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Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad

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2002 - 20085
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Subject: Veterinary Physiology × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2001 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS ON GROWTH AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKEN
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) K. PREETHA; G. GIRISH VARMA
    The present experiment was aimed at investigating growth promoting and immunomodulating effects of Spirulina platensis in broiler chicken. Thirty two numbers of day-old broiler (Vencob strain) chicks were procured and reared in battery cages under standard management conditions up to sixth week of age. The birds were randomly divided into four groups, viz. GI, GII, GUI and GIV, having eight birds in each group. Birds in groups GI (control) were fed with standard broiler starter ration (from first to fourth week) and standard finisher ration (from fifth to sixth week). The experimental groups GII, GUI and GIV were fed with standard rations supplemented with Spirulina platensis at the rate of 0.50 per cent, 1.50 per cent and 3.00 per cent, respectively. Both control and experimental rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Birds were provided with ad libitum feed and clean drinking water throughout the experiment. Bodyweight of individual birds were recorded on day one, eight, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43. Blood was collected at fourth, fifth and sixth week of age and whole blood/plasma was used for further estimations. Estimation of total erythrocyte count (TEC), blood haemoglobin concentration (Hb), volume of packed red cells (VPRC), total leukocyte count (TEC), differential leukocyte count (DEC), and blood glucose was made using whole blood samples. Blood plasma was utilised for estimation of concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol. Erythrocytic indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC), heterophil: lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and albumin; globulin (A:G) ratio were calculated from the respective values. The data was analysed by Split plot analysis (Split on time) as suggested by Rangaswamy (1995). Bodyweight of Spirulina-fed birds (GII, GUI and GIV) were significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of control group throughout the experiment in an age and dose dependent way. Significant (P<0.01) age and dose dependent increase in TEC, Hb, VPRC, MCH and MCHC and decrease in MCV values were observed in Spirulina-fed groups, suggesting strong erythropoietic effect of Spirulina. Significant (P<0.01) age and dose dependent increase in total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and decrease in heterophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts were noticed in Spirulina-fed groups. Total leukocyte count was higher in Spirulina-fed birds, but without increase in heterophil count, ruling out the possibility of inflammatory responses. Additionally, reduced stress and more vigilant humoral immunity could be the implication. Also, Spirulina induced significantly (P< 0.01) more plasma albumin and plasma globulin, and thus, total plasma protein output in the recipients. Since the albumin: globulin (A:G) ratio did not change significantly, both these classes of proteins were equally promoted. This would mean a general boost up in plasma protein output by the liver as well as more immunoglobulin production by the lymphocytes. Increased number of lymphocytes in Spirulina-fed birds could be attributed to the higher plane of globulins in this experiment. Plasma lipid profile showed age and dose dependent lowering of total lipid, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL cholesterol in Spirulina-fed groups compared to control group, indicating that Spirulina would reduce lipid level, especially the 'undesirable' fractions, signifying the hypolipidaemic / lipolytic activity of the alga. The significant (P<0.01) hypoglycaemic effect of Spirulina supplementation in the present study may indicate an anti-diabetic effect, which may indicate, in turn, propensity to have more lean meat than fatty meat in the subjects. The growth-promoting and erythropoietic effects of Spirulina platensis in broiler chicken may indicate its effectiveness as a nutritional supplement, while the hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects may imply better consumer safety and desirability to the broiler meat, which intum, can potentially fetch premium price to the produce in the market.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF INDUCED STRESS AND ANTISTRESS AGENTS ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN BROILER CHICKEN
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SRINIVAS REDDY BELLUR; P.T. Philomina
    In modern poultry production system various factors name!}' floor space reduction, feed and water restriction, high environmental temperature, vaccination, medication, debeaking etc. have the potential to induce stress in poultry which results in poor performance as well as reduction m immune response as the nutrients normally utilized for growth and production are diverted to counteract the stress and survival. The study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the influence of induced stress and antistress agents (dietary ascorbic acid and Zeetress®) on various physiological, biochemical and production parameters in broiler chicken. Fiffy six numbers of day old broiler chicks (Vencob) procured from a commercial hatchery were reared in battery cages under the standard managemental conditions upto four weeks of age. Then they were randomly selected and divided into seven groups (G-1 to G-Vll) with eight birds per group. The birds in different groups were as follows: G-1 as the control, G-11 as floor space reduced group (33%), G-111 as floor space reduced group supplemented with Zeetress® @ 0.01%, G-IV as floor space reduced group supplemented with ascorbic acid xi 0.02%, G-V as j)0% feed restiictioii. G-Vl as 30% feed restriction with dietary supplementation of Zeetress® % 0.01% and G-Vll as 30% feed restriction with dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid @ 0.02%. The birds were maintained in battery cages under standard managemental conditions on broiler ration with the exception of flooi space reduction, feed restriction and incorporation of dietary antistiess agents. Produclion parameters such as weekly weight gain and teed efficienc) weie analyzed on weekly basis. Blood was collected with suitable anticoagulants, initially at fourth and then at sixth and eighth week of age. Whole blood was utilized tor analysis of haematological parameters, heterophil; lymphocyte (H:L.) ratio and milogcn induced lymphocyte proliferation test. Plasma was utilized tor biochemical analyses i.e. for protein profile, lipid profile and estimation of glucose, uric acid and cortisol. The data were statistically analysed by appropriate tests. The birds of G-V group showed significantly lower values of TEC, Hb. VPRC and TEC at sixth and eight week of age. The dietary supplementation oi Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups feed restiicted groups did not show any significant influence on the values of TEC, Elb, VPRC, ESR, TEC when compared to the birds of respective stress induced groups G-II and G-V. The birds of stress induced groups G-Il and G-V had lower lymphocyte count and higher heterophil and basophil count, higher 1 1:1. ratio and suppressed mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation (probably due to a rise in level of plasma corticosteroids as a result of stress response) when compared to birds of G-1 group, both at si.xth and eighth week of age. Dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in fioor space reduced groups and feed restricted groups elevated the lymphocyte counts, suppressed heterophil and basophil counts. 11:1. ratio and considerably improved the mitogen induced lymphoblastogenic response both at sixth and eighth week ot a a In the present study the birds ot G-11 and G-V group iiad no significaih variation in plasma protein profile and glucose levels but had increased plasm concentration of cortisol (probably due to stress induced adrenal hyper activit\ and decreased uric acid, when compared to birds of control group G-1. botli . sixth and eighth week of age. Dietary Zeetress® and ascorbic aci^l supplementation in floor space reduced groups and feed restricted groups showed a lower plasma concentration of cortisol both at sixth and eighth week of age, and significantly increased uric acid at eighth week of age. Dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups decreased plasma concentration of cholesterol both at sixth and eighth week of age and total lipids at sixth week of age. In birds of feed restricted G-V group plasma concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids were lower both at sixth and eighth week of age when compared to birds of control group G-I. The dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in feed restricted groups had no significant influence on plasma concentration of cholesterol both at sixth and eighth week of age. Mowcwi there was an increased concentration of triglycerides both at sixth and eightli week of age with significant increase in total lipids at eighth week of age. wiicn compared to birds of G-V group. There was no significant variation in body weight and weight gain ni birds in all floor space reduced groups compared to birds of control group (Xi-I > at all weeks of age with the exception of lower weight gain in G-Ill and G-l\ when compared to G-11 at eighth week of age. The body weight and weight gain in the birds of all feed restricted groups were lower when compared to birds of control group (G-I), at all weeks of age. A perusal of the overall feed efficiency from 5 to 8 weeks of age revealed that the birds of G-VI group supplemented with Zeetress® recorded a superior FE (2.22) whereas an inferior value of 2.59 was noted in G-V group without any dietary antistress agent. The control group recorded a FE of 2.29. Zeetress® supplementation improved overall FE in feed restricted group (G VI). On the other hand this advantage was not observed in floor space reduced group (G-III). Dietary ascorbic acid improved overall FE only in case of feed restricted group G-VII when compared to that of G-V group. However, in ilooi space reduced group (G-IV), ascorbic acid supplementation could not impiove the FE. The observations of the present study revealed that both feed restriction and floor space reduction resulted in some sort of chronic stress which led to variation in haematological and biochemical parameters, and impaired giowtli (in feed restricted groups). Analysis of TLC. DEC, mitogen induced lymphocyte blastogenic response and plasma cortisol values indicated that thcic was a marked level of immunosuppression in the stressed birds. 1 he magnilUUc of variation in most of these parameters was higher at sixth week oi age when compared to that of eighth week values indicating some sort ot habituation adaptation occurred upon chronic stress in the broiler chicken. 1 he antisliess agents — Zeetress® and ascorbic acid were equally effective in reversal of siic,-o induced alterations in haematological, biochemical and production parameteis.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF BLUE GREEN ALGA {Spirulina platensis) ON HAEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND FERTILITY PARAMETERS OF EGG TYPE MALE CHICKEN
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SETHU. C. NAiR; G. Girish Varma
    Enhancemenl of lotai production without compromising aspects of wholesomeness and subject /consumer enx ironmeniai saielN ot the produce forms the new challenge of Indian pouitiA industiA . Since nutrition is the single largest external factor affecting performance of the stock and accounting lion share of the input cost, nutritional manipulations ha\ e \\ idel>- been usea to take up this challenge. Especially m the uake of set backs from potential residual hazards of anabolic steroids used as gnnMh promoting feed additnes. use ol certain blue green algae as dietaix supplement offers more innocuous organic alternatives, for being safe to the subject, consumers and eiiMronmeni. Owing to their success in human health uith anabolic and therapeutic effects cyanobacteria, the blue green algae, are being tried m in estock/poultrc' production as well. Spirulina is rich in protein. Mtamins and proMtamins such as carotenoids, and minerals. Protein from spirulina is believed to be highly digestible due to the lack of a cell nail; it contains 18 ammo acids, major ones being Ivsine. arginine. threonine. methion.ne and phem lalanine. High lec els of arginine is normallv belieced to be insuiinogemc. indirecth througn stimulation of urowth hormone secretion The present stride forms part ol an exploration of grouth promoting and fertilite' augmenting aspects of one of the popular species ol blue green algae. Sniniiinu pkiicnsis. eneisagmg exaiuation of us influence on haemaioiogicai. biochemical and feriihu parameters ol' .Ausira-nhiie male chicken, nhen usea as a dietaiA supplement. l"hirtv-tno numbers of eight-neek-old Austra-wlute male chickens were reared under standard management conditions in batten cages m Department of Piwsiologv. Eoilege Of \ eterinan and Animal Sciences. The birds were selected randomh and diMued into two groups. G 1 (control) and G 11 (spirulina supplemented) comprising of sixteen birds in each. Birds ol gioup G 1were solcK' led uidi standard la^c^ rat,on and ionncd lite controls nt ttte experiment while birds of G II group uere fed ia^er ration uith dietarc supplementation of Spimlma plaicnsis at the level of 2.o /<. ol feed. Both ratio •ere made isocaloric and isomtrogenous Feed and water were prowded to birdsw ud libitum Body weight of the birds was taken at monthlv intervals front initial period (eight week of age) to thirt>-two weeks of age. Blood was collected at monthly intervals from third to eighth months of age. Estimation ol haematological parameters comprised total er>throc>te count (TEC), haemoglobm content (Hh), volume of packed red cells (VPRC). eivthrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocvte count (TEC). Ervthrocvtic indices were calculated from the estimated t alues of TEC. Hb and VPRC, Biochemical profile of plasma included estimation of total protein, albumin, globulin. alDumin globulin (A: 0) ratio (protein profile), cholesterol, triglvcendes. total lipids (hpid profile), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and bilinibin at monthly intervals from third to eighth month. Plasma antioxidant status was assessed by estimating catalase enzyme activitv' and lipid peroxidation letel. Semen was collected at twentyfou'rtlt, twenty-eighth and thirty-second ^^eeks of age. Semen evaluation was done by observing the motility. mass acliMl)'. semen volume, methclene blue reduction time (ivlBRT). percentage of in e sperms (differential staining and hypo osmolarit>' swelling) and heat and cold shock resistance tests in the collected semen samples. Birds were sacrificed at thirt> -lwo weeks of age and the relative oruan weight of Iwer. spleen, pancreas turd testes was estimated, Lipiu pemxidaiion level of homogenized samples of liver, spleen, pancreas and testes uere also estimated The data were stat.sl.cailv anah sed using appropriate tests, BodN weight of birds fed with spiruiina (G 11 group) was signiticantly higher when comptired to control (G I group), Reltiln e organ weight also showed a significanlK higher relative weight lor spleen, paircreas and testes. The birds of G 11 group [Spiruima piatcmis- fed) showed a significanth nigner ralues ol TEC- Hb concentration. VPRC and flA compared to control (G 1 group) birds. The value of ESR u;is sigmncaulh loner for the spirulina let! group Plainia protein profile indicated a significant higher concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin levels tn spirulttiahed group Plasma Itpid profile had a lorv total lip.d and cholesterol level tn sptrultna fed birds of G II group nhen compared to the controls tn G i group However, the trtglvcertde levels was significantly higher for spirulina fed birds (G II groupl Plasma concentrations of BUN and bilirubin were also significantiv higher for G II group. The results indicated a strong haematopoiet.c elTect of spirulina and its usefulness as a protein rich nutntional supplement for poultiA Plasma amioxidant activity was significantly higher for G 11 group in the sense that the spirulina fed group showed .an increased blood calalase activity and a decreased plasma lipid peroxidation levels Estimation of peroxidation level in homogenised samples of liver and testes also had a significantiv lower peroxidation level in birds of G II group Results underlined the strong antioxidant capacity of spirulina. Semen evaluation studies revealed a significantly htgher semen volume, motility, and percentage of live sperms in semen samples from birds of G 11 group (spirulina fed) when compared to G I group Semen samples from O II group also showed a significantly low er melhv lene blue reduction time compared io G 1 group Heat and cold shock resistance lest failed to show any significant difference between lire two groups Results indicated the fertilitv augmenting properly ol spirulina. The present sttidv is consistent with earlier reports of growth promoting and ervthropoielic effects of spirulina Free radical scavenging ellect of this species 01 iilga has caused a marked increase in ihe amioxidanl slams of the subiecls. congiuen. vv iih earlier findings .Vdduionailv. ihis is .he iirsl publication ,0 repon indicalions of a fenflilv augmenling elTecl of this alga m male birds How ever, coifiirinanon of lire laue, effec. needs funhe, invesligalion, prelerab.v With inseminaiion studies.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    HYPOGLYCAEMIC EFFICACY OF SCOPARIA DUiaS AND COSTUS SPECIES IN ALBINO RATS
    (College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy., 2005) BALAJI, S.; Dr.K.P.Sreekuniar
    The prcscnl study was undertaken to assess the h_\poglyeaeiTiie aetivitv of aqueous and aleoholie extraet of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictiis 'w 5()0mg/kg bod\ weight orally in alloxan indueed diabetic rats and also in combination and to compare their erficacy with a standard oral hypoglycaemic drug, glibenclamide. 1 he experiment v\as conducted in seventy-two male Sprague-Dawle> rats for a period of bOdays. with eight animals in each grimp ((iroup 1 to IX), (iroup 1 ser\ed as normal control and Group 11 is diabetic contrcd, Aquecuis leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Cosliis picliis 'd) 500 mg/kg b.w orally were giv en to Group 111 and IV, respectively for 60 days. Group V and VI were given alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus picius fa) 500 mg/kg b.w orally. respccli\cl\ for 60 dav s. Group VII and Vlll received combination of aqueous and alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus a 500 mg/kg b.w oralK. respectively for 60 days. Glibenclamide @ 0.5mg/animal/day was fed to (iroup IX. Body weight was recorded and RBC, WBC, total haemoglobin and glvcosylated haemoglobin content were estimated on zero day, 7"\ 14''\ 28''\ 56"'. and 6()"' day of the experiment. Plasma glucose, plasma total lipids. plasma total cholesterol, trigUcerides, plasma MDL-C, plasma total protein, plasma albumin, plasma Al/f and AST were also estimated. The liver glvcogen and plasma ctppcr. iron and zinc content were estimated at the end of the experimental period. Body weight was gradually increased during the experimental period in all treated group except the diabetic control, which showed a significant (psO.OOl ) reduction in bod> weight. The RBC and WBC values did not show any significant change during the entire course of the experiment and maintained a normal lev el. I he total haemoglobin content was increased in the animals treated with combination of alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus by two months of experiment. Glycosylated haemoglobin level also significantlv decreased in all Ihe treatment groups, which is comparable to that of the animals treated with glibenclamide. The animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract ol' Scopariu Jii/cis produced a marked reduction in plasma glucose level, which was higher than the reduction produced by the animals treated with glibenclamide at the end ol the experiment. The plasma total lipids and plasma total cholesterol content w ere markedl) reduced in the animals treated with a combination of alcoholic leaf extract ol Scoparia dulcis and Costus picliis, which is comparable to that pn)duced b\ glibenclamide treated group. The plasma triglyccride. plasma LDl.-C and VI.1)1, C lew el were markedly reduced in the animals treated with alcoholic leal extract ol Scoparia dulcis.. The 111)L-C le\el was increased in ihe animals treated with combination of alcoholic leaf extract oi Scoparia dulcis and C'osius piciiis than the animals treated w ith glibenclamide. 1 he plasma total protein and albumin content was increased in the tinimals treated with aqueous leaf extract o( Costus piclus. I he globulin content and A.'C, ratio was increased in the animals treated with a combination of aqueous leal extract oi'Scoparia dulcis and Coslus piclus. The liver en/ymes such as ALT and AS f were reduced in the animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis. The liver glycogen content was increased in animals treated with alcoholic leal extract ol Coslus piclus. which is comparable to that ol animals treated with alcoholic leal extiiiet ol Scoparia dulcis. 1 he plasma copper and iron content did not show any change but the /inc content was increased in all the treated groups than the diabetic control animals.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EVALUATION OF CERTAIN METABOLIC AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN CROSSBRED CALVES FED WITH RUMEN UNDEGRADABLE SOYABEAN MEAL
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2002) YUVARAJN., N.; Ramnath, V.
    Protecting niminal feed proteins by formaldehyde treatment decreased their solubility and degradation in the rumen, eventually resulted in an increased availability of post-ruminal amino acids and this could be exploited for enhancing the growth rate of young ruminants as crossbred calves. Post natal growth in ruminants is chiefly influenced by the metabolic hormones, whose secretions are, in tum, regulated by the circulating levels of critical amino acids. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine and correlate the levels of certain metabolic hormones and other related haematological cum biochemical parameters in growing crossbred calves, fed with concentrate ration supplemented with untreated and formaldehyde treated soyabean meal. Twelve numbers of female crossbred calves of six months of age of the University Livestock Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were divided in to two groups, viz.. Group I and Group II, with six calves in each group. One third of the quantity of concentrate ration to be given to each animal was replaced by raw soyabean meal (solvent extracted) in animals of Group I and 1% formaldehyde treated soyabean meal in animals of Group II, during the experimental period of 90 days (180 to 270 d of age). Drinking water and roughage were provided ad libitum. All the animals were maintained under standard managemental conditions. Fortnightly body weight of all the animals were recorded during the entire period of study. Blood samples were collected from all animals of both groups at the initial phase of experiment (180 d), thereafter on every 14 days as well as one month after the end of the experiment (300 d). The blood samples were analysed for blood glucose level (BGL) and haematological parameters like haemoglobin content, total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count, volume of packed red blood corpuscles and erythrocytic indices using standard procedures. The serum was subjected for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NETA), urea nitrogen, creatinine and bilirubin employing commercial kits. Hormonal traits like thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and insulin were also evaluated using radioimmuno assays. On analysing the proximate principles of various concentrates, it was found that both the groups received increased dietary protein intake and particularly animals of Group II, through protected proteins. Animals of Group II recorded a higher daily weight gain of 352.731 g/animal/day in comparison to 327.460 g/animal/day of animals of Group I. The haematological parameters screened revealed a persistently increasing trend, with non-significant differences between groups. This upstream trend may be associated with an increased body weight gam of the animals and hence, with an increased requirement. Serum concentrations of total protein and albumin pursued an increasing trend in both groups with non significant differences between them. This signified the elevated protein status of the animals with positive nitrogen balance. Moreover, there appears to be a direct correlation between albumin turn-over and body size (Kaneko et al, 1997). Serum globulin concentration revealed fluctuating yet an increasing trend in calves of both groups, suggesting an increased hepatic synthesis of a and p portions of globulins. A continuous upstream trend was evident in serum total lipids, cholesterol content and triglycerides concentration of calves of both the groups during the trial period, indicating an increased requirement of these constituents as membrane constituents and as energy reserve, for the build up of body size and weight. Increased insulin release stimulated by increased availability of post ruminal amino acids would have favoured an increased triglycerides synthesis. Decreasing trend in serum NEFA status of both the groups signified the reduced lipolysis for energy purpose with increased dietary protein intake. Blood glucose level of calves of both groups revealed a pertinent increasing trend, elaborating the increased energy demands for the enhanced growth process. An increasing trend in serum urea nitrogen concentrations observed in calves of both the groups might be due to deammation and conversion into urea of excess protein in calves of both groups fed over and above the actual requirement. Serum levels of creatinine and bilirubin in both groups of animals showed a decreasing trend which may be attributed to the fine balance in their level by increased protein supplementation. Serum concentrations of hormones as T4, T3 and insulin exhibited an increasing trend in calves of both the groups. Increasing trend in insulin concentration demonstrated a positive relationship between amino acid absorption and insulin release and might have promoted protein anabolism resulting in an increased body size with positive nitrogen balance. The increased metabolic demand for oxygen associated with the increased body size might have resulted in an increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, with significant (p<0.05) differences between groups. The fluctuating T4:T3 ratios in both the groups corresponded to the episodic release of the hormones. Results of the present study substantiate that increased dietary proteins had brought about elevated protein anabolism and associated haematological, biochemical and hormonal changes in growing crossbred calves offered with concentrate ration supplemented with rumen protected soyabean meal and this was certainly having an advantage in the crossbred calves over the calves provided with increased rumen degradable proteins. Since protein supplements are generally the most expensive ingredients in ruminant rations, thus there is an interest in maximizing their utilization. (h 0