Pigs are kept by farmers as a source of livelihood and food. Unfortunately, helminthiasis and other internal parasites are major setbacks to profitable pig production in Africa. There is a lack of information on the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths and parasites plaguing resource-poor pig farmers in the Free State. Knowledge of these endemic parasites can be used as baseline data to help design future intervention plans. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the types of gastrointestinal helminths and parasites prevalent in smallholder pigs reared in the central Free State Province. Faecal samples were randomly collected from 77 pigs and parasitologically analysed. Quantification was done using the McMaster counting technique. Farming system, age, gender and health status were the risk factors considered. The study was conducted between January and March 2016. Overall, results showed that 61 samples (79.2%) tested positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites, which were observed as single or mixed infections. Amongst the positive samples, 44.5% were infected with Ascaris suum, 50.6% with Trichuris suis, 26.0% and 72.7% were infected with Oesophagostomum dentatum and coccidia, respectively. There were significant differences (p  0.05) between the rate of infection in the intensive and semi-intensive systems and between the dewormed and non-dewormed pigs. Piglets and female pigs recorded a higher prevalence in their categories. Pigs excreted mostly low (eggs per gram [EPG] ≤ 100) to moderate (EPG 100 500) levels of helminth eggs. It is concluded that different species of gastrointestinal parasites are present in most pigs reared by smallholder farmers in this study area.

Pigs are kept by farmers as a source of livelihood and food. Unfortunately, helminthiasis and other internal parasites are major setbacks to profitable pig production in Africa. There is a lack of information on the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths and parasites plaguing resource-poor pig farmers in the Free State. Knowledge of these endemic parasites can be used as baseline data to help design future intervention plans. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the types of gastrointestinal helminths and parasites prevalent in smallholder pigs reared in the central Free State Province. Faecal samples were randomly collected from 77 pigs and parasitologically analysed. Quantification was done using the McMaster counting technique. Farming system, age, gender and health status were the risk factors considered. The study was conducted between January and March 2016. Overall, results showed that 61 samples (79.2%) tested positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites, which were observed as single or mixed infections. Amongst the positive samples, 44.5% were infected with Ascaris suum, 50.6% with Trichuris suis, 26.0% and 72.7% were infected with Oesophagostomum dentatum and coccidia, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the rate of infection in the intensive and semi-intensive systems and between the dewormed and non-dewormed pigs. Piglets and female pigs recorded a higher prevalence in their categories. Pigs excreted mostly low (eggs per gram [EPG] ≤ 100) to moderate (EPG > 100 < 500) levels of helminth eggs. It is concluded that different species of gastrointestinal parasites are present in most pigs reared by smallholder farmers in this study area.

Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is the aetiological agent of an infectious viral disease of dogs, characterised by diarrhoea and vomiting. Mutations of the CPV-2 genome have generated new variants circulating worldwide. This article reports the molecular analysis of CPV-2 variants collected in the dog population in southeast Anatolia, Turkey. Twenty blood samples previously taken for the laboratory diagnosis of dogs with suspected parvovirus were screened for CPV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 20 samples, 18 tested positive for CPV-2. Partial VP2 gene sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed CPV-2a (n = 1), CPV-2b (n = 16) and CPV-2c (n = 1) variants. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial length VP2 gene showed that CPV-2b (n = 15) variants showed sequences clustering separately in the phylogenetic tree. The CPV-2c sample was phylogenetically related to Chinese strains and Indonesia strain, whereas the CPV-2a sample was phylogenetically related to the Portuguese strain. These results, which are the first to demonstrate the presence of CPV-2c in the dog population of southeast Anatolia, Turkey, indicate that CPV-2a/2b/2c variants co-exist in Turkey’s dog population.

Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is the aetiological agent of an infectious viral disease of dogs, characterised by diarrhoea and vomiting. Mutations of the CPV-2 genome have generated new variants circulating worldwide. This article reports the molecular analysis of CPV-2 variants collected in the dog population in southeast Anatolia, Turkey. Twenty blood samples previously taken for the laboratory diagnosis of dogs with suspected parvovirus were screened for CPV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 20 samples, 18 tested positive for CPV-2. Partial VP2 gene sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed CPV-2a (n = 1), CPV-2b (n = 16) and CPV-2c (n = 1) variants. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial length VP2 gene showed that CPV-2b (n = 15) variants showed sequences clustering separately in the phylogenetic tree. The CPV-2c sample was phylogenetically related to Chinese strains and Indonesia strain, whereas the CPV-2a sample was phylogenetically related to the Portuguese strain. These results, which are the first to demonstrate the presence of CPV-2c in the dog population of southeast Anatolia, Turkey, indicate that CPV-2a/2b/2c variants co-exist in Turkey’s dog population.

Minimising health problems and increasing yield have always been the objectives in livestock agriculture. Hence, increases in incidences of reproductive conditions in cattle farming pose a great threat to productivity and impose undesirable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in cows with reproductive conditions. Seventy-seven blood samples were collected from cows at different rural areas around Mafikeng, following cases of downer cow syndrome, dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion. Means of serum metabolites across the different reproductive conditions were statistically compared using Pearson’s chi-square test to determine variations of serum metabolites in cows of different breeds. In mixed breed cows, higher than normal calcium concentrations were observed in downer cow syndrome (25.25 ± 8.47) and dystocia (85.50 ± 8.46) cases. It was also observed that cholesterol concentrations were significantly low in abortion (2.52 ± 0.79), retained placenta (3.18 ± 0.61) and vaginal prolapse (2.37 ± 0.97) cases in Afrikaner cows. The study showed that Brahman (43.1%) and Afrikaner (43.1%) breeds were mostly affected by downer cow syndrome. Additionally, the occurrences of downer cow syndrome (53.9%) and abortions (60%) were mostly observed in cows of 1–3 years, in second and first parities, respectively. This study proves that concentrations of calcium, urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), magnesium and cholesterol are significantly altered in incidences of reproductive conditions in cows of different breeds. It is also shown that serum biochemistry is affected by reproductive conditions in cows of different ages and parity. This data serves as a tool that could be used to enhance research in animal production and reproduction.

Minimising health problems and increasing yield have always been the objectives in livestock agriculture. Hence, increases in incidences of reproductive conditions in cattle farming pose a great threat to productivity and impose undesirable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in cows with reproductive conditions. Seventy-seven blood samples were collected from cows at different rural areas around Mafikeng, following cases of downer cow syndrome, dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion. Means of serum metabolites across the different reproductive conditions were statistically compared using Pearson’s chi-square test to determine variations of serum metabolites in cows of different breeds. In mixed breed cows, higher than normal calcium concentrations were observed in downer cow syndrome (25.25 ± 8.47) and dystocia (85.50 ± 8.46) cases. It was also observed that cholesterol concentrations were significantly low in abortion (2.52 ± 0.79), retained placenta (3.18 ± 0.61) and vaginal prolapse (2.37 ± 0.97) cases in Afrikaner cows. The study showed that Brahman (43.1%) and Afrikaner (43.1%) breeds were mostly affected by downer cow syndrome. Additionally, the occurrences of downer cow syndrome (53.9%) and abortions (60%) were mostly observed in cows of 1–3 years, in second and first parities, respectively. This study proves that concentrations of calcium, urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), magnesium and cholesterol are significantly altered in incidences of reproductive conditions in cows of different breeds. It is also shown that serum biochemistry is affected by reproductive conditions in cows of different ages and parity. This data serves as a tool that could be used to enhance research in animal production and reproduction.

Brucellosis remains an animal and public health concern in South Africa, given the intensity and widespread distribution of outbreaks in cattle. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among cattle keepers in the Whittlesea community of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which utilises communal grazing. Individual cattle keepers (N = 227) who attended prearranged meetings in selected villages were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding bovine brucellosis. We compared KAP scores between previous brucellosis-affected villages and unaffected villages. We compared attitude and practices scores between those who had heard of brucellosis and those who had not and between those above the 75th percentile knowledge score and those below. The KAP for the study population were described using frequency tables. Scores of different groups were compared using the Welch t-test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Knowledge scores of those who had heard of brucellosis (60%) showed a bimodal distribution with a 0/18 primary peak and 5–6/18 secondary peak. Attitude scores showed a median of 7/14 (interquartile range [IQR] 6–9), with 98% requesting more information on brucellosis. Practices scores showed a median of 6/18 (IQR 3–8), with high-risk practices identified that could facilitate brucellosis transmission. There were significant differences in attitude and practices scores between the groups above and below the 75th percentile knowledge score. The community showed poor knowledge, poor to average practices and average to good attitude. Identified high-risk practices highlight the risk of potential introduction and transmission of brucellosis between cattle and zoonotic transmission to humans.

Brucellosis remains an animal and public health concern in South Africa, given the intensity and widespread distribution of outbreaks in cattle. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among cattle keepers in the Whittlesea community of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which utilises communal grazing. Individual cattle keepers (N = 227) who attended prearranged meetings in selected villages were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding bovine brucellosis. We compared KAP scores between previous brucellosis-affected villages and unaffected villages. We compared attitude and practices scores between those who had heard of brucellosis and those who had not and between those above the 75th percentile knowledge score and those below. The KAP for the study population were described using frequency tables. Scores of different groups were compared using the Welch t-test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Knowledge scores of those who had heard of brucellosis (60%) showed a bimodal distribution with a 0/18 primary peak and 5–6/18 secondary peak. Attitude scores showed a median of 7/14 (interquartile range [IQR] 6–9), with 98% requesting more information on brucellosis. Practices scores showed a median of 6/18 (IQR 3–8), with high-risk practices identified that could facilitate brucellosis transmission. There were significant differences in attitude and practices scores between the groups above and below the 75th percentile knowledge score. The community showed poor knowledge, poor to average practices and average to good attitude. Identified high-risk practices highlight the risk of potential introduction and transmission of brucellosis between cattle and zoonotic transmission to humans.

Objective: House musk shrew (Suncus murinus), a small experimental animal with low body fat, may be a possible model for human lipodystrophy. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone thought to have an important role in the pathophysiology of lipodystrophy. The objectives of this study were to clarify the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Materials and methods: To determine the primary structure of suncus leptin, we cloned the suncus Lep cDNA using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The obtained amino acid (aa) sequence was compared with other mammals and the protein structure prediction was performed. Results: The suncus Lep cDNA encodes 170 aa. The putative suncus leptin precursor has a pre­dicted signal peptide of 21 aa, and the mature leptin comprises 149 aa. The mature leptin is 75%–82% homologous to that of other species. Insertion of the three aa, VPQ, not seen in other mammals was found. This VPQ insertion is thought to be due to a nucleotide insertion of nine bases by slippage-like microindels. The predicted 3D structure of suncus leptin exhibited a typi­cal four a-helix structure, however, the VPQ region protruded compared with human leptin. Lep mRNA expression was observed only in white and brown adipose tissues. Conclusion: This study revealed the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Because the addi­tion of VPQ, which is not found in other mammals, was observed, suncus leptin attracts attention to its physiological action, and to the possibility of being a model of human lipodystrophy. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 1-8, March 2019

Objective: House musk shrew (Suncus murinus), a small experimental animal with low body fat, may be a possible model for human lipodystrophy. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone thought to have an important role in the pathophysiology of lipodystrophy. The objectives of this study were to clarify the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Materials and methods: To determine the primary structure of suncus leptin, we cloned the suncus Lep cDNA using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The obtained amino acid (aa) sequence was compared with other mammals and the protein structure prediction was performed. Results: The suncus Lep cDNA encodes 170 aa. The putative suncus leptin precursor has a predicted signal peptide of 21 aa, and the mature leptin comprises 149 aa. The mature leptin is 75%82% homologous to that of other species. Insertion of the three aa, VPQ, not seen in other mammals was found. This VPQ insertion is thought to be due to a nucleotide insertion of nine bases by slippage-like microindels. The predicted 3D structure of suncus leptin exhibited a typical four a-helix structure, however, the VPQ region protruded compared with human leptin. LepmRNA expression was observed only in white and brown adipose tissues. Conclusion: This study revealed the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Because the addition of VPQ, which is not found in other mammals, was observed, suncus leptin attracts attention to its physiological action, and to the possibility of being a model of human lipodystrophy. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 1-8]

Objective: Investigating the antibiotic and antioxidant benefits of medicinal herbs to enrich the serum immune responses of chicken meat. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,080 Ross 308 broilers were reared up to 42 days. The broilers were divided randomly into nine assemblies, with each sectioned into three replicates. The first and second were supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% of coriander seeds, respectively, while the third and fourth with 0.25% and 0.50% of rosemary leaves, respectively. A mixture of herbs from the two plants were added to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth treatments [(0.50% coriander seeds + 0.50% rosemary leaves), (0.25% coriander seeds + 0.50% rosemary leaves), (0.50% coriander seeds + 0.25% rosemary leaves), and (0.25% coriander seeds + 0.25% rosemary leaves)], respec­tively, whereas chicks in the ninth as a control group. Results: The results showed the pH for the thigh and breast of the carcass were measured. Glycogen levels, serum immunity (H, L, Hlration, Albumin, Globulin, and A/G ratio at 28 days and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and cholesterol at 42 days). The mineral deposits in the chicken meat were measured for Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, J, and total N. The fifth treatment had a significantly higher glycogen ratio (p &lt; 0.05). pH measurements for the thigh and breast were done immediately, 4, 12, and 24 h after slaughter. For the thigh, the seventh treatment was highest immediately and at 12 h. For the breast, significant differences were only noted at 12 h for chickens on a coriander diet. Conclusion: It is concluded that these additives have a positive effect on some of the blood pro­files, carcass characteristics, and mineral composition of chicken meat. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 33-43, March 2019

Objective: Investigating the antibiotic and antioxidant benefits of medicinal herbs to enrich the serum immune responses of chicken meat. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,080 Ross 308 broilers were reared up to 42 days. The broilers were divided randomly into nine assemblies, with each sectioned into three replicates. The first and second were supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% of coriander seeds, respectively, while the third and fourth with 0.25% and 0.50% of rosemary leaves, respectively. A mixture of herbs from the two plants were added to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth treatments [(0.50% coriander seeds + 0.50% rosemary leaves), (0.25% coriander seeds + 0.50% rosemary leaves), (0.50% coriander seeds + 0.25% rosemary leaves), and (0.25% coriander seeds + 0.25% rosemary leaves)], respectively, whereas chicks in the ninth as a control group. Results: The results showed the pH for the thigh and breast of the carcass were measured. Glycogen levels, serum immunity (H, L, Hlration, Albumin, Globulin, and A/G ratio at 28 days and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and cholesterol at 42 days). The mineral deposits in the chicken meat were measured for Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, J, and total N. The fifth treatment had a significantly higher glycogen ratio (p &lt; 0.05). pH measurements for the thigh and breast were done immediately, 4, 12, and 24 h after slaughter. For the thigh, the seventh treatment was highest immediately and at 12 h. For the breast, significant differences were only noted at 12 h for chickens on a coriander diet. Conclusion: It is concluded that these additives have a positive effect on some of the blood pro-files, carcass characteristics, and mineral composition of chicken meat. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 33-43]

Objective: The experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of inorganic trace minerals (ITM) and three forms of organic trace minerals (OTM) (propionate, metho-chelated, and proteinate) on growth performance, edible meat yield, immunity, and profitability of commercial broilers. Materials and methods: A corn-soya based mash diet comprising four treatments each of 10 replicates were fed to 720 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks for 35 days (starter diet 0–21 days and grower diet 22–35 days). The diets for comparison were as follows: diet 1: control diet with ITM premix at 1 kg/ton of feed (T1); diet 2: control diet supplemented with propionate trace minerals at 600 gm/ton (T2); diet 3: control diet supplemented with metho-chelated trace minerals at 500 gm/ton by reducing 225 gm methionine/ton of feed (T3); and diet 4: control diet supplemented with proteinate trace minerals at 500 gm/ton of feed (T4). Growth performance, carcass yield, and antibody titer (AT) data were recorded. Data were analyzed and interpreted using SAS Computer Package Program version 9.1. Results: Feeding propionate and proteinate OTM showed similar performance. Birds fed these two types (propionate and proteinate) or OTM had better performance in comparison with those receiving ITM and metho-chelated one. Proteinate group produced more wing meat and propio­nate group showed higher breast and drumstick meat yield as compared with those received the metho-chelated trace mineral and ITM. The birds belonging to OTM groups showed significantly higher AT level against infectious bursal disease. Proteinate minerals groups showed higher prof­itability followed by propionate fed broilers. Conclusion: Two forms of OTM, propionate and proteinate improved performance of commercial broilers over those of ITM and metho-chelated one. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 66-73, March 2019

Objective: The experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of inorganic trace minerals (ITM) and three forms of organic trace minerals (OTM) (propionate, metho-chelated, and proteinate) on growth performance, edible meat yield, immunity, and profitability of commercial broilers. Materials and methods: A corn-soya based mash diet comprising four treatments each of 10 replicates were fed to 720 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks for 35 days (starter diet 021 days and grower diet 2235 days). The diets for comparison were as follows: diet 1: control diet with ITM premix at 1 kg/ton of feed (T1); diet 2: control diet supplemented with propionate trace minerals at 600 gm/ton (T2); diet 3: control diet supplemented with metho-chelated trace minerals at 500 gm/ton by reducing 225 gm methionine/ton of feed (T3); and diet 4: control diet supplemented with proteinate trace minerals at 500 gm/ton of feed (T4). Growth performance, carcass yield, and antibody titer (AT) data were recorded. Data were analyzed and interpreted using SAS Computer Package Program version 9.1. Results: Feeding propionate and proteinate OTM showed similar performance. Birds fed these two types (propionate and proteinate) or OTM had better performance in comparison with those receiving ITM and metho-chelated one. Proteinate group produced more wing meat and propionate group showed higher breast and drumstick meat yield as compared with those received the metho-chelated trace mineral and ITM. The birds belonging to OTM groups showed significantly higher AT level against infectious bursal disease. Proteinate minerals groups showed higher profitability followed by propionate fed broilers. Conclusion: Two forms of OTM, propionate and proteinate improved performance of commercial broilers over those of ITM and metho-chelated one. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 66-73]

Objective: Animal trade has an important role in the economy but in contrast, it causes the spread of infectious diseases overall the world, in particular, the trans-boundary animal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report the prevalence rate of some transboundary infectious diseases to assess the effectiveness of quarantine measure in the detection of exotic disease and clarify the role of live animal trade in infectious transboundary diseases spread. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 176 serum samples obtained from cattle imported from Sudan in order to determine the prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD), Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Three serological tests were used; Serum neutralization test for FMD, Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) for PPR, and Competitive ELISA for IBR. Results: The seroprevalence of FMD in tested sera was; 77.27% in the serotype A (A-Iran), 68.18% in the serotype A (A-Africa), 93.82% in the serotype O (O-Pan Asia), and 35.227% in the serotype South African Territories-2 (SAT-2) SAT-2. While the overall seroprevalence of PPR was 49.431% and the IBR was 93.75%. Conclusion: The result indicates the serious role of live animal trade as “hubs” for infectious dis­eases spread. Subsequently, the common control measures must be taken to avoid the spread of the diseases through the animal trade; which include screening, surveillance, precautions at borders, and vaccination. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 92-99, March 2019

Objective: Animal trade has an important role in the economy but in contrast, it causes the spread of infectious diseases overall the world, in particular, the trans-boundary animal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report the prevalence rate of some transboundary infectious diseases to assess the effectiveness of quarantine measure in the detection of exotic disease and clarify the role of live animal trade in infectious transboundary diseases spread. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 176 serum samples obtained from cattle imported from Sudan in order to determine the prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD), Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Three serological tests were used; Serum neutralization test for FMD, Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) for PPR, and Competitive ELISA for IBR. Results: The seroprevalence of FMD in tested sera was; 77.27% in the serotype A (A-Iran), 68.18% in the serotype A (A-Africa), 93.82% in the serotype O (O-Pan Asia), and 35.227% in the serotype South African Territories-2 (SAT-2) SAT-2. While the overall seroprevalence of PPR was 49.431% and the IBR was 93.75%. Conclusion: The result indicates the serious role of live animal trade as hubs for infectious diseases spread. Subsequently, the common control measures must be taken to avoid the spread of the diseases through the animal trade; which include screening, surveillance, precautions at borders, and vaccination. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 92-99]

Objective: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection burden, and risk fac­tors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in different avian species in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Ilorin, involving 597 fecal samples and GI tracts from a variety of sold and slaughtered avian species. The study was conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. Fecal samples were examined using floatation technique, while the GI tracts were examined for gross helminths and its content were subjected to the direct wet mount examination. Data were analyzed using percentages (descriptive) and the Chi-square (χ2) test (inferential). p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis. Results: Ten GI parasites were detected with Eimeria species (32.83%), Ascaridia galli (30.15%) and Heterakis gallinarum (24.79%) as the most prevalent ones. Multiple parasites co-infection was recorded in all the avian species: broilers (77.78%), layers (33.33%), cockerels (45.16%), indigenous chickens (17.91%), ducks (69.70%), pigeons (94.12%), turkeys (47.83%), and guinea fowls (77.36%). Pigeons (100.00%) and turkeys (95.65%) were the most infected avian species. Age, sex, and avian types were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) associated with the occurrence of GI parasites infection. Conclusion: This study gives a reflection of the GI parasites fauna of avian species in Nigeria. The GI parasites are endemic among different avian species in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites is important in instituting a good preventive and control measures against GI parasites, so as to have maximum production and reproduction effects in the poultry industry. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 108-116, March 2019

Objective: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection burden, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in different avian species in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Ilorin, involving 597 fecal samples and GI tracts from a variety of sold and slaughtered avian species. The study was conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. Fecal samples were examined using floatation technique, while the GI tracts were examined for gross helminths and its content were subjected to the direct wet mount examination. Data were analyzed using percentages (descriptive) and the Chi-square (&#967;2 ) test (inferential). p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis. Results: Ten GI parasites were detected with Eimeria species (32.83%), Ascaridia galli (30.15%) and Heterakis gallinarum (24.79%) as the most prevalent ones. Multiple parasites co-infection was recorded in all the avian species: broilers (77.78%), layers (33.33%), cockerels (45.16%), indigenous chickens (17.91%), ducks (69.70%), pigeons (94.12%), turkeys (47.83%), and guinea fowls (77.36%). Pigeons (100.00%) and turkeys (95.65%) were the most infected avian species. Age, sex, and avian types were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) associated with the occurrence of GI parasites infection. Conclusion: This study gives a reflection of the GI parasites fauna of avian species in Nigeria. The GI parasites are endemic among different avian speciesin Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites is important in instituting a good preventive and control measures against GI parasites, so as to have maximum production and reproduction effects in the poultry industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 108-116]

Objective: The objective of this study is evaluating the efficacies of 11 mycotoxin adsorbent prod­ucts, marketed in South East Asia. Three prominently occurring mycotoxins; aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) were simultaneously spiked into the samples. Materials and Methods: Samples were simultaneously tested in vitro in phosphate buffer and simulated at different pH conditions in the gastrointestinal tracts of the porcine and avian model, analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: All mycotoxin adsorbent products had high efficacy at over 90% for AFB1 adsorption in both GI porcine and avian models. AFB1 could be adsorbed more in acidic condition than the basic condition. ZEN adsorption was determined to be more stable at pH 3 than pH 6.5 or 8.4, in which pH condition might influence on ZEN desorption rate. DON was poorly adsorbed by all tested agents. Conclusions: The finding showed that the adsorption rate varied depending on the type of adsorbent. Our results might provide useful information regarding the efficacy of mycotoxin adsorbents commercially marketed in the region. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 125-132, March 2019

Objective: The objective of this study is evaluating the efficacies of 11 mycotoxin adsorbent products, marketed in South East Asia. Three prominently occurring mycotoxins; aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) were simultaneously spiked into the samples. Materials and Methods: Samples were simultaneously tested in vitro in phosphate buffer and simulated at different pH conditions in the gastrointestinal tracts of the porcine and avian model, analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: All mycotoxin adsorbent products had high efficacy at over 90% for AFB1 adsorption in both GI porcine and avian models. AFB1 could be adsorbed more in acidic condition than the basic condition. ZEN adsorption was determined to be more stable at pH 3 than pH 6.5 or 8.4, in which pH condition might influence on ZEN desorption rate. DON was poorly adsorbed by all tested agents. Conclusions: The finding showed that the adsorption rate varied depending on the type of adsorbent. Our results might provide useful information regarding the efficacy of mycotoxin adsorbents commercially marketed in the region. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 125-132]