Objective: The objective was to find out the expression of EphB4 receptor and ephrin-B1 ligand by the macrophages that live inside the mouse testicles. Materials and Methods: Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of EphB4 and ephrin-B1 was identified via RT-PCR amplification, and protein expression was examined by immunostaining. Results: Analysis using RT-PCR revealed that mRNA of EphB4 and ephrin-B1 were noticed in the examined testis of all postnatal ages. Furthermore, immunostaining revealed that F4/80-positive intra-testicular-resident macrophages were located in the intertubular spaces within the testis and more densely around the intra-testicular excurrent duct system, and increased in number gradually during the postnatal period of development until 5 weeks of age, when the mice attain their maturity (puberty), and maintained thereafter. Both EphB4 and ephrin-B1 immunoreactiv¬ity were noticed in F4/80-positive intra-testicular-resident macrophages within the testis of all studied postnatal ages. Ephrin-B1 and EphB4 immunoreactivity were weak during early postnatal development until the age of 2 weeks, and then ephrin-B1 immunoreactivity became very strong and EphB4 immunoreactivity became strong at the age of 3 weeks, and they continued to do so until the age of 8 weeks. Furthermore, EphB4 receptor was tyrosine-phosphorylated in testis. Conclusion: The expression of EphB4 and ephrin-B1 in mice intra-testicular-resident macro¬phages is being examined for the first time in this work. The localization of EphB4 and ephrin-B1, and EphB4 tyrosine-phosphorylation suggest that EphB4/ephrin-B1 signaling might occur in the intra-testicular-resident macrophages, and may participate in maintaining male fertility. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 746-753]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the welfare conditions of broiler chickens in the live bird markets (LBMs) in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of fifty broiler outlets were studied in 10 LBMs of Chattogram, Bangladesh. A total of 10 chickens were observed to check the welfare issues during slaughter from each outlet (N = 500). The data were collected using a structured questionnaire method through interviews of the vendors and observation of the lairage and slaughter practice. Results: The study revealed that the stocking density was significantly higher in cage-type lairage than in floor-type (p < 0.05). The feeding and drinking areas for the chickens were significantly but negatively correlated to the stocking density. The duration between unloading of broiler chickens at LBMs and feeding or drinking could exceed 5 hours in 22% of outlets. The mortality was significantly higher in the bigger outlets than the smaller outlets (p < 0.05). During pre-slaughter han¬dling, the one-wing grasping method was practiced more in the bigger outlets (p < 0.05) whereas the feet grasping method was used more in the smaller outlets (p < 0.05). Moreover, the knives used to slaughter the chickens were not sharpened daily in 76% of outlets. Conclusion: This study indicated that the broiler chickens in the LBMs of Chattogram had to face many stress episodes at different stages at their penultimate moments—from lairage to slaugh¬ter—which led to poor welfare conditions and exacerbated the suffering of chickens. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 803-809]

Objectives: The research was aimed at determining the staining patterns of Peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) lectin in postnatal developing (day 1 to 8 weeks) male genital excurrent duct epithelium in mice. Materials and Methods: Lectin staining was performed on testis and epididymis of 1-day-old and 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-week-old ICR mice. Results: Rete testis epithelia were UEA-I- and PNA-negative at all postnatal ages. PNA lectin unclearly stained the epithelial apical surface in efferent ductules (ED) and ductus epididymis up to 2 weeks, while UEA-I was negative in those epithelia. By contrast, at 3 weeks of age, PNA and/or UEA-I turned to clearly label epithelia in the excurrent duct system. At 5 weeks, efferent ductules epithelium was UEA-I-negative but strongly PNA-positive; segment I was PNA-negative but faintly UEA-I positive; segment II was weakly PNA-positive but strongly UEA-I-positive; segment III was strongly-PNA- and UEA-I-positive; segment IV was weakly UEA-I-positive but strongly PNA positive; and segment V was faintly UEA-I-positive but strongly PNA-positive. At 5 and 8 weeks (the adult), the staining patterns of PNA and UEA-I lectins were nearly identical. Moreover, an increasing staining intensity was observed in both lectins with the advancement of age until 5 weeks of age. Additionally, it was noted that, with the exception of segment I, the staining intensity of PNA gradually increased while that of UEA-I gradually decreased towards the distal section of the ductus epididymis. Conclusion: Lectin PNA and UEA-I staining, in conclusion, indicated epithelial segments in the male genital duct of mice from the postnatal developing age of 3 weeks, and up until 5 weeks, their staining patterns were nearly identical to those in adults. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 516-523]

Objective: The study aimed to identify the effect of pineapple hump extracts in different doses on increasing the chemical and physical quality of rabbit meat. Materials and Methods: The research stages were carried out with maintenance for two months using a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and five replicates. P0 = complete ration without pineapple hump extract; P1 = complete ration with the addition of 0.2% pine¬apple hump extract; P2 = complete ration with the addition of 0.4% pineapple hump extract; and P3 = complete ration with the addition of 0.6% pineapple hump extract. The variables observed were the chemical quality of meat (pH, moisture, carbohydrate, fat, and protein content in rabbit meat), and the physical quality (water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss). Results: The data were analyzed using SAS, with significantly different results subjected to Duncan's further testing. The addition of 0.4% pineapple hump extract in rabbit complete rations had a very significant effect on the WHC of 71.62%. The addition of 0.6% pineapple hump extract also had a significant effect on the protein content of meat, increasing it by 19.17%. Conclusion: The effects of pineapple hump extract up to 0.6% in a complete diet of weaned rab¬bits have a positive effect on the physical and chemical quality of rabbit meat, especially on the protein and water-holding capacity of rabbit meat. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 296-301]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the potential of Ampiang-Dadih (AD), a combination of Indonesian traditional fermented buffalo milk (Dadih) and black glutinous rice flakes (Ampiang) as an anti-hypercholesterolemic agent and to prevent liver-cell degeneration using a rat model. Materials and Methods: A mixture of black glutinous rice powder (0.3 gm/gm feed) and fer¬mented buffalo milk (3.74/200 gm BW) was prepared to obtain AD. Fifteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups of five animals each: (A) negative control group (dis¬tilled water; 5 weeks), (B) hypercholesterolemia group (1% cholesterol per feed; 5 weeks), and (C) preventive AD group (1% cholesterol and AD; 5 weeks). The blood lipid profiles were measured at weeks 2, 4, and 5. The liver enzyme activity, cholesterol level, and histology were observed at the end of week 5. Results: AD administration simultaneously with cholesterol in Group C significantly prevented an increase in total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels compared to Group B. Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were maintained at normal levels in Group C. Furthermore, the levels of liver cholesterol and liver cell degeneration in Group C were also maintained because of AD administration compared to that in Group B. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that AD has the potential to be developed as a functional food for hypercholesterolemia prevention. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 275-283]

Objective: This study focused on the antibiogram profiling of Staphylococcus aureus and coagu¬lase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) and the detection of icaA and blaZ genes from bovine raw milk samples. Materials and Methods: Bovine milk samples were collected from dairy farms, and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated and identified via conventional and molecular screening. Disk diffusion test (DDT) was implemented to determine the resistance pattern. Biofilm and β-lactamase-produc¬ing Staphylococcus spp. were identified via amplification of the icaA and blaZ genes. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS were identified by DDT and PCR of the mecA gene. Results: From 63 samples, 35 were confirmed as Staphylococcus spp., of which 16 (25.39%) S. aureus isolates were coagulase-positive, while 19 (30.16%) were negative. PCR confirmed that 50% (8/16) of S. aureus and 36.84% (7/19) of CoNS possessed the icaA gene. All S. aureus iso¬lates were found resistant to penicillin-G (P) both phenotypically and genotypically. The isolates were also resistant to erythromycin (ERY) and oxytetracycline (TET). While CoNS showed high to reduced resistance against P, TET, ERY, and azithromycin, no S. aureus isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, while 10.53% of CoNS isolates were. All S. aureus and CoNS isolates were sus¬ceptible to vancomycin and gentamicin. MR was exhibited by 37.5% of S. aureus and 42.10% of CoNS isolates. Moreover, S. aureus and CoNS had 56.25% and 52.63% multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed the presence of a biofilm-producing, MDR staphylococcal strain in milk that might endanger consumers. Routine surveillance and monitoring, along with antimicrobial resistance learning, can reduce risks. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 455-462]

Objective: The study aimed to ascertain how Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis Gel affects the expression of protein dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) in alveolar Wistar rats after tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: Rats were given A. cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis gel was in the socket after tooth extraction, and then the wound was sutured. The rats were sacrificed for 8 and 15 days following tooth extraction. The results on the 8th and 15th days demonstrate that the expression of DMP-1 in the treatment group is significantly higher than in the control group. Results: Expression of DMP-1 in the socket after tooth extraction on days 8 and 15 with a 400x magnification light microscope in both of the A. cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis gel treatment groups showed significant differences compared to the control group. Conclusion: The use of A. cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis gel can stimulate DMP-1 expression in alveolar bone after tooth extraction. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 291-295]

Objective: Meatballs are a popular meat-based food consumed widely in Indonesian society. However, the issue of unethical substitution of halal meatballs with non-halal meats, particularly pork and canine meat (CM), has emerged. The existence of non-halal meats, including CM, in food products is prohibited in Islam, necessitating the development of reliable analytical techniques for their identification. In this study, we designed species-specific primers (SSPs) targeting the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA for CM meatball product identification. Materials and Methods: The study was commenced by creating specific primers for canine DNA using Integrated DNA Technologies software and subsequently performing DNA isolation. The designed primers were then subjected to comprehensive evaluation using RT-PCR, including spec¬ification, linearity, limit of detection, efficiency, and repeatability. Results: The results indicated that the primer D-Loop 443 (forward: 5¢-GGG ACA TCT CGA TGG ACTA ATG-3', reverse: 5'-GCG GTC ATA GAT GAG TGA TAG C-3') designed and validated in silico using primer-basic local alignment search tool nucleotide (BLAST) program from NCBI accurately identified canine DNA when the optimal annealing temperature was set at 57.5oC. The real-time PCR technique utilizing the D-loop 443 primer exhibited the ability to amplify canine DNA down to a minimum quantity of 100 pg, with an efficiency value of 91.8%, a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.990, and a precision value (RSD) of 0.30%. Conclusion: The SSP-based RT-PCR method developed is a versatile and efficient tool for detect¬ing CM in meatballs. Its implementation helps maintain consumer trust and addresses concerns regarding the substitution of halal meats with non-halal alternatives. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 247-258]

Objective: This study aims to develop formulas for estimating tracheal diameter and length in dogs using easily measurable anatomical parameters. Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of 20 dogs of various breeds, comprising 10 males and 10 females, sourced from cadavers. The measured parameters included occipital tuberosity to tail base (OT), eye angle to ear tragus, nose to ear tragus, inner vertical diameters (IVD), and tracheal length (TL). The study conducted correlation and linear regression analyses, and subsequently, the formulated models underwent validation using 16 live dogs. The results were compared to radiographic measurements. Results: Linear regression recommended formulas based on OT, resulting in IVD (mm) = 0.203 × OT – 3.724 (r2 = 0.608, p < 0.001) and TL (cm) = 0.346 × OT–3.773 (r2 = 0.837, p < 0.001). The predicted tracheal diameter and length from formulas were slightly smaller than radiographic measurements (IVD = 2.76 ± 1.85 mm, p < 0.0001 and TL = 2.07 ± 1.81 cm, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These formulas offer a practical way to estimate tracheal dimensions in live dogs, facilitating the selection of suitable endotracheal tube sizes and insertion depth. Further studies with larger sample sizes and consistent measurement methods can enhance the accuracy of these findings. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 323-329]

Objectives: Current research aimed to compare the effects of fungal and bacterial phytase with or without citric acid (CA) on growth performance, serum mineral profile, bone quality, and nutrient retention in birds given non-phytate phosphorus (nPP)-deficient diets. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 Indian River broiler chicks were disturbed into six groups, namely, i) positive control (PC), ii) negative control (NC) contained 0.2% lower nPP than that in the PC diet, iii) NC + fungal phytase (Aspergillus niger), iv) NC + fungal phytase with 2% CA, v) NC + bacterial phytase (Escherichia coli), and vi) NC + bacterial phytase with 2% CA. Results: Compared to the PC group, the NC group showed poor performance, serum phospho¬rus (P) content, P retention, and bone quality. However, with the inclusion of phytase, all these phenomena were improved. The addition of bacterial phytase showed better values compared with fungal phytase. The main effects of phytase were significant for the feed conversion ratio (FCR), metabolizable energy conversion ratio (MECR), and P retention. The addition of CA, either with fungal or bacterial phytases, did not show considerable beneficial effects on overall performance. However, the main effects of CA were significant on the FCR, MECR, and crude protein conversion ratio. Conclusion: Incorporating bacterial and fungal phytase into low-nPP diets enhanced the broiler's performance. The effects of bacterial phytase were more apparent than those of fungal phytase. However, the efficacy of phytase based on the source might relate to dose, and other factors need further investigation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 376-383]