Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) with its immunomodulatory activity, on the susceptibility of broilers to infectious bursal disease, being an immunosuppressive disease.Materials and methods: Day-old broilers (102) were separated into 6 groups A-F of 17 each. Groups A, B and C had 0.125% of garlic-meal in feed. At 8 and 18 days of age groups A, C, D and F were administered IBD vaccine and groups B, C, D and E were infected with 1LD50 IBD virus (10-3.4 in 0.08ml PBS) via conjuctival instillation at 4 week-old.  Clinical signs, mortality and gross pathological lesions were scored. Histopathological lesions in bursae of Fabricius were recorded. Virus antibody titre in serum was assayed at 1 day-old, 4 and 6 weeks-old using quantitative agar gel immunodiffusion test. Data generated was analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple comparison tests (P<0.05).Results: The two infected garlic groups B (non-vaccinated) and C (vaccinated) had lower scores for clinical signs (23 and 12 points, respectively) but higher mortality rates (30% and 25%, respectively) than their no-garlic controls (E; 27 points, 11.8% and D; 21 points, 0%, respectively). However, vaccinal antibody response at 6 week-old, was significantly higher in garlic group A (2.8±0.8) than in no-garlic group F (1.8±1.8) in the absence of infection.Conclusion: A more acute outcome of IBD virus infection was observed in garlic-fed broilers, which was ameliorated in vaccinated broilers, however, antibody response to vaccination was enhanced in the absence of infection.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e276

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) with its immunomodulatory activity, on the susceptibility of broilers to infectious bursal disease, being an immunosuppressive disease. Materials and methods: Day-old broilers (102) were separated into 6 groups A-F of 17 each. Groups A, B and C had 0.125% of garlic-meal in feed. At 8 and 18 days of age groups A, C, D and F were administered IBD vaccine and groups B, C, D and E were infected with 1LD50 IBD virus (10-3.4 in 0.08ml PBS) via conjuctival instillation at 4 week-old. Clinical signs, mortality and gross pathological lesions were scored. Histopathological lesions in bursae of Fabricius were recorded. Virus antibody titre in serum was assayed at 1 day-old, 4 and 6 weeks-old using quantitative agar gel immunodiffusion test. Data generated was analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Duncans multiple comparison tests (P [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 275-281]

Objective: The research work was conducted to determine the duration of protective efficacy and lowest immune protective titer of Salmonella bivalent vaccine containing Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum prepared at the Livestock and Poultry Vaccine Research and Production Centre (LPVRPC) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh.Materials and methods: The experimental chickens were subdivided into four main groups (A, B, C and D). Group A and B were vaccinated with BAU-Salmonella bivalent vaccine with dosed 0.5 mL intramuscularly at the age of seven weeks followed by a booster vaccination at 12 weeks of age while group C and D served as unvaccinated control. The sera samples were obtained at 7, 12, 15, 18, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 41 weeks of age of birds.Results: Significantly elevated level of immune response in terms of antibody production resulted from booster vaccination. Vaccinated chicken showed protective resistance following virulent challenge with isolates of S. gallinarum and S. pullorum (**P<0.01) till 41 weeks, whereas unvaccinated control birds failed to resist the virulent challenge infection.Conclusion: BAU-Salmonella bivalent vaccine showed lowest immune protective titer up to seven months following booster vaccination.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e278

Objective: The research work was conducted to determine the duration of protective efficacy and lowest immune protective titer of Salmonella bivalent vaccine containing Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum prepared at the Livestock and Poultry Vaccine Research and Production Centre (LPVRPC) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: The experimental chickens were subdivided into four main groups (A, B, C and D). Group A and B were vaccinated with BAU-Salmonella bivalent vaccine with dosed 0.5 mL intramuscularly at the age of seven weeks followed by a booster vaccination at 12 weeks of age while group C and D served as unvaccinated control. The sera samples were obtained at 7, 12, 15, 18, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 41 weeks of age of birds. Results: Significantly elevated level of immune response in terms of antibody production resulted from booster vaccination. Vaccinated chicken showed protective resistance following virulent challenge with isolates of S. gallinarum and S. pullorum (**P [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 282-289]

Objective: This study aims to appraise the ranking of endurance horses in training based on some selected biochemical and physical parameters. The increase in skill and gusto in equine endurance sport demands an upsurge in standardized exercise tests and competition to be enforced on endurance sport horses.Materials and methods: Nine seemingly fit Arabians endurance horses between the ages of 5 and 17 years and with a body weight of 350 and 450 kg were included in the research in Malaysia. We designed a point scale in training based on biochemical and physical parameters of endurance horses for lactate, plasma protein, creatine kinase, heart rate, and rectal temperature.Results: The results indicated an accumulated lower point of 1 for the biochemical and physical parameters for an individual horse to have an excellent ranking in training and placing in endurance race contrasted with horses that had higher points of 4 to 6. The lower the points, the lower will be the values of the parameters and the higher the points the higher will be the values of the parameters. It is observed that placing in race tally with the ranking in training.Conclusion: In conclusion, it is observed that placing in race tally with the ranking in training. Therefore, it is suggested that the current ranking system in training could be valid to be used to predict endurance horses’ performance in an actual race.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e280

Objective: This study aims to appraise the ranking of endurance horses in training based on some selected biochemical and physical parameters. The increase in skill and gusto in equine endurance sport demands an upsurge in standardized exercise tests and competition to be enforced on endurance sport horses. Materials and methods: Nine seemingly fit Arabians endurance horses between the ages of 5 and 17 years and with a body weight of 350 and 450 kg were included in the research in Malaysia. We designed a point scale in training based on biochemical and physical parameters of endurance horses for lactate, plasma protein, creatine kinase, heart rate, and rectal temperature. Results: The results indicated an accumulated lower point of 1 for the biochemical and physical parameters for an individual horse to have an excellent ranking in training and placing in endurance race contrasted with horses that had higher points of 4 to 6. The lower the points, the lower will be the values of the parameters and the higher the points the higher will be the values of the parameters. It is observed that placing in race tally with the ranking in training. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is observed that placing in race tally with the ranking in training. Therefore, it is suggested that the current ranking system in training could be valid to be used to predict endurance horses performance in an actual race. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 299-306]

Objective:  The objective of this research was to assess the suitability of FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis of partial least square regression (PLSR) along with pattern recognition technique of principal component analysis (PCA) for rapid quantitative and qualitative (identification) analysis of dog meat in beef meatball formulation.Materials and Methods: The lipid fraction of meatball was obtained by employing two different extraction techniques, namely Bligh-Dyer and Folch method. FTIR spectral bands correlated with beef fat, pork fat, chicken fat and rat fat were measured, interpreted, and qualitatively analyzed. The small variations among spectra were exploited as a basis tools to differentiate between dog fat and other animal fats. Results: PCA at combined wavenumber regions of 1700-700 cm-1 was capable of identifying dog meat in meatball. These wavenumbers were also used for quantitative analysis of dog meat in meatball using PLSR model. Based on statistical parameters used, namely R2, RMSEC and RMSEP, Folch extraction method offered higher R2 and lower RMSEC and RMSEP than Bligh-Dyer. PCA is succesfully applied for classification between meatball containing dog meat and other meats.Conclusion: FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analyses of PLSR and PCA was effective means for rapid screening of dog meat in meatball products.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e281

Objective: The objective of this research was to assess the suitability of FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis of partial least square regression (PLSR) along with pattern recognition technique of principal component analysis (PCA) for rapid quantitative and qualitative (identification) analysis of dog meat in beef meatball formulation. Materials and Methods: The lipid fraction of meatball was obtained by employing two different extraction techniques, namely Bligh-Dyer and Folch method. FTIR spectral bands correlated with beef fat, pork fat, chicken fat and rat fat were measured, interpreted, and qualitatively analyzed. The small variations among spectra were exploited as a basis tools to differentiate between dog fat and other animal fats. Results: PCA at combined wavenumber regions of 1700-700 cm-1 was capable of identifying dog meat in meatball. These wavenumbers were also used for quantitative analysis of dog meat in meatball using PLSR model. Based on statistical parameters used, namely R2, RMSEC and RMSEP, Folch extraction method offered higher R2 and lower RMSEC and RMSEP than Bligh-Dyer. PCA is succesfully applied for classification between meatball containing dog meat and other meats. Conclusion: FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analyses of PLSR and PCA was effective means for rapid screening of dog meat in meatball products. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 307-314]

Objective: This study assessed personality traits in five cattle breeds (Bos taurus), two cosmopolitan (Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss) and three endangered Italian autochthonous (Varzese, Rendena, and Modenese). Our aim was to provide an evaluation of the personality dimensions obtained by our questionnaire in order to compare some Italian autochthonous breeds with the cosmopolitan one. Our choice fell upon the comparison of the Varzese, the Modenese, the Rendena, the Brown Swiss, and the Holstein Friesian because the genetic selection at the base of the typical attitudes has induced different characteristics, and as a consequence, detectable differences in personality can be expected between the populations.           Materials and methods: A personality questionnaire was completed by milkers/owners for each subject involved in this study. The milking staff involved in the study have been working with cows for over 20 years; they have experience with numerous breeds, and therefore, can be considered expert evaluators since they certainly have an appreciation of the full range of cow behavior.Results: The milkers’ assessments analysis found breed differences in dairy cattle, showing that certain personality traits are more marked in certain breeds in terms of curiosity, friendliness to milkers, and responses to unknown people.Conclusion: This pilot survey shows the usefulness of questionnaires in cattle personality studies, highlighting some peculiarity of the endangered breeds. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e282

Objective: This study assessed personality traits in five cattle breeds (Bos taurus), two cosmopolitan (Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss) and three endangered Italian autochthonous (Varzese, Rendena, and Modenese). Our aim was to provide an evaluation of the personality dimensions obtained by our questionnaire in order to compare some Italian autochthonous breeds with the cosmopolitan one. Our choice fell upon the comparison of the Varzese, the Modenese, the Rendena, the Brown Swiss, and the Holstein Friesian because the genetic selection at the base of the typical attitudes has induced different characteristics, and as a consequence, detectable differences in personality can be expected between the populations. Materials and methods: A personality questionnaire was completed by milkers/owners for each subject involved in this study. The milking staff involved in the study have been working with cows for over 20 years; they have experience with numerous breeds, and therefore, can be considered expert evaluators since they certainly have an appreciation of the full range of cow behavior. Results: The milkers assessments analysis found breed differences in dairy cattle, showing that certain personality traits are more marked in certain breeds in terms of curiosity, friendliness to milkers, and responses to unknown people. Conclusion: This pilot survey shows the usefulness of questionnaires in cattle personality studies, highlighting some peculiarity of the endangered breeds. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 315-323]

Objective: The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of probiotic Chrysonilia crassa in comparison with zinc bacitracin, commercial probiotic Bacillus subtilis, and herbal medicine waste on growth, intestinal microbiology, and blood indices of broilers.Materials and methods: Three hundreds of Lohmann day-old chicks were allocated to control diet (basal diet; CONT), basal diet with antibiotic zinc bacitracin (AZB), basal diet with B. subtilis (PROB), basal diet with C. crassa (PROC), and basal diet with herbal medicine waste (HERBW). Sample collections were conducted on day 34 of the experiment.Results: PROB showed greater (P<0.05) body weight than CONT chicks. Leukocytes and lymphocytes numbers were higher (P<0.05) in HERBW than in birds of other treatments. Compared to CONT and HERBW, PROC birds showed higher (P<0.05) level of vaccine titer to Newcastle disease virus. CONT had lower (P<0.05) and higher (P<0.05) total protein and globulin, and the ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) in serum, respectively, compared to other chicks. Higher level (P<0.05) of albumin was observed in PROB relative to CONT and PROC. Lower uric acid (P<0.05) was seen in PROC when compared with CONT and PROB. PROC had higher (P<0.05) aspartate aminotransferase than AGP, PROB, and HERBW. Ileal coliform was decreased (P<0.05) in PROB and PROC, relative to CONT and HERBW.Conclusion: Probiotics were capable of improving the growth, immune responses, and intestinal bacterial populations of broilers. The effects of probiotics C. crassa corresponded to that of commercial probiotic B. subtilis and antibiotic growth promoters. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e284

Objective: The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of probiotic Chrysonilia crassa in comparison with zinc bacitracin, commercial probiotic Bacillus subtilis, and herbal medicine waste on growth, intestinal microbiology, and blood indices of broilers. Materials and methods: Three hundreds of Lohmann day-old chicks were allocated to control diet (basal diet; CONT), basal diet with antibiotic zinc bacitracin (AZB), basal diet with B. subtilis (PROB), basal diet with C. crassa (PROC), and basal diet with herbal medicine waste (HERBW). Sample collections were conducted on day 34 of the experiment. Results: PROB showed greater (P [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 332-342]

Objective: The present study was initiated to ascertain the level of shedding of salmonellae by dogs in Makurdi area and to highlight the risk of infection for dog-owners. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs from 200 dogs from different locations in the study area were examined in the study. The samples were cultured for salmonellae using RappaportVassiliadis enrichment broth (Oxoid) and brilliant green agar (Oxoid). Suspected Salmonella isolates were serologically identified. Results: Overall, Salmonellae organisms were isolated from 11 (5.5%) of the 200 dogs sampled. Prevalence rates of 5.6% and 4.5% were recorded for apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs, respectively. Salmonella was respectively isolated from 4.1% to 9.1% of male and female dogs. Dogs aged 4 years and above recorded the highest prevalence rate. The study revealed a low prevalence rate in Nigerian local breed (mongrels) and high prevalence rates in exotic breeds of dogs. Conclusion: The isolation of salmonellae in apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs in this study indicates a carrier status which may constitute a serious problem in disease control in the study area. The lower prevalence rate of Salmonella infection in mongrels could be an indication of resistance to Salmonella in local breeds of dogs and should generate interest in research in the pathogenicity and pathogenesis of salmonellae in mongrels. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e291

Objective: The present study was initiated to ascertain the level of shedding of salmonellae by dogs in Makurdi area and to highlight the risk of infection for dog-owners. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs from 200 dogs from different locations in the studyarea were examined in the study. The samples were cultured for salmonellae using Rappaport-Vassiliadis enrichment broth (Oxoid) and brilliant green agar (Oxoid). Suspected Salmonella isolates were serologically identified. Results: Overall, Salmonellae organisms were isolated from 11 (5.5%) of the 200 dogs sampled. Prevalence rates of 5.6% and 4.5% were recorded for apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs, respectively. Salmonella was respectively isolated from 4.1% to 9.1% of male and female dogs. Dogs aged 4 years and above recorded the highest prevalence rate. The study revealed a low prevalence rate in Nigerian local breed (mongrels) and high prevalence rates in exotic breeds of dogs. Conclusion: The isolation of salmonellae in apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs in this study indicates a carrier status which may constitute a serious problem in disease control in the study area. The lower prevalence rate of Salmonella infection in mongrels could be an indication of resistance to Salmonella in local breeds of dogs and should generate interest in research in the pathogenicity and pathogenesis of salmonellae in mongrels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 405-409]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, geographical distribution, and main risk factors for peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in the Republic of Chad. Materials and methods: A total of 3,546 sera collected from unvaccinated small ruminants including 1,699 goats and 1,847 sheep in 19 of the 23 regions in Chad were randomly sampled. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technics were used for serological analysis. Results: The overall seroprevalence at the individual level was 52.9%±1.6% (48.9% for goats and 56.2% for sheep). Seroprevalence observed in the Chari Baguirmi, Ouaddaï, and N’Djamena regions was significantly higher than those in the other regions. Transhumant herds are the most exposed than the sedentary ones. Older animals were more affected than the young ones. Kababich sheep are the most affected than other breeds. Conclusion: This study has shown that the PPR virus is circulating in the Republic of Chad. In view of the results obtained, the disease is enzootic in the country. Epidemiological information obtained including seroprevalence rate, risk factors (sex, breed, age, and mode of rearing), and geographical distribution will help to define an appropriate strategy for PPR control in the Republic of Chad. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e293

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, geographical distribution, and main risk factors for peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in the Republic of Chad. Materials and methods: A total of 3,546 sera collected from unvaccinated small ruminants including 1,699 goats and 1,847 sheep in 19 of the 23 regions in Chad were randomly sampled. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technics were used for serological analysis. Results: The overall seroprevalence at the individual level was 52.9%±1.6% (48.9% for goats and 56.2% for sheep). Seroprevalence observed in the Chari Baguirmi, Ouaddaï, and NDjamena regions was significantly higher than those in the other regions. Transhumant herds are the most exposed than the sedentary ones. Older animals were more affected than the young ones. Kababich sheep are the most affected than other breeds. Conclusion: This study has shown that the PPR virus is circulating in the Republic of Chad. In view of the results obtained, the disease is enzootic in the country. Epidemiological information obtained including seroprevalence rate, risk factors (sex, breed, age, and mode of rearing), and geographical distribution will help to define an appropriate strategy for PPR control in the Republic of Chad. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 420-425]

Objective: The aim of this research is to study the effectiveness of mosquito magnet (MM) for reducing mosquitoes (Diptera) populations in coastal areas. Materials and methods: The study sites are in the coastal area of Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, which is divided into two locations; one that is 2 km and another that is 4 km in distance from the sea. We used the Mosquito Magnet® Independence (MMI) trap for effective field testing in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Traps were placed 100 m away from the house (one trap per location) and mosquitoes were collected at night from 6 PM to 6 AM during September and October 2017 (30 days). Results: A total of 2,561 adult mosquitoes, including Anopheles epiroticus Linton & Harbach, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Cx. sitiens Wiedmann, and Cx. gelidus Theobald were collected by MMI. At a 2-km distance from the sea were captured more mosquitoes per night more than at a 4-km distance (63.63 ± 42.30 vs. 21.70 ± 12.42). The comparison of effectiveness of MMI in two locations of the coastal area was shown to have a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) and analysis of the correlation between the number of mosquitoes caught in coastal areas, including at a 2- and 4-km distance from the sea, accounting for weather factors, we found that the effectiveness of MMI was not correlated with weather (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrated that MM can be used to control mosquitoes in coastal areas with high efficiency, especially 2 km away from the sea. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e294

Objective: The aim of this research is to study the effectiveness of mosquito magnet (MM) for reducing mosquitoes (Diptera) populations in coastal areas. Materials and methods: The study sites are in the coastal area of Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, which is divided into two locations; one that is 2 km and another that is 4 km in distance from the sea. We used the Mosquito Magnet® Independence (MMI) trap for effective field testing in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Traps were placed 100 m away from the house (one trap per location) and mosquitoes were collected at night from 6 PM to 6 AM during September and October 2017 (30 days). Results: A total of 2,561 adult mosquitoes, including Anopheles epiroticus Linton & Harbach, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Cx. sitiens Wiedmann, and Cx. gelidus Theobald were collected by MMI. At a 2-km distance from the sea were captured more mosquitoes per night more than at a 4-km distance (63.63 ± 42.30 vs. 21.70 ± 12.42). The comparison of effectiveness of MMI in two locations of the coastal area was shown to have a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) and analysis of the correlation between the number of mosquitoes caught in coastal areas, including at a 2- and 4-km distance from the sea, accounting for weather factors, we found that the effectiveness of MMI was not correlated with weather (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrated that MM can be used to control mosquitoes in coastal areas with high efficiency, especially 2 km away from the sea. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 426-431]