Distribution and Characterisation of Goblet Cells in the Large Intestine of Ostriches during the Pre‐ and Post‐Hatch Period

The role of goblet cell secretion, containing mucopolysaccharides, in the formation of a protective barrier of intestinal mucosa and transportation of the intestinal content has been described quite extensively. However, information on the quality composition of mucopolysaccharides and its changes in the intestinal tract of ostrich chicks, especially in the large intestinal segments, is unavailable. In the current study, ostrich embryos/chicks (n = 6/36) of both sexes were used shortly before hatching and during the first months of the post‐hatch period. Tissues for histology were taken from the large intestine: the medium segments of the caecum, proximal and distal parts of colon. By using histochemical reactions, the differentiation of goblet cells as well as chemical composition of mucopolysaccharides was carried out. The cells contained acid (AB+), neutral (PAS+) and mixed (AB/PAS+) mucopolysaccharides. The number of goblet cells in the large intestine per unit area of mucosa increased towards the cloaca, and it was the highest in the distal part of the colon. The qualitative goblet cell composition in different large intestinal parts was different in all ages. In the caecum, goblet cells containing acid and mixed mucopolysaccharides dominate post‐hatch, whereas in the colon, goblet cells containing acid mucopolysaccharides predominated. The most rapid changes in the qualitative goblet cell composition occur during the first week post‐hatch when in all the intestinal segments the proportion of cells containing acid mucopolysaccharides continuously increased.     

The Distribution of Gastrin,Somatostatin and Glucagon Immunoreactive (IR) Cells in Ostrich Stomach During the Pre‐ and Post‐hatching Period

Peptides of the gastrointestinal tract play a significant role in the digestive processes and the development of the body; therefore, it is important to have an understanding of location and distribution of gastrin, somatostatin and glucagon immunoreactive (IR) cells in the stomach mucosa of growing birds. For this purpose, 6 embryos and 37 chicks from an ostrich farm in Latvia were used. Tissue samples were collected from the proventriculus – superficial and deep glandular region and from the ventriculus – side wall and pyloric region. The number of cells was determined in 10 mucosal fields of each tissue sample. For statistical analysis, the one‐way anova method was used. Gastrin IR cells regarding the stomach mucosa were found only in the pyloric region. Somatostatin IR cells were most densely located in the pyloric region too, but some cells were also discovered in the mucosa of proventriculus and ventriculus. Glucagon IR cells were found in the epithelium of the deep glands of the proventriculus and only some cells of the superficial glands of the proventriculus, and the ventriculus side wall mucosa. Gastrin and somatostatin IR cells were present in a comparatively large quantity in the ostrich chicks' ventriculus – pyloric region yet not long before hatching. They were located deep in the mucosa of pyloric glands, and their number tended to increase with birds advancing in age.     

Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is dangerous to other livestock and humans. Salmonella is transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused by Pasteurella multocida results in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium, is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused by Basidia, Mucor and Rhizopus. Leucocytozoon struthionis and Plasmodium spp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm, Houttuynia struthionis, is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke (Philophthalmus gralli) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa include Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus turanicus and Argus spp. The ostrich quillmite (Pterolichus bicaudatus) and louse (Struthioliperus struthionus) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare.     

Thymol in the intestinal tract of broiler chickens after sustained administration of thyme essential oil in feed

Plant compounds occurring in phytogenic feed additives are involved in different pharmacological activities in the animal organism. Since the digestive tract acts as a first line of defence against foreign compounds, it is necessary to outline its response to dietary supplementation with bioactive plant components. Little information is available on the bioactivity of thymol as the main bioactive compound of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO). The main objective of the present study was to provide a detailed view of the concentrations of thymol in plasma and the content of individual intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon) of broiler chickens after 4 weeks of dietary supplementation with different TEO concentrations. 32 one‐day old Ross 308 hybrid broilers were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups (0.00%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% w/w of TEO in the diet). Thymol concentrations in the duodenal chyme presented around 7% on average from the thymol amount administered in the feed. A significantly increased thymol amount was observed after 0.1% TEO addition to the diet compared with 0.01% TEO enrichment in the duodenal wall and gut content of jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon (p < 0.05). Thymol levels in the colon were significantly higher than in the ileum and about 1.7 times higher on average than those in the caecum. Significant coefficient of correlation was observed between thymol concentrations in plasma and feed, gut content of all intestinal segments as well as duodenal wall. Our results point to intensive thymol absorption in the initial sections of the digestive tract. In the current study, the role of intestine in biotransformation of thymol was observed, and it would be desirable to investigate whether thymol itself or thymol metabolites are responsible for beneficial effects in intestine.     

鸵鸟新城疫的病理形态学观察

通过病理剖检、病理组织学及电镜负染观察等方法对来自山东、河南等地的15只表现典型新城疫症状的发病鸵鸟的死亡原因进行系统研究分析。病理剖检可见发病鸵鸟全身广泛性出血,其中以消化道黏膜出血为主;病理组织学观察可见其病理特征以消化道黏膜出血,细胞变性、坏死、脱落为主,同时伴发心肌纤维和肾小管上皮细胞的颗粒变性,脾脏和肺脏充血、出血以及其头颈部的水肿,淋巴组织的坏死等病理变化。电镜负染观察可见圆形、椭圆形或纺锤形,直径200~500 nm,具有明显纤突的典型副黏病毒粒子。以上试验结果证实鸵鸟的死亡原因为新城疫病毒感染所致。     

Identification of three novel mycoplasma species from ostriches in South Africa

Mycoplasmas have been implicated in certain clinical syndromes in ostriches and are associated with upper respiratory tract infections. As these infections result in production losses, they are of considerable economic importance to the South African ostrich industry. Although poultry mycoplasmas have been shown to infect ostriches, the existence of unique ostrich-specific mycoplasmas has been suggested. In this study, mycoplasmas were isolated from ostriches in the Klein Karoo, Central Karoo and Garden Route areas of the Western and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These sequences indicated that ostriches in these areas carry three unique mycoplasmas and were not infected with chicken mycoplasmas. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences of the three isolated ostrich mycoplasmas showed them to be quite divergent and to fall into two distinct phylogenetic groupings. Unique sequences within the 16S rRNA gene of the ostrich mycoplasmas were subsequently used for the development of specific primers for the detection and diagnosis of mycoplasma infections in ostriches. Chickens kept in close proximity to infected ostriches were not infected with these ostrich mycoplasmas.     

Immunohistochemical distribution of glucagon-like peptide 1 in the digestive system of different aquatic vertebrates

The distribution of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-positive cells in digestive tracts and pancreases of aquatic vertebrates was investigated by immunohistochemical staining method. The results suggested that GLP-1-positive cells were distributed in the columnar mucous epithelium and tubular glands of lamina propria in the digestive system. However, GLP-1-positive cells were also found in subepithelial lamina propria of the mucosae and muscularis in each segment of the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata. The distribution densities of these cells reached peaks in the stomachs, and the middle or end segments of small intestines of Chinese softshell turtle, Bufo gargarizans, R. nigromaculata and catfish, and there was the third distribution density peak in the rectum of catfish. The total amount or overall density of GLP-1-positive cells varied a lot in the digestive tracts of different animal species. The distribution density was relatively low in the digestive tract of chub and reached the maximum in the digestive tracts of snakehead and catfish, but no GLP-1-positive cells were found in the digestive tract of bighead carp. GLP-1-positive cells were densely distributed in the pancreases of Chinese softshell turtle, B. gargarizans and R. nigromaculata. These cells spread over the superficial layers of islets or scattered in exocrine pancreas in the pancreas of B. gargarizans, spread in the endocrine cells or scattered in the pancreas of Chinese softshell turtle, scattered in the pancreas of R. nigromaculata and distributed in the superficial layers of islets in the pancreas of catfish.     

Effects of in ovo feeding of L‐arginine on the development of digestive organs,intestinal function and post‐hatch performance of broiler embryos and hatchlings

This study was to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) L‐arginine (Arg) solution on the development of digestive organs, the duodenal mucosa of broiler embryos and hatchlings, and the growth performance of chicks during the first week post‐hatch. A total of 720 fertilized eggs with similar weight were randomly allocated to three groups, consisting of eight replicates of 30 eggs each. Three treatments were arranged as non‐injected control, diluent‐injected (0.75% NaCl solution) group and Arg solution‐injected group containing 1% Arg, dissolved in diluent. At 17.5 days of incubation, 0.6 ml of IOF solution was injected into amniotic fluid of each egg of injected groups. Results showed IOF of Arg solution increased (p < .05) the chick embryo weight at 19 days of incubation; the body weight gain of post‐hatch broilers during 1–7 days; the weights of liver, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard; the concentrations of duodenal ghrelin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and glucagon‐like peptide 2; and the duodenum mucosal enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase, maltase, sucrase and inducible nitric oxide synthase of 7‐day‐old post‐hatch broilers compared with other groups. The IOF of Arg solution also increased (p < .05) the villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) and decreased (p < .05) the CD in duodenum of broiler embryos and post‐hatch hatchlings, except for the CD at 19 days of incubation. In conclusion, IOF of 1% Arg solution into the amnion at 17.5 days of incubation could improve the development of digestive organs, the duodenal morphology, the releasing of gastrointestinal hormones and mucosal enzyme activities of broiler embryos and hatchlings and finally the growth performance of chicks during the first week post‐hatch. Therefore, IOF of appropriate Arg solution could be an effective technology for regulating early nutrition supply and subsequent growth development in poultry industry.     

A light microscopic and immunocytochemical study of the gastrointestinal tract of the ostrich (Struthio camelus L.)

Although the histological features and endocrine cells of the gastro-intestinal tract of the chicken have been well studied, little is known about these features of the gut of the ostrich. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the histology and peptide-storing endocrine cells of the ostrich. As a rule the histological features of the gastro-intestinal tract of the ostrich corresponded to that of the fowl. However, certain differences were observed. The superficial proventricular glands were simple, branched tubular glands, while the deep proventricular glands were restricted to a slipper-shaped area and extended into the muscularis mucosae. The gizzard had a variably developed muscularis mucosae, a feature that seems to be unique to the ostrich. The villi of the small intestine were long and branched profusely, forming a labyrinthine surface. No Paneth cells were observed. The mucosa of the ceca and the first part of the rectum was thrown in large circular folds, forming a compressed spiral. Numerous melanocytes were seen in the submucosa and the connective tissue around the bloodvessels of the muscle layers at the tips of the ceca. A well developed subserosa was present throughout the gastro-intestinal tract. Endocrine cells immunoreactive to somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, bombesin, neurotensin, substance P and pancreatic polypeptide were detected in the gastro-intestinal tract of the ostrich. The topographical distribution of those endocrine cells immunoreactive to glucagon, bombesin, neurotensin and substance P differed from that of the chicken. The results of this investigation inferred that at least one of the gut peptides of the ostrich (secretin) to be structurally different from its counterparts in mammal and chicken. Molecular heterogeneity of somatostatin was observed in endocrine cells situated in the deep ventricular glands of the ostrich.     

Bovine colostrum enriched with lyophilized bovine colostrum stimulates intestinal epithelium renewal of Holstein calves in the first days of life

Consumption of a second meal of colostrum with high quality could contribute to the intestinal epithelium development, especially if there is poor supply of colostrum just after birth. The effect of a second colostrum meal was evaluated on histomorphometry of the intestinal mucosa of newborn Holstein calves fed with high‐ and low‐quality first colostrum. Seventy‐two calves were fed with a first colostrum meal with high (HFM, close to 100 mg/ml) or low (LFM, close to 30 mg/ml) IgG concentration. At 12 hr of life, three treatments of second colostrum feeding were applied to the calves either fed high or low first colostrum: calves fed with low (LOW—close to 30 mg/ml) or high (HIGH—close to 100 mg/ml) IgG concentration; and colostrum enriched with lyophilized bovine colostrum with high IgG concentration (ENRICHED—higher than 120 mg/ml), resulting in six groups. Intestinal samples were collected after 24 and 72 hr of life. In the distal jejunum and ileum, LOW showed higher villus height than ENRICHED (p < .05). In the distal jejunum, greater villus perimeter was observed in the LOW compared to ENRICHED at 24 hr (p < .05). In ileum, LFM showed higher villus perimeter compared to HFM (p < .05). LOW showed the highest villus height‐to‐crypt depth ratio in the medium and distal jejunum and ileum, p < .05. ENRICHED and HFM showed decreased muscle layer thickness in the proximal and distal jejunum respectively (p < .05). The results reveal that the high concentration of total solids, crude protein, IgG and IGF‐I of colostrum with high quality worsened the absorptive area, but may have stimulated the activity of cell division in intestinal crypts. Considering the present results, bovine colostrum enriched with lyophilized bovine colostrum stimulates intestinal epithelium renewal of Holstein calves in the first days of life.     

Lactobacillus plantarum BS22 promotes gut microbial homeostasis in broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin B1

Probiotics promote the health of the host by maintaining intestinal microbial homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum BS22 (LP) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbial homeostasis of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin B₁ using the PCR‐DGGE, viable count and real‐time PCR. The toxin adsorption experiment demonstrated that treatment R5 (1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/g LP) exhibited good absorptive effect in adsorbing the aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in vitro. DGGE showed that the composition and structure of gut microbiota were more similar in the mucosa than in the content of all the samples. In addition, higher diversity of the microbiota was observed in the caecum and glandular stomach than in other segments. Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae were more abundant in the ileum than in the other segments. Enterobacteriaceae in groups I (basal diet) and II (basal diet+50 μg/kg AFB₁) showed a significant difference in group III (basal diet + 50 μg/kg AFB₁ + 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g LP) in the crop content and duodenum mucosa (p < .05). This investigation indicates that the L. plantarum BS22 promotes GIT microbial homeostasis in broiler chickens exposed to AFB₁, particularly for the intestine mucosa microbiota. Thus, L. plantarum BS22 is a possible candidate for degrading AFB_1.     

Spatial variations in intestinal skatole production and microbial composition in broilers

Spatial variations in intestinal skatole production and microbial composition in broilers were evaluated. Fifteen 42‐day‐old broilers were slaughtered. Samples were taken from the broilers’ ileum, cecum, and rectum and analyzed for skatole levels. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) technique was used to analyze the microbial community from the intestinal digesta. The skatole levels could be arranged in decreasing order: cecum > rectum > ileum. Cecal lactate and acetate levels were higher than those of ileum and rectum (p < 0.01). Cecal microbial diversity and richness were higher than those of ileum (p < 0.05). One specific DGGE band was found in cecal sample and is closely related to Bacteroides uniformis. Cecum and rectum samples consisted of three coexistence bands, the related bacteria included Lactobacillus vaginalis and two members of Candidatus Arthromitus. The total bacterial population in cecum was higher than that in ileum and rectum (p < 0.05). Skatole levels were positively correlated with microbial Shannon‐Wiener index, richness, total bacteria (p < 0.01) and Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05) populations. These results suggest that the variations in fermentation patterns are more likely to explain differences in intestinal skatole level. Bacteroides uniformis may play a role in the production of skatole.     

Probiotics intake from proximal or distal gastrointestinal tract: The investigation on intestinal morphology and performance of Japanese quail

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of early single‐dose probiotics administered from proximal or distal gastrointestinal tract on quails’ performance and small intestinal morphology. A total of 120 Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 1‐d‐old chicks were divided into the following experimental groups before being transferred to the raising room: (i) control (no probiotic administered); (ii) oral group (received probiotics via oesophageal gavage); and (iii) vent lip group (received probiotics directly into vent). Four replicates of 10 chicks per cage were considered for each treatment and birds were raised up to 35 days in the same conditions with ad libitum access to feed and water. A commercial probiotics (Protexin, Somerset, UK) used in this study contained 2 × 10⁹ cfu/g of nine different micro‐organisms. On day 35, all birds were weighed and then three birds in every pen were killed via cervical dislocation. Two cm of mid‐point of duodenum and ileum were cut for histomorphology assays. Both probiotics‐treated groups had higher body weight and body weight gain than control (p < .01). Ileum was longer in probiotics‐treated groups than in the control (p < .01). Orally treated birds had the highest duodenum villus height and crypt depth (p < .01). In the cloacally treated quails, ileum villus length was higher than the both other groups, and crypts’ depth was deeper than the control (p < .01). The numbers of both types of goblet cells (acidic mucin producer and neutral mucin producer) were higher in the birds receiving probiotics than control birds (p < .01). Although there were no statistical differences in performance values between the different ways of probiotics entrance into gut, some intestinal histomorphometric parameters were improved in ileum of the birds receiving probiotics through distal gut that is cloaca (p < .01).     

Combined effects of xylo-oligosaccharides and coated sodium butyrate on growth performance,immune function,and intestinal physical barrier function of broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), coated sodium butyrate (CSB), and their combination on growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal barrier of broilers. A total of 192 1-day-old chicks were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design including two dietary additives (0 and 150 mg/kg XOS and 0 and 400 mg/kg CSB). This trial lasted for 42 days. CSB supplementation increased the thymus and bursa index, blood myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and IgG and IgM concentrations, whereas adding XOS only improved IgM concentration (p < .05). A significant interaction was observed for MPO activity. Furthermore, broilers fed CSB and their interaction exhibited increased ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) and goblet cells numbers in the ileum, as well as decreased ileal CD (p < .05). Broilers fed XOS and CSB individually showed higher ileal VH, the number of goblet cells in the duodenum and jejunum (p < .05). Moreover, XOS and CSB individual supplementation upregulated the expression of claudin3 in the ileum (p < .05). Simultaneously, a significant interaction was found for the ileal expression of claudin3. Overall, XOS and CSB supplementation could improve the development of immune organs, the small intestine morphology, and the intestinal physical barrier of broilers. Although no clear synergy of XOS and CSB was detected, the combination had positively affect broilers intestinal barrier and immune parameters.     

蓝狐消化道5-羟色胺和生长抑素免疫组化定位

采用免疫组织化学SP法.研究蓝狐消化道内5-羟色胺和生长抑素2种免疫阳性细胞的形态结构与分布密度.结果表明,消化道中这2种免疫阳性细胞形态多呈圆形、椭圆形或锥体形,主要集中分布在胃腺上皮、肠上皮及肠腺上皮细胞之间.5-HT免疫阳性细胞数量以结肠最多,直肠和空肠次之,胃底腺区、十二指肠、回肠和幽门腺区较少,食管、贲门腺区和盲肠中未见:SS免疫阳性细胞大量出现于幽门腺区,食管、责门腺区和盲肠中未见;根据其形态推测,蓝狐消化道这2种免疫阳性细胞有内、外2种分泌功能.     

鸵鸟输尿管和泄殖道的组织学研究

为了研究鸵鸟与其他鸟纲动物排泄行为差异的形态学,试验采用常规石蜡切片,H.E.染色,对8只非洲鸵鸟输尿管和泄殖道的组织结构进行了研究。结果表明:非洲鸵鸟的输尿管管壁由黏膜、肌层和外膜组成,其上皮为假复层柱状上皮,部分为单层柱状或变移上皮;泄殖道黏膜上皮为假复层柱状上皮、单层柱状上皮及少量变移上皮,其中分布许多杯状细胞。说明非洲鸵鸟输尿管和泄殖道的组织结构不同于其他鸟纲动物,其泄殖道不但有贮存大量尿液的功能,而且还对水分有重吸收作用。     

Parasites observed in the proximal alimentary tract of a Przewalski's horse in China

This article reports a Przewalski's horse from the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR) in China transported to our institute to determine the cause of death. The animal had been subjected to necropsy before being transported to our institute; the entire digestive tract was removed but not opened to reduce the possible loss of parasites. During examination, ascarids in the intestines and bots in the oral cavity and stomach were observed. The parasites were identified according to an identification key and enumerated. The ascarids were identified as Parascaris spp. and were associated with a volvulus, resulting in intestinal obstruction. A total of two (stomach), one (duodenum) and 106 (intestines) Parascaris spp. were counted. Bots in the digestive tract were identified as third stage larvae of Gasterophilus pecorum (G. pecorum), Gasterophilus nigricornis (G. nigricornis) and Gasterophilus nasalis (G. nasalis), which may have been associated with stomach ulcers suffered by the horse. Attached to the lining of the oral cavity and stomach were 331 and 2014, respectively, larvae of G. pecorum, while in the duodenum there were 23 third stage larvae of G. nigricornis and 20 third stage larvae of G. nasalis. Therefore, the possibility of the presence of these parasites should not be overlooked in Przewalski horses as these parasites may be responsible for severe clinical signs in infected animals.     

Dietary supplementation of plant essential oil improves growth performance,intestinal morphology and health in weaned pigs

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of plant essential oil (PEO) on growth performance, intestinal morphology and health in weaned pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs were assigned into four groups fed with a basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing PEO at a concentration of 50 (PEO50), 100 (PEO100) or 200 ppm (PEO200). After 21 days, pigs were slaughtered and blood and tissue samples were collected. Result showed that PEO200 group significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) compared with CON group (p < .05). Moreover, PEO supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of DM (p < .05). However, it significantly decreased the serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration (p < .05). Interestingly, PEO supplementation significantly increased the activity of sucrase in the duodenal and the activity of lactase in the jejunal mucosa (p < .05). Moreover, PEO supplementation improved the growth of intestinal mucosa. As compared to the CON group, the jejunum and ileum villus height were significantly elevated in the PEO200 group (p < .05). Importantly, the expression levels of critical genes associated with nutrient transportation (i.e., GLUT2 and SGLT1) and barrier function (occludin) were significantly elevated in the PEO200 group (p < .05). Moreover, the PEO100 and PEO200 group had higher propionic acid concentration and higher total bacterial gene copies in colon digesta than the CON group (p < .05) respectively. These results not only suggest that PEO has a positive role in the regulation of growth and intestinal health in weaned pigs, but also offer a potential candidate substituting the conventionally used antibiotics in the livestock industry.