Effect of adding clove buds powder in feed on performance and jejunum morphology in broiler chickens.

Background: Cloves are aromatic spices containing diverse chemically active substances with biological properties. They have also been used in traditional medicine. Aim: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of clove bud powder (CBP) dietary administration on the performance and jejunum morphology of the broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 360 1-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were distributed according to a completely randomized design on 3 experimental groups according to CBP% in feed (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%), with 6 replicates for each treatment group. The studied traits included body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality%, European broiler index (EBI), villus height, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratio. Results: The broilers final body weight, daily weight gain, and daily feed consumption reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in groups consuming different percentages of CBP, and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio was noted in the CBP groups. Adding CBP to feed caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the EBI. However, CBP increased (p ≤ 0.01) villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio (h/c ratio) compared to the control group. On the other hand, the results showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between treatment groups in mortality% and crypt depth. Conclusion: This study concluded that the addition of CBP had a negative effect on daily feed consumption, daily body weight gain, final body weight, feed conversion ratio, and EBI at a dose used in this study. But it improved intestinal morphology.

Outcomes of a low-osmolar water-soluble contrast pathway in small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Adhesive small-bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical condition accounting for a significant proportion of acute surgical admissions and surgeries. The implementation of a high-osmolar water-soluble contrast challenge has repeatedly been shown to reduce hospital length of stay and possibly the need for surgery in SBO patients. The effect of low-osmolar water-soluble contrast challenge however, is unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of an SBO pathway including a low-osmolar water-soluble contrast challenge. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients admitted for SBO were placed on an evidence-based SBO pathway including low-osmolar water-soluble contrast between January 2017 and October 2018 and were compared with a historical cohort of patients prior to the implementation of the pathway from September 2013 through December 2014. The primary outcome was length of stay less than 4 days with a secondary outcome of failure of nonoperative management. RESULTS: There were 140 patients enrolled in the SBO pathway during the study period and 101 historic controls. The SBO pathway was independently associated with a length of stay less than 4 days (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.00). Median length of stay for patients that were successfully managed nonoperatively was lower in the SBO pathway cohort compared with controls (3 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.04). Rates of readmission, surgery, and bowel resection were not significantly different between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an SBO pathway using a low-osmolarity contrast is associated with decreased hospital length of stay. Rates of readmission, surgery, and need for bowel resection for those undergoing surgery were unchanged. An SBO pathway utilizing low-osmolarity water-soluble contrast is safe and effective in reducing length of stay in the nonoperative management of adhesive small-bowel obstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.