Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain an insight into the role of the vascular endo­thelial growth factor (VEGF) in pregnancy-associated mammary epithelial development and angiogenesis. However, we examined the primary VEGF receptor (VEGFR-2) in the mouse mam­mary cycle.  Materials and Methods: The virgin (10–12 weeks), days 10 and 18 of pregnancy (P-10 and P-18), days 0, 5, 10, and 20 of lactation (L-0, L-5, L-10, and L-20), and days 5 and 10 of post-weaning (W-5 and W-10) stage were all used in this study. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were carried out on mammary tissues taken from three mice at each stage.  Results: VEGFR-2 was detected immunohistochemically in the cytoplasm of mammary epithe­lial and endothelial cells. Immunostaining for VEGFR-2 was consistently positive in mammary endothelial cells across all stages, whereas staining intensity in epithelial cells varied across the mammary cycle. Additionally, immunoblot analysis indicated a 220 kDa unique band of VEGFR-2 protein at all stages of the mammary cycle, with the maximum expression reported toward the end of pregnancy and gradually decreasing toward the end of lactation.  Conclusion: In conclusion, the presence of VEGFR-2 in the mammary epithelium in addition to the endothelium suggests that VEGF plays an autocrine and paracrine role in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of the mammary epithelium during pregnancy. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 581-588, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h548

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how pomegranate peel extract (PPE) can prevent lipid oxidation, peroxide value, and pathogenic bacteria growth in buffalo meat.  Materials and Methods: PPE and buffalo meat were employed in this investigation. The buffalo meat marinated with PPE was evaluated by refrigerating it at a temperature of 5°C ± 1°C on days 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. PPE was added to buffalo meat at a rate of 0% as a control (K0), 0.50% (K1), 1.00% (K2), 1.50% (K3), and 2.00% (K4).  Results: The addition of PPE lowered the total plate count, peroxide value, lipid, and pH between treatments and storage period (p < 0.05). PPE’s high concentration of polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, and antibacterial substances may decrease lipid oxidation, peroxide production, and bacterial growth rate.  Conclusions: Marinating buffalo meat in PPE may help maintain the meat’s freshness while being stored at a refrigerator temperature (5°C ± 1°C). J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 612–618, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h552

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine and taurine on the motility and viability of chilled equine semen.  Materials and Methods: A total of 12 ejaculates were collected from three mature stallions with proven fertility during the breeding season. The gel-free spermatic fraction of each ejaculate was divided into two aliquots and diluted with a semen extender (either INRA 96® or BotuSemen Gold®). The aliquots were then split and assigned to one of the six treatment groups: control (no supplement), caffeine (2 and 4 mM), taurine (25 and 50 mM), and a combination of caffeine (2 mM) plus taurine (25 mM). Samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed at different time points (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h) to evaluate total (TMOT) and progressive (PMOT) motility and viability by computer-assisted sperm analysis.  Results: Regardless of the extender, PMOT and TMOT decreased over time. However, compared with the control, the treatment with 4 mM caffeine significantly mitigated the decrease in PMOT at 72 h. Additionally, semen treated with a combination of caffeine plus taurine maintained a significantly higher PMOT at 96 h, with improved viability at all time points.  Conclusions: The combination of caffeine plus taurine helps maintain chilled equine semen viabil­ity and progressive motility up to 96 h independently of the extender used. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 635–641, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h555

Objective: In developing countries, such as Bangladesh, the live bird market (LBM) is a vital location for the trading of live poultry. The study was carried out in nine LBMs located around Bangladesh to ascertain the present regulations and procedures governing their operation. Additionally, the responsibilities and levels of engagement of the stakeholders were determined.  Materials and Methods: The data were gathered through the use of a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to code the interview transcripts iteratively.  Results: The findings indicated that the government was directly and indirectly involved in the leasing process of the markets. A market in this country is divided into numerous sectors, includ­ing LBM, fish market, vegetable market, and grocery stores. A market’s hygienic condition is highly dependent on market authority’s decisions. In some markets, market officials conducted routine sanitary inspections. Veterinarians played a little role in the inspection procedure.  Conclusion: There is no adequate, functional monitoring system to ensure that LBMs adhere to cleanliness and adequate and functional biosecurity. Biosecurity enhancements, effective clean­ing programs, and regular monitoring by relevant authorities are critical for LBMs in Bangladesh. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 671–678, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h559

Objective: Collagen is a fibrous protein that is primarily used in the pharmaceutical and biomedi­cal industries. This study isolates and characterizes type-1 collagen from Sardine longiceps (scales, skin, and muscle).  Materials and Methods: Collagen was isolated from S. longiceps using two methods: acid-sol­ubilized collagen and pepsin-solubilized collagen. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) was used to estimate the molecular weight of isolated collagen. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometry analysis was used to confirm the collagen extracted (type-I collagen). The functional groups of isolated collagens were identified using fourier trans­form infrared (FTIR) analysis. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to investigate the crystallinity of isolated collagen. The high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to study the amino acid composition.  Results: SDS–PAGE of S. longiceps revealed molecular weights ranging from 116 kDa for α-2 to 97 kDa for α-1. UV-visible spectra showed an absorbance value below 300 nm, and the results confirmed type-I collagen. FTIR showed major functional groups like amide A, B, I, II, and III. XRD determined the crystallinity of isolated collagen. The HPLC results showed the presence of higher glycine content, followed by proline and hydroxyl proline in the extracted collagen.  Conclusion: The overall study confirmed that fish waste materials (scales, skin, and muscles) could be used as an alternative source for collagen. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 679–686, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h560

Objective: This study was determined to see the effects of secretome on cellular production of testosterone and androgen-binding protein (ABP) using immunohistochemistry in testicle dys­function due to cisplatin.  Materials and Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups: the healthy group, the group with testicular dysfunction, the secretome-treated group with 0.2 ml/kg body weight (BW), and the secretome-treated group with 0.3 ml/kg BW. The immunohistochemistry staining method is used to find out testosterone and ABP reactivity in tissue organs.  Results: Very strong testosterone and ABP immunoreactivity were found in Leydig cells of normal testes. While in the Leydig cells of cisplatin-induced testicles, testosterone and ABP immunore­activity were not observed. Testosterone and ABP were observed 1 week after the second secre­tome injection. The number of testosterone-immunoreactive cells in the low dose group from week 1 to 3 was 0, 19, and 32, respectively. From week 1 until week 4, the high dose group was 0, 29, 33, and 65, respectively. The number of ABP-immunoreactive cells from the first week until the third week in the low dose group was 0, 28, and 34, respectively. The high dose group from the first week until the fourth week was 0, 26, 58, and 83, respectively. The number of cells that produce testosterone and ABP increased from week 2 to 4.  Conclusion: The administration of secretome could increase the number of immunoreactive cells toward testosterone and ABP in testicular dysfunction. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 687–694, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h561

Objective: In this case report, we have investigated the infectious bronchitis (IB) virus (IBV) out­break with the co-infection of Escherichia coli in 28–33-day-old broiler chickens in Malaysia.  Materials and Methods: A farmer complained that Cobb 500 chickens, raised in the open house, were having bloody diarrhea, open mouth breathing, non-uniform growth, and ruffled feathers. The mortality was about 100 birds (from about 7000 birds) per day. The sick birds were isolated and subjected to physical examination, postmortem, and histopathological analyses. Gross lesions were observed and recorded. The lung samples have proceeded with histopathological evalua­tions. The lungs, kidneys, trachea, air sac, and heart samples were collected to isolate bacteria and fungi through a series of conventional cultural methods, followed by molecular confirmation of the IBV.  Results: Postmortem examination revealed air sacculitis, hemorrhagic tracheitis, pulmonary con­gestion, fibrin deposition in the liver and air sac, hemorrhagic enteritis, and renomegaly. The bacterial culture and biochemical tests revealed E. coli in the lungs, trachea, liver, intestine, and kidney samples. However, no fungus could be isolated from those samples. Histological evalua­tion of lung samples demonstrated infiltration of inflammatory cells in the pulmonary tissues. Apart from this, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of avian coronavirus responsible for infectious bronchitis (IB).  Conclusion: The chickens were diagnosed with IB concurrent with E.coli. The chickens exhibited typical nephropathogenic strain of IBV infection, causing high mortality. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(1): 101-104, Mar 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h491

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects goats and sheep in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and threatens Europe [R.E.1]. The disease is endemic on the African continent, particularly in West Africa, and is a major factor driving food insecurity in low-income populations. The aim of this research study was to carry out surveillance, genetic characterisation and isolation of recently circulating PPR viruses (PPRV) in sheep and goats from the six agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. A total of 268 post-mortem tissue samples of lung and mesenteric ganglia were collected from clinically suspected sheep and goats in 18 different states, of which five never previously sampled. The presence of PPRV was confirmed using a reverse-transcription coupled with a polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. A total of 72 samples, 17 sheep (6%) and 55 goats (21%), were found to be PPR positive. Positive samples were distributed in almost all states, except Kano, where PPR was detected in previous studies. The PPRV-positive samples were further confirmed by sequencing or virus isolation in areas where the infection had never previously been detected. These results confirm the active circulation of PPRV across all six agro-ecological zones of Nigeria, and consequently, the need for introducing strict measures for the control and prevention of the disease in the country.

Objective: This study evaluated the different traits from day-old to age at first eggs of Fayoumi and White leghorn (WLH) F1 chickens and their reciprocal crossbreeds.  Materials and Methods: In this study, 1,000 eggs were used to obtain experimental chicks. However, only 150 chicks were selected from each genotype for subsequent trial evaluation and reared on the same diet in a completely randomized design. The effects of genotype on each considered trait were analyzed by the statistical analysis system, and Duncan’s multiple range test made a significant difference.  Results: Comparative evaluations made on all parameters illustrated significant differences (p < 0.05) throughout the study period. F1 acquired from WLH cocks and Fayoumi hens maximized weights almost at all ages during brooding, whereas pure line Fayoumi showed lower importance for the trait stages of growth. Offspring from the crossbreed of WLH cocks and Fayoumi hens had the highest weight gain than any other crossbreeds from 4 to 8 and 12 to 16 weeks of age. Pure line WLH and Fayoumi lay larger eggs and smaller eggs (41.67 and 34.00 g), respectively. The highest and smallest body weight at the age of first egg was 1,364.89 and 1,178.36 g in the main crossbreed and Fayoumi line. The main WLH cock and Fayoumi hens and reciprocal crossbreds advanced in age at first egg by 4 and 11 days, respectively.  Conclusion: The leghorn hen and Fayoumi cock crosses could be used to develop potential egg-laying lines than their reciprocal crossbreeds. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(1): 1-6, Mar 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h478

Objectives: The comprehensive in silico study aims to figure out the most effective aromatic phytochemical ligands among a number from a library, considering their pharmacokinetic effi­cacies in blocking “angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor–severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) S protein” complex formation as part of a target-specific drug designing.  Materials and Methods: A library of 57 aromatic pharmacophore phytochemical ligands was prepared from where the top five ligands depending on Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR)-based pharmacokinetic properties were considered. The selected ligands were optimized for commenc­ing molecular docking and dynamic simulation as a complex with the ACE2 receptor to compare their blocking efficacy with the control drug. The ligand–receptor complexes’ accuracy in prevent­ing the Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 penetration inside the host cells has been analyzed through hydrogen–hydrophobic bond interactions, principal component analysis (PCA), root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and B-Factor. Advanced in silico program­ming language and bioanalytical software were used for high throughput and authentic results.  Results: ADMET and QSAR revealed Rhamnetin, Lactupicrin, Rhinacanthin D, Flemiflavanone D, and Exiguaflavanone A as the ligands of our interest to be compared with the control Cassiarin D. According to the molecular docking binding affinity to block ACE2 receptor, the efficiency mount­ings were Rhinacanthin D > Flemiflavanone D > Lactupicrin > Exiguaflavanone A > Rhamnetin. The binding affinity of the Cassiarin D–ACE2 complex was (−10.2 KJ/mol) found inferior to the Rhinacanthin D–ACE2 complex (−10.8 KJ/mol), referring to Rhinacanthin D as a more stable candi­date to use as drugs. The RMSD values of protein–ligand complexes evaluated according to their structural conformation and stable binding pose ranged between 0.1~2.1 Å. The B-factor showed that very few loops were present in the protein structure. The RMSF peak fluctuation regions ranged 5–250, predicting efficient ligand–receptor interactions.  Conclusion: The experiment sequentially measures all the parameters required in referring to any pharmacophore as a drug, considering which all aromatic components analyzed in the study can strongly be predicted as target-specific medication against the novel coronavirus 2019 infection. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(1): 24-35, Mar 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h481