Influence of combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder on production traits of the broilers

Research (Published online: 11-05-2016)

7. Influence of combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder on production traits of the broilers - A. Kirubakaran, M. Moorthy, R. Chitra and G. Prabakar

Veterinary World, 9(5): 470-474

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.470-474

Abstract

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Aim: To study the effects of combinations of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), garlic (Allium sativum), and black pepper (Piper nigrum) powder supplementation on production traits of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: A total of 288 commercial broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1-9 groups with 4 replicates each. An experiment was conducted in broilers with different feed formulations; control feed, with no added fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder; and 8 treatment groups receiving feed supplemented with different combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder. The individual broilers’ body weight and feed consumption were recorded and calculate the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

Results: Broiler’s weight gain and FCR were significantly higher in groups receiving feed supplemented with garlic and black pepper powder combinations (p<0.01). Cumulative feed consumption was significantly higher in groups receiving feed supplemented with garlic and black pepper powder combinations (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The combination of garlic and black pepper powder supplemented broiler feed fed groups showed higher production performance. The 5 g/kg garlic powder+1 g/kg black pepper powder and 10 g/kg garlic powder+2 g/kg black pepper powder significantly improved the weight gain and FCR.

Keywords: black pepper, body weight, feed conversion ratio, fenugreek, garlic.

Loop mediated isothermal amplification: An innovative gene amplification technique for animal diseases

Review (Published online: 11-05-2016)

6. Loop mediated isothermal amplification: An innovative gene amplification technique for animal diseases - Pravas Ranjan Sahoo, Kamadev Sethy, Swagat Mohapatra and Debasis Panda

Veterinary World, 9(5): 465-469

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.465-469

Abstract

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India being a developing country mainly depends on livestock sector for its economy. However, nowadays, there is emergence and reemergence of more transboundary animal diseases. The existing diagnostic techniques are not so quick and with less specificity. To reduce the economy loss, there should be a development of rapid, reliable, robust diagnostic technique, which can work with high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Loop mediated isothermal amplification assay is a rapid gene amplification technique that amplifies nucleic acid under an isothermal condition with a set of designed primers spanning eight distinct sequences of the target. This assay can be used as an emerging powerful, innovative gene amplification diagnostic tool against various pathogens of livestock diseases. This review is to highlight the basic concept and methodology of this assay in livestock disease.

Keywords: designed primers, loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay, transboundary animal diseases.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in toll-like receptor genes and case-control association studies with bovine tuberculosis

Research (Published online: 09-05-2016)

5. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in toll-like receptor genes and case-control association studies with bovine tuberculosis - Ashish Bhaladhare, Deepak Sharma, Amit Kumar, Arvind Sonwane, Anuj Chauhan, Ranvir Singh, Pushpendra Kumar, Ramji Yadav, Mohd Baqir, Bharat Bhushan and Om Prakash

Veterinary World, 9(5): 458-464

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.458-464

Abstract

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Aim: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 genes play critical roles in host recognition of Mycobacterium bovis infection and initiation of innate and adaptive immune response. The present study was aimed at exploring the association of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR2 and TLR4 genes with susceptibility/resistance against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infection in cattle.

Materials and Methods: A case-control resource population of 35 positive and 45 negative animals was developed after screening with single intradermal tuberculin test for bTB. Resource population was screened for SNPs in TLR2 and TLR4 genes using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The PROC LOGISTIC procedure of SAS 9.3 was used to find an association of allelic and genotypic frequencies with bTB.

Results: In TLR2 gene, two of SNPs under study (rs55617172 and rs68268253) revealed polymorphism while in the case of TLR4 gene all four SNPs under investigation (rs8193041, rs207836014, rs8193060, and rs8193069) were found to be polymorphic in case-control population. SNP locus rs55617172 in TLR2 gene was found significantly (p<0.01) associated with susceptibility/resistance to TB in cattle.

Conclusion: These findings indicate the presence of SNPs in TLR2 and TLR4 genes in our resource population. Upon validation in independent, large resource population and following biological characterization, SNP rs55617172 can be incorporated in marker panel for selection of animals with greater resistance to bTB.

Keywords: bovine tuberculosis, immune response, resistance, single nucleotide polymorphisms, toll-like receptors.

The efficacy of Na-butyrate encapsulated in palm fat on performance of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis with gene expression analysis

Research (Published online: 09-05-2016)

4. The efficacy of Na-butyrate encapsulated in palm fat on performance of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis with gene expression analysis - M. G. Eshak, M. A. Elmenawey, A. Atta, H. B. Gharib, B. Shalaby and M. H. H. Awaad

Veterinary World, 9(5): 450-457

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.450-457

Abstract

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Aim: To study the efficacy of Na-butyrate encapsulated in palm fat on performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with necrotic enteritis (NE) with the determination of its protective effect against the changes in the gene expression profiles and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation.

Materials and Methods: A total of 800 one-day-old male Arbor Acres Plus broiler chickens were randomly allocated into four groups for 5 weeks. Na-butyrate was supplemented at dosages of 1 kg/ton for starter diet, 0.5 kg/ton for grower diet, and 0.25 kg/ton for finisher diet (presence or absence). Birds of groups 1 and 2 were inoculated by crop gavages with 4×10⁸ CFU/ml/bird of Clostridium perfringens in phosphate buffered saline for 4 successive days, from 14 to 17 days of age to produce NE.

Results: Addition of Na-butyrate, encapsulated in palm fat, to ration of experimentally infected broilers with NE resulted in increased final body weight, at 35 days of age, reduced total feed consumption, improved feed conversion ratio, reduced cumulative mortality, and increased production number. There were increased intestinal diameter, intestinal length, and significantly increased the weight of bursa of Fabricius(BF) with higher hemagglutination inhibition titers against Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination versus untreated infected and untreated negative control birds. The results showed increased expression levels of alpha-toxin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the bursa tissues of broilers infected with C. perfringens. However, the expression levels of these genes in broilers treated with Na-butyrate were similar to the non-infected control group. Supplementation of broilers with Na-butyrate increased the expression level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and decreased the DNA fragmentation induced by C. perfringens.

Conclusion: Na-butyrate significantly improved chicken broiler body weights, increased relative weights of BF, increased antibody titers against ND vaccination, numerically lowered mortality due to C. perfringens infection, increased the expression level of IGF-1, and decreased the DNA fragmentation induced by C. perfringens. Obtained results point out the effectiveness of Na-butyrate encapsulated in palm fat in improving the production performance variables, immune response, and intestinal morphology in experimentally induced NE as well as in non-infected chicken broilers.

Keywords: chickens, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, gene expression analysis, Na-butyrate, necrotic enteritis.

Growth performance, nutrient utilization, and feed efficiency in broilers fed Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal as substitute of conventional feed ingredients in Mizoram

Research (Published online: 06-05-2016)

3. Growth performance, nutrient utilization, and feed efficiency in broilers fed Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal as substitute of conventional feed ingredients in Mizoram - Rajat Buragohain

Veterinary World, 9(5): 444-449

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.444-449

Abstract

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Aim: The study was for assessment of growth performance, nutrient utilization, and feed efficiency in broilers fed rations with varying levels of Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal (TDLM) as a substitute of conventional feed ingredients in Mizoram.

Materials and Methods: A total of 180, 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six homogeneous groups and fed rations incorporated with TDLM (TDLM at 0% [TDLM-0], 2% [TDLM-2], 4% [TDLM-4], 6% [TDLM-6], 8% [TDLM-8], and 10% [TDLM-10] level as substitute of conventional feed ingredients) for 6 weeks. The chicks were reared in battery brooders for the first 2 weeks, and thereafter, in well-ventilated deep litter house following standard management protocols. Feed and drinking water were provided ad libitum to all the groups throughout the experiment. The daily feed intake and weekly body weight gain were recorded, and a metabolic trial for 3 days was conducted at the end of the 6^th week.

Results: Feed consumption decreased for inclusion of TDLM but without any significant differences, except during the 3^rd week where it reduced significantly (p<0.05) at and above 6% TDLM in the ration. The average body weight gain decreased significantly (p<0.05) above 6% TDLM inclusion. The average body weights at 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st day of age reduced significantly (p<0.05) from 4% to 10% TDLM inclusion level but was statistically non-significant up to 4% TDLM at 28^th, 35^th, and 42^nd day of age. Body weight at 42^nd day of age was 1624.72±30.52, 1616.66±17.84, 1592.60±19.24, 1404.61±17.76, 1188.29±17.67, and 1054.33±18.81 gin TDLM-0, TDLM-2, TDLM-4, TDLM-6, TDLM-8, and TDLM-10, respectively. The digestibility of nutrients decreased with increased inclusion level of TDLM. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract were significantly higher in TDLM-0, but crude fiber digestibility was comparable without any significant difference among the groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 42^nd day of age was 2.17±0.15, 2.17±0.15, 2.13±0.13, 2.46±0.16, 2.66±0.11, and 3.96±0.10 for TDLM-0, TDLM-2, TDLM-4, TDLM-6, TDLM-8, and TDLM-10, respectively, was statistically non-significant up to 4% TDLM inclusion level.

Conclusion: Considering the insignificant effects on growth rate, FCR, and body weight at 42^nd day of age, it was concluded that TDLM could be incorporated up to 4% level as substitute of the conventional feed ingredients for broilers reared under deep litter system of management in Mizoram.

Keywords: broiler, growth, Mizoram, nutrient digestibility, Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal.

Congenital and inherited neurologic diseases in dogs and cats: Legislation and its effect on purchase in Italy

Review (Published online: 06-05-2016)

2. Congenital and inherited neurologic diseases in dogs and cats: Legislation and its effect on purchase in Italy - Annamaria Passantino and Marisa Masucci

Veterinary World, 9(5): 437-443

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.437-443

Abstract

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Many of the congenital neurologic diseases can result in incapacity or death of the animal. Some of them, such as idiopathic epilepsy and hydrocephalus, exhibit breed or familial predisposition and a genetic basis was proved or suggested. Some diseases can be presumptively diagnosed after a detailed signalment (breed predisposition), history (e.g. family history because many of these defects have familial tendencies), and through physical exam; other diagnostic methods (radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, electrophysiologic tests, etc.) can provide supportive evidence for the congenital defect and help to confirm the diagnosis. Some cases can lead to civil law-suits when the lesions are congenital, but not easily recognizable, or when the lesions are hereditary but tend to became manifest only after some time (more than 12 months after the date of purchase, e.g., after the vice-free guarantee period has expired). Moreover, quite frequently an early diagnosis is not made because there are delays in consulting the veterinarian or the general practitioner veterinarian does not perceive subtle signs. This study was designed to focus on the medico-legal aspects concerning the buying and selling in Italy of dogs and cats affected by congenital and hereditary neurologic diseases that could constitute vice in these animals. While adequate provisions to regulate in detail the various aspects of pet sale have still to be drawn up by legislators, it may be helpful to involve breeders, by obliging them by contract to extend guarantees in the case of hereditary lesions, including neurologic diseases.

Keywords: buy/sell, cat, dog, hereditary disease, nervous system.

Minimization of apoptosis-like changes in cryopreserved buffalo bull sperm by supplementing extender with Bcl-2 protein

Research (Published online: 02-05-2016)

1. Minimization of apoptosis-like changes in cryopreserved buffalo bull sperm by supplementing extender with Bcl-2 protein - Jasmer Dalal, Ajeet Kumar, Mrigank Honparkhe, Dipak Deka and Narinder Singh

Veterinary World, 9(5): 432-436

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.432-436

Abstract

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Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-apoptotic effects of Bcl-2 protein in cryopreserved buffalo bull sperm.

Materials and Methods: A total 10 ejaculates from two buffalo bulls (5 each) were collected using artificial vagina method, and semen was evaluated using a standard protocol. Semen was extended by Tris egg yolk extender supplemented with Bcl-2 protein at 5, 10, and 15 μM. Semen was cryopreserved at ultra-low temperature using traditional vapor freezing method. Prefreeze and post-thaw semen samples were evaluated for percent motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) reactive sperms; status of mitochondrial membrane activity and status of sperm phospholipase A1 and phospholipase A2 activity.

Results: There were no significant effects of Bcl-2 protein supplementation on pre-freeze sperm quality. Percent motility and active mitochondria in post-thaw Bcl-2 supplemented and control groups were also similar. However, viable sperms were significantly (p<0.05) higher (74.29±4.23%) in Bcl-2 supplemented group (5 μM) as compared to control (51.6±5.77%). The proportion of HOST reactive sperms was also higher (63.1±6.73%) in Bcl-2 supplemented (5 μM) group as compared to control (50.7±6.98%). The sperm with low PLA activity (non-apoptotic) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in all the supplemented doses of Bcl-2 protein, i.e., at 5 μM (73.42±5.79%), 10 μM (75.51±6.22%), and 15 μM (74.78±5.89%) as compared to control (60.23±4.45%). We found that Bcl-2 protein supplementation at 5 μM dose improved the postthaw semen quality indicated by higher viability, HOST reactive sperms, and sperm with low PLA activity (non-apoptotic sperms).

Conclusion: Bcl-2 protein supplementation exerts its protective effect on spermatozoa against apoptosis-like changes developed during cryopreservation.

Keywords: anti-apoptotic effects, Bcl-2 protein, buffalo bull, semen cryopreservation.