Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Significant Role in Poultry and Novel Toxicological Mechanisms.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have involved a lot of consideration owing to their distinctive features. The ZnO NPs can be described as particularly synthesized mineral salts via nanotechnology, varying in size from 1 to 100 nm, while zinc oxide (ZnO), it is an inorganic substrate of zinc (Zn). The Zn is a critical trace element necessary for various biological and physiological processes in the body. Studies have revealed ZnO NPs' efficient immuno-modulatory, growth-promoting, and antimicrobial properties in poultry birds. They offer increased bioavailability as compared to their traditional sources, producing better results in terms of productivity and welfare and consequently reducing ecological harm in the poultry sector. However, they have also been reported for their toxicological effects, which are size, shape, concentration, and exposure route dependent. The investigations done so far have yielded inconsistent results, therefore, a lot of additional studies and research are required to clarify the harmful consequences of ZnO NPs and to bring them to a logical end. This review explores an overview of efficient possible role of ZnO NPs, while comparing them with other nutritional Zn sources, in the poultry industry, primarily as dietary supplements that effect the growth, health, and performance of the birds. In addition to the anti-bacterial mechanisms of ZnO NPs and their promising role as antifungal, and anti-colloidal agent, this paper also covers the toxicological mechanisms of ZnO NPs and their consequent toxicological hazards to vital organs and the reproductive system of poultry birds.

Moringa oleifera alleviated oxidative stress, physiological and molecular disruption induced by acute thermal stress in grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella.

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) supplementation against high temperature-induced stress in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 180 apparent healthy juvenile grass carp (15.48 g ± 0.054) were divided into three groups in triplicate (20 fish in each replicate). Fish were fed with diets containing 0, 1, and 5% MLM for 60 days and then subjected to a high-temperature challenge for 48 h (32-33 °C). The results revealed that feeding fish with 1 and 5% MLM resulted in a significant increase in weight gain and specific growth rate compared to the control. In addition, feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in groups fed with MLM. No significant difference was reported in the serum cortisol level among different experimental groups before heat stress while serum glucose level significantly decreased in fish fed with 5% MLM. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase significantly decreased in fish fed with 1 and 5% MLM before and after heat stress. Hepatic lipid peroxidation significantly decreased in fish fed with MLM for 60 days. A non-significant increase in hepatic reduced glutathione level was reported in fish fed with 1 and 5% MLM before heat stress. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities increased significantly in the liver of fish fed with 5% MLM. No significant change was observed in the expression profile of heat shock protein (hsp) 70 and 90 before heat stress. Meanwhile, after heat stress, up to a fivefold increase was recorded in mRNA level of hsp 70 and fourfold increase in the expression level of hsp 90 in the liver of the control fish which were not fed with MLM-supplemented diets. Fish fed with 1 and 5% MLM showed a significant decrease in the expression of hsp 70 and a non-significant decrease in the expression of hsp 90. Results of the present study suggest that supplementing the diet of grass carp with 5% MLM could improve growth and physiological performance and provide resistance against high temperature-induced stress.

Divergent Analyses of Genetic Relatedness and Evidence-Based Assessment of Therapeutics of Staphylococcus aureus from Semi-intensive Dairy Systems.

Use of antibiotics without following standard guidelines is routine practice in developing countries which is giving rise to genetic divergence and increased drug resistance. The current study analyzed genetic divergence and drug resistance by S. aureus and therapeutic efficacy of novel antibiotic combinations. The study revealed that 42.30% (minimum 20%-maximum 70%) of milk samples are positive for S. aureus. Study also revealed seven SNPs in the S. aureus nuc gene (c.53A>G, c.61A>G, c.73T>C, c.93C>A, c.217C>T, c.280T>C, and c.331T>A). Local isolates Staph-2 and Staph-3 were closely related to Bos taurus nuc gene (bovine S. aureus), while Staph-1 was closely related to Homo sapiens (human S. aureus) indicating shifting of host. Change of two amino acids and staphylococcal nuclease conserved domain was observed in all local isolates of S. aureus. The isoelectric points predicted by protParam of Staph-1, Staph-2, and Staph-3 proteins were 9.30, 9.20, and 9.20, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of S. aureus presented highest resistance against penicillin (46.67%) and glycopeptide (43.33%). When a single antibiotic regimen was adopted in a field trial, the highest efficacy was reported in the case of oxytetracycline (80%) while lowest was presented by azithromycin. Among antibiotics' combined regimen, the highest efficacy (80%) was presented by gentamicin with oxytetracycline: cefotaxime with vancomycin; and ciprofloxacin with vancomycin. The current study concluded rising percentages of S. aureus from dairy milk, proofs of genetic host shifts, and altered responses of in on field therapeutics.

Medicinal Plants as an Alternative to Control Poultry Parasitic Diseases.

Parasitic infections are a major public health concern affecting millions of people universally. This review elaborates on the potential impacts of plants and their bioactive components that have been widely used in the cure of several parasitic infections of poultry. The medicinal importance of natural herbs depends upon their bioactive ingredients, which are originated from crude plants, consequently leading to the specific action on the body. Due to the limited availability of effective drugs and high cost, the development of drug resistance in several harmful parasites and microbes leads to huge economic losses in the poultry industry. This will impose the development of innovative sources for drugs to overwhelm the therapeutic failure. Moreover, the environment-friendly feed additives which can be applied as a substitute to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) for broilers were proven. The application of natural products with therapeutic characteristics is an ancient practice that is appropriately gaining more acceptance. Globally, it is assessed that some 20,000 species of higher plants are used medicinally, although traditional medicine has a scarcity of knowledge on its efficiency and wellbeing. This review explores the usage of medicinal herbs for parasitic infections, emphasizing the recent knowledge available while detecting the research gaps which may be explored to find the usage of herbal medicines for parasitic infections in poultry. In conclusion, herbal medicines are the effective source of prime components for drug detection and the formation of phytopharmaceuticals in the control of devastating parasitic infections. There is a prerequisite to applying the traditional medicine information in clinical applications via value addition.

Aflatoxins associated oxidative stress and immunological alterations are mitigated by dietary supplementation of Pichia kudriavzevii in broiler chicks.

Mycotoxins are the secondary metabolites of certain toxigenic fungi which pose severe health stress in humans, animals and poultry. Certain biological agents and components are used to adsorb mycotoxins in poultry industry which provide promising results in this regard. Pichia kudriazevii (PK), a novel yeast, has the ability to enhance the immune status of poultry chicks. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of PK against aflatoxins associated immunosuppression and oxidative stress in broiler chicks. 180-one day old broiler chicks were equally divided into six groups and given different combinations of aflatoxins (300 and 600 µg/kg) and PK (1 g/kg). Parameters studied were antibody response to sheep red blood cells, lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P; phagocytic response by carbon clearance assay system, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status of chicks. Results of this experiment confirmed the immunomodulation and antioxidant capacity of PK against 300 µg/kg aflatoxin level. However such amelioration was partial when PK was used with 600 µg/kg aflatoxins. Moreover, the exact ratio of aflatoxin: PK to cause such amelioration still needs to be investigated.

Comparative characterization of cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol for phytochemical, antioxidant and pharmacological properties using acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress mouse model / Caracterización comparativa de canela, cinamaldehído y kaempferol para propiedades fitoquímicas, antioxidantes y farmacológicas utilizando el modelo de ratón con estrés oxidativo inducido por acetaminofeno

This study was aimed to explore the comparative efficacy of cinnamon bark extract, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced oxidative stress. Cinnamon bark extract, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol were utilized or in-vivo analysis. From the results of in-vitro screening tests, cinnamon ethanolic extract was selected for in-vivo study in mouse model. For this, Balb/c albino mice were treated with cinnamon ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg), cinnamaldehyde (10 mg/kg) and kaempferol (10 mg/kg) orally for 14 days followed by single intraperitoneal administration of APAP during 8 hours. Blood and organ samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The results showed that cinnamon bark ethanolic extract, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol ameliorated APAP-induced oxidative stress and organ toxicity in mice. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol possess comparable antioxidant potential even at 20-times less dose as compared to cinnamon bark ethanolic extract suggesting therapeutic potential in oxidative stress-related disorders.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar la eficacia comparativa del extracto de corteza de canela, cinamaldehído y kaempferol contra el estrés oxidativo inducido por acetaminofén (APAP). Se utilizaron extracto de corteza de canela, cinamaldehído y kaempferol para el análisis in vivo. De los resultados de las pruebas de detección in vitro, se seleccionó el extracto etanólico de canela para estudio in vivo en modelo de ratón. Para ello, los ratones albinos Balb/c fueron tratados con extracto etanólico de canela (200 mg/kg), cinamaldehído (10 mg/kg) y kaempferol (10 mg/kg) por vía oral durante 14 días, seguido de la administración intraperitoneal única de APAP durante 8 horas. Se recogieron muestras de sangre y órganos para análisis bioquímicos e histopatológicos. Los resultados mostraron que el extracto etanólico de la corteza de canela, el cinamaldehído y el kaempferol mejoraron el estrés oxidativo inducido por APAP y la toxicidad orgánica en ratones. En conclusión, el cinamaldehído y el kaempferol poseen un potencial antioxidante comparable, incluso a una dosis 20 veces menor en comparación con el extracto etanólico de la corteza de canela, lo que sugiere un potencial terapéutico en los trastornos relacionados con el estrés oxidativo.

Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against Leishmaniasis: a public healh concern / Potencial terapeútico de plantas medicinales contra la Leishmaniasis: un problema de salud pública

Leishmaniasis is an important disease affecting global public health which is spread by sand fly having different species. Various chemical drugs are used to treat and control Leishmaniasis including pentavalent antimonials, antimicrobial and antibiotics. Due to emergence of drug resistance, these therapeutic options are losing effectiveness in attaining success. Furthermore, these drugs are expensive and have toxic effects on liver and kidneys. There has been an emerging interest and excellent response by using plant based drugs and extracts to control Leishmaniasis. Different medicinal plants including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Allium sativum, Peganum harmala and Nigella sativa have shown excellent anti-leishmanial activity. Therefore, medicinal plants can help in effective drug development against Leishmaniasis diseases in both animals and humans which will be safer and health protective.

La Leishmaniasis es una enfermedad importante que afecta la salud pública mundial y que es transmitida por las moscas de la arena, que tienen diferentes especies. Se utilizan varios medicamentos químicos para tratar y controlar la Leishmaniasis, incluidos los antimoniales pentavalentes, antimicrobianos y antibióticos. Debido a la aparición de resistencia a los medicamentos, estas opciones terapéuticas están perdiendo eficacia para lograr el éxito. Además, estos medicamentos son costosos y tienen efectos tóxicos en hígado y riñones. Ha habido un interés emergente y una excelente respuesta mediante el uso de extractos y medicamentos a base de plantas para controlar la Leishmaniasis. Diferentes plantas medicinales como Glycyrrhiza glabra, Allium sativum, Peganum harmalay Nigella sativahan mostrado una excelente actividad anti-leishmanial. Por lo tanto, las plantas medicinales pueden ayudar en el desarrollo de fármacos eficaces contra las enfermedades de la leishmaniasis tanto en animales como en seres humanos, lo que será más seguro y proteja la salud.

Potential of botanical driven essential oils against Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants / Potencial de aceites esenciales botánicos contra Haemonchus contortus en pequeños rumiantes

The livestock sector is continuously facing problems in controlling parasitic diseases especially Haemonchosis due to emergence of anthelminthic resistance and failure in vaccination control programmes. Therefore, to increase milk and meat production and emerging demand of meat free from drug residues development of new alternative approaches are appealing for prevention and control of Haemonchosis in small ruminants. Among alternatives, plants driven essentials oils have shown promising results in control of Haemonchus contortus infection at various concentrations by different assays including egg hatch assay, larval development assay, larval exsheathment assay and adult motility assay. Essential oils are complex mixtures of various impulsive or volatile compounds which have potential to control Haemonchosis. The current study reviews the therapeutic effects of essential oils of plants against Haemonchus contortus and to be used them against Haemonchus contortus for future perspectives.

El sector ganadero enfrenta continuamente problemas para controlar las enfermedades parasitarias, especialmente la hemoncosis, debido a la aparición de resistencia antihelmíntica y al fracaso en los programas de control de vacunación. Por lo tanto, para aumentar la producción de leche y carne, y la demanda emergente de carne libre de residuos de medicamentos, el desarrollo de nuevos enfoques alternativos es atractivo para la prevención y el control de la hemoncosis en pequeños rumiantes. Entre las alternativas, los aceites esenciales producidos por las plantas han mostrado resultados prometedores en el control de la infección por Haemonchus contortus a diversas concentraciones mediante diferentes ensayos, incluido el análisis de eclosión de huevos, el desarrollo de larvas, el análisis de vaciado de larvas y el ensayo de motilidad en adultos. Los aceites esenciales son mezclas complejas de varios compuestos impulsivos o volátiles que tienen potencial para controlar la hemonchosis. Este estudio revisa los efectos terapéuticos de los aceites esenciales de las plantas contra Haemonchus contortus y evalúa sus perspectivas futuras como agentes para combatir las enfermedades causadas por este parásito.

Acaricidal and insecticidal effects of essential oils against ectoparasites of veterinary importance / Efectos acaricidas e insecticidas de los aceites esenciales contra los ectoparásitos de importancia veterinaria

Ectoparasitism in animals has become an issue of great concern that needs to be resolved to prevent huge economic losses occurring to livestock industry all over the world. Synthetic adrugs have been playing a major role in controlling ectoparasites, but their frequent and irrational use has resulted in drug resistance to routinely used chemicals and their residual effects on food and environment. Therefore, this approach of using chemical acaricides and insecticides is losing its popularity and effectiveness in controlling ectoparasites. So, the development of alternative approaches in ectoparasite management is currently required. Among alternative protocols, plants and their essential oils have played remarkable role in controlling different ectoparasites (ticks, flies, mites, lice) of veterinary importance. Essential oils have been proved to be cheaper, more effective and safer therapeautic agents against different ectoparasites of livestock importance.

En los animales el ectoparasitismo se ha convertido en un tema de gran preocupación que debe resolverse para evitar que se produzcan grandes pérdidas económicas para la industria ganadera en todo el mundo. Los aditivos sintéticos han desempeñado un papel importante en el control de los ectoparásitos, pero su uso frecuente e irracional ha dado como resultado la resistencia a los fármacos utilizados habitualmente y efectos residuales sobre los alimentos y el medio ambiente. Por lo tanto, el enfoque basado en el uso de acaricidas e insecticidas químicos está perdiendo popularidad y efectividad en el control de los ectoparásitos. Por lo tanto, actualmente se requiere el desarrollo de enfoques alternativos en el manejo de ectoparásitos. Entre los protocolos alternativos, las plantas y sus aceites esenciales han jugado un papel notable en el control de diferentes ectoparásitos (garrapatas, moscas, ácaros, piojos) de importancia veterinaria. Se ha demostrado que los aceites esenciales son agentes terapéuticos más baratos, más efectivos y más seguros contra diferentes ectoparásitos de importancia ganadera.

In vivo anticoccidial effects of Beta vulgaris (sugar beet) in broiler chickens.

Recently, use of botanicals as an alternative to anticoccidial drugs has been appealing approach for controlling avian coccidiosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial activity of aqueous methanolic extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight) of Beta vulgaris (roots) in broiler chicks. A total of 315 day old broiler chicks were divided into seven equal groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G). At 14th day of age, all groups except group G, which served as non infected non medicated control, were infected orally with 60,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. At the same day, groups A, B and C were treated with graded oral doses of B. vulgaris aqueous methanolic extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). Group D was treated with Vitamin-E, group E served as infected medicated control group (Baycox® treated) and group F served as infected non medicated control group (PBS treated). Treatment with extract, reference drug Baycox®, Vitamin E and PBS was continued for three consecutive days (14-16 days of age). Though, not at par with reference drug (Baycox®), B. vulgaris demonstrated good anticoccidial activity adjudged based on considered criteria, i.e., feed conversion ratio, lesion score, oocyst score and oocysts per gram of feces. Results of serum profile of infected chicks revealed no adverse effects of aqueous methanolic extract of B. vulgaris on the experimental chicks.

Patho-bacteriological investigation of an outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis infection in calves - Emerging stealth assault.

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is an important bacterium, causing severe respiratory infection, and arthritis in dairy animals worldwide. This study is based on 50 suckling calves among which 15 showed respiratory distress, lameness and swollen joints and died later. M. bovis was isolated and identified from all dead (n = 15) and live (17.14%; 06 out of 35) calves on the basis of bacteriological examination. In morbid calves, the carpus and stifle joints were severely affected, while necropsy revealed multiple well-circumscribed calcified abscesses and caseous exudates in cranio-ventral and diaphragmatic lobes of lungs. Suppurative polyarthritis, fibrino-suppurative, teno-synovitis and otitis media were the common and striking lesion observed at postmortem examination. Histopathological examination revealed broncho-interstitial pneumonia and necrotic fibrino-purulent broncho-pneumonia in lungs. Similarly, synovial membranes and joints revealed presence of multiple foci of liquefactive necrosis surrounded by lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and peripheral fibroplasia. In the bacteriological investigations, the characteristic fried egg colonies of M. bovis further confirmed this infection in all suspected cases. In conclusion, the current clinico-histo-pathological features are the depictive picture, and is the first report of M. bovis infection in calves in Pakistan.

In-vitro anticoccidial potential of Saccharum officinarum extract against Eimeria oocysts / Potencial in vitro anti coccidial de un extracto de Saccharum officinarum contra oocistos de Eimeria

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous methanolic extract from Saccharum officinarum on the sporulation and morphology of oocysts of four Eimeria species (Eimeria tenella, E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. brunetti) of poultry. Sporulation inhibition bioassay was used to evaluate the activity of Saccharum officinarum extract (SOE) on the sporulation of coccidian oocysts. In this assay, unsporulated oocysts were exposed to six concentrations of S. officinarum in 10 percent dimethyl sulfoxide solution (w/v; 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 and 0.31 percent) while DMSO and potassium dichromate solution (K2Cr2O7) served as control groups. The Petri dishes were partially covered to allow the passage of oxygen and incubated at 25-29° C for 48 h, providing 60-80 percent humidity. The sporulation of the oocyst was confirmed by examining sporocysts under inverted microscope at 40x. Results showed anticoccidial activity of SOE against all Eimeria species as proved by its ability to inhibit the sporulation of the oocysts under laboratory conditions. Inhibition of sporulation was observed in dose dependent manner. S. officinarum extract at higher dose also damaged the normal morphology and shape of oocysts of Eimeria species.

El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el efecto del extracto metanólico acuoso a partir de Saccharum officinarum en la esporulación de los ooquistes y la morfología de cuatro especies de Eimeria tenella (Eimeria, E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. brunetti) de aves de corral. Bioensayos de la inhibición de la esporulación se utilizaron para evaluar la actividad de extracto de Saccharum officinarum (SOE) en la esporulación de ooquistes de coccidios. En este ensayo, los ooquistes no esporulados se expusieron a seis concentraciones de S. officinarum en solución de dimetil sulfóxido 10 por ciento (w / v; 10, 5, 2,5, 1,25, 0,625 y 0,31 por ciento), mientras DMSO y una solución de dicromato de potasio (K2Cr2O7) sirvió como grupos de control. Las placas de Petri se cubren parcialmente para permitir el paso de oxígeno y se incubaron a 25-29° C durante 48 h, proporcionando el 60-80 por ciento de humedad. La esporulación de los ooquistes fue confirmado mediante el examen de esporoquistes bajo microscopio invertido a 40x. Los resultados mostraron actividad anticoccidial de SOE contra todas las especies de Eimeria como se ha demostrado por su capacidad para inhibir la esporulación de los ooquistes en condiciones de laboratorio. Se observó una inhibición de la esporulación de manera dependiente de la dosis. Extracto de S. officinarum en dosis más alta también dañó la morfología normal y la forma de ooquistes de las especies de Eimeria.

Protective potential of trachyspermum ammi seeds in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbit model / Potencial de protección de las semillas trachyspermum ammi en la nefrotoxicidad inducida por la gentamicina en modelo de conejo

Nephrotoxicity is one of the most important side effects and therapeutic limitations of aminoglycoside antibiotics, especially gentamicin. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity involves free radical generation, reduction in antioxidant defense mechanism and renal dysfunction. A number of crude herbal extracts have potential to ameliorate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity due to presence of various antioxidant compounds. Therefore the goal of current study was to evaluate the protective activity of T. ammi seeds aqueous extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rabbits. The results showed that gentamicin caused severe alterations in serum biochemical parameters and kidney markers along with severe alterations in kidney tissues. However, T. ammi extract, when given along with gentamicin, reversed the severity of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by normalizing the indicators of kidney function e.g. serum urea, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin and serum electrolyte parameters indicating the nephroprotective potential of T. ammi. Similarly the extract has ability to augment the endogenous antioxidant enzymatic machinery by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase and by reducing the total oxidant status. Nephroprotective potential was further confirmed by the histopathological examination. Nephroprotective potential might be due to the presence of antioxidative polyphenolic compounds in aqueous extract of T. ammi seeds.

La nefrotoxicidad es uno de los efectos secundarios más importantes limitaciones terapéuticas de los antibióticos aminoglucósidos, especialmente gentamicina. La nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina implica generación de radicales libres, la reducción en el mecanismo de defensa antioxidante y la disfunción renal. Una serie de extractos de hierbas crudas tienen potencial para mejorar la nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina debido a la presencia de varios compuestos antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la actividad protectora del extracto acuoso semillas de T. ammi contra la nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina en conejos albinos. Los resultados mostraron que la gentamicina causó graves alteraciones en los parámetros bioquímicos séricos y los marcadores de riñón, junto con alteraciones severas en los tejidos renales. Sin embargo, el extracto de T. ammi, cuando se administra junto con la gentamicina, invierte la gravedad de la nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina por la normalización de los indicadores de la función renal, por ejemplo, urea sérica, creatinina, nitrógeno ureico en sangre, albúmina y los parámetros de electrolitos séricos que indican el potencial nefroprotector de T. ammi. Del mismo modo, el extracto tiene la capacidad para aumentar la maquinaria enzimática antioxidante endógena mediante un aumento de la actividad de la enzima antioxidante catalasa y reduciendo el estado total de oxidante. El potencial nefroprotector fue confirmado por el examen histopatológico. El potencial nefroprotector podría ser debido a la presencia de compuestos polifenólicos antioxidantes en el extracto acuoso de semillas de T. Ammi.

Growth promoting effect of Pimpinella anisum (Aniseed) in broiler chickens / Efecto promotor del crecimiento de Pimpinella anisum (semilla de anis) en pollos broiler

The present study was conducted to evaluate growth promoting effect of Pimpinella anisum L. (aniseed) in broiler chickens in terms of body weight gain, organ weights, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). For this purpose, four levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 grams per kg feed) of aniseed powder were administered in feed from day 0 till the end of experiment (42 days of age). The body weight gain, feed intake and FCR were recorded on weekly basis. The birds showed good performance (better weight gain, better feed intake and FCR) when aniseed was fed in lower doses however, birds showed poor performance at higher levels of aniseed. Likewise, almost same pattern was observed for organ weights. This study suggests the good effect of aniseed on performance of broiler chickens at lower doses which suggests the further need of series experiments to find out the minimum safe levels of aniseed to be incorporated in broiler ration to get desirable results.

Se realizó el presente estudio para evaluar el efecto promotor del crecimiento de Pimpinella anisum L. (anís) en pollos de engorde en términos de ganancia de peso corporal, peso de los órganos, el consumo de alimento y conversión alimenticia (FCR). Para este propósito, cuatro niveles (0,5, 1,0, 1,5 y 2,0 gramos por kg de alimento) de anís en polvo se administraron en el pienso desde el día 0 hasta el final del experimento (42 días de edad). La ganancia de peso corporal, consumo de alimento y FCR fueron registrados en forma semanal. Las aves mostraron un buen rendimiento (mejor ganancia de peso, un mejor consumo de alimento y FCR) cuando el anís se alimentó en dosis más bajas, sin embargo, las aves mostraron malos resultados en los niveles más altos de anís. Del mismo modo, se observó casi el mismo patrón de peso de los órganos. Este estudio sugiere que el buen efecto del anís en el rendimiento de pollos de engorde en dosis más bajas que sugiere la necesidad adicional de experimentos de la serie para conocer los niveles de seguridad mínimos de anís que se incorporarán en la ración de pollos de engorde para obtener los resultados deseados.

In vitro and in vivo acaricidal activity of a herbal extract.

The anti-tick efficacy of combined aqueous herbal extracts of Azadirachta indica leaves, Nicotiana tabacum leaves, Calotropis procera flowers and Trachyspermum ammi seeds was evaluated using adult immersion test, larval packet test and ear bag method. The extract exhibited lethal effects on egg laying (index of egg laying=0.371404±0.00435), hatching (22.35%) and total larval mortality at 50 mg ml(-1) and reduced tick intensity on the infested calves (18 detached out of 35 at 45% (w/w) suspension, topically applied). The herbal extract exerted dose- and time-dependent response against all the developmental stages of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus considered in this study, thus justified their use in the traditional system of Pakistan.