Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a disease of sheep and goats caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Members of Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, and Rhodococcus are the CMNR group of bacteria, which are so-called because they possess an outer cell membrane containing mycolic acids (MAs). This outer membrane presumably acts as a permeability barrier that imparts high drug resistance levels to some members of this group. The distinguishing feature of C. pseudotuberculosis is that MAs and phospholipase D (PLD) encoded by a β-corynephage in its genome are putative carriers of the toxins. Almost all members of the CMNR group possess a mycolic acid layer or mycomembrane around the cell wall, which is the main virulence determinant and plays a vital role in bacterial survival. Both PLD and MAss are virulence factors that play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of C. pseudotuberculosis. Phospholipases are glycophospholipid-hydrolyzing enzymes that facilitate bacterial dissemination in the host and assist the bacteria to evade phagocytosis by depletion of complement and impaired chemotaxis of neutrophils. MAs are waxy coat that protects the bacterium from hydrolytic enzymes within lysosomes and enables bacteria to skip phagocytosis and survive within the host cell. This review presents current research information on the mycolic acids of C. pseudotuberculosis and their role in the pathogenesis of the disease which includes host cell responses of acute-phase proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reproductive hormones changes and cellular tissue changes.

The second messenger cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis is catalyzed by adenylyl cyclases (ACs). The second messenger cAMP participates in many physiological processes in cells. All eukaryotic adenylyl cyclases (transmembrane adenylyl cyclase and soluble adenylyl cyclases) belong to class III. Soluble adenylyl cyclase was identified in many studies as a widely expressed intracellular source of cAMP in mammalian and non-mammalian cells. Soluble adenylyl cyclase is evolutionary, structurally, and biochemically distinct from the G-protein-responsive transmembrane adenylyl cyclase. sAC is distributed throughout the cytoplasm and it may be present in the nucleus and in mitochondria. sAC has been confirmed to be a bicarbonate sensor in a variety of mammalian cell types. Here I review the physiological role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in different mammalian and non-mammalian tissues. These data promote further research to clarify the exact roles of soluble adenylyl cyclase in the development of the biological activity of normal cells in the body and the therapeutic implications.

Yersinia species, especially Yersinia enterocolitica, are considered as the most prevalent milk-borne pathogens. Y. enterocolitica is the causative agent of yersiniosis, a zoonotic disease of growing epidemiological importance with significant consequences for public health. A total of 300 samples out of milk and milk products water and environmental samples were collected from dairy cattle rural house and local dairy shops and vendors to be investigated for presence of Yersinia spp. Isolates were molecularly identified and screened for virulence markers, biofilm production and antimicrobial resistance profile. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of milk proteins hydrolysates against Y. enterocolitica was detected. Yersinia spp. was recovered from 50% of the examined samples. The most prevalent species was Y. enterocolitica (isolated from 21.7 and 30% of milk and its products, and environmental samples, respectively). Detection of virulence genes revealed that 24% of Y. enterocolitica isolates harbored both ail and yst genes. Y. enterocolitica isolates showed high antimicrobial resistance to various antimicrobials. Also, different biofilm phenotypes were produced by these isolates. The most produced biofilm phenotype was moderate (68.9%). The parent proteins (CCP, CWP) and their pepsin hydrolysates (P-CCP and P-CWP) were potentially effective in inhibiting Y. enterocolitica growth and peptides P-CWP exhibited the strongest effect against Y. enterocolitica.

The current study described the developmental sequence of the ventriculus of the post-hatching Muscovy ducks of both sexes ranging from 1-60 days old, by using gross-histomorphometic measurements and by using light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The ventriculus was extended from the level of the 4th intercostal space to terminate behind the last rib at variable distances dependent on the age of the duck. The statistical analysis revealed that the length of the ventriculus from that of the stomach was decreased by the advancement of the age, while the weight was increased. At all developmental age-stages, the cuticula gastrica was composed of two layers; vertical rods and horizontal matrix. The vertical rods projected slightly as dentate processes beyond the surface of the mucosa at 30-60dys old. The type of the gizzard gland was different according to the age; it was simple tubular type lining by one type of cells (chief cells) at 1-15 days old, but were compound-branched type lining by two types of cells; chief and basal cells at 30-60 days old. By semithin sections, the secretory basophilic granules within the cells lining of the tubular glands were increased by ageing. Transmission electron microscopy exhibited that the chief cells had numerous large sizes electron dense and electron lucent secretory granules. In conclusion, there are wide variations in the morphometrical analysis and the structure of the ventriculus at the developmental age-stages of the duck.

Several genes are controlling prolificay of sheep. The bone morphogenetic protein-15 and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) are control reproductivity of sheep. This study aimed to eplore diet restriction and the polymorphism in the bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) genes on ovulation and reproductive hormones in three sheep breeds. Ovaries of Rahmani ewes (R, n=56), Barki (B, n=56), and Ossimi ewes (O, n=50) were scanned to determine the preovulatory follicles and ovulation. The harvested sera were used for assaying progesterone, leptin, insulin-like growth Factor-I, and insulin. Whole blood samples were used for gene analysis using two PCR primers for amplifying the fragment 141-bp for FecXG site (exon-2) of the BMP15 gene and 139-bp for FecGH locus (exon-1) of the GDF9 gene. The output amplicons were digested (RFLP) with HinfI and DdeI endonucleases. Results revealed no mutation in the FecXG locus in all breeds. FecGH showed mutations but not in all breeds. Treated O received half dietary requirements for four weeks were the youngest (P=0.0001). Barki had the lightest bodyweight (P=0.017). Treated ewes had a higher (P=0.047) number of large follicles compared to their controls. Treated B and R got larger (P=0.0001) dominant follicles. The ovulation rate did not vary within the diet treated breeds but was lower than their control. Control O and R had higher (P=0.0001) ovulation rate, compared to B. Leptin concentrations were low (P=0.047) in treated B and R. The lowest (P=0.031) insulin concentrations were observed in treated O. In conclusion, the BMP15 loci showed no polymorphism, while the GDF9 loci were polymorphic in all breeds and treatments. Nutritional status and age modified ovulation rate in sheep.

Capsicum genus contains many species of sweet and hot chili peppers. Capsicum frutescens is one of the important chili peppers that used as flavor, aroma and spices in the national cuisine. It has also been used as medicinal agents. The phytochemical compound which is responsible for the pungency is capsaicin. For control safety consumption, therefore the toxicity or side effect needs to be investigated. The aim of this research evaluated the amount of total phenols contents from different factors such as colors (red and green) and fruit parts (pericarp, capsaicin gland or placenta, and seed) of C. frutescens aqueous extraction in 1, 3, 5, 10 and 24 hours. The highest total phenolic content was shown in the 24 h extraction. So, this extraction time was used to investigate the cytotoxicity and histopathological alteration by using brine shrimp, Artemia salina as an animal model. Ten adults A. salina were incubated at room temperature for 24 h with various concentrations of chili. The mortality number of A. salina was recorded and the median lethal concentration value was calculated. The highest toxicity was reported in the green pericarp group. The primarily target organ was the intestine of brine shrimp. Enterocytes showed abnormal morphology such as edema, hyperplasia, disorganized arrangement, and finally necrosis. Moreover, the pericarp of the green chili showed the most severe results. It can be concluded that different colors and fruit parts of C. frutescens show different amounts of phenolic content and correlate with cytotoxicity leading to the severity of histopathological alteration in A. salina.

Studying body development in animals is an essential component for improving their production. The objective of this study was to study body measurements with regard to sex and age in Borgou cattle breed reared at the Okpara Breeding Farm. Data were collected on 244 animals (including 114 males and 120 females) distributed in 0-6, 6-12, 12-24, 24-36, 36-48 and >48 months classes. Data were compared using Student t-test in R software. The results showed that age had a very significant effect (p<0.001) on all measurements. For age groups 0-6, 6-12, 12-24 and >48 months, males presented higher values for body measurements ​​than females on the measurements (p<0.05). However, for 24-36 months, the values ​​of measurements such as Height at the withers, Height at the sacrum, Distance from the Head until the Ischium, Body length, Head length, Pelvic width, Head width, and Chest Perimeter were higher in females (p<0.05). Over 48 months, only the values ​​obtained for Pelvic width were significantly higher in females (p<0.001). The results of this study can be used in selection and genetic improvement processes of Borgou cattle to improve the contribution of cattle farming to agricultural GDP in Benin.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between testicular hemodynamics and assisted analysis in pre-pubertal bucks at age of 4-6.5 months. Baladi bucks (n=5) weighting (13-15 kg) and aging (4 months) were examined once a week from week 16 till week 26 of age. Buck’s body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, mediastinum thickness, Doppler, and image analyses were evaluated. Both scrotal circumference and testicular volume were increased (P<0.05) especially in buck 4 followed by buck 2. Both testicular echogenicity (TE) and pixel heterogeneity (PH) showed an increase (P<0.05) in buck 4 then buck 2. Plexus colored area showed a pattern of an abruptly increase either toward or away from the probe (P<0.05) from week 23 of age without marked differences were shown between all buck testes. Both pulsatility (PI) and resistance indices (RI) showed a marked significant (P<0.05) decrease in buck 4 followed by buck 2 from week 23. In addition, testicular peak systolic velocity (PSV) showed a marked linear increase at week 23. There was a positive correlation between TE and PH and both indices. In conclusion, the assessment of testicular hemodynamics and assisted analysis has added a power to the pre-pubertal bucks’ reproductive performance as both tools could help in breeding selection.

The present study investigated the seroprevalence of Leptospira hardjo antibodies and their relationship to the burden of reproductive disorders associated with smallholder ruminant production systems in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria. We randomly collected 376 blood samples from 11 cattle (n=188) and 10 goats (n=188) farms in Maiduguri from April to September 2019. The farmers completed structured questionnaires to furnish information regarding herd characteristics and reproductive histories of farm animals. A serum IgG/IgM antibody-capture ELISA test kit with a sensitivity of 96.91%, specificity of 90.40%, positive and negative predictive values of 88.68% and 97.41%, respectively, was used for the detection of Leptospira hardjo antibodies from blood serum. The overall seroprevalence of Leptospira hardjo was 4.26% (95%CI: 2.17-8.17) in cattle and 2.13% (95%CI: 0.83-5.34) in goats, respectively. Leptospira hardjo antibodies were detected in 4 (50%) out of the 8 cattle herds and 3 out of the 7 goat flocks with a history of reproductive disorders. At the present rate of detection of Leptospira hardjo antibodies in ruminants with histories of reproductive disorders, the current burden of the disease and its consequences on the reproductive efficiencies could be highly underestimated in the smallholder ruminant production system in the northeastern part of Nigeria.

Phimosis is usually result from congenital anomaly, trauma, and prepuce or penis tumor. The present case explained the occurrence of congenital phimosis in a 3 month male Scottish Fold Kitten. The kitten was presented with the history of oliguria and urinary incontinence. In physical examination, preputial swellings without urine discharge were observed. Other Clinical parameters, biochemical and complete blood count results were normal. The surgical treatment as the solve method for correction the phimosis, was done under general anesthesia and the little full thickness skin fold was removed from apex of prepuce. The skin and mucosa were opposed together with a simple interrupted suture pattern. The patient was followed for 1 mouth, after surgery, and there was no recurrence or post operation complication. Phimosis is reported in many animal species, but the most affected animal are dogs. There are few reports about feline phimosis, but no congenital cases were reported in Scottish Fold breed.