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Objective: This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract (COE) in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). Methods: A total of 150 broiler birds (day-old) were equally divided into five study groups i.e., negative control, positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3. On day 10, broilers of groups COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 were supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 mL of COE respectively per liter of drinking water for 15 days. On day 13, 0.1 mL/bird (10–5.25 ELD50) of vNDV was inoculated in broilers of positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 groups intramuscularly. During this study, growth performance, morbidity, and mortality rates of each study group were recorded. The antibody titer against NDV was determined on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The levels of immunoglobulins (IgY and IgM) were also determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) inoculation. On day 33, avian tuberculin was injected between the 1st and 2nd toes of the left side (intradermally) to measure lymphoproliferative responses. On day 35, the phagocytic activity in the blood was assessed through a carbon clearance assay by injecting carbon black ink into the right-wing vein. The visceral organs having gross lesions were also collected for histopathology. Results: The COE significantly improved the growth performance, and lowered the morbidity and mortality rates of broilers. There was a significant rise in antibody titers against NDV and levels of IgY and IgM antibodies against SRBC in COE-supplemented broilers. The lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic activity were also enhanced. Among COEsupplemented groups, the broilers of the COE-3 group showed a significant increase in growth performance and boosted immune defense. Conclusion: Coconut oil extract has the potential to boost the growth performance and immune status of broilers. It can be used effectively as a feed additive and alternative to antibiotics to prevent the spread of infectious poultry pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the epidemiology of Chicken Infectious Anemia (CIA) in commercial and backyard poultry in Faisalabad division. Chicken Infectious Anemia is caused by a DNA virus belonging to the genus Gyrovirus and the family Circoviridae. The CIAV is a cause of severe anemia, leading to various pathological disorders in poultry. A total of 4455 samples were collected from 891 farms from the Faisalabad division, including Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh districts, through a simple random sampling technique. The samples were subjected to necropsy examination for gross pathology of CIA. A total of 770 (17.28%) out of 4455 were found positive for CIA. Among layers, 475 (22.47%) samples out of 2095 samples were found positive for CIA; in broilers, 255 (11.69%) out of 2180, and in nondescript birds, 40 (22.22%) out of 180 samples were found positive through PCR. Different risk factors through multiple logistic regression were studied which showed high prevalence of CIA in layer birds as compared with other types of birds. Among districts for the occurrence of CIA, Toba Tek Singh was at higher risk; similarly, high risk was seen in control shed housing in layer birds; the age group of 26-30 weeks was more prone to CIA infection, and on a seasonal basis, it was higher in Summer. The CIA infected birds had pale combs and wattles, ruffled feathers, hemorrhages on the skin, and an overall anemic appearance. At necropsy, lesions included atrophy of thymic lobes, atrophy of bone marrow, haemorrhagic lesions were found on the breast & thigh muscles and heart, and a swollen liver with a mottled appearance was a prominent lesion. Based on the current study, it may be concluded that CIA is a widespread disease in commercial and backyard poultry in the Faisalabad Division, and there is a need to make serious efforts for its effective control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are the secondary fungal metabolites produced by various toxigenic fungal species and are found in several feedstuffs, particularly in plants during pre- and post-harvesting conditions, like processing, transportation and storage. They can cause disease in both humans and animals. The occurrence of mycotoxins is of high concern to food safety and security due to their negative health and economic effects. Consequently, the control of mycotoxin adulteration is a major goal of the food and agriculture industries. Therefore it is need of time to express the new approaches which may alleviate the economic and health implications linked with mycotoxins adulteration of food and feed ingredients having negative effects on public health and global trade. Several approaches have been assumed to alleviate mycotoxin adulteration but often fall short of the requisite efficiency. One of the auspicious strategies is the usage of bioactive plant metabolites or components synergistically with mycotoxin-adsorbing compounds for limiting the exposure of these mycotoxins and their adverse health effects. Several studies have proven that plant extracts have a variety of bioactive components which may prevent mould growth. The metabolites formed by plants are a promising substitute because plants produce a huge variety of compounds, either as a part of their growth or in response to stress or pathogen attack. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential for control of fungal growth in food commodities by using plant-derived products or phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the defensive effects of Vitamin E (Vit. E) and Urtica dioica (UD) in the mitigation of developmental anomalies induced by thiamethoxam (TMX) in chicken embryos. Methods: For this purpose, a total of 140 fertile eggs were equally divided into seven experimental groups (AG); Groups A and B were kept as negative and sham control, respectively. Group C was exposed to TMX while groups D and E were supplemented with Vit. E and U. dioica, respectively along with TMX. Group F received Vit. E and group G U. dioica, only. The eggs were examined on days 10th and 20th of incubation for the assessment of developmental flaws and musculoskeletal anomalies. Results: The mortality rate was highest (40%) in group C (TMX) followed by groups D and E (20 and 15%), respectively. Developing embryos were exposed to TMX for retarded growth weight and crown-rump length (CRL) were significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The highest survival rate was recorded in negative control group A. The teratogenic defects recorded in this study include growth retardation, decreased crown-rump length, shortened beak, exencephaly, feather scantiness, and limb deformities. Morphometric analysis revealed improved growth by all parameters in Vit. E and U. dioica supplemented groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that developmental defects are due to induced TMX, can be counteracted with Vit. E and U. dioica and have no phytochemicals negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by pathogenic fungi under suitable environmental conditions. Moringa oleifera and vitamin E are known antioxidants and immunostimulants. In present experimental study, M. oleifera and vitamin E were administered in birds feed to mitigate the toxico-pathological impacts of aflatoxin B1 in white Leghorn layer males. A total of 120 white Leghorn layer male birds were equally divided into six experimental groups. Group A was kept as negative control, group B was fed 400ppb of aflatoxin, while D and F groups were fed normal feed and supplemented with vitamin E (100ppm) and 1 %M. oleifera, respectively. The birds in C and E groups were given 400 ppb AFB1 in feed and supplemented with vitamin E and M. oleifera, respectively. During the 60 days of experimental trial, hematobiochemical and histopathological parameters were studied. The data obtained was analysed by analysis of variance test and group means were compared by DMR test using M STAT C statistical software. During and at the end of experimental trial, male layer birds were slaughtered, collected kidney and liver were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin to investigate gross and histopathological alternations. There were significant alterations in hematological and serum biochemical parameters of aflatoxin treated birds. Serum enzymes including ALT, AST and LDH values were significantly increased in group B in contrast to control group A. The histopathological changes in hepatic and renal parenchyma induced by AFB1 were prominent and no such changes were seen in A, D and F groups, while C and E group showed mild necrotic changes which was an indication of ameliorative effects of vitamin E and M. oleifera. It may be concluded that vitamin E and M. oleifera have potential to mitigate toxicity of aflatoxin B1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is the most prevalent parasite that mostly affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this parasite infects about one-third of the world's population of people. Lack of information regarding toxoplasmosis in the population of domestic and stray dogs and cats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a major factor in the decision to conduct this study. Our aim was to use serological technique to establish the seroprevalence of T. gondii in dogs and cats. In this study, 405 dogs and 405 cats, blood samples were collected from various veterinary hospitals and privates pet clinics and an ELISA test was used to determine anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Information on four risk factors age, sex, deworming of dogs and cats and, area was collected from the owners by questionnaire. Total seroprevalence in dogs, and cats was 45.18% (183/405), and 51.60% (209/405), respectively. No significant difference was documented on basis of age and gender between dogs, and cats. Dogs and cats from urban areas showed lower seroprevalence than rural areas. Dogs that had received deworming showed lower seroprevalence. This research indicates that neglected parasite Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in dogs and cats in Pakistan, which may have great public health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry oil is commonly used as a cost-effective energy source in poultry feed. However, when used at higher levels, raw poultry oil has been found to have adverse effects on the liver of birds. Unfortunately, many poultry farmers remain unaware of these harmful effects. The objective of this experiment was to investigate how poultry oil impacts liver health and contributes to fatty liver syndrome in layers. Using a completely randomized design, 120 Lohmann Single Comb (LSL-Lite) layers (25-week-old) were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups, each of which had 30 birds. Increasing amounts of poultry oil (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5%) were used in experimental diets. Hens were fed these experimental diets for 20 weeks. The results showed maximum liver fat percentage in 4.5% poultry oil in diet, severe liver congestion, degeneration and cell necrosis in caged layers. Plasma lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by poultry oil addition. Higher liver scores indicative of fatty liver syndrome was observed in layers receiving 4.5% poultry oil, while the control group showed the lowest incidence. This study indicated that poultry oil dietary addition at a higher level (4.5%) lead to an increased serum lipid profile and has a negative impact on liver health, ultimately causing fatty liver syndrome in caged layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils are potent medicinal substances that can control multiple diseases through their bioactivities. In the current research, the anticoccidial potential of the Amomum subulatum essential oil was estimated in broiler chicks. A day-old, 270 broiler chicks were divided equally into 6 groups, each having 3 replicates. All the groups, except the infected non-medicated control group, were given sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. The first three groups received essential oil of A. subulatum @ 1%, 2%, and 3% (v/w) in the feed, and their activities were evaluated in comparison to the Symocox® (Toltrazuril) treated groups and infected non-medicated groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake, weight gain, rates of mortality, organ weight ratios, fecal scores, lesion scores, and oocyst per gram of feces were taken as the parameters of the study. Blood parameters e.g. red blood cell, white blood cells, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and serum metabolites like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transferase, alkaline phosphatases, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, proteins, and albumins were also evaluated. A. subulatum essential oil @ 3% concentration had the best FCR, survival rates, and feed intakes. A. subulatum essential oils also significantly reduced lesions lowered oocyst counts and improved fecal scores. Hematological and serum profiles were improved by the essential oil of A. subulatum in the feed and the best results were achieved by the 3% concentration of the oil. This research concluded that the A. subulatum essential oil @ 3% concentration can be used for the treatment of avian coccidiosis however formulation of the dose requires further studies on broiler chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]