Supplemental phosphorus can be completely replaced with microbial phytase in White Leghorn layer diets.

1. A study was conducted to assess the possibility of totally replacing supplemental phosphorus sources in White Leghorn (WL) layer diets (aged 28 to 45 weeks of age) with microbial phytase supplementation. One thousand commercial layers (HyLine White) of 28 weeks of age were housed in California cages fitted in open-sided poultry shed at the rate of 20 layers in each replicate. Ten replicates were randomly allotted to each treatment, and the respective diet was fed from 28 to 45 weeks of age.2. A control diet (CD) containing the recommended levels of non-phytate phosphorus (3.6 g/kg NPP) and four other test diets (2-5) having sub-optimal levels of NPP (2.4, 2.0, 1.6 and 1.2 g/kg), but with supplemental microbial phytase (600 FTU/kg) were prepared and fed for the trial duration.3. The layers fed with lower levels of NPP with phytase had the same laying performance as the group fed the CD. Egg production, feed efficiency, egg mass, shell defects, egg density, shell weight, shell thickness, ash content and breaking strength of the tibia and sternum were not affected by feeding the lowest concentration of NPP (1.2 g/kg) plus microbial phytase.4. Phytase supplementation in diets with sub-optimal levels of NPP (2.4, 2 and 1.6 g/kg) significantly improved the Haugh unit score compared to those fed the CD.5. It was concluded that supplemental phosphorus can be completely replaced with microbial phytase (600 FTU/kg) in a diet without affecting egg production, shell quality or bone mineral variables in WL layers (28 to 45 weeks).

Effect of feeding of sorghum stover based complete feed blocks containing guar meal as protein supplement on reproductive efficiency, hormone profile and antioxidant status in Deccani ewes.

Guar meal (GM) can be considered as an alternative protein source for the livestock and has a potential value as a feed to animals with a high protein content ranging between 45-55%. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of groundnut cake (GNC) with guar meal (GM) on reproductive efficiency, hormone profile, antioxidant status in Deccani ewes fed sorghum stover based complete feed blocks (SSCFB). Twenty-one non-pregnant Deccani ewes (b. wt. 23.34 ±0.40 kg; 2-4 years old and body condition score 2.51±0.56) were randomly divided into three groups to contain 7 animals each in a completely randomized design. Three dietary treatments viz. S1: conventional feeding (sorghum stover and concentrate mixture fed separately in 50:50 ratios to meet the requirement), S2: SSCFB with GNC as protein supplement in concentrate mixture and S3: SSCFB with GM replacing GNC nitrogen of S2 at 50% level. The ewes were synchronised for estrus with progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponges and naturally mated. The ewes were fed at the rate of 3.1 and 3.7% of their body weight from 1st day of experiment-to 108th day of gestation and from 108th day of gestation to till lambing, respectively. The replacement of 50% of GNC nitrogen with GM and densification of diet had no effect (P>0.05) on average DMI (g), antioxidant status, progesterone concentration, conception rate, non return rate, no of matings per service, lambing rate, body weights of lambs at birth, 15 and 30 days of age. GNC can be partially replaced by GM in the ewes diet without any adverse effect on reproductive parameters, antioxidant status, progesterone concentration and weight of lambs.

Evaluation of feeding value of combination of alternate protein sources in White Leghorn layers.

1. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including graded levels of an alternate protein mixture (APM) containing cottonseed meal, distillery dried grain with solubles and mustard seed meal in a fixed ratio as a substitute for soybean meal in layer diets (hens aged 27 to 46 weeks). The trial studied the possibility of higher inclusion levels of APM with increased dietary concentrations of crude protein (CP) or critical amino acids (CAA). 2. Maize-soybean meal diet was used as the control diet. In experiment 1, APM was included at 0, 120, 160 and 200 g/kg diet (145 g/kg CP). In experiment 2, the control and three test diets (200 g/kg APM) with three levels of CP (145, 155 and 165 g/kg) were used. In experiment 3, a control and four test diets (200 g/kg APM) with four concentrations of CAA (100%, 105%, 110% and 115% relative to the control) were used. In all experiments, each diet was fed ad libitum to nine replicates of 88 birds each, housed in colony cages. 3. In experiment 1, egg production (EP) and feed intake (FI) were not affected by feeding up to 160 g/kg APM, but, at 200 g/kg, EP was significantly reduced. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) for the hens fed the highest level of APM was similar to the control. Egg weight (EW) and egg mass (EM) in the 160 and 200 g/kg AMS groups were lower than the control group. 4. Increase in dietary CP from 145 to 155 g/kg improved EP and reduced FCR to levels similar to the control group. EM in hens fed 165 g/kg APM was similar to the control in experiment 2. 5. Increasing concentrations of CAA progressively improved EP and reduced FCR in experiment 3. The EP at CAA 110% and FCR at CAA 105% were similar to the control group. 6. Based on the results, it was concluded that the APM can be included up to 160 g/kg diet without affecting layer performance, as long as the diet supplied the recommended levels of protein and amino acids. By increasing either protein from 145 to 155 g/kg or CAA concentrations by 10%, the dietary levels of the APM could be increased to 200 g/kg without affecting the layer performance.

Effect of substituting increasing levels of organic Zn for inorganic Zn on performance, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, antioxidant status and immune response in rat.

The effect of replacing dietary Zn supplemented from inorganic (ZnCO3) source with organic Zn (Zn methionine; Zn-met) was investigated in 72 rats (98.42 ± 1.483 g) by randomly allotting to 4 diets (6 replicates/diet, 3 rats/replicate). Basal diet was prepared with purified ingredients without Zn. The control diet (AIN-76A) contained 12 ppm of Zn from ZnCO3 (100-I). In the other diets ZnCO3 was replaced with Zn-met at the rates of 50 (50I:50O), 75 (25I:75O) or 100% (100-O). Weekly body weight and daily feed intake were recorded for 14 weeks. Blood was collected by retro-orbital puncture on the 70th and 80th day to determine haematological and various serum biochemical constituents, and antioxidant enzyme activities in haemolysate, respectively. Rats were antigenically challenged with sheep RBC on day 73 to assess humoral immune response (HIR), and on day 95 for cell mediated immune response (CMIR) and rats were sacrificed at the end of rearing period to collect liver, muscle, pancreas and kidneys for Zn estimation and oxidative stress markers in liver. The data were analysed using completely randomized design. Weight gain and feed intake, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, Zn content in organs (except liver) were not influenced by replacing ZnCO3 with Zn-met. Zinc concentrations in the serum and liver were higher (P<0.05) with 50% replacement of ZnCO3 with Zn-met compared to 0 or 100% replacement. Lower (P<0.05) lipid peroxidation and higher (P<0.05) glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were observed with 50 and 75% replacement of ZnCO3 with Zn-met compared to 0 or 100% replacement. Protein carbonyls and reduced glutathione in liver were not affected, while TBARS decreased (P<0.05) with substituting Zn-met (50-100%) for ZnCO3. The HIR and CMIR increased with increasing Zn-met supplementation and the highest response was observed with 75-100% replacement of ZnCO3 with Zn-met. It is concluded that replacement of 50 or 75% of ZnCO3 with Zn-met increased antioxidant and immune response in rats with no effect on growth.

Replacement of inorganic zinc with lower levels of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate) on performance, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, antioxidants status, and immune responses in rats.

AIM: A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate, Zn-nic) supplementation (6, 9, and 12 ppm) compared to inorganic zinc (12 ppm) on growth performance, hematology, serum biochemical constituents oxidative stress, and immunity in weaned female Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 48 weaned rats (285.20±1.95 g) were randomly distributed to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in each and reared in polypropylene cages for 10 weeks. Basal diet (BD) was formulated with purified ingredients without zinc (Zn). Four dietary treatments were prepared by adding 12 ppm Zn from ZnCO3 (control) and 6, 9, and 12 ppm Zn from Zn-nic to the BD. On 42(nd) day, blood was collected by retro-orbital puncture for analyzing hematological constituents, glucose, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and globulin and antioxidant enzyme activities. At 43(rd) day, rats were antigenically challenged with sheep red blood cell (RBC) to assess humoral immune response and on 70(th) day cell-mediated immune response. RESULTS: Weekly body weight gains, daily feed intake, blood hematological constituents (white blood cell, RBC, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocyte concentration) and serum glucose, total protein levels were comparable among the rats feed Zn from ZnCO3 and Zn-nic (6, 9, and 12 ppm). Serum cholesterol reduced with organic Zn supplementation at either concentration (6-12 ppm). Serum globulin concentration reduced (p<0.05) with 6 ppm Zn-nic supplementation compared to other dietary treatments. Lipid peroxidation lowered (p<0.05) reduced with 12 ppm organic Zn; thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and protein carbonyls concentrations in liver reduced (p<0.05) with 9 and 12 ppm levels of organic Zn supplementation compared to 12 ppm Zn supplementation from inorganic source. RBC catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities were highest (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with 12 ppm Zn-nic, followed by 9 ppm. Comparable immune response (humoral and cell-mediated) was observed between 12 ppm inorganic Zn and 9 ppm organic Zn and higher (p<0.05) immune response was noticed at 12 ppm Zn-nic supplementation. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it is concluded that dietary Zn concentration can be reduced by 50% (6 ppm) as Zn nicotinate without affecting growth performance, hemato-biochemical constituents, antioxidant status, and immunity. In addition, replacement of 12 ppm inorganic Zn with 12 ppm organic Zn significantly improved antioxidant status and immune response.

Development of appropriate fibrolytic enzyme combination for maize stover and its effect on rumen fermentation in sheep.

In vitro studies were undertaken to develop an appropriate fibrolytic enzymes cocktail comprising of cellulase, xylanase and ß-D-glucanase for maize stover with an aim to increase its nutrient utilization in sheep. Cellulase and xylanase added individually to ground maize stover at an increasing dose rates (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, 6,400, 12,800, 25,600, 32,000, 38,400, and 44,800 IU/g DM), increased (p<0.01) the in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro sugar release. The doses selected for studying the combination effect of enzymes were 6,400 to 32,000 IU/g of cellulase and 12,800 to 44,800 IU/g of xylanase. At cellulase concentration of 6,400 IU/g, IVDMD % was higher (p<0.01) at higher xylanase doses (25,600 to 44,800 IU/g). While at cellulase doses (12,800 to 32,000 IU/g), IVDMD % was higher at lower xylanase doses (12,800 and 25,600 IU/g) compared to higher xylanase doses (32,000 to 44,800 IU/g). At cellulase concentration of the 6,400 to 32,000 IU/g, the amount of sugar released increased (p<0.01) with increasing levels of xylanase concentrations except for the concentration of 44,800 IU/g. No effect of ß-D-glucanase (100 to 300 IU/g) was observed at lower cellulase-xylanase dose (cellulase-xylanase 12,800 to 12,800 IU/g). Based on the IVDMD, the enzyme combination cellulase-xylanase 12,800 to 12,800 IU/g was selected to study its effect on feed intake and rumen fermentation pattern, conducted on 12 rams (6 to 8 months; 20.34±2.369 kg body weight) fed 50% maize stover based TMR. The total volatile fatty acids (p<0.01) and ammonia-N concentration was higher in enzyme supplemented group, while no effect was observed on dry matter intake, ruminal pH and total nitrogen concentration.

Effect of dose and source of supplemental zinc on immune response and oxidative enzymes in lambs.

An experiment of 150 days was conducted on 42 male Nellore lambs (28.3 +/- 0.64 kg) to determine the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation (0,15, 30 and 45 ppm) in diet from inorganic (ZnSO(4)) and organic (Zn proteinate) sources on immune response and antioxidant enzyme activities by allotting them randomly to 7 groups in completely randomized design. The basal diet (BD) contained 29.28 ppm Zn. The humoral immune response assessed at 75 d against B. abortus was higher (P<0.01) with 15 or 30 ppm Zn supplementation from organic source. The dose and source had no effect on titres against chicken RBC antigen. The cell mediated immune response assessed as delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response against phytohaemagglutinin-P and in vitro lymphocyte proliferative response against concanavalin A at 150 d was higher (P<0.05) at 15 ppm Zn supplementation compared to BD fed lambs. Supplementation of 45 ppm Zn had no positive effect on immune response. The DTH response and antibody titres against B.abortus were higher (P< 0.05) on Zn proteinate compared to ZnSO(4) at 15 ppm Zn supplementation. The lipid peroxidase activity was lower (P < 0.01), while the RBC superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher (P < 0.01) in lambs at 15 ppm Zn supplementation compared to BD diet fed lambs, assessed at 75 d of feeding. Serum globulin concentration and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (75 d of experiment) was higher in Zn supplemented lambs. The ALP activity increased (P < 0.01) with increase in Zn supplementation and being higher when supplementation was from Zn proteinate compared to ZnSO(4). The study indicated that 15 ppm zinc supplementation was required for obtaining higher immune response in lambs when fed a basal diet containing 29.28 ppm Zn and supplementation as Zn proteinate had higher antioxidant enzyme activities and immune response compared to ZnSO(4).

Effect of different level and source of copper supplementation on immune response and copper dependent enzyme activity in lambs.

An experiment was conducted on 30 male Nellore lambs with average body weight (BW) of 15.45 +/- 0.06 kg to determine the level of the copper (Cu) supplementation in diet from inorganic and organic sources required for optimum immunity and its effect on copper dependent enzymes by allotting them randomly to five groups in completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were viz., basal diet (no Cu supplementation, BD), other four groups were offered BD supplemented with 7 or 14 ppm Cu from copper sulphate (CuSO(4)) and Cu-proteinate, respectively. The lambs were fed the respective diets at 3.5 per cent BW to meet the requirements except Cu for 180 days. The humoral immune response against Brucella abortus and chicken RBC was assessed after 90 days of feeding. The in vivo delayed type hyper sensitivity reaction against PHA-P and in vitro lymphocyte proliferation against Con A indicative of cell mediated immune response (CMI) was assayed at 180 days of feeding. At the end of experiment four lambs from each group were slaughtered for estimation of liver superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). The ceruloplasmin and RBC-SOD activities were higher (P < 0.05) in 14 ppm Cu supplemented lambs from Cu-proteinate at 90 and 180 days, while the liver SOD activity was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed 14 ppm Cu from CuSO(4). The STAT titres against B. abortus were higher in Cu supplemented lambs, with no effect of dose of supplementation. Lambs supplemented with Cu-proteinate had higher titers than CuSO(4) on 7 and 14 days of post sensitization. The total immunoglobulin concentration and the CMI response against PHA-P and Con-A was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed 14 ppm Cu-proteinae diet. The IgM level was though high in Cu supplemented lambs, no dose or source effect were observed. The study indicated that Cu dependent enzymes activity and immune response were highest and respond better against stress in lambs on 14 ppm supplemented Cu from Cu-proteinate.

Do patients' perceptions of their counselors influence outcomes of drug treatment?

This prospective longitudinal study examined the influence of patients' perceptions of their counselors on their lengths of stay in treatment and subsequent treatment outcomes. Patients (N = 511) were recruited from 19 substance abuse treatment programs in Los Angeles County. While in treatment, patients rated their counselors on 14 aspects (e.g., empathy, directiveness); 1 year later they were interviewed for follow-up outcomes. Multiple regression analyses were conducted using patients' ratings of their counselors to assess the impact of these ratings on treatment retention and follow-up outcomes (i.e., severity of alcohol use, drug use, and psychiatric status as measured by the Addiction Severity Index). Results revealed that patients' positive perceptions of their counselors were significantly associated with a longer length of stay in treatment for the outpatient drug free/day treatment and residential treatment subsamples. Patients' positive perceptions were also significantly associated with better psychiatric functioning at follow-up, but had a limited relationship to severity of alcohol use and no relation to severity of drug use.

Pathological lesions in lambs fed raw or processed cottonseed meal.

Thirty male lambs of 3-4 months of age, were assigned equally to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric concentrate mixtures containing 30% de-oiled peanut meal (DPNM) or 40%, cottonseed meal, which was raw, cooked for 45 min or treated with either 1%, calcium hydroxide or iron (1:3, free gossypol: Fe). The mixtures containing raw or variously processed CSM replaced about 50% of the nitrogen of the reference concentrate mixture. These concentrate mixtures were fed to meet 80% of the animals' crude protein requirements along with ad libitum feeding of maize (Zea mays) hay for 180 days. The free gossypol content of the raw cottonseed meal (0.27%) was reduced to 0.16% 0.20% and 0.21% by the cooking, Ca(OH)2 and iron treatments, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the tissues of various organs were fixed in 10% formol saline. embedded in paraffin and sectioned at 4-5 microm thickness, and duplicate sections were stained with either haematoxylin and eosin or Perl's Prussian blue. The lambs fed diets incorporating raw, cooked, Ca(OH)2- or iron-treated cottonseed meal consumed respectively 302, 215, 250 and 222 mg free gossypol/day. No morbidity. mortality or gross lesions were observed in any organs and the histopathological lesions due to cottonseed meal were limited to the testes and epididymis. Spermatogonial cells were absent in the majority of the seminiferous tubules of testes from lambs fed raw cottonseed meal. Most seminiferous tubules were collapsed, with a reduced wall thickness, owing to there being fewer germ cell layers and vacuolation of the basal cells. The epithelium of the epididymal ductules was degenerated, desquamated to a variable degree with hyperplastic changes, and they were devoid of spermatozoa. Most lambs fed any of the processed cottonseed meals did not show any of these lesions, and such lesions as occurred in affected lambs in these groups were relatively mild. Iron pigments were deposited around the portal areas of the liver, the tip of intestinal villi and the spleen of lambs fed the iron-treated cottonseed meal diet. Cooking or treatment with 1%, Ca(OH)2 effectively minimized the toxic effects of free gossypol.

Cocaine, Crime, Family History of Deviance-Are Psychosocial Correlates Related to These Phenomena in Male Cocaine Abusers?

This paper examines relationships among deviant behaviors such as cocaine abuse, crime, and family history of deviance; demographics; and psychological characteristics such as aggression, sensation seeking, confidence to resist taking cocaine and risk taking tendency to use cocaine in different situations; psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, somatization, attention deficit); and social characteristics such as social adjustment. The sample consisted of men, mean age 35 years, who were veterans of the armed services. Canonical correlation analysis showed three significant canonical variates: The first indicated that verbal aggression, general sensation seeking, and a problem index for situations involving urges to use cocaine were positively related to number of times arrested and negatively related to age. The second revealed that experience seeking and problem indices for situations involving urges to use cocaine and for those involving pleasant times, were positively related to last cocaine use consumption level, total lifetime grams of cocaine used, and alcohol problems of the immediate family. The third showed that verbal aggression and a problem index for risk situations for use involving pleasant times were positively related, and experience seeking was negatively related, to number of times arrested, number of times incarcerated in the previous 30 days, age, and last cocaine use level. The implications of the associations found among these variables are discussed as they pertain to prevention, treatment, and future research.

Performance of broiler chicks fed on diets containing urea ammoniated neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel cake.

1. The performance, nutrient utilisation, blood profile, carcase composition, gross pathology and sensory evaluation of meat from broiler chicks fed from 3 to 42 d on diets containing urea ammoniated neem (Azadirachta indica, A.juss) kernel cake (NKC) as a protein supplement to replace peanut meal (PNM), were evaluated. NKC was ammoniated with urea at 15 (UANKC 1) or 25 g (UANKC 2)/kg and incorporated into the test diets to replace either half (134.5 g/kg (L-UANKC 1) and 127.5 g/kg (L-UANKC 2), respectively) or all (269, g/kg (H-UANKC 1) and 255.0 g/kg (H-UANKC 2), respectively) of the nitrogen provided by the PNM. 2. The growth, food intake and efficiency of nutrient utilisation of the birds were comparable between the reference and L-UANKC 1 and 2 diets but were depressed on the other UANKC diets. 3. The retention of dry matter (DM), crude fibre (CF), nitrogen-free extract, total carbohydrate, gross energy, acid detergent fibre, calcium and phosphorus were similar among groups, except lower DM and higher CF and phosphorus retentions were noted in chicks fed on the H-UANKC 1, H-UANKC 2 and L-UANKC 2 diets. All the chicks were in positive nitrogen balance and percentage nitrogen retention did not differ between the reference and test diets. 4. Haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and aspartate amino transferase activity were unaffected by diet, but total leucocyte count was higher in chicks fed on the H-UANKC 1 and 2 diets and alanine amino transferase activities were lower in chicks fed on the test diets. Blood urea increased as the amount of urea in the diets increased. 5. Most of the physico-chemical carcase characteristics from birds fed on the L-UANKC 2 were comparable to those from birds fed on the reference diet. No bitter taste was noticed in cooked meat from any diet by the sensory panel. 6. Incorporation of L-UANKC 2 was economical and responses were comparable to those observed on the reference diet. 7. It was concluded that NKC detoxified with 25 g urea/kg can economically and successfully replace half the nitrogen of PNM in broiler diets thereby mitigating the chronic shortage of costly oil cakes in developing countries.

Performance of broiler chicks fed on alkali-treated neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel cake as a protein supplement.

1. An experiment was conducted to evaluate growth and nutrient efficiency of broiler chicks from 3 to 42 d fed on diets containing alkali-treated neem (Azadirachta indica A. juss) kernel cake (NKC) as a protein supplement in place of peanut meal (PNM). 2. NKC was treated with sodium hydroxide at 10 (ANKC 1) or 20 g (ANKC 2)/kg and incorporated into the test diets at 135 or 300 g/kg to replace 50 (low-L) or 100 (High-H)% of the PNM protein of the reference diet. 3. Despite comparable retentions of dry matter and total carbohydrate on L-ANKC 1 and 2, fibre on L-and H-ANKC 2 and nitrogen, calcium and acid detergent fibre on all experimental diets compared to the retentions of chicks on the reference diet, only the chicks fed L-ANKC 2 were found to grow and utilise food as well as those on the reference diet. 4. The activities of serum alkaline phosphatase on H-ANKC 1 and alanine amino transferase on all test diets were depressed (P < 0.05), but the activity of serum aspartate amino transferase, total erythrocyte count and concentration of blood haemoglobin and urea were similar in all chicks. 5. No significant differences were noticed in the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the meat of chicks fed on the reference diet and on diets incorporating ANKC at the lower concentrations. Feeding ANKC protein did not impart any untoward taste as evaluated in pressure cooked meat by a semitrained panel on a 7 point Hedonic scale. 6. Except for duodenal and jejunal inflammation in chicks on both reference and test diets, all the vital organs were normal, ruling out any adverse affects caused by residual neem bitters. 7. Comparable performance and cost of chicks fed on the reference and L-ANKC 2 diets, warrants the utilisation of hitherto wasted protein-rich NKC after alkali treatment in broiler chick diets to spare peanut meal for human consumption in developing countries.