The study was conducted to investigate the effect of low metabolizable energy diets with normal or narrow metabolizable energy to crude protein ratios (ME:CP) on performance, carcass characteristics, body composition and blood parameters in broilers fed from 1 to 42 days of age. The chicks were divided into 7 groups. The birds were fed starter & grower diets. Seven experimental diets were formulated in each phase; one control and 6 tested diets. The control diet was formulated according to the NRC of poultry (1994) and the other six diets fed three different levels of low energy diets (2900, 2700 & 2500 kcal/kg; one level for each 2 groups). The first three tested groups named ''normal calorie-protein ratio” groups in which the CP decreased in proportion to the decrease in ME, keeping the normal NRC ratio. In the second three tested groups, termed “narrow calorie-protein ratio” groups, the dietary protein was kept at the NRC levels leading to ratios narrower than that of the NRC. Results showed that chicks fed low ME diets with normal energy to protein ratio had lower body weight and feed utilization efficiency than the chicks fed the control diets. While, birds fed the low ME diets with normal protein NRC-levels and narrow ratios had nearly equal weight and feed conversion to the control. The body composition and carcass characteristics were not affected by the dietary treatments. Moreover, the blood parameters had no significant variations among the groups, except for total protein, ALT and AST which had an increased response to decreased dietary energy density. In conclusion, decreasing the dietary ME level without decreasing the crude protein level was more efficient economically and had no any adverse effect on the performance. However, decreasing of dietary ME with normal ME:CP ratio resulted in decreased performance and low economic efficiency.

A total of 100 random muscle samples of Oreochromis niloticus, Claries lazera, imported Mugil cephalus and Scomber scombrus fish (25 of each) were collected from different markets in Fayoum City for determination of lead, cadmium, copper and mercury residual levels to ascertain whether these levels exceeded the prescribed legal limits. The mean mercury levelin the edible muscles tissues of fish species were ranged from below detectable level to 0.29 ppm in local fish and to 0.28 ppmin imported fish. The residual levels were not exceeded the prescribed legal limits of Commission Regulation (E.C). The highest mean levels of cadmium were recorded in Mackerel (0.119 ± 0.060, ppm) which exceeded the permitted values stipulated by Commission Regulation (E.C). Mostly samples in this study contained copper within of the general guideline limit for copper in food. The highest mean levels of lead were also recorded in Mackerel (0.477±0.073 ppm) which exceeded the permitted value stipulated by Commission Regulation (E.C). The results were evaluated according to International standards of WHO and EC and Provisional tolerable weekly intakes would also be used in this study to assess the relative safety of Fayoum fish markets.The public health significance of heavy metal residues in such fish was discussed.

Broiler chickens are frequently infected with Escherichia coli (E.coli), which often results in disease and high economic losses. Poultry of all ages are susceptible to infections with E.coli, but the most affected are birds of 4-5 weeks. In our study Serotypes O78 and O187 were chosen as they were the most prevalent isolated serotypes from diseased broiler chicken with respiratory affections specially CRD, one hundred chicks of different ages, sex and breeds (cobb, native, sasso) were used in this study. The samples were collected from privately owned poultry farms at EL Mina, Fayoum, Giza and Beni-Suef governorates, all sampled chicks showed clinical signs characteristic for E. coli affections including respiratory distress with or without diarrhea, Swabs from internal organs of 60 diseased chicks were subjected to bacterial examination. Out of 53 oxidase negative strains, 40 E. coli isolates were recovered, other Enterobacteriaceae including, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of 40 E.coli isolates, E. coli O78 was the most predominant serotype isolated (23) with an incidence of 57.5 % followed by E. coli O187 (12) isolates with an incidence of 30 % and E. coli O115 (5) isolates at percentage of 12.5%, The pre-prepared vaccine against E.coli serotype O used in this study was designed vaccine as it contains an E. coli strain that has been genetically-modified by the deletion of the aroA gene responsible for the biosynthesis of amino acids in the virulent E. coli parent strain (The GMO is named aroA- PTA-5094). The aroA gene-deleted vaccine can trigger a protective immunity in poultry against infection and disease from wild, virulent E. coli bacteria found in the environment. However, because the aroA gene is deleted, the live vaccine bacterium becomes a-virulent and unable to form a self-sustaining population since the vaccine strain has lost the capability to synthesize the amino acids necessary for its survival. The E. coli vaccine dosages were calculated according to a titer of 5.0x106 cfu per dose, one hundred one day old chicks were divided into 5 groups each one 20chicks,group 1, control negative and groups 4 and 5 control positive for serotype O78 and serotype O178 ,while group 2 vaccinated at one day and challenged with E.coli O78 at age of 25 day old, also group 3 vaccinated at 5 day old and challenged with E.coli O178 at age of 25 day old, Two findings, the average lesion scores of air sacs in the groups 4 and 5,four and 3 birds died in the positive control at two days post challenge with E. coli O78 and O178 respectively. The birds were found to have acute, severe septicemia and E. coli could be isolated from the livers. The mortality and morbidity rates of the birds vaccinated with E. coli aroA-live vaccine was great better significant difference from the positive control group showing no mortalities and low pathological picture. There were significant differences in the FCR among the 3 groups significantly less than those of the positive control groups; the body weight was higher in vaccinated groups. Our conclusion, vaccination improves health and FCR and ABW of broiler chicks

The present study was carried out in six provinces in both Egypt and Libya throughout the period from January to October 2014. These areas were (Beni-Suef, Ismailia, and Matrouh district) in Egypt and (Tripoli, Zliten, and Zawia district) in Libya. To assess the hygienic quality of underground water sources intended for animal and human drinking and detect the source of pollution. The physicochemical parameters as pH, alkalinity (mg/l), electrical conductivity (μS/cm), total hardness (mg/l), hardness Ca+2 (mg/l), hardness Mg+2 (mg/l), ammonia (mg/l), nitrite (NO2-) (mg/l), nitrate (NO3-) (mg/l) and some heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn and Mn) in the underground water were determined. A total of 60 water samples of the underground water were collected from dug wells. Samples were investigated for assessment the physicochemical quality of water destined for human and/or livestock consumption using appropriate instruments for the estimation of metals in the underground water using atomic absorption spectrometer. It has been revealed that a significant increase in mean values of alkalinity (P<0.001) in Ismailia district, Egypt and Zawia district, Libya. Meanwhile, the total hardness showed a significant increase in Tripoli, Zliten and Zawia districts of Libya (367.8±23.73, 345±17.20 and 330±20.19 mg/l, respectively). Mean values of lead (Pb) were higher in Tripoli and Zliten districts, Libya and Matrouh and Ismailia districts, Egypt (0.03±0.1, 0.02±0.3, 0.02±0.07 and 0.02±0.04, respectively). Meanwhile, mean values of cadmium (Cd) were the highest in the three Libyan districts (0.24± 0.003, 0.22±0.07 and 0.012±0.006 mg/l, respectively). In conclusion, the absence of unified system to monitor physicochemical parameters in ground water in the studied areas represented an important task in the evaluation of such water sources and subsequently causing an environmental risk for both animals and humans health.

The north-western part of South Africa, in particular, is well known for mineral imbalances. Aphosphorosis, resulting in rickets and osteomalacia, received a lot of attention at the turn of the nineteenth century (1882–1912). This was followed in 1997 by research on Vryburg hepatosis, another area-specific mineral imbalance–related disease in young calves reared on manganese-rich soil derived from the weathering of dolomitic (carbonate) rock formations. In 1982, a totally new syndrome (osteochondrosis) manifested in, amongst others, areas in South Africa where aphosphorosis was rife. Osteochondrosis was also identified in the south-western parts of Namibia as well as southern Botswana and other areas in South Africa. Osteochondrosis has a multifactorial aetiology and this study focused on the role of minerals, particularly phosphorus, in the development of the disease. A significant improvement in the clinical signs in experimental animals and a reduction of osteochondrosis occurred on farms where animals received bioavailable trace minerals and phosphorus as part of a balanced lick. An increase in the occurrence of the disease on farms during severe drought conditions in 2012–2013 prompted researchers to investigate the possible role of chronic metabolic acidosis in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Parasitic helminths of pigeons and turkeys are worldwide spread causing mortalities and considerable economic losses. Accordingly, intestinal tracts of omestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and domestic turkeys (Meleagris allopavo) were examined in Beni-Suef province, Egypt to detect their helminth fauna. A total of 740 intestinal samples from pigeons and 100 from turkeys were investigated during the period from June 2015 to May 2016. The overall prevalence of recovered helminths was 11.76% (87/740) in pigeons. The recovered species were identified as two trematodes, 5 cestodes and 4 nematodes. Digeneans were Brachylaima cribbi (1/740; 0.14%) and unidentified Brachylaima sp. (0.14%). Cestodal species were identified as Raillietina echinobothrida (33/740; 4.46%), Raillietina cesticillus (7/740; 0.95%), Raillietina tetragona (7/740; 0.95%), Cotugnia digonopora (5/740; 0.68%) and Hymenolepis carioca (2/740; 0.27%). Among cestodes, R. echinobothrida was the most predominant one. Recovered nematodal species were Ascaridia columbae (22/740; 3%), Subulura brumpti (6/740; 0.81%), Heterakis gallinarum (3/740; 0.41%) and Capillaria spp. (2/740; 0.27%). Ascaridia dissimilis was the only helminth species detected in turkeys (6/100; 6%). The highest prevalence of infection was seen in winter and summer. Tapeworms and round worms were highly prevalent at the summer. The recorded trematodal infection was found in winter. To the best of author's knowledge, adult Brachylaima spp. was first recorded from pigeons in Egypt. Veterinarians and workers of poultry industry must be aware towards the potential role of arthropods as vectors of such helminths among both domestic and wild birds.

Antimicrobial resistant Salmonella are among the leading causes of foodborne infections. Our aim was to determine Salmonella contamination during cattle slaughter in South African rural abattoirs (n = 23) and environmental samples. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance patterns of the Salmonella isolates were determined. Samples of cattle faeces (n = 400), carcass sponges (n = 100), intestinal contents (n = 62), hides (n = 67), and water from the abattoirs (n = 75) were investigated for Salmonella species using microbiological techniques and species-specific polymerase chain reaction targeting the invA gene. In total 92 Salmonella species isolates were recovered. The Salmonella mean frequency of occurrence on hides, carcasses, and intestinal contents was 35.37% (n = 81). Eleven faecal samples (2.75%) tested positive for Salmonella. The predominant serovar was Salmonella Enteritidis. Diverse serovars that were identified on carcasses were not necessarily found on the hides and intestinal contents. The inconsistent occurrence of the diverse Salmonella serovars on hides, carcasses, and intestinal contents implies that in addition to carriage on hides and in intestinal contents, other external factors also play an important role regarding carcass contamination. The 92 Salmonella were serotyped and tested for susceptibility towards the following antimicrobials: ampicillin, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, kanamycin, and oxytetracycline using the disk diffusion method. Most Salmonella (n = 66; 71.7%) isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial with highest resistance observed towards oxytetracycline (51.90%), which highlights the need for strict hygiene during slaughter and prudent antimicrobial use during animal production. In conclusion, cattle slaughtered in South African rural abattoirs harbour diverse Salmonella serovars that are resistant to antimicrobials, which could be a public health risk. The findings should assist policymakers with improving implementation of hygienic slaughter of cattle in rural abattoirs, which is paramount from socioeconomic, public health, and epidemiological standpoints. Keywords: Salmonella; Cattle; Rural abattoirs; slaughter; Multidrug resistance; Environmental samples

This work was designed to investigate effects of environmental enrichment during gestation on behaviour, physiology and brain histology of enriched and non-enriched offspring rats. A total of 30 female wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups; control and enriched groups. Offspring from prenatally enriched group were divided after weaning into two groups; one raised under standard condition (enriched group) and the other raised under enriched condition after weaning (E+EC group) from the day 23 to the day 35 postnatal. Observing neonates' behaviour, on the day 36 postnatal, rats subjected to behavioural tests. On the day 42 postnatal, blood samples were collected and brain samples were obtained for histopathology. Behavioural tests revealed significant (P<0.05) increased time spent in open arm, open arm entries and time in center in E+EC group and unprotected stretch attend posture (USAP) were significantly (P<0.01) increased in E+EC group. Freezing time in open field test was significantly (P<0.01) decreased in the enriched group, while grooming frequency was significantly (P<0.05) increased in prenatally and post weaning enriched rats group (E+EC). The corticosterone level was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in prenatally and post weaning enriched rats group (E+EC). The mean of tertiary processes of cytoplasmic processes in cross section of hippocampal region were significantly (P<0.05) increased in prenatally and post weaning enriched rats group (E+EC) group. In conclusion, providing experimental laboratory rats with physical enrichment tools in prenatal and postnatal life can improve their behavioural and physiological status reflecting on their welfare.

This study was carried out to detect the efficiency of different concentrations of medicinal herbal extract as decontaminant agent on broiler carcasses. Therefore, a total of twelve broiler carcasses treated with sumac extract (4% and 8% w/v) and rosemary extract (0.3% and 0.5% w/v) and stored at 0±1°C. All treated carcasses were sensory and microbiologically analyzed. It has been found that there were no changes in color and odor of treated carcasses, either by sumac extract (8% w/v) or rosemary extract (0.5% w/v), however, a reduction in the total bacterial count, coliforms count, E. coli count and Staphylococcus spp. count one/two log less than control samples and shelf-life of broiler carcasses was noticed and extended three to six days more than the control. From the present study, it could be concluded that sumac extract (8% w/v) and rosemary extract (0.5% w/v) are effective as broiler meat decontaminant and preservative.

OBJECTIVE To compare gene expression patterns of T cells in porcine colostrum and peripheral blood. ANIMALS 10 multiparous sows. PROCEDURES Cytotoxic and CD4-CD8 double-positive T cells were separated from porcine colostrum and peripheral blood. Total RNA was extracted. The cDNA prepared from RNA was amplified, labeled, fragmented, and competitively hybridized to DNA microarray slides. The DNA microarray data were validated by use of a real-time reverse-transcription PCR assay, and expression of the genes FOS, NFKBI, IFNG, CXCR6, CCR5, ITGB2, CCR7, and SELL was assessed. Finally, DNA microarray data were validated at the protein level by use of flow cytometry via expression of c-Fos and integrin β-2. RESULTS Evaluation of gene expression profiles indicated that in contrast to results for peripheral blood, numerous cell-signaling pathways might be activated in colostrum. Profile analysis also revealed that FOS and NFKBI (genes of transcription factors) were involved in most cell-signaling pathways and that expression of these genes was significantly higher in colostral T cells than in peripheral blood T cells. Furthermore, CCR7 and SELL (genes of T-cell differentiation markers) in colostral T cells had expression patterns extremely similar to those found in effector or effector memory T cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE All or most of the T cells in colostrum had an effector-like phenotype and thus were more activated than those in peripheral blood. This gene expression profile would enable T cells to migrate to mammary glands, be secreted in colostrum, and likely contribute to passive immunity provided by sows to newborn pigs.