The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of broilers fed diets containing glycerol monolaurate (GML) in place of antimicrobials. Groups: T0 group ...used as control; T100, T200, and T300 groups received diets supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of GML, respectively. The feed mixture used in the poultry feed during the four phases of the production cycle (days 1 to 7; 8 to 21; 22 to 35; and 36 to 42 of birds age) showed similar levels of protein, lipid and ash, as well as fatty acid profiles. Samples of frozen breasts from chickens slaughtered at 42 days of age were used for chemical gross composition and fatty acid analysis. We observed lower lipid levels in the meat of broilers in the T200 and T300 groups than in the T0 group. Lower lipid peroxidation occurred in the meat of animals that consumed GML in respect to control. Total saturated fatty acid percentage was lower, while total polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage was higher in the meat of broilers fed GML than in the control group. We conclude that the increase in GML concentrations alters the lipid profile of broiler meat.
Lamb farming is generally a secondary activity for farmers, and many breeding systems suffer from management failures that impair production. One reason for decline in performance is enteritis, ...usually affecting newborn lambs. Enteritis can be fatal, especially in dairy herds. Generally, lambs are fed sucrose or unprocessed milk from sheep or cow that is heated and fed to animals two or three times a day in baby bottles. However, on most farms, milk temperature differs among feeds, as often the process of alteration among diet adaptations is deficient, contributing to enteritis and consequent diarrhea. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to verify the administration of the homeopathic product (Dia 100®) in newborn and bottle-fed lambs, in order to prevent or minimize the occurrence of diarrhea. We studied 60 lambs, divided into two groups with ten repetitions each (n = 30) and during the nursing period (1–45 days of life). Animals in the treated group received the homeopathic product (36 g) orally divided into three doses (1, 7 and 14 days of life). We measured weight gain, mortality, bacterial counts (Escherichia coli and total coliforms) in feces, hematological analysis (leukocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocytes) and biochemical analyses (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, urea and total protein) at four time-points. There were no differences in weight gain between groups (P > 0.05); however, there was a higher mortality rate in the control group (13%) than in the treated group (6%). E. coli counts were significantly higher in the stools of control group lambs on days 15 and 45 of the experiment (P < 0.05). Total leukocyte counts were greater in treated animals due to greater numbers of lymphocytes on day 15 of the experiment (P < 0.05). In the treated group, we found higher serum levels of total protein, urea (day 15), globulin and triglycerides (days 15 and 30). In the period of administration of the homeopathic product, there was substantial and significant reduction of cases of diarrhea (up to day 14); however, after this period, there were no difference between groups. Based on these results, we concluded that the homeopathic product had moderate efficacy in terms of control of diarrhea. The treated lambs made better use of nutrients, contributing to the development of their immune responses.
•Enteritis is a common problem in dairy lambs.•Antimicrobial therapy is used to control diarrhea, but often without efficacy.•New alternatives are needed to control enteritis in lambs, such as homeopathy.•Homeopathic product reduces the occurrence of diarrhea in newborn lambs.•Lambs treated with homeopathic products have higher levels of lymphocytes and globulins.
The aim of this study was to verify whether secnidazole, given in a single oral dose (10 mg/kg), decreases or eliminates the excretion of Giardia duodenalis cysts. Holstein calves were raised from ...birth to 15 ± 2 days of age in individual stalls. Subsequently, 12 calves were grouped and housed in collective stalls. After seven days (day of life 21), we collected stool samples directly from the rectal ampulla in order to determine the degree of parasitic infection. Fecal examination was performed by a centrifugal-flotation technique, which allows for visualization and quantification of G. duodenalis cysts. After division into control and treatment groups, six animals were treated with one 400 mg secnidazole capsule. The first stool collection following treatment was performed on day 5 and the second on day 30. This experiment was repeated at 15 days, with a total of 24 calves studied. Animals on the farm where the experiment was conducted often suffer from giardiasis, despite hygiene care (disinfection) and adequate facilities. All 24 calves were excreting G. duodenalis cysts prior to starting treatment. Five days after receiving the treatment, animals in the experiment group were Giardia-negative, i.e., they did not excrete parasite cysts, whereas calves in the control group continued to excrete cysts. After 30 days of treatment, the stool of most treated animals (83.3%) remained free of G. duodenalis cysts. Therefore, we believe that secnidazole was 100% effective in eliminating the excretion of Giardia duodenalis cysts.
•Giardiasis is an important parasitic disease in calves.•Secnidazole is 100% effective in the treatment of giardiasis in dairy heifers.•Drug eliminates the excretion of Giardia duodenalis cysts.•Effect persists for at least 30 days of secnidazole.
Bovine neonatal diarrhea is common due low immunity in newborn calves, poor management (or absence) of sanitary barriers, and other factors. Newborn calves with diarrhea in the first days of life ...suffer failure to thrive and may die if left untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prophylactic administration of a homeopathic product (Dia 100®) can control bovine neonatal diarrhea in calves born on a farm with substantial sanitary challenges. We counted total bacteria and protozoan parasites in fecal samples. We measured serum glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides on days 1, 7 and 14 of life. Twenty newborn calves were maintained in individual stalls, and were divided in two groups: ten untreated animals (control) and ten animals treated with Dia 100®. Fecal consistency was evaluated daily. We diagnosed diarrhea in five animals in the treated group, and in all animals from the control group. Infections with Escherichia coli and Giardia duodenalis were identified as the responsible organisms. The E. coli count was low in the treatment group on day 7 of life compared with the control group. Antibiotics were given to eight animals in the control group, and to two animals in the treatment group. On day of life 7, serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher in the control group, but were lower on day 14. Serum levels of glucose and triglycerides were greater in treated animals on days 7 and 14, suggesting that the homeopathic product contributes to improvement of intestinal health and absorption and nutrients. We conclude that Dia 100® controls diarrhea with 50% of efficacy, and reduces antibiotic utilization.
•Bovine neonatal diarrhea is common due low immunity in newborn calves.•Newborn calves with diarrhea in the first days of life suffer failure to thrive and may die if left untreated.•The homeopathic product Dia 100® was 50% effective in controlling bovine neonatal diarrhea.•The homeopathic product reduces the number of pathogenic bacteria in fecal samples.•The homeopathic product contribute to improvement of intestinal health, and favors nutrient absorption.
The immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties of selenium (Se), an essential trace element for animals, has increase its use because may prevent/or reduce the occurrence of infectious ...diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether Se and vitamins (A and E) applied via subcutaneous associated with secnidazole via oral exert positive effects in the antioxidant and immune systems, as well as whether prevent infections caused by protozoan and bacteria, and consequently, reduce the number of cases of diarrhea in heifers. Thirty-two newborn Holstein heifers were divided into two groups with sixteen animals each: the control group and the treated group that received sodium selenite (0.2 mg/kg) and vitamins A (35 mg/kg) and E (1 mg/kg) with one day of life, and a second application associated with secnidazole (400 mg/animal) on day 10 of life. Sample collection (blood and feces) were performed on days 1, 15, 30, 45 and 60 of life. Heifers from the treated group showed higher hematocrit values compared to the control group on day 60 of life, while total serum protein levels were higher on days 15 and 30. The ceruloplasmin (days 15, 30 and 60), IgG of heavy chain (days 15, 30, 45 and 60), IgG of light chain (days 45 and 60) and haptoglobin (days 15, 30, 45 and 60) were higher in the treated group compared to the control group. Serum levels of glucose decreased in treated animals on day 60 of life, while serum levels of albumin, triglycerides, urea, cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reactive oxygen species and glutathione S-transferase activity did not differ between groups. Secnidazole was able to prevent infections caused by Giardia duodenalis in the first few days of life, but no difference was observed between groups. Moreover, there was no difference on total bacteria count and the incidence of diarrhea between groups. No difference on weight gain was observed on day 60 of life, but on day 210 of life treated animals had higher weight gain compared to the control group. Based on these evidences, we concluded that the injectable application of Se and vitamins (A and E) associated to secnidazole can improve the immunological system, and consequently, favor animal's performance.
•Proper management of heifers is a crucial activity in milk farms.•Young animals are susceptible to various diseases, and therefore, prophylactic protocols are important.•Metaphylactic effect of sodium selenite and vitamins (A and E) associated to the oral treatment with secnidazole in calves.•Have positive effect on the antioxidant and immune systems in animals.•Prevents infections caused by protozoan and bacteria, and reduces the incidence of diarrhea in heifers.
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of copaiba oils (
Copaifera reticulata
and
Copaifera duckei
) on the health and performance of broiler chicks along with their anti-inflammatory ...activity. The experiment was performed in duplicate, using 60 chicks at a time. Groups were formed by broiler chicks fed with basal diet (control); basal diet and antibiotic (zinc bacitracin, 25 mg/kg of feed); basal diet and copaiba oil (0.15 mL/kg of feed); and basal diet and copaiba oil (0.30 mL/kg of feed) for 15 days. Sampling was performed on days 7 and 15 of life. Animals treated with 0.15 mL/kg of copaiba showed higher body weight (
p
< 0.05). The addition of copaiba oil in the diet caused a reduction in total leukocytes, mainly due to a reduction of lymphocytes (
p
< 0.001). Biochemical variables, such as total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and uric acid, did not differ between groups (
p
> 0.05); however, glucose and triglyceride levels were reduced on days 7 and 15 in animals that received copaiba oil, respectively (
p
< 0.05). No histopathological lesions were observed in the jejunum of all groups. Crypt and villus sizes were lower in animals treated with 0.15 mL/kg of copaiba oil. It is possible to conclude that copaiba vegetable oil at a dose of 0.15 mL/kg improved body weight gain and have anti-inflammatory effect.
