Infected Broiler Chickens Research Articles

The ameliorating effect of some immune-stimulants on bursal and tracheal lesions of broiler chickens challenged with ND virus

BackgroundNowadays, immuno-stimulants have great importance in improving the immune system and minimising the effect of infectious diseases in poultry flocks. This study was designed to demonstrate the impact of using different immune-stimulants on the reduction of the harmful implications of virulent ND virus through evaluation of histopathological lesion scores on bursa and trachea of vaccinated and infected broiler chickens with Newcastle disease (ND).ResultsEighty Ross breed broiler chicks at the age of 1 day were randomly divided into four groups, each group formed of 20 birds. Group I was vaccinated against AI, ND and IBD and used as a control. Groups II, III and IV were immunised as group I and also had immuno-stimulant supplement, Imutrix® (oregano oils plus ß-glucan), Evit liquid® (Vitamin E plus selenium) and Immunair 17.5 (Propionibacterium acnes and E. coli lipopolysaccharides), respectively. All groups were experimentally infected with virulent ND virus at the age of 28 days. The morbidity rates for groups I, II, III and IV were 15%, 5%, 5% and 10% respectively. Histopathological examination of bursa revealed hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles in group I which became more evident in groups II, III and IV. Group III showed hyperplasia of tracheal epithelium with lymphocytes and heterophils infiltration in lamina propria. CD79A-positive cells were significantly higher in bursa of group III in comparison to other groups during an immunohistochemical examination.ConclusionIt was concluded that Evit liquid® (vitamin E plus selenium) supplementation might have potent immunomodulatory effect in chickens.

Tissue Tropism of Chicken Anaemia Virus in Naturally Infected Broiler Chickens

Chicken anaemia virus (CAV) causes chicken infectious anaemia, a severe disease characterized by anaemia and immunosuppression and leading to serious economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Although CAV infection has been investigated under experimental conditions, information regarding natural infection is scarce. This report describes an outbreak of CAV infection in 18-day-old broiler chickens and investigates virus tropism in affected birds. Thymic atrophy, pale bone marrow, swelling of the legs and foot ulcers (gangrenous dermatitis) were the most common gross lesions. Severe lymphoid cell depletion in the thymic cortex and presence of intranuclear acidophilic inclusion bodies, depletion of haemopoietic cells in bone marrow and presence of lymphoid infiltrates in several organs were also observed. Immunohistochemical labelling demonstrated the CAV antigens VP1 and VP3 in several organs. The expression of both proteins was similar in the thymic cortex and in the bone marrow, the main target organs of CAV; however, VP3 expression was more abundant in the other organs. Labelling of serial sections showed that CD3+ T lymphocytes might be responsible for the dissemination of the virus from the thymus and bone marrow to other organsand that virus-induced apoptosis, mediated through caspase-3, occurred mainly in the thymus and bone marrow.

Characterization of intestinal immune response to Clostridium perfringens infection in broiler chickens

ABSTRACTNecrotic enteritis toxin B (NetB)-producing Clostridium perfringens (CP) type A is the etiological agent of necrotic enteritis (NE) – an economically significant disease in broiler chickens. Understanding the immune response to CP infection in broiler chickens is becoming important to develop effective vaccines against NE. An experiment was conducted to determine the expression levels of selected cytokine genes in the intestine and cecal tonsil of CP-challenged broiler chickens. In a floor-pen housing, broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: 1) bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD)-free control diet with no CP challenge (CX), 2) BMD-supplemented diet with no CP challenge (CM), 3) BMD-free control diet with CP challenge (PCX), or 4) BMD-supplemented diet with CP challenge (PCM). The establishment of CP infection was confirmed, with the treatment groups exposed to CP having a 1.5 to 2-fold higher CP levels (P < 0.05) compared to the non-exposed groups. On day 1 and 7 post-challenge, jejunal segments and cecal tonsils were collected from experimental chickens for quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis to determine the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, IL-13, IL-17, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β genes. Levels of antibodies to CP recombinant proteins were also determined in the plasma of experimental chickens. Results indicated that on day 7 post-challenge, IL-1β (proinflammatory cytokine), IL-13 (Th2 cytokine), and IL-17 (Th17 cytokine) were upregulated (P < 0.05) in CP-challenged PCX and PCM treatments, compared to the unchallenged (control) CX and CM treatments. A reverse trend was observed for TGF-β (anti-inflammatory cytokine), while no change was observed in IFN-γ (Th1 cytokine). Levels of plasma antibodies (IgY) to CP recombinant proteins were higher in CP-challenged treatments (PCX and PCM; P < 0.05), compared to their corresponding controls (CX and CM). It was concluded that CP infection induced inflammatory response in the intestine of broiler chickens, and the mechanisms of inflammation are probably mediated via Th2 and Th17 cells.

Effect of experimental Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale infection along with live infectious bronchitis vaccination in broiler chickens

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), a bacterium causing respiratory tract infection, has led to a significant problem in the intensive poultry production in Egypt. Polymerase chain reaction-amplified 784-bp specific ORT DNA fragments were found in 7 ORT isolates from lungs, air sacs, and tracheas of commercial broilers or layers in Egypt in 2015. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the live variant IBV 4/91 with ORT infection. A total of 120 14-d-old broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were equally divided into 4 groups for experimental infection in a complete randomized design. Group 1 was infected with ORT strain and live infectious bronchitis vaccine (IBV 4/91) simultaneously; group 2 was infected with the bacterial strain alone; group 3 was vaccinated only with IBV 4/91, and group 4 was the non-vaccinated and non-infected control group. The respiratory signs, post-mortem lesions (tracheitis and pneumonia) and histopathological findings of lungs, trachea, and air sacs in the experimentally infected broiler chickens appeared to be more prominent in the chickens of group 1 than group 2. With respect to body weight, weight gain, feed conversion rate, and Ornithobacterium re-isolation, there was a difference (P ≤ 0.05) among the chickens of group 1 and the other groups. This reveals that the use of live infectious bronchitic vaccines, which is a common practice in the local Egyptian field of production, may concomitantly increase the pathogenicity of ORT in broiler chickens.

Effect of Amla Extract Supplementation on Growth Parameters of Escherichia Coli Infected Broiler Chickens

Effect of Amla Extract Supplementation on Growth Parameters of Escherichia Coli Infected Broiler Chickens

Effect of Some Antibiotic Alternatives on Experimentally Escherichia Coli Infected Broiler Chicks

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of antibiotics alternatives as prebiotic, organic acid and antibiotic supplementation to the broiler chicks on their protective effect against artificial infection with ciprofloxacin marked E.coli O25, growth performance, survival rate, immunity, serum biochemistry and response to NDV. Three-hundred and fifty-day-old broiler chicks were divided into 7 equal groups, 50 chicks each, group 1 was kept as control. Chicks of group 2 was infected orally with 0.2ml of E.coli O25 containing 1x108 viable organism /ml in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and kept as infected control group. Chicks of group 3 was received organic acid (butyric) in water (2ml/liter). Chicks of group 4 was received prebiotic (Hydrostar) in water (1ml/2liter). Chicks of group 5 was received antibiotic (neomycin) in water (1gm/liter) for 5 successive days. Chicks of group 6 was received prebiotic (Hydrostar) and antibiotic (neomycin). Chicks of group 7 was received organic acid (butyric) and antibiotic (neomycin). At 15 days of age chickens of groups 3- 4-5-6 and 7 were orally inoculated with o.2 ml of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing 1 x 108 viable organism /ml of E coli O25 by the same does of group 2. Our results showed that the birds received organic acid (butyric acid) (G3) and prebiotic (Hydrostar) (G4) showed more favorable clinical signs, mortality rate, P.M. lesions, recovery rate, bacterial re-isolation results, growth performance and improved immune response to NDV. A decrease in the mean values of serum ALT and AST and creatinine levels and increase in mean values of albumin, globulin and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) were recorded that may provide evidence for the hepato and renoprotective effects of organic acid (butyric acid) and prebiotic (Hydrostar). It could be concluded that prebiotic (Hydrostar) and organic acid (butyric acid) can be used as antibiotics alternatives due to their high efficacy in (growth performance, antibacterial and positive impact on both liver, kidney functions and antioxidant enzymes). This study highly recommends the use of Hydrostar and butyric acid as a prophylactic agents in dealing with E. coli infection in chicken however, its concurrent administration with neomycin in treatment of such case revealed the most favorable outcomes.

Interaction between avian influenza subtype H9N2 and Newcastle disease virus vaccine strain (LaSota) in chickens

BackgroundH9N2 avian influenza virus is endemic in Egyptian poultry flocks. The role of the live viral vaccines such as LaSota in exaggeration of the clinical picture of H9N2 infection under field conditions is significantly important leading to severe economic losses due to higher mortality and lower growth performance. This experiment was designed to identify the possible interaction between experimental infection with H9N2 virus and NDV live vaccine (LaSota strain) in broiler chickens. Six groups each of 20 broiler chicks were used. Three groups (G1–3) were infected with H9N2 and vaccinated with LaSota, 3 days before, at the same day or 3 days post vaccination (dpv), while the remaining groups (G4–6) were non-vaccinated infected, vaccinated non-infected and non-vaccinated non-infected.ResultsThe highest mortality rate (37.5%) was noticed in chickens of G1 (H9N2 infected 3 days prior LaSota vaccination). Also, this bird group had the most severe clinical signs, histopathological lesions and the longest viral shedding for 9 days post infection (dpi). In the 2nd and 3rd groups, the mortality rate was the similar (31.2%) with less pronounced clinical signs, histopathological lesions and H9N2 shedding was for only 6 dpi with the least shedding quantity in chickens of G3. The control non-vaccinated infected chickens (G4) had 18.7% mortality with the least degree of clinical signs, lesions and the highest viral shedding quantity but only for 6 dpi. At 35 days of age, there was a statistical significant decrease (P < 0.05) in chicken’s body weight of all H9N2 infected groups from G1 to G4 compared to non-infected control groups, G5 and G6 respectively.ConclusionIt was clear that laSota vaccination significantly affect H9N2 infection in broiler chickens regarding clinical signs, mortality rate, lesions, performance and viral shedding.

Effect of Sanguinarine phytobiotic, Sodium butyrate compared to ampicillin on controlling necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Sanguinarine phytobiotic, Sodium butyrate compared to ampicillin in treatment of Clostridium perfringens infection in broiler chickens with a special reference to their effects on growth performance, hematobiochemical and immunological profile. A total of 150 one-day old Cobb broiler chicks were used in this study. On day 14 th of age all chicks were divided into 5 equal groups (30 each). Group (G1) non-infected, non-treated (control), G2 infected with C. perfringens , non treated, G3 infected, treated with Sodium butyrate, G4 infected and treated with Sanguinarine phytobiotic and G5 infected and treated with ampicillin. Administration of drugs in drinking water was continued for 5 days from 18-23 day of age. The results revealed that the infected broiler chickens with C. perfringens and non treated(G2) showed clinical signs of necrotic enteritis represented by loss of appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia in addition to a recorded mortality rate 30% and lesion score 80%. Moreover, significant reduction (P<0.05) in body weight, weight gain, erythrogram, phagocytosis and phagocytic index, Nitric oxide, HI titers, total protein, albumin and total globulin beside significant increase (P<0.05) in feed conversion rate (FCR), leukogram, liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (AST-ALT and ALP), uric acid and creatinine associated with non-significant increase (P<0.05) in globulin fractions were observed. Treatment of the infected chickens with these drugs led to improvement in clinical signs, mortality rate, lesion score, growth performance, hematobiochemical and immunological profile compared with infected non treated birds (G2), but ampicillin had superior effect against Costridium perfringes infection. It could be concluded that C. perfringens infection in broiler chickens induced adverse effects on growth performance, hemato-biochemical and immumological profile of birds which could be reversed or ameliorated by using Sanguinarine phytobiotic, Sodium butyrate or ampicillin . So, the study recommended the use of such treatments hand in hand with antibiotics for controlling necrotic enteritis in broilers. Key words: necrotic enteritis; Sodium butyrate; phytobiotic; ampicillin

EFFECT OF THE MEDICINAL PLANT (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) ON Chlamydophila psittaci INFECTION IN BROILER CHICKENS

Chlamydophila psittaci is considered one of the important bacterial agents which affecting poultry with zoonotic importance to human health. This study designed to investigate the antibacterial action of aqueous neem leaves extract (Azadirachta indica) against experimentally infected broiler chickens with chlamydia. Seventy, one day old Hubbard chicks were randomly selected and divided equally into seven groups, three of the infected groups were treated with neem extract at varied concentration of 4%, 6% and 8% in drinking water compared with the fourth that treated with oxytetracycline. Based on clinical and postmortem examination, growth performance, serum biochemical analysis and histopathological findings the results were evaluated. Chicks received 8% extract at 8 days old for five successive days and control showed normal level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid and creatinine 30 U/L, 26 U/L, 3.90 mg/dl and 0.67 mg/dl respectively, while treated infected groups revealed lower levels unlike infected untreated showed higher levels 68 U/L, 62 U/L, 5.20 mg/dl and 1.62 mg/dl respectively. Moreover treated groups with neem extract of 4%, 6% and 8% recorded significantly better body weights 1130.56 gm, 1135.70 gm and 1254.60 gm respectively, than infected untreated group 963.25 gm at 32 days old as well as feed conversion rate 2.26, 1.94 and 1.77 than 3.80 respectively, at 24 days old. Histopathological examination of infected group showed pulmonary inflammation, myocarditis and hepatic necrotic foci while confirmed that treatment with 8% neem extract resulted in complete recovery of lung tissue and normal myocardium. It is concluded that aqueous leaves neem extract especially 8% concertation had an excellent antichlamydial medication without side effects and recommended in the control of chicken chlamydiosis.

Disposition kinetics, in vitro plasma protein binding and tissue residues of tilmicosin in healthy and experimentally (CRD) infected broiler chickens

Background: Several studies assayed the pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin in broilers at a dosage of (25mg/kg.b.wt.). The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of tilmicosin following single and repeated oral administrations (25mg/kg.b.wt.) once daily for 5 consecutive days in healthy and experimentally Mycoplasma gallisepticum and E. coli infected broilers.Methods: After oral administrations of tilmicosin (25 mg/kg.b.wt.) one ml blood was collected from the right wing vein and tissues samples for determination of tilmicosin concentrations and the disposition kinetics of it by the microbiological assay method using Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) as a test organism.Results: In this study, the plasma concentration time graph was characteristic of a two-compartments open model. Following a single oral administration, tilmicosin was rapidly absorbed in both healthy and experimentally infected broilers with an absorption half-life of (t0.5(ab)) 0.45 and 0.52h, maximum serum concentration (Cmax) was 1.06 and 0.69μg/ml at (tmax) about 2.56 and 2.81h, (t0.5(el)) was 21.86 and 22.91h and (MRT) was 32.15 and 33.71h, respectively; indicating the slow elimination of tilmicosin in chickens. The in-vitro protein binding was 9.72±0.83%. Serum concentrations of tilmicosin following repeated oral administration once daily for five consecutive days, almost peaked 2h after each dose with lower significant values recorded in experimentally infected broiler chickens than in healthy ones.Conclusions: This study showed that tilmicosin was cleared rapidly from tissues. The highest residue values were recorded in the lung followed by liver and kidneys while the lowest values were recorded in spleen, fat and thigh muscles. Five days for withdrawal period of tilmicosin suggested in broilers.

In-vivo Evaluation of Anti-Coccidial Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum and Carica papaya in Experimentally Infected Broiler Chicks

A study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) and Carica papaya (pawpaw) with respect to growth and PCV value in Eimeria tenella infected broiler chicks. A total of 36 chicks (21 day old) were randomly divided into 9 groups (Group 1-9) of 4 chicks each. All the groups were infected with 5100 viable sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella orally except G7 and G8 which served as control. G1 and G2 were treated with supplement of Allium sativum at 10 and 5 ml/L, respectively, G3 were treated with aqueous garlic + pawpaw extracts at 10ml/litre in drinking water. G4 and G5 were treated with supplement of Carica papaya extracts at 10 and 5 g/L, respectively. G6 was treated with Amprolium at 1.25 g/L (+ve control) while G9 was Eimeria tenella infected chicks and non-treated (isolated positive control). Data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P&lt;0.05 level of significance. The study showed that treatment with Allium sativum and Carica papaya resulted in marked reduction in the number of coccidian oocysts shed by treated chicks.Even though it was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05), there was an increase in the mean weight and PCV values in the Eimeria tenella infected but treated groups. Thus, the plants extract can be used as alternative of synthetic chemical drugs in combating coccidiosis and improve chicken health.

In-vivo Evaluation of Anti-Coccidial Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum and Carica papaya in Experimentally Infected Broiler Chicks

In-vivo Evaluation of Anti-Coccidial Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum and Carica papaya in Experimentally Infected Broiler Chicks

Concurrent Use of Tilmicosine and Thyme Oil in Treatment of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Chickens

The objective of this study is designed to clarify the effect of tilmicosin and thyme oil on treatment of chronic respiratory disease in broiler chickens. Eighty one-day old chicks tested negative Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). On the 22th day of age the chicks were divided into five equal groups Gp. (1) non infected non treated ( control ), but chicks in Gp. (2, 3, 4, and 5) at22th day of age were inoculated with 0.2ml of MG broth into air sac. Gp (1) non infected non treated ( control), Gp.(2) infected non treated, Gp.(3)infected treated with thyme oil 200 ppm for 5 successive days, Gp.(4) infected treated with tilmicosin 25 mg⁄kg for 5 successive days. andGp.(5) infected treated with both thyme oil and tilmicosin in same dose and period. At 1st and 7th day post treatment all chicks in all groups were weighed and blood samples were collected for hematobiochemical studies, biochemical studies and phagocytic activity. The clinical signs observed ininfected broilers chickens were poor appetite, depression, nasal discharge, mild conjunctivitis, sneezing, coughing, gasping, rales and mortalities were 20%. Our results revealed that infected non treated chicks showed significant decrease in body weight gain, RBCs, Hb, PCV, WBCs, T.Protein, albumin and globuln beside significant increase in AST, ALT, creatinine, uric acid, phagocytic activity and phagocytic index at 1st day post treatment. Treated infected broilers chickens with tilmicosin and thyme oil showed improvements in clinical signs, mortalities and body weight beside improvement in hematobiochemical and biochemical parameters and phagocytic activity post treatment. The pathological examination of internal organs of MG infected broiler chickens showed severe pathological lesions in lung, liver, kidney and heart. But infected broiler chickens treated with both thyme oil and tilmicosin is induced marked improvement in the pathological changes. It could be concluded that the concurrent use of both thyme oil and tilmicosin is a useful mean to treat and control CRD in broiler chicks. Thyme oil can be used as an assistant factor to retard CRD in broiler chicks due to its immune enhancer and growth promoter properties.

Evaluation of the prevalence of viral bronchitis infection in broiler chicken by using ELISA Technique

The study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV) in broiler chickens farms in Kirkuk Governorate. The technique has been used in the study, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Nine hundred serum samples were collected from (10) broilers farms, During the period from April 2016 to May 2016, including (90) samples from (1) symptomatic, non-vaccinated broilers farms. (90) samples from one asymptomatic, vaccinated broilers farm, and another (630) samples from one asymptomatic, non-vaccinated broilers farm, the remaining (90) samples from one symptomatic, vaccinated broilers farms, and were tested for the presence of IBV antibodies by ELISA kit. One hundred and ninety six serum samples were positive ( %65.3 ) : 78/90 (86.6%) samples were symptomatic, non-vaccinated, another 63/90 (70%) were asymptomatic, vaccinated broilers farm, and 432/630 (68.5%) were asymptomatic, non-vaccinated broiler farm, the remaining 15/90 (16.6%) were symptomatic, vaccinated broilers farm. The remaining samples (312) were negative by ELISA.

Disposition Kinetics and Tissue Residues of Cefotaxime in Healthy and Experimentally Staphylococcus Aureus Infected Broiler Chickens

Disposition Kinetics and Tissue Residues of Cefotaxime in Healthy and Experimentally Staphylococcus Aureus Infected Broiler Chickens

Zataria multiflora essential oil reduces replication rate of avian influenza virus (H9N2 subtype) in challenged broiler chicks

ABSTRACT1. The effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil on replication rate of the H9N2 virus in target organs was determined by real-time PCR. One-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six groups and were challenged with H9N2 influenza. Two groups received either 20 or 40 µl/kg body weight/day Zataria multiflora essential oils (ZM) seven days before the challenge while two other groups received the essential oil at the same dosage but after H9N2 challenge. One group received 4 mg/kg body weight/day of the anti-viral compound amantadine after challenge and the last group received no treatment and served as the control.2. Groups that received the ZM, before or after H9N2 challenge, and the amantadine treated group showed reduced viral replication in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts compared to the control. Supplementation with ZM improved weight gain and FCR in broilers in comparison with the control.3. The results showed that ZM had a positive effect on reducing viral replication in both the intestine and trachea of H9N2 influenza infected broiler chickens, that led to milder clinical symptoms and better performance.

Disposition Kinetics of Cefepime in Healthy and Experimentally Salmonella Typhimurium Infected Broiler Chicken

Cefepime is a broad-spectrum semi synthetic β-lactamase resistant fourth generation cephalosporin. Looking to potential for clinical use, pharmacokinetics of cefepime following single intravenous and intramuscular (IM) dose (100mg/kg b. wt.) in healthy and experimentally Salmonella typhimurium infected broiler chickens were determined. Cefepime concentration in plasma samples was determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography with mobile phase. The mobile phase was a mixture of 10mM phosphate buffer (pH 7): Methanol; 75:25 was always freshly prepared. Flow rates were 1 ml/min. UV detection was performed at 256 nm, injection volume was 20 µl. After a single intravenous injection, cefepime reached its maximum serum concentrations of 4.28 ± 0.37μg/ml in normal chickens, while in the infected chickens, the maximum serum concentration was 2.62 ± 0.72 μg/ml. Cefepime was eliminated after intravenous injection with half-life (t1/2 β) of 4.608 ± 0.145 h in normal which significantly longer than 4.19 ± 0.158 h in infected chickens. The mean residence time (MRT) was 6.51 ± 0.189h in normal vs 5.86±0.18 h in infected chickens. After IM administration the drug reached its maximum serum concentrations of 193.06 ± 2.27μg/ml at maximum time of 1.138 ± 0.012 h in normal, while in infected chickens the maximum serum concentrations was 132.93 ± 1.53μg/ml attained at maximum time of 1.265 ± 0.013 h. In conclusion a cefepime at dose of 100 mg/kg administered intravenously or IM at 24 h intervals may provide successful treatment of chicken infected with Salmonella typhimurium.

Haematological Changes Caused by Coccidiosis in Experimentally Infected Broiler Chickens

Haematological alterations caused by coccidiosis in experimentally infected broiler chickens by Eimeria spp. The experimental animals (n=100) were randomly allocated into four equal groups, group one (G-I), group two (G-II), group three (G-III) and group four (G-IV) with 25 chickens in each group. The G-I, G-II, and G-III were treatments groups challenged by different Eimeria sporulated oocysts, while G-IV served as the control group. In this study, the infective dose of E. tenella (G-I), E. acervulina (G-II) and mixed Eimeria spp (G-III) was 2×104 sporulated Eimeria oocyst inoculated orally at three weeks of age in broiler chicken and subsequent alterations in different haematological constituents were evaluated at interval of 5, 7 and 9 day of post inoculation. Anaemia caused by Eimeria species was characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells and packed cell volume. Statistically highly significant decrease in the total erythrocyte count in all infected groups was recorded compared to control group. The mean value of total erythrocyte count of group one and group two recorded a highly significant decreased on 7 day of post infection. A highly significant increase in total leukocyte count in group one and group two Eimeria infected chickens. The statistical analysis of eosinophil and heterophils and lymphocyte showed highly significant increase in group one and group two in comparison to control group. The mean percentage of monocyte in group one, group two and group three revealed a highly significant increase on seven day of post infection.

Frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in broiler chickens in southern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n = 189) from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small family farmers (n = 7). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of anti- Toxocara spp. IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% CI = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index values observed in ELISA test indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where the chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides evidence that chickens are a good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat.

High Molecular Weight Polymer Promotes Bone Health and Prevents Bone Loss Under Salmonella Challenge in Broiler Chickens.

As a consequence of rapid growth, broiler chickens are more susceptible to infection as well as bone fractures that result in birds being culled. Intestinal infection/inflammation has been demonstrated to promote bone loss in mice and humans. Given this link, we hypothesize that therapeutics that target the gut can benefit bone health. To test this, we infected broiler chickens (7 days old) with Salmonella and treated the birds with or without MDY, a non-absorbable mucus supplement known to benefit intestinal health, from day 1–21 or from day 14–21. Chicken femoral trabecular and cortical bone parameters were analyzed by microcomputed tomography at 21 days. Birds infected with Salmonella displayed significant trabecular bone loss and bone microarchitecture abnormalities that were specific to the femoral neck region, a common site of fracture in chickens. Histological analyses of the chicken bone indicated an increase in osteoclast surface/bone surface in this area indicating that infection-induced bone resorption likely causes the bone loss. Of great interest, treatment with MDY effectively prevented broiler chicken bone loss and architectural changes when given chronically throughout the experiment or for only a week after infection. The latter suggests that MDY may not only prevent bone loss but reverse bone loss. MDY also increased cortical bone mineral density in Salmonella-treated chickens. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that Salmonella-induced bone loss in broiler chickens is prevented by oral MDY.