Tetracycline resistant genes in Escherichia coli isolated from enteric disease in companion birds.

Anti-microbial resistant genes could be passed to human via the food chain or by direct contact with infected birds. To evaluate tetracycline resistance genes in the feces of companion birds suspected to enteritis, 100 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic companion birds in Isfahan province, Iran. The presence of Escherichia coli was examined by bacteriological, biochemical, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The presence of genes associated with resistance to tetracycline (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetE, tetG, tetK, tetL, tetM, tetO and tetS genes) was examined using a multiplex PCR. The results showed that in enteric birds, 43.00% of fecal samples contained E. coli. In 26 resistant E. coli, 11, 12 and 3 strains contained tetA (42.30%), tetB (46.15) and tetA plus tetB (11.53%) resistant genes, respectively. In conclusion, E. coli isolates from the enteric problem of companion birds contained tetracycline resistant genes that may transfer to human and pose a risk for antibiotic effectiveness in the treatment of infectious diseases in human.

The advantages and synergistic effects of Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract and protexin in chicken production.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and phytogenics in the poultry diet have many positive effects on productivity. The combination of these feed additives has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed for evaluation of synergistic effects of protexin (P) and Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract (GX) on growth, biochemical, hematological and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. METHODS: Totally, 300 chicks were divided into 4 groups that fed the basal diet, diet containing P, GX, and GX plus P (GX-P) in all over the growing period. At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from all chickens. The concentration of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), haematological parameters, and humeral antibody against Newcastle disease vaccine was measured. RESULTS: The Results showed that the feed conversion ratio in chickens fed GX-P was significantly lower than others. Also, in chickens fed GX or GX-P, the TG and CHL concentration was significantly lower and GPx and TAC concentration was significantly higher than others, while chickens that received P or GX-P showed higher haemoglobin and TP concentration. The antibody response was significantly higher in chickens fed P. The ALT, AST, ALP, and SOD concentration did not show any significant difference in all chickens. CONCLUSION: Continuous utilization of P along with GX in broiler diets can induce synergist effect on feed efficacy and antioxidant status, lowering lipid profiles with no effect on liver function in chickens.

A systematic review on the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on improvement of biological and fertility indices of sperm in laboratory animals, poultry and humans.

There is an evidence that ginger enhance semen quality via improving different sperm parameters mainly count, viability, motility, morphology and DNA integrity. According to research results in various species, ginger seems to have strong antioxidant properties (due to the presence of active phenolic compounds) and androgenic activity. Ginger improves semen quality and increases fertility of sperm by disrupting the production of free radicals, dissolving oxidative chain reactions, reducing oxidative stress and altering the levels of gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH) and sex hormones (such as testosterone). The antioxidant and androgenic properties of ginger give a sperm with normal morphological structure (head, middle and tail) and more integrated chromatin. The rate of DNA failure and damage to the mitochondrial genome in these cells is minimal and they have the most progressive motility, the highest viability and the best fertility. Therefore, the use of the ginger significantly improves the biological parameters of sperm (number, total motility, survival rate and normal morphology) and also increases all specialized fertility indicators of sperm. Tacking account of lacking literature and possibility of toxicity and adverse effect of ginger on vital organ, further clinical trial especially on evaluating the safety and clinical effect must be considered. Also, dose and duration of consumption by monitoring of health indicators and biochemical changes in all species such as human, animal and poultry must be applied.