Impacts of intake of trichothecenes (Fusarium sporotrichioides) for dairy calves: Effects on animal growth, oxidative and inflammatory response.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impacts of trichothecenes (Fusarium sporotrichioides) for dairy calves on animal growth, oxidative and inflammatory responses in the presence or absence of essential oils. Twelve calves weaned at 70 days of age were divided into 2 groups: T-C (control) and T-EO (essential oils - oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary) in the period of 40 days consuming ration contaminated by trichothecenes (500 ppb). The animals in the T-EO group received a mixture of EOs via feed at a dosage of 0.75 mL per/kg of feed. Blood collections were performed on days 1, 20 and 40 for hematological and biochemical analyses; the fecal score was performed every 2 days on a scale of 1-5 and clinical examinations were performed 3 times during the experiment period. The animals were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment; euthanasia of two calves per group for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of several tissues (spleen, liver, duodenum, jejunum, ilium, cecum and colon) was performed at the end of the experiment. The calves in the T-EO group had a tendency (P = 0.07) of higher body weight when compared to the T-C. Treatment effect and treatment vs day interaction was detected for leukocytes and granulocytes variables, demonstrating a higher count of these cells in the T-EO group on both days (20 and 40), and the same behavior occurred for the distribution amplitude of erythrocytes (RDW). The enzymes alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) showed higher serum activity in the T-C group (days 20 and 40). The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower in the serum of animals in the T-EO group. For calves in the T-EO group, glutathione S-transferase activity was higher in serum. Haptoglobulin and C-reactive protein levels were lower on days 20 and 40 in T-EO animals when compared to the T-C group. In the macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, which were collected at the end of the experiment after slaughtering the animals, liver and intestine did not show changes for the animals in the T-EO group, unlike the animals in the T-C group, which had moderately firm diffuse consistency of the liver and edema in the mesentery, as well as oxidative stress in tissues (liver, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon). The results concluded that the consumption of a mixture of EOs (essential oils - oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary) minimized the negative effects caused by trichothecenes in dairy calves, thus being an alternative to improving the immunological and antioxidant condition, as well as a possible adsorbent alternative.

Nursery pigs fed with feed contaminated by aflatoxin B1 (Aspergillus flavus) and anti-mycotoxin blend: Pathogenesis and negative impact on animal health and weight gain.

The present study aimed to evaluate whether a moderate dose of aflatoxin B1 in pigs' diet interferes with pigs' growth and health in the nursery phase and whether an anti-mycotoxin mixture minimizes the adverse effects of the toxin. One blend with Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysate, zeolite, silicon dioxide, propylene glycol, Carduus marianus extract, soy lecithin, and carbonate was used as an anti-mycotoxin. Four treatments, with six repetitions per treatment and three pigs/pen: Afla0-AntiMyc0 - negative control (without aflatoxin); Afla500-AntiMyc0 - positive control (500 ppb of aflatoxin); Afla0-AntiMyc1000 - 1000 mg/kg of anti-mycotoxin blend; Afla500-AntiMyc1000 - 500 ppb aflatoxin +1000 mg/kg of anti-mycotoxin blend. It was observed that pigs in the positive control (Afla500-AntiMyc0) had lower body weight and weight gain when compared to the other treatments during the experimental period. Also, pigs from Afla500-AntiMyc0 had lower feed intake between days 1-20 and 1 to 30 than Afla0-AntiMyc0. The pigs from Afla500-AntiMyc0 had higher levels of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase compared to other treatments. The pigs from Afla500-AntiMyc0 had higher villus height than the other treatments, while the folded size was smaller in this treatment. Crypts were deeper in the intestines of pigs in both treatments that consumed aflatoxin. In general, it is concluded that the intake of aflatoxin B1 by nursery pigs has negative impacts on the health and, consequently, the animals' growth performance; however, the addition of the contaminated feed with an anti-mycotoxin blend was able to protect the pigs, minimizing the adverse effects caused by the mycotoxin.

Butyric acid glycerides as substitutes for antibiotics as growth enhancers in the diet of nursery piglets.

This study aimed to determine whether the addition of butyric acid glycerides as substitutes to conventional growth promoters can provide adequate zootechnical performance and intestinal health in healthy piglets in the nursery phase. We used 90 male piglets (average weight of 6.5 kg) subdivided into five treatments with six replicates per treatment. The treatments had the same basal diet: NC-negative control (without growth promoter), PC-positive control (with gentamicin, oral), PSB-protected sodium butyrate, FSB-free sodium butyrate, and TRI-tributyrin. In these animals, zootechnical performance was evaluated on days 1, 10, 20 and 39, microbiological analysis on days 14 and 39, hematocrit, blood biochemistry and intestinal histology, intestinal oxidation and antioxidation on day 39. The average daily weight gain was higher in the TRI group on days 21 to 39 in the nursery (P = 0.03), with more significant weight gain from 1 to 39 days (P = 0.05). There were higher leukocyte counts in the PC group than in the TRI group and higher lymphocyte counts in the PC treatment than in the NC or TRI groups. Escherichia coli counts were lower in the PC, followed by the PSB and TRI groups on day 39 (P = 0.01). Lower crypt depths were found in the TRI and FSB groups, followed by PC, than in the NC group (P = 0.01). Higher values for crypt villosity ratio were found in the FSB and TRI groups than in the NC group (P = 0.05). Lower lipid peroxidation was found in analyzes of serum oxidative status (LPO: P = 0.01), associated with greater activities of superoxide dismutase - SOD (P = 0.08), glutathione S-transferase - GST (P = 0.09) in PSB and TRI groups than in the NC group. In conclusion, the use of butyric acid in the form of tributyrin can be used as growth enhancers in piglets in the nursery phase.

Addition of a Blend Based on Zinc Chloride and Lignans of Magnolia in the Diet of Broilers to Substitute for a Conventional Antibiotic: Effects on Intestinal Health, Meat Quality, and Performance.

This study aimed to determine whether adding a blend based on zinc chloride and lignans from magnolia to the diet of broilers could replace conventional performance enhancers. For this study, 360 chickens were divided into four groups, with six repetitions per group (n = 15), as follows: CN, without promoter; GPC, control, 50 mg/kg of enramycin growth promoter; T-50, additive blend at a dose of 50 g/ton; and T-100, additive blend at a dose of 100 g/ton. Chickens fed with the additive blend at 50 g/ton showed a production efficiency index equal to that in the GPC group (p < 0.05). At 42 days, the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) was found in the T-100 group, followed by that in the GPC group (p < 0.001). For E. coli, the lowest count was observed in the T-100 group, followed by that in the CP and T-50 groups (p < 0.001). Higher villus/crypt ratios were observed in birds belonging to the T-100 and T-50 groups than in the GPC and NC groups (p < 0.001). Greater water retention was found in the T-50 group than in NC and T-100 groups (p < 0.048). The lowest water loss during cooking was also noted in the T-50 group (p < 0.033). We concluded that adding the antimicrobial blend, primarily at 50 g/ton, maintains the efficiency of the index of production and improves the intestinal health and meat quality of the birds.

Butyric acid glycerides in the diet of broilers to replace conventional growth promoters: effects on performance, metabolism, and intestinal health.

This study aimed to determine whether butyric acid glycerides can replace conventional growth promoters, favour intestinal health, and improve performance. A total of 420 birds were used, divided into four groups with seven repetitions per group (n = 15), as follows: NC, negative control (no promoter); PC, positive control (basal diet + enramycin + salinomycin); MDT-BUT, a diet supplemented with mono-, di-, and triglycerides of butyric acid; TRI-BUT, a diet supplemented with tributyrin of butyric acid glycerides. Productive performance was measured on days 1, 21, 35, and 42. Excreta were collected for counting Escherichia coli and coliforms on days 21 and 42. Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age to analyse oxidant/antioxidant status, and the intestine was removed for intestinal morphometry. From 1 to 42 days, there was greater body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion in the PC, MDT-BUT, and TRI-BUT groups than in the NC group; the production efficiency index was 21.10% higher in all groups than in the NC group (p = 0.001). At 21 days, there were lower E. coli counts of 86.8% in the TRI-BUT and 99.7% in PC groups than in the NC and MDT-BUT groups (p < 0.001), while at 42 days, lower counts were found in the PC, MDT-BUT, and TRI-BUT groups than the NC group (p < 0.001). There were lower total protein and globulin levels in the MDT-BUT and TRI-BUT groups than in the NC group (p = 0.001). Cholesterol levels were lower in the TRI-BUT group, followed by MDT-BUT and PC groups, than in the NC group (p = 0.001), while lower triglyceride levels were found in the TRI-BUT group than in the NC and PC groups (p = 0.001). There were lower levels of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species in the TRI-BUT group, followed by the PC group than the NC group (p < 0.001); on the other hand, there were higher protein thiol levels in the TRI-BUT group than the NC group (p = 0.041). The villus:crypt ratio increase was 79.4% in the TRI-BUT group, followed by the 45.1% PC and 19.8% MDT-BUT groups than the NC (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that adding butyric acid confers antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and improves birds' production efficiency, intestinal health, and metabolism. Butyric acid glycerides are an effective alternative to conventional growth promoters.

Use of blend based on an emulsifier, monolaurin, and glycerides of butyric acid in the diet of broilers: impacts on intestinal health, performance, and meat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of a blend based on α-monolaurin mono-, di- and triglycerides of butyric acid, and lysolecithin on the performance even on diets containing reduced inclusion of oil in the diet and without the use of growth-promoting antibiotics of broilers considering the effect on health, performance, and meat. Three treatments were defined: positive control (TP: with enramycin), negative control (TN: no enramycin), and blend (T-FRA: with monolaurin and glycerides of acid butyric minus 0.8% soybean oil). At 21 days, broilers treated with TP and T-FRA obtained the lower feed conversion ratio (FC); at 35 days, T-FRA broilers obtained lower FC than TN broilers. Cholesterol levels were higher in the blood of T-FRA broilers. On day 42, levels of ROS and TBARS were lower in the intestine, muscles, and liver of T-FRA broilers. Moreover, glutathione S-transferase and total non-enzymatic antioxidants were greater at the intestinal and muscular levels. The T-FRA broilers had a lower percentage of lipids in the meat. The MIC indicated that 111mg of the blend/mL inhibited the growth of E. coli; however, the counts of total coliforms and E. coli in the feces and the broilers' litter did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, the addition of the blend T-FRA in broiler diets was able to improve the feed conversion and maintain the other performance parameters even considering a reduction of 0.8% in the inclusion of oil.

Protective effects of silymarin in broiler feed contaminated by mycotoxins: growth performance, meat antioxidant status, and fatty acid profiles.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of silymarin in broiler feed was able to mitigate the adverse effects of mycotoxin on growth performance, health status, liver oxidative stress, and meat fatty acid profiles. A completely randomized design with four treatments, four repetitions, and 15 chicks per repetition was used, with the following groups: (a) feed without additives (NoMyc-NoSil), (b) feed supplemented with silymarin (NoMyc-Sil), (c) feed contaminated with mycotoxin (Myc-NoSil), and (d) feed contaminated with mycotoxin and supplemented with silymarin (Myc-Sil). Growth performance, intestinal and liver health, and meat quality were assessed. The consumption of feed contaminated with mycotoxin delayed weight gain and increased the feed conversion ratio; however, the addition of silymarin prevented these adverse effects on the chicken industry. Serum ALT activity was higher in Myc-NoSil broilers than in other groups. Intake of silymarin in healthy birds increased serum globulin concentration and reduced albumin concentration and ALT and AST serum activities compared to the Myc-NoSil group. The NoMyc-Sil birds had greater villus heights and crypt depths. Luminosity and water loss by cooking were affected by mycotoxin ingestion, changes that did not occur in the meat of birds that were supplemented with silymarin. The sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the meat did not change among treatments, unlike the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids higher in the meat of birds that consumed silymarin. We conclude that silymarin is a potential additive in broiler feed; it reduces impairment of growth performance at the end of the productive cycle, prevents oxidative stress, improves meat quality, and increases polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Feed contaminated by fumonisin (Fusarium spp.) in chicks has a negative influence on oxidative stress and performance, and the inclusion of curcumin-loaded nanocapsules minimizes these effects.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of curcumin (free and encapsulated) to chick feed would minimize the negative effects on health and performance caused by daily intake of fumonisin. We used 50 birds, divided into five treatments: CP, basal diet with 600 mg/kg of fumonisin, with antibiotic and coccidiostatic agent; CU, 600 mg/kg of fumonisin and 50 mg/kg of curcumin; NC5, feed with 600 mg/kg of fumonisin and 5 mg of nano-curcumin/kg of feed; NC10, feed with 600 mg/kg of fumonisin and 10 mg of nano-curcumin/kg of feed; and CN, fumonisin-free diet, with antibiotic and coccidiostatic. We measured weights, weight gain, and serum biochemistry, as well as antioxidant and oxidant activities. Lower body weight and weight gain were observed in chicks that received feed with fumonisin; curcumin did not minimize this negative effect. Lower glucose and triglyceride levels were also observed in the NC10 group, while the highest cholesterol levels were observed in all groups of birds that consumed fumonisin compared to the CN group. Uric acid levels were significantly lower in CP than in CN. Levels of liver enzymes were higher in CP than in CN. The highest levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were found in CP and CU, whereas ROS was higher in CU compared to CN. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in CP, while glutathione S-transferase activity was higher in the CP group. Catalase activity was lower in groups of birds that consumed fumonisin compared to CN. Taken together, these findings suggest that intake of curcumin-loaded nanocapsules (10 mg/kg) had hepaprotective and antioxidant effects in chicks artificially intoxicated with fumonisin, minimizing the negative effects caused by this mycotoxin.

Effects of curcumin and yucca extract addition in feed of broilers on microorganism control (anticoccidial and antibacterial), health, performance and meat quality.

The aim of this study was to determine whether curcumin and yucca extract addition in broiler feed improves growth, health, and meat quality, and to measure coccidiostatic and antimicrobial activity so as to enable replacement of conventional performance enhancers. We used 240 birds in four treatments: CN, basal feed with antibiotics and coccidiostatic drugs; CU, feed with 100 mg/kg of curcumin; YE, feed with 250 mg/kg of yucca extract; and CU + YE, feed with the combination of 100 mg curcumin/kg and 250 mg yucca extract/kg. A significant reduction in oocysts was observed in birds supplemented with combined additives (CU + YE) at days 37 compared to other treatments and at 42 days in relation to the CU treatment. At 42 days, the total bacterial counts for the CN and CU treatments were lower than the others. Birds fed the additive had lower numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and heterophils than did those in the CN treatment. The highest levels of antioxidants in meat were observed in the treatments with the additives, together with lower levels of lipid peroxidation compared to the CN. The lowest protein oxidation was observed in the CU + YE treatment in relation to the other treatments. Lower total levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) were observed in the CU treatment than in the CN. There were lower levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the meat of birds in the YE treatment in relation to the others. Higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were observed in birds that consumed curcumin, individually and in combination with yucca extract. Taken together, the data suggest that curcumin and yucca extract are additives that can potentially replace conventional growth promoters; they improved bird health. Changes in the fatty acid profile of meat (increase in the percentage of omegas) are beneficial to the health of the consumer.

Fumonisin-(Fusarium verticillioides)-contaminated feed causes hepatic oxidative stress and negatively affects broiler performance in the early stage: Does supplementation with açai flour residues (Euterpe oleracea) minimize these problems?

Fusarium verticillioides is often responsible for contamination of poultry feed with the mycotoxin fumonisin. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress caused by intake of fumonisin-contaminated feed affects broiler performance at an early stage of development, as well as to test whether the addition of açai residue flour to contaminated feed would minimize these negative effects of redox metabolism. Birds were divided into four groups, with four repetitions of five animals each: control (TC) - birds that received basal feed; TCA treatment - basal feed supplemented with 2% açai flour; TF treatment - feed experimentally contaminated with fumonisin (10 ppm); TFA treatment - fumonisin-contaminated feed (10 ppm) and supplemented with açai fluor (2%). The experiment lasted 20 days, that is, the first 20 days of the chicks' lives. At the end of the experiment, the birds were weighed, and blood, intestine and liver samples were collected. The TCA and TFA had greater body weights and weight gain than did TF. Further, TCA and TFA had lower feed conversion than did TF. Açai flour intake (TCA and TFA) stimulated albumin synthesis and reduced serum AST activity. Nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels were higher in serum of fumonisin-challenged (TF) birds than in groups; NOx levels were also higher in the livers of all test groups (TF, TCA and TFA) than in TC. Serum glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was lower in fumonisin-consuming groups (TF and TFA); this was different from what occurred in the liver, that is, higher GST activity in TF and lower activity in TFA than in TC. Catalase activity (CAT) was also higher in the fumonisin-challenged groups (TF and TFA) and the groups supplemented with açai flour (TCA) than in TC. Serum reactive species (RS) and TBARS (lipid peroxidation) levels in the liver were lower in birds supplemented with açai flour and exposed to fumonisin. These data suggest that the addition of açai flour in the feed of early chickens improves animal performance and minimizes the effects of hepatic oxidative stress in birds fed fumonisin-contaminated feed.

Effects of glycerol monolaurate on growth and physiology of chicks consuming diet containing fumonisin.

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is composed of lauric acid and glycerol. Research has shown that such organic acids can minimize negative effects caused by mycotoxins. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether adding GML (free or encapsulated) to chick feed minimizes the effects of natural contamination by fumonisin (Fusarium verticillioides), evaluating parameters such as biochemistry, antioxidant properties, histological analysis and chick growth. Were weighed 84 chicks of the Cobb 500 strain and randomly distributed them into six groups of two replicates each (n = 14). The F group consumed feed containing fumonisin (levels 400 ppb), with no performance enhancer; F + ZB- feed with fumonisin (levels 400 ppb) + zinc bacitracin; F + GLM100 - feed with fumonisin (levels 400 ppb) + 100 mg of GML/kg of feed; F + NGLM4 - feed with fumonisin (levels 400 ppb) + 4 mg GML/kg in nanocapsules added to the feed; F + NGLM8 - fumonisin feed (levels 400 ppb) + 8 mg GML/kg in nanocapsules in the feed; and F0 - fumonisin-free feed (negative control) + zinc bacitracin. The body weights of birds fed with feed fumonisin-contaminated feed (F, F + ZB, F + GLM100, F + NGLM4 and F + NGLM8) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of the negative control (F0), despite the use of GML (free and nanoencapsulated). Serum levels of triglycerides, globulins and cholesterol were significantly lower in the F0 group than in the other groups (P < 0.05), except for the F + NGLM8 group. Significantly greater levels of lipid peroxidation were observed in livers in the groups that consumed fumonisin than in the control group (F0) (P < 0.05). Serum levels of reactive oxygen species were significantly lower in groups F + NGLM8 and F0 than in the other treatments (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly greater in groups F + NGLM8 and F0 than in groups F, F + ZB and F + NGLM4. Hepatic catalase activity was significantly lower in birds that consumed contaminated feed (F, F + ZB, F + GLM100, F + NGLM4 and F + NGLM8) than in the control group (F0). Greater hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity was observed in the F + NGLM8 group than in the F0 group. Despite changes in cellular lesions in the liver, no histological changes were observed in the liver or intestines, even though visually there was yellowing of the liver. Taken together, the data suggest that free or nano-encapsulated GML did not minimize oxidative stress caused by fumonisin, and consequently, these birds had less weight gain.

Pathogenetic effects of feed intake containing of fumonisin (Fusarium verticillioides) in early broiler chicks and consequences on weight gain.

Fusarium verticillioides is often responsible for contamination of poultry feed with the mycotoxin fumonisin. The objective of the study was to determine whether fumonisin-contaminated feed in the early phase of broiler chicks causes oxidative imbalances and interferes with weight gain. One-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks (n = 80) were divided into four treatments of 20 birds each, all of which were fed basal feed until the 11th day of age. From day 12, some birds were challenged with fumonisin in the feed: Control (T0) continued receiving the basal ration; treatments T1, T2, and T3 were given feed experimentally contaminated with fumonisin at concentrations of 2.5 ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm, respectively. After the 5th (day 17) and 10th (day 21) days, ten birds from each treatment were euthanized for blood and tissue collection to measure histopathological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers. All animals were weighed individually at the beginning of the experiment (day 12), and at 17 and 21 days of age. Birds that ingested 10 ppm of fumonisin (T3) had lower (P < 0.05) weight gain compared to those in T0. At 21 days, the body weights of the T1, T2 and T3 chicks were 1.3%, 8.97% and 18.7% lower, respectively, than those of T0. No histological lesions in the livers were observed for any treatment; however, higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS: day 21) and lipoperoxidation (LPO: days 17 and 21) were observed, associated with lower liver activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD: day 21), glutathione peroxidase (GPx: day 17 and 21) and glutathione S-transferase (GST: day 21) when birds consumed 5 or 10 ppm of fumonisin. In serum, LPO levels and SOD and GPx activities were lower for groups consuming high doses of fumonisin in the diet (T2 and T3); ROS levels and GST activity were higher in these birds. Birds that consumed fumonisin-containing diets had lower levels of alanine aminotransferase, total protein and albumin (T3); as well as lower serum glucose levels (days 17 and 21), uric acid and triglycerides (day 21) in T3 than in T0. At 21 days, there were smaller crypt sizes and intestinal villi in birds that consumed high levels of fumonisin. These results suggest that fumonisin (10 ppm) in chick diet causes hepatic oxidative stress and impairs intestinal health, consequently negatively affecting weight gain.

Daily consumption of a homeopathic product decreases intestinal damage and stool bacterial counts in mice challenged with Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli is a bacterium normally found in the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals that can usually control the infection. Nevertheless, some factors (high exposure, stress conditions, animal category, among others) can favor the exacerbation of E. coli infection and cause of disease. Because it is a zoonotic bacterium, it is important to control the infection, avoiding contamination of home interiors in the case of pets. There are various forms of treatment for E. coli; nevertheless, there are few options for prevention. In the present study, we evaluated homeopathy. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether administration of a prophylactic homeopathic in water would minimize the negative effects of E. coli infection, as well as reducing bacterial counts in the feces of a experimental model. Forty mice were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10/group). Groups NC (negative control) and PC (positive control) were not treated; in group T1, the animals received 0.002 mL/day/animal of the homeopathic in water, and animals in group T2 0.004 mL/day/animal. The experiment lasted 54 days, and on the 31st day, mice of T1, T2 and PC groups were infected orally a 0.2 mL inoculum of 1.5 × 108 CFU of E. coli. Euthanasia and sample collection were performed on the 40th and 54th days of the experiment (n = 5/group/time point). Blood, liver, spleen, intestine, and feces samples were collected from the final portion of the intestine. There was no significant difference in animal weight between groups at the end of the experiment. Neutrophil count was lower in PC group animals on day 40, while on day 54, the counts were lower in T2 and PC. Lymphocyte counts were lower only in the PC group than in the NC group on day 54. Globulins were lower in the NC and PC groups than in T1 and T2 on day 40, remaining lower the PC group and higher in T1 on day 54; levels of immunoglobulin IgG and IgM were higher in groups T1 and T2, which differed from PC and NC. TNF-α levels were higher in the T1 and T2 groups at 40 and 54 days. INF-γ levels were higher in T1, T2, and PC compared to NC on day 40, remaining higher than NC in groups T1 and T2 on day 54. Total bacterial count, total coliforms and E. coli counts were lower in group T1 and higher in NC and PC on days 40 and 54, when they were lower for T1 and T2. Histologically, no lesions were observed in extra-intestinal tissues; however the height of intestinal crypts in the PC group was smaller than the others on day 40. On day 54, villi and crypts of all infected groups were larger in T1 and T2 than in NC; sizes in the PC group were higher than those of all other groups. These data suggest that the homeopathic agent in the drinking water improved health of the mice.

Impacts of Escherichia coli infection in young breeder chicks on the animal behavior and cerebral activity of purinergic and cholinergic enzymes involved in the regulation of molecules with neurotransmitter and neuromodulator function.

The objective of this study was to evaluate if infection by Escherichia coli in juvenile breeder chicks alters the activity of enzymes involved in neurotransmission and cerebral immunomodulation, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase (5'NT) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), as well as their effects on the pathogenesis of the disease. We divided 20 growing breeder chicks into two groups (n = 10 per group). One group was experimentally infected with 1 mL of culture medium containing 1 × 108 CFU of E. coli intraperitoneally. The other was the negative control. On the tenth day after infection, the animals were euthanized and brain samples were collected. Macroscopically, pericarditis and hepatic congestion were observed in the birds, but without histopathological lesions in the encephalon although the bacterium was present in the cerebral cortex of all animals in the infected group (i.e., they were PCR-positive). The activity of AChE, NTPDase, 5'-NT and ADA were evaluated in the cerebral homogenates of the birds after 10 days of infection. AChE activity in the cerebral cortex was lower in the infected group than in the control; there was an increase in the activity of NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and ADA, possibly indicating greater hydrolysis of ATP (P < 0.001), ADP (P < 0.01) and AMP (P < 0.01), followed by increased adenosine deamination (P < 0.001). Despite these changes, no apparently diseased animals were observed throughout the experimental period. Therefore, such changes in enzymatic activity may affect the functioning of the central nervous system because these enzymes are responsible for extracellular regulation of molecules that act on neurotransmission and immunomodulation such as acetylcholine, ATP and adenosine.

Experimental infection by Neospora caninum in gerbil reduces activity of enzymes involved in energy metabolism.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that has tropism for the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine whether experimental infection of gerbils would interfere with activity of enzymes associated with energy metabolism. We randomized 20 gerbils into two groups (ten animals per group): the control group (healthy animals; uninfected) and the infected group (experimentally infected with dose 7.8 × 102 tachyzoites of N. caninum per gerbil). On day six and twelve post-infection (PI), brain and spleen tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. No histopathological lesions were observed in the brains of infected animals; however, inflammatory infiltrates were found in the spleen. Significantly greater levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in the brain and spleen of infected gerbils than in the control group at 12 days PI. Cytosolic creatine kinase (CK-CYT), mitochondrial creatine kinase (CK-MIT), and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities were lower in the brains of infected gerbils than in those of the control group on day 12 PI. There was significantly less CK-CYT activity in the spleens of infected gerbils on day 6 and 12 PI. Finally, there was significantly less sodium-potassium ion pump (Na+/K+ ATPase) activity in the brains and spleens of infected gerbils on day 12 PI. These data suggest that experimental infection with N. caninum interfered with energy metabolism associated with ATP homeostasis in the brain and spleen, directly or indirectly, apparently mediated by ROS overproduction, contributing to inhibition of Na+/K+ ATPase activity.

Combination of herbal components (curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, cinnamaldehyde) in broiler chicken feed: Impacts on response parameters, performance, fatty acid profiles, meat quality and control of coccidia and bacteria.

The objective of this study was to determine whether curcumin and a commercial microencapsulated phytogenic supplement containing thymol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in broiler chicken feed would improve health and meat quality (fatty acid profile), as well as to determine the coccidiostatic and bactericidal potential of the additives. The broiler chickens were divided into five groups: NC - negative control feed; PC - positive control; CU - with 50 mg/kg of curcumin, PHY - 100 mg/kg phytogenic; and PHY + CU, a combination of both additives at 50 mg/kg (curcumin) and 100 mg/kg (phytogenic). We observed significantly higher levels of total proteins associated with increased circulating globulins, as well as lower levels of uric acid, cholesterol and triglycerides in the PHY + CU group than in the NC. There were significantly fewer oocysts in birds supplemented with additives in the NC group on day 21; on day 35, the NC, PHY and PHY + CU groups had significantly lower counts than the PC and CU groups; however, at 44 days, the lowest counts were in PC group. The bacterial counts were significantly lower on day 21 in all groups that received additives than those of the control group; however, at 44 days, the bacterial and Escherichia coli counts in these groups were significantly higher than those of the control. Curcumin with or without phytogenic agent improved meat quality, with increased antioxidant levels and reduction of lipid peroxidation. There were significantly lower total saturated fatty acid levels and significantly greater monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in broilers that consumed additives individually and in combination. The combination of additives significantly increased the crypt/villus ratio, a marker of improved intestinal health and performance. Additives potentiated their individual effects, suggesting they can replace conventional growth promoters without compromising health, intestinal mucosa or meat quality.

Impact of Escherichia coli infection in broiler breeder chicks: The effect of oxidative stress on weight gain.

The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress occurs in Escherichia coli-infected broiler breeder chicks, as well as the impact of this infection on bird growth. Twenty birds, 25-day-old female birds were divided into two groups (n = 10 per group): an intraperitoneally-infected group (1 mL containing 1.5 × 108 CFU of E. coli) and a control group that received 1 mL of culture medium (uninfected birds). Birds were weighed individually at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and samples were collected on days 0, 5 and 10 post-infection (PI). No clinical signs were observed throughout the experimental period; nevertheless, on day 10 PI, there was lower growth and weight gain in infected birds than in the control group. The infected birds showed pericarditis and liver congestion, as well as moderate periportal inflammatory infiltrates with predominance of neutrophils. Significantly higher numbers of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, heterophils and monocytes were observed in the infected group on days 5 and 10 PI, as well as significantly higher total protein and globulin levels; albumin values significantly decreased over the same period. Levels of serum oxidative biomarkers (lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and free radicals (ROS)) were significantly higher at 10 PI, as was glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity during the same period. Hepatic ROS and protein thiol levels were significantly higher in E. coli-infected birds, as well as activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase. In the spleen, only GST activity was significantly higher for the infected group, unlike the brain, where SOD activity, ROS and non-protein thiol levels were significantly higher in infected birds than in the control group. These data suggested that colibacillosis causes oxidative stress in broiler breeder chicks, negatively affecting their weight gain.

Effects of fed mycotoxin contaminated diets supplemented with spray-dried porcine plasma on cholinergic response and behavior in piglets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) supplementation on cholinesterase enzymes and its relationship with animal behavior of weaning piglets exposed to mycotoxin contaminated diets. To achieve these objectives, two experimental design approaches were used. Male piglets (7.15±0.61kg) were allocated in four groups: CTL group received a regular diet; SDPP group received a regular diet and 6% SDPP; MYC group received a diet containing desired contamination of 210 µg/kg aflatoxins and 6.690 µg/kg fumonisins; group MYC+SDPP received 253 µg/kg aflatoxins, 6930 µg/kg fumonisins and 6% SDPP. The animals treated with mycotoxin co-contaminated diets showed an increase in AChE and BChE activities in peripheral system (MYC) when compared to control (CTL). Furthermore, supplementation with SDPP (MYC+SDPP group) prevented the mycotoxin-related reduction of AChE in blood and brain. Behavioral tests showed that sleeping and resting behaviors were more often observed in the MYC group; this group also fed fewer times when compared to the other groups, characterizing the deleterious effect of mycotoxins. Taken together, the data suggest changes in AChE and BChE activities may indicate alterations in cholinergic neurotransmission and consequently in the behavior of piglets.

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and pentostatin (deoxycoformycin) against Trypanosoma cruzi.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the efficacy of cordycepin and pentostatin (alone or combined) against Trypanosoma cruzi, as well as the therapeutic efficiency of protocols of cordycepin and pentostatin combinations in mice experimentally infected with T. cruzi. In vitro, the cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and pentostatin (deoxycoformycin) exerted potent trypanocidal effect against T. cruzi (Colombian strain), similarly to benznidazole, which is the reference drug. For epimastigotes, the lethal dose of cordycepin capable of killing 50% (LD50) and 20% (LD20) of the parasites was 0.072 and 0.031 mg/mL, respectively and for trypomastigotes was 0.047 and 0.015 mg/mL, respectively. The combined use of cordycepin and pentostatin resulted in a LD50 and LD20 for epimastigotes of 0.068 and 0.027 mg/mL, respectively, as well as 0.056 and 0.018 mg/mL for trypomastigotes, respectively. In vivo, the combined use of cordycepin and pentostatin did not show the expected curative effect, however it was able to control the parasitema in the peak period. In summary, the combination of cordycepin and pentostatin showed no curative effect in mice infected by T. cruzi, despite the in vitro reduction of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes.

Impact of colibacillosis on production in laying hens associated with interference of the phosphotransfer network and oxidative stress.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive impact of colibacillosis on laying hens and to investigate whether energetic metabolism and oxidative stress were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. An experimental shed containing 270 laying hens of the Hy-Line lineage (32 weeks old) presented approximately 40% daily laying, and many birds presented with diarrhea and apathy followed by death. Necropsy revealed macroscopic lesions compatible with colibacillosis and infectious agent Escherichia coli was isolated from fecal samples of all birds in the infected group, as well as from tissue (ovary, liver and peritoneum). Sixteen chickens were selected for this study, divided into two groups: Control (animals without clinical alterations) and infected (with diarrhea and apathetic). E. coli isolates were subjected to the antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the methodology approved by CLSI, 2018. This testing showed sensitivity to gentamicin, amoxicillin, norfloxacin and colistin. It was then determined that laying hens would be treated with norfloxacin (15 mg/kg) diluted in water offered at will to the birds for three days. Blood collections were performed via brachial vein after the diagnosis of E. coli (before starting treatment) and seven days after treatment. Three debilitated chickens died on the second day after initiating therapy. Before treatment, birds with clinical signs had higher levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) than in the control group (asymptomatic animals). After treatment, LPO levels remained higher in birds that had clinical disease (infected group), whereas the activity of SOD and GPx enzymes did not differ between groups. Activity levels of creatine kinase (CK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were higher in the group of chickens with clinical disease before treatment. Post-treatment, no differences were observed between groups in terms of CK; however, PK activity remained high in these animals. In the hens that died, there were lesions characteristic of avian colibacillosis, with ovary involvement, explaining the low laying activity of the birds at their peak of production. For 10 days after starting treatment, the percentage of laying increased to 90%. Therefore, we conclude that colibacillosis interferes with the phosphotransfer network by stimulating ATP production, in addition to causing oxidative stress of the birds during laying, that negatively affects health and productive efficiency.