Age features and reference intervals for the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements in laying hens

Research (Published online: 15-04-2022)

18. Age features and reference intervals for the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements in laying hens

Svyatoslav Lebedev, Oleg Zavyalov and Aleksey Frolov

Veterinary World, 15(4): 943-952

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Micronutrient imbalances pose a severe threat to the health and productivity of livestock and poultry. In this regard, a further stage in feeding science development will control and optimize the intake of mineral substances, including determining the elemental composition in some biosubstrates. One of these biosubstrates can be a feather. However, the amount of available information on the content of trace elements in laying hens is limited, complicating the laboratory data interpretation. Therefore, this study established reference intervals for the concentrations of the main essential and toxic elements in laying hens in different periods of ontogenesis.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on clinically healthy Hisex Brown laying hens at the age of 10 (n=150), 30 (n=150), 120 (n=150), 150 (n=150), and 210 (n=150) days. All examined birds were born and raised on the territory of the South Ural biogeochemical province of Russia. The sampling of feathers was carried out by plucking the flight feathers of the wing. Inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry determined the elemental composition of the feather according to 25 parameters.

Results: The results showed that at the minimum age (10 days), the highest concentrations of chemical elements were observed in laying hens. Subsequently, as they grew older, in the period from the 30th to the 120th day, there was a significant decrease in these indicators. Later, from the 120th to the 150th day, a statistically significant increase in concentrations was replaced. Little growth and relative concentration stability were observed in the last part of the experiment (150-210 days). Chemical element concentrations in feathers were computed in reference ranges for each age group.

Conclusion: The calculated ranges of chemical element concentrations in laying hens can be used to compile norms for their content in the body; however, it is worth noting that these ranges can vary depending on the biogeochemical province of breeding and the bird's age.

Keywords: age, essential and toxic elements, feathers, laying hens, reference intervals.

Hydrolyzation of snail (Achatina fulica) meat with rice water as novel probiotic supplements for animal feed

Research (Published online: 15-04-2022)

17. Hydrolyzation of snail (Achatina fulica) meat with rice water as novel probiotic supplements for animal feed

Ujang Suryadi, Rosa Tri Hertamawati and Shokhirul Imam

Veterinary World, 15(4): 937-942

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Snail meat and digestive tract hydrolyzate fermented with a consortium of preserved rice water microorganisms could serve as new sources of probiotics. Microorganisms from the examined feed supplement were isolated, identified, and characterized for resistance at low pH and with bile salts. The study aimed to determine the potential hydrolysate of the snail meat and digestive tract as a novel probiotic supplement for animal feed at various pH values and Oxgall.

Materials and Methods: The submerged fermentation method was conducted for 21 days to examine the novel probiotic that originated from snail microorganisms in the hydrolyzed liquid fermented by finely ground snail meat and the digestive tract. The microorganisms in the hydrolyzate were isolated by a spread plate method, while the potential of the probiotic hydrolyzate was tested for resistance to pH values of 2, 2.5, 3, and 4, as well as resistance to bile salts at Oxgall concentrations of 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%.

Results: The hydrolyzate profile of snail meat and digestive tract contained five isolates of lactic acid bacteria that could serve as potential probiotics.

Conclusion: The application of fermentation technology using a consortium of preserved rice water microorganisms can convert snail meat and the digestive tract into novel probiotic products that could be utilized in feed supplements.

Keywords: bile, pH, probiotics, snails, supplements.

Hepatoprotection of Cinnamomum burmannii ethanolic extract against high-fat and cholesterol diet in Sprague–Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Research (Published online: 15-04-2022)

16. Hepatoprotection of Cinnamomum burmannii ethanolic extract against high-fat and cholesterol diet in Sprague–Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Retno Susilowati, Abdul Malik Setiawan, Afida Fatimatuz Zahroh, Zadani Nabila Ashari, Alifatul Iffiyana, Ricky Hertanto, Muhammad Basyarudin, Isnaeni Hartiningsih and Mahrus Ismail

Veterinary World, 15(4): 930-936

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis involves non-alcoholic fatty liver, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Although the long-term use of cinnamon bark in larger doses can negatively affect good health, proper use of its extracts effectively and efficiently improves health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the minimal dose of Cinnamomum Burmannii extract through its activity in inhibiting oxidative stress in rats' livers treated with a high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFCD).

Materials and Methods: Forty-two Sprague–Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus), weighing 200-250 g body weight (BW), were divided into seven treatment groups with six replications: Normal, HFCD, atorvastatin, quercetin, and C. burmannii ethanol extract group, after which they were administered different dosages (i.e., 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW). Except for the normal group, rats were concomitantly administered HFCD with each treatment for 21 days. Then, their malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were assessed using colorimetry. However, their steatosis levels were determined based on histological preparations with hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results: Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) results indicated that all treatments had a significantly lower MDA than HFCD and normal rats (α=0.01). DMRT results also showed that treating with the C. burmannii ethanol extract at all dosages resulted in a significantly higher SOD activity level in HFCD rats than those treated with quercetin and atorvastatin (α=0.01). Furthermore, results showed that treatment with C. burmannii extracts at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW incredibly maintained SOD activity as effective as quercetin, atorvastatin, and normal rats. Besides, while steatohepatitis levels of C. burmannii ethanol extract at dosages of 200 and 300 mg/kg BW commensurated with normal rats, steatohepatitis levels were significantly lower than those administered other concentrations or treatments (α=0.05).

Conclusion: Ethanolic C. burmannii extracts protected the liver by regulating oxidative stress. Therefore, a 200 mg/kg BW dose is proposed as the minimal hepatoprotection dose to prevent fatty liver formation.

Keywords: Cinnamomum burmannii, hepatoprotection, malondialdehyde, steatohepatitis, superoxide dismutase.

Identification and discrimination of Theileria annulata by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism

Research (Published online: 14-04-2022)

15. Identification and discrimination of Theileria annulata by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism

Abdelfattah Selim and Hanem Khater

Veterinary World, 15(4): 925-929

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Theileria annulata infection is a tick-borne disease affecting ruminants in the tropical and subtropical regions causing severe economic losses. This study aimed to characterize circulating T. annulata isolates from four governorates (administrative districts) north and south of Egypt using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Materials and Methods: Fifty samples were collected from the four governorates of Egypt and were examined by a PCR assay based on the heat shock protein 70 gene. The amplified product was subsequently digested using two restriction enzymes, Taq I and Alu I, to determine which pattern of T. annulata strains was involved.

Results: The findings revealed that one distinct pattern was observed for T. annulata isolates in the northern governorates and another one in the southern governorates. The Taq I enzyme produced three fragments (100, 175, and 270 bp), and the Alu I enzyme produced four fragments (60, 90, 125, and 270 bp).

Conclusion: This study determined the presence of two distinct circulating genotypes of T. annulata among cattle in Egypt based on PCR-RFLP using the HSP 70 gene. More studies are needed in different parts of the country to investigate the virulence and strain variance of T. annulata in cattle.

Keywords: cattle, Egypt, genotype, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, Theileria annulata.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle

Research (Published online: 14-04-2022)

14. Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle

Abdelfattah Selim, William Weir and Hanem Khater

Veterinary World, 15(4): 919-924

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Theileria annulata is the most prevalent piroplasm infecting cattle across Egypt. Theileriosis is transmitted by ixodid ticks of the genus Hyalomma. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and their associated risk factors for infection.

Materials and Methods: A total of 570 blood samples were collected from cattle from five governorates (administrative districts) in Egypt and examined using a polymerase chain reaction assay to estimate the prevalence of tropical theileriosis and assess the associated risk factors.

Results: The overall prevalence rate was 16.49%, with the Alexandria district having the highest prevalence. The results revealed that the risk of theileriosis was elevated in older cattle (odds ratio [OR]=8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6- 21.9), especially in summers (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3). Cattle heavily infested with ticks were at particular risk (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 2.1-4.5), as were those to which acaricide had not been applied (OR=13.7, 95% CI: 5.6-33.6).

Conclusion: Understanding the risk factors associated with T. annulata infection and regular infection monitoring could reduce infection rates and economic losses and is essential for the implementation of efficient control programs.

Keywords: cattle, Egypt, polymerase chain reaction, risk factors, Theileria annulata.

The effect of bile salt diet supplementation on genes related to fat metabolism in yellow-feathered broilers

Research (Published online: 13-04-2022)

13. The effect of bile salt diet supplementation on genes related to fat metabolism in yellow-feathered broilers

Zhenming Zhang, Baoan Ding, Hailian He, Jingge Wang, Xiongjie Liu, Jiahui Guo, Pengxiang Li and Stephen R. Madigosky

Veterinary World, 15(4): 911-918

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: As a new feed additive, bile acid (BA) can promote the absorption and transport of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. In recent years, BAs have been widely used in animal feed to promote fat absorption. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of bile salt supplementation in the diet of yellow-feathered broilers on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBF1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4).

Materials and Methods: Four hundred and twenty commercial male chicks were randomly divided into seven groups (with four replicates per group and 15 chickens per replicate). They were fed diets supplemented with bile salts at 0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg tylosin for 30 days. Changes in SREBF1, fatty acid transporter 4, FAS, and acetyl- CoA carboxylase genes in intestinal mucosa and liver of yellow-feathered broilers were determined using a quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction.

Results: mRNA expression of SREBF1, FAS, ACC, and FATP4 in the small intestine decreased in chicks fed diets supplemented with 3.5 and 4.5 mg/kg bile salts (p<0.05) compared with the control group on 7 days and 14 d. The mRNA expressions of SREBF1, FAS, ACC, and FATP4 in liver tissue decreased in chicks fed diets supplemented with 4.5 and 5.5 mg/kg bile salts (p<0.05) compared to the control group on 7 days. The mRNA expression of SREBF1, FAS, ACC, and FATP4 in the liver at 14 days and the small intestine on 21 days also decreased in chicks fed diets supplemented with 4.5 mg/kg bile salts (p<0.05) compared to the control group. When contrasted with the control group on day 21, the mRNA expression of SRWBF1, FAS, ACC, and FATP4 detected in the liver was lower in chicks fed diets supplemented with bile salts (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The dietary supplementation of bile salts at 4.5 mg/kg effectively regulates the expression of fat metabolism genes, such as SREBF1, FAS, ACC, and FATP4 mRNA. At this concentration, bile salts promote fat catabolism, inhibit fat synthesis, and play an essential role in improving the fat deposition of broilers.

Keywords: acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fat metabolism, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid transporter 4, sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1, supplemental dietary bile salts.

Feeding of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) enhances the growth performance of lambs

Research (Published online: 12-04-2022)

12. Feeding of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) enhances the growth performance of lambs

Nawras L. Al Shabuol and Belal S. Obeidat

Veterinary World, 15(4): 906-910

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The high price of conventional diet ingredients led livestock producers to search for alternative feed sources such as faba beans (Vicia faba L.; FB). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding FB on the growth performance of lambs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male lambs were distributed randomly into two groups and fed a control diet (CON; n=12) and 200 g/kg FB (FB200; n=12) dietary dry matter (DM). The study lasted for 70 days. The first 7 days were used for acclimatization, followed by 63 days of data collection (i.e., nutrient intake and digestibility and growth performance). A complete randomized design was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: The average initial body weight (BW) (20.54±0.798 kg) was similar between the diet treatment groups. Lambs fed the FB200 diet demonstrated higher (p≤0.008) nutrient intake than lambs fed the CON diet. The FB200 diet tended to improve the digestibility of DM, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber more than the CON diet (p≤0.072). Neutral detergent fiber and ether extract digestibility were higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than those fed the CON diet. Next, nitrogen retention increased (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet compared with the CON diet. Final BW did not differ (p=0.221) between the two groups. However, the average daily gain was higher (p=0.028) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than in lambs fed the CON diet. Furthermore, the cost of gain decreased more (p=0.04) with the FB200 diet than with the CON diet.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using FB in feeding growing lambs, as it was shown to improve growth performance and reduce the cost of diet and gain.

Keywords: Awassi lambs, faba beans, growth performance, nutrient intake and digestibility.