Potential toxicity of cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin and bitter apricot seed in rabbits—Health status evaluation

Amygdalin is one of the most studied secondary metabolites of Prunus genus. It is a cyanogenic glycoside which was initially obtained from the bitter almonds seeds and is a major component of the seeds of plants, such as apricots, almonds, peaches, apples and other rosaceous plants. The views of scientists on the use of amygdalin have been contradictory for many years, partly because toxicokinetics and metabolism of amygdalin still have not been adequately explored. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether pure amygdalin intramuscularly injected or apricot seeds oral consumption induce changes in overall health status of rabbit as a biological model. A total of 60 adult rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received no amygdalin while the two experimental groups E1 and E2 received a daily intramuscular injection of amygdalin at doses 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg bw. The experimental groups E3 and E4 were fed crushed bitter apricot seeds (Prunus armeniaca L.), at doses 60 and 300 mg/kg bw, mixed with commercial feed for rabbits. Blood collection was carried out after 14 days. Biochemical, haematological and antioxidant enzymes activity analysis were performed and statistically evaluated. A short‐term amygdalin administration had negligible impact on biochemical parameters—mainly level of urea, bilirubin, cholesterol. Haematological profile of rabbits was influenced very slightly—non‐significant platelet count and platelet percentage increase, erythrocytes count and haemoglobin decrease. SOD activity of rabbits decreased significantly (p > 0.05) after apricot seeds consumption (102.3 U/ml) in comparison to control (117.4 U/ml). Differences might be connected to diverse metabolism by different administration routes and at the same time by the presence of other substances in apricot seeds (phytosterols, polyphenols, fatty acids). However, a short‐term consumption had only slight effect on health status of rabbits and at recommended doses did not represent risk for their health.     

Administration of ginger and/or thyme has ameliorative effects on liver and kidney functions of V‐line rabbits: Histological and biochemical studies

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale and Thymus vulgaris aqueous extracts as a natural antioxidant on liver and kidney functions and antioxidant status of growing rabbits. A total of 24 V‐line male rabbits, 3 months old, 1.465 ± 0.12 kg average body weight (BW) were used in a complete randomized design. The rabbits were weighed individually and assigned randomly to four groups (6 animals/each). The first group (G1) was taken fresh water and served as control, rabbits of the second group (G2) were taken 100 mg/kg BW in drinking water of the Z. officinale aqueous extract daily. The third group (G3) was taken 50 mg/kg BW in drinking water of the T. vulgaris aqueous extract daily and the fourth group (G4) was taken 100 mg/kg BW of the Z. officinale aqueous extract plus 50 mg/kg BW of the T. vulgaris aqueous extract in drinking water daily. The oral administration of ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts increased (p < .001) serum protein profile compared with control group. Moreover, results of group 2 showed significant (p < .001) decrease in cholesterol, triglyceride and very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with group 3 and 4. Serum urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were significantly (p < .001) decreased in treated groups compared with control group. Oral administration of ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts to growing rabbits increased (p < .001) total antioxidant capacity and glutathione content and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione‐S‐transferase compared with the control group. In conclusion, the current study showed that oral administration of ginger and thyme aqueous extracts to growing rabbits showed no adverse effects on liver and kidney function parameters, histological structures and improved antioxidant status.     

Effects of fasting and refeeding on the antioxidant system in cockerels and pullets

The effect of fasting and refeeding on total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and concentration of some non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds was studied in cockerels and pullets. Blood was collected before and after 48-h fasting and 24 h after refeeding. In cockerels, fasting resulted in a significant decrease of TAS and uric acid concentration. After refeeding, the concentration of TAS remained significantly lower as compared to the control level. At the same time, blood plasma level of total lipids increased in comparison to the control and post-fasting values. In pullets, fasting resulted in a significant decrease of whole blood haemolysate GSH-Px activity and blood plasma concentrations of albumin and uric acid. Simultaneously, a significant increase in total lipids and cholesterol was obtained. In pullets, refeeding resulted in a further decrease of TAS to undetectable values, a significant decrease of blood plasma cholesterol, and a significant increase of GSH-Px in the whole blood haemolysate and in blood plasma uric acid content. The results indicate that fasting has a negative impact on the antioxidant defence system of the blood, which leads to a reduced resistance to oxidative stress in both cockerels and pullets. However, pullets seem to be more susceptible to fasting-provoked oxidative stress than cockerels.     

不同比例白三叶草粉对肉兔免疫生理的影响

为获得白三叶草粉在肉兔日粮中的适宜添加比例,试验选取(30±2)日龄、健康状况良好、体重[(650±30)g]相近、公母各半的150只断奶新西兰兔为试验动物,采用5处理5重复单因子完全随机设计的方法,设计了5个试验组,其中1个为对照组,4个处理组,每个试验组5个重复,每个重复6只兔子。分别在饲粮中添加0%(对照组)、10%(处理Ⅰ组)、20%(处理Ⅱ组)、30%(处理Ⅲ组)和40%(处理Ⅳ组)的白三叶草粉,研究不同比例白三叶草粉对肉兔免疫器官、血液生化指标和免疫蛋白的影响。结果表明:(1)处理组肝脏指数均低于对照组,处理组脾脏指数均高于对照组。(2)随白三叶草粉比例的增加,血清尿素氮、总胆固醇、葡萄糖、甘油三酯、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶、碱性磷酸酶、谷草转氨酶和总蛋白整体呈升高的趋势。(3)IgM、IgA和IgG三项指标均以处理Ⅳ组最高。处理Ⅳ组IgG水平极显著高于其他处理组(P<0.01);IgM为1.38 mg/mL,显著高于对照组272.97%(P<0.05);IgA为0.84 mg/mL,极显著高于对照组366.67%(P<0.01)。由此可见,在肉兔日粮中添加适宜比例的白三叶草粉,对肉兔的免疫生理是有利的,在本试验条件下,以添加40%白三叶草粉的饲养效果最好。     

Effect of dietary supplements containing antioxidants on attenuation of muscle damage in exercising sled dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dietary antioxidants would attenuate exercise-induced increases in plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity in sled dogs. ANIMALS: 41 trained adult sled dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs, randomly assigned to 2 groups, received the same base diet throughout the study. After 8 weeks on that diet, 1 group (21 dogs) received a daily supplement containing vitamins E (457 U) and C (706 mg) and beta-carotene (5.1 mg), and a control group (20 dogs) received a supplement containing minimal amounts of antioxidants. After 3 weeks, both groups performed identical endurance exercise on each of 3 days. Blood samples were collected before and 3 weeks after addition of supplements and after each day of exercise. Plasma was analyzed for vitamins E and C, retinol, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations, total antioxidant status (TAS), and CK activity. RESULTS: Feeding supplements containing antioxidants caused a significant increase in vitamin E concentration but did not change retinol or vitamin C concentrations orTAS. Exercise caused significantly higher CK activity, but did not cause a significant difference in CK activity between groups. Exercise was associated with significantly lower vitamin E, retinol, and cholesterol concentrations and TAS but significantly higher vitamin C, triglyceride, and uric acid concentrations in both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of supplements containing the doses of antioxidants used here failed to attenuate exercise-induced increases in CK activity. Muscle damage in sled dogs, as measured by plasma CK activity, may be caused by a mechanism other than oxidant stress.     

Influence of sumac (Rhus Coriaria L.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on egg yolk fatty acid,cholesterol and blood parameters in laying hens

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential effect of different levels of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) seed powder and ginger (Zingiber officinale) root powder on egg yolk fatty acid composition, blood/yolk cholesterol in laying hen. A total of 63 (ATAK‐S: Domestic Turkish Laying Hens) laying hens (average weight: 1470 g each hen, 25‐weeks of age) were assigned to seven treatment diets including sumac seed (S) and ginger root powder (G) at 0 g/kg (control), 10 g/kg (S1), 20 g/kg (S2), and 30 g/kg (S3); 10 g/kg (G1), 20 g/kg (G2), or 30 g/kg in rations respectively, for 8 weeks. After a two‐week adaptation period to cages, the hens were allocated to 7 groups with 9 replicates of 1 hen in per cage each. The replications were allotted equally into the upper and lower cages to minimize the effects of cage level. In this study, egg yolk cholesterol had a decrease (p <0.05) in supplemented diet( sumac seed and ginger root powder). Fatty acid content in yolk; saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and rate of n6/n3 were not significant (p <0.05). However, dietary supplementation with sumac and ginger powder reduced and yolk/blood cholesterol concentrations in laying hens. Supplementation of sumac and ginger affected on HDL, there was found a significant effect (p < 0.05) in treatment groups. Moreover, LDL positively decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group. The findings of this study suggested that feeding sumac and ginger tend to be decreasing cholesterol levels in both yolk and blood on laying hens. It can be concluded that ginger root and sumac seed powder can be used as an effective feed additive to improve fatty acid composition and yolk and blood cholesterol in ATAK‐S laying hens.     

桑叶粉对新西兰白兔免疫与抗氧化功能及肌肉风味的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加不同水平桑叶粉对新西兰白兔免疫与抗氧化功能及肌肉风味的影响。选用120只35日龄断奶的新西兰白兔,随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复10只(公母各占1/2)。4组试验兔分别饲喂桑叶粉添加水平为0(对照组)、15%(试验Ⅰ组)、20%(试验Ⅱ组)、25%(试验Ⅲ组)的试验饲粮,试验期为35 d。结果显示:试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组血清酸性磷酸酶(ACP)活性和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)含量均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。随着桑叶粉添加水平的增加,血清溶菌酶(LZM)活性呈上升趋势,且试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组与对照组差异显著(P0.05)。试验I组血清过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性极显著高于对照组和试验Ⅲ组(P0.01)。血清丙二醛(M DA)含量在各试验组间无显著差异(P0.05),但各试验组均显著低于对照组(P0.05)。随着桑叶粉添加水平的增加,血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)呈现上升趋势,且各试验组均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组背最长肌中肌苷酸含量均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组腿肌中肌苷酸含量均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。试验Ⅰ组与试验Ⅱ组背最长肌和腿肌中必需氨基酸、鲜味氨基酸、总氨基酸以及多不饱和脂肪酸含量均高于对照组(P0.05)。由此得出,桑叶粉在改善新西兰白兔免疫与抗氧化功能及肌肉风味方面有很好的效果,并且以15%~20%添加水平效果较佳。     

Effects of a skullcap root supplement on haematology,serum parameters and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits on a high‐cholesterol diet

We studied the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis root on blood parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in rabbits fed a high‐cholesterol diet. Thirty‐two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups of eight animals each. They were fed a standard diet (C group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement (CH group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement and a 9% skullcap root supplement (CH + SR group), or a diet with a 9% skullcap root supplement (SR group). After 6 weeks, the rabbits fed the high‐cholesterol diet had significantly decreased RBC and Hb levels and significantly increased MCV, MCH and Fe levels (p ≤ 0.05). The skullcap root supplement had no adverse effects on the haematological parameters. The values for RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC were similar in the skullcap root‐treated and control rabbits. We also observed a remarkable elevation in the serum TC, LDL and TG levels at the end of the 6‐week period. The rabbits fed the cholesterol diet showed decreased activity of the erythrocyte GSH‐Px compared with the rabbits fed the basal diet. The GSH‐Px activity was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the CH + SR diet than in those on the CH diet. The erythrocyte SOD activity was also significantly decreased in the rabbits on the CH diet. However, the CH + SR group rabbits showed significantly enhanced erythrocyte SOD activity. The SOD level in the CH + SR rabbits was 34.91 U/ml, which was a 23% increase (p ≤ 0.05) in relation to the results for the CH group and only 15% diminished in relation to the control group. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of skullcap root may improve rabbit antioxidant systems and protect against the risks from a high‐cholesterol diet.     

Dietary effect of dried bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) meal on some biochemical parameters and on plasma oxidative status in New Zealand white growing rabbit

Effects of dietary supplementation of Laurus nobilis on selected biochemical parameters and plasma oxidative status in growing rabbits, fed with and without enriched‐fat diet, integrated with and without dried bay leaves meal, were investigated. In the test, 120 New Zealand white 35‐day‐old male rabbits were divided into four homogeneous groups of 30 animals each. A negative control group (CON) received a feed that met the animal nutrient requirement; a positive control group (CG) receiving a supplement of 2.5% pig fat in feed; an experimental group (GA) feeding an integration of 2.5% pig fat and 1 g/kg of dried bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) in feed; an experimental group (CA) with dried bay leaves at the rate of 1 g/kg in feed. The dietary integration with dried bay leaves meal have resulted in a significant decrease in the blood lipid profile, glycemic profile and liver enzymes, with reduced levels of ALT and AST, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol. Plasma oxidative status markers have statistically improved with an increase in blood total phenols, SOD, ORAC, the FRAP and lipo‐vitamin concentration, together with a significant reduction in ROMs and the MDA values. The results of present research underline that the dietary treatment with bay leaves meal, in the extend of 1 g/kg feed, confirms the lowering cholesterol activity and the epato‐protective and ipo‐glycemic effect in enrich‐fat diet, controlling the oxidative status of plasma markers.     

饲粮中性洗涤纤维对泌乳母兔生产性能、血清生化和生殖激素指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中性洗涤纤维(NDF)对泌乳母兔生产性能、血清生化和生殖激素指标的影响。将100只预产伊拉肉兔随机分为4组,每组25个重复,每个重复1只。各组(A、B、C、D组)分别饲喂NDF水平为24%、27%、30%和33%的饲粮。试验期28 d。结果表明:1)C组母兔平均日增重显著低于其他3组(P0.05);D组母兔平均日采食量显著高于其他3组(P0.05),C组泌乳力显著低于其他3组(P0.05),C、D组仔兔断奶个体重显著高于A、B组(P0.05)。2)B组血清总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白含量显著高于D组(P0.05),C组血清胰岛素含量显著高于A组(P0.05),各组血清甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇和极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量差异不显著(P0.05)。3)B、C组血清促黄体生成激素、孕酮、雌二醇、泌乳素、促卵泡生成激素含量均显著高于A、D组(P0.05)。综合分析认为,在本试验条件下,饲粮NDF水平能够影响泌乳母兔的生产性能和血清生殖激素含量,并对血清生化指标产生一定的影响,泌乳期肉兔适宜的饲粮NDF水平为24%~27%。     

饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平及添加表面活性素对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期的影响

通过2组试验分别研究饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)蜕壳间期及添加表面活性素对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期和肝胰脏抗氧化能力的影响。试验一:将100尾均重为(0.61±0.02)g的凡纳滨对虾随机分为10组(每组10个重复,每个重复1尾虾),即饲喂基础饲料的对照组以及饲喂分别添加0.2%、0.4%和0.6%胆固醇与1.0%、2.0%和3.0%卵磷脂的试验饲料的9个试验组,试验期为35 d,研究饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期的影响。试验二:将90尾均重为(0.48±0.03)g的凡纳滨对虾随机分为6组(每组15个重复,每个重复1尾虾),对照组饲喂试验一中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%的试验饲料,5个表面活性素添加组分别饲喂在对照组饲料基础上添加10、20、40、80和160 mg/kg表面活性素的试验饲料,研究饲料中添加表面活性素对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期及肝胰腺抗氧化能力的影响,试验期为28 d。结果表明:饲料中胆固醇水平显著影响凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期(P0.05),卵磷脂水平对蜕壳间期的影响不显著(P0.05);饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平对蜕壳间期的影响存在显著的交互作用(P0.05)。胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和1.0%组、胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%组以及胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.6%和2.0%组的蜕壳间期显著短于其他组(P0.05),其中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%组蜕壳间期最短。与对照组相比,仅10 mg/kg表面活性素添加组凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期显著缩短(P0.05),肝胰腺总抗氧化能力显著提高(P0.05);各表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶活性均较对照组显著上升(P0.05);与对照组相比,10和20 mg/kg表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺过氧化氢酶活性升高(P0.05),其他表面活性素添加组则显著降低(P0.05);除10 mg/kg表面活性素添加组外,各表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性均较对照组显著上升(P0.05);仅10和20 mg/kg表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺丙二醛水平较对照组显著降低(P0.05)。由此得出,本试验条件下,饲料中胆固醇水平及其与卵磷脂水平的交互作用显著影响凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期,胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%时蜕壳间期最短;在胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%的饲料中添加10 mg/kg表面活性素可缩短凡纳滨对虾的蜕壳间期,提高肝胰腺抗氧化能力。     

兔动脉粥样硬化斑块与肾素-血管紧张素系统关系的研究

为探讨肾素 -血管紧张素系统 ( RAS)对实验性兔动脉粥样硬化 ( AS)的影响 ,采用 2 0只雄性新西兰大白兔 ,随机分为 2组。对照组饲以全价颗粒饲料 ,实验组采用高胆固醇饮食( HCD)饲喂法建立 AS模型。分别检测总胆固醇( TC)、血管紧张素转换酶 ( ACE)和血管紧张素 ( Ang ) ,并对主动脉 AS病灶进行病理检查。结果表明 :与对照组相比 ,高胆固醇饮食 1周后 TC开始显著升高 ,第 4周达高峰 ,第 1 6周组织中 Ang 水平显著升高 ( P <0 .0 5) ;病理检查见主动脉内膜满布淡黄色斑块 ,镜检由增厚的内膜、泡沫细胞和胆固醇结晶组成 ;对照组无异常。高胆固醇饮食 1 6周可建立兔 AS模型 ,RAS可影响 AS斑块的形成     

中草药制剂对獭兔免疫功能及血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究中草药制剂对獭兔免疫功能及血清生化指标的影响。采用单因素分组设计,选用120只30日龄健康、体重相近的獭兔(公、母各半),随机分为6组,每组4个重复,每个重复5只。对照组饲喂基础日粮;抗生素组(Ⅰ组)在基础日粮中添加4 mg/kg地克珠利;中草药组(Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组)分别在基础日粮中添加0.5%、1.0%、1.5%和2.0%的中草药制剂。预试期7 d,正试期50 d。结果表明:①与对照组相比,日粮中添加中草药制剂提高了獭兔胸腺指数、脾脏指数及血清中免疫球蛋白G(IgG)含量,但各组间脾脏指数差异不显著(P>0.05)。②与对照组相比,日粮中添加中草药制剂提高了獭兔血清中总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白(ALB)、生长激素(GH)、胰岛素样生长因子(IGF-Ⅰ)、甲状腺素(T4)含量,其中1.5%中草药制剂组中各指标分别显著提高了4.40%、7.46%、12.76%、23.53%和6.24%(P<0.05),但对血清球蛋白(GLB)、三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)含量影响均不显著(P>0.05)。综上所述,中草药制剂对獭兔具有血液免疫调节作用,改善了免疫器官的发育及机体的免疫机能,建议獭兔日粮中中草药制剂的添加量以1.5%为宜。     

Effect of the diets with pumpkin silage and synthetic β‐carotene on the carotenoid,immunoglobulin and bioactive protein content and fatty acid composition of colostrum

Forty Simmental cows were divided into four groups with 10 per group to investigate the effect of a transition diet supplemented with synthetic β‐carotene and natural carotenoid‐rich feed (pumpkin silage) on chemical composition of the colostrum. The control group (I) was fed grass and maize silage and supplemental concentrates, group II additionally received 400 mg/day/cow of synthetic β‐carotene, in group, III 40% DM of maize silage was replaced with pumpkin silage to increase β‐carotene intake by 400 mg in relation to group I, and in group IV 60% DM of maize silage was replaced with pumpkin silage without adjusting for β‐carotene. Colostrum was collected from the cows within 5 hr of calving to determine colostrum composition, the content of immunoglobulins and carotenoids, total antioxidant status (TAS), the content of some bioactive proteins and the composition of fatty acids. The study showed that the experimental diets had no effect on the gross composition of colostrum. The content of α‐carotene, β‐carotene and violaxanthin was significantly higher in group IV than in group I and that of lutein higher in group IV than in groups I and II. Total antioxidant status of colostrum in group IV was significantly higher than in group I. Groups III and IV were characterized by a higher concentration of immunoglobulin IgG in relation to group I. IgM level in groups II, III and IV was significantly higher than in group I and that in groups III and IV was also higher than in group II. The highest IgA concentration was observed in group IV and the lowest in group I. Lysozyme concentration was higher in group IV compared to groups I and II. The diets had no effect on the total content of SFA, MUFA and PUFA in colostrum.     

日粮酸性洗涤纤维水平对新西兰种公兔精液品质、血液生化指标和生殖激素的影响

试验旨在探讨不同酸性洗涤纤维(acid detergent fibre,ADF)水平对2岁新西兰种公兔精液品质、血清生化指标和生殖激素的影响。选用2岁龄种公兔80只,按体重随机分成4组,每组20个重复,每个重复1只,分别饲喂ADF水平为13%、16%、19%、22%的日粮。结果表明, ADF水平对试验兔射精量和精液品质影响差异显著(P<0.05), 试验3组射精量显著高于试验1、2组(P<0.05),试验3、4组精液密度显著高于试验1、2组(P<0.05),试验3组精子活力显著高于其它3组(P<0.05);ADF水平对试验兔血清总蛋白和总胆固醇影响差异显著(P<0.05),试验2、3组总蛋白显著高于试验1组(P<0.05),试验1组胆固醇显著高于其它组(P<0.05);ADF水平对试验兔生殖激素含量影响显著(P<0.05),试验2组促黄体素、睾酮和雌二醇显著高于其它3组(P<0.05),试验2组促卵泡素显著高于试验1、4组(P<0.05)。因此,2岁新西兰种公兔适宜的ADF 水平应为16%~19%,甚至可以提高到22%。     

Effects of testosterone on lipid peroxidation, lipid profiles and some coagulation parameters in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of testosterone on some risk factors of atherosclerosis. Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups of eight. The first group was used as control. Second group was injected with 10 mg of testosterone propionate. Third group was castrated bilaterally. At the end of 6 weeks, lipid peroxidation (LPO), lipid profile, fibrinogen (FBN) level and coagulation parameters were evaluated. Testosterone administration decreased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), while castration increased this level (P < 0.05). Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the castration group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the testosterone group. The ratio of HDL-C:low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased, while TC:HDL-C ratio increased (P < 0.05) in the testosterone group. No significant differences were found in the LDL-C and FBN levels among groups. However, there was a tendency for higher FBN level in the testosterone group. Testosterone administration resulted in an increase in the level of LPO (P < 0.05). Clotting time and prothrombin time prolonged in the castration group compared with testosterone group (P < 0.05). As a result, testosterone has exacerbating effect on atherosclerosis risk factors including lipid profile, LPO, FBN and coagulation system.     

Naringin and vitamin E influence the oxidative stability and lipid profile of plasma in lambs fed fish oil

Thirty two Merino lambs (15 weeks old) fed barley straw and fish oil enriched concentrate were used to assess the effect of vitamin E (6 g kg⁻¹ DM) and naringin (1.5-3 g kg⁻¹ DM) on plasma lipid peroxidation (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), immune response, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides. After 21 days feeding the experimental diets, lambs were subjected to a 4 h transportation stress period and then held 4 more hours without feed. TBARS values before stress were lower for animals consuming vitamine E and naringin when compared to control lambs (P < 0.05). However, after stress all groups presented similar levels of TBARS. TAS decreased (P < 0.05) in all groups in response to stress with values recovering (P < 0.05) to pre-stress values following 4 h of rest. A rise (P < 0.05) in serum concentrations of triacylglycerol following 21 d of fish oil supplementation was dampened in lambs consuming vitamin E or naringin. Both pre-stress TBARS and triacylglycerol-reducing effects of naringin added to fish oil enriched concentrate for fattening lambs are reported.     

热应激条件下脂肪来源对肉兔生产性能、养分消化率及血清脂质代谢和抗氧化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究热应激条件下脂肪来源对肉兔生产性能、养分消化率及血清脂质代谢和抗氧化指标的影响。试验选择30日龄的断奶新西兰兔600只,随机分成5个组,每个组6个重复,每个重复20只。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,各脂肪添加组分别饲喂含2%牛油、猪油、玉米油、豆油的饲粮。试验兔均饲养在热应激兔舍(温湿指数为29.5±0.5)中。试验期7周。结果表明:与对照组相比,热应激条件下饲粮中添加不同来源的脂肪均可以显著提高肉兔的平均日增重(P0.05),显著降低料重比(P0.05),其中以玉米油的效果最佳。与对照组相比,热应激条件下饲粮中添加不同来源的脂肪均可以显著提高肉兔的干物质和粗蛋白质消化率(P0.05),显著降低粗脂肪消化率(P0.05),但对粗灰分和粗纤维消化率无显著影响(P0.05),其中玉米油组的干物质消化率最高,豆油组的粗蛋白质消化率最高。与对照组相比,热应激条件下饲粮添加牛油或猪油可以显著提高肉兔血清甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量(P0.05);玉米油组和豆油组肉兔血清甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量则与对照组差异不显著(P0.05)。与对照组相比,热应激条件下饲粮添加豆油和玉米油可以显著提高肉兔血清超氧化物歧化酶活性和总抗氧化能力(P0.05),显著降低血清丙二醛含量(P0.05);牛油组和猪油组血清超氧化物歧化酶活性、总抗氧化能力和丙二醛含量则与对照组差异不显著(P0.05)。由此可见,热应激条件下,饲粮添加不同来源的脂肪均可提高肉兔生产性能及干物质和粗蛋白质消化率,从整体效果来看,玉米油豆油猪油牛油;饲粮添加牛油或猪油可提高肉兔血清甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量,对机体抗氧化能力的影响不显著;饲粮添加豆油或玉米油对肉兔血清甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量无显著影响,但可显著提高机体的抗氧化能力。     

The effect of selected microbial strains on internal milieu of broiler chickens after peroral administration

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of probiotic preparation with multi-strains composition (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus LAT 187, Lactobacillus acidophilus LAT 180, Lactobacillus helveticus LAT 179, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis LAT 182, Streptococcus thermophilus LAT 205 and Enterococcus faecium E 253) on internal milieu, antioxidant status and body weight of broiler chickens. Chickens were divided into three groups (C, control; E1 and E2, experimental groups). Experimental chickens received the probiotic preparation in drinking water. Probiotic preparation caused a significant increase of serum calcium and potassium content. In the group with higher dose of probiotic strains serum triglycerides level decreased. Total antioxidant status in groups with addition of probiotic strains showed higher values in comparison to control group. Serum albumin level was found to increase after consumption of probiotic preparation in group with higher dose of probiotic strains. Probiotic strains improved body weight in last observed weeks of feeding.     

Evaluation of pigeon pea leaves (Cajanus cajan) replacing alfalfa meal on growth performance,carcass trait,nutrient digestibility,antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of rabbits

A 30‐day experiment was performed to determine the effect of pigeon pea leaves (PPL) on growth performance, carcass trait, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of growing rabbits. In a completely randomized design, PPL replaced alfalfa meal at the level of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%, which were named PPL0 (control), PPL10, PPL20 and PML30 respectively. Two hundred New Zealand white rabbits at 6 weeks with similar weight (870.23 ± 15.98 g) were allocated to four dietary groups with five replicates containing 10 rabbits/per replicate (male). The results showed that: (a) PPL powder contained 24.26% crude protein, 4.34% crude fat, 17.86% crude fibre, 7.05% ash, 1.35% calcium, 0.28% phosphorus, 1.09% lysine and 0.20% methionine, and the chemical compositions are on DM basis; (b) the ratio of feed to gain of rabbits fed diet PPL10 was significantly better (p < 0.05) than those fed other three diets; (c) the content of longissimus dorsi (LD) moisture in the rabbits fed diets without PPL (control group) was 12% lower than that in the PPL30 diets (60.1 vs. 72.1; p < 0.05). In PPL10, PPL20 and PPL30 diets, the leg muscle (LM) b*(yellowness) value was 33%, 30% and 22.6% higher than the control group respectively. The rabbits fed diets PPL0 had lower (p < 0.05) LM crude protein and ash and higher (p < 0.05) crude fat of LD and LM as compared with those fed other diets; (d) crude protein and energy digestibility of PPL0 and PPL10 diets were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than PPL30 diets; and (e) serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity of the rabbits fed PPL10 and PPL30 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that fed PPL20 diets. Liver total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) activity of the PPL30 groups was 1.3% higher (p < 0.05) than the PPL10 group. Additionally, the control group (PPL0) had the highest (p < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TCHO) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) content compared with the groups supplemented with PPL. The PPL30 group had the highest (p < 0.05) triiodothyronine (T₃) and tetraiodothyroxine (T₄) value among the dietary groups.