Ppm In Feed Research Articles

Evaluation of the herbicide glyphosate, (aminomethyl)phosphonic acid, and glyphosate-based formulations for genotoxic activity using in vitro assays.

Glyphosate, the most heavily used herbicide world-wide, is applied to plants in complex formulations that promote absorption. The National Toxicology Program reported in 1992 that glyphosate, administered to rats and mice at doses up to 50,000 ppm in feed for 13 weeks, showed little evidence of toxicity, and no induction of micronuclei was observed in the mice in this study. Subsequently, mechanistic studies of glyphosate and glyphosate-based formulations (GBFs) that have focused on DNA damage and oxidative stress suggest that glyphosate may have genotoxic potential. However, few of these studies directly compared glyphosate to GBFs, or effects among GBFs. To address these data gaps, we tested glyphosate, glyphosate isopropylamine (IPA), and (aminomethyl)phosphonic acid (AMPA, a microbial metabolite of glyphosate), 9 high-use agricultural GBFs, 4 residential-use GBFs, and additional herbicides (metolachlor, mesotrione, and diquat dibromide) present in some of the GBFs in bacterial mutagenicity tests, and in human TK6 cells using a micronucleus assay and a multiplexed DNA damage assay. Our results showed no genotoxicity or notable cytotoxicity for glyphosate or AMPA at concentrations up to 10 mM, while all GBFs and herbicides other than glyphosate were cytotoxic, and some showed genotoxic activity. An in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of results for glyphosate suggests that it is of low toxicological concern for humans. In conclusion, these results demonstrate a lack of genotoxicity for glyphosate, consistent with observations in the NTP in vivo study, and suggest that toxicity associated with GBFs may be related to other components of these formulations.

Toxicity studies of Usnea lichens containing (+/-)-usnic acid administered in feed to F344/N Nctr rats and B6C3F1/Nctr mice.

Usnea lichens and purified usnic acids have been used historically in traditional herbal medicine as bactericidal and antimicrobial agents. Usnea lichens contain 1%-3% (+/-)-usnic acid and extracts of these lichens are currently marketed in the United States as herbal antimicrobial agents. (+/-)-Usnic acid exhibits membrane proton uncoupling activity, which not only forms the mechanistic basis of its bactericidal action, but also has provided a rationale for its use as a fat burning, weight-loss agent. Purified (+)-usnic acid has been marketed in the United States for this purpose either alone or in combination with other chemical agents. Use of some of these fat burning products that contain (+)-usnic acid has resulted in serious liver damage. This study investigated the potential toxicity of ground Usnea lichens containing (+/-)-usnic acid in male and female Fischer 344/N Nctr rats and B6C3F1/Nctr mice that were exposed via feed for 3 months. F344/N Nctr rats were administered 0, 30, 60, 120, 360, or 720 ppm in feed, while B6C3F1/Nctr mice were administered 0, 15, 30, 60, 180, or 360 ppm in feed. (Abstract Abridged).

Toxicity studies of (+)-usnic acid administered in feed to F344/N Nctr rats and B6C3F1/Nctr mice.

(+)-Usnic acid is a secondary metabolite of lichens belonging to the Usnea genus. Usnea lichens and purified usnic acids have been used historically in traditional herbal medicine as bactericidal and antimicrobial agents. (+)-Usnic acid exhibits membrane proton uncoupling activity, which not only forms the mechanistic basis of its bactericidal action, but also has provided a rationale for its use as a fat-burning, weight-loss agent. Purified (+)-usnic acid has been marketed in the United States for this purpose either alone or in combination with other chemical agents. Use of some of these fat-burning products that contain (+)-usnic acid has resulted in serious liver damage. This study investigated the potential toxicity of (+)-usnic acid in male and female F344/N Nctr rats and B6C3F1/Nctr mice that were exposed via feed for 3 months. F344/N Nctr rats were administered 0, 30, 60, 120, 360, or 720 ppm in feed, while B6C3F1/Nctr mice were administered 0, 15, 30, 60, 180, or 360 ppm in feed. (Abstract Abridged).

Impact of calcium nitrate supplementation on the oxygen-carrying capacity of lactating sows and their offspring.

Calcium nitrate supplementation has recently been suggested to provide potential benefits to sows and, in particular, their offspring when administered at a level of 1,200 ppm in feed shortly before farrowing through lactation. More specifically, nitrate supplementation has been suggested as one opportunity for improved placental and/or fetal blood flow and has been hypothesized in previous work to be important to the swine industry in light of the global trend toward larger litter sizes. The benefit is likely manifested through exposure to the nitrate moiety, but interestingly, nitrate has historically been considered a compound of concern for swine. High levels of nitrate once metabolized to nitrite can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin, resulting in increased methemoglobin and, subsequently, methemoglobinemia (MetHb) if the animal is deprived of significant amounts of oxygen; however, the level of nitrate exposure necessary to induce MetHb in sows is not clearly defined. This work was undertaken to examine methemoglobin levels in sows and piglets exposed to the potentially beneficial levels of 1,200 and 6,000 ppm nitrate added to their diets over the course of the periparturient period. Other oxygen capacity blood variables were evaluated (e.g., hemoglobin, hematocrit, and various measures of hemoglobin and red blood cell volumes and concentrations), as well as performance endpoints (weight changes and feed intake) and general observations over the 27-d period. No evidence of treatment-related toxicity manifestation was observed at these supplemental levels. Nearly all oxygen-related variables were affected by time (independent of treatment), indicating adaptive general effects of farrowing. These findings support the hypothesis that MetHb is not a concern up to at least 6,000 ppm supplemental nitrate exposure, even in combination with additional nitrate in the sow’s daily diet. This work is important to help swine producers understand that consideration of nitrate benefit should outweigh concern for risk of nitrate-induced toxicity.

268 In-feed Antibiotics Elicit Intestinal Integrity Modifications Early in Post-weaning Life

Abstract The physiological mechanisms by which in-feed antibiotics improve pig growth performance are largely unknown. One proposed mode of action is improvements in intestinal integrity and function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that in-feed therapeutic and sub-therapeutic antibiotics would improve intestinal integrity and function in nursery pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs (6.1±1.1 kg BW) were randomly allotted to individual pens and assigned one of three dietary treatments as follows (n = 8 pigs/trt): 1) control, no antibiotics (CON), 2) CON + sub-therapeutic chlortetracycline [40 ppm in feed (sCTC)], and 3) CON + chlortetracycline-tiamulin [400 ppm + 35 ppm, respectively (CTCDen)]. The study consisted of two consecutive 14 d phases. Chlortetracycline-tiamulin was only fed in phase 1, sCTC was fed in both phases. Phase 1 and 2 ADG, ADFI, and G:F were determined. After 28 d, ileal and colonic ex vivo intestinal integrity was assessed via transepithelial resistance (TER) and macromolecule flux (FD4) in modified Ussing chambers. All data were analyzed for the fixed effects of treatment and start BW as a covariate. In phase 1, compared with CON and sCTC, CTCDen tended to have greater ADG (0.28, 0.31, and 0.33 kg/d, respectively, P = 0.10) and ADFI (0.28, 0.30, and 0.35 kg/d, respectively, P = 0.09). No differences in phase 1 G:F were observed (P = 0.11). Phase 2 ADG, ADFI, and G:F did not differ (P > 0.10). Further, ileal TER and FD4 did not differ (P > 0.10). Colonic TER tended to be increased in sCTC compared with CON and CTCDen (78, 56, and 59 Ω/cm2, respectively, P = 0.07). Compared with CON, colonic FD4 flux was decreased in sCTC and CTCDen by 35–40% (P = 0.03). Altogether, these data indicate that in-feed antibiotics improve colon integrity early in production which may contribute to improved growth performance.

Effects of flavophospholipol on conjugation and plasmid curing of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Enteritidis in broiler chickens.

BackgroundEarly in vitro studies suggested that flavophospholipol has plasmid-curing effects and could inhibit conjugation by disrupting pilus formation between bacteria.ObjectivesThis 36-day controlled-challenge study aimed to evaluate the anti-conjugative and plasmid-curing effect of flavophospholipol in vivo on plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in MDR transconjugant Salmonella Enteritidis in chickens.MethodsA total of 270-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four control and four treatment groups with two doses of in-feed flavophospholipol (10 ppm and 64 ppm) and in the presence and absence of ampicillin in drinking water. Chicks were orally challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis with known plasmid-encoded AMR factors. Cloacal swabs were collected on Day 7, 14 and 23. On Day 35, all chickens were euthanized, and caecal tissue and content were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done with a panel of 12 antimicrobials and interpreted according to CLSI breakpoints.ResultsFlavophospholipol given in-feed at 64 ppm had an anti-conjugative effect. There was a significant reduction of acquisition of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline by the recipient strains of Salmonella Enteritidis in treatment groups given flavophospholipol in-feed at 64 ppm (P < 0.05). This was not seen with flavophospholipol given in-feed at 10 ppm.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that flavophospholipol given in-feed at 64 ppm had an anti-conjugative effect. The results also suggest that AMR is reduced through other mechanisms of action, which are yet to be determined. There is insufficient evidence that flavophospholipol at 64 ppm in feed alone or with sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics had a plasmid-curing effect.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera in chicken

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in chicken. Twenty-four Giriraja birds were divided into four groups with six birds in each group. Birds in group I served as control and was administered with distilled water for 23 days continuously. Birds of group II were given paracetamol @ 2 g/kg body weight orally on day 17 and continued till the end of the experiment. Birds in group III were given silyamin @ 100mg/kg for 16 days and paracetamol was given from 17th day onwards @ 2 g/kg body weight along with silymarin till the end of the experiment. Birds in group IV were given shade dried powdered leaves of Moringa oleifera @ 1000 ppm in feed for 16 days and paracetamol was given from 17th day onwards @ 2 g/kg body weight along with medicinal plant till the end of the experiment. The biomarker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase were tested and expression of mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines were screened for hepatoprotective activity of the plant. Histopathological observations were made with liver tissue for analysing hepatoprotective activity of the plant. Based on the results, the study suggests that Moringa oleifera has the potential to act as hepatoprotective agent.

Early microRNA indicators of PPARα pathway activation in the liver

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA species that play key roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs also serve as a promising source of early biomarkers for different environmental exposures and health effects, although there is limited information linking miRNA changes to specific target pathways. In this study, we measured liver miRNAs in male B6C3F1 mice exposed to a known chemical activator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), for 7 and 28 days at concentrations of 0, 750, 1500, 3000, or 6000 ppm in feed. At the highest dose tested, DEHP altered 61 miRNAs after 7 days and 171 miRNAs after 28 days of exposure, with 48 overlapping miRNAs between timepoints. Analysis of these 48 common miRNAs indicated enrichment in PPARα–related targets and other pathways related to liver injury and cancer. Four of the 10 miRNAs exhibiting a clear dose trend were linked to the PPARα pathway: mmu-miRs-125a-5p, -182−5p, -20a−5p, and -378a−3p. mmu-miRs-182−5p and -378a−3p were subsequently measured using digital drop PCR across a dose range for DEHP and two related phthalates with weaker PPARα activity, di-n-octyl phthalate and n-butyl benzyl phthalate, following 7-day exposures. Analysis of mmu-miRs-182−5p and -378a−3p by transcriptional benchmark dose analysis correctly identified DEHP as having the greatest potency. However, benchmark dose estimates for DEHP based on these miRNAs (average 163; range 126−202 mg/kg-day) were higher on average than values for PPARα target genes (average 74; range 29−183 mg/kg-day). These findings identify putative miRNA biomarkers of PPARα pathway activity and suggest that early miRNA changes may be used to stratify chemical potency.

The Beta-adrenergic agonist, Ractopamine, increases skeletal muscle expression of Asparagine Synthetase as part of an integrated stress response gene program

Synthetic beta-adrenergic agonists (BA) have broad biomedical and agricultural application for increasing lean body mass, yet a poor understanding of the biology underpinning these agents is limiting further drug discovery potential. Growing female pigs (77 ± 7 kg) were administered the BA, Ractopamine (20 ppm in feed), or the recombinant growth hormone (GH), Reporcin (10 mg/48 hrs injected) for 1, 3, 7, 13 (n = 10 per treatment, per time point) or 27 days (n = 15 per treatment). Using RNA-sequencing and inferred pathway analysis, we examined temporal changes to the Longissimus Dorsi skeletal muscle transcriptome (n = 3 per treatment, per time point) relative to a feed-only control cohort. Gene expression changes were affirmed by quantitative-PCR on all samples (n = 164). RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that BA treatment had greater effects than GH, and that asparagine synthetase (Asns) was the 5th most significantly increased gene by BA at day 3. ASNS protein expression was dramatically increased by BA treatment at day 7 (p < 0.05). The most significantly increased gene at day 3 was activating transcription factor 5 (Atf5), a transcription factor known to regulate ASNS gene expression. Gene and protein expression of Atf4, another known regulator of Asns expression, was not changed by BA treatment. Expression of more than 20 known Atf4 target genes were increased by BA treatment, suggesting that BA treatment induces an integrated stress response (ISR) in skeletal muscle of pigs. In support of this, mRNA expression of sestrin-2 (Sesn2) and cyclin-dependant kinase 1 alpha (Cdkn1a), two key stress-responsive genes and negative regulators of cellular growth, were also strongly increased from day 3 of BA treatment. Finally, tRNA charging was the most significantly enriched pathway induced by BA treatment, suggesting alterations to the translational capacity/efficiency of the muscle. BA-mediated changes to the skeletal muscle transcriptome are highly indicative of an integrated stress response (ISR), particularly genes relating to amino acid biosynthesis and protein translational capacity.

Ameliorative Effect of &lt;I&gt;Spirulina platensis&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;Erythrina variegata&lt;/I&gt; on Oxidative Stress in Imidacloprid Intoxicated White Leghorn Cockerels

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative efficacy of Erythrina variegata leaf powder (EVLP) and Spirulina platensis (SP, Blue green algae) as feed additives on antioxidant parameters following simultaneous administration of imidacloprid for 60 days in white leghorn cockerels. Forty two white leghorn cockerels weighing 250-275 g of 4-6 months age were selected for this study. Cockerels were divided equally and randomly into six groups T1 to T6 and fed on as control (T1), Spirulina platensis @ 0.2% (T2); imidacloprid @ 50 ppm (T3); Spirulina platensis @ 0.2% plus imidacloprid @ 50 ppm (T4); Erythrina variegata leaf powder (1%) (T5); and Erythrina variegata leaf powder (1%) plus imidacloprid @ 50 ppm (T6) for 60 days. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30 and 60 days interval, tissue samples were collected at the end of the study. A significant (P<0.05) decline in RBC catalase and SOD, and an increase in LPO in RBC, liver, kidney and testes was observed in imidacloprid treated group which returned to normalcy following simultaneous medication with SP and EVLP in T4 and T6 groups after 60 days. Findings of this study indicated that administration of imidacloprid @ 50 ppm in feed for 60 days produced oxidative stress which was ameliorated following simultaneous dietary supplementation of Spirulina platensis and Erythrina variegate @ 0.2% and 1%, respectively. Further, Spirulina platensis was more potent in reversing the oxidative stress induced toxic effects in cockerels.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Andrographis paniculata during Lead Induced Toxicity in Broilers

The effect of dietary lead exposure on immunomodulation of broilers and possible ameliorative effect of Andrographis paniculata were studied. One hundred broiler chicks were randomly divided into five equal groups of 20 each. Group T0 served as control while group T1, T2, T3 and T4 birds were provided commercial diet with lead acetate at the dose of 300 ppm in feed. Powder of dry leaves of Andrographis paniculata was mixed in the feed of group T2, T3 and T4 chicks at the dose of 2 gm, 3 gm and 4 gm/kg of feed respectively and fed for 4 weeks. Significant decrease in HI titres in T1 group and significant increase in T4 group suggested increased haemagglutination titre (HI) response. The maximum skin thickness and diameter on 24th and 48th hours was observed in control group birds (T0) and was comparable with T4 group. Microscopically spleen, thymus and bursa of fabricius revealed increase in lymphoid population in birds fed lead acetate along with Andrographis paniculata compared to T1 group. We concluded that Andrographis paniculata has immunomodulatory effect during lead toxicity in broilers.

Toxico-pathological studies on experimentally induced lead acetate toxicity in broiler chickens with protective effect of Opuntia elatior andWithania somnifera

The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxico-pathological manifestation of lead acetate toxicity in broiler chickens with protective effect of Opuntia elatior fruit juice and extract of Withania somnifera . Lead acetate was administered at dose rate of 500 ppm in feed, P.O. for 21 days while Opuntia elatior fruit juice (3 ml/kg, P.O) and hydro-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg) were administrated alone and in combination for consecutive 21 days in chickens of treatment groups. Symptoms of toxicity were observed after few days in chickens received only lead acetate. There was non-significant decrease in feed intake and body weight gain in birds of lead acetate treated group. Upon gross pathological examination, liver of birds from lead acetate treatment group shown paleness, enlargement and fatty changes; whereas, kidneys shown haemorrhagic lesions and atrophy. Upon microscopic examination, liver of birds treated with lead acetate only showed varying degree of degenerative changes as well as vascular changes. Intestine of birds from lead treatment group showed denaturation and necrosis of tips of intestinal villi. No appreciable histopathological lesions were observed in the spleen and heart of birds in all treatment groups. In conclusion, administration of Opuntia elatior and Withania somnifera for longer period may improve performance of broilers chickens as well as act as protectant to organs.

Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-M) and serine biosynthetic pathway genes are co-ordinately increased during anabolic agent-induced skeletal muscle growth.

We aimed to identify novel molecular mechanisms for muscle growth during administration of anabolic agents. Growing pigs (Duroc/(Landrace/Large-White)) were administered Ractopamine (a beta-adrenergic agonist; BA; 20 ppm in feed) or Reporcin (recombinant growth hormone; GH; 10 mg/48 hours injected) and compared to a control cohort (feed only; no injections) over a 27-day time course (1, 3, 7, 13 or 27-days). Longissimus Dorsi muscle gene expression was analyzed using Agilent porcine transcriptome microarrays and clusters of genes displaying similar expression profiles were identified using a modified maSigPro clustering algorithm. Anabolic agents increased carcass (p = 0.002) and muscle weights (Vastus Lateralis: p < 0.001; Semitendinosus: p = 0.075). Skeletal muscle mRNA expression of serine/one-carbon/glycine biosynthesis pathway genes (Phgdh, Psat1 and Psph) and the gluconeogenic enzyme, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-M (Pck2/PEPCK-M), increased during treatment with BA, and to a lesser extent GH (p < 0.001, treatment x time interaction). Treatment with BA, but not GH, caused a 2-fold increase in phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) protein expression at days 3 (p < 0.05) and 7 (p < 0.01), and a 2-fold increase in PEPCK-M protein expression at day 7 (p < 0.01). BA treated pigs exhibit a profound increase in expression of PHGDH and PEPCK-M in skeletal muscle, implicating a role for biosynthetic metabolic pathways in muscle growth.

Efficacy of cow urine distillate in combating mercury induced toxicity in commercial broilers

Present study was designed to investigate the beneficial and curative effect of cow urine distillate in modulating toxic effect of mercury in chickens. Twenty four, day old, broiler chicks were procured and reared in battery brooders for a week and then divided into four groups of six chicks each. Group I birds were fed with standard feed served as control. Group II birds were administered with cow urine distillate @ 1 ml/bird/day. Group III birds received mercuric chloride @ 50 ppm mixed with feed whereas, group IV birds received mercuric chloride @ 50 ppm in feed along with cow urine distillate @ 1 ml/bird/day. The birds given mercuric chloride (group III) showed significant decrease in the level of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count and erythrocytic indices. The values of serum enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and glucose were significantly elevated whereas the level of serum proteins declined. Group IV birds receiving cow urine distillate along with mercuric chloride did not show any toxic effects of the mercuric chloride and the haematological and biochemical parameters remained near normal range. The beneficial effect of cow urine distillate in combating toxic effects of mercuric chloride was evident as there was neither decrease in erythrocytic indices nor elevation of serum enzymes, glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in group IV birds.

Toxic Manifestation of Endosulfan and Ochratoxin- A in Adult Male Rats

The study examined effects of Ochratoxin-A (OTA) and Endosulfan on the haemato-biochemical changes in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and fed OTA @ 4 ppm in feed (Group I); endosulfan @ 5 mg/kg body weight in corn oil by oral intubation (Group II); combination of both endosulfan @ 5 mg/kg body weight in corn oil and OTA @ 4 ppm in feed (Group III) and toxin free feed (Group IV - control group) daily for 30 days. After treatment, blood was collected from heart for studying haemato-biochemical indices. All toxin treated rats showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the body weights. The treated rats became anemic (normocytic hypochromic anemia) and also revealed lympho cytopenic-leukopenia. Biochemical changes included significant decline in, serum globulin, total protein and albumin along with concurrent increased levels of blood glucose, AST and ALT. Spleen of the treated animals showed depletion of lymphocytes on light microscopy. The present investigation revealed significant toxicity in combination group in comparison to single exposure to OTA or endosulfan alone (Group I and Group II, respectively). These findings suggest that concurrent exposure to endosulfan and OTA results in additive toxic manifestation on haemato-biochemical parameters in male rats.

Enhanced desalination via functionalized carbon nanotube immobilized membrane in direct contact membrane distillation

In this paper, for the first time we report the development of carbon nanotube immobilized membrane (CNIM) on porous polypropylene support for direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) desalination application. We also describe the effect of specific interaction of functional group of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with water moisture on the enhancement of water vapor flux in DCMD via alteration of polar–non polar nature of membrane surface. The incorporation of carboxylic acid (−COOH) functional group on carbon nanotubes alters the hydrophilic–hydrophobic interaction of water moistures with the membrane surface that provides additional pathway for enhanced water vapor transport. The water vapor flux was obtained 36.8kg/m2h at 70°C for CNT–COOH–PP, which is 51.5% higher than unmodified polypropylene membrane at salt concentration 10,000ppm in feed. The salt rejection was found greater than 99.9% at salt concentration 10,000ppm in feed solution. An increase in mass transfer coefficient about 1.5 times was also observed for CNT–COOH–PP membrane. The CNIM also exhibits higher thermal stability at elevated temperatures.

Performance and nutrient utilization of broilers fed diets supplemented with a novel mono-component protease

SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of adding an exogenous protease to corn-, soybean meal-, and meat and bone meal-based broiler diets. In the first experiment, 1,764 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were placed in 63 floor pens, with 28 birds per pen. There were 7 treatments, with 9 replicates each, fed in the starter (d 1 to 21) and grower (d 22 to 40) phases. The dietary treatments were a positive control, formulated with 3,050 and 3,150 kcal of ME/ kg and 22.5 and 20% CP in the starter and grower phases, respectively, and a negative control, formulated with a 4.4% reduction in ME and CP as compared with the positive control diets. A mono-component protease (75,000 protease/g) was added to the negative control diets at 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 ppm of feed. Broilers fed the positive control diet grew better and had a better feed-to-gain ratio (FE) than did those fed the negative control diets, regardless of enzyme supplementation. Protease supplementation had no effect on BW; however, FE was improved in a quadratic manner as protease was increased. In experiment 2, a factorial arrangement of 2 protein (7% difference in CP), 2 energy (3% difference in ME), and 2 protease (0 and 200 ppm) concentrations was used, resulting in 8 treatments replicated 11 times (22 male Cobb 500 broilers per replicate). No 3-way interactions were observed for live performance measures. Broilers fed the high-protein and high-energy diets performed better (P ≤ 0.01) than those fed the low-protein and low-energy diets. Protease supplementation improved FE as well as digestibilities of fat and CP (P ≤ 0.01), regardless of dietary protein or energy concentration. The protease used in these studies improved FE and dietary determined AME values as well as dietary CP and fat digestibility values.

Effect of cadmium on organ biomarkers and evaluation of certain adaptogens in broilers

Day-old male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 8 groups consisting of 10 chicks in each. Groups 1 and 2 were maintained as plain control and cadmium (100 ppm in feed) toxic control, respectively, for 6 weeks. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were maintained on a combination of cadmium along with Emblica officinalis (500 ppm in feed), vitamin E (300 ppm in feed) and polyherbal formulation (1 g/kg feed), respectively, for 6 weeks. Groups 6, 7 and 8 were maintained on cadmium for the first 4 weeks and on E. officinalis, vitamin E and polyherbal formulation, respectively, during the subsequent 2 weeks without cadmium. The biochemical parameters such as alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in toxic control. These parameters revealed improvement following treatment with E. officinalis, vitamin E and polyherbal formulation in groups 6, 7 and 8, respectively. Thus, it is concluded that supplementation of E. officinalis, vitamin E and polyherbal formulation in feed is useful in preventing and treating the cadmium-induced toxic effects.

A study of certain herbs Against chlorpyrifos-induced changes in lipid and protein profile in poultry

A total of 225 male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) of day-old age were procured for the study. The chicks were randomly divided into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group. Group 1 was maintained as basal diet control and group 2 on chlorpyrifos (CPS) at 100 ppm in feed throughout 6 wk as iron toxic control without any treatment. Groups 3-15 were maintained on CPS at 100 ppm in feed for the 4 wk (28 days) of study and thereafter administered with different herbs and their combinations for remaining 2 wk. The blood samples were drawn from wing vein on 28th day and 42nd day from the birds in each group for the estimation of lipid and protein profiles. The birds were sacrificed at the end of 6th week and liver tissues were collected for histological examination. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin and globulins and the A/G ratio were increased significantly (P<;0.05) in toxic groups (2–15), while high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly (P<;0.05) decreased at the end of 4th week. However, following supplementation of herbs and herbal combinations, the values of lipid and protein profile in groups 3–15 revived toward normal at the end of 6th week. Histopathology of liver in CPS toxic control (group 2) revealed areas of degeneration, while groups 3–15 that were treated with herbs and their combinations exhibited these changes in a milder form, indicating regenerative alterations. The study revealed that chorpyrifos-induced changes in lipid and protein profile were improved by supplementation of certain herbs.

Evaluation of herbal methionine and Mangifera Indica against lead-induced organ toxicity in broilers

Lead toxicity was studied in male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) of a day-old age. The chicks were randomly divided into six groups consisting of 15 in each group. Group 1 was maintained as basal diet control and group 2 was kept on lead at 300 ppm in feed throughout 5 wk as toxic control without any treatment. Groups 3 and 4 were maintained on herbal methionine at 1.4 g/kg feed + Mangifera Indica at 0.1% in feed, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with lead + herbal methionine and lead + M. indica, respectively, for the 5 wk. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in liver and kidney revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase, while there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver and kidney, and hepatocytic membrane ATPases and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in liver in the lead toxic control group. Treatment with herbal remedies in groups 5 and 6 resulted in a marked improvement in all the above parameters as compared to those of lead toxic control. Thus, it is concluded that lead induces biological damage by means of oxidative stress and the herbs in test offered better amelioration. The beneficial effects of herbal methionine and Ma. indica may be attributed to their antioxidant, anti-stress and hepatoprotective principles.