Serum Total Globulin Research Articles

Dietary dried periphyton can improve growth, digestive enzyme, serum biochemical, antioxidant response and intestinal morphometric of Nile tilapia

The present trial was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of dried periphyton in Nile tilapia diets on growth, digestive enzymes activity, haematological, oxidative stress and intestinal morphometric parameters. Five isoproteic (32%), isolipidic (5%) experimental diets were formulated, to comprise graded levels of dried periphyton (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 g kg−1 diet). At the end of the feeding trial, the highest (P < 0.05) performance, feed utilization and survival rate were noticed in fish fed diet contained 7.5 and 10 g dried periphyton kg−1 diet. Also, intestinal amylase and lipase activity were markedly (P < 0.5) higher in fish fed 7.5 and 10 g dried periphyton kg−1 diet. Fish fed 10 g dried periphyton kg−1 recorded the highest (P < 0.05) value of haemoglobin, haematocrit, red, white blood cells, neutrocyte, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophil count. The lowest level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatas (AP) were observed in fish fed 10 and 7.5 g dried periphyton kg−1 diet. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, phosphorus and calcium were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in fish fed diets 5, 7.5 and 10 g dried periphyton kg−1 diet. However, the lowest (P < 0.05) content of creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was noted in fish fed diets 7.5 and 10. Higher (P < 0.05) values of superoxide dismutase and catalase were observed in fish fed diet contained 10 g dried periphyton kg−1 diet compared with other treatments. The lowest (P < 0.05) content of malondialdehyde content was attained by fish fed diets contained 7.5 and 10 g dried periphyton kg−1 diet. The current feeding trial showed the suitability of periphyton as a dietary supplement and its supplementation up to 7 g kg−1 diet in tilapia for improving growth, digestive enzyme, serum biochemical, antioxidant response and intestinal morphometric in Nile tilapia.

Effects of pigeon pea leaves and concentrate mixture on feed intake, milk yield, and composition of crossbred dairy cows fed native pasture hay

Protein supplements are expensive and not easily accessible under small-scale livestock production systems in Ethiopia and other developing countries, which necessitates investigating the alternative protein sources for cost-effective livestock production. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) leaves (PPLs) are rich in protein and are well-suited for feeding small ruminants; however, the effect of inclusion of PPL in the concentrate mixture (CM) on the performance of dairy cows was not well documented. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of PPL and CM to native pasture hay-based rations on feed intake, milk yield and composition, and blood metabolites of crossbred dairy cows (Holstein × Zebu). A 4 × 4 Latin square design with three replications, balanced for carryover effects, was used for this study. The treatments included native pasture hay provided ad libitum as a basal diet, supplemented with a CM alone (T1), the inclusion of 10% of PPL in the CM (T2), 20% PPL in the CM (T3), or 30% PPL in the CM (T4). Supplements were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Total DM intake (hay + supplement intake) was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Hay intake was greater (P = 0.05) for T1 and T2 than for T4, while supplement intake was the least for T1 (P < 0.05). The treatment groups T2, T3, and T4, where PPL was included, had similar (P > 0.05) supplement intake. Feed intake, milk yield and composition, feed conversion efficiency, body condition score, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, triglyceride, urea N, creatinine, and cholesterol were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. The inclusion of up to 30% of PPL in the CM resulted in a comparable performance of crossbred dairy cows as supplementation with CM under the conditions of the current experiment. Therefore, further study is required to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of a higher level of PPL in the concentrate mixture on the performance of lactating crossbred dairy cows.

Effect of Cannabis Seeds on Some Biomedical Parameters in Male Rats

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Cannabis, sometimes known as hemp, is a plant that originated in Central Asia. Cannabis seeds nutritional profile is astounding. Cannabis seed, most digestible, balanced, natural, and complete supply of protein, amino acids, and necessary fats found anyplace in nature when it is in its pristine organic natural condition. Cannabis seeds can be used in a variety of medical fields. Each 100 gm of the seeds used in the study contains 26, 37 and 20 gm of protein, fat and carbohydrate respectively. The present study used two groups of male rats (control and treatment groups). Rats were 11 weeks of average age. 10 mg/kg of body weight of powdered cannabis seeds were administrated orally to treatment group daily for 15 days. Alkaline Phosphatase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALP, GPT, and GOT), creatinine and uric acid was done for estimating the effect of cannabis seeds on renal and liver function. Enzymes Alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALP, GPT, and GOT) as well as creatinine, uric acid and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were not significantly (p&lt;0.05) different in both groups. Level of Cholesterol, triglyceride and c-reactive protein were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (p&lt;0.05) elevated in treatment group comparing to control group. The aim of this study is to examine physiological impact of cannabis whole seeds. Identifying the relationship(s) between liver and renal functions and cannabis seeds, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis seeds and possible of using cannabis seeds as herbal medicine for health care in male rats.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract supplementation in diet influences growth performance, haemato-immunological responses and cytokine expression in pathogen- aggravated Labeo rohita fingerlings

Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) has been widely identified as a rich source of therapeutically active phyto-compounds, known for their beneficial effects in aquaculturable species. In this context, a 60-day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on growth performance, haemato-immunological responses and cytokine gene expression in Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 240 rohu fingerlings (3.25 ± 0.52 g) were randomly distributed into four treatment groups in triplicates with 15 fish per tank. The groups were fed with four different diets containing graded levels of PPE viz., 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%. The results demonstrated significantly enhanced weight gain% and specific growth rate (SGR) in the group fed with 0.5% of dietary PPE. The cumulative survival post challenge to A. hydrophila was enhanced to 72.90% in 0.5% PPE fed group as compared to 20.01% in the control group. Haemato-immunological parameters in terms of respiratory burst activity (NBT), serum total protein, globulin and lysozyme activity displayed highest levels in L. rohita fed with the 0.5% PPE diet. Further, the dietary group supplemented with PPE at 0.5% level exhibited upregulated mRNA transcript levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines viz. IL-1β, TNF-α in different lymphoid organs such as gut, kidney and liver of L. rohita fingerlings post-challenge. In contrast, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, was significantly down-regulated in infected rohu fed with 0.5% PPE. Taken together, the best optimum dosage or inclusion level at 0.5% PPE, obtained through the study, represented remarkable favourable variations in growth, haemato-immunological parameters and cytokine gene expression of L. rohita fingerlings. Thus, the dietary supplementation of PPE at 0.5% could effectively enhance different aspects of innate immunity alongwith disease resistance to A. hydrophila infection in L. rohita fingerlings.

Effects of a commercial feed additive (Sanacore®GM) on water quality, productive performance and blood profile of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The present study evaluated the effects of the inclusion of commercial feed additive (Sanacore® GM; SAN) in diets on growth and productive performance, digestive enzymes, intestinal microbiota, intestinal histomorphometry and blood profile of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). For this purpose, four diets containing 0.0% (the control), 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% SAN were formulated and offered to triplicate groups of fish (20–23 g) reared in cages (30 × 10 × 3 m) for ten weeks. Water quality parameters were regularly monitored during the experimental period. No marked variations (p > 0.05) were observed in water temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH values; meanwhile, substantially decreases in unionized ammonia and nitrite levels were specifically detected at the treatment of 0.4% SAN. Feeding the fish on SAN-supplemented diets confirmed significant modulations in fish growth and production, haemato-biochemical profile, intestinal microbiota and intestinal histomorphometry. Fish growth, production and feed utilization indices extensively multiplied alongside with the increase in dietary SAN levels achieving their optimum values at the treatment of 0.4% SAN in contrast to the control group (0% SAN). Intestinal α-amylase, lipase and proteases activities were notably greater in fish fed with SAN-supplemented diets in particular at the 0.4% SAN diet. Feeding gilthead seabream on SAN-containing diets markedly increased red blood cell counts, haemoglobin level and haematocrit per cent mainly at the diet of 0.4% SAN. Compared with the control group, highest values of serum total protein, albumin and globulin accompanied with lowest values of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly recorded in fish fed on the 0.4% SAN diet. Intestinal microbiota were additionally modulated due to SAN administration to gilthead seabream. However, marked reductions in counts of Vibrio sp. and Escherchia coli alongside with high Bacillus sp. counts were obtained in fish mid-intestine mainly at the 0.4% diet. Feeding gilthead seabream on SAN-enriched diets confirmed higher villi length/width, absorption area and crypt depth than the control group with optimal values at the 0.4% SAN diet. According to the outcomes observed in this study, the SAN administration to gilthead seabream, especially at the 0.4% level led to considerable enhancements in overall growth and production performance via improving the secretion of digestive enzymes and prompting the intestinal morphometry and beneficial microbiota.

Analysis of spleen of mice (Mus musculus) infected with Aspergillus nidulans identifies immune-related genes.

Aspergillus nidulans (A. nidulans) is an ascomycetous fungus that can cause disseminated infection in humans or animals. The present study aimed to explore the pathogenesis and host spleen immune response after infection with A. nidulans. Thirty KM mice were divided into control group (C) and treated group (T). Serum was collected for the detection of inflammatory markers. Spleens were collected for histopathological examination, fungal culture and transcriptomic analysis. Compared with the control group, the concentrations of serum total protein (TP), globulin (GLO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly increased (P<0.01), but the concentration of albumin (ALB) and the ratio of albumin/globulin (A/G) were significantly decreased in the treated group (P<0.01). In addition, the splenic red pulp was hyperemic, and the white pulp was infiltrated by inflammatory cells in treated group. The chromatin was aggregated, and the mitochondria were swollen in the spleen lymphocytes of treated group. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that 47.2 million and 44.9 million clean reads were obtained in the control group and treated group, respectively. 946 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, including 372 up-regulated genes and 574 down-regulated genes. GO analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the immune responses, antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor binding, bacterial defence responses, endopeptidase activity and so on. Moreover, KEGG analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the following pathways: complement and coagulation cascades, retinol metabolism, cytochrome p450, IL-17 signalling pathway and so on. Additionally, 9 DEGs was validated by qRT-PCR approach. In summary, this study revealed the immune response mechanism of spleen in A. nidulan-infected mice. It will benefit for a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of A. nidulans.

Effects of dietary supplementation with microbial phytase on the growth, bone minerals, antioxidant status, innate immunity and disease resistance of African catfish fed on high soybean meal-based diets.

The microbial phytase, derived from Buttiauxella gaviniae, Yersinia mollarettiv and Hafnia spp., is proven to be safe for avian and porcine feeding and promotes their overall growth performance. Here, we have evaluated microbial phytase's effects on the growth, bone mineral content, antioxidant status, immune responses and the resistance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed with high soybean meal-based diets against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Five isonitrogenous diets (40% protein) were supplemented with different levels of microbial phytase ranging from 0 as a control to 250, 500, 750 and 1000 FTU/kg diet. African catfish (n = 300; 8.5 ± 0.3 g) were allocated in 15 50-L tanks (in triplicates) and were fed on the prepared tested diets for 12 weeks. After the end of the feeding period of 12 weeks, 10 fish from each replicate was intraperitoneally infected with A. hydrophila (0.5 × 105 CFU/ml) and monitored for 14 days. Dietary phytase levels linearly and quadratically improved the growth performance of African catfish and stimulated feed intake. Bone levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc were also positively modulated in phytase-fed fish, especially at 750-1000 FTU/kg diet. Similarly, counts of red and white blood cells as well as haemoglobin, packed cells volume, platelets, lymphocytes and heterocytes were significantly modulated in all fish fed with phytase-supplemented diets. Higher levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin were also observed in fish fed with a 750-1000 FTU/kg diet of phytase. Conversely, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities were lower in fish fed with a 750-1000 FTU/kg diet of phytase, compared to those fed the control diet. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase), reduced glutathione levels and immune responses (lysozyme, respiratory burst, protease and alkaline phosphatase activities) biomarkers were linearly and quadratically elevated, while malondialdehyde values were linearly and quadratically decreased in fish groups fed with phytase-based diets. After administering A. hydrophila, 60.0% of the fish fed the control diet perished, while no mortalities were observed in fish fed with 750-1000 FTU/kg diets. Taken together, the current study reveals that dietary phytase could improve the growth performance, blood profile, bone mineralization, antioxidant activities, immunity and overall protection of African catfish against A. hydrophila infection. Dietary phytase may be efficiently used in the feeding of African catfish to enhance their overall performance and mitigate health conditions with optimum level of 900 FTU/kg diet.

Lactoferrin improves the immune response and resistance of silver carp, a hematological, light (histochemical and immunohistochemical), fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopic study.

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein that has roles in iron metabolism, cell generation and differentiation, and antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Two diet regimes, a basic diet and a 600-mg/kg bovine lactoferrin-supplemented diet were used. The fish were fed for 30 successive days. We included 270 apparently healthy silver carp (H. Molitrix) with an average body weight of 10± 2g/fish. Addition of lactoferrin to the diet led to an increase in the activity of non-specific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen. The lactoferrin-supplemented diet significantly increased survival and disease resistance following V. vulnificus challenge, which seemed to correspond to an enhancement of non-specific immune functions in H. molitrix. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study evaluates the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Lactoferrin increases the activity of nonspecific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen.

Associations of decreased serum total protein, albumin, and globulin with depressive severity of schizophrenia.

ObjectiveDepression and schizophrenia (SCH) were accompanied by an acute phase response (APR) that was implicated in the alterations in total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin levels. The aims of this study are to examine serum TP, albumin, globulin levels, depressive symptoms, and their associations in patients with SCH.MethodsWe recruited 34 patients with SCH and 136 healthy controls (HCs) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Psychiatric symptoms and biomarkers were assessed using the Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) as well as the bromocresol green and biuret methods.ResultsSerum TP (F = 46.11, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.19), albumin (F = 31.69, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.14), and globulin (F = 12.48, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.06) levels were lower in patients than those in HCs after adjusting for covariates. Serum TP (r = −0.37, p = 0.03) and albumin (r = −0.37, p = 0.03) levels were negatively correlated with depressive score in patients. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed the negative associations of depressive score with serum TP (β = −0.13, t = −2.92, p = 0.007), albumin (β = −0.23, t = −2.36, p = 0.03), and globulin (β = −0.16, t = −2.40, p = 0.02) levels in patients. Serum TP, albumin, and globulin levels exhibited the accuracies of 87.1, 70.0, and 69.4% in discriminating between patients and HCs (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.78, 0.68, and 0.77; sensitivity/specificity: 52.9%/95.6%, 55.9%/73.5%, and 76.5%/67.6%).ConclusionOur data suggested that decreased serum TP, albumin, and globulin should be regarded as the SCH risk factors and were implicated in the depressive severity of SCH, which further provided the support for the hypothesis that SCH and depression were accompanied by the abnormal inflammatory cytokines with the APR.

Effects of Soy-Whey Protein Nutritional Supplementation on Hematopoiesis and Immune Reconstitution in an Allogeneic Transplanted Mice.

Profound malnutrition and immunodeficiency are serious negative effects of radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancy patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutritional supplementation with a soy–whey protein mixture on hematopoietic and immune reconstitution in an allogeneic transplant mouse model. Male BALB/c (H-2Kd) mice, 6–8 weeks-old, were divided randomly into five groups and then provided with different protein nutrition support. After 28 days, blood samples, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus were harvested to measure the effects. The results showed that soy–whey blended protein supplements promoted hematopoietic stem cell engraftment, body weight recovery, and the recovery of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils; triggered the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cell pools by increasing the numbers of the c-kit+ progenitor, Lin-Sca1+c-kit+, short-term hematopoietic stem cells, and multipotent progenitors; enhanced thymus re-establishment and splenic subset recovery in both organ index and absolute number; improved overall nutritional status by increasing total serum protein, albumin, and globulin; protected the liver from radiation-induced injury, and increased antioxidant capacity as indicated by lower concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxynonenal. This study indicated that soy–whey blended protein as important nutrients, from both plant and animal sources, had a greater positive effect on patients with hematological malignancies to accelerate hematopoiesis and immune reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation.

Effect of diet complexity and dietary fish peptide and enzyme complex supplementation on weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to assess the potential of replacing complex weanling pig diets with simple corn-soybean meal (SBM) diets by supplementation with a feed additive. The effort was made to determine the optimum inclusion rate of fish peptides in experiment 1 (Exp. 1), whereas the possibility of replacing complex diets with simply corn-SBM diets was investigated in Exp. 2. Ninety six (7.9 ± 0.7 kg) and 48 (7.8 ± 0.8 kg) pigs were used in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, and pigs were assigned randomly to 6 (Exp. 1) and 3 (Exp. 2) dietary treatments with 4 pens per treatment and 2 gilts and 2 castrated males per pen in both experiments. The phase 1 (d 0 to 14) and 2 (d 14 to 28) complex, positive control diets (POS) were formulated in both experiments. Two simple corn-SBM, negative control (NEG) diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic to the POS diets in Exp. 1, and the NEG diets were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0% fish peptides. Similarly, the phase 1 and 2 simple corn-SBM, NEG diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic to the POS diets in Exp. 2. However, the NEG diets contained 1.5% fish peptides, and those diets were supplemented with multienzyme complexes (ALL). During the wk 4, blood sample was collected and analyzed for serum metabolites and cytokines in Exp. 1 and metabolites in Exp. 2. During the last 2 wk of Exp. 1, the intake of feed, Lys, and digestible energy (DE) increased (cubic, P < 0.026) as fish peptides increased from 0 to 2%. Dietary treatments had no effect on gain to feed (G:F), gain to Lys (G:Lys), or gain to DE (G:DE) intake. Although there were some differences in serum total protein, urea N, and triglycerides, dietary treatments seemed to have no clear effect on serum metabolites or cytokines. Pigs seemed to respond to the diets containing 1.5% fish peptides, and it was used as the basis for the dietary treatments in Exp. 2. From wk 0 to 2 in Exp. 2, pigs fed the NEG and ALL diets had greater G:F, G:Lys intake, and G:DE intake (P < 0.004) than those fed the POS diet. In addition, G:F and G:Lys intake tended to be greater (P = 0.095) and G:DE intake was greater (P = 0.009) in pigs fed the ALL diet than those fed the NEG diet. Dietary treatments had no clear effect on the growth performance during the phase 2 or overall. Serum total protein and globulin were greater (P < 0.007) in pigs fed the NEG and ALL diets than those fed the POS diets because of the greater values in pigs fed the ALL diets, but those metabolites were not different between pigs fed the NEG and ALL diets. The results indicated that a complex diets can be replaced with a simple corn-SBM diet by supplementing the weanling pig diet with fish peptides and multienzyme complexes during the phase 1 (d 0 to 14).

Effect of Aloe-Vera on Liver Functions in Dog

Aloe vera is one of the most important plant used in modern science and has gained popularity in homeopathy and conventional medicine. Recent studies on rodents have shown its effect on liver. Therefore, current study was planned to assess the effects of Aloe Vera gel on liver function in normal and induced hyperglycaemic dogs. Aloe Vera gel was administrated orally in dogs (n = 12). The experimental period was divided into two phases. In each phase dogs were divided into three group’s i-e., A, B and C. In phase-1, group A was given only basal diet and kept as a control. Whereas group B was treated with Aloe vera gel at the therapeutic dosage of 500mg/kg B.W with basal diet, while group C was treated higher dosage regimen of 1000mg/kg B.W with basal diet once daily for 07 consecutive days. After 21 days washout period, in Phase-2, group A was fed basal with high carbohydrate diet and kept as a control. Whereas group B and C was administered Aloe vera gel at therapeutic dosage regimen of 500mg/kg B.W and 1000mg/kg B.W with basal with high carbohydrate diet once daily for 07 consecutive days respectively. In both phases, blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 6, and 10hr from day 1 to day 7, daily and on 10th and 14th day following Aloe vera treatment and analysed for biochemical parameters including serum Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin. Results revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in biochemical parameters at therapeutic dosage of 500mg/kg as well as in higher dosage regimen of 1000mg/kg B.W against control. During this study in both phases all biochemical parameters decreased (P˂0.05) at 0, 2, 6 and 10hr from Day 1-14 post Aloe vera treatment. All biochemical parameters did not return to the pre-treatment values following the discontinuation of Aloe vera gel on 10th and 14th day of its treatment. It has been concluded from the current study that, the Aloe vera administration at the therapeutic dosage of 500 mg/kg B.W orally is adequate to reduce increased level of these biochemical parameters in dogs. Keywords:Aloe-vera, Liver, Function Test, Dog

A STUDY ON SERUM PROTEIN PROFILE AT DIFFERENT LACTATION STAGES IN UPGRADED MURRAH BUFFALOES

The aim of the present study was to find out the serum protein profile of upgraded Murrahbuffaloes in different lactation stages. The blood samples were collected from 12 healthylactating upgradedMurrah buffaloes in early (0-13 weeks), mid (14-26 weeks) and late (27-40 weeks) lactation stages andseparated serum was analyzed for total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin ratio, urea, uric acidand creatinine. All the constituents under study differed significantly within the respective means amongstthe three stages of lactation with exception of albumin:globulin ratio. The values of total serum protein,globulin and uric acid were decreased significantly throughout the lactation period while urea andcreatinine increased significantly with progress of lactation. Serum albumin was decreased from early tomid stage then increased from mid to late lactation.

Verification of the folkloric and anecdotal antidiabetic effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Fisch., C.A. Mey. & Avé-Lall) and isolated, β-sitosterol using early-stage type II spontaneous diabetic mutant BKS-Leprdb mice

BackgroundPrevious studies in our laboratory in ex vivo assays have demonstrated H. hemerocallidea extract as potential antidiabetic agent through increased insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. Thus, for this study the early stage type II spontaneous diabetic mutant mice model was used to evaluate and determine the degree of the antidiabetic efficacy of H. hemerocallidea.MethodsEight-weeks-old type II spontaneous pre-diabetic mutant BKS-Leprdb mice were fed with feed supplemented with either H. hemerocallidea extract, isolated compound (β-sitosterol) or chlorpropamide (positive control) for 4 weeks. The haematological parameters, clinical chemistry, glucose tolerance, feed intake, faecal output and body weights were measured.ResultsThe blood glucose concentrations of all the animals treated with plant extract, β-sitosterol compound and non-treated pre-diabetic animals did not return to baseline levels. Only the β-sitosterol treatment and positive control groups resulted in a respective small decrease of 5.8 and 5.2% in the mouse weights over the study period, with no significant changes (p > 0.05) in food intake. However, there was a general trend for decrease in faecal output for all the groups. Albumin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels in β-sitosterol and chlorpropamide-treated animals were lower, relative to untreated-animals. Animals fed with plant extract showed large amounts of internal fat. There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in total serum protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea nitrogen and creatinine attributed to administration of treatments. In all groups, some animals showed lesions associated with cardiac puncture. Few animals except animals treated with plant extract, showed presence of a left-ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The liver and kidneys for all groups appeared macroscopically normal and the thymuses were small (±2 mg). There were pathological signs in some of the animals particularly in myocardial fibres, renal tubular, glomerular, hepatocyte granularity and pancreas islets. However, there was no significance trend between the groups.ConclusionBased on the results, none of the treatments could be considered highly effective for the management of type II pre-diabetes as sole therapeutic intervention.

Dietary chitosan oligosaccharides improves health status in broilers for safe poultry meat production

Feed additives are routinely used for improving poultry health and production worldwide. Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) is a relatively new feed additive that is a derivative of chitosan, a non-toxic linear polysaccharide with many biological functions. To investigate the efficacy of COS on gut morphology and serum biochemical profile (lipid, protein, glucose, creatinine and enzymes), a total of 180 day-old broiler chicks (n = 45) were allocated into allocated to 1 of 4 groups: control (T0) and treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) fed basal diet supplemented with increasing amounts of COS for 35 days. Our findings showed that dietary COS supplementation had positive effects on the body weight and body weight gain in the treatment groups. Villus height and width, ratio of villus height and crypts depth, and tunica mucosa thickness of duodenum increased (P > 0.05) in the treatment groups (T1 and T2), whereas crypts depth of duodenum and cecum were decreased in the treatment groups (T1 and T2) compared to the control group; treatment group 3 (T3), however, was almost similar to the control group. In the case of cecum, tunica mucosa thickness, length and width of mucosal folds showed similar results as duodenum. The population and size of intestinal glands and lymphocytic infiltration in the mucosa were increased considerably in the treatment groups (T1 and T2) than control group. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were significantly lowered in the treatment group 2 (T2) than control group or other COS treated groups (P < 0.05), although HDL cholesterol level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all of the treatment groups, but substantially higher in the group treatment groups 1 and 3 (T1 and T3) compared to control group. Total serum protein, albumin, and globulin were gradually increased in all of the treatment groups along with the increasing dose rates. The liver and kidney functions (ALT, AST and creatinine) were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected due to COS supplementation. These results suggest that COS has a dose-dependent response to improve gut morphology and health physiology in broilers; low to medium doses are more favorable for safe poultry production as it enhances growth performance, increases villus surface area, reduces undesirable cholesterols and positively affects the blood glucose and protein levels. These results would be helpful in exploring the efficacy of COS as a potential feed additive for safe poultry meat production, which is a time-demanding issue for the poultry industry from the consumers' point of view.

Haematology and Serum Metabolites of Pre-laying Isa Brown Hens fed Varying Dietary Levels of Alligator Pepper (Aframomum melegueta, k. Schum) Seed Meal

One hundred and ninety-eight (198) day old Isa Brown pullets were raised on six (6) Alligator pepper ( Aframomum melegueta ) seed meal (APSM)-based diets till 16 th week when 108 hens at point of lay (POL) were fed layers mash till 18 th week. The study assessed the haematological indices and serum metabolites of pre-laying Isa Brown hens fed diets with APSM. In a completely randomized design, 108 hens at POL were allotted to six experimental treatments or diets designated as T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 , T 5 and T 6 . T 1 served as the control while T 2 , T 3 , T 4 T 5 and T 6 contained 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% APSM respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with six birds per replicate. 2.0 ml blood samples were collected from wing veins of the hens for haematological and serum metabolite analyses. There were no significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in the mean values of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), white blood cells and platelets. Significant differences (P˂0.05) in mean values were obtained for Haemoglobin, red blood cell counts, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), but the variations were not consistent with the level of inclusion across the dietary treatments. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) also existed in the values of serum total protein, albumin and globulin, although the levels of significance did not follow the rate of inclusion levels. However, all the mean values obtained in this study were within the normal reference values reported in the literature for healthy birds except for some liver enzymes, ALT, AST and ALP which increased slightly due to stimulatory effect of the APSM on digestive system. The study concluded that 0.2% (T 3 ) of APSM inclusion was the best in terms of normal haematological and serum biochemistry profile and therefore, recommended further research with Alligator pepper on the laying process of other avian species. Keywords: Haematology, Serum metabolites, Alligator pepper, Isa Brown, Pre-Laying hens DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-10-03 Publication date: May 31 st 2022

Oral feed-based administration of Lactobacillus plantarum enhances growth, haematological and immunological responses in Cyprinus carpio

The effect of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum isolate FLB1) on the immunological responses of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp) was tested in a feeding trial. Fingerlings were divided into five treatment groups and fed with graded probiotic diets [@ 0 (T1), 106 colony-forming unit (CFU)/g (T2), 107 CFU/g (T3), 108 CFU/g (T4), and 109 CFU/g (T5) of test meal] in triplicate. Fish fed probiotic supplemented diets had significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance, haematological parameters, blood Haemoglobin (Hb), Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Total Leucocyte Count (TLC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV)/ Hematocrit (Ht), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), with the greatest improvement in the treatment T5. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in total serum protein and globulin, as well as lower Albumin (Alb)/ Globulin (Glb) ratio values were also reported. These values indicated the overall improvements in non-specific immune markers. In all the probiotic fed fish groups, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced values of blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, Triglycerides (TG), and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were observed. Increased numbers of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were detected in the gastrointestinal tract of probiotic-fed groups indicating the viability and survival of L. plantarum in the fish gut. The results showed that supplementing the diet with L. plantarum @ 109CFU/g feed during the growth period of the fish in a semi-intensive culture system could improve growth and health status of C. carpio.

Effects of Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Intestinal Morphology and Microflora in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryFermented wheat bran was produced by solid-state fermentation method, and the changes of nutritional indexes before and after solid-state fermentation were analyzed. Then, Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were used to study the effects of fermented wheat bran on growth performance, serum immune function, intestinal morphology and microflora of broilers under bacterial lipopolysaccharide stress. The present results indicated that the nutritional value of wheat bran was improved by solid-state fermentation, and wet FWB improved the immune profile of broiler chicken under stress.The study evaluated the effects of dry and wet solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance, immune function, intestinal morphology and microflora in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A total of 252 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 1 of 6 treatments: basal diet + sterile saline (negative control, NC), basal diet + LPS (positive control, PC), 7% dry FWB + sterile saline (FWB-I), 7% dry FWB + LPS (FWB-II), 7% wet FWB + sterile saline (FWB-III) and 7% wet FWB + LPS (FWB-IV), with containing 6 replicate cages/treatment and 7 broiler chickens/cage, and the experimental period lasted for 42 days. Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with either 0.5 mg LPS or sterile saline solution per kg body weight at 16, 18 and 20 d of age. Growth performance, serum immunological parameters and indicators related to intestinal health were analyzed on days 21 and 42. Compared with NC, dry and wet FWB significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily feed intake of days 21 to 42, and increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum on day 21, decreased (p = 0.101) the jejunum crypt depth and decreased (p < 0.05) the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts of the cecum digesta on day 42. Compared with NC, FWB-II and FWB-IV significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of serum total protein and globulin on day 21; compared with the basal diet groups, dry and wet FWB groups significantly increased (p < 0.05) glucose levels on day 21, and wet FWB significantly decreased (p < 0.05) alanine aminotransferase levels on day 42. Compared with PC and FWB-II, FWB-IV significantly increased (p < 0.05) the level of serum immunoglobulin G on day 21. Compared with PC and FWB-II, FWB-IV significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and acute C reactive protein (CRP) on day 21; compared with FWB-III, FWB-IV significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of IL-6, IL-8, CRP and tumor necrosis factor alpha on day 42, but the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (p < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. These results indicated that supplementing 7% dry or wet FWB can improve growth performance and serum immune functions of broilers, which effectively alleviate the LPS-challenged damage, and wet FWB had a better effect than dry FWB.

Effects of stocking density on growth performance, digestive function and immune performance of Matou goats

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different stocking densities on Matou goats. Thirty-six female Matou goats were randomly assigned into three experimental treatments including the low density (LD, 0.67 goat/m2), the medium density (MD, 1 goat/m2) and the high density (HD, 2 goats/m2) group. Compared with LD group, the average daily weight gain (ADG) of HD group decreased (p < .05). The length of duodenal and ileal villi in HD group was significantly lower than that in LD group (p < .05). The rumen pH and concentration of total volatile fatty acid (VFA), propionate butyrate and ammonia-nitrogen increased in HD group (p < .05). The acetate/propionate ratio was the highest in MD group (p < .05). The mRNA expression level of agouti-related protein gene (AgRP) in hypothalamus of LD was higher than that in HD group (p < 0.05). Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression level was the highest in MD group (p<.05) and the lowest in HD group (p < .05). An increase in growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and claudin-1 mRNA expression level were noticed in HD group (p<.05). Compared with LD group, the serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb) IgA and IgG levels in HD group decreased (p < .05). Glucocorticoid (GCS), β-endorphin (β-EP) and cortisol levels in serum were also significantly increased in HD group compared with LD group (p < .05). These results showed that stocking density affected rumen environment and high stocking density resulted in a decrease in growth, digestive and immune function of Matou goats.

Serum proteins and leucocytes differential count in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) infested with ectoparasites

A total of 48 Pond reared common carp C. carpio ranged between 2.5-11.8 cm in total length were obtained from University of Basrah's fish farm during May-June 2011. It was investigated for parasites, and it was infested with four different groups of ectoparasites, including Ciliophora (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp.), Monogenoidea (Dactylogyrus spp. and Gyrodactylus sp.), Trematoda (Ascocotyle coleostoma metacercariae) and Crustacea (Dermoergasilus sp. and Lernaea sp. copepodid larval stage). Differential count of leucocytes, total protein level, albumin and globulin in blood serum were determined in healthy (non-infested) and infested fish. No significant differences (p&gt;0.05) have been reported between infested and non-infested fish in all blood parameters except in monocyte counts of the third group (infested with two species of Ciliophora) and sixth group (double infestation between A. coleostoma and Dermoergasilus sp.). This study showed that common carp can withstand different light and mild infestation of ectoparasites. We can considered common carp among a fish category having very good resistibility towards ectoparasites.