Relationship between morphometric measurements and blood parameters in horses with varying adiposity levels and physiological conditions.

BACKGROUND: Understanding and finding the correlation between morphometric measurements and horse blood parameters is crucial for predicting equine metabolic issues. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse morphometric measurements and blood samples in horses with varying adiposity levels. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational. METHODS: A total of 50 horses were included in the study and categorized into groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS). RESULTS: The insulin concentration was significantly higher in overweight horses (p = 0.022). Female horses exhibited higher cortisol concentrations (p = 0.025) and girth circumference at the withers (p = 0.004) compared to males. Lactating mares exhibited higher concentrations of serum total protein (p = 0.012) and globulin (p = 0.003). A positive correlation was observed between BCS and insulin concentrations (r = 0.290, p = 0.041). Negative correlations were found between neck circumference to height at withers and glucose (r = -0.309, p = 0.029), CNS and glucose (r = -0.315, p = 0.026) as well as between crest diameter and cortisol (r = -0.360, p = 0.01). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Increasing the sample size and conducting longitudinal studies would enhance the study's validity and reliability. CONCLUSION: Although insulin, glucose and cortisol concentrations have predictive capabilities based on signs and certain morphometric measurements, their correlations are not always strong. Therefore, this study challenges the notion that all overweight horses are unhealthy, as overweight horses can still have good metabolic health. Conversely, lean horses may also experience metabolic issues. Hence, relying solely on visual cues is insufficient to diagnose the metabolic status of horses. Other factors must also be considered to assess their health status accurately.

Heat-shock proteins, oxidative stress, and antioxidants in one-humped camels.

One-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) exhibit remarkable adaptability to harsh desert environments through various physiological adaptations. This study aimed to assess variations and reference values of Heat-shock proteins (HSPs), physiological parameters, mineral concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 90 healthy female one-humped camels from Zabol's outskirts in Iran. The objective was to understand how these camels adapt to heat stress. Blood samples were collected from camels located at five geographical regions and analyzed using standard kits and methods. Reference intervals for heat-shock protein 30 (HSP30), heat-shock protein 40 (HSP40), heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70), and heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) were determined using the reference value advisor (RVA). The study found significant differences among different regions for HSPs (P < 0.05), MDA (P = 0.021), and TAC (P = 0.042) levels, indicating variations in adaptation mechanisms. However, no notable differences were observed for other measured parameters between these regions. There were no significant differences observed in the evaluated parameters between the age categories of > 36 months and < 36 months. The positive correlation between HSPs and MDA levels (ranging from 0.754 to 0.884) suggests that the synthesis of HSPs is triggered as a response to oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. This oxidative stress, in turn, is a consequence of thermal stress. Additionally, the study reveals a negative association between TAC and HSP levels (ranging from - 0.660 to - 0.820), emphasizing the role of antioxidants in mitigating heat stress. The findings of this research offer compelling support for the critical role that HSPs play in protecting cells from heat-induced damage. Additionally, the presence of higher levels of HSPs in regions with more severe climate conditions serves as evidence of camels' adaptation to heat stress. These findings emphasize the substantial impact of environmental factors on HSP production and further reinforce the crucial role of HSPs in bolstering the resilience of camels. Further research is needed to explore HSP expression and mechanisms to effectively manage and enhance camel resilience in extreme temperatures.

Effect of body condition loss in early lactation Holstein cows on plasma IGF-I, prolactin and NEFA during breeding period and its association with some reproductive indices.

The associations between early lactation changes in the body condition score (BCS) and mid-lactation levels of blood insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-1), prolactin, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), milk production and some reproductive indices were investigated. Monthly milk yield and BCS were recorded. Blood samples were collected on days 60, 90, and 120 (±5 days) of lactation. Twelve and 17 cows showed BCS losses ≤0.75 and >0.75 on day 60, respectively. BCS losses ≤0.75 till day 60 after calving enhanced the IGF-I concentration on day 90 (57.8 ± 10.7 vs. 35.6 ± 17.8 ng/mL; p = .001). The differences in blood metabolites were prominent on day 90. Trends of insulin changes between day 60 BCS (p = .04) groups were different. Inverse correlations were detected between IGF-I and NEFA (-0.6, p = .001), IGF-I and milk production (-0.4, p = .05), NEFA and prolactin (-0.8, p < .001) on day 90. Higher percentages of cows with BCS loss >0.75 (day 60) showed their first heat after day 40 postpartum. In conclusion, irrespective of BCS at the time of breeding, the level of BCS loss during the first 60 days of lactation may affect further reproductive performance due to prolonged alterations of IGF-I, NEFA, prolactin and insulin levels. The extent of postpartum BCS loss may be a predictor of the metabolic status of cows during mid-lactation.

Evaluation of berberine efficacy in reducing the effects of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A added to male broiler rations.

Many types of mycotoxins are found in food sources contaminated with fungi, and if these are ingested in large quantities or over a long period, they can affect the health of humans and domestic animals. Berberine (BBR) is a plant alkaloid with multiple pharmacological functions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of the plant alkaloid BBR on reducing toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in broilers by examining performance characteristics, blood biochemistry, antioxidant systems, ileum morphology, and histopathology of the liver. The experiment was performed with 288 Ross 308 broilers reared in floor pens for 42 d in a randomized design with 9 treatments. Each treatment was replicated 4 times, and each replicate contained 8 chicks. Experimental treatments included (1) negative control diet with no additives (NC); (2) NC + 2 ppm AFB (positive control AFB; PCAFB); (3) NC + 2 ppm OTA (positive control OTA; PCOTA); (4) PCAFB + 200 mg/kg BBR; (5) PCAFB + 400 mg/kg BBR; (6) PCAFB + 600 mg/kg BBR; (7) PCOTA + 200 mg/kg BBR; (8) PCOTA + 400 mg/kg BBR; and (9) PCOTA + 600 mg/kg BBR. Compared with NC, feeding PCAFB and PCOTA diets reduced average daily feed intake, weight gain, serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the length and width of ileum villi (P < 0.05). At the same time, these parameters increased in birds fed PCAFB or PCOTA diets supplemented with 600 mg/kg of BBR (P < 0.05). Feeding PCAFB and PCOTA diets increased feed conversion ratio (FCR), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, serum urea, and liver lesions compared with NC. By contrast, compared with PCAFB and PCOTA, adding 600 mg/kg BBR decreased FCR, AST, LDH, ALT, and GGT activities, urea, and liver lesions (P < 0.05). Overall, supplementation with 600 mg/kg BBR may improve growth performance, liver function, and antioxidant status of broilers fed diets contaminated with AFB and OTA.

Zinc and Manganese of serum were negatively, but Copper positively influenced by Iron elevation in diet of male Wistar rats.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of dietary iron on distribution of zinc, manganese, copper, calcium and magnesium in the body of Wistar rats. Commercial Sangak, an Iranian traditional flat bread was used in this study. It was prepared by additionof yeast and sourdough. Different doses of iron (35, 70, 140, and 210 mg/kg per diet) were added to bread vehicle for 30 days with or without baking soda (250 mg/kg per diet). The concentrations of the above elements were determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum zinc and manganese concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in rats that received higher concentrations of iron compared to the controls. Serum iron, and copper concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in dietary iron compared to the controls. Increments of dietary concentrations of iron raised the concentration of iron, zinc and manganese in the feces, and lowered the concentration of copper and calcium in the feces (P < 0.05). Diets that contained baking soda showed a statistically significant increase in phytic acid (P < 0.05). Lower serum iron was seen in rats that received baking soda with diet of the control group. Conversely, feces iron and zinc were increased in this group. It is concluded that iron absorption might interfere with zinc and manganese because of similar physicochemical properties. Knowledge about these interactions is essential when supplementation of some elements is recommended in populations with a high risk of some deficiencies such as iron and zinc.

Alterations of antioxidant status markers in dairy cows during lactation and in the dry period.

The purpose of the study reported in this Research Communication was to evaluate alterations in concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma, plasma total thiols as markers of oxidative protein damage and malondialdehyde (as a final product of lipid peroxidation) in samples obtained at different stages of the lactation cycle and dry period of dairy cows. We found that TAC was significantly lower in the primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows. This study clearly demonstrates a need for monitoring primiparous cows during the production cycle, especially when they are faced with severe metabolic conditions. Furthermore, TAC may be a sensitive, reliable and useful indicator for measurement of cumulative effects of antioxidants as an addition to metabolic profile tests, which are currently used to analyse dairy cattle health.

The effect of Prosopis farcta beans extract on blood biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbals in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a well-established practice in traditional medicine. The medicinal plant Prosopis farcta has some antioxidant activity, which may be useful in diabetic patients. Since, there is no report on the antidiabetic effect of the P. farcta, this study evaluated antidiabetic activity of P. farcta bean extract (PFE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperglycemia was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight [BW]), after which, the animals were randomly allocated into six experimental groups as follows: Group 1: Normal rats (received normal saline), Groups 2 and 3: Normal rats received PFE; (50 and 75 mg/kg BW), Group 4: Diabetic control rats, Group 5: Diabetic rats received PFE (50 mg/kg BW), Group 6: Diabetic rats received PFE (75 mg/kg BW). Three days after induction of diabetes, rats were received an extract of PFE orally for 12 days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to determine liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL). RESULTS: The administration of PFE (50 and 75 mg/kg) in STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly reduced the blood glucose levels when compared with the STZ-control group (227.2 ± 12.00 and 259.6 ± 7.03 vs. 454.6 ± 12.66, P < 0.001). PFE in diabetic groups had no significant effect on the levels of cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, AST, and ALT compare to the STZ-control group. CONCLUSION: P. farcta could reduce blood glucose in diabetic rats.

Starvation and refeeding in rats: effect on some parameters of energy metabolism and electrolytes and changes of hepatic tissue

Regarding the importance of starvation and refeeding and the occurrence of refeeding syndrome in various conditions, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of refeeding on some parameters of energy metabolism and electrolytes and changes of hepatic tissue in male Wistar rats. Fifty-seven rats were divided into six groups, having 6 to 11 rats. Food was provided ad-libitum until three months and then the first group was considered without starvation (day 0). Other rats were fasted for two weeks. Group 2 was applied to a group immediately after starvation (day 14). Groups 3 to 6 were refed in days 16 till 22, respectively. At the end of each period, blood and tissue samples were taken and histopathological and serum analysis, including serum electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium), the energy parameters (glucose, insulin, cortisol) and the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) were determined. Insulin decreased by starvation and then showed an increasing trend compared to starvation period, which the highest amount of this parameter was observed eight days post-refeeding. Serum glucose level showed the opposite pattern of insulin. Histopathological examination of the tissue sections revealed clear vacuoles after starvation and refeeding, in which the severity of lesions gradually decreased during refeeding. The cortisol level decreased by starvation and then increased during refeeding. Also, potassium and phosphorus concentrations declined by refeeding and the serum sodium and potassium levels were changed in the relatively opposite manner. The calcium level decreased by starvation and then increased during refeeding. These results could help recognize and remedy the refeeding syndrome.(AU)

Hepatoprotective Potential of Prosopis farcta Beans Extracts against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatotoxicity in Wister Rats.

BACKGROUND: Hepatotoxicity by acetaminophen is the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in many countries. Prosopis farcta beans extract (PFE) has some antioxidant property and may alleviate hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of PFE against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats weighing 220 ± 30 g were distributed into six groups. Two groups were pretreated with PFE (50 and 75 mg/kg) for 7 days before administration of acetaminophen (600 mg/kg). Two were given acetaminophen or PFE (50 and 75 mg/kg) alone, and the control received normal saline. One day after acetaminophen, administration blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to determine liver function enzymes markers; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high, low, and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL). RESULTS: In acetaminophen-treated rat plasma AST (314 ± 18.54 vs. 126.37 ± 4.13), ALT (304 ± 49.24 vs. 187.33 ± 3.71), cholesterol, TG, LDL, and VLDL were increased by 149, 160, 37, 92, 60, and 94%, respectively. PFE at both doses significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the above biochemical indices to near normal. CONCLUSIONS: Prosopis farcta beans extract (50 and 75 mg/kg) exhibited hepatoprotective activity against APAP.

Hepatoprotective effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) petals extract against acetaminophen toxicity in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is known to be common and potentially fatal. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract, remaining from Crocus sativus petals (CSP) against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by measuring the blood parameters and studying the histopathology of liver in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wister rats (24) were randomly assigned into four groups including: I) healthy, receiving normal saline; II) Intoxicated, receiving only APAP (600 mg/kg); III) pre-treated with low dose of CSP (10 mg /kg) and receiving APAP (600 mg/kg); IV) pre-treated with high dose of CSP (20 mg/kg) and receiving APAP (600 mg/kg). RESULTS: The APAP treatment resulted in higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin, along with lower total protein and albumin concentration than the control group. The administration of CSP with a dose of 20 mg/kg was found to result in lower levels of AST, ALT and bilirubin, with a significant higher concentration of total protein and albumin. The histopathological results regarding liver pathology, revealed sever conditions including cell swelling, severe inflammation and necrosis in APAP-exposed rats, which was quiet contrasting compared to the control group. The pre-treated rats with low doses of |CSP showed hydropic degeneration with mild necrosis in centrilobular areas of the liver, while the same subjects with high doses of |CSP appeared to have only mild hepatocyte degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Doses of 20 mg/kg of CSP ameliorates APAP-induced acute liver injury in rats. It was concluded that the antioxidant property of CSP resulted in reducing the oxidative stress complications of toxic levels of APAP in intoxicated rats.

Lipid profile and thyroid hormone status in the last trimester of pregnancy in single-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Changes in lipid metabolism have been shown to occur during pregnancy. The thyroid hormones affect lipid metabolism. The present study was carried out to find out whether the last trimester of pregnancy affects thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), lipid, and lipoprotein profile in healthy dromedary camels. Twenty clinical healthy dromedary camels aged between 4-5 years were divided into two equal groups: (1) pregnant camels in their last trimester of pregnancy and (2) non-pregnant age-matched controls. Thyroid function tests were carried out by measuring serum levels of TSH, free thyroxin (fT4), total thyroxin (T4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and total triiodothyronine (T3) by commercially available radio immunoassay kits. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were analyzed using enzymatic/spectrophotometric methods while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and total lipid (TL) were calculated using Friedewald's and Raylander's formula, respectively. Serum levels of TSH and thyroid hormones except fT4 did not show any significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant camels. fT4 level was lower in the pregnant camels (P < 0.05). Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and VLDL did not show significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant camels. All of these variables in pregnant camels were higher than non-pregnant. Based on the results of this study, the fetus load may not alter the thyroid status of the camel and the concentrations of thyroid hormones were not correlated with TSH and lipid profile levels in the healthy pregnant camels.

Prosopis farcta beans increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol in ostriches (Struthio camelus).

Ten blue-neck male ostriches (Struthio camelus) were fed Prosopis farcta beans throughout a 30-day experiment. Blood samples were collected from ostriches on days 0 and 30 to measure levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). From days 0 to 30, HDL cholesterol, total protein, and globulins levels increased significantly whereas LDL cholesterol, inorganic phosphorus, and γ-GT activity decreased significantly.

Plastic debris in the digestive tract of sheep and goats: an increasing environmental contamination in Birjand, Iran.

A total of 230 goats and 185 sheep were evaluated in this cross-sectional observational study. After emptying the gastrointestinal tract, the size, location, adhesion and obstruction were examined. Twenty seven and half percent of sheep and 24 point 3 % of goats had foreign bodies. Most foreign bodies were plastic materials in sheep and goats. Forty percent of pregnant animals had foreign bodies. Drought and lack of adequate pastures in the past years have been a major cause of the swallowing of foreign objects by sheep and goats.

Experimental oleander (Nerium oleander) intoxication in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus).

Dried leaves of oleander were orally given at a single dose of 500 mg/kg body weight to 20 clinically healthy male chickens. Clinical signs of toxicosis began to appear about 1 h after receiving the oleander and included hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, deep depression, and sudden death. Also, hyperemia in the combs and wattles was obviously seen. Electrocardiograms (ECG) were repeatedly recorded at 30 min intervals. ECGs findings included increasing the QRS duration in some birds and various kinds of arrhythmias. Bradycardia was the most frequently detected finding (30.43%). During necropsy, there were congestion and hemorrhages in the visceral organs particularly in heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Histopathology revealed myocardial cell necrosis with hyperemia and hemorrhage, severe diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema, severe renal congestion and hemorrhage with tubular necrosis, and coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes with hyperemia and hemorrhage. There were also congestion, mild epithelial necrosis and desquamation with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the proventriculus of all birds. There was also mild to moderate congestion in the intestines with scattered necrosis of surface enterocytes. The lack of information about the toxicity of oleanders in poultry was the main cause for this study. The results suggest that chickens appear to respond to oleander poisoning in a manner similar to other species.

Evaluation of relationship between Rotavirus and Coronavirus infections with calf diarrhea by capture ELISA.

Rotavirus and Coronavirus are two main causes of severe diarrhea in human infants and many animal species worldwide. Calves up to 3 months old can be affected by these viruses. The importance of these viruses in cattle industry is due to substantial economic loss, treatment costs, and reduced growth rates in beef and dairy calves. Mixed infections caused by Rotavirus and Coronavirus can lead to severe form of diarrhea. In present case-control study, 261 samples of healthy and diarrheic calves from farms around Mashhad were collected. These samples were tested by antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Bio-X diagnosis kit). The results showed that the prevalence of Rotavirus and Coronavirus infection in diarrheic calves is 26.98% and 3.17%, respectively. Also, there was no significant relationship between infection with Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and diarrhea in the studied population.

Accidental salinomycin intoxication in calves.

Twenty-four 10- to 16-week-old calves in a dairy herd in Birjand, Iran, inadvertently received an excessive dose of salinomycin mixed with barley grain. There was 58% mortality within 10 d. The calves had high serum AST, LDH, and CK activities; histopathologic lesions in myocardium, liver, and kidneys; and clinical signs associated with acute and congestive heart failure.

Anaphylactic reaction in a cow due to parenteral administration of penicillin-streptomycin.

Anaphylactic reaction rarely occurs after the 1st injection of penicillin-streptomycin in cattle. Immediately following intramuscular injection of a Holstein-Friesian cow with penicillin-streptomycin, the cow showed abnormal clinical signs that included respiratory distress, urticaria, and lacrimation. Recovery took approximately 2 h after intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. This report presents clinical findings recorded 20 and 40 h later.