Investigation into the use of narcotic antagonists in the treatment of a stereotypic behavior pattern (crib-biting) in the horse

Crib-biting in horses is a repetitive behavior pattern which may involve the activation of both narcotic receptors and dopamine receptors in the CNS. Crib-biting frequency, determined in 7 nontreated horses under controlled conditions, was usually linear for many hours and ranged from 0.3 to 14.9 bites/min. Intravenous or IM injections of narcotic antagonists decreased these rates to almost zero by about 20 minutes after the injection was given. The duration of the response to a single injection ranged from 20 minutes for naloxone to 4 hours or more for nalmefene and diprenorphine. Effective doses were 0.02 to 0.04 mg of naloxone/kg, 0.04 mg of naltrexone/kg, 0.08 mg of nalmefene/kg, and 0.02 to 0.03 mg of diprenorphine/kg. Crib-biting could be prevented completely for up to a week by continuous infusion of 5 to 10 mg of nalmefene/hr. Crib-biting resumed when the infusion was discontinued, and plasma nalmefene concentrations decreased to below 5 ng/ml. Doses of nalmefene as large as 0.4 mg/kg, IV, produced only minor side effects. These side effects included some passage of semifluid fecal material, intermittent penile relaxation, and mild sedation. Treated horses responded normally to external stimuli, retained their appetites, and performed appropriately when ridden. Sedation wore off during the course of prolonged infusions. Narcotic antagonists may provide a novel and effective treatment of stereotypic behavior disorders.     

Use of narcotic antagonists to modify stereotypic self-licking, self-chewing, and scratching behavior in dogs

We evaluated 2 narcotic antagonists, naltrexone and nalmefene, for treatment of refractory self-licking, self-chewing, and scratching behavior in dogs. Eleven dogs with various irritative or pruritic disorders were medicated with naltrexone (1 mg/kg of body weight, sc) or nalmefene (1 to 4 mg/kg, sc), after a period of control observation during which the dogs had not been medicated. The time for which the dogs were involved in self-licking, self-chewing, or scratching was determined retrospectively by analysis of videotapes. The rates of involvement in either activity before and after treatment were calculated and compared statistically. Treatment with a narcotic antagonist significantly reduced the time spent self-licking, self-chewing, or scratching in 7 of 11 dogs, was partially effective in 3 dogs, and was ineffective in one dog. Dogs with acral lick dermatitis responded most to treatment.     

Reversal of Oxymorphone Sedation by Naloxone, Nalmefene, and Butorphanol

The effects of naloxone (0.4 mg and 1.2 mg intravenously [IV]), nalmefene (0.03 mg/kg IV) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg IV and 0.4 mg/kg IV) on oxymorphone-induced sedation were studied in six dogs over a 4-hour observation period. The same dogs were observed for 4 hours untreated (unsedated control) and with oxymorphone sedation followed by saline solution (sedated control). The reversal drug or saline placebo was administered IV 20 minutes after oxymorphone (4.5 mg IV). Blinded observers evaluated the dogs for positional and attitudinal responses, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Sedated dogs treated with nalmefene most closely resembled unsedated dogs in all observed variables. Naloxone was most effective when administered at the higher dose. Mild renarcotization occurred in two dogs at hour 2, even after the higher naloxone dose. Residual sedation was observed in all dogs treated with 0.4 mg naloxone. Butorphanol resulted in partial reversal of sedation at both dosage levels. However, the degree of sedation was significantly less than that observed in the saline-treated controls, and it appeared that 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol may be clinically useful for opiate reversal in some situations.     

Evaluation of a Test Kit for Determination of Serum Immunoglobulin G Concentration in Foals

The accuracy of an immunoglobulin (Ig) G test kit for the semiquantitative measurement of IgG concentration was evaluated with serum from 88 foals. Failure of passive transfer (IgG less than 400 mg/dl) was correctly identified in each of 34 samples, and partial failure of passive transfer (400 less than or equal to IgG less than 800 mg/dl) was correctly identified in each of nine samples. Evidence of adequate passive transfer (IgG greater than or equal to 800 mg/dl) was detected in 44 of 45 samples. One sample with 800 mg/dl or more of IgG was incorrectly classified as a partial failure of passive transfer (Kendall Tau - b = .975). The high degree of accuracy, especially without any errors of overestimation of IgG concentrations, indicated that the IgG test kit should be a useful assay for rapidly determining the passive transfer status of foals.     

Opioid modulation of feeding and drinking in fowls

1. D-ala2-methionine enkephalinamide (DME), the stable analogue of met-enkephalin (an opioid agonist), stimulated food intake of immature hens in the first 30 min after intracerebroventricular injection (2 and 8 micrograms/kg), but had no effect on either food or water intake when injected intravenously (15 and 60 micrograms/kg). 2. Naloxone (an opioid antagonist) had no effect on food intake after either intracerebroventricular (50 and 200 micrograms/kg) or intravenous (1 and 4 mg/kg) injection, but inhibited water intake in the second 30 min after intravenous injection. 3. Water intake was not measured after the intracerebroventricular injections of DME and naloxone. 4. Both feeding and drinking were inhibited in a dose-related way in the 7 h after intramuscular injection of nalmefene (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg), a more potent and longer-lasting antagonist than naloxone. 5. These data are compared with published results from similar work with birds and mammals. It is concluded that central release of endogenous opioids may reinforce both feeding and drinking in fowls, but whereas opioid blockage affects feeding more than drinking in pigeons and quail, the opposite appears to be the case in fowls.     

Pathology and histopathology of gossypol toxicity in broiler chicks

Two experiments were conducted to determine the toxicity, pathology, and histopathology of purified gossypol in broiler chicks. Gossypol was added to broiler feed at 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of feed in Experiment 1 and at 0, 800, and 1600 mg/kg of feed in Experiment 2. Day-old broiler chicks were fed these diets from 1 to 21 days in Experiment 1 and from 1 to 23 days in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, body weight and feed intake at 21 days were not significantly affected by dietary gossypol. However, chicks fed gossypol at 400 mg/kg of feed had poor feed conversion ratio compared with the other treatment. Feed conversion ratios were 1.493, 1.564, 1.471, and 1.60 for chicks fed gossypol at 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of feed, respectively (Experiment 1). Chicks fed 400 mg/kg gossypol also had mild perivascular lymphoid aggregate formations and bilary hyperplasia in the liver. In Experiment 2, gossypol at 1600 mg/kg resulted in 28.1% mortality. Gossypol at 800 and 1600 mg/kg feed resulted in significant decreases in body weight and feed intake of chicks. The average body weights of 23-day-old chicks in Experiment 2 were 676, 224, and 111 g for 0, 800, and 1600 mg/kg gossypol, respectively. Feed conversion ratios of chicks fed 800 and 1600 mg/kg gossypol were significantly higher than those of chicks fed control diets (1.383 vs. 1.564 vs. 1.745 for 0, 800, and 1600 mg/kg gossypol, respectively). Plasma iron and hematocrit values were significantly reduced by gossypol at 800 and 1600 mg/kg of feed. Enlarged gallbladder was the only gross pathology symptom associated with gossypol levels. Severe cases of perivascular lymphoid aggregate formation, biliary hyperplasia, and hepatic cholestasis were observed in chicks fed 800 and 1600 mg/kg of gossypol in feed. No gossypol-related changes were observed in kidney tissues of chicks. These results show that gossypol is toxic to broiler chicks at high levels. This study also shows that histopathologic changes in liver due to gossypol also occur at levels lower than the levels that affect body weight.     

钼和铜对雏鸡肾脏抗氧化能力的影响

为研究饲料中不同剂量钼和铜对雏鸡肾的影响,试验用2日龄海兰褐壳蛋公雏鸡80只,随机平均分为Ⅰ空白对照组、Ⅱ(Cu 800 mg/kg,Mo 400 mg/kg)、Ⅲ(Cu 800 mg/kg,200 mg/kg)、Ⅳ(Cu 800mg/kg,100mg/kg)组。试验60d,每15d每组随机处死5只测定肾脏总超氧化物岐化酶(T-SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、黄嘌呤氧化酶(XOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)含量。结果表明,试验组T-SOD第15天最高,随后呈下降趋势(P0.05);POD、GSH-Px和XOD随时间延长呈上升趋势(P0.05),Ⅲ组GSHPx第30天时最高,最后回归正常,Ⅱ组XOD第30天最高,Ⅲ组POD随时间延长先下降后上升(P0.05),第45天时最高,Ⅳ组POD随时间延长先下降后上升再下降(P0.05)。说明日粮中以2∶1的比例关系添加Cu 800mg/kg、Mo 400mg/kg,随时间的延长可提高肾脏抗氧化能力。     

Serum Profiles of Luteinizing Hormone,Oestradiol and Cholesterol and Ovarian Functions in Layer Poultry Birds (Gallus domesticus) Fed Diets Containing Furazolidone

This study was carried out to assess the serum profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in layer poultry birds (Rhode Island Red: Gallus domesticus) fed a diet containing various concentrations of furazolidone (FZ). A total of 40 birds were randomly assigned to receive FZ 0, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg feed (ppm) daily during the pre-laying age, i.e. 13-18 weeks (for 5 weeks). Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals. Concentrations of LH and oestradiol in serum were estimated at alternate weeks using radioimmunoassays. Serum cholesterol levels were analysed by an enzymatic calorimetric method. Furazolidone administration was terminated at the 18th week of age. The birds were sacrificed at 22nd week of age and ovarian tissues were processed for morphometric studies. Serum LH, oestradiol and cholesterol levels were affected by age (p < 0.001) and FZ dose (p < 0.001). Serum LH and oestradiol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed daily compared with the controls, whereas serum cholesterol profiles were lower (p < 0.05) in all FZ-administered groups than in the control group. The mean weight of ovaries having no yolky follicles observed in the group receiving FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day was reduced (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Dosing FZ at 800 mg/kg feed per day reduced (p < 0.05) the mean volume of ovaries having no yolky follicles compared with the control group. In birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day, the mean length of the oviduct was reduced (p < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Morphometric studies revealed that the mean number of oocytes with diameter in the range 401-800 microm decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day. Initial egg production was affected by age (p < 0.001) and dose (p < 0.001) of FZ. The mean number of eggs laid by different groups revealed that egg production was reduced (p < 0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day as compared with the controls. The present data suggest that FZ causes suppression in serum profiles of LH, oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in Rhode Island Red layer poultry birds. Therefore, great care must be taken with use of FZ in layer poultry birds (Gallius domesticus) with regard to dosage and duration of administration.     

Failure of passive transfer in calves: comparison of field diagnosis methods

Calves with serum immunoglobulin levels less than 800 mg/dl have a failure of passive transfer of maternal antibodies, those with 800-1600 mg/dl have a partial failure of passive transfer, and those with greater than 1600 mg/dl have adequate immunoglobulin levels. Tests for immunoglobulin level evaluation are most accurate when serum from healthy animals 1-8 days old is used. Of the sodium sulfite precipitation, zinc sulfate turbidity and glutaraldehyde coagulation tests, the first is the most useful field test for evaluation of serum immunoglobulin levels in calves. It is inexpensive, easy to perform and relatively accurate.     

Neurotoxicity induced by a single oral dose of aniline in rats.

The neurotoxicity of aniline and its age-dependent responses were investigated in male rats. Groups of 6 rats, 4-week-old, were treated once with aniline (500, 750 or 1,000 mg/kg) or olive oil by gavage. Additional groups of 6 rats, 7- or 10-week-old, were treated once with 800 mg/kg of aniline or olive oil. Paralytic gait or hindlimb paralysis was observed between post-treatment days 8 and 15 in two out of six rats receiving 1,000 mg/kg of aniline at 4 weeks of age. On post-treatment day 15, spongy change in the white matter of the spinal cord was observed in all rats receiving 750 or 1,000 mg/kg of aniline at 4 weeks of age. The lateral and ventral columns of the thoracic spinal cord were the most severely affected. Spongy change in the facial nerve and spinal trigeminal tracts of pons and medulla oblongata, and mild degeneration of the peripheral nerves was found in 3 out of 6 rats receiving 1,000 mg/kg of aniline. At the ultrastructural level, the spongy change was due to distention of the myelin sheath and splitting of the intraperiod line. Axons were well preserved in the affected nerve fibers. No abnormalities were seen in the neuronal cell bodies. Although transient cyanosis was observed in all rats receiving 800 mg/kg of aniline at 7- or 10-week-old, as well as in rats receiving 750 or 1,000 mg/kg of aniline at 4-week-old, no treatment-related neurobehavioral or morphologic abnormalities were found in the former. These findings demonstrate the neurotoxicity of orally administered aniline for rats, depending upon the age of the animal at the time of administration.     

Reproduction of acute bracken poisoning in a calf with ptaquiloside, a bracken constituent

Acute bracken fern toxicity in a calf was reproduced with ptaquiloside, a norsesquiterpene glucoside, isolated from the boiling water extract of bracken fern. Ptaquiloside was dissolved in 500 ml of saline and administered by drench at increasing dosages for six days out of every seven for the following periods: 400 mg/day for 24 days, 800 mg/day for 14 days and 1600 mg/day for four days. Neutrophilic granulocytes began to decrease markedly around 50 days after the start of the experiment, and granulocytopenia continued for a further 35 days until the autopsy, despite the discontinuance of ptaquiloside administration. Thrombocytes showed a relatively slow depression and reached 1 X 10(5)/mm3 at the lowest level. The calf was autopsied 86 days after the start of administration of ptaquiloside. Sternal bone marrow was found to be mostly replaced with fat marrow and only small foci of erythropoietic cells and a small number of megakaryocytes remained.     

Diphenylamine-induced renal papillary necrosis and necrosis of the pars recta in laboratory rodents

The nephrotoxicity of diphenylamine, the parent compound of the mefenamate family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was evaluated in male Syrian hamsters, male Sprague-Dawley rats, and male Mongolian gerbils. Total renal papillary necrosis was observed in four of ten, seven of ten, and six of ten male Syrian hamsters orally treated with diphenylamine at respective doses of 400 mg/kg body weight/day, 600 mg/kg body weight/day, and 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Total renal papillary necrosis was also observed in five of ten and four of ten male Syrian hamsters intraperitoneally treated with diphenylamine at respective doses of 600 mg/kg body weight/day and 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Focal intermediate renal papillary necrosis was induced in two hamsters orally given diphenylamine at 600 mg/kg body weight/day and in two of ten hamsters intraperitoneally given diphenylamine at 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Apex-limited necrosis of the medullary interstitial cells and vasa recta and degeneration of the renal interstitial matrix occurred in two Sprague-Dawley rats orally administered diphenylamine at 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Degeneration and necrosis of the pars recta was induced in seven of ten hamsters intraperitoneally given diphenylamine at 400 mg/kg body weight/day. Gross and microscopic renal lesions were not observed in any Mongolian gerbils. It was concluded that the Syrian hamster is more susceptible to the papillotoxic effects of diphenylamine than the Sprague-Dawley rat and the Mongolian gerbil. Renal papillary necrosis in the Syrian hamster treated orally with diphenylamine is reproducible, is of short onset, and is induced in a high proportion of the hamsters (70-90%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

磷酸替米考星对姜曲海品系仔猪的安全性试验研究

为客观评价磷酸替米考星可溶性粉对靶动物猪临床应用的安全性,本试验选取50头40日龄健康断奶姜曲海品系仔猪,分别以1倍、3倍、5倍及10倍剂量10％磷酸替米考星可溶性粉连续饮水给药21 d,喂服受试药物前后受试猪的血常规、血生化、血凝、尿常规、料重比等指标及病理组织学结果表明,受试仔猪没有表现出明显不良症状,除10倍剂量受试猪的血生化指标中血清钙、肌酸激酶与空白对照组相比有明显差异(P＜0.01)外,其他各用药组受试猪的各检测指标与空白对照组没有显著差异或其测定值均位于正常值范围,未出现与用药明显相关的不良状况.结果说明10％磷酸替米考星可溶性粉毒性较小,受试猪体的耐受性高,至少以10倍推荐剂量连续饮水给药21 d对靶动物猪是安全的.本试验对姜曲海品系仔猪进行了血常规、血生化、血凝、尿常规、饲料报酬等方面数据的补充,为其相关指标的进一步研究提供了一定的参考依据.     

硝唑尼特对四翼无刺线虫的驱虫效果

20只自然感染四翼无刺线虫的雌性昆明系小鼠,随机分成4组,每组5只,常规饲喂。第1~3组小鼠分别以200、400、800 mg/kg剂量的硝唑尼特灌胃,第4组设为空白对照组,每24 h一次,连续灌胃5 d。用虫卵减少率和粗计驱虫率作为评价药物效果的指标。结果显示,硝唑尼特对四翼无刺线虫的驱虫效果随药物剂量的增加而提高,以800 mg/kg剂量效果最好。     

还原型谷胱甘肽对氟中毒小鼠附睾的影响

试验旨在研究还原型谷胱甘肽（reduced glutathione,GSH）对氟中毒小鼠附睾的影响。将50只3周龄ICR雄性小鼠随机分为5组,分别为对照组和4组染氟组。对照组饮用蒸馏水,染氟组分别供给含100 mg/L NaF的蒸馏水,自由饮水30 d。之后在染氟组中选择3组每日分别灌胃200、400和800 mg/（kg·只）GSH,同时各组小鼠再自由饮含氟水30 d。试验结束后,摘取小鼠附睾进行活性氧（ROS）、丙二醛（MDA）、GSH含量及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GPx）、谷胱甘肽硫转移酶（GSTs）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）活性检测,同时制作石蜡切片,HE染色后进行组织形态结构分析。结果显示,与对照组相比,100 mg/L NaF组精子密度、精子活力、GSH含量、GPx和GR活性均显著下降（P<0.05）,而GSH添加组较100 mg/L NaF组均有所升高;100 mg/L NaF组精子畸形率、ROS和MDA含量较对照组均显著升高（P<0.05）,而GSH添加组较100 mg/L NaF组均降低,其中800 mg/kg GSH组效果明显。与对照组相比,100 mg/L NaF组附睾头、附睾体及附睾尾管腔厚度升高,管腔内精子数量下降;GSH添加组附睾头、附睾体及附睾尾的管腔厚度与管腔内精子数量都有所恢复,其中800 mg/kg GSH组效果较好。综上所述,添加GSH后氟中毒小鼠谷胱甘肽抗氧化系统酶活性有所升高,附睾组织形态结构一定程度上有所恢复,对附睾有一定的改善作用。     

Puerarin improved growth performance and postmortem meat quality by regulating lipid metabolism of cattle under hot environment

This study aims to evaluate the effect of puerarin on performance, meat quality, and serum indexes of beef cattle under hot environment. Thirty-two bulls were divided into four groups and fed diet supplemented with puerarin at 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg. Results showed that heat stress was employed for 54 out of 60 days, 400 mg/kg group declined serum cortisol (COR) contents, all treatments increased the contents of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total superoxide dismutase activity; in addition, glutathione peroxidase activity of 200 mg/kg group were enhanced, only 800 mg/kg group enhanced immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents compared with the control (p < .05). Moreover, 400-mg/kg puerarin increased serum growth hormone levels compared with 200 mg/kg group but declined COR concentrations compared with 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups (p < .05). More importantly, average daily gain and daily matter intake, and intramuscular fat contents of 400 mg/kg group were enhanced, but the shear force of beef in 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups were declined compared with the control (p < .05). These findings indicated that supplemental with puerarin enhanced immune and antioxidant, and 400 mg/kg of puerarin improved performance and meat quality by normalizing levels of stress hormones and increasing intramuscular fat deposition of beef cattle under hot environment.     

Prevalence (treatment days) and severity of illness in hypogammaglobulinemic and normogammaglobulinemic foals

Serum samples for determination of IgG concentration were obtained between postpartum hours 18 and 48 from 132 Standardbred foals. Results of the IgG assay were not known to farm personnel. None of the foals was given plasma IV for treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia. Foal health records were examined retrospectively to determine prevalence of infectious-type illness (foal treatment days [FTD]), prevalence of life-threatening infectious illness (foal treatment days-serious condition [FTD-SC]), and number of diseases (NOD) per foal. Values for FTD, FTD-SC, and NOD per foal were compiled for the first 21 days of life and for the first 90 days of life. The FTD, FTD-SC, and NOD per foal values were compared for foals with less than 400 mg of IgG/dl and for foals with greater than or equal to 400 mg of IgG/dl; the same variables were compared for foals with less than 800 mg of IgG/dl and for foals with greater than or equal to 800 mg of IgG/dl. Statistical analysis indicated that IgG concentration was not associated with FTD, FTD-SC, or NOD in foals of any of the groups. Also, despite a large subpopulation of hypogammaglobulinemic foals (13.6% with less than 400 mg of IgG/dl and 44.7% with less than 800 mg of IgG/dl), the 21-day and 90-day overall survival rates were 100 and 99.2%, respectively. The data strongly suggest that serum IgG concentration was not related to prevalence or severity of illness or to survival rate in this population of foals.     

新型杀虫剂虫螨腈对家蚕毒性实验

虫螨腈是一种新型吡咯类杀虫剂,杀螨剂。配制虫螨腈7个浓度梯度500×(200mg/L)、800×(125mg/L)、1000×(100mg/L)、1300×(77mg/L)、1500×(70mg/L)、1800×(56mg/L)、2000×(50mg/L)和CK(清水对照),采用添食毒叶的方法进行急性毒性试验。配制虫螨腈4个浓度梯度1000×(100mg/L)、1500×(70mg/L)、2000×(50mg/L)、2500×(40mg/L)和CK(清水对照)对4、5龄蚕多次添食毒叶,进行毒性累积试验。结果表明,虫螨腈对家蚕无急毒作用,连续多次喂食毒叶出现慢性毒性累积,可导致蚕体上蔟结茧死笼率升高、出蛾率降低,并与虫螨腈浓度呈相关性。     

柔嫩艾美耳球虫对盐酸氟乙基硫胺素耐药性的诱导

为评估盐酸氟乙基硫胺素产生抗药性的倾向,采用药物浓度递增法,在实验条件下进行柔嫩艾美耳球虫耐药性的诱导研究。每组动物用10只快大黄肉鸡,每只鸡接种1×105个孢子化卵囊,以50 mg/kg盐酸氨丙啉和盐酸氟乙基硫胺素为起始诱导浓度连续传代,以病变记分、存活率和卵囊数三项指标综合判定耐药性。经过10次传代,盐酸氨丙啉对敏感虫株的ACI为192.6,而对耐药虫株的ACI为109.1;经过12次传代,盐酸氟乙基硫胺素对敏感虫株的ACI为197.5,而对耐药虫株的ACI为110.6,对盐酸氨丙啉耐药虫株的ACI为163.2;结果表明成功地诱导出对盐酸氨丙啉、盐酸氟乙基硫胺素完全耐药的虫株。盐酸氟乙基硫胺素产生耐药速度慢于盐酸氨丙啉,与盐酸氨丙啉有部分交叉耐药性。     

Effects of vitamin C supplementation on growth performance and antioxidant status of layer ducklings

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary vitamin C supplements on growth performance, antioxidant status and humoral immunity of layer ducklings. The results showed that the body weight and daily body weight gain of ducklings increased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary vitamin C supplementations and reached a maximum at 400 mg vitamin C/kg feed. The dietary vitamin C supplementations reduced the malondialdehyde concentration (p < 0.05) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05) in serum and liver of ducklings at day 5 and 28. Additionally, feeding 400 mg/kg or 800 mg vitamin C/kg feed increased IgM and IgA concentrations in sera (p < 0.05) and serum IgG concentrations increased (p < 0.05) following supplementation in concentrations of 150-800 mg vitamin C/kg feed. In conclusion, the results suggested that dietary vitamin C supplements of 400 mg/kg feed provide optimal effects on growth performance, antioxidant status and parameters of humoral immunity.