Thai Journal of Agricultural Science

An implication of apple cider vinegar administration on the hematology, serum biochemistry, and liver histology of broiler chickens

M.O. Abatan — 2023-10-27

Background and Objectives: Organic acids (OA) have been discovered to possess antimicrobial properties, thus resulting in growth improvement in animals. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains a blend of OAs in addition to its vitamins and minerals constituent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intermittent usage of ACV as an alternative growth promoter on the hematology, serum biochemistry, and liver histology of broiler chickens.
Methodology: In a 6-week study, 300 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 6 treatments of 50 birds, which were replicated 5 times to contain 10 birds per replicate; this was arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial layouts using a completely randomized design. Birds in 4 treatments were offered graded doses of ACV in their water (5 or 10 mL/L) for either 2 or 3 consecutive days/week, while the birds in the 2 control treatments were administered antibiotics (enrofloxacin).
Main Results: All hematological parameters measured were not significant except the heterophil, which increased with increased dosages of ACV. From the interactive effect of dosage and frequency of administration of ACV, the highest and lowest values of heterophil were obtained from birds offered 10 mL/L ACV thrice weekly and 5 mL/L ACV thrice weekly, respectively. Among the serum parameters, aspartate aminotransferase significantly reduced with a higher administration frequency of ACV, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was higher in birds given ACV twice (30.70 ± 3.83 U/L) and thrice weekly (31.15 ± 3.83 U/L) compared to birds on antibiotics (15.10 ± 3.85 U/L). Also, the interactive effect of dosage and frequency of administration of ACV showed that birds offered 10 mL/L ACV twice weekly (37.40 ± 5.41 U/L), and one of the groups offered antibiotics (14.60 ± 5.41 U/L) had the highest and lowest ALT values, respectively. Creatinine level was not significant across all treatments. Results of the liver histology revealed that birds offered 10 mL/L ACV had slight necrosis of the hepatocytes and liver parenchyma.
Conclusions: This study discovered that ACV, an organic growth promoter, should be used at a lower dose and in discontinuous frequency for broiler chickens to prevent possible negative impacts on their liver.

Growth performance and physiological response of rabbit bucks to oral administration of white radish juice in a hot humid environment

B.C. Majekodunmi — 2023-10-27

Background and Objectives: White radish root is rich in phytochemicals with high antioxidant properties, which are needed for the amelioration of heat stress in tropical rabbit production. This study investigated the effect of oral administration of white radish root juice (WRRJ) on growth performance, physiological response, and blood profile of rabbit bucks in a hot humid environment.
Methodology: Eighteen rabbit bucks were randomly allotted into 3 treatments of 6 bucks per treatment: 0 mL of WRRJ (control), 5 mL of WRRJ, and 10 mL of WRRJ, in an 8-week experiment. Data were collected on feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and ear temperature (ET) were measured using standard procedures. Blood samples were collected for hematology and selected serum biochemical analysis.
Main Results: The FI, BWG, and FCR were similar (P > 0.05) among the treatments. Range of values obtained for RT (38.3 ± 0.30 to 39.6 ± 0.21 °C), RR (171.5 ± 5.83 to 236.0 ± 2.39 breaths/min), HR (149.0 ± 3.84 to 176.0 ± 7.48 beats/min) and ET (35.5 ± 0.76 to 37.9 ± 0.86 °C) were statistically (P > 0.05) similar among the treatments. However, in the 7^th week of the experiment, RT of bucks given 10 mL WRRJ (39.6 ± 0.21 °C) was higher (P < 0.05) than RT of bucks on 5 mL WRRJ (38.5 ± 0.36 °C). No significant (P > 0.05) variation was observed in the hematological parameters and serum biochemical indices among the treatments except in the total protein of rabbits on 10 mL WRRJ (5.3 ± 0.25 g/dL), which differ significantly (P < 0.05) from 7.0 ± 0.24 g/dL (5 mL WRRJ) but similar to 6.5 ± 0.07 g/dL (control) at the onset of the experiment. The heterophil lymphocyte ratio of 0.48 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.05, and 0.36 ± 0.05 were observed for the control, 5, and 10 mL WRRJ treatments, respectively at the 8^th week of the experiment.
Conclusion: Administration of WRRJ at 5 and 10 mL twice weekly offered no significant antioxidant effect on the growth performance, physiological response, and blood profile of rabbit bucks.

Relative growth, blood profiles, antioxidant status and electrolyte balance of broilers fed high monosodium glutamate supplemented with ginger (Zingiber officinale) meal

O.J. Olarotimi — 2023-10-27

Background and Objectives: The potential of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in enhancing feed palatability has been studied. However, it may cause growth and physiological imbalances in animals. In contrast, herbal additives, like ginger rhizome meal (GRM), rich in bioactive compounds, act as antioxidants to mitigate nutritional-induced oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the ameliorative effects of GRM on broilers fed diets with high MSG inclusion on growth, blood profile, serum antioxidant status, and electrolyte balance.
Methodology: Three hundred sixty (360) day-old chicks were equally divided into 4 groups: A (Basal diet), B (Basal + 1.25 g MSG/kg diet), C (Diet B + 1.25 g GRM/kg diet), and D (Diet B + 2.50 g GRM/kg diet), with 6 replications containing 15 birds each (90 birds/diet). Experimental diets and water were provided ad libitum for 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Main Results: Average weekly weight gain (g/bird/week) significantly increased (P < 0.05) in diets B (272.71 ± 1.75), C (295.31 ± 2.33), and D (311.10 ± 4.67) compared to the control (244.27 ± 0.96). Diet B showed a higher mortality rate (18.89 ± 2.22%) than diets A (11.56 ± 0.73%), C (7.67 ± 0.00%), and D (5.00 ± 0.96%). Hematological and serum biochemical indices were adversely affected by diet B (P < 0.05). Serum antioxidative enzymes decreased (P < 0.05) in diet B, while serum potassium and sodium were unaffected (P > 0.05). Serum chloride concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) in diet B.
Conclusions: The inclusion of MSG at 1.25 g/kg with 1.25 to 2.50 g GRM/kg diet enhanced the growth rate without compromising the health status of the birds.

Effect of harvesting age and drying methods on essential oil yield of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves in Wondo Genet, Ethiopia

A.A. Melese — 2023-10-27

Background and Objectives: Rosmarinus officinalis L. is extensively used in Ethiopian cuisine for flavoring dishes like roasted meats and spice blends. This study aimed to analyze how harvesting age and drying methods affect the essential oil content of rosemary leaves.
Methodology: Employing a 3 × 4 factorial design with 3 replications, this research explored the effects of harvesting age and drying methods on extracted essential oil yields from rosemary leaves. Data underwent a two-way ANOVA analysis using SAS software, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.
Main Results: Harvesting age, drying methods, and their interactions significantly impacted rosemary leaf essential oil content (P < 0.05). Leaves harvested at 6 months after transplanting (MAT) exhibited the lowest essential oil content volume per weight (EOCV/W) for both fresh (0.55 ± 0.21%) and dry (1.34 ± 0.52%) leaves, as well as essential oil content weight per weight (EOCW/W) for fresh (0.50 ± 0.17%) and dry (1.22 ± 0.43%) leaves. Leaves collected at 12 MAT displayed the highest EOCV/W (fresh: 0.96 ± 0.27%; dry: 2.29 ± 0.69%) and EOCW/W (fresh: 0.84 ± 0.24%; dry: 2.01 ± 0.60%) values. Intermediate values emerged for leaves harvested at 18 MAT, with EOCV/W (fresh: 0.84 ± 0.16%; dry: 2.14 ± 0.43%) and EOCW/W (fresh: 0.74 ± 0.14%; dry: 1.88 ± 0.37%). During oven, sun, and shade drying processes, the mean EOCV/W losses for fresh leaves were 26.45, 27.72, and 25.19%, respectively, while EOCW/W losses were 27.12, 31.94, and 30.22%. For dry leaves, EOCV/W losses were 5.85, 7.32, and 8.62%, while EOCW/W losses were 10.41% and 29.31%, respectively, compared to the essential oil content of fresh leaves.
Conclusions: Optimal rosemary leaf harvesting occurred at 12 MAT, utilizing fresh- and shade-dried methods for essential oil extraction via hydro distillation. Harvesting at one year post-transplanting, along with oil extraction from fresh- and shade-dried leaves, proved most efficient. These findings hold significance for enhancing rosemary essential oil production in both pharmaceutical and culinary sectors.

Distribution of volatile compounds of traditional aromatic Joha rice (Oryza sativa L.) of upper Assam, India

P. Saikia — 2023-10-27

Background and Objectives: Joha is aromatic endemic rice cultivated in the upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam. As reported 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) and other volatile compounds are responsible for its flagrancy. The present study was designed as a way to identify the 2AP and other volatile compounds in the collected landraces of Joha rice.
Methodology: Toluene extract of the fifteen (15) genotypes of Joha rice was analyzed through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which was sowing and harvested in the trial paddy field of Dibrugarh University during the study period. Reported compounds were identified by Library Search (NIST MS Search Program v.2.0g) for each peak using retention time (RT), and mass (m/z). Principal component analysis (PCA) was done, and a dendrogram was prepared using the unweighted pair group method (UPGMA).
Main Results: Forty (40) volatile compounds were detected under 12 chemical categories, including 17 alkanes, 1 alkene, 1 aromatic aldehyde, 1 aromatic amino acid, 6 aromatic hydrocarbons, 5 esters, 1 organo-halogen, 1 phenol-containing compound, 1 poly(organosiloxanes), 3 polycyclic aromatic compounds, 1 carboxylic acid, and 1 pyrroline. The 2AP along with other fragrant volatile compounds were detected in these landraces. Six other volatile compounds namely; 1-Iodododecane, 4-tert-butylcalix[4] arene, pentacyclo(9.5.1.13.-9.15.15.17.13)octasiloxane, 1,3,5,7,9,13-hexamethyl-11,15-diphenyl-3,5-diphenyl-1,2,4-trioxolane, 1,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-3,15-diphenyloctaprismo-octasilasesqui-oxane and 1-(3α, 7α, 12α-tris(trimethylsiloxy)-5β-cholan-24-oyl) were newly detected in these landraces of Joha rice, for the first time. The PCA indicates that components are spatially distributed, and 3 clusters are being formed depending on the distribution among the landraces.
Conclusions: The present investigation reported, for the first time, the presence of 6 volatile compounds in Joha rice along with 2AP in Joha rice found in the upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam, India. The study has not only evaluated the reasons behind flagrancy in Joha rice but also encourages plant breeders and harvesters to cultivate Joha rice.