Effect of Oregostem® and imbalance diet on body performance and reproductive efficiency in male quails

Article Highlight

1- The benefits of utilizing Oregostem^® in poultry nutrition for improving body weight and spermatogenesis.

2- Oregostem^® showed maximum role in the diminish of sperm abnormality and stress index.

3- The administration of Oregostem^® additives lead to increase the total serum protein and creatine kinase value.

Effect of Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on body performance and reproductive efficiency in male quails

Hiyam N. Maty, Mahmood S. Al-Ma’atheedi and Suha M. Ahmed

Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

hemyatem@yahoo.com, 0000-0003-1792-5192

mahmoodvet90@gmail.com, 0000-0002-6489-7238

suhamd2001@yahoo.com,

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the influence of Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on body performance, hematology and spermatogenesis of male quails. A total of 160 birds have been distributed into four groups (40 birds) each with 2 replicates starting at 12 weeks of age, the four treatments includes:(G1) was fed on balanced diet only. (G2) was received a balanced diet with Oregostem^® with drinking water. While G3 was fed on imbalance diet (ground yellow corn) and G4 received imbalance diet with Oregostem^®. The parameters including body performance, reproduction, blood and biochemical Figure and histology of testes were measured at 4^th and 8^th weeks from beginning of treatment. The results showed that the supplementation of Oregostem^® caused a significant increase in body and right testis weight, gonadosomatic index, sperm count as well as live sperm in G2 relative to other groups at 4^th and 8^th weeks post treatment. In G3, WBC and lymphocytes decrease significantly with increasing hetrophils percentage and stress index at 4^th and 8^th weeks post treatment. Also there was a significant decrease of cholesterol with an increase of total protein and creatine kinase in G3 at 8^th week of treatment. While the groups treated with Oregostem^® did not differ from control group. This study concluded that liquid form of Oregostem^® had a positive effect on body weight, sperm count with improvement hematological and biochemical parameters of the male quails.

Keyword: Oregostem^®, spermatogenesis, hematology, low protein diet, male quails

تأثیر Oregostem^® والعلیقة غیر المتوازنة على أداء الجسم والکفاءة التناسلیة فی ذکور السمان

هیام نذیر متی، محمود سالم المعاضیدی و سهى محمود احمد

فرع الفسلجة والکیمیاء الحیاتیة والأدویة، کلیة الطب البیطری، جامعة الموصل، الموصل، العراق

الخلاصة

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحدید تأثیر اوریکوستیم على أداء النمو وصفات الدم وتکوین الحیوانات المنویة فی ذکور السمان. قسمت الطیور وعددها 160 طائراً على أربع مجامیع (40 طائر/ مجموعة) لکل منها مکررین ابتداءً من عمر 12 أسبوعا، وشملت المعاملات الأربعة مایأتی: المجموعة الاولى تم تغذیتها على نظام غذائی متوازن فقط. المجموعة الثانیة وحصلت هذه المجموعة على نظام غذائی متوازن مع اوریکوستیم عن طریق ماء الشرب. بینما تم تغذیة المجموعة الثالثة على نظام غذائی غیر متوازن (الذرة الصفراء المطحونة فقط) فی حین أعطیت المجموعة الرابعة نظامًا غذائیًا غیر متوازن (الذرة الصفراء المطحونة فقط) مع استخدام اوریکوستیم. تم قیاس المعاییر المتمثلة بأداء الجسم والتکاثر والصورة الدمویة والکیموحیاتیة والصفة النسجیة للخصى فی الأسبوعین الرابع والثامن من بدایة المعاملة. أظهرت النتائج أن إضافة اوریکوستیم تسببت فی زیادة معنویة فی وزن الجسم والخصیة الیمنى، ومؤشر الغدد التناسلیة، واعداد الحیوانات المنویة وکذلک الحیوانات المنویة الحیة فی المجموعة الثانیة مقارنة بالمجامیع الأخرى عند الأسبوع الرابع والثامن بعد المعاملة، وفی المجموعة الثالثة انخفضت اعداد کریات الدم البیض والخلایا اللمفاویة بشکل ملحوظ مع زیادة نسبة کریات الدم المتغایرة ومؤشر الإجهاد عند الأسبوع الرابع والثامن بعد المعاملة. کما کان هناک انخفاض معنوی للکولیسترول مع زیادة البروتین الکلی والکریاتین کاینیز فی المجموعة الثالثة عند الاسبوع الثامن من المعاملة. بینما لم تختلف المجامیع التی عوملت باوریکوستیم عن مجموعة السیطرة. نستنتج من هذه الدراسة بأن اوریکوستیم السائل کان له تأثیر إیجابی على وزن الجسم وعدد الحیوانات المنویة مع تحسین المعاییر الدمویة والکیمیائیة الحیویة فی ذکور السمان.

Introduction

Japanese quail Belongs to the family Phasianidae and considered as pheasant birds (1). Males of Japanese quail have highly breeding activity during the summer, particularly when the size of the testes is increase and concentration of testosterone reaches to the peak. Therefor the production and reproduction of quail are very important because has play an active role in industry and scientific researches (2). Oregostem^® is the 100% natural feed additive characterized by special aromatic flavor, used globally in livestock diets to improve overall function in the body such as it promotes growth and improve utilization of the feed and make the animals healthier as well as give in the times of stress. Oregostem^® is obtained from the oregano plant, a perennial herb of the mint family grown in colder condition. Tastes range from spicy or maybe astringent and sweet. Active ingredients of it (thymol and carvacrol) that have antiseptic antimicrobial (3), antioxidant, antiviral properties and in addition to immunomodulatory effect (4). The oregano is contributing to protecting the intestine against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and other physiological effects because the presence of phenolic acids, and flavonoids as main compounds of it (5,6). As well as it has been revealed anti-inflammatory action by activation of the immune system, Therefore Oregano considered as prophylactic plans against intimidating pathogens (7). Also, the oil of oregano has shown optimistic effects on microbes. Thus, recently, it is applied as substitute to antibiotics in animal diet to avoid the antibiotic resistance of microorganisms (8). The oregano has more than 20 ingredients but the phenolic component has antioxidant properties, it is possible to transfer of antioxidant components in to the body by feeding hens with oreganum because the phenolic component act to inhibit the chain reaction associated with lipid oxidation (9). Oregano has to show andrological properties by precautionary effects against testicular destruction and recovered full spermatogenesis and spermatozoa creation within one full spermatogenic maturation cycle (10). To overcome the physiological and chemical stress on the sperm membrane when is cryopreservation of semen, the researchers suggested adding different concentrations from Origanum Vulgare to semen samples that play crucial role as antioxidants to improve sperms quality, motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity of sperms as well as significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation (11). In one of recent study on poultry demonstrated, the supplementation of oregano improved the gut health that can make energy reserves for reproductive processes by reducing animal stress, in cooperation of these two reasons which may lead to increasing fertility. Thus consequently, improving productive and reproductive performance traits, egg quality, semen quality and has positive effects on some physiological effects during the laying period (12). Therefore, this work was aimed to assess the efficacy of liquid form of Oregostem^® (is a high quality eubiotic composed of 100% natural) on the productive and reproductive performance of male quails as well as suggest to reduce stressful condition and improve profitability.

Materials and methods

The experimental design and the use of male quails for this study have been studied by the Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Scientific Committee and Veterinary Medicine College, University of Mosul.

Birds

The study was presented in the Laboratory Animal House, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul. The quails were housed in horizontally isolated floor pens in order to prevent interference. The room temperature ranged from 20±5ºC and the relative humidity ranged from 45% to 60%. During the rearing and development cycles (8 weeks) clean drinking water ad libitum basal diet ingredient and nutrient levels provided according to National Research Council (NRC) recommendation (13). The experiment designed to include 160 male quails starting at 12 weeks of age. Quails have been obtained from the Ebaa Research Center/Ministry of Agriculture. And randomly distributed into four groups (40 birds / group) each with 2 replicates and divided in to four treatment Includes: (G1) was fed on balanced diet only (table 1) (G2) was receiving a balanced diet with Oregostem^® by drinking water (Dosage:0.3 ml \ L), while G3 was fed on imbalance diet (ground yellow corn only) and G4 received imbalance diet with Oregostem^®. All groups were treated until 8th weeks from beginning of the experiment and parameters were measured at 4th and 8th weeks of experiments.

Table 1: Percentage of balanced diet contents

Oregostem^®

A liquid product containing 100% natural oregano essential oil produced by Anpario company /UK. Oregostem^® administrated with dosage of 300 ml/1000 litter of drinking water as a recommendation of manufacturer.

Body weight and internal organs weight

Birds were slaughtered at the end of 4^th and 8^th weeks of the experiment respectively. Visceral organs, including the heart, liver, gizzard, chest muscle, and testes, were weighted (records of organ weight/100 gm body weight).

Blood samples

Blood samples were collected during slay and divided into two parts: one for serum that separated by blood centrifugation for 15 min at 3000 rpm and kept at -26ºC until further processing of biochemical parameters that included: cholesterol, total protein and creatinine kinase using commercial kits (Biolabo/France) (14), While blood samples with anticoagulant were used for complete blood count by using Wright stain to estimate RBCs, WBCs, differential leukocytic count (DLC) by using Natt and Herrick solution and for concludes stress index.

Spermatogenesis parameters

Which include number of live, dead and abnormal sperms. The epididymis male quails were removed, crushed and homogenized in 10 ml 0.9% NaCl according to the protocol described by (15). The final volume obtained by counting the total number of sperm from epididymis and the number of sperm \cubic mm was performed using a Neubauer chamber under an optical microscope with 40 X magnification.

Evaluation of sperm viability

The morphology of spermatozoa was studied in nigrosine-eosin smears under a light microscope to evaluate the percentage of normal and abnormal sperms. The ducts deferens were rinsed with 1mL 0.9% NaCl and a sperm suspension was subsequently obtained. An aliquot of sperm suspension was stained with 2% eosin and nigrosine to assess the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm. Two hundred sperm/animal were analyzed microscopically (X 400 total magnification) (15).

Gonadosomatic index (GSI)

In male quails, in order to determine GSI, the weight of the right and left testes of each quail was divided to the body weight of the bird and the calculation of gonadosomatic index according the equation (16). GSI = [gonads weight/body weight] × 100. This index used to determine the sexual maturity of bird and testes development as well as used as indication of endocrine function (17).

Histological examination of the quail's testis

After separating the testes from the bird’s body, testes were instantly preserved in sufficiently buffered formalin 10 % for fixation its structure. Then, the testes were embedded into paraffin wax for 24 hrs. The thin sections was obtained after slicing by microtome after that floated on the water bath, shifted by a glass slide, dried and dyed with hematoxylin and eosin stains. The slide was then observed under a light microscope (Olympus-CX3) to assessment of the morphometric changes (18).

Statistical analysis

Data is determined by means of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance of variations among means was assessed by using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (P<0.05) (19).

Results

The experimental results logged in table (2) of the present study indicated that the effect of Oregostem^® produced a significant raise in body weight (P<0.05) in G2 when compared with G3 and did not differ significantly from G1 and G4 at 4^th, 8^th weeks respectively. The heart weight showed significant decreased in G3 relative to G1, G2 and G4 at 4^th weeks of treatment as well as in G3 and G4 relative to G2 and at 8^th weeks and not differ from control group. There is no significant change in liver weight between groups at 4^th and 8^th weeks of treatment. Also the gizzard and chest muscles weight no significant change among the groups at 4^th weeks, but at 8^th weeks decreased significantly (P<0.05) in G3 compare with G1, G2 and G3.

Table 2: Impact of Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on male quail's body and organs weight

Values in the column with different letters are significantly different at P<0.05.

Administration of the Oregostem^® showed no any significant (P>0.05) changes in the weight of the left testis in comparison with other groups at 4^th and 8^th weeks of treatment; whereas the weight of the right testis significantly increased in G2 relative to G3 but at a same time did not differ from G1and G4 at 4^th weeks of treatment. In 8^th weeks no significant change in the right testis weight between groups. The data indicated a significant increase in the GSI in G2 and G4 relative to G3; whereas these groups did not differ about G1 at 4^th weeks of treatment, also the data of GSI at 8^th weeks not record any significant differences between groups (Table 3).

Table 3: Impact of Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on sex organs weight of male quail's

Values in the column which use different letters are significantly different from P<0.05.

Table 4 showed that administration of Oregostem^® resulted in a significant increase in of sperm count (P<0.05) in G2 relative to G1, G3and G4 at 4th weeks; while at 8^th weeks the sperm count increased clearly in G4 as compare with other groups. It was the highest value of live sperm count, and lowest value in dead sperm in G1 and G2 relative to other groups, while G3 showed significant reduction in live sperm with increased in dead sperm at 4^th weeks of treatment, but at 8^th weeks there was a clearly reduction of live sperm with highest value of dead sperm in G3 relative with other groups. No significant difference (P>0.05) between groups in sperm abnormality at 4^th weeks of treatment, but at 8^th weeks showed high significant value in G3 relative to G2 and G4 while did not differ from G1.

Table 4: Impact of Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on male quail's spermatogenesis

Values in the column which use different letters are significantly different from P<0.05.

The microscopic examination of the testicular section of the control group at 4^th and 8^th weeks from beginning of treatment showed normal seminiferous tubules with spermatogenesis, normal interstitial tissue, Sertoli cells with the normal distribution of the spermatid, spermatocyte and spermatogonium at different differentiation stage (Figure 1A). while treated groups with Oregostem^® at 4^th and 8^th weeks showed no any obvious histological difference from control groups (Figure 1B). In (Figure 1C) the testicular section appearance under microscope of the groups fed with yellow corn and treated with Oregostem^® in the two different time of period, the experiment reorganization of seminiferous tubules with dilation of tubular lumen which appear free form of spermatid and spermatocyte. But (Figure 1 D, E) showed the section of testis below the lens of microscope on the groups fed just of the yellow corn thickening of tunica albugina with sever congestion and thickening of blood vessel wall in the interstitial tissue. However different degree of histological changes in the seminiferous tubules was observed, these changes characterized by degeneration of the spermatocytes, sloughing of sertoli cells, furthermore destruction of basement membrane of some seminiferous tubules with distortion of shape.

Figure 1: Treated and non-treated quail testis Photomicrograph (Hematoxylin and eosin stain) at 10× and 40× magnification. (1A) control group, (1B) treated groups with Oregostem^®, (1C) the groups fed with yellow corn and treated with Oregostem^®, (1D and 1E) the groups fed just of the yellow corn.

The data from the current study at 4^th weeks showed no any significant (P>0.05) changes in the RBC count among groups; while WBC count diminished in G3 and G4 when compare with G1 and G2, as well as reduced percentage of lymphocyte in G3 relative to G1, G2 and G4, but at 8^th weeks showed a significant decrease in counts of RBC, WBC and lymphocyte percentage in G3 relative to G1, G2 and G4. While heterophils and stress index increased significantly in G3 relatively to other groups at 4^th and 8^th weeks. There is no significant difference between groups in the basophils, eosinophil and monocytes in Table 5 at 4^th and 8^th weeks post treatment.

Table 5: Impact of Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on blood constituent, differential leucocytic count and stress index

Values in the column which use different letters are significantly different from P<0.05.

The effect of the dietary additive of Oregostem^® on biochemical parameters in quails is summarized in Table (6). A significant decrease (P<0.05) in cholesterol level was observed in G3 compared with G1, but did not differ from G2 and G4 at 4^th weeks of treatment. On the other hand, administration of liquid form of Oregostem^® for 8^th weeks was showed no significant variation (P>0.05) in cholesterol level between groups. Furthermore, the administration of Oregostem^® additives was effect noticeably influence (P<0.05) by increasing in the total serum protein level of G4 relatively to G1 and G2 as well as not differ from G3 at 4^th weeks, but after at 8^th weeks of treatment resulted in a significant rise (P<0.05) in the total protein in G3 related to the other groups. The creatine kinase value showed high significant increasing value (P<0.05) in G3, and less in G4 but the least in G2 when compare with G1 at 4^th weeks. While at 8^th weeks has risen significantly in G3 relatively to G1, G2, G4 and G4 relative to G2.

Table 6: Impact of on Oregostem^® and imbalance diet on biochemical parameters of male quail's

Values represented as means ± SE.

Values using different letters in the column are significantly different (P<0.05)

Discussion

The illation of the recent study was seen that the groups received Oregostem^® in the drinking water in the prompted an elevation in body weight at 4^th and 8^th weeks of treatment, this was agreed with the findings of the supplementation Oregostim^® on finisher broiler, regardless about if in the diet or in the drinking water increases the weight of the body, weight gain and detraction the feed conservation ratio (FCR) and mortality rate (20). Oregostem^® has a unique property that possess natural phenolic compounds (carvacrol and thymol), which is a powerful antimicrobial agent because Phenols can consider as a slayer of bacteria like C. perfringens out of its toxic effect on the protein of the bacterial cell membrane, via denaturing and coagulating of protein in the cell membrane, and therefore the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane will be increased to perform in water thus lead bacterial cell die (21). Or maybe the effect of carvacrol and thymol on digestibility of food, probably due to the enhancement of digestive enzymes by accelerate blood flow (22). Also the current study noticed that the submit yellow corn to quails induced a reduction in body weight, and some organs weight this finding did harmony with the evident scientific findings that indicated the final body weight, weight gain of quail were significantly fall but the feed intake was significantly increased with deficient dietary crud proteins level from 24-20% (yellow corn have low protein proportion), Therefore this is a reason is to show of those results in minimize the proficiency of feed utilization for quail when fed with lower dietary protein level (23).

In accordance with the present results shows that the andrological effect of Oregostem^® on spermatogenesis regardless of the difference in the time period to give it resulted in elevated of sperm count and percentage of live sperm as well as right testes and gonadosomatic index that used as decent marker for gonadal growth at 4th weeks with decreasing of dead sperm percentage while not affected on sperm abnormality, this research did comply with El-Sawy et al (10), which announced that oral administration of Origanum (20 mg/kg) to adult male rats caused increasing number of the sperm, testicular weigh and diameter of seminiferous tubules and the reasons may be the oregano contains carvacrol which plays an antioxidant effects and an anti-apoptotic properties of the sperm cells by acting on repressing expression of P53 protein (24). Also may be attendance of a particular prevalent protein in the epididymal environment that was recognized as hemoglobin which assists sperm metabolism, motility, and/or performance as an antioxidant (25). Moreover, in the recent research improved that thymol have protective role of the testes and testes function (sperm production) by positive effect on Epididymal sperm parameters, testicular histology, and spermatogenesis (26). While Güvenç et al (27) concerning the sperm quality parameters (motility, concentration, sperm abnormality and live/dead sperm proportion) the carvacol and thymol have positive influence but at a same time no significant result on the histological evaluation of the animals testis when compare with control groups. The decrease in semen production, live sperm and on the other hand increased dead sperm and abnormality of male's quails in groups that fed on yellow corn maybe due to numerous stresses in poultry such as imbalance diet responsible for decreasing body weight and caused economically loses due to decreased productive and reproductive performing of growing bird associated with excess production of free radicals (28).

Hematological and biochemical parameter are an influential tool for evaluating the health and reproduction status of birds as physiological markers, since it essentially indicates the condition of the internal bird environment (29), therefore findings demonstrate that RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, heterophils and stress index of treated groups with Oregnum are similar with control groups at 4th and 8th weeks. Similarly, Silva-Vázquez et al (30) that conclude revelation the positive effect of two type of oregano oils at 0.40 g/kg in the diet on broiler blood Figure specially leukocytes and lymphocytes percentage without changing hemoglobin and hematocrit and oregnum acts as a replacement to artificial antioxidants. Another researcher improved significantly the value of hemoglobin and percentage of lymphocytes on broiler that treated with oregano, because thyme have high concentration of iron to stimulate hemoglobin production, also occurrence flavonoids which have antioxidant properties that able to improve of blood Figure (31). The proportion of lymphocytes in this experiment did not differ in G1, G2 and G4 in line with the results of Savoini et al (32), who reported that lymphocytes were increased in piglets when fed by 300 mg/kg of oregano extracts, the increase of some WBC differential values are an indicator for the non-specific stimulation of cellular immunity and demonstrates that the influence of immune response can be determined in any case by the recorded parameters of the blood picture. Or, possibly due to their antioxidant activity of the oregano extract. Also, Flavonoids, which are found in oregano have been shown to promote phagocytic activity (33). Vs. versa, Méndez-Zamora et al (35) discovered no influence on biometric parameters of the blood with 0.40 g/kg diet of oregano. While when offer yellow corn to G3 at 4^th weeks resulted diminish blood leukocytes and percentage of lymphocytes in contrast raises in hetrophils and heterophilic / lymphocyte proportion at 8^th weeks that often used as a stress marker for birds (36). Some investigators have described the effect of malnutrition on the hematological profile of mammals and some avian spp. (36) when resulted that significant diminished on most of blood leukocytes percentage except heterophils and stress index rises significantly at end of experimental period. These results confirm the chickens are recompensed with elevated non-specific immune element (heterophils) and stress index heterophils/lymphocytes ratio. Azis (37) showed that malnutrition evokes stress on blood cells. While the percentage of packed cell volume in chickens not affected when offer unbalance diet at 14, 35 day of age (36).

According to the biochemical analysis, supplemented yellow corn alone without any treatment (G3) caused a significant decrease in cholesterol level just at 4^th weeks from beginning the experiment, furthermore elevated in creatine kinase at periods of the experiment and total protein at 8^th weeks but at 4^th weeks the total protein raises in G4 (fed yellow corn and supplement with Oregostem^®), but treated group with Oregostem^® did not differ from control group. This result is harmonious with a preceding study recorded by Mert and Yildirim (38). One of the negative effects of under nutrition is body weight loss, diminishes in antioxidant levels and elevated of the total protein as a result of stress. The increased level of the total protein in G4, maybe caused by thymol that credited to a direct effect on protein metabolism related to the immune system (39). While the study conducted by the researchers is compatible with the results of the current research, as it was observed that the level of cholesterol and triglyceride clearly decreased in the group that was subjected to diet supported with Lignocellulose at the dose of 1.0% and 0.5 (yellow corn have high percentage of cellulose) in chickens compared with the non-treated group (40). Nevertheless, high levels of creatine kinase in serum are still strictly concomitant with cell hurt, and muscle cell disorder. Likewise, the birds when supplementing an unbalanced diet, these cellular disturbances can cause this enzyme to escape from cells into blood plasma (41). The results got in the current study are disagree with Abd El-Hady et al (31) who reviewed the influences of nourished diet encompasses with oregano to the broiler chicks had significant differ from control groups of total protein with a diminution of cholesterol in treated group with oregano relative to control groups. The reason suggested that the influence of oregano on metabolism of protein may be associated to enhancement of intestinal amino acids absorption in acidic environments that subsequently improves protein creation, or the elevation level of albumin has been sign of the protein retention in the body. Mansoub and Myandoab (42) Mentioned that the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the serum are decreased because of the provider of thyme extraction in the chicken diet at dose of 200 - 500 ppm may participate to inhibit absorption of cholesterol from intestine. Hong et al (43) improved that 1g/kg thyme when fed of Japanese quail reduce the cholesterol and triglycerides, because thymol and carvacrol have been testified to possessions a cholesterol lowering ability by preventing hepatic 3-hydrox-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A- reductase, which is a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. In contrariwise, Demir et al (44) described that additional 1g/kg origanum to broiler diet significantly raises cholesterol and triglycerides level. Finally, thymol was more effective for lowering the level of creatine kinase than carvacol, but a synergistic effect of these two components may be credited to antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and ant inflammatory activities (45).

Conclusion

The potential advantages of utilizing Oregostem^®, in poultry nutrition as a general, comprise to augmented body weight, spermatogenesis, and boosted to diminish sperm abnormality, stress index, and biochemical parameters that concert with cell injury. To summarize the maximum role of Oregostem^®, it concludes the benefit effect of overall productivity and reproductively of poultry, with the absence of adverse effects.

Acknowledgments

The Authors are very grateful to the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul for their provided facilities, which helped to improve the quality of this work.

Conflict of interest

No conflict.