Iron profile of pregnant sickle cell anemia patients in Odisha, India

ABSTRACT Introduction: During pregnancy, the iron requirement increases to meet the optimal growth of the fetus and prevent iron deficiency anemia-related complications in the mother. However, in sickle cell disease (SCD) primarily due to repeated blood transfusions and hemolysis-induced recycling of iron, its supplementation during pregnancy remains questionable and may be harmful. Methods: Twenty-five pregnant women with homozygous SCD and 25 pregnant women with normal hemoglobin variants were included as cases and control, respectively. Pregnancy and sickle cell anemia (SCA) were diagnosed using standard protocols. The serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), percentage transferrin saturation and C-reactive protein were estimated, as per the manufacturer's protocol. The complete blood count was performed. The unpaired 't-test' was performed using the SPSS v23.0 and the principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the online software MetaboAnalyst for statistical analysis. Main Results: The studied cases had significantly lower mean hemoglobin and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV), compared to controls. The mean serum-iron, serum-ferritin and percentage transferrin-saturation in the cases were significantly higher than that of the controls, while the TIBC was lower in the cases (p < 0.0001). The mean level of serum iron, ferritin, percentage transferrin saturation and TIBC were 309.44 ± 122.40mcg/dl, 860.36 ± 624.64ng/ml, 42.6 ± 17.30% and 241.32 ± 96.30 mcg/dl, respectively, in the cases and 95.36 ± 41.90mcg/dl, 122.28 ± 49.70ng/ml, 15.83 ± 3.10% and 492.6 ± 149.40mcg/dl in the controls, respectively. Higher MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with lower hemoglobin (Hb) were noted in the cases. The PCA revealed that the cases were more heterogeneous in terms of the variability of the iron status and hematological indices than the controls. Conclusion: The current study shows iron sufficiency in most cases of pregnancy with SCA and suggests that evaluation of iron status must be made before initiating iron prophylaxis in pregnant women with SCA, especially in regions having a high prevalence of sickle cell hemoglobinopathy.

Asociación entre parámetros hematológicos y fenotipos metabólicamente poco saludables en niños y adolescentes

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico se ha asociado con cambios en parámetros hematológicos (glóbulos rojos, plaquetas y leucocitos); se pueden utilizar para identificar sujetos en riesgo de fenotipos metabólicamente no saludables (MUP). Se investigó si estos parámetros hematológicos sirven como biomarcadores para distinguir el fenotipo metabólicamente sano (MHP) del MUP en niños y adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio transversal, 292 niños y adolescentes. El diagnóstico de MUP fue según consenso. Se utilizó ANOVA unidireccional en las comparaciones, regresión logística múltiple para determinar si el sexo, el grupo etario, el estado nutricional, la pubertad, los parámetros hematológicos y la resistencia a la insulina se asociaron con MUP. Resultados: Edad media 11 años (DE: 2,61). Los valores de RDW fueron significativamente más bajos en los niños en el grupo de peso normal metabólicamente insalubre (MUNW) en comparación con los niños con obesidad metabólicamente no saludable (MUO) (12,33 ± 0,90 vs. 13,67 ± 0,52; p = 0,01) y en la obesidad metabólicamente saludable (MHO) en comparación con el grupo MUO (13,15 ± 0,53 vs. 13,67 ± 0,52; p = 0,04). En adolescentes, la relación plaquetas/linfocitos fue mayor en el grupo MHNW (con un valor medio de 152,60 (DE 62,97) vs 111,16 (DE 44,12) para el grupo MHO. Al ajustar por edad, estado nutricional y pubertad, los índices hematológicos no se asociaron con MUP. Conclusión: Los parámetros hematológicos no están asociados independientemente con el MUP, y es poco probable que representen biomarcadores confiables para la detección del MUP en la población pediátrica.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome has been associated with changes in several hematological parameters, such as red blood cells, platelets, and leucocytes. Therefore, hematologic parameters can be used to identify the subjects at risk of metabolically unhealthy phenotypes (MUP). The current study investigated if hematological parameters can serve as biomarkers to distinguish metabolically healthy phenotype (MHP) from MUP in children and adolescents. Methods: Two hundred ninety-two children and adolescents were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The MUP was diagnosed using consensus-based criteria. Group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine if sex, age group, nutritional status, puberty, hematological parameters, and insulin resistance were associated with MUP. Results: The subject's age mean was 11 years (SD: 2.61). RDW values were significantly lower in children in the metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) group compared to children with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) group (12.33 ± 0.90 vs. 13.67 ± 0.52; p = 0.01) and in metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) compared to MUO group (13.15 ± 0.53 vs. 13.67 ± 0.52; p = 0.04). In adolescents, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in the MHNW group, with a mean value of 152.60 (SD 62.97) compared to 111.16 (SD 44.12) for the MHO group. However, after adjusting for age, nutritional status, and puberty, hematological indices were not associated with MUP. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that hematologic parameters are not independently associated with the MUP, and it is unlikely that they represent reliable biomarkers for screening for the MUP in the pediatric population.

Iron profile of pregnant sickle cell anemia patients in Odisha, India.

INTRODUCTION: During pregnancy, the iron requirement increases to meet the optimal growth of the fetus and prevent iron deficiency anemia-related complications in the mother. However, in sickle cell disease (SCD) primarily due to repeated blood transfusions and hemolysis-induced recycling of iron, its supplementation during pregnancy remains questionable and may be harmful. METHODS: Twenty-five pregnant women with homozygous SCD and 25 pregnant women with normal hemoglobin variants were included as cases and control, respectively. Pregnancy and sickle cell anemia (SCA) were diagnosed using standard protocols. The serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), percentage transferrin saturation and C-reactive protein were estimated, as per the manufacturer's protocol. The complete blood count was performed. The unpaired 't-test' was performed using the SPSS v23.0 and the principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the online software MetaboAnalyst for statistical analysis. MAIN RESULTS: The studied cases had significantly lower mean hemoglobin and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV), compared to controls. The mean serum-iron, serum-ferritin and percentage transferrin-saturation in the cases were significantly higher than that of the controls, while the TIBC was lower in the cases (p < 0.0001). The mean level of serum iron, ferritin, percentage transferrin saturation and TIBC were 309.44 ± 122.40mcg/dl, 860.36 ± 624.64ng/ml, 42.6 ± 17.30% and 241.32 ± 96.30 mcg/dl, respectively, in the cases and 95.36 ± 41.90mcg/dl, 122.28 ± 49.70ng/ml, 15.83 ± 3.10% and 492.6 ± 149.40mcg/dl in the controls, respectively. Higher MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with lower hemoglobin (Hb) were noted in the cases. The PCA revealed that the cases were more heterogeneous in terms of the variability of the iron status and hematological indices than the controls. CONCLUSION: The current study shows iron sufficiency in most cases of pregnancy with SCA and suggests that evaluation of iron status must be made before initiating iron prophylaxis in pregnant women with SCA, especially in regions having a high prevalence of sickle cell hemoglobinopathy.

The intensive culture of nile tilapia supplemented with the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in a biofloc system / Cultivo intensivo da tilápia do nilo suplementado com microalga Chlorella vulgaris em sistema de bioflocos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings cultured in biofloc technology using different inoculation densities of Chlorella vulgaris. The experimental design was completely randomized with biofloc system and four densities of Chlorella vulgaris (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 x 104 cell mL-1), each with four replications. The study lasted 63 days and was carried out in tanks with a working volume of 40L, at a stocking density of 10 fish per experimental unit and a mean initial weight of approximately 1.86 g. The water quality variables showed no significant difference between treatments, especially total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen, which were within acceptable levels for culture of the species. The variables of zootechnical performance were not affected by the different inoculation densities of the microalgae, achieving a final mean weight of approximately 21 g for all treatments, and survival rates greater than 80%. The weekly inoculation densities of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris therefore had no influence on the growth of tilapia fingerlings cultured in a biofloc system.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo, cultivados em tecnologia de bioflocos, utilizando diferentes densidades de inoculação de Chlorella vulgaris. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, envolvendo o cultivo em sistema de bioflocos e quatro densidades de Chlorella vulgaris (0; 2,5; 5 e 10x104 cel mL-1), com quatro repetições cada. O trabalho teve duração de 63 dias, sendo realizado em caixas com 40L de volume útil, densidade de estocagem de 10 peixes por unidade experimental e peso médio inicial de aproximadamente 1,86 g. As variáveis de qualidade de água não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, principalmente o nitrogênio da amônia total e do nitrito, que estiveram dentro do nível aceitável para o cultivo da espécie. As variáveis de desempenho zootécnico não foram afetadas pelas diferentes densidades de inoculação da microalga, obtendo peso médio final de aproximadamente 21 g para os tratamentos e taxas de sobrevivência superiores a 80%. Portanto para estas densidades de inoculação da microalga Chlorella vulgaris, com frequência semanal, não apresentaram influência no crescimento de alevinos de tilápia cultivada com bioflocos.

Tilapia cultivated in a low-salinity biofloc system supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris and differents molasses application rates / Cultivo de tilápia em biofloco em baixa salinidade suplementado com Chlorella vulgaris e diferentes taxas de aplicação de melaço

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris and molasses application rates on water quality, zootechnical performance, proximate composition and health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings cultivated in low-salinity (10 g L-1) biofloc systems. Four treatments were tested in a factorial design (supplemented with microalgae and molasses application rates): BFT-C30 (Biofloc supplemented with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed); BFT-30 (Biofloc with molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed); BFT-C50 (Biofloc supplemented with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates of 50% of the total daily feed) and BFT-50 (Biofloc with molasses application rates of 50% of the total daily feed), for 70 days. Fingerlings of O. niloticus (initial mean weight of 3.15 ± 0.5 g) were stocked at a density of 680 fish m-3 in experimental units (50L), where 50% of this volume was biofloc previously matured. Throughout the experiment, they were supplemented with C. vulgaris every five days at the concentration of 5x104 cells mL-1. A significant interaction between supplementation with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates for final weight and length, survival, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, water consumption, protein efficiency ratio, sedimentation time, planktonic community and hematological indices were observed. The results indicated that the high molasses application rates (50%) in the biofloc system affects the zootechnical performance, water consumption, sedimentation time and the hematological indices of the Nile Tilapia fingerlings, hampering their development. Therefore, molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed for the tilapia fingerlings culture in low-salinity biofloc system is recommended.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com Chlorella vulgaris e taxas de aplicação de melaço na qualidade da água, desempenho zootécnico, composição centesimal e saúde de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivados em sistemas de biofloco com baixa salinidade (10 g L-1). Quatro tratamentos foram testados em um delineamento fatorial (suplementado com microalgas e taxas de aplicação de melaço): BFT-C30 (Biofloco suplementado com C. vulgaris e aplicação de melaço de 30% da alimentação diária); BFT-30 (Biofloco com aplicação de melaço de 30% da alimentação diária); BFT-C50 (Biofloco suplementado com C. vulgaris e aplicação de melaço de 50% da alimentação diária) e BFT-50 (Biofloco com aplicação de melaço de 50% da alimentação diária), por 70 dias. Alevinos de O. niloticus (peso médio inicial de 3,15 ± 0,5 g) foram estocados na densidade de 680 peixes m-3 nas unidades experimentais (50L), onde 50% deste volume foi de biofloco previamente maturado. Durante todo o experimento, as inoculações com C. vulgaris foram a cada cinco dias na concentração de 5x104 células mL-1. Foi observada interação significativa entre a suplementação com C. vulgaris e as taxas de aplicação de melaço para peso final, comprimento, sobrevivência, fator de conversão alimentar, taxa de crescimento específico, consumo de água, taxa de eficiência proteica, tempo de sedimentação, comunidade planctônica e índices hematológicos. Os resultados indicaram que a alta taxa de aplicação de melaço (50%) no sistema de biofloco afeta o desempenho zootécnico, consumo de água, tempo de sedimentação e os índices hematológicos dos alevinos de tilápia do Nilo, prejudicando seu desenvolvimento. É recomendada a taxa de aplicação de melaço de 30% da alimentação diária para o cultivo de alevinos de tilápias em sistema de biofloco com baixa salinidade.

Tilapia cultivated in a low-salinity biofloc system supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris and differents molasses application rates / Cultivo de tilápia em biofloco em baixa salinidade suplementado com Chlorella vulgaris e diferentes taxas de aplicação de melaço

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris and molasses application rates on water quality, zootechnical performance, proximate composition and health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings cultivated in low-salinity (10 g L-1) biofloc systems. Four treatments were tested in a factorial design (supplemented with microalgae and molasses application rates): BFT-C30 (Biofloc supplemented with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed); BFT-30 (Biofloc with molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed); BFT-C50 (Biofloc supplemented with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates of 50% of the total daily feed) and BFT-50 (Biofloc with molasses application rates of 50% of the total daily feed), for 70 days. Fingerlings of O. niloticus (initial mean weight of 3.15 ± 0.5 g) were stocked at a density of 680 fish m-3 in experimental units (50L), where 50% of this volume was biofloc previously matured. Throughout the experiment, they were supplemented with C. vulgaris every five days at the concentration of 5x104 cells mL-1. A significant interaction between supplementation with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates for final weight and length, survival, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, water consumption, protein efficiency ratio, sedimentation time, planktonic community and hematological indices were observed. The results indicated that the high molasses application rates (50%) in the biofloc system affects the zootechnical performance, water consumption, sedimentation time and the hematological indices of the Nile Tilapia fingerlings, hampering their development. Therefore, molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed for the tilapia fingerlings culture in low-salinity biofloc system is recommended.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com Chlorella vulgaris e taxas de aplicação de melaço na qualidade da água, desempenho zootécnico, composição centesimal e saúde de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivados em sistemas de biofloco com baixa salinidade (10 g L-1). Quatro tratamentos foram testados em um delineamento fatorial (suplementado com microalgas e taxas de aplicação de melaço): BFT-C30 (Biofloco suplementado com C. vulgaris e aplicação de melaço de 30% da alimentação diária); BFT-30 (Biofloco com aplicação de melaço de 30% da alimentação diária); BFT-C50 (Biofloco suplementado com C. vulgaris e aplicação de melaço de 50% da alimentação diária) e BFT-50 (Biofloco com aplicação de melaço de 50% da alimentação diária), por 70 dias. Alevinos de O. niloticus (peso médio inicial de 3,15 ± 0,5 g) foram estocados na densidade de 680 peixes m-3 nas unidades experimentais (50L), onde 50% deste volume foi de biofloco previamente maturado. Durante todo o experimento, as inoculações com C. vulgaris foram a cada cinco dias na concentração de 5x104 células mL-1. Foi observada interação significativa entre a suplementação com C. vulgaris e as taxas de aplicação de melaço para peso final, comprimento, sobrevivência, fator de conversão alimentar, taxa de crescimento específico, consumo de água, taxa de eficiência proteica, tempo de sedimentação, comunidade planctônica e índices hematológicos. Os resultados indicaram que a alta taxa de aplicação de melaço (50%) no sistema de biofloco afeta o desempenho zootécnico, consumo de água, tempo de sedimentação e os índices hematológicos dos alevinos de tilápia do Nilo, prejudicando seu desenvolvimento. É recomendada a taxa de aplicação de melaço de 30% da alimentação diária para o cultivo de alevinos de tilápias em sistema de biofloco com baixa salinidade.(AU)

The intensive culture of nile tilapia supplemented with the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in a biofloc system / Cultivo intensivo da tilápia do nilo suplementado com microalga Chlorella vulgaris em sistema de bioflocos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings cultured in biofloc technology using different inoculation densities of Chlorella vulgaris. The experimental design was completely randomized with biofloc system and four densities of Chlorella vulgaris (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 x 104 cell mL-1), each with four replications. The study lasted 63 days and was carried out in tanks with a working volume of 40L, at a stocking density of 10 fish per experimental unit and a mean initial weight of approximately 1.86 g. The water quality variables showed no significant difference between treatments, especially total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen, which were within acceptable levels for culture of the species. The variables of zootechnical performance were not affected by the different inoculation densities of the microalgae, achieving a final mean weight of approximately 21 g for all treatments, and survival rates greater than 80%. The weekly inoculation densities of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris therefore had no influence on the growth of tilapia fingerlings cultured in a biofloc system.(AU)

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo, cultivados em tecnologia de bioflocos, utilizando diferentes densidades de inoculação de Chlorella vulgaris. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, envolvendo o cultivo em sistema de bioflocos e quatro densidades de Chlorella vulgaris (0; 2,5; 5 e 10x104 cel mL-1), com quatro repetições cada. O trabalho teve duração de 63 dias, sendo realizado em caixas com 40L de volume útil, densidade de estocagem de 10 peixes por unidade experimental e peso médio inicial de aproximadamente 1,86 g. As variáveis de qualidade de água não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, principalmente o nitrogênio da amônia total e do nitrito, que estiveram dentro do nível aceitável para o cultivo da espécie. As variáveis de desempenho zootécnico não foram afetadas pelas diferentes densidades de inoculação da microalga, obtendo peso médio final de aproximadamente 21 g para os tratamentos e taxas de sobrevivência superiores a 80%. Portanto para estas densidades de inoculação da microalga Chlorella vulgaris, com frequência semanal, não apresentaram influência no crescimento de alevinos de tilápia cultivada com bioflocos.(AU)

Hematology and blood biochemistry in wild hybrid marmosets from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil / Hematologia e bioquímica sanguínea de saguis selvagens híbridos da Mata Atlântica, Brasil

This paper aims to describe the hematological and biochemical values of wild hybrid marmoset (Callithrix penicillata and C. geoffroyi) found in a forest zone of Southeastern Brazil. The marmosets were anaesthetized using ketamine and xylazine hydrochloride. Blood samples (0.5-1mL) were collected through the venipuncture of the femoral vein. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed using automated counters and biochemical kits. The comparison for sex (adult males vs. adult females) and age class (juvenile vs. adult) physiological data and weight were analyzed through Student's t-test for independent samples. Significant differences between sex were observed in erythrocytes (P 0.01) and hemoglobin (P 0.05). The present study provides essential baseline information on the normal blood values of wild hybrid marmosets, the data of which are not readily accessible from the existing body of scientific literature on nonhuman primates.(AU)

Este artigo objetiva descrever os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos de saguis híbridos selvagens (Callithrix penicillata e C. geoffroyi) encontrados em uma zona florestal do Sudeste do Brasil. Os saguis foram anestesiados usando cetamina e hidrocloridrato de xilazina. As amostras de sangue (0,5-1mL) foram coletadas por punção da veia femoral. As análises hematológicas e bioquímicas foram realizadas por meio de contadores automáticos e kits bioquímicos. A comparação dos dados fisiológicos e pesos para o gênero (machos vs. fêmeas) e a classe de idade (juvenil vs. adulto) foram analisados através do teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Observaram-se diferenças significativas de gênero para eritrócitos (P 0,01) e hemoglobina (P 0,05). O presente estudo fornece informação básica essencial sobre os valores hematológicos normais de saguis híbridos selvagens, dados que não são prontamente disponíveis na literatura científica atual sobre primatas não humanos.(AU)

Hematology and blood biochemistry in wild hybrid marmosets from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil / Hematologia e bioquímica sanguínea de saguis selvagens híbridos da Mata Atlântica, Brasil

This paper aims to describe the hematological and biochemical values of wild hybrid marmoset (Callithrix penicillata and C. geoffroyi) found in a forest zone of Southeastern Brazil. The marmosets were anaesthetized using ketamine and xylazine hydrochloride. Blood samples (0.5-1mL) were collected through the venipuncture of the femoral vein. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed using automated counters and biochemical kits. The comparison for sex (adult males vs. adult females) and age class (juvenile vs. adult) physiological data and weight were analyzed through Student's t-test for independent samples. Significant differences between sex were observed in erythrocytes (P<0.01) and hemoglobin (P<0.05). The present study provides essential baseline information on the normal blood values of wild hybrid marmosets, the data of which are not readily accessible from the existing body of scientific literature on nonhuman primates.

Este artigo objetiva descrever os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos de saguis híbridos selvagens (Callithrix penicillata e C. geoffroyi) encontrados em uma zona florestal do Sudeste do Brasil. Os saguis foram anestesiados usando cetamina e hidrocloridrato de xilazina. As amostras de sangue (0,5-1mL) foram coletadas por punção da veia femoral. As análises hematológicas e bioquímicas foram realizadas por meio de contadores automáticos e kits bioquímicos. A comparação dos dados fisiológicos e pesos para o gênero (machos vs. fêmeas) e a classe de idade (juvenil vs. adulto) foram analisados através do teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Observaram-se diferenças significativas de gênero para eritrócitos (P<0,01) e hemoglobina (P<0,05). O presente estudo fornece informação básica essencial sobre os valores hematológicos normais de saguis híbridos selvagens, dados que não são prontamente disponíveis na literatura científica atual sobre primatas não humanos.

Comparison of the effects of several feed restriction periods to control ascites on performance, carcass characteristics and hematological indices of broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of some feed restriction regimes on the performance, carcass characteristics and hematological values of broiler chickens. A number of 480 one-day-old Cobb broilers were distributed into 24 floor pens and reared for 42 days. A basal diet was formulated according to the NRC (1994) recommendations for starter (1-11 d), grower (12-28 d) and finisher (29-42 d) periods. The restricted birds were fed 8 h per day from 7 to 21 (R7-21d), 14 to 28 d (R14-28d) or from 21 to 35d (R21-35d), while the control birds were fed ad libitum. Birds and feed were weekly weighed, and dead birds were submitted to necropsy to determine the cause of death. At the end of experiment, blood samples were taken from 3 birds per pen, birds were weighed, and organ weights were recorded. All birds in the feed restriction treatments had lower body weight gain and feed intake than those fed ad libitum. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in birds under R7-21d as compared to the control group (p 0.05). R7-21d and R14-28d birds presented lower general mortality and death due to ascites as compared to ad libitum-fed broilers. The birds under R21-35d and R14-28d treatments had lower breast weight and abdominal fat weight as compared to control birds, respectively (p 0.05). A similar trend was observed for the percentage of the mentioned cuts. The right/total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV) was significantly lower both in R7-21d and R14-28d treatments as compared to the control group. Blood constituents, such as glucose, cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase were also significantly altered by feeding regimes (p 0.05). The results of present study showed that R7-21d reduced ascites incidence, but had no significant effect on growth performance.

Comparison of the effects of several feed restriction periods to control ascites on performance, carcass characteristics and hematological indices of broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of some feed restriction regimes on the performance, carcass characteristics and hematological values of broiler chickens. A number of 480 one-day-old Cobb broilers were distributed into 24 floor pens and reared for 42 days. A basal diet was formulated according to the NRC (1994) recommendations for starter (1-11 d), grower (12-28 d) and finisher (29-42 d) periods. The restricted birds were fed 8 h per day from 7 to 21 (R7-21d), 14 to 28 d (R14-28d) or from 21 to 35d (R21-35d), while the control birds were fed ad libitum. Birds and feed were weekly weighed, and dead birds were submitted to necropsy to determine the cause of death. At the end of experiment, blood samples were taken from 3 birds per pen, birds were weighed, and organ weights were recorded. All birds in the feed restriction treatments had lower body weight gain and feed intake than those fed ad libitum. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in birds under R7-21d as compared to the control group (p 0.05). R7-21d and R14-28d birds presented lower general mortality and death due to ascites as compared to ad libitum-fed broilers. The birds under R21-35d and R14-28d treatments had lower breast weight and abdominal fat weight as compared to control birds, respectively (p 0.05). A similar trend was observed for the percentage of the mentioned cuts. The right/total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV) was significantly lower both in R7-21d and R14-28d treatments as compared to the control group. Blood constituents, such as glucose, cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase were also significantly altered by feeding regimes (p 0.05). The results of present study showed that R7-21d reduced ascites incidence, but had no significant effect on growth performance.