This study investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, gut morphology, fecal microbiota, and bone morphology in Lohmann Brown laying hens aged 44 weeks over a 16-week period. Ninety-six hens were randomly divided into control and probiotic groups (n = 48 each). The probiotic group received probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus KUEN 1607 and Pediococcus acidilactici KUEN 1608 via drinking water at 0.5%. Probiotic supplementation significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), eggshell strength and thickness, and albumen quality (p < 0.001) and reduced the incidence of cracked and shell-less eggs (p < 0.05). Yolk and serum cholesterol levels decreased (p < 0.001), and antioxidant parameters improved, along with elevated serum IgG (p < 0.001). Histological analysis showed an increased ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.001) in the jejunum, indicating enhanced intestinal health. Fecal samples revealed increased Lactobacillus spp. and reduced coliform counts (p < 0.001), suggesting improved gut microbiota balance. While bone volume and surface area showed no significant difference, 3D geometric morphometric analysis identified subtle shape changes in long bones, especially the femur and tibiotarsus. These findings demonstrate that the selected probiotic combination supports nutrient utilization, egg quality, gut integrity, immune status, and skeletal health, offering a sustainable strategy to enhance productivity and welfare in laying hens.
This study investigated the effects of dietary xylanase and protease supplementation, applied individually or in combination, on growth performance, intestinal characteristics, gut fermentation, meat quality, and skeletal traits in broiler chickens. A total of 540-day-old male broiler chicks were allocated to six experimental groups and fed a control corn-soybean meal-based diet or diets supplemented with xylanase, protease, or a xylanase–protease combination. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved body weight gain and feed efficiency, particularly between days 22 and 42, and reduced intestinal digesta viscosity. Improvements in gut morphology were reflected by increased villus height and villus-to-crypt ratios, accompanied by higher cecal total volatile fatty acid concentrations, increased Lactobacillus populations, and reduced coliform counts. In contrast, breast meat physicochemical composition and antioxidant status were not affected by dietary treatments. Skeletal development was positively influenced, with improvements observed in selected morphometric and structural bone traits. Overall, dietary xylanase and protease supplementation enhanced broiler performance and skeletal development primarily through improved digestive efficiency and favorable modulation of gut morphology, microbial ecology, and intestinal fermentation, without adverse effects on meat quality.
15 June 2022 in Veteriner Hekimler Derneği Dergisi
The teaching of veterinary anatomy was started in line with the establishment of the first veterinary school in Lyon in 1762. During this time fewer tools and techniques were available for displaying and visualization of organs in order to teach anatomy. Over the years, many methods, tools, and techniques that are essential for veterinary students and anatomists were developed. Teaching materials like cadaver which preserved by formalin has being using for a long time. Instead of preserved cadavers, various teaching materials have also been using in different parts of the world. These alternative techniques were not hopeful to meet the professional challenges in the medical and veterinary sciences. In 1977, Dr. Gunther von Hagens came up with an exclusive method, for the preservation of biological materials, called plastination. In the process of plastination body fluids and lipids in biological tissues replace with epoxy silicone and polyester polymers. Plastinated specimens are an excellent alternative to formalin-fixed specimens. Plastination brings not only three-dimensional and cross-sectional specimens for teaching and research, but also durable, clean, non-toxic materials for students. Plastinates are also convenient to handle, transport, and store. Three major methods used in plastination are silicone, sheet plastination with epoxy method and sheet plastination with polyester method. Silicone plastination is the most adaptable technique for cadavers, whole body or organ slices. Relative to the other plastination methods, it is widely used for teaching veterinary anatomy. Sheet plastination with polyester resin has been used for the production of opaque brain slices, while sheet plastination with epoxy resins are used for transparent body or organ slices. Using of anatomic specimens after plastination can be quite efficient for both theoretical and practical courses.
Wistar albino rats are recognized as essential model organisms in biomedical research due to their anatomy and genetic homogeneity. Their relevance in morphological and developmental studies makes them ideal subjects for investigating skeletal variations, including sexually dimorphic traits. This study aimed to examine the shape variations in the caudal region of the skull in Wistar albino rats, and especially to investigate the morphological differences between the genders. A total of 60 rats (30 males and 30 female) were analysed using geometric morphometric techniques, with shape data collected with via landmark-based analysis using MorphoJ. Statistical analysis was performed with PAST software. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified significant sexual dimorphism, revealing distinct morphological differences between male and female rats. Comparative visual assessments showed that females had a wider foramen magnum and condylus occipitalis, a more dorsally positioned opisthocranion, and a laterally broader linea nuchae compared to males. Additionally, ANOVA confirmed the presence of significant sexual dimorphism, demonstrating that the morphological characteristics of the caudal skeleton varied distinctly between male and female Wistar albino rats. These results suggest that the caudal skull region can serve as a useful indicator of sexual dimorphism, with geometric morphometrics offering a reliable method for detecting sex-related skeletal differences. This study not only advances the understanding of sexual dimorphism in rodents but also provides a framework for further investigations in comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology.