Diagnosis of avian hepatic disease

Preliminary Research on Dietary Supplementation of Potassium Magnesium Sulphate on Transport Stress in Finishing Pigs Prior to Slaughter

Transport stress prior to slaughter frequently induces a stress response, negatively affecting meat quality. This study investigated the impact of dietary potassium magnesium sulphate (PMS) supplementation during the fattening stage on the stress response and meat quality in finishing pigs subjected to transport stress. The experiment involved two phases. Initially, 48 finishing pigs (68.00 ± 0.40 kg) were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving a basal diet (CON) and a PMS-supplemented group receiving the basal diet with 0.50% PMS. Each group was housed in six pens, with four pigs per pen. After 60 days of feeding, in the second phase, two pigs from each pen were randomly selected for slaughter, with one pig subjected to a 4 h transportation stress prior to slaughter. Pigs were categorized into four treatment groups based on diet and stress: (1) control without transport stress, (2) control with transport stress, (3) PMS-supplemented without transport stress, and (4) PMS-supplemented with transport stress. Serum, jejunum, and longissimus thoracis muscle (LM) samples were collected. The results indicated that dietary PMS supplementation did not significantly affect growth performance during the fattening stage (p > 0.05). However, following transport, the PMS pigs showed a reduction in norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations (p = 0.09, p < 0.05) and a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PMS supplementation significantly increased serum catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p < 0.05), while significantly reducing cholesterol (CHO) levels (p < 0.05). Transport stress adversely affected the intestinal health of finishing pigs, as evidenced by a decrease in intestinal villus height (0.05 < p < 0.1), a condition ameliorated by PMS supplementation. Additionally, transported pigs exhibited a higher drip loss24h in LM (p < 0.05), which was also alleviated through PMS supplementation. In conclusion, PMS supplementation mitigates transport stress and improves meat quality in finishing pigs.

Effect of arginine, glycine + serine concentrations, and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in vegetable-based diets for chickens

The study investigated guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation with varying dietary digestible arginine (Arg) and glycine+serine (Gly+Ser) concentrations in the starter phase, exploring respective carry-over effects on growth performance, blood chemistry, incidence of pectoral myopathies and proximate composition in broilers. A total of 2,800 one-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed in a central composite design with 2 factors and double experimental mesh, represented by supplementation or omission of 0.6 g per kg of GAA, with a central point represented by 107% of Arg and 147% of Gly+Ser, 4 factorial points (combinations of Arg/Gly+Ser concentrations: 96.4/132.5%; 117.6/132.5%; 96.4/161.5%, and 117.6/132.5%), and 4 axial points (combinations of axial points estimated for Arg and Gly+Ser, with the central points of 92/147%; 122/147%; 107/126.5, and 107/167.5%), totaling 18 treatments, 4 repetitions to factorial and axial points, 24 replicates to the central point, and 25 birds per pen. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 1 to 10 had a linear response (P = 0.009) for the decreasing Arg content and a quadratic response (P = 0.047) for Gly+Ser concentrations. Broilers supplemented GAA had lower FCR compared with nonsupplemented groups from d 1 to 10 (P = 0.048) and d 1 to 42 (P = 0.026). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) exhibited increasing and decreasing linear effects as a function of Arg (P = 0.008) and Gly+Ser (P = 0.020) concentrations, respectively. Guanidinoacetic acid decreased serum AST (P = 0.028). Guanidinoacetic acid reduced moderate + severe (P = 0.039) and mild (P = 0.015) Wooden Breast scores. The occurrence of normal White Striping increased (P = 0.002), while severe score was reduced (P = 0.029) with GAA supplementation. In conclusion, increased digestible Arg:Lys and 14% and 6% above the recommendations (107% and 147%), respectively, provided improved FCR during the starter phase. Dietary GAA supplementation (0.6 g per kg) improved FCR, reduced severity of breast myopathies and appears to have reduced muscle damage in broilers fed plant-based diets.

Impacts of thyme and/or garlic oils on growth, immunity, antioxidant and net farm income in Damascus goats

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thyme and/or garlic oil administration on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant, biochemical parameters, and net farm income of Damascus goats. Forty weaned Damascus goats were allocated into four groups. The first group was the control without oral administration, while the 2nd (Th), 3rd (Gr), and 4th (ThGr) groups were orally administrated by (2 ml/goat/day) of thyme oil, garlic oil and their mixture (1:1), respectively during the whole experiment period. The final body weight of goats orally administered oil mixture was the heaviest group, it was 10, 4.5 and 3.5% than the control, Th. and Gr. groups, respectively with better feed conversion ratio and high net farm income. Goats of ThGr. group revealed the best immunity, antioxidant and general health condition than the control group with 50% reduction of MDA. Liver (AST, 33% and ALT, 38%) and kidney (creatinine, 88%) functions improved by oils mixtures orally administration compared with the control group. LDL, triglyceride and cholesterol were reduced by 47, 33 and 21% compared with the control group, respectively. Thus, mixture oil administration (thyme and garlic at the ratio of 1:1, 2 ml/goat/day) improved growth (10%), antioxidant status (MDA 50%), liver (AST, 33% and ALT, 38%), kidney function (creatinine, 88%), the FCR (17.4%) and net farm income (21%), of Damascus goats.

Radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters of the liver and spleen in healthy Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco, Müller 1976)

This study aimed to evaluate radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters based on grayscale ultrasound of the liver and spleen in healthy toco toucans. Fifteen adult toco toucans (Ramphastos toco), seven females and eight males, weighing approximately 650 g, were enrolled in the study. On the right lateral radiographic view, the liver was visualized in the midventral region of the coelomic cavity; ultrasonographically, the liver was located in the middle portion of the coelomic cavity in close relationship to the heart, and thoracic and abdominal air sacs. Two hepatic lobes were identified; the right lobe was larger than the left one. The spleen was visualized in 10 toco toucans on radiographs and only in eight toucans on ultrasound exams. The gallbladder was identified only on ultrasound. On the right lateral radiographic view, the spleen was visualized dorsal to the proventriculus and ventral to the lungs/air sacs as an oval shape. Ultrasonographically, the spleen was observed caudal to the liver, cranial to the proventriculus and craniodorsal to the ventriculus. There was no significant difference in spleen length for either radiographic or ultrasound measurements. The brightness intensity (BI) for mean gray level (G) and standard deviation of gray levels (SG ) in the liver were 101.315 (± 16.170) and 12.453 (± 2.616), respectively. Mean G and SG levels in the spleen were 63.940 (± 18.321) and 7.494 (± 3.595), respectively. In conclusion, the sonographic features and histogram parameters indicated that the liver is more echogenic and heterogeneous than the spleen, which must be considered for diagnosing alterations in these organs.

Potential impact of stocking density on growth, carcass traits, indicators of biochemical and oxidative stress and meat quality of different broiler breeds

The aim of the current study to investigate the potential impact of different stocking densities on growth performance, carcass traits, indicators of biochemical and oxidative stress and meat quality of Arbor Acres and Ross-308 broiler breeds to recommend the better stocking density with low production cost simultaneously with high quality. A total of 312 one-day old of each Arbor Acres broiler and Ross-308 were randomly classified into 3 experimental groups with different stocking density, each of 6 replicates. The first group (SD1) was 14 birds/m2 (28 kg/m2), while the second group (SD2) was 18 birds/m2 (36 kg/m2) and the third group (SD3) was 20 birds/m2 (40 kg/m2). The growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. SD3 group possessed the lowest body weight. Alanine transaminase in Arbor Acres was 15 and 14% higher in SD3 when compared with SD1 and SD2, respectively. While, was 21 and 20% of Ross-308, respectively. SD3 revealed the highest values of cholesterol, TG, MDA, and LDL of both breeds when compared with SD1 and SD2, with the lowest levels of HDL, GPX, and IGG. Birds of SD3 was the nastiest carcass weight 873 (P = 0.000) and 1,411.60 g (P = 0.000); dressing percentage 63.07 (P = 0.000) and 75.83% (P = 0.000); breast weight 513.10 g (P = 0.000) and 885.50g (P = 0.000); thigh weight 359.90 g (P = 0.000) and 526.08 g (P = 0.000) when compared with SD1 and SD2 of Arbor Acres and Ross-308, respectively. The dressing % of SD1 and SD2 was approximately 19% better than that of SD3 of Arbor Acres, while it was 4% of Ross-308. The cooking loss and drip loss of breast and thigh muscles were higher in SD3 of both breeds. Moreover, SD3 possessed the highest bacterial count. In conclusion birds reared in medium stocking density revealed better performance and welfare than high density but similar to low density. Therefore, from the economic point, medium density was the best.

Effects of phytobiotic feed additives on growth traits, blood biochemistry, and meat characteristics of broiler chickens exposed to Salmonella typhimurium

Because of concerns over the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, this study was designed to determine the effectiveness of phytobiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic use based on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. The effects of an antibiotic and 3 phytobiotic feed additives (PFA), Mix-Oil Mint (MO_mint), Mix-Oil Liquid (MO_liq), and Sangrovit Extra (Sang_ext), were compared. At day of age, 280 Ross chicks were randomly allocated into 6 treatments. At 15 d, all chicks except negative control were exposed to S. typhimurium. The offered 6 diets were as follows: T1, negative control; T2, infected with S. typhimurium; T3, infected + avilamycin (0.1 g/kg); T4, infected + MO_mint (0.2 g/kg); T5, infected + plant extract in liquid form MO_liq (0.25 mL/L); and T6, infected + Sang_ext (0.15 g/kg). During the cumulative starter period, PFA improved performance over that of the control, and the food conversion ratio (FCR) was lower for T3 and T5 compared with T1 (P < 0.05). During the cumulative finisher period (15–35 d), a lower body weight gain (P < 0.01) was observed in T2. T1 had the best FCR and production efficiency factor, but they were not significantly different from those of T3, T4, and T6 (P < 0.001). At 35 d, T1 and T4 had a higher breast percentage as compared with those of T2 (P < 0.05). Blood glucose decreased significantly (P > 0.05) in T2 and T5 compared with that in T1 and T4. Alanine transaminase concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in T4 and T5 compared with that in T1, T2, and T3. Treatments had significant effects on breast temperature and pH (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the myofibril fragmentation index occurred in T1 and T6. Hardness and chewiness were influenced by treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PFA could effectively compare with that of antibiotic avilamycin in the maintenance of growth performance and improvement in meat characteristics of broilers challenged with S. typhimurium.

Diagnostic value of plasma biochemistry, haematology, radiography and endoscopic visualisation for hepatic disease in psittacine birds

BACKGROUND

Hepatic disease in psittacine birds is common but challenging to diagnose. This retrospective study evaluates the diagnostic value of plasma biochemistry, haematology, radiography and endoscopic visualisation in psittaciforms with suspected hepatic disease that underwent endoscopic liver biopsy.

METHODS

Clinical records of 28 companion psittaciforms from a veterinary teaching hospital (2007-2016) were reviewed. Diagnostic results were categorised as abnormal or normal and compared with histopathology for agreement or disagreement. Statistical significance was determined by kappa test for agreement and McNemar's test for disagreement.

RESULTS

11 of 28 psittaciforms (39.3 per cent) had clinical signs considered specific for liver disease. 25 of 28 (89.3 per cent) psittaciforms had histopathological liver lesions. Gross changes radiographically and endoscopically agreed with histopathology in 57.1 per cent and 53.6 per cent of cases, respectively. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (48.1 per cent), creatine phosphokinase (73.1 per cent) and albumin by protein electrophoresis (50 per cent) showed the highest agreement. Kappa was not significant for any parameters, while McNemar's test for disagreement was significant for radiography, endoscopy, AST, lactate dehydrogenase, bile acid, total protein (chemistry), cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and glucose.

CONCLUSION

Overall, changes on plasma biochemistry, radiography or endoscopy are non-specific and do not consistently agree with histopathology results. Endoscopic liver biopsy is highly recommended if there is clinical suspicion of hepatic disease.

Feed processing effects on digestibility, palatability, excreta fermentation products and blood parameters in blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)†

Captive parrots show a high incidence of obesity and other metabolic disorders due to the consumption of unbalanced diets. Therefore, this study evaluated the digestibility and metabolic effects of transitioning blue-fronted amazons from a high fat diet (sunflower seeds) to processed diets with three degrees of starch gelatinization (SG). The same feed formulation was processed to obtain pelletized feed (PEL) at 27.1% SG; low-cooked extruded feed (EXT_L ) at 81.6% SG; and high-cooked extruded feed (EXT_H ) at 98.5% SG. Thirty adult parrots were fed sunflower seeds for 90 days, then were distributed in a completely randomized design with 10 repetitions per treatment, and fed one of the three prepared diets for 160 days. Feed palatability, apparent digestibility, excreta concentrations of volatile fatty acids, lactate and ammonia, initial and final radiographic examinations, blood cell counts and glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and uric acid levels were evaluated. The data were analysed by an analysis of variance and compared by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Sunflower seed was more digestible than processed feeds (p < 0.05). Diet processing interfered with fat and starch digestibility (p < 0.001), being higher in the PEL than in the EXT_H and EXT_L respectively. Transitioning from sunflower seeds to balanced diets reduced serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and AST (p < 0.05) and increased red blood cell, haemoglobin, lymphocyte, monocyte and leucocyte counts (p < 0.01). Radiographs indicated a decreased hourglass (p = 0.015) and a reduced heart-liver ratio after ingesting the processed feeds (p < 0.05). Feed processing did not affect blood cell counts, serum biochemistry or radiographic examinations. In conclusion, parrots preferred the extruded diet and did not require an extensive SG to properly digest the feed. Consuming the processed diets improved the birds' metabolism and health.

Microbiological identification and analysis of waterfowl livers collected from backyard farms in southern China

In total, 985 livers were collected from 275 backyard waterfowl farms distributed in seven provinces of southern China. The virus that was most commonly isolated was avian influenza virus, with a 12.1% positivity rate. Of the other positive samples, 10.6% tested positive for avian Tembusu virus, 6.8% for duck hepatitis A virus, 3.8% for duck plague virus, 3.4% for Muscovy duck parvovirus, 3.1% for goose parvovirus, 1.0% for mycoplasma and 0.9% for respiratory enteric orphan virus. The bacterium that was most commonly isolated was Escherichia coli, with a 47.1% positivity rate. This survey suggests that backyard waterfowl in southern China could be an important vector for the storage, variation, and transmission of various pathogens.

A high-throughput biliverdin assay using infrared fluorescence

Biliverdin is an intermediate of heme degradation with an established role in veterinary clinical diagnostics of liver-related diseases. The need for chromatographic assays has so far prevented its wider use in diagnostic laboratories. The current report describes a simple, fast, high-throughput, and inexpensive assay, based on the interaction of biliverdin with infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) that yields functional protein exhibiting infrared fluorescence. The assay is linear in the range of 0-10 µmol/l of biliverdin, has a limit of detection of 0.02 μmol/l, and has a limit of quantification of 0.03 µmol/l. The assay is accurate with relative error less than 0.15, and precise, with coefficient of variation less than 5% in the concentration range of 2-9 µmol/l of biliverdin. More than 95% of biliverdin was recovered from biological samples by simple dimethyl sulfoxide extraction. There was almost no interference by hemin, although bilirubin caused an increase in the biliverdin concentration, probably due to spontaneous oxidation of bilirubin to biliverdin. The newly developed biliverdin assay is appropriate for reliable quantification of large numbers of samples in veterinary medicine.

Diagnosis of mycobacterial infections in the exotic pet patient with emphasis on birds

The term “mycobacteriosis” encompasses a variety of infectious diseases of animals caused by bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium, which are chronic and debilitating diseases. More than 35 Mycobacterium spp can cause mycobacteriosis. The wide range of possible clinical signs and physical exam findings can make the antemortem diagnosis inconsistent and challenging. Proper sample collection and test modality in relation to the state of the disease process are essential. Clinicians can determine a presumptive diagnosis of mycobacteriosis, but the definitive etiologic diagnosis of mycobacteriosis relies on the correct identification of the mycobacteria through microbiological and molecular diagnostic methods.

Advanced diagnostic approaches and current management of avian hepatic disorders

Although the diagnosis of liver disease is common in avian patients, it is often based on subjective or inadequate evidence. Diagnosis of the inciting cause, determination of the severity of the tissue damage, and assessment of the remaining hepatobiliary function can be clinically challenging. A basic review of avian normal hepatic anatomy and function is included in this article as a foundation for further discussion of testing methods used to diagnose liver disease. Interpretation of abnormalities noted on the physical examination, clinical pathologic testing, and imaging studies in a patient with hepatic dysfunction are presented, and the methods of obtaining a hepatic biopsy are discussed. Therapies targeted at treating secondary complications of hepatic dysfunction and at supporting hepatocellular function and regeneration are also reviewed.