Molecular detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in different poultry breeds of Abbottabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan / Detecção molecular de Mycoplasma gallisepticum em diferentes raças de aves de Abbottabad e Rawalpindi, Paquistão

The poultry sector in Pakistan is contributing mainly in bridging gap between demand and supply for protein. Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an emerging bacterium causing serious problems in poultry industry of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the M. gallisepticum load in poultry populated regions of Pakistan. Total 600 serum and 600 swab samples were collected, 200 from each broiler, layers and breeders poultry in Rawalpindi and Abbottabad districts. Serum samples were analyzed through ELISA for seroprevalence. Swabs were cultured on Frey’s medium followed by PCR and partial mgc2 gene sequencing. Results of seroprevalence of M. gallisepticum showed that layers (75%, n=150) are more positive as compared to breeders (70%, n=140) and broilers (50%, n=100). Typical colonies of the M. gallisepticum were observed in breeder (26.5%), followed by layer (21%) and broilers (9%). A total of 37.1% (n=42) samples were identified positive through PCR out of total 113 cultured based positive samples. A total of six M. gallisepticum isolates of current study showed 98-99 percent similarity with previously reported isolates on the basis of mgc2 gene partial sequencing. The M. gallisepticum was found highly prevalent in different poultry breads. Results of this study would add into basic data and provide a direction for livestock sector to strengthen a control strategy for mycoplasmosis in poultry farms.

O setor avícola do Paquistão está contribuindo principalmente para preencher a lacuna entre a demanda e a oferta de proteína. Mycoplasma gallisepticum é uma bactéria emergente que causa sérios problemas na indústria avícola do Paquistão. Um estudo transversal foi conduzido para avaliar a carga de M. gallisepticum em regiões de avicultura do Paquistão. Um total de 600 amostras de soro e 600 amostras de esfregaço foi coletado, 200 de cada frango de corte, poedeiras e aves reprodutoras nos distritos de Rawalpindi e Abbottabad. Amostras de soro foram analisadas por ELISA para soroprevalência. As zaragatoas foram cultivadas em meio Frey, seguido de PCR e sequenciação parcial do gene mgc2. Os resultados da soroprevalência de M. gallisepticum mostraram que as poedeiras (75%, n = 150) são mais positivas em comparação com matrizes (70%, n = 140) e frangos de corte (50%, n = 100). Colônias típicas de M. gallisepticum foram observadas em reprodutoras (26,5%), seguidas de poedeiras (21%) e frangos de corte (9%). Um total de 37,1% (n = 42) das amostras foi identificado como positivas por PCR de um total de 113 amostras positivas baseadas em cultura. Um total de seis isolados de M. gallisepticum do estudo atual mostrou 98-99% de similaridade com isolados relatados anteriormente com base no sequenciamento parcial do gene mgc2. O M. gallisepticum foi encontrado com alta prevalência em diferentes pães de aves. Os resultados deste estudo acrescentariam dados básicos e forneceriam orientação para o setor pecuário fortalecer uma estratégia de controle da micoplasmose em granjas avícolas.

Investigation of reproductive efficiency, growth performance and survival of the southern medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 fed with mammalian and poultry blood.

Medicinal leeches are one of the neglected organisms in animal reproduction studies. In this study, the effects of feeding two different types of blood, mammalian (cattle blood) and poultry (chicken blood), on the reproductive efficiency, growth performance and survival of the southern medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana, were investigated. The type of blood fed did not have a significant effect on the growth performance and survival of leeches, but the leeches fed chicken blood had a 2.5-fold greater performance compared to those fed cattle blood in terms of the gravidity process and reproductive efficiency. The final weight and survival for the cattle group was 10.79 ± 4.80 g and 87% and for the chicken group was 10.12 ± 5.26 g and 85%. Gravidity was initiated in the 7th month in both groups; however, while all gravidities in the leeches fed with chicken blood occurred in 1-month period, the gravidity of the leeches fed cattle blood occurred in a 3-month period. The cocoon efficiencies were 6.67 ± 1.50 cocoons/broodstock and 2.67 ± 3.37 cocoons/broodstock in the chicken and cattle groups, respectively. There were larger cocoons in the chicken compared to the cattle group. The offspring efficiencies were 12.59 ± 4.17 offspring/cocoon and 9.81 ± 3.67 offspring/cocoon in the chicken and cattle groups, respectively. The results of this study indicate poultry blood can be used in the management of broodstock with greater reproductive efficiency in medicinal leech aquaculture.

Development of a sandwich ELISA for determining plasma prolactin concentration in domestic birds.

The present study was conducted to establish a sandwich ELISA for the determination of prolactin (PRL) concentrations in the plasma of domestic fowls. The assay uses a recombinant goose PRL as the reference standard, expressed in a eukaryotic system, and as the antigen for raising a polyclonal antibody in rabbit. This rabbit anti-goose PRL polyclonal antibody was used for coating the wells of the ELISA plate, and its biotinylated form served as the detection antibody. An avidin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase was used to bind the detection antibody and to catalyze the chromogenic reaction using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as the substrate. The assay showed a linear relationship between the optical density and concentration of the standard PRL in the 0 to 12.5 ng/mL range, and the assay was sensitive to a concentration as low as 0.39 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay CVs were <7% and 11%, respectively. The response curves of the serially diluted plasma samples from goose, duck, and chicken exhibited similar parallel relationships to that observed for the reference standards. Consistent with previous findings, the assay effectively detected differences in PRL concentration in plasma samples from chicken, duck, and goose at various reproductive stages.

A minimum requirements method to isolate large quantities of highly purified DNA from one drop of poultry blood.

Here, we describe a rapid, efficient and noncomplicated method for extracting poultry genomic DNA. This simple method obtains excellent qualities of molecular biology grade DNA in a matter of only about 15 min. A straightforward protocol is followed in this extraction procedure, in which, when the blood cells are placed in a distilled water alone, water rapidly disrupts red blood cells (RBCs) membranes and alleviate chickens' undesired high blood viscosity without being aided by any other chemicals. Moreover, the time, cost and efforts were hugely reduced since the step of leukocytes lysis was successfully mixed with the protein precipitation. The isolated genomic DNA, in terms of its quantity and quality, is satisfying and is proved to be suitable for restriction endonucleases digestion, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Thus, instead of extracting a limited amount of DNA using expensive or relatively expensive kits, this guaranteed procedure can be utilized alternatively to accurately extract genomic DNA (gDNA) from minimal starter quantities of the chicken's blood that do not exceed 50 µL. By relying on this technique, all the practical handover steps are reduced to the extreme limits. This pilot study may provide a high yield gDNA extraction that minimizes labour, expense, and steps in very high competency and reproducibility.

Sero-epizootiological investigation of infectious laryngotracheitis infection in commercial poultry of Plateau State, north central Nigeria.

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of chickens with outbreaks resulting in high economic losses due to increased mortality and drop in egg production. This study reports a survey of ILT virus antibody conducted in nine local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau State involving 67 randomly selected commercial poultry flocks. In all, 938 sera were tested using the Agar Gel Immuno-diffusion (AGID) technique. Overall prevalence of 1.2% (N = 11) was recorded. ILT virus antibody was found in 2.5% (n = 9) and 7.1% (n = 2) of the tested sera from Jos South and Langtang North LGAs, respectively. No detectable ILT virus antibody was found from the other seven LGAs. This is the first report of ILT infection in poultry from the North central part of Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the economic implication of ILT infection in Nigerian poultry population be conducted in order to know if vaccination should be adopted for control.

A fabricated electro-spun sensor based on Lake Red C pigments doped into PAN (polyacrylonitrile) nano-fibers for electrochemical detection of Aflatoxin B1 in poultry feed and serum samples.

The aim of this work was to fabricate a novel nano-fiber modified electrode, involving Lake Red C (LRC) pigments doped into electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibrous films. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques were used for electrochemical and morphological characterization of the composite fibers. This sensor responds to Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) over the concentration range of 40-120 nM with high accuracy and precision in analysis. The modified electrode exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic ability (α = 0.42, log K(s) = 4.21 s(-1), and Γ = 1.49 × 10(-5) mmol cm(-2)) for reduction of AFB1 at the optimum pH of 6 and working potential of -0.75 V (vs. SCE). The common substances accompanying AFB1 had no serious interferences on the response of the modified electrode to AFB1. The modified electrode indicated reproducible behavior and a high level stability during the experiments, making it particularly suitable for the analytical determination of AFB1 in poultry feed and serum samples.

Farm animal serum proteomics and impact on human health.

Due to the incompleteness of animal genome sequencing, the analysis and characterization of serum proteomes of most farm animals are still in their infancy, compared to the already well-documented human serum proteome. This review focuses on the implications of the farm animal serum proteomics in order to identify novel biomarkers for animal welfare, early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of infectious disease treatment, and develop new vaccines, aiming at determining the reciprocal benefits for humans and animals.

Torta de mamona não destoxificada na indução da muda forçada em poedeiras comerciais / Non-detoxified castor bean for molt induction in laying hens

Avaliou-se o uso de dietas com diferentes porcentagens de torta de mamona não destoxificada (TM) na indução da muda forçada, sendo utilizadas 120 poedeiras Lohman LSL de 81 semanas, distribuídas ao acaso em quatro tratamentos, com cinco repetições de seis aves. Um dos tratamentos consistiu na indução da muda pelo método do jejum por 11 dias, e os demais no uso de dietas de muda, compostas pela mistura de dieta de postura e TM nas quantidades de 20, 30 e 40 por cento, por até 21 dias ou até quando as aves atingissem 23 por cento de perda do peso. Diferenças significativas foram observadas nos eritrócitos, no hematócrito, na concentração média de hemoglobina globular, na proteína total do plasma, nos leucócitos e na alanina aminotransferase, medidos durante a indução da muda, bem como no desempenho das aves após a muda, no que diz respeito ao consumo de ração, à porcentagem de postura, ao peso do ovo, à massa do ovo e à conversão alimentar. A qualidade dos ovos não variou estatisticamente entre os métodos avaliados. A utilização da dieta de muda forçada contendo 40 por cento de TM promoveu resultados semelhantes aos obtidos com o método do jejum, tanto para consumo de ração, porcentagem de postura, peso do ovo, massa do ovo, e conversão alimentar, como inerentes à qualidade dos ovos, quanto para densidade específica, unidade Haugh, porcentagens de gema, casca e albúmen. No entanto, menores alterações nos valores de eritrócitos, hematócrito e alanina aminotransferase foram observadas nesse método supracitado. O uso da dieta de muda contendo 40 por cento de TM mostrou-se uma alternativa viável ao uso do método do jejum...

We evaluated diets with different percentages of non-detoxified castor bean (TM) in the induction of molt, with 120 Lohman LSL hens at 81 weeks of age being used, randomly allotted to four treatments with five replicates of six birds each. One of the treatments consisted in the induction of changes by the method of fasting for 11 days, and the others used diet switches, composed by mixing posture and TM diet in the amounts of 20, 30 and 40 percent for up to 21 days or until when the birds reach 23 percent weight loss. Significant differences were observed in erythrocytes, hematocrit, mean concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin, total protein in plasma, leukocytes and alanine aminotransferase measured during induction of changes, and the performance of birds after moulting, such as feed intake, percentage of laying, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion. The quality of the eggs did not vary significantly among the methods evaluated. The use of forced molting diet containing 40 percent of TM promoted results similar to those obtained with the method of fasting, both feed intake and the percentage of egg, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion, as inherent quality of eggs, as the specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk percentage, albumen and shell. However, minor changes in the values of erythrocytes, hematocrit and alanine aminotransferase were observed in the method above. The use of diets containing 40 percent change TM proved to be a viable alternative to the use of the fasting method...

Health status of birds fed diets containing three differently processed discarded vegetable-bovine blood-rumen content mixtures.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding three differently processed mixtures on health status of broilers. A total of 1080 day-old Marshal broilers were fed; discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-fresh rumen digesta (P1), discarded vegetable-ensiled bovine blood-fresh rumen digesta (P2) and discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-ensiled rumen digesta (P3) at three levels of inclusion (0, 3 and 6%). Data on blood parameters was taken and were subjected to 3 x 3 factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design. Birds fed P1 had least values (p < 0.05) of serum glucose, total protein, globulin, uric acid and creatinine at starter phase. Birds fed diets containing 3 and 6% level of inclusion recorded the highest (p < 0.05) Packed cell volume, Haemoglobin, White blood cell and Red blood cell values. However, those fed at 0% level of inclusion recorded the highest albumin value. At finisher phase, birds fed P2 and P3 had the highest glucose, uric acid and creatinine values. 6% level of inclusion significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total protein and albumin values. Therefore, for enhanced performance and without comprising the health condition of birds; broiler chickens could be fed diets containing discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-ensiled rumen digesta (P3) up to 6% level of inclusion.

Production of H5-specific monoclonal antibodies and the development of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of H5 antibodies in multiple species.

The hemagglutinin gene of an avian influenza virus (AIV) A/duck/NC/674964/07 (H5N2) was cloned and expressed in a baculovirus system (H5-Bac). In parallel, a recombinant hemagglutinin of A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) was expressed in mammalian cells, purified, and used for generation of H5-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb). The purified H5-Bac was used to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) to detect H5 antibodies in a species-independent approach using one of the established H5-specific MAbs as the competitor antibody. The cELISA performed with influenza antibody-free sera or with sera of animals infected with other than H5-encoding AIV showed no significant inhibition of H5-MAb binding, indicating high test specificity. In contrast, sera of poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks) experimentally infected with H5-encoding AIV were able to significantly inhibit the binding of the MAb in a species-independent approach. Comparison of the results of the cELISA with results obtained by a hemagglutination inhibition assay showed a gradient of the sensitivity (turkeys > ducks > chicken). The described results show that H5-specific antibodies in sera can be detected in a species-independent approach by using a recombinant protein.

Anaerobic co-digestion of poultry blood with OFMSW: FTIR and TG-DTG study of process stabilization.

The potential of anaerobic digestion for the treatment of poultry blood has been evaluated in a co-digestion process. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was employed as the co-substrate to avoid digestion inhibition by dilution of nitrogen content and improvement of biodegradability. A semi-continuous mesophilic anaerobic digester was studied with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 36 days and an organic loading (OLR1) of 1.5 kg VSS feed m(-3) d(-1). The normal operational conditions of the reactor were altered with the application of an OLR2 of 2.0 kg VSS feed m(-3) d(-1) for a short period causing an imbalance in the process. The reduction of the OLR to initial conditions allowed the recovery of the system. The digestion process reached a final specific gas production (SGP) and a methane yield of 0.33 and 0.20 m3 kg(-1) VSS feed, respectively, maintaining low total and free ammonia concentrations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to gain an insight into transformations experimented by the organic matter at the end of the stabilization process. Furthermore, these analytical techniques were used for evaluating the transformations undergone by the nitrogen-rich protein components of blood after digestion. It was proved that a reduction in volatile content and aliphatic structures of biowastes along with an increase in the degree of aromaticity occurred during the digestion process.

A new method for analysis of plasma carotenoids in poultry / Novo método para dosagem de carotenóides plasmáticos em aves domésticas

A study was carried out to evaluate a new quantitative analytical technique for determination of plasma carotenoids in poultry. Plasma carotenoides were extracted and measured from 30 blood samples of male Cobb broilers. The new technique was efficient in detecting plasma carotenoids of chickens and also showed advantages upon those techniques currently in use such as the form of presentation of results, use of a compatible solvent, and the scanning method for reading. The new technique did not increase the cost of the analysis.

Avaliou-se uma nova técnica analítica quantitativa para mensuração do teor de carotenóides plasmáticos em aves domésticas. Para extração e dosagem dos carotenóides plasmático, foram utilizadas 30 amostras de sangue de frangos de corte Cobb. A técnica testada foi capaz de detectar carotenóides no plasma das aves de forma eficiente tendo ainda vantagens sobre as técnicas correntes tais como a forma de apresentação dos resultados, uso de solvente compatível e método de leitura por varredura. A nova técnica não aumentou o custo da análise.

[Operational experience with liquidation of avian flu foci in Zdvinsk of Novosibirsk region].

The operational experience on liquidation of the centers of the avian flu in separate region of Novosibirsk is considered. From 32 settlements in 7 (22%) have been registered the centers of a case of a bird. Despite of undertaken measures under the prevention of distribution of an infection and occurrence of the new centers, during first time the case of a bird proceeded because of proceeding free ride out of poultry on lakes. Carrying out quarantine and actions on mass depopulation of birds appeared effectual measures on liquidation of the foci. Taking into account features of this area (a plenty of lakes) with nesting a wild waterfowl and accepted free ride out for poultry, the conclusion about an opportunity of occurrence and development new epizootia of bird's flu is made during spring-autumn of 2006.

Comparative studies on erythrocyte sialic acid levels in apparently healthy indigenous Nigerian poultry species.

The erythrocyte surface sialic acid levels of 200 apparently healthy indigenous Nigerian poultry species (pigeons, guinea fowls, ducks and chickens, n = 50 for each species) presented for slaughter at a poultry abattoir in Zaria, Nigeria was determined. Other parameters determined were packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma total protein (TP) concentration. The mean erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentration of pigeons, guinea fowls, ducks and chickens were 7.88 +/- 2.51, 14.6 +/- 2.51, 17.6 +/- 2.51 and 14.2 +/- 2.51 mg mg(-1) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentration of all the species of poultry sampled (P < 0.05). The high erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentration in the indigenous Nigerian poultry species could be responsible for their resistance to infectious diseases, whose aetiologic agents produce neuraminidases. The mean PCV of the pigeons, guinea fowls, ducks and chickens were 46.22 +/- 6.91, 38.24 +/- 6.91, 36.50 +/- 6.91 and 36.46 +/- 6.91% respectively. The difference between the mean PCV values of pigeons on the one hand and guinea fowls, ducks and chickens on the other was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A negative correlation (r = -0.36, P < 0.05) between mean erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentrations and PCV was observed, i.e. the birds with the highest mean PCV values had the lowest levels of erythrocyte surface sialic acid. There was no correlation between TP concentration and either erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentration or PCV values. It is suggested, based on this study, that erythrocyte sialic acid types in these species should be determined, as the results may be vital in selective breeding.

Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from humans and animals in Thailand.

We investigated the serotypes, distributions, and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni isolates from humans and animals as a source of infection in poultry between 2002 and 2003. A total of 50 C. jejuni isolates from humans and 29 C. jejuni isolates from poultry were studied for serotype using the Penner serotyping scheme and the drug susceptibilities of the isolates which were determined for 7 antimicrobial drugs using the disk diffusion method. Serotype B (10%), serotype E (8%) and serotype R (8%) were found in humans isolates, while serotype A (27%) was most freguently isolated from poultry, followed by serotype K (21%) and serotype C (13%). Resistance in human isolates to cephalothin was high (100%). Resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid were observed in 90, 82 and 78% of isolates, respectively. Most of the isolates (88%) were susceptible to erythromycin. High levels of resistance to drugs (ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid) were observed in the isolates from poultry. These results indicate the importance of poultry as a reservoir of C. jejuni infection in Thailand is limited. In addition, a high proportion of the isolates were resistant to antimicrobial drugs, particularly the quinolone group.

Haemato-biochemical and immuno-pathophysiological effects of chronic toxicity with synthetic pyrethroid, organophosphate and chlorinated pesticides in broiler chicks.

Haemato- biochemical and immuno-pathophysiological changes following feeding of broiler chicks with 20 ppm fenvalerate (synthetic pyrethroid, SP), 2 ppm monocrotophos (organophosphate, OP) and 2 ppm endosulfan (chlorinated hydrocarbon, CH) were studied. Four groups of broiler birds (30 each) were fed poultry mash without (control) or mixed with pesticides for 8 weeks. Blood glucose, serum globulin and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity level were decreased (P<0.01) in all treated groups compared to control, but not the serum albumin and BUN. The total ATPase activity was enhanced (P<0.01) in fenvalerate and monocrotophos than birds in control group. Body weight, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, eosinophil and monocyte count did not show any changes. Total leucocytes and T-lymphocyte count was lower (P<0.01) in all treated groups as compared to control group. B-cell count (P<0.01), mean 2-4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) dermal sensitivity score and splenic indices from graft vs. host reaction (P<0.05) were decreased in fenvalarate and endosulfan but the values for monocrotophos were intermediate between control and other treated groups. Pesticide intoxication reduced nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells (active splenic macrophages) (P<0.05) and spleen weight (P<0.01). Whereas bursal weight was reduced only with endosulfan, thymic weight was reduced on endosulfan and fenvalerate-treated feed. Microscopic examination of these organs further revealed atrophy/hypoplasia, decrease in the size of follicles with depletion of lymphocytes and haemorrhages in thymus. The study concludes that the chronic exposure of chicks to small amount of SP, OP and CH pesticide leads to deleterious effects on metabolism and immune system of birds.

Effects of sex and protein and energy levels in the diet on the blood parameters of the chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar).

1. The effects of sex and dietary composition were investigated in 48 male and 48 female 16-week old chukar partridges. 2. Sixteen starter and 16 grower diets were arranged in a 4 x 4 factorial design with 4 concentration of crude protein (CP) and 4 concentration of metabolizable energy (ME). 3. Blood samples were collected at 16 weeks of age and analysed for total protein, triglycerides, uric acid, total cholesterol, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and chlorine. 4. There were no significant effects of sex on the measured parameters. 5. Serum total protein was highest in partridges fed on a diet containing 200/175 g CP/kg (starter grower). Serum cholesterol concentrations of partridge fed the diet with 240/200 or 280/225 g CP/kg were significantly higher than that for partridge fed diets containing a lower gCP/kg. 6. Serum total protein and glucose levels significantly decreased as dietary energy level was increased. Serum triglycerides and calcium were highest in partridge fed on the diets containing 13.39/13.81 and 11.71/12.55 ME MJ/kg, respectively. Serum phosphorus and chloride levels were highest in partridges given the diet containing 10.88/11.92 ME MJ/kg. 7. There were significant interactions between the effects of CP and ME on serum triglycerides, sodium and potassium levels. 8 The results of this study suggested that dietary CP, and especially ME concentration, significantly affect blood parameters in chukar partridge.

Comparative investigation on the effect of T-2 mycotoxin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in different poultry species.

The effect of low dose T-2 toxin was investigated in chicken, duck and goose. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of T-2 toxin on the lipid peroxidation and on the activity of glutathione redox system (amount of reduced and oxidised glutathione and the activity of glutathione peroxidase) in blood and liver. The treatment lasted days and two samples were taken, first at the time of lowest feed intake and second when the intake was the same as the control. It was found, that lipid per oxidation as detected by the amount of malondialdehyde increased in all of the species and tissues but the changes varied by species. The most sensitive species was goose followed by duck and chicken, and the most sensitive tissue was the liver followed by blood plasma and red blood cells.

Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio as a selection criterion for heat resistance in domestic fowls.

1. Two experiments were conducted to examine the Heterophil/Lymphocyte ratio (H/L) as criterion for selection for resistance to heat stress and some aspects of general resistance in domestic fowls. 2. The first experiment on a small sample (n = 64) of light breed Iraqi local fowls showed that this ratio could be used as an indicator of heat stress resistance. 3. The second experiment on a large sample (n = 1160) of heavy parent stock confirmed the results. It showed that there was a different H/L ratio for the two strains and that there was much individual variability in the H/L ratio within-strain that could be utilised for individual selection for heat resistance. 4. The H/L ratio was highly heritable; Resistant and Sensitive groups, defining all individuals with an H/L ratio over the upper 95% confidence limit as 'Sensitive' and those below as 'Resistant' produced progeny with significantly different H/L ratios. 5. There were indications of differences in mortality between the progeny of the Resistant and the Sensitive groups. 6. The H/L indicator could be used as a criterion to select for heat stress resistance.

Effects of anticoagulants and storage (4 degrees C) on packed cell volume (PCV) of Nigerian domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

1. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of anticoagulants and storage (4 degrees C) on the PCV of blood samples from Nigerian domestic fowl (DF) and the guinea fowl (GF). 2. Citrate significantly reduced pre-storage PCV of the DF in comparison with the effect of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). 3. It further decreased (P < 0.05) the PCV of the blood of DF and GF over 3 d of storage; this was similar to the effect of EDTA on the PCV of the GF blood. 4. Citrate and oxalates induced haemolysis of blood of the DF and the GF in storage faster than EDTA, but overall the haemolysis was more pronounced from red cells of the GF than from those of the DF. 5. The mean fall in the PCV of the DF was significant at 3.0 mg EDTA/ml of blood in contrast to the fall in the PCV of the GF blood.