BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) induced oxidative stress is known to suppress growth performance in broiler chickens. The current study was carried out in an attempt to describe the specific underlying mechanisms of such phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Pb-induced oxidative stress on performance, antioxidant status and behavioral responses of broiler chicken. METHODS: Eighty day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatment groups of 4 pen replicates, namely i) basal diet containing no lead supplement (control) and ii) basal diet containing 200 mg Pb/kg of diet. RESULTS: The results showed that addition of lead decreased body weight gain (p<0.01) and feed conversion ratio (p<0.01). Also, consumption of contaminated diet significantly increased MDA and H/L Ratio and significantly decreased SOD and GPx activity (p<0.01). Moreover, addition of 200 mg/kg diet significantly increased sitting pasture and aggression behavior and decreased feeding behavior (p<0.01).               CONCLUSIONS: Our data conclude that Pb-induced oxidative stress adversely suppressed feed conversion ratio and growth performance. The proposed underlying mechanism for such phenomenon is Pb-induced oxidative stress by impaired antioxidant status and feeding behavior decreased the growth performance.

peer reviewed

To study behavioral and cardiopulmonary characteristics of horses recovering from inhalation anesthesia, 6 nonmedicated horses were anesthetized under laboratory conditions on 3 different days, with either halothane or isoflurane in O2. Anesthesia was maintained at constant dose (1.5 times the minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]) of halothane in O2 for 1 hour (H1), halothane in O2 for 3 hours (H3), or isoflurane in O2 for 3 hours (13). The order of exposure was set up as a pair of Latin squares to account for horse and trial effects. Circulatory (arterial blood pressure and heart rate) and respiratory (frequency, PaCO2, PaO, pHa) variables were monitored during anesthesia and for as long as possible during the recovery period. End-tidal percentage of the inhaled agent was measured every 15 seconds by automated mass spectrometry, then by hand-sampling after horses started moving. Times of recovery events, including movement of the eyelids, ears, head, and limbs, head lift, chewing, swallowing, first sternal posture and stand attempts, and the number of sternal posture and stand attempts, were recorded. The washout curve or the ET ratio (end-tidal percentage of the inhaled agent at time t to end-tidal percentage of the inhaled agent at the time the anesthesia circuit was disconnected from the tracheal tube) plotted against time was similar for HI and H3. The slower, then faster (compared with halothane groups) washout curve of isoflurane was explainable by changes in respiratory frequency as horses awakened and by lower blood/gas solubility of isoflurane. The respiratory depressant effects of isoflurane were marked and were more progressive than those for halothane at the same 1.5 MAC dose. During the first 15 minutes of recovery, respiratory frequency for group-13 horses increased significantly (P < 0.05), compared with that for the halothane groups. For all groups, arterial blood pressure increased throughout the early recovery period and heart rate remained constant. Preanesthesia temperament of horses and the inhalation agent used did not influence the time of the early recovery events (movement of eyelids, ears, head, and limbs), except for head lift. For events that occurred at anesthetic end-tidal percentage < 0.20, or when horses were awake, temperament was the only factor that significantly influenced the nature of the recovery (chewing P = 0.04, extubation P = 0.001, first stand attempt P = 0.008, and standing P = 0.005). The quality of the recoveries did not differ significantly among groups (H1, H3, I3) or horses; however 5 of 6 horses recovering from the H1 exposure had ideal recovery. During recovery, the anesthetic end-tidal percentage did not differ significantly among groups. However, when concentrations were compared on the basis of anesthetic potency (ie, MAC multiple) a significantly (P < 0.05) lower MAC multiple of isoflurane was measured for the events ear movement, limb movement, head lift, and first attempt to sternal posture, compared with that for horses given halothane, indicating that isoflurane may be a more-potent sedative than halothane in these horses.

We studied 6 singly caged adult female rhesus monkeys to determine whether increased cage size had any effect on behavior or heart rate. Two monkeys at a time were placed in cages 40% larger than their standard cage for 1 week on 2 occasions, using a counter-balanced design. Direct behavioral observations were performed 75 minutes/week on each monkey. Heart rate and general activity were monitored 35 hours/week by a telemetry system. Statistically significant differences were not found in aggressive, submissive, abnormal, or self-abusive behavior, nor in time spent in the front half of the cage, duration of grooming, looking at the observer, or stereotyped or nonstereotyped locomotion. Vocalizations increased the first time in the larger cage, but not the second, and decreased upon the second return to the standard cage. Differences with respect to cage size were not found in heart rate or activity level, although there were significant variations at different times of day. We conclude that modest increases in cage size are unlikely to enrich the environment of singly caged laboratory primates.

Ixodes matopi, ecological study (microclimatic temperatures and relative humidities recorded in 4 habitats; seasonal and daily activity patterns; distribution of larvae, nymphs, and adults in different habitats)

Objective: This experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the housing system on the welfare and growth performance of the Muscovy duck. Materials and methods: A total number of 48 Muscovy duck aged 3-week old were divided ran¬domly into two groups (24 duck on each): deep litter system and cage system. Each group was subdivided into three replicates (8 birds on each) were identified with wing rings. Results: The study showed that feeding and drinking behaviors significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) in duck reared at the cage system. While there was no noticeable effect on lying and feather peck¬ing, duck raised in the deep litter had better growth performance with a substantial difference, which achieve a higher feed conversion rate with lower feed efficiency. Physical conditions were significantly better at cage management. The level of stress indicating hormones indicating free Thyroxin was increased with the cage. Therefore, the litter system improves duck welfare and their performance. Conclusion: It is concluded that the duck managed under the litter system has more opportunities that facilitate the expression of more natural behavior, and thus improve their health and perfor¬mance, as a result of improved feed conversion rate and feed efficiency. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(3.000): 407-413]

Objective: Lighting requirements of birds have to be considered for choosing the optimal light intensity. Therefore, the experiment was carried out to study the effects of the different light intensities on performance, welfare and behavior of turkey poults. Materials and Methods: A total of 81 turkey poults aging 3 weeks were randomly selected and divided into three equal groups. The birds were subjected for 3 different light intensities (5, 25 and 50 lux) with 12 h photoperiod in 3 separate rooms. The growth performance parameters of the poults were measured; the parameters were body weight (BW), average feed intake (FI), average body weight gain (ABWG), relative growth rate (RGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Besides, blood parameters and behavioral characters were observed. Results: Our results revealed that poults reared in low intensity (5 lux) had better performance (body weight gain, relative growth rate and feed intake). Also, final body weight was significantly higher in 5 lux. The cortisol level was lower in 5 lux than other 25 and 50 lux. Behavior of poults is affected by light intensities in our study, where feather preening, feather pecking and aggressive behaviors were significantly higher in birds housed in the highest intensity (50 lux). In the same way, drinking time was significantly higher in 25 lux. The poults tended to lay and rest on perches more under the lowest intensity (5 lux). Conclusion: It was concluded that, it is better to use moderate light intensity to improve previous parameters with avoiding abnormal behavior. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 18-23]

Objective: This study was carried out to study the influence of gender, neuter status, and training method on police dog narcotics olfaction performance, behavior, and welfare. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 German Shepherds aged 13 years were used for this study. The dogs were separated into two experiments. The first experiment (32 dogs and 28 bitches) was used to study the influence of gender on olfaction and smell to narcotics in police dog perfor¬mance and training methods with behavioral problems and welfare. The second experiment (30 dogs and 30 bitches) was used to study the influence of sexual status (entire or neutered) on the smelling of narcotics in police dog performance by comparing with intact dogs and bitches. Results: We found that there were significant differences in sex in training to detect narcotics. Male German Shepherds were found to be significantly more trainable than females. Neutering causes a difference in trainability in male and female dogs. Gonadectomy had adverse effects on training. The intact male and female German Shepherds were found to be significantly more train¬able than the neutered ones, and the reward-based method was found to be significantly more trainable than punishment. Dog training methods incorporated by punishment result in pain, suf¬fering, emotional instability, symptoms of depression, aggression, unwanted barking, growling at other people, not under control all time, less trainability, increased problematic behavior, and decreased dog welfare. Conclusion: Reward-based method is associated with lower lousy behavior and dogs with good behavior, such as, attachment attention behavior, dogs under the control of handler all times, higher trainability, less problematic behavior, and increased dog welfare. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 655-662]

The project is based on a test of a thoracic vibration vest prototype, adapted to equines by the Expector® vest’s company, on healthy animals. Ten (10) equines were used in the project, male or female, adults, healthy, belonging to FMVZUSP or private owners. Each animal went through two phases: A and B. Phase A consisted of the placement of the vest without turning on the vibrators, evaluating the animal’s acceptability, facility, adaptation to the animal’s body, and discomfort due to the vest’s use. Phase B included the placement of the vest and turning on the vibrators, evaluating the animal’s acceptability, reaction to the vibrators, and, if present, to which velocity/type of vibration, and the presence of adverse effects. Both phases were done three times on separate days. The behavioral parameters: “placement facility” and “adaptation to the animal’s body” were observed. In phase B, the response to the vibration was classified from 0 to 5. The answer was evaluated on low and high intensities for the four vibration types. The heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were also evaluated at the beginning and end of each repetition. The animals’ HR was kept on normal, except for one animal on one day of the test. Concerning the RR, most animals presented moments of tachypnea. On the experiment’s first day, 100% of grade Great to “facility of placement” and “adaptation to the animal’s body” was obtained, but on days 2 and 3 this value dropped to 90% due to alterations in one animal’s responses. Regarding vibration’s responses, 77.3% were evaluated as no discomfort (grade 0), 17.1% little discomfort (grade 1), 3.3% medium discomfort (grade 2), 0.4% great discomfort (grade 3), 0.21% extreme discomfort (grade 4), and 1.6% non-acceptance of the vest (grade 5). Some possible changes on the prototype were also verified to be suggested to the manufacturer, such as the change of the buckle and the use of wireless control. Vest use appears promising for equine respiratory physiotherapy, considering the acceptability was good, and its efficiency on the expectoration of diseased animals must be tested.

Thirty Brangus bulls were used in a 90-d study to assess the effect of artificial shading on the performance and reproductive characteristics of semi-confined cattle. Animals were kept in four one-ha paddocks in two groups of eight for shade treatment (5 m2/animal of 80% solar block shade cloth) and two groups of seven animals in no-shade treatment. Each treatment had two homogeneous groups, each divided into heavy-bulls (351-450 kg) and light-bulls (300-350 kg). Time spent under shade, time standing, average daily gain, testicular development and sperm quality were investigated. Animals spent 24% of the daylight under the shade and no-shaded bulls spent more time standing (P < 0.05). No difference was found in average daily gain (P > 0.05) and testicular development between shaded and no-shaded animals. However, scrotal perimeter was higher for shaded light animals compared to no-shaded light bulls (P < 0.10). Sperm motility increase during the experimental period for shaded animals (P < 0.05) and sperm abnormalities were higher for the shaded ones (P < 0.05). Although the results did not indicate pronounced benefits on cattle performance, this resource was an important alternative because it appears to provide an improvement in some reproductive parameters and ensure a better thermal comfort to the animals.