Third Week Of Age Research Articles

Postnatal Development of the Amygdala of Rat Offspring after Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid: A Histological and Morphometric Study

Abstract Background The amygdala has a major role in emotion regulation, social behavior development and reward learning. Being subject to several factors makes it vulnerable to numerous neurodevelopmental disorders. Aim of the Work The aim of the current work was to study the structural and morphometric changes of the amygdala of rat's offspring following maternal exposure to valproic acid during pregnancy and to compare it with the control. Material and methods 20 adult female and 10 adult male Sprague dawley albino rats weighing 150-200 g body weight were used in the current study. After induction of pregnancy, pregnant rats were divided into two groups 6 in each group; control group (I) and valproic acid treated group (II). Pregnant rats received one ml of saline in group (I) or 500 mg/kg BW valproic acid dissolved in one ml saline in group (II) by oral gavage on day 11-13 of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were observed till end of pregnancy and four male newborn rats were sacrificed at each time point of the experiment from the two groups (week1, 2, &3). Brains were extracted and processed for paraffin blocks and sectioned then stained with H&E, cresyl violet stains and immunohistochemically stained for GFAP antibody. Image analysis &morphometry were performed on stained sections for; number of neurons, number of oligodendrocytes, surface area of basal nucleus of amygdala and density of GFAP staining. Results On examination of H&E-stained sections of control groups during the first three weeks postnatally, the amygdala contained mainly three types of cells: pyramidal cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Pyramidal cells had basophilic cytoplasm with large rounded open face nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Some pyramidal cells showed apical dendrites. The oligodendrocytes were seen to have rounded nuclei with condensed chromatin surrounded by thin cytoplasmic ring. Astrocytes possessed nuclei with pale vesicular chromatin pattern less dense than that of oligodendrocytes and showed relatively small indistinct nucleoli. Morphometric studies using image analysis had recorded statistically non-significant changes in the number of neurons during development, however concerning oligodendrocytes there was a statistically significant increase in their number in week 2 and 3 when compared to week 1. Using Nissl staining (cresyl violet) it demonstrated negative or very weak staining in the first week postnatally, the staining becomes more obvious in the next 2 weeks postnatally. GFAP immune stained sections of the amygdala of the 3 weeks revealed mild positive immune reaction. There was no statistically significant difference regarding density of staining across the three weeks. The surface area of the basal nucleus of amygdala of the control groups showed statistically significant increase during development across the three weeks. On examination of H&E-stained sections of VPA treated groups during the first three weeks postnatally, numerous cells with pyknotic deeply basophilic stained nuclei were seen. Morphometric studies on the same groups using image analysis recorded statistically significant decrease in neurons and oligodendrocytes number when compared to control. On examination of the cresyl violet stained sections, there were numerous darkly stained degenerating cells that did not reveal the presence of Nissl granules denoting chromatolysis. On examining GFAP immune stained sections of the amygdala, week 2 and 3 postnatally showed strong positive immune reaction. The surface area of the basal nucleus of amygdala of VPA treated groups of weeks 1 showed a highly significant decrease when compared to week 1 of control groups, however the surface area of the amygdala of week 2 and 3 showed an increase more than the increase recorded in the control groups. The increase in the surface area was non-significant in week 2 but highly significant in week 3. Conclusion Results of the present experimental study demonstrated the developmental structural changes of the rat amygdala across the first three weeks of postnatal life. The study also explored the devastating effect of the prenatal exposure to VPA on the structure of the amygdala leading to neuronal death and gliosis particularly in the third week of age postnatally.

Response surface model to illustrate the benefits of tryptophan, melatonin, and N,N-dimethylglycine in quail chicks exposed to aflatoxin B1

A dose-response assay in a central composite design platform was conducted to investigate the responses (performance, immunity, and meat quality) of quail chicks to dietary tryptophan (Trp), melatonin (MEL), and N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 1,275 quail chicks were randomly allotted to 85-floor pens consisting of 17 treatments with 5 replicates and 15 birds per each pen. Dietary MEL and DMG had a different effect on growth rate and interacted with dietary Trp and AFB1 during the first 4 wk of age, while their effect disappeared at the last week of the experiment. Dietary Trp and AFB1 were only significant on the gain of quail chick after d 28 of the assay. During the second and third weeks of age, the reduction in feed intake caused by AFB1 attenuated by dietary MEL and DMG and dietary Trp profoundly affects feed intake in the last 2 wk of the experiment. Dietary MEL and DMG were effective on feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the second and third weeks of age. AFB1 decreased breast meat yield (BMY) and thigh meat yield (TMY), but the inclusion of either MEL or DMG removed the adverse effects of AFB1. Dietary Trp increased BMY, but it did not affect TMY. Increasing dietary Trp linearly increased the Lactobacillus bacteria (LAB) population, and AFB1 negatively impacts the LAB population. The inclusion of dietary DMG removed that negative effect on LAB. Although AFB1 decreased the antibody production against SRBC-antigen, increasing dietary Trp in intoxicated quails increased the plasma antibody in SRBC-challenged birds. At low levels of dietary Trp (0.15-0.19%), the addition of DMG increased malondialdehyde (MDA) production while increasing Trp reversed this adverse situation. In conclusion, these supplements may interact with AFB1 in younger chicks, and dietary Trp and AFB1 have a significant impact on the growth performance of quail chicks during the fifth and sixth week of age.

Zootechnical Performance and Growth Curve Modelling of the Niamey Local Chickens in Niger

The Niamey region in Niger depends on imports to meet its chicken meat needs. Although consumers appreciate local poultry products, they cannot fulfill their needs. The reluctance of modern producers to use local chickens on their farms is linked to a lack of knowledge of the production characteristics of local strains, which have been little studied. Thus, this study aimed to determine the growth profile of traditional chickens from villages in the Niamey region (Niger). In doing so, 100 local chicks whose parents were collected in the surrounding villages of the Niamey region were followed from hatching until the age of 140 days. The chickens were raised in cages with 10 per compartment of 3 m length and 1.5 m width. Food consumption was recorded daily, and weights were measured weekly. The parameters of the growth curves were obtained using the Gompertz equation. Female and male chickens had a significant weight difference at the third week of age. The mean weight of chicks at hatching was 24.90 ± 0.36 g. At the end of the follow-up, males, with a mean weight of 1523.05 ± 26.22 g were significantly heavier than females (1052.73 ± 14.04 g). Over the entire period of the experiment, the average daily gain and consumption indices were 9.5 g/d and 5.12, respectively. Asymptotic weights were 2096.78 g and 1313.26 g for males and females, respectively. The maturation factor of the Gompertz equation was higher in females (0.0196 g/d) than in males (0.0181 g/d), and the inflection age averaged 75 days for both sexes. In conclusion, Niamey local chickens are slow growing and have a high feed conversion ratio compared to the modern broiler or layer strains.

Comparison of mucosal phosphatase activity, phytate degradation, and nutrient digestibility in 3-week-old turkeys and broilers at different dietary levels of phosphorus and phytase

A comparison between 3-wk-old female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) and broilers (Ross 308) was performed to study the effects of species, dietary P, Ca, and phytase levels on gut mucosal phosphatase activity, myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) degradation along the digestive tract, digestibility of P, Ca, and amino acids, and concentrations of myo-inositol in the digesta and blood. The experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based and identical for both species. Two dietary P and Ca concentrations (CaP-: 4.1 g P/kg, 5.5 g Ca/kg and CaP+: 9.0 g P/kg, 12.0 g Ca/kg) and 2 levels of phytase supplementation (0 and 1,500 FTU/kg) were used in a 2×2 factorial design and fed to the animals for 7 d in their third week of age. Each diet was randomly assigned to 6 broiler and 6 turkey pens, with 10 birds each. After slaughter, blood, digesta from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, lower ileum, and mucosa from the jejunum were collected. When fed CaP- without phytase supplementation, there were no differences between species in gut mucosal phosphatase activity, prececal InsP6 disappearance, and P and Ca digestibility, indicating a similar intrinsic capacity for phytate degradation in both species. When fed CaP+ without phytase supplementation, turkeys showed higher prececal InsP6 disappearance than broilers. Phytase supplementation increased prececal InsP6 disappearance and digestibility of P and Ca in both species. However, the phytase-induced increase in prececal InsP6 disappearance was more pronounced in broilers than in turkeys, possibly due to more adequate conditions for phytase activity in the broiler crop. In broilers, phytase supplementation increased amino acid digestibility overall, whereas, in turkeys, it increased with CaP+ and decreased with CaP-. In addition, the relationship between myo-inositol concentration in the ileum and blood differed between species, indicating differences in myo-inositol metabolism. It was concluded that 3-week-old turkeys and broilers differ in nutrient digestibility and InsP degradation in some segments of the digestive tract but have similar endogenous InsP6 degradation when fed low P and Ca diets.

Novel model for chronic intestinal inflammation in chickens: (2) Immunologic mechanism behind the inflammatory response

Intestinal inflammation in poultry is a complex response that involves immune and intestinal cells which is still not fully understood. Thus, to better understand the mechanisms that drive the chronic intestinal inflammation in fowl we conducted an experiment applying a previously established nutritional model of low-grade chronic intestinal inflammation to evaluate cytokine and chemokine profiles in the chicken intestine. For this, we placed 90 one-day chickens into two treatments: (1) a control group (CNT) fed a corn-soybean diet, and (2) a group fed a diet high in non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). At days 14, 22, 28 and 36 of age, 6 birds from each treatment were euthanized, jejunal and ileal samples were collected for histological examination and cytokine measurements. The cytokines interferon-alpha (IFN-α), IFN-γ, interleukin-16 (IL-16), IL-10, IL-21, IL-6, macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), chemokine C–C motif ligand 20 (CCL20), CCL4, CCL5 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were quantified in the intestinal tissue. Histologically, both jejunum and ileum of broilers fed NSP diet showed marked infiltration of mononuclear immune cells into the villi. Further, these birds exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) increase in CCL20 concentration in the jejunum at 14d, but a dramatic reduction of M-CSF at 14 and 21d. Later at 28d and 36d, birds fed the NSP diet exhibited increased IL-16 concentration in the jejunum. Since M-CSF is a monocyte stimulatory cytokine and CCL20 a chemokine of T-cells, the reduced M-CSF and increased production of CCL20 may indicate the involvement of the adaptive immune response, specifically driven by T-cells, occurring around the third week of age in the NSP model. Lastly, as a result of the mononuclear cell infiltration and activation of T-cells, IL-16, a pro-inflammatory T-cell cytokine, increased. Therefore, the current work indicates the importance of adaptive immune cells, especially T-cells, in the chronic intestinal inflammation in broiler chicken.

Antibiotic exposure prevents acquisition of beneficial metabolic functions in the preterm infant gut microbiome

BackgroundAberrations in the preterm microbiome following antibiotic therapy have been reported in previous studies. The objective of this study was to probe potential underlying mechanisms between this observation and susceptibility to adverse prematurity-related outcomes.ResultsMetagenomic shotgun sequencing was performed on 133 stool and 253 skin samples collected at 1 and 3 weeks of age from 68 infants born at <36 weeks postmenstrual age and birth weight <2000 g. After accounting for gestational age and maternal antibiotics, the distribution of organisms in all samples and the corresponding metabolic pathway abundance were compared between infants exposed to postnatal antibiotics and antibiotics-naïve infants.In antibiotic-naïve infants, gestational and postnatal age imparted similar trajectories on maturation of the microbial community and associated metabolic functional capacity, with postnatal age exerting greater contribution. Antibiotic exposure was associated with reversal in maturation trajectory from the first week to the third week of age (p< 0.001). Butyrate-producing genera, including Clostridium and Blautia, were significantly more abundant in antibiotic-naïve neonates at 3 weeks postnatal age. Correspondingly, metabolic pathways required for short-chain fatty acid synthesis were significantly increased in antibiotic-naïve infants, but not in antibiotic-exposed neonates, at 3 weeks after birth.ConclusionsEarly brief antibiotic exposure markedly disrupts developmental trajectory of the neonatal microbiome and its corresponding functional capacity. Our findings may provide a mechanistic explanation for the known associations between antibiotic use and adverse outcomes in preterm infants.459naA43GFKEq_9gJQNK48Video

Effect of colostrum on the acute-phase response in neonatal dairy calves

The core part of the mammal innate immune system is the acute-phase response (APR), during which acute-phase proteins (APP) are synthesized. Colostrum contains immunomodulating factors such as proinflammatory cytokines and APP in large quantities. We looked at proinflammatory cytokines [IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and APP [serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp)] in colostrum and in calves' serum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of colostrum on the calves' systemic APR and the associations of the calves' serum APR with short- and long-term weight gain (at the age of 1, 3, and 9 mo). A total of 143 female dairy calves were studied during their first 3 wk of life. The calves were separated from their mothers immediately after birth and bottle-fed 3 L of quality-controlled colostrum once within 2 h after birth. Serum samples were collected once a week during the first 3 wk of life (a total of 1-3 samples per calf). Mean sampling age (±standard deviation) was 4.3 (±2.0) d in the first week, 11.0 (±2.0) d in the second week, and 18.0 (±2.0) d in the third week. Linear regression models were used to study associations of colostrum APP and cytokine concentration with serum APR markers and for studying associations of colostrum and serum APR markers with calves' average daily weight gain (ADWG). Mixed linear regression models were used to compare serum concentrations of APR markers by study weeks. The colostrum IL-6 concentrations were positively associated with serum IL-6 in the first 3 wk of life. Colostrum IL-1β was positively associated with calves' serum IL-1β during the first week of life, and colostrum TNF-α was positively associated with calves' serum TNF-α during the first 2 wk of life. Serum IL-1β concentrations differed over the 3 wk, being the highest during the first week and the lowest during the second week. For IL-6, the concentration during the first week was the highest, and for TNF-α, a steady decline in the concentration was observed. Serum SAA concentrations were elevated during the first 2 wk of life and subsequently declined during the third week. Albumin concentrations were lowest in the first week, whereas Hp concentrations were highest during the second week. Serum concentrations of SAA, Hp, IL-6, and TNF-α during the second week were negatively associated with ADWG at 9 mo of age. The SAA concentrations during the third week of age had a negative association with 9-mo ADWG. Serum Hp concentrations in the third week were negatively associated with 3-mo ADWG. The results of our study suggest that colostrum cytokines influence calf serum cytokine concentrations. Thus, they influence the newborn calves' adaptation to the environment and the development of their immune system. Factors that activate an APR during the second and third week of life have a long-term influence on calves' development.

Retrospective Assessment of Escherichia coli Vaccination in Broiler Turkeys Under Field Conditions in 37 Farms from Brittany (France).

Colibacillosis is a common bacterial disease in broiler production worldwide. It is emerging as a serious health concern in turkey production. Until recently, the disease was managed through antimicrobial therapy. However, such preventive strategies are no longer considered sustainable, and the advent of a live commercial vaccine registered for turkeys has modified health management plans in turkey production systems. In a French farming cooperative representing 10% of the country's turkey production, the vaccine was prescribed in two categories of farms: those with recurrent colibacillosis where an O78 Escherichia coli strain had been isolated, and those with sporadic outbreaks, where other serotypes had been documented. The commercial vaccine was administered in the first and third week of age. Performance data were collected retrospectively for all flocks produced over a 4-yr period from 37 turkey farm members of the cooperative. Segregated flocks from recurrent or sporadic farms, and whether or not vaccination had been performed, were analyzed and recorded. In farms with sporadic colibacillosis, vaccination significantly improved mortality rate and all performance parameters (average condemnation rate at the slaughterhouse, average feed conversion ratio, average weight per slaughtered turkey in each flock, average economic margin per flock, and performance index). Farms with recurrent outbreaks had comparable results, except for average flock mortality and condemnation rates, which were numerically reduced in vaccinated flocks compared to flocks that had not been vaccinated. This retrospective study contributes to the weight of evidence in favor of colibacillosis control through vaccination in turkey production.

Retrospective Assessment of Escherichia coli Vaccination in Broiler Turkeys Under Field Conditions in 37 Farms from Brittany (France).

Colibacillosis is a common bacterial disease in broiler production worldwide. It is emerging as a serious health concern in turkey production. Until recently, the disease was managed through antimicrobial therapy. However, such preventive strategies are no longer considered sustainable, and the advent of a live commercial vaccine registered for turkeys has modified health management plans in turkey production systems. In a French farming cooperative representing 10% of the country's turkey production, the vaccine was prescribed in two categories of farms: those with recurrent colibacillosis where an O78 Escherichia coli strain had been isolated, and those with sporadic outbreaks, where other serotypes had been documented. The commercial vaccine was administered in the first and third week of age. Performance data were collected retrospectively for all flocks produced over a 4-yr period from 37 turkey farm members of the cooperative. Segregated flocks from recurrent or sporadic farms, and whether or not vaccination had been performed, were analyzed and recorded. In farms with sporadic colibacillosis, vaccination significantly improved mortality rate and all performance parameters (average condemnation rate at the slaughterhouse, average feed conversion ratio, average weight per slaughtered turkey in each flock, average economic margin per flock, and performance index). Farms with recurrent outbreaks had comparable results, except for average flock mortality and condemnation rates, which were numerically reduced in vaccinated flocks compared to flocks that had not been vaccinated. This retrospective study contributes to the weight of evidence in favor of colibacillosis control through vaccination in turkey production.

Multicentre prospective observational study exploring the predictive value of functional echocardiographic indices for early identification of preterm neonates at risk of developing chronic pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic neonatal lung disease

IntroductionAlthough chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH) secondary to chronic neonatal lung disease is associated with increased mortality and respiratory and neurodevelopmental morbidities, late diagnosis (typically ≥36 weeks postmenstrual age, PMA) and...

Growth Performance, Cellular Immunity and Blood Chemical Analysis of Two Broilers Strains after Phytogenic Supplementation

Abstract: Genetically, the basis of all commercial breeds is the same. Therefore, the selection pressure for traits such as performance and carcass yield results in particular products. Genetic variation of two different broiler strains (Avian48 and Cobb500) in response to black pepper and red hot pepper supplementation was studied. Two hundred chicks from each broiler strain were randomly distributed on the following treatments, 1. Control treatment; 2. Red hot pepper treatment (0.5 %); 3. Black pepper treatment (0.5%); 4. Mixture treatment (0.25 % black pepper plus 0.25 % red pepper), these additives were added to drinking water from the first week until the fifth week of age, every group containing 50 birds distributed on five replicates (10 birds/replicate). The growth performance, carcass traits, abdominal fat, edible giblets, blood pictures, cellular immunity, and chemical blood lipid profile were estimated. Cobb500 broilers strain respond better to water supplement of red hot pepper, black pepper, and their mixture than Avian48 strain. Moreover, adding red hot pepper (0.5), black pepper (0.5), and their mixture (0.25+0.25) to drinking water significantly improved growth performance compared to control treatments with the best results obtained from mixture supplementation. However, it's better to supplying these additives until the third week of age, especially black pepper. Using black pepper, red hot pepper, and their mixture as feed additives by 0.5% had a significant role in further improving carcass quality by lowering fat percent and blood cholesterol. LDL so decrease their percent in meat and increasing the dressing and carcass cuts as a general, with the best results reported for mixture supplement. Additionally, these herbs had the desired effect on improving broilers' cellular immunity by increasing phagocytic index and differential leukocyte count. Finally, further examinations are required to studying the response of other broiler strains and breeds to these supplements and evaluating its effect on carcass characteristics, abdominal fat, cellular immunity, blood picture, and lipid profile if used within the first three weeks of age only.

Nutritional requirement of meat-type Japanese quail: Threonine

Threonine (Thr), the third limiting amino acid in conventional poultry diets, plays a vital role in growth performance and immunocompetence of gastrointestinal tract and tissue protection. A dose-response experiment was conducted to estimate the Thr requirements of growing meat-type Japanese quail using growth performance parameters as response criteria and estimating the break-point as the minimum requirement by fitting different broken line models into the data. Five increments of Thr including 7.38, 8.38, 9.38, 10.38, and 11.38 g Thr/kg of diet were used from 7 to 21 days of age. in the second and third week of age. A total of 375, 7-day old quail chicks were randomly allotted to one of five experimental diets each with 5 replicate pens each and 15 birds per pen. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing (DRS), breast meat yield (BMY), thigh meat yield (TMY), and relative weight of bursa of Fabricius (BURS) were measured and used to fit regression models. Depending on different broken line models, the Thr requirements for optimum WG, FCR, TMY, DRS, and BURS ranged from 8.68 to 11.36, 10.25–10.38, 7.35–8.05, 10.16–10.33, and 9.38–10.71 g/kg of diet, respectively. The highest required amount of Thr was for WG (11.36 g/kg) followed by BURS (10.71 g/kg) and FCR (10.38 g/kg) using broken line models. Desirability function analysis for performance estimated the maximum WG and lowest FCR at 11.38 g Thr/kg of diet. Principal component analysis showed that FCR had the highest correlation with dietary Thr followed by WG. The moderate high eigenvalue of BURS provides evidence for immunocompetence contribution of dietary Thr in growing quail. Based on this experiment, the higher levels of Thr titrations may be needed than 11.38 g/kg to fit spline models. Overall, the estimated Thr by desirability function would be more reliable estimation than those estimated by broken line models.

First report on Cryptosporidium parvum, Escherichia coli K99, rotavirus and coronavirus in neonatal lambs from north-center region, Algeria

The etiology of neonatal diarrhea is multifactorial and remains one of the greatest health problems in sheep livestock farming. Faecal samples from 559 neonatal lambs aged less than 30 days from 30 sheepfolds located in the north-center region of Algeria were screened with pathogen-specific antigen ELISA for Cryptosporidium parvum, Escherichia coli K99, rotavirus, and coronavirus. Of the 559 lambs, 312 (58.81 %), 155 (27.72 %), 72 (12.88 %) and 20 (3.57 %) were positives for C. parvum, E. coli K99, rotavirus and coronavirus antigens, respectively. The prevalence of C. parvum was the highest (p < 0.0001). C. parvum, E. coli K99, rotavirus and coronavirus were observed in 23 (76.66 %), 17 (56.66 %), 9 (30 %) and 3 (10 %) sheepfolds, respectively. Compared to age, the prevalence of C. parvum was highest during the second and third week of age (p < 0.001). In contrast, other pathogens were found to be more frequent in lambs aged ≤7 days (p < 0.001). The number of lambs with diarrhea was 280 (50.09 %) of which 280 (100 %), 127 (45.35 %), 52 (18.57 %) and 10 (3.57 %) were found to be infected with C. parvum, E. coli K99, rotavirus and coronavirus, respectively (p < 0.0001). In various combinations, mixed infections were detected only with C. parvum. This is the first report of C. parvum, E. coli K99, rotavirus, and coronavirus in ≤30-days old neonatal lambs in Algeria. Special attention should be given to the first colostrum feeding, hygiene of the farm, prevention and control measures for a better prevention of neonatal diarrhea in lambs.

In ovo injection of ascorbic acid and higher incubation temperature modulate blood parameters in response to heat exposure in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study analysed whether in ovo injection of ascorbic acid before incubation and at high incubation temperature influenced blood characteristics and performance in broilers reared in different temperature conditions. 2. A total of 3,000 fertile eggs from broiler breeders (Cobb®) were randomly divided into three incubation treatments: no ascorbic acid injection and egg incubation at 37.5°C (control); no ascorbic acid injection and egg incubation at 39°C; in ovo ascorbic acid injection prior to incubation (6 µg AA/100 µl water) and egg incubation at 39°C. 3. Male chicks hatched from the three incubation treatments were submitted to three distinct rearing temperatures (control, cold and hot) from the third week of age onwards (540 chicks were divided into 6 treatments with 5 replicates per treatment). 4. Measurements at 42 d showed that, after egg incubation at 39°C, the haematocrit, haemoglobin values, ionised calcium and glucose concentrations were increased and base excess values were reduced. However, in ovo injection of ascorbic acid normalised all these parameters. 5. Partial CO2 and O2 pressure were higher with increased rearing temperature. Blood pH was lower when eggs were incubated at 39°C and injected with ascorbic acid. In ovo injection of ascorbic acid induced leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis and heterophilia, restored basophils rate and led to monocytopoenia. Leucocytosis was triggered by hot rearing temperature due to lymphocytosis, eosinophilia and heterophilia. 6. The results obtained in this study showed that in ovo injection of ascorbic acid before incubation may serve as a long-term stimulator and modulator of the broiler immune system, and that high incubation temperatures induce adaptations in the electrolytic balance, minimising or avoiding the occurrence of respiratory alkalosis under hot rearing temperature.

Genetic analysis of body weight in a selected line of Rhode Island Red grower chicken

A total of 1207 pedigreed progenies of 50 sires and 177 dams of a selected line of Rhode Island Red chicken were investigated in two hatches at ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute for genetic analysis of their body weights. The genetic and non-genetic parameters of chick weight at day-old age and body weight at different ages were estimated using least squares analysis of variance. The heritability and correlation coefficients were estimated for different traits using paternal half-sibs. The mean sum of squares for sex component of variance was significant for body weights at third week of age onwards, males being heavier throughout the ages. Sire component of variance was also significant for chick weight and different body weights except the estimates at 6th and 16th week of age. Hatch component of variance was highly significant for chick weight and body weights upto 12th week of age. Regression effect of chick weight on subsequent body weights was found significant specifically for body weights from 1st week onwards to 20th week of age. The heritability estimates were 0.775±0.151 for chick weight, 0.303±0.09 to 0.44±0.142 for body weights from 1st week to 12th week of age, and 0.258 to 0.248 for body weights from 16th week to 20th week of age. The estimates at lower age could be used in selection programme based on the flock's own performance to improve those traits. The genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were positive and highly significant in most of the cases. The corresponding estimates ranged from 0.044 to 0.990 and 0.020 to 0.788, and these coefficients could be combined in construct of standard selection indices for optimum growth in body weight that might be adopted in future breeding strategy for this RIR chicken genotype.

Feed quantitative restriction and coenzyme Q10 level on performance, plasma lipoproteins and organ weights of broiler chicks

An experiment was conduct in order to investigate the effects of feed restriction level and duration and dietary coenzyme Q10 level on growth performance, organ characteristics and plasma lipoproteins. A factorial arangment based on a completely randomized design was performed using two levels of feed restriction (10 and 20% less than the standard Ross strain 308 guidelines), two levels of restriction duration (7 and 14 days) and three levels of coenzyme Q10 (0, 20 and 40 mg/kg feed). The results of the experiment showed that restriction intensity had significant effect on feed intake in first, second and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), body weight gain in second and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), and feed conversion ratio in first week of age (P&lt;0.05). Restriction duration had significant effect on feed intake in third week of age (P&lt;0.05), and feed conversion ratio in third and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05). Coenzyme Q level had significant effect on feed intake in first and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), body weight gain in second, fifth and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), and feed conversion ratio in second and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, considering the positive effects of feed restriction and coenzyme Q10 on broiler yield, the simaltaneous use of feed restriction strategy and dietary coenzyme Q10 can be considered as a management program in order to improvement of broiler productivity.

Yerleşim Sıklığının Pekin Ördeklerinin Gelişme Performansına Etkileri

The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of actual stocking density on the growth performance parameters in Pekin ducks. A total of 240 ducklings were used with stocking densities of 3, 5 and 7 poults m-2 during the 42 day growing period. Live Weight, Live Weight Gain, Feed Consumption, Feed Conversion Ratio, Mortality Rate and Productivity Index parameters were investigated to determine growth performance. As the stocking density decreases, LW values were found to be increasing visibly after 3 weeks of age (P&amp;lt;0.05), Live Weight Gain and Total Live Weight values were found to be increasing after first week (P&amp;lt;0.05). The achieved total live weight in unit area increases parallel to increasing stocking density catching the peak at 7 ducklings m-2 stocking density (P&amp;lt;0.05). Stocking density was found to be affecting Feed Conversion values and from first week of age, Feed Conversion was found to be increasing by declining stocking density (P&amp;lt;0.05). Therewithal, Feed Conversion Ratio was found to be increasing with declining stocking density till the third week of age (P&amp;lt;0.05) but, hereafter this effect was disappeared (P&amp;gt;0.05). Mortality occurred in the trial was found not to be affected by Stocking Density (P&amp;gt;0.05), whereas by declining Stocking Density, Productivity Index was found to be increasing however in parallel Live Weight per unit area was also found to be decreasing together (P&amp;lt;0.05). When a general revision is made from the research, increasing Stocking Density has a positive effect on performance parameters of Pekin ducks except Total Live Weight per unit area.

Characterization of a presymptomatic stage in a Drosophila Parkinson's disease model: Unveiling dopaminergic compensatory mechanisms

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder characterized by several motor symptoms including shaking, rigidity, slow movement and difficult walking, which has been associated to the death of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons. >90% of PD patients also present olfactory dysfunction. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for this disease are not clear, hereditary PD is linked to mutations in specific genes, including the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1).In this work we provide for the first time a thorough temporal description of the behavioral effects induced by a mutation in the PINK1 gene in adult Drosophila, a previously described animal model for PD. Our data suggests that the motor deficits associated to PD are fully revealed only by the third week of age. However, olfactory dysfunction is detected as early as the first week of age. We also provide immunofluorescence and neurochemical data that let us propose for the first time the idea that compensatory changes occur in this Drosophila model for PD. These compensatory changes are associated to specific components of the dopaminergic system: the biosynthetic enzymes, Tyrosine hydroxylase and Dopa decarboxylase, and the Dopamine transporter, a plasma membrane protein involved in maintaining dopamine extracellular levels at physiologically relevant levels.Thus, our behavioral, immunofluorescence and neurochemical data help define for the first time presymptomatic and symptomatic phases in this PD animal model, and that compensatory changes occur in the dopaminergic neurons in the presymptomatic stage.

P.1.a.007 - Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene hypomethylation in panic disorder − an epigenetic risk pattern reversed by psychotherapy?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder characterized by several motor symptoms including shaking, rigidity, slow movement and difficult walking, which has been associated to the death of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons. > 90% of PD patients also present olfactory dysfunction. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for this disease are not clear, hereditary PD is linked to mutations in specific genes, including the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1).In this work we provide for the first time a thorough temporal description of the behavioral effects induced by a mutation in the PINK1 gene in adult Drosophila, a previously described animal model for PD. Our data suggests that the motor deficits associated to PD are fully revealed only by the third week of age. However, olfactory dysfunction is detected as early as the first week of age. We also provide immunofluorescence and neurochemical data that let us propose for the first time the idea that compensatory changes occur in this Drosophila model for PD. These compensatory changes are associated to specific components of the dopaminergic system: the biosynthetic enzymes, Tyrosine hydroxylase and Dopa decarboxylase, and the Dopamine transporter, a plasma membrane protein involved in maintaining dopamine extracellular levels at physiologically relevant levels.Thus, our behavioral, immunofluorescence and neurochemical data help define for the first time presymptomatic and symptomatic phases in this PD animal model, and that compensatory changes occur in the dopaminergic neurons in the presymptomatic stage.

Maternal undernutrition leads to elevated hepatic triglycerides in male rat offspring due to increased expression of lipoprotein lipase.

Small for gestational age (SGA) at birth increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which encompasses various symptoms including hypertriglyceridemia. The aim of the present study was to determine whether maternal undernutrition during pregnancy may lead to alterations in hepatic triglyceride content and the gene expression levels of hepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in SGAmale offspring. The present study focused on the male offspring in order to prevent confounding factors, such as estrus cycle and hormone profile. FemaleSprague Dawley rats were arbitrarily assigned to receive an adlibitum chow diet or 50%food restricted diet from pregnancy day1 until parturition. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to measure the gene expression levels of hepatic LPL at day1 and upon completion of the third week of age. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantified the binding activity of liverX receptor‑α (LXR‑α) gene to the LXR response elements (LXRE) on LPL promoter and LPL epigenetic characteristics. At 3weeks of age, SGA male offspring exhibited significantly elevated levels of hepatic triglycerides, which was concomitant with increased expression levels of LPL. Since LPL is regulated by LXR‑α, the expression levels of LXR‑α were detected in appropriate for gestational age and SGA male offspring. Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy led to an increase in the hepatic expression levels of LXR‑α, and enriched binding to the putative LXR response elements in the LPL promoter regions in 3‑week‑old male offspring. In addition, enhanced acetylation of histoneH3 [H3lysine (K)9 and H3K14] was detected surrounding the LPL promoter. The results of the present study indicated that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy may lead to an increase in hepatic triglycerides, via alterations in the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of the LPL gene.