The detoxification of cadmium in Japanese quail by pomegranate peel powder.

Environmental pollution and exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd) can cause severe and chronic diseases and have significant side effects on vital organs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel on biochemical factors and lipid peroxidation in intoxication by Cd in Japanese quail. Two hundred seventy quails in different groups were fed diets containing Cd and pomegranate peel from 6 to 35 days old. Then, serum biochemical parameters were assessed, including liver enzymes, urea, and thiobarbituric acid. In the quails, Cd significantly increased MDA, urea, and AST (P < 0.05). Adding pomegranate peel at 1.5 and 2% levels decreased these parameters significantly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary enrichment using pomegranate peel reduced the adverse effects of Cd by improving lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and urea in Japanese quail.

The detection of extensive-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing genes in Escherichia coli strains, isolated from apparently healthy and enteric pet birds.

In this study, totally, 295 cloacal swabs were collected from apparently healthy (195 swabs) and enteric (100 swabs) pet birds. After identification of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, to determining the E. coli producing extensive-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) (EPE) strains, double disc synergy test was applied. TEM, CTX and SHV genes were detected in strains known as EPE phenotypically. The results showed that the detection rate of EPE strains in enteric birds is higher than apparently healthy birds (25.6 vs. 16.2%). The CTX gene was the highest ESBL gene. The SHV gene was not detected in any of E. coli strains. Furthermore, the ceftazidime and cefotaxime resistant E. coli strains were contained in the CTX gene. By considering the possibility of transmitting these genes along with other resistance genes to other bacteria, it can be stated that pet birds can be the source of transmission of resistance genes to human.

Diagnosis of visceral form of Isospora infection (atoxoplasma) in black spot syndrome in canaries, in Iran.

The gastrointestinal form of Isospora is well described in Passeriformes, but there are few reports of the visceral form of Isospora. Therefore, to evaluate the visceral form of Isospora in canaries with "black spot" syndrome, gastrointestinal contents were prepared from 50 canaries that were lost and appeared with black spot under the skin of the abdomen. At the same time, tissue samples were collected from visceral tissues. After preparing the samples, the oocysts were counted in the digestive contents. A total of 7 canaries out of 50 canaries showed oocysts in their feces. Following the identification of infected birds, histopathological sections were prepared from their visceral tissues. Visceral tissues included the heart, liver, and intestine. Inflammation and hyperemia were seen in the microscopic view of the heart, but no developing stage of parasites was seen. The liver showed inflammation as well as the asexual reproductive stage of the parasite. The asexual reproductive stage of the parasite was also observed in the intestine. Therefore, Isospora seems to be involved in the syndrome of black spot in canaries by causing gastrointestinal and visceral lesions.

The effects of probiotic and phytase on growth performance, biochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and phytase are commonly used as dietary supplements in poultry diets. Phytase is involved in the release of phosphorus in plant grain ingredient of poultry feed, while probiotics provide beneficial organisms to the gastrointestinal tract. OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of both commercial probiotic and phytase on chicken performance and biochemical indices. METHODS: A total of 300 chicks were divided into 4 groups that fed the basal diet, diet containing probiotic (Protexin®), Phytase (Meriphyze 5000®), and probiotic plus phytase all over the growing period. The growth indices were measured weekly, analysed at the 21 and 42 days of age. At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from all chickens. The concentration of liver enzymes, lipid profiles and antioxidant status were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: The results showed that the weight gain and feed intake were significantly higher in chickens received phytase alone or phytase in combination with probiotic. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly lower in all supplemented chickens in comparison with control chickens (p < 0.05). Although the addition of probiotic or phytase to chicken diet showed an extent variation in biochemical and antioxidant indices, the addition of phytase plus probiotic showed a significantly increase of blood total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalysis (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level, while decrease triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHL), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in comparison to control chickens. The supplementation of chicken diet with probiotic, phytase or probiotic plus phytase did not effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous supplementation of probiotics and phytases seems to have a positive effect on growth indices in broilers, but they can cause changes in the serum biochemical profile, which sometimes lead to interference and do not always act synergistically.

Application of intelligent packaging for meat products: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Today, in response to consumer demand and market trends, the development of new packaging with better performance such as intelligent packaging has become more important. This packaging system is able to perform intelligent functions to increase shelf life, increase safety and improve product quality. OBJECTIVES: Recently, various types of packaging systems are available for meat products, especially cooked, fresh and processed meats. But because meat products are very perishable, monitoring their quality and safety in the supply chain is very important. This systematic article briefly reviews some of the recent data about the application of intelligent packaging in meat products. METHODS: The search was conducted in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Elsevier, Springer, Scopus, and PubMed, from April 1996 to April 2021 using a different combination of the following keyword: intelligent packaging, and meat. RESULTS: The results showed that the intelligent packaging presents several benefits compared to traditional packaging (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, and shelf life extension) at the industrial processing level. Thus, these systems have been applied to improve the shelf life and textural properties of meat and meat products. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to control the number of intelligent compounds that are included in the packaging as they clearly influence the quality and nutritional properties as well as the final cost of the food products.

Tetracycline resistant genes in Escherichia coli isolated from enteric disease in companion birds.

Anti-microbial resistant genes could be passed to human via the food chain or by direct contact with infected birds. To evaluate tetracycline resistance genes in the feces of companion birds suspected to enteritis, 100 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic companion birds in Isfahan province, Iran. The presence of Escherichia coli was examined by bacteriological, biochemical, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The presence of genes associated with resistance to tetracycline (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetE, tetG, tetK, tetL, tetM, tetO and tetS genes) was examined using a multiplex PCR. The results showed that in enteric birds, 43.00% of fecal samples contained E. coli. In 26 resistant E. coli, 11, 12 and 3 strains contained tetA (42.30%), tetB (46.15) and tetA plus tetB (11.53%) resistant genes, respectively. In conclusion, E. coli isolates from the enteric problem of companion birds contained tetracycline resistant genes that may transfer to human and pose a risk for antibiotic effectiveness in the treatment of infectious diseases in human.

The efficacy of pomegranate peel extract on Eimeria shedding and growth indices in experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Coccidiosis is the most common enteric parasitic disease in poultry that is caused by different species of Eimeria. Some chemical drugs were utilized for the control of this infection but drug residue and resistance-induced concerns in chicken consumers. OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPEx) on the control of coccidiosis in chickens. METHODS: Totally, 300 broiler chicks were divided into 10 groups and 5 groups challenged with a mixture of common Eimeria of 21 days old in Iran. Five days after the challenge, as soon as clinical signs appeared, the oocyte per gram (OPG) of faeces was measured, and chickens were treated with 100, 200 and 400 ppm PPEx (for 7 days) and toltrazuril (for 2 days) in separate groups. Another five groups were only treated with these compounds without challenge. All challenged and non-challenged have a control group. The OPG was measured in the final treatment in chickens. At 35 days of age, all chickens were euthanized and the intestinal and liver samples were collected in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. The growth indices were recorded and analysed all over the growing period, weekly. RESULTS: The results revealed that the addition of PPEx especially in 400 ppm can reduce the intestinal lesions and OPG but in this dose, the growth indices can influence negatively, while the administration of toltrazuril with the best effect on OPG and intestinal lesions, no effect on growth indices in challenged chickens. Also, supplementation of 400 ppm PPEx can induce injuries in the liver while the lower dose has no effect on liver tissue. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for finding effective ingredients in PPEx and preparation of serial dilution for access to optimal dose with best anti-coccidial effect and lowest negative effect on growth indices in chickens.

Thymol and carvacrol supplementation in poultry health and performance.

BACKGROUND: Thymol and carvacrol as natural essential oils and phenol compounds are components derived from some medicinal plants, such as thyme and oregano species. OBJECTIVES: The increasing demands in organic and healthy meat and egg consumption in human society have made it necessary to consider alternative natural compounds for the replacement of chemical compounds in poultry production. The chemical compounds can remain in meat and eggs and cause complications in human health. Therefore, these natural compounds can be fed with a higher safety in poultry production with specific effects. In this regard, the role of thymol and carvacrol as natural compounds in the poultry production has been discussed in the review. METHODS: In this study, by searching for keywords related to thymol and carvacrol in poultry production in Google Scholar database, the articles related to different aspects of the biological effects of these two phytogenes in poultry production were selected and analyzed. RESULTS: A review of previous studies has shown that thymol and carvacrol possess a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, modulating of immunity response and regulating of the gut microbial population. Also, in meat type chickens can promote growth and influence feed utilization. The beneficial effect of this compound was evaluated in hepatic toxicity and demonstrated as a hepatoprotective compound in chickens. Furthermore, these compounds can affect the behavior of layers and influence egg composition, eggshell thickness, and the sensory quality of eggs. CONCLUSION: It seems that with the increasing demand for healthy protein products, these compounds can be used to improve performance as a substitute alternative for chemical compounds in healthy poultry farms.

The co-administration effects of florfenicol and lasalocid on performance, biochemical and pathological parameters of muscle, heart, liver, kidney and sciatic nerve in broiler chickens.

The study aimed to examine the effect of simultaneous application of florfenicol and lasalocid on the performance and vital organ function of chickens. For this, 300 chicks were divided into four groups. Group one to three received florfenicol, lasalocid and lasalocid plus florfenicol, respectively. Group four as the control group received a basic diet without lasalocid or florfenicol. Lasalocid was used from 7 to 35 days old, continuously. Florfenicol was used at 21 days old for 5 days. The growth indices were measured at the end of each week. The chickens were euthanized at the ages of 28 and 35 days old after collecting blood samples with and without anticoagulants. The liver, heart, muscle, kidney and sciatic nerve were collected in formalin 10% for histopathological examination. The blood and serum samples were used to determine clinical pathologic and hematologic indices. The ratio of internal organs to body weight and ratio of the right ventricle to the total ventricles (RV/TV) of the heart was measured. Results showed, the use of lasalocid decreased feed conversion rate and triglyceride, and increased total protein. Simultaneous administration of lasalocid and florfenicol affected histopathology of the liver and heart and significantly increased creatine phosphokinase, uric acid and the ratio of RV/TV of heart. The eosinophil percentage in the chickens who received florfenicol plus lasalocid was significantly higher than chickens who received florfenicol alone (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it seems that simultaneous administration of the florfenicol and lasalocid induces side-effects especially on cardiac function and it is not recommended.

The advantages and synergistic effects of Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract and protexin in chicken production.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and phytogenics in the poultry diet have many positive effects on productivity. The combination of these feed additives has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed for evaluation of synergistic effects of protexin (P) and Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract (GX) on growth, biochemical, hematological and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. METHODS: Totally, 300 chicks were divided into 4 groups that fed the basal diet, diet containing P, GX, and GX plus P (GX-P) in all over the growing period. At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from all chickens. The concentration of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), haematological parameters, and humeral antibody against Newcastle disease vaccine was measured. RESULTS: The Results showed that the feed conversion ratio in chickens fed GX-P was significantly lower than others. Also, in chickens fed GX or GX-P, the TG and CHL concentration was significantly lower and GPx and TAC concentration was significantly higher than others, while chickens that received P or GX-P showed higher haemoglobin and TP concentration. The antibody response was significantly higher in chickens fed P. The ALT, AST, ALP, and SOD concentration did not show any significant difference in all chickens. CONCLUSION: Continuous utilization of P along with GX in broiler diets can induce synergist effect on feed efficacy and antioxidant status, lowering lipid profiles with no effect on liver function in chickens.

A systematic review on the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on improvement of biological and fertility indices of sperm in laboratory animals, poultry and humans.

There is an evidence that ginger enhance semen quality via improving different sperm parameters mainly count, viability, motility, morphology and DNA integrity. According to research results in various species, ginger seems to have strong antioxidant properties (due to the presence of active phenolic compounds) and androgenic activity. Ginger improves semen quality and increases fertility of sperm by disrupting the production of free radicals, dissolving oxidative chain reactions, reducing oxidative stress and altering the levels of gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH) and sex hormones (such as testosterone). The antioxidant and androgenic properties of ginger give a sperm with normal morphological structure (head, middle and tail) and more integrated chromatin. The rate of DNA failure and damage to the mitochondrial genome in these cells is minimal and they have the most progressive motility, the highest viability and the best fertility. Therefore, the use of the ginger significantly improves the biological parameters of sperm (number, total motility, survival rate and normal morphology) and also increases all specialized fertility indicators of sperm. Tacking account of lacking literature and possibility of toxicity and adverse effect of ginger on vital organ, further clinical trial especially on evaluating the safety and clinical effect must be considered. Also, dose and duration of consumption by monitoring of health indicators and biochemical changes in all species such as human, animal and poultry must be applied.

Evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) effect on biochemical and pathological parameters of liver and kidney in chicken aflatoxicosis.

CONTEXT: Aflatoxins as potent mycotoxins can influence vital parameters in chickens. Turmeric was used in decreasing toxic effect of mycotoxins on vital organs, traditionally. OBJECTIVE: The study compared the protective effect of turmeric and Mycoad(TR) in broilers exposed to aflatoxin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chickens (270) were divided into six groups. The chickens were fed a basal diet, turmeric extract (5 mg/kg diet), Mycoad(TR) (25 mg/kg diet), productive aflatoxin (3 mg/kg diet), aflatoxin plus turmeric extract (3 versus 5 mg/kg diet), and aflatoxin plus Mycoad(TR) (3 versus 25 mg/kg diet) in basal diet. At 28 d old, we determined plasma concentration of total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), calcium, potassium, phosphorous, uric acid, aspartate transferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Furthermore, liver and kidney were sampled for pathological examination. RESULTS: Chickens fed turmeric with aflatoxin had significant lower ALT, AST, and uric acid than chickens fed aflatoxin (11.4 ± 0.79, 228 ± 9, and 6 ± 0.4 versus 17.2 ± 1.7, 283 ± 5, and 7.7 ± 0.1) whereas, total protein, calcium, and HDL values in chickens fed aflatoxin plus turmeric increased significantly (2.66 ± 0.16, 8.4 ± 0.2, and 920 ± 4.1 versus 1.7 ± 0.17, 7 ± 0.2, and 690 ± 4.8). Pathological examination revealed severe congestion, degeneration, and necrosis in liver and kidney in chickens that received aflatoxin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The study showed that turmeric may provide protection against the toxic effects of aflatoxin on liver and kidney.

Serological and molecular detection of chicken anaemia virus in Iranian poultry flocks.

Despite chicken being the main natural host for chicken anaemia virus (CAV), other birds may be infected by this virus too. In this study we examined chickens, turkeys, and quails for serological and molecular detection of CAV in Iran. For this study, we used 375 sera and thymus samples from broiler chickens, 100 sera and blood samples from turkeys, and 250 thymus samples from quails. The sample were collected from all over Iran between 2009 and 2010. Serum samples were examined using ELISA. DNA was extracted from thymus and blood samples and was analysed for the presence of the VP2 gene of CAV by polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that 69.07% of chickens were positive for antibody to CAV. In chickens, 58.4% were positive for CAV VP2 gene. The prevalence of CAV infection in quails was 15%, based on CAV VP2 gene detection. In turkey flocks, all turkeys (100%) were negative with respect to detection of VP2 CAV gene and CAV antibodies. It was concluded that, for the span of the time considered in this study, CAV has circulated in broiler chickens and quails throughout Iran.

Effect of nanosilver on blood parameters in chickens having aflatoxicosis.

This experiment is designed to investigate the positive effects of commercial nanosilver compound on blood parameters in experimental aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. For this, 270 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into six treatment groups with three replicates. The experimental groups were group A: chickens fed with basal diet; group B: chickens fed with 3 ppm productive aflatoxin in basal diet; groups of C, D, E and F received Mycoad (2.5 g/kg diet), Mycoad (2.5 g/kg diet) + productive aflatoxin (3 ppm), Nanocid (2500 ppm), and Nanocid (2500 ppm) + productive aflatoxin (3 ppm) in basal diet, respectively. Results revealed that some of the blood parameters such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and eosinophils percentage were not affected in this experiment; whereas, hemoglobin percentage and white blood cell (WBC) count in all the groups fed with 3 ppm aflatoxin except nanocid + aflatoxin decreased significantly (p < 0.05). There are no significant differences between the groups that received nanocid + aflatoxin and mycoad + aflatoxin in hemoglobin percentage and WBC count parameters. The red blood cell count and hematocrit in chickens received aflatoxin were significantly lower than other groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that nanocid similar as mycoad can be useful in reducing the adverse effects of aflatoxin on blood parameters in chickens affected with aflatoxicosis.

Identification of shiga toxin and intimin genes in Escherichia coli detected from canary (Serinus canaria domestica).

The pathogenicity of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains is, in large part, due to shiga toxin (Stx) genes (Stx1 and Stx2) and/or intimin (eae) gene. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of domestic canaries (Serinus canaria domestica) as a reservoir of Stx and intimin producing strains of E. coli. For this study, a total of 50 cloacal swabs were collected from 50 healthy domestic canaries. Cloacal swabs were cultured and tested using standard methods of microbiology. After primary identification of E. coli, DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primers for Stx1, Stx2 and eae genes. In this study, three of 50 samples were found to be Stx2 positive. In the present study, nine (18%) of 50 canaries tested were positive for eae gene. Only 2% of total canaries tested were positive for simultaneous Stx and eae genes. By considering the presence of Stx genes in E. coli isolated from cloacal contents of canary, this hypothesis expressed that the canaries may be the carriers of virulence genes that can risk human health. Canary was considered to be a reservoir of Stx and intimin genes and make these birds important vehicles for the spread of zoonosis infection.

Molecular detection of avian pox virus from nodular skin and mucosal fibrinonecrotic lesions of Iranian backyard poultry.

In recent years, some outbreaks of skin lesions suspected to be avian pox were observed in the backyard poultry in different parts of western areas in Iran. Consequently, 328 backyard poultries with suspected signs of avian pox virus infection were sampled. All birds showed nodular lesions on unfeathered head skin and/or fibronecrotic lesions on mucus membrane of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. For histopathological analysis, the sections of tissue samples from cutaneous lesions of examined birds were stained with H&E method. For PCR, after DNA extraction a 578-bp fragment of avian pox virus from 4b core protein gene was amplified. Results showed 217 and 265 out of 328 (66.1 and 80.7%, respectively) samples were positive for avian pox virus on histopathological and PCR examination, respectively. In this study, the samples that had intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies on pathologic examination were PCR positive. This study revealed that PCR is a valuable tool for identification of an avian pox virus and that the frequency of pox infection in backyard poultry in western areas of Iran is high.

Nanosilver effects on growth parameters in experimental aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens.

Aflatoxicosis is a cause of economic losses in broiler production. In this study, the effect of one commercial nanocompound, Nanocid (Nano Nasb Pars Co., Iran) was evaluated in reduction of aflatoxin effects on the growth and performance indices in broiler chickens suffering from experimental aflatoxicosis. For this, a total of 300 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross strain) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates of 15 chicks in each separated pen during the 28-day experiment. Treatment groups including group A: chickens fed basal diet, group B: chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin in basal diet, group C: chickens fed basal diet plus 2500 ppm Nanocid, and group D: chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin and 2500 ppm Nanocid, in basal diet. Data on body weight, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at weekly intervals. Also cumulative data were assessed. Results showed, although supplement of Nanocid to conventional diet had no effect on performance but addition of Nanocid to diet containing 3 ppm aflatoxin increased significantly the cumulative BWG, cumulative feed consumption and decreased FCR in the last 2 weeks of experimental period. The improvement in these performance indices by supplement of Nanocid to diet containing aflatoxin showed the ability of Nanocid to diminish the inhibitory effects of aflatoxin.