The Effect of Lactobacillus sakei on Growth Performance and Intestinal Health in Dogs: Gut Microbiota and Metabolism Study.

The gut microbiota is the largest and most complex ecosystem consisting of trillions of microorganisms, which influenced by various external factors. As an important probiotic species, Lactobacillus helps to improve gut microbial diversity and composition, underlying potential efficacy in growth performance and disease prevention. However, limited studies have been investigated the relationship between Lactobacillus sakei and intestinal health in dogs. In this study, dogs in the two groups were fed a standard diet (group C, n = 8) and Lactobacillus sakei diet (group P, n = 8), respectively. The growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, gut microbiota, and metabolism of dogs in both groups were studied. Results from growth trials showed that L. sakei can significantly improve the growth performance of dogs, including increased weight gain (p < 0.05), serum biochemical indices, i.e., ALP, TP, and ALB (p < 0.05), and better antioxidant capacity, i.e., SOD and GSH-Px (p < 0.05). Significant changes in the gut microbial composition were detected in dogs fed Lactobacillus sakei, as evidenced by an increase in the level of Firmicutes, Spirochaetota, and Patescibacteria, all of them play an important role in maintaining intestinal health. Moreover, a decrease in the level of microorganisms that threaten health, such as Mucispirillum and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13. The metabolic analysis showed that the Lactobacillus sakei enhanced metabolic pathways such as vitamin B6 metabolism, glutathione metabolism, retinol metabolism, and fatty acid degradation. Our findings suggested that Lactobacillus sakei supplementation had beneficial effects on the growth performance and health status of dogs by improving gut microbiota balance and promoting metabolism. There are an estimated 200 million dogs in China, and the population is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. It is essential to explore an effective way to promote health in dogs. Intestinal diseases, particularly colitis and diarrhea, are common clinical conditions in dogs and are associated with gut microbiota. Lactobacillus sakei, as an important species of probiotics, the relationship between L. sakei and intestinal health in dogs remains unclear. Our study suggests that L. sakei significantly promotes growth performance and health states involving weight gain, regulation of gut microbiota, and metabolism. Overall, our findings shed light on the potential role of L. sakei as an alternative in promoting health in dogs.

An Updated Review on Efficiency of Penthorum chinense Pursh in Traditional Uses, Toxicology, and Clinical Trials.

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) play an important role in the control and treatment of several animal diseases. Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) is a famous plant for its use in traditional medication practice and therapeutic effects in numerous pathological conditions. In China, PCP is utilized for both food and medication due to numerous bioactivities. PCP is widely administered in prevention and treatment of traumatic injury, edema, and liver diseases with functions of reducing swelling, support diuresis, blood stasis, and mitigation symptoms of excessive alcohol intake. Recently, PCP highlighted for research trials in various fields including pharmacology, pharmacognosy, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals due to medicinal significance with less toxicity and an effective ethnomedicine in veterinary practice. PCP contains diverse important ingredients such as flavonoids, organic acids, coumarins, lignans, polyphenols, and sterols that are important bioactive constituents of PCP exerting the therapeutic benefits and organ-protecting effects. In veterinary, PCP extract, compound, and phytochemicals/biomolecules significantly reversed the liver and kidney injuries, via antioxidation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial signaling pathways, and related genes. PCP water extract and compounds also proved in animal and humans' clinical trial for their hepatoprotective, antiaging, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiapoptotic, immune regulation, and antioxidative stress pathways. This updated review spotlighted the current information on efficiency and application of PCP by compiling and reviewing recent publications on animal research. In addition, this review discussed the toxicology, traditional use, comparative, and clinical application of PCP in veterinary practices to authenticate and find out new perspectives on the research and development of this herbal medicine.

Effect of early feeding of L-arginine and L-threonine on hatchability and post-hatch performance of broiler chicken.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding (IOF) of L-arginine (Arg) and L-threonine (Thr) in the broiler. For this purpose, 500 embryonated eggs were randomly allocated into five treatment groups of four replicates 25 eggs/replicate. The five treatments were arranged as (1) non-injected control, (2) 0.75% NaCl injected group, (3) 25 mg/egg Arg 4) 25 mg/egg Thr, and (5) Arg + Thr25 mg/egg. On the 17th day of incubation, 0.5 ml of treatment solution was injected into the amniotic fluid of all treatment groups. The result showed that the supplementation group of Arg + Thr significantly (P < 0.05) improved the hatchability, post-hatch growth performance, organ weight, and organ development in compression to sham control and other treatment groups. The antibiotic titer of NDV was improved in Arg + Thr group. Moreover, hematological indices were improved significantly in Arg + Thr group. The plasma concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were noted to decrease in Arg + Thr group. Histopathological investigation revealed that IOF of Arg + Thr increased the villi length and crypt depth of the intestine. Conclusively, the IOF Arg and Thr could be an effective way to optimize the health and productive performance of broilers.

Screening of Proliferation-Related Genes and Pathological Changes in Thiram-Induced Tibial Dyschondroplasia.

Materials and Methods: Three hundred sixty (n = 360) broiler chickens were equally divided into control (C) and thiram (T) groups. Furthermore, the C and T groups were dividedinto 8-, 9-, 11-, and 13-day-old chickens. Results: Clinically, it was observed that broiler chickens of group T had abnormal posture, gait, and lameness, and histopathological results revealed dead and abnormal chondrocytes of T group on day 6. Real-time qPCR results showed that HDAC1, MTA1, H4, and PCNA genes were significantly expressed (P < 0.05). HDAC1 was upregulated on days 1, 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.01); MTA1 was upregulated on days 1 and 2 (P < 0.01); H4 was upregulated on days 2 and 4 (P < 0.01), and PCNA was downregulated on days 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, IHC results of HDAC1 protein were significantly (P < 0.01) expressed in proliferative zone of day 1 and hypertrophic zone of day 6. MTA1 protein was significantly (P < 0.01) expressed on days 1, 2, and 6 in all zones, except prehypertrophic zone of day 2. Conclusion: In conclusion, the mRNA expressions of HDAC1, MTA1, H4, and PCNA were differentially expressed in the chondrocytes of thiram-induced TD chickens. HDAC1 and MTA1 protein expression found involved and responsible in the abnormal chondrocytes' proliferation of broiler chicken.

Penthorum Chinense Pursh Extract Alleviates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Injury and Oxidative Stress Through Mitochondrial Pathways in Broilers.

Aflatoxin is an important toxicant of the fungal origin and poses a threat to the poultry industry. This study was designed to reveal the underlying mechanism and protective methods against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced liver injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis using a Traditional Chinese medicine, Penthorum chinense Pursh extract (PCPE), in broilers. A total of 164 (day-old) broilers were equally allocated to the control, AFB1 (3 mg/kg feed), positive drug (Yin-Chen-Hao Tang extract, 10 ml/kg feed), PCPE (2 g PCPE/kg), and PCPE low, medium, and high dose groups (1 g, 2 g, 3 g PCPE/kg feed, respectively). AFB1 significantly decreased the growth performance and serum immunoglobulin level, altered normal serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant activities, and induced histopathological lesions in the liver as compared to control group. Additionally, AFB1 significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes such as Bax, Bak, caspase-9, caspase-3, and p53, whereas it down-regulated the expression levels of BCL2 in the liver of broilers. The supplementation of different doses of PCPE to AFB1-affected birds significantly eased AFB1 negative effects by improving growth performance, immunoglobulin level, and oxidative capacity, and reversed oxidative stress and pathological lesions in liver. Furthermore, supplementation of PCPE to the AFB1 group reversed apoptosis by significantly down-regulating the mRNA expression levels of Bax, Bak, caspase-9, caspase-3, and p53 and up-regulating the expression levels of BCL2 in the liver of broilers. Based on these results, we conclude that supplementation of PCPE is protective and safe against oxidative stress, is anti-apoptotic, and reverses the liver damage caused by AFB1 in broilers.

Yucca schidigera can mitigate ammonia emissions from manure and promote poultry health and production.

Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera) is widely grown in the deserts. This herb is commercially used because it is rich in saponins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant effect. Y. schidigera or its derivatives are included as nontoxic food supplements, in cosmetics, and in the pharmaceutical industry. Saponins originated from Y. schidigera have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulatory, growth promoter, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic effects. To date, the key role of Y. schidigera or its products in animal nutrition is to reduce the ammonia content in the atmosphere and fecal odor in poultry excreta. Mitigating ammonia by using this plant could be achieved by the modification of gut microbiota, enhancement in digestion, and absorption of nutrients, leading to a better growth and production performance of animals and poultry. Various methods were applied to mitigate the emission of odor from the litter by different strategies including biofilters, litter treatments, air scrubbers, neutralizing agents, windbreak walls, etc., but these techniques are expensive. This article provides a new insight to scientists and poultry breeders to use Y. schidigera plant or its products as inexpensive and safe sources of a feed supplement to overcome the ammonia and fecal odor problems, as well as reduce environmental pollution in poultry houses.

Use of quercetin in animal feed: effects on the P-gp expression and pharmacokinetics of orally administrated enrofloxacin in chicken.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by Mdr1) by xenobiotics plays central role in pharmacokinetics of various drugs. Quercetin has a potential to modulate P-gp in rodents, however, its effects on P-gp modulation in chicken are still unclear. Herein, study reports role of quercetin in modulation of P-gp expression and subsequent effects on the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in broilers. Results show that P-gp expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner following exposure to quercetin in Caco-2 cells and tissues of chicken. Absorption rate constant and apparent permeability coefficient of rhodamine 123 were decreased, reflecting efflux function of P-gp in chicken intestine increased by quercetin. Quercetin altered pharmacokinetic of enrofloxacin by decreasing area under curve, peak concentration, and time to reach peak concentration and by increasing clearance rate. Molecular docking shows quercetin can form favorable interactions with binding pocket of chicken xenobiotic receptor (CXR). Results provide convincing evidence that quercetin induced P-gp expression in tissues by possible interaction with CXR, and consequently reducing bioavailability of orally administered enrofloxacin through restricting its intestinal absorption and liver/kidney clearance in broilers. The results can be further extended to guide reasonable use of quercetin to avoid drug-feed interaction occurred with co-administered enrofloxacin or other similar antimicrobials.

Ivermection-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: preparation, characterisation, stability and transdermal behaviour.

To avoid potential systematical toxicity, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared as a vehicle for transdermal delivery of ivermectin (IVM) using hot homogenisation followed by ultrasonic method. The as-prepared SLNs were approximately spherical shape with good stability. IVM was encapsulated in amorphous form within SLNs and displayed prolonged release from SLNs without burst release due to high encapsulation efficiency (EE). The cumulative permeation of IVM across excised rat skin from SLNs was significantly increased compared to the ivermection suspension. These results indicated that the proposed SLNs can be considered as an efficient carrier for dermal delivery of IVM to effectively treat scabies.

Epidemiological study of tick infestation in buffalo of various regions of district Khairpur, Pakistan.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological infestation and identification of Ixodidae and Argasidae ticks species in buffalo of different parts of district Khairpur, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 720 Water buffaloes from three tehsils (subdivisions) were selected randomly and examined from organized and unorganized dairy farms for tick infestation in district Khairpur, Pakistan. This epidemiological survey was conducted during April to September 2015. RESULTS: The overall mean population and preferred site of tick attachment to infested animals, in Gambat, Sobhodero, and Kot Diji tehsils, were observed on different body parts. The primary body area of infestation by ticks (head, thorax, abdomen, udder, and tail) ranged from highest in tail and udder part compared to lowest in the abdomen, head, and thorax. In all study areas, the infestation was higher (p<0.05) in tail and udder than other parts of the body. In all the study areas, the overall highest population was found in the month of July. In addition, we first time identify four new species of ticks (Hyalomma anatolicum, H. anatolicum excavatum, Hyalomma Ixodes excavatum, and Ixodes ricinus) in district Khairpur, Pakistan. CONCLUSION: Results of this study provide additional information of epidemiological tick infestation, and will be helpful for evolving effective control policy for the management of tick infestation in study district.

Effect of various levels of date palm kernel on growth performance of broilers.

AIM: The aim of this study was the assessment of various levels of date palm kernel (DPK) on the growth performance of broilers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 250-day-old broiler chicks were randomly selected and categorized into five groups (50 chicks/group) contained A (control), B, C, D and E fed with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% levels of DPK in balanced ration, respectively, for 6 weeks. Feed and water intake were recorded daily in the morning and evening. The data for feed intake, water intake, live body weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded from all birds regularly. The carcass weight and percentage obtained via six slaughtered birds were randomly selected from each group. Finally, economic aspects of the rations evaluated. RESULTS: The most feed intakes of broilers were recorded in Group A (3915.1 g) that was significantly higher than Groups D and E. The highest water intake was in Group E (9067.78 ml) that was significantly higher than Group A and control group. Live body weight was highest in Group E (979.85 g) than Groups B, C, and control group. The best growth weights were determined significantly in Groups D (1921.96 g) and E (1935.95 g). The lowest FCRs were indicated significantly in Groups D (1.97 g/g) and E (1.92 g/g) than Groups B and A. The highest carcass weights were recorded in Groups D (1214.01 g) and E (1230.88 g) that were significantly more than other groups. Dressing percentages in Groups D (61.76%) and E (62.17%) were higher than other groups (p<0.05). The net profits (Rs.) in Groups A, B, C, D and E were indicated 27.01, 32.77, 36.78, 43.47 and 44.51 per broiler, respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the high levels of DPK (3-4%) significantly decreased broiler feed intake and increased water intake, live body weight, growth weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, net profit per bird and also had positive effects on growth of broilers.

Impact of therapeutic and high doses of florfenicol on kidney and liver functional indicators in goat.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of therapeutic and high doses of florfenicol on kidney and liver functional indicators in goat species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six mature, healthy goats (combine breed and sex) with average weight 25 kg were selected for this study. The therapeutic (20 mg/kg b.w.) and high doses (40 and 60 mg) of florfenicol were administered for 3 days with 24 h interval. Blood samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h following the each administered dose. RESULTS: The results showed that the therapeutic dose of florfenicol produced nonsignificant effect on serum urea, creatinine, total protein (TP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and bilirubin on all timings, and increased (p<0.05) the serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels for 48 h. Whereas the high doses of florfenicol (40 and 60 mg) significantly altered the kidney and liver functional indicators in the blood. In contrast with control, the serum urea level was (p<0.01) increased at all timing points. Creatinine values were altered (p<0.01, <0.05) in increasing manner from 24 to 96 h. The high dose of 40 mg decreased the TP (p<0.05) for 72 h and 60 mg persisted same effect (p<0.01) up to 120 h. The indices of ALP, GGT, SGOT, and SGPT were raised (p<0.01, <0.05) at all timings. The bilirubin indexes also (p<0.05) elevated from 48 to 72. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the high doses of florfenicol produced reversible dose-dependent effects on functional indicators of kidney and liver such as urea, creatinine, TP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT, GGT, and bilirubin.

Abcb1 in Pigs: Molecular cloning, tissues distribution, functional analysis, and its effect on pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is one of the best-known ATP-dependent efflux transporters, contributing to differences in pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions. Until now, studies on pig P-gp have been scarce. In our studies, the full-length porcine P-gp cDNA was cloned and expressed in a Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line. P-gp expression was then determined in tissues and its role in the pharmacokinetics of oral enrofloxacin in pigs was studied. The coding region of pig Abcb1 gene was 3,861 bp, encoding 1,286 amino acid residues (Mw = 141,966). Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between porcine P-gp and those of cow and sheep. Pig P-gp was successfully stably overexpressed in MDCK cells and had efflux activity for rhodamine 123, a substrate of P-gp. Tissue distribution analysis indicated that P-gp was highly expressed in brain capillaries, small intestine, and liver. In MDCK-pAbcb1 cells, enrofloxacin was transported by P-gp with net efflux ratio of 2.48 and the efflux function was blocked by P-gp inhibitor verapamil. High expression of P-gp in the small intestine could modify the pharmacokinetics of orally administrated enrofloxacin by increasing the Cmax, AUC and Ka, which was demonstrated using verapamil, an inhibitor of P-gp.