A total of 100 samples of some Egyptian ready-to-eat meat products (70 samples of basterma, and 30 samples of luncheon) were investigated for the presence of Yersinia. The samples were evaluated sensorialy and their pH values and sodium chloride (NaCl) contents were estimated. The samples were randomly collected from different localities (supermarkets and mini-markets) in Assiut city, Egypt. All basterma and luncheon samples were accepted from the sensory point of view, although most of them were of medium quality. The mean pH and sodium chloride content values were 4.69 & 7.23; and 5.85 & 1.7 for basterma and luncheon samples, respectively. Of the 70 investigated basterma samples 13 (18.57%) were confirmed positive for Yersinia, and of the 30 luncheon samples 6 (20%) were confirmed positive. A total of 98 strains were isolated from the suspected positive samples, out of them 27 (27.55%) strains were found to belong to the genus Yersinia. Basterma samples contained Y. enteroclitica, Y. frederiksenii, Y. intermedia, and Y. Kristensenii at an incidence rate of 8.57, 4.29, 2.86, and 7.14%, while luncheon samples contained Y. enteroclitica, Y. frederiksenii, and Y. Kristensenii at an incidence rate of 13.33, 3.33, and 6.67%, respectively. Yersinia enterocolitica biovars 1, 3, and 4 were identified from basterma samples at percentages of 3, 1, and 2%, respectively. From luncheon samples biovars 1 and 4 were identified at percentages of 3 and 1%, respectively. The public health significance of the identified Yersinia strains was discussed.

The effect of three different levels of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) as a dietary supplement on carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal microbial ecology of growing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) was the main objective of the present experiment. A total of one hundred 1-day-old Japanese quails were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (25 birds/ each treatment) with 3 replicates (8 birds in two replicates and 9 birds in one replicate) in each group. The birds of experimental groups were fed on four dietary treatments: 1) a basal diet without supplementation (control); 2) a basal diet with 1 g MOS/kg diet (low MOS); 3) a diet with 3 g MOS/kg diet (medium MOS); and 4) a diet with 5 g MOS/kg diet (high MOS). The experimental period extended for 42 days. The data revealed that, birds fed diets containing medium MOS level (3 g /kg feed) recorded significant (P 0.05) improvements in body weight and weight gain compared with other treatment groups. Medium level of MOS supplementation increased the dressing and edible giblets percentages, while the offal's and carcass abdominal fat percentages were significantly decreased. Crude protein and moisture values of quail’s meat were higher in medium MOS supplemented birds diet than in other groups, while fat and ash values were lower. Total aerobes and E. coli counts were not significantly differed (P>0.05) between the treated groups. A significant increase in lactobacilli counts were detected in duodenum and jejunum of MOS supplemented groups diet. Birds fed medium MOs supplemented diet showed the highest lactobacillus counts. From the results of the current study, it could be concluded that medium level (3g MOS/Kg feed) of mannan oligosaccharide improve the carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal microbial ecology of growing Japanese quails by increasing the growth of beneficial microbes and reduction of potential pathogens.

The effect of three different levels of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) as a dietary supplement on carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal microbial ecology of growing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) was the main objective of the present experiment. A total of one hundred 1-day-old Japanese quails were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (25 birds/ each treatment) with 3 replicates (8 birds in two replicates and 9 birds in one replicate) in each group. The birds of experimental groups were fed on four dietary treatments: 1) a basal diet without supplementation (control); 2) a basal diet with 1 g MOS/kg diet (low MOS); 3) a diet with 3 g MOS/kg diet (medium MOS); and 4) a diet with 5 g MOS/kg diet (high MOS). The experimental period extended for 42 days. The data revealed that, birds fed diets containing medium MOS level (3 g /kg feed) recorded significant (P 0.05) improvements in body weight and weight gain compared with other treatment groups. Medium level of MOS supplementation increased the dressing and edible giblets percentages, while the offal's and carcass abdominal fat percentages were significantly decreased. Crude protein and moisture values of quail’s meat were higher in medium MOS supplemented birds diet than in other groups, while fat and ash values were lower. Total aerobes and E. coli counts were not significantly differed (P>0.05) between the treated groups. A significant increase in lactobacilli counts were detected in duodenum and jejunum of MOS supplemented groups diet. Birds fed medium MOs supplemented diet showed the highest lactobacillus counts. From the results of the current study, it could be concluded that medium level (3g MOS/Kg feed) of mannan oligosaccharide improve the carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal microbial ecology of growing Japanese quails by increasing the growth of beneficial microbes and reduction of potential pathogens.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on intestinal microflora and histomorphology of broilers. One-day-old Avian 48 chicks (n=100) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (25 birds/treatment) for 6 week experiment. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates (two replicate of 8 birds and one with 9 birds). Treatment groups were as follow: 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet plus Mannan- Oligosaccharide (MOS) at levels of 2 g /kg of the starter diets and 0.5 g/kg of the grower diets); 3. Basal diet plus probiotic (3 g/kg diet, Saccharomyces cerevisiae); and 4. Basal diet plus the combination of pre and probiotics (synbiotic). On d 21 and 42, 3 birds per treatment were sacrificed to evaluate gut morphology and microbiology. Duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum microflora composition and intestinal histomorphology were determined. The final body weight (BW), weight gain, feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p0.05) higher in probiotic and synbiotic supplemented broilers compared with the control and prebiotic groups. Concentrations of bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus spp. in the duodenum and jejunum digesta at d 42 were significantly (P 0.05) higher in prebiotic supplemented broilers compared with the control and synbiotic treatments. However, synbiotic supplementation maintaining populations of unprofitable or potential pathogens (E. coli) at relatively low levels (numerically) in the small intestinal and cecal digesta. In addition, the total aerobes and coliform colony count were not significantly affected by any of the dietary treatment. Morphology data for the small intestine showed that synbiotic supplemented broilers had significantly higher (p 0.05) villus height in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum in comparison with the other treatments. The crypt depths were numerically (p > 0.05) decreased in duodenum and ileum in synbiotic supplemented broilers. In addition, the age had significant effect on intestinal histomorphology. Moreover, the interaction between dietary treatment and age did not affect (p > 0.05) any of the intestinal histomorphological parameters.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on intestinal microflora and histomorphology of broilers. One-day-old Avian 48 chicks (n=100) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (25 birds/treatment) for 6 week experiment. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates (two replicate of 8 birds and one with 9 birds). Treatment groups were as follow: 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet plus Mannan- Oligosaccharide (MOS) at levels of 2 g /kg of the starter diets and 0.5 g/kg of the grower diets); 3. Basal diet plus probiotic (3 g/kg diet, Saccharomyces cerevisiae); and 4. Basal diet plus the combination of pre and probiotics (synbiotic). On d 21 and 42, 3 birds per treatment were sacrificed to evaluate gut morphology and microbiology. Duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum microflora composition and intestinal histomorphology were determined. The final body weight (BW), weight gain, feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p0.05) higher in probiotic and synbiotic supplemented broilers compared with the control and prebiotic groups. Concentrations of bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus spp. in the duodenum and jejunum digesta at d 42 were significantly (P 0.05) higher in prebiotic supplemented broilers compared with the control and synbiotic treatments. However, synbiotic supplementation maintaining populations of unprofitable or potential pathogens (E. coli) at relatively low levels (numerically) in the small intestinal and cecal digesta. In addition, the total aerobes and coliform colony count were not significantly affected by any of the dietary treatment. Morphology data for the small intestine showed that synbiotic supplemented broilers had significantly higher (p 0.05) villus height in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum in comparison with the other treatments. The crypt depths were numerically (p > 0.05) decreased in duodenum and ileum in synbiotic supplemented broilers. In addition, the age had significant effect on intestinal histomorphology. Moreover, the interaction between dietary treatment and age did not affect (p > 0.05) any of the intestinal histomorphological parameters.

a b s t r a c t Multiple 18S rDNA sequences were obtained from two single-oocyst-derived lines of each of Eimeria meleagrimitis and Eimeria adenoeides. After analysing the 15 new 18S rDNA sequences from two lines of E. meleagrimitis and 17 new sequences from two lines of E. adenoeides, there were clear indications that divergent, paralogous 18S rDNA copies existed within the nuclear genome of E. meleagrimitis. In contrast, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) partial sequences from all lines of a particular Eimeria sp. were identical and, in phylogenetic analyses, COI sequences clustered unambiguously in monophyletic and highly-supported clades specific to individual Eimeria sp. Phylogenetic analysis of the new 18S rDNA sequences from E. meleagrimitis showed that they formed two distinct clades: Type A with four new sequences; and Type B with nine new sequences; both Types A and B sequences were obtained from each of the single-oocyst-derived lines of E. meleagrimitis. Together these rDNA types formed a wellsupported E. meleagrimitis clade. Types A and B 18S rDNA sequences from E. meleagrimitis had a mean sequence identity of only 97.4% whereas mean sequence identity within types was 99.1–99.3%. The observed intraspecific sequence divergence among E. meleagrimitis 18S rDNA sequence types was even higher (approximately 2.6%) than the interspecific sequence divergence present between some wellrecognized species such as Eimeria tenella and Eimeria necatrix (1.1%). Our observations suggest that, unlike COI sequences, 18S rDNA sequences are not reliable molecular markers to be used alone for species identification with coccidia, although 18S rDNA sequences have clear utility for phylogenetic reconstruction of apicomplexan parasites at the genus and higher taxonomic ranks.

Abstract For the purpose of re-describing the Eimeria species that infect the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and to establish benchmark biological information linked to genetic markers for each species, a strain of Eimeria meleagrimitis Tyzzer 1929 was obtained from a litter sample from a turkey farm in Minnesota, USA in 2008. Multiple pure lines were derived by infecting turkey poults with a single oocyst; one of these lines was then used to re-describe biological and morphological features of E. meleagrimitis in the turkey and to designate a neotype of E. meleagrimitis in the turkey. Oocyst morphometrics of this line matched those of this species as originally described by Tyzzer (AmJHyg 10:269–383, 1929). Three asexual generations ofmerogony (the first generation of meronts large in size and the second and third generations small) were detected in the intestines before the onset of gametogony; no developmental stages were detected in the cecal pouches. No mortality was induced by this line of E. meleagrimitis even when turkey poults were infected with high doses of oocysts (up to 5×105 oocysts/bird) and despite the ability of E. meleagrimitis to induce severe mucosal damage in the upper and middle duodenum. Macroscopic lesions were characterized to provide a graded lesion scoring guide that should assist assessment of the severity of infections with this species in infected turkeys. The pathogenicity of the strain was investigated, and a significant reduction in weight gain and feed conversion ratio was observed with doses of 104 oocysts/bird or more. The maximum yield of oocysts in the feces was obtained when birds were inoculated with 5×103 oocysts.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the most suitable and effective regimen of mtramammary honey infusion in bovine subclinical mastitis. A total of twenty five subclmic at mastitic cows from two farms were divided into two groups; group a: 10 lactating cows were infused 10 mL fennel honey solution 10% in sterile saline/quarter daily for three successive doses; group b: 15 lactating cows were infused day by day for three successive doses guarded with intramuscular antihistaminic drug. Milk samples of both groups showed a decrease in total bacterial count at the 3rd and 10th day and the reduction percent was 99. 6 and 99.8%, respectively. Milk cytological results showed a significant increase (p0. 05) in lymphocyte and significant (p0. 05) decrease in neutrophil percentages at the 3rd day up to the 10th day in group b while the same results were achieved at the 10th day in group a. Milk yield records in group a showed decrease by the 3rd day post intramammary infusion and then gradually increased up to the 10th day reaching nearly the same levels. Milk yield of group b showed a slight decrease by the 3rd day and gradually increased to level higher than that before infusion. Haematological study revealed that the percentage of blood neutrophil significantly decreased (p0. 05) from the 3rd up to the 10th day in both groups while the lymphocytic percentage increased significantly (p0. 05). In group a, the eosinophil cells’ percentage was significantly increased (p0. 05) at the 3rd day. It was concluded that mtramammary 10% honey infusion day by day for three doses guarded by antihistaminic drug could treat bovine subclmical mastitis. Moreover, milk cytology could be used instead of California mastitis test during and after treatment with honey.