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Background: Thiamine status of ruminants is adversely affected in acidic rumen conditions. However, there have been limited published case study data related to thiamine deficiency of ruminants with acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA). Hypothesis: Thiamine deficiency would occur in sheep with ARLA. Animals: Thirteen Ak-Karaman (white Karaman) sheep with ARLA, aged 1 year (ARLA group) and 10 healthy Ak-Karaman sheep, aged 1 year (control group) were used. Methods: After clinical examination, rumen fluid samples of all sheep were obtained with a stomach tube and examined immediately. Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein of the sheep. Erythrocytic transketolase enzyme activity and hence thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) effect were determined according to Clausen's method. Results: History revealed that all sheep in the ARLA group had accidentally consumed excessive amounts of cracked barley. During clinical examination of the ARLA group, disturbed general condition, engorged scleral vessels, moderate to severe dehydration, and ruminal atony were recorded in the sheep. The results of the ruminal fluid analyses of the ARLA group demonstrated characteristics of ARLA. The results of clinical and ruminal fluid examination of control group were normal. The mean TPP effect (%) in the ARLA group (109 ± 28) was significantly higher than in the control group (22.2 ± 3.7) ( P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The present study revealed that severe thiamine deficiency occurred in sheep with ARLA. This result indicates that thiamine administration to sheep suffering from acute ruminal acidosis caused by overconsumption of readily fermentable carbohydrates could be beneficial in alleviating thiamine deficiency caused by ruminal acidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histological intestinal villus alterations were studied in piglets fed a raw pigeon pea meal (PM) diet including a powder mixture of amorphous charcoal carbon and wood vinegar compound solution (CWVC). Twenty-eight male castrated piglets were divided into seven dietary groups of four piglets each. The control group was fed raw PM supplemented to the basal diet (178 g/kg crude protein, 4.23 kcal/g gross energy) at 0 g/kg (CONT), 200 g/kg (PM200) and 400 g/kg (PM400). The treatment groups were fed CWVC in both PM200 and PM400 diet groups at levels of 10 g/kg and 30 g/kg (PM200 + CWVC10, PM200 + CWVC30, PM400 + CWVC10 and PM400 + CWVC30). With increasing dietary PM levels, daily feed intake tended to increase. In contrast, daily body-weight gain tended to decrease, significantly in the PM400 group (P< 0.05), resulting in a significant decrease of feed efficiency in PM groups (P< 0.05). Body-weight gain and feed efficiency were higher in the CWVC groups compared with the PM groups. The duodenum and ileum were longer (P< 0.05) in the PM400 group than in CONT, but were similar to CONT in CWVC groups. The liver was heavier (P< 0.05), whereas the weights of the heart, kidney and stomach were decreased in the CWVC groups than in other groups. Most values for the intestinal villus height, cell area and cell mitosis number were lower in PM groups than those in CONT (P< 0.05) for each intestinal segment; however, these values were higher in CWVC groups than in PM groups (P< 0.05). The epithelial cells on the duodenal villus surface of the PM200 group showed cell morphology almost similar to CONT. However, the PM400 group had a smooth villus surface due to the presence of flat cells. The epithelial cells of the CWVC groups were protuberated, resulting in a much rougher surface than CONT. The current growth performance and histological intestinal alterations in piglets fed PM and PM + CWVC diets demonstrate that the intestinal features might be atrophied by feeding PM, resulting in decreased growth performance. CWVC might prevent the harmful effects of PM dietary toxins on intestinal function, resulting in a normal growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banning in 2006 of the use of antibiotics as animal growth promoters in the European Union has increased demand from producers for alternative feed additives that can be used to improve animal production. This review gives an overview of the most common non-antibiotic feed additives already being used or that could potentially be used in ruminant nutrition. Probiotics, dicarboxylic acids, enzymes and plant-derived products including saponins, tannins and essential oils are presented. The known modes of action and effects of these additives on feed digestion and more especially on rumen fermentations are described. Their utility and limitations in field conditions for modern ruminant production systems and their compliance with the current legislation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study compared the effect of dietary supplementation with organic or inorganic selenium (Se) sources plus control amounts or large amounts of vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) in broilers raised at control (20 to 24°C) or low (14·5 to 16·8°C) temperatures after 2 weeks of age. 2. The following dietary treatments were used from one day old. Diet 1, the control diet, comprised a commercial diet containing 0·15 mg/kg inorganic Se and 50 mg vitamin E/kg feed. Diet 2 was the same as diet 1, supplemented with 0·15 mg/kg inorganic Se. Diet 3 was the same as diet 2 but was supplemented with 200 mg/kg vitamin E. Diet 4 was the same as diet 1, but inorganic Se was replaced with 0·30 mg/kg organic Se. Diet 5 was the same as diet 4, supplemented with 200 mg/kg vitamin E. 3. Low temperature reduced the growth rate of broilers; however, at 6 weeks, there were no differences in the body weights of birds fed on organic Se supplemented diets housed at low or control temperature. The feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by low temperature but not by diet. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was higher in chicks after one week in the cold, indicating mild stress. Blood triiodothyronine levels were significantly higher in birds after 1 and 4 weeks in the cold but thyroxin was not affected. 4. Organic Se supplementation increased relative lung weight at the control temperature, which might lead to greater respiratory capacity. Relative spleen weight significantly decreased in broilers fed diets supplemented with inorganic Se under cold conditions, a possible indication of chronic oxidative stress. 5. At the low temperature, supplementation with organic Se alone, or with inorganic Se and vitamin E increased glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity and glutathione (GSH) concentration in the liver of broilers, which may indicate increased activity of birds' antioxidant defence against suboptimal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although enhanced cardiac matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 synthesis has been associated with ventricular remodeling and failure, whether MMP-2 expression is a direct mediator of this process is unknown. We generated transgenic mice expressing active MMP-2 driven by the α-myosin heavy chain promoter. At 4 mo MMP-2 transgenic hearts demonstrated expression of the MMP-2 transgene, myocyte hypertrophy, breakdown of Z-band registration, lysis of myofilaments, disruption of sarcomere and mitochondrial architecture, and cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Hearts from 8-mo-old transgenic mice displayed extensive myocyte disorganization and dropout with replacement fibrosis and perivascular fibrosis. Older transgenic mice also exhibited a massive increase in cardiac MMP-2 expression, representing recruitment of endogenous MMP-2 synthesis, with associated expression of MMP-9 and membrane type I MMP. Increases in diastolic [control (C) 33 ± 3 vs. MMP 51 ± 12 µl P = 0.003] and systolic (C 7 ± 2 vs. MMP 28 ± 14 µl; P = 0.003) left ventricular (LV) volumes and relatively preserved stroke volume (C 26 ± 4 vs. MMP 23 ± 3 µl; P = 0.16) resulted in markedly decreased LV ejection fraction (C 78 ± 7% vs. MMP 48 ± 16%; P = 0.0006). Markedly impaired systolic function in the MMP transgenic mice was demonstrated in the reduced preload-adjusted maximal power (C 240 ± 84 vs. MMP 78 ± 49 mW/µl² P = 0.0003) and decreased end-systolic pressure-volume relation (C 7.5 ± 1.5 vs. MMP 4.7 ± 2.0; P = 0.016). Expression of active MMP-2 is sufficient to induce severe ventricular remodeling and systolic dysfunction in the absence of superimposed injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. B- and M-mode echocardiography was used to compare cardiac function in broilers with spontaneous ascites syndrome with that of normal chickens. 2. Thirty ascitic chickens and 15 normal chickens aged three, 4, 5 and 6 weeks from the same flock (180 birds in total) were examined. They were restrained gently in a natural standing position, and echocardiographs were obtained with a 7·0-MHz linear transducer placed on the left pectoral apterium. Indices of cardiac structure and functioning were calculated from the echocardiographs, and some were normalised to body weight. Heart rate was also measured. 3. All cardiac structural indices in both ascitic and normal chickens increased with age. Compared with normal chickens, right ventricular diameter at both the end of systole and of diastole was greater in ascitic chickens at all ages. Left ventricular diameter at the end of systole in ascitic chickens was greater at 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age. Ventricular septal thickness at the end of both systole and diastole was greater in ascitic chickens at 5 and 6 weeks. Left ventricular free wall thickness at the end of diastole was less in ascitic chickens at 3 weeks. However, all the structural indices decreased with age after normalisation with body weight. 4. The heart rate of ascitic chickens was lower at 4, 5 and 6 weeks. Normalised left ventricular fractional shortening was lower in ascitic chickens at 4, 5 and 6 weeks, as was normalised right ventricular fractional shortening. Incrassation of the ventricular septum (ΔT), which changed little in normal chickens, was less at 4, 5 and 6 weeks in ascitic chickens. Left ventricular fractional shortening, right ventricular fractional shortening and ΔT were all negatively correlated with ascites heart index at all ages. 5. Taken together the results suggest heart failure of both ventricles, but that right ventricular dysfunction is more extensive than left ventricular dysfunction. We suggest that secondary pulmonary hypertension would result in these ascitic chickens due to volume overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The effects of acute heat stress (2&ThickSpace;h at 32°C and 75% RH) on body temperature and indices of respiratory thermoregulation and skeletal muscle function were examined in two divergently selected male grandparent lines of broiler and layer-type chickens at two ages (35 and 63&ThickSpace;d), or at a similar body weight (&nvsim;2·2&ThickSpace;kg). 2. The two chicken lines exhibited markedly different baseline blood acid–base and skeletal muscle characteristics. At the same age or live weight, birds from the broiler line had significantly higher venous blood carbon dioxide tensions associated with lower blood pH. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) activities reflecting muscle membrane damage were also greatly elevated in the broiler line. 3. Exposure to acute heat stress caused an increase in deep body temperature, panting-induced acid–base disturbances and elevated plasma CK activity in both lines of chicken, an effect that increased with age. The extent of disturbances in acid–base regulation and heat-stress-induced myopathy were more pronounced in the broiler than the layer line at the same age or similar live weights. 4. It is suggested that genetic selection for high muscle growth in broiler lines has compromised their capacity to respond to an acute thermal challenge, leading to detrimental consequences for muscle function. This reduction in heat tolerance may have important implications for bird welfare and subsequent meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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1. Genetic parameters for the sudden death syndrome (SDS) were estimated in meat-type chickens. Data were collected over 11 generations of selection for body weight within two distinct breeds (Cornish and White Rock).2. The animal model was used exclusively with linear methods (LM) to estimate genetic parameters. Heritability (h 2 ) of SDS on the liability scale was 0&CenterDot;30?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;002 and 0&CenterDot;25?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;002 in the Cornish and White Rock breeds, respectively.3. A positive genetic correlation (rg) with ascites (AS) was determined (~0&CenterDot;3?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;006). However, it was not possible to estimate the rg of SDS with body weight because of the low prevalence of the defect trait studied (1&CenterDot;8% in the Cornish and 1&CenterDot;5% in the White Rock).4. Heritability of SDS calculated using male records only was 0&CenterDot;45?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;009 and 0&CenterDot;35?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;009, and rg with body weight was 0&CenterDot;30?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;010 and 0&CenterDot;27?&PlusMinus;?0&CenterDot;009, in the Cornish and White Rock breeds, respectively.5. In conclusion, the heart defect investigated was heritable with a positive genetic correlation with AS and body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Pulmonary hypertension syndrome followed by ascites is a metabolic disorder in broilers that occurs more often in fast-growing birds and at cool temperatures.2. Knowledge of the genetic relationships among ascites-related traits and performance traits like carcase traits or feed efficiency traits is required to design breeding programmes that aim to improve the degree of resistance to ascites syndrome as well as production traits. The objective of this study was to estimate these genetic correlations.3. Three different experiments were set up to measure ascites-related traits (4202 birds), feed efficiency traits (2166 birds) and carcase traits (2036 birds). The birds in different experiments originated from the same group of parents, which enabled the estimation of genetic correlations among different traits.4. The genetic correlation of body weight (BW) measured under normal conditions and in the carcase experiment with the ascites indicator trait of right ventricle to total ventricle ratio (RV:TV) measured under cold conditions was 0&CenterDot;30. The estimated genetic correlation indicated that single-trait selecting for BW leads to an increase in occurrence of the ascites syndrome but that there are realistic opportunities of multi-trait selection of birds for improved BW and resistance to ascites.5. Weak but positive genetic relationships were found between feed efficiency and ascites-related traits suggesting that more efficient birds tend to be slightly more susceptible to ascites.6. The relatively low genetic correlation between BW measured in the carcase or in the feed efficiency experiments and BW measured in the ascites experiment (0&CenterDot;49) showed considerable genotype by environment interaction. These results indicate that birds with high genetic potential for growth rate under normal temperature conditions have lower growth rate under cold-stress conditions due to ascites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of different atmospheric pressure on the endogenous functions of broiler chickens during embryonic, hatching and growing periods related to ascites. Eggs from a commercial broiler line were incubated in two similar commercial incubators at high and low altitudes. The effect on embryonic development and physiological functions including hatching parameters, incidence of ascites and growth performance were examined. Embryos incubated at high altitude had higher plasma tri-iodothyronine, thyroxine, corticosteroid and lactic acid levels, and hatched earlier than those incubated at low altitude. Embryonic mortality was higher at high altitude. Chickens that had been incubated at high altitude showed less right ventricular hypertrophy and ascites mortality than those incubated at low altitude. It was concluded that different atmospheric pressure during incubation interacts with the endocrine functions of the embryo and hence affects hatching parameters, thereby influencing ascites susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to analyze the effects and the modes of action of elemental sulfur (S0) in bioluminescence and respiration of Vibrio fischeri cells and the enzymes crude luciferase, pure catalase, and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Metallic copper removed sulfur and reduced the toxicity of acetone extracts of sediment samples analyzed in the bioluminescence test. The sulfur inhibition of cell bioluminescence was noncompetitive with decanal, the luciferase substrate; reversible, with maximum toxicity after 15 min (EC50 = 11.8 μg/L); and almost totally recovered after 2 h. In vitro preincubation of crude luciferase extract with sulfur (0.28 ppm) weakly inhibited bioluminescence at 5 min, but at 30 min the inhibition reached 60%. Increasing the concentration of sulfur in the parts per million concentration range in vitro decreased bioluminescence, which was not constant, but depended on exposure time, and no dead‐end/total inhibition was observed. The redox state of enzymes in the in vitro system significantly affected inhibition. Hydrogen peroxide restored fully and the reducing agent dithiothreitol, itself toxic, restored only partially luciferase activity in the presence of sulfur. Sulfur (5.5 ppm) slightly inhibited ADH and catalase, and dithiothreitol enhanced sulfur inhibition. High sulfur concentrations (2.2 ppm) inhibited the bioluminescence and enhanced the respiration rate of V. fischeri cells. Elemental sulfur data were interpreted to show that sulfur acted on at least a few V. fischeri cell sites: reversibly modifying luciferase at sites sensitive to/protected by oxidative and reducing agents and by affecting electron transport processes, resulting in enhanced oxygen consumption. Sulfur together with an enzyme reducing agent inhibited the oxidoreductive enzymes ADH and catalase, which have —SH groups, metal ion cofactors, or heme, respectively, in their active centers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 372–386, 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baltic Sea is a heavily polluted area. To assess the current contaminant pressure on the common guillemot (Uria aalge) living there, whole-body extracts of guillemots from the Baltic Sea were prepared and subdivided over six fractions, which differed in composition due to lipophilicity and polarity of the contaminants. The fractions were tested in the chicken embryo assay and compared to fractions of Atlantic guillemot extracts. Fertilized chicken eggs were injected with 0.03, 0.3, or 3 bird egg equivalents (BEQ) of the contaminants present in the fractions and then incubated for 19 d. Endpoints were selected to cover several mechanisms that may play a role in reproductive failures of fish-eating birds. Fractions I and IV from the Baltic guillemots induced ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity up to 15-fold in embryos exposed to 0.3 BEQ and up to 17-fold in embryos exposed to 3 BEQ. Corresponding Atlantic fractions induced EROD activity only at the higher dose of 3 BEQ. Morphological alterations were observed in the bursa of Fabricius in embryos exposed to the fractions that induced EROD, and for the Baltic fractions, this was apparent at the dose of 0.3 BEQ. The higher toxic potency of fractions I and IV was confirmed by higher mortality and occurrence of malformations among embryos exposed to these fractions. No other effects were observed; morphometry, hepatic porphyrin levels, thiamine-dependent enzymes, and acetylcholinesterase activity were not affected by any fraction. During inter-pretation of the results, concentrations in the whole-body guillemot extracts were compared to concentrations reported in field studies. In general, concentrations in the guillemot extract were lower than those associated with biomarker responses in other wild-bird species. However, because the relative sensitivity of guillemot toward immunotoxic effects remains to be resolved, effects on the immunocompetence of guillemot could not be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A test system was developed to examine the effects of environmental contaminants on thiamine homeostasis in bird embryos. This system employs fresh chicken egg yolk lipids as a vehicle for use in egg injection studies. Furazolidone, an antibiotic suspected to interfere with thiamine metabolism, was used as a positive control to evaluate the utility of the test system. It was determined that fresh chicken egg yolk lipids were preferable over chemical vehicles as it resulted in lower mortality rates (16% versus 23–62%) and did not induce any observable effects in the embryo. Injection of 1 mg/egg of furazolidone at day 0 of development resulted in decreased respiration followed by death, with mortality rates being twice as high as in carrier controls. In addition, transketolase activity, which was measured as an indicator of thiamine availability in the body, was decreased 25% in brains of 19-day-old embryos. This mechanism may be of importance for effects of environmental contaminants in wild bird populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental anomalies in domestic fowl are rare, and few reports are present in veterinary literature. This study describes polypodia and lower intestinal duplication in a commercial broiler chicken. Apparently, the chicken had a short extra leg with two digits. In necropsy, below the Meckle's diverticulum, the ileum was divided to the normal and abnormal branches. A unilateral cecum was attached to abnormal part of ileum, and the rectum was as a dilated blind sac without connection to the exterior end or abdominal wall of the chicken. Histological findings showed that the basic organization of intestinal wall was similar to that in other parts of the normal intestine. No other abnormality was observed in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-month-old mix-breed calf developed acute blindness and ataxia. Serum thiamine concentration was deficient. In antemortem magnetic resonance imaging there were laminar T2-hyperintense regions extending along the cerebral cortex that primarily affected the gray matter. The lesions were relatively symmetric between the left and right hemispheres but no abnormalities were present at the frontal lobes. At necropsy, laminar autofluorescence of the cerebral cortex was observed under ultraviolet exposure at 365 nm, consistent with a diagnosis of polioencephalomalacia. Polioencephalomalacia in the bovine species is compared with that in other species, namely humans, dogs, and cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary.  In this paper two methods are presented. One involves the separation of cholecalciferol from a topical ointment. The other involves the assay of cholecalciferol in this ointment. The study was performed with normal-phase high performance liquid chromatography using a NP-L3 column and UV detection. Applying a mobile phase mixture containing n-hexane:2-propanol (99:1) a total separation was achieved within 15 min. For isolation and assay of cholecalciferol from an ointment (vitamin A D), dissolution in n-hexane gave the highest recovery (>95%). The isolation and assay process can be performed within 3.5 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing the multifocal mechanisms affecting cross-talk between Clostridium perfringens pathogenesis and the host response is an urgent need in the poultry industry. Herein, the activity of Cannabis sativa-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se) in modulating the host response to Clostridium perfringens challenge was investigated in broiler chickens subjected to a mild infection model. The infected chickens exhibited no clinical manifestations, confirming the potential hazard of pathogen transmission to the food chain in the commercial sector. However, both CBD and Nano-Se affected the responses of chickens to C. perfringens challenge. The beneficial actions of both agents were manifested in the upregulated expression of genes determining gut barrier function. Both CBD and Nano-Se promoted shifts in gut bacterial enzyme activity to increased energy uptake in challenged chickens and upregulated potential collagenase activity. There was no opposite effect of CBD and Nano-Se in mediating the host response to challenge, whereas an additive effect was evidenced on the upregulation of gene determining gut integrity. Collectively, these findings indicate that understanding the action mechanisms of CBD and Nano-Se is of great interest for developing a preventive strategy for C. perfringens infection in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) in feed and food. This risk assessment is limited to QAs occurring in Lupinus species/varieties relevant for animal and human consumption in Europe (i.e. Lupinus albus L., Lupinus angustifolius L., Lupinus luteus L. and Lupinus mutabilis Sweet). Information on the toxicity of QAs in animals and humans is limited. Following acute exposure to sparteine (reference compound), anticholinergic effects and changes in cardiac electric conductivity are considered to be critical for human hazard characterisation. The CONTAM Panel used a margin of exposure (MOE) approach identifying a lowest single oral effective dose of 0.16 mg sparteine/kg body weight as reference point to characterise the risk following acute exposure. No reference point could be identified to characterise the risk of chronic exposure. Because of similar modes of action for QAs, the CONTAM Panel used a group approach assuming dose additivity. For food, the highest mean concentration of Total QAs (TotQAs) (i.e. the 6 most abundant QAs) was found in lupin seed samples classified as 'Lupins (dry) and similar‐'. Due to the limited data on occurrence and consumption, dietary exposure was calculated for some specific scenarios and no full human health risk characterisation was possible. The calculated margin of exposures (MOEs) may indicate a risk for some consumers. For example, when lupin seeds are consumed without a debittering step, or as debittered lupin seeds high in QA content and when 'lupin‐based meat imitates' are consumed. For horses, companion and farm animals, other than salmonids, the available database on adverse effects was too limited to identify no‐observed‐adverse‐effect levels and/or lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect levels and no risk characterisation was possible. For salmonids, the CONTAM Panel considers the risk for adverse effects to be low. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Supporting Publications articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2019.EN-1348/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2019.EN-1717/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens infection has reemerged as a prevalent poultry disease worldwide due to reduced usage of prophylactic antibiotics under consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. The lack of alternative antimicrobial strategies to control this disease is mainly due to limited insight into the relationship between NE pathogenesis, microbiome, and host responses. Here we showed that the microbial metabolic byproduct of secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA), at as low as 50 µM, inhibited 82.8% of C. perfringens growth in Tryptic Soy Broth (P < 0.05). Sequential Eimeria maxima and C. perfringens challenges significantly induced NE, severe intestinal inflammation, and body weight (BW) loss in broiler chickens. These negative effects were diminished (P < 0.05) by 1.5 g/kg DCA diet. At the cellular level, DCA alleviated NE-associated ileal epithelial death and significantly reduced lamina propria cell apoptosis. Interestingly, DCA reduced C. perfringens invasion into ileum (P < 0.05) without altering the bacterial ileal luminal colonization. Molecular analysis showed that DCA significantly reduced inflammatory mediators of Infγ, Litaf, Il1β, and Mmp9 mRNA accumulation in ileal tissue. Mechanism studies revealed that C. perfringens induced (P < 0.05) elevated expression of inflammatory mediators of Infγ, Litaf, and Ptgs2 (Cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) gene) in chicken splenocytes. Inhibiting the COX signaling by aspirin significantly attenuated INFγ-induced inflammatory response in the splenocytes. Consistent with the in vitro assay, chickens fed 0.12 g/kg aspirin diet protected the birds against NE-induced BW loss, ileal inflammation, and intestinal cell apoptosis. In conclusion, microbial metabolic product DCA prevents NE-induced BW loss and ileal inflammation through attenuating inflammatory response. These novel findings of microbiome protecting birds against NE provide new options on developing next generation antimicrobial alternatives against NE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poultry breeding programs have been focused on improvement of growth and carcass traits, however, this has resulted in correlated changes in internal organ weights and increased incidence of metabolic disorders. These disorders can affect feed efficiency or even cause death. We used a high density SNP array (600 K, Affymetrix) to estimate genomic heritability, perform genome-wide association analysis, and identify genomic regions and positional candidate genes (PCGs) associated with internal organ traits in an F2 chicken population. We integrated knowledge of haplotype blocks, selection signature regions and sequencing data to refine the list of PCGs. Results: Estimated genomic heritability for internal organ traits in chickens ranged from low (LUNGWT, 0.06) to high (GIZZWT, 0.45). A total of 20 unique 1 Mb windows identified on GGA1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 15, 18, 19, 21, 27 and 28 were significantly associated with intestine length, and weights or percentages of liver, gizzard or lungs. Within these windows, 14 PCGs were identified based on their biological functions: TNFSF11, GTF2F2, SPERT, KCTD4, HTR2A, RB1, PCDH7, LCORL, LDB2, NR4A2, GPD2, PTPN11, ITGB4 and SLC6A4. From those genes, two were located within haplotype blocks and three overlapped with selection signature regions. A total of 13,748 annotated sequence SNPs were in the 14 PCGs, including 156 SNPs in coding regions (124 synonymous, 26 non-synonymous, and 6 splice variants). Seven deleterious SNPs were identified in TNFSF11, NR4A2 or ITGB4 genes. Conclusions: The results from this study provide novel insights to understand the genetic architecture of internal organ traits in chickens. The QTL detection performed using a high density SNP array covered the whole genome allowing the discovery of novel QTL associated with organ traits. We identified PCGs within the QTL involved in biological processes that may regulate internal organ growth and development. Potential functional genetic variations were identified generating crucial information that, after validation, might be used in poultry breeding programs to reduce the occurrence of metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chicken gut is constantly exposed to harmful molecules and microorganisms which endanger the integrity of the intestinal wall. Strengthening intestinal mucosal integrity is a key target for feed additives that aim to promote intestinal health in broilers. Recently, dietary inclusion of resin-based products has been shown to increase broiler performance. However, the mode of action is still largely unexplored. Coniferous resin acids are known for their anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, all properties that might support broiler intestinal health. In the current study, the effect of pure resin acids on broiler intestinal health was explored. Ross 308 broilers were fed a diet supplemented with coniferous resin acids for 22 days, after which the effect on both the intestinal microbiota as well as on the intestinal tissue morphology and activity of host collagenases was assessed. Dietary inclusion of resin acids did not alter the morphology of the healthy intestine and only minor effects on the intestinal microbiota were observed. However, resin acids-supplementation reduced both duodenal inflammatory T cell infiltration and small intestinal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity towards collagen type I and type IV. Reduced breakdown of collagen type I and IV might indicate a protective effect of resin acids on intestinal barrier integrity by preservation of the basal membrane and the extracellular matrix. Further studies are needed to explore the protective effects of resin acids on broiler intestinal health under sub-optimal conditions and to elaborate our knowledge on the mechanisms behind the observed effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Over‐nutrition and its late consequences are a dominant theme in medicine today. In addition to the health hazards brought on by over‐nutrition, the medical community has recently accumulated a roster of health benefits with obesity, grouped under "obesity paradox." Throughout the world and throughout history until the 20th century, under‐nutrition was a dominant evolutionary force. Under‐nutrition brings with it a mix of benefits and detriments that are opposite to and continuous with those of over‐nutrition. This continuum yields J‐shaped or U‐shaped curves relating body mass index to mortality. The overweight have an elevated risk of dying in middle age of degenerative diseases while the underweight are at increased risk of premature death from infectious conditions. Micronutrient deficiencies, major concerns of nutritional science in the 20th century, are being neglected. This "hidden hunger" is now surprisingly prevalent in all weight groups, even among the overweight. Because micronutrient replacement is safe, inexpensive, and predictably effective, it is now an exceptionally attractive target for therapy across the spectrum of weight and age. Nutrition‐related conditions worthy of special attention from caregivers include excess vitamin A, excess vitamin D, and deficiency of magnesium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the progresses of the journal. He states that the number of submissions received within the last two years has been rising constantly and nearly doubled within the reporting period. The ISI impact factor of the journal has also risen substantially in 2008 and is now 1.014. He has also reflected on the broad thematic standing of the journal by mentioning various articles of varied topics like vertebrate pest control and promising avenues for the control of forest pests.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]