Effect of polysavone (alfalfa extract) on abdominal fat deposition and immunity in broiler chickens.

Two hundred 1-day-old male commercial Arbor Acres broiler birds were randomly distributed to a control group and a polysavone group (5 replicates of 20 birds each) to investigate the influence of polysavone, a natural extract from alfalfa, on abdominal fat deposition and immunity in broiler chickens. Birds in the control group were supplied with a basal diet, and 0.06% polysavone was added to the basal diet of birds in the polysavone group. Body weight and feed consumption for each replicate were recorded weekly. At 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age, 4 birds from each replicate were randomly selected for blood and organ sampling. Polysavone had no significant effect on feed intake, BW, or feed:gain ratio in the experimental period, and it decreased the abdominal fat weights at 5 and 6 wk of age. Polysavone improved (P <0.05) the relative thymus and spleen weights at 6 wk of age and the bursa weights at 4 and 5 wk of age compared with the control group. At 4 and 6 wk of age, the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes in the polysavone group was significantly greater (P <0.05) than that in the control group. When birds were 4 and 5 wk of age, polysavone resulted in a significant increase (P <0.05) in serum anti-Newcastle disease virus hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer. These results showed that polysavone may decrease abdominal fat deposition and enhance immunity without an adverse effect on the performance of broiler chickens.

Study on antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria causing neonatal infections: a 12 year study (1987-1998).

OBJECTIVE: The method of Manual of Clinical Microbiology was used to identify bacteria. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of bacterial agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility as empirical treatment for neonatal infections. Disk diffusion tests were also done for antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: From January 1987 to December 1998, 2,244 bacterial strains were isolated in our neonatal ward. The first three predominant species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (23.9%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (19.9%) and Escherichia coli (12.6%) in group I (infections acquired outside of hospital). Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 18%, 15.2% and 12.6% respectively in group II (nosocomial infections). The sensitivity rates of those antimicrobials that are seldom used for newborns were found to be higher, while the resistant rates of the commonly used antimicrobial drugs have increased significantly. The resistant rates of bacterial isolate from group II to antimicrobial agents including penicillin and ampicillin were significantly higher than those isolated from group I (p<0.05)The sensitivity rate was 82.2% (717/833) by using amikacin only, when combined with penicillin, rose to 89%(741/833). CONCLUSIONS: Gram-negative bacteria were mainly responsible for nosocomial infections of neonates in our hospital. Infections acquired outside the hospital were mainly caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Nosocomial pathogens produced drug resistance easily. Combination of amikacin and penicillin can be recommended as the initial antibiotics for treatment of neonatal infections.