Influence of exogenous corticosterone on testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks

In bridging the knowledge gap on stress physiology of Nigerian indigenous chickens, this study investigated the effect of exogenous corticosterone (eCORT) as stress inducing agent on the testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks. Twenty-four (24) cocks and one hundred and forty four (144) hens (mating ratio of 1 cock: 6 hens) were grouped into four and assigned to each of the four eCORT treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW) daily for 14 days. Semen samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 and analyzed for semen volume (SV), progressive sperm motility (PSM), membrane integrity (MI) and sperm abnormality (SA). Mating behaviors were monitored on days 3, 5 and 8. Blood samples, for hormonal (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testosterone (TEST) and stress analysis (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, H/L) were collected from brachial vein on days 7 and 14. On day 15, cocks were euthanized and testes harvested for histomorphometry. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis, one­way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests all in SPSS 23. Administration of 4 mgeCORT/KgBW declined (P0.05) influence on the mating behaviors, H/L ratio, FSH and TEST. However, 2 mgeCORT/KgBW enhanced LH levels. Administration of eCORT did not affect the testicular epithelial height and seminiferous tubular diameter. In conclusion, optimal stress induced by eCORT impaired semen quality but with less impact on reproductive hormones, H/L and mating behaviors of intensively raised Nigerian indigenous cocks.(AU)

Non-invasive assessment of physiological stress in captive common palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) in Vietnam

Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is a rare mammal appearing in South and Southeast Asia, first described in 1777. An expensive coffee is made of beans eaten and rejected by civets. In Vietnam, the animals are increasingly captured and kept captive to sell these beans, which has adversely affected their population. Because of the detrimental effects of stress, studying stress responses is important for this wildlife conservation. The stress response of the Common Palm Civet was investigated through the concentration of glucocorticoid hormones in feces under different conditions such as translocation and forced-pairing during the breeding season, among others. This is a non-invasive method for measuring glucocorticoid hormones in captive Common Palm Civet in Vietnam. Our results validated that fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) accurately reflect circulating glucocorticoid stress hormones in Common Palm Civet. FGM increased under adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation and during the breeding season (April and NovemberDecember). FGM during estrus and parturition was high as well in female civets. Stress response was also observed in case of forced-pairing or residence change. These data could be useful for research and the conservation of this species.

Impact of Pre-transport Feed Withdrawal on Welfare and Meat Characteristics of European Quails

The objective of this study was evaluate whether pretransport feed withdrawal affects welfare, carcass, and meat characteristics of European quails. A total of 120 European quails were used, with an initial age of 15 days. Bird feed was removed before transport to the slaughterhouse at the following times, which characterised the different treatments: zero hours, three hours, six hours, nine hours and twelve hours. The transport took 54 minutes to cover 27 kilometres to a commercial slaughterhouse. The birds were slaughtered at 41 days of age. During bleeding, blood samples were collected. Blood glucose, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and corticosterone concentrations were measured. The carcasses and meat characteristics were measured. Poultry body weight decreased and blood glucose concentrations increased with the increase in feed withdrawal time. The treatments did not affect carcass weights. Carcass yields after three hours fasting were similar to those in the six hours and nine hours groups, indicating that gastrointestinal tracts were empty after the third hour. Meat quality was negatively affected (pH, lightness, water holding capacity, cooking loss) by the increase in feed withdrawal time; integrated parameters that characterise dark, firm, dry meat. Pre transport feed withdrawal time should be three hours to empty the gastrointestinal tract and minimise losses in meat quality of European quails. It is necessary to adjust feed withdrawal so that it does not exceed this time, since there is no technical justification for supporting it.(AU)

Comparison of experimental wound healing in quail using two types of commercial hemostatic dressings / Comparação da cicatrização experimental de feridas em codornas usando dois tipos de curativos hemostáticos comerciais

The use of powdered hemostatic products and propolis-based preparations has become increasingly common to control bleeding and aid healing. This study evaluated two hemostatic dressings, one based on propolis (Alveolex®) and the other on ferric subsulfate powder (Quick Blood Stopper®), on experimental wound in quails. The experiment was conducted with 36 quails assigned to three groups: control, propolis-based hemostatic dressing and ferric subsulfate-based hemostatic dressing, on two types of wounds, superficial (skin and subcutaneous) and deep (skin, subcutaneous and muscle). Pre- (day-7) and post-procedure (days 2 and 10) examinations showed a tendency to reduce hematocrit values on day 2 and a tendency to increase fibrinogen levels and total leukocyte count on the same day. Visual assessment of wound healing indicated that birds using Quick Blood Stopper® showed signs of poor healing, while the group treated with Alveolex® had uncomplicated healing within the expected time. The groups treated with hemostatic based on ferric subsulfate showed a tendency to increase the values of fecal corticosterone metabolites on day 10, suggesting an increased level of stress in these animals. During the surgical procedure, both hemostatic products controlled bleeding, but Alveolex®was more efficient and easy to handle.

A adoção de hemostáticos em pó e preparações à base de própolis tem se tornado cada vez mais comum para realizar o controle de sangramentos e auxiliar na cicatrização. Neste trabalho foram avaliados dois curativos hemostáticos, um à base de própolis (Alveolex®) e outro em pó à base de subsulfato férrico (Quick Blood Stopper®), após lesão experimental em codornas. O experimento foi realizado com 36 codornas, separadas em três grupos: con-trole, hemostático à base de própolis e hemostático à base de subsulfato férrico, submetidos a dois tipos de feridas, superficiais (pele e subcutâneo) e profundas (pele, subcutâneo e musculatura). Os exames pré (dia -7) e pós proce-dimento (dias 2 e 10) demonstraram uma tendência à redução dos valores de hematócrito no dia 2 e tendência ao aumento dos níveis de fibrinogênio e contagem de leucócitos totais neste mesmo dia. A avaliação visual da cicatriza-ção da ferida demonstrou que as aves submetidas ao Quick Blood Stopper® exibiram sinais de dificuldade na cicatri-zação, enquanto o grupo tratado com Alveolex® apresentou cicatrização sem complicações e dentro do tempo espe-rado. Os grupos tratados com hemostáticos baseados em subsulfato férrico mostraram uma tendência a aumentar os valores dos metabólitos de corticosterona fecal no 10º dia, sugerindo um aumento do nível de estresse nestes animais. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, ambos os produtos hemostáticos controlaram o sangramento, porém o Alveolex®foi mais eficiente e de fácil manipulação

Comparison of experimental wound healing in quail using two types of commercial hemostatic dressings / Comparação da cicatrização experimental de feridas em codornas usando dois tipos de curativos hemostáticos comerciais

The use of powdered hemostatic products and propolis-based preparations has become increasingly common to control bleeding and aid healing. This study evaluated two hemostatic dressings, one based on propolis (Alveolex®) and the other on ferric subsulfate powder (Quick Blood Stopper®), on experimental wound in quails. The experiment was conducted with 36 quails assigned to three groups: control, propolis-based hemostatic dressing and ferric subsulfate-based hemostatic dressing, on two types of wounds, superficial (skin and subcutaneous) and deep (skin, subcutaneous and muscle). Pre- (day-7) and post-procedure (days 2 and 10) examinations showed a tendency to reduce hematocrit values on day 2 and a tendency to increase fibrinogen levels and total leukocyte count on the same day. Visual assessment of wound healing indicated that birds using Quick Blood Stopper® showed signs of poor healing, while the group treated with Alveolex® had uncomplicated healing within the expected time. The groups treated with hemostatic based on ferric subsulfate showed a tendency to increase the values of fecal corticosterone metabolites on day 10, suggesting an increased level of stress in these animals. During the surgical procedure, both hemostatic products controlled bleeding, but Alveolex®was more efficient and easy to handle.(AU)

A adoção de hemostáticos em pó e preparações à base de própolis tem se tornado cada vez mais comum para realizar o controle de sangramentos e auxiliar na cicatrização. Neste trabalho foram avaliados dois curativos hemostáticos, um à base de própolis (Alveolex®) e outro em pó à base de subsulfato férrico (Quick Blood Stopper®), após lesão experimental em codornas. O experimento foi realizado com 36 codornas, separadas em três grupos: con-trole, hemostático à base de própolis e hemostático à base de subsulfato férrico, submetidos a dois tipos de feridas, superficiais (pele e subcutâneo) e profundas (pele, subcutâneo e musculatura). Os exames pré (dia -7) e pós proce-dimento (dias 2 e 10) demonstraram uma tendência à redução dos valores de hematócrito no dia 2 e tendência ao aumento dos níveis de fibrinogênio e contagem de leucócitos totais neste mesmo dia. A avaliação visual da cicatriza-ção da ferida demonstrou que as aves submetidas ao Quick Blood Stopper® exibiram sinais de dificuldade na cicatri-zação, enquanto o grupo tratado com Alveolex® apresentou cicatrização sem complicações e dentro do tempo espe-rado. Os grupos tratados com hemostáticos baseados em subsulfato férrico mostraram uma tendência a aumentar os valores dos metabólitos de corticosterona fecal no 10º dia, sugerindo um aumento do nível de estresse nestes animais. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, ambos os produtos hemostáticos controlaram o sangramento, porém o Alveolex®foi mais eficiente e de fácil manipulação(AU)

Tarragon (Artemisia Dracunculus L. ) Could Alleviate Negative Effects of Stocking Density in Laying Hens

The study was conducted to determine the effects of stocking density (SD, 5 or 7 layers/cage) and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) diet supplementation at four levels (0, 1.2, 6 and 12 g/kg feed) on performance, certain egg characteristics, serum, liver, egg yolk and small intestine bacteria parameters in laying hens. The experiment was carried out over a period of 8 weeks, with 192 Lohman Brown commercial hybrids at 50-w-age. The results showed that an increased SD reduced feed intake (FI; p 0.01) and egg production (p 0.05), but had no effect on the weight gain, feed conversion ratio, damaged egg ratio, egg weight and egg quality (p>0.05) parameters. The supplementation of tarragon to the diet reduced the FI and damaged egg ratio (p 0.01), and improved egg production and FCR (p 0.01). While an increased SD reduced serum total antioxidants (p 0.05), it elevated corticosterone (CORT) and total oxidant serum (TOS) (p 0.05). Tarragon was found to enhance total immunoglobulin (p 0.05), but to decreased the CORT and TOS of the serum (p 0.05). An increased SD raised the malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum (p 0.001), liver (p 0.05) and yolk (p 0.001). Tarragon supplementation reduced MDA of the serum (p 0.05), liver (p 0.001) and yolk (p 0.001). E. coli and total Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria counts in the small intestine were raised (p 0.001) with increased SD. Tarragon decreased (p 0.05) mesophilic aerobic bacteria. It was thus found that, tarragon supplementation can be considered generally effective in improving performance parameters, alleviating stress-induced negativities, reducing lipid peroxidation, regulating the immune system and controlling some intestinal microorganisms.(AU)

Tarragon (Artemisia Dracunculus L. ) Could Alleviate Negative Effects of Stocking Density in Laying Hens

The study was conducted to determine the effects of stocking density (SD, 5 or 7 layers/cage) and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) diet supplementation at four levels (0, 1.2, 6 and 12 g/kg feed) on performance, certain egg characteristics, serum, liver, egg yolk and small intestine bacteria parameters in laying hens. The experiment was carried out over a period of 8 weeks, with 192 Lohman Brown commercial hybrids at 50-w-age. The results showed that an increased SD reduced feed intake (FI; p 0.01) and egg production (p 0.05), but had no effect on the weight gain, feed conversion ratio, damaged egg ratio, egg weight and egg quality (p>0.05) parameters. The supplementation of tarragon to the diet reduced the FI and damaged egg ratio (p 0.01), and improved egg production and FCR (p 0.01). While an increased SD reduced serum total antioxidants (p 0.05), it elevated corticosterone (CORT) and total oxidant serum (TOS) (p 0.05). Tarragon was found to enhance total immunoglobulin (p 0.05), but to decreased the CORT and TOS of the serum (p 0.05). An increased SD raised the malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum (p 0.001), liver (p 0.05) and yolk (p 0.001). Tarragon supplementation reduced MDA of the serum (p 0.05), liver (p 0.001) and yolk (p 0.001). E. coli and total Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria counts in the small intestine were raised (p 0.001) with increased SD. Tarragon decreased (p 0.05) mesophilic aerobic bacteria. It was thus found that, tarragon supplementation can be considered generally effective in improving performance parameters, alleviating stress-induced negativities, reducing lipid peroxidation, regulating the immune system and controlling some intestinal microorganisms.

Dietary vegetable oils inclusion on the performance, hormonal levels and hsp 70 gene expression in broilers under heat stress

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of unsaturated and saturated oils on the performance, hormonal levels and hsp gene expression in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. 300 one-day male broiler chicks were assigned to 4 treatments (Diets containing palm, corn, linseed or olive oils) with 5 replicates. At day 28 of age, 2 chickens were removed from each replicate, then blood samples and liver tissue samples were collected for analyses. Feeding linseed and olive oil reduced feed conversion ratio compared to corn and palm oils. The lowest level of insulin was for chickens fed linseed oil and corn oil. The highest level of corticosterone was found in chickens fed palm oil and the lowest level was for those received linseed oil. Chickens received linseed and corn oils had the highest levels of T3 and T4 and those fed palm and olive oils had the lowest levels. The highest HSP 70 gene expression was for chickens fed diet containing olive and linseed oils and the lowest one was for those fed corn and palm oils. It was concluded that olive oil and linseed oil could improve performance and heat tolerance of chickens under heat stress.(AU)

Dietary vegetable oils inclusion on the performance, hormonal levels and hsp 70 gene expression in broilers under heat stress

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of unsaturated and saturated oils on the performance, hormonal levels and hsp gene expression in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. 300 one-day male broiler chicks were assigned to 4 treatments (Diets containing palm, corn, linseed or olive oils) with 5 replicates. At day 28 of age, 2 chickens were removed from each replicate, then blood samples and liver tissue samples were collected for analyses. Feeding linseed and olive oil reduced feed conversion ratio compared to corn and palm oils. The lowest level of insulin was for chickens fed linseed oil and corn oil. The highest level of corticosterone was found in chickens fed palm oil and the lowest level was for those received linseed oil. Chickens received linseed and corn oils had the highest levels of T3 and T4 and those fed palm and olive oils had the lowest levels. The highest HSP 70 gene expression was for chickens fed diet containing olive and linseed oils and the lowest one was for those fed corn and palm oils. It was concluded that olive oil and linseed oil could improve performance and heat tolerance of chickens under heat stress.

Effects of in ovo injection of nano-selenium and nano-zinc oxide and high eggshell temperature during late incubation on antioxidant activity, thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones and some blood metabolites in broiler hatchlings

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) and nano-zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO) and high eggshell temperature (EST) during late incubation on blood parameters of broiler hatchlings. A total of 750 fertile eggs, were weighed and randomly distributed among 5 treatment groups on each of 5 replicate tray levels. The injection was performed on 17 d of incubation. Treatments included of: 1) Eggs not injected and incubated at normal EST (control); 2) Eggs not injected and incubated at high EST; 3) Eggs injected NaCl solution and incubated at high EST (sham); 4) Eggs injected NaCl solution containing 40 µg Nano-Se and incubated at high EST; 5) Eggs injected NaCl solution containing 500 µg Nano-ZnO and incubated at high EST. EST of 37.8ºC (normal) or 38.9ºC (high) was applied from d 19 to 21 of incubation. In ovo injection of Nano-Se and Nano-ZnO significantly increased activity of GSH-Px and SOD and total protein, but decreased the levels of corticosterone, cortisol, T4 and T3 at high EST. Injection of Nano-Se and Nano-ZnO had a significant role in alleviating the negative effects of high temperature incubation and heat stress by increased antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress.(AU)

Effects of Different Mating Strategies on Productive Performance, Bird Welfare and Economic Appraisal of Broiler Breeder under Two Production Systems

Objectives of the study were to investigate influence of artificial insemination (AI) in caged and floored flock in comparison to natural mating (NM) on broiler breeders welfare, productive performance and economic appraisal. To execute this experiment, a total of 1440 pullets of Ross-308 Parent Stock along with 168 males were picked from a commercial flock and divided into three groups i.e., AIC=AI in cages, AIF=AI on floor and third was NM=NM on floor. Each group carried 480 females (HH) while 168 males were divided into 41, 48 and 58 for AIC, AIF and NM, respectively. During both phases all procedures and studied parameters were the same except the sperm dose rates which were changed during post peak. According to the results, significantly (p0.05) higher levels of serum corticosterone, glucose and cholesterol were recorded in birds of AIC and respectively as compared to birds being allowed to mate naturally. Whereas, the experimental males and females of AIF and AIC kept for AI exhibited (p0.05) higher body weight, depletion % and feed consumption particularly in post peak phase. However, among the birds subjected to AI, the birds kept in the cages had better performance (p0.05) than the birds kept in the floor. Moreover, frequency rate of insemination in females and milking of males found (p0.05) reciprocal to the depletion, feed intake and body weight during peak but particularly in post peak. Perhaps, various sperm doses remained inert to implicit any impact on studied parameters. Similarly, egg weight was neither affected by housing systems nor by mating strategies during both phases. However, various insemination and milking frequencies noticeably swayed the productive traits under this study. AI in floored flock was found ineffective even in comparison to natural mating. In conclusion, AI in cages brought forth the better productive performance and lesser male depletion, hence, can be recommended.(AU)

Effects of in ovo injection of nano-selenium and nano-zinc oxide and high eggshell temperature during late incubation on antioxidant activity, thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones and some blood metabolites in broiler hatchlings

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) and nano-zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO) and high eggshell temperature (EST) during late incubation on blood parameters of broiler hatchlings. A total of 750 fertile eggs, were weighed and randomly distributed among 5 treatment groups on each of 5 replicate tray levels. The injection was performed on 17 d of incubation. Treatments included of: 1) Eggs not injected and incubated at normal EST (control); 2) Eggs not injected and incubated at high EST; 3) Eggs injected NaCl solution and incubated at high EST (sham); 4) Eggs injected NaCl solution containing 40 µg Nano-Se and incubated at high EST; 5) Eggs injected NaCl solution containing 500 µg Nano-ZnO and incubated at high EST. EST of 37.8ºC (normal) or 38.9ºC (high) was applied from d 19 to 21 of incubation. In ovo injection of Nano-Se and Nano-ZnO significantly increased activity of GSH-Px and SOD and total protein, but decreased the levels of corticosterone, cortisol, T4 and T3 at high EST. Injection of Nano-Se and Nano-ZnO had a significant role in alleviating the negative effects of high temperature incubation and heat stress by increased antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress.

Effects of Different Mating Strategies on Productive Performance, Bird Welfare and Economic Appraisal of Broiler Breeder under Two Production Systems

Objectives of the study were to investigate influence of artificial insemination (AI) in caged and floored flock in comparison to natural mating (NM) on broiler breeders welfare, productive performance and economic appraisal. To execute this experiment, a total of 1440 pullets of Ross-308 Parent Stock along with 168 males were picked from a commercial flock and divided into three groups i.e., AIC=AI in cages, AIF=AI on floor and third was NM=NM on floor. Each group carried 480 females (HH) while 168 males were divided into 41, 48 and 58 for AIC, AIF and NM, respectively. During both phases all procedures and studied parameters were the same except the sperm dose rates which were changed during post peak. According to the results, significantly (p0.05) higher levels of serum corticosterone, glucose and cholesterol were recorded in birds of AIC and respectively as compared to birds being allowed to mate naturally. Whereas, the experimental males and females of AIF and AIC kept for AI exhibited (p0.05) higher body weight, depletion % and feed consumption particularly in post peak phase. However, among the birds subjected to AI, the birds kept in the cages had better performance (p0.05) than the birds kept in the floor. Moreover, frequency rate of insemination in females and milking of males found (p0.05) reciprocal to the depletion, feed intake and body weight during peak but particularly in post peak. Perhaps, various sperm doses remained inert to implicit any impact on studied parameters. Similarly, egg weight was neither affected by housing systems nor by mating strategies during both phases. However, various insemination and milking frequencies noticeably swayed the productive traits under this study. AI in floored flock was found ineffective even in comparison to natural mating. In conclusion, AI in cages brought forth the better productive performance and lesser male depletion, hence, can be recommended.

Production indicators and levels of corticosterone in pullets treated with beak-trimming protocols

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of beak trimming by hot blade or infrared radiation on production indicators and plasma levels of corticosterone in pullets. During the rearing phase, an entirely random delineation was used a 2 x 3 factorial design (two different techniques for beak trimming x 3 strains), a total of six treatments with six repetitions of 20 hens. In the growing phase, the previous treatments were divided into 12, with eight repetitions with seven hens. These treatments were then distributed in a factorial design of 2 x 3 x 2 (two methodologies for beak trimming during rearing phase x three strains x with or without beak trimming at ten weeks of age). In the rearing phase the birds treated by infrared radiation had a lower total consumption and a longer beak length. In the growing phase, the execution of beak trimming at ten weeks of age, led to a lower total consumption and a lower body weight, but a better food conversion, when compared to those hens that did not have beak treatment. Beak trimming at ten weeks did not change the plasmatic levels of corticosterone.(AU)

Production indicators and levels of corticosterone in pullets treated with beak-trimming protocols

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of beak trimming by hot blade or infrared radiation on production indicators and plasma levels of corticosterone in pullets. During the rearing phase, an entirely random delineation was used a 2 x 3 factorial design (two different techniques for beak trimming x 3 strains), a total of six treatments with six repetitions of 20 hens. In the growing phase, the previous treatments were divided into 12, with eight repetitions with seven hens. These treatments were then distributed in a factorial design of 2 x 3 x 2 (two methodologies for beak trimming during rearing phase x three strains x with or without beak trimming at ten weeks of age). In the rearing phase the birds treated by infrared radiation had a lower total consumption and a longer beak length. In the growing phase, the execution of beak trimming at ten weeks of age, led to a lower total consumption and a lower body weight, but a better food conversion, when compared to those hens that did not have beak treatment. Beak trimming at ten weeks did not change the plasmatic levels of corticosterone.

Effect of oxidized soybean oils on oxidative status and intestinal barrier function in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxidized soybean oils on the growth performance, metabolic oxidative status and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old female broiler chickens were assigned to four dietary treatments with six replicates (cages) of 10 birds each. The dietary treatments comprised of a basal diet supplemented with 4% of: non-oxidized (fresh) soybean oil (control treatment, SNX); lowly-oxidized soybean oil (SLX) (oil heated for 10h at 200°C); moderately-oxidized soybean oil (SMX) (oil heated for 18h at 200°C); or highly-oxidized soybean oil (SHX) (oil heated for 30h at 200°C). Diets and water were offered ad libitum. The experiment was lasted 21d.The growth performance of broilers, determined from 1 to 14 d and from 1 to 21 d of age, was not affected by the dietary treatments (p>0.05). Broilers fed oxidized soybean oils presented higher corticosterone serum levels compared with those fed non-oxidized oil (p<0.05). Higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels onday14 and 21 (p<0.05), and lower total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and totalsuperoxide dismutase (T-SOD) values on day 21were obtained in the liver of broiler fed oxidized oils relative to those fed the non-oxidized oil (p<0.05). Broilers fed the highly-oxidized soybean oil had higher (p<0.05) MDA levels in the jejunum on day 21 compared with those fed non-oxidized soybean oil. Chickens fed moderately- and highly-oxidized soybean oil presented lower (p<0.05) T-SOD activity inileal mucosa compared with those fed non-oxidized soybean oil. Ileal mRNA expression of claudin-1 tended to be down regulated by the dietary addition of oxidized oils (p=0.056). The mRNA expression of interleukin-22 (IL-22) of broilers fed moderately-oxidized and highly-oxidized soybean oil was higher (p<0.05), and the mRNA expression of occludin and catalase was lower (p<0.05) than those fed non-oxidized soybean oil. However, the morphology of the jejunal and ileal...(AU)

Effect of oxidized soybean oils on oxidative status and intestinal barrier function in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxidized soybean oils on the growth performance, metabolic oxidative status and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old female broiler chickens were assigned to four dietary treatments with six replicates (cages) of 10 birds each. The dietary treatments comprised of a basal diet supplemented with 4% of: non-oxidized (fresh) soybean oil (control treatment, SNX); lowly-oxidized soybean oil (SLX) (oil heated for 10h at 200°C); moderately-oxidized soybean oil (SMX) (oil heated for 18h at 200°C); or highly-oxidized soybean oil (SHX) (oil heated for 30h at 200°C). Diets and water were offered ad libitum. The experiment was lasted 21d.The growth performance of broilers, determined from 1 to 14 d and from 1 to 21 d of age, was not affected by the dietary treatments (p>0.05). Broilers fed oxidized soybean oils presented higher corticosterone serum levels compared with those fed non-oxidized oil (p<0.05). Higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels onday14 and 21 (p<0.05), and lower total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and totalsuperoxide dismutase (T-SOD) values on day 21were obtained in the liver of broiler fed oxidized oils relative to those fed the non-oxidized oil (p<0.05). Broilers fed the highly-oxidized soybean oil had higher (p<0.05) MDA levels in the jejunum on day 21 compared with those fed non-oxidized soybean oil. Chickens fed moderately- and highly-oxidized soybean oil presented lower (p<0.05) T-SOD activity inileal mucosa compared with those fed non-oxidized soybean oil. Ileal mRNA expression of claudin-1 tended to be down regulated by the dietary addition of oxidized oils (p=0.056). The mRNA expression of interleukin-22 (IL-22) of broilers fed moderately-oxidized and highly-oxidized soybean oil was higher (p<0.05), and the mRNA expression of occludin and catalase was lower (p<0.05) than those fed non-oxidized soybean oil. However, the morphology of the jejunal and ileal...

Gonadotrophic, prolactin, corticosterone, and gonadal hormones levels over 15 months in Giant Amazon River Turtles - Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae), in captive conditions / Gonadotrofinas, prolactina, corticosterona, e as hormonas sexuais durante 15 meses de Tartarugas da Amazônia - Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae), em condições de cativeiro

In order to achieve successful captive breeding the Podocnemis expansa, it is necessary to study their reproductive endocrinology. The purpose of this research was to evaluate and characterize plasma concentrations in gonadotrophic, gonadic, corticosterone and prolactin hormones from Giant Amazon Turtles under captive conditions. Blood samples were collected over a 15 month period. The samples were assayed by the use of radioimmunoassay, prolactin, corticosterone, LH, FSH, testosterone, 17β-estradiol and progesterone. We verified significant seasonal pattern increase in 17β-estradiol levels and decrease in progesterone levels in the course of a year, which indicates vitellogenesis. This is related to normal ovarian cycles and possibly to the functional integrity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis of captive females. There were negative correlations between testosterone and corticosterone in the male samples, suggestive of stress (management stress) on the reproductive system. The plasma concentrations of gonadotrophic, gonadic, prolactin and corticosterone hormones may be used as a reference for further research and possible therapeutic approaches. The data collected during this research are unprecedented for this species and may serve as a reference for future research regarding the reproductive cycle of this turtle, also allowing reproductive management while in captivity. Information about these hormones must be gathered from wild populations during different periods of the year for better clarification of the reproductive physiology of this species.(AU)

Com o objetivo de obter reprodução em cativeiro de Podocnemis expansa, é necessário reunir o conhecimento a respeito de sua endocrinologia reprodutiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e caracterizar as concentrações plasmáticas de hormônios gonadotróficos, gonadais, corticosterona e prolactina em Tartarugas da Amazônia em condições de cativeiro. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas durante 15 meses. As amostras foram ensaiadas pelo uso de um radioimunoensáio, prolactina, corticosterona, LH, FSH, testosterona, 17β-estradiol e progesterona. Verificou-se aumento de padrão sazonal significativo nos níveis de 17β-estradiol e diminuição dos níveis de progesterona ao longo do ano, o que indica o recrutamento folicular. Isto está relacionado com ciclos ovarianos normais e possivelmente para a integridade funcional do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-gônadas de fêmeas em cativeiro. Houve correlação negativa entre testosterona e corticosterona nas amostras do sexo masculino, sugestivos de efeito do estresse de manejo sobre o sistema reprodutivo. As concentrações plasmáticas de hormônios gonadotrofinas, gonadais, prolactina e hormônios corticosterona pode ser usado como referência para futuras pesquisas e possíveis abordagens terapêuticas. Os dados médios coletados durante a pesquisa são inéditos para a espécie e pode servir como referência para futuras pesquisas sobre o sistema reprodutivo da tartaruga, também permitindo manejo reprodutivo em cativeiro. Informações sobre esses hormônios devem ser recolhidas a partir de natureza selvagem em diferentes períodos do ano para melhor esclarecimento da fisiologia da reprodução desta espécie.(AU)

Effect of embryo thermal stimulation on the serum levels of immunoglobulins and corticosterone, and organ histopathology of 1 day-old broilers

Embryo thermal stimulation has been studied as a means to promote epigenetic changes and to improve broiler health and performance. This study aimed at evaluating immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG, and IgA) titers, serum corticosterone levels, and organ integrity of day-old male Cobb(r) and Ross(r) broilers. Embryos were submitted to hot and cold stimuli (thermal stimulation) on days 14-18 of incubation. The thermal manipulation treatments did not affect immunoglobulin titers of 1 day-old Cobb(r) or Ross(r) chicks, and caused severe bursal lesions (scores 3 and 4) in both strains. However, serum corticosterone levels of Cobb(r) chicks were higher when embryos were submitted to hot stimulus (+1.39ºC) compared with cold stimulus (+36 ºC). Serum corticosterone levels of Ross(r) chicks were not affected by embryo temperature manipulation. The only effect of broiler breeder age was observed on IgM titers of Cobb(r) chicks, which were higher in chicks from 33-wk-old breeders. Further studies are needed to detect the optimal period of embryo thermal stimulation.

Effect of embryo thermal stimulation on the serum levels of immunoglobulins and corticosterone, and organ histopathology of 1 day-old broilers

Embryo thermal stimulation has been studied as a means to promote epigenetic changes and to improve broiler health and performance. This study aimed at evaluating immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG, and IgA) titers, serum corticosterone levels, and organ integrity of day-old male Cobb(r) and Ross(r) broilers. Embryos were submitted to hot and cold stimuli (thermal stimulation) on days 14-18 of incubation. The thermal manipulation treatments did not affect immunoglobulin titers of 1 day-old Cobb(r) or Ross(r) chicks, and caused severe bursal lesions (scores 3 and 4) in both strains. However, serum corticosterone levels of Cobb(r) chicks were higher when embryos were submitted to hot stimulus (+1.39ºC) compared with cold stimulus (+36 ºC). Serum corticosterone levels of Ross(r) chicks were not affected by embryo temperature manipulation. The only effect of broiler breeder age was observed on IgM titers of Cobb(r) chicks, which were higher in chicks from 33-wk-old breeders. Further studies are needed to detect the optimal period of embryo thermal stimulation.(AU)