Effects of excessive selenium supplementation to diet contaminated with deoxynivalenol on blood phagocytic activity and antioxidative status of broilers

This study examined the effects of excessive dietary supplementation with organic selenium on phagocytic activity and antioxidative status of chickens for fattening fed diet contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON). Sixty chickens of Ross 308 hybrids were at day of hatching divided into four groups with 15 birds in each. The background DON dietary levels in both negative and positive control groups were 0.2 mg/kg. The complete feed for positive control group was supplemented with Se dose 1 mg/kg in the form of Se-yeast. Group 3 was fed diet with DON level 3 mg/kg while diet for group 4 combined DON level 3 mg/kg with a excessive supplement of Se-yeast (Se dose 1 mg/kg). After 6 weeks of dietary intake, six randomly-chosen chickens from each group were sampled. Feeding of contaminated diet resulted in significantly reduced blood phagocytic activity (19.5 ± 1.1% in the negative control vs. 12.8 ± 0.8% in the DON-treated group, p < 0.05). Se-yeast supplemented to the DON contaminated diet prevented suppression of phagocytic activity. Dietary intake of DON at levels 3 mg/kg did not influence the plasma α-tocopherol level while excessive dietary Se dose reduced it in both Se supplemented groups. Neither the birds of DON-treated group nor the birds from group 4 with DON and Se-yeast showed any response in plasma γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity. Subtoxic dietary level of DON significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the duodenal mucosa, while additional Se supplementation prevented such a response to mycotoxin. On the other hand, both Se supplemented groups showed significantly elevated GPx activities in blood, liver and kidney, (p < 0.05). The results suggest a potential ability of excessive supplementation of organic selenium to prevent the blood phagocytic activity suppression and changes in GPx activity in duodenal tissue induced in broilers by subtoxic dietary levels of DON.     

Effect of thyme essential oil and selenium on intestine integrity and antioxidant status of broilers

1. This study evaluated the duodenal wall integrity, antioxidant status as well as some immunological parameters of broiler chickens supplemented with 0.5 g Thymus vulgaris essential oil (EO)/kg diet and 0.4 mg Se/kg DM (dry matter) derived from sodium selenite.

2. A total of 192 one-d-old randomly divided chickens of both sexes (Ross 308 hybrid broilers) were divided into 4 treatment groups of 48 birds each.

3. The first group was fed on a nutritionally balanced basal diet (BD). The other three groups received BD supplemented with 0.5 g/kg thyme oil, or 0.4 mg Se/kg DM, or both feed additives together.

4. The results for the evaluated feed additives were (1) thyme oil – decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in duodenal mucosa and kidney, increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration in duodenal mucosa, stimulated phagocytic activity in blood, improved intestinal barrier integrity (2) selenium – increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in blood and liver as well as thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity in duodenal mucosa, liver and in the kidney, (3) EO with selenium – increased thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity in duodenal mucosa.

5. These results demonstrated that thyme oil alone showed more effective potential to improve intestinal barrier integrity and antioxidant status as well as evoking an immune response in chickens, than if diets were supplemented with both thyme oil and selenium.     

Effects of purified zearalenone on growth performance, organ size, serum metabolites, and oxidative stress in postweaning gilts

Zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, is produced mainly by Fusarium fungi. Previous studies indicated that acute ZEA exposure induced oxidative stress and damage in multiple organs. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of dietary ZEA (1.1 to 3.2 mg/kg of diet) on oxidative stress and organ damage in postweaning gilts. A total of 20 gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) weaned at d 21 with an average BW of 10.36 ± 1.21 kg was used in the study. Gilts were housed in a temperature-controlled room, divided into 4 treatments, and fed a basal diet only (control) or basal diet supplemented with purified ZEA at a dietary concentration of 1 (ZEA1), 2 (ZEA2), or 3 (ZEA3) mg/kg of diet for 18 d ad libitum. The actual ZEA contents (analyzed) were 0, 1.1 ± 0.02, 2.0 ± 0.01, and 3.2 ± 0.02 mg/kg for control, ZEA1, ZEA2, and ZEA3, respectively. Gilts fed different amounts of dietary ZEA grew similarly with no difference (P > 0.05) in feed intake. Vulva size increased linearly over the 18 d of feeding in gilts fed diets containing 1.1 mg of ZEA/kg or greater (P < 0.001). Relative weight of genital organs, liver, and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.05) in a ZEA-dose-dependent manner. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamate transferase, urea, and creatinine (P < 0.05), and malondialdehyde concentrations in both serum and liver (P < 0.001) were also increased linearly in a ZEA-dose-dependent manner. However, spleen relative weight (P = 0.002) and activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (in both serum and liver (P < 0.05) were decreased linearly as dietary ZEA increased. Results showed that besides genital organs, the liver, kidney, and spleen may also be target tissues in young gilts fed diets containing 1.1 to 3.2 mg of ZEA/kg for 18 d. Increased key liver enzymes in the serum suggest progressive liver damage caused by feeding ZEA, and an increase in oxidative stress in gilts is another potential impact of ZEA toxicity in pigs.     

Effect of a mannanoligosaccharide-supplemented diet on intestinal mucosa T lymphocyte populations in chickens challenged withSalmonella Enteritidis

Salmonellosis is one of the most common worldwide zoonosis, and the Enteritidis and Typhimurium serotypes are most prevalent. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a diet supplemented with mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) on CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and goblet cell counts in the intestines of broilers vaccinated and challenged withSalmonella Enteritidis. The evaluation was based on randomized experiments including 45 chickens divided into 3 experimental groups. Group 1 received a nonsupplemented control diet. Group 2 received a diet supplemented with 1 kg MOS/t from d 1 to 21 and 0.5 kg MOS/t from d 22 to 56. Group 3 received a diet supplemented with 2 kg MOS/t from d 1 to 21 and 1 kg MOS/t from d 22 to 56. Chickens fed the lower level of MOS demonstrated reduced fecal shedding ofSalmonella 14 d after being challenged (P < 0.05). Both groups of MOS-supplemented chickens showed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts in the ileal and cecal mucosa after being challenged withSalmonella Enteritidis (SE). Supplementation with MOS increased the specific T lymphocyte infiltration in the intestinal mucosa of chickens vaccinated and challenged withSalmonella Enteritidis.     

Effect on hepatonephric organs, serum metabolites and oxidative stress in post-weaning piglets fed purified zearalenone-contaminated diets with or without Calibrin-Z

The objectives of this study were to investigate the toxicity of zearalenone (ZEA) on hepatonephric organs, serum metabolites and oxidative stress of piglets and to evaluate the efficacy of Calibrin‐Z (CAZ) in preventing ZEA‐induced adverse effects. The experiment was conducted for 22 days using 36 piglets weaned at 21 days of age (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc, 18 females and 18 males; 8.84 ± 0.21 kg average body weight). Piglets of each gender were randomly allocated to the following six dietary treatments: (i) Control (basal diet only); (ii) Control + 1 g/kg CAZ; (iii) Control + 1 mg/kg ZEA; (iv) Control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 1 g/kg CAZ; (v) Control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 2 g/kg CAZ; (vi) Control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 4 g/kg CAZ. Piglets were housed and fed individually for the entire experimental period. Blood samples were taken, and piglets were killed at the end of the experiment to obtain organs for physiological assessment. Results showed that piglets fed the ZEA‐contaminated diet had increased (p < 0.05) activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase and cholinesterase, concentrations of urea, and creatinine in serum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and liver. Pigs fed the ZEA‐only diet also showed reductions in serum (p < 0.05) globulin, triglycerides and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), and reductions in total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity in both serum and liver. Supplementation of CAZ at the dosages of 1–4 g/kg to the diet containing 1.05 mg/kg ZEA linearly increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of triglycerides and HDL in serum, activity of TSOD and GSHPx in serum and liver, but linearly reduced (p < 0.05) all tested serum enzymes and lowered (p < 0.05) the elevated concentrations of urea, and creatinine in serum, and MDA in serum and liver caused by dietary ZEA. Piglets fed the ZEA‐contaminated diet showed increased (p < 0.05) relative weight of liver and kidney compared with the control, whereas only numerical improvement on relative weight of liver and kidney was observed with simultaneous addition of CAZ at 4 g/kg diet and ZEA. However, feeding the diet with CAZ alone at 1 g/kg had no impact on any of the measured parameters when compared to the control. It is suggested that feeding ZEA at 1.05 mg/kg exerted a deleterious effect on piglets, which was totally or partly ameliorated by dietary supplementation of CAZ at concentrations between 1 and 4 g/kg diet.     

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract on haematological parameters, immune function and the antioxidant defence system in breeder hens fed aflatoxin contaminated diets

1. The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (SC) on haematological parameters, immune function, and the antioxidant defence system in breeder hens fed a diet contaminated with low level aflatoxin (AF).

2. Forty-eight Ross 308 breeder hens were fed on diets containing AF (0 or 100?µg/kg) and SC (0 or 1?g/kg) in a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement. Red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, differential leucocyte counts, blood CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and CD5⁺ T cell ratios, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst of heterophils, plasma and liver catalase activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and ascorbic acid concentrations were measured.

3. Plasma and liver MDA concentrations increased (P?P?P?=?0·082) in hens fed the contaminated diet. WBC count, monocyte percentage, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst of heterophils increased (P?P?=?0.088) in SC extract supplemented hens. There was a significant interaction between AF and SC on heterophil, lymphocyte, CD5⁺ cell percentages, and plasma catalase activity. Blood heterophil percentage decreased but lymphocyte percentage increased in hens fed on the AF contaminated diet without SC supplementation. SC supplementation counteracted the negative effect of AF on heterophils and lymphocytes. The CD5⁺ cell percentage decreased in unsupplemented hens fed the AF contaminated diet and this negative effect was minimised in SC supplemented hens. Plasma catalase activity increased in SC supplemented hens fed the uncontaminated diet whereas the effect of SC decreased in hens fed the AF contaminated diet.

4. The SC reduced some of the some adverse effects of AF, and improved functions of the non-specific immune system. Therefore, the SC extract which has been used for improving productive performance in birds and mammals may also be useful for modulating some of the effects of a low level, chronic dosage of AF.     

Effect of taurine on intestinal morphology and utilisation of soy oil in chickens

1. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of taurine on intestinal morphology and utilisation of dietary fatty acids in chicken. One-day-old broilers chickens were fed with a maize- and soybean-based diet containing soy oil, and supplemented with taurine at either 0 or 0·5 g/kg. 2. Result showed that the total bile acid in blood and lipase activity in the small intestine were elevated in 3-week-old broilers given the taurine-supplemented diet. No differences were observed for total serum bile acid and lipase activity between the groups of 6-week-old broilers. 3. The development of the jejunum villus and ileum villus was inhibited, and the weight of jejunum and the relative height of intestinal mucosa were decreased in the chickens fed the taurine-supplemented diet. 4. The rate of diet fatty acid utilisation was not different between the groups of 3- and 6-week-old chickens. 5. Our results showed that dietary supplementation with taurine had no beneficial effect on intestinal morphology or utilisation of a soy oil diet in chickens.     

Effect of vitamin A and/or E on plasma enzymatic antioxidant systems and total antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens challenged with carbon tetrachloride

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin A and E supplementation on the antioxidant defences of broiler chickens against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced oxidative stress at 4 weeks of age. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities as well as total antioxidant (TAO) level were analysed before and after CCl(4) challenge. Day-old Lohman broiler chickens (n = 144) were randomly assigned to six factorially arranged dietary treatments consisting of vitamin A [1.35 (control) or +20 mg/kg] and vitamin E [20 (control), +40 or +60 mg/kg]. The background of vitamins A and E in the basal diet was 4500 IU (1.35 mg) and 30 IU (20 mg) respectively. At 4 weeks of age, eight chickens from each treatment were bled before interperitoneal injection with 1 ml of CCl(4) (mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:1) and bled again 24 h post-injection. Vitamin E supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the activity of both SOD and GPX and showed a tendency (p = 0.07) for TAO reduction. CCl(4) attenuated SOD and GPX activities as well as TAO level. The decrease was profound (p < 0.05) in chickens fed the basal diet as well as those fed basal diet supplemented with 20 mg vitamin A. TAO levels behaved similarly when chickens were challenged with CCl(4). After CCl(4) injection, SOD activities of all experimental groups were equivalent. The presence of vitamin A decreased (p < 0.05) plasma GPX activity in chickens fed the basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg of vitamin E. Results of this experiment suggested that vitamin E supplementation elevated antioxidant enzyme activities while vitamin A supplementation attenuated this effect. Vitamin E supplementation improved the total reducing power by maintaining comparable levels of TAO upon CCl(4) challenge. Further experiments need to be carried out to investigate the role of vitamin A in oxidative stress and to evaluate the lipid peroxidation products.     

Effects of caecal ligation and colostomy on water intake and excretion in chickens

1. The effect of caecal ligation and colostomy on water intake and excretion were examined in chickens fed a low-protein diet or a low-protein diet supplemented with urea. 2. When fed a low-protein diet, the water intake and the ratio of water intake to food intake were increased by colostomy (P < 0.05) but not changed further by caecal ligation of colostomised chickens. 3. When fed a low-protein diet supplemented with urea, the amount of water intake and the ratio of water intake to food intake were not changed by either treatment. 4. Total water excretion was much higher in the colostomised plus caeca-ligated chickens than in other 3 groups fed both types of diet (P < 0.05). 5. The amount of faecal water excretion was increased by cecal ligation in colostomised chickens fed either diet (P < 0.01). 6. No effect of any treatment on water balance was observed in chickens fed either diet. 7. It is concluded that the lower intestine plays a useful role in the water economy of chickens fed a low-protein diet or a low-protein diet supplemented with urea.     

大豆胰蛋白酶抑制因子对小鼠胰腺氧自由基水平的影响

为研究大豆胰蛋白酶抑制因子对小鼠胰腺氧自由基水平的影响,试验选用36只昆明种雄性小鼠,按体质量随机分为3组。第一组为对照纽,饲喂基础日粮;第二组为试验组,饲喂含有大豆胰蛋白酶抑制因子的基础日粮,第三组为抗氧化剂组,饲喂舍大豆胰蛋白酶抑制因子＋维生素C的日粮。试验期3周,空腹屠宰,眼球采血制备血清,迅速取出胰腺进行氧化和抗氧化指标检测。结果表明,大豆胰蛋白酶抑制因子能显著增加氧自由基水平。与对照组比较,试验组小鼠血清和胰腺的MDA（malondialdehyde,MDA）含量分别显著地增加了98．17％,185．58％,抗超氧阴离子自由基和抑制羟自由基能力被显著降低,TAOC、S013（superoxidedismutase）、CAT和GSH—Px活性被显著减少（P〈0．05）。添加维生素C后,氧化应激被减轻,但氧化指标仍高于对照组。上述结果表明,大豆胰蛋白酶抑制因子能够导致氧化和抗氧化不平衡,从而使其处于氧化应激状态。     

Down-regulation of GPx1 mRNA and the loss of GPx1 activity causes cellular damage in the liver of selenium-deficient rabbits

The effects of 10 weeks of dietary selenium and/or vitamin E deficiency (< 0.03 mg Se and 1.5 mg vitamin E per kg diet) on body Se and vitamin E stores and on the down-regulation of liver cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) were examined in growing female New Zealand White rabbits in comparison to Se (+ 0.40 mg Se/kg diet) and/or vitamin E (+ 150 I.U./kg diet) supplemented controls. Additionally plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS) and liver protein carbonyls were measured to assess the development of oxidative stress during an alimentary Se and/or vitamin E deficiency. Significantly decreased concentrations of Se and vitamin E in plasma (Se: − 70%; vitamin E: − 87%) and liver (Se: − 90%; vitamin E: − 95%) indicated an efficacious Se and vitamin E depletion of the rabbits within 10 weeks. GPx1 messenger RNA levels (GPx1 mRNA) in the livers of Se-depleted rabbits were down-regulated to 1/3–1/8 of the Se supplemented controls. GPx1 enzyme activity in the livers of Se-deficient rabbits declined to 10% of the Se-supplied control rabbits. A significantly elevated LDH activity in the blood plasma of Se- and vitamin E-deficient rabbits indicated a general impairment of tissues. Markedly increased TBA-RS concentrations and protein carbonyl contents in the livers of Se- and vitamin E-deficient rabbits gave further evidence for severe oxidative damage of cellular lipids and proteins during an alimentary Se and/or vitamin E deficiency. Both a full expresssion of GPx1 attained by dietary Se supplementation and dietary vitamin E supply effected an almost complete protection against oxidative cellular damage of the liver.     

Influence of diet type on the inclusion of plant origin active substances on morphological and histochemical characteristics of the stomach and jejunum walls in chicken

Three hundred and thirty-six 1-day-old male Hubbard HI-Ye broiler hybrids, kept in battery cages, were fed with diets based on maize (groups I and II) or wheat and barley (groups III and IV) and supplemented with or without plant extract (XT* 100 mg/kg) containing 5% carvacrol, 3% cinnamaldehyde and 2% of capsicum oleoresin. The morphological and histochemical examinations were carried out on days 21 and 42 of bird's age. The middle part of glandular part of the stomach and 30 mm long segment from the central part of the small intestine (jejunum) were taken out and then prepared for morphometrical and histochemical assays. Mobilization of mucocytes in superficial epithelium of the glandular stomach and increased secretion of neutral mucopolysaccharides and small amounts of sialomucins with or without local cell disruption with releasing of large amounts of mucus were observed in both 'grain' groups of 21-day-old birds fed with extract. In some animals, particularly those fed mixtures with plant extract, the folds of the proventriculum mucosa were fused into large, unshaped structures. In groups fed with plant extract the mucus secretion intensity and accumulation inside cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa were slightly higher. Morphological changes on gastrointestinal mucosa observed in young chickens fed XT were reduced in older animals. The results of this study showed that the increased releasing of large amounts of mucus and the creation of a thick layer of mucus on glandular stomach and wall of jejunum in chickens fed diets with plant extract could suggest villi-related protective properties of the use of the carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin mixture. This can explain the reduced possibility of adhesion to epithelium and number of Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringes and fungi in the intestinal content of bird fed with XT supplemented diet. In morphometrical parameters of depth of jejunum crypt and height of villi, the influence of kind of grain and extract supplementation was observed in 21-day-old chickens only. The significant interaction between higher jejunum wall villi layer was observed only in chickens fed on maize diet supplemented with plant extract.     

Influence of wheat-based diets supplemented with xylanase, bile acid and antibiotics on performance, digestive tract measurements and gut morphology of broilers compared with a maize-based diet

1. The aim of the present study was to compare wheat-based diets supplemented with arabinoxylanase, bile acid and virginiamycin with a maize-based diet in their effects on the performance of broilers. 2. The diets were fed to 5 groups of broilers. Group A received a maize-based diet (control), and groups B, C, D and E were fed on wheat-based diets. Diets C, D and E were supplemented with arabinoxylanase (150 mg/kg), bile acid (500 mg/kg) and virginiamycin (200 mg/kg), respectively. 3. A total of 450 1-d-old Ross 385 chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups, each with three pens as replicates (30 birds per pen). The experimental diets were given for 18 d. On d 18, three chickens from each group were slaughtered by cervical dislocation and the liver weight, and duodenal, jejunal and ileal lengths were measured for length and width of the villi and the height of crypts. 4. Arabinoxylanase, bile acid and virginiamycin supplementation significantly increased feed intake and daily gain but had no significant effect on feed conversion ratio. The liver weight was significantly greater in virginiamycin supplemented chicks as compared with those on the diet containing bile acid. 5. Virginiamycin inclusion increased full and empty caeca weight significantly compared with groups A and D. Group A had the lightest caeca. Significant effects of diets were observed on duodenal, ileal and intestinal length, but jejunal length was not affected by diet. The heights of duodenal and ileal, but not jejunal, villi were significantly affected by the treatments. The lengths of villi in groups B and E were significantly higher than other groups. The mean height of ileal villi in group A was significantly higher than in groups receiving the wheat-based diets. The mean width of duodenal and ileal villi was significantly affected by the ration. The height of crypts in group B was significantly higher than in group E. 6. It could be concluded that supplementation of the wheat-based broiler ration with virginiamycin had significant positive effects on gastrointestinal tract characteristics for absorption. Supplementation with bile acid reduced the weight of liver and caeca and the length of duodenum, jejunum, ileum and in small intestine and the height and width of villi.     

玉米赤霉烯酮对断奶小母猪生产性能、血清抗氧化功能和免疫功能的影响

为了研究不同水平玉米赤霉烯酮(zearalenone,ZEA)污染饲粮对断奶小母猪生产性能、血清抗氧化功能、血清抗体水平及外周血淋巴细胞增殖率的影响。将40头健康三元杂交(杜×长×大)断奶小母猪按日龄[(35±1)日龄]和平均体重[(14.01±0.86)kg]分为4组,对照组饲喂基础饲粮(ZEA水平的测定值为0 mg/kg),试验组在基础饲粮中分别添加0.5、1.0及1.5 mg/kg ZEA[ZEA水平的测定值分别为(0.52±0.07)mg/kg、(1.04±0.03)mg/kg和(1.51±0.13)mg/kg]。预试期10 d,正试期35 d。结果表明:饲粮ZEA对断奶小母猪平均日采食量、平均日增重和料重比没有显著影响(P0.05)。与对照组相比,ZEA显著降低了血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px,0.5、1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)活性、猪瘟(1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)和伪狂犬病病毒抗体水平(1.5 mg/kg ZEA)以及外周血淋巴细胞增殖率(1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)(P0.05),而显著升高了血清丙二醛(MDA,0.5、1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)含量(P0.05)。随着饲粮中ZEA水平的升高,断奶小母猪的料重比呈一次线性降低趋势(P=0.075),血清GSH-Px、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,血清病毒(猪瘟、伪狂犬病和高致病性猪蓝耳病病毒)抗体水平和外周血淋巴细胞增殖率均呈一次线性降低(P0.05),而血清MDA含量则呈一次线性升高(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中0.5 mg/kg的ZEA足以诱导小母猪的氧化应激反应,1.0 mg/kg的ZEA能够显著降低断奶小母猪的特异性体液免疫和细胞免疫功能。     

Interaction of T-2 fusariotoxin and monensin in broiler chickens infected with Coccidia

Field observations suggest that coccidiosis is a common cause of death in broiler chicken flocks fed diets containing sufficient amounts of ionophore antibiotics (monensin, narasin, etc.) and contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly with T-2 fusariotoxin. To study this phenomenon, broiler chickens fed diets containing different amounts of T-2 toxin and free from monensin, or containing a preventive dose (100 mg/kg of feed) of monensin, were infected experimentally with coccidian oocysts. In all groups fed a diet containing monensin plus T-2 toxin severe clinical symptoms of coccidiosis (blood-stained faeces etc). occurred. Deaths and retarded growth depended on the toxin dose and were considerable. The body mass gain of chicks fed a diet containing monensin and T-2 toxin but not infected with coccidia was inferior to that of groups fed diets which contained either monensin or T-2 toxin (experiment 2). On the basis of these findings a negative interaction of the two compounds is assumed. This seems to be supported by the results of experiment 3, i. e. the finding that the lethal dose of narasin, a compound closely related to monensin both in chemical structure and mechanism of action, proved to be much lower (LD50 = 102 mg/kg body mass) for chickens fed a diet supplemented with T-2 toxin than for the control chickens (LD50 = 176 mg/kg body mass). The present results suggest that the feeding of diets severely contaminated with T-2 toxin may alter the anticoccidial efficacy of monensin.     

谷氨酰胺替代饲用抗生素对黄羽肉鸡免疫器官指数及小肠黏膜免疫的影响

本试验旨在研究基础日粮中添加谷氨酰胺替代饲用抗生素对黄羽肉鸡免疫器官指数及小肠黏膜免疫的影响。将180只1日龄体重相近、健康的黄羽肉鸡随机分为5个处理组,每个处理组3个重复,每个重复12只。阴性对照组饲喂基础日粮,阳性对照组在基础日粮中添加0.3 g/kg那西肽和0.25 g/kg硫酸黏杆菌素,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别在基础日粮中添加1、2、3 g/kg谷氨酰胺。结果显示,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组黄羽肉鸡免疫器官重量及免疫器官指数与阳性、阴性对照组相比差异均不显著(P＞0.05),且各试验组之间差异也不显著(P＞0.05)。45 d 时,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组黄羽肉鸡十二指肠、空肠肠黏膜蛋白质中溶菌酶的含量低于阳性对照组,但差异不显著(P＞0.05);与阳性对照组相比,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组和阴性对照组的十二指肠内容物中细菌数量均显著提高(P＜0.05)。77 d时,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组十二指肠、空肠、回肠肠黏膜蛋白质中溶菌酶的含量均与阳性对照组差异不显著(P＞0.05);十二指肠黏膜蛋白质中分泌型免疫球蛋白A的含量均低于阳性、阴性对照组;回肠内容物中乙酸、丙酸及总酸的浓度均低于阳性对照组,高于阴性对照组。因此,在基础日粮中添加谷氨酰胺替代饲用抗生素可能会提高黄羽肉鸡的细胞免疫水平,改善小肠黏膜免疫功能。     

女贞子、五味子、四君子汤、大豆黄酮和黄霉素对蛋鸡脂质稳定性的影响

试验选用51周龄海兰褐蛋鸡144只,随机分为6个处理组,试验1、2和3组分别添加1%的女贞子、五味子和四君子汤,试验4组添加10mg/kg的大豆黄酮,试验5组添加5mg/kg黄霉素,试验6组为对照组。研究中草药及大豆黄酮对蛋鸡脂质稳定性的影响及其机理,同时比较中草药、大豆黄酮和黄霉素的效果。设预试期1周,正试期为6周。结果表明:1)添加3种中草药和大豆黄酮均有降低蛋鸡组织、血清或蛋黄中脂质过氧化物含量的作用,其中3种中草药的作用明显优于大豆黄酮和黄霉素(P<0.05),黄霉素的作用不明显;2)中草药、大豆黄酮和黄霉素对超氧化物歧化酶活性没有显著提高(P>0.05),但能显著提高谷胱甘肽还原酶活性(P<0.05);3)3种中草药和大豆黄酮均可显著提高蛋鸡组织或血清中谷胱甘肽含量(P<0.05)。结论为:3种中草药和大豆黄酮均有增强蛋鸡抗氧化水平和脂质稳定性的作用;3种中草药的抗氧化作用优于大豆黄酮;黄霉素对蛋鸡的抗氧化机能没有影响。     

枯草芽孢杆菌048对雪山草鸡抗肠炎沙门氏菌感染能力的影响

本试验旨在研究枯草芽孢杆菌(BS)048对雪山草鸡抗肠炎沙门氏菌(SE)感染能力的影响。选择240只体重(61.5±0.5)g的1日龄雪山草鸡公鸡(SE阴性),随机分为4组,每组设3个重复,每个重复20只鸡。对照组和对照感染组饲喂基础饲粮,BS组和BS感染组饲喂添加0.1%(质量分数)BS048的基础饲粮。对照感染组和BS感染组在5~7日龄时每天以1×108CFU的SE感染试验鸡只,试验期14 d。测定BS048对正常和SE感染雪山草鸡盲肠黏膜、肝脏、肾脏SE载菌量,血清免疫球蛋白(Ig)和回肠分泌型免疫球蛋白A(s Ig A)含量,空肠黏膜碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性与总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)以及丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,BS组显著提高了雪山草鸡8、10、14日龄回肠s Ig A含量(P0.05),显著提高了10、14日龄空肠黏膜ALP活性(P0.05),极显著提高了10、14日龄的空肠黏膜T-AOC及T-SOD、GSH-Px活性(P0.01),显著降低了8、14日龄的空肠黏膜MDA含量(P0.05)。2)与对照感染组相比,BS感染组极显著减少了SE感染雪山草鸡盲肠黏膜、肝脏和肾脏SE载菌量(P0.01),显著提高了10、14日龄的血清Ig A、Ig G、Ig M及8、10、14日龄的回肠s Ig A含量(P0.05),显著提高了8、10、14日龄的空肠黏膜ALP活性P0.05),极显著降低了8、10、14日龄的空肠黏膜MPO活性(P0.01),显著或极显著提高了8、10、14日龄的空肠黏膜T-AOC及T-SOD、GSH-Px活性(P0.05或P0.01),显著或极显著降低了8、10、14日龄的空肠黏膜MDA含量(P0.05或P0.01)。由此可见,BS048能够增强雪山草鸡的抗SE感染能力。     

Effect of dietary supplementation with clay‐based binders on biochemical and histopathological changes in organs of turkey fed with aflatoxin‐contaminated diets

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with molecular or nano‐clay binders on biochemical and histopathological examination of organs of turkeys fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B_1. Two hundred and sixteen unsexed 1‐day‐old British United Turkeys were randomly allotted to nine diets in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of diets supplemented with no toxin binder, molecular toxin binder (MTB) and nano‐clay toxin binder, each contaminated with 0, 60 and 110 ppb aflatoxin B₁ respectively. There were three replicates per treatment with eight turkeys per replicate. Biochemical analyses, organ weights and histopathological changes of some organs were examined at the end of the study which lasted for 84 days. Turkeys fed diets supplemented with molecular and nano‐binders showed higher (p < 0.001) total serum protein, reduced (p < 0.001) serum uric acid and GGT concentration values when compared with those fed aflatoxin‐contaminated diets supplemented with no binder. Turkeys fed aflatoxin‐contaminated diets supplemented with no binder had increased (p < 0.001) AST and ALT concentration when compared with other treatments. The heaviest (p < 0.001) liver and intestinal weight was noticed with turkeys fed diets supplemented with no binder and contaminated with 110 ppb aflatoxin B₁. Pathologically, there was no visible morphological alteration noticed in all turkeys fed uncontaminated diets and nano‐clay‐supplemented group. Hepatic paleness, hepatomegaly and yellowish discolouration of the liver were observed with turkeys fed diets containing no binder but contaminated with 60 and 110 ppb aflatoxin B1. Intestinal histopathological changes such as goblet cell hyperplasia, villous atrophy and diffuse lymphocytic enteritis were more prominent in turkeys fed diets containing no toxin binder and MTB. In conclusion, there were improved biochemical parameters and reduced deleterious effects of aflatoxin B₁ in turkeys fed diet supplemented with clay binders. However, the improvement was more conspicuous in the nano‐clay‐supplemented group than molecular clay group.     

Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture alleviates oxidative stress and cell apoptosis induced by dietary zearalenone in first-parity gestation sows

This study was conducted to evaluate the alleviation of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture as zearalenone (ZEA) biodegradation agent on oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and fecal ZEA residue in the first parity gestation sows during the gestation. A total of 80 first-parity gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 20 replications per treatment and one gilt per replicate. The dietary treatments were as follows: CO (positive control); MO (negative control, ZEA level at 246 μg/kg diet); COA (CO + B. subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2 × 10⁹ CFU/kg diet); MOA (MO + ZEA level at 260 μg/kg diet + B. subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2 × 10⁹ CFU/kg diet). The experiment lasted for the whole gestation period of sows. Results showed that feeding the diet naturally contaminated with low-dose ZEA caused an increase of cell apoptosis in organ and the residual ZEA in feces as well as a decrease of antioxidant function in serum. The addition of B. subtilis ANSB01G culture in the diets can effectively alleviate the status of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis induced by ZEA in diets of gestation sows, as well as decrease the content of residual ZEA in feces.