Objective: The article aimed to study the relationship between the physico-chemical qualities of pig meat and their pre-slaughter weights.  Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 pigs were reared for fattening under the same condi­tions of keeping and feeding, slaughtered, and used to sample the longest back muscle meat with pre-slaughter weights of 110 and 130 kg. The samples were evaluated according to generally accepted methods for assessing the physico-chemical qualities in pig meat.  Results: Samples of meat from animals slaughtered at 130 kg had higher values for marbling – by 2.0 points or 5.24% (p < 0.01), active acidity pH in ham muscles – by 0.20 pH or 3.57% (p < 0.01), and the longest muscle of the back – by 0.10 pH or 1.82% (p < 0.001). The pre-slaughter weight factor substantially affected the pH of ham muscles at 10.35% and on the marbling of meat in the longest back muscle at 13.31%. Pigs slaughtered at 110 kg had a greater increase in the color intensity of the meat and an increase in its water holding capacity. At a pre-slaughter weight of 130 kg, increasing the marbling and decreasing the softness of the flesh demonstrated a modest, adverse relationship.  Conclusion: The findings support the use of pre-slaughter weight management to enhance pork quality. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 521-533, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h542

Objectives: The research was carried out on broilers to determine the efficacy of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces boulardii combined) supplementation on growth perfor­mances, nutrient retention (metabolizable energy, dry matter, and crude protein), and cecal microbiology (Bifidobacteria spp., Clostridium spp., and coliforms).  Materials and Methods: A total of 160 broiler chicks (day-old) were selected and differentiated randomly into 4 groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) (40 × 4) comprising 40 birds in every single group. The control group (T0) was fed commercial broiler feed only and the other three groups, referred to as treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3), were treated with 1 gm ciprofloxacin, 1 gm probiotic, and 1 gm probiotic plus 0.5 gm enzyme, respectively, in per liter of fresh dietary water 8 h daily for 7 days in each phase. Experimental trials were divided into 2 phases, the starter phase from day 0 to 21 and the finisher phase from day 22 to 35.  Results: Bodyweight gain and nutrient retention in experimental broiler birds in treatment groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Overall body weight gain and nutrient retention of broiler chicks in treatment groups T2 and T3 were better than T1. From day 22 to 35, cecal Clostridium and coliform bacterial load counts were significantly lower p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively, in T1, T2, and T3 treatments than T0. Overall, Clostridium and coliform bacterial counts in the birds of treatment group T2 were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than T0.  Conclusion: The probiotics, in addition to enzyme supplementation, had suitable influence effects on growth performance of broilers, birds retention of nutrient, and microfloral count in birds’ cecum. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 534-539, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h543

Objective: To identify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that affect the backyard poul­try system in the Savanna region, Department of Sucre, Colombia.  Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 860 native birds, both hens (Gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), regard­less of age and sex. Samples were processed using direct techniques with ZnSO4 and indirect methods such as modified Sloss. Data were presented as frequencies, and the nonparametric odds ratio test was used for two independent samples.  Results: A total of 77.3% (665/860) of the birds were infected with one or more species of gas­trointestinal parasites. Among the nematodes, Capillaria spp. (45.6%), Ascaridia galli (18.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.4%), Syngamus trachea (38.9%), Tetrameres spp. (25.2%), and Strongylus spp. (12.2%) were recorded. The cestodes were Choanotaenia infundibulum (22.6%), Davainea proglottina (42.3%), Raillietina spp. (58.3%), and Hymenolepis spp. (54.7%), while only Eimeria spp. (90%) was recorded as protozoa.  Conclusions: The study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal parasite infestations, the most common species being Hymenolepis spp., Eimeria spp., Raillietina spp., and Heterakis gallinarum. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 606–611, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h551

Objective: The influence of the degree of pigmentation, shine, weight, and form index on the hatchability rate of quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was examined.  Materials and Methods: Three thousand three hundred eggs were incubated after they were classified according to the degree of shell pigmentation: high (HP), medium (MP), and low (LP); shell shine: shiny (SS), and opaque; Egg weight: <11, 11.0–11.9, 12.0–12.9, and >13 gm; form index: <78% and >78%. The Mann–Whitney non-parametric test for independent samples was used to evaluate hatching data.  Results: Hatchability was best in eggs with HP and SS (p < 0.05): 69.2% and 75.7%, respectively; eggs with MP had the lowest hatchability rate (63.1%). The highest risk of embryo death (17.8%) was observed in eggs containing LP (p < 0.05). Eggs weighing between 12 and 12.9 gm had the highest hatchability rate (p < 0.05) (79.11%). Eggs with a form index >78% had the highest hatch­ability rate (p < 0.05) (67.62%).  Conclusions: HP, MP shell eggs, and SS eggs with a weight of between 12.0 and 12.9 gm and a shape index of greater than 78% have a higher hatchability rate. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 629–634, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h554

Objective: The purpose of this work is to develop and validate an appropriate solvent solution and quantitative thin layer chromatography (TLC) method for determining the aflatoxins content of chicken feeds and dietary grains.  Materials and Methods: To obtain the optimal mobile phase, samples were extracted with meth­anol/water (3:1) + 5% sodium chloride and partitioned using several solvent systems using pre­parative TLC. Camag TLC scanner 3 was used to scan the TLC plates at 366 nm and quantify them using JustTLC software. The method was tested for linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision, sen­sitivity, and robustness in accordance with ICH recommendations, and then utilized to screen 132 Nigerian poultry/food samples for total aflatoxins (TAFs).  Results: The best separation of aflatoxins was achieved using acetonitrile and dichloromethane (3:17) mobile phase over an average run time of 45 min, resulting in linear calibration curves (R2 > 0.99) in the concentration range limit of quantitation (LoQ) to 50 ng/spot with a limit of detection of <2.0 ng/g and a LoQ of <4.0 ng/gm for all aflatoxins in all spiked samples. When the proposed TLC method was compared to an optimized high-performance liquid chromatography method, an excellent linear regression was obtained (R2 > 95%). Seventy seven (58.33%) of the 132 samples examined were positive for aflatoxins, with mean values ranging from 3.57 ± 2.55 to 37.31 ± 34.06 ng/gm for aflatoxin B1 and 6.67 ± 0.00 to 38.02 ± 31.52 ng/gm for TAFs, respectively.  Conclusions: The results demonstrate the feasibility of using the suggested TLC method in con­junction with a novel solvent solution (free of carcinogenic chloroform) for the rapid and accurate measurement of TAFs in foods/feeds. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 656–670, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h558

Objective: In this case report, we report for first the time the presence of porcine deltacoronavi­rus (PDCoV) in Peru (October 2019) and Latin America, and we present a control and eradication program using feedback (exposure)/controlled homogenization in a pig farm.  Materials and Methods: This farm is located in the eastern jungle of Peru. Initially, clinical signs that appeared to be infectious diarrhea were detected, but the disease rapidly progressed to green diarrhea, vomiting, and increased mortality in piglets. These symptoms were compatible with those produced by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus, but also with PDCoV. Because the disease could not be diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms, analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction was used. Implementation of a feedback/con­trolled homogenization program was quickly planned, accompanied by the closure of the farm, animal and farm health strategies, and its respective monitoring.  Results: At the farm level, between 1 and 9 weeks after application of the program, the samples were positive for PDCoV, but at week 10, they were negative. At week 12, the weaned and fatten­ing piglets gradually became populated as negative animals. In the follow-up before the opening of the farm, all the piglets were negative. In the final verification, gilts (week 35) entered the breeding area as replacements only after being tested negative for PDCoV.  Conclusion: A rigorous feedback/controlled homogenization program and complementary mea­sures led to eradicating PDCoV from the farm. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 300-306, June 2021

Objective: Duck virus enteritis is a severe viral disease that kills ducks and swans worldwide. The clinical manifestations, gross pathology, molecular detection, and characterization of the duck virus enteritis virus (DVEV) in Australian black swans at a safari park in Bangladesh were described in this case report. Materials and Methods: On a safari park in Bangladesh, an Australian black swan flock exhibited clinical signs of anorexia, greenish watery diarrhea, increased thirst, partial paralysis, and death. Postmortem examinations of deceased swans revealed extensive pathological abnormalities in the trachea, liver, and spleen. To isolate DVEV, a viral inoculum produced from the liver and spleen of dead swans was implanted into 9–13-day-old embryonated duck eggs via the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) route. DVEV was confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Phylogenetic analysis was used to determine the genetic relationship between the DVEV isolates from Australian black swans, and 16 DVEV isolates previously described in the GenBank. Results: Hemorrhage was noted in the annular ring of the trachea, as well as an enlarged and hemorrhagic liver and spleen. The PCR assay amplified a 446-bp fragment of the DVEV DNA polymerase gene in the liver, spleen, and CAM homogenates. The phylogenetic analysis found that the DVEV isolates from swans were comparable to those from Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, China, Germany, the USA, and Egypt. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the DVEV was the cause of illness and mortality in an Australian black swan flock. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 557-562, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h545

Green sea turtles are one of the two species of marine turtles known to nest in the Maldives. The prevalent time of nesting seems to be inconsistent throughout the island nation. In this study, sea turtle nesting activity was monitored on the island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll over a period of 12 months. A total of 13 nests were confirmed with a median hatching success rate of 89.58% as ascertained by nest excavation. In one of the nests, a severely deformed hatchling with polycephaly, an opening in the neck area and a lordotic spine was found, and we investigated in detail with radiographic images and a necropsy. Our findings support the importance of consistent nesting activity and nest monitoring efforts in the country as a basis for conservation efforts.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic, infectious, chronic and contagious disease, caused by Mycobacterium bovis that mainly affects cattle. This pathology has a negative impact on animals and animal products trade. Unfortunately, in Burkina Faso where agriculture and livestock sectors represent around 80% of the socio-economic activities, the real situation of the disease is not well known especially in small ruminants and swine. Thus, our study focused on both the epidemiology and the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in small ruminants and pigs slaughtered at Bobo-Dioulasso abattoir. A prospective study was conducted between August 2017 and December 2017. Epidemiological data collection was performed during routine meat inspection; moreover, samples were taken and transported to the Bacteriology laboratory of Centre Muraz for microbiological analyses. This diagnosis consisted in search of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) using the hot Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Out of a total of 14 648 small ruminants and 2430 pigs slaughtered during the study period, 156 and 17 had lesions suggestive of bTB with prevalence of 1.07% and 0.7%, respectively. Females and those between 2 and 4 years old were mainly infected. The most affected organs were: lungs, liver, spleen and lymph nodes. Finally, microscopy revealed 43.35% (75/173) of positive cases for AFB. These results confirm the presence of bTB in small ruminants and pigs in Burkina Faso. Efforts must still be made in the fight against this zoonosis in order to limit its economic and public health impacts.

There are limited data on the efficacy of antiparasitic treatments and husbandry methods to control nematode infections in captive populations of African green monkeys (AGMs), Chlorocebus sabaeus. In faecal egg count (FEC) tests, 10 of the 11 (91%) adult male AGMs captured from the large feral population on the island of St Kitts had evidence of nematode infections, mostly Capillaria (8/11, 73%), Trichuris trichiura (7/11, 64%) and strongylid species (7/11, 64%) specifically (hookworm and Trichostrongylus, 50/50), but also Strongyloides fuelleborni (1/11, 9%). When kept in individual cages with cleaning and feeding regimens to prevent reinfections and treated concurrently with ivermectin (300 µg/kg, given subcutaneously) and albendazole (10 mg/kg, given orally) daily for 3 days, 60% (6/10) of the AGMs were negative at a follow-up FEC at 3 months and by FEC and necropsy at the end of the study 5–8 months later. One monkey appeared to have been reinfected with T. trichiura after being negative by FEC at 3 months post-treatment. Four AGMs were positive for T. trichiura at the 3 month FEC follow-up but were negative at the end of the study after one further treatment regimen. Although initially being cleared of Capillaria following treatment, three AGMs were found to be infected at the end of the study. The ivermectin and albendazole treatment regimen coupled with good husbandry practices to prevent reinfections effectively controlled nematode infections in captive AGMs.