Effects of thermo‐resistant non‐starch polysaccharide degrading multi‐enzyme on growth performance,meat quality,relative weights of body organs and blood profile in broiler chickens

This research was conducted to study the performance and carcass parameters of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with heat‐treated non‐starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme. A total of 432 one‐day old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to five treatments: (i) CON (basal diet), (ii) E1: CON + 0.05% multi‐enzyme, (iii) E2: CON + 0.1% multi‐enzyme, (iv) E3: CON + 0.05% thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme and (v) E4: CON + 0.1% thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme, each treatment consisted of six replications and 12 chickens in each replication. The chickens were housed in three floor battery cages during 28‐day experimental period. On days 1–7, gain in body weight (BWG) improved by feeding the diets supplemented with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme. On days 7–21 and 1–28, chickens fed the diets containing thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme showed improved (p < 0.05) BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to CON group. Supplementing the diets with multi‐enzyme or thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme affected the percentage of drip loss on d 1 (p < 0.05). Drip loss percentage on days 3 and 5 and also meat colour were not affected significantly. Supplementing the diets with multi‐enzyme or thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme did not affect the relative weights of organs but compared to CON group, relative weight of breast muscle increased and abdominal fat decreased (p < 0.05). Among measured blood constituents, chickens fed supplemented diets with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme showed higher (p < 0.05) IgG. Counts of red and white blood cells and lymphocyte percentage were not affected. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that supplementing pelleted diets with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme improved performance of broiler chickens.     

The effects of the supplementation of multi‐strain probiotics on intestinal microbiota,metabolites and inflammation of young SPF chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica

This study assessed the effect of probiotics on cecal microbiota, cecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the gene expression of cytokines in young specific‐pathogen‐free (SPF) chickens infected with S. enterica subsp. enterica. One‐day‐old SPF chickens (n = 105) were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups: control (Cont) group, Salmonella‐infected (Sal) group, and a Salmonella‐infected group treated with multi‐strain probiotics (ProSal group). All chickens except those in the Cont group were challenged orally with 1 × 10⁸ cfu/ml of Salmonella 4 days after hatching. Chickens in the Sal group exhibited more abundance of Proteobacteria than those in the Cont and ProSal groups. At the genus level, chickens in ProSal group exhibited increased numbers of Lactobacillus and Oscillospira compared with those in the other groups. Chickens in the ProSal group exhibited a significant increase of cecal SCFAs compared with chickens in the Sal group. Chickens in the ProSal group exhibited increased gene expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, IL‐10 and TGF‐β4, and decreased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine, IFN‐γ, in the cecal tonsil compared with those in the Sal group. The results of this study indicated that the administration of probiotics can modulate microbiota, SCFAs, and immunomodulatory activity in SPF chickens.     

Pharmacokinetics of thymoquinone in layer chickens following oral and intravenous administration

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major constituent of Nigella sativa and known to possess a variety of pharmacological effects. This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of TQ following oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) administration in layer chickens. The layer chickens were equally divided into two groups (six chickens in each group, total 12 chickens), and TQ was administered via PO and IV routes. For PO route, the dose was 20 mg/kg b.w. and for IV route, 5 mg/kg b.w. was administered, respectively. A sensitive and accurate High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique was validated for the quantification of TQ from plasma. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.02 µg/ml and 0.05 µg/ml, respectively with >80% recovery. Maximum plasma concentration (C_max) following PO and IV administration was 8.805 and 4.497 µg/ml, respectively, while time to reach at maximum concentration (T_max) was 1 and 0.1 hr, respectively. The elimination half‐lives were recorded as 1.02 and 0.978 hr, whereas the mean residence times were 1.79 and 1.036 hr following both PO and IV administration, respectively. The 85% PO bioavailability was indicative that TQ could be used for various therapeutic purposes in layer chickens.     

Supranutritional dietary selenium depressed expression of selenoprotein genes in three immune organs of broilers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supranutritional dietary selenium (Se) on selenoproteins expression in three immune organs of chickens. A total of 160 1‐day‐old male Cobb broilers were randomly divided into two groups and fed a Se‐deficient corn‐soybean basal diet supplemented with 0.3 (adequate) and 3.0 (excess) mg/kg Se for 42 days. Immune organs were collected, and effects of supranutritional Se on messenger RNA abundance of 23 selenoprotein genes and eight inflammation‐related genes were compared at day 42. Also enzyme activities were measured at days 14, 28 and 42. The results showed supranutritional dietary Se depressed growth performance of chicken and down‐regulated nine and three selenoprotein genes in thymus and spleen, respectively, and only Sepp1 was up‐regulated in the bursa of Fabricius. Also three, three and seven inflammation‐related genes were up‐regulated in three organs, respectively. Supranutritional Se elevated (P < 0.05) activities of superoxidase dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase, mainly in early stages. In summary, supranutritional Se resulted in down‐regulation of selenoprotein genes and up‐regulation of inflammation‐related genes in three immune organs of chicken, which indicated potential roles of those selenoprotein genes in immune organs of the chicken.     

Differential pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of robenacoxib and ketoprofen in a feline model of inflammation

Robenacoxib and ketoprofen are acidic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both are licensed for once daily administration in the cat, despite having short blood half‐lives. This study reports the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling of each drug in a feline model of inflammation. Eight cats were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, three‐period cross‐over study. In each period, sterile inflammation was induced by the injection of carrageenan into a subcutaneously implanted tissue cage, immediately before the subcutaneous injection of robenacoxib (2 mg/kg), ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) or placebo. Blood samples were taken for the determination of drug and serum thromboxane (Tx)B₂ concentrations (measuring COX‐1 activity). Tissue cage exudate samples were obtained for drug and prostaglandin (PG)E₂ concentrations (measuring COX‐2 activity). Individual animal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters for COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibition were generated by PK/PD modelling. S(+) ketoprofen clearance scaled by bioavailability (CL/F) was 0.114 L/kg/h (elimination half‐life = 1.62 h). For robenacoxib, blood CL/F was 0.684 L/kg/h (elimination half‐life = 1.13 h). Exudate elimination half‐lives were 25.9 and 41.5 h for S(+) ketoprofen and robenacoxib, respectively. Both drugs reduced exudate PGE₂ concentration significantly between 6 and 36 h. Ketoprofen significantly suppressed (>97%) serum TxB₂ between 4 min and 24 h, whereas suppression was mild and transient with robenacoxib. In vivoIC₅₀COX‐1/IC₅₀COX‐2 ratios were 66.9:1 for robenacoxib and 1:107 for S(+) ketoprofen. The carboxylic acid nature of both drugs may contribute to the prolonged COX‐2 inhibition in exudate, despite short half‐lives in blood.     

Physiological and health‐related response of broiler chickens fed diets containing raw,full‐fat soya bean meal supplemented with microbial protease

A 2 × 3 factorial study (protease: 0 or 1,5000 PROT/kg and raw full‐fat soya bean meal [RSBM] replacing the commercial SBM at 0, 45 and 75 g/kg of diet) was conducted to examine the performance of broilers. Phytase (2000 FYT/kg) was uniformly added to each diet, each also replicated six times, with eight birds per replicate. Birds were raised in climate‐controlled rooms using sawdust as the bedding material and offered starter, grower and finisher diets. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were reduced (p < .05) due to increasing levels of RSBM, but feed conversion ratio (FCR; 0–35 days) was unaffected. Over the first 24 days, neither RSBM nor protease supplementation affected (p > .05) mortality, footpad dermatitis or intestinal lesions in birds. At day 24, the weight, length, width and strength of tibia bone were reduced in chickens that received an elevated level of RSBM (75 g/kg of diet), but this was not significant at day 35. At day 24 (p < .05) and 35 (p < .01), Ca concentration in the litter was reduced when the RSBM level was increased in the diet, but P content was not affected. On days 24 (p < .05) and 35 (p < .01), the N content in litter was also increased with increase in dietary RSBM. Protease supplementation increased (p < .05) the uric acid concentration in the litter (at day 35), but the reverse was the case for ammonia concentration. Overall, the results of this study indicate that there are no major health‐related risks, associated with the replacement of commercial SBM with RSBM (≤25%) in broiler diets.     

Assessment of tissue development in fattening quails using the stable isotope technique

We aimed to study the behaviour of tissue renewal in blood, pectoral muscle and keel of fattening quails during their growth and adulthood through carbon‐13 turnover using the stable isotope technique. Three hundred male European quails were randomly subjected to six treatments. Diets fed to animals were initially based on corn and soybean meal and were replaced at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of age with diets of rice grits and soybean meal. These diets have distinct isotopic signals and over time it changes; the tissue will incorporate dietary signal, and then, we can measure the return time for each tissue in each age. Treatments were T1 (0 to 21 days), T2 (7 to 35 days), T3 (14 to 42 days), T4 (21 to 56 days), T5 (28 to 63 days) and T6 (35 to 70 days). Carbon‐13 turnover in tissues of the birds at the above‐mentioned time periods was calculated using the first‐order exponential function. The values of half‐lives were 2.6, 3.6, 5.4, 6.3, 9.0 and 9.8 days for blood and 2.0, 1.7, 4.8, 6.7, 6.9 and 6.6 days for pectoral muscle in treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The half‐lives for the keel in treatments T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were 2.0, 5.4, 7.7, 8.9 and 15 days respectively. Thus, half‐life in sampled tissues generally increased with age of birds. Initially, the tissue half‐lives are influenced by growth, and at the end of the growth cycle, the breast muscle tissue was the most metabolically active in either periods, followed by blood and the keel. All tissues showed a sigmoidal growth curve, which can be confirmed by half‐life as a function of age.     

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in blunt‐snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) at two water temperatures with single‐dose oral administration

The pharmacokinetics and residue elimination of florfenicol (FFC) and its metabolite florfenicol amine (FFA) were studied in healthy blunt‐snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, 50 ± 10 g). The study was conducted with a single‐dose (25 mg/kg) oral administration at a water temperature of 18 or 28°C, while in the residue elimination study, fish were administered at 25 mg/kg daily for three consecutive days by oral gavage to determine the withdrawal period (WDT) at 28°C. The FFC and FFA levels in plasma and tissues (liver, kidneys and muscle) were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A no‐compartment model was used to analyse the concentration versus time data of M. amblycephala. In the two groups at 18 and 28°C, the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of FFC was 5.89 and 6.21 μg/ml, while the time to reach C_max (T_max) was 5.97 and 2.84 hr, respectively. These suggested that higher temperature absorbed more drug and more quickly at M. amblycephala. And the elimination half‐life (T_1/2kβ) of FFC was calculated as 26.75 and 16.14 hr, while the total body clearance (CL) was 0.09 and 0.15 L kg^?1 hr^?1, and the areas under the concentration–time curves (AUCs) were 265.87 and 163.31 μg hr/ml, respectively. The difference demonstrated that the elimination rate of FFC in M. amblycephala at 28°C was more quickly than that at 18°C. The results of FFA showed the same trend in tissues of M. amblycephala. After multiple oral doses (25 mg/kg daily for 3 days), the k (eliminate rate constant) of FFA in M. amblycephala muscle was 0.017, the C₀ (initial concentration) was 3.07 mg/kg, and the WDT was 10 days (water temperature 28°C).     

Effect of dietary inclusion of spray‐dried porcine plasma on performance,some physiological and immunological response of broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella sofia

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in broiler chickens under Salmonella sofia disease challenge. The experiment comprised five starter diets: positive control (no supplement), diet supplemented with in‐feed antibiotics (IFA; salinomycin 0.05% + zinc bacitracin 0.033%) and diets supplemented with SDPP at 10 or 20 g/kg diet. All four of these groups were challenged with S. sofia, while a fifth group was unchallenged and used as the negative control. The experimental diets were fed to 14 days; then, the birds were switched to commercial‐type grower and finisher diets. Oral inoculation of the challenged groups with S. sofia occurred on day 8, 10 and 12. Body weight was significantly higher in the birds fed diets containing IFA and SDPP than in the challenged control group, but it was only significant in starter and grower phases. In general, there was an improvement in the weights of the immune‐related organs, but it was only significant for the weight of the bursa of SDPP‐fed birds at 13 days. At day 13, blood potassium content was lower and the concentrations of IgG and IgM tended to be lower in the birds fed on low‐SDPP starter diets than those of the other groups. There were significant differences in the concentration of lactic acid in the ileum and acetic acid, formic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid in the caeca. Inclusion of SDPP to the starter diets of broiler chicks had positive effects on broiler performance, immunity and gut health during exposure to highly pathogenic conditions.     

Supplemental methionine sources have a neutral impact on oxidative status in broiler chickens

To determine the effect of different dietary Met sources on oxidative status, male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were fed from day of hatch to 26 days of age (d26) a diet deficient in sulfur amino acids (control) or a diet containing 0.22% DL‐Met, 0.22% L‐Met or 0.31% Met precursor, DL‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL‐HMTBA) to meet the Met + Cys requirements. Liver, breast muscle, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected at day 10 (d10) and d26 to assay markers of oxidative stress, including total glutathione (TGSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (rGSH), protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). In breast muscle, TGSH and rGSH were greater in L‐Met and DL‐HMTBA groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). An interaction of treatment and age was observed for TGSH in ileum (p = 0.01) and jejunum (p = 0.01), for GSSG in jejunum (p < 0.001), and for rGSH in ileum (p = 0.02). The ratios of rGSH to GSSG and GSSG to TGSH, which define oxidative status, were not affected by Met source. Protein carbonyls varied among groups in jejunum (p = 0.05) and breast muscle (p < 0.001), but were in the normal physiological range. No difference among treatment groups was observed for TBARS and FRAP in different tissues. Age effects were observed in all tissues for multiple oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, consuming different sources of supplementary Met did not alter the oxidative status in several tissues of broilers. Met + Cys deficiency did not compromise antioxidant capacity of chickens although growth was retarded.     

Effects of different dl‐selenomethionine and sodium selenite levels on growth performance,immune functions and serum thyroid hormones concentrations in broilers

This trial was conducted in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of different dl ‐selenomethionine (dl ‐Se‐Met) and sodium selenite (SS) levels on growth performance, immune functions and serum thyroid hormones concentrations in broilers. A total of 840 Ross 308 broilers (7 days old) were allocated by body weight to seven treatments (three replicates of 40 birds each treatment) including (1) basal diet (containing 0.04 mg of selenium (Se)/kg; control) without supplementary Se; (2, 3 and 4) basal diet + 0.05, 0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg Se as SS; (5, 6 and 7) basal diet + 0.05, 0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg Se as dl ‐Se‐Met. The experiment lasted 42 days. The results revealed that dietary Se supplementation improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, immune organ index, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and triiodothyronine (T₃) concentrations and decreased (p < 0.01) thyroxine (T₄)/T₃ ratio in serum compared with the control. Broilers receiving the dl ‐Se‐Met‐supplemented diets had higher (p < 0.05) feed efficiency, thymus index, the amounts of IgA, IgG, IgM and T₃ as well as lower (p < 0.05) serum T₄ concentrations and T₄/T₃ ratio than those consuming the SS‐supplemented diets. Serum IgA and IgM levels of broilers fed 0.15 mg Se/kg were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of broilers fed 0.05 or 0.25 mg Se/kg. In summary, we concluded that dl ‐Se‐Met is more effective than SS in increasing immunity and promoting conversion of T₄ to T₃, thus providing an effective way to improve the growth performance of broilers. Besides, based on a consideration of all experiment indices, 0.15 mg Se/kg was suggested to be the optimal level of Se supplementation under the conditions of this study.     

Growth performance and intestinal morphology of Hyline chickens fed diets with different diet particle sizes

The effect of feed particle size on the growth performance and intestinal morphology of Hyline chickens was studied. Sixty one‐day‐old chickens were randomly assigned into two groups with five replicates per group and six chickens per replicate. The control group (CG) was fed pelleted feed and the experimental group (EG) was fed crumbled feed. The geometric mean diameter (GMD) of the pelleted and crumbled feed was approximately 1.2 and 0.8 mm respectively. The trial was carried out from day 15 to day 69 of the lives of the chickens. During the experimental period, the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate ( FCR) were calculated. At 42 and 69 days of age, fifteen chickens from each group were slaughtered for the intestinal morphology analyses. The morphologies of various segments of the intestine were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that from 15 to 42 days of age, the FCR of the CG was higher than that of the EG, but the final body weight was lower in the CG than in the EG (p < 0.05). The villi heights in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were shorter in the CG than in the EG (p < 0.05). The villi tips in the duodenum and jejunum of the CG were broken, but they were protected in the EG. At 69 days of age, the BW and the whole intestinal villi height of the CG were greater than those of the EG (p < 0.05). The villi in the duodenum and jejunum in the CG were better than 42 days, but the tips of the duodenal villi in the EG were slightly broken. In conclusion, feeding chickens crumbled feed from 15 to 42 days of age and then feeding them pelleted feed was beneficial to the growth performance of the Hyline chickens, as the pelleted feed would break the intestinal villi of young chickens, but the intestinal villi become stronger with the chicken growth.     

New biomarkers for increased intestinal permeability induced by dextran sodium sulphate and fasting in chickens

Increased intestinal permeability (IP) can lead to compromised health in chickens. As there is limited literature on in vivo biomarkers to assess increased IP in chickens, the objective of this study was to identify a reliable biomarker of IP using DSS ingestion and fasting models. Male Ross chickens (n = 48) were reared until day 14 on the floor pen in an animal care facility, randomized into the following groups: control, DSS and fasting (each with n = 16), and then placed in metabolism cages. DSS was administered in drinking water at 0.75% from days 16 to 21, while controls and fasted groups received water. All birds had free access to feed and water except the birds in the fasting group that were denied feed for 19.5 h on day 20. On day 21, all chickens were given two separate oral gavages comprising fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC‐d, 2.2 mg in 1 ml/bird) at time zero and lactulose, mannitol and rhamnose (LMR) sugars (0.25 g L, 0.05 g M and 0.05 g R in 2 ml/bird) at 60 min. Whole blood was collected from the brachial vein in a syringe 90 min post‐LMR sugar gavage. Serum FITC‐d and plasma LMR sugar concentrations were measured by spectrophotometry and high‐performance ion chromatography respectively. Plasma concentrations of intestinal fatty acid binding protein, diamine oxidase, tight junction protein (TJP), d ‐lactate and faecal α‐antitrypsin inhibitor concentration were also analysed by ELISA. FITC‐d increased significantly (p < 0.05) after fasting compared with control. L/M and L/R ratios for fasting and L/M ratio for DSS increased compared with control chickens (p < 0.05). TJP in plasma was significantly increased due to fasting but not DSS treatment, compared with controls. Other tests did not indicate changes in IP (p > 0.05). We concluded that FITC‐d and LMR sugar tests can be used in chickens to assess changes in IP.     

Pharmacokinetics of levamisole in the red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of levamisole were determined in red‐eared slider turtles after single intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) administration. Nine turtles received levamisole (10 mg/kg) by each route in a three‐way crossover design with a washout period of 30 days. Blood samples were collected at time 0 (pretreatment), and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hr after drug administration. Plasma levamisole concentrations were determined by a high‐performance liquid chromatography assay. Data were analyzed by noncompartmental methods. The mean elimination half‐life was 5.00, 7.88, and 9.43 hr for IV, IM, and SC routes, respectively. The total clearance and volume of distribution at steady state for the IV route were 0.14 L hr^?1 kg^?1 and 0.81 L/kg, respectively. For the IM and SC routes, the peak plasma concentration was 9.63 and 10.51 μg/ml, respectively, with 0.5 hr of T_max. The bioavailability was 93.03 and 115.25% for the IM and SC routes, respectively. The IM and SC route of levamisole, which showed the high bioavailability and long t_1/2?z, can be recommended as an effective way for treating nematodes in turtles.     

Pharmacokinetic profiles of florfenicol in spotted halibut,Verasper variegatus,at two water temperatures

The pharmacokinetic profiles of florfenicol in the spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) were investigated at 15 and 20°C water temperatures, respectively. Florfenicol content in plasma samples was analyzed using an HPLC method. Drug concentration versus time data were best fitted to a three‐compartment model after a single intravenous administration (15 mg/kg BW), and fitted to a two‐compartment model after an oral administration (30 mg/kg BW) at 15 and 20°C. The florfenicol concentration in the blood increased slowly during the 12 hr following an oral administration at 15°C, with a peak concentration (C_max) of 9.1 mg/L, and then declined gradually. The half‐lives of absorption, distribution, and elimination phase were 2.18, 5.66 and 14.25 hr, respectively. The bioavailability (F) was calculated to be 24.14%. After an oral administration at 20°C, shorter half‐lives of absorption (1.33 hr), distribution (2.51 hr) and elimination (9.71 hr), a higher C_max (12.2 mg/L), and a similar F (23.98%) were found. Based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, an oral dose of 30 mg/kg BW was suggested to be efficacious for bacterial disease control in spotted halibut farming.     

Effect of humic acids on intestinal viscosity,leaky gut and ammonia excretion in a 24 hr feed restriction model to induce intestinal permeability in broiler chickens

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of humic acids (HA) on intestinal viscosity, leaky gut and ammonia excretion in a 24 hr feed restriction (FR) model to induce intestinal permeability in chickens. One‐day‐old male Cobb‐Vantress broilers were randomly allocated to one of two groups (n = 25 chickens), with or without 0.2% of isolated HA from worm‐compost, and placed in brooder batteries. Chicks had ad libitum access to water and feed for 14 days. Intestinal permeability was induced by 24 hr FR starting at 14 days. At 15 days of age, chickens in both groups were given an appropriate dose of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC‐d) by oral gavage. Intestine and liver samples were also collected to evaluate viscosity and bacterial translocation (BT), respectively. An increase (p < .05) in intestinal viscosity was observed in the experimental group consuming 0.2% of HA and was confirmed in a published in vitro digestion model that simulates the chemical and physical conditions of the crop, proventriculus and intestine of chickens. Furthermore, the treated group also showed a significant reduction in FITC‐d, liver BT and ammonia in the manure. These results suggest that HA have a positive impact in intestinal integrity in chickens.     

The pharmacokinetics of moxidectin following intravenous and topical administration to swine

The pharmacokinetic parameters of moxidectin (MXD) after intravenous and pour‐on (topical) administration were studied in sixteen pigs at a single dose of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg BW (body weight), respectively. Blood samples were collected at pretreatment time (0 hr) over 40 days. The plasma kinetics were analyzed by WinNonlin 6.3 software through a noncompartmental model. For intravenous administration (n = 8), the elimination half‐life (λ_Z), the apparent volume of distribution (V_z), and clearance (Cl) were 10.29 ± 1.90 days, 89.575 ± 29.856 L/kg, and 5.699 ± 2.374 L/kg, respectively. For pour‐on administration (n = 8), the maximum plasma drug concentration (C_max), time to maximum plasma concentration (T_max), and λ_Z were 7.49 ng/ml, 1.72, and 6.20 days, respectively. MXD had a considerably low absolute pour‐on bioavailability of 9.2%, but the mean residence time (MRT) for pour‐on administration 10.88 ± 1.75 days was longer than 8.99 ± 2.48 days for intravenous administration. These results showed that MXD was absorbed via skin rapidly and eliminated slowly. The obtained data might contribute to refine the dosage regime for topical MXD administration.     

Effect of selenium supplementation on semen characteristics of Brazil's ram

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of oral supplementation with selenium (Se) upon ram sperm parameters. Thirty rams managed in stall under intensive system were used and divided into five groups (six animals per group) as follows: control group (G1) mineral mixture supplementation without Se, group 2 (G2) mineral mixture supplemented with 5 mg/kg Se, group 3 (G3) supplemented with 10 mg/kg Se, group 4 (G4) supplemented with 15 mg/kg Se and group 5 (G5) supplemented with 20 mg/kg Se. For each group, there was an adjustment period of 14 days. The experimental period was 350 days. Every 56 days, the animals were weighed and semen samples were collected by electroejaculation. Semen analysis included volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and morphology. For plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity evaluation and mitochondrial membrane potential were used a combination of fluorescent probes. Differences between means values obtained by analysis of variance were verified by Tukey test with 5% probability. There was no statistical difference between treatment groups in relation to volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p > .05). Sperm morphology was different between treatment groups, the G1 (0 mg of selenium) had the highest percentage of major defects (11.11 ± 1.11^a; p < .05). It was concluded that selenium decrease the percentage of sperm defects and did not directly influence on ram sperm volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and membrane integrity.     

The effect of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on small intestinal morphology,antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory effect in heat‐stressed broilers

This study was to investigate the effects of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory response in heat‐stressed broiler. A total of 192 2‐week‐old Arbour Acres broilers chickens were divided into four groups with six replicates per group and eight chickens per replicate: one thermoneutral control group (28°C, group TN), which was fed the basal diet; and three cyclic high‐temperature groups (35°C from 7:00 to 19:00 hr; 28°C from 19:00 hr to 7:00 hr, heat stress group), which were fed the basal diet supplementation with EGCG 0 mg/kg (group HS0), 300 mg/kg (group HS300) and 600 mg/kg (group HS600). The gut morphology and intestinal mucosal oxidative stress indicators, as well as intestinal barrier‐related gene expression, were analysed. The results showed that compared with group TN, heat stress reduced the villus height (VH), activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD)and catalase (CAT), increased the crypt depth (CD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)content at 21, 28 and 35 days (p < 0.05). After the heat‐stressed broilers were supplemented with EGCG, VH, VH/CD (V/C), and the activities of GSH‐Px, SOD and CAT were increased, and CD and MDA content were reduced compared with those in group HS0 without EGCG supplementation at 21, 28 and 35 days (p < 0.05). The EGCG supplementation promoted the gene expression of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), Claudin‐1, Mucin 2 (Muc2) and alleviated the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumour necrosis factor (LITAF) gene expression compared with group HS0 (p < 0.05). Moreover, intestinal morphology was strongly correlated with antioxidant ability and inflammatory response. In conclusion, EGCG alleviated the gut oxidative injury of heat‐stressed broilers by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting inflammatory response.