ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken in buffalo neonates born to vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate)-supplemented and non-supplemented Murrah buffaloes. Calves from vitamin E-supplemented buffaloes (n = 10; vitamin E -supplemented calves [VeC]) and non-supplemented buffaloes (n = 10; control calves [CC]) constituted the treatment and control groups respectively. Two colostrum samples were taken at the first post-partum milking and again after 12 h from dams for IgG estimation. Sampling of blood was performed on days 0 (before colostrum feeding), 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112 and 126 post-birth and analysed for apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG and various immune parameters. Colostral IgG level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in vitamin E-supplemented buffaloes. The calves in both groups were born hypogammaglobulinemic with IgG level <5 g/l. However, first colostrum feeding resulted in significantly elevated IgG levels (>10 g/l) in calves of both groups at 24 h, which remained high afterwards. Apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG at 24 h was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in VeC than in CC. Plasma Nitric Oxide (NO) levels were significantly elevated in the calves of either group at birth, which declined significantly (p < 0.01) afterwards. Vitamin E feeding to dams had no added effect on NO levels in experimental calves. Total leucocyte counts did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts changed significantly between groups (p < 0.01) and days (p < 0.01), with lymphocytes increasing and neutrophils declining with age. This study revealed that the calves were immunologically immature at birth. Ante-partum supplementation of vitamin E did not influence plasma NO or IgG but had a significant effect on colostral IgG (p < 0.05). It also improved the apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG at 24 h in VeC as compared to CC.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed/analysis , Animals, Newborn/physiology , Buffaloes/immunology , Diet/veterinary , Dietary Supplements , Vitamin E/pharmacology , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Animals , Animals, Newborn/immunology , Buffaloes/physiology , Colostrum/immunology , Female , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/metabolism , Leukocyte Count/veterinary , Longevity , Male , Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/drug effects , Nitric Oxide/blood , Pregnancy , Vitamin E/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Electroencephalographic studies were undertaken in goats to correlate with normal behavioral states and physiological conditions. Duplicate EEG records from 4 adult female goats (8-12 months, 10 +/- 2 kg body wt), using bipolar scalp electrodes placed in occipital region, were obtained to evaluate electrical responses of brain during different postures and states of alertness. EEG recordings were obtained under comfortable conditions and after adequate training of animals. EEG frequency (Hz) during lying down posture was significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to standing posture (32.63 +/- 1.34 Vs 38.63 +/- 1.03), the individual values ranging between 29 to 42 Hz. EEG amplitudes however varied non significantly between two states with respective values of 5.75 +/- 0.25 and 6.11 +/- 0.26 microV. During light and deep drowsiness, the frequencies recorded were 21.63 +/- 0.94 and 13.00 +/- 0.68 Hz, whereas amplitudes were 12.45 +/- 0.55 and 19.96 +/- 0.68 microV, respectively and the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). Mean EEG frequencies of the order of 7.13 +/- 1.14 and 3.25 +/- 0.49 Hz and amplitudes of 16.59 +/- 2.55 and 19.86 +/- 3.19 microV were recorded during light and deep sleep, respectively. General trend indicated that frequency decreased and amplitudes increased with onset of drowsiness and these changes were proportional to the state of consciousness.
