Effect of low protein diets supplemented with free amino acids on growth performance, slaughter yield, litter quality, and footpad lesions of male broilers.

A study with 884 Ross 308 male broilers, housed in 68 floor pens (0.75 m2) from 0 to 35 days of age was conducted to evaluate the effects of low crude protein (CP) diets, with partial replacement of soybean meal by free amino acids (AA), on performance, slaughter yields, litter quality and footpad lesions. During the first 11 d, all broilers received the same control starter diet (216 g/kg CP, 11.5 g/kg apparent fecal digestible (AFD) lysine, and 2900 kcal/kg AMEn). Thereafter, four experimental feeding programs with different levels of dietary CP (control and control with 1% (CP-1%), 2% (CP-2%) and 3% (CP-3%) less CP units) were provided in both the grower and finisher phase. In the control grower and finisher diet, the CP content was 208 and 198 g/kg, respectively. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the recommendations concerning AFD AA, and to be iso-caloric within each feeding phase. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum intake during the entire experimental period. None of the low CP feeding programs affected body weight gain, feed intake or mortality from 0 to 35 d. However, CP conversion was improved with the reduction of CP content of the diet. Broilers fed the CP-2% or CP-3% feeding program had an improved feed conversion ratio. Broilers fed the low CP protein feeding programs had a better litter quality and less footpad lesions, compared to broilers fed the control feeding program. Broilers fed the CP-3% feeding program had a lower breast meat yield than broilers fed the control feeding program. Slaughter yields of broilers fed CP-1% or CP-2% feeding program did not differ from the control feeding program. This study demonstrated that the CP content of grower and finisher diets can be reduced by 2.2-2.3% units without adverse effects on growth performance of broilers, while CP reduction seems promising to reduce nitrogen excretion from broiler houses, improve bird welfare, and reduces dependence on vegetable protein sources.

Case-control study of mineral concentrations of hoof horn tissue derived from feedlot cattle with toe tip necrosis syndrome (toe necrosis).

This study determined whether mineral concentrations in the hooves of cattle with toe tip necrosis syndrome (cases) differed from those of cattle dying of all other causes (controls). Samples were collected over a 2-year period from 16 different feedlots and analyzed for 8 minerals [cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)]. Mineral concentrations in the hoof wall and solar horn of the same hoof were poorly correlated; Se was the most correlated (ρ = 0.865; P < 0.001), while Mg (ρ = 0.465; P < 0.001) and Zn (ρ = 0.157; P = 0.053) were the least correlated. The cases had significantly lower Mg concentrations in both the hoof wall and solar horn tissue compared to the control subjects. For every 10 ppm decrease in Mg, the odds of a diagnosis of toe tip necrosis syndrome (TTNS) increased by 1.13 times for the hoof wall (P = 0.002) and 1.21 times for solar horn (P < 0.001).

Étude cas-témoin des concentrations de minéraux dans les tissus de la corne des sabots provenant de bovins en parc d'engraissement atteints du syndrome de nécrose du bout de l'onglon (nécrose de l'onglon). Cette étude a déterminé si les concentrations de minéraux dans les sabots des bovins atteints du syndrome de la nécrose du bout de l'onglon (cas) différaient de celles des bovins qui mouraient de toutes les autres causes (témoins). Des échantillons ont été prélevés pendant une période de 2 ans dans 16 parcs d'engraissement différents et analysés pour déceler la présence de 8 minéraux (cobalt [Co], cuivre [Cu], fer [Fe], magnésium [Mg], manganèse [Mn], molybdène [Mo], sélénium [Se] et zinc [Zn]). Il y avait une faible corrélation entre les concentrations des minéraux dans la paroi du sabot et la corne du même sabot. Le Se était le minéral avec la plus grande corrélation (ρ = 0,865; P < 0,001), tandis que le Mg (ρ = 0,465; P < 0,001) et le Zn (ρ = 0,157; P = 0,053) avaient la plus faible corrélation. Les cas présentaient des concentrations de Mg significativement inférieures dans la paroi du sabot et les tissus de la corne comparativement aux sujets témoins. Pour chaque diminution de 10 ppm en Mg, la probabilité d'un diagnostic du syndrome de nécrose du bout de l'onglon augmentait de 1,13 fois pour la paroi du sabot (P = 0,002) et de 1,21 fois pour la corne (P < 0,001).(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Photodynamic therapy for pododermatitis in penguins.

Pododermatitis is currently one of most frequent and important clinical complications in seabirds kept in captivity or in rehabilitation centers. In this study, five Magellanic penguins with previous pododermatitis lesions on their footpad were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). All PDT treated lesions successfully regressed and no recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up period. PDT seems to be an inexpensive and effective alternative treatment for pododermatitis in Magellanic penguins encouraging further research on this topic.

Tumoral calcinosis form of hydroxyapatite deposition disease in related red-bellied short-necked turtles, Emydura subglobosa.

Ten of 12 red-bellied short-necked turtles from a single clutch presented at 9 months of age with multiple white to tan nodules on their feet. Histologically, the nodules were composed of large periarticular deposits of mineralized crystalline material that extended into the joint spaces of interphalangeal joints and was surrounded by granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis. Crystallographic analysis determined the material to be apatite (calcium phosphate hydroxide) consistent with the tumoral calcinosis form of hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD). HADD has previously been described in aquatic turtles and rarely lizards and must be differentiated from gout in reptiles. A cause for the tumoral calcinosis lesions in these turtles could not be determined; however, based on previous reports in this species, a species-specific predilection, in conjunction with unknown environmental factors, is suspected. The use of the terms HADD, pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease), and calcinosis circumscripta has been inconsistent, creating confusion in the literature.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of total flavone of Cunninghamia lanceolata.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of total flavone of branches and leaves of Cunninghamia lanceolata (TFC) to provide a scientific basis for its clinical use and resource development. TFC was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in mice or rats using chemical and thermal models of nociception, including acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate latency test, formalin test and carrageenan induced paw oedema test. Results showed that TFC given orally can significantly attenuate acetic acid-induced writhing in mice in a dose-dependent manner. In the hot plate latency test, TFC showed common activity in prolonging duration time only at the highest dose (400 mg/kg). Each dose of TFC could not significantly inhibit the first phase but was active in the later phase of formalin-induced pain, whereas morphine showed notable activity in the two phases. In the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model, TFC could significantly and dose-dependently reduce the carrageenan-induced paw edema at the third and fifth hour, and decrease the content of PEG(2) in paw edema tissue and that of COX-2 in blood serum. It may be concluded that TFC showed both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, showing that it can be of importance in drug development, especially in the field of pain and inflammation.

Detection of calprotectin and apoptotic activity within the equine colon from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis.

The black walnut extract (BWE) model of equine laminitis is associated with a systemic inflammatory response manifest by increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs and liver as well as the laminae. The specific role of the gastrointestinal tract in development of this response is unclear and is of utmost importance, as gastrointestinal disease and laminitis are intimately related. We investigated calprotectin expression and epithelial and endothelial apoptosis in the colon of horses exposed to orally administered BWE. Sections of colon from 19 horses including 7 controls not exposed to BWE, 6 horses at the developmental time-point of leukopenia (DTP) and 6 at the onset of Obel grade 1 laminitis (LAM) after BWE-administration were histologically examined. Immunohistochemical evaluation for calprotectin expression with MAC 387 antibody was performed along with assessment of epithelial and endothelial apoptosis with caspase-3 active antibody. Calprotectin expression and percentage of apoptotic cells were compared between controls and the two treatment groups and presence of a correlation between calprotectin expression and apoptosis was evaluated. Histological findings from BWE-treated horses included eosinophil and lymphocyte epitheliotropism. The DTP group had a higher (p<0.01) calprotectin score with respect to the control group, while there was no significant difference in percentage of epithelial and endothelial apoptotic cells between groups (p=0.08 and p=0.48 respectively). No significant correlation was found between calprotectin score and epithelial or endothelial apoptosis (p=0.69 and p=0.29 respectively). There is preliminary evidence that exposure of horses to BWE results in an early inflammatory response in the colon. Further studies are needed to characterize the nature of the colonic injury in BWE-exposed horses and the link to the development of laminitis.

Presence of mononuclear cells in normal and affected laminae from the black walnut extract model of laminitis.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is increasing evidence of involvement of inflammatory cells in acute laminitis. OBJECTIVE: To immunolocalise monocytes/macrophages and B and T lymphocytes in the laminar tissue of normal horses and those with black walnut extract (BWE)-induced laminitis. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used in archived laminar tissue samples from 20 horses divided equally into 4 groups: control animals (CON), and those administered BWE at 1.5 h (1.5H DTP group), at the onset of leucopenia (3H DTP group) and at the onset of lameness (LAM group). Antibodies against CD3, CD20 and CD163 were used to recognise lymphocytes (T and B) and monocytes/macrophages, respectively. RESULTS: Mononuclear cells were present in laminar tissue of normal horses. The majority of CD3- and CD20-positive lymphocytes were localised around the deep dermal vessels but were also evident around vessels of the primary dermal laminae. CD163-positive macrophages were primarily perivascular in deep dermis or in dermal laminae. No changes in the number of laminar B or T lymphocytes occurred at any time point post BWE administration. However, increases (P=0.0016) in laminar CD163-positive cells occurred in the secondary dermal laminae (SDL) in the 1.5H DTP and 3H DTP groups, returning to basal values in LAM group. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphocyte and macrophage populations are present in the laminar tissue of clinically normal horses and BWE administration induces an increase in CD163-positive macrophages in SDL. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Both the host tissue population of mononuclear cells and the influx of monocytes may play an important role in the pathophysiological changes leading to laminar injury.

Acute laminitis: medical and supportive therapy.

Acute laminitis is a serious complication of many primary conditions in the horse. This article summarizes the most appropriate approach to management of the horse with acute laminitis, based on current information.

Effect of biotin supplementation on hoof health and ceramide composition in dairy cattle.

The effect of biotin supplementation on various foot lesions and hoof ceramide composition of toe (wall) and sole portions of hooves was studied in crossbred dairy cattle. Biotin supplementation was done for five months in 14 cattle at a farm and the other 14 animals kept as control. A significant decline was observed in heel erosions and sole avulsions along with total disappearance of white line fissures and double soles in the biotin supplemented cattle resulting in decrease in the overall disease score. Thin layer chromatographs of the hoof lipids revealed 11 types of ceramides in sole lipids and 6 types of ceramides in toe (wall) lipids. The ceramides were typed and identified according to their Rf values. A qualitative increase in the density of thin layer chromatographs of sole lipids was observed in biotin supplemented cattle whereas a non-significant difference in density of thin layer chromatographs of toe lipids was observed after supplementation of biotin.

Anti-inflammatory effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with two different red wavelengths (660 nm and 684 nm) in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema.

It has been suggested that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can modulate inflammatory processes. The aim of this experiment was to investigate what effects red laser irradiation with two different wavelengths (660 nm and 684 nm) on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and histology. Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. One group received a sterile saline injection, while inflammation was induced by a sub-plantar injection of carrageenan (1 mg/paw) in the three other groups. After 1 h, LLLT was administered to the paw in two of the carrageenan-injected groups. Continuous wave 660 nm and 684 nm red lasers respectively with mean optical outputs of 30 mW and doses of 7.5 J/cm(2) were used. The 660 nm and 684 nm laser groups developed significantly (p<0.01) less edema (0.58 ml [SE+/-0.17] ml and 0.76 ml [SE+/-0.10] respectively) than the control group (1.67 ml [SE+/-0.19]) at 4h after injections. Similarly, both laser groups showed a significantly lower number of inflammatory cells in the muscular and conjunctive sub-plantar tissues than the control group. We conclude that both 660 nm and 684 nm red wavelengths of LLLT are effective in reducing edema formation and inflammatory cell migration when a dose of 7.5 J/cm(2) is used.

Second-toe length and forefoot disorders in ballet and folk dancers.

BACKGROUND: Although there is no ideal foot type for classical dancers, second-toe length seems to be a factor in the etiology of foot disorders in ballet dancers. METHODS: We investigated the relationship between second-toe length and foot disorders in 30 ballet dance students and 25 folk dance students. Second-toe length in relation to the hallux (longer or equal/shorter), hallux deformities, first metatarsophalangeal joint inflammation, number of callosities, and daily pain scores were recorded in both groups and compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in toe length between the two groups (P>.05). Ballet dancers with equal-length or shorter second toes had lower pain scores, less first metatarsophalangeal joint inflammation, and fewer callosities in their feet compared with dancers with longer second toes. CONCLUSIONS: Second-toe length seems to be a factor in the development of forefoot disorders in classical ballet dancers but not folk dancers. Dancers who have equal-length or shorter second toes in relation to the hallux may have fewer forefoot disorders as dance professionals.

Black walnut extract-induced laminitis in horses is associated with heterogeneous dysfunction of the laminar microvasculature.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine laminitis purportedly involves haemodynamic dysfunction at the level of the laminar vasculature. However, to date, no studies have been performed characterising the function of laminar arteries and veins during the prodromal stages of equine laminitis. HYPOTHESIS: That the prodromal stages of laminitis are associated with contractile dysfunction of the equine laminar vasculature. OBJECTIVE: To assess contractile function of laminar arteries and veins to phenylephrine (PE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). METHODS: Horses were administered black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE) or water (control horses) via nasogastric intubation. After euthanasia, laminar vessels (100-800 microm internal diameter) were isolated and mounted on small vessel myographs to assess contractile function. RESULTS: Contractile responses to PE or 5-HT were identical in laminar arteries isolated from either control horses or those administered BWHE. In contrast, responses to PE or 5-HT were significantly reduced in laminar veins isolated from BWHE-administered horses when compared with laminar veins isolated from control horses. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These results are consistent with the prodromal stages of laminitis being associated with selective dysfunction of laminar veins. Further studies are required to discern the precise nature of this dysfunction and its potential relevance to the pathogenesis of acute laminitis in the horse and possible therapeutic targets for treatment.

Glucocorticoid-induced laminitis with hepatopathy in a Thoroughbred filly.

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly was referred to the Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association for evaluation of hematuria, inappetite, weight loss and depression. From 25 days prior to admission, the horse was treated for right carpal lameness with 20 mg intramuscular administration of triamcinolone acetonide per day for consecutive 10 days by a local veterinarian. Clinical and laboratory findings included vaginal hyperemia, flare in bladder wall, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, polyuria, polydipsia and laminitis in the end. High activities of aspartate transaminase and gamma glutamyltransferase and high concentration of total bilirubin indicated hepatopathy. Further hematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis did not reveal any abnormalities. Medical history, physical and clinicopathologic findings suggest that the laminitis and hepatopathy in this horse were most likely induced by repeated administration of exogenous corticosteroid. However, guarded prognosis of treating laminitis undermined the benefit of improvement of hematuria following electroacupuncture stimulation. The combined stimulation of kidney related acupoints (Shen Peng, Shen Shu), lumber related acupoints (Yao Qian, Yao Zhong) and associate acupoints (Guan Yuan Shu, Bai Hui) at 5Hz, 1-2V, for 40 minutes was of value in the treatment of hematuria. This case shows that horses under steroids may exhibit laminitis and steroid hepatopathy. Early recognition and good management of laminitis are important in the limitation of complications.

[Studies on anti-inflammatory and immunologic enhancement of kangning granules].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Kangning granules on inflammatory and immunology. METHOD: Pedal swelling induced by 1% agar in mice, dermal capillary hyper-permeability induced by histamine in rats were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory of Kangning granules, and the clearance rate of intravenous charcoal particles was used to study its effect on non-specific immunologic functions. Serum haemolysin level and the number of antibody secretory cells in spleen were determined to assess its effects of specific immunologic functions. MTT colored method was used to determine the effect of Kangning granules on T- or B-Lymphocytes proliferation. RESULT: 5, 10, 20 g x kg(-1) of Kangning Granules significantly inhibited pedal swelling induced by agar in mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). 2.4, 4.8, 9.6 g x kg(-1) of Kangning Granules evidently decreased dermal capillary hyper-permeability induced by histamine in rats (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). 10, 20 g x kg(-1) of Kangning Granules enhanced the phagocytic function and phagocytosing velocity in mice (P < 0.05). 5, 10, 20 g x kg(-1) of Kangning Granules obviously increased serum haemolysin level and the number of antibody secretory cells in spleen (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). 20 g x kg(-1) of Kangning Granules promoted B-Lymphocytes proliferation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kangning granules significantly inhibited inflammatory reaction and increase immune functions in animals.