Treatment Groups T2 Research Articles

Morphophysiological response of the thyroid gland of female Mus musculus exposed to essential oils (bioactive compounds) extracted from Egletes viscosa and Lippia schauerian

The tick Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin, 1826), popularly known as the brown dog tick, is of medical and veterinary importance because it transmits several pathogens that cause diseases which are relevant to public health and, consequently, significant economic losses. Previous studies have shown that acaricides that use synthetic active ingredients leave harmful residues in the environment and cause problems for non-target organisms, which include hosts in general. For these reasons, new strategies and control methods, such as biological approaches, vaccines, and bioactive compounds from plants, have been studied. In the present study, the action of essential oils extracted from Egletes viscosa and Lippia schaueriana, both native to Brazil, were evaluated. Despite having proven effectiveness as acaricides (against this species of ticks), studies on the effects they have on hosts (here simulated by female Mus musculus) had not yet been performed. The unprecedented results found here showed that, in treatment group T1 (female mice exposed to L. schaueriana oil), there were morphological changes in the thyroid that indicated that these glands would also have the functions of synthesis/transformation of the colloid into thyroid hormones physiologically compromised. There were changes in the morphology of follicular cells (from cuboidal to squamous) and cytoplasmic vacuolation. The colloid inside the follicles did not always appear homogeneous, and in many of them, a fine granulation was noticed, suggesting changes in the pre-hormone. In treatment group 2 (females exposed to E. viscosa oil), the follicular cells in the vast majority of follicles also lost their cuboidal shape and became squamous, and their nuclei changed from rounded to flattened and pyknotic. The rounded morphology of the follicles became irregular, causing disorganization of the follicular cells, and the interstitial spaces left between the follicles were filled by connective tissue. Therefore, these results make it clear that the exposure of female mice (simulating tick hosts) to essential oils of E. viscosa and L. schaueriana at a concentration of 50mg/mL caused morphophysiological changes in the thyroid gland of these subjects, which lead to the loss of organ function, and called attention to the importance of the careful use of acaricides even if they are naturally sourced.

A bacteriophage cocktail delivered in feed significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in challenged broiler chickens

ABSTRACT Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. are a leading cause of human gastrointestinal infections and are commonly transmitted via the consumption of contaminated meat. To limit the spread of Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens in the food chain, bacteriophage (phage) therapy could be used during rearing or pre-harvest stages of animal production. This study was conducted to determine if a phage cocktail delivered in feed is capable of reducing Salmonella colonization in experimentally challenged chickens and to determine the optimal phage dose. A total of 672 broilers were divided into six treatment groups T1 (no phage diet and unchallenged); T2 (phage diet 106 PFU/day); T3 (challenged group); T4 (phage diet 105 PFU/day and challenged); T5 (phage diet 106 PFU/day and challenged); and T6 (phage diet 107 PFU/day and challenged). The liquid phage cocktail was added to mash diet with ad libitum access available throughout the study. By day 42 (the concluding day of the study), no Salmonella was detected in faecal samples collected from group T4. Salmonella was isolated from a small number of pens in groups T5 (3/16) and T6 (2/16) at ∼4 × 102 CFU/g. In comparison, Salmonella was isolated from 7/16 pens in T3 at ∼3 × 104 CFU/g. Phage treatment at all three doses had a positive impact on growth performance in challenged birds with increased weight gains in comparison to challenged birds with no phage diet. We showed delivering phages via feed was effective at reducing Salmonella colonization in chickens and our study highlights phages offer a promising tool to target bacterial infections in poultry.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST ARSENIC INDUCED TOXICITY IN CIRRHINUS MRIGALA

This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Arsenic (As) induced toxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala in Tawakkal Fish Hatchery at Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan. 288 fingerlings were collected from fish pond and kept in circular tank for acclimatization. 12 fish about 100-day old having similar size were selected randomly and kept in separate glass aquaria for each treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and control group T4. Fish in treatments groups T1, T2 and T3 were exposed with water born sublethal concentration of 1/10th LC50 of arsenic (As) for 7days (240 hours). On 8th and 16th days of the experiment three fish were collected from each aquarium, humanly dissected targeted organ was taken out and used for liver, muscle, and gills antioxidant enzyme activities and histopathological alteration. The findings indicate that in treatment group T2 which feed with 2% and 4% Moringa oleifera supplemented diet reduced significantly (P<0.05) arsenic induced oxidative stress in fish, enhance the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities but treatment group T2 is 2% Moringa oleifera supplemented diet is more effective near to control group T4 as compared to treatment group T3 with 4% Moringa oleifera supplemented. After 16 days exposure of 1/10th concentration of arsenic with 0% Moringa oleifera various degenerative alteration were seen in gills. In 2% and 4% Moringa oleifera with 1/10th arsenic, spiked secondary lamellae and lamellar epithelium lifting (EL) and rupture of epithelial layer (↑↑) and fusion of lamellae were observed at several points. Moringa oleifera is medicinal herb, which has various tremendous benefits.

Studies on the growth, immunomodulation and gut morphometry of Labeo rohita fed pectin

<br />The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of pectin supplemented feeds on the growth, gut morphology and immunology of <i>Labeo rohita</i>. Experimental feeds containing various concentrations of pectin including control (0%), T1 (0.5%), T2 (1.0%), T3 (2.0%), and T4 (4.0%) were administered to <i>L. rohita</i> twice per day at a rate of 3% body weight. There was a significant (<i>P</i> < 0.05) decrease in average final weight, weight gain%, net weight gain and specific growth rate observed in treatment groups in order of control > T1 > T2 > T3 > T4 while feed conversion ratio was significantly (<i>P </i>< 0.05) higher in T4 compared to the other groups T3 > T2 > T1 > control. Immunological parameters of peroxidase, protease and antiprotease (trypsin) showed significant (<i>P </i>< 0.05) results between control and treated groups. Peroxidase activity was significantly (<i>P </i>< 0.05) higher in T4 group fish compared to T3 > T2 > T1 > control group. Total protein, protease and antiprotease activity were significantly (<i>P </i>< 0.05) higher in the control compared to treatment groups T1 > T2 > T3 > T4. An increased level of the non-starch polysaccharide pectin in feed caused acute effects on gut morphometry. Villus length, villus width, and an increase in mucosal folds were abnormal but no significant (<i>P</i> > 0.05) abnormality was observed in the control group. In the submucosal part of the intestine, hyperplasia was shown in loose connective tissues and in adipose tissue cells in the treated groups. In conclusion, dietary pectin supplementation from 0.5% to 4% had negative effects on the growth, immunological parameters and gut histomorphology of <i>L. rohita</i>.

Nutrient utilization and carcass traits in broiler chickens as affected by nano-chromium supplementation

The present study was carried out to perceive the effects of dietary supplementation of nano-chromium on nutrient utilization and carcass traits in broiler chickens. For this, 120 unsexed day-old broiler chickens were procured and randomly allocated into four different treatment groups with three replicates in each. The control group (T0) was fed with a standard basal diet as per BIS (2007). Treatment groups T1, T2, and T3 were fed the basal diet with 400, 800, and 1600 ppb levels of nano-chromium, respectively for six weeks. Dry matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrate metabolizability were significantly improved in treatment groups T2 and T3; while organic matter and ether extract retention were found significantly higher in treatment groups T1, T2, and T3 when compared with a control group. There was no significant difference in the yield of cut-up parts (% live body weight). The supplementation of nano-chromium did not bring any significant changes in processing loss i.e. blood, feather, head, and shank, but abdominal fat was significantly reduced with increasing levels of nano-chromium. Hence, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of 1600 ppb nano-chromium in the diet of broiler chicken improved nutrient utilization and lowered abdominal fat in broiler chicken.

Potensi Getah Patikan Kebo (Euphorbia hirta L.) dalam Menurunkan Waktu Perdarahan pada Luka Kulit Tikus Putih (Rattus norvegicus)

Indonesia has many types of plants that are abundant and can be used as medicine. One of the plants used as medicine is patikan kebo (Euphorbia hirta L.) because it contains of several chemical compounds, which are tannin, flavonoid and saponin. Tannin and flavonoid are the main compounds in plants that help to stop the bleeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of patikan kebo’s latex (Euphorbia hirta L.) to decrease the bleeding time in skin wounds of white rats (Rattus norvegicus). This research is a pre experiment. The number of experimental animals used was 10 which were divided into 2 treatment groups (T1 and T2). The treatment group T1)was not dripped with patikan kebo’s latex (Euphorbia hirta L.) and treatment group T2 was dripped with patikan kebo’s latex (Euphorbia hirta L.) and then the bleeding time was measured. Based on result of Independent Sample T Test showed that P value = 0,006 (P&lt;0,05), it means the bleeding time in skin wound of white rats that were dripped with patikan kebo’s latex and without dripped with patikan kebo’s latex are significant.

EFFECT OF THE GUAVA AND SISSOO LEAF POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS (COBB-500), BAITADI, NEPAL

The present work was conducted to study the effect of guava and sissoo leaf powder in growth performance of Cobb-500 broiler chickens. The experiment study was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 144, day-old commercial broiler poultry chick was distributed randomly into four treatment groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 each having three replications. Group T1 was considered the control in the experiment and was fed commercial feed and fresh drinking water. While Group T1- Basal diet, T2- Basal diet plus guava and sissoo leaf powder @2%, T3- Basal diet plus guava and sissoo leaf powder @4%, T4- Basal diet plus guava and sissoo leaf powder @6% respectively. Average weight gain and feed intake from the 21 days of the birds were recorded. Data and treatments mean were analyzed using the analysis of variance technique (ANOVA) and were tested with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at P&lt;0.05. The result showed the higher body weight in T1 and T2 followed by T4 and T3. Feed intake was higher in control and in the 2% of the grass meal than the other group of the treatment. The weight of the broiler fed with the pellet feed and the 2% has the highest gain in weight than others. This research combination of the guava and sissoo leaf powder at 2% of adding grass meal showed better performance in feed intake and weight gain. The research show the reduction in the cost of the feed by adding the grass meal. So, the diet with pelleted feed along with adding 2% of grass meal is better in this area of study.

Growth studies in commercial broiler birds offered citric acid in formulated feed with low mineral density.

Study of 35days was conducted to evaluate citric acid (CA) as an additive in poultry broiler feed with lower mineral content of calcium (Ca) and total phosphorus (TP) in commercial broiler poultry birds for its effect on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and economics. Vancobb-400 strain day old broiler chicks were divided into four main treatment groups T0, T1, T2, and T3. Treatment groups were further divided into eight replicates with ten chicks in each. T0 served as control, given standard corn-soy flakes-based ration (Pre-starter %: Crude protein (CP)-23, Ca-1.00, TP-0.70; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-1.10, TP-0.72, and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.99, TP-0.70). Treatment T1 served as positive control with added 0.5% CA (Pre-starter %: CP-23, Ca-1.00, TP-0.70; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-1.10, TP-0.72 and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.99, TP-0.70). Treatment T2 was given feed containing 0.5% CA with low Ca and TP content (Pre-starter %: CP-23, Ca-0.90, TP-0.66; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-0.99, TP-0.71 and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.90, TP-0.69), whereas treatment T3 was given feed containing 0.5% CA with moderately low Ca and TP content (Pre-starter %: CP-23, Ca-0.80, TP-0.65; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-0.88, TP-0.70 and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.79, TP-0.68). Birds offered moderately low Ca and TP with 0.5% CA addition, exhibited higher growth rate (P < 0.05), better nutrient utilization with positive influence on dressing percentage and forequarters weight. Economics of broiler feeding revealed that 0.5% CA supplementation fetched highest gross return above feed cost in broiler birds offered feed with moderately low Ca and TP content whereas lowest profit was recorded in feed with low content of Ca and TP. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.5% CA in feed with low and moderately low Ca and TP content positively influenced overall growth, and carcass characteristics. Economics of broiler feeding with moderately low Ca and TP content revealed highest profit with CA (0.5%) supplementation.

The Effect of Administering Apis dorsata Forest Honey on Liver Histopathological Changes of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed to Physical Stress

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Apis dorsata forest honey on the liver histopathological changes of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to physical stress. This study used 24 rats which were divided into 4 groups. The positive control group (C+) was only given a stressor and distilled water orally, the treatment group 1 (T1) was given a stressor + honey 2g/rat/day, T2 was given a stressor + honey 4g/rat/day, and T3 was given a stressor + honey 6g/rat/day. All treatments were carried out within 14 days. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between the C+ control group (3.44a ± 0.622; 3.52a ± 0.109; 1.76a ± 0.384) and the treatment group1 /T1 (1.13b ± 0.389; 2, 48c ± 0.438; 0.84b ± 0.260) in terms of reduced level of liver damage, however, there was no significant difference (p&gt; 0.05) between the C+ control group (3.44a ± 0.622 ; 3 .52a ± 0.109; 1.76a ± 0.384) and treatment group2 / T2 (3.72a ± 0.268; 3.64ab ± 0.260; 1.90a ± 0.400) and T3 (3.84a ± 0.167; 3.88a ± 0.178; 2 .48a ± 0.840). It can be concluded that the administration of Apis dorsata honey to rats exposed to physical stress within 14 days can reduce the level of liver damage with an effective dose of 2g/rat/day. However, excessive consumption of honey causes adverse effects on the liver as seen in the T2 and T3 treatment groups with doses of honey 4g/rat/day and 6g/rat/day which can increase the risk of liver damage.

Assessment of Lead (Pb) Toxicity in Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus-Growth, Behaviour, Erythrocytes Abnormalities, and Histological Alterations in Vital Organs.

Lead (Pb) is one of the toxins responsible for the deterioration of ecological health in aquatic environments. The present study investigated the effects of Pb(NO3)2 toxicity on growth, blood cell morphology, and the histopathology of gills, liver, and intestine of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A 30-day long aquarium trial was conducted by assigning three treatment groups T1 5.20 mg L-1, T2 10.40 mg L-1, and T3 20.80 mg L-1, and a control 0 mg L-1 following the 96 h LC50 of 51.96 mg L-1 from acute toxicity test. Overall growth performance significantly declined in all the Pb(NO3)2 treated groups and the highest mortality was recorded in T3. Behavioural abnormalities were intense in all the treatment groups compared to the control. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) values were reported as higher in treatment groups. Reduced nucleus diameter and nuclei size in erythrocytes were reported for T2 and T3 groups. Dose-dependent histological alterations were visible in the gills, liver, and intestine of all the Pb(NO3)2 treated groups. The width of the intestinal villi was highly extended in T3 showing signs of severe histological alterations. In conclusion, Pb toxicity causes a negative effect on growth performance, erythrocyte morphology, and affected the vital organs histomorphology of juvenile O. niloticus.

Red algae extract suppresses caspase-3 gene expression and induces catalase antioxidant enzyme in testicles of rats induced by boric acid.

Aim To determine the effect of red algae extract on the gene expression of catalase and caspase-3 in testicules of rats induced by boric acid (BA). Methods This is experimental research with post-test control group design. Twenty four healthy male Wistar rats were divided into four treatment groups: a healthy group, negative control group, two treatment groups with red algae extract 400mg/kgBW/day (T1) and red algae extract 800mg/kgBW/day (T2). Each group was treated with BA 500mg/kgBW/day for 14 days, whereas the healthy group did not receive BA. In the treatment groups T1 and T2 were given red algae extract for 14 days. On day 15 all treatment groups were terminated and catalase and caspase-3 gene expression were analysed using qRT-PCR. Results In the healthy group, the expression of the catalase gene was 1.39±0.67 and the expression of the caspase-3 gene was 1.06±0.17. In the negative control group, there was a significant decrease in catalase gene expression, 0.68±0.27 (p<0.05), and a significant increase in caspase-3 gene expression, 5.71±2.47 (p<0.05). Treatment groups T1 and T2 showed a significant increase in catalase gene expression, 2.67±0.69; and 2.85±0.64, respectively (p<0.05) and caspase-3, 3.96±1,16 and 1.89±0.84, respectively, compared to the control group. Conclusion: The administration of red algae extract had a significant effect on increasing the expression of the catalase gene and decreasing the expression of the caspase-3 gene. This suggests that red algae extract has the potential to be developed as a protective agent against exposure to the effects of BA.

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Chili (Capsicum annuum) Leaf Powder on Production Performance and Egg Quality Parameters of Rhode Island Red Laying Hens

The present experiment was planned to ascertain the effect of dietary incorporation of chili (Capsicum annuum) leaf powder on production performance and egg quality parameters of Rhode Island Red laying hens of 28 weeks of age for a period of 12 weeks. Hens were individually weighed and then randomly assigned into four treatment groups with three replicates of 6 birds each viz., T1: (control, containing basal diet); T2: Incorporation of 0.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T3: Incorporation of 1.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T4: Incorporation of 2.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet. The results indicated that egg production and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected. However, overall average feed intake significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced in hens supplemented with 2.5% chili leaf powder. Egg quality parameters viz., egg weight, shape index, shell weight percentage and shell thickness of eggs, egg albumen quality such as albumen height, albumen weight and Haugh unit were statistically similar among all the groups. The egg yolk quality parameters including yolk weight, yolk percentage, yolk index, yolk cholesterol and yolk triglycerides did not differ significantly among different treatment groups, however, egg yolk colour was significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved in T4 group, compared to T1 group. While, egg yolk colour in treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 showed no significant difference. To conclude, supplementation of chilli leaf powder @ 2.5% can be used to improve egg yolk colour.

Walnut fruit: Impact of ethylene assisted hulling on in vitro antioxidant activity, polyphenols, PUFAs, amino acids and sensory attributes

The effects of three different hulling methods wiz natural heaping/traditional (T1), steeping (T2), and spraying (T3), on moisture, colour, fat, free amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant activities, flavonoids, tannins, total phenolic content, and organoleptic qualities of walnut kernels were examined in this study. The kernels extracted from walnuts subjected to T3 method recorded significantly (p ≤ 0.05) highest DPPH inhibition (68.61 %), ABTS (54.56 %inhibition) and FRAP (0.106 μM trolox/100 g); flavonoids (1993.08 mg QE/100 g), tannin content (0.312 %) and phenols (0.736 mg GAE/g) compared to T1 and T2. Walnut kernels of T3 treatment group were rated better in terms of taste (3.8), odour (3.6) and overall acceptability (3.78) Furthermore, walnut kernels obtained from T3 treatment group exhibited the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and sweet free amino acids. The outcome of the present study offers a fresh viewpoint regarding the hulling processes of green walnuts to meet the quality requirements of walnut kernels.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Seaweed Formulations on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidant Activity and Immunity in Crossbred Calves

Background: Seaweeds are rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and low molecular weight nitrogenous compounds, lipids, organic minerals, vitamins and pigments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of seaweed formulations on nutrient utilization, growth performance, serum antioxidant activity and cell mediated immune response of crossbred calves. Methods: Eighteen male crossbred calves (130±7.56 kg body weight) were divided into 3 groups of 6 each based on complete randomized design. Concentrate mixture was formulated with crushed maize, de-oiled soybean meal, wheat bran, mineral mixture and common salt for feeding of calves in control (T0) group, while treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing mineral mixture and common salt offered in T0. Experiment was conducted for a period of 240 days. Blood was collected from each calve at 0, 100 and 200 days of experiment. At the end of the experimental feeding a metabolism trial was conducted and cell mediated immune response was asassed. Result: There was no significant difference between groups regarding nutrient utilization, total dry matter intake, gain in body weight and feed conversion ratio. However, significant (P less than 0.001) differences were observed in serum antioxidants status. Moreover, the mean values for skin thickness differed significantly (P less than 0.001) among different groups and values were 14.03, 15.54 and 16.62 in T0, T1 and T2 group, respectively. Hence seaweed formulations might improve antioxidant status and cell mediated immune response without affecting the nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred calves.

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.

Shrimp shell waste-derived astaxanthin in synergistic combination with its commercial variant augments gonadal maturation and upregulates vitellogenin gene expression of discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

A study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of shrimp shell meal derived natural astaxanthin (SSM), supplemented with its commercial variant on gonadal maturation and vitellogenin gene (Vtg.) expression in reproductively active adults of the high-value ornamental cichlid discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) reared under captivity. Four isonitrogenous (50% crude protein), isolipidic (9% ether extract), and isocaloric (400 kcal digestible energy/100 g) experimental diets viz. control (commercial grade astaxanthin, without SSM), T1 (15% SSM + commercial astaxanthin), T2 (20% SSM + commercial astaxanthin), T3 (25% SSM + commercial astaxanthin) were prepared and fed to satiation level twice daily for the entire experimental period of 90 days. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) linear, quadratic, and overall trends, wherein GSI increased with an increase in the proportion of SSM in the diet, with higher GSI recorded in T2 and T3 treatment groups (testis and ovary, respectively), which were significantly (p < 0.05) different from other groups. The overall linear and quadratic trends of HSI differed significantly (p < 0.05) with the variability in proportions of natural and commercial astaxanthin combinations and were found highest in the T2 treatment group. Cholesterol, FSH, LH, 11-KT, 17β- Estradiol, and 17α-20β DHP levels increased with an increasing proportion of natural astaxanthin and recorded the highest values in the treatment T2 with an overall significant linear and quadratic trend as compared to other treatments. Most of the oocytes of T2 and T3 groups were in the vitellogenic phase, i.e., primary, secondary, and tertiary yolk stages. More spermatids were visible in testicular tubules in T2, followed by T3 and T1. The abundance of Vtg. mRNA was significantly (p < 0.05) evident in T2, followed by T1, then in control. Further increase in SSM inclusion caused a downregulation in the expression of this gene in the T3 group. The dietary combination of SSM @200 g/kg diet with its synthetic/commercial variant exhibited optimum performance at combination levels of 77.5 and 22.5 mg/kg, respectively, evidenced in terms of changes in steroid hormone profiles, gonadal maturation and vitellogenin gene expression in comparison to the control, which contained the dietary synthetic/commercial variant of astaxanthin alone. These inferences are presumably a milestone in the captive broodstock development of this high-value ornamental cichlid, S. aequifasciatus, with an added advantage of cost-effectiveness. The study would help the utilisation of economically important bio-waste in combination with commercial variants for effective value addition in the ornamental fish feed industry.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Neem Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Japanese Quail

A feeding trial was conducted to discern the influence of dietary incorporation of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder on growth performance and haemato-biochemical parameters ofJapanese quail for 6 weeks. A metabolic trial was conducted during the last week of the feeding trial to assess nutrient utilization. A total number of 144-day-old chicks of Japanese quail were randomly assigned into four treatment groups, with 36 Japanese quail per treatment having three replicates of 12 birds each. Birds of treatment T1 (control group ) were fed a basal diet (starter and finisher), whereas in treatment groups T2, T3, and T4, the basal diet was incorporated with 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00% neem leaf powder, respectively. Results showed supplementation of 0.25% neem leaf powder improved the performance of Japanese quail in terms of body weight gain and performance index during the whole trial period. Nutrient utilization among various treatment groups was similar. The hematological values showed no significant a lterations i n d ifferent groups. Th e biochemical attributes among the treatment groups were similar, but a considerable decrease in the level of cholesterol and glucose was observed with an increasing level of neem leaf powder in the diet. Activities of ALT, AST, and ALP were lowest in the T4 group. It can be concluded that 1 percent neem leaf powder can be supplemented in feed for good health status and desired performance of the birds.

The effectiveness of a diagnostic interview and modified one-session treatment for dental anxiety in primary dental care-A pilot study.

To investigate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral intervention that included either a diagnostic interview (DI) or a DI combined with modified one-session treatment (M-OST) for dental anxiety among adults in a primary care setting. Nineteen participants were assigned to either a DI before conventional dental treatment (group T1) or DI and M-OST (group T2). The severity of dental anxiety was measured with three self-reported measures before and after the intervention: the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C), and the Visual Analogue Scale-Anxiety (VAS-A). Dental care attendance was enquired in a 1-year follow-up. The scores for all three scales decreased among both study groups, with the largest decrease recorded in treatment group T1 assessed with the VAS-A. A higher dental anxiety score measured before the intervention associated most significantly with a higher dental anxiety score after the intervention. At the 1-year follow-up, 82% of participants in T1 and 67% in T2 had visited a dentist. A DI alone and combined with M-OST is potentially effective in reducing dental anxiety and in supporting the engagement of adult patients with dental treatment in primary dental care.

Ethanolic extract of Edamame (Glycine max L. merril) enhance second degree burn wound healing trough modulating of hydroxiproline levels and increasing epithelial thickness

Abstract Objective: Burns has become a global health problem because it causes about 180.000 deaths worldwide every year. In developing countries, silver sulfadiazine cream is usually used as drug management for second-degree burns, but it is expensive, so several herbal treatments have developed recently. The seed of edamame has genistein compounds that can increase collagen synthesis. The antioxidant component also enhances the burn wound healing process. The study aims to prove the effectiveness of ethanolic extract of edamame’s seed in the second-degree burn wound healing process. Methods: Burn wound was made by applying hot aluminum (70 °C) coin on the skin rat. The negative control group (C-) was given Na-CMC 0.5%, the positive control group (C+) was given cream silver sulfadiazine, the treatment groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were given an ethanolic extract of edamame with the concentration of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% for 15 days. Hydroxyproline levels were evaluated by hydroxyproline biochemistry assay, the epithelial thickness was observed on histopathological preparations with HE staining. Results: The results showed that the hydroxyproline levels on the 16th were modulated, while epithelial thickness was higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that the certain concentration of ethanolic extract of edamame (Glycine max L. Merril) was effectively enhanced the second-degree burn wound healing by modulating hydroxyproline levels and increasing epithelial thickness.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Antimicrobial Peptide on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Laying Hens

Background: Antibiotic resistance has become more and more serious problem with worldwide human health. Intensive research has been focused on the development of alternative strategies to maintain gut health and performance in intensive poultry production systems. One such alterative to antibiotics is Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The present study was as conducted to study the effect of dietary supplementation of Antimicrobial peptide on production performance, egg quality and serum biochemical parameters of laying hens. Methods: One hundred twenty (120), Vanaraja laying hens of 26 weeks of age were selected at random and divided into four groups of 30 each with three replicates of 10 in each group in a complete randomized design. Four experimental diets were fed to birds in which T1 (control- antibiotic powder-oxytetracycline @ 50 g/ quintal) and in rest of the 3 treatment groups T2, T3 and T4, the birds were fed with, antimicrobial peptide (AMP, cecropin II) at the concentration of 10, 15 and 20 g/quintal of feed, respectively. Result: Dietary supplementation of AMP significantly increased (P less than 0.005) the body weight of laying hens at 34 weeks of age at all the levels of supplementation (100-200 mg/kg diet). Haugh unit increased significantly due to supplementation of AMP at all the levels of supplementation. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of antimicrobial peptide (AMP), cecropin II could replace antibiotics for eliciting optimum performance in laying hens.