[ effect of organic acid, probiotic and Echinacea purpurea usage on gastrointestinal microflora and immune system of broiler chickens]

Background: Outbreak and spread of bacterial infections resulted in increasing use of antibiotics which subsequently leaded to bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of organic acids [Selko-pH[R]], Probiotic [PrimaLac[R]] and Echinacea purpurea [EP] alcoholic extract on the immune system of the broiler chickens, a completely randomized design experiment was conducted over 120 one-day-old male broiler chicks [Ross 308] with 4 treatment groups that each treatment consisted of 3 replications with 10 birds in each pen

Methods: Groups were designed as follow: group one received organic acid constantly in drinking water [1:1000 v/v] until 14th day and then received 8 hours in a day consecutively [OA]; group two received Probiotic [PrimaLac[R]] water soluble [by 14[th] day] and mix in the feed [until the end of the rearing period] [PM]; group three received EP alcoholic extract in drinking water [1:1000 v/v] like organic acid group and group four were considered as control [received no feed additives]

Results: All groups except the control increased the relative weight of the spleen and Bursa of Fabricius as lymphoid tissues; however, this increase was statistically significant only in the case of EP group [p

Conclusions: Feed additives used in these experiments have the ability to improve the immune system

[Perspective of clinical nurses about their role barriers]

Introduction: Nurses play various roles and have various responsibilities in helping patients or other members of the family. This study aimed at assessing Nursing staffs point of view of Roles and activities at hospitals affiliated to the Tehran university of Medical sciences, 2007

Methods: Using descriptive analytic study method, 102 male and female members of the Nursing staff, systematic randomly chosen. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting demographic characteristics and related to the clinical roles all statistics were computed by the SPSS v.16 descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: The results showed that; Ability to clinical procedures 1% poor, 5.9% Average, 46.1% Good, 47.1% excellent, and 22.5% of nurses be lives the most important reason for not doing clinical role are fatigue and hard working. There were significant correlations between demographic characteristic [age, sex, unit home].and the other were not any significant correlations between demographic characteristic of participants

Conclusion: The findings suggested that competence of the Nurses in performing most of roles was sufficient In addition some factors such as frustration, lack of on the job training, insufficient number of personnel. Lack of proper facilities, and insufficient income…, have a great impact on nurses and the removal of obstacles in the performance of their duties

[Effect of single, double and multi-stain probiotics on performance, morphology of small intestine and immunological and hematological parameters of broiler chickens]

Probiotics are live microorganisms with beneficial health effects on host animals which exert their effects on performance, gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Various probiotic products are available in the market. This study compared the effects of various probiotic products on broiler performance, intestinal morphology and some immunological and hematological parameters. Five probiotic products were fed to v480 1-d old broilers for 49 days. Performance was studied in starting, growing, finishing and whole periods. Samples of small intestine were studied at 21.35 and 49 days of age. Antibody titers against sheep red blood cells and new castle vaccine virus determined as immune response of birds. Probiotic type influenced the performance of birds. Morphological characteristics of intenstine have been affected by probiotic type. Probiotic type has not been affected by immune and blood related factors [p>0.05]. Type and ingredients of probiotcs should be considered when used for a special goal

[Effect of hatchery probiotic administration methods on performance, and immune response in broiler chickens]

Probiotics arc beneficial microorganisms which will be considered as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of probiotic administration in hatchery on performance, blood parameters and immune response of' broilers. Three hundereds 1-d-old male chicks [Ross 308] were assigned to five experimental groups of three replications. Birds of control group did not receive any probiotic. Birds of the remaining 4 experimental groups received probiotics in hatchery via following routes of administration including: in ovo injection, oral, spray and cloacal. respectively. Administration methods of probiotic in hatchery significantly influenced body weight gain in finisher period [p<0.05]. feed intakes in finisher and total periods[p<0.05], relative weight of bursaoffabricius inday28[p<0.05].cell mediated immunity. Interms of mean skin thickness sensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene [DNCB] in days 28 and 38 [p<0.05], body weight gains in total period and relative weight of spleen in day 42 [p<0.01]. Concentration of blood haemoglobin, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride, SRBC antibody. the T-cell mediated response against PHA-M mitogen, relative weight of spleen in day 28 and relative weight of bursa of Fabricius in day 42, were not influenced by various methods of probiotic administration in hatchery [p>0.05]. Additionally. these data suggest that oral administration of probiotic in hatchery improved broilers performance

Effect of dietary oil seeds on n-3 fatty acid enrichment, performance parameters and humoral immune response of broiler chickens

A 42-day study was conducted to evaluate the influence of full-fat flaxseed [FS] and canola seed [CS] on broiler performance, fatty acid [FA] profile of meat, serum lipid content and antibody response to sheep red blood cells antigen [SRBC]. A total of 324 one-day-old chicks were attributed to 6 experimental groups. C: control [soybean-corn]; CS1:7.5% CS; CS2:15% CS; CS-FS:10% FS + 10% CS; FS1:7.5% FS; FS2:15% FS. The diets containing FS and CS had a significant negative effect on performance parameters [P<0.01], however, feed consumption was not significantly [P>0.05] different among treatments. Inclusion of FS and CS significantly increased [P<0.01] the concentration of omega-3 FA and decreased the content of the arachidonic acid and n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio. The serum lipid content and antibody titre against SRBC were not affected by dietary oil seeds [P>0.05]

[ comparison between the effect of thyme, coneflower, garlic extracts and virginiamycin antibiotic on lipids serum, hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration in broilers]

Poultry Meat is one of the major sources of human food. The cholesterol level in poultry productions could be monitored by feeding different medicinal plants. The medicinal plants have hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was comparison hypolipidemic effect, hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration in broilers given three commercial herbal extracts and virginiamycin. A total four hundred and eighty 1-d-old male broiler chicks were assigned to the basal diet [control] and 0.15% [V/V] virginiamycin, 0.1 [V/V] extracts of thyme [Thymus vulgaris], coneflower [Echinacea purpurea], garlic [Allium sativum] and blend of extracts with the same dose were added to water. Total cholesterol [TC], LDL cholesterol, triglycerides [TG], HDL cholesterol, hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration were measured after 42 days. Garlic [Allium sativum]significantly reduced the levels of TC, LDL and TG and significantly increased the level of HDL. Thyme [Thymus vulgaris] improved hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration, but not significantly. Herbal extracts could improve blood factors in comparison with the control and antibiotic fed birds

Influence of combined usage of garlic powder and copper on egg yolk cholesterol concentration in laying hens

A research was conducted to evaluate the effects of combined usage of garlic powder [GP] and cupric sulfate pentahydrate [CS] as two different cholesterol-lowering supplements on blood serum and egg yolk cholesterol concentration in laying hens. A total of one-hundred ninety two 40-wks-old Single Comb White Leghorn [SCWL] laying hens were selected in a completely randomized designed to four diets that included unsupplemental basal diet as control diet [CO], the basal diet supplemented with either 15 g/kg GP, 200 mg/kg CS, or both 15 g/kg GP and 200 mg/kg Cs for a period of 6 weeks. During the experimental period hens performance traits included body weight gain, egg production, egg and yolk weights, egg mass, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were recorded. For statistical analysis, data were averaged by replicate for 6 wks period. At the end of the experimental period blood serum and egg yolk samples were collected for cholesterol analysis. Supplementation of GP or CS to the basal diet had no significant [p>0.05] effect on overall performance in laying hens. A decrease in blood serum and egg yolk cholesterol concentration was found [p<0.01] in birds fed GP, CS, and GP/CS diets in comparison with the unsupplemented diet birds [CO diet].Serum cholesterol levels were reduced by feeding GP, CS, or both by about 14,20 and 28% respectively [p<0.01]. Feeding GP or CS decreased egg yolk cholesterol about 6 and 12.5%, respectively [p<0.01], but feeding both GP and CS diet/ supplements had no further beneficial effect on egg yolk cholesterol

effect of egg derived specific antibody and probiotic on prevention of salmonella enteritidis infection in broiler chickens

To evaluate the effect of probiotic [Primalac] and Salmonella enteritidis-specific IgY on prevention of Salmonella enteritidis infection in broiler chickens, four 33 week-old Single Comb White Leghorn hens were hyperimmunized with Salmonella enteritidis [SE] whole cell antigens obtained by ultrasonication and administrated at a protein concentration of 500 microg/ml after centrifugation. Primary immunization was performed with 250 micro g of the antigen prepared in equal volume of Freunds complete adjuvant and saline. Booster injections were done each 14 days for twice, using incomplete Freunds adjuvant. Bleedings were performed 20 days after first injection and eggs were collected. The presence of anti-Salmonella antibody IgY and IgG in egg yolk and serum respectively, was monitored by ELISA, during the immunization period. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversation were determined. Then two hundred forty male "Ross "day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 8 groups and 3 replications of 10 birds were grown for 56 days of experiment. Eight experimental groups identified with, S, P, A, SP, SA, AP, SPA, C. Four birds from four challenged groups [S], were orally inoculated with 0.5 Ml of S. enteritids that contained 1X10[6] cfu/ml on day 7. The groups that supplemented with antibody [A], received 15 ml of yolk contained antibody [1.5 ml/bird/day], from day 1 to end of the experiment. The probiotic treated groups [P] were received probiotic, 0.1% of feed and 0.5% of feed, during 1-21 and 22-56 days of experimental period respectively. One group as control [C] did not receive any treatment of probiotic and antibody. The test was completely randomized designed. In this project the SAS statistical program for parameter data and chi[2] test for non- parameter data. The results indicated that high titer polyclonal antibody may be obtained 20 days and 55 days after first immunization, in serum and egg yolk respectively. A-treated, P-treated and A-Ptreated groups had significantly lower fecal shedding [P < 0.01]. The antibody alone and A-P treated groups had a significantly lower concentration of SE cecal colonization. Antibody alone and A-Ptreated groups had a lower isolation of SE from the liver, spleen and ileume. There were no significant differences [P > 0.05] in the mean body weight, mean daily feed intake, feed conversation ratio and mortality rate among the experimental groups at any period of experiment, but in the A-, P-, and A-P treated groups, daily weight gain significantly increased during finisher period and at day 49 [p < 0.05]

effects of two dietary levels of L-carnitine and vegetable fat powder on the quality of cockerels' sperm and fertility and hatchability in broiler breeders

To investigate the effect of two dietary levels of l-carnitine and vegetable fat powder on the quality of cockerels' sperm and broiler breeder fertility and hatchability. Two hundred and fifty female and twenty five male broiler breeders. were studied Classic Hubbard parent stocks were randomly distributed in five groups of 50 with five replicates of 10 females and one male. Two levels of l-carnitine 0, 60 ppm [for females] and 0, 500 ppm [for males] and vegetable fat powder [0, 1. 5%] were used in a completely random design. At first, data were analyzed in factorial arrangement but no interaction was observed and then a completely randomized design was employed. A diet with high lysine and methionine was fed to one group of birds. Determined variables were hatchability, fertility, egg production, egg weight, albumen height, Hugh unit, color of yolk, shell thickness, shell strength, semen volume, sperm motility, live sperm percent, sperm count and normal sperm percent. Supplemented diet with l-carnitine had significant effects during the hatchability [p < 0. 01-0. 05], fertility [p < 0. 01], semen quantity and sperm quality [p < 0. 01]. L-carnitine had no effect on egg production except on fifth and sixth weeks of experiment [p < 0. 01]; also, l-carnitine had no effect on egg characteristics. Supplementation of l-carnitine in broiler breeders rations increases their fertility, hatchability and sperm quality

effects of dietary N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fatty acid composition and fertility of spermatozoa in roosters

Effects of n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids alone or in combination with vitamin E on male breeders' fatty acid composition of spermatozoa, fertility and lipid peroxidation were studied. Fish oil increased C22:6 n-3 and decreased C22:4 n-6 in the spermatozoa [p < 0.05]. Susceptibility of spermatozoa to lipid peroxidation was higher in treatments containing either corn oil or fish oil [p < 0.05]. The fish oil treatments had higher fertility rate compared to the other treatments[p < 0.05].The results of this study suggest that changes in fatty acids profile of roosters's spermatozoa via manipulation of diet is possible and may have significant influence on fertility

Effect of post-hatch feeding on growth of digestive tract and performance of broilers

Effect of early- feeding of broiler chicks immediately after hatch with gel or granule, on performance, the relative weight of yolk sac, liver, proventricolus, gizzard and the relative weight of weight and length of small intestine were investigated. Analyzing the data by using SAS statistical program including complete randomly design and Duncan test, showed that post hatch feeding of gel, could increase body weight in comparison to control group [p 0.05]. The relative weight of liver and gizzard in early feeding groups increased in comparison to control group [p

comparison between the effects of a probiotic [Bioplus 2B] and an antibiotic [virginiamycin] on the performance of broiler chickens under heat stress condition

An experiment was conducted on 400 broilers to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of antibiotic and probiotic on performance of birds under heat stress condition. The first group of chickens, the control group, received a diet without any antibiotic and probiotic. The second group received diet with 0.02% virginiamycin antibiotic; the two other groups were fed diets with 0.05% and 0.1% Bioplus 2B probiotic, respectively. The addition of antibiotic to the diet significantly improved body weight gain during 0-3 and 4-6 weeks [heat stress] periods as compared to the control and 0.05% probiotic-supplemented groups [P>0.05]. Feed intake of different groups did not differ significantly [P>0.05]. Addition of antibiotic or various levels of probiotic to the diet significantly improved feed conversion ratio during 4-6 weeks [heat stress] period as compared to the control group [P>0.05]. Supplementation of diet with antibiotic had no significant effect on antibody production against sheep red blood cells [SRBC], Newcastle disease virus [MDV] vaccine, white blood cell [WBC] count, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio [H/L], serum cholesterol and haemoglobin content [P>0.05]. Supplementation of diet with various levels of probiotic had no significant effect on antibody titer against SRBC, NDV vaccine and haemoglobin content [P>0.05]. However, supplementation of diet with 0.1% probiotic significantly increased WBC count and decreased H/L as compared to the control group [P<0.05] which is important in reduction of stress effects on birds

Comparison of growth performance of six commercial broiler hybrids in Iran

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of six commercial broiler hybrids available in Iran [Arbor Acres, Arian, Cobb 500, Hubbard, Lohmann and Ross 508]. Two hundred and fifty fertile eggs of each hybrid were taken from different breeder farms, all over the country. The similarity of flocks ages and their health conditions were considered. After hatching, the sexed chicks were randomly assigned to six replicates of floor pens of 17 chicks, except the male Cobb hybrid which had five replications. All groups were managed in a similar way throughout the 56 days of study. Daily feed intake [FI] and daily body weight gain [BWG] were measured on weekly basis and the European production index [EPI] were calculated at 49 and 56 days of age. There were no significant differences among hybrids in FI during starter and grower periods [P>0.05], although significant differences were observed in finisher period [P<0.0 1]. Differences in daily Fl were significant between male and female chicks in grower and finisher periods [P<0.05], but not in starter period. Differences in daily BWG were significant among hybrids throughout the experiment [P<0.01]. Sex significantly affected the daily BWG in all periods [P<0.01]. The calculated EPI showed significant differences for both 49 and 56 days of age among hybrids and between two sexes [P<0.0 1]. There were no significant differences among hybrids in carcass yield, percentage of breast and abdominal fat to carcass weight at 42 and 56 days of age. On day 42, males had more percentage of carcass and breast yield compared with females [P<0.01]. Percent of abdominal fat in females on day 56 was more than that of the males [P<0.01], while on day 42 no significant differences were found in this respect

Effect of various levels of probiotic on morphology of intestinal mucosa in brioler chicks

To Investigate the effect of probiotic on morphology of small intestine in roosters. Factoriel 4 x 6 in completely randomized design. 240 male broilers of Ross commecial hybrid designated into 4 groups [N= 60 chicks]. Experimental groups were fed diet with different levels of probiotic [Bioplus 2B] from day 1-42.Treatment were done with just diet [basal or 0%] and with increasing percentages of probiotic [0.05, 0.01 and 0.15%].Different segments of small intestine [1,10, 30,50, 70 and 90% of total length] were extracted from each group [n=5] and analyzed for villus indices [hight [H], width [W], H/W ratio], depth of cripts and villus types [tongue shape, leaf shape, finger like, bridge from, ridged and convoluted] were recorded. Data were analyzed through ANOVA by MSTATC and means of different villus parameters were compared by Duncans Multiple test. While intake of varius levels of probiotic significantly increased villus height in the first part of small intestine above basal levels [P<0.05], its width had any change. H/W ratio was not affected by the probiotic intake. Despite an apparent increase of crypt depth in the first and last segments of small intestine [P<0.05] probiotic intake did not change it in the mid portion of the intestine. Percentage of different types of villi were not affected by consumption of probiotic. Administration of probiotic in poultry diets increases villus height of the first segment and crypt depth in the first and last parts of small intestine. These data suggest that probiotic administration providing increased food digestion and absorption in chickens

[Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from chicken gastrointestinal tract]

Isolation of lactic acid bacteria with the potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella.Samples from different parts of digestive tract of healthy chickens were cultured in MRS broth and incubated at 37°C for 24-48 hours in anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Then, plates containing MRS agar and Rogosa agar were inoculated with cells grown in MRS broth previously. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24-48 hours. Different colonies on MRS agar plates were studied for cultural and morphological characters. The gram positive, catalase negative, non-spore forming cocci and bacilli which were unable to produce haemolysis were selected for inhibition assay against E. coli serotypes [O78:K80, O2:K1, O1 :K1] and Salmonella serotypes [pullorum, enteritidis, typhimurium]. The antagonistic properties of isolated lactic acid bacteria were studied by using agar spot test.Out of 659 isolated lactic acid bacteria, 139 isolates [21.09%] were able to inhibit growth of indicator strains used in this study. From 139 isolated lactic acid bacteria, of those which demonstrated antagonistic activity against the pathogens, 31 isolates were identified as Lactobacillus spp., and the 108 reminder isolates were Enterococcous spp. The isolated lactic acid bacteria were more efficient in inhibition of Salmonella than E. coli. The antagonistic activity observed in this experiment can be attributed to organic acids and bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria. As the source of isolation of lactic acid bacteria in this study was poultry, and their potential inhibitory effects against mentioned pathogens and considerto other essential criteria, it is foreseen that it would be possible to use these isolates as a feed additive in poultry production in order to reduce the risk of infection