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Not Availablestock adversely vis-à-vis production and reproduction. This has prompted more focus in addressing the unfavorable effects of thermal stress in livestock system. Presuming that the trace element zinc is in dispensible for cellular antioxidant system and immune function, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of zinc treatment on heat stress alleviation and immune modulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of indigenous and crossbred transition cows. Twelve cows, six each of Sahiwal and Karan Fries (KF) in their second parity with confirmed pregnancy were selected for the experiment. The blood samples were collected at 21, 0 and þ21 days in relation to expected date of calving. The experiment was carried out in vitro after isolating PBMC from whole blood. The 48 h cultured PBMC were subjected to assorted levels of exposures viz. 37 °C, 42 °C to impose heat stress and 42 °Cþzinc to alleviate heat stress and modulate immunity. The PBMC viability was 86%, 69% and 78%, respectively. The mRNA expression of heat shock proteins (HSP 40, 70 and 90α) and Interleukin-10 (IL- 10) production varied between the two breeds vis-à-vis days and levels of exposure. The mRNA ex pression of HSP40 and HSP70 was significantly (Po0.05) higher in Karan Fries than the Sahiwal cows. Both the breeds showed maximum expression of HSP on the day of parturition, more so in KF than Sahiwal. There was a significant (Po0.05) difference in the HSP mRNA expression at different levels of exposure. Zinc treatment to heat stressed PBMC caused a significant (Po0.05) down regulation of HSP. For immune status, anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 in the culture supernatant was accessed. The IL-10 was significantly (Po0.05) higher in Karan Fries (168.18714.09 pg/ml) than the Sahiwal cows (147.24711.82 pg/ml). The IL-10 concentration was highest on the day of calving. Zinc treatment reduced the IL-10 concentration. From the study, it could be concluded that the zinc supplementation in heat stressed PBMC can ameliorate thermal stress and modulate immune response which can act as a model for reducing heat stress during the periparturient period in tropical livestock. & 2016 PNot Availabl

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Not AvailableThe current study was undertaken to evaluate the invitro effect of zinc treatment on the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase status in the heat stressed Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) of periparturient indigenous and crossbred cows. Twelve pregnant cows, six each from Sahiwal and Karan Fries in their second parity were selected for the experiment. Blood samples were collected at -21, 0 and +21 days with respect to calving from each animal. The 48 hour long cultured PBMC were exposed to three levels of treatment viz., 37oC, 42oC to induce thermal stress and 42oC+Zinc to minimize the effect of high temperature. SOD and Catalase showed a significant (P<0.05) difference between the two breeds, more concentration being found in Karan Fries. While comparing the days, the concentration of both SOD and Catalase was found to be more on the day of calving though non-significantly in case of SOD but the difference was significant (P<0.05) vis-à-vis Catalase. Zinc treatment caused a decreased production of both SOD and Catalase which were otherwise increased due to thermal stress. The antioxidant concentration was highest due to thermal stress in Karan Fries on the day of calving. The oxidative stress supervenes during peripartum and heat stress which could be alleviated by zinc treatment.Not Availabl

Saffron petals (Crocus sativus L.) enhance productive performance and carcass quality in broiler birds by improving their immunity, antioxidant status and biochemical profile

The effect of Saffron petals (agricultural by-product) on health and production performance was investigated in broiler chicken. In this experiment, 140-day-old chicks were randomly distributed in five groups each having four replicates of seven chicks. The birds of control group (T0) were offered basal diet without feed additives whereas, birds of treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 were given a basal diet supplemented with ground saffron petals (SP) as feed additive at an inclusion level of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg feed on dry matter basis. The overall temperature and humidity of the experimental shed were 23.43 °C &amp; 55.19% during the day and 23.17 °C &amp; 56.01% during the night. The SP as feed additive contained 83% dry matter, 11.94% crude protein, 5.03% ether extract and 7.85% crude fiber. The feed intake during the experiment was not affected, however total body weight gain was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in T3 and T4 as compared to control (T0) with better FER. The SP in the diet improved nutrient digestibility with better economical returns. The study revealed a non-significant change in the overall haematological parameters viz. Hb, PCV, RBC and WBC The plasma glucose increased proportionately with the inclusion level of petals, being significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in T2, T3 and T4. The immune parameters reflected a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in HI titre at days 21 and 28 in different SP supplemented groups. The response to DNCB (mm) was highest in the birds of T3 group. The SP feeding leads to an increase in the weight of immune organs, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in Spleen. Similarly, the biochemical parameters indicated an improved lipid profile with cholesterol and triglycerides decreasing significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the T4 group. The total oxidant status and total antioxidant status showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement and revealed figures of 6.30 ± 0.12 μmol H2O2 Eq/L and 1.46 ± 0.03 μmol Trolox Eq/L, respectively in T4 group. Likewise, T-BARS in breast and thigh showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decline as the SP level increased in ration. Significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improvement dressing percentage was recorded in T3 and T4 treatments as compared to control (T0). The Cutability (%) of Breast, Back, Drumstick, Thighs, Wings, Neck and total Giblet did not differ significantly among treatments as compared to the control. The production cost per kg live weight was least in T4 group and highest in control (T0). The results of this study indicate superior immunity, health, carcass quality and production performance in saffron petal supplemented birds. Hence, its use as a feed additive at 2 g/kg in poultry diets is a viable proposition to improve poultry production performance