In-cage sandbox as a ground substitute for farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus): Effects on digging activity and welfare

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 703-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. Korhonen ◽  
L. Jauhiainen ◽  
T. Rekilä
Keyword(s):  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alopex Lagopus ◽  
Field Activity ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Novel Objects ◽  
Fur Quality ◽  
Species Specific

A study on the behavioural and welfare effects of in-cage sandboxes was carried out on juvenile farm-bred blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) with special reference to digging behaviours and time spent on sand substrate. Twelve juvenile male blue foxes were used in each of two experimental groups: (1) a test group and (2) a control group. Animals were raised singly in cages measuring 120 cm long × 105 cm wide × 70 cm high, from weaning in July to pelting in December. All experimental animals were housed conventionally but cages of the test group contained in-cage sandboxes (80 cm long × 40 cm wide × 14 cm high). Various physiological, behavioural, health and production related variables were measured during the study. Final body weights of test animals were significantly (P = 0.05) lower than controls. Occurrence of endoparasites (Toxascaris leonina, Isospora sp.) did not substantially differ between groups. Open field activity was greater (P = 0.02) and latency to touch novel objects shorter (P = 0.02) in the test group compared with the control. Cortisol-creatinine ratio, incidence of stereotypes, size of adrenals or other organs, blood screen and fur quality parameters were not significantly different. Sandbox hygiene deteriorated rapidly during the experimental period. Fur coats of test animals were dirtier than those of controls at pelting. Claw length of test animals was significantly shorter (front foot; P < 0.005, back foot, P < 0.001) than in controls only in October. Altogether nine different sandbox behaviours were observed in the test foxes. Digging was the fifth most common behavior, comprising 5.8% of total sandbox use. Amount of time spent in the sandbox peaked in July, averaging 117 min/24 h, and declined towards winter. The most common sandbox behaviours observed were walking (24.3% of total time), sitting (22.0%) and resting (17.5%). Results indicated low motivation to use in-cage sandboxes as a digging substrate. On the other hand, the presence of in-cage sandboxes may provide opportunities for foxes to engage in other species-specific activities and/or seek sensory comfort through contact with the sand. The effects of in-cage sandboxes on animal welfare need further study. Key words: Alopex lagopus, sand floor, digging, motivation, welfare, fur farming

scholarly journals The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (04) ◽  
pp. e427-e432
Author(s):  
Julio Baldisserotto ◽  
Dalva Maria Pereira Padilha ◽  
José Miguel Amenábar
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Saline Group ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dietary Salt ◽  
Aging Rats ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups (n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4th month. Results No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different (p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4th month of the study were not statistically (p = 0.61). Conclusion Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a herbal toothpaste on patients with established gingivitis: a randomized controlled trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Ozaki ◽  
Claudio Mendes Pannuti ◽  
Ana Vitória Imbronito ◽  
Wellington Pessotti ◽  
Luciana Saraiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

The aim of this randomised, double blind controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty eight volunteers with established gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a test group (herbal dentifrice) or positive control group (dentifrice with triclosan and fluoride). The dentifrices were distributed in plain white tubes by an independent pharmacy, which revealed the contents of each tube only after the experimental period. Plaque and gingivitis assessments were carried out on baseline and after 28 days of product use. All examinations were conducted by the same calibrated investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth three times daily using their assigned dentifrice for 28 days. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both the test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between them. No adverse reactions were reported. The authors concluded that both dentifrices were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in subjects with established gingivitis.

Evaluation of Exogenous Laccase Enzyme Treated Finger Millet Straw on Body Weight Gain, DM Intake and Nutrient Digestibility in Heifers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidya Pradeep Kumar ◽  
Ramya G. Rao ◽  
A. Dhali ◽  
Vandana Thammiaha ◽  
Manpal Sridhar
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Finger Millet ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Effect Of Feeding

Background: Fungal laccases have widespread application in a number of biotechnological processes including the biodegradation of lignin. Their low yield in the native state limits their practical use in the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass for feeding ruminants. Enzymes in bulk quantities are required to treat biomass which has got greater product consistency and less lot to lot variations. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the effect of feeding finger millet straw treated with exogenous laccases in heifers.Methods: The effect of feeding exogenous laccases obtained from immobilized Schizophyllum commune (MTCC 11893) on body weight gain, dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility in heifers was evaluated in three groups of heifers (4-each) with body weights ranging between 275 ± 47.12 to 276.75 ± 64.48kg. The control group received ad lib. finger millet straw treated with only production media (GI). Test group 1 (GII) received ad lib. straw treated with laccase rich media in a 3:5 (w/v) ratio, while test group 2 (GIII) received ad lib. straw treated in a 4:5 (w/v) ratio. Result: After 14- days of feeding, gain in body weights for GI, GII and GIII were 277.9 ± 68.47; 277.50 ± 46.43 and 278.85 ± 37.22 respectively with an overall increase of 1.15, 4.25 and 3.60 kgs. No significant variation (P greater than 0.05) was observed with regard to DMD (%) between the groups which was 46 ± 5.8 for the control animals and 41±13.0 and 41± 3.4 in G2 and G3 groups. Though significant variations were observed digestibility studies proved inconclusive. Though preliminary results indicate that applying lignin degrading enzymes as feed supplements could enhance digestibility of crop residues in ruminants.

scholarly journals Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Fusi ◽  
Rita Rizzi ◽  
Michele Polli ◽  
Simona Cannas ◽  
Alberto Giardini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Dry Diet

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillusacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats.MethodsTen healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 109 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P≤0.05).ResultsThe two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2–3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of Lacidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts.ConclusionsThis study’s preliminary results describe how inclusion of Lacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats’ diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats.

scholarly journals Citral as food additive for common snook - zootechnical parameters and digestive enzymes

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruna Tomazetti Michelotti ◽  
Natacha Cossettin Mori ◽  
Caio Cesar Franca Magnotti ◽  
Berta Maria Heinzmann ◽  
Ana Paula Gottlieb Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digestive Enzyme ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Main Compound ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Common Snook ◽  
Digestive Enzyme Activities

ABSTRACT: Essential oils of plants whose main compound is citral showed beneficial effects when added to fish feed. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the dietary effect of the addition of citral on zootechnical parameters and digestive enzyme activities of Centropomus undecimalis. Juveniles were fed for 45 days with diets containing different amounts of citral (0.0 - control, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL per kg of diet). The water quality parameters were kept stable during the experiment and no mortality was observed. At the end of the experimental period, the treatment 0.5 mL citral per kg of diet had the lowest weight gain and specific growth rate, and the highest feed conversion, while the same parameters did not differ between the other treatments. Pepsin activity was higher in the stomach of fish fed with 0.5 mL citral per kg of diet and amylase activity was higher in the intestine of fish fed with 0.5 and 2.0 mL citral per kg of diet compared to the control group. Intestinal lipase activity was higher in all groups that were fed with citral compared to the control group. Chymotrypsin and trypsin activities showed no difference between groups. Consequently, dietary addition of citral at any of the levels tested is not recommended for common snook.

Effect of Lactoperoxidase System Containing Toothpaste on Cariogenic Bacteria in Children with Early Childhood Caries

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sapna Jyoti ◽  
N Shashikiran ◽  
V Subba Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Thiocyanate Ion ◽  
Lactoperoxidase System ◽  
Childhood Caries

Background and Objectives: Lactoperoxidase system contains Lactoperoxidase, Hydrogen peroxide and Thiocyanate ions, which have inhibitory action against cariogenic oral microflora. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of lactoperoxidase system containing toothpaste on cariogenic microflora in children with early childhood caries. Methods: Study group included 30 children with Early Childhood Caries. 15 were considered as test group who used the test product Biotene® toothpaste and other 15 as control group who used Colgate Active® as control product. Salivary samples were analyzed for mutans streptococci (MS) and Lactobacilli, and for the levels of Thiocyanate ions. Results: showed significant increase in the levels of Thiocyanate ion in saliva during experimental period. Compared to the control group test group showed significant increase in the levels of thiocyanate ions during experimental and washout period, whereas the number of colonies of MS and Lactobacilli were significantly reduced in test group during experimental period. Conclusion: The levels of thiocyanate ions can be increased in vivo by supplementing the saliva with natural enzymes like lactoperoxidase. This increased concentration of thiocyanate will reduce the number of cariogenic microflora in children with Early Childhood Caries.

scholarly journals Use of Anabolic Steroids to Attenuate the Effects Glucocorticoids on the Rat Diaphragm

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane M Eason ◽  
Stephen L Dodd ◽  
Scott K Powers
Keyword(s):  
Anabolic Steroids ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Contractile Dysfunction ◽  
Simultaneous Administration ◽  
Rat Diaphragm ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Cont Group ◽  
Tetanic Tension

Abstract Background and Purpose. Administration of glucocorticoids results in atrophy and contractile dysfunction in the rat diaphragm. Anabolic steroids may be useful in preventing atrophy and contractile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of simultaneous administration of testosterone and glucocorticoids on morphological and contractile properties of the rat diaphragm. Subjects. Eighty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 1 of 4 groups: a control group that was given sham injections for 13 days (CONT group, n=23), a group that was given prednisolone injections (0.5 mg/100 g) for 10 days (PRED group, n=23), a group that was given testosterone injections (0.5 mg/100 g) for 13 days (TEST group, n=18), and a group that was given a combination of prednisolone and testosterone injections (0.5 mg/100 g) for 10 and 13 days, respectively (COMBO group, n=23). Methods. The animals were weighed daily, and drug doses were adjusted to changes in body mass. Twenty-four hours following the final injection, animals were weighed and sacrificed and the diaphragm was removed and weighed. A small strip of diaphragm was attached to a force transducer to determine normalized maximal isometric tetanic tension (PO). Results. Body weights in the PRED group were decreased by 26% as compared with body weights in the CONT group, and body weights in the COMBO group were decreased by 11% as compared with body weights in the CONT group. Diaphragm weights in the PRED and COMBO groups were decreased by 22% and 12%, respectively, as compared with diaphragm weights in the CONT group. Normalized maximal isometric tetanic tension was decreased by 11% in the PRED group as compared with PO in both the CONT and TEST groups and was decreased by 13% as compared with PO in the COMBO group. There was no difference in PO among the CONT, TEST, and COMBO groups. Discussion and Conclusion. The results support the hypothesis that simultaneous administration of testosterone with glucocorticoids would prevent a decrease in PO. The results indicate that simultaneous administration of testosterone with glucocorticoids prevented the loss in body weight and partially attenuated the loss in diaphragm weight that is commonly observed when glucocorticoids are given alone. These data support the notion that testosterone may be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced atrophy.

scholarly journals The effect of a plant mixture (garlic, mint and rosemary) on production and slaughter indicators in broiler chickens

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (50) ◽  
pp. 149-152
Author(s):  
Veselin Petričević ◽  
Miloš Lukić ◽  
Zdenka Škrbić ◽  
Maja Petričević ◽  
Snežana Bogosavljević-Bošković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Plant Mixture ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
At Will

The study objective was to examine the effect of the addition of different concentrations of a mixture of three plants (garlic, mint and rosemary) in the diet of broiler chickens on production and slaughter results. The mixture was formed by grinding plants after drying and mixing them in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. The experiment was performed on 600 chickens divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates per group. The chickens were fed at will and the composition of the diet differed only in the amount of added mixture. No mixture was added in control group (C). Group MIX-I chickens consumed a diet supplemented with 0.25% of the mixture, group MIX-II diet contained 0.5% of the mixture supplement, while group MIX-III broilers received 0.75% of the mixture in their diet. At the end of the experimental period, at the age of 42 days, the body weight of the chickens was measured. Mortality, feed conversion and EPEF were determined. At the end of the experiment, 12 chickens (6 males and 6 females) were sacrificed by random sampling from each group in order to determine slaughter results. The obtained results showed that the use of the mixture of three plants had a positive effect on the production parameters. MIX-II group chickens had significantly higher (p<0.01) body weights, better feed conversion and significantly higher (p<0.01) EPEF values compared with C group. No significant differences in slaughter performances were found.

Effect of Acupuncture on Symptoms of Anxiety in Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilisation: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Isoyama ◽  
Emerson Barchi Cordts ◽  
Angela Mara Bentes de Souza van Niewegen ◽  
Waldemar de Almeida Pereira de Carvalho ◽  
Simone Tiemi Matsumura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Purpose To determine if acupuncture improves symptoms of anxiety in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Methods A randomised clinical trial was performed in 43 patients undergoing IVF. The patients were randomised into two groups: test group (n=22) and control group (n=21). The anxiety level of each patient was analysed before and after treatment using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAS). Treatment sessions consisted of four weekly sessions. In the test group, needles were inserted at points HT7, PC6, CV17, GV20 and Yintang. In the control group, needles were inserted in areas near but not corresponding to acupuncture points. Results The mean HAS score after the 4-week experimental period was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (19.4±3.2 vs 24.4±4.2; p=0.0008). Conclusions The results indicate that acupuncture can reduce anxiety symptoms observed by the reduction of psychological parameters of women undergoing IVF. Further evidence should be sought as to whether acupuncture might be a complementary option for patients undergoing IVF.

scholarly journals Field Evaluation of Preventive Efficacy of Monthly Multimodal Prophylactic Treatment (Milbactor® and Vectra® 3D) against Dirofilaria spp. in Dogs

Parasitologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-136
Author(s):  
Younes Laidoudi ◽  
Hacène Medkour ◽  
Djamel Tahir ◽  
Handi Dahmana ◽  
Jean-Lou Marié ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
High Risk Area ◽  
Milbemycin Oxime ◽  
One Year ◽  
Species Specific

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne pathogens responsible for dirofilariasis in humans and animals. Their transmission and spread depend on the activity of vectors and the frequency of hosts in a given area. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a monthly multimodal prophylactic (MMP) strategy against canine dirofilariasis on Corsica Island (France). The study was conducted as evidence of an efficacy trial in which eighty dogs were divided into two groups: (i) one test group consisted of 25 dogs under the MMP (per-os administration of 1.5 tablets of milbemycin-oxime-praziquantel (Milbactor®) and a topical line-on application of a 3.6 mL solution of dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen (Vectra® 3D)) and (ii) a control group under different real-life prophylactic treatments (RLP) based on the use of ectoparasiticides (different formulations: deltamethrin, fluralaner, fipronil) and/or macrocyclic lactone-based products (milbemycin-oxime/praziquantel, milbemycin-oxime, moxidectin) during the period from June to October 2017. All animals were followed up for one year, with blood collected at day 0, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Samples were tested for Dirofilaria spp. by species-specific qPCR. At the end of the study, no new case of Dirofilaria spp. infection was detected in the test group. However, the cumulative incidence of Dirofilaria spp. infection was 16.4% (n = 9; p = 0.027) in the control group. The data illustrate that, in contrast to RLP treatment, which failed to protect at least 16.4% of dogs, the MMP based on the simultaneous administration of milbemycin oxime-praziquantel and dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen efficiently protects dogs in a high-risk area from Dirofilaria spp. infection.

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