Objective: The objective of this study was to associate the 1016G > A variant of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene with lamb's weight, growth, and meat quality in the Colombian hair sheep breed. Materials and Methods: A total of 168 lambs, weights were measured at birth weight (BW), at weaning adjusted weaning weight (AWW), at 6 months [adjusted weight (AW180)], at slaughter adjusted slaughter weight (ASW), daily weight gain preweaning daily gain (preWDG), and postweaning daily gain (postWDG) weaning, and after slaughter, pH, texture, and cook-loss (CL) in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle according to the American Meat Science Association methodology. The 1016G > A genotypes were obtained by sequencing. Genotypic and allele frequencies, heterozygosities, and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were estimated. Using a generalized linear model, the genotype and the allelic substitution effect were associated with the evaluated traits. Results: The heterozygous genotype (0.48) and G allele (0.61) were the most frequent. Heterozygosities were similar (0.47), indicating HWE. The genotype affected the BW (p < 0.05), with a higher value for the GG genotype (2.69 kg). AWW (12.75 kg), AW180 (19.67 kg), and ASW (31.21 kg) weights and daily weight gain (preWDG = 115.41 gm; postWDG = 96.16 gm) were not associated. Average pH, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and CL were 5.75 units, 49.46 N, and 32.02%, with no genotype effect. The G > A substitution only affected BW at −388 gm (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 1016G > A variant is polymorphic and affects the BW but not other growth traits or the meat quality of the LTL muscle.

Objective: The effect of zeolite on Ca plasma concentration, reproductive parameters, body condition score (BCS), and colostrum properties was evaluated in Holstein dairy cows during the postpartum period. Materials and Methods: Sixty pregnant cows were allocated to three experimental groups, including 1) a control (CON) diet; 2) a CON diet + 0.75% dry matter (DM) zeolite (100 gm/day/cow); and 3) a CON diet + 1.5% DM zeolite (200 gm/day/cow). Experimental diets were fed to cows during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Blood sample evaluation for Ca concentration was done. The prevalence of hypocalcemia and reproductive parameters, including BCS and colostrum properties, was also measured. Results: Total Ca and ionized calcium (Ca++) concentrations in plasma at 6 and 12 h after calving were higher in zeolite-consuming cows than those in CON s (p < 0.01). Mean frequencies for severe and subclinical hypocalcemia in zeolite-consuming cows were 11.64% and 19.36% lower than those in the CON group, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean pregnancy efficiency of these cows was also 12.94% higher than the CON (p < 0.01). The mean BCS (p ≤ 0.05) and colostrum quality (p < 0.01) of zeolite-consuming cows were at maximum, but their mean colostrum yield was lower than that of the CON group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Zeolite dietary supplementation at levels of 0.75% and 1.5% DM of the preparturient diet is recommended for better CON of hypocalcemia, improved BCS and colostrum quality, and better prevention of postpartum reproductive disorders in dairy cows.

Objective: Estimating microbial protein synthesis (MPS) in the rumen of growing lambs based on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PDs) and forage to concentrate (F/C) ratio. Materials and Methods: 36 similar-growing male lambs (weight 32.53 ± 1.90 kg; age 93 ± 6.63 days) were used in a completely randomized design with four groups: a) the 20–80 F/C ratio (dry hay 10% + wheat straw 10%), b) the 20–80 F/C ratio (dry hay 0% + wheat straw 20%), c) the 10–90 F/C ratio (dry hay 5% + wheat straw 5%), d) and the 10–90 F/C ratio (dry hay 0% + wheat straw 10%) with nine replicates. Results: Total PD and rumen MPS synthesized increased (10.98 vs. 13.25 mmol/day and 59.45 vs. 71.80 gm/day) in group d compared to group a. Dry organic matter intake (0.869 kg/day), fermentable dry organic matter (0.563 kg/day), and microbial nitrogen (N) yield (11.48 gm/day) of group d were at the maximum, but in terms of gN/kg dry organic matter (22.37 gm/kg), the mean of group c was higher than others. Conclusion: Increasing the level of food concentrate and the gradual removal of alfalfa from the diet increased the excretion of PD and MPS in the rumen. It was also found that urinary PD monitoring is an accurate indicator for the estimation of MPS.

Objective: The current study was carried out to assess the humoral immune responses according to age at different stages of wound healing in Black Bengal goats (BBG). Materials and Methods: Apparently, healthy BBGs (n = 20) were collected and divided into five groups based on their age: Group A (control, 3 years), Group B (3 to 5 years), Group C (2 to

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a new drug combination for small ruminant respiratory diseases to find a better treatment protocol for the potential replacement of older methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 6,886 animals received common respiratory disease therapies out of 15,845 animals that had respiratory disorders. The new combination therapy technique treated the remaining animals (8,968). The animals were given an oral suspension of triclabendazole or levamisole at an initial dosage of 0.2 ml/kg body weight (BW). The following day, 0.2 mg/kg of 1% ivermectin was subcutaneously administered. Then, on the third and fifth days of treatment, a subcutaneous injection of 30 mg/kg BW of florfenicol (30%) was administered. The survival and recovery rates for both groups were tracked throughout a 6-month period of observation. Postmortem and histopathological signs were also assessed. Results: In the group of the novel combination therapy, group A, clinical, postmortem, and his¬topathological signs were significantly reduced compared to group B. Clinical signs and mortality in group A were 90% and 93% lower than in group B, respectively. Animals that received the new combination therapy were healed of their disease and stayed immune for 6 months. Conclusion: This novel therapy demonstrated significant efficacy against respiratory diseases in a 10-year field study. The paper proved that the protocol introduced could be a new therapeutic approach.

Objective: This research assesses whether probiotics could enhance growth performance and improve nutrient digestibility in birds fed with low-protein diets. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 1-day-old ROSS chicks were used in a completely randomized design consisting of 5 treatments with 5 replicates and 10 birds for each replicate. The experimental diets were as follows: basal diet containing 100% crude protein (CP) according to Nutrition Research Council recommendation (control diet); basal diet containing CP 10% less than the control diet low protein (LP); LP with addition of probiotic by 50 mg/kg diet (LP + P1); LP with addition of probiotics by 100 mg/kg diet (LP + P2); LP with an addition of probiotics by 150 mg/kg diet (LP + P3). Results: Broilers fed with the control, LP + P2, and LP + P3 diets had greater body weight and weight gain than broilers fed with the LP during starter, finisher, and total periods (p < 0.01). The feed conversion ratio was the best (p < 0.01) in the control and LP + P3 treatments compared with the LP and LP + P1 treatments throughout the experiment. The European production efficiency factor was the lowest in the LP treatment compared with other treatments from 1 to 42 days. Protein efficiency ratio and protein retention were both higher in birds fed with the LP + P2 and LP + P3 diets compared to birds given the control and LP diets (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Adding probiotics to the diet remarkably improved the productive performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler-fed low-protein diets.

Objective: This work examined the results of different dietary protein levels on indigenous Nigerian guinea fowl growth performance and carcass yield. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eight unsexed indigenous keets were randomly assigned to three treatments with experimental diets containing 22%, 24%, and 26% crude protein (CP) in a completely randomized design, with 3 replicates with 12 keets in each replicate. The parameters were measured, including proximate composition, feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass yield. Results: The birds fed diets containing 24% CP gained the most body weight at 619.83 gm and had the highest FCR of 3.45. The presence of CP had an impact that was significant (p < 0.05) on most carcass traits and prime cuts but not on gastrointestinal tract weight, head weight, dress percentage, or organ yield. Conclusion: The study concluded that the dietary CP level of 24% was optimal for body weight gain and carcass yield.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of congenital flexural deformity (knuckling), to identify the association between trace elements and vitamins with the deformity, and to apply different surgical techniques for correcting this congenital malformation in newborn bovine calves. Materials and Methods: The study was implemented on 17 newborn calves with carpal (knee) and fetlock (foot) knuckling presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from January to December 2020. The serum biochemical alterations and clinical outcomes were assessed on days 0 and 21 following surgery. Two surgical methods: ten¬don transection and tendon elongation by Z-tenotomy, were performed for surgical restoration. Results: We found that knuckling comprised 12% of the total congenitally malformed calves. The male calves had a higher prevalence (52%, n = 9) and the same in the winter season (65%, n = 11). The majority of the knuckling was bilateral types (88%, n = 15), involving the carpal joint (82%, n = 14) and moderately angulated (59%, n = 10). The serum level of magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and zinc were significantly (p < 0.05) changed from the pre-surgical stage to the stage of non-lameness after surgery. The disorder was surgically treated by tendon transection or tendon elongation procedure and had a good prognosis. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the development of knuckling in calves might be related to a deficiency/excess of specific minerals and vitamins and that it can be effectively cor¬rected by surgical intervention; however, early diagnosis and the use of proper surgical techniques are crucial for improving the prognosis. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 88-95]

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of using dried chaya leaf meal (DCLM) as a protein feed in a diet on growth performance, blood profiles, and carcass quality in a native Thai chicken. Materials and Methods: Eighty 14-day-old Pradu Hangdum chicks were divided into four groups with four replicates each: control (without DCLM), 10%, 20%, and 30% DCLM inclusion in mash feed. Growth performance was recorded weekly until 98 days of age. Blood profile, carcass quality, and visceral organ weight were measured at 98 days of age. Results: The 10%–30% DCLM inclusion in the diet did not affect feed intake or feed efficiency; however, the body weight gain of chicks decreased linearly with the increase in DCLM inclusion. The heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were linearly increased with the increasing DCLM levels in the groups. The serum blood chemistry did not differ among the groups, while the AST in 10% and 20% DCLM was lower than in the control. Increasing the level of DCLM in the chicken diet did not affect carcass quality. Conclusion: The DCLM can be used as a feed ingredient in Thai native chicken feed up to 20%. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 51-56]

Objective: Certain advantages of donkeys are still not listed as for other equine species. Moreover, donkeys lack comprehensive scientific studies. The present study examines the histological architecture and histochemical characteristics of the esophagus in the Iraqi local breed donkey (Equus asinus). Materials and Methods: Eight esophagus samples were collected from a local breed donkey. Tissue specimens (~1 cm³) were collected from the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal regions of the esoph¬agus and processed via routine histological technique. The tissue sections were stained with hema¬toxylin and eosin, Massons Trichrome, and combined Alcian blue (pH 2.5) plus PAS (AB-PAS). Results: The esophagus of the local breed donkey had folded mucosa wrapped by thin non-ke¬ratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The heights of epithelia of the cervical and thoracic regions of the esophagus were significantly higher than that of the abdominal regions. The lamina propria consisted of dense fibrous tissue that appeared thickest in the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus. The muscularis mucosa disappears at the cervical region, while the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus contain thick, scattered, interrupted bundles of smooth muscle fibers. Tunica submucosa was very thick at the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus, composed of loose connective tissue filled with compound tubular mucose¬rous esophageal glands. Using a combined AB-PAS stain, mucous alveoli within the esophageal glands indicated strong acidic mucopolysaccharide. Tunica muscularis of the cervical and thoracic regions was built up by striated muscle fibers and turned into smooth type at the abdominal region of the esophagus. Conclusion: The esophagus of the local breed donkey shows considerable histological similarities with the other mammals that make this species reliable as an experimental model of digestive tissue. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 14-20]