Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) feed supplementation on serum biochemical parameters of broilers challenged with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Materials and methods: Two hundred and forty day-old Ross 308 hybrid broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 60 chicks each and raised in deep litter housing. Broiler starter (BS) and broiler finisher (BF) mash were formulated each with 5% MOL included as part of the feed ingredient for broilers in groups A and B while BS and BF for broilers in groups C and D were formulated without MOL. Broilers in groups A, B and C were challenged intraocularly at 35 days of age with with 0.05 mL of a live vvIBDV, while those in group D served as control. Blood was collected from 10 broilers in each group via the wing vein at 35, 38 and 42 days of age to determine their serum biochemical profile. Results: The level of melondialdehyde (MDA) was observed to significantly decrease in groups A and C. There was a significant decrease in the level of AST in group A, B, C and D. The values of ALT significantly decreased in group A, B, C and D. Conclusion: Supplementing broilers feed with MOL neither protect the liver from damage nor prevent lipid peroxidation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 155-165]

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2017 to assess the knowledge, perception and practices on brucellosis by pastoralists of Kagera ecosystem in Tanzania, using qualitative methods. Materials and methods: Five focus group discussions of six participants each were conducted with livestock farmers, administration leaders, religious representatives and youth. In addition, discussions with three key informants were conducted, involving officials of livestock, wildlife and public health departments in each district. Data were analyzed using content analysis with inductive and deductive methods. Results: The study revealed low knowledge regarding brucellosis among respondents. Although participants recognized brucellosis as a zoonotic disease, they consider it of less importance. In addition, participants had low knowledge on causes, symptoms and mode of transmission of this disease. However, they perceived the interactions between humans, livestock and wildlife together with movements between borders to be potential risks for introduction of brucellosis in their communities. Moreover, their habit of drinking unpasteurized milk, the lack of protective gears during assisting animals giving birth and poor vaccination program need to be improved by community health education. Conclusion: A coordinated One Health approach is needed and further studies are suggested to reveal the status of brucellosis in Kagera ecosystem to guide its control and prevention. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 343-353]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to detect the incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and the spread of tet genes that encode tetracycline (TE) resistance in E. coli in pig farms in the city of Kupang, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Samples of pig feces have been obtained from 96 pig farms in Kupang city, Indonesia. Escherichia coli bacteria were isolated and identified morphologically and biochemically, and finally confirmed by the API test. The disk diffusion method has been used to observe the antibiotic sensitivity effects and has been followed by observing resistant genes encoding TE resistance using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) method to detect the presence of tet genes such as tet (A), tet (B), tet (C), tet (D), and tet (E), respectively. Results: A total of 82 (85.4%) of E. coli isolates have been found in all pig feces samples obtained from 96 pig farms in Kupang city. This study has shown a high level of antibiotic resistance dominated by erythromycin (85.4%) and cephalothin (58.5%) and followed by several other antibiotics with a percentage below 34.1%. The prevalence of MDR E. coli was 57.3% by showing 39 different patterns. The most common pattern was showed by the Cephalothin-Colistin-Erythromycin pattern. The resistance of E. coli to TE appears to be related to the presence of tet (A) and tet (E) genes. Conclusion: This study has encouraged the need for public awareness (farmers) of the wise use of antibiotics in preventing the spread of resistant bacteria that can cause health problems in animals and humans. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 388-396]

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate morphometric and histopathological abnormalities during organogenesis in liver, kidney, brain, spinal cord, heart, Lung, digestive tract and spleen in rabbit feti in response to oral administration of Khat prepared from leaves of khat tree (Catha edulis). Materials and methods: The current work was carried out with apparently healthy adult New Zealand rabbits (n=27; 3 males and 24 females) weighing 2.5±0.5 Kg. The female rabbits were divided into four equal groups. Three goups (low, medium and high dose groups) were treated with Khat. The groups were given 3 mL, 6 mL and 12 mL extract/Kg bwt once daily from day 8 to 18 of gestation, respectively. The control group was given distilled water only. All females were slaughtered on day 28 of gestation. Visceral organ were subjected for histopathological examinations. Results: Khat was found to be associated with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rabbits. The kidney of feti of treated dams showed subcapsular hemorrhages along with mild vacuolar degeneration of some renal tubular epithelium. Glomeruli were atrophied, and moderate degenerative changes were observed in renal tubular epithelium and hemorrhages between renal tubules. The liver of the feti showed vacuolar degeneration, necrotic hepatitis, congestion of central veins and hepatic sinusoids, pyknotic clumped nuclei, hemorrhages, edema with atrophy of some hepatocytes, and hyperplasia of Megakaryocytic cells. The Khat also harmed the brain causing hemorrhage, edema, degenerative changes, swelling and necrotic changes of some nerve cells as well as supporting cells. The spinal cord was affected showing degeneration of nerve fibers in white matter and some neurons in grey matter. The heart of treated feti showed congestion of epicardial blood vessels and diffuse degeneration of heart muscles. Lung and alimentary tract only showed congestion of blood vessels. Conclusion: Prenatal exposure of Khat in rabbit induces harmful effects in defferent visceral organs including liver, kidney, brain, spinal cord, spleen, intestine, heart and lung. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 25-36]

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the weight and reproductive performances of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou Breeding Farm (KBF) in the south western of Benin Republic. Materials and methods: The weight performance and body measurements were taken on a total of 150 Girolando cattle. The study of the reproductive traits was based on the recorded demographic indicators between 2012-2013 of 67 cows. Results: From calving to the age of 3 months, the monthly average weight of calves did not vary with the season of calving (P>0.05). Between the 4th and 9th month, the weight varied with the birth seasons and the sex of the calf. Beyond 9th month, the calfs average weight was the same regardless the calving season. At the age of 24 months, the highest weight (393.33 kg) was obtained during the long rainy season. The highest average weight was 398.22 Kg for males against 364.25 Kg for females at 24 months. The fertility rates ranged from 91.18% to 100% and the fecundity rate ranged from 85.29% to 103% during the study period. The apparent fertility rate was 91.18%. As for the calving and abortion rates, they were 93.55% and 6.45%, respectively. The mortality rate before weaning was 6.90% while the weaning viability was 93.10%. Calving occurred from January to June and from August to December. Conclusion: In overall, the Girolando performances are satisfactory and show a good adaptation at KBF. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 123-130]

Objective: Rhipicephalus microplus is a very invasive tick whose control is a current challenge. Its speed of propagation is favored by specific risk factors whose knowledge is an essential prerequisite for a good rather design of strategies to put in place for its control. This study consisted of evaluating the influence of transhumance on the spread of this tick in Benin. Materials and methods: To achieve this objective, two sets of tick sampling were carried out on five animals before and after transhumance in 80 autochthon herds from 8 municipalities in Benin. Results: The abundance of R. microplus varies significantly between breeding type, hosting type, period of ticks collection and between some of their interactions such as: breeding - period, hosting - period and breeding - hosting - period. In addition, the abundance of R. microplus according to each of these factors before transhumance differs significantly from the one observed after transhumance; the parasite load of R. microplus observed before transhumance is much higher than that observed after transhumance. Transhumance contributes to the spread of R. microplus in Benin. Conclusion: It represents a risk factor on which health risk managers could act in terms of surveillance and control of this cattle tick by carrying out the de-parasitage in the health campaign programs of transhumant animals. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 226-232]

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: The current study was undertaken to evaluate intensively reared indigenous slow-growing normally feathered (I-nana), commercial heterozygous naked neck (C-Nana), and commercial normally feathered (C-nana) chicken for their body weight and growth curve parameters. Material and methods: A total of 132 birds were used in this study. Specifically, chickens flock consisting of 21 I-nana (8 males and 13 females), 20 C-Nana (8 males and 12 females) and 91 C-nana chickens (32 males and 59 females) were marked individually and reared together in a single room under uniform feeding, care and management. Body weight of individual hen and rooster of each genotype was measured weekly up to 12 weeks of age and then at 30 weeks of age. Parameters of growth curve were determined using Gompertzs equation. Results: Commercial heterozygous naked neck and commercial normally feathered chickens exhibited significantly (P [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 188-195]

Objective: The present study was carried out for the isolation, identification and antibiogram study of Salmonella spp. from apparently healthy Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) at three different quail farms in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 75 cloacal swab samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy Japanese quails from three different farms at Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The samples were subjected to a series of cultural and biochemical examination for the isolation of Salmonella followed by molecular detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Motility of the Salmonella was performed by motility test and amplification of speF gene. The antibiogram profile of the isolates was also evaluated against commonly used antimicrobials by disc diffusion method. Results: The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. in quails was found to be 13.33%(n=10/75). Out of the 10 isolates, seven were found to be motile. Farmwise, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. were 10%(n=3/30), 24%(n=6/25) and 5%(n=1/20) at the quail farms of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Shikarikanda and Akua, respectively. The antibiogram study revealed that all the isolates were resistant to both Erythromycin and Tetracycline. On the other hand, 100% isolates were sensitive to both Ciprofloxacin and Imipenem. Ninety percent isolates of Salmonella were resistant to Colistin sulphate. Neomycin was found to be sensitive to 80% Salmonella isolates. All the Salmonella isolates were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR). Conclusion: The presence of MDR Salmonella spp. in quails signifies public health importance of the organisms, which may be associated with food-borne illness. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 60-66]

Objective: This study assessed the applicability of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of leptospirosis among domesticated animals and sewage rats. Specifically, it evaluated the ability of LAMP to amplify Leptospira spp. targeting the 16s rRNA gene in boiled urine samples. Materials and methods: A total of 140 samples from different domestic animals were tested for the presence of the antigen. A nested-polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) protocol was used to compare and determine the sensitivity of LAMP in detecting Leptospira spp. The LAMP was also evaluated by comparing its amplification result using agarose gel electrophoresis and color change using dye. Results: Positivity rate of Leptospira spp. antigen was 29.0% (40/140) for LAMP and 9.3% (13/140) for nPCR. Also, LAMP results for gel electrophoresis and dye color change varied in some samples that may be due to the interpretation of the result in dye color change. Conclusion: Overall, LAMP is a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic method compared with nPCR. Also, LAMP has a potential application as pen-side screening, surveillance, and clinical diagnostic kits of infectious diseases without requiring advance equipment and skilled personnel. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 459-465]