Background: Sperm preservation at a cool temperature reduces sperm metabolism while preserving its viability and reproductive ability. Researchers have sought to extend semen preservation effectiveness for more than 24 hours. Due to the particular physiological characteristics of small ruminant spermatozoa, the cooling procedure decreases its reproductive ability. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of adding L-carnitine (LC) to the cooling extender on the quality of the ram’s sperm following cooling preservation at 4°C.Methods: The collected sperm samples were diluted and divided into 4 groups with varying doses of LC supplementation (0, 1, 5, and 10 mM). The samples were kept at 4°C for up to 48 hours. At 0, 24, and 48 hours of cooling, the sperms’ total motility, progressive motility, viability, lipid peroxidation, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Results: The results showed that different treatments did not affect the quality of semen samples at time 0 of cooling storage (P>0.05). Cooling medium supplemented with 5 mM LC demonstrated improved total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity compared to the other groups after 24 and 48 hours of cooling (P≤0.05). Furthermore, after 24 and 48 hours of storage, 5 mM LC produced less lipid peroxidation (P≤0.05) than the other treatments.Conclusion: In conclusion, reinforcing ram’s cooling storage medium with 5 mM LC protects ram semen samples against cold-induced structural and functional impairment throughout 24- and 48-h storage.

Background: Respiratory viral diseases, including the bovine parainfluenza 3 virus, cause significant economic losses in ruminants. There is no available data regarding the epidemiological situation of this virus in Algeria. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V) in sheep in two different climatic regions of Algeria. Methods: A total of 108 serum samples were collected from sheep at different ages and tested for antibodies against BPI3V using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also performed on nasal swabs to detect the viral genome. Results: At the animal level, out of 108 sera tested, 82 (75.93%, 95% CI, 66.75%, 83.63%) showed antibodies against BPI3V. At the herd level, all 23 herds tested (100%) had at least one animal with BPI3V antibodies. Our results showed no association between the presence of BPI3V antibodies and the region (P=0.72). However, at the herd level, risk factors such as flock size and predisposing factors like climate change, feed deficit, postpartum stress, and dust were identified. At the animal level, a highly significant association was found between BPI3V seroprevalence and the age of the animals (P<0.0001). Notably, the sheep group over 3 years was more susceptible than other age groups. Furthermore, a significant difference in BPI3V seroprevalence based on sex was observed (P<0.003). All collected nasal swabs were negative for BPI3V genome detection using real-time PCR. Conclusion: This study is the first serological survey on BPI3V in Algeria, confirming its presence in sheep from two regions. The high serum prevalence of BPI3V observed in the study population highlights addressing this viral disease to mitigate economic losses in ruminants.

Background: Farmers raise rabbits in abundance in Iraq. Scabies infestation is one of the most prevalent diseases in rabbits. The current study investigates the rabbits’ infestation with scabies that cause severe complications such as itchy alopecia, hyperkeratosis, anorexia, self-trauma, and weight loss. In short, the disease has high morbidity and mortality and creates heavy economic losses for farmers.Objectives: This study was designed to detect mange infestation in rabbits using microscopic examination of skin scraping. This study is the first to investigate mange infestation in rabbits in Mosul City, Iraq.Methods: A total of 130 rabbits were examined, and their skin lesions were scraped. Results: Of 130 rabbits, 56(43.1%) were infested with mange, including Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi (n=50, 38.5%), Psoroptes cuniculi (n=32, 25%), Notoedres cati var. cuniculi (n=26, 20%), Demodex cuniculi (n=12, 9%), and Cheyletiella spp. (n=4, 3%), with the high infestation rate for S. scabiei var. cuniculi and the lowest rate for Cheyletiella spp. The significant lesions were hyperkeratosis followed by alopecia, then pruritus on many body areas (head, ears, abdomen, back, legs, tail, and perineal area). The highest infestation rate was found on the abdomen and back, while the lowest was on the tail and perineal area. There are significant differences according to age, while no significant differences between the males and females and among three types of infestation (single, double, and mixed).Conclusion: The rabbits were infested with several species with different percentages. There was no significant difference in infestation rates between males and females, although there was a difference between younger and older animals. Lastly, a significant difference was clear among the three types of infestation, and the double one was the dominant infestation rate with 50%.

Background: Tissue staining is pivotal in histology and histopathology, shouldering a noteworthy role in identifying and classifying tissues and diseases. Due to their non-production of toxic effluents, the utilization of plant-based dyes aligns harmoniously with environmental sustainability and the well-being of laboratory personnel and the general public. Furthermore, this approach is highly cost-effective, further enhancing its appeal.Objectives: This research study explored the feasibility of staining various tissues in mice, such as the liver, kidney, intestine, and cartilage, utilizing a dye extracted from black carrots. Methods: An ethanol extract of 200 g of fresh black carrots (Daucus carota L.) was prepared using 95% ethanol saturated with two different solvents in 200 mL of distilled water. Subsequently, the prepared sections of mice tissue were immersed in the extracted dye solution for 20 minutes, followed by assessment using a light microscope. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used as a control.Results: The dye extracted from the black carrot using alum and acetic acid successfully stained the cartilage, kidney, intestine, and liver tissues, giving them a bluish-gray coloration. Phytochemical screening further confirmed the presence of anthocyanins in the black carrot extract.Conclusion: The dye derived from black carrots exhibits natural tissue staining capabilities, making it an alternative to hematoxylin-eosin in histology and histopathology laboratories.

Background: Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are categorized as attaching and effacing E. coli (AEEC) due to their eae gene. One of the essential causes of diarrhea in humans is AEEC, which affects birds, too, thereby being considered a zoonotic pathogen.Objectives: Our study aimed to determine AEEC and evaluate its antibiotic resistance and phylogroups. Methods: A total of 200 fecal samples were collected from pet birds referred to the Veterinary Medicine Hospital, University of Tehran. PCR methods were used to detect AEEC using uspA, eae, bfpA, stx1, and stx2 gene-specific primers. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the recovered isolates was determined by the agar disk diffusion and MIC methods. Their phylogroups were analyzed based on Clermont phylotyping methods.Results: Of 200 samples, we isolated 26 (13%) E. coli strains, 9 harbor eae genes. None of the ease-positive samples possessed the bfpA gene, but 4 had stx2, and 5 had stx1 and stx2 genes. Phylogenetic analysis identified the phylogenetic groups of all AEEC isolated strains but 2 (duck and cockatiel). Detected phylogroups include four B2 and three D. Based on our results, 7 out of 9 AEEC isolated strains showed multi-drug resistance.Conclusion: The discovery of common phylogroups of AEEC in pet birds (a common companion animal in Iran with intimate contact with their owners, especially children) and humans, as well as their resistance to a wide range of antibiotics used in human medicine, verifies AEEC as a serious public health threat.

Background: Semen contamination is a detrimental factor in decreasing fertility. Seasonal changes may affect the contamination, too. Objectives: This study was designed to detect semen contamination in ovine and caprine during different seasons. Methods: Six fully mature male sheep and goats were subjected to electro-ejaculator collection twice monthly from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023 (Spring, February 1, 2022-April 30, 2022; Summer, May 1, 2022, July 31, 2022; Autumn August 1, 2022, October 31, 2022; Winter November 1, 2022, January 31, 2023), for studying the seasonal effect. A total of 288 semen samples were collected from both species (36 samples from each per season). All samples were subjected to bacterial isolation and identification. Results: The results indicated that sheep semen had 4 different types of bacterial contamination with a higher number in contaminated samples than goat, which showed 5 different bacterial isolations. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in bacterial contamination with regard to different seasons. Conclusion: Different seasons appear not to affect bacterial contamination of semen in sheep and goats. Meanwhile, isolating all bacteria types was considered normal flora in both small ruminant species.

Background: Herbs possess a large amount of antioxidants; thus, using them in the poultry diet can improve the quality of final products.Objectives: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of artichoke, Silybum marianum, and their mixture on Japanese quail’s carcass characteristics, oxidative stability, and breast meat quality. Methods: A total of 120 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 experimental treatments (0%, 1.5% artichoke, 1.5% S. marianum, 1.5% mixture of artichoke and S. marianum). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 10 birds. At the end of the experiment (day 42), the carcass characteristics of the birds were recorded, and the physical characteristics, chemical composition, color, and oxidative stability of breast meat were evaluated. Results: The results showed no significant difference among the experimental groups regarding pH, dry matter, ash, drip loss, and cooking loss. Dietary enrichment with artichoke and S. marianum caused a decrease in the mean body weight in the experimental treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with herbal powders increased the crude protein and fat content of breast meat, and group 4 (artichoke+S. marianum) had a higher mean than other groups (P<0.05). The hardness of breast meat in the treatment groups has decreased compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, the amount of lightness in the treatments has reduced, and redness and yellowness have increased. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index showed a significant decrease in the investigated treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of S. marianum and artichoke improved nutritional value and increased oxidative stability of breast meat in Japanese quail. However, they adversely affected birds’ weight gain and feed consumption.

Background: Aeromonas species is one of the most important causes of diseases in Clarias gariepinus, a public health threat with significant economic losses. Objectives: In this research, the prevalence and variety of Aeromonas species isolated from C. gariepinus cultured in an earthen pond were investigated, as well as the antibiogram and multiple antibiotic resistance indexMethods: Aeromonas species were isolated by culture and biochemical test and confirmed using a Microbact 24E kit. The antibiotic susceptibility to 10 antibiotics was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.Results: Aeromonas species were isolated with a prevalence of 43.1% with 4 different phenospecies with the highest prevalence of 46(24 %) for Aeromonas hydrophila followed by 15(7.8%) for Aeromonas caviae, then 10(5.2%) for Aeromonas veronii sobria, and the least was observed for Aeromonas veronii veronii 6(3.1%). The Aeromonas species showed high resistance to amoxicillin, ampicillin, colistin sulfate, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and penicillin, with varying resistant patterns, and the multiple antibiotic resistance index values ranged between 0.20 and 0.80. Conclusion: There was a diversity of Aeromonas species associated with multiple antibiotic-resistant leading to the wide spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, there is a need to control the use of antibiotics and ensure the effective use of biosecurity and preventive management measures in fish farms.

Background: Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen, leading to abdominal enlargement and complications of the peritoneal cavity.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography in identifying the causes of ascites in hybrid dog breeds.Methods: The current retrospective cross-sectional study involved 21 dogs of hybrid breeds (12 males and 9 females) with an Mean±SD age of 6.70±0.49 years and a Mean±SD weight of 24.37±3.65 kg. In a radiology ward, a radiologist examined the dogs by conducting an abdominal cavity ultrasound to diagnose and report the cause of ascites. Notably, the radiologist knew nothing about the history, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings regarding the dogs. After the definitive cause of ascites was determined, the result was compared with the ultrasonographic diagnosis, calculating its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.Results: Liver diseases, renal conditions, and malignancies were identified as the most common causes of ascites. Based on the results, ultrasonographic diagnosis revealed the following specifications: 97.8% specificity, 91.1% sensitivity, 94.4% accuracy, 97.8% positive predictive value, and 91.1% negative predictive value.Conclusion: In general, the research results indicate that ultrasonography can serve as a primary tool for diagnosing the early stages of ascites. In a few cases where diagnosis of the underlying cause proves challenging, this method helps reach a subsequent diagnosis, except in cases involving liver and renal complications. Also, ultrasonographic diagnosis gets around invasive techniques such as sampling and laparoscopy, reducing the hospitalization period, hospital costs, and patient stress and also facilitating the medical process.

Background: Xanthogranuloma (xanthoma) presents as a rare, non-infectious granulomatous lesion with a yellowish and soft appearance. Hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia are believed to be the underlying causes of this lesion. Xanthoma has been identified in vertebrates and humans. Objectives: This report presents a case of cutaneous xanthogranuloma located in the tibiotarsal region of a 5-year-old rose-breasted cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla) fed with high-fat diets. Methods: The cockatoo underwent anesthesia using isoflurane administered through a face mask connected to an Ohmeda anesthesia machine. The mass was surgically removed and submitted for histopathological examination. The tissue was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and representative sections were routinely processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining. Moreover, frozen sections were obtained and stained with the Oil Red O technique.Results: Upon histopathologic examination of routine H&amp;E slides, vacuolated macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells were noted in addition to cholesterol clefts and heterophilic infiltrates. Oil Red O staining was performed to detect intracellular and extracellular lipid content. Xanthogranulomas invaded the surrounding tissues, necessitating complete surgical excision. The lesion did not recur during the 1-month follow-up, but the patient died due to respiratory disorders. Conclusion: Stress and high-lipid feed consumption were considered the predisposing factors to xanthogranuloma development in this bird.