Relative Stomach Weight Research Articles

Performance and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs fed highly or low fermentable coarse or finely ground fibre-rich feedstuffs

ABSTRACT Dietary fibre is mainly classified according to its chemical characteristics but structure and particle size of fibre-rich feedstuff can also be decisive for digestion and performance. So far, only few studies investigated this in pigs. This experiment aimed to compare coarse and finely ground dried hemp plants and apple pomace regarding performance and ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. Coarse or finely ground apple pomace or dried hemp plants were added to the diet of 56 nine weeks old growing pigs (DanBred x Duroc), housed in flat decks with each 2 animals. The growing pigs received the experimental diets for three weeks while performance was recorded. Eight pigs per group were sacrificed and digesta and organ tissue sampled. The stomach health was evaluated by visually scoring of the mucosa integrity. Apparent ileal (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD) were calculated using titanium dioxide as marker. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). The highest feed intake (fibre particle size, p = 0.018) and bodyweight gain (fibre particle size, p = 0.018; fibre source x particle size interaction, p = 0.040), was observed in animals fed finely ground apple pomace, while the feed conversion ratio was 8–12% lower in pigs fed finely ground fibre sources (p = 0.012). No differences in stomach mucosa integrity were detected between the groups. The relative pancreas (p = 0.045), stomach (p < 0.001), and jejunum (p = 0.010) weights were higher in animals fed diets containing apple pomace. In contrast, the relative liver, caecum and colon weights were not affected by fibre source or particle size. The AID of protein and amino acids was not affected, while ATTD was increased by fibre source (hemp vs. apple pomace) reducing faecal nitrogen excretion. The AID of calcium was increased when diets contained apple pomace (p < 0.001), while zinc AID and ATTD were enhanced when diets contained dried hemp (p = 0.016; p = 0.016, respectively). Our results suggest that the structure as well as the chemical characteristics should be considered in a future fibre evaluation system in pigs.

A Mixture of Kaempferol-3-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside from Malvaviscus arboreus Prevents Ethanol-Induced Gastric Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Histologic Changes.

Malvaviscus arboreus is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, a mixture of Kaempferol-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-O-sophoroside (MaSS) isolated from flowers of this species was tested as a preventive treatment on gastric lesions induced with ethanol in rats. MaSS was obtained by chromatographic methods and administered by oral pathway to male Sprague Dawley rats with ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with MaSS at doses of 30, 90, 120, and 180 mg/kg significantly prevents gastric lesions, inhibits the increment in relative stomach weight (%) in gastric IL-6, and also provokes an increment of IL-10 concentration and catalase activity. Finally, MaSS prevented edema in the mucosa and submucosa and diminished microscopic gastric lesions provoked by ethanol.

Anti-Ulcer Potentials of Aqueous Extract of Triticum aestivum on Delayed Healing of Experimentally Induced/Gastric Ulcer

Background: Ulcer reoccurrence and delay of healing caused by certain factors is now a major problem with the treatment of peptic ulcer. This study sought to unravel the role of Triticum aestivum in delayed ulcer healing in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty five (25) Experimental animals (male Wistar rats) weighing 120g – 150g were randomly divided into five groups (N = 5) viz; I (Control), II (20% acetic acid ulceration + 2 mg/kg of indomethacin), III, IV, and V received 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of T. aestivum + 20% acetic acid ulceration + 2 mg/kg of indomethacin. Ulcer was induced by serosa application of 20% acetic acid and was delayed by subcutaneous administration of 2 mg/kg of indomethacin for 14 days. Results: Findings from this study showed that the relative body weight changes decreased substantially in delayed untreated group juxtaposed to control which was improved in T. aestivum extract (TAE) groups. Total gastric acidity, ulcer area, and relative stomach weight were substantially (P &lt; 0.05) increased in delayed ulcer group juxtaposed to control group. These changes were substantially reversed in TAE-treated groups. A substantial decrease was observed in the catalase level and expression of nitric oxide accompanied by an increase in malondialdehyde was noted in delayed ulcer group juxtaposed to control which were ameliorated in all TAE treated groups. Histological and macroscopic evaluations revealed that there was a substantial decrease in inflammation and erosion of the gastric mucosa in groups treated with T. aestivum juxtaposed to delayed ulcer group. Conclusion: It can thus be said that aqueous extract of T. aestivum attenuates delayed gastric ulcer healing due to antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The highest concentration (200 mg/kg) in this proved to be the most beneficial.

Diet and stomach characteristics of feral piglets (Sus scrofa): Implications for farmed piglets.

Evaluation of the diet of the pig (Sus scrofa) in natural settings may provide new views on diet optimization for growth and development of commercially raised piglets under farm conditions. A field study was conducted to gain insight in the diet and stomach characteristics of feral piglets. Forty animals (body weight: 4.6 ± 1.37 kg) were collected from the Bahía Samborombón (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Stomachs were weighed after storage in formalin and the particle size distribution of their contents was determined by wet sieving. Diet items present in their stomachs were classified and their proportional weight and relative abundance was calculated. Based on their dentition, 5, 16 and 19 piglets were approximately 1, 3-6and 6-16 weeks of agerespectively. Vegetable matter (mainly 'leaves and stems') was predominantly present in 39 animals. It represented on average 83 ± 36.4% of total stomach contents by weight. The stomachs of 12 piglets contained curd and represented on average 16 ± 35.1% by weight. Other diet items were less abundant or absent. The proportion of stomach particles retained were 24%, 13%, 22%, 13% and 28% for sieves with mesh sizes of 2000, 1000, 420, 210 and <210 µmrespectively. For comparison, we used data of farmed piglets of similar age and fed a nutrient-dense, finely ground diet. Feral piglets' relative empty stomach weights increased with age (p < 0.050), whereas this was not the case for farmed piglets. Relative stomach contents weight increased significantly with age only for farmed piglets (p < 0.050). We infer from our data that feral suckling piglets consumed a variety of non-milk items, mainly consisting of vegetable material with a coarse particle size from their first week in life onwards. Their diet is associated with an enhanced stomach development compared to those of farmed piglets.

Effects of dietary protein on gut development, microbial compositions and mucin expressions in mice.

Dietary protein, as an important macronutrient, widely participates in host growth and metabolism. In this study, effects of different protein levels (14, 20 and 26%) on the gut development, microbial compositions and mucin expressions were studied in C57BL/6mice. The results showed that body weight and the relative weight of stomach and gut were decreased in low-protein diet-fed mice, whereas high-protein diet significantly reduced the villus length and area of jejunum. Goblet cells number in the jejunum was reduced in the low-protein group, which was reversed by dietary a high-protein diet. In addition, high-protein diet notably reduced microbial diversity and changed the microbial compositions at the phylum level, such as Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes and Deferribacteres. Furthermore, high-protein diet significantly increased mucin2, mucin3 and mucin4 expressions in the jejunum, but downregulated mucin1, mucin2, mucin4 and TFF3 in the ileum, indicating a tissue-dependent manner. Together, high-protein diet may impair gut development, microbial balance and mucin system, and a low-protein diet is suggested to promote a healthy lifestyle. Mucin influenced gut development (villus index and goblet cell number) through remodelling gut microbes, as low and high protein levels resulted in contrary expression levels of mucin in jejunum and ileum.

Day-old chicken quality and performance of broiler chickens from 3 different hatching systems

In on-farm hatching systems, eggs are transported at d 18 of incubation to the broiler farm, where chickens have immediate access to feed and water after hatching. In hatchery-fed systems, newly hatched chickens have immediate access to feed and water in the hatchery and are transported to the farm thereafter. Conventionally hatched chickens can remain without access to feed and water up to 72 h after hatching until placement on the farm. The current study compared day-old chicken quality, performance, and slaughter yield of broiler chickens that were on-farm hatched (OH), hatchery-fed (HF), or conventionally hatchery-hatched (HH). The experiment was performed in 6 rooms in 1 house. Each room contained 2 duplicate pens with approximately 1,155 chickens per pen; 2 rooms with each 2 duplicate pens were assigned to 1 treatment. The experiment was repeated during 3 consecutive production cycles. Chickens originated from young parent stock flocks. Results showed that HF and OH chickens were heavier and longer than HH chickens at day (D) 1. Relative weight of stomach and intestines were highest for OH chickens. The OH chickens had worse day-old chicken quality in terms of navel condition and red hocks than HH and HF chickens. Treatments did not differ in first wk and total mortality. From D0 until slaughter age, body weight was highest for OH, followed by HF and HH. Furthermore, carcass weight at slaughter age (D40) was highest for OH chickens, followed by HF and HH chickens. Breast fillets showed a higher incidence of white striping and wooden breast in HF and OH chickens compared with HH chickens. In conclusion, the current study showed that both OH and HF chickens of young parent flocks had better growth performance, which could explain the higher prevalence of breast myopathies, compared with HH. The worse day-old chicken quality for OH compared with HH and HF does not seem to affect first wk mortality and later life performance.

Effects of incubation temperature pattern on broiler performance

During incubation, development of embryos is affected by eggshell temperature (EST). A constant EST of 37.8°C has been considered so far to result in most optimal embryo development. However, it can be hypothesized that a higher EST in week 2 in combination with a lower EST in week 3 stimulates embryo development and subsequent grow-out performance. In this study, 468 eggs of a 44-week-old Ross 308 breeder flock were incubated at different incubation temperature patterns in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. In week 2, EST was either 37.8°C or 38.9°C, and in week 3, EST was either 37.8°C or 36.7°C. At hatch, chick quality was determined. Thereafter, 320 broilers were grown in 32 pens (8 replicates/treatment) for 6 wk. Weekly BW and ADFI were determined, and at day 40, slaughter yield from 128 broilers (4 per pen) was determined. Results showed that EST in week 2 did not interact with EST in week 3 for any variable. An EST of 38.9°C in week 2 resulted in a 1 mm longer chick length (P < 0.001) and 0.4 mmol/L lower blood glucose level (P = 0.04) at hatch than an EST of 37.8°C. Grow-out performance was not affected by EST in week 2 of incubation. An EST of 36.7°C in week 3 resulted in a 1 mm shorter chick length (P = 0.02), 1.0 mmol/L higher blood glucose level (P < 0.001), and higher relative heart (P = 0.01) and stomach weights (P = 0.03) at hatch than an EST of 37.8°C. Additionally, an EST of 36.7°C in week 3 resulted in lower BW, ADG, and ADFI on slaughter age (all P < 0.03) than an EST of 37.8°C. In conclusion, no interaction between EST in week 2 and 3 of incubation was found for any variable. A higher EST in week 2 had minor effects at hatching and during rearing, whereas a lower EST in week 3 seemed to result in better organ development, but resulted in lower grow-out performance.

Response in carcass yield, organ weights, and gut morphology of broiler chickens to incremental levels of Vachellia tortilis leaf meal

The objective of this study was to assess the carcass yield, organ weights, and gut morphology response to Vachellia tortilis inclusion in broilers. Unsexed 14-d-old Cobb500™ chicks were randomly assigned to six diets containing 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 g kg−1 dry matter of V. tortilis leaf meal. The slaughter weight (SW), dressed carcass weight (DCW), breast weight, thigh weight (TW), drumstick weight (DW), and internal organs were measured. Villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), epithelial, submucosa, and muscularis thickness were taken. The apparent villus surface area (AVSA) and villus to crypt ratio were calculated. There was a linear decrease in SW and DCW (P &lt; 0.05) with the increase of V. tortilis leaf meal. The SW and DCW decreased by 0.77 and 5.25 g for each g kg−1 increase in V. tortilis, respectively. The TW and DW showed no relationship with levels of V. tortilis leaf meal. The relative weight of gizzard, intestine, stomach, heart, and kidney increased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) as levels of V. tortilis increased. The relative weight of the liver was not related to V. tortilis inclusion. The VH, AVSA, VH to CD ratio, as well as submucosa, muscularis, and epithelial thicknesses linearly increased as the V. tortilis inclusion level increased. There was no relationship between V. tortilis leaf meal inclusion and CD (P &gt; 0.05). The increased morphological measurements suggest that leaf meal inclusion alters gut physiology and could influence the digestion and absorption of nutrients in broilers.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS FED ON DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SUNFLOWER OIL

The current investigation was conducted to study the effects of dietary supplementation of different sunflower oil levels on productive performance and physiological status of New Zealand White Rabbits. A total of 56 weaned New Zealand White rabbits, 5 weeks of age, was assigned randomly into four similar experimental groups, 14 rabbits in each (7 males and 7 females). Rabbits in the first group were served as control (G1), while those in the second, third and 4thgroups were fed diets containing 1% (G2), 2% (G3) and 3% (G4) sunflower oil, respectively, and the experimental period lasted for 8 weeks. Results indicate that all growth performance parameters in G1 and G2, including final LBW and average daily gain were significantly (P<0.05) higher, while average feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) lower than in G3 and G4, being with the best results in G1 and the poorest results in G4. These results reflected significantly (P<0.05) higher feed conversion ratio and productive index (PI) in G1 and G2 than in G3 and G4, being the highest in G1, but did not differ significantly from that in G2. Concentration of blood serum total proteins and globulins in G4, and glucose concentration in G3 and G4 were significantly (P<0.05) decreased as compared to G1. Concentration of blood serum total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides in G3 and G4 significantly (P<0.05) increased, while LDL concentration decreased as compared to G1. However, concentration of blood serum albumin and urea as well as serum activity of AST and ALT were not influenced by experimental diets. On the other hand, biochemical parameters in G2 did not differ significantly from that in control one. Sunflower oil at different levels had no significant effects on carcass and dressing percentage (with or without head) of growing rabbits. The same trend was observed for the relative weight of heart, stomach, small intestine, caecum, proximal colon and distal colon. The histological examination revealed normal liver and kidney function in all studied groups. Although rabbits fed the control diet showed the highest net revenue/rabbit, those in G2 fed diet containing 2% sunflower oil had the highest net revenue/group as a result of the highest viability rate in G2 (14/14) as compared to (12/14) in each of G1, G3 and G4. Dietary supplementation of sunflower oil at a level of 1% showed the highest economic efficiency without adversely effects on growth performance, carcass traits, physiological status, and liver and kidney function of growing rabbits.

Food habits of bluegillLepomis macrochiruspopulations in reservoirs in Kagawa, Japan

Food habitats of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus populations in Hachiman and Saburo Reservoirs, Japan, were examined. In both populations, stomach content weights reduced relative to an increase in body weight, there being no gender-specific differences. However, relative stomach weights of males were significantly greater than those of females, a sexually dimorphic characteristic of bluegill. Feeding amounts of bluegills in Hachiman Reservoir tended to be low in winter–spring, and high in summer–autumn. Stomach contents, including insects, zooplankton, crustaceans, fishes, plants and inorganic debris, showed highly generalized feeding, although insects were frequently taken, particularly during spring–summer, with chironomids being a principle dietary item. In spring, numerous eggs of the crucian carp were ingested, suggesting a significant impact upon reproduction of the latter. In summer, many bluegill stomachs were filled with green algae. However, similar cramming of the intestinal tract suggested no digestive ability of bluegill for plant materials, including algae. In both habitats examined, the stomach contents of small bluegills (ca. 20–50 mm TL) comprised almost entirely zooplankton, diets subsequently diversifying gradually with growth. The almost complete absence of zooplankton in bluegills greater than ca. 110 mm in TL indicated a growth-related food habit shift from planktivory to omnivory.

TOKSISITAS AKUT EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN KIRINYUH (CHROMOLAENA ODORATA (L) R.M. KING &amp; H. ROB) PADA MENCIT PUTIH JANTAN

Abstract: The acute toxicity of ethanol extracts from Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata (L) R.M.King &amp; H. Rob) leaves to white mice males has been done. Parameters toxicity observed were LD50and delayed toxic effects for 14 days of observation including changes in weight, volume of waterconsumption, and relative weight of the organs like heart, liver, kidneys, stomach and lungs. Theethanol extract of Chromolaena odorata (L) R.M King &amp; H. Rob leaves orally at a dose of 4 g/kgBB,8 g/kgBB and 16 g/kgBB, showed that was categorized practically non-toxic (LD50&gt; 15 g/kgBB).Delayed toxic effects are seen from the significant differences in body weight, the volume of water,relative organ weight of lung and stomach (P&lt;0.05). There were no significant differences in therelative organ weight of the heart, liver and kidneys (P&lt;0.05).

Non-seasonal reproduction in inseminating species of Mimagoniates (Characidae, Characiformes) from southern Brazil

Some aspects of reproduction in two species of Mimagoniates, M. microlepis (Steindachner 1877) and M. rheocharis Menezes &amp; Weitzman 1990 are herein described. Samples were taken monthly from January 1998 to February 1999 in two streams in the locality of Maquiné, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Results from the analysis of hundreds of specimens of M. microlepis and M. rheocharis in two investigated sites indicated mature specimens and peaks of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) along the year. There was a negative and significant correlation between M. microlepis male’s GSI and water temperature. Females of the latter species and both sexes of M. rheocharis, in turn, showed no correlation with any of the tested parameters (relative stomach weight, day length, rainfall). Absolute and relative fecundity are lower than in externally fertilized species of Characidae. Maximum oocyte length was 1.14 mm for M. microlepis and 1.02 mm for M. rheocharis and both species were characterized as total spawners based on the type of oocyte development estimated through oocyte size analysis. Features like non-seasonal reproductive period, low fecundity, and insemination may indicate adaptive advantages, which may enhance the chance of survival even with low energetic investment and improved fertilization.

Effects of breeder age, broiler strain, and eggshell temperature on development and physiological status of embryos and hatchlings

Breeder age and broiler strain can influence the availability of nutrients and oxygen, particularly through differences in yolk size and shell conductance. We hypothesized that these egg characteristics might affect embryonic responses to changes in eggshell temperature (EST). This study aimed to investigate the effect of breeder age, broiler strain, and EST on development and physiological status of embryos. A study was designed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using 4 batches of 1,116 hatching eggs of 2 flock ages at 29 to 30 wk (young) and 54 to 55 wk (old) of Ross 308 and Cobb 500. EST of 37.8 (normal) or 38.9°C (high) was applied from incubation d 7 (E7) until hatching. The results showed that breeder age rather than broiler strain had an influence on yolk size (P = 0.043). The shell conductance was higher in Ross 308 than in Cobb 500 (P < 0.001). A high EST resulted in a higher yolk free body mass (YFBM) compared to the normal EST at E14 and E16, but at 3 h after hatch YFBM was lower when eggs were incubated at high EST compared to normal EST (all P < 0.001). Cobb 500 eggs yielded embryos with a lower YFBM at E14, E18, and 3 h after hatch (all P < 0.05) than Ross 308 eggs. Breeder age had no effect on YFBM, but the RSY weight was higher in embryos from the old flock compared to the young flock embryos at E14 and E16 (both P < 0.05). A 3-way interaction among breeder age, strain, and EST was found, especially for incubation duration, navel quality, and relative heart and stomach weights at 3 h after hatch (all P < 0.05). Based on the results obtained, we conclude that oxygen availability rather than nutrient availability determines embryonic development, and the egg characteristics affected embryonic responses to changes of EST, especially for variables related to chick quality.

Temperature during the last week of incubation. I. Effects on hatching pattern and broiler chicken embryonic organ development

We investigated the effects of an eggshell temperature (EST) of 35.6, 36.7, 37.8, and 38.9°C applied from d of incubation (E) 15, E17, and E19 on hatching pattern and embryonic organ development. A total of 2,850 first-grade eggs of a 43-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder flock were incubated at an EST of 37.8°C until E15. From E15, E17, or E19 onward, eggs were incubated at an EST of 35.6, 36.7, 37.8, or 38.9°C. Moment of internal pipping (IP), external pipping (EP), and hatch was determined, and organ development was measured at E15, E17, E19, IP, EP, and hatch. A lower EST extended incubation duration compared to a higher EST. The lower incubation duration was mainly caused by the extended time until IP, whereas time between IP and hatch hardly varied between treatments. Relative heart weight was affected by EST already from 2 d after the start of EST treatment on E15, and effects became more pronounced at longer exposure time to various EST treatments. At hatch, the largest difference in relative heart weight was found between an EST of 35.6 and 38.9°C started at E15 (Δ=64.4%). From E17 onward, EST affected yolk-free body mass (YFBM) and relative stomach weight, where a lower EST resulted in a lower YFBM and relative stomach weight before IP and a higher YFBM and relative stomach weight after IP. From E19 onward, a lower EST resulted in a higher relative liver and spleen weight regardless of start time of treatment. Yolk weight and relative intestine weight were not affected by EST before and at E19, but a higher EST resulted in a higher yolk weight and lower relative intestine weight from IP onward. Based on the higher YFBM and higher relative organ growth found at hatch, we concluded that an EST lower than 37.8°C from E15 onward appears to be beneficial for optimal embryo development.

Depletion of mitochondrial enzyme system in liver, lung, brain, stomach and kidney induced by benzo(a)pyrene.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has recently received considerable attention as it plays an important role in adult human pathology caused by various drugs, endogenous agents and environmental agents. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant mainly derived from anthropogenic activity during incomplete combustion of organic materials from various sources. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) on mitochondrial enzymes in the multiple organs including liver, lung, brain, stomach and kidney. ICR mice were exposed to different doses of BaP (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg body weight) through oral gavage and intraperitoneal injection treatment for 13 weeks consecutively. The induced mitochondrial damage in the examined organs was assayed in terms of significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and prominent decrease in antioxidant enzymes. Non enzymatic antioxidants and Krebs cycle's enzymes were also significantly decreased in mitochondria. Additionally, BaP induced the body growth retardation and decrease in relative liver weight, increase in relative lung, stomach, kidney and brain weights, and this was further certified through histopathological lesions. Liver and lungs were more prominently damaged by BaP. The mitochondrial depletion increased in BaP dose-dependent manner.

Effects of potassium diformate on the gastric function of weaning piglets

Potassium diformate (KDF), as an acidifier, has been shown to improve growth performance in pigs, but it is not yet known whether KDF regulates gastric function. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary KDF on gastric function in weaning piglets. One hundred and eighty Landrace × Large White piglets (bodyweight = 5.80 ± 0.15 kg) were weaned at 28 days old and randomly allocated into two groups, with six pens in each group and 15 piglets in each pen. Piglets in the control group were fed the basal diet, whereas the KDF-treated group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg KDF. After 35 days of feeding, the KDF treatment improved the bodyweight (P = 0.034) and reduced the relative weight of stomach (P = 0.050), decreased the hydrochloric acid concentration (P = 0.016) in the gastric digesta and the pepsin activity in the gastric oxyntic mucosa (P = 0.001) and increased the lactic acid concentration (P = 0.001) in the gastric digesta. Furthermore, KDF treatment increased the level of somatostatin (SS) (P = 0.009), but did not change the concentration of gastrin (P = 0.497) and the activity of H+-K+-ATPase (P = 0.575) in the gastric oxyntic mucosa. However, KDF treatment downregulated the expression of SS mRNA in the gastric oxyntic mucosa (P = 0.031) and upregulated the mRNA expression of gastrin (P &lt; 0.001) and H+-K+-ATPase (P &lt; 0.001) in the gastric oxyntic mucosa. These results suggest that the effects of KDF on weaning piglets may be related to the regulation of gastric function gene expression.

Physiological status of broiler chicks at pulling time and the relationship to duration of holding period

Newly hatched chicks may be held longer than 48 h and experience long periods of fasting in commercial hatcheries. Limited information is known about the physiological status of chicks in such situations, due to the difficulty of precisely recording time of hatch. This study investigated the effect of the time from hatch to pulling (holding period) on physiological measures/parameters in 109 broiler chicks. Fertile Ross 308 eggs were incubated in a custom built small-scale incubator. The individual hatching time of each focal chick was determined using eggshell temperature monitoring. At ‘pulling’ (512 h of incubation time), the quality of focal chicks was assessed using the chick scoring method and physiological parameters were measured including BW, organ (heart, liver and stomach) weights, blood values and plasma corticosterone level. The time from hatch to pulling varied from 7.58 to 44.97 h. Egg weight at setting was significantly correlated with chick BW and weight of organs at pulling, but had no effect on chick quality, blood values and plasma corticosterone. Relative BW at pulling was negatively associated with the duration of holding period (P=0.002). However, there was a positive correlation between relative stomach weight and the duration of the holding period (P<0.001). As the holding period duration increased, there was a trend that blood partial pressure of oxygen, haematocrit and haemoglobin also increased, and blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide, total carbon dioxide and bicarbonate decreased (P<0.05). A wide range of plasma corticosterone was observed from chicks that had experienced different durations of holding period. We conclude that shortening the hatch window and minimising the number of chicks that experience a long holding period before pulling may improve chick quality and physiological status, which may be due to unfavourable environmental conditions that include feed and water deprivation.

CagL 재조합 단백질 접종후에 Mongolian gerbil에서 나타나는 Helicobacter pylori 감염에 대한 반응

Helicobacter pylori는 만성 위염, 소화성 궤양, 위암의 중요한 역학적 인자중 하나이다. H. pylori의 독성인자중 CagL은 숙주 세포와 H. pylori의 제 4형 분비기관(Type 4 secretion system)을 연결하는 adhesin으로 작용하는 섬모 단백질로 H. pylori가 발병하는데 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이번 연구는 저빌에 H. pylori를 감염시킨 동물 모델을 이용하여 CagL 재조합 단백질을 면역화시켰을 때 나타나는 효과를 평가하였다. 재조합 CagL은 클론되었고, 과발현시켜 정제하여 준비하였다 저빌은 H. pylori 감염 대조군과 H. pylori 감염 CagL 재조합 단백질 접종군으로 분류하였고, 접종시 알루미늄 애쥬번트를 사용하였다. 일주일 간격으로 4회 근육내 접종하였고, 마지막 접종 일주일 후, 모든 저빌에 H. pylori 7.13 균주를 <TEX>$1{\times}10^9\;bacteria/500{\mu}l$</TEX> 농도로 위내 투여하였다. H. pylori 감염 6주째 모든 저빌을 희생하여 혈청 IgG 반응평가를 위한 ELISA를 실시하였고, 위에서는 집락화된 H. pylori의 수평가, 병리조직학적 평가 및 사이토카인 유전자발현을 조사하였다. CagL 재조합 단백질접종 일주일 후부터 H. pylori 감염 CagL 재조합 단백질 접종군의 혈청내 IgG 항체형성이 유의적으로 증가하였다. 위에서의 집락화된 세균수는 두군의 차이가 없었다. 저빌 체중에 대한 위무게 비율는 H. pylori 감염 CagL 재조합 단백질 접종군이 유의적으로 감소하였으나 병리조직학적 평가에서는 유의적인 차이는 확인하지 못하였다. 위에서의 IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX>와 KC (IL-8 homologues)의 유전자발현 정도도 두 군사이에 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 이번 결과는 CagL 재조합 단백질의 접종은 IgG 항체형성은 효과적으로 자극하였지만 면역화된 숙주에서 세균 집락화의 감소 및 병변형성의 방어까지는 유도하지 못한 것으로 나타났으며, 앞으로 H. pylori 감염에 대해 유효한 면역 반응 및 질병 방어 효과를 나타내기 위해서 CagL을 포함한 다른 종류의 재조합 항원 사용 및 보조적으로 전신 면역 및 점막 면역을 효과적으로 유도하기 위해 안정성있는 애쥬번트의 사용을 고려해야 할 것으로 사료된다. Helicobacter pylori is an important factor of chronic gastritis, digestive ulcer, and stomach cancer. CagL, a virulence factor of H. pylori, is well-known as a pilus protein which acts as adhesion to host cell and a component of Type 4 secretion system. In this study, we evaluated the protective response of recombinant CagL protein (rCagL) using Mongolian gerbil animal model for H. pylori infection. The cagL gene was cloned from 26695 H. pylori followed by over-expression and purification of the protein in E. coli. Mongolian gerbils were immunized with rCagL protein mixed with aluminum adjuvant via intramuscular injections once a week during 4 weeks. At a week after the last immunization, the Mongolian gerbils were administrated with H. pylori 7.13 strain into the stomach and sacrificed to measure antibody titer on rCagL by ELISA and bacterial colonization in the stomach, and to examine the histopathological changes and cytokine expression at 6 week after challenge. Antibody titers on recombinant protein were significantly increased from a week after the first immunization. There was no significant change of the number of bacterial colony between control group and immunized group. The relative stomach weight was significantly decreased in immunized group, but the significant change of histopathological assessment was not observed in the stomach. Cytokine expression such as IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX> and KC also was not significantly different between control and immunized groups. These results indicate that rCagL could effectively induce the formation of the specific IgG antibodies. However, bacterial colonization and histopathological lesions could not be inhibited by the immunization in the stomach, indicating not enough protection against H. pylori infection. We consider that along with CagL other adequate antigens could be needed stimulating immune response and inducing protective effects against gastric disease, and also a better adjuvant could be considered.

Influence of net cage farming on the diet of associated wild fish in a Neotropical reservoir

Aquaculture in net cages is a well recognized strategy to meet the growing demand for food by the world's population. This type of fish production is increasing in freshwater, especially in large Neotropical reservoirs. However, it may lead to several impacts on freshwater assemblages. Thus, we aimed to determine if the artificial feed may indirectly (the load of nutrients may artificially increase production in the region and fish take advantage of this production) or directly (consumption by wild fish) alter the diet of the fish species living near the cages. We also determined if the intensity of food intake (measured by relative stomach weight) was altered by the inclusion of artificial feed. We gave special attention to the protein levels of the pellets used during the study (32% protein in the first 30days; 28% protein after), distance from the cages (0m, 100m, and 400m), and strata in the water column (surface and bottom), and to better evaluate the effect of the cage, we sampled before its installation. Overall, the dominant species changed their intake pattern of feeding, and also intensified the consumption of artificial feed. The load of organic matter (feed not consumed by caged fish) led to proliferation of microcrustaceans (which was readily consumed by some fish species), and to abrupt oscillation in the composition of food items of several species. The indirect effects were more conspicuous when the food pellet used presented higher protein level (32%), and directly when protein level was lower. The nature and intensity of the impact of food losses from aquaculture in the aquatic environment and their incorporation into the food chain still require more detailed investigation, at the individual (physiology) and population (autoecology) level, as well as higher levels of organization (communities and ecosystems).

Effect of eggshell temperature and a hole in the air cell on the perinatal development and physiology of layer hatchlings

To investigate the effect of incubation conditions on layer hatchlings, an experiment was performed in which layer eggs were incubated at a normal (37.8 degrees C) or high (38.9 degrees C) eggshell temperature (EST) and a hole was punctured in the air cell of half of the eggs in both EST treatments from d 14 of incubation onward. Chick development, plasma metabolites, and hepatic glycogen were measured at 12 h after emergence from the eggshell. Embryo mortality was not affected by the EST or hole treatment. At the high EST, yolk-free body mass was 0.7 g lower and residual yolk weight was 0.7 g higher than at the normal EST. This may be related to the shorter incubation duration at the high EST. Relative heart, lung, stomach, liver, spleen, and intestinal weights were lower in the high EST than in the normal EST group. Yolk-free body mass did not differ between eggs with or without a hole, but residual yolk weight was slightly lower in eggs with a hole (0.3 g). Relative lung weights were higher in eggs with than without a hole, whereas no effect on other organs was found. Plasma glucose, lactate, and uric acid concentrations did not differ between the EST or hole treatments. Hepatic glycogen was lower in the high EST (7.3 mg) than in the normal EST group (11.2 mg) at 12 h after emergence from the eggshell, and this effect may be related to the shorter hatching process at the high EST. Hepatic glycogen levels were lower in eggs with a hole (8.6 mg) compared with eggs without a hole (10.0 mg), and this may be related to the longer period between external pipping and hatching in eggs with a hole. In conclusion, the EST and hole treatment did not interact, and neither treatments affected embryonic survival. High EST negatively affected hatchling development and seemed to change the carbohydrate metabolism in layer embryos. The effect of a hole in the air cell was limited.