Pituitary, adrenal, immune and performance responses of mature Holstein x Friesian bulls housed on slatted floors at various space allowances

The effect of various space allowances on the pituitary, adrenal and immune responses and on performance was investigated in 72 mature Holstein x Friesian beef bulls. The animals (weighing 403+/-3.5 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to two groups (familiar, F, and unfamiliar, UF) x three treatments (1.2, 2.7 and 4.2m(2) per bull; n=24 per space allowance), and housed for 83 days in 18 pens (n=4 per pen). Blood samples were collected on days -1, 0, 3, 14, 36 and 77 with respect to mixing and housing on day 0. The bulls were given exogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) on day 3 and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) on days 14, 36 and 77. Basal plasma cortisol concentration was not affected (P>0.05) by mixing F and UF bulls. On day 3, basal cortisol was greater (P<0.05) in bulls housed at 1.2 than those at 2.7 and 4.2m(2) space allowances while no effect was observed in ACTH-induced plasma cortisol concentration among treatments. Following CRH administration, there was no effect (P>0.05) of treatment and treatment x time on plasma ACTH concentration. On day 14, interferon-gamma production was lower (P<0.05) in the bulls housed at 4.2 vs. 2.7 m(2) and was intermediate but not significantly different (P>0.05) for those housed at 1.2m(2). Animals housed at either space allowances had significant (P<0.05) neutrophilia, lymphopenia, eosinopenia and decreased haemoglobin on day 3 compared with day 0. The liveweight gain from days 0 to 83 was lower (P<0.05) in bulls housed at 1.2 compared with those at 2.7 and 4.2m(2). Housing bulls at 1.2m(2) space allowance had a detrimental effect on their growth and was associated with an acute rise in plasma cortisol concentration (on day 3) compared with those having space allowances of 2.7 and 4.2m(2)/bull.     

Haematological, hormonal and biochemical blood parameters in lamb: Effect of age and blood sampling time

This study examined the effect of blood sampling time (farm, transport, lairage) on welfare physiological indicators in two groups of different age/weight Manchega breed lambs (suckling vs light). Blood sampling time had a different effect on both types of lamb: In light lambs, there was an increase (P < 0.001) in red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin, hematocrit and urea after lairage; but adrenaline, glucose and creatinine increased after transport. In suckling lambs, there were higher values of cortisol and potassium on the farm, both glucose and sodium increased after transport while adrenaline did after lairage. In general, significant differences (P < 0.001) were found between both types of lamb in the parameters analysed. Light lambs showed higher values of RBC, haemoglobin, hematocrit, adrenaline, noradrenalin, LDH, CK, sodium and lactate than younger animals in all blood sampling times. Only after lairage were urea and leucocytes lower (P < 0.05) in suckling than in light lambs, while cortisol was higher on the farm and lower after lairage in younger animals.     

Influence of topical dexamethasone applications on insulin, glucose, thyroid hormone and cortisol levels in dogs

The influence of two topical dexamethasone applications (dermal and ototopical) on plasma insulin, glucose, thyroid hormone and cortisol levels was investigated in beagle dogs. Both treatments significantly decreased basal cortisol values, associated with exaggerated rise in insulin (∼50%), together with unchanged serum glucose levels. Dermal dexamethasone quickly decreased plasma thyroxin (T₄) levels; whereas dexamethasone in ear drops gradually inhibited time-dependently T₄ release (18–50%). Both formulations blunted plasma triiodothyronine (T₃) levels but the response induced by dermal dexamethasone was stronger than by dexamethasone ear drops. Upon drug withdrawal, insulin secretion returned to baseline a week after treatment cessation, while cortisol, T₄ and T₃ levels did not reach baseline values. These results suggest that topical glucocorticoids unexpectedly trigger secondary hypothyroidism with concomitant suppression of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis but sensitize the endocrine pancreas, thus, their application needs careful evaluation for surprisingly different effects on endocrine stress axis activity.     

Effect of pesticide water pollution on some haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in Tilapia nilotica fish

Nine groups of Tilapia nilotica fish each consisting of 50 fish were used to assess the effect of pesticides on the haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in fish. Four groups were injected with 0.05 ml of Staphylococcus aureus antigen plus complete Freund's adjuvant, the first group (G1) was exposed to lindane treatment, the second (G2) was exposed to dialdrin, the third (G3) was exposed to diazinon and the forth group (G4) was exposed to malathion. Four other groups were not immunized, but injected with the adjuvant and exposed to the pesticides, the fifth group (G5) was exposed to lindane, the sixth (G6) was exposed to dialdrin, the seventh (G7) was exposed to diazinon and the eighth group (G8) was exposed to malathion. The ninth group (G9) was exposed to water without any pesticide treatment and served as controls. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups were exposed to 1/10 LC50 of the tested pesticides for 30 days. The results revealed that the mean total RBCs, WBCs counts, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC values were lower in vaccinated groups than in the groups exposed to the tested pesticides. The total protein, globulin and serum enzymes ALAT; ASAT values as well as macrophage phagocytic index and antibody titer were lower in vaccinated as compared to the non-vaccinated groups.     

Effects of iron–glycine chelate on growth,carcass characteristic,liver mineral concentrations and haematological and biochemical blood parameters in broilers

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of additive iron–glycine chelate on the production performance, slaughter yield, mineral deposition in the liver and the metabolic blood panel in broiler chickens. A total of 250 one‐day‐old Ross 308 chicks were allotted into five groups with five replicates of 10 birds each. Diets were supplemented with the organic form iron (Fe–Gly at the rate of 25%, 50% or 100% of the total requirements of the elements) and inorganic Fe (FeSO₄ at the rate of 50% or 100%). In the experiment, iron was added to the premix (containing no Fe) in an amount of 40 or 20 mg per kg of basal diet, in groups I and II, in the form of FeSO₄, and in an amount of 40, 20 or 10 mg per kg of basal diet, in groups III, IV and V, in the form of Fe–Gly. The study covering the period from the first to the 42nd day of breeding revealed that the production performance and slaughter yield were not dependent on the form and amount of added Fe. In the experimental groups with the addition of Fe–Gly of 20 or 10 mg/kg, there were no deaths of chickens during the whole fattening period. As a result, introducing an organic form of iron covering 50% and 25% of the birds' requirement increased the effectiveness of chicken fattening (European Efficiency Index) (p < 0.01). An organic Fe compound (40, 20 or 10 mg/kg) added to mixtures contributed to significant changes in the level of biochemical and haematological indicators in blood. The study demonstrated that an addition of Fe–Gly to mixtures for broilers can be fully effective in terms of production and health performance even if the suggested requirement for this element is 50% or 25% covered.     

Effect of ellagic acid on some haematological,immunological and antioxidant parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In this study, effect of ellagic acid on some haematological, immunological and antioxidant parameters in the blood and various tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were examined. Four groups of rainbow trout were fed experimental diets containing either no ellagic acid (control) or supplemented with ellagic acid at 50 mg/kg diet (EA‐50), 100 mg/kg diet (EA‐100) or 150 mg/kg diet (EA‐150) for 21 days. Samples of the blood and tissue (liver, kidney and spleen) were collected at the end of the experiment and analysed for their haematological profile (the red blood cell count, the haemoglobin concentration and the haematocrit level), immune response (the white blood cell count, the oxidative radical production (NBT activity), the total plasma protein and total immunoglobulin level) and oxidant/antioxidant status (the malondialdehyde level, the superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity as well as the reduced glutathione concentration). The findings of this study demonstrated that ellagic acid had a positive effect on the haematological parameters, the immune response and the antioxidant enzyme activities of the fish.     

Effect of different head–neck positions on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse

Different head–neck positions (HNPs) are used in equestrian sports and are regarded as desirable for training and competition by riders, judges and trainers. Even though some studies have been indicative of hyperflexion having negative effects on horses, this unnatural position is frequently used. In the present study, the influence of different HNPs on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse was investigated. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood cortisol levels were measured in 18 horses. Low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) are power components in the frequency domain measurement of HRV which show the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Values were recorded at rest, while riding with a working HNP and while riding with hyperflexion of the horse's head, neck and poll. In addition, rideability and behaviour during the different investigation stages were evaluated by the rider and by an observer. Neither the HR nor the HRV showed a significant difference between working HNP (HR = 105 ± 22/min; LF/HF = 3.89 ± 5.68; LF = 37.28 ± 10.77%) and hyperflexion (HR = 110 ± 18; LF/HF = 1.94 ± 2.21; LF = 38.39 ± 13.01%). Blood cortisol levels revealed a significant increase comparing working HNP (158 ± 60 nm ) and hyperflexion (176 ± 64 nm , p = 0.01). The evaluation of rider and observer resulted in clear changes of rideability and behavioural changes for the worse in all parameters collected between a working HNP and hyperflexion. In conclusion, changes of the cortisol blood level as a physical parameter led to the assumption that hyperflexion of head, neck and poll effects a stress reaction in the horse, and observation of the behaviour illustrates adverse effects on the well‐being of horses during hyperflexion.     

Effects of isoquinoline alkaloids from Macleaya cordata on physiological,immunological and inflammatory parameters in healthy beagles

The aim of the study was to investigate nutritional, physiological and immunological effects of a plant‐derived blend of isoquinoline alkaloids (Sangrovit® Extra) in healthy dogs. Two groups of healthy, adult beagles (N = 10) were tested in a cross‐over experiment, lasting two consecutive three‐week periods. The experimental group received 1.2 g additive/kg feed, according to the recommendation of 10–20 mg/kg live weight per day. The control group received the same feed without additive. Complete blood count, immunological parameters and amino acid concentrations in serum were assessed. Faeces were analysed for short‐chain fatty acids, lactate and ammonium; moreover, their quantity and consistency were determined. Neither feed intake, total apparent nutrient digestibility (crude protein and fat, organic matter, sodium, potassium) were affected by intake of the product. Lymphocyte and monocyte counts were slightly increased in both groups. Elevation was not treatment dependant. IgA, IgG, haptoglobin in serum and flow cytometric phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes were not affected by alkaloids supplementation. Numerically greater methionine concentrations in blood serum occurred in the experimental group (p = 0.182). Quantity and consistency of faeces and ammonium concentration in faeces were not affected by the additive. Faecal concentrations of short‐chain organic acids differed between groups (acetic acid, % of total SCFA: control group 52.3 ± 5.2 vs. experimental group 57.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.042), lactate concentrations (d ‐, l ‐ and total) did not. Due to the shift of SCFA proportions in faeces, an effect of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQs) on the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota is probable. In conclusion, the addition of IQs in the given dose was well tolerated and did not have adverse effects in healthy dogs.     

Effect of δ-aminolevulinic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and the immune response of weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

This study investigated the effects of dietary δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and whether ALA improved the immune response of weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Eighty pigs (body weight = 7.21 ± 0.51 kg) were allotted to four dietary treatments, with four pens per treatment and five pigs per pen. Basal diets were supplemented with 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg ALA (as-fed basis) and fed for 35 days. At the end of the feeding period, 10 pigs were selected from both the 0- and 10-mg/kg ALA treatment groups; five were injected i.p. with LPS (50 μg/kg BW) and the other five pigs with an equivalent amount of sterile saline, resulting a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Blood sample and rectal temperature data were collected at 0, 2, 4 and 12 h after challenge. Growth performance was not affected by dietary treatments over the total experimental period. However, dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) digestibility was improved in the 15-mg/kg ALA treatment group at day 35 (P < 0.05). Serum hemoglobin (Hb) and iron levels were also increased, with the 10-mg/kg ALA treatment showing the highest concentration (P < 0.05). On day 35, red (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts were elevated, with the 5- and 10-mg/kg ALA treatments having the highest counts (P < 0.05). During challenge, LPS injection elevated rectal temperature at 2 and 4 h postchallenge (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol concentration was also increased by LPS injection at 2 and 4 h postchallenge and an ALA-alleviating effect was evident at 2 h postchallenge (P < 0.01). Concentration of plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was increased in the ALA-supplemented treatments at 2 h postchallenge (P < 0.05). LPS injection increased plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations at 2, 4 and 12 h (P < 0.01), while an ALA-alleviating effect was observed at 2 and 4 h postchallenge (P < 0.05 and P < 0.10, respectively). Challenge with LPS decreased WBC counts at 2 and 4 h postchallenge (P < 0.01). At 12 h postchallenge, RBC, WBC and lymphocyte counts were affected by LPS challenge, while an ALA effect was only observed on WBC count (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ALA in weanling pigs can improve DM and N digestibilities, and iron status and have a beneficial effect on the immune response during inflammatory challenge.     

Effect of Royal Jelly on behavioural patterns,feather quality,egg quality and some haematological parameters in laying hens at the late stage of production

The aim was to elucidate the impact of Royal Jelly (RJ) on behavioural patterns, feather cover, egg quality and some blood haematological indices in laying hens (58–64 weeks of age). A total of 108 Tetra Brown laying hens were used in the current trial. The birds were divided into three equal groups (36 birds each). The pure RJ was prepared for immediate injection subcutaneously, as follows: the first treated group (RJ₁:100 mg/kg); the second treated group (RJ₂:200 mg/kg); the control group. The eating and drinking activities in the RJ₂ group were significantly (p = .009 and .015 respectively) higher than the control and RJ₁ groups. Furthermore, the aggressive pecks, feather pecks and threating behaviour in the RJ₂ group were significantly (p = .005, .001 and .039 respectively) lower than the control and RJ₁ groups. Both RJ‐treated groups had the best feather cover on the neck and abdomen regions (p = .010 and .001 respectively; Figure  1 ). Both RJ‐treated groups had a significantly higher eggshell ratio (p = .019) and shell thickness (p = .001) in comparison with the control group. The albumen height, Haugh units and yolk index in both RJ‐treated groups were significantly greater than those recorded in the control group (p = .026, .001 and .022 respectively). The erythrocyte and total leucocyte counts in the RJ₂ group were significantly higher than those reported in the control and RJ₁ groups (p = .029 and .013 respectively); however, the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and heterophil % in both RJ‐treated groups were significantly the lowest (p = .001 and .039). In conclusion, birds in the RJ₂ group had superior feather cover, welfare and behavioural indices, probably due to the impact of active flavonoids components of RJ on laying hen performance. Furthermore, the RJ‐treated groups had significantly improved egg quality parameters and some blood haematological indices.     

日粮共轭亚油酸对肉仔鸡生长性能、淋巴细胞转化率、抗体水平及血清溶菌酶活性的影响

选用 2 4 0只 1日龄雄性爱拔益加 (AA)肉仔鸡 ,研究添加不同水平 (0 % ,0 .2 5 % ,0 .5 %和 1% )的共轭亚油酸(CLA)对生长性能及免疫机能的影响。研究结果表明 ,日粮CLA对肉仔鸡的生长性能没有显著影响 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,可提高 4 2日龄时全血淋巴细胞对刀豆素 (ConA)的增殖反应 (P <0 .0 5 )。肉鸡血清新城疫抗体水平不受日粮CLA的影响 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,饲喂CLA可显著增加 2周龄和 6周龄时血清溶菌酶的活性 (P <0 .0 5 )。这些结果表明 ,日粮CLA可提高肉鸡的细胞免疫和先天性免疫。     

Using indirect ELISA to assess different antigens for the serodiagnosis of Fasciola gigantica infection in cattle, sheep and donkeys

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) was evaluated for its diagnostic capability in detecting antibodies against Fasciola gigantica infection in cattle, sheep and donkeys sera using crude worm, excretory–secretory and glutathione S-transferase antigens prepared from adult liver fluke. Presence of F. gigantica worms at post-mortem examination of cattle, sheep and donkey’s livers was taken as a gold standard for the evaluation of the assay. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy percentages of iELISA were determined for each antigen. Excretory–secretory antigen gave the best results for the serodiagnosis of F. gigantica infection in cattle, sheep and donkeys using iELISA with diagnostic sensitivity percentages of 93.3%, 94.9% and 93.3%, respectively, while the specificity percentages were 96.7%, 97.2% and 96.3%, respectively, whereas the accuracy percentages were 95%, 96% and 95.7%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity percentages of iELISA using crude worm antigen were 96.7%, 100% and 93.3%, respectively, while the specificity percentages were 80%, 83.3% and 85.2%, respectively, whereas the accuracy percentages were 88.3%, 86.7% and 87%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity percentages of iELISA using glutathione S-transferase antigen were 66.7%, 71.8% and 60%, respectively, while the specificity percentages were 70%, 77.8% and 77.8%, respectively, whereas the accuracy percentages were 68.3%, 74.7% and 73.9%, respectively. Conclusively, excretory–secretory antigen dependent iELISA can be used as a reliable serodiagnostic test for F. gigantica infection in cattle, sheep and donkeys.     

The effects of road transportation with or without homeopathic remedy supplementation on growth performance,apparent nutrient digestibility,fecal microbiota,and serum cortisol and superoxide dismutase levels in growing pigs

The specialization of swine production and the market demand for pigs at different growth stages makes road transportation inevitable. However, road transportation usually causes a stress response in pigs. It is reported that homeopathic remedies supplementation could alleviate the stress response in pigs. This study investigated the effects of road transportation with or without homeopathic remedy (Convermax) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and serum cortisol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations in growing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred 49-d-old growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 13.17 ± 0.02 kg were randomly allotted to 2 groups based on the initial body weight, containing 18 replicates with 5 pigs (mixed sex) in each. The pigs were fed dietary supplementation of a homeopathic remedy (Convermax) (0 or 200 mg/kg of feed, as-fed) for 35 d. On day 21, 45 pigs (70-d old; 25.25 ± 0.37 kg) were randomly selected from each group and assigned to either 2 hr of road transportation or no road transportation, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design. We found that road transportation led to an increase in the fecal coliform bacteria counts (P = 0.023) and serum cortisol concentration (P = 0.039) and a decrease in the serum SOD concentration (P < 0.001). However, supplementing homeopathic remedy (Convermax) to the diet of growing pigs increased gain to feed ratio (P = 0.042), apparent nitrogen digestibility (P = 0.019), and serum SOD concentration (P = 0.007), whereas decreased serum cortisol concentration (P = 0.022). In brief, road transportation induced stress response for growing pigs and increased harmful bacteria counts in their intestines. Dietary supplementation of homeopathic remedy (Convermax) alleviated stress response, improved apparent nitrogen digestibility, and increased gain to feed ratio. However, no significant interactive effects between road transportation with or without dietary homeopathic remedy (Convermax) levels were observed on the detected parameters in growing pigs.     

Effect of ensiling whole crop oat with lucerne in different ratios on fermentation quality,aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility on the Tibetan plateau

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ensiling different ratios of whole crop oat to lucerne on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of silage on the Tibetan plateau. Four experimental treatments were produced varying in the ratio of forages on a fresh matter (FM) basis: 1) 100% oat (control, dry matter (DM) content: 317 g/kg), 2) 90% oat + 10% lucerne (OL10, DM content: 316 g/kg), 3) 80% oat+ 20% lucerne (OL20, DM content: 317 g/kg) and 4) 70% oat+ 30% lucerne (OL30, DM content: 318 g/kg). All treatments were packed into laboratory‐scale silos and ensiled for 60 days and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 15 days. Further, the four experimental treatments were incubated in vitro with buffered rumen fluid to study the nutrient digestibility. All silages were well preserved with low pH and NH₃‐N contents, and high lactic acid contents and V‐scores (evaluation of silage quality). Increasing the lucerne proportion increased (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) content of silage, whereas neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibre contents were not affected. Under aerobic conditions, the control silage showed higher (p < 0.05) yeast counts (>10⁵ cfu/g FM) followed by OL10 silage, and OL10 silage improved aerobic stability for 74 h. OL20 and OL30 silages showed fewer (p < 0.05) yeasts (<10⁵ cfu/g FM) and markedly (p < 0.05) improved the aerobic stability (>360 h). After 48‐h incubation, OL30 silage increased (p < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) compared with the control silage. These results suggest that replacing oat with lucerne had no unfavourable effects on fermentation quality of silage, but improved CP content, aerobic stability IVDMD and IVNDFD. OL30 silage was the best among the three mixed silages.     

The influence of different doses of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on selected oxidative stress parameters in in vitro culture of leukocytes isolated from transported calves

The objective of the study was to assess in vitro the influence of various doses of two different antioxidants, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, on protective mechanisms against ROS in white blood cells obtained from calves exposed to transport, and to compare these results with those obtained from non-transported animals.The concentrations of lipid peroxidation products in leukocytes and in the retained medium were assessed by determining the level of ThioBarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). Total antioxidant status in the leukocytes and the medium were estimated using a ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. Leukocyte viability was determined using the trypan blue reduction test.The study demonstrated that after bovine leukocytes (WBC) were incubated in vitro with α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, peroxidation intensity decreased and total antioxidant capacity increased. The results of the study reveal that these antioxidants in concentrations over 0.1 mg/ml have a major impact on free radical activity on bovine white blood cells and on cell viability during transport of animals.Based on this study, we suggest that incubation of the leukocytes with antioxidants decreases the oxidative stress development, which can be helpful in protection of the immunological cells during bovine respiratory disease.     

Effect of experimental endotoxemia on thrombelastography parameters, secondary and tertiary hemostasis in dogs

Background: Thrombelastography (TEG) and indicators of secondary and tertiary hemostasis might be altered in dogs with endotoxemia. Hypothesis: Endotoxemia influences measures of coagulation in dogs. Animals: Ten healthy cross‐bred dogs. Material and Methods: Prospective laboratory study between controls (n = 5) receiving 0.9% saline IV and the study group (n = 5) treated with low‐dose lipopolysaccharide (0.02 mg/kg IV). Physical examination and sampling for measurement of leukocytes, platelets, and coagulation variables were performed at time points 0, 1, 4, and 24 hours. Coagulation variables included kaolin‐activated TEG, 1‐stage prothrombin time (OSPT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, factor VIII, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, activated protein C (APC)‐ratio calculated from aPTT with and without presence of APC), and D‐Dimers. Results: Endotoxemia‐induced clinical signs included lethargy (n = 5/5), diarrhea (n = 4/5), emesis (n = 4/5), and abdominal pain (2/5). After 1 hour there was severe leukopenia (2.5 ± 0.7 × 10⁹/L; mean ± SD, P < .0001) and a 2.2‐fold increase in D‐Dimers (0.81 ± 0.64 mg/L, P < .0001). After 4 hours there was hyperthermia (40.3 ± 0.4°C, P < .0001) and increases in OSPT (10.5 ± 2.7 seconds, P < .0001), aPTT (16.7±5.2 seconds, P= 0.002). A significant decrease in fibrinogen (1.5±1.0 g/L, P= 0.001), protein C (31 ± 33%, P <.0001), protein S (63 ± 47%, P < .0001), TEG α (58 ± 19, P= .007), and TEG maximal amplitude (50 ± 19 mm, P= .003) was seen compared with the controls. APC‐ratio rose significantly (2.5 ± 0.2, P < .0001) without exceeding the reference interval (n = 4/5). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: D‐Dimers are the earliest indicator for endotoxemia‐associated coagulation abnormalities followed by decreased protein C concentration. APC‐ratio and TEG were not good screening variables.     

Effect of induced body condition score differences on physiological response,productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes kept in a hot,semi‐arid environment

This study was undertaken to study the influence of induced body condition score (BCS) differences on physiological response, productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes to optimise BCS for these ewes for maximising production making it economically viable. The study was conducted for a period of 1 year using thirty healthy Malpura ewes (2–4 year old). The animals were randomly divided and different BCS was induced within three groups named Group I (BCS 2.5; n = 10), Group II (BCS 3.0–3.5; n = 10) and Group III (BCS 4.0; n = 10). The parameters included in the study were allometric measurements, physiological response, wool yield and reproductive performance. BCS had a significant influence on allometric measurements, respiration rate and different reproductive parameters studied, while wool production differed significantly during spring and non‐significantly during autumn. The results revealed that the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes with a BCS of 3.0–3.5 was better in comparison with the groups with lower and higher BCS. It may be concluded from this study that an active management of breeding sheep flock to achieve a BCS of 3.0–3.5 may prove to result in an economically viable return from these flocks.     

日粮不同能量水平对育成鸡体增质量、血液生化指标及内脏器官发育的影晌

选用60日龄体质量均匀、健康的塞北乌骨鸡120只,随机分为I～V个试验组,每个试验组设4个重复,每个组6只乌骨鸡（雌雄各半）,探讨饲粮中添加不同水平能量（10．38,10．94,11．51,12．34,12．96MJ／kg）,对塞北乌骨鸡体增质量、血液指标和免疫器官的影响。结果表明。育成期公鸡在12．34MJ／kg时体增质量最高,母鸡在12．96MJ／kg时体增质量最高;80日龄时公鸡调节血糖的能力优于母鸡,对肝脏具有很好的保护力;LDL—C与日粮能量引起体质量的变化具有一定的相关性。总胆固醇的含量在育成期随着日粮中能量水平的增加而逐渐下降。日粮能量水平不同,对内脏器官的影响也不同,都存在不同的显著性差异。     

Application of an early skip-a-day feed restriction on physiological parameters, carcass traits and development of ascites in male broilers reared under regular or cold temperatures at high altitude

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a skip‐a‐day feed removal early in life on physiological parameters and ascites occurrence in broilers reared at a high altitude (2100 m above sealevel) under regular or cold temperatures. Three hundred 1‐day‐old male broilers were divided into two equal groups. One group was placed in an enclosure with standard thermal management. The other group treated for the induction of ascites was raised under cold temperature conditions. In each enclosure, birds were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (three replicate floor pens of 25 chicks per treatment group): (i) a control was fed a standard starter and grower diet according to the National Research Council; or (ii) a skip‐a‐day feed removal, which was similar to the control except for 24 h fasting intervals at 9, 11 and 13 days of age. Results indicate that live bodyweight following the feed removal at up to 42 days of age was significantly different between the control and skip‐a‐day restricted birds (P < 0.01). Skip‐a‐day feed removal resulted in decreased weight gain (P = 0.005) but did not influence feed conversion ratio. The heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was numerically higher for the cold environment and increased when birds were exposed to fasting, but these differences were not significant. Hematocrit was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) in broilers raised in cold conditions whereas it was not influenced by feed restriction. Circulatory thyroid hormone concentrations were not influenced by the feed restriction program under both environments. Birds subjected to cold had significantly lower (P = 0.0023) carcass yield compared to those reared at normal temperature. Breast yield and abdominal fat deposition were not influenced by cold or feed restriction. A reduction in mortality from ascites was noted in broilers who experienced early skip‐a‐day feed removal under both environmental conditions.     

Effect of the β‐carotene oxygenase 2 genotype on the content of carotenoids,retinol and α‐tocopherol in the liver,fat and milk of rabbit does,reproduction parameters and kitten growth

Mutations in the β‐carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) gene can impair the function of the enzyme that breaks down carotenoids. As a result, gradual accumulation of unoxidized carotenoids in animal tissues gives them a yellow colour. The aim of the study was to determine the content of carotenoids, retinol and α‐tocopherol in the liver, fat and milk of rabbit does with three different genotypes determined by AAT‐deletion mutation at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene and to find out whether differences in the concentrations of the above compounds in the tissues and milk of the does affect reproduction parameters and the rearing rate of kittens. The experimental materials comprised 36 does, 12 of each genotype of the BCO2 gene, with their litters. Females with their litters were placed in individual cages, on deep litter. Between days 7 and 13 of lactation, samples of milk were collected from the does. The kittens stayed with their mothers until 35 days of age. After weaning, the does were sacrificed. Tissue samples of liver and perirenal fat were collected for chemical analyses. Additionally, based on samples taken from one female, RNA expression levels were determined from the mammary gland and liver, adipose tissue and skin. It was found that homozygous does with deletion at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene were characterized by considerably higher concentrations of xanthophylls and beta‐carotene in the liver, adipose tissue and milk than does with the remaining genotypes. However, the differences in the content of the above compounds in milk had no influence on litter weight or the number and rearing rate of kittens. Additionally, RNA expression of the BCO2 gene was found in the mammary tissue of lactating doe and its level was similar to those noted in the liver and adipose tissue.