Veterinary Integrative Sciences

The current and advanced situation of ram semen quality in Bangladesh

Mohammad Asaduzzaman — 2024-10-21

This study aimed to survey the literature on Bangladeshi rams’ semen characteristics, quality evaluation, and production required for sheep breeding and production strategy programs. The ram potentiality must be assessed to optimize production performance and maximize stakeholders’ use of high genetic values. This is usually accomplished through an andrological examination of the male, which evaluates the characteristics and quality of the sperm produced. Microscopic semen evaluations, such as sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity, and macroscopic semen evaluations, such as semen volume, color, and pH, enable the identification and removal of clear-cut cases of male infertility or subfertility. Therefore, the current paper reviewed, discussed, summarized, and compared all the research performed on Bangladeshi rams’ semen characteristics, quality evaluation, and production.

Comprehensive review on prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in dairy goats: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nik Danial Asyraf Nik Mustaffa — 2024-12-11

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) presents a significant challenge to the dairy goat industry worldwide, negatively affecting animal health, productivity, and economic sustainability. It is a disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, and its symptoms include the development of abscesses in lymph nodes and other organs. Generally, animals affected by CLA experience reduced milk output, reproductive problems, and higher morbidity and death rates. Furthermore, CLA could harm the well-being of animals by causing pain, discomfort, and disruption of normal behaviours. This review aims to determine the prevalence of CLA cases affecting dairy goats, map the geographical distribution of the disease in dairy goat herds throughout different locations, determine hotspots of CLA incidence and comprehend regional differences. Additionally, the study included relevant information on CLA prevalence in Asia. This comprehensive review is expected to help develop educational strategies for CLA prevention and control among dairy goat farmers. Moreover, an assessment of the economic impact of CLA in dairy goat operations on a global scale was performed. The losses associated with CLA are reduced milk production, lower meat yield, and increased veterinary costs. Besides, the variability of clinical presentation and the limits of conventional diagnostic methods make diagnosing CLA in dairy goats difficult. However, new developments in diagnostics, such as serological testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, present chances for early detection and targeted control strategies. Examples of management strategies for CLA in dairy goat herds include vaccination, strict biosecurity protocols, and targeted treatment of infected animals. To surmise, the dairy goat industry can strive to mitigate the effects of CLA and maintain the well-being of dairy goat populations by tackling these challenges and executing comprehensive management strategies.

Effect of dietary Extracellular polymeric substances from Lactic acid bacteria on disease resistance and immune response in the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Nguyen Huu Thanh — 2024-10-09

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are known to have prebiotic properties, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. To investigate the prebiotic potential of EPSs isolated from lactic acid bacteria (LAB), specifically Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium bifidum, the study examined changes in intestinal LAB and Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations, as well as immune responses in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The results showed that dietary supplementation with EPSs increased the population of LAB while reducing the level of V. parahaemolyticus in the shrimp gut. Additionally, EPSs were found to enhance the cellular immune responses of the shrimp, including total haemocyte count, respiratory bursts, phenoloxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity. Shrimp that were not fed EPSs and later inoculated with V. parahaemolyticus registered a mortality rate of 91%. In contrast, shrimp fed with EPSs showed greater resistance to V. parahaemolyticus, with mortality rates ranging from 27-30% post-infection. These findings suggest that EPSs produced by LAB could be utilized as a potential prebiotic substitute for antibiotics in shrimp feed to inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus, a significant pathogen in aquaculture. The prebiotic and immune-enhancing properties of EPSs demonstrated in this study highlight their potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to disease management in shrimp farming.

Physiological performance and productivity of quail layer period supplemented with coconut shell liquid smoke grade 3

Rizki Maulana Fadhila — 2024-10-18

Coconut shell liquid smoke (CSLS) contains flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. It has antioxidant characteristics that can help quail to overcome oxidative stress. This study aimed to analyze the effect of coconut shell liquid smoke grade 3 on the physiological performance and productivity of the quail layer period. The research method used a completely randomized design consisting of 5 treatment levels with 3 replications, namely P0 (control), P1 (0.25 mL/L CSLS), P2 (0.50 mL/L CSLS), P3 (0.75 mL/L CSLS) and P4 (1 mL/L CSLS). Variables measured included physiological performance (hematology, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio), productivity (water intake, feed intake, egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio), and physical egg quality (egg weight, thick egg white height and percentage of eggshell). The results showed that supplementing CSLS had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on productivity and physical egg quality. The optimum FCR value was obtained at P1 (3.35). Hematology and stress indicators in P1 revealed that quail supplemented with CSLS can lower oxidative stress. It was concluded that CSLS could reduce oxidative stress in the quail layer period. It was found that the optimum stress indicators and FCR were obtained at a dose of 0.25 mL/L CSLS (P1).

Motility degradation rate, plasma membrane integrity, and kinematics during cryopreservation of boar (Sus scrofa domesticus) spermatozoa in different freezing extenders and thawing temperatures

Santiago T. Peña Jr. — 2024-10-24

Despite the very limited use of frozen-thawed semen (FTS) in pig artificial insemination, FTS in some instances can be truly beneficial as it is not constrained by time (shelf-life) and space (regional quarantine) restrictions unlike fresh-extended semen (FES). It also allows long-term banking of highly valuable genetics particularly during epidemics. This study compares existing and currently available freezing extenders used in boar semen cryopreservation aimed to optimize protocols useful for in-country local swine industry with special focus on the motility degradation rate (MDR), and plasma membrane structural (percent live) and functional (HOST reactive) integrity. Treatment samples from ten freezing runs using five different sperm-rich fractions were frozen using three different cooling/freezing extenders (CE/FE): A) LEYGE, B) BF5, and C) Cryoguard (~500 x 10⁶ spz/mL) in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor, thawed either at ~38°C or ~50°C for 20 sec, and examined using the Sperm Class Analyzer® CASA system. LEYGE had significantly the highest MDR from about 50% reduction post-thawing to 70% one hour thereafter. Cryoguard consistently had the lowest MDR although closely similar to BF5. There was a minimal effect on the plasma membrane functional integrity and was primarily limited to LEYGE and BF5. A fertility trial is recommended to attest the performance of FTS vs FES in terms of conception rates and the litter size following post-cervical AI before full-scale production and potential adoption by the breeder swine industry.

Computational multi-epitope based design of a multivalent subunit vaccine against co-infecting African swine fever virus and porcine circovirus type 2

Lauren Emily Fajardo — 2024-10-31

African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are two prevalent and economically significant viruses causing high rates of pig mortality and large-scale losses to global pork production. Since there is currently no vaccine simultaneously targeting both viruses, this study aimed to computationally design a safe, stable, and effective multi-epitope based multivalent subunit vaccine against co-infecting ASFV and PCV2. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL), helper T-lymphocyte (HTL), and linear B-lymphocyte (LBL) epitopes were screened from sequences of the Rep, Cap, and ORF3 PCV2 proteins. PCV2 epitopes predicted to be antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic were linked to previously screened ASFV epitopes and Vibrio vulnificus FlaB flagellin as an adjuvant to create the final vaccine construct, which underwent physicochemical assessment and structure prediction. The vaccine construct was predicted to be stable, soluble, non-cross-reactive, antigenic, and nonallergenic. An immune simulation demonstrated that the vaccine could elicit robust antibody, T-cell, and B-cell responses. The vaccine construct stably docked to TLR5 and formed significant molecular interactions. A 200-ns molecular dynamics simulation showed that the vaccine-TLR5 complex exhibited stability and compactness throughout the run. These results show that the designed vaccine is safe, stable, and effective and warrants experimental validation.

Assessment of growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbiota in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following dietary Tinospora cordifolia root and stem powder supplementation

Zahraa Mohammed Ridha Al-Turaihi — 2024-11-01

There is a growing concern regarding the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. The main problem is related to the increase of resistance to antibiotics by pathogenic bacteria. Medicinal plants can be used as an alternative to antibiotics to enhance fish health in general, but their usage is still limited. This paper aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) as a feed supplement and its effect on growth indices, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbiota in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were fed on T. cordifolia root (R) and stem (S) powder for 8 weeks at two levels (4 and 6 g kg⁻¹) and the experimental diets were labeled as 4R, 6R, 4S, and 6S, respectively. The outcome of the present study demonstrates that fish fed on T. cordifolia at 6 g kg^⁻¹ had significantly enhanced growth performance and blood biochemical indices. Furthermore, there was a significant elevation in the total bacterial count and lactic acid bacteria. In contrast, the level of blood glucose decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with T. cordifolia supplementation. The present study shows that T. cordifolia significantly promotes weight gain and feed utilization efficiency, the intestinal microbiota, and the general health of C. carpio, suggesting that it can serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics for fish in aquaculture enterprises.

Effect of commercial bile acid and bovine bile extract supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, serum lipid profile, meat quality, and economic aspect in broilers fed a high-oil diet

Noor Rizky Irmasari Hasibuan — 2024-11-07

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of commercial bile acid (CBA) and bovine bile extract (BBE) in high-oil broiler feed on the growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, serum lipid profile, meat quality, and income over feed and chick cost (IOFCC) of broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old Cobb broilers were divided into eight treatments with six replicates of five birds each. This experiment used eight diets: a basal diet with 3% crude palm oil (CPO), a high-oil diet with 8% CPO, and three variations of the high-oil diet supplemented with different levels of CBA and BBE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Dietary supplementation with 600 mg/kg BBE increased growth performance on day 32 (P < 0.05). No significant differences in carcass percentage was found between treatments. However, birds fed the high-oil diet (8% CPO) had a higher percentage of abdominal and gizzard fat than those fed other diets (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with CBA and BBE increased fat digestibility. Supplementation with 600 mg/kg BBE positively affected meat quality by increasing crude protein and decreasing ether extract content (P < 0.05). These results suggest that BBE supplementation could be improved performance, carcass traits, fat digestibility, meat quality, and IOFCC of broiler chickens.

Awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among stakeholders in the pig value chain: A preliminary report

Asinamai Athliamai Bitrus — 2024-11-11

A growing threat to global health is antibiotic resistance, which is caused by the inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study was designed to assess the level of awareness of pig farmers and other stakeholders in the pig production value chain with regards to knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic use and resistance in Jos metropolis and Kanke LGA of Plateau State. A qualitative approach using a pretested 80-point structured questionnaire shared by sending a web-link through social media (WhatsApp), email, and via interview of farm owners (single farm visit) was employed. The findings from the assessment revealed a mixed understanding among pig farmers regarding the prudent use of antibiotics, with areas of both good knowledge and potential misconceptions observed. The farmers used antibiotics therapeutically and oxytetracycline (31%), sulfadimidine (17%), and gentamicin (12%) were the most commonly used antibiotics. Knowledge on antibiotic residue and withdrawal period was generally poor. Farmers (61.5%) reported not keeping track of the antibiotics used on their farmers, and many farms do not have effective farm biosecurity measures in place. Overall, the farmers had general awareness on the concepts of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use, however, they are not aware of the local agency (NAFDAC) regulating the use of drugs in food animals and which antibiotics have been banned for use in humans and animals. It was concluded that there is a need to improve access to government veterinary services for pig farmers on the Plateau, while addressing the identified awareness gaps on antibiotics and encouraging rational use

Influence of Electroporation Timing on CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Multiple Gene Editing in Buffalo Embryos

Dipankar Sardar — 2024-11-25

Gene editing in large animals like buffalo is challenged by mosaicism, where cells contain both wild-type and mutant alleles, complicating the creation of genetically modified F0 animals in a single step. Traditionally, electroporation is performed on zygotes post in vitro fertilization (IVF), but mature oocytes’ higher permeability suggests earlier intervention might reduce mosaicism and enhance editing efficiency. We hypothesized that the timing of electroporation before in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the rates of biallelic mutation for multiple gene knockout as the permeability of mature oocytes is greater than that of zygotes. Hence, we determined whether the timing of electroporation during in vitro maturation (IVM) culture enhances triple gene editing in the resulting blastocysts. Three gRNAs targeting KDR, GDF9, and POU5F1 were simultaneously introduced into the oocytes that had been incubated for 44, 46, and 48 h from the start of the IVM culture. Electroporation with three gRNAs at 44 h and 46 h during IVM culture decreased the blastocyst formation rates and did not improve the mutation rates and target number of biallelic mutations in the resulting blastocysts. The blastocyst formation rate, mutation rates, and target numbers in the resulting blastocysts from oocytes treated by electroporation at 48 h of IVM culture were similar to those of control zygotes electroporated at 12 h after the initiation of IVF. In conclusion, multiple gene editing efficiency in the resulting blastocysts was comparable between oocytes electroporated before and after fertilization, indicating that oocytes with completed maturation time may allow better functioning of materials accepting gene editing application.

Evidence of histopathological appearances in representative fishes and invertebrates from Libong Island, Thailand

Wikit Phinrub — 2024-11-25

The seagrass beds at Libong Island, Thailand, are a complex ecological habitat supporting many marine organisms. Unfortunately, the seagrass area is being lost, possibly exerting adverse impacts on aquatic life, but comprehensive aquatic monitoring and assessment efforts are still lacking. In this study, sentinel species were selected from two species groups commonly found in this area, pelagic species (Ambassis nalua and A. vachelli) and benthic species (Amphibalanus amphitrite, and Alpheus sp.). Specimens were collected from healthy and unhealthy seagrass areas around the island from April to June 2021. The health of the specimens was assessed using the histopathological approach together with the histological alteration index (HAI). Some histological alterations were identified that HAl values indicated were significantly more prevalent in the unhealthy seagrass areas (P<0.05). Among the invertebrates, A. amphitrite exhibited melanomacrophage centers while Alpheus sp. exhibited lamellar disorganization in gill and degeneration of hepatopancreatic cells. The two fish species exhibited vacuolar degeneration in the liver that was more pronounced in specimens from the unhealthy seagrass area. However, the HAI values calculated for all samples ranged from 0.1 to 1, indicating normal organs. These results suggest the emergence of environmental alteration in the threatened seagrass habitats at Libong Island, where there is a need to monitor impacts on flora and fauna health in further studies. It is also noted that fishes can be sensitive sentinel species of aquatic ecosystem health.

Immunohistochemical study of permeability glycoprotein expression in canine perianal tumors

Nutchanon Pichaiya — 2024-11-29

Perianal gland tumors are androgenic hormone-dependent and commonly found in dogs. Permeability glycoprotein (PGP) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, playing an essential role in reducing intracellular drug concentration and limiting drug cytotoxicity in cancer cells, leading to multi-drug resistance. This study aims to investigate PGP expression patterns in perianal gland tumors. Sixty-four specimens from 64 dogs were histologically classified as perianal gland adenoma (59.38%), perianal gland epithelioma (12.50%), and perianal carcinoma (28.13%). All samples are analyzed for PGP expression using immunohistochemistry, scoring for percentage positivity and intensity. Four cases (6.25%) have a positive expression of PGP with intense cytoplasmic staining. There was a significant difference in the PGP expression pattern among the groups (p=0.01). The expression of PGP may provide valuable insights into disease prognosis and prediction of clinical outcomes of chemotherapy treatment in dogs with perianal gland tumors

Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from live shellfish marketed in Korea: antibiotic and heavy metal resistance

Masimbule Vidanalage Kasun Sameera Wickramanayake — 2024-12-02

This study examined the antibiotic and heavy metal resistance properties in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from Korea's five most popular shellfish. Thirty-four V. parahaemolyticus isolates were isolated by conducting biochemical tests and PCR. Isolation frequencies were 4 (cockles), 2 (scallops), 2 (mussels), 1 (Pacific abalone), and 25 (white-leg shrimp). The disc diffusion method was employed to detect antibiotic resistance. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin. Piperacillin, colistin, and vancomycin resistance were detected in 82%, 68%, and 50% of the isolates, respectively. Thirty-two isolates were multidrug resistant [Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index ≥0.2]. β-lactam resistant bla_SHV gene was the most prevalent gene detected in 68% of the isolates in PCR assays. In addition, bla_CTX, aac(6’)-Ib, and bls_TEM were detected in 21%, 44%, and 6% of the isolates, respectively. Phenotypic resistance to Pb, Cd, and Cu was detected in 25, 4, and 3 isolates, respectively in broth dilution test. CzcA gene was the prevalent detected in 16 isolates, followed by CopA and merA genes detected in 11 and 7 isolates, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that live shellfish marketed in Korea are a potential source of antibiotic-resistant V. parahaemolyticus.

Experimental Salmonella Gallinarum infection in point of lay pullets: Correlation of hematology and oxidative stress with egg production

Simeon Chibuko Okafor — 2024-12-11

Salmonella Gallinarum is a bacterial pathogen linked with drop in egg production in poultry. In this study, hematological and oxidative stress (OS) parameters were evaluated and correlated with egg production in point of lay (POL) pullets infected with S. Gallinarum. Fifty 18-week-old POL pullets were randomly assigned to two groups of 25 POL pullets per group. The infected POL pullets were orally inoculated with S. Gallinarum (10⁹ S. Gallinarum colony forming units/mL), while the uninfected pullets were the controls. Hematological and OS parameters were determined using standard methods. There were significant (P < 0.05) loss of body weight and drop in egg production in the infected POL pullets when compared to the controls. Acute hemolytic anemia of the macrocytic hypochromic type was observed. The total white blood cell (TWBC), absolute heterophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte counts, mean serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the infected POL pullets when compared to the controls. There was a strong association between heterophilia and drop in egg production. An association was also established between significantly elevated GPx, SOD and CAT, which have antioxidant properties, and clinical outcome, including subsequent weight gain and rise in egg production, suggesting that antioxidants may be useful in the treatment of fowl typhoid. It was concluded that S. Gallinarum infection of POL pullets caused significant hematological changes, induced OS, and stimulated the body’s antioxidant defense mechanism to elaborate GPx, SOD and CAT.