Iwona Sembratowicz

10. The Effect of Chemically-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Performance and the Histology and Microbiological Profile of the Jejunum in Chickens

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse how per os application of hydrocolloids of silver nanoparticles (22 nm) and lipid-coated nanosilver hydrocolloids (5 nm) affect the microbiological status and morphology of the jejunum of broiler chickens and their growth performance. The experiment was conducted on 60 chickens. The first group was the control. The chickens in group II received a silver nanoparticle hydrocolloid (Ag-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day. The chickens in group III received a lipid-coated nanosilver hydrocolloid (AgL-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day. Samples of digesta were taken from the jejunum during dissection and the total numbers of fungi, aerobic bacteria and bacteria of the coli group were determined in the samples. Samples of the jejunum were also collected during dissection to determine the length of the villi and depth of the crypts. The silver nanoparticles had no effect on growth performance or the histological picture of the jejunum. An increase was noted in the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and a decrease in the number of coli group bacteria, which are facultative anaerobes, which indicates that the nanosilver had a selective effect on the microflora of the digestive tract in the chickens.

The potential of using plant antioxidants to stimulate antioxidant mechanisms in poultry

Due to exposure of animals to numerous stress-inducing factors and a high level of cellular metabolism resulting from the conditions and manner in which they are raised, destabilisation of the redox balance towards excessive activity of free radical species is a common phenomenon. Enhancing the antioxidant status of the animal organism by optimising the level and quality of feeding, and especially by supplementation with exogenous antioxidants, may be one essential and highly effective means of improving the health and thus the productivity of animals. Natural plant supplements in diets for poultry can be used to enhance antioxidant defence mechanisms and reduce the intensity of oxidation processes, which negatively affect the quality of poultry products, i.e. meat and eggs. Analysis of the available studies shows that antioxidant processes in the organism of birds can be stimulated via administration of extracted active compounds, among which the highest antioxidant activity is found in resveratrol, hesperidin, genistein, thymol and carvacrol, and herbs, for example from garlic, aloe vera, oregano and rosemary.

EffEct of an aloE prEparation and 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazinE on thE rEdox profilE of thE blood of turkEy hEns subjEctEd to strEss*

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether the introduction of stress affects corticosterone and malonyl dialdehyde levels and antioxidant indices of the blood of turkey hens, and whether additives used in conjunction with stress, such as aloe extract supplemented with trans-resveratrol and vitamin C or the amidrazone derivative 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine, can mitigate adverse changes that may occur in these parameters. The experiment was carried out on 360 turkey hens allocated randomly to 6 groups of 60 birds each. Groups C and C(+)stress were the control groups and did not receive any additive. Birds from groups A and A(+)stress were administered aloe extract with the addition of trans-resveratrol and vitamin C in the amount of 0.70 ml/kg body weight (BW)/ day. The turkey hens from groups T and T(+)stress received 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine in the amount of 30 μg/kg BW/day. Blood tests included determination of the content of corticosterone and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), total plasma antioxidant potential (FRAP) and vitamin C, as well as activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT ) and glutathione peroxidase (PGx). The blood serum samples were also analysed for levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The stress factors applied resulted in a significant increase in the level of corticosterone and MDA and in SOD and CAT activity in the blood plasma of the turkey hens. A significant decrease in the level of vitamin C and total plasma antioxidant potential were also recorded in the birds treated with stress. The aloe preparation supplemented with trans-resveratrol and vitamin C caused a significant increase in vitamin C, FRAP, Fe and Cu, and a decrease in the corticosterone and MDA levels in the blood plasma of the turkey hens, while in the blood plasma of birds treated with 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine a significant increase was noted in superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease in the malonyl dialdehyde level. In order to alleviate the negative effect of stress, supplementation of diets with aloe extract supplemented with resveratrol and vitamin C may be considered.

Influence of Synthesized 5-Oxo-l,2,4-Triazyne Derivative on Some Immunological and Hematological Indices of Turkey

Abstract Ognik, K. and Sembratowicz, I. 2009. Influence of synthesized 5-oxo-l,2,4-triazyne derivative on some immunological and hematological indices of Turkey. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 36: 235–237. To evaluate the influence of different rates of new synthesized 5-oxo-l,2,4-triazyne derivative on some nonspecific immune indices and hematological parameters of turkey hens, 6-week-old BUT-9 turkey hens were given this compound in drinking water. It did not affect the immune response of birds but at the rate of 30 μg/kg bw/day it caused an increase in Ht value and Hb value of turkey-hens.

Concentration of trace elements vs redox status in blood, liver, and muscles of turkey hens fed diets with the addition of soybean or linseed oil

Abstract The undertaken study aimed at analysing the effect of linseed oil used in diets for turkey hens on contents of pro- and antioxidants in their tissues. Additionally, correlations were analysed between the contents of these compounds in blood, liver, and muscles of the birds. The experiment was conducted on 240 one-week-old turkey hens reared until 16 weeks of age, randomly allocated into two feeding groups. Hens from the first group received soybean oil in their complete feed mixture, whereas linseed oil was the source of fat for turkey hens from the second group. The oil content of the diet was on the level appropriate for the period of feeding: Starter - 0.5%; Grower I - 1.0%, Grower II - 2.5%; Finisher I - 3%. The redox parameters were assayed in breast and thigh muscles, blood, and liver. Introduction of PUFA n-3 high linseed oil to a feed mixture contributed to the enhancement of lipid peroxidation processes, which was indicated by a significant increase in concentrations of H2O2 and malondialdehyde in muscles, and by an increase of superoxide dismutase activity and concentrations of vitamin C and minerals (Cu+2, Zn+2, Fe+2, Se+2). This points out the need of strengthening the antioxidative defence by the use of suitable antioxidants. The use of linseed oil as a feed material for turkey hens additionally contributed to changes in parameters determining the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). The increased FRAP values resulted from a significant increase in vitamin E level.

Evaluation of immunotropic activity of gold nanocolloid in chickens

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are one of the most examined nanomaterials, but information about their immunogenic potential is still insufficient. Understanding interaction of AuNPs with immune system is essential in designing their safety and possibilities of biomedical applications. An experiment was conducted to determine immunotropic activity of gold nanocolloid (AuNPs) administered orally to chickens depending on dose and duration time. 162 birds were assigned to 9 experimental groups of 18 birds each. The control group (C) did not receive AuNPs. Groups: T10.5, T11.0, T11.5, T12.0, received nano-gold in a rate of 0.5 mg/kg body weight/d, 1.0 mg/kg body weight/d, 1.5 mg/kg body weight/d and 2.0 mg/kg body weight/d in 8-14, 22-28 and 36-42 days of the life. The birds in groups T20.5, T21.0, T21.5, T22.0, received nano-gold in the same doses, but only in 8-10, 22-24 and 36-38 days of life. Phagocytic activity of leukocytes was determined in vitro using Staphylococcus aureus 209P strain, their respiratory burst activity was quantified by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test. Serum lysozyme content was determined by the turbidimetric method. The Wintrobe method was used to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Ceruloplasmin in the blood plasma was estimated by the p-phenylenediamine colorimetric method. The level of chicken immunoglobulins: IgA, IgM and IgY and interleukin IL-6 in the blood were determined using ELISA tests. The lowest dose of AuNPs, independently on duration time had no effect on immune parameters of chickens. In all other groups receiving nano-gold for a shorter period (T2), there was an increase in the respiratory burst activity of leukocytes and a drop in lysozyme activity in blood. The higher doses (1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg body weight/d) of the nano-gold administered for the longer time period had a pro-inflammatory effect, as indicated by an increase in the level of interleukin 6 and ceruloplasmin activity as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. They also contributed to an elevation of class IgA and IgY contents in blood. The results of the study revealed that the influence of nano-gold on immune response of chickens were dependent both on dose and duration time. Long lasting administration of higher doses of AuNPs contributed to adverse effect in form of inflammation response. To avoid the development of inflammatory reaction, administered dose of nano-gold should not exceed 1.0 mg/kg body weight/d.

The effect of administration of silver nanoparticles on the immune status of chickens

Abstract The purpose of the study was to verify the hypothesis that there are doses of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) that improve immune defence in chickens without compromising their health. To verify this hypothesis, an attempt was made to determine which doses of Ag-NPs (5 nm) consumed by chickens as a result of administration of hydrocolloids during varying time periods at a concentration of 5 or 10 mg Ag/l stimulate immune defence. The experiment was performed on 296 chickens assigned to 3 treatments. Chickens from the control treatment received drinking water without experimental additives. Chickens from the T-5 and T-10 treatments received a hydrocolloid of Ag-NPs at a concentration of 5 mg/l (treatment T-5) or 10 mg/l (treatment T-10) from their second week of life. Blood for analysis was collected at the age of 42 days from 8 birds per treatment. Ceruloplasmin (Cp), leukocyte count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin IL-6, immunoglobulins IgA, IgY, phagocytic cells (% PC), phagocytic index (PI), nitroblue tetrazolium reduction (NBT), and lysozyme content in the blood was determined. Application of Ag-NPs at a concentration of 5 mg/l or 10 mg/l in the dose range of 2.87-12.25 mg/bird (administration of Ag-NPs in concentration 5 mg/l in weeks: 2; 2 and 3; 2 and 4; 2 and 5; 2 and 6 or concentration 10 mg/l in week 2) resulted in an immunostimulatory effect expressed as an increase in heterophil respiratory burst and an increased concentration of lysozyme. Higher doses of Ag-NPs exerted a pro-inflammatory effect, as indicated by elevated levels of IL-6 and ceruloplasmin, as well as a high ESR. They also stimulated B lymphocytes to produce IgA and IgA immunoglobulins.

Effect of aloe preparation and 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine on mineral composition of tissues of turkey hens subjected to stress

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the influence of aloe preparation and 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine on mineral composition of muscles and liver of turkey hens under conditions of stress. Groups C and C (+)stress were control that did not receive any additive. Birds from groups A and A (+)stress were administered aloe preparation in a dose of 0.70 ml/kg (BW)/day. Turkey hens from groups T and T (+)stress received 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine in a dose of 30 μg/kg BW/day. The applied stress factors did not affect the mineral composition of the analysed tissues of turkey hens. Administration of 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine caused a significant decrease in iron concentration and an increase in zinc concentration in thigh muscles and liver. In turn, aloe preparation contributed to an increase in tissue levels of calcium (except for shank muscles), zinc (in leg muscles and liver) and copper (in thigh muscles). A decrease in iron concentration in leg muscles and liver in birds supplemented with aloe preparation was also determined.