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1. Biological Health Markers Of Pregnant Crossbred Cows

by Shaista Abbas | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman | Faculty of Biosciences.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Nature of contents: biography; Literary form: Publisher: 2010Dissertation note: Pregnancy is a period characterized by an increase in metabolic demand owing to changes in female physiology and the requirements for growing fetus. The changes that take place in various body systems during pregnancy result in an increased oxygen demand and changes in energy substrate utilization by dam, especially in the feto- placental unit. Pregnancy, though a physiological state, is a stressful condition that favors the oxidative stress and results in an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems of the body leading to potential damage. Metabolic demands associated with late gestation, parturition, and initiation of lactation has been supposed to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (RGS). The current study was undertaken to elucidate the dynamics of different biological health and metabolic markers in crossbred cows at different stages of pregnancy and non-pregnant stage. The study was carried out on 40 (age range between 4 and 11 years) clinically healthy crossbred cows (Sahiwal + Holstein-Friesian). The animals were divided into four groups; first trimester, second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy, and non-pregnant, with 10 cows in each group. The results revealed that serum total oxidants, ceruloplasmin oxidase and tri- iodothyronine_ concentrations were higher (P<0.05) during third trimester of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant crossbred cows. Serum arylesterase concentration was lower (P<0.05) during second and third trimesters of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant stage. The concentration of serum total homocysteine was higher (P<0.05) during third trimester compared to first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The concentrations of serum total antioxidants, paraoxonase, total thyroxine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were not different during pregnancy and non-pregnant stage in crossbred cows. In conclusion, the biological health markers specially total oxidant status, aryl esterase, ceruloplasmin oxidase, total homocysteine and tri-iodothyronine of pregnant crossbred cows can provide useful information about the progression of pregnancy and can also be used as management tool for the improvement of the health status during pregnancy. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1087,T] (1).

2. Alleviation Of Cyclic Heat Stress In Broilers By Dietary Supplementation Of Mannan-Oligosaccharides And Lactobacillus-based Probiotic

by Muhammad Umar Sohail | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Prof. Dr | Prof. Dr. Hibib ur Rehman | Faculty of Biosciences.

Material type: book Book; Format: print Publisher: 2011Dissertation note: The antiviral activity of plants Silybum marianum (seeds), Chenopodium album (whole plant) and Nigella sativa (seeds) were evaluated against Peste des petitis ruminants virus (PPRV) and Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) in this study. Methanolic extraction of these plants was done by using Soxhlet apparatus and extracts were dried by using rotary evaporator. Six dilutions of each extracts 100, SO, 2S, 12.S, 6.2S, 3.12~g/ml were made in distilled water. Vero cells were infected by PPRV and BHK-21 by FMDV respectively. The herbal extracts assays of antiviral and cytotoxic were carried out in cell culture plates. Each well of 96 well cell culture plate were seeded with 104cell/ml of cell suspension. Cell counting was performed by hemocytometeric method. Positive and negative controls for antiviral and cytotoxic assay were also used, incubated the 96 well cell culture plates at 37°C for 4 days. After this incubation, MTT [3-(4,S-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,S-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] colorimetric assay were used for the determination of their quantification. Endpoint of this assay was considered in terms of cell survival percentage. Results were compared for qualitative variables using Chi-square technique and quantitative variables by linear regression analysis. 1 OO~g/ml and SOIlg/ml concentrations of Chenopodium album showed cell survival percentages of 87.9% and 86% respectively in PPRV and all six test dilutions of same plant showed no cytotoxicity for Vero cells. IOuug/ml and SO~g/ml concentrations of Chenopodium album showed cell survival percentages of 88.5% and 87.2% respectively in FMDV and all six test dilutions of same plant showed no cytotoxicity for BHK-21 cells. Two concentrations of Nigella sativa 50!J. glml and 25!J. glml showed prominent cell s urvival of 85% and 84% respectively in PPRV and only one concentrations l Ouug/ml were found cytotoxic.Two concentrations of Nigella sativa 50uglml and 25!J.glml showed prominent cell survival of 79% and 77% respectively in FMDV and only one concentrations IOuug/ml were found cytotoxic. Only IOuug/ml of Silybum marianum has shown cytotoxicity and 50!J.glml and 25!J.glml shown prominent antiviral activity 91% and 85% respectively in PPRV. In FMDV l Otlug/ml of Silybum marianum has shown cytotoxicity and 50!J.glml and 25!J.g/ml shown prominent antiviral activity 93% and 91 % respectively. The results of present study are helpful in the treatment of Peste des petitis ruminants and Foot and Mouth Disease. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1360,T] (1).

3. Evaluation Of Different Extenders For The Cryopreservation Of Buffalo Bull (Bubalus Bubalis) Semen

by Dawar Hameed Mughal | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aleem.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2011Dissertation note: Buffalo is playing an important role in our country's economy by producing milk, meat and draught power. Genetic potential of low producing animals can be improved by using artificial insemination technology. Unfortunately, less number of elite bulls are available and low fertility rate of buffalo by using cryopreserved semen has been obtained. Semen is exposed to osmotic and oxidative stresses during processing, cryopreservation and thawing before insemination. Fertilizing ability is lost due to spermatozoa damage and it ultimately results in poor conception rates in buffalo. In order to protect spermatozoa from these stresses and improve fertility in buffalo, five osmotic pressure based concentrations of three extenders i.e. Citrate egg yolk extender (CEYE), Tris egg yolk extender (TEYE), and Lactose egg yolk extender (LEYE) were prepared by varying the quantity of the solutes to obtain an osmotic pressure of 255, 265, 275, 285 and 295 mOsm/kg. Osmotic pressure was measured by an osmometer. In the first experiment, equal volume of semen obtained from four Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls was pooled and used to study the effects of osmotic pressure on post thawed semen characteristics. For this purpose, three basic media: citrate fructose media, tris citric acid fructose media and lactose media were prepared and divided each media in to five equal parts to maintain osmotic pressures of 255, 265, 275, 285 and 295mOsm/kg. These basis media were stored in a biomedical freezer, which were later used in preparing three semen extenders i.e. Citrate egg yolk extender (CEYE), Tris egg yolk extender (TEYE), and Lactose egg yolk extender (LEYE). During each collection, fifteen extenders (each of three extenders having five osmotic pressures i.e. 255, 265, 275, 285 and 295mOsm/kg) were used to extend the semen. After freezing, semen characteristics like sperm motility rate, viability rate, acrosomal integrity rate, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) rate, MTT reduction rate, sperm DNA integrity rate and lipid peroxidation were noted. Post thaw sperm motility rate in (%) CEYE was significant (P<0.05) at 295mOsm/kg compared to 255, 265 and 275mOsm/kg. However, sperm motility rate of different osmotic pressures of TEYE and LEYE was non-significant (P>0.05). Sperm viability rate (%) was non-significant (P>0.05) in all three extenders. Sperm acrosomal integrity rate was non-significant in CEYE and LEYE. However, it was significant (P<0.05) at 265, 275 and 295mOsm/kg in TEYE. Sperm PMI rate, MTT reduction rate, sperm DNA integrity rate and lipid peroxidation were non-significant (P>0.05) in CEYE, TEYE and LEYE. On the basis of the individual and overall comparison of different semen characteristics of three extenders and their osmotic pressures, LEYE with 295mOs.kg was considered to be continued in the next experiment to upgrade the extender by adding taurine (TA) at 0.0, 30, 50 and 70 mM and trehalose (TR) at 0.0, 20, 40, 60 mM concentration. Semen collection, processing, freezing etc were done as per experiment-1 and same post thaw tests were carried out. Post thaw sperm motility rate was significantly (P<0.05) higher at TA-0.0 and TA-20mM and all concentration of TR. Sperm viability rate, acrosomal integrity rate, PMI rate, MTT reduction rate and lipid peroxidation at different concentrations of TA and TR were recorded non-significant (P>0.05). However, sperm DNA integrity rate was significant (P<0.05) higher at TA-0.0 and TR-0.0mM. On the basis of comparison of different semen characteristics under various concentrations of taurine or trehalose, supplemented in semen extenders. Concentration of TR-70mM was considered to be continued in the next experiment to test fertility of the optimized extender. Semen straws of LEYE supplemented with TR-70mM were used to inseminate the 50 buffaloes in heat (Supplemented group), while, traditionally used tris based buffalo bull semen extender was used (control group) to compared pregnancy rate (PR) of this experiment. Pregnancy rate in control and supplemented group was 38 and 54% respectively, which was statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1538,T] (1).

4. Determination Of Various Physiological Indices In Dogs Induced By Antipiroplasm Drug

by Tanzila Bashir | Dr. Imtiaz Rabbani | Prof. Dr | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: drama Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Abstract Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1644,T] (1).

5. Seasonal Variations In The Testicular And Seminal Characteristics Of Cholistani Bulls

by Umer Farooq | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Dr. Hafsa Zaneb | Prof. Dr. Habib Rehman | Faculty of Biosciences.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: All the indigenous cattle of Pakistan belong to Zebu (one-humped) cattle (Bos indicus). There are 15 recognized indigenous breeds of cattle which constitute 43% of the total cattle population in the country. Hefty work has been documented on many aspects of Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds of cattle in their respective local climates which have rightly gained them an international fame as being the vital tropical milk breeds of Pakistan. However, scanty work has so far been reported on reproductive indices of other indigenous cattle breeds of Pakistan such as Dajal, Cholistani etc under their local climatic conditions, and their potential still remains unearthed. Hence, it is the dire need of time to comprehend the urgency of protection and propagation of the indigenous cattle breeds of Pakistan at every front. Following the global lead, an effort has been made through the present study to highlight a formerly neglected indigenous cattle breed of Pakistan- Cholistani- being reared by the nomadic herders of the Cholistan desert, Pakistan. The study was executed with a specific objective to assess baseline data, seasonal variations and correlations between various non invasive, readily measurable reproductive [age, body weight (BW) and orchidometric parameters viz. scrotal circumference (SC), scrotal skin fold thickness (SSFT), average testicular length (Avg L), average testicular width (Avg W) and paired testicular volume (PTV)], seminal (fresh semen and seminal plasma) and haematobiochemical attributes of Cholistani AI bulls (n=06). Keeping in view the prevailing climatic conditions of the study area, 4 seasons of 2 months duration each were defined as i) stress free autumn (October-November), ii) stressful winter (December-January), stressful dry summer (May-June) and iv) stressful wet summer (July-August). The overall mean values (± SEM) for age, BW, SC, SSFT and PTV in the present study were 92.83±2.63months, 527.55±4.5kg, 35.39±0.28cm, 1.03±0.02cm and 851.84±16.34cm3, respectively. The BW was recorded to be significantly lower (P<0.05) during the stress free autumn (507.08±8.26kg), however no significant difference was found in the remaining stressful seasons of winter, dry and wet summer. The SSFT was significantly higher (P<0.05) in stress free autumn (1.07±0.04cm) and winter (1.13±0.05cm) being followed by that in wet summer (0.97±0.02cm) and dry summer (0.94±0.03cm). SC and PTV were found to be constant during all the study seasons with no significant variation. Significantly positive correlations (P<0.01) were noticed between various traits. The overall mean values (± SEM) for ejaculatory volume, number of ejaculates per bull, mass motility, individual sperm motility, number of dozes frozen per bull, sperm concentration, live sperm, morphologically normal sperm and those with acrosome integrity in the present study were 4.92±0.14mL, 1.89±0.02, 2.26±0.06, 63.51±1.03%, 208.26±8.42, 989.73±27.4million/mL, 86.74±0.55%, 86.34±0.51% and 86.64±0.48%, respectively. In general, all the seminal attributes revealed significantly (P<0.05) better results in stressful seasons as compared to stress free season, with the exception of number of ejaculates per bull which was not affected significantly by seasons. In terms of semen production, a total of 39778 doses of 0.5 mL straws were frozen during the study period. Significantly higher number of doses per bull (P<0.05) was frozen during dry (245.37±17.84) and wet summer (250.37±17.75) as compared to autumn (191.4±14.22) and winter (143.92±11.25); the difference between the latter two seasons was also significant, while it was non significant between the former two seasons Regarding the subjective analysis of spermatozoa, higher (P<0.05) mean values were recorded for all three parameters (live, morphologiclly normal and acrosome intact sperm) during stressful winter and dry summer as compared to wet summer and autumn, the difference between the former two seasons was, however, non significant. Moreover, mean values for these attributes were significantly higher during wet summer as compared to autumn. Amongst the physical attributes of semen, only mass motility revealed a significantly positive (P<0.01) correlation with individual sperm motility (r 0.619). However, regarding the subjective analyses, live sperm had a positive correlation with normal (r 0.848) and with acrosome integral sperm (r 0.790). In seminal plasma chemistry, the overall mean values (± SEM) for Na+, K+, cholesterol and glucose recorded in the present study were 236.41±4.2, 142.95±3.81, 152.02±3.17 and 127.22±3.65 mg%, respectively. Amongst these, Na+ was significantly higher (P<0.05) during dry summer (270.35±8.89mg%) whereas K+ was higher in dry summer (169.1±5.54mg%) and winter (154.80±6.29mg%). Cholesterol and glucose were found to be significantly elevated (P<0.05) during dry summer season being 173.7±4.24 and 147.95±7.74mg%, respectively. Na+ had a significantly positive (P<0.05) correlation with glucose (r 0.232). Similarly, positive (P<0.01) correlations were seen for K+ with Na+ (r 0.341) and cholesterol (r 0.390). The overall mean values (± SEM) for Hb, TEC, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC recorded for the Cholistani AI bulls in the present study were 12.24±0.15mg/dL, 6.28±0.82×106/µL, 37.3±0.4%, 59.77±0.61fL, 19.58±0.2pg and 32.89±0.33g/dL, respectively. Regarding the white blood cell values, the overall means (± SEM) for TLC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were 7.58±0.17×103/µL, 40.45±1.05%, 53.2±0.85%, 4.05±0.47% and 2.3±0.26%, respectively. DLC, in the present study, revealed that the lymphocytes were the predominant leukocytes followed by neutrophils. No significant effect (P<0.05) of season was noticed on any of the red blood cell values studied. However, TLC amongst the white blood cell values was found to be significantly higher in dry summer (8.16±0.28×103/µL). The overall mean values (± SEM) for blood serum NA+, K+, cholesterol and glucose recorded for the present study were 130.73±0.91, 7.37±0.11, 82.8±1.52 and 75.22±2.04mg%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between mass and individual sperm motility, morphologically normal and live sperm and sperm acrosome integrity and live sperm (P<0.01). Among biochemical attributes of seminal plasma, Na+ and K+, cholesterol and K+ and glucose and Na+ were correlated (P<0.01). Only seminal plasma cholesterol was positively correlated with ejaculatory volume (P<0.01). An overall mean value of 5.81±0.32ng/mL was recorded in the present study for testosterone being non significantly effected by seasons. All its correlations with all attributes studied were found to be non significant. In conclusion, various physical and biochemical attributes of Cholistani bull semen were better in stressful seasons as compared to stress free season. The acceptable quality of semen of Cholistani bulls recorded during wet/dry summer in the present study is an indicative of the fact that this breed has an innate ability of being well adapted to the harsh, hot desert climate. Furthermore, the present study revealed that the Cholistani breeding bulls have an amazing tendency to maintain most of their haematobiochemical parameters at a near constant level without showing much variation during stress free or stressful times. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1739,T] (1).

6. Response Of Cryopreserved Cholistani Bull Semen To Butylated Hydroxytoluene Inclusion In Semen

by Abaid-ur-Rehman Cheema | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Dr. Dawar | Dr. Imtiaz Rabbani.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Abstract Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1745,T] (1).

7. Assessment Of Optimal Level Of Butylated Hydroxytoluene For Short Term Storage Of Broiler Breeder Semen

by Sikander Abbas | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Dr. Ali Ahmad | Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz Yousaf.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Short term Preservation of broiler breeder semen is an unnatural method in which spermatozoa faces oxidative stress, osmotic and thermal shocks. This affects preserved semen quality resulting in low conception rates. In order to overcome oxidative stress, Butylated Hydroxytoluene was used as antioxidant in poultry semen during short term preservation at 4ºC for 48 hours. Keeping in view the significance of BHT as a potent antioxidant, the present study was conducted to determine the significance of BHT inclusion in preserved Hubbard broiler breeder semen for reduction of oxidative stress. In the current study, semen from six (n=6) healthy broiler breeder was collected by abdominal massage and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was added to the semen @ 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM. One group was kept control and no BHT was added to that group. The routine quality evaluation of semen for motility and concentration was made, extender was added and then semen was stored at 4°C for 48 hours. The parameters evaluated were percentage motility, plasma membrane integrity (HOST), viability (Live/Dead) and DNA integrity (Acridine orange assay). Seven samples were taken from each concentration of BHT and thawed individually in water bath at 37°C for 30 seconds and evaluated for quality parameters. In conclusion, the addition of 1 mM BHT to semen extender improved marginally the broiler breeder spermatozoa motility, viability, plasma membrane integroty and DNA integrirty at different period of time. In controled group the quality of semen after preservation was poor due to oxidative stress which will effect the fertility rate. The Butylated Hydroxytoluene has antioxidant properties, so inclusion of BHT in preserved Hubbard broiler breeder semen was tested in our research. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1808,T] (1).

8. Effects Of Supplementation Of Catharanthus Roseus And Probiotic On Hematologica Profile And Immune

by Shumaila Zia | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Dr. Asif Nadeem | Dr. Imtiaz Rabbani.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Background: The drugs which are used for curing diabetes caused adverse effects and complications to liver and kidney functions. Besides the side effects of drugs, no drug completely maintained and controlled the complications of diabetes. Due to the undesired side effects and partially compensatory treatments for metabolic disorders demands to formulate latest plant based therapies for the treatment of diabetes. There is also a need to establish the treatment which avoids the use of insulin injection. C. roseus possessed anti-microbial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer antiviral and anti-hyperglycemic activities. The present study will be conducted to evaluate the change in hematological parameters and immunological response by the administration of aqueous extract of C. roseus leaves and probiotic in AIDR. Hypothesis: It was assumed that aqueous extract of C. roseus and probiotic would improve the hematological profile and stimulate the immune response in diabetic rats. Methodology: Twenty adult healthy rats (weighing 164-278g) were selected for experimental study. The rats were housed in clean metallic cages and divided in to four groups A, B, C and D. Five male rats were kept in Group A and B separately. Four female rats were kept in Group B and C separately. All the rats in each group is weighed and labeled. Rats were kept maintained under control environmental conditions of 24±5 ºC with 40-50% humidity, 12 hours light and dark photoperiod. Animals had free access to standard diet and water for the experimental trial of 21 days. Animal were fed with plane diet no. 25 used for rodents. Alloxan was used as a diabetogenic compound in a single dose of 150 mg/kg BW. Rats were fasted for12 hours, allowing only water access prior to the alloxan injection. After the estimation of fasting blood glucose the rats were rendered diabetic by injecting freshly prepared solution of alloxan (dissolving 600mg alloxan/ 4ml physiological saline) according to average body weight of each group which was calculated earlier. After 4 days of alloxan injection blood samples were obtained from tail vein of rat and hyperglycemia was confirmed by measuring fasting blood glucose level with glucometer. Rats with fasting blood glucose level higher than 150 mg/dl were considered as diabetic and used for further studies in present investigation. Blood samples were collected from the rats after 21 days of experimental trial. Rats were anaesthetized with chloroform in glass desiccators and blood sample was obtained through cardiac puncture using hypodermic needle and syringe. Blood samples were collected in EDTA containing vacutanors labeled with groups. 1.0 micro liter blood was separated from each group blood samples for the estimation of hematological parameters. Blood samples were then centrifuged at 3500 x g for 10 minutes to separate serum. Collected serum samples were then stored in labeled eppendrof at -20OC for further serological analysis. Results: In our study the feed intake was not significantly influenced in treatment groups. But the body weights were significantly different in treatment groups as compared to treatment group. In blood biochemical analysis it was revealed that serum total protein level was significantly increased in group B and group C. Whereas serum albumin concentrations were not vary significantly among groups. However serum globulin level showed a trend towards significancy. The hematologic parameters were not affected by C. roseus and probiotic supplementation alone or in combination. The skin response to DNCB challenge also did not show significant results, which indicated that immune response was not varying among groups. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of present investigation that C. roseus and probiotic alone or in combination improved the body weight abnormality associated with diabetes but did not affect the feed intake. C. roseus was more effective in relation to body weight changes. However, C. roseus and probiotic both significantly increased the serum total protein and albumin level. Furthermore there were no significant effects showed by C. roseus and probiotic on immune response. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1840,T] (1).

9. Effect Of Supplementation Of Catharanthus Roseus And Probiotics On Blood Biochemical Profile In Alloxan

by Eshwa Dar | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Dr. Sehrish | Dr.Imtiaz Rubbani.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: drama Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Abstract Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1846,T] (1).

10. Seasonal Variations In Libido Semen Quality Freezability And Fertility Of Cholistani Bulls

by Syed Aamer mahmood | Prof. Dr. Ijaz ahmad | Dr. Hafsa zaneb | Prof. Dr. Habib Rehman.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Abstract Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1901,T] (1).

11. A Study Of Antioxid Properties Of Green Tea And Black Tea In Insulin Resistant Diabetic Rats

by Jazba aiman | Prof. Dr. Ijaz ahmad | Dr. Ali ahmad | prof .Dr. Habib ur rehman.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2014Dissertation note: Abstract Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2020,T] (1).

12. A Study On Antioxidant Properties Of Vitamin C And Vitamin E In Insulin Resistant Diabetic Rats

by Syeda javaria nadir | Prof. Dr. Ijaz ahmad | Dr. Ali Ahmad | Prof. Dr. Habib ur rehman.

Material type: book Book; Format: print ; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2014Dissertation note: Abstract Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2028,T] (1).

13. Response Of Dietary Supplementation Of Β-Galacto-Oligosaccharides And Benzoic Acid On Growth Performance And Gastrointestinal Physiology In Broiler Chickens

by Muhammad Shahbaz Yousaf (2007-VA-538) | Prof. Dr. Habib ur Rehman | Prof. Dr. Juergen Zentek | Prof. Dr. Ijaz Ahmad | Prof. Dr. Kamran Ashraf.

Material type: book Book; Literary form: not fiction Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: Efficient poultry production depends upon a number of crucial factors that include optimum nutrient digestibility, bioavailability and maximum conversion into end products like meat and egg as well as low morbidity and mortality in the flock. In the past, antibiotics were used successfully as growth promoters in poultry and animal feed to improve production performance. However, it has become increasingly apparent that many problems are associated with the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs); most importantly, the emergence of increasing numbers of microbes resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, AGPs were banned in the poultry as well as in the livestock industries of many countries. Due to withdrawal of AGPs, the poultry industry faced outbreak of diseases, high mortality, compromised growth performance and thus low profitability. Researchers and producers must, therefore, seek an alternate for AGPs that provide safety both for poultry and consumer health. Many potential candidates have subsequently been put forth and evaluated to replace AGPs that include prebiotics, probiotics, phytobiotics and organic acids. These AGPs replacers showed variable degree of success depending upon nutritional, managemental and hygienic conditions. Keeping in view the importance of AGP replacers, it was the purpose of this study to the growth promoting potential of β-galacto-oligosaccharides (β-GOS), a prebiotic, and benzoic acid (BA), an organic acid, in growing broilers. In experiment-1, 200 day old Hubbard broiler chicks, were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n = 50) with five replicates (n = 10) in each group. Birds in different treatment groups were allotted four different types of diets. Birds in the control group (β-GOS-0) were given ad-libitum corn based basal diet, free of antimicrobials and coccidiostats, whereas birds in three other experimental groups were given the same basal diets supplemented with different concentrations of β-GOS i.e., 0.1% (β-GOS-1), 0.2% (β-GOS-2) and 0.5% (β-GOS-5) for a period of 35 days. Birds in all the experimental groups were vaccinated against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious bursal disease virus by giving primary and booster doses according to the schedule. Moreover, birds were also sensitized against 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene for determination of cell mediated immunity (CMI). Body weights, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were determined on a weekly basis. At the end of experiment, ten birds from each group were slaughtered to collect blood, organs and caecal digesta for determination of serum biochemical metabolites and humoral immunity, organ characteristics and selected caecal digesta bacteria, respectively. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and incase of significant F-value (P < 0.05), data were subjected to Tukey's-HSD post hoc test. Results demonstrated that growth performance and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of β-GOS supplemented birds were improved (P < 0.05) in a dose dependent manner, with the highest body weights (P < 0.05) and improved FCE (P < 0.05) observed in the β-GOS-5 group. Relative weights of liver and pancreas were higher (P < 0.05) in the β-GOS-1 group. Likewise, CMI was also higher (P < 0.05) in the β-GOS-1 group. Concentrations of caecal Lactobacilli spp. were higher in the β-GOS-2 and β-GOS-5 groups. The serum biochemical metabolites, humoral immunity in terms of antibodies titres against NDV and Clostridia spp. and coliforms were not affected by dietary supplementation of β-GOS. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.5% β-GOS conferred a better response in terms of growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and caecal Lactobacilli spp. in broilers. In experiment-2, 120 day old male Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups (n = 40) with eight replicates (n = 5) in each group. Birds in different treatment groups were allotted three different types of diets. Birds in the control group (CON) were given ad-libitum maize based basal diets, free of antimicrobials and coccidiostats, whereas birds in two other experimental groups were given the same basal diets supplemented with two different types of BA i.e., 0.096% free BA (FBA) and 0.2% slow releasing BA (SBA) for a period of 35 days. Body weights, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the experimental period, birds from each group were slaughtered to collect digesta from the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, proximal small intestine, ileum and caecum for determination of benzoic acid, microbial metabolites, microbial populations and molecular microbial ecology. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and incase of significant F-value (P < 0.05), data were subjected to Tukey's-HSD post hoc test. Results revealed that overall growth performance, feed intake and FCE remained unchanged among all the treatment groups. Total short chain fatty acids were only increased (P < 0.05) in the gizzard by both types of BA supplementation. Likewise, D-lactate concentration was increased (P < 0.05) by both types of BA in crop digesta, whereas, L-lactate was only increased (P < 0.05) by SBA in crop digesta. Both types of BA increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of L-lactate, D-lactate and acetic acid in gizzard, and D-lactate in proximal small intestine. Concentrations of i-butyric acid and i-valeric acid were decreased (P < 0.05) in caecal digesta by both types of BA, whereas, n-valeric acid was only decreased (P < 0.05) by SBA supplementation in caecal digesta. Concentrations of both types of BA in different segments of gastrointestinal tract were comparable. Concentrations of gizzard Lactobacilli spp. were higher in both the BA supplemented groups, whereas, L. johnsoni and L. reuteri concentrations were higher in the SBA group compared with the control group. Similarly, in the proximal small intestine both types of BA increased the population of Lactobacilli spp., L. reuteri, L. amylovorus and Enterococci spp. Ileal concentrations of Lactobacilli spp., L. johnsoni, L. amylovorus and S. alactolyticus were higher (P < 0.05) in SBA group, whereas, L. reuteri was increased (P < 0.05) both by the FBA and SBA supplementations. Microbial populations of crop and caecum remained unchanged among all the treatment groups. Results of ileal molecular microbial ecology analysis revealed that evenness was higher (P < 0.05) in both the BA supplemented groups, whereas, the Sorensen index (P < 0.05) and the Renkonen index (< 0.5) were different only in the SBA group. However, caecal microbial ecology analysis revealed no changes among all the treatment groups. In conclusion, FBA and SBA supplementations produced similar responses in terms of microbial metabolites production with no effect on overall growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. However, SBA conferred some advantages over FBA in terms of increased bacterial concentrations, especially some species of the Lactobacilli as well as S. alactolyticus, and improved ileal molecular microbial ecology. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2310-T] (1).



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