Efficacy of natural propolis extract in the control of American Foulbrood

Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American Foulbrood (AFB), a severe disease that affects larvae of the honeybees. Due to the serious effects associated with AFB and the problems related to the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for the control of the disease. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of a propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) against P. larvae and its potential for the control of AFB. In vitro activity of PEE against P. larvae isolates was evaluated by the disk diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Toxicity for honeybees was evaluated by oral administration of PEE and its lethal concentration was assessed. Lastly, colonies from an apiary with episodes of AFB on previous years were divided into different groups and treated with sugar syrup supplemented with PEE by aspersion (group one), sugar syrup by aspersion (group two), fed with sugar syrup supplemented with PEE (group three) and fed with sugar syrup only (group four). All isolates were sensitive to PEE and the MIC median was 0.52% (range 0.32-0.64). PEE was not toxic for bees at least at 50%. Field assays showed that 21 and 42 days after the application of the treatments, the number of P. larvae spores/g of honey was significantly lower in colonies treated with PEE compared to the colonies that were not treated with PEE. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the use of propolis for the treatment of beehives affected with P. larvae spores.     

Rapidly quantitative detection of Nosema ceranae in honeybees using ultra-rapid real-time quantitative PCR

BackgroundThe microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae is a global problem in honeybee populations and is known to cause winter mortality. A sensitive and rapid tool for stable quantitative detection is necessary to establish further research related to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this pathogen.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to develop a quantitative method that incorporates ultra-rapid real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (UR-qPCR) for the rapid enumeration of N. ceranae in infected bees.MethodsA procedure for UR-qPCR detection of N. ceranae was developed, and the advantages of molecular detection were evaluated in comparison with microscopic enumeration.ResultsUR-qPCR was more sensitive than microscopic enumeration for detecting two copies of N. ceranae DNA and 24 spores per bee. Meanwhile, the limit of detection by microscopy was 2.40 × 10⁴ spores/bee, and the stable detection level was ≥ 2.40 × 10⁵ spores/bee. The results of N. ceranae calculations from the infected honeybees and purified spores by UR-qPCR showed that the DNA copy number was approximately 8-fold higher than the spore count. Additionally, honeybees infected with N. ceranae with 2.74 × 10⁴ copies of N. ceranae DNA were incapable of detection by microscopy. The results of quantitative analysis using UR-qPCR were accomplished within 20 min.ConclusionsUR-qPCR is expected to be the most rapid molecular method for Nosema detection and has been developed for diagnosing nosemosis at low levels of infection.     

不同越冬饲料对蜜蜂中肠消化酶活性、组织发育状态以及抗氧化酶基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究不同越冬饲料对蜜蜂中肠消化酶活性、组织发育状态以及抗氧化酶基因表达的影响,以便为广大蜂农选择越冬饲料提供参考。在2015年10月底选取群势相当的本地意大利蜜蜂(Apis mellifera L.)越冬蜂群(群内无储备越冬饲料脾)9群(5框蜂/群),随机分为3个试验组(3群/组),从11月2号开始分别以蜂蜜(蜂蜜组)、果葡糖浆(果葡糖浆组)和白砂糖水(白砂糖∶水=2∶1,蔗糖组)为越冬饲料进行饲喂,饲喂至11月下旬蜂群进入越冬期。整个试验期为2015年10月底至2016年3月初。分别于越冬前(11月初)、越冬中期(1月初)和越冬后(3月初)采集蜜蜂中肠,测定中肠消化酶(淀粉酶、蔗糖酶和蛋白酶)活性,在越冬中期采集蜜蜂中肠用于中肠组织发育状态和抗氧化酶基因[超氧化物歧化酶1(Sod1)、超氧化物歧化酶2(Sod2)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)]相对表达量等指标的检测。结果表明:在越冬中期,果葡糖浆组和蜂蜜组的蜜蜂中肠内淀粉酶活性显著高于蔗糖组(P0.05)。在越冬中期和越冬后,饲喂不同越冬饲料的蜜蜂中肠内蔗糖酶活性差异不显著(P0.05)。在越冬中期,果葡糖浆组的蜜蜂中肠内蛋白酶活性显著高于蔗糖组和蜂蜜组(P0.05)。蜂蜜组和蔗糖组的蜜蜂中肠肠壁厚度极显著大于果葡糖浆组(P0.01),且蜂蜜组和蔗糖组的蜜蜂中肠隐窝深度也极显著大于果葡糖浆组(P0.01)。在越冬中期,蔗糖组的蜜蜂中肠Sod1基因的相对表达量显著高于蜂蜜组和果葡糖浆组(P0.05)。由此得出,蜂蜜能够提高越冬蜂中肠消化酶活性,蜂蜜和白砂糖有利于越冬蜂中肠组织的发育,而且白砂糖能够提高越冬蜂中肠抗氧化酶基因的表达。因此,蜂蜜和白砂糖比果葡糖浆更适合作为蜜蜂的越冬饲料。     

Randomized control trial to test the effect of a feed additive on Campylobacter contamination in commercial broiler flocks up to slaughter

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried to evaluate the effect of a feed additive on Campylobacter contamination of broilers reared in commercial conditions. Twenty‐four broiler flocks naturally contaminated with Campylobacter were enrolled in the RCT: 12 were assigned to a control group (C) fed with a conventional finishing feed from 4 weeks of age to slaughter (around 35 days), and the other group of 12 flocks (S) was fed with a finishing feed supplemented with 250 ppm of a patented feed additive (an ion‐exchanged clay compound) previously proven to reduce Campylobacter contamination in broiler caeca under experimental conditions. Enumeration of Campylobacter colonies in caeca (8 per flock) was carried out following ISO standards before feed distribution and at slaughter. Before treatment, the caecal Campylobacter load tended to be lower in C flocks (7.1 ± 1.9 log CFU/g, CI_95% [6.6–7.5]) than in S flocks (7.7 ± 1.0 log UFC/g, CI_95% [7.5–7.9]) (p = .05). At slaughter, the bacterial load was similar in the S (7.7 ± 1.0 log CFU/g, CI_95% [7.5–7.9]) and C groups (7.5 ± 1.2 log CFU/g, CI_95% [7.2–7.8]) (p = .73). Therefore, the feed additive had no significant effect on the caecal Campylobacter load at slaughter under the tested conditions. The logistical constraints inherent in field trials and the natural variability of Campylobacter contamination in naturally infected broiler flocks make it difficult to reproduce experimental results in in situ farm conditions. RCT testing of an intervention strategy in commercial situation is therefore a key step in evaluating pre‐harvest interventions against food‐borne pathogens.     

Effect of feeding Acacia nilotica pods to sheep on nutrient digestibility,nitrogen balance,ruminal protozoa and rumen enzymes activity

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplying two levels of Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica) pods to rations of sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen liquor parameters (pH, total protozoa count, protein concentration and enzymes activity). Twelve mature rams (50 ± 1.25 kg B.W.) were distributed into three groups, each with four rams. Animals in group one were considered as a control which fed a basal diet, consisting of concentrate mixture and Egyptian clover. The second group and the third one received the same basal diet with supplying the concentrate mixture by 1.5% and 3.0% of A. nilotica pods meal respectively. The experiment lasted for 3 weeks. It was found that supplementation of A. nilotica pods to the concentrate mixture at a rate of 1.5% and 3.0% significantly improved the total feed intake compared to the control. The digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was significantly reduced with A. nilotica supplements, whereas the digestibility of crude protein was significantly improved. All of nitrogen intake and N‐retained were significantly increased in rams fed on concentrates with 1.5% and 3.0% A.  nilotica pods when compared to the control. The pH of ruminal fluid was not affected by the dietary treatments. Nevertheless, the total rumen protozoa count was significantly decreased in A. nilotica pods supplemented groups. Also, the rumen protein concentration and the ruminal enzymes activity, especially α‐amylase, cellulase and protease, were lower in A. nilotica pods supplemented treatments. In conclusions, inclusion of low levels of A. nilotica pods (1.5% and 3.0%) in the concentrates can be used as a natural protein protectant in ruminants by forming tannin protein complexes in the rumen to maximize the amino acids available in the lower digestive tract. Also, these levels can increase the protein digestibility as well as the N‐retained in the body .     

The effects of hive types (shield and sword) on wintering ability,survival rates and strength of honeybee colonies (<Emphasis Type="Italic">A. mellifera</Emphasis> L.) in spring season

This study was carried out to determine the effects of shield and sword comb orientation hive types on wintering ability, survival rates (in winter) and population growth of honeybee colonies (A. mellifera anatoliaca) in spring season. In ancient Anatolia beekeeping; honeybee colonies were identified sword and shield (the colonies which build up the combs vertical and horizontal according to positions of the hive entrance) before the uses of top-opened hive with movable frames. Total twenty honeybee colonies, which have similar condition according to queen age, genotype, number of frames covered with adult worker bees, brood areas and food stocks, were used in this study. Average wintering ability of colonies in the shield and sword groups were found to be 98.57% and 69.76%; average survival rates were found to be 100% and 100% in shield and sword group colonies respectively. The average number of frames covered with adult worker bees at mid June in shield and sword group colonies were found to be 15.6 ± 1.58, 12.00 ± 1.25 number/colony and the average brood areas were found as 7863.5 ± 402.9, 5997.0 ± 373.3 cm²/colony respectively. Differences between the group means on wintering ability, sealed brood areas and colony strength were found significant (P < 0.01), but differences on survival rates were not found significant (P > 0.05). The colonies living in shield (horizontal) hives have showed better wintering ability and more colony population than colonies living in sword (vertical) hives.     

Effect of protease derived from Pseudoalteromonas arctica supplementation on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,meat quality,noxious gas emission and blood profiles in finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of protease derived from Pseudoalteromonas arctica (PPA) in finishing pigs. A total of 160 pigs were used in this 10‐week trial. Dietary treatment groups were as follows: CON (basal diet); TRT1 (basal diet + 0.1% PPA); TRT2 (basal diet + 0.2% PPA); and TRT3 (basal diet + 0.3% PPA). During weeks 1–5, pigs fed with different levels of PPA‐supplemented diet showed linear increase (p < .05) in the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen (N) and linear decrease (p < .05) in the concentrations of serum total protein. During weeks 6–10, pigs fed with different levels of PPA‐supplemented diet showed a linear decrease in feed conversion ratio (p < .05). During the overall period, there was a linear decrease in feed conversion ratio (p < .05) associated with the inclusion of PPA. Pigs fed diets with 0.2% PPA supplementation had lower (p < .05) feed conversion ratio than those fed CON diet during weeks 6–10 and the overall period, and had higher (p < .05) ATTD of N than those fed CON diet during weeks 1–5. Pigs fed diets with PPA supplementation had lower (p < .05) concentrations of serum total protein than those fed CON diet on week 5. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PPA diet has beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, backfat thickness and the concentrations of serum total protein.     

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,faecal microbial shedding,immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs

A 12‐week trial with 120 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (45.65 ± 1.93 kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture (HM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of three treatments with 0, 0.025% (HM1) and 0.05% (HM2) HM supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 10 replications with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Dietary HM resulted in a higher G:F (p < 0.05) than CON group during weeks 7 to 12 and the overall periods. Pigs fed HM2 diet had higher ADG than pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed HM2 supplementation diet led to a higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) than pigs fed CON diet at week 6, while the supplementation of HM led to a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than pigs fed CON diet at week 12. The faecal E. coli counts were reduced, and Lactobacillus counts were increased by increasing HM supplementation (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HM1 diet had higher (p < 0.05) WBC concentration than those fed CON and HM2 diets at week 6. Pigs fed HM‐supplemented diet had higher (p < 0.05) IgG and IgA concentrations than those fed CON diet at week 12. Pigs fed HM diet noted better (p < 0.05) meat colour and redness value than pigs fed CON diet. Pig fed HM2 reduced (p < 0.05) the lightness value compared with CON group. In conclusion, dietary HM supplementation exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbial balance (increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), immune response and meat quality.     

Effect of sorghum grain supplementation on glucose metabolism in cattle and sheep fed temperate pasture

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of sorghum grain supplementation on plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon concentrations, and hepatic mRNA concentrations of insulin receptor (INSR), pyruvate carboxylase (PC), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) mRNA and their association with nutrient intake, digestion and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) in cattle and sheep fed a fresh temperate pasture. Twelve Hereford × Aberdeen Angus heifers and 12 Corriedale × Milchschaf wethers in positive energy balance were assigned within each species to one of two treatments (n = 6 per treatment within specie): non‐supplemented or supplemented with sorghum grain at 15 g/kg of their body weight (BW). Supplemented cattle had greater plasma glucose concentrations, decreased plasma glucagon concentrations and tended to have greater plasma insulin and insulin‐to‐glucagon ratio than non‐supplemented ones. Hepatic expression of INSR and PC mRNA did not differ between treatments but PCK1 mRNA was less in supplemented than non‐supplemented cattle. Supplemented sheep tended to have greater plasma glucagon concentrations than non‐supplemented ones. Plasma glucose, insulin, insulin‐to‐glucagon ratio, and hepatic expression of INSR and PC mRNA did not differ between treatments, but PCK1 mRNA was less in supplemented than non‐supplemented sheep. The inclusion of sorghum grain in the diet decreased PCK1 mRNA but did not affect PC mRNA in both species; these effects were associated with changes in glucose and endocrine profiles in cattle but not in sheep. Results would suggest that sorghum grain supplementation of animals in positive energy balance (cattle and sheep) fed a fresh temperate pasture would modify hepatic metabolism to prioritize the use of propionate as a gluconeogenic precursor.     

Effects of mannan‐oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance,nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves

A study of 120 days was undertaken to ascertain the effect of mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOS) and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves of 5–7 days old and 31 ± 2.0 kg of body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I served as the control (CON) in which only basal diet (concentrate mixture and green fodder) was provided, without any supplementation. Mannan‐oligosaccharides at 4 g/calf/day were supplemented as prebiotic to Group II (PRE), whereas Group III (PRO) received Lactobacillus acidophilus in the form of fermented milk as probiotic at 200 ml/calf/day having 10⁸ CFU/ml and Group IV (SYN) was supplemented with both MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus as synbiotic at similar dose. Final BW (kg), dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency and structural growth measurements were improved (p < .05) in the treatment groups compared to control. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was higher (p < .05) in SYN followed by PRE and PRO than control. The faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacterium population was higher (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups with a concomitant reduction in faecal coliform count as compared to control. Faecal ammonia, lactate and pH were also altered favourably (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups as compared to CON. The faecal volatile fatty acids were higher (p < .05) in PRE, PRO and SYN group than CON. The incorporation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus in diet either individually or in combination as synbiotic has the potential to improve the performance and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves; however, the observed responses among the treatment groups were more evident in the synbiotic fed group compared to individual supplementation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus.     

Early resynchronization protocols for goats: Progestogens can be used prior to an early pregnancy diagnosis without affecting corpus luteum functionality

This study aimed to evaluate the exogenous progesterone (P4) effect on the luteal function from Day 16 to Day 21 of the oestrous cycle in inseminated goats with unknown pregnancy status. A total of 54 does passed through a short progestin-based synchronization protocol and, on Day 16 of the following oestrous cycle, 27 does received a new P4 device which was retained until Day 21. Blood samples were collected daily from all does during this period, as well as on Day 24. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on Day 30. Serum P4 values from 26 animals (G_NPSP: Group of non-pregnant does with second sponge: n = 8; G_NPNSP: Group of non-pregnant does without second sponge: n = 6; G_PSP: Group of pregnant does with second sponge: n = 5; G_PNSP: Group of pregnant does without second sponge: n = 7) were determined by radioimmunoassay commercial kits. No P4 differences were found between groups (G_NPSP: 3.1 ± 2.8; 1.7 ± 1.8; 0.4 ± 1.0; and 0.0 ± 0.0 vs. G_NPNSP: 4.4 ± 1.8; 3.0 ± 2.2; 0.8 ± 0.8; and 0.0 ± 0.0 or G_PSP: 4.2 ± 1.0; 3.4 ± 0.6; 3.3 ± 1.6; 3.2 ± 0.9; 3.6 ± 1.2; 3.5 ± 1.3; 2.7 ± 1.3 vs. G_PNSP: 4.4 ± 1.6; 3.6 ± 1.5; 3.7 ± 1.5; 3.8 ± 1.4; 3.2 ± 1.2; 3.1 ± 1.2; 3.6 ± 1.1; D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D24, respectively) or for the interaction of group and time. In conclusion, a second progestogen device had no effect on luteolysis or early pregnancy in the following oestrous cycle.     

Effect of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen environment,milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. Four multiparous early‐lactating dairy cows (Holstein‐Friesian cross‐bred, 75%) with an initial body weight (BW) of 405 ± 40 kg and 36 ± 8 day in milk were randomly assigned to receive dietary treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four dietary treatments were unsupplemented (control), supplemented with rain tree pod (S. saman) meal (RPM) at 60 g/kg, supplemented with palm oil (PO) at 20 g/kg, and supplemented with RPM at 60 g/kg and PO at 20 g/kg (RPO), of total dry matter (DM) intake. Cows were fed with concentrate diets at a ratio of concentrate to milk yield of 1:2, and chopped 30 g/kg of urea‐treated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The RPM contained condensed tannins and crude saponins at 88 and 141 g/kg of DM respectively. It was found that s upplementation with RPM and/or PO to dairy cows diets did not show negative effect on ruminal pH, blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration (p > 0.05). However, supplementation with RPM resulted in lower ammonia nitrogen (NH₃‐N) concentration (p < 0.05). In addition, propionic acid and milk production increased while acetic acid, acetic to propionic ratio, methane production, methanogens and protozoal population decreased with RPM and/or PO supplementation. Furthermore, addition of PO and RPO in the diets increased milk fat while supplementation of RPM resulted in greater milk protein and Fibrobacter succinogenes numbers (p < 0.05). The population of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were not affected by any treatments. The findings on the present study showed that supplementation with RPM and RPO to diets of cows improved the rumen environment and increased milk yield, content of milk protein and milk fat.     

Effects of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed on performance,immunity, total antioxidant activity of serum and intestinal development of broilers

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed (BPC) in comparison with using sub-therapeutic doses of lincomycin and the excessive inclusion of vitamin E on performance, immunity, total antioxidant capacity of serum and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-d-old male broiler chicks with similar initial weight (Ross strain) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (8 chicks/pen): non-treated group (basal diet), basal diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg lincomycin, basal diet supplemented with 50 IU vitamin E, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter period, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter and grower periods and basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg throughout the whole experiment. The highest final body weight was obtained in the group supplemented with BPC in starter and grower periods. In the finisher phase, broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the starter period and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratios (FCR). Jejunal villus height was significantly elevated in broilers supplemented with antibiotic (P < 0.001), furthermore it tended to be greater in broilers fed BPC in the starter period. The jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in broilers fed the diet containing antibiotic in comparison to other groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease vaccine tended to be elevated in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial (P > 0.05). Broilers supplemented with BPC in starter and grower, and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The highest total antioxidant capacity was obtained in broilers supplemented with the excessive level of vitamin E, furthermore it tended to improve in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial. In summary, the results of the study indicated that addition of BPC in broiler diets in the whole trial could improve FCR, immune responses and total antioxidant activity of serum, and BPC could be used in broiler diets as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics.     

Tropical legume supplementation influences microbial protein synthesis and rumen ecology

Four rumen‐fistulated male swamp buffaloes, 5‐year‐old with initiated live weight at 360 ± 12 kg, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effect of feeding high level of dried Leucaena leaf (DLL) on feed intake, fermentation efficiency and microbial protein synthesis. The dietary treatments were the feeding levels of DLL at 0, 2, 4 and 6 kg/head/day. All buffaloes were supplemented with concentrate mixtures at 0.1% of body weight, and rice straw was fed ad libitum with the availability of water and mineral block at all time. The results revealed that the total feed intake and nutrient digestibility were significantly improved with the increasing levels of DLL feeding, and the highest was in the buffaloes consuming DLL at 6 kg/head/day. Feeding high levels of DLL did not affect on ruminal pH and temperature, while ammonia nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen and volatile fatty acid concentration were significantly enhanced. Moreover, methane production was dramatically reduced by increasing levels of DLL feeding. Total direct counts of the micro‐organism population were increased with the increasing levels of DLL feeding. According to the application of quantitative PCR to quantity cellulolytic bacteria (16S rRNA) targets, it was found that the population of total bacteria and Fibrobactor succinogenes was affected by treatments, while Ruminococcus flavefaciens and methanogen population were significantly decreased as buffaloes were fed with DLL. The nitrogen balance and microbial nitrogen supply were remarkably improved with the increasing levels of DLL feeding. Based on this study, it could be concluded that high levels of DLL feeding at 6 kg/head/day could enhance feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw without any adverse effect.     

Impact of reduced dietary crude protein levels and phytase enzyme supplementation on growth response,slurry characteristics,and gas emissions of growing pigs

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of reduced dietary crude protein (CP) levels supplemented with or without exogenous phytase on growing pigs. Six dietary treatments arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangements of 3 CP levels (containing 14%, 16%, and 18% CP) supplemented each with or without 5,000 FTU/g phytase enzyme. Thirty growing pigs (average weight of 17.80 ± 0.10 kg) were allotted to the six dietary treatments in a complete randomized design. The final weight, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased significantly with increasing CP levels. While, phytase supplementation improved (p = .044) FCR in pigs. Total solid and volatile solid content of the slurry were higher (p = .001) in pigs fed 14% and 16% CP diets supplemented with phytase when compared with other treatment groups. Concentration of methane gas emitted was lowest (p = .001) in the slurry of pigs fed 14% CP diet with or without phytase and those fed 16% CP diet with phytase supplementation. In conclusion, reduction in dietary CP levels resulted in reduced weight gain and poor FCR. While, reduced CP with phytase supplementation reduced concentration of methane gas emitted.     

Effects of dietary red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) on production performance and egg quality of laying hens

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) on production performance and egg quality of laying hens. A total of 200 Esa Brown laying hens (23 weeks of age) were allocated equally to negative control group (no yeast supplement); positive control group (2 g/kg of Saccharomyces cerevisiae); 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg red yeast respectively. The experiment was lasted for 12 weeks. Feed intake, hen‐day egg production and egg weight were not different between control and supplemented groups. However, yeast‐supplemented groups were significantly improved feed efficiency (p < .05). Incremental levels of red yeast increased the colour score of egg yolk (p < .05). The cholesterol and triglyceride of serum and yolk were significantly (p < .05) lower in the laying hens fed dietary administration red yeast compared to the control diet; however, no significant (p > .05) differences among yeast‐supplemented groups were observed. The hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzymeA (HMG‐CoA) reductase activity was significantly lower (p < .05) in the 2 g/kg red yeast‐supplemented group compared to the control and other red yeast‐supplemented groups. Concentrations of caecal short‐chain fatty acids was increased (p < .05) in laying hens fed 1 and 2 g/kg red yeast as compared to the control group. Dietary administration of 2 g/kg red yeast (S. pararoceus) significantly improved egg yolk colour, decrease serum and egg yolk cholesterol levels.     

Supplementation of protease,alone and in combination with fructooligosaccharide to low protein diet for finishing pigs

Effects of adding protease with or without fructooligosaccharide (FOS) to low protein diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal noxious gas emission were evaluated in 160 finishing pigs (57.70 ± 1.16 kg) in a 9‐week study. Pigs were randomly divided into four dietary treatments, PC: positive control diet (15.97% crude protein (CP)); NC: negative control diet (12.94% CP); PRO: NC supplemented with 0.05% protease; PROFOS: NC supplemented with 0.05% protease and 0.1% FOS. During weeks 4–9 and weeks 0–9, gain : feed ratio was impaired (P < 0.05) in pigs fed NC diet compared with those fed PC, PRO and PROFOS diets. Pigs fed PC, PRO and PROFOS diets had higher (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of CP than pigs fed NC diet. Pigs fed PROFOS diet had reduced (P < 0.05) ammonia emissions compared to pigs fed NC and PRO diets. These data indicate that reducing dietary CP concentrations impaired growth performance, decreased ATTD of CP and reduced ammonia emissions. Supplementation of protease in low CP diet improved growth performance and increased ATTD of CP. Dietary supplementation with protease and FOS in low CP diet improved growth performance, increased ATTD of CP and decreased fecal ammonia emission.     

Reproductive performance of postpartum ewes treated with insulin or progesterone hormones in association with ram effect

The reproductive performance of postpartum Santa Inês (SI) and Morada Nova (MN) ewes treated with insulin or progesterone hormones in association with ram effect was evaluated. Ewes from SI (n = 69) and MN (n = 69) breeds were randomly allocated to three groups of each breed (T1—ram effect only; T2—ram effect + insulin; T3—ram effect + progesterone). Progesterone concentrations (ηg/ml; mean ± SD) before and after introduction of rams (n = 6) were 0.51 ± 0.22 and 3.78 ± 0.68 (T1), 0.65 ± 0.21 and 3.77 ± 0.78 (T2) and 0.52 ± 0.21 and 3.84 ± 0.84 (T3) in SI ewes and 0.74 ± 0.19 and 3.71 ± 0.56 (T1), 0.70 ± 0.21 and 3.79 ± 0.75 (T2) and 0.81 ± 0.14 and 3.87 ± 0.80 (T3) in MN ewes, respectively. Thus, lower progesterone concentrations were found before the introduction of rams (p < .05). After the introduction of rams, preovulatory peaks of LH (ηg/ml) occurred at 28 (T1), 44 (T2) and 48 (T3) hr in SI ewes and at 64 (T1), 40 (T2) and 44 (T3) hr in MN ewes. The mean number of ovulations was similar between groups (p > .05), was 1.3 ± 0.51 (T1), 1.5 ± 0.54 (T2) and 1.6 ± 0.51 (T3) in SI ewes and 1.3 ± 0.51 (T1), 1.6 ± 0.51 (T2) and 1.6 ± 0.51 (T3) in MN ewes. In conclusion, the ram effect alone is effective at inducing and synchronizing oestrus in sheep under postpartum anoestrus, irrespective of hormone treatments.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in healthy and Pasteurella multocida‐infected Gaoyou ducks

Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of fowl cholera, and florfenicol (FF) has potent antibacterial activity against P. multocida and is widely used in the poultry industry. In this study, we established a P. multocida infection model in ducks and studied the pharmacokinetics of FF in serum and lung tissues after oral administration of 30 mg/kg bodyweight. The maximum concentrations reached (C_max) were lower in infected ducks (13.88 ± 2.70 μg/ml) vs. healthy control animals (17.86 ± 1.57 μg/ml). In contrast, the mean residence time (MRT: 2.35 ± 0.13 vs. 2.27 ± 0.18 hr) and elimination half‐life (T_½β: 1.63 ± 0.08 vs. 1.57 ± 0.12 hr) were similar for healthy and diseased animals, respectively. As a result, the area under the concentration curve for 0–12 hr (AUC_0–12 hr) for FF in healthy ducks was significantly greater than that in infected ducks (49.47 ± 5.31 vs. 34.52 ± 8.29 μg hr/ml). The pharmacokinetic differences of FF in lung tissues between the two groups correlated with the serum pharmacokinetic differences. The C_max and AUC_0–12 hr values of lung tissue in healthy ducks were higher than those in diseased ducks. The concentration of FF in lung tissues was approximately 1.2‐fold higher than that in serum both in infected and healthy ducks indicating that FF is effective in treating respiratory tract infections in ducks.