A. L. Cartwright

Variations by Sex in Anatomical and Morphological Features of the Tongue of Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)

Tongue specimens were collected from 18 healthy adult Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) of both sexes. We measured and analyzed the whole, anterior, middle and posterior length and width of the tongue parts. The dorsal mucosal surface of each tongue was investigated by SEM. The length of whole tongue, widths at anterior and middle ends of its root showed significant differences between sexes. By gross morphology, the tongue showed 3 parts (anterior, middle and posterior). The anterior part represented 1 half of the tongue, while the 2 remaining parts comprised the other half. A clear median longitudinal groove was observed macroscopically along the forward half of the anterior region. The caudal part of the body had a central circular depression in front of giant conical papillae arranged in transverse row. On both sides of the tongue, cylindrical lingual papillae were compactly distributed and divided into anterior and posterior groups which increased in size and decreased in number caudally. By SEM, both giant conical and large cylindrical lingual papillae were lined with extensively modified mucosal surfaces that appeared as finger-like projections with scales. The tongue, which plays an important role in food intake in Egyptian geese, exhibited significant morphological variations in dorsal mucosal lining between sexes. Morphological observations recorded significant gender differences in total length and widths of the tongue at anterior and middle segments of its root.

Guar meal ameliorates Eimeria tenella infection in broiler chicks.

Guar meal contains relatively high levels of saponins, which are known to have antiprotozoal activity and may be effective against coccidiosis. A 2x2 factorial experiment investigated the impact of guar meal (0 or 5%) corn-soy-based starter broiler diets on chicks unchallenged or challenged with Eimeria tenella. At 1 day of age, 120 unsexed RossxRoss broiler chicks were randomly distributed among four treatment groups. Chicks were challenged with 5x10(3) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella in 0.5 ml at 10 days of age by oral gavage. Weekly body weight, body weight gains, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate were recorded for chicks fed from 0 to 21 days of age. Oocysts shed per gram feces were recorded from 6 to 10 days post-challenge. Results showed that challenged chicks fed 0% guar meal had significantly higher oocysts per gram shed in feces than the other groups. No significant differences among treatment groups in mortality rate were observed. Body weights of unchallenged and challenged chicks fed 0% guar meal were significantly higher than those fed 5% guar meal at 2 weeks of age. Results indicated that including 5% guar meal in the diet of chicks challenged with E. tenella decreased oocysts shed per gram feces and prevented bloody diarrhea, but without affects on body weight and feed conversion ratio at 11 days post-challenge.

Quantitative Measurement of Negligible Trypsin Inhibitor Activity and Nutrient Analysis of Guar Meal Fractions

A complete nutrient characterization of three possible products of guar bean processing does not apparently exist in the literature. Guar meal is a high-protein byproduct produced during extraction of galactomannan gum from the guar bean. During the extraction process, two fractions are produced (germ and hull). Germ and hull fractions are usually combined to form the marketed product, guar meal. Analyses characterized the nutrient, trypsin inhibitor, and galactomannan gum content of the three guar meal byproducts to determine which fraction is more valuable as an ingredient in poultry diets. Analyses indicated that the germ fraction is most appropriate for inclusion in poultry diets. Trypsin inhibitor activity previously reported as an antigrowth factor associated with guar meal was negligible and not considered to be a significant factor limiting its use in poultry feeds.

Guar Meal Diets as an Alternative Approach to Inducing Molt and Improving Salmonella Enteritidis Resistance in Late-Phase Laying Hens

Induced molting of laying hens is a practice used by commercial egg producers to increase the productive lifetime of their flock. However, the conventional method of inducing molt, which involves removal of feed, water, or both as well as a reduction in photoperiod to less than a natural day has drawn criticism due to animal welfare and food safety concerns. The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of diets containing high levels of guar meal (GM) in inducing molt and reducing susceptibility to Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in late-phase laying hens. Late-phase (68 wk old) Lohmann laying hens were either full-fed standard laying hen diets (nonmolted control), induced to molt by feed withdrawal, or full-fed standard laying hen diets containing 20% GM with or without 250 units/kg of mannanase Hemicell supplementation. On the fourth day of treatment, all hens were orally challenged with SE (1.65 x 10(7) cfu). Hens were killed and evaluated for Salmonella colonization and differences in organ weights 5 d postinoculation. Salmonella Enteritidis present in crop, liver, ovary, and cecal contents were significantly reduced by feeding GM with enzyme supplementation compared with feed withdrawal hens. No significant differences were observed in reproductive tract weights of molted groups, although a difference in liver weight was detected. Results indicate that feeding diets containing 20% GM are as effective as complete feed withdrawal with respect to inducing molt with the added benefit of improved resistance to Salmonella Enteritidis colonization and translocation.