspase genes were constitutively expressed in the lung and right and left ventricles of intact and pulmonary hypertensive broiler chickens. The relative amount of caspase-1, -2, and -3 mRNA in the lung and right and left ventricles of the heart was higher in pulmonary hypertensive broilers than in control broilers (P < 0.05). It is speculated that increased mRNA levels of caspase in the lungs and hearts of pulmonary hypertensive broilers could be evidence of upregulated apoptosis, which is involved in the pathophysiology of broiler chickens with pulmonary hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of crate type (particularly its height) on selected biochemical indices in captive-reared mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos). The physiological changes in response to 2-h crating in crates of either 20 cm or 26 cm height were monitored in 6-week-old mallards. Plasma corticosterone concentrations showed an increase ( P = 0.036) in mallards crated in crates of 26 cm height in comparison with control non-crated birds, whereas no difference in plasma corticosterone levels was found between mallards crated in crates of 20 cm height and control non-crated birds. Lower concentrations of plasma triglycerides ( P < 0.05) and uric acid ( P < 0.05) were found in crated mallards in comparison with control non-crated birds; the height of the crates had no effect. Mallards crated in crates of 26 cm height also exhibited a higher ( P = 0.032) plasma lactate dehydrogenase concentration in comparison with control non-crated birds, whereas no difference ( P > 0.05) was found in lactate dehydrogenase concentrations in mallards crated in crates of 20 cm height. Our results suggest that crating mallards in lower crates (20 cm) may be less stressful than keeping them in crates allowing vertical movements of the birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-factor experiment was designed to examine from lipid metabolism, proinflammatory eicosanoids, and lipid peroxidation for investigating the effects of dietary oils and zinc levels of cardiovascular system of broilers. One hundred sixty 1-d-old male broilers were divided into 4 groups with 8 replicates of 5 birds fed one of the diets containing either corn oil or fish oil with one of 2 levels (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg) of zinc. Fish oil significantly decreased the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoproteincholesterol of broilers, decreased the contents of plasma prostaglandin E2, thromboxane B2, and phospholipase A2 in broilers when compared with corn oil. Zn level did not alter lipid metabolism, but significantly affected eicosanoid synthesis and lipid peroxidation of broilers. Zinc at 150 mg/kg significantly decreased the contents of plasma prostaglandin E2, malondialdehyde, and phospholipase A2 in broilers when compared to zinc at 75mg/Kg. There were significant interactions between oil sources and zinc levels on production of serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, plasma 6-keto- prostaglandin F1a, phospholipase A2 and malondialdehyde. In conclusion, fish oil improved lipid profiles, reduced proinflammatory eicosanoid contents by inhibiting phospholipase A2 production in broilers; while zinc reduced the contents of plasma malondialdehyde, phospholipase A2, and then decreased the concentration of prostaglandin E2 of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinapic acid is widespread in the plant kingdom (fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, oilseed crops, and some spices and medicinal plants) and as such is common in the human diet. Derivatives of sinapic acid are characteristic compounds in the Brassicaceae family. Sinapic acid shows antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-anxiety activity. 4-Vinylsyringol (a decarboxylation product of sinapic acid) is a potent antioxidative and antimutagenic agent which suppresses carcinogenesis and the induction of inflammatory cytokines. Sinapine (sinapoyl choline) is considered to be an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which might have therapeutic applications in various disease treatments. Mainly due to their antioxidative activity, these compounds have been suggested for potential use in food processing, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry, and this review aims to summarize current knowledge on the natural sources, chemistry, and biological activity of these substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We conducted a single-arm clinical trial in institutionalized seniors, on the effects of high- dose vitamin D3-fortified bread daily intake (clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT00789503). Methods At 1 and 3 years after the dietary fortification was stopped, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone mineral density were measured in 23 of the original study subjects, aged 60-82 years who had consumed bread buns (100 g) fortified with 320 mg elemental calcium and 125 µg (5,000 IU) vitamin D3 daily for one year. Results At the end of the 1-year supplementation phase (receiving vitamin D3 fortified bread daily), mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D was 127.3 ± 37.8 nmol/L (baseline for this follow-up). At 1-year follow-up, the serum 25(OH)D was 64.9 ± 24.8 nmol/L (p = 0.001, vs. baseline); and at 3-year follow-up it was 28.0 ± 15.0 nmol/L (p = 0.001 vs. baseline). Serum PTH was 18.8 ± 15.6 pg/ml at baseline while at Year 3 it was 48.4 ± 18.4 pg/ml (p = 0.001 vs. baseline). Lumbar spine BMD did not change from baseline to Year 3. However, by Year 3, hip BMD had decreased (0.927 ± 0.130 g/cm² vs. 0.907 ± 0.121 g/cm², p = 0.024). Conclusion Vitamin D nutritional status exhibits a long half-life in the body, and a true steady-state plateau may not even be reached 1 year after a discontinuation in dose. Furthermore, once the need for vitamin D has been established, based on a low baseline serum 25(OH)D concentrations, the appropriate action is to maintain corrective vitamin D supplementation over the long term. Trial registration Clinical trial registration number: NCT00789503. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central and peripheral nervous systems have the capacity of synthesizing steroids de novofrom cholesterol, the so-called 'neurosteroids'. De novo synthesis of neurosteroids from cholesterol appears to be a conserved property across the subphylum vertebrata. Until recently, it was generally believed that neurosteroids are produced in neurons and glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, our recent studies on birds have demonstrated that the pineal gland, an endocrine organ located close to the brain, is an important site of production of neurosteroids de novo from cholesterol. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone is a major pineal neurosteroid that stimulates locomotor activity of juvenile birds, connecting light-induced gene expression with locomotion. The other major pineal neurosteroid allopregnanolone is involved in Purkinje cell survival by suppressing the activity of caspase-3, a crucial mediator of apoptosis during cerebellar development. This review is an updated summary of the biosynthesis and biological actions of pineal neurosteroids. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three pairs of solid substrates from dilute acid pretreatment of two poplar wood samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed by cellulase preparations supplemented with xylanase. Supplementation of xylanase improved cellulose saccharification perhaps due to improved cellulose accessibility by xylan hydrolysis. Total xylan removal directly affected enzymatic cellulose saccharification. Furthermore, xylan removal by pretreatment and xylanase are indifferent to enzymatic cellulose saccharification. However, more enzymatic xylose and glucose yields were obtained for a substrate with lower xylan content after a severer pretreatment at the same xylanase dosage. The effectiveness of xylanase at increased dosages depended on the substrates structure or accessibility. High xylanase dosages were more effective on well pretreated substrates than on under-pretreated substrates with high xylan content. The application sequence of xylanase and cellulase affected cellulose saccharification. This effect varied with substrate accessibility, perhaps due to competition between xylanase and cellulase binding to the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and increasing human activity are altering northern ecosystems. In these strongly seasonal environments, small herbivorous mammals may have a significant role in determining the trajectory of ecosystem transitions from one state to another., Arctic ground squirrels Urocitellus parryii are a key component of northern terrestrial food webs and are considered ecosystem engineers, exerting a large impact on their habitat through bioturbation., We review and synthesize diverse information about current and past distribution and density of arctic ground squirrels, their physiology and ecological interactions with other species., Factors that appear to affect the distribution and abundance of arctic ground squirrels include increasing temperatures, changes in flooding probability, permafrost thaw, shifting phenology, habitat change, new predators and invasive diseases. Increases in the distribution and density of arctic ground squirrels in northern latitudes and high altitudes could accelerate ecosystem change through facilitation of disturbance-tolerant species, while decreases in southern and milder climates could remove an important agent of disturbance and prey item., Despite their pervasive ecological influence throughout most of their range, arctic ground squirrels are underrepresented in ecological research, based on a comparison of the number of publications about arctic ground squirrels with the number about other species of the same genus, and about other arctic herbivores., The widespread distribution of arctic ground squirrels, along with their potential to exacerbate and alter trajectories of ecosystem change under global warming, makes them a valuable indicator of ecosystem change and therefore a candidate for increased monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to know the effect of protein rich diet (50% fish meal) on the experimental pathology of necrotic enteritis in broilers. The Clostridium (Cl.) perfringens was obtained from the Department of Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Reconfirmation and recharacterization of Cl. perfringens were performed by culture, microscopic examination, staining and biochemical tests. The experimental pathologic studies were performed with supplementation of protein rich diet and challenged with Cl. perfringens in broilers. The dose of the inoculum for experimental infection with Cl. perfringens was 1x108 CFU/2.5ml. Fifteen birds of 21 days old were divided into 3 (A, B and C) groups each containing 5 birds. Birds of group A were fed with 50% fish meal at a rate of 500gm /kg of feed from day 21 to day 34 and challenged from day 28 to day 32 with 1x108 CFU/2.5ml. Birds of group B were fed with normal feed and challenged on day 28 for consecutive five days. Group C was kept as control with commercial normal pellet without Cl. perfringens. Birds of all groups were observed up to 34 days of age for clinical signs. Eighty percent (4/5) of the birds of group A developed moderate clinical signs like diarrhoea, ruffled feather and less feed intake whereas 40% (2/5) birds of group B developed same clinical signs like group A but in mild form. There was no mortality in any groups. All the birds were sacrificed at Day 35. Severe necrosis and hemorrhage in intestine, enlarged liver and hemorrhage in the base of heart were noted in the birds of group A. On an average 2-5 bacteria were found in impression smear of intestines in higher magnification (100x), and anaerobic bacteria counted from intestinal content was 1.51x107CFU/ml. In histopathology, necrosis and reactive cells were found in liver, heart, lung and sloughing off intestinal epithelium was also found in intestines. On the other hand similar lesions like group A were observed in the birds of group B but in moderate form and no bacteria was found in impression smears of intestines. Anaerobic bacteria counted from intestinal content of this group was 1.1x107CFU/ml. In histopathology necrosis, reactive cells were found but less than group A. The birds of group C were normal in all parameters. However, anaerobic bacteria count from the intestinal content was 0.8x107CFU/ml. From this study, it may be concluded that protein rich diet is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world’s poultry industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar business, the success of which hinges on healthy intestinal tracts, which result in effective feed conversion. Enteric disease in poultry can have devastating economic effects on producers, due to high mortality rates and poor feed efficiency. Clostridia are considered to be among the most important agents of enteric disease in poultry. Diagnosis of enteric diseases produced by clostridia is usually challenging, mainly because many clostridial species can be normal inhabitants of the gut, making it difficult to determine their role in virulence. The most common clostridial enteric disease in poultry is necrotic enteritis, caused by Clostridium perfringens, which typically occurs in broiler chickens but has also been diagnosed in various avian species including turkeys, waterfowl, and ostriches. Diagnosis is based on clinical and pathological findings. Negative culture and toxin detection results may be used to rule out this disease, but isolation of C. perfringens and/or detection of its alpha toxin are of little value to confirm the disease because both are often found in the intestine of healthy birds. Ulcerative enteritis, caused by Clostridium colinum, is the other major clostridial enteric disease of poultry. Diagnosis of ulcerative enteritis is by documentation of typical pathological findings, coupled with isolation of C. colinum from the intestine of affected birds. Other clostridial enteric diseases include infections produced by Clostridium difficile, Clostridium fallax, and Clostridium baratii. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate concentration of dietary supplementation of curcumin, and its effect on growth performance, intestinal morphology, fat metabolism and nutrients utilization of broiler chicks. Four hundred eighty, 1-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allocated into four groups with 6 replicates of 20 birds per cage. Birds were fed a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with curcumin at 0 (control, CRM0), 100 (CRM100), 150 (CRM150) and 200 mg/kg (CRM200) levels for 42 days. All birds were kept in wire floor triple deck battery cages under semi-intensive housing management. The results revealed that dietary supplementation of curcumin at 200 mg/kg significantly improved live body weight and feed efficiency at marketing age (42 d); while, there was no significant difference on feed intake as compared to control. Curcumin significantly improved utilization of apparent metabolizable energy and decreased abdominal fat at 42 d in CRM 150 and CRM200 broilers, respectively. Plasma T4 hormone level and fat utilization were significantly increased; while plasma cholesterol level was significantly reduced in dose dependent manner for CRM200 broilers. The results showed that dietary supplementation of curcumin influenced the histomorphological measurements of small intestinal villi. The villus height was significantly increased in duodenum, jejunum and ileum in curcumin supplemented broilers. Villus width was also significantly increased in duodenum and jejunum (42 d). While, there was no significant difference in ileum villus width. Furthermore, villus height to crypt depth ratio was significantly increased in all segments (except jejunum 42 d) of small intestine in CRM200 group; however, the intestinal crypt depth was lowered in curcumin supplemented broilers. In conclusion, supplementation of curcumin at 200 mg/kg feed enhanced the growth performance and fat metabolism, and increased villus absorptive area of small intestine, resulting in improved nutrients absorption in CRM200 group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo neurosteroidogenesis from cholesterol occurs in the brain of various avian species. However, the biosynthetic pathways leading to the formation of neurosteroids are still not completely elucidated. We have recently found that the avian brain produces 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, a novel bioactive neurosteroid that stimulates locomotor activity. Until recently, it was believed that neurosteroids are produced in neurons and glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, our recent studies on birds have demonstrated that the pineal gland, an endocrine organ located close to the brain, is an important site of production of neurosteroids de novo from cholesterol. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone is a major pineal neurosteroid that stimulates locomotor activity of juvenile birds, connecting light-induced gene expression with locomotion. The other major pineal neurosteroid allopregnanolone is involved in Purkinje cell survival during development. This paper highlights new aspects of neurosteroid synthesis and actions in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the microscopic and ultrastructural lesions of the livers of broiler chickens during fattening. Three genetic lines of broiler chickens (Ross 308, Cobb 500, Hubbard F15) were investigated. The liver samples were taken on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, and 38th day of life from six healthy broiler chickens from each commercial broiler flock. The dominant microscopic lesions were associated with prolonged hypoxia and bile ductules, including: fatty, vacuolar and parenchymatous degeneration, necrosis of epithelial cells of bile ductules, necrosis of hepatocytes around the proliferating bile ductules, lymphoid cell infiltration around the bile ductules and blood vessels, proliferation of the bile ductules, proliferation of the connective tissue around bile ductules and stimulation of the lymph nodules. Ultrastructural evaluation revealed abnormalities involving mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The mitochondria underwent swelling, polymorphism, proliferation and damage. The rough endoplasmic reticulum underwent defragmentation and acinar transformation. The cytoplasm of most hepatocytes showed vacuoles of varying size or lipid droplets and the presence of cytoplasmic myelin-like structures. This study shows that the livers of broiler chickens are the most predisposed to the occurrence of lesions on the 17th, 31st and 38th days of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of aspirin on intestinal lesions was evaluated in birds undergoing an experimental challenge with Clostridium perfringens as part of a model for inducing subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE). Broilers were raised on clean wood shavings and randomly assigned to three treatments: Uninfected (U), Infected (I), and Infected + Aspirin (I+A; 0.025% acetylsalicylic acid in drinking water during days 21-25). Birds in the I and I+A groups were gavaged with Eimeria maxima on day 18 and their feed was inoculated with C. perfringens (1 × 10 9 CFU/bird) during days 23-25. On day 26, birds were euthanatized, intestinal lesions were evaluated, and intestinal tissue was collected for qPCR assessment of genes thought to be involved in the immune response to SNE: IL-1β, IL-10, MMP-2, and MMP-7. Birds in the I+A group had more-severe and numerous lesions compared to the I group. For all genes except MMP-2, expression was upregulated in the I group compared to the U group, but did not differ between the I and I+A groups. These results indicate that aspirin exacerbated the intestinal lesions associated with this disease. Aspirin could play a role in the development of a reliable and consistent model for the induction of necrotic enteritis under experimental settings.

Background: Clostridium perfringens is a key pathogen in poultry-associated necrotic enteritis (NE). To date there are limited Whole Genome Sequencing based studies describing broiler-associated C. perfringens in healthy and diseased birds. Moreover, changes in the caecal microbiome during NE is currently not well characterised. Thus, the aim of this present study was to investigate C. perfringens virulence factors linked to health and diseased chickens, including identifying putative caecal microbiota signatures associated with NE., Results: We analysed 88 broiler chicken C. perfringens genomes (representing 66 publicly available genomes and 22 newly sequenced genomes) using different phylogenomics approaches and identified a potential hypervirulent and globally-distributed clone spanning 20-year time-frame (1993-2013). These isolates harbored a greater number of virulence genes (including toxin and collagen adhesin genes) when compared to other isolates. Further genomic analysis indicated exclusive and overabundant presence of important NE-linked toxin genes including netB and tpeL in NE-associated broiler isolates. Secondary virulence genes including pfoA , cpb2 , and collagen adhesin genes cna , cnaA and cnaD were also enriched in the NE-linked C. perfringens genomes. Moreover, an environmental isolate obtained from farm animal feeds was found to encode netB , suggesting potential reservoirs of NetB-positive C. perfringens strains (toxinotype G). We also analysed caecal samples from a small sub-set of 11 diseased and healthy broilers for exploratory microbiome investigation using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, which indicated a significant and positive correlation in genus Clostridium within the wider microbiota of those broilers diagnosed with NE, alongside reductions in beneficial microbiota members., Conclusions: These data indicate a positive association of virulence genes including netB, pfoA, cpb2 , tpeL and cna variants linked to NE-linked isolates. Potential global dissemination of specific hypervirulent lineage, coupled with distinctive microbiome profiles, highlights the need for further investigations, which will require a large worldwide sample collection from healthy and NE-associated birds., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Routine and quantitative histologic studies on femoral head separation (FHS) associated with coxofemoral joint disarticulation at necropsy were conducted on 125 femoral heads collected from 21- to 50-day-old clinically normal broilers. The study compared groups demonstrating grossly detached femoral heads (DFHs) with those having attached femoral heads (AFHs). Marked microscopic lesions compatible with osteochondrosis (OCD) consistently occurred along the separation surface in the DFH population. The histologic changes consisted of cartilage degeneration and necrosis sometimes forming small clefts or microfractures. Hemorrhage and less frequent inflammatory cells were often present along the separation surfaces. Small foci of OCD in the femur occurred in the AFH group with lesser frequency and severity. The histologic changes were mainly found within the proximal proliferative zone of the physis near the epiphyseal junction. Histomorphometry disclosed significant quantitative reductions in chondrocyte density with increased pyknosis occurring adjacent to the separation site and to a lesser extent in deeper regions of the growth plate for the DFH compared with AFH. Measurements made along the separation surface of the percentage length occupied by osteochondrotic defects and actual separated cartilage disclosed significant differences between evaluation groups. However, determinations of vascular canal areas present within two or more regions of the growth plate revealed a slight and significant increased area for DFH compared with AFH. Severity scores for the occurrence of microthrombi within the growth plate showed no difference between the groups. The pathogenesis of FHS in broilers is related to defective cartilage production or degeneration resulting in increased fragility. This contrasts with the proposed pathogenesis of OCD in mammals, which involves ischemic necrosis due to underlying vascular defects. The results for the FHS-disarticulation model also differ from those reported for glucorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis in broilers. The FHS-associated lesions occurred without histologic evidence of bacterial chondritis or osteomyelitis.

Dried leaves of oleander were orally given at a single dose of 500 mg/kg body weight to 20 clinically healthy male chickens. Clinical signs of toxicosis began to appear about 1 h after receiving the oleander and included hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, deep depression, and sudden death. Also, hyperemia in the combs and wattles was obviously seen. Electrocardiograms (ECG) were repeatedly recorded at 30 min intervals. ECGs findings included increasing the QRS duration in some birds and various kinds of arrhythmias. Bradycardia was the most frequently detected finding (30.43%). During necropsy, there were congestion and hemorrhages in the visceral organs particularly in heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Histopathology revealed myocardial cell necrosis with hyperemia and hemorrhage, severe diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema, severe renal congestion and hemorrhage with tubular necrosis, and coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes with hyperemia and hemorrhage. There were also congestion, mild epithelial necrosis and desquamation with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the proventriculus of all birds. There was also mild to moderate congestion in the intestines with scattered necrosis of surface enterocytes. The lack of information about the toxicity of oleanders in poultry was the main cause for this study. The results suggest that chickens appear to respond to oleander poisoning in a manner similar to other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of three cultivars (Promore, Kiev mutant and Ultra) of white lupins (Lupinus albus L.) for broilers. In experiment 1, the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients of the three cultivars were determined. The cultivar effects were significant (P < 0.05) for AME, but the ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients were similar (P > 0.05) between cultivars. The AME value of Ultra cultivar was lower (P < 0.05) than those of Promore and Kiev mutant cultivars. In Experiment 2, using the AME and ileal digestible amino acid values determined in Experiment 1, diets containing 200 g/kg of lupin were formulated and the effects of feeding these diets on performance, digestive tract development and excreta quality of broiler starters were investigated. Weight gain, feed intake and feed per gain of broilers fed diets containing white lupins were similar (P > 0.05) to those fed the maize–soybean meal diet. The performance of birds fed diets containing different cultivars of white lupins was similar (P > 0.05). Several digestive tract parameters were influenced by the dietary inclusion of white lupins. In particular, the relative liver weight and the relative empty weights of small intestine and caeca in birds fed diets containing white lupins were higher (P < 0.05) than those fed the maize–soybean meal diet. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the excreta quality scores between the birds fed the maize–soybean meal diet and those fed diets containing white lupins. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We attempted to determine the growth characteristics of cultured lung fibroblasts of layer type chickens and to investigate presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in these cells in vitro. Lung fibroblasts were isolated, characterized and subcultured from one-day-old layer type chicken lungs. Two different methods, explant culture and enzymatic techniques, were used for culturing and the results were compared. The presence of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 was shown in cultured fibroblasts by immunocytochemical staining, immune blotting and zymography methods. Immune expressions of neither MMP-9 nor TIMP-2 enzymes could be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode-array spectrophotometry and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS) method for separation and determination of phenolic acids in ethyl acetate extracts from Chinese waxberry ( Myrica Rubra) juice was developed. Total of 4 phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, sinapic, and salicylic acids) were identified by comparing their HPLC retention times, UV-Vis absorption spectra, and simultaneously recorded mass spectra with authentic standards. Quantitation was carried out by the peak area method. The calibration curves are linear over the concentration range studied with the correlation coefficients, R2, greater than 0.99. The contents of ferulic, caffeic, sinapic, and salicylic acids in waxberry juice samples studied were 2.76, 3.58, 2.89, and 1.92 mg/L, respectively, and they occur mainly in bound forms. All relative standard deviations were less than 4%. The recoveries range from 83.6% to 95.8% for the 4 analytes. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report for the identification of the sinapic and salicylic acids in Chinese waxberry products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The conditionally essential nutrient, L-carnitine, plays a critical role in a number of physiological processes vital to normal neonatal growth and development. We conducted a systematic evaluation of the developmental changes in key L-carnitine homeostasis mechanisms in the postnatal rat to better understand the interrelationship between these pathways and their correlation to ontogenic changes in L-carnitine levels during postnatal development. Methods: mRNA expression of heart, kidney and intestinal L-carnitine transporters, liver γ-butyrobetaine hydroxylase (Bbh) and trimethyllysine hydroxylase (Tmlh), and heart carnitine palmitoyltransferase (Cpt) were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. L-Carnitine levels were determined by HPLC-UV. Cpt and Bbh activity were measured by a spectrophotometric method and HPLC, respectively. Results: Serum and heart L-carnitine levels increased with postnatal development. Increases in serum L-carnitine correlated significantly with postnatal increases in renal organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 (Octn2) expression, and was further matched by postnatal increases in intestinal Octn1 expression and hepatic γ-Bbh activity. Postnatal increases in heart L-carnitine levels were significantly correlated to postnatal increases in heart Octn2 expression. Although cardiac high energy phosphate substrate levels remained constant through postnatal development, creatine showed developmental increases with advancing neonatal age. mRNA levels of Cpt1b and Cpt2 significantly increased at postnatal day 20, which was not accompanied by a similar increase in activity. Conclusions: Several L-carnitine homeostasis pathways underwent significant ontogenesis during postnatal development in the rat. This information will facilitate future studies on factors affecting the developmental maturation of L-carnitine homeostasis mechanisms and how such factors might affect growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are developmental brain disorders with complex, obscure, and multifactorial etiology. Our recent clinical survey of patient records from ASD children under the age of 6 years and their age-matched controls revealed evidence of abnormal markers of thiol metabolism, as well as a significant alteration in deposition of several heavy metal species, particularly arsenic, mercury, copper, and iron in hair samples between the groups. Altered thiol metabolism from heavy metal toxicity may be responsible for the biochemical alterations in transketolase, and are mechanisms for oxidative stress production, dysautonomia, and abnormal thiamine homeostasis. It is unknown why the particular metals accumulate, but we suspect that children with ASD may have particular trouble excreting thiol-toxic heavy metal species, many of which exist as divalent cations. Accumulation or altered mercury clearance, as well as concomitant oxidative stress, arising from redox-active metal and arsenic toxicity, offers an intriguing component or possible mechanism for oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration in ASD patients. Taken together, these factors may be more important to the etiology of this symptomatically diverse disease spectrum and may offer insights into new treatment approaches and avenues of exploration for this devastating and growing disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of three cultivars (Wallan, Tanjil and Borre) of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) for broilers. 2. In Experiment 1, the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and the apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of the three cultivars were determined. The cultivar effects were not significant for AME and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients. In general, amino acids in narrow-leafed lupin were well digested, with the notable exception of methionine. Among the indispensable amino acids, arginine had the highest digestibility coefficient (0·92–0·95), while the lowest was for methionine (0·74–0·83). 3. In Experiment 2, using the energy and digestible amino acid values determined in Experiment 1, diets containing 200 g/kg of the three lupin cultivars were formulated and the effects of feeding these diets on the performance and the digestive tract development of broiler starters were investigated. 4. Weight gain, feed intake and feed per gain of broilers fed narrow-leafed lupins diets were similar to those fed on the maize-soy basal diet. The performance of birds fed on diets containing different cultivars of lupins was also similar. Birds fed on lupin diets had similar excreta scores to those fed on the basal diet. 5. Inclusion of 200 g/kg lupins in broiler diets had no effects on the relative weight and length of the intestinal tract. Broilers fed on lupin diets, however, had higher relative weights of liver. 6. These results suggest that narrow-leafed lupins are good sources of protein, but poor sources of AME and sulphur-containing amino acids. It is concluded that, when diets are properly balanced in terms of AME and digestible amino acids, lupins can be included at 200 g/kg inclusion level in broiler starter diets with no adverse effects on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic clove extracts, on lead levels in different common carp tissues including liver, kidney, brain, bone, and blood following experimental lead poisoning. Fish were divided randomly into five groups depending on the combination of lead acetate and allicin treatments. Lead acetate exposure (7.0 mgL, 10 days) caused a significant increase in mean Pb concentrations in all examined tissues in comparison to control unexposed fish ( p < 0. 001). The results showed that allicin supplementation is effective in decreasing lead accumulation in all examined tissues of common carp. The promising ameliorative effects of allicin on tissue lead levels of common carp make it a good candidate for therapeutic intervention of lead poisoning. However, more studies are required to elucidate the pharmacokinetic effects of allicin and also molecular basis of the ameliorative properties of allicin in lead poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe normal electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns and values in unanesthetized green peafowl ( Pavo muticus). The standard bipolar and augmented unipolar limb leads ECGs were recorded in the birds. The waveforms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/sec and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine P, PR (segment and interval), QRS, ST, QT durations, P, net QRS complex and T amplitudes. The polarity of each waveform was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was calculated using leads II and III. The mean heart rates were calculated from lead II that was 257.5±5.33 beats/min. The P wave was dominantly positive in all leads. The dominant pattern of waveforms of the QRS complexes were QS in leads II, III, and aVF. In leads I, aVR and aVL, the R pattern was dominant. The T wave was almost positive in leads I, II, and aVF. The average value of the heart MEA was −96.75±3.31°. Description of normal ECG parameters will facilitate a better realizing of ECG changes of unhealthy green peafowls. Zoo Biol 30:542-549, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examined the effects of three enzyme preparations (A,B,C) directed towards degradation of Non Starch Polysaccharides (NSP) and one targeting phytates (D) on performance traits in broilers fed maize meal basal diets containing 400 g/kg of yellow lupine seeds (LM). A soybean meal (SBM) based diet served as a reference control. Growth rate, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of organic matter, protein and energy, as well as morphometric measurements of selected sections of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were determined. In comparison to chickens fed the SBM diet, chickens fed the LM diet consumed less feed, had considerably lower body weight gain, as well as lower CTTAD of measured nutrients and energy. Also the GIT relative weight and length were increased within the group fed the LM diet. Addition of each NSP degrading enzymes (A,B,C) to the LM diet increased feed intake and decreased size of GIT organs (all p < 0.05). Addition of enzymes A or B increased ( p < 0.05) growth rate of chicks, whereas only enzyme B increased fed efficiency ( p < 0.05) and tended to slightly improve CTTAD of nutrients. The addition of enzyme D did not have any effect on feed intake, growth rate or CTTAD. This study indicates that a diet containing high levels of LM is detrimental to feed intake and condition of the digestive tract of young broilers, and thus affects their performance. However, when the LM diet is supplemented with suitable enzyme preparations, performance parameters are not different from those obtained with SBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type A Clostridium perfringens causes poultry necrotic enteritis (NE), an enteric disease of considerable economic importance, yet can also exist as a member of the normal intestinal microbiota. A recently discovered pore-forming toxin, NetB, is associated with pathogenesis in most, but not all, NE isolates. This finding suggested that NE-causing strains may possess other virulence gene(s) not present in commensal type A isolates. We used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies to generate draft genome sequences of seven unrelated C. perfringens poultry NE isolates and one isolate from a healthy bird, and identified additional novel NE-associated genes by comparison with nine publicly available reference genomes. Thirty-one open reading frames (ORFs) were unique to all NE strains and formed the basis for three highly conserved NE-associated loci that we designated NELoc-1 (42 kb), NELoc-2 (11.2 kb) and NELoc-3 (5.6 kb). The largest locus, NELoc-1, consisted of netB and 36 additional genes, including those predicted to encode two leukocidins, an internalin-like protein and a ricin-domain protein. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern blotting revealed that the NE strains each carried 2 to 5 large plasmids, and that NELoc-1 and -3 were localized on distinct plasmids of sizes ∼85 and ∼70 kb, respectively. Sequencing of the regions flanking these loci revealed similarity to previously characterized conjugative plasmids of C. perfringens. These results provide significant insight into the pathogenetic basis of poultry NE and are the first to demonstrate that netB resides in a large, plasmid-encoded locus. Our findings strongly suggest that poultry NE is caused by several novel virulence factors, whose genes are clustered on discrete pathogenicity loci, some of which are plasmid-borne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex hormones have an important influence on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology and sex differences in vascular reactivity have been widely demonstrated. In the present study we hypothesized 1) the presence of sexual dimorphism in chicken ductus arteriosus (DA) responsiveness to contractile and relaxant stimuli and 2) that estrogens are vasoactive in the chicken DA. In vitro contractions (assessed with a wire myograph) induced by normoxia, KCI, 4-aminopyridine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, U46619, or endothelin-1, as well as relaxations induced by ACh, sodium nitroprusside, BAY 41-2272, PGE2, isoproterenol, forskolin,Y-27632, and hydroxyfasudil were not significantly different between males and females. The estrogen 17β-estradiol elicited concentration-dependent mlaxation of KCl-, phenylephrine-, and oxygen-induced active tone in male and female chicken DA. The stereoisomer 17α-estradiol showed lesser relaxant effects, and the selective estrogen receptor (ER) agonists 4,4',4"-(4-propyl- [¹H]pyrazole- 1,3,5-triyl)tris-phenol (ERα) and 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (ERβ) did not show any effect. There were no sex differences in the responses to estrogen. Endothelium removal or the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, the K+ channel blockers tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, and charybdotoxin, or the ER antagonist fulvestrant did not modify 17β-estradiol- induced relaxation. CaCl2 (30 μM-10 mM) induced concentration-dependent contraction in DA rings depolarized by 62.5 mM KCl or stimulated with 21% 02 in Ca2+-free medium. Preincubation with 17β-estradiol or the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine produced an inhibition of CaCl2-induced contractions. In conclusion, there are no sex-related differences in chicken DA reactivity. The estrogen 17β-estradiol induces an endothelium-independent relaxation of chicken DA that is not mediated by ER activation. This relaxant effect is, at least partially, due to inhibition of Ca2+ entry from extracellular space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coliform cellulitis in broilers is caused by certain avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. Sixty-four E. coli samples were isolated in a slaughterhouse from broiler carcasses with cellulitis. The isolates were examined for the presence of selected virulence genes and phylogenetic determination by PCR assays. E. coli isolates belonged to A (51.56%), B1 (18.75%) and D (29.68%) phylogenetic groups. All of the isolates were positive for at least two virulence genes. The three most prevalent genes were csgA (92.18%), fimH (85.93%) and iucD (76.56%). F17 fimbrial family (f17A), P (papC) and S (sfa) fimbriae encoding genes were detected in one, nine and two isolates, respectively. The highest and the lowest number of virulence genes were found in D and A phylogenetic groups, respectively. Several combination of the virulence genes were detected; csgA, fimH, iucD was the most prevalent pattern. None of the isolates harboured the afa E-VIII, afaI B-C, eaeA, hly, stx1 and stx virulence genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead poisoning remains a serious problem in veterinary and human medicine. A number of lead chelators have been used for treatment of lead intoxication, but none of them is completely effective to remove lead from all organs. Therefore, alternatives for the treatment of lead poisoning are required. In this study, the efficacy of thiamine on blood and tissue lead contents was evaluated in subclinical lead toxicosis in sheep. Nine female sheep weighing 25–29 kg were orally receiving a daily dose of 80 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate for 5 days. Then, the animals were assigned into two groups. Group 1 did not receive any further treatment and was used as the control group, and group 2 was treated intravenously by 25 mg/kg body weight of thiamine twice daily for 7 days. Within 1 day following treatment, in the treated group, blood lead level (mean 243.5 μg/l) was significantly ( P < 0.05) lower than that in group 1 (mean, 518.16 μg/l). Thiamine treatment significantly reduced ovary lead content. A significant reduction of serum zinc concentration was also observed in thiamine treated animals. These results suggest that thiamine might have some therapeutic effects on lead poisoning, but the zinc status of depletion should be considered during long periods of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case study which investigated the death of a 14-year-old Quarter Horse diagnosed with equine colitis X caused by Clostridium (C.) difficile infection. The horse was euthanized after failing to respond to colic treatment with ceftiofur. Postmortem examination of the horse revealed A and B toxins from C. difficile, as well as extensive submucosal hemorrhage. It concludes that colitis X is commonly associated with antimicrobial treatment and diets of high-protein and low cellulose.

The article discusses a study which investigated the death of commercial turkeys due to Clostridium (C.) septicum bacteria. The study confirmed that high doses of C. septicum from cellulitis lesions resulted in the death of turkey poults within 36 hours, and preceded by signs of depression and ataxia. The study also examined the etiology and methods of vaccination against common field cellulitis in commercial turkeys.

Background: Clostridium perfringens (Cp) is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that causes necrotic enteritis (NE) in poultry when it overgrows in the small intestine. NE disease has previously been controlled through the use of growth-promoting antibiotics. This practice was recently banned in European countries, leading to significantly increased incidence of NE threatening the poultry industry. Control strategies and technology as substitutes to dietary antibiotics are therefore urgently required. To develop the substitutes, it is important to understand host immune responses to Cp infection. However, the knowledge is still lacking. We therefore investigated gene expression profiles within immunologically-relevant tissue, the spleen, in order to identify factors that are involved in immunity to NE and have potential as therapeutic targets. Results: Use of a 44 K Agilent chicken genome microarray revealed significant up-regulation of many immune-associated genes in Cp-challenged chickens, including galectin 3, IFNAR1, IgY-receptor, TCRã, granzyme A, and mannose-6-P-R, which were subsequently validated by quantitative PCR assays. Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes was conducted using the High Throughput Gene Ontology Functional Annotation database. Medicated and Non-medicated chickens had similar annotation profiles with cell activities and regulation being the most dominant biological processes following Cp infection. Conclusion: Broiler chickens demonstrated an intricate and holistic magnitude of host response to Cp challenge and the development of NE. Although the influence of dietary antibiotics appeared to be less significant than the disease process, both had a considerable impact on the host response. Markers previously identified in intestinal inflammatory diseases of other species, including humans, and indicators of enhanced antibody responses, appeared to be involved in the chicken response to Cp challenge. The significance in host immune responses of immune mediators identified from the present study warrants further studies to verify their functions during NE development and to determine their potential application to control NE disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Objectives. To validate the whole blood chemiluminescence (WBCL) assay in chickens, a simple and rapid method of measuring production of reactive oxygen species by circulating polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. To determine the physiological response and innate immune response associated with oral challenge with Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens under different nutritional conditions. 2. In Experiment 1, birds were orally challenged with C. perfringens 1. type A or sham-challenged saline on days 14-21 post-hatch and fed protein-balanced diets containing 160 or 180 g crude protein/kg and 0·98 or 1·75% glycine in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. 2. Challenged birds had higher WBCL responses and more severe intestinal lesions than unchallenged birds. Birds fed diets containing 1·75% glycine had more intestinal lesions than those fed 0·98% glycine. 3. In Experiment 2 birds were fed protein-balanced diets containing 0·76, 2·10, 3·43 or 4·77% glycine. The birds fed 0·76% glycine diet had lower WBCL responses compared to birds fed the other three diets. Intestinal lesions were worse in the birds fed the highest, 4·77% glycine diet than in those fed the 0·76 or 2·10% glycine diets. 4. We conclude that the WBCL assay is a practical and sensitive means of assessing innate immune function in birds. The results suggest that both bacterial challenge and glycine content of chickens' diet influence their lesion scores and innate immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Standardised data on husbandry were recorded for a flock of birds in one house on each of 150 broiler farms in the UK during the 4 d prior to slaughter. 2. For each flock, the incidence of birds found dead on arrival (DoAs) and the Meat Hygiene Service carcase rejection records were recorded at the slaughterhouse. 3. The mean percentage of birds in each flock found DoA was 0·12% (range 0-0·64%) and the mean percentage of Total Carcase Rejects (TCRs) for each flock was 1·23% (range 0·07-5·51%). 4. A general linear model was developed to examine factors associated with flock percentage DoAs. Assuming a linear relationship, all other factors remaining the same, a one percentage point (PP) increase in small/emaciated birds will result in a 0·155 PP increase in DoAs and a 1 PP increase in wheat in diet 4 will result in a 0·003 PP decrease. An increase by one in the total number of vaccines administered will cause a 0·029 PP decrease in DoAs, a 1 g increase in live weight at slaughter will be associated with a 0·000043 PP increase and a 1 PP increase in mortality on farm would be associated with a 0·000044 PP increase. A 1 PP increase in Ross birds decreases DoAs by 0·0004 PPS: there is also a seasonal effect. 5. The model developed for flock percentage TCRs found that a 1 PP increase in wheat in diet 3 will result in a 0·052 PP decrease in TCRs and a 1 PP increase in Ross birds will cause a 0·009 PP decrease. A 1 PP increase in birds culled on farm will be associated with a 0·03 PP increase in TCRs and the diagnosis of disease during the flock cycle increases TCRs by 0·397 PPs. A one day increase in age at slaughter will result in a 0·046 PP increase in TCRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]