The effects of the fiber source and xylanase supplementation on production, egg quality, digestibility, and intestinal morphology in the aged laying hen.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the fiber source (wheat bran [WB] or sugar beet pulp [SBP]) and xylanase supplementation on production, egg quality, ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, and gastrointestinal pH in aged laying hens. A total of 540 laying hens (Lohman LSL Lite; 70 wk of lay) were randomized into 10 treatments (6 replicate cages of 9 birds) consisting of a corn soy control supplemented with 0, 3, or 6% WB or SBP with or without xylanase (100 mg of xylanase preparation per kg) for a period of 9 wk in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement. Hens fed with the diets containing either of the levels of SBP or 6% WB had lower hen-day production, and addition of the enzyme improved hen-day production (P < 0.05), but it could not compensate for the lost production due to the higher levels of either of the fiber sources. Supplementation of 6% SBP to the control diet decreased egg mass (P < 0.05). All fiber-supplemented diets significantly decreased ADFI, which was restored on enzyme addition, with the exception of 3% WB diet. Treatments had no effects on egg weight, feed conversion ratio, egg quality, and serum and carcass traits, except for ileum weight, which was greater in hens fed with the 6% SBP diet (P < 0.05). Adding 3% SBP increased ileal DM digestibility (P < 0.05). Addition of 3% WB improved jejunal villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area (P < 0.05). Villus surface area, DM, organic matter, and protein digestibility increased as a result of enzyme supplementation (P < 0.05). Cecal pH was reduced on feeding diets containing 3% WB, containing 3% SBP, and with enzyme supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, addition of 3% WB in a corn soy control diet has the potential to improve small intestine morphology in older hens without adverse effects on performance, especially if accompanied by the use of an enzyme, which simultaneously improved morphological traits and nutrient digestibility.

Modulation of Negative Effects of Physiological Stress on Frozen-Thawed Semen with Nutrition of Organic Selenium in Ross 308 Rooster.

Current experiment was carried out in factorial 2×2 arrangement to study the effects of stress (with or without dexamethasone administration) and addition of dietary selenium (with or without selenium supplementation in the diet) in male broiler breeder on the quality of frozen-thawed sperm under oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone. A total of 24 broiler breeder roosters with the age of 28 weeks were used based on a completely randomized design with four therapeutic approaches (factorial 2×2) and six birds in each approach. The experimental treatments were: 1) basal diet without selenium supplementation and injection of saline (CON), 2) basal diet with dexamethasone injection (4 mg/kg BW, three times every other day for one week), (DEX), 3) without dexamethasone injection and supplementation with 0.3 mg/kg selenium (Sel-Plex), and 4) dexamethasone injection and basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of diet selenium (Sel-Plex+Dex). Sperm samples were collected from roosters. Motility, progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability, malondialdehyde concentration and antioxidant parameters were evaluated in fresh and frozen-thawed semen. In spite of non-significant interaction effects, factorial analysis indicated the significant effect of every factor on different experimental parameters in fresh and frozen-thawed semen (P<0.05); The results revealed that total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were lower in DEX group when compared with other treatments (P<0.05). On the other hand, malondialdehyde concentration was higher in DEX group in comparison with Con, Sel-Plex and Sel-Plex+DEX groups (P<0.05). Moreover, total antioxidant capacity, level of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were lower in DEX group as compared with other treatments (P<0.05). Our findings indicated that administration of selenium in dexamethasone-receiving roosters (Sel-Plex+DEX) improved the parameters of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm; but the best results were observed in Sel-Plex treatment. Therefore, selenium supplementation in the diet of roosters without dexamethasone injection improved total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, viability, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase pre- and post-freezing. It can be concluded, selenium in organic forms in stressed and non-stressed rooster's diet might improve all motility and antioxidant parameters in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm.

Effect of a high dose of exogenous phytase and supplementary myo-inositol on mineral solubility of broiler digesta and diets subjected to in vitro digestion assay.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial phytase and myo-inositol supplementation in low non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) diets on pH and the solubility of minerals in an in vitro digestion procedure (IVDP) and to compare this with digesta from birds fed different diets (grower diets) compared to the in vitro test (starter diets). A total of 660 1-day-old broilers were randomly allotted into 11 dietary treatments and fed a corn-soybean-meal-based diet with recommended nPP (positive control; PC), an nPP-deficient diet (negative control; NC), NC diets supplemented with phytase (500; 1,000; 2,000; 3,000; 4,000; 5,000; and 6,000 FTU/kg), an NC diet plus 0.15% myo-inositol, and an NC diet with reduced Ca level (Ca: nPP ratio same as PC) from 1 to 23 D of age. The pH and Ca solubility of the NC diet was increased compared with the PC when subjected to IVDP (P < 0.05). P solubility in the gizzard and jejunal digesta was reduced in the NC compared with the PC diet and this was also reflected in the IVDP. Phytase addition to the NC diets linearly increased (P < 0.05) the pH value and Ca and P solubilities in both digesta and diets subjected to IVDP. Higher doses of microbial phytase increased (P < 0.05) Zn and Fe solubilities in both digesta and IVDP. Myo-inositol supplementation of the NC diet had no effect on mineral solubility, but decreased (P < 0.05) the pH of the IVDP. Lowering the Ca content of the NC diet decreased (P < 0.05) the pH of the in vitro digested diets and Ca solubility in both broiler digesta and IVDP and also increased (P < 0.05) P solubility in both the jejunal digesta and IVDP. Correlations were noted between the solubility of P in the in vitro assay and that in the gizzard and jejunal digesta, and also with bird performance, confirms the usefulness of in vitro assay.

Evaluation of dietary calcium level and source and phytase on growth performance, serum metabolites, and ileum mineral contents in broiler chicks fed adequate phosphorus diets from one to 28 days of age.

A total of 936 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) was used to evaluate the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) source (1.0 and 0.6% from Ca carbonate [CC], or 0.6% from Celtic sea minerals [CSM]) on broiler chick response to phytase supplementation (0, 500, or 2,500 FTU per kg of diet) in phosphorus (P) adequate diets. Birds were randomly assigned to 9 treatments, each replicated 8 times (4 repeats of male and 4 repeats of female birds; 13 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Results showed that birds fed low Ca CC diets had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower body weight at 14 and 21 d; weight gain during 1 to 14 d; feed intake during 1 to 14 d and 1 to 28 d; and toe and tibia ash content, ileum ash, and Ca, and P contents at 28 days. Feed conversion ratio and feed intake between 21 and 28 d, and serum Ca, Fe, and alkaline phosphatase levels at 28 d of age were not affected by dietary Ca level. The negative influence of reducing the dietary Ca level on body weight and weight gain was less severe when CC was replaced with CSM, and birds fed the CSM diet had a significantly lower feed conversion ratio and higher tibia P content compared to CC. Phytase did not have a significant influence (P > 0.05) on most measured parameters, but significantly reduced ileum P and ash contents, especially at the higher level of 2,500 vs. 500 units of phytase per kg of diet. These results confirm that CSM has a valuable potential to improve feed conversion ratio, and that phytase was less effective in compensating for a significantly reduced dietary Ca level as it is for P.

Combination Effects of Organic and Inorganic Chromium on Production Performance, Reproductive Response, Immune Status, and Maternal Antibody Transmission in Breeder Quails Under Heat Stress.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the combination effects of organic and inorganic chromium (Cr) on egg production, egg quality, reproductive response, and immune status of breeder quails and their offspring under heat stress. A total of 140 7-week-old Japanese breeder quails (120 females and 20 males) according to a completely randomized design were used in four treatment groups (five replicate and seven birds per each) lasted for 8 weeks. Quails exposed to 35 °C for 8 h/day for induction of cyclic heat stress treatments consisted of diets supplemented with (1) 1 mg CrCl3 per kilogram of diet as control (CNT); (2) 1 mg Cr-L-Met per kilogram of diet as organic Cr (OCr); (3) 0.5 mg CrCl3 plus 0.5 mg Cr-L-Met per kilogram of diet (ISO); (4) 1 mg CrCl3 plus 0.5 mg Cr-L-Met per kilogram of diet (On-top). Productive performance and egg quality parameters were determined weekly. Fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured at the end of experiment. Humoral immunity was assessed by primary and secondary antibody titer in sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease (ND) tests. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed by the cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) test to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) at days 20 and 45 of age. White blood cell count and immunoglobulin Y (IgY) content in serum and yolk of breeders and in serum and yolk residues of offspring were also measured. Results showed that maximum egg production, egg shell thickness, and Haugh unit were observed in birds fed ISO and On-top diets (P ≤ 0.05). The highest (P ≤ 0.05) antibody levels in ND test were observed in birds fed with OCr, ISO, and On-top diets. The highest cellular response (P ≤ 0.05) was in 12 h after primary PHA injection and 12 and 24 h after secondary PHA injection in birds fed with On-top diets. The highest count of heterophil and (H/L) were gained in breeder quails fed with CNT diet, and the lowest of them were reached with On-top diet (P ≤ 0.05). Results showed that the highest IgY level in serum of breeder and their offspring and that of yolk suck and egg yolk were observed in birds fed with On-top diet (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that extra supplemental organic Cr in combination with CrCl3 could lead to higher egg production, egg quality, and immune status of breeder quails and their offspring.

Effects of a high dose of microbial phytase and myo-inositol supplementation on growth performance, tibia mineralization, nutrient digestibility, litter moisture content, and foot problems in broiler chickens fed phosphorus-deficient diets.

A total of 660 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into eleven dietary treatments. Treatments included a maize-soybean meal-based diet with recommended calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) (positive control; PC), an nPP-deficient diet (negative control; NC), NC diets supplemented with different levels of phytase (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, and 6,000 FTU/kg), a NC diet plus 0.15% myo-inositol, and a NC diet with reduced Ca level (Ca to nPP ratio same as PC). Feeding the NC diet had no effects on birds' body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), but decreased (P < 0.05) tibia P contents, crude protein (CP) digestibility, and serum P, but increased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 21 d of age. Phytase supplementation at ≥4,000 FTU/kg improved (P < 0.05) BW, WG and digestibility of nutrients. Feeding the NC diet resulted in greater (P < 0.05) litter moisture content (42 d) and poorer gait score (21 d), but 4,000 and 6,000 FTU/kg phytase returned (P < 0.05) these parameters to that of the PC. Supplemental myo-inositol increased (P < 0.05) serum total protein, P retention, and decreased (P < 0.05) litter moisture at 42 d of age. Feeding the low Ca NC diet increased (P < 0.05) serum total protein, ileum Ca, P, and CP digestibility and decreased serum ALP activity, litter moisture and gait score compared to the NC group. In conclusion, phytase in a dose-dependent manner, especially at ≥4,000 FTU/kg levels, was effective in overcoming the negative consequences of NC diets, primarily due to the ability to improve nutrient utilization. In addition, reducing the Ca level or supplementation of inositol of NC diet can correct some the negative effects of feeding a NC diet confirming the negative effect of a wide Ca: P ratio in a P-deficient diet and suggesting that inositol may play a role in the response to phytase addition.

Human colon cancer HT-29 cell death responses to doxorubicin and Morus Alba leaves flavonoid extract.

The mechanistic basis for the biological properties of Morus alba flavonoid extract (MFE) and chemotherapy drug of doxorubicin on human colon cancer HT-29 cell line death are unknown. The effect of doxorubicin and flavonoid extract on colon cancer HT-29 cell line death and identification of APC gene expression and PARP concentration of HT-29 cell line were investigated. The results showed that flavonoid extract and doxorubicin induce a dose dependent cell death in HT-29 cell line. MFE and doxorubicin exert a cytotoxic effect on human colon cancer HT-29 cell line by probably promoting or induction of apoptosis.

Effect of different concentrations of ginger root powder and its essential oil on growth performance, serum metabolites and antioxidant status in broiler chicks under heat stress.

1. This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of ginger (Zingiber officinale) feed supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, carcass characteristics and blood parameters in broiler chicks under conditions of heat stress (32 ± 2ºC for 8 h per d). 2. A total of 336 d-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly assigned to one of 6 dietary groups representing: basal diet with no supplement as control, basal diet containing 100 mg/kg vitamin E as positive control, basal diets containing either 7.5 or 15 g/kg of ginger root powder, and diets containing 75 or 150 mg/kg of ginger essential oil. 3. The results indicated that at 22 d of age, the group receiving 7.5 g/kg of ginger root powder experienced significantly increased body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) compared to the control group. There were no significant difference among the diet groups regarding BW, BWG, feed intake (FI) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 42 and 49 d of age. 4. The inclusion of powder and essential oil of ginger in broiler diets did not affect carcass characteristics and blood parameters of the chickens. However, in the group receiving 150 mg/kg ginger essential oil, the total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) activity in liver increased compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in liver also decreased in the groups receiving ginger powder and essential oil compared to that in the control group. There were no significant difference between experimental groups regarding glutathione peroxidise (Gpx), TSOD and catalase (CAT) enzymes in red blood cells. All dietary groups increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and decreased MDA concentration in serum compared to the control group. 5. The results of this study suggest that ginger powder and essential oils may be a suitable replacement for synthetic antioxidants in broiler diets. Results also suggest that ginger powder might be better than extracted essential oil for improving antioxidant status in broilers.

Interactions between phytase and xylanase enzymes in male broiler chicks fed phosphorus-deficient diets from 1 to 18 days of age.

A total of 735 one-day-old male broiler chicks were used to evaluate the interactions between different levels of phytase and xylanase enzymes on performance and bone mineralization. Basal nonphytate P (nPP)-deficient diets (0.15%) were supplemented with different levels of phytase [0X, 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X of recommended level (X = 500 phytase units per kg of feed)] alone or in combination with 3 levels of a xylanase preparation [0X, 1X, and 2X of recommended level (X = 0.1 g per kg of feed; a mixture with predominantly xylanase activity)]. A standard curve was developed using different levels of nPP (0.15 to 0.45%) to estimate the P equivalency of each enzyme combination. Treatments were replicated with 7 pens of 5 chicks each. The findings indicated that reducing dietary nPP level had a severely negative influence on bird performance and bone ash content. Results also showed that increasing levels of phytase significantly (P < 0.05) improved BW, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, and toe and tibia bone ash contents in a dose-dependent fashion. The P equivalency of phytase was also dose dependent, with estimates of 0.08, 0.11, 0.15, and 0.19 for 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X supplementation levels of phytase, respectively. Xylanase preparation at 1X level failed to influence measured criterion; however, increasing the level of xylanase (2X) resulted in deteriorating BW and feed conversion ratio. The P equivalency of xylanase preparation at 1X and 2X was estimated as 0.010 and 0.014%. There were no interactions between phytase and xylanase preparation (P > 0.05). In conclusion, phytase was effective in improving bird performance and bone mineralization; however, xylanase supplementation failed to enhance phytase efficacy.

Assessment of potential enhancing effects of a carbohydrase mixture on phytase efficacy in male broiler chicks fed phosphorus-deficient diets from 1 to 18 days of age.

A total of 540 one-day-old male broiler chicks were used to evaluate the potential enhancing effects of a mixture of 2 commercial carbohydrase preparations on phytase efficacy. A nonphytate phosphorus (nPP) deficient diet (0.15%) was supplemented with different levels of phytase (0X, 1X, 2X, and 3X of recommended level of 500 phytase units per kg of feed), individually or in combination with different levels of a mixture of 2 commercial carbohydrase enzymes [0X, 1X, and 2X of recommended level (X = 0.2 g per kg of feed; a mix with predominantly xylanase and ß-glucanase activity)] to determine their effects on performance and bone development. A standard response curve was developed using graded levels of nPP (0.15 to 0.45%) from dicalcium phosphate in a diet with no phytase supplementation to estimate the phosphorus equivalency of the different enzyme combinations. Each diet was fed to 6 replicate pens of 5 male chicks from 1 to 18 d of age. Phytase at normal usage levels of 500 phytase units per kg of feed was effective (P < 0.05) in improving BW, increasing feed intake, reducing mortality rate, and increasing toe and tibia ash without significantly influencing feed conversion. Addition of extra levels of phytase (2X and 3X) significantly (P < 0.05) improved toe and tibia ash without further affecting performance traits. The carbohydrase mixture failed to improve performance or enhance phytase efficacy. The phosphorus equivalency of phytase was dose dependent, with estimates of 0.100, 0.123, and 0.213% for 1X, 2X, and 3X supplementation levels of phytase, respectively, based on tibia ash. In conclusion, results indicate that increasing the level of phytase resulted in significant improvements in utilization of dietary nPP, whereas the carbohydrase preparation had no significant effects on performance or had limited effects in enhancing phytase ability in young broiler chicks.

Issues in the management of simple and complex meconium ileus.

INTRODUCTION: Various surgical methods are used to treat meconium ileus (MI), including resection with enterostomy (RES), primary anastomosis (RPA), and purse-string enterotomy with intra-operative lavage (PSI). The aim of this study is to discuss the surgical treatment of MI, based on our experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 41 MI patients treated at our institution between 1984 and 2007, 18 had simple MI and 23 had complex MI. These groups were analyzed according to treatment modality, concentrating on length of hospital stay, complications [peritonitis, septicemia, adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO), and malabsorption/diarrhea], need for additional surgical procedures, mortality. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients with simple MI, 7 (39%) were successfully treated with diluted Gastrografin® enema. The remaining 11 patients were treated surgically: two underwent RPA, of whom one died; five had RES, of whom one developed ASBO; four underwent PSI, of whom two developed peritonitis. In the complex MI group, 14 patients underwent RPA, with peritonitis occurring in three (one died); nine underwent RES, of whom two developed ASBO. CONCLUSION: In patients with simple MI, conservative treatment with diluted Gastrografin® enema is an effective initial treatment in our hands. In case of failure, RES is advisable. Patients with complex MI are candidates for RES. RPA and PSI seem to have higher complication rates.

Effects of supplementation with digestible undegradable protein in late pregnancy on ewe colostrums production and lamb output to weaning.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with digestible undegradable protein (DUP) in diet during late pregnancy on colostrum production, lamb survival and growth. For 3 weeks prior to lambing, 41 Afshari ewes were assigned at random to three dietary treatments, namely a control (CDUP), moderate (MDUP) and high (HDUP) DUP group. The ewes (n = 14) in CDUP group were fed a protein maintenance level for pregnant ewes [83 g metabolizable protein (MP)/kg dry matter (DM)], while ewes in the MDUP (n = 13) and HDUP (n = 14) groups were fed diets provided 14% (94.7 g MP/kg DM) and 24% (104.3 g MP/kg DM) MP in excess of these requirements respectively, which this increment was coming from DUP (DUP/MP ratio 43.8; 51.0% and 57.6% respectively). All diets were isoenergetic (12 MJ ME/kg DM). All ewes received the same lactation diet after lambing. Ewes in HDUP tend to produce more colostrums (p < 0.1) and had higher protein, fat, and solids non-fat content (p < 0.05) in colostrums during the first 24 h after lambing. MDUP group had higher colostrum yield compared to CDUP (p < 0.1). The changes in body weight and body condition score of ewes were similar for all diets but placenta weight was higher in MDUP group (p < 0.05) than for HDUP and CDUP ewes. Lamb body weight at weaning was higher for males compared to females (p < 0.05), but was not different between treatments. HDUP ewes had higher blood glucose concentration in the pre-lambing period than other treatments (p < 0.05). In this period, increasing the level of DUP in diet increased the content of blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.05). It was concluded that increasing the DUP content of diet for 3 weeks prior to lambing above the standard requirements resulted in an increase in colostrums production but had no effect on lamb outcome to weaning.