Effects of dietary combination of chromium and biotin on egg production, serum metabolites, and egg yolk mineral and cholesterol concentrations in heat-distressed laying quails

Chromium picolinate is used in the poultry diet because of its antistress effects in addition to the fact that the requirement for it is increased during stress. This study was conducted to determine if the negative effects of high ambient temperature (34°C) on egg production, egg quality, antioxidant status, and cholesterol and mineral content of egg yolk could be alleviated by combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (0.6/2.0; Diachrome^™, as formulated by Nutrition 21 Inc.), in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japanica), Quails (n=240; 50 d old) were divided into 8 groups, 30 birds per group. The quails were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, or 8 mg of Diachrome/kg diet. Birds were kept at 22°C and 53% relative humidity (RH). At 14 wk of age, the thermoneutral (TN) group remained in the same temperature as at the beginning of experiment, whereas the heat stress (HS) group was kept in an environment-controlled room (34°C and 41% RH) for 3 wk. Heat exposure decreased performance when the basal diet was fed (p=0.001). Diachrome supplementation at 4 and 8 mg/kg diet, increased feed intake (p=0.05), egg production (p=0.05), feed efficiency (p=0.01), egg weight (p=0.05), and Haugh unit (p=0.01) in quails reared under heat stress conditions. Heat exposure increased concentrations of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.001), glucose, and cholesterol (p=0.01), which were elevated by supplemental Diachrome (p≤0.05). Egg yolk Cr, Zn, and Fe (p=0.01) concentrations increased linearly, whereas MDA and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p=0.05) as dietary Diachrome supplementation increased in HS groups. Similar effects of supplementation on serum levels of glucose and cholesterol (p=0.05) and egg yolk concentrations of cholesterol (p=0.05) and Cr (p=0.01) were observed in TN groups. No significant differences in other values were observed in the TN groups. Results of the present study suggest that supplementation with Diachrome protects the quail by reducing the negative effects of heat stress.     

Impact of an energy- and nutrient-reduced diet containing 10% lignocellulose on animal performance,body composition and egg quality of dual purpose laying hens

In response to ethical concerns regarding the killing of day-old male chicks of layer breeds, the use of dual purpose chickens is increasingly discussed in public while data on nutritional requirements of dual purpose laying hens are not available. The present study examined the impact of an energy- and nutrient-reduced diet containing lignocellulose on performance, body composition and egg quality of dual purpose hens. Female Lohmann Dual chicks were allocated to 12 pens and fed two different diets for 52 weeks: a control (CON) and a treatment diet (LC), based on CON but diluted with 10% lignocellulose. During the trial, animal performance, whole-body composition and egg quality parameters of hens were consistently ascertained. The results showed that LC-fed hens had lower body weights compared to those receiving CON (p < 0.05). During the laying period, feed intake was increased in LC-fed hens (p < 0.001). LC-fed hens showed a higher egg production and egg mass resulting in an improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05) and laid smaller eggs compared to CON-fed hens (p < 0.001). At 52 weeks of age, bodies of LC-fed hens had higher protein and lower fat contents than those fed with CON diet (p ≤ 0.001). Mean body weight was positively correlated to the body fat content (p = 0.004) and body fat content was negatively correlated to the egg production (p = 0.043). Analyses of the egg quality showed that yolk mass at all sampling points and albumen mass at 27 and 42 weeks were lower in hens fed with diet LC compared to those fed with diet CON (p< 0.05). In conclusion, the feeding of energy- and nutrient-reduced diets containing 10% lignocellulose reduced the body fat content and simultaneously improved the laying performance in dual purpose hens.     

In ovo silver nanoparticle supplementation for improving the post-hatch immunity status of broiler chickens

Silver nanoparticles (AgNano) are known for their unique physical, chemical and biological properties, enabling cell penetration and anti-inflammatory response. In Experiment 1, the effect of an in ovo administration of AgNano (15 µg/egg; n = 360) at different incubation times (d 7 and d 18) on hatchability parameters was explored. In Experiment 2, post-hatch performance of broilers (42 d, n = 250) was studied after in ovo AgNano administration: Group T1 remained un-injected, Group T2 was the sham control and Groups T3, T4 and T5 were injected with 12.5, 25 and 50 µg AgNano, respectively, at 18 d of incubation. Chick weight, chick to egg weight ratio and hatchability as well average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were similar in all treatment groups. No variation was seen in the weight of thymus; however, the bursa and spleen weight was increased (p < 0.05) in Groups T4 and T5 in comparison to Group T1. The in vivo immune response to phytohaemagglutinin-P was increased in Group T3 in comparison to Groups T1 and T2 (p < 0.05), while the response to sheep red blood cells was increased in all AgNano-treated groups in comparison with Group T1 (p < 0.01). The expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 genes was up-regulated in AgNano groups in comparison with Groups T1 and T2 (p < 0.01). In summary, an in ovo supplementation of AgNano carried out at d 18 of incubation is effective and modulates the post-hatch immune response without affecting the hatchability, growth and other performance parameters in broilers.     

Concentration and distribution characteristics of airborne fungi in indoor and outdoor air of Tehran subway stations

The concentration and distribution characteristics of airborne fungi were investigated in indoor and outdoor air of two metro stations (Imam Khomeini and Sadeghiyeh stations) in Tehran subway. Samples were taken from indoor air at each station from platform and ticket office area also from adjacent outdoor air of each station. Indoor sampling was conducted for two types of trains, old and new. The concentration of airborne fungi ranged from 21 CFU/m³ at the outdoor air of Imam Khomeini station to 1,402 CFU/m³ in the air samples collected from the platform of this station. Results showed that airborne fungi concentrations at indoor air were higher than the outdoor air (p < 0.05), and fungal levels significantly correlated with the number of passengers (p < 0.05; r = 0.68) and RH % (p < 0.05; r = 0.43). Sixteen genera of fungi were isolated in all sampled environments. The predominant genera identified in indoor and outdoor air were Penicillium spp. (34.88 % of total airborne fungi) and Alternaria spp. (29.33 % of total airborne fungi), respectively. The results of this study showed that the indoor air quality in subway is worse than the outdoor air.     

Effects of Enterococcus faecalis on egg production,egg quality and caecal microbiota of hens during the late laying period

This study was conducted to determine the effects of diet supplementation of laying hens with Enterococcus faecalis (EF) on egg production, egg quality and caecal microbiota. A total of 360 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (72 weeks old) were divided into three groups with four replicates of 30 birds each. The laying hens were fed with the basal diet (Control), the basal diet + 3.75 · 10⁸ cfu EF/kg (Group I) or the basal diet + 7.5 · 10⁸ cfu EF/kg (Group II). The experiment lasted for 45 d. Eggs and caecal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Results showed that dietary supplementation with EF did not affect the average daily egg weight, cracked egg rate, mortality and egg quality. However, EF supplementation caused a significantly increased laying rate and decreased feed/egg ratio (p < 0.05). The differences in caecal microbiota between Group II and the Control were significant. The relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Cyanobacteria at the phylum level, Rikenellaceae, Christensenellaceae and Veillonellaceae at the family level, and the Faecalibacterium, Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group at the genus level changed significantly in Group II compared with the Control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested dietary supplementations with EF improved product performance and affected the caecal microbial community structure of laying hens during the late laying period.     

Melatonin ingestion after exhaustive late-evening exercise improves sleep quality and quantity,and short-term performances in teenage athletes

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to explore the effects of a single 10-mg dose of melatonin (MEL) administration after exhaustive late-evening exercise on sleep quality and quantity, and short-term physical and cognitive performances in healthy teenagers. Ten male adolescent athletes (mean ± SD, age = 15.4 ± 0.3 years, body-mass = 60.68 ± 5.7 kg, height = 167.9 ± 6.9 cm and BMI = 21.21 ± 2.5) performed two test sessions separated by at least one week. During each session, participants completed the Yo-Yo intermittent-recovery-test level-1 (YYIRT-1) at ~20:00 h. Then, sleep polysomnography was recorded from 22:15 min to 07:00 h, after a double blind randomized order administration of a single 10-mg tablet of MEL (MEL-10 mg) or Placebo (PLA). The following morning, Hooper wellness index was administered and the participants performed the Choice Reaction Time (CRT) test, the Zazzo test and some short-term physical exercises (YYIRT-1, vertical and horizontal Jumps (VJ; HJ), Hand grip strength (HG), and five-jump test (5-JT)). Evening total distance covered in the YYIRT-1 did not change during the two conditions (p > 0.05). Total sleep time (Δ = 24.55 mn; p < 0.001), sleep efficiency (Δ = 4.47%; p < 0.001), stage-3 sleep (N3 sleep) (Δ = 1.73%; p < 0.05) and rapid-eye-movement sleep (Δ = 2.15%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher with MEL in comparison with PLA. Moreover, sleep-onset-latency (Δ = –8.45mn; p < 0.001), total time of nocturnal awakenings after sleep-onset (NA) (Δ = –11 mn; p < 0.001), stage-1 sleep (N1 sleep) (Δ = –1.7%; p < 0.001) and stage-2 sleep (N2 sleep) (Δ = ?1.9%; p < 0.05) durations were lower with MEL. The Hooper index showed a better subjective sleep quality, a decrease of the subjective perception of fatigue and a reduced level of muscle soreness with MEL. Moreover, MEL improved speed and performance but not inaccuracy during the Zazzo test. CRT was faster with MEL. Morning YYIRT-1 (Δ = 82 m; p < 0.001) and 5-JT (Δ = 0.08 m; p < 0.05) performances were significantly higher with MEL in comparison with PLA. In contrast, HG, VJ and HJ performances did not change during the two conditions (p > 0.05). The administration of a single dose of MEL-10 mg after strenuous late-evening exercise improved sleep quality and quantity, selective attention, subjective assessment of the general wellness state, and some short-term physical performances the following morning in healthy teenagers.     

Resilience,sleep quality and morningness as mediators of vulnerability to depression in medical students with sleep pattern alterations

The medical career is considered highly stressful, especially during internships when academic and clinical demands, combined with changes in sleep patterns, increase students’ likelihood to develop depression. Resilience, which is considered as opposite vulnerability to stress and, along with another protective factor, namely morningness, may cause a student to be less reactive to stimuli and, therefore, less prone to depression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of resilience and morningness facing to sleep quality and main risk factors, on the development of depression symptoms in a group of students with sleep pattern alterations. To this end, an observational and longitudinal study was performed with 30 undergraduate interns, with an average age of 22.63 years (SE ± 0.13), 33% men and 67% women. A survey was conducted in three different times during the year of internship: at the beginning (T₁), in the middle (T₂) and the end (T₃). The instruments were the Brief Resilience Scale, Composite Scale of Morningness, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Patient Health Questionnaire. The path analysis examined the roles of morningness, sleep quality and resilience as potential mediators between family history of depression and depression symptoms at different times. The results showed that resilience had a protective effect on depression symptoms at T₂ (β = ?0.18, p < 0.05) and with greater power at T₃ (β = ?0.41, p < 0.05), as did morningness, although less strongly, on the symptoms at T₃ (β = ?0.13, p < 0.05). A relationship between these two mediating variables was also observed (β = 0.30, p < 0.05). The initial sleep quality had an effect on the increase of depression symptoms at T₁ (β = 0.61, p < 0.05) and T₃ (β = 0.21, p < 0.05), while family history of depression had a direct effect on the measures of depression at T₂ (β = 0.49, p < 0.05) and T₃ (β = 0.19, p < 0.05). Aside from personal risk factors, it is possible to conclude that the levels of resilience, morningness and sleep quality manifested by students at the beginning of their internship may explain the decrease in depression symptoms at the end of the course.     

Biocontrol potential of five Burkholderia and Pseudomonas strains against Colletotrichum truncatum infecting chilli pepper

The effect of bacterial antagonism against the causal agent, Colletotrichum truncatum was assessed as a potential alternative in managing anthracnose in chilli pepper. Out of 104 contrasting bacterial colonies isolated from rhizosphere soil of a forest floor, five isolates caused the radial growth inhibition greater than 90% (Significant at p?<?0.05 level) of C. truncatum in dual cultures. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, these antagonistic bacterial isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia arboris, Burkholderia gladioli and Burkholderia rinojensis. The selected promising antagonists showed nearly 100% inhibition of the spore germination of C. truncatum in vitro. These antagonists produced antifungal compounds which are diffusible in nature. Microscopic studies of blackened fungal hyphae, which were subjected to antagonism showed many deformations such as thickening, swelling and malformation. In vivo study revealed that C. truncatum inoculated chilli pepper seeds treated with the five antagonists significantly inhibited the incidence of seed colonisation (p?<?0.05) by the pathogen. At the post emergence stage, the survival percentages and vigour indices of all the antagonists’ treatments, except B. rinojensis strain 1, were significantly higher compared to the untreated control. The efficacy of the selected antagonists in managing anthracnose fruit rot was 100% at the colour breaking stage of chilli pepper fruits. These bacterial antagonists had a negative effect on C. truncatum spore attachment and subsequent colonisation on chilli pepper leaves except in the treatment of B. arboris. The results of in-vitro and in-vivo studies, suggest that the screened antagonistic bacterial isolates are potential biocontrol agents and need to be further studied for the biochemical basis of their activity against C. truncatum.     

Daily rhythms of leukocytes populations,biochemical and enzymatic blood parameters in a carnivorous freshwater catfish (Lophiosilurus alexandri)

The aim of this study was to investigate the daily rhythms of hematological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters of the blood of a nocturnal model of fish (Lophiosilurus alexandri) bred in the laboratory (F1). Thirty-six juveniles were stocked in six tanks of a recirculation aquaculture system for 20 days. The fish were exposed to a light:dark cycle of 12:12 h and were fed 1% of biomass twice a day with commercial diet. The daily rhythms of hematological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters were then measured at six sampling times “zeitgeber time = ZT” at four-hour intervals under light:dark 12:12 h (lights on = ZT0, at 8.00 a.m). No differences were observed to alkaline phosphatase, glucose, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, total protein and hematocrit (p > 0.05). However, white blood cell count, Lymphocytes (LYN), Neutrophils (NEU), Eosinophil and Neutrophils to Lymphocytes ratio were significant different between sample times (p < 0.05). Also, a significant difference in alanine transaminase was observed, with a peak of production at nighttime. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase peaked at 8:00. Uric acid, magnesium and Calcium (Ca⁺⁺) showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed (p < 0.05), with a peak of albumin at 08:00 and triglycerides at 12:00, while cholesterol was low (p < 0.05) at 08:00 and higher from 12:00 to 04:00. Cosinor analysis revealed also rhythmicity to SOD, UA, Mg and Ca⁺⁺, ALB and CHO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the time of day must be considered a key factor when using blood parameters as biomarkers for disease, health and welfare in the L. alexandri aquaculture.     

青檀叶片内生和附生真菌组成及生态分布

对我国古老特有植物青檀叶片进行内生和附生真菌的研究,以了解青檀叶片内生和附生真菌的组成特点和探讨内生和附生真菌菌群之间的可能联系,为研究真菌资源多样性、植物附生和内生真菌的相互演化关系及真菌与宿主植物协同进化等提供有益参考资料。研究结果表明,从健康的青檀叶片获得可培养内生真菌839株,附生真菌1857株,共计2696株,鉴定其分属于4目,5科,43属。在目的分类水平上,内生和附生真菌均以丛梗孢目Moniliales为优势菌群,分别占90.23%和92.51%;在科的水平上,内生真菌以暗梗孢科Dematiaceae和丛梗孢科Moniliaceae为优势菌群,分别占47.56%和42.67%,附生真菌以丛梗孢科Moniliaceae和暗梗孢科Dematiaceae为优势菌群,分别占67.04%和25.47%;在属的水平上,内生真菌以黑团孢属Periconia和青霉属Penicillium为优势菌群,分别占31.47%和10.73%,附生真菌以小球霉属Glomerularia、膝葡孢属Gonatobotrys和青霉属Penicillium为优势菌群,分别占20.03%、13.95%和12.22%。青檀叶片内生真菌和附生真菌均存在的菌群数量达到23个属,占53.49%。内生真菌特有的属有6个,共分离19株,占0.70%,附生真菌特有的属有14个,共分离120株,占4.45%。内生真菌的Shannon-Wiener index(H')多样性指数(2.44)和Margalef index(R)丰富度指数(2.88)分别小于附生真菌ShannonWiener index(H')多样性指数(2.57)和Margalef index(R)丰富度指数(3.32),但两者的Evenness index(E)均匀度指数几乎相等。青檀叶片内生和附生真菌菌群组成具有较高的相似性,相似性系数达0.70。通过Fisher's exact test分析表明青檀叶片内生和附生真菌菌群组成无明显差异(P=0.072)。     

In ovo injection with glycerol and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I): hatchability,intestinal morphometry,performance, and carcass characteristics of broilers

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection with glycerol (GLY) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) on hatchability, biochemical parameters, intestinal morphometry, performance, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 400 fertilised eggs were distributed into five experimental groups. The treatments were arranged as non-injected (control), saline solution injected (0.9% NaCl solution), GLY solution injected (10 nmol/ml), IGF-I solution injected (100 ng/ml), and GLY + IGF-I solution injected. At 17.5 d of incubation, 0.5 ml of each solution was injected into the amniotic fluid of each egg of the injected groups. The injection of different solutions did not influence the hatchability and incubation time of the eggs. Compared to intact eggs, IGF-I and IGF-I+ GLY increased (p < 0.01) the blood IGF-I at hatching. Higher hepatic glycogen was observed (p < 0.05) with GLY or IGF-I. The tested substances decreased (p = 0.02) the fructose 1,6-biphosfate phosphatase activity but did not affect glycaemia. No difference in performance was observed in the first week. Higher feed intake and weight gain with lower feed conversion ratio was obtained ( p  < 0.05) with IGF-I at 14 d. At 21 d, higher weight gain was obtained (p = 0.05) with IGF-I, GLY, IGF-I, and GLY + IGF-I, resulting (p < 0.01) in birds with greater weight gain at 35 and 42 d of age. GLY provided higher villus height in the ileum at hatching and at 7 d of age. The tested solutions increased the relative weight of the liver at hatching. At 42 d of age, no carcass characteristics were influenced. It is concluded that GLY and IGF-I, together or separately, can be used in the in ovo feeding to improve the post-hatch performance of broilers, without affecting hatchability and carcass composition.     

Offspring sex ratio in sheep,cattle, goats and pigs: influence of season and lunar phase at conception

This study assessed the relationship between season and lunar phase at conception on offspring sex ratio of four livestock species (sheep, cattle, goats and pigs). The sex of 66,830 lambs (1995–2015); 25,546 calves (2011–2015); 5671 kids (2002–2007) and 1916 piglets was recorded. Moon phases were categorized as either new moon, crescent moon, full moon or decrescent moon. Sex ratio, expressed as proportion of males (males/males + females), was tested against the expected value of 1:1. In sheep, offspring sex ratio and lunar phase were not correlated; season had a significant (p = 0.002) effect on offspring sex ratio. The proportion of males born of spring and winter matings was significantly higher than it was among offspring born of summer (p < 0.05) or autumn (p < 0.01) conceptions. Offspring sex ratios in spring (p < 0.05), autumn (p < 0.01) and winter (p < 0.05) differed significantly from the expected. In cattle, moon phase and season did not affect the offspring sex ratio; however, the interaction effect was highly significant (p = 0.001). The overall piglet sex ratio (0.522), and the sex ratios among piglets conceived during a crescent moon and those conceived in summer differed significantly (p < 0.05) from 1:1. Research including additional factors such as hormonal treatments prior to insemination, food availability, weather and maternal and paternal factors might provide the underlying reasons for the effects of season and moon phase on offspring sex ratio in some livestock species.     

In vitro and greenhouse evaluations of Trichoderma isolates for biological control of potato wilt disease (Fusarium solani)

The biological efficacy of Trichoderma species may differ due to variations in ecosystems. This study was conducted to assess the biocontrol efficacy of some native Trichoderma isolates against Fusarium solani, an important causal agent of potato wilt disease under laboratory and greenhouse conditions at Shahrood Agricultural Research Centre, Shahrood, Iran, during 2006–2007. Fourteen isolates were collected among which eight showed promising ability in inhibiting the growth of the pathogen through dual culture and production of volatile and non-volatile inhibitors but T. brevicompactum (T1), T. longibrachiatum (T5) and T. asperellum (T2) were almost better than other isolates in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the pathogen in comparison to control in the above three tests (p ≤ 0.01). Isolates performing mycoparasitism under in vitro condition were evaluated against the disease in pot culture under greenhouse condition. In all treatments in which Trichoderma isolates + F. solani were involved lower disease incidence was noticed in comparison to Fusarium-infested control (p ≤ 0.05). Best disease control was observed in potted plants treated with F. solani + T. longibrachiatum (T5) with 6.25% disease incidence in comparison to Fusarium-infested control, in which disease incidence was observed to be 75%. Interaction of T. brevicompactum (T1) and F. solani also indicated good control of the disease by 12.50% of disease incidence.     

Seasonal changes in blood biochemical and endocrine responses of different indigenous goat breeds of tropical island agro-ecological environment

The objective of the current study was to observe the impact of two seasons viz. summer (February–May) and monsoon (June–August) on the blood biochemical and hormonal responses in different indigenous goats of tropical island agro-ecological environment maintained under extensive management system. Sixty animals of three different indigenous goat breeds were included in the study: Andaman local goat (AL, n = 20), Andaman local?×?Malabari (AL?×?M, n = 20), and Teressa goat (n = 20). Sixty serum samples (n = 10/season/breed) from the three groups of animals were analyzed. Study revealed that there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in serum total protein in Teressa goats during summer than monsoon. Serum albumin showed significant variation (p ≤ 0.05) between AL and AL?×?M during summer whereas significant variation of albumin (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between AL and Teressa, AL?×?M and Teressa during monsoon season. Significant differences in serum albumin (p ≤ 0.05) were also observed in AL and AL?×?M during summer and monsoon seasons, respectively. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in AL goats during summer than in monsoon season. Thus, the study could able to establish the seasonal variation in biochemical and hormonal values of indigenous goat breeds in hot and humid tropical island environment.     

Predatory activity and passage of six nematophagous fungi species in gastrointestinal tract of trichostrongylide-infected sheep*

With the development of anthelmintic resistance of parasitic nematodes, screening the potential of predatory fungi candidates by in vitro and in vivo assay is necessary for biocontrol of parasitic nematodes in sheep. Fifteen native isolates of fungi species of six predators were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiment to evaluate the capacity of passing through the gastrointestinal tract of sheep. The results of the in vitro experiment showed that the reduction percentages of the third-stage larvae (L3) of trichostrongylides in faeces were 97.02–98.49% for five isolates of Arthrobotrys (Monacrosporium) sinense; 83.47–99.12% for three isolates of Arthrobotrys oviformis; 80.00–97.41% for four isolates of Arthrobotrys conoides; and 99.18%, 77.56%, and 75.72% for one isolate of Arthrobotrys microscaphoides, Arthrobotrys salina, and Dactylellina leptospora, respectively. In the in vivo assay, the results exhibited that the larval recoveries in faeces were significantly decreased (p?D. leptospora. After fungal treatment (within 24?h) of one isolate of A. salina, although the efficacy against L3 was 43.83%, tested fungus was detected in the faeces. The remaining isolates, except one isolate of D. leptospora and one isolate of A. conoides, were positive for either L3 reduction or fungal survival in faeces. The present study showed that nematophagous fungi could survive in the passage through the alimentary tract of sheep and should be potential candidates as a feed supplement.     

Seasonal alteration in prevalence and intensity of naturally occurring gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats of New Alluvial zone of West Bengal,India

Parasitic gastroenteritis is one of the major limiting factors for optimum productivity in small ruminants. The present study was carried out to determine the seasonal alteration in prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in goats of New Alluvial zone (NAZ) of West Bengal. A total of 4320 faecal samples of goats from six different places of NAZ were examined by the standard coprological techniques for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites during January 2014 to December 2015. The meteorological data of the study area were also collected from the Regional Meteorological Station, Kolkata. The prevalence of GIH was recorded as 70.52% and Strongyle (65.18%) group of nematodes was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher than other helminths. Highest (p < 0.05) prevalence (85.11%) as well as intensity of GIN infection (EPG = 640) was observed in monsoon and lowest (p < 0.05) prevalence (60.55%) and intensity (EPG = 340) was recorded in summer. Haemonchus contortus was found to be the predominant GIN species. The observations of the present study both in terms of parasite epidemiology and meteorological data should be utilised for planning strategic control measures against GI helminths in goats of NAZ of West Bengal.     

Effects of dietary fiber with Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 on bowel movement and fecal properties of healthy volunteers with a tendency for constipation

To elucidate the effects of Lilac LAB (Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 and okara [soy pulp] powder) on bowel movements/fecal properties, we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with healthy Japanese volunteers with a tendency for constipation (n = 297). The subjects ingested 2 g/d placebo (okara powder) or test food (Lilac LAB, 1 × 10⁸ CFU) once a day for 2 weeks. In the test group of functionally constipated subjects, the changes in the average scores of self-reported fecal size, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and defecation frequency were significantly improved compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05), and fecal color and odor tended to improve (p = 0.07). In the test food group of all subjects and among the non-functionally constipated subjects, the fecal size tended to improve compared to the placebo group (p = 0.06, p = 0.07, respectively). Lilac LAB was effective in improving bowel movements and fecal properties in functionally constipated persons.     

Effects of nanosized zinc oxide and γ-polyglutamic acid on eggshell quality and serum parameters of aged laying hens

In order to increase zinc (Zn) absorption and improve eggshell quality, diets for aged laying hens were supplemented with different Zn sources and the effects on egg production, eggshell quality and serum parameters were recorded. Seventy-five 64-week old brown layers were individually caged and randomly allotted to five treatment groups: an un-supplemented Control and four groups, where the following Zn sources were added to the diets, ZnO (group ZnO), Zn-methionine (group Zn-Met), nanosized ZnO (group nanoZnO) and γ-PGA-nano ZnO (group γ-PGA-nanoZnO). The Zn level was maintained at 80 mg/kg in the supplemented diet, while the Control group received Zn at 40 mg/kg diet. The results indicated that the average daily feed intake was highest in group nanoZnO (p < 0.05), whereas further performance parameters were not influenced by treatments. Eggshell thickness was increased in group γ-PGA-nanoZnO (p < 0.05). Zn content in eggshells and Zn concentration in serum were increased in groups Zn-Met, nanoZnO and γ-PGA-nanoZnO (p < 0.05). Serum ghrelin concentration was significantly elevated in all Zn-supplemented groups, but further increased in groups nanoZnO and γ-PGA-nanoZnO (p < 0.05). Carbonic anhydrase activity was highest in group γ-PGA-nanoZnO and lowest in group Zn-Met (p < 0.05). Compared to the Control and group ZnO, supplementation of γ-PGA-nanoZnO and nanoZnO increased serum IgG levels (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of nanoZnO and γ-PGA-nanoZnO increased Zn content in eggshells, serum Zn concentration, ghrelin and IgG levels of aged layers when compared to regular ZnO. Compared to Zn-Met, the serum carbonic anhydrase activity and ghrelin levels were also increased. Thus, nanosized ZnO alone or mixed with γ-PGA has positive effects on the Zn status of aged layers.     

Diurnal variation in repeated sprint performance cannot be offset when rectal and muscle temperatures are at optimal levels (38.5°C)

The present study investigated whether increasing morning rectal temperatures (T_rec) to evening levels, or increasing morning and evening T_rec to an “optimal” level (38.5°C), resulting in increased muscle temperatures (T_m), would offset diurnal variation in repeated sprint (RS) performance in a causal manner. Twelve trained males underwent five sessions [age (mean ± SD) 21.0 ± 2.3 years, maximal oxygen consumption (V?O₂max) 60.0 ± 4.4 mL.kg^–1 min^–1, height 1.79 ± 0.06 m, body mass 78.2 ± 11.8 kg]. These included control morning (M, 07:30 h) and evening (E, 17:30 h) sessions (5-min warm-up), and three further sessions consisting of a warm-up morning trial (M_E, in 39–40°C water) until T_rec reached evening levels; two “optimal” trials in the morning and evening (M_38.5 and E_38.5, in 39–40°C water) respectively, until T_rec reached 38.5°C. All sessions included 3 × 3-s task-specific warm-up sprints, thereafter 10 × 3-s RS with 30-s recoveries were performed a non-motorised treadmill. T_rec and T_m measurements were taken at the start of the protocol and following the warm-up periods. Values for T_rec and T_m at rest were higher in the evening compared to morning values (0.48°C and 0.69°C, p < 0.0005). RS performance was lower (7.8–8.3%) in the M for distance covered (DC; p = 0.002), average power (AP; p = 0.029) and average velocity (AV; p = 0.002). Increasing T_rec in the morning to evening values or optimal values (38.5°C) did not increase RS performance to evening levels (p = 1.000). However, increasing T_rec in the evening to “optimal” level through a passive warm-up significantly reduced DC (p = 0.008), AP (p < 0.0005) and AV (p = 0.007) to values found in the M condition (6.0–6.9%). Diurnal variation in T_rec and T_m is not wholly accountable for time-of-day oscillations in RS performance on a non-motorised treadmill; the exact mechanism(s) for a causal link between central temperature and human performance are still unclear and require more research.