Objective: The experiment was designed to establish suitable management strategies through the different feeding and breeding approaches on fertility improvement in the experimental repeat breeding (RB) cows.  Materials and Methods: 80 RB cows were selected for this experiment. Before grouping, all cows were deworming and then divided into four equal groups, namely Group–TF1 [traditional feed­ing practice and natural insemination (NI)], Group–TF2 [traditional feeding practice and Artificial insemination (AI)], Group–SF1 [standard (STD) feeding practice and NI], and Group–SF2 (STD feed­ing practice and AI). These allocated RB cows were fed by traditional and STD feeding methods for 90 days and then inseminated by AI and NI breeding systems. The dominant follicle (DF) diameter, hemato-biochemical elements, and estrogen (E2) hormone were estimated during the insemina­tion of cows. Estimation of the pregnancy rate was carried out at days 45–90 post-insemination in the cows.  Results: The pregnancy rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in STD feeding practice with NI when compared to traditional feeding practice irrespective of breeding systems, and it was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in NI than in AI breeding system, irrespective of feeding strategies. The results also showed that the diameter of DF, serum E2, total erythrocyte count, hemoglo­bin, packed cell volume, total cholesterol, total protein, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, ferric iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium at the time of insemination were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated in the experimental RB cows with STD feeding practice. The diameter of DF and serum E2 were significant (p < 0.01) and positively correlated with all hemato-biochemical elements in the cows at the time of insemination.  Conclusion: The results suggest that NI with STD feeding practice may increase fertility in RB cows by improving general health status. Finally, it could support the veterinarians and researchers to define the management strategies using feeding and breeding strategies to prevent repeat breed­ing syndrome in dairy cows. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 282-290, June 2021

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of A,D3,E (I/M) and oregano oil extract 15% on some clinicopathological parameters during lamb bacterial enteritis treatment.  Materials and Methods: Sixty Barki lambs, 20 apparently healthy (control group) and, 40 suf­fered from bacterial enteritis [enteric group (EG)], were subdivided into four treated groups (TGs): antibiotic group (AG), antibiotic + A,D3,E group (A + A,D3,E), antibiotic + oregano oil (AOG), and oregano group (OG). Fecal swabs were collected from EG then aseptically cultured, isolated, phe­notypically identified, genotypically confirmed, and sequenced by PCR 16srRNA. Paper disk dif­fusion test was used for estimation of oregano oil extract 15% antibacterial activity. After blood sample aspiration from all animals, they were clinicopathologically and statistically analyzed.  Results: Escherichia coli, followed by Salmonella species and then Klebsiella species, was the main causative agents of lamb diarrhea and were susceptible to oregano oil extract 15%. A + A,D3,E and AOG showed significant (p < 0.05) enhancement of some clinicopathological parameters more than AG or OG. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), yielded area under the curve, sensitivity, negative predictive value as 1, 100% and 100% respectively, were determined in both EG and TGs.  Conclusion: Oregano oil extract 15% has good antibacterial properties against enteric bacteria in vitro and in vivo. The combination between antibiotic and antioxidant vitamins or oregano plant extract of 15% has a good impact on some clinicopathological alterations in lamb bacterial enteri­tis treatment. TAC, MMP-9, and MMP-2 may be good markers for the disease and its treatment follow-up. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 291-299, June 2021

Objective: The feasibility of fermented litter as an alternative feed material for ruminant livestock is measured by organoleptic quality, fiber profile, heavy metal contamination, and the presence of worm eggs. This study aimed to examine the influence of broiler chicken litter fermentation with different fermentation lengths on organoleptic quality, and contents of cuprum (Cu), lead (Pb), worm eggs, fiber fractions including hemicellulose, cellulose, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, and fermented litter fiber profile through analysis of scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX).  Materials and Methods: This study used a complete randomized design of a unidirectional pat­tern with four treatments and four repeats with long fermentation treatments of 0, 3, 6, and 9 weeks.  Result: The results showed a real influence (p ≤ 0.05) of fermentation length on organoleptic qual­ity, NDF, ADF, lignin, hemicellulose, and fiber profile with SEM-EDX observations, with no presence of worm eggs and heavy metal content is still at a safe level for feed materials.  Conclusion: This study concluded that the processing of broiler chicken litter with 6 weeks of fer­mentation gave the best results on organoleptic observations, fiber profile, no presence of worm eggs, and heavy metal contamination that is safe for livestock. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 312-322, June 2021

Objective: Natural substances found in dietary sources and medicinal plants have attracted con­siderable attention in recent years as chemopreventive agents. Spirulina is a blue-green alga that possesses chemopreventive properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of spirulina on rats with inorganic arsenic (As) [sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)]-induced lipid peroxidation.  Materials and Methods: 120 rats were randomly assigned to 10 groups and designated T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9. One group was kept as a control (T0) that received no treatment. The seven groups received 3.0 mg of NaAsO2/kg body weight in drinking water and were given spirulina ad libitum. T1 was treated with NaAsO2 but not with spirulina. Two groups of rats (T2 and T3), on the other hand, were treated with spirulina without receiving any As (NaAsO2). T2 received agro-based spirulina (Ab-Sp; grown in 1.5% soybean meal media and harvested on day 12 of seed inoculation) at 2.0 gm/kg feed, whereas T3 received commercially available spirulina (Com-Sp) at 2.0 gm/kg feed. T4, T5, and T6 were concurrently treated with Ab-Sp at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm/ kg of feed. On the other hand, T7, T8, and T9 induced by NaAsO2 were concurrently treated with Com-Sp at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm/kg feed. All groups received treatment for 90 days.  Results: The efficacy of both spirulina in preventing lipid peroxidation caused by As was deter­mined quantitatively by measuring the rats’ serum malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated that As supplementation increased serum MDA levels, whereas both types of spirulina signifi­cantly decreased them. The highest dose of Ab-Sp (2.0 gm/kg feed) was found to be the most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation in rats treated with inorganic As.  Conclusion: Ab-Sp could be a natural, cost-effective, and safe measure to mitigate As toxicity. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 330-338, June 2021

Objective: Coccidiosis is a protozoan infection that can result in hemorrhagic diarrhea, depres­sion, weakness, weight loss, and even mortality in young animals. β-defensin-1 is an antimicro­bial peptide produced largely by epithelial cells in the skin and mucosa. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate how β-defensin-1 levels changed in coccidiosis-infected calves.  Materials and Methods: The sample included 10 coccidiosis-positive calves and 7 healthy calves, for a total of 17 calves of diverse breeds and older than 15 days. To assess the level of β-defen­sin-1, blood samples were obtained from the vena jugularis of the animals. The concentrations of β-defensin-1 in the serum were measured using a commercial ELISA kit.  Results: Although the serum β-defensin-1 level decreased in infected animals, the drop was not statistically significant when compared to the control group.  Conclusion: According to the study’s findings, there was no significant change in the serum β-de­fensin-1 level in coccidiosis-infected calves. We believe that it will be advantageous to conduct additional studies with a larger sample size in order to acquire more precise results. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 494-500, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h539

Objective: This research aims to study the target specificity of selective bioactive compounds in complexing with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (hACE2) receptor to impede the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 influx mechanism resulting in cardiac injury and depending on the receptor’s active site properties and quantum tunneling.  Materials and Methods: A library of 120 phytochemical ligands was prepared, from which 5 were selected considering their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADMET) and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) profiles. The protein active sites and belong­ing quantum tunnels were defined to conduct supramolecular docking of the aforementioned ligands. The hydrogen bond formation and hydrophobic interactions between the ligand–recep­tor complexes were studied following the molecular docking steps. A comprehensive molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) was conducted for each of the ligand–receptor complexes to figure out the values – root mean square deviation (RMSD) (Å), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) (Å), H-bonds, Cα, solvent accessible surface area (SASA) (Å2), molecular surface area (MolSA) (Å2), Rg (nm), and polar surface area (PSA) (Å). Finally, computational programming and algorithms were used to interpret the dynamic simulation outputs into their graphical quantitative forms.  Results: ADMET and QSAR profiles revealed that the most active candidates from the library to be used were apigenin, isovitexin, piperolactam A, and quercetin as test ligands, whereas serpentine as the control. Based on the binding affinities of supramolecular docking and the parameters of molecular dynamic simulation, the strength of the test ligands can be classified as isovitexin > quercetin > piperolactam A > apigenin when complexed with the hACE2 receptor. Surprisingly, serpentine showed lower affinity (−8.6 kcal/mol) than that of isovitexin (−9.9 kcal/mol) and quer­cetin (−8.9 kcal/mol). The MDS analysis revealed all ligands except isovitexin having a value lower than 2.5 Ǻ. All the test ligands exhibited acceptable fluctuation ranges of RMSD (Å), RMSF (Å), H-bonds, Cα, SASA (Å2), MolSA (Å2), Rg (nm), and PSA (Å) values.  Conclusion: Considering each of the parameters of molecular optimization, docking, and dynamic simulation interventions, all of the test ligands can be suggested as potential targeted drugs in blocking the hACE2 receptor. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 540-556, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h544

Objective: The present study aimed to explain the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) on the in vitro production of porcine embryos and the molecular effects of FBS on the growing of porcine embryos.  Materials and Methods: Immature porcine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro. The resulting zygotes were cultured in porcine zygotic medium-3- until day 7 and FBS was added on day 4. Without FBS, it was treated as a control group. Quantitative real-time PCR and 2′,7′-dichloro-di­hydro-fluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) molecular staining techniques were used to detect the expression patterns of apoptosis-associated genes and the accumulation of reactive oxygen spe­cies (ROS), respectively. Paired student’s t-test was used by GraphPad Prism statistical software.  Results: FBS supplementation boosted blastocyst (BL) development and total cell count per BL substantially (p < 0.05). However, hatching and hatched BLs also increased in the FBS-treated group compared to the control. We also found that ROS accumulation in FBS-treated embryos was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. The expression of the anti-apop­totic gene BCL-2 was significantly increased in FBS-treated BLs, but the pro-apoptotic gene, caspase-3 expression, was significantly reduced in FBS-treated BLs.  Conclusion: Our results suggest that FBS supplementation in porcine culture media could increase porcine embryo production by decreasing ROS accumulation and increasing the anti-apoptotic gene expression in developing BLs. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 589-596, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h549

Objective: This study was conducted to generate data on the prevalence, species composition, and factors associated with small ruminant nematode infection in the South Omo zone, in South-western Ethiopia.  Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study through fecal nematode parasite examination was conducted. Simple floatation test and coproculture, followed by Baermann technique, were used for nematode egg and third-stage larvae (L3) separation and identification. The McMaster method was used to calculate the egg per gram of feces (EPG).  Results: From a total of 242 sheep and goats examined, 72.34% were infested with single or mixed nematode parasites. District, “Kebele”, species, body condition score, and age were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with nematode infestation. Simple logistic regression analysis indicated that nematode infestation in Bena-Tsemay district (78.33%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by a factor of 0.54 (OR 95% CI: 0.30–0.96) than Hamer district (66.39%). Among the species, caprine (79.43%) was significantly (p < 0.05) infested than ovine (62.37%) by a factor of 0.45 (OR 95% CI: 0.25–0.81). Moreover, infestation on poor (79.12%) and medium (70.96%) body conditioned animals was higher by a factor of 2.94 (OR 95% CI: 1.41–6.26) and 1.76 (OR 95% CI: 0.88–3.53) than on good body conditioned animals (63.79%). Likewise, infestation in age groups of 1–3 years (78.66%) and >3 years (84.40%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by a factor of 4.83 (OR 95% CI: 2.31–10.46) and 8.23 (OR 95% CI: 3.98–17.75) than younger age groups (41.37%), respectively. A moderate parasitic burden was observed on 52.90% of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN)-infested animals with significantly (p < 0.05) higher EPG in females than males. Furthermore, mixed infes­tation of Trichostrongylus axei and Eimeria (6.19%), Haemonchus contortus and Eimeria (5.78%), and Trichostrongylus vitrines and Eimeria (5.78%) were dominantly identified. On the contrary, T. axei (15.70%), Eimeria (8.67%), H. contortus (7.43%), and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (7.02%) were dominant single infestations.  Conclusion: The current study revealed the highest prevalence of GIN in the study area, which needs strategic control, needs to enhance community awareness toward GIN control and pre­vention, and to implement further investigation into anthelminthic efficacy to solve the problem. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 597-605, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h550

Objectives: Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that begins immediately following tissue injury and continues until the wound is completely healed and remodeled. Applying the most effective burn repair techniques is a constant challenge in medicine. Antiulcerogenic and wound healing properties of Areca palm leaves have been validated through various investiga­tions and animal studies. This study aimed to determine the potential for A. palm hydroalcoholic extract to heal burn wounds in rats.  Materials and Methods: For 14 days, we examined 40 male Wistar albino rats in 5 groups: those receiving 1% silver sulfadiazine cream (reference standard), those receiving eucerin (positive con­trol), and those receiving 5% and 10% ointments of Areca catechu hydroalcoholic extract (treat­ment groups). No treatment was given to the negative control group. On the dorsal part of the animals’ necks, burn wounds were made. After the rats were sacrificed, the wound contraction rate (WCR) was determined, and the wound sites were histopathologically examined.  Results: On the 14th day, the WCR was significantly higher in rats treated with A. palm 10% extract ointment than in rats treated with 5% extract, positive or negative control groups (p < 0.001), or rats treated with silver sulphfadiazine (p = 0.01). After applying a 10% extract ointment to burn wound sites, complete healing occurred with only mild tissue inflammation and edema.  Conclusion: The study’s findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of A. palm L. has the abil­ity to expedite the wound healing process. Additional research is necessary to identify the com­pounds responsible for their wound healing properties and comprehend their action mechanism. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 619–628, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h553

Objective: The study investigated the effect of different stocking density (SD) rates on the wel­fare, growth, and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens.  Materials and Methods: 106 broiler chicks of 10 days old were used and assigned into four groups: A, B, C, and D. The chicks of group A were reared in floor space containing one bird per square foot area (SD1.0). The chicks of groups B, C, and D were reared at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 birds per square foot area (SD1.5, SD2.0, and SD2.5). Welfare, body weight, and hemato-biochemical parameters were assessed and monitored by physical observation and laboratory methods.  Results: The birds reared at SD2.0, and SD2.5 rates showed increased panting breathing. Wet feces adhered below the vent. There were a significant number of birds showing dirtiness of body and feathers. Birds reared in SD2.5 were familiar with moist litters and high ammonia smell. Foot-pad dermatitis, scratches, and blister formation were detected in the leg. The study revealed that the higher SD negatively correlated to the welfare behavior indicators. Live body weight was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in birds reared at higher SD rates. Birds housed in SD1.0 and SD1.5 are optimum for body weight and improved feed conversion ratio. The hemato-bio­chemical parameters of birds reared at various SD rates did not differ. The total leucocyte count increased significantly, while total serum proteins decreased gradually as SD rates increased.  Conclusion: This work explores that higher SD negatively affects welfare and growth performance in broiler chickens. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 642–649, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h556