Objective: House musk shrew (Suncus murinus), a small experimental animal with low body fat, may be a possible model for human lipodystrophy. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone thought to have an important role in the pathophysiology of lipodystrophy. The objectives of this study were to clarify the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Materials and methods: To determine the primary structure of suncus leptin, we cloned the suncus Lep cDNA using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The obtained amino acid (aa) sequence was compared with other mammals and the protein structure prediction was performed. Results: The suncus Lep cDNA encodes 170 aa. The putative suncus leptin precursor has a pre­dicted signal peptide of 21 aa, and the mature leptin comprises 149 aa. The mature leptin is 75%–82% homologous to that of other species. Insertion of the three aa, VPQ, not seen in other mammals was found. This VPQ insertion is thought to be due to a nucleotide insertion of nine bases by slippage-like microindels. The predicted 3D structure of suncus leptin exhibited a typi­cal four a-helix structure, however, the VPQ region protruded compared with human leptin. Lep mRNA expression was observed only in white and brown adipose tissues. Conclusion: This study revealed the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Because the addi­tion of VPQ, which is not found in other mammals, was observed, suncus leptin attracts attention to its physiological action, and to the possibility of being a model of human lipodystrophy. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 1-8, March 2019

Objective: Investigating the antibiotic and antioxidant benefits of medicinal herbs to enrich the serum immune responses of chicken meat. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,080 Ross 308 broilers were reared up to 42 days. The broilers were divided randomly into nine assemblies, with each sectioned into three replicates. The first and second were supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% of coriander seeds, respectively, while the third and fourth with 0.25% and 0.50% of rosemary leaves, respectively. A mixture of herbs from the two plants were added to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth treatments [(0.50% coriander seeds + 0.50% rosemary leaves), (0.25% coriander seeds + 0.50% rosemary leaves), (0.50% coriander seeds + 0.25% rosemary leaves), and (0.25% coriander seeds + 0.25% rosemary leaves)], respec­tively, whereas chicks in the ninth as a control group. Results: The results showed the pH for the thigh and breast of the carcass were measured. Glycogen levels, serum immunity (H, L, Hlration, Albumin, Globulin, and A/G ratio at 28 days and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and cholesterol at 42 days). The mineral deposits in the chicken meat were measured for Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, J, and total N. The fifth treatment had a significantly higher glycogen ratio (p < 0.05). pH measurements for the thigh and breast were done immediately, 4, 12, and 24 h after slaughter. For the thigh, the seventh treatment was highest immediately and at 12 h. For the breast, significant differences were only noted at 12 h for chickens on a coriander diet. Conclusion: It is concluded that these additives have a positive effect on some of the blood pro­files, carcass characteristics, and mineral composition of chicken meat. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 33-43, March 2019

Objective: The experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of inorganic trace minerals (ITM) and three forms of organic trace minerals (OTM) (propionate, metho-chelated, and proteinate) on growth performance, edible meat yield, immunity, and profitability of commercial broilers. Materials and methods: A corn-soya based mash diet comprising four treatments each of 10 replicates were fed to 720 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks for 35 days (starter diet 0–21 days and grower diet 22–35 days). The diets for comparison were as follows: diet 1: control diet with ITM premix at 1 kg/ton of feed (T1); diet 2: control diet supplemented with propionate trace minerals at 600 gm/ton (T2); diet 3: control diet supplemented with metho-chelated trace minerals at 500 gm/ton by reducing 225 gm methionine/ton of feed (T3); and diet 4: control diet supplemented with proteinate trace minerals at 500 gm/ton of feed (T4). Growth performance, carcass yield, and antibody titer (AT) data were recorded. Data were analyzed and interpreted using SAS Computer Package Program version 9.1. Results: Feeding propionate and proteinate OTM showed similar performance. Birds fed these two types (propionate and proteinate) or OTM had better performance in comparison with those receiving ITM and metho-chelated one. Proteinate group produced more wing meat and propio­nate group showed higher breast and drumstick meat yield as compared with those received the metho-chelated trace mineral and ITM. The birds belonging to OTM groups showed significantly higher AT level against infectious bursal disease. Proteinate minerals groups showed higher prof­itability followed by propionate fed broilers. Conclusion: Two forms of OTM, propionate and proteinate improved performance of commercial broilers over those of ITM and metho-chelated one. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 66-73, March 2019

Objective: Animal trade has an important role in the economy but in contrast, it causes the spread of infectious diseases overall the world, in particular, the trans-boundary animal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report the prevalence rate of some transboundary infectious diseases to assess the effectiveness of quarantine measure in the detection of exotic disease and clarify the role of live animal trade in infectious transboundary diseases spread. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 176 serum samples obtained from cattle imported from Sudan in order to determine the prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD), Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Three serological tests were used; Serum neutralization test for FMD, Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) for PPR, and Competitive ELISA for IBR. Results: The seroprevalence of FMD in tested sera was; 77.27% in the serotype A (A-Iran), 68.18% in the serotype A (A-Africa), 93.82% in the serotype O (O-Pan Asia), and 35.227% in the serotype South African Territories-2 (SAT-2) SAT-2. While the overall seroprevalence of PPR was 49.431% and the IBR was 93.75%. Conclusion: The result indicates the serious role of live animal trade as “hubs” for infectious dis­eases spread. Subsequently, the common control measures must be taken to avoid the spread of the diseases through the animal trade; which include screening, surveillance, precautions at borders, and vaccination. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 92-99, March 2019

Objective: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection burden, and risk fac­tors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in different avian species in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Ilorin, involving 597 fecal samples and GI tracts from a variety of sold and slaughtered avian species. The study was conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. Fecal samples were examined using floatation technique, while the GI tracts were examined for gross helminths and its content were subjected to the direct wet mount examination. Data were analyzed using percentages (descriptive) and the Chi-square (χ2) test (inferential). p < 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis. Results: Ten GI parasites were detected with Eimeria species (32.83%), Ascaridia galli (30.15%) and Heterakis gallinarum (24.79%) as the most prevalent ones. Multiple parasites co-infection was recorded in all the avian species: broilers (77.78%), layers (33.33%), cockerels (45.16%), indigenous chickens (17.91%), ducks (69.70%), pigeons (94.12%), turkeys (47.83%), and guinea fowls (77.36%). Pigeons (100.00%) and turkeys (95.65%) were the most infected avian species. Age, sex, and avian types were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of GI parasites infection. Conclusion: This study gives a reflection of the GI parasites fauna of avian species in Nigeria. The GI parasites are endemic among different avian species in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites is important in instituting a good preventive and control measures against GI parasites, so as to have maximum production and reproduction effects in the poultry industry. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 108-116, March 2019

Objective: The objective of this study is evaluating the efficacies of 11 mycotoxin adsorbent prod­ucts, marketed in South East Asia. Three prominently occurring mycotoxins; aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) were simultaneously spiked into the samples. Materials and Methods: Samples were simultaneously tested in vitro in phosphate buffer and simulated at different pH conditions in the gastrointestinal tracts of the porcine and avian model, analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: All mycotoxin adsorbent products had high efficacy at over 90% for AFB1 adsorption in both GI porcine and avian models. AFB1 could be adsorbed more in acidic condition than the basic condition. ZEN adsorption was determined to be more stable at pH 3 than pH 6.5 or 8.4, in which pH condition might influence on ZEN desorption rate. DON was poorly adsorbed by all tested agents. Conclusions: The finding showed that the adsorption rate varied depending on the type of adsorbent. Our results might provide useful information regarding the efficacy of mycotoxin adsorbents commercially marketed in the region. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 125-132, March 2019

Objective: The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effect of mechanochemical technol­ogy on the efficacy of supramolecular complex of fenbendazole (SMCF) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer against some helminthosis of animals. Materials and Methods: The SMCF samples with PVP were synthesized using a solid-state mech­anochemical technology in activators of impact-abrading type and their physicochemical prop­erties were analyzed. The efficacy of SMCF was studied on the laboratory model of Hymenolepis nana and Trichinella spiralis infection of mice and helminthosis of sheep. Results: In the trials conducted on laboratory models, the supramolecular complex showed 93.94% and 98.56 % efficacy at the dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight (b/w), while the substance of fenbendazole showed 7.97% and 8.33% efficacy at the same dose. A high efficacy (>94%) of the SMCF was revealed at the dose of 2.0 mg/kg of b/w at oral administration against nematodes in naturally infected sheep by the results of the fecal examination, while the substance of fenben­dazole was active at the dose of 5.0 mg/kg at single oral administration. Moreover, the SMCF demonstrated 97.37% efficacy at the dose of 2 mg/kg against Moniezia spp. infection of sheep. Physicochemical studies confirmed the increase in solubility of the complex, reducing of particle sizes, amorphization of fenbendazole substance, and incorporating it with micelles of PVP. Conclusion: According to the results, supramolecular complex of fenbendazole with PVP was more active than the basic substance of fenbendazole and its anthelmintic properties were expanded. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 133-141, March 2019

Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of fermentation using Chrysonillia crassa and Monascus purpureus on nutritional qualities, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the used rice as a poultry feed ingredient. Materials and Methods: The used rice was soaked, steamed, and spread on a tray to cool. Suspension of M. purpureus or C. crassa was inoculated on the steamed used rice, and then mixed thoroughly. Afterward, the mixture was spread out on the tray, which was then covered with an aluminum foil. It was aerobically incubated for 7 and 4 days for the M. purpureus- and C. crassa-inoculated used rice, respectively. Subsequent to sun drying, the fermented used rice was grounded and analyzed. Results: Crude protein and ash contents were higher (p < 0.05) in the used rice fermented with C. crassa or M. purpureus than in the unfermented. Conversely, carbohydrate content was lower (p < 0.05) in the fermented compared with the unfermented. Gross energy and energy from fat were higher (p < 0.05) in the used rice fermented with M. purpureus than the unfermented. Amino acids L-methionine, L-serine, L-glutamic acid, L-valine glycine, L-leucine, L proline, L-threonine, L-histidine, and L-Sistine were higher (p < 0.05) in M. purpureus-fermented used rice than in C. crassa-fermented and the unfermented used rice. However, amino acids L-isoleucine, L- alanine, L-lysine, and L-tryptophan were higher (p < 0.05) in the used rice fermented with both C. crassa and M. purpureus, compared with the unfermented. L-tyrosine content was higher (p < 0.05) in M. purpureus-fermented used rice than in the unfermented. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the fermented products were higher (p < 0.05) than that of the unfermented. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of the fermented products against Staphylococcus aureus were higher (p < 0.05) than that of the unfermented used rice. Conclusion: In conclusion, the used rice fermented using C. crassa and M. purpureus improved the nutritional quality, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the products. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(2): 168-173, June 2019

Objectives: The objectives of our study were to determine the presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt and studying the effect of addition of some strains of probiotics microorganisms on AFM1 level in milk. Materials and Methods: Between July and October 2018, 90 market milk samples (15 Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) , 75 raw) were collected from different dairy shops in Aswan City, Egypt to be examined for AFM1 presence by rapid strip test and the results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The results revealed that all UHT milk samples were negative, while 37 (49%) raw milk samples were positive for AFM1 residues. All 37 positive milk samples were examined by HPLC to determine the level of AFM1. The results showed that the level of AFM1 ranged between 0.053 and 0.207 with mean ± SE of 0.1003 ± 0.008 ppb. Some probiotics strains were used to determine their effect on AFM1 by milk fermentation; the result showed that the probiotics have significant effect on the reduction of AFM1 level in milk (p < 0.05). Also, Public health importance of AFM1 was discussed. Conclusion: Presence of AFM1 in 49% of examined raw milk samples indicate widespread occur­rence of AFM1 in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt which considered possible hazards for consumers, while the absence of AFM1 from UHT milk indicates that type of milk is safer. So, regular monitoring of AFM1 in market milk is necessary for evaluating their contamination status. Mixed starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus could be used as a biological agent for the reduction of AFM1 in milk. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(2): 197-201, June 2019

Objective: Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) fiber has been documented to exert an immunomodu­latory effect both in vitro and in vivo. However, its beneficial effect against metabolic syndrome remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal whether the jicama fiber (JF) could prevent the development of diabetes and obesity caused by a high-sugar diet (HSD). Materials and Methods: The JF was isolated from its tuberous part and subsequently used as a supplemental diet for adult male Bagg and Albino (BALB)/c mice fed with a HSD. Four different diet paradigms including normal diet, HSD (30% sucrose), and HSD in combination with 10% and 25% of JF, respectively, were deployed continuously for 8 weeks. Furthermore, the blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, body weight, food and water consumption as well as epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) and interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass were determined. Results: Our results revealed that supplementation of 25% JF could significantly prevent the blood glucose increase, excessive body weight gain, and glucose intolerance in mice fed with HSD. Moreover, 10% and 25% JF blunted the HSD-induced WAT mass gain but failed to counteract the depletion of BAT mass. Furthermore, the fiber supplementation elicited a minimum effect on rhythm and total food and water intake. Conclusion: The JF could effectively sustain blood glucose homeostasis as well as improve body weight and WAT mass profile against the development of diabetes and obesity caused by HSD. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(2): 222-230, June 2019