Search

Family and friend caregivers play critical roles in ensuring that persons with serious illness receive high-quality care, and their responsibilities often increase as patients transition from receiving solely curative-focused care to primarily palliative-focused care. Integrating family caregivers into the health care team and supporting them in their role has significant benefits for family caregivers, patients, health care systems, communities, and society. Palliative care clinicians across all disciplines are uniquely suited to provide necessary training and support to family caregivers as they navigate the demands of their role. Here, we contend that providing comprehensive palliative care includes addressing the needs of family caregivers and provide ten tips and practical guidance to assist palliative care clinicians to support family caregivers. Engaging family caregivers as partners in care will ultimately allow palliative care clinicians to deliver the highest quality patient care and ensure the best possible outcomes for families facing serious illnesses.

Our objective was to determine whether inclusion of industrial egg residue (IER) in the diets of laying hens would replace calcitic limestone without interfering with productive efficiency, egg quality or digestibility. In a first study (Experiment I), we used 30% IER in the diets of laying hens and found that the apparent digestibility coefficients were 51.6%, 42.8%, 51.6% and 17.8% for dry matter, crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, respectively. In the second study (Experiment II), we compared a control diet containing calcitic limestone with four diets containing increasing levels of IER, in proportions of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. During the first cycle (day 1-28), there was no difference between treatments in terms of productive performance or egg quality. During the second production cycle (day 29-56), we observed less food consumption by birds that ingested the highest levels of IER (100% substitution) than in controls. During the third cycle (day 57-84), we found that the inclusion of IER negatively affected performance, particularly lower production numbers, lower egg mass and higher feed conversion. Finally, during the third cycle, chickens broke and ingested their eggs shortly after laying. We conclude that the use of industrial egg residue cannot replace limestone in the feed of commercial laying hens, because it reduces performance and affects egg quality.

We measured the effects of açai oil in the diets of prepartum cows to evaluate health, milk production and quality. Sixteen Holstein cows were divided into two groups: SOY used as control, and AÇAI, test group. Occurred inclusion of 4% soybean or açai oils was provided in the concentrate starting at 20 days prepartum [d -20 to d 0 (partum-day)]. The AÇAI diet increased (P=0.01) milk production (d 10 and 20) and reduced somatic cell count (d 20). In milk, no effects were detected (P≥0.10) for concentration of fat, lactose or protein as well as in terms of serum concentration of calcium, albumin or triglycerides. AÇAI diet tended to increase (P=0.09) serum concentrations of total protein, glutathione transferase (d 4), and total antioxidant capacity (d 4 and 10) and increased (P≤0.05) globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (d 4). Further, AÇAI diet reduced the serum concentration of creatine kinase (P≤0.05) (d 0, 4 and 10), reactive oxygen species (d 0 and 4) and lipoperoxidation (d 0) and tended to reduce aspartate transaminase activity (P=0.07; d 0 and 4). Açai oil in the diets in prepartum cows improved their health as well as milk production and quality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of broilers fed diets containing glycerol monolaurate (GML) in place of antimicrobials. Groups: T0 group used as control; T100, T200, and T300 groups received diets supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of GML, respectively. The feed mixture used in the poultry feed during the four phases of the production cycle (days 1 to 7; 8 to 21; 22 to 35; and 36 to 42 of birds age) showed similar levels of protein, lipid and ash, as well as fatty acid profiles. Samples of frozen breasts from chickens slaughtered at 42 days of age were used for chemical gross composition and fatty acid analysis. We observed lower lipid levels in the meat of broilers in the T200 and T300 groups than in the T0 group. Lower lipid peroxidation occurred in the meat of animals that consumed GML in respect to control. Total saturated fatty acid percentage was lower, while total polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage was higher in the meat of broilers fed GML than in the control group. We conclude that the increase in GML concentrations alters the lipid profile of broiler meat., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fusarium verticillioides is often responsible for contamination of poultry feed with the mycotoxin fumonisin. The objective of the study was to determine whether fumonisin-contaminated feed in the early phase of broiler chicks causes oxidative imbalances and interferes with weight gain. One-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks (n = 80) were divided into four treatments of 20 birds each, all of which were fed basal feed until the 11th day of age. From day 12, some birds were challenged with fumonisin in the feed: Control (T0) continued receiving the basal ration; treatments T1, T2, and T3 were given feed experimentally contaminated with fumonisin at concentrations of 2.5 ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm, respectively. After the 5th (day 17) and 10th (day 21) days, ten birds from each treatment were euthanized for blood and tissue collection to measure histopathological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers. All animals were weighed individually at the beginning of the experiment (day 12), and at 17 and 21 days of age. Birds that ingested 10 ppm of fumonisin (T3) had lower (P < 0.05) weight gain compared to those in T0. At 21 days, the body weights of the T1, T2 and T3 chicks were 1.3%, 8.97% and 18.7% lower, respectively, than those of T0. No histological lesions in the livers were observed for any treatment; however, higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS: day 21) and lipoperoxidation (LPO: days 17 and 21) were observed, associated with lower liver activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD: day 21), glutathione peroxidase (GPx: day 17 and 21) and glutathione S-transferase (GST: day 21) when birds consumed 5 or 10 ppm of fumonisin. In serum, LPO levels and SOD and GPx activities were lower for groups consuming high doses of fumonisin in the diet (T2 and T3); ROS levels and GST activity were higher in these birds. Birds that consumed fumonisin-containing diets had lower levels of alanine aminotransferase, total protein and albumin (T3); as well as lower serum glucose levels (days 17 and 21), uric acid and triglycerides (day 21) in T3 than in T0. At 21 days, there were smaller crypt sizes and intestinal villi in birds that consumed high levels of fumonisin. These results suggest that fumonisin (10 ppm) in chick diet causes hepatic oxidative stress and impairs intestinal health, consequently negatively affecting weight gain., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Energy metabolism is a sensitive indicator of cellular disorders. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate changes in cardiac and hepatic energy metabolism during listeriosis using an experimental model. We divided gerbils into two groups: Control (n = 11) and orally Infected (n = 12) with 5 × 10 9  CFU/mL of Listeria monocytogenes. Euthanasia and sampling were performed on days 6 and 12 post-infection (PI). Histopathological lesions were not found in the heart; however, the liver showed pyogranuloma. In the hearts of infected animals, cytosolic creatine kinase activity was lower on day 6 and 12 PI; mitochondrial creatine kinase/pyruvate kinase (PK), and sodium potassium pump (Na + /K + -ATPase) activities were lower on day 12 PI. Hepatic PK and Na + /K + -ATPase activities were lower in the infected group on day 12 PI. Lipoperoxidation was higher in the livers and hearts of infected animals on day 12 PI, and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) was also higher in this group. These data suggest that subclinical listeriosis alters hepatic and cardiac energy metabolism, possibly related to decreased activity of phosphotransferases and ATPase. Subsequent antioxidant responses are not sufficient to correct alterations in lipid peroxidation and bioenergetics, possibly leading to important cellular pathological mechanisms., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that has tropism for the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine whether experimental infection of gerbils would interfere with activity of enzymes associated with energy metabolism. We randomized 20 gerbils into two groups (ten animals per group): the control group (healthy animals; uninfected) and the infected group (experimentally infected with dose 7.8 × 10 2 tachyzoites of N. caninum per gerbil). On day six and twelve post-infection (PI), brain and spleen tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. No histopathological lesions were observed in the brains of infected animals; however, inflammatory infiltrates were found in the spleen. Significantly greater levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in the brain and spleen of infected gerbils than in the control group at 12 days PI. Cytosolic creatine kinase (CK-CYT), mitochondrial creatine kinase (CK-MIT), and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities were lower in the brains of infected gerbils than in those of the control group on day 12 PI. There was significantly less CK-CYT activity in the spleens of infected gerbils on day 6 and 12 PI. Finally, there was significantly less sodium-potassium ion pump (Na + /K + ATPase) activity in the brains and spleens of infected gerbils on day 12 PI. These data suggest that experimental infection with N. caninum interfered with energy metabolism associated with ATP homeostasis in the brain and spleen, directly or indirectly, apparently mediated by ROS overproduction, contributing to inhibition of Na + /K + ATPase activity., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with açaí flour in the feed of laying hens at the end of the production cycle has beneficial effects on the health and performance of the birds and on the quality of the eggs. Groups received basal diets supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% açaí lump flour. We observed better productivity linked to oviposition and egg mass in a dose-dependent manner. We also observed higher shell resistance in stored eggs and higher % albumen and peel in fresh eggs. Lower levels of lipoperoxidation were observed in fresh eggs (2.0%). In stored eggs, lipoperoxidation levels were lower in all supplemented groups. The antioxidant capacity levels in fresh or stored eggs was higher (2.0%). We also observed a higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the supplemented groups, whereas saturated fatty acids were lower in the egg yolks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Based on a regression analysis, we verified that 1.47% of açaí flour is ideal in terms of productive efficiency. Dietary supplementation with açaí flour improved performance, egg quality, and had positive effects on the health of hens. Supplementation with açaí flour increased egg shelf life, reducing lipid peroxidation, biochemical reaction responsible for egg putrefaction., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Two experiments were performed to determine whether oral administration of copper oxide capsules controlled helminthic infections in Lacaune sheep without acute collateral effects on animal health. In experiment 1, 48 multiparous lactating sheep (60.1 ± 8.5 kg) were stratified according to initial number of eggs (Haemonchus contortus) per gram of feces (EPG) and were assigned randomly to 1 of two treatments (24 sheep/treatment): no oral administration (control) or oral administration of two copper capsules (treated; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight). Blood and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 15 and 45. Animals treated with copper capsules showed lower of EPG, eosinophils, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in whole blood, and lower butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum. Treated sheep had higher erythrocyte numbers, hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit, and lymphocyte numbers. In experiment 2, 12 male lambs negative for helminths and coccidia were assigned randomly to one of two treatments (six lambs/treatment): control or treated (one copper capsule; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight); the experiment was designed to determine whether the results of experiment 1 were due to treatment or parasitism. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 5, 10 and 15 and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 15. Treated animals showed greater concentrations of lymphocytes; however, treatment had no effect on other hemogram variables, AChE and BChE activities, or levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, urea, albumin, total protein, and reactive oxygen species. These data suggest that copper capsules in dairy sheep efficiently controlled H. contortus infections. Treatment was not harmful to lambs during the first 15 days, i.e. there were no signs of acute toxicity., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of açai (Euterpe oleracea) oil in the diets of lactating sheep under heat stress exerted beneficial effects on health as well as milk production and quality. Eighteen multiparous Lacaune sheep (2 or 3 parities; 28-30 days of lactation; average milk production of 1.7 L/sheep/day) were stratified by parity and milk production and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): diet supplemented with 2% of soybean oil (SOY) or 2% of açai oil (AÇAI) in the concentrate for 14 days. The amount of oil added in the diet was equivalent to 0.65% of the total diet (dry matter basis). Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 10 and 14. On day 14, the AÇAI group sheep had lower serum concentrations of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes than did the SOY group sheep. On day 14, AÇAI group sheep had lower serum concentration of triglycerides and urea, milk concentration of fat and total solid and milk lipid peroxidation than did SOY group sheep. However, on day 14, AÇAI group sheep had higher serum concentrations of glucose and globulin, serum and milk antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, milk production and productive efficiency than did SOY group sheep. The fatty acids profile in milk did not differ between groups. These data suggest that açai oil improved the antioxidant activity in serum and milk and improved milk production and quality in dairy sheep under heat stress., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementing the diets of laying hens with selenomethionine (SM, 1% selenium) improves performance and egg quality. We supplemented diets with SM as follows: T0 control (without SM); T5, T10, T15, and T20 were supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg of SM/kg of feed, respectively (equal to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mg selenium/kg of feed). T5 and T10 hens showed better feed conversion per kg of egg, percentage of laying, higher daily feed intake, and higher average egg weight. The eggs of hens supplemented with SM had lower levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) in fresh (T15 and T20) and stored eggs (T20). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as total antioxidant capacity were greater in egg yolks after storage (T10; T15; T20 compared to T0). Hens supplemented with SM had elevated GPx and SOD activities and decreased oxidative reactions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Selenium has several nutraceutical properties, with beneficial effects on the health of the animal and the food produced from them (eggs, in this case). Selenomethionine supplementation in the diet of laying hens improves productive efficiency, stimulates the antioxidant system and reduces lipid peroxidation in the egg yolk. Egg-laying hens that received selenomethionine showed minimized lipid peroxidation in stored eggs, possibly improving shelf life of the eggs., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grape residue flour (GRF) on antioxidant activities, biochemistry variables, components of the immune system and milk production and quality of Lacaune sheep in heat stress. Twenty-seven multiparous lactating sheep [50 ± 1.8 days (d) milking] were stratified by initial body weight, age, date of lambing and milk production and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): no GRF supplementation (control group) or supplementation at 1% (10 g/kg GRF) or 2% (20 g/kg GRF) of GRF (bark and seed) in the concentrate (grains and minerals mixture). Each ewe received 0.8 kg/d of concentrate, 3.6 kg/d of corn silage, and 0.25 kg/d of Cynodon spp hay. Milk production along with blood and milk samples were collected on d 1, 10 and 15. The 2% GRF sheep had increased serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity on d 15 compared to control sheep. Over time (d 10 to 15), lipid peroxidation was reduced in 2% GRF sheep. Total serum antioxidant capacity was greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 10 and 15. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in milk samples were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep. Supplementation with GRF did not affect milk production but GRF sheep were more efficient compared to control sheep. Protein and lactose concentrations were similar between treatments, but total solids and fat concentrations were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 15. Somatic cell count was reduced in GRF sheep compared to control sheep. In summary, supplementation with 2% GRF in dairy sheep in heat stress resulted in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, which improved milk quality and reduced somatic cell count and lipid peroxidation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), known as lauric acid, is a chemical compound formed from lauric acid and glycerol that presents strong antimicrobial activity. Therefore, our hypothesis is that MGL can replace conventional antimicrobials, being a new alternative to poultry farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of GML as a replacement for antibiotics could have positive effects on health and performance of broiler chickens. For this, 240, one-day-old, Cobb 500 broiler chicks were weighed and randomly distributed into four groups with four repetitions each (n = 15). The control group, T0, received a basal diet containing antibiotic (60 ppm of bacitracin), while the T100, T200, and T300 groups received a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of GML, respectively. The birds were weighed at intervals of seven days, as well as at the end of the experiment (day 42). Blood samples were collected for evaluating animal health, stool for counting bacteria and coccidian, as well as muscle (chest) to measure meat quality, respectively. At the end of the experiment (day 42), body weight, weight gain, and daily weight gain of broiler chickens in the T300 group were higher than the T0 group (P < 0.05). Indeed, feed conversion was lower compared to T0. Animals that received diets containing GML showed lower amounts of Eimeria spp. oocysts on day 42 in comparison to the control group. Low total bacterial counts on day 21 of the experiment were also observed in the treated groups. Conversely, plasma levels of total protein, globulins, uric acid, and glucose were higher in animals that received GML when compared to the control group. It was also observed higher carcass yields in the breast muscle of the T100 group when compared to other groups. Lower water holding capacity was observed in breast meat of animals of the groups T100, T200, and T300 when compared to T0. Histopathological findings were compatible with coccidiosis, and the degree of these lesions did not differ among groups. Based on these results, GML in the diets of broiler chickens, showing potent antimicrobial effect, growth promoter capacity, and lack of toxicity. Therefore, GML is a promising alternative to replace conventional antimicrobials used in the diets of broiler chickens., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of grape pomace flour (GPF) in the diet of laying hens at the end of the productive cycle and on heat stress could exert benefits on their health and performance, as well as egg quality. For this, 74-week-old laying hens (n = 64) were divided into four groups with four repetitions each, as follow: T0 (the control group; without GPF), T1 (1% GPF), T2 (2% GPF) and T3 (3% GPF) during 35 days. Percentage of laid eggs was higher in the group T1 compared to T0, and the feed intake was higher in the groups T1, T2 and T3 compared to T0. There was no difference regarding the chemical-physical composition of fresh eggs; however, eggs from GPF-fed chickens showed changes after storage regarding specific gravity, yolk index, pH of yolk, albumen and Haugh unit compared to T0. Fresh or stored egg yolk from GPF groups showed higher antioxidant capacity and lower lipid peroxidation compared to T0. GPF (3%) prevented the reduction of monounsaturated fatty acids in the yolk of stored eggs compared to T0. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, as well as total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals were higher in the serum of laying hens that received GPF compared to T0, while lipid peroxidation was lower. In summary, the addition of GPF in the diet for laying hens at the end of the productive cycle can be beneficial for animal health and exerted positive effects in their performance and egg quality., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Lamb farming is generally a secondary activity for farmers, and many breeding systems suffer from management failures that impair production. One reason for decline in performance is enteritis, usually affecting newborn lambs. Enteritis can be fatal, especially in dairy herds. Generally, lambs are fed sucrose or unprocessed milk from sheep or cow that is heated and fed to animals two or three times a day in baby bottles. However, on most farms, milk temperature differs among feeds, as often the process of alteration among diet adaptations is deficient, contributing to enteritis and consequent diarrhea. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to verify the administration of the homeopathic product (Dia 100 ® ) in newborn and bottle-fed lambs, in order to prevent or minimize the occurrence of diarrhea. We studied 60 lambs, divided into two groups with ten repetitions each (n = 30) and during the nursing period (1-45 days of life). Animals in the treated group received the homeopathic product (36 g) orally divided into three doses (1, 7 and 14 days of life). We measured weight gain, mortality, bacterial counts (Escherichia coli and total coliforms) in feces, hematological analysis (leukocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocytes) and biochemical analyses (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, urea and total protein) at four time-points. There were no differences in weight gain between groups (P > 0.05); however, there was a higher mortality rate in the control group (13%) than in the treated group (6%). E. coli counts were significantly higher in the stools of control group lambs on days 15 and 45 of the experiment (P < 0.05). Total leukocyte counts were greater in treated animals due to greater numbers of lymphocytes on day 15 of the experiment (P < 0.05). In the treated group, we found higher serum levels of total protein, urea (day 15), globulin and triglycerides (days 15 and 30). In the period of administration of the homeopathic product, there was substantial and significant reduction of cases of diarrhea (up to day 14); however, after this period, there were no difference between groups. Based on these results, we concluded that the homeopathic product had moderate efficacy in terms of control of diarrhea. The treated lambs made better use of nutrients, contributing to the development of their immune responses., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aims of this study were to investigate whether treatments with zinc edetate (Zn) and diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) enhance performance, immune responses, protein metabolism, and oxidant/antioxidant status in calf serum and muscle. Animals were divided into four groups (n=6 each): control (without supplementation), and groups supplemented on days 50 and 70 of life with (PhSe)2, Zn, and a combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn. Animals treated with (PhSe)2 gained more weight by experimental day 220 than did the control group, but there was no difference by the end of the experiment (day 300). The absolute number of leukocytes and lymphocytes increased in groups Zn and (PhSe)2+Zn on day 20 of experiment, but decreased on day 40 in groups (PhSe)2, and (PhSe)2+Zn. The number of monocytes decreased in all groups compared with control. One of the principal findings was that (PhSe)2+Zn together had beneficial effects on protein metabolism, represented by increases total protein and globulin levels, compared with the control group. The combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn led to low levels of TBARS and ROS in serum and muscle, and stimulated antioxidant enzyme activities. Thus, supplementation with (PhSe)2+Zn may be a compelling approach to augmenting the calf antioxidant system during weaning.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol and cinnamic aldehyde, could be considered a replacement for antimicrobials used as growth promoters in broiler chickens, as well as to investigate its effect on total bacterial count, biochemical profiles, meat quality and meat fatty acid profile. A total of 240 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 15 animals each, as follow: T1 (basal diet only; the control group), T2 (basal diet supplemented with zinc bacitracin), T3 (basal diet with 0.5% of the PFA), T4 (basal diet with 1.0% of the PFA). The addition of 0.5% of the PFA improved live body weight of supplemented birds compared to the control group at 35 and 42 days of age, while the total bacterial count in the environment was reduced when 1.0% of the PFA was used. In addition, intestinal villi height and crypt depth suffered variations during the entire experiment in birds treated with both concentrations of the PFA and zinc bacitracin. Total erythrocyte counts were higher on days 14, 28 and 42 in both treated groups (PFA) compared to the control group, as well as hemoglobin content on days 28 and 42. On the other hand, leukocyte counts were lower on days 14, 28 and 42 due to reduced lymphocyte counts in both PFA treated groups compared to the control group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in broilers fed with either concentration of PFA on day 14 of life, and the same was observed regarding aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in broiler treated with 0.5% of the PFA. Also, total protein and globulin levels were lower on days 14 and 28 in groups fed with phytogenic compared to the control group. Regarding meat quality, breast meat showed higher red intensity and shear force in groups fed with both concentrations of phytogenic compared to the control group, while weight loss by cooking was lower. Finally, 1.0% of phytogenic showed lower docosadienoic acid (C22:2) content in breast meat. In conclusion, results showed that the use of PFAs based on carvacrol and thymol may be considered an interesting alternative to increase broilers performance, replacing the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, as well as an interesting alternative to reduce the total bacterial count in the environment of broiler chickens. Moreover, the diet containing phytogenic also showed hepaprotective effects but deserves attention regarding possible alterations on the immune response., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the metaphylactic effect of minerals on immunological and antioxidant responses, as well as performance and prevention of coccidiosis in newborn lambs. We divided 110 newborn lambs into two groups (55/group): control (untreated) and treated with two doses of 0.33 mL/kg of a mineral complex (zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese) on day of life (DOL) 1 and 30. Total blood was collected at DOL 1, 15, 30 and 45 to measure antioxidant enzymes, biochemical and immunology analyses, and haemogram. Treated animals were heavier (P < .05) than untreated lambs on DOL 15 and 45, but not on DOL 30 due to a coccidiosis outbreak. Catalase activity did not differ between groups, while superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase activities were higher (P < .05) in treated lambs compared with control animals. Serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher (P < .05) in treated animals (DOL 15, 30 and 45). A significant increased on the number of lymphocytes (DOL 45), as well as on seric levels of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) was observed in treated animals (DOL 15 and 30). Serum Ig levels remained constant throughout the experiment in the treated group, but fluctuated in the control group. Serum glucose levels were greater in treated animals (DOL 15 and 30). It is possible to conclude that subcutaneous administration of minerals has beneficial effects on lambs by increasing antioxidant and immunological defenses, reflected by greater weight gain, which could mitigate the impact of coccidiosis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of pure and nanostructured cinnamon oil to control the infestation and reproductive efficiency of Rhipicephalus microplus on dairy cows. In vitro (stage I)-engorged female ticks were immersed in concentrations of 1.0, 5.0 and 10% of cinnamon oil on its pure form, and 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0% of the nanostructured form. 10% cinnamon oil (pure form) showed 100% efficacy, whereas concentrations of 1 and 5% were 62 and 97% efficacious, respectively. Nanocapsules and nanoemulsions containing cinnamon oil at 5% showed 95 and 97% efficacy, respectively. In vivo (stage II)-16 naturally tick-infested cows were divided into four groups of four animals each: Group A was composed of dairy cows sprayed with Triton (control); Group B was composed of dairy cows sprayed with cinnamon oil in its pure form (5%), whereas groups C and D were composed of dairy cows sprayed with nanocapsules and nanoemulsions, respectively, containing cinnamon oil at 0.5%. The ticks on each animal were counted on days 0, 1, 4 and 20 after spraying. Animals sprayed with pure and nanoencapsulated cinnamon oil carried significantly fewer ticks on days 1 and 4 post-treatment and were free of ticks on day 20 post-treatment. Ticks collected from these dairy cows (24 h after application) had impaired oviposition and larval inhibition, resulting in 90.5 and 100% efficacy when using pure and nanocapsules, respectively. In conclusion, the pure and nanostructured forms of cinnamon oil interfered with tick reproduction, whereas a significant acaricidal effect was found when applied onto cattle.