The purpose of the study was to specify full leukocytic responses in broilers to chronic intermittent noise exposure at two different levels (70 and 80 dB) and to assess the effect of the timing of the beginning of exposure to intermittent noise (from day 1 or day 7 of fattening). Noise treatment of 80 dB resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) elevation of heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (HLR) indicating a stress response of the broilers to the noise stimulus at the level of 80 dB in the course of fattening, in contrast to the 70 dB noise that did not cause any significant changes in HLR when compared to the control without noise treatment. Noise treatment of both 70 and 80 dB intensities also resulted in a significant elevation of basophil granulocytes. We found a different leukocytic response in broilers exposed to chronic intermittent noise from the first day of fattening in comparison to broilers exposed to this noise stimulus from the seventh day. There was a significantly smaller total number of leukocytes (P < 0.01) and significantly smaller differential counts of heterophils (P < 0.01), lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and basophils (P < 0.05) in broilers treated with noise (both 70 dB and 80 dB) from day 7 (group Day7) than in broilers treated with noise from day 1 (group Day 1). Differential counts of eosinophils and monocytes were not affected by the time of exposure to intermittent noise in this study.

• MeSH
• bazofily fyziologie   MeSH
• eozinofily fyziologie   MeSH
• hluk škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• hmotnostní přírůstek MeSH
• kur domácí krev   MeSH
• leukocyty fyziologie   MeSH
• počet leukocytů MeSH
• počet lymfocytů MeSH
• referenční hodnoty MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

In the perspective of animal protection and welfare, the most common and potentially the most frightening events encountered by the domestic fowl are procedures connected with transport. This study provides an evidence that reduction in floor space during crating, which is approximately 10% above requirements given to EEC Directives (accompanied with mixed social and heat stress due to high animal density), induces markedly elevated stress in broilers which is manifested by changes in haematological indices. The experiment was performed on ROSS 308 broilers (total number 70, mean body weight 3.05 kg). At 42 days of age, the broilers were crated for 2-hours either with reduction in floor space to 115 cm2/kg (S115) or 105 cm2/kg (S105) of body weight. The total erythrocyte and leukocyte count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, MCV (mean cell value), MCH (mean cell haemoglobin) and MCHC (mean cell haemoglobin concentration) values were monitored and differential leukocyte count was assessed 20 h following crating. When compared with uncrated control, S105 broilers exhibited highly significant increase in haemoglobin level, MCH and MCHC values, significant increase in MCV values and significant decrease in total erythrocyte count. S115 broilers did not manifest any significant changes in haematological parameters compared with control. When compared with S115 broilers, S105 broilers manifested significantly elevated haemoglobin level and MCV values, highly significantly elevated MCH and MCHC values and depressed erythrocyte count. It follows from results that the reduction in floor space to 115 cm2/kg for 2 hours did not induce any significant changes in both total and differential leukocyte counts in blood of broilers when compared with control chickens. However, reduction in floor space to 105 cm2/kg resulted in highly significant increase in heterophil counts and subsequently also HLR (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) was significantly elevated. When compared S105 and S115 broilers, mean values of heterophil counts and HLR ratio were higher due to reduction in floor space to 105 cm2/kg. The differences, however, were not statistically significant.

• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat MeSH
• doprava MeSH
• erytrocytární znaky MeSH
• financování organizované MeSH
• fyziologický stres etiologie   krev   veterinární   MeSH
• imobilizace MeSH
• kur domácí krev   MeSH
• počet erytrocytů veterinární   MeSH
• počet leukocytů veterinární   MeSH
• podlahy a podlahové krytiny normy   MeSH
• pohoda zvířat MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH

Two experiments were conducted to assess the stress response of broilers to catching and pretransport handling followed by different periods of crating. The short-term changes in selected biochemical indices were monitored at 1-min intervals within 10 min of crating after the catching and handling of broilers (experiment 1). These indices were further monitored at 15-min intervals for 2 h of crating after the catching and handling of broilers (experiment 2). Increased (P < 0.001) corticosterone concentrations were observed immediately after the broilers were caught, handled, and placed in crates. They continued to increase until 7 min after crating and then slowly decreased, but even at 120 min after handling, corticosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) in crated broilers than in control broilers. In addition, lactate concentrations increased (P < 0.001) immediately in comparison with those of broilers with no additional handling except for catching and blood sampling, but 15 min later, the lactate concentrations had decreased to the precrating level. Lactate dehydrogenase concentrations increased (P = 0.042) 30 min after crating and continued to increase for the rest of the monitored period. A decreased level of cholesterol (P = 0.017) and increased concentration of uric acid (P = 0.041) were found 1 min after crating. The decrease in cholesterol was visible up to 9 min after crating; it then returned to its original value except for the period from 75 to 90 min after crating, when a decrease (P < 0.05) was again detected. Higher (P < 0.01) concentrations of uric acid were found continuously from 4 to 75 min after crating. Glucose concentrations were increased (P = 0.017) 2 min after crating, but the stress-induced increase was not consistent over the course of the next few minutes after crating. Glucose concentrations were not different from those of control broilers from 10 to 120 min after crating, although they showed a decreasing pattern. A decrease (P = 0.031) in triglyceride concentrations was detected 75 min after crating.

• MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• cholesterol krev   MeSH
• doprava MeSH
• fyziologický stres fyziologie   MeSH
• handling (psychologie) MeSH
• kinetika MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• krevní glukóza analýza   MeSH
• kur domácí fyziologie   MeSH
• kyselina mléčná krev   MeSH
• kyselina močová krev   MeSH
• L-laktátdehydrogenasa krev   MeSH
• triglyceridy krev   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Excretion, disposition, and metabolism of [(3)H]-quinocetone in rats, pigs, broilers, and carp following oral administration were investigated. After a single p.o. dose, total radioactivity was rapidly excreted, with ⩾94% in all species within 14 days. Fecal excretion of radioactivity was 68% and 65% of the administered dose in rats and pigs, respectively, with the remainder excreted in the urine. Six hours after the last of seven daily oral administrations of (3)H-labeled QCT, radioactivity was found to be distributed throughout all tissues, with the majority of radioactivity cleared within 7 days, and elimination was the slowest from the liver and kidney. QCT was extensively metabolized in all of the species, and the primary changes included N-O group reduction, carbonyl group reduction, double bond reduction, and hydroxylation. The major tissue metabolites of QCT were Q2, Q4, Q5, Q8, and Q9 in rats; Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q5 in pigs; Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q7 in broilers; and Q1, Q2 in carp. This confirmed the potential link between QCT metabolism through N-O group reduction and its organ toxicity. The results of the present study provide important data that could help understand the relationship between the toxicities and metabolic disposition of QCT.

• MeSH
• aplikace orální MeSH
• chinoxaliny aplikace a dávkování   metabolismus   farmakokinetika   toxicita   MeSH
• feces MeSH
• kapři MeSH
• kur domácí MeSH
• potkani Wistar MeSH
• Sus scrofa MeSH
• tkáňová distribuce MeSH
• tritium farmakokinetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The effect of transport distance on selected biochemical parameters (corticosterone, uric acid, triglycerides, total protein, glucose, and lactate) under various ambient temperatures was monitored in a group of unsexed Ross 308 broilers aged 42 d. Broilers were transported to the slaughterhouse over 3 different travel distances (10, 70, and 130 km). They were sampled before and after each transportation in 3 various periods with different ambient temperatures (-5 to +5°C, 10 to 20°C, and 25 to 35°C), which approximately correspond to temperature conditions during transport in individual seasons of the year (winter, fall, summer). The changes in biochemical parameters were specific in their dependence on the travel distance and the ambient temperature under which the broilers were transported. The highest corticosterone concentration was found in broilers before transport (i.e., immediately after catching, crating, and loading) at all ambient temperatures. The concentration of corticosterone was higher at winter temperatures than at summer and fall temperatures. Triglycerides decreased with travel distance, although this effect was detected under summer temperatures only. The concentration of total protein was higher only after 10 km of transport and then it decreased with travel distance at all monitored ambient temperatures. A highly significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the glucose level of broilers was observed after 130 km of transport when compared with broilers before transport at fall and winter temperatures. The effect of travel distance on lactate concentrations was the same at all monitored ambient temperatures, with the lactate level decreasing with travel distance. The results obtained indicate that pretransport handling procedures (catching, crating, and loading) may be more stressful for broilers than the transport itself. To improve broiler meat quality, it is necessary to meet the need for broilers to recover before being slaughtered. With regard to different seasons of the year, we can assume that transport under conditions of low ambient temperatures in winter represents a more stressful event than transport during fall and summer.

• MeSH
• cestování MeSH
• doprava MeSH
• jatka MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• kur domácí metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina močová krev   MeSH
• psychický stres MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• triglyceridy metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and ribotypes of Clostridium perfringens in broiler flocks reared in 2 European countries that apply European Union Regulation 1831/2003. A total of 1,532 cecum contents were collected between June 2005 and November 2006 from birds belonging to 51 intensively reared flocks produced in the Czech Republic and 41 intensive production, organic, and free-range flocks reared in Italy. Clostridium perfringens was detected in 64.7 and 82.9% of the Czech Republic and Italian flocks, respectively, at mean loads ranging between 3.65 and 4.77 log10 cfu per gram of cecum content. More than 1 ribotype was identified among isolates belonging to the same flock in 57.1 and 76.5% of the Czech Republic and Italian flocks, respectively. Moreover, common ribotypes were identified between strains belonging to 2 up to 8 different flocks. In particular, 4 ribotypes were shared between strains isolated in the 2 European countries. The results of this study report on C. perfringens occurrence and mean populations in broilers reared on diets devoid of antibiotic growth promoters. Moreover, these findings show for the first time the presence of common ribotyping profiles among isolates collected from birds reared more than 1,000 km apart.

• MeSH
• Clostridium perfringens klasifikace   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• gastrointestinální obsah mikrobiologie   MeSH
• klostridiové infekce epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   veterinární   MeSH
• kur domácí * MeSH
• nemoci drůbeže epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• ribotypizace * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Itálie MeSH

The development of resistance to quinolones (nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) in 2006-2008 was evaluated in 317 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy chicken broilers from various farms. The isolates (2006/2007/2008) showed a high resistance to nalidixic acid (87/85/67 %), ciprofloxacin (CIP) (49/54/29 %) and enrofloxacin (ENR) (52/42/22 %). Nalidixic acid-resistant isolates with low level of MIC for CIP and ENR represented a single mutation; intermediary MIC for CIP and ENR were related to two mutations and high level resistance MIC for CIP (> or =4 mg/L) and ENR (> or =16 mg/L) represented three mutations (two in gyrA and one in parC). There was a correlation between the phenotype reading of high-level resistance and mutations in gyrA (Ser83Leu, Asp87Tyr or Asp87Asn) and parC (Ser80Ile) gene. Plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance qnrS gene was detected in one Escherichia coli strain with a high level of ciprofloxacin resistance. Our results demonstrate the increase in occurrence of multiresistant E. coli strains with a high level of chromosomal and plasmid resistance to fluoroquinolones.

• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   MeSH
• bakteriální chromozomy MeSH
• bakteriální léková rezistence MeSH
• chinolony farmakologie   MeSH
• DNA gyráza genetika   MeSH
• DNA-topoisomerasa IV genetika   MeSH
• Escherichia coli izolace a purifikace   účinky léků   MeSH
• financování organizované MeSH
• kur domácí mikrobiologie   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
• missense mutace MeSH
• molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
• plazmidy MeSH
• proteiny z Escherichia coli genetika   MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• substituce aminokyselin MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH

BACKGROUND: Since it is not yet clear whether it is possible to satisfactorily avoid sampling-induced stress interference in poultry, more studies on the pattern of physiological response and detailed quantification of stress connected with the first few minutes of capture and pre-sampling handling in poultry are required. This study focused on detection of changes in the corticosterone level and concentrations of other selected biochemical parameters in broilers handled in two different manners during blood sampling (involving catching, carrying, restraint, and blood collection itself) that lasted for various time periods within the interval 30-180 seconds. METHODS: Stress effects of pre-sampling handling were studied in a group (n = 144) of unsexed ROSS 308 broiler chickens aged 42 d. Handling (catching, carrying, restraint, and blood sampling itself) was carried out in a gentle (caught, held and carried carefully in an upright position) or rough (caught by the leg, held and carried with lack of care in inverted position) manner and lasted for 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s, and 180 s. Plasma corticosterone, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, lactate, triglycerides and total protein were measured in order to assess the stress-induced changes to these biochemical indices following handling in the first few minutes of capture. RESULTS: Pre-sampling handling in a rough manner resulted in considerably higher plasma concentrations of all biochemical indices monitored when compared with gentle handling. Concentrations of plasma corticosterone after 150 and 180 s of handling were considerably higher (P < 0.01) than concentrations after 30-120 s of handling regardless of handling technique. Concentrations of plasma lactate were also increased by prolonged handling duration. Handling for 90-180 seconds resulted in a highly significant elevation of lactate concentration in comparison with 30 s handling regardless of handling technique. Similarly to corticosterone concentrations, a strong positive correlation was found between plasma lactate and duration of pre-sampling handling. Other biochemical indices monitored did not show any correlation pattern in connection with duration of pre-sampling handling. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the pre-sampling procedure may be a considerably stressful procedure for broilers, particularly when carried out with lack of care and exceeding 120 seconds.

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chov zvířat metody   MeSH
• fyziologický stres MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• kur domácí krev   fyziologie   MeSH
• kyselina mléčná krev   MeSH
• odběr vzorku krve metody   veterinární   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of antimicrobial resistance and the rate of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in Escherichia coli isolated from caecum content collected in slaughterhouses located in three regions of Tunisia. E. coli isolates from chicken caecal samples, obtained using media supplemented with cefotaxime, were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility by the disk diffusion method. ESBL production was assessed by the double-disk synergy test, and the presence of β-lactamase encoding resistance genes was evaluated by PCR. Out of 111 faecal samples, 108 samples were positive for E. coli isolated from media supplemented with cefotaxime with 70% of ESBL-producing isolates. Alarming proportions of resistance against most of the 21 tested antibiotics were observed with 90% of multidrug resistant strains. Most strains exhibited resistance to amoxicillin, cefepime, tetracycline, cephalothin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, aztreonam, streptomycin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol, and florfenicol. The same resistance patterns were found in comparison between the three chicken slaughterhouses. A high prevalence of β-lactamase genes was observed, with blaCTX-M-G1-ESBL in 79.6% of strains, blaTEM in 45.4%, and blaSHV in 33.3%. The blaCTX-M-G1 and blaTEM genes were significantly more frequent in strains from slaughterhouses A and C. Additionally, carbapenem resistance genes, blaOXA-48 and blaIMP, were demonstrated in 13% and 6.5% of strains, respectively. The study showed high frequency of ESBL-producing E. coli and high antibiotic resistance in broilers. Poultry farms could represent a significant reservoir of ESBL-producing bacteria, suggesting the dissemination of these pathogens to humans and environment. These findings indicate the need for achievement of control and surveillance system.