Levels of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma and urine of dogs with urolithiasis

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency and Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP), a protein that binds retinol and retinyl esters in canine urine, might be involved in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in dogs. In the present study, we assessed levels of retinol, retinyl esters, retinol-binding protein (RBP) and THP in plasma and urine of dogs with a history of urolithiasis (n = 25) compared with clinically healthy controls (n = 18). Plasma retinol concentrations were higher in dogs with uroliths of struvit (P < 0.01), calcium oxalate (P < 0.05), urate (P < 0.01) and cysteine, but there were no differences in the concentrations of plasma RBP and retinyl esters. Excretion of urinary retinol and retinyl esters were tentatively, but not significantly higher in the stone-forming groups, which was accompanied by increased levels of urinary RBP (P < 0.01) and lower excretions in THP (P < 0.01). The results show that VA deficiency may be excluded as a potential cause for canine urolithiasis. However, the occurrence of RBP and a concomitant reduction of THP in urine indicates a disturbed kidney function as cause or consequence of stone formation in dogs.     

Concentrations of retinol, 3,4-didehydroretinol, and retinyl esters in plasma of free-ranging birds of prey

This study investigated vitamin A compounds in the plasma of healthy free‐ranging Central European raptors with different feeding strategies. Plasma samples of nestlings of white‐tailed sea eagle [white‐tailed sea eagle (WTSE), Haliaeetus albicilla) (n = 32), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) (n = 39), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (n = 25), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) (n = 31), and honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) (n = 18) and adults of WTSE (n = 10), osprey (n = 31), and northern goshawk (n = 45) were investigated with reversed‐phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). In WTSE, northern goshawks and common buzzards retinol were the main plasma component of vitamin A, whilst in ospreys and honey buzzards, 3,4‐didehydroretinol predominated. The median of the retinol plasma concentration in the nestlings group ranged from 0.12 to 3.80 μm and in the adult group from 0.15 to 6.13 μm . Median plasma concentrations of 3,4‐didehydroretinol in nestlings ranged from 0.06 to 3.55 μm . In adults, northern goshawks had the lowest plasma concentration of 3,4‐didehydroretinol followed by WTSE and ospreys. The plasma of all investigated species contained retinyl esters (palmitate, oleate, and stearate). The results show considerable species‐specific differences in the vitamin A plasma concentrations that might be caused by different nutrition strategies.     

Effect of exercise on the mobilization of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma of sled dogs

Fasting dogs do transport vitamin A (VA) in plasma not only as retinol but predominantly as retinyl esters. Contrary to retinol, nothing is known concerning the effects of athletic performance on plasma retinyl ester concentrations. The aim of this study was therefore to examine whether physical stress because of exercise and modification of the oxidative stress by supplementation of alpha-tocopherol influences the concentrations of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma of sled dogs. The study was carried out on 41 trained adult sled dogs, which were randomly assigned into two groups. One group (19 dogs) was daily substituted with 50 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate per kilogram body weight and the control group (22 dogs) was maintained on a basal diet during 3 months prior to exercise. The plasma concentrations of retinol, retinyl esters, alpha-tocopherol and triglycerides were measured immediately before, directly after and 24 h after exercise. The supplementation of alpha-tocopheryl acetate had no effect on plasma retinol and retinyl ester concentrations at any measurement time point. However, retinyl ester levels doubled in the non-supplemented group immediately after the race (p < 0.001), whereas in the supplemented group similar high levels were observed not until 24 h post-racing (p < 0.001). The high levels of retinyl esters were paralleled to some extent by an increase in plasma triglyceride concentrations, which were significantly higher 24 h post-racing than immediately before (p < 0.001) and after exercise (p < 0.001) in both groups. The increase in retinyl ester concentrations might be indicative of their mobilization from liver and adipose tissue. Whether plasma retinyl esters can be used as an indicator for the extent of nutrient mobilization during and post-exercise in sled dogs remains to be elucidated.     

Effect of retinyl palmitate supplementation on egg yolk retinol and cholesterol concentrations in quail

1. The purpose of this study was to assess the incorporation of retinol into quail egg yolk and cholesterol concentration in response to supplementation with different quantities of retinyl palmitate (600, 1200, 2400 and 4800 microg). 2. Supplementations were performed weekly for 4 weeks and the yolk retinol was measured using high performance liquid chromatography. 3. The results showed a progressive increase in the incorporation of retinol into the egg yolk in response to supplementation, reaching values 384% higher than control values. 4. At the end of supplementation we observed a significant decrease in egg yolk retinol concentrations with supplementations of 2400 and 4800 microg, the most enduring showing high retinol contents even after 3 weeks. 5. Supplementation increased egg weight but neither egg production nor cholesterol levels were significantly altered.     

Copper, zinc and manganese concentrations in equine liver, kidney and plasma

Five groups of horses were fed different diets of known trace mineral concentration for a minimum of six months. Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were measured in livers of 125 yearling horses and kidneys of 81 yearling horses as an assessment of trace mineral status. Plasma Cu and Zn determinations were made for all horses.

Mean hepatic Cu concentrations of horses fed diets containing 6.9 to 15.2 mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM) feed were 0.27 to 0.33 μmol/g DM tissue. Plasma Cu concentrations ranged between 22.8 to 28.3 μmol/L. There was no simple mathematical relationship between plasma and hepatic Cu concentrations. Mean hepatic Zn concentrations in horses fed diets containing 25.6 to 52.2 mg Zn/kg DM feed were determined to be between 2.75 to 2.91 μmol/g DM tissue. Mean plasma Zn concentrations in groups of horses were between 11.7 to 13.5 μmol/L. Plasma Zn concentrations were not indicative of hepatic Zn concentration. Hepatic Mn concentrations ranged between 0.13 and 0.14 μmol/g DM tissue.

Renal Zn concentrations ranged between 1.55 to 1.63 μmol/g DM tissue and did not differ with diet. Mean renal Mn concentrations were 0.09 μmol/g DM tissue for all groups of horses. Renal Cu concentrations ranged from 0.36 to 0.47 μmol/g DM tissue and differed with diet.

     

Activity and properties of alkaline phosphatase in the plasma and various organs (kidney, liver, small intestine mucosa, bone) of the swine]

There was a high activity of alkaline phosphatase in the blood plasma of piglets during the first few days of live; enzyme obtained at this time had high heat stability and was readily inhibited by L-phenylalanine (5 mM). The enzyme in blood was inhibited to a greater extent than alkaline phosphatase from intestinal mucosa. With increasing age there was a fall in heat stability and in the ease with that the enzyme could be inhibited by phenylalanine. The proportion of alkaline phosphatase derived from bone and present in blood plasma increased with increasing age. Two isoenzymes were detected in liver, kidney, lung, intestinal mucosa and endometrial mucosa by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. Heat lability and inhibition by phenylalanine were good criteria for differentiating different types of alkaline phosphatase in pigs. In the case of alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma, disodium phenylphosphate was split more readily than p-nitrophenyl phosphate and very much more readily than phenolphthalein diphosphate and beta-glycerophosphate.     

Effect of diets containing earthworm powder and vermihumus on egg production,hatchability, blood parameters and immunity of Japanese breeder quails

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of earthworm (EW) powder and vermihumus (VH) on the growth performance, humoral immunity response, plasma constituents and reproductive performance of Japanese breeder quails. A total of 336 birds were assigned to seven treatments in a completely randomized design from day 30 to 90 of age. The dietary treatments were carried out, one without any addition of EW and VH, the second had a standard rate of VH at 0.8%, while a range of EW additions was supplied from 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%. The effects of treatments on body weight and mortality were not significant (p > .05). The highest feed intake was observed in birds fed the diets supplemented with 1% and 1.5% EW (p < .05). The highest titre of antibodies against influenza virus and sheep red blood cells belonged to the EW and VH treatments (p < .05). The antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was not affected by the treatments. In general, the birds receiving EW and VH had the highest egg weight, egg production and egg mass weight (p < .05). Nonetheless, various levels of EW powder negatively affected hatchability and increased mortality and leg disorders (p < .05). The results showed that the levels of dietary 1% and 1.5% of EW powder gave the best growth and reproductive performance to birds respectively.     

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin in Japanese quails and common pheasants

1. The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin was studied in Japanese quails and common pheasants. Healthy mature birds from both species and both genders were treated intravenously and orally with enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg) and marbofloxacin (5 mg/kg).

2. After intravenous administration enrofloxacin was extensively metabolised to ciprofloxacin. Metabolites of marbofloxacin were not detected. Values of volume of distribution were respectively 4.63 l/kg and 3.67 l/kg for enrofloxacin and 1.56 l/kg and 1.43 l/kg for marbofloxacin. In quails, total body clearance values were higher than those in pheasants and other avian species.

3. After oral application enrofloxacin was rapidly absorbed in quails, more rapidly than marbofloxacin. Pheasants absorbed both antimicrobials at a lower rate. Higher bioavailability was observed for marbofloxacin (118%). Relatively low bioavailability was established in quails for enrofloxacin (26.4%), accompanied by extensive conversion to ciprofloxacin.

4. Generally, quails absorbed and eliminated both fluoroquinolones more rapidly than pheasants; the latter showed pharmacokinetics similar to poultry. Because of favourable pharmacokinetic properties, marbofloxacin should be preferred for oral administration in Japanese quails and pheasants for treatment of infections caused by equally susceptible pathogens.

     

Anti-mycotoxigenic properties of probiotic Bacillus spp. in Japanese quails

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The current study was conducted to evaluate the anti-mycotoxigenic effects of previously isolated Bacillus spp. in Japanese quails. A total of 240-day-old...     

Studies on activity and properties of alkaline phosphatase in body fluids (plasma, serum, bile) and in various organs (kidney, liver, small intestine, bones) in cattle]

Behaviour of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) present in blood serum, blood plasma, bile and extracts of organs (kidney, liver, intestinal mucosa, bone) was studied under various conditions of incubation (after preliminary heat treatment and after addition of L-phenyl-alanine). AP in serum and bile from calves and bullocks was very heat labile and did not inhibit phenylalanine much. EDTA and citrate were active inhibitors of AP, and therefore blood samples containing these anticoagulants are unsuitable for enzyme investigations. Out of four compounds tested, the substrate that was most rapidly split by AP from tissues was disodium phenylphosphate. AP activity was particularly high in kidney. The most heat-labile form of AP was that present in bone. AP in different tissues was inhibited to different extents by phenylalanine.     

Pharmacokinetics of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim administered intravenously and orally to Japanese quails

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim was studied after combined intravenous (i.v.) administration at doses of 20 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg, respectively, and after oral administration at doses of 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. The serum concentration versus time data after i.v. administration were best described by the biexponential equations C = 34.77.e^-2.655.t+ 39.03.e^-0.241.t for sulphamethoxazole and C = 3.29.e^-3.878.t+ 0.83.e^-0.306.t for trimethoprim. Mean biological half-lives of the drugs were 2.89 ± 0.11 and 2.38 ± 0.33 h, respectively. The distribution volumes (V_area) were 0.475 ± 0.026 l/kg (sulphamethoxazole) and 3.89 ± 0.61 I/kg (trimethoprirn). Orally administered sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim were rapidly absorbed. The maximum serum concentrations were reached 0.5-1 h after administration. The bioavailability was 8 1% for sulphamethoxazole and 41% for trimethoprim.     

Directional freezing of reproductive cells and organs

Directional freezing is based on a simple thermodynamic principle where ice crystals are precisely controlled through the sample by regulating the velocity of the sample movement through the predetermined temperature gradient. Directional freezing permits a precise and uniform cooling rate in both small and large volume samples. Directional freezing was used for slow and rapid freezing, as well as for vitrification of oocytes and embryos using the minimum drop size technique. Sperm samples from a wide range of domestic and wild animals were successfully cryopreserved using the directional freezing method. The method enabled, for the first time, successful freezing of a whole ovary and freeze-drying of mammalian cells followed by thawing and transplantation and rehydration, respectively.     

Comparative digestibility of amino acids of maize, sorghum, finger millet and pearl millet in cockerels and Japanese quails

1. The objective of the present study was to determine the apparent digestibilities of amino acids of maize, low tannin sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in adult cockerels and Japanese quails. 2. Adult White Leghorn cockerels (25 weeks of age) and adult Japanese quails (15 weeks of age) were used to determine the apparent digestibilities of amino acids in cereal grains. 3. The digestibilities of amino acids in sorghum determined with quails were similar to cockerels, with the exception of histidine, which was significantly lower in quails. 4. In finger millet, the digestibilities of methionine and leucine were significantly higher, while that of histidine and cystine were significantly lower in adult quails than in adult cockerels. 5. The digestibilities of pearl millet amino acids were similar in quails and cockerels, except for that of histidine, which was significantly lower in quails. 6. Almost all the amino acids in maize, except histidine, had significantly higher digestibility values in quails than in cockerels. Histidine digestibility of all the 4 cereal grains was significantly lower in quails than in cockerels. 7. The amino acid digestibility values for certain cereal grains determined with cockerels do not support their use in formulating practical quail diets. The amino acid digestibility values of maize were underestimated by using cockerels while that of finger millet was overestimated.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in common pheasants,guinea fowls and Japanese quails after intravenous and oral administration

1. The pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin was investigated in common pheasants, guinea fowls and Japanese quails after intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration at a dose of 10 mg kg^?1 body weight. Concentrations of the drug in serum were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The values of the pharmacokinetic parameters after both applications were calculated on the basis of a one-compartment model.

2. The elimination half-lives after i.v. injection were 6.82 ± 1.87, 3.31 ± 0.13 and 3.84 ± 0.89 h in pheasants, guinea fowls and quails, respectively. Total body clearance values were 0.45 ± 0.16, 1.23 ± 0.07 and 1.61 ± 0.34 l h^?1 kg^?1 in pheasants, guinea fowls and quails, respectively.

3. After p.o. administration, maximum serum concentrations were 0.54 ± 0.26, 0.51 ± 0.12 and 0.78 ± 0.11 μg ml^?1 respectively, reached at 2.04 ± 0.23, 10.4 ± 5.64 and 5.35 ± 0.47 h. Oral bioavailability values were 82.32% for pheasants, 79.46% for guinea fowls and 83.5% for Japanese quails. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) predictive indices were also calculated and compared.     

Toxicological and biological studies on Japanese quails fed graded levels of furazolidone

Furazolidone (FZ) was administered to 42-day-old female Japanese quails as a feed additive at doses of 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm for a period of 28 days. Dose-dependent effects were observed. High levels of FZ (600 and 800 ppm) significantly altered growth, decreased feed consumption, caused marked atrophy of the ovaries and oviducts leading to cessation of egg laying, and resulted in higher mortality. Hepatotoxicity was evidenced by an increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase and a decrease in serum total protein, in addition to degenerative changes of the hepatocytes in FZ-treated birds. A rise in serum urea was also observed. Symptoms leading to death included a loss of appetite causing emaciation followed by nervous disturbances (compulsive movements and circling). No signs of cardiomyopathy were observed. Japanese quails did not tolerate FZ at a concentration (400 ppm) recommended for the prevention of salmonellosis in poultry.