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Background: This study hypothesizes that using different amounts of high‐fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in broiler diets may improve performance. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of HFCS added to broiler diets on performance, cecum pH and some biochemical parameters. Methods: A total of 120 Ross 308 chicks at the age of 0 day were divided into three main groups with four subgroups each. The groups consisted of a control (CON), low‐HFCS and high‐HFCS groups. The CON group received a diet containing no HFCS, the low‐HFCS diet contained 50 mg/kg HFCS, and the high‐HFCS diet contained 100 mg/kg HFCS. Body weight gain, feed consumption, carcass weight, visceral weight and cecum pH values were examined as performance parameters. Blood samples were taken at the end of the experiment and used to spectrophotometrically determine triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐CHO), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐CHO), glucose (GLU), creatinine (CRE), uric acid and insulin concentrations, as well as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities and oxidative stress markers. Proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured using ELISA test kits. Results: Feed consumption and body weight gain of the high‐HFCS group decreased (p < 0.01). The feed conversion rate was negatively affected in both HFCS groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.01). The carcass yields of the groups linearly decreased with the increase of HFCS (p < 0.001). Serum LDL cholesterol (p < 0.05) and GLU (p < 0.01) levels were significantly lower in the HFCS groups than the CON. Serum CRE levels were higher in the low‐HFCS group compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were lower in the low‐HFCS group than the CON group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of 100 mg/kg HFCS to broiler diets negatively affected performance parameters, but HFCS supplementation positively affected biochemical parameters. In particular, low‐HFCS supplementation decreased the OSI, indicating that it could possibly reduce oxidative stress. Accordingly, HFCS could be added to broiler diets at a level of 50 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background This study hypothesizes that using different amounts of high‐fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in broiler diets may improve performance. Objectives This study aimed to determine the effects of HFCS added to broiler diets on performance, cecum pH and some biochemical parameters. Methods A total of 120 Ross 308 chicks at the age of 0 day were divided into three main groups with four subgroups each. The groups consisted of a control (CON), low‐HFCS and high‐HFCS groups. The CON group received a diet containing no HFCS, the low‐HFCS diet contained 50 mg/kg HFCS, and the high‐HFCS diet contained 100 mg/kg HFCS. Body weight gain, feed consumption, carcass weight, visceral weight and cecum pH values were examined as performance parameters. Blood samples were taken at the end of the experiment and used to spectrophotometrically determine triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐CHO), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐CHO), glucose (GLU), creatinine (CRE), uric acid and insulin concentrations, as well as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities and oxidative stress markers. Proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured using ELISA test kits. Results Feed consumption and body weight gain of the high‐HFCS group decreased (p

Contradictory reports regarding the effects of nanoselenium (NanoSe) on the performance of broiler chickens may occur. Therefore, the optimum supplementation of NanoSe doses needs to be determined. The current meta-analysis study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and the optimum doses of NanoSe supplementation in broiler diets on performance, blood constituents, carcass, and giblet weight by considering breed and sex. The database was obtained from online scientific publications by searching through search engines such as Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed by entering the keywords nanoselenium, performance, antioxidants, and broiler. A total of 25 articles were included in the meta-analysis database. The study group was treated as a random effect while NanoSe dose, breed, and sex were treated as fixed effects. Daily body weight gain, carcass weight, and breast weight increased quadratically (P < 0.05), and FCR decreased quadratically (P < 0.05) in the starter and cumulative periods with increasing NanoSe supplementation. NanoSe supplementation tended to decrease cumulative feed intake linearly (P < 0.1) and decreased (P < 0.05) abdominal fat, albumin, red blood cells, ALT, and MDA levels. In contrast, levels of total protein, globulin, glucose, AST, white blood cells, cholesterol, triglyceride, and the weight of the liver, heart, gizzard, bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen were not affected by NanoSe supplementation. Increasing the dose of NanoSe increased (P < 0.05) the GSHPx enzyme and Se concentration in breast muscle and liver and tended to enhance (P < 0.01) the CAT enzyme. It is concluded that a proper dose of NanoSe supplementation in a broiler diet improves body weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass, and breast weight without adverse effects on giblets. Dietary NanoSe elevates Se concentration in the breast muscle and liver and antioxidant activity. The current meta-analysis shows that the optimum dose for body weight gain and FCR is 1 to 1.5 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of 2 Ross 308 parent broiler housing systems (SLS—slat-litter system vs. LS—litter-based system) in terms of carcass composition, meat quality traits (chemical composition, texture, physicochemical properties), as well as biometric traits of the digestive system and leg bones. The weight of the eviscerated carcass and the proportion of carcass components were determined at the end of the reproductive period (60 wk of life) following slaughter. The lengths and diameters of the individual intestinal segments, the weight of selected internal organs, the acidity (pH24) and electrical conductivity (EC24), as well as the color (L*, a*, b*) of breast and thigh muscles were assessed. The basal chemical composition of the breast and thigh muscles was also determined, texture analysis of the pectoralis major muscle and measurements of the femur and tibia of parent broilers were also carried out. The housing system differentiated the birds in terms of percentage of breast muscle (SLS—27.4% vs. LS—26.0%) and intramuscular fat content in the breast muscle (SLS—1.1% vs. LS—0.7%), spleen weight pH of the breast and thigh muscles and EC of the thigh muscles (SLS—9.3 mS/cm vs. LS—7.0 mS/cm). Differences were also found between the study groups in the color of the breast and thigh muscles. The housing system affected the results of the texture analysis of the pectoralis major muscle. The birds differed significantly (P < 0.05) in terms of gumminess (SLS—11.1 N vs. LS—16.0 N), springiness, chewiness (SLS—17.6 N × cm vs. LS—23.4 N × cm) and cohesiveness parameters. The housing system did not affect the lengths and diameters of the individual intestinal segments, except for the length of the terminal intestine. There was no significant effect of the housing system on the tibia and femur dimensions analyzed. This study provided information about differences in certain carcass characteristics, meat quality, and the digestive system of Ross 308 parent broilers in relation to the maintenance system.

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IntroductionBodies recovered from water, especially in the late phase of decomposition, pose difficulties to the investigating authorities. Various methods have been proposed for postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) estimation and drowning identification, but some limitations remain. Many recent studies have proved the value of microbiota succession in viscera for postmortem interval estimation. Nevertheless, the visceral microbiota succession and its application for PMSI estimation and drowning identification require further investigation.MethodsIn the current study, mouse drowning and CO2 asphyxia models were developed, and cadavers were immersed in freshwater for 0 to 14 days. Microbial communities in the liver and brain were characterized via 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing.ResultsOnly livers and brains collected from 5 to 14 days postmortem were qualified for sequencing. There was significant variation between microbiota from liver and brain. Differences in microbiota between the cadavers of mice that had drowned and those only subjected to postmortem submersion decreased over the PMSI. Significant successions in microbial communities were observed among the different subgroups within the late phase of the PMSI in livers and brains. Eighteen taxa in the liver which were mainly related to Clostridium_sensu_stricto and Aeromonas, and 26 taxa in the brain which were mainly belonged to Clostridium_sensu_stricto, Acetobacteroides, and Limnochorda, were selected as potential biomarkers for PMSI estimation based on a random forest algorithm. The PMSI estimation models established yielded accurate prediction results with mean absolute errors ± the standard error of 1.282 ± 0.189 d for the liver and 0.989 ± 0.237 d for the brain.ConclusionsThe present study provides novel information on visceral postmortem microbiota succession in corpses submerged in freshwater which sheds new light on PMSI estimation based on the liver and brain in forensic practice.

Simple Summary: The success achieved in the breeding of laying hens and broilers resulted in modern breeding systems. Obtaining meat from laying hens is not a good alternative to intensive broiler production. However, it can be profitable to use this type of production on organic or backyard farms. Dual-purpose hens can be an economical alternative in some production conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the features of carcasses and the digestive systems of dual-purpose hens and broiler breeders. The compared dual-purpose hens differed significantly (p < 0.05) from broiler breeders in terms of carcass weight and dimensions. Multipurpose hens had significantly lower (p < 0.05) percentages of breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, wings, and carcass remainders. On the other hand, broiler breeders were characterized by significantly greater (p > 0.05) total intestinal length, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal intestine. Significant differences were noted in terms of the diameter of individual intestinal segments, with the exception of the iliac and cecum intestines. Broiler breeder hens also had a greater mass of internal organs compared to the dual-purpose layer hens. Raising dual-purpose hens for meat is believed to bring more economic benefits to farmers selling products directly to consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the carcass features and the digestive system of multipurpose hens and spent broiler breeders. In the experiment, 20 carcasses of 70-week-old Rosa 1 dual-purpose hens and 20 carcasses of 62-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeders were used. Measurements of the length of various sections of the intestine and the diameter of individual intestinal segments were made. During the gutting, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen were separated and then weighed. Dual-purpose hens differed significantly (p < 0.05) from broiler breeders in weight and carcass dimensions. Multipurpose hens were characterized by significantly lower (p < 0.05) percentages of breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, wings, and carcass remainders. Broiler breeders were characterized by significantly longer (p > 0.05) total intestinal length, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal intestine. Significant differences were confirmed in terms of the diameter of some segments of the intestine. Broiler breeder hens also had a greater mass of internal organs compared to the dual-purpose layer hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate effect of the used rice fermented using Chrysonillia crassa as a functional feed on biochemical and haematological parameters, microbial populations, internal organ weight and performance of broilers. The study used one hundred and fifty unsexed one-day-old chicks with average body weight of 48.30 ± 4.13g. At day 1 to 7, the chicks were given commercial feed. On day 8 onward, the chickens were randomized distributed to one of three experimental diets of 50 chicks each. The chicks were given formulated diet containing fermented used rice based-functional feed (FF). Drinking water was provided ad libitum. The study used completely randomized design with three experimental diets : T0 (diet without FF), T1 (diet contained 5% FF), and T2 (diet contained 10% FF). The chicken fed the used rice fermented increased in cholesterol, high density lipoprotein status, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, lactic acid bacteria, heart weight. and decreased in mean corpuscular volume, E.coli, jejunum weight, but no affect on body weight gain, feed convertion ratio and feed comsumption. In conclusion that the fermented used rice improved the physiological conditions,intestinal bacterial population and had no detrimental effect on performance of broiler.

Nature chicken is Indonesian local chickens that widely maintained and are very popular in community, because of their distinctive taste and flavour. Expired bread is a food factory waste that has the potential to be used as a feed ingredient for corn substitute rations, because it contains high gross energy and crude protein. The objective of this research was knowing the optimal dosage level of expired bread meal on nature chicken performance. The completely randomized design-based research used 100 one week old nature chicks, with five treatments and four replications. The ration treatments used were of R1(ration with 10% Expired Bread Meal), R2 (ration with 15% Expired Bread Meal), R3 (ration with 20% Expired Bread Meal), R4 (ration with 25% Expired Bread Meal) and R5 (ration with 30% Expired Bread Meal. Parameters measured were feed consumption, final body weight, feed conversion, carcass, giblet and inedible organs. The result can be concluded that ration with 25% expired bread meal gave the optimum performance, therefore it can be used as alternative on nature chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic selection in broilers has resulted in improved growth performance, meat yield, and feed conversion efficiency. However, consumers have become increasingly concerned about modern broiler welfare that is related to their rapid growth rate, which may be alleviated by nutrient dilution. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary amino acid (AA) reduction on the growth performance and internal organ development of different genetic strains of broilers. A randomized completed block design with a factorial arrangement of 10 treatments (5 strains × 2 AA levels) was used. The 5 different strains of broilers were fed either a control diet, with digestible AA (lysine, total sulfur AA, and threonine) at the highest recommended levels for the 5 strains, or an AA-reduced diet, with the digestible AA being 20% lower than the control diet. Feed conversion ratio was increased by AA reduction in all 5 strains during day 0–14, 14–28, and 28–41 but was not affected from day 41–55. Body weight and feed intake responses to AA reduction varied in the different strains and ages of birds. Liver weight relative to BW on day 40, and weights of the duodenum and jejunum relative to BW on day 60 were increased by decreasing the dietary AA concentration. These results indicate that the birds had adjusted their organ growth and metabolism in response to increases in digestion, absorption, and utilization efficiency to accommodate a decrease in dietary AA content. Surprisingly, the cost of feed required to produce the same BW was decreased in 4 of 5 strains on both day 41 and 55, which was largely because of the lower price of the diets containing reduced AA levels and the later compensatory growth experienced by the birds fed AA-reduced diets. In the future, when dietary AA levels need to be adjusted to control growth rate and improve welfare status, the genetic strain, age of the birds, and targeted goals need to be taken into consideration.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera as a feed additive on growth performance, carcass and internal organs of broiler chickens. 240 day-old broiler chickens were used for the study. Four dietary treatments were formulated. Treatment one (T1), the control had no T. tetraptera powder, while treatments two, three and four (T2, T3 and T4) had 100, 150 and 200 g per 100 kg of feed respectively. The birds were divided into four groups with sixteen replicates of fifteen birds each and assigned treatment diets in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The result on the performance of the birds at the starter phase showed significant differences (p<0.05) in daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The feed intake of the birds in the starter phase was statistically similar across treatments. In the finisher phase, final weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly affected (p<0.05) by the diet in the finisher phase significant difference (p>0.05) did not exist in the feed intake of the birds across treatment. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the live weight, dressed weight, cut-parts, and internal organs of the chickens. Significant differences (p>0.05) did not exist in the internal organs of the chickens. It can be concluded that inclusion of T. tetraptera powder up to 200 g in the diet of broiler chicken enhanced growth performance, carcass and did not have any adverse effect on the internal organs of the chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of 2 Ross 308 parent broiler housing systems (SLS —slat-litter system vs. LS —litter-based system) in terms of carcass composition, meat quality traits (chemical composition, texture, physicochemical properties), as well as biometric traits of the digestive system and leg bones. The weight of the eviscerated carcass and the proportion of carcass components were determined at the end of the reproductive period (60 wk of life) following slaughter. The lengths and diameters of the individual intestinal segments, the weight of selected internal organs, the acidity (pH 24) and electrical conductivity (EC 24), as well as the color (L*, a*, b*) of breast and thigh muscles were assessed. The basal chemical composition of the breast and thigh muscles was also determined, texture analysis of the pectoralis major muscle and measurements of the femur and tibia of parent broilers were also carried out. The housing system differentiated the birds in terms of percentage of breast muscle (SLS—27.4% vs. LS—26.0%) and intramuscular fat content in the breast muscle (SLS—1.1% vs. LS—0.7%), spleen weight pH of the breast and thigh muscles and EC of the thigh muscles (SLS—9.3 mS/cm vs. LS—7.0 mS/cm). Differences were also found between the study groups in the color of the breast and thigh muscles. The housing system affected the results of the texture analysis of the pectoralis major muscle. The birds differed significantly (P < 0.05) in terms of gumminess (SLS—11.1 N vs. LS—16.0 N), springiness, chewiness (SLS—17.6 N × cm vs. LS—23.4 N × cm) and cohesiveness parameters. The housing system did not affect the lengths and diameters of the individual intestinal segments, except for the length of the terminal intestine. There was no significant effect of the housing system on the tibia and femur dimensions analyzed. This study provided information about differences in certain carcass characteristics, meat quality, and the digestive system of Ross 308 parent broilers in relation to the maintenance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Internal organs indirectly affect economic performance and well-being of animals. Study of internal organs during later layer period will allow full utilization of layer hens. Hence, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify potential quantitative trait loci or genes that potentially contribute to internal organ weight. Methods A total of 1,512 chickens originating from White Leghorn and Dongxiang Blue-Shelled chickens were genotyped using high-density Affymetrix 600 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. We conducted a GWAS, linkage disequilibrium analysis, and heritability estimated based on SNP information by using GEMMA, Haploview and GCTA software. Results Our results displayed that internal organ weights show moderate to high (0.283 to 0.640) heritability. Variance partitioned across chromosomes and chromosome lengths had a linear relationship for liver weight and gizzard weight (R2 = 0.493, 0.753). A total of 23 highly significant SNPs that associated with all internal organ weights were mainly located on Gallus gallus autosome (GGA) 1 and GGA4. Six SNPs on GGA2 affected heart weight. After the final analysis, five top SNPs were in or near genes 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A, general transcription factor IIF polypeptide 2, WD repeat and FYVE domain containing 2, non-SMC condensin I complex subunit G, and sonic hedgehog, which were considered as candidate genes having a pervasive role in internal organ weights. Conclusion Our findings provide an understanding of the underlying genetic architecture of internal organs and are beneficial in the selection of chickens.

Raising dual-purpose hens for meat is believed to bring more economic benefits to farmers selling products directly to consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the carcass features and the digestive system of multipurpose hens and spent broiler breeders. In the experiment, 20 carcasses of 70-week-old Rosa 1 dual-purpose hens and 20 carcasses of 62-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeders were used. Measurements of the length of various sections of the intestine and the diameter of individual intestinal segments were made. During the gutting, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen were separated and then weighed. Dual-purpose hens differed significantly (p < 0.05) from broiler breeders in weight and carcass dimensions. Multipurpose hens were characterized by significantly lower (p < 0.05) percentages of breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, wings, and carcass remainders. Broiler breeders were characterized by significantly longer (p > 0.05) total intestinal length, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal intestine. Significant differences were confirmed in terms of the diameter of some segments of the intestine. Broiler breeder hens also had a greater mass of internal organs compared to the dual-purpose layer hens.

15N/ 13C values in the brain regions steadily increased according to postnatal development. The values in specific brain regions were significantly higher in rats with active motor performance, with high intelligence and subjected to long term maze training. Such differences were not found in the other tissues examined. • Ratios of naturally retained 15N to 13C (15N/13C) in rat tissues were measured. • 15N/13C in rat brain regions increase with postnatal development. • 15N /13C in hippocampus, cerebrum, and striatum correlate with motor activity. • 15N/13C in hippocampus and striatum are higher in rats with higher intelligence. • 15N/13C in brain regions of trained rats were higher than those in untrained rats. Our aim in the present study was to clarify the activity-dependent and function-associated retention of stable isotopes (SIs) in rat brain regions. We measured regional distributions of the natural stable isotopes 15N and 13C in brain using a mass spectrometer with a dual inlet system and a double collector for ratiometry, and compared them with distributions obtained from internal organs and skeletal muscle. Although levels of 15N and 13C were very high in brain regions of prenatal rats, and robustly decreased after birth, developmental changes in brain regions became obvious when the ratio of 15N to 13C (abbreviated as 15N/13C) in each brain region was compared. A high correlation was observed between free motor activity and 15N/13C in the hippocampus, cerebrum, and striatum. A significantly higher 15N/13C was also observed in the hippocampus and striatum of rats with higher intelligence, which was evaluated by radial maze learning. Furthermore, 15N/13C in brain regions of trained rats were significantly higher than those of untrained age-matched rats. Our study suggests that the 15N/13C in a specific brain region may reflect the physiological feature of the region. This ratio may hence be applicable as a maker for pathological research on undiagnosed brain diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that previous studies were mainly focused on a protection of domestic animals from alimentary Cs-contamination, the objective of the present study was to investigate the possibilities of ammonium - iron (III) hexacyanoferrate (II) - AFCF and clinoptilolite as radioprotectors. Pheasants of species Phasianus colchicus were used as trial animals. The total number of 2 -month old pheasants was 100. The pheasants were divided into five groups; each group was contaminated with 750 Bq of 137Cs per bird in a single experiment. The experiment consisted of 5 phases during which the animals were given AFCF (0.2 g) and clinoptilolite (2 g) either in water solution or mixed with food, according to the phase. The level of contamination was determined by gamma - spectrometry in breast meat, leg meat, liver and gizzard. The results show that the best protection effect was obtained when AFCF is used in the water solution i. e. 92.7%; while AFCF mixing with food demonstrated 74.9% of protection; clinoptilolite proved less protective with 69.3% - in the water solution, and 50.5% when mixed with food.

Pig (Sus scrofa) fat accumulation can be reduced by feeding with high dosages of clenbuterol, but the molecular mechanism has not yet been explained. In our study, a porcine cDNA microarray representing 3 358 pig genes was successfully developed. This microarray is the first porcine DNA microarray in China and its false positive rate is 0.98%, which means the microarray platform is reliable. The microarray can be used to study gene expression profiles in multiple pig tissues because the present genes percentage of adipose, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, lung, kidney, and spleen were all more than 60%. This microarray was used to identify the genes responding to clenbuterol stimulation in pig internal organs, including heart, liver, lung, spleen, and kidney. Many genes were identified including enzymes involved in lipids metabolism (lipoprotein lipase up-regulated in liver, heart and lung, ATP-citrate lyase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase II precursor up-regulated in liver, succinyl-CoA up-regulated in lung, mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase down-regulated in spleen), and signaling pathway genes (cAMP-protein kinase A signaling pathway was found up-regulated in liver, heart, lung, and kidney as reported previously, while transforming growth factor was found down-regulated in heart and lung). However, no common gene responding to clenbuterol administration was found in all tissues. The expression levels of 14 genes were analyzed using real-time PCR with 82.1% of them induced to express similar magnitudes as in the microarray analyses. This work offers some understanding of how clenbuterol so effectively reduces pig adipose accumulation on the molecular level.

Pheretima darnleiensis is a native earthworm of Southeast Asia, India, and Japan. Although it is commonly found in Indonesia, the earthworm has never been studied well. This study was aimed to examine the morphological characters and structure of its several organs for an identification purpose, which is important for the earthworm culture. Earthworms were collected in a plot of 55-150 x 55-150 cm width and 20 cm depth at Bogor Agricultural University in Darmaga and Baranangsiang Campuses by hand sorting method. Examinations were carried out on its external as well as internal characters. The histology of the organs was studied using paraffin method. The observed characters on P. darnleiensis were the presence of prostate gland, one pair of male pores on segment XVIII, a cylindrical body with perichaetine setae, caeca on segment XXVII, copulatory pouches without diverticula and stalked glands, bithecal spermatheca with nephridia, and the first spermathecal pore on segment 4/5. In addition, other characters found on P. darnleiensis were the presence of an annular clitellum on segment XIV-XVI, an epilobus prostomium with open base, approximately 40 single pointed setae on segment XIII, one midventral female pore on segment XIV, one pair of lateroventral male pores on segment XVIII, four pairs of lateroventral spermathecal pores on segment 4/5, 5/6, 6/7, 7/8, and the first middorsal dorsal pore on segment 12/13. The histology of P. darnleiensis showed basic structure as found in other earthworms.

Through anatomical and histological investigations on the novel threadlike and corpuscular structures, Bonghan duct (BHD) and Bonghan corpuscles (BHC) of internal organs of rats and rabbits were extensively studied. In this article we introduce the refined method to observe the BHD and BHC on the internal organs of mice. This development is needed because immunohistochemical analysis and other modern biological techniques were mostly applicable only to mice but not to rats and rabbits. We made uses of grazing effect of light as well as discriminating technique of BHD/C from fibrin and take the novel structures, BHD/C on mouse internal organ. The specimens taken were examined by hematoxyline and eosin (H & E) and revealed as novel structures. Our method described herein to take BHD/C on mouse internal organs may contribute to the next step for BHD/C characterization of mouse, especially for stem cell related researches.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory activities of the various solvent fractions (n-hexane, CHCl3, EtOAc, BuOH, and water) of sea cucumber internal organ were investigated. 1,3-Dipalmitolein (1) and cis-9-octadecenoic acid (2) with potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were purified from the n-hexane fraction of sea cucumber internal organ. IC50 values of compounds 1 and 2 were 4.45 and 14.87 μM against Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase. These compounds mildly inhibited rat-intestinal α-glucosidase. In addition, both compounds showed a mixed competitive inhibition against S. cerevisiae α-glucosidase and were very stable at pH 2 up to 60 min. The KI values of compounds 1 and 2 were 0.48 and 1.24 μM, respectively. Therefore, the internal organ of sea cucumber might be a potential new source of α-glucosidase inhibitors suitably used for prevention of obesity and diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bodies recovered from water, especially in the late phase of decomposition, pose difficulties to the investigating authorities. Various methods have been proposed for postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) estimation and drowning identification, but some limitations remain. Many recent studies have proved the value of microbiota succession in viscera for postmortem interval estimation. Nevertheless, the visceral microbiota succession and its application for PMSI estimation and drowning identification require further investigation., Methods: In the current study, mouse drowning and CO 2 asphyxia models were developed, and cadavers were immersed in freshwater for 0 to 14 days. Microbial communities in the liver and brain were characterized via 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing., Results: Only livers and brains collected from 5 to 14 days postmortem were qualified for sequencing. There was significant variation between microbiota from liver and brain. Differences in microbiota between the cadavers of mice that had drowned and those only subjected to postmortem submersion decreased over the PMSI. Significant successions in microbial communities were observed among the different subgroups within the late phase of the PMSI in livers and brains. Eighteen taxa in the liver which were mainly related to Clostridium&#95;sensu&#95;stricto and Aeromonas , and 26 taxa in the brain which were mainly belonged to Clostridium&#95;sensu&#95;stricto , Acetobacteroides , and Limnochorda , were selected as potential biomarkers for PMSI estimation based on a random forest algorithm. The PMSI estimation models established yielded accurate prediction results with mean absolute errors ± the standard error of 1.282 ± 0.189 d for the liver and 0.989 ± 0.237 d for the brain., Conclusions: The present study provides novel information on visceral postmortem microbiota succession in corpses submerged in freshwater which sheds new light on PMSI estimation based on the liver and brain in forensic practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wang, Zhang, Zeng, Dong, Yuan, Wang, Liu, Pan, Zhao and Guan.)

More human illnesses caused by Salmonella entérica subspecies entérica serovar Enteritidis throughout the world have been linked to the consumption of contaminated eggs than to any other food vehicle. Deposition of this pathogen in the edible contents of eggs occurs when systemic infections of laying hens involve colonization of reproductive organs. In recent years, the consequences of different housing systems for laying ñocks have become the focus of international attention from both animal welfare and public health perspectives. Nevertheless, many questions remain unresolved regarding the food safety implications of various laying hen production systems. The present study assessed the effects of 2 different housing types (conventional cages and colony cages enriched with perching, nesting, and scratching areas) on the invasion of internal organs by Salmonella Enteritidis in experimentally infected laying hens. In 2 trials, groups of laying hens housed in each cage system were orally inoculated with doses of 1.0 x 107 cfu of Salmonella Enteritidis. At 5 to 6 d postinoculation, hens were euthanized and samples of internal organs were removed for bactériologie cul-turing. For both trials combined, Salmonella Enteritidis was recovered from 95.3% of cecal samples, with no significant differences observed between housing systems. However, Salmonella Enteritidis was detected at significantly (P < 0.05) higher frequencies from hens in conventional cages than from hens in enriched cages for samples of livers (96.9 vs. 75.0%), spleens (93.8 vs. 53.1%), ovaries (25.0 vs. 10.4%), and oviducts (19.8 vs. 2.1%). These results demonstrate that differences in housing systems for egg-laying flocks can affect the susceptibility of hens to colonization of internal organs by Salmonella Enteritidis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colonization of broiler chickens with Salmonella can pose serious health and economic risks for both consumers and the poultry industry. Because colonization with Salmonella can lead to subsequent contamination of chicken carcasses during processing, preemptive control measures should include the reduction of this pathogen in chickens before slaughter. In this study, we evaluated the effect of sodium bisulfate, a potential antimicrobial feed additive, on Salmonella colonization of experimentally infected broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty 1-d-old chickens were infected orally with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis and divided into 4 groups (each comprised of 60 chickens). Three groups received different concentrations of sodium bisulfate integrated into their feed, while the feed of the fourth group (positive control) was not treated. At time points before the broilers' slaughter age, different organs/tissues (liver, spleen, cecum, and bone marrow) and feces were aseptically collected and tested for the occurrence and density of Salmonella Enteritidis. Our results show that at 3 d postinfection, high colonization with Salmonella Enteritidis was detected and affected all tested tissues and fecal samples. Although colonization decreased across time, Salmonella Enteritidis persisted in the cecum, feces, spleen, and bone marrow, but not in the liver, until slaughter age. Furthermore, the addition of sodium bisulfate to the feed did not significantly reduce Salmonella Enteritidis numbers in infected chickens or affect the shedding of the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In our previous CT and post-factum dissection studies on medieval Korean mummies, well preserved internal organs generally were found to have been displaced to the dorsal side of the body cavity. This movement seems to have been caused by the effect of gravitational force exerted over long burial durations. However, when we recently examined a newly discovered medieval Korean mummy (SN1-2) by CT, most of the mummified organs were found to have remained in their natural positions. Our post-factum dissection of SN1-2 showed that the organs might have undergone expansion by posthumous gas formation, after which they hardened into a stone-like state, which mitigated against their displacement. Similar CT findings were made in the case of a second Korean mummy (KU-1). Since the internal organs within the thoracic cavity were discovered to be in their natural positions, we suspected that they, like those in the case of SN1-2, had also been changed into stony structures. However, the post-factum dissection showed that the internal organs of KU-1 had neither hardened nor been displaced to the back wall of the thoracic cavity, owing possibly to the presence of a pleural adhesion. Overall, our results indicated that CT alone might be inadequate for correct estimation of the preservation status of internal organs in Korean mummies. This calls for further accumulation of dissection data, against which CT diagnoses can be compared and by which they can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal organs of rats and rabbits were clearly imaged noninvasively using a deeply penetrating reflection-mode photoacoustic imaging system. This imaging system had previously been found to provide an imaging depth limit of ∼38 mm. In the thoracic cavity, major blood vessels connecting to the heart were imaged, and the right atrium was imaged as deeply as ∼8 mm. In the abdominal cavities, the kidney and vena cava inferior were also imaged in situ. The vena cava inferior ∼13.7 mm deep was imaged. The kidney of a New Zealand white rabbit was also imaged. This study shows the deep internal organ imaging capability of the system in animals. This technology can potentially be used to study tumors in internal organs, and be adapted to clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bluefin tuna tested were reared for 22 months from eggs before the beginning of the experiment, and sampling was performed every 3 months over the following year. The experimental results showed that the mercury concentration in the muscle ranged from 0.32 to 0.85 μg/g, which is lower than that found in wild bluefin tuna of a similar size. Increase in the mercury concentration corresponding to the increase in body weight was not shown, and it was quite different with wild bluefin tuna. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between the lipid concentration and the mercury concentration in muscle. Among the internal organs of cultured bluefin tuna, the heart (0.32–0.66 μg/g), liver (0.43–0.99 μg/g) and spleen (0.59–1.0 μg/g) contained higher concentrations of mercury. It was estimated that the full-cycle cultured bluefin tuna had been fed small fish containing lower concentrations of mercury, and that the mercury concentration of tuna would be almost equal throughout the year because the effect of mercury accumulation would be weakened by body growth. Therefore, it was concluded that selecting diet fish species might decrease mercury contents in cultured bluefin tuna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We used a recently introduced strain of medaka, the see-through medaka, whose internal organs can be seen through the skin, to develop an in situ toxicity assay of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity that detected fluorescence from resorufin, a metabolite of ethoxyresorufin and thus an indicator of CYP1A activity. EROD activity in the liver and gills of 2-week post-hatch see-through medaka exposed simultaneously to various concentrations of 3-methylcholanthrene and 200 μg/L ethoxyresorufin for 24 h was proportional to the 3-methylcholanthrene dose. Activities in the liver and gills peaked at 40 μg/L of 3-methylcholanthrene and then decreased at higher doses, possibly because of 3-methylcholanthrene toxicity. At 1-week post-hatch stage, however, constant high EROD activity was observed in controls and at all 3-methylcholanthrene doses. Four-week post-hatch see-through medaka exhibited less EROD activity than 2-week post-hatch see-through medaka, and activity in the liver peaked at 100 μg/L of 3-methylcholanthrene. Adult see-through medaka were not suitable for fluorescence detection owing to their thick skin, muscle and/or tissue. In tests of oxidative activity response to ethoxyresorufin, 1-day and 1-week post-hatch see-through medaka exhibited high intrinsic EROD activity in the liver, gills, and other organs in the absence of 3-methylcholanthrene. This intrinsic activity declined with growth and explained the high constant EROD activity at 1-week post-hatch stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The superficial regions of the dog splanchnic nerve were selectively stimulated with 33-electrode spiral cuffs in 11 circumferential groups of three electrodes to modulate the function of the innervated internal organs and glands. In two adult Beagle dogs under general anaesthesia, the cuffs were chronically implanted on the nerve trunks before the celiac ganglion. Superficial regions of the nerves were selectively stimulated for 15 s with biphasic, rectangular, current pulses (2 mA intensity, 200 µs duration, and 20 Hz frequency) which were delivered sequentially to the corresponding group of three electrodes. The results showed that Group no. 8 of three electrodes elicited the highest influence on pressure within the bladder. Namely, a decrease in pressure starting from 34.97 mmHg at the beginning of stimulation to 34.92 mmHg at the end of stimulation was observed. It was also shown that only Group no. 4 of three electrodes significantly modified the endocrine function of the pancreas. A considerable increase in glucagon secretion with a peak value of 47 pg/ml and an insignificant change in insulin secretion were also observed. The results of histological observations demonstrated that the use of the cuff was associated with a buildup of connective tissue encapsulation around the cuff as well as within it. However, functional deficits were not observed in the animal, and most of the fibers appeared to be histologically normal after stimulation. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that internal organs and glands can be selectively stimulated through the selective stimulation of innervating superficial regions of the autonomous peripheral nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic selection in broilers has resulted in improved growth performance, meat yield, and feed conversion efficiency. However, consumers have become increasingly concerned about modern broiler welfare that is related to their rapid growth rate, which may be alleviated by nutrient dilution. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary amino acid (AA) reduction on the growth performance and internal organ development of different genetic strains of broilers. A randomized completed block design with a factorial arrangement of 10 treatments (5 strains × 2 AA levels) was used. The 5 different strains of broilers were fed either a control diet, with digestible AA (lysine, total sulfur AA, and threonine) at the highest recommended levels for the 5 strains, or an AA-reduced diet, with the digestible AA being 20% lower than the control diet. Feed conversion ratio was increased by AA reduction in all 5 strains during day 0-14, 14-28, and 28-41 but was not affected from day 41-55. Body weight and feed intake responses to AA reduction varied in the different strains and ages of birds. Liver weight relative to BW on day 40, and weights of the duodenum and jejunum relative to BW on day 60 were increased by decreasing the dietary AA concentration. These results indicate that the birds had adjusted their organ growth and metabolism in response to increases in digestion, absorption, and utilization efficiency to accommodate a decrease in dietary AA content. Surprisingly, the cost of feed required to produce the same BW was decreased in 4 of 5 strains on both day 41 and 55, which was largely because of the lower price of the diets containing reduced AA levels and the later compensatory growth experienced by the birds fed AA-reduced diets. In the future, when dietary AA levels need to be adjusted to control growth rate and improve welfare status, the genetic strain, age of the birds, and targeted goals need to be taken into consideration., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: Internal organs indirectly affect economic performance and well-being of animals. Study of internal organs during later layer period will allow full utilization of layer hens. Hence, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify potential quantitative trait loci or genes that potentially contribute to internal organ weight., Methods: A total of 1,512 chickens originating from White Leghorn and Dongxiang Blue-Shelled chickens were genotyped using high-density Affymetrix 600 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. We conducted a GWAS, linkage disequilibrium analysis, and heritability estimated based on SNP information by using GEMMA, Haploview and GCTA software., Results: Our results displayed that internal organ weights show moderate to high (0.283 to 0.640) heritability. Variance partitioned across chromosomes and chromosome lengths had a linear relationship for liver weight and gizzard weight (R2 = 0.493, 0.753). A total of 23 highly significant SNPs that associated with all internal organ weights were mainly located on Gallus gallus autosome (GGA) 1 and GGA4. Six SNPs on GGA2 affected heart weight. After the final analysis, five top SNPs were in or near genes 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A, general transcription factor IIF polypeptide 2, WD repeat and FYVE domain containing 2, non-SMC condensin I complex subunit G, and sonic hedgehog, which were considered as candidate genes having a pervasive role in internal organ weights., Conclusion: Our findings provide an understanding of the underlying genetic architecture of internal organs and are beneficial in the selection of chickens.