Serum Total Globulin Research Articles

Influence of garden cress seeds supplementation on immunity, hormonal status, and milk quality during the last third of pregnancy and lactation period of rabbit does

During the last third of pregnancy period, rabbits are exposed to many challenges, such as health complications and oxidative stress. The present study aims to use garden cress seeds (GAC) as a natural antioxidant to mitigate these challenges and evaluate its effects on reproductive performance, immunity, hormones, protein profile and milk quality. A total of 24 pregnant V-Line rabbits (pregnant at 20 days proved by palpation), with an initial body weight of 2395.83 g and about 6–7 months of age, were randomly distributed to 4 groups, the control group was fed the basal diet without GAC, the other treated groups GAC 3, GAC 4.5 and GAC 6 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 3, 4.5, and 6% GAC, respectively. The experiment lasted six weeks. The results revealed that treated female rabbits with different levels of GAC did not have a noticeable effect on milk yield, average daily milk yield, or most of the milk analysis parameters (milk density, total solids, solids not fat, lactose, ash, and protein). On the other hand, GAC showed a significant increase in milk fat, and GAC 3% rabbits displayed a higher percentage of milk fat (p < 0.050) than the other groups. Likewise, treatment with GAC also had a significant impact on serum total protein, globulin, IgG, and IgM. The 3% GAC rabbits showed significantly higher total protein, globulin, and IgM values than the control group. However, all GAC treatments significantly improved serum IgG and the best value was found in the 3% GAC group. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that feeding lactating rabbits a diet supplemented with GAC could be considered a good strategy to enhance immunity, protein profile, MY and milk fat. The best results were obtained with the GAC 3% treatment.

Immuno-physiological role of exogenous enzymes supplementation in heat stressed growing calves

Twenty Crossbred (Baladi× Brown-Swiss) male growing-calves, 6 to 8 months old, weighing an average of 115 to 125 kg were subjected for evaluating ZADO supplementary effects on blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, thyroid activity, and growth efficiency of calves under semi-arid conditions. The experimental units were pinned equally in two groups. The control (G1) fed the basal ration, and the 2nd, treatment group (G2) fed the basal ration + a daily supplement of 10 g ZADO (exogenous enzymes) calf− 1 day− 1 in a powder form mixed well with ration. The results showed that ZADO treatment reduced (P < 0.001) each of respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), urea, creatinine, and cortisol. Also, caused a marked decline in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. However, supplemented ZADO to growing calves diets improved antioxidant status including reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total antioxidant capacity, serum total protein, albumin, and globulin, as well as IgG and IgM besides. ZADO enhanced (P < 0.01) thyroid activity, and feed efficacy parameters. Finally, supplementing growing calves with ZADO under semi-arid circumstances alleviates the heat stress effect, and leads to an improvement in calves’ growth performance.

Biochemical and Histopathological Analysis of Aqueous Extract of an Aphrodisiac Formulation against Acetaminophen Induce Hepatocyte Injuries in Wistar Rats

The aimed of this study was to examine the biochemical parameters and histopathological effects of aqueous extract of an aphrodisiac formulation against acetaminophen induce hepatocyte injuries in Wistar rats. Zainacin Dadin duniya (aphrodisiac herbs) extract was prepared by cold maceration. The animal study was done using 30 adult both male and female Wistar rats was grouped into 5 groups (n=6) and orally administered with five different treatments (saline, liver drug, acetaminophen, extract and extract/ acetaminophen) for the period of 28days. The blood is collected from each grouped rat for biochemical parameters test and all rats were later sacrificed for histologically processed investigation. The results showed that the oral administration of the acetaminophen in group 3 treated rats causes a significant (P&lt;0.05) increased in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), but, when administered with the extract in group 4 rats, there was a significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in the Kidney Function Markers (Creatinine, and Urea) and decreased in Glucose level in the group 3 rats treated with acetaminophen, when compared with the group 4 rats treated with the extract, there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) decreased in Creatinine, and Urea level and increased in the Glucose level. The serum total protein, Albumin, and Globulin significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased in the group 3 rats treated with acetaminophen while the bilirubin increased significantly. While group 4 rats showed significant increase in the total protein, Albumin, and Globulin and decreased in the bilirubin levels. The Results of Histopathology findings revealed hepatic tissue with distorted hepatocytes, portal vein, and sinusoids accompanied with massive necrosis in the liver of the group 3 rats treated with acetaminophen. While the liver of the group 4 rats showed, hepatic tissue with preserved architecture composed of cords of normal hepatocytes, normal portal vein, and sinusoids. There are no features of acute or chronic damage. The histologically Results of the small intestines of the all five (5) grouped rats showed preserved layers of muscosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. There are no features of acute or chronic toxicity. Conclusively, the prolonged oral consumption of acetaminophen in animals resulted in hepatocellular deleterious effects and may be of a similar hazard in humans. Overall, administration of the extract in rats has significant ameliorative effect on the rats; this may be of immense benefits in the management of hepatocytes, necrosis in the liver and its associated biomarkers complications. Improved liver functions as well as improved antioxidant status are beneficial in the management of chronic diseases such as liver failure.

Biochemical perturbations associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens:Is oxidative stress implicated?

The aim of this study was to investigate some biochemical and tissue changes associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens (LHs), and the complicities of oxidative stress (OS). Fifty LHs were assigned to two groups of 25 LHs infected with S. gallinarum (109 cfu*mL-1 of S. gallinarum) and 25 uninfected controls. Biochemical assays and histopathology were carried out following standard procedures. There was a significant loss of body weight, drop in egg production, as well as 28% mortality in the infected group. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as serum total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher, whereas serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected LHs. There were inflammatory, degenerative and necrotic changes observed in the affected organs. Considering the significant elevation in MDA levels coupled with elevated SOD activity in the infected LHs, OS may play a significant role in the pathology of fowl typhoid and may suggest a possible treatment of infected layers with antioxidants.

Dietary Chlorella vulgaris mitigates aflatoxin B1 toxicity in broiler chicken: Toxicopathological, hematobiochemical and immunological perspectives

Mycotoxins are the chemical substances, produced as the secondary metabolites of some toxigenic species of fungi which cause critical health issues in humans, birds and different animal species while Chlorella vulgaris (CV) is a unicellular microalga which contains plenty of important nutritional ingredients. This study was planned to evaluate the toxicopathological, hematobiochemical and immune changes incurred by dietary supplementation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and their mitigation through CV in broilers. For this study to be conducted, 180 broiler birds of one day old were uniformly distributed into six (06) groups and administered various combinations of AFB1 (200 μg/kg) or CV (0.5 and 1.0%) and the duration of the experiment was 42 days. Parameters deliberated were body weight, feed intake, relative visceral organ weights, gross and histopathological examination, hematological parameters (erythrocytic and leukocytic count, hematocrit and hemoglobin), serum biochemical analysis (serum total proteins, ALT, globulin, albumin, creatinine and urea), humoral response against sheep RBCs, response to subcutaneous injection of phytohemagglutinin-P and phagocytic system function assay. The results of this experiment confirmed that 1.0% CV efficiently mitigated AFB1 induced alterations in the studied parameters while this mitigation was partial when 0.5% CV was used with AFB1. Further studies in this regard are still needed to investigate the exact AFB1:CV ratio responsible for complete amelioration.

A study on subcutaneous infection model of colibacillosis in broilers: Selected immunological and hematological aspects

Colibacillosis is still a major challenge to poultry industry. This study examined selected immune and hematological features of broilers experimentally infected with E. coli via subcutaneous (sc) route. Fifty-one 5-week-old chickens were randomly assigned to three groups: two controls (NC and SCC) and one experimental (SC) group. The SC group was inoculated by O2 E. coli suspension via sc route in the inguinal region. Three days after inoculation, blood sampling was performed. Bacterial count of liver was determined. Histopathological samples of liver, lung, spleen, thymus, and bursa were also collected. Serum total protein and globulin significantly increased in birds of SC group as compared to control birds (P < 0.05). Birds in SC group also showed decreased albumin/globulin ratio. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ remained statistically the same among groups. Lymphocytosis, monocytosis, thrombocytosis and heterophilia were present in SC group. Heterophils/lymphocytes ratio increased in SC birds. Left shift was observed in SC group with cells showing vacuolated cytoplasm that contained toxic granules. Histologically, lung involvement was less severe than liver. Lymphoid depletion was present in all examined lymphoid organs. E. coli growth was observed in liver samples from SC group but not in control birds. In conclusion, using sc route for induction of colibacillosis was associated with a systemic inflammatory response in broilers and histopathological lesions of thymus, bursa, and spleen three days post-infection. It seems that detection of changes in serum cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ) should be performed in earlier hours of the disease in this model.

Relationship between morphometric measurements and blood parameters in horses with varying adiposity levels and physiological conditions.

Understanding and finding the correlation between morphometric measurements and horse blood parameters is crucial for predicting equine metabolic issues. This study aims to analyse morphometric measurements and blood samples in horses with varying adiposity levels. Cross-sectional observational. A total of 50 horses were included in the study and categorized into groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS). The insulin concentration was significantly higher in overweight horses (p=0.022). Female horses exhibited higher cortisol concentrations (p=0.025) and girth circumference at the withers (p=0.004) compared to males. Lactating mares exhibited higher concentrations of serum total protein (p=0.012) and globulin (p=0.003). A positive correlation was observed between BCS and insulin concentrations (r=0.290, p=0.041). Negative correlations were found between neck circumference to height at withers and glucose (r=-0.309, p=0.029), CNS and glucose (r=-0.315, p=0.026) as well as between crest diameter and cortisol (r=-0.360, p=0.01). Increasing the sample size and conducting longitudinal studies would enhance the study's validity and reliability. Although insulin, glucose and cortisol concentrations have predictive capabilities based on signs and certain morphometric measurements, their correlations are not always strong. Therefore, this study challenges the notion that all overweight horses are unhealthy, as overweight horses can still have good metabolic health. Conversely, lean horses may also experience metabolic issues. Hence, relying solely on visual cues is insufficient to diagnose the metabolic status of horses. Other factors must also be considered to assess their health status accurately.

Impact of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) as a Dietary Supplement on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Metabolites, Digestive Enzymes, and Cecal Microbiota of Growing Rabbits

Abstract The present study investigated the impact of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on growth performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant indicators, digestive enzymes, and cecum bacteriology of growing rabbits. One hundred 5-week-old New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits were randomly divided into 5 equal groups and fed for 8 weeks on the basal diet only or on the basal diet supplemented with different levels of Ag-NPs (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 mg/kg diet). Animals in each group were randomly distributed in 10 cages (replicates), with two rabbits each. Different dietary concentrations of Ag-NPs significantly increased live body weight (LBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also, body weight gain (BWG) increased dramatically during all experimental periods except 11–13 weeks of age. Levels of 0.25 and 1 mg of Ag-NPs/kg diet showed the highest increase in LBW, BWG, and FCR. All studied carcass traits, except liver %, were not affected by Ag-NPs levels. Rabbits fed diet supplemented with 1 mg Ag-NPs had the highest liver %. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were increased (P&lt;0.05) in groups treated with 0.25 and 0.75 mg Ag-NPs. In contrast, serum values of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), urea and creatinine were significantly reduced with the supplementation of Ag-NPs up to 0.75 mg/kg diet. The immunoglobulins M, G, and A (IgM, IgG, and IgA), complement 3 (C3) and lysozyme activity were improved with the inclusion of nano-silver in the rabbit feeds, particularly at the level of 0.25 mg Ag-NPs/kg feed. The inclusion of Ag-NPs in rabbit diets at different concentrations increased the total antioxidant capacity and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Ag-NPs had higher levels of digestive enzymes than the control group. The addition of Ag-NPs reduced the load of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and coliform in the rabbit cecum. Overall, the inclusion of 0.25–1 mg Ag-NPs/kg to NZW rabbit diets has shown beneficial effects on health and performance.

Effect of Incorporating Soursop (Annona muricata) Leaves Powder on Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Introduction: Soursop leaves are rich in various molecules, including total phenols, terpenes, and steroids, which possess a range of pharmacological properties that can be utilized in animal production to enhance both growth and reproduction of animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating soursop (Annona muricata; A. muricata) leaves powder into feed on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. Materials and methods: A total of 80 Japanese quails (64 females and 16 males) aged two weeks were randomly divided into four experimental groups, labeled T0, T1, T2, and T3, and received feed additives with 0 mg/kg body weight (bw), 250 mg/kg bw, 500 mg/kg bw, and 750 mg/kg bw of powdered soursop leaves, respectively. Additionally, water was provided ad libitum, and the quails' weights were measured every 7 days for a period of 75 days. At the end of the period, 12 female quails from each group were sacrificed after 24 hours fasting period. Blood was collected for hematological (Leukocyte, Erythrocyte, and Platelet indices) and serum biochemical (total serum cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and globulin, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Urea, and Creatinine) analysis. The males were also sacrificed to evaluate the spermatozoa characteristics (mobility, concentration, and viability). Results: No statistical significant changes in growth characteristics or hematological parameters were observed. However, biochemical parameters increased significantly with the inclusion of Soursop (A. muricate) in quail feed, including increased total cholesterol, total protein, and globulin levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. This effect was most significant at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Serum levels of urea, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate aminotransferase were not significantly affected by A. muricata whatever the concentration considered. A significant increase in fast progressive spermatozoa, along with a decrease in immotile spermatozoa, was observed with A. muricate at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw compared to the control. Sperm viability also increased significantly, particularly in live at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Significant increase was observed in fertility parameters, including increased fertility rate, hatchability rate of fertile eggs, total hatchability rate, and chick weight, along with decreased embryonic mortality at 500 mg/kg bw treatment compared to the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings indicated that incorporating A. muricata leaf powder at 500 mg/kg bw into quail feed positively influences reproductive cells and boosts fertility growth promoters.

111 Factors affecting transfer of passive immunity in beef calves

Abstract Data from 9 calving experiments were used to investigate relationships of dam, calf, and colostrum factors with passive transfer in beef calves. Serum was collected at 48.33 ± 1.25 (SD) h of age for 313 calves, and single rear quarter colostrum yields were determined pre-suckling for dams of 117 calves. Serum and colostrum IgG concentrations were determined by ELISA. Relationship of serum IgG with colostrum variables was determined using Pearson correlation coefficients. Serum IgG was positively correlated (P ≤ 0.002) with colostrum IgG (r = 0.47) and protein (r = 0.45) concentrations and colostrum total IgG (r = 0.28) but tended to be negatively correlated (r = -0.17, P = 0.06) with colostrum yield. Based on passive transfer thresholds in the literature, 3 calves (0.96%) had &amp;lt; 8 mg/mL serum IgG, 16 calves (5.1%) &amp;lt; 16 mg/mL, and 43 calves (13.7%) had &amp;lt; 24 mg/mL. For this analysis, calves with serum IgG &amp;lt; 24 mg/mL at 48 h were considered to have failure of passive transfer (FPT). Continuous variables (dam BW and calf size, 48-h serum chemistry panel, and time to stand) were compared for FPT versus non-FPT calves using a mixed model with FPT class (fixed effect) and experiment (random effect). Calves with FPT had less (P ≤ 0.03) circulating triglycerides, glucose, calcium, magnesium, total protein, globulin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase but greater (P ≤ 0.001) circulating non-esterified fatty acids, sodium, chloride, and total bilirubin than non-FPT. Effects of categorical variables on calf 48-h serum IgG were determined using separate mixed models with variable (fixed) and experiment (random). Primiparous dams gave birth to calves that had less (P = 0.05) serum IgG at 48 h than multiparous dams. Calves born to moderate dams (BCS = 5) had less (P = 0.007) serum IgG than those born to fleshy dams (BCS ≥ 6) and tended to have less (P = 0.08) serum IgG than calves born to thin dams (BCS &amp;lt; 5). Calf sex, calving season, calving difficulty score, and vigor score at 10 min did not affect (P ≥ 0.19) serum IgG. Relationships of calf 48-h serum IgG with continuous variables was also determined using Pearson correlation coefficients, and only r ≥ 0.20 or ≤ -0.20 are reported. Serum IgG was positively correlated (P ≤ 0.005) with 48-h serum total protein (r = 0.75), globulin (r = 0.76), gamma-glutamyl transferase (r = 0.32), and potassium (r = 0.20). Serum IgG was negatively correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with gestation length (r = -0.22) and 48-h serum albumin (r = -0.43), sodium (r = -0.24), and total bilirubin (r = -0.27). Overall, beef calves in this dataset generally had successful passive transfer that was associated with several dam, calf, and colostrum factors.

MANAGEMENT, BLOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RABBITS REARED IN IMO STATE

The scarcity of rabbits for research studies instigated this study which lasted for 3 months; on the management, haematological, serum biochemical and reproductive parameters of rabbits reared in the 3 zones (Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri) of Imo State. Data for this study were collected through questionnaire, on-the-farm assessment and sample (blood and semen) collection from the rabbits. The hutch/cage type of housing is the most prevalent in Imo State, constituting 73.58 %. Most rabbit farmers in Imo State (45.28 %) combine concentrate and forage in rabbit feeding, while 47.17% of the rabbit house/environment was fairly clean, 30.19 % were dirty and 22.64 % were clean. Rabbits reared in Imo State, with ages ranging from 5-8 months recorded average live weight of 1.91 kg, while annual average kindling and litter size of rabbit does reared in Imo State were 5.67 and 7.43, respectively; with average litter survival rate of 60.16 % between parturition and weaning. Haematological analysis of the adult rabbits reared in Imo State recorded 27.80 %, 9.56 g/dl and 3.40 x 106/ml in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count, respectively, which were lower than normal reference values (PCV = 30-50%; Hb 10-15 g/dl; RBC = 3.6- 7.5 x 106/ml). Total serum protein, globulin and urea values were lower than normal reference values (TP 5-7 g/dl; globulin 2.5-4 g/dl; urea 20-45 mg/dl), recording 4.44 g/dl, 1.57 g/dl and 16.56 mg/dl, respectively. Semen parameters obtained from adult rabbit bucks reared in Imo State were found to be inferior to semen parameters of adult rabbit bucks reared in similar geographical locations and environment, but under standard management practices. This study is therefore necessary for the assessment and development of improved rabbit production strategies in Imo State.

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SEROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COCKERELS FED DIFFERENT LEVELS OF TIGER NUT (Cyperus esculentus) SEED MEAL

A forty-nine days investigation into the haematological characteristics and serum biochemistry of cockerels fed varying levels of tiger nut seed meal diets were conducted. Five different diets were formulated such that tiger nut replaced maize at 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (TS) respectively in a Completely Randomized Design. The control diet (TI) contained no tiger nut. One hundred and twenty (120) four weeks old cockerels procured from Liberation Farm, Umuahia were used for the experiment. The cockerels were arranged into five dietary treatments, each containing three replicates with eight birds per dietary treatment and eight birds per replicate. Result indicated that the White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV). heterophil; lymphocyte, monocyte and basinophil except the eosinophil were not affected by the replacement of maize with tiger nut. The test diet recorded lower eosinophil (2.33-3.67 x 103/ul) compared to the control (5.67 x 103/ul) the eosinophil values however were still within the normal acceptable range, 1-6 x 103/ul. Higher eosinophil value of the control suggests that it was immunologically challenged, whereas, the lower values of eosinophil in the test diets may suggest inherent physiochemical properties of the tiger nut that reduced the vulnerability of the animals against worm infections associated with higher values of eosinophil. TS recorded lymphocyte value (44.67 x 103/ul) slightly lower than normal range values. Therefore inclusion of tiger nut at any level lower than 100% will favour optimum haematological function of the cockerels. The dietary treatment affected the serum bilirubin, creatinine and cholesterol levels but did not affect the serum total protein, globulin, albumin and blood urea. T4 recorded the highest bilirubin (0.28 g/dl) which compared with the control (0.21 g/dl) suggesting more efficient metabolism. Total protein and globulin decreased, whereas, creatinine increased as level of tiger nut increased. Urea and albumin did not portray a definite trend. Higher creatinine values are associated with higher crude protein. While this is true for control diet (0.38 mg/dl), it was not for the T4 and T5 whose higher creatinine values (0.38 mg/dl) are attributed to the presence of antinutrients such as oxalates which binds proteins resulting in high catabolic products, including creatinine. T3 containing 50% of tiger nut is recommended as the most tolerable level to replace maize due to its lowest FCR. high body weight, comparable haematological characteristics. lowest urea and moderate creatinine value.

STUDY ON NORMAL HRMATOLOGICAL VALUES OF ARABIAN RACE HORSES

Hematological values for sixty clinically normal Arabian bred race horses of both sexes were estimated.Red cell ,count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean ‘corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white cell count, differential leukocytic count, total serum protein, albumin and globulin were determined by using several laboratory techniques. It appeared that the total serum protein and globulin were significantly higher in the stallions than those in mares (P &lt; 0.05) whereas the results of other hemaltological parameters were comparable and the mean values did not show significant differences (P &gt; 0.05).

The Short-term Exposure Effect of Chlorpyrifos (20% EC) on Haematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Response of Striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

An experiment of acute toxicity was conducted to find out the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of chloropyrifos (CPF) for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Our findings indicated that the 96-h LC50 value of CPF for P. hypophthalmus was 0.106 mg L-1. Effects of different concentrations of CPF (0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, and 0.13 mg L-1) for 96-h on hemato-biochemical, enzyme and histological effects were evaluated in this study. Acute exposure induced significant differences in enzymes acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and acetylcholine of blood serum of the treated group as compared to control group. However, significant decreases in serum total protein, globulin, albumin, and triglycerides levels while serum glucose enhanced with consequent increasing doses of CPF exposure. Also, CPF induced significant declines in RBC count, haemoglobin and hematocrit level whereas the exposure groups showed significant rises in WBC and blood indices levels as compared to control group. Furthermore, CPF exposure causes gill curling, epithelium lifting, necrosis, and lamellae degeneration. Hemosiderin, sinusoid dilations, necrosis, malanomacrophage, hepatocyte hypertrophy were observed in liver histology. Reduction of lumen tubule, hyperplasia, increased bowman space and degenerations were seen in kidney. Overall findings indicates that the acute CPF exposure to P. hypophthalmus resulted in significant adverse changes in biochemical, hematological, and histopathological response.

Optimal level of dietary arginine enhances growth performance, haemato-biochemical status, metabolic responses and growth-related gene expression of GIFT juveniles reared in inland saline water

The effects of arginine levels in diets on growth performance, survival, and haemato-biochemical responses and gene expression of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) juveniles raised in inland saline water (ISW) of 10 ppt were evaluated through a 60-day growth trial. Seven isoproteinaceous (⁓320 g protein/kg), isolipidic (80 g/kg) and isoenergetic (16.8 MJ DE/kg) diets with graded levels of arginine viz. A10 (10 g/kg), A12.5 (12.5 g/kg), A15 (15.0 g/kg), A17.5 (17.5 g/kg), A20 (20.0 g/kg), A22.5 (22.5 g/kg) and A25 (25.0 g/kg) were prepared. Acclimated GIFT juveniles (3.75 ± 0.017 g) were randomly assigned into seven treatments in triplicate with 15 fish/replicate and fed with respective diets thrice a day on a satiation basis. The percent weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, whole carcass protein, tissue alanine and aspartic acid aminotransferase activities, serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentration and expression of IGF-1 & IGF-1R genes of fish significantly increased, while feed conversion ratio significantly decreased with increasing arginine in the diet up to 17.5 g/kg and decreased thereafter. Additionally, white blood cell count increased with rising arginine levels in the diet. However, body indices, survival, whole carcass lipid, total ash and essential amino acids contents, activities of digestive and antioxidant enzymes, serum glucose level and blood haemoglobin level and red blood cell count of fish remained unchanged for different treatments. Based on broken-line regression and second order polynomial regression models in relation to hepatic IGF-1 gene expression and percent weight gain, the dietary optimal arginine level was found to be 15.97 and 16.76 g/kg and 17.06 and 17.41 g/kg, respectively with the optimum range of 15.97 to 17.41 g/kg for successful culture of GIFT in ISW of 10 ppt salinity.

Effects of Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol Supplementation on Blood Variables, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Goats.

Stress experienced by animals during pre-mortem management handling significantly affects both their welfare and the quality of the meat produced. Using hemp-derived CBD may offer several benefits in alleviating this issue. In this study, we investigated the effects of hemp-derived CBD supplementation on blood variables, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in goats. Sixteen crossbred Boer goats were divided into four groups receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mL CBD/30 kg body weight over 90 days. Although growth, carcass characteristics, and pH remained unaffected, CBD supplementation influenced several blood variables. Specifically, dietary CBD at 0.1-0.3 mL increased white blood cell (WBC) counts, while 0.3 mL CBD increased serum total protein, globulin, sodium, and carbon dioxide levels, potentially affecting protein metabolism and electrolyte balance. Over time, significant changes were noted in hematological profiles, kidney markers, protein profiles, and some electrolytes, indicating physiological adaptations. Regarding meat quality, supplementation with 0.2-0.3 mL of CBD linearly improved color redness and stability; moreover, CBD supplementation improved tenderness and textural properties, resulting in a softer meat texture. However, analysis using an E-nose indicated increased ammonia and organic solvent vapors in meat from the higher CBD groups. This study concluded that CBD supplementation up to 0.3 mL of CBD/30 kg body weight beneficially modulated blood biomarkers, meat color, and tenderness without adverse impacts on growth or carcass characteristics in goats.

Dietary spirulina platensis a promising growth promotor and immune stimulant in broiler chickens

Algae, as a biological component of the environment, holds promise for the development of novel cuisines. This study aimed to appreciate the dietary Spirulina platensis (SP) impact on growth patterns and as an immune stimulant in broilers. SP-fed chicks at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg doses significantly improved hematological indices. Also, gas chromatography of fatty acid profile in broiler breast muscles exhibited greater elevation. Serum total proteins, albumin, and globulin levels significantly increased. ElISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) revealed elevated immunoglobin M, G, and leptin levels as mirrors for immunological response coordination. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) exhibited depressed tumour necrosis factor-alpha gene expression (TNF-α) in ilial tissue. Gut’s histopathology showed well-developed villi. In conclusion, Spirulina platensis in doses up to 2 g/kg enhances immunity, fatty acid profile, liver function, anti-inflammatory properties, and intestinal absorption of broilers, while doses up to 4 g/kg cause the opposite effect on previous parameters.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Angelica gigas Nakai root extract on the Growth Performance, Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root extract on growth performance, hematological indices, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 320 straight-run Cobb broiler chicks from a commercial hatchery were distributed among four treatment groups: Basal diet (BD) as the Control; Treatment 1 (T1): BD + 2 g/kg AGN; Treatment 2 (T2): BD + 4 g/kg AGN; and Treatment 3 (T3): BD + 8 g/kg AGN), each comprising eight replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The supplementation of AGN resulted in dose-dependent improvements (P &lt; 0.05) in body weight, gain, and feed efficiency. On both day 21 and day 35, increasing AGN dosage in the diet led to a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) values of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV). By day 21, AGN supplementation dose-dependently decreased (P &lt; 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels. Meanwhile, AGN dose escalation correlated with a notable increase (P &lt; 0.05) in serum total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin levels. On day 35, increasing AGN levels led to a significant reduction (P &lt; 0.05) in serum AST and ALT activity, along with lowered serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels. In conclusion, AGN supplementation enhanced growth performance and positively influenced hematological indices and serum biochemistry profiles in broiler chickens. The study confirms the safe and effective utilization of AGN at an 8 g/kg (0.8 %) feed additive dosage to optimize broiler performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of AGN in poultry nutrition.

Early Feeding Strategy Mitigates Major Physiological Dynamics Altered by Heat Stress in Broilers.

Heat stress is one of the stressors that negatively affect broiler chickens, leading to a reduction in production efficiency and profitability. This reduction affects the economy in general, especially in hot and semi-hot countries. Therefore, improving heat tolerance of broiler chicks is a key to sustained peak performance, especially under adverse environmental heat stress conditions. The present study investigated three early feed withdrawal regimes (FWD) as a potential mitigation for thermal stress exposure. A total of 240 unsexed one-day-old Cobb-500 chicks were randomly recruited to one of four experimental groups using a completely randomized design (10 birds × 6 replicates). The experimental groups included the control group with no feed withdrawal (control), while the other three groups were subjected to early feed withdrawal for either 24 h on the 5th day of age (FWD-24), 12 h on the 3rd and 5th day of age (FWD-12), or 8 h on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th day of age (FWD-8), respectively. Production performance was monitored throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, blood and liver samples were taken at the end of the experimental period to evaluate major physiological dynamic changes. Our findings demonstrated that under chronic heat stress conditions, FWD treatments significantly improved broilers' production performance and enhanced several physiological parameters compared with the control. Serum levels of thyroid hormones were elevated, whereas leptin hormone was decreased in FWD groups compared with the control. Moreover, serum total protein, globulin, and hemoglobin levels were higher, while total cholesterol and uric acid were lower in the FWD groups. Furthermore, FWD groups showed significantly higher antioxidant marker activity with a significantly lower lipid peroxidation level. Immunoglobulin levels, lysozyme, complement factor C3, and liver heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) concentration were also elevated in FWD compared with the control. Also, serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) significantly increased with FWD. Based on our findings, early feed withdrawal can be applied as a promising non-invasive nutritional strategy for broilers reared under chronic heat stress conditions. Such a strategy promotes the alleviation of the deleterious effects of heat stress on broiler performance, immunity, and redox status, owing to the onset of physiological adaptation and the development of thermotolerance ability.

Chlorella vulgaris algae ameliorates chlorpyrifos toxicity in Nile tilapia with special reference to antioxidant enzymes and Streptococcus agalactiae infection

BackgroundChlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used pesticide in the production of plant crops. Despite rapid CPF biodegradation, fish were exposed to wastewater containing detectable residues. Recently, medicinal plants and algae were intensively used in aquaculture to replace antibiotics and ameliorate stress impacts.Methods and resultsAn indoor experiment was conducted to evaluate the deleterious impacts of CPF pollution on Nile tilapia health and the potential mitigation role of Chlorella vulgaris algae. Firstly, the median lethal concentration LC50 − 72 h of CPF was determined to be 85.8 µg /L in Nile tilapia (35.6 ± 0.5 g body weight) at a water temperature of 27.5 °C. Secondly, fish were exposed to 10% of LC50 − 72 h for six weeks, and tissue samples were collected and examined every two weeks. Also, Nile tilapia were experimentally infected with Streptococcus agalactiae. Exposed fish were immunosuppressed expressed with a decrease in gene expressions of interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Also, a decline was recorded in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) gene expression in the head kidney tissue. A high mortality rate (MR) of 100% was recorded in fish exposed to CPF for six weeks and challenged with S. agalactiae. Fish that received dietary C. vulgaris could restore gene expression cytokines and antioxidants compared to the control. After six weeks of CPF exposure, fish suffered from anemia as red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) significantly declined along with downregulation of serum total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), and albumin (ALB). Liver enzymes were significantly upregulated in fish exposed to CPF pollution, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (42.5, 53.3, and 61.7 IU/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (30.1, 31.2, and 22.8) after 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. On S. agalactiae challenge, high MR was recorded in Nile tilapia exposed to CPF (G3) 60%, 60%, and 100% in week 2, week 4, and week 6, and C. vulgaris provided a relative protection level (RPL) of 0, 14.29, and 20%, respectively.ConclusionsIt was concluded that CPF pollution induces immunosuppressed status, oxidative stress, and anemic signs in Nile tilapia. In contrast, C. vulgaris at a 50 g/kg fish feed dose could partially ameliorate such withdrawals, restoring normal physiological parameters.