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...     

Effects of vitamin C and vitamin E on performance, digestion of nutrients and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails reared under chronic heat stress (34 degrees C)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (DL-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate) on performance, digestion of nutrients and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails reared under chronic heat stress (34 degrees C). A total of 180 10-day-old Japanese quails were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds with a 2 x 3 factorial design received either two levels of vitamin C (100 and 200 mg/kg of diet) or three levels of vitamin E (125, 250, or 500 mg/kg of diet). Then, 200-mg vitamin C/kg of diet, compared with that of 100 mg/kg of diet, and higher dietary vitamin E inclusions resulted in a higher performance. The interaction between vitamin C and vitamin E for final body weight change (p=0.01) and feed efficiency (p=0.02) was detected. Final body weight change and feed efficiency increased to a higher extent by increasing dietary vitamin C when higher vitamin E levels were fed. Carcass characteristics improved with an increase of both dietary vitamin C and vitamin E (p=0.004). The interactions on carcass characteristics were all significant (p=0.02) and manifested themselves in a way that they were improved to a higher extent by an increase of dietary vitamin C when higher vitamin E levels were fed. Digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP and EE) was greater with higher dietary vitamin C (p < 0.02) and also with higher vitamin E (p=0.07). There were no interactions detected for digestibility of nutrients (p=0.32). Taken together, the results of the present study conclude that a combination of 200 mg of vitamin C and 250 mg of vitamin E provides the greatest performance in Japanese quails reared under heat stress and can be considered as a protective management practice in poultry diet, alleviating the negative effects of heat stress.     

Evaluation of laying-hen feed with varied vitamin E and antioxidant supplementation

In two experiments with 1,250 laying hybrids the influence of the elimination of vitamin E and antioxidant supplements to the laying hen feed was tested. With mixed feed according to official quality requirements but without vitamin E and antioxidant supplements laying hens achieved the same laying performance and individual weight as the control group. There was no influence on feed consumption, feed expenditure per 100 g egg, mortality, development of body weight, the tensile strength of the eggs and the fat quality of the body either. Vitamin E content in the yolk increases with the growing vitamin E content in the feed. The vitamin E requirement norm of laying hens for consumer egg production is achieved at a native vitamin E content of 7 mg/kg laying hen feed. The supplement of synthetic antioxidant is unnecessary.     

Effects of vitamin E and selenium on performance, digestibility of nutrients, and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails reared under heat stress (34 degrees C)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin E (dL-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate) and selenium (Se; Na2-SeO3) on performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails reared under chronic heat stress (34 degrees C). A total of 120 10-day-old Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds with a 2 x 2 factorial design received either two levels of vitamin E (125 and 250 mg/kg of diet) or two levels of Se (0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg of diet). A 250-mg vitamin E/kg of diet compared with that of 125 mg/kg of diet and higher dietary Se inclusions (0.1 vs. 0.2 mg/kg) resulted in a better performance (p=0.001). The interaction between vitamin E and Se for feed intake (p=0.03), final body weight change (p=0.03) and feed efficiency (p=0.001) was detected. Carcass yield increased with increasing both dietary vitamin E and Se (p=0.001). The interactions on carcass characteristics were all non-significant (p > 0.06). Digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP and ether extract) was higher with higher dietary vitamin E (p=0.03), and DM digestibility was also higher with higher dietary Se (p=0.05). There were no interactions detected for digestibility of nutrients (p=0.28). From the results of the present study, it was concluded that a combination of 250 mg of vitamin E and 0.2 mg of Se provides the greatest performance in Japanese quails reared under heat stress and this combination can be considered as a protective management practice in Japanese quail diets, reducing the negative effects of heat stress.     

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.

     

维生素E对育成蛋鸭血清与肝脏抗氧化机能的影响

选择满4周龄的健康、平均体重相近(0.45±0.01)kg的金定蛋鸭216只,随机分为6个处理组,每个处理组设6个重复.分别饲喂维生素E添加量为0、10、15、20、40、100 IU/kg的日粮,探讨不同维生素E水平对血清和肝脏抗氧化指标的影响.结果表明,育成蛋鸭的饲粮中添加15 IU/kg和20 IU/kg维生素E时,对血清和肝脏中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的活性有一定提高,但各组间差异不显著;血清超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)的活性显著高于对照组(P<0.05),肝脏中丙二醛(MDA)的含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),但试验各组间差异不显著(P>0.05).综合分析,日粮中添加15～20 IU/kg维生素E可提高育成蛋鸭机体的抗氧化能力,而添加高剂量的维生素E有降低其抗氧化机能的趋势.     

Parasitism of Toxocara canis larvae in Japanese quails by inoculation of the ascarid eggs.

The distribution of T. canis larvae and pathological changes caused by them were studied in Japanese quails orally inoculated with 1,500, 4,000 or 15,000 embryonated eggs. Larvae were distributed mainly in the liver and, to lesser extent, in the muscles, brain, eyes and other organs. The number of larvae varied from 7 to 3,346, and from 1 to 288 in the liver and muscles (breast and legs), respectively. A small number of larvae were also recovered from the heart, gizzard, brain and eyes. In the groups of quails inoculated with 4,000 or 15,000 eggs, small white foci were observed on the surface of the liver 6 or 12 hr after inoculation. Histopathological examinations revealed necrotic lesions, leukocytic infiltration, granuloma and nodular lesions. The pathological changes became more serious with the large size of inoculum and days after inoculation.     

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.     

Seasonal changes in serum vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene concentrations in Japanese Black breeding cattle in Hyogo prefecture

The influence of the season on serum vitamin A, E and beta-carotene concentrations was studied in Japanese Black breeding cattle. Blood samples were collected from 13 cows once a month for a year to determine the serum vitamin concentrations. Mean serum concentrations (+/- SE) of retinol, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were 21.3 +/- 0.5 microg/dl (range 9.9 to 44.9), 215.9 +/- 8.0 microg/dl (range 59.7 to 551.6) and 67.3 +/- 5.1 microg/dl (range 10.6 to 425.2), respectively. All these concentrations were lower than the recommended levels. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in summer were lower than those in winter. These results suggest that the vitamin A, E and beta-carotene status of Japanese Black breeding cows is inadequate, and feeding high quality forages or dietary vitamin supplementation during summer should be recommended.     

Comparison of the metabolic and antioxidant effects of diltiazem and vitamin E on streptozotocin-diabetic rats

In this study, solitary and combined effects of vitamin E and the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar albino rats, weighing approximately 200 g were used. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intravenous injection of STZ at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Five experimental groups were established as STZ-diabetic, STZ-diabetic + vitamin E, STZ-diabetic + diltiazem and STZ-diabetic + vitamin E + diltiazem. Vitamin E was injected intraperitoneally three times a week at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. Diltiazem was given orally every day at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the study (10 weeks) blood glucose levels of diabetic rats, which had received vitamin E and diltiazem, had significantly decreased when compared with untreated diabetic rats (P < 0.02). Similarly, HbA1c levels had significantly decreased in diabetic rats which had received vitamin E (P < 0.05), diltiazem (P < 0.01) and vitamin E + diltiazem (P < 0.02) when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Liver glutathione levels of diabetic rats, which had received vitamin E (P < 0.01) and vitamin E + diltiazem (P < 0.05) had significantly increased when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Liver lipid peroxide levels had significantly decreased in diabetic rats, which had received vitamin E (P < 0.001) and diltiazem (P < 0.01). With respect to their metabolic and antioxidant effects, vitamin E proved superior to diltiazem.     

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.     

高效液相色谱法测定维生素E粉含量

用高效液相色谱法测定饲料添加剂维生素E粉中维生素E含量。采用EclipseXDBC18柱(150mm×4.6mm,5μm),以甲醇-水(98∶2,V∶V)为流动相,流速为1.2mL/min,检测波长为285nm,柱温为25℃。在此色谱条件下,维生素E在0.104￣0.602mg/mL浓度范围内呈良好线性关系,r=0.9998,平均回收率为100.3%,RSD为0.72%。本法操作简便易行,系统适用性良好,适用于饲料添加剂维生素E粉中维生素E含量测定。     

Experimental Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 infection and egg transmission in Japanese quails

Japanese quails were inoculated orally with 1 x 10(10) colony-forming units of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 isolated from chicks to obtain information concerning S. enteritidis infection and egg transmission. The inoculation resulted in a bacteraemic infection with seeding of the liver, spleen, intestine, peritoneum, ovule, ovary and oviduct. Some infected birds showed diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, depression, loss of appetite and death. However, most infected birds remained clinically normal with normal egg production. Salmonella enteritidis was isolated from the albumen of 7, yolk of 15, shell of 13, and shell membrane of 15 of 164 eggs. The experiment suggests that S. enteritidis phage type 4 is invasive for Japanese quails and the infected eggs laid by S. enteritidis infected quails are probably the result of transovarian infection.     

Effects of vitamin E, age and sex on performance of Japanese quail. 1. Haematological indices and liver function

1. A trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary vitamin E content, age and sex on haematological indices and liver enzymes of Japanese quails. A total of 800 1-d-old quail chicks were assigned at random into 4 equal groups and fed on starter and layer diets containing 0, 1, 5 or 10 times the NRC recommended supplements of vitamin E. No selenium was added to the basal deficient diets; the other diets were supplied with 0.2 mg selenium/kg diet. 2. The investigation covered the age span of 3 to 12 weeks in female and male birds. Blood samples were collected at 3-week intervals and tested for haematological indices (erythrocyte count; leucocyte count; susceptibility of erythrocytes to haemolysis; haemoglobin concentration (Hb); packed cell volume (PCV); and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, AST, and glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px). 3. The significant differences between the 4 dietary treatments indicated that as the levels of selenium and/or vitamin E increased, the percentage of erythrocytes haemolysed and AST activity decreased, whereas Hb and GSH-Px concentrations increased. 4. Differences between age groups showed that older quails had higher erythrocyte susceptibility to haemolysis, higher AST levels and but lower erythrocyte count and PCV. 5. Females had lower erythrocyte haemolysis and higher Hb concentrations than males. 6. The interaction between dietary groups and age groups revealed that the differences between age groups were reduced as the level of selenium and/or vitamin E increased, leading to similar group means over the age period of study. 7. In conclusion, NRC recommended supplements of vitamin E (12 and 25 mg/kg diet) were not adequate. Doses equal to, at least, 5 times that recommended were advised to improve GSH-Px (index of antioxidant status) and Hb concentrations.     

Bioavailability of vitamin E compounds in lambs.

A study was carried out to assess the bioavailabilities of several forms of vitamin E in lambs. A total of 40 lambs was allotted to eight dietary groups of five each and supplemented or not daily for 60 d with equimolar amounts of different vitamin E compounds as follows: 1) control, no supplemental vitamin E, 2) DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 3) D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 4), D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate, 5) D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1,000 succinate (TPGS), 6) DL-alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate, 7) DL-alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate+ TPGS, or 8) D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate + TPGS. During these 60 d, serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations in the control lambs remained constant and lower (P less than .05) than in lambs that received all treatments. Various indices of bioavailability, including Cmax-C(i) (concentration maximum-concentration initial), Ct-C(i) (concentration terminal-concentration initial), areas under the serum concentrations profiles, and pooled increment were higher (P less than .05) with D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate+ TPGS than in the other groups, suggesting a synergism between these forms. No such effect was observed between nicotinate and TPGS. For the TPGS, a water-soluble form of vitamin E, the indices of bioavailability were lower (P less than .05) than for the other groups. D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate resulted in a bioavailability that outranked all the other forms of vitamin E, except those of D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate + TPGS. A slightly higher bioavailability index was observed for D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate than for DL-alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ascorbic acid and melatonin reduce heat-induced performance inhibition and oxidative stress in Japanese quails

1. The effects of ascorbic acid (L-ascorbic acid) and melatonin supplementation on performance, carcase characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation indicator, ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol and mineral status in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to high ambient temperature were evaluated. 2. Two hundred and forty Japanese quails (10 d old) were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups consisting of 10 replicates of three birds each. The birds were kept in a temperature-controlled room at 22 degrees C (Thermoneutral, TN groups) or 34 degrees C (for 8 h/d; 09:00 to 17:00 h; Heat stress, HS groups). Birds in both TN and HS were fed either a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid/kg of diet (Ascorbic acid group), 40 mg of melatonin/kg of diet (Melatonin group) or both (Ascorbic acid + Melatonin group). 3. Supplementing heat-stressed quails with ascorbic acid and melatonin improved performance compared with the control group. Effects generally were greatest in quails supplemented with both ascorbic acid and melatonin. 4. Although supplementation did not consistently restore the concentrations of serum ascorbic acid, retinol and tocopherol to those of TN groups, these concentrations increased significantly with supplementation. Furthermore, serum and liver MDA and serum cholesterol and glucose concentrations were lower in the supplemented groups than in the heat-stressed controls. 5. Within each environment, excretion of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cr were lowest in the combination group and, in all cases, highest in the HS group. Interactions between diet and temperature were detected for live weight gain, cold carcase weight, MDA, ascorbic acid, tocopherol concentrations and excretion of zinc. 6. The results of the study indicate that ascorbic acid and melatonin supplementation attenuate the decline in performance and antioxidant and mineral status caused by heat stress and such supplementation may offer protection against heat-stress-related depression in performance of Japanese quails.     

高效液相色谱法测定维生素E原料含量

用高效液相色谱法测定饲料添加剂维生素E原料中维生素E含量。采用ODSC18柱(150mm×4.6mm,5μm),以甲醇-水(98+2,V+V)为流动相,流速为1.2ml/min,检测波长为285nm,柱温为(30±2)℃,在此色谱条件下,维生素E在0.104～0.828mg/ml浓度范围内呈良好线性关系(r=0.99994),经方法评估函数的评价表明,方法不存在恒定系统误差和相关性系统误差,方法准确性较好,且方法操作简便易行,系统适用性良好,适用于饲料添加剂维生素E原料中维生素E含量测定。