Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of green macroalgae as a novel, natural feed additive for broilers that have a greater concentration of active ingredients. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups of 180-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly assigned, with three replicates in each group: the control group [T0, maintained only with basal diet] and three treatment groups supplemented with macroalgae for 35 days along with basal diet [T1 = 0.05% (w/w); T2 = 0.1% (w/w); T3 = 0.2% (w/w) macroalgae]. Live weight, carcass weight, and organs' weight were noted at the conclusion of the experiment. The meat quality was examined using the muscles of the thighs and breasts, and blood serum was obtained for biochemical assessment. Results: The results revealed that dietary supplementation of green macroalgae (0.1%) in broiler rations significantly (p < 0.05) improved the growth performance compared to other treated groups and controls. With increasing weight, it enhanced meat quality traits assessed by increased water holding capacity, ultimate pH, redness and yellowness, and decreased lightness of muscles in the thighs and breasts. Both the levels of serum cholesterol and abdominal fat decreased and showed no unwholesome effects on liver and kidney functions. Conclusions: For the production of safe and high-quality poultry meat, marine green macroalgae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) could be used as a potential feed additive. It enhanced the growth rate in broilers and improved meat quality and serum biochemical parameters for supplying healthy meat in the human food chain. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 524-533]

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of green macroalgae as a novel, natural feed additive for broilers that have a greater concentration of active ingredients. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups of 180-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly assigned, with three replicates in each group: the control group [T0, maintained only with basal diet] and three treatment groups supplemented with macroalgae for 35 days along with basal diet [T1 = 0.05% (w/w); T2 = 0.1% (w/w); T3 = 0.2% (w/w) macroalgae]. Live weight, carcass weight, and organs’ weight were noted at the conclusion of the experiment. The meat quality was examined using the muscles of the thighs and breasts, and blood serum was obtained for biochemical assessment. Results: The results revealed that dietary supplementation of green macroalgae (0.1%) in broiler rations significantly (p < 0.05) improved the growth performance compared to other treated groups and controls. With increasing weight, it enhanced meat quality traits assessed by increased water holding capacity, ultimate pH, redness and yellowness, and decreased lightness of muscles in the thighs and breasts. Both the levels of serum cholesterol and abdominal fat decreased and showed no unwholesome effects on liver and kidney functions. Conclusions: For the production of safe and high-quality poultry meat, marine green macroalgae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) could be used as a potential feed additive. It enhanced the growth rate in broilers and improved meat quality and serum biochemical parameters for supplying healthy meat in the human food chain. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 524-533, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k802

Objectives: The research was aimed at determining the staining patterns of Peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) lectin in postnatal developing (day 1 to 8 weeks) male genital excurrent duct epithelium in mice. Materials and Methods: Lectin staining was performed on testis and epididymis of 1-day-old and 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-week-old ICR mice. Results: Rete testis epithelia were UEA-I- and PNA-negative at all postnatal ages. PNA lectin unclearly stained the epithelial apical surface in efferent ductules (ED) and ductus epididymis up to 2 weeks, while UEA-I was negative in those epithelia. By contrast, at 3 weeks of age, PNA and/or UEA-I turned to clearly label epithelia in the excurrent duct system. At 5 weeks, efferent ductules epithelium was UEA-I-negative but strongly PNA-positive; segment I was PNA-negative but faintly UEA-I positive; segment II was weakly PNA-positive but strongly UEA-I-positive; segment III was strongly-PNA- and UEA-I-positive; segment IV was weakly UEA-I-positive but strongly PNA positive; and segment V was faintly UEA-I-positive but strongly PNA-positive. At 5 and 8 weeks (the adult), the staining patterns of PNA and UEA-I lectins were nearly identical. Moreover, an increasing staining intensity was observed in both lectins with the advancement of age until 5 weeks of age. Additionally, it was noted that, with the exception of segment I, the staining intensity of PNA gradually increased while that of UEA-I gradually decreased towards the distal section of the ductus epididymis. Conclusion: Lectin PNA and UEA-I staining, in conclusion, indicated epithelial segments in the male genital duct of mice from the postnatal developing age of 3 weeks, and up until 5 weeks, their staining patterns were nearly identical to those in adults. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 516-523]

Objectives: The research was aimed at determining the staining patterns of Peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) lectin in postnatal developing (day 1 to 8 weeks) male genital excurrent duct epithelium in mice. Materials and Methods: Lectin staining was performed on testis and epididymis of 1-day-old and 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-week-old ICR mice. Results: Rete testis epithelia were UEA-I- and PNA-negative at all postnatal ages. PNA lectin unclearly stained the epithelial apical surface in efferent ductules (ED) and ductus epididymis up to 2 weeks, while UEA-I was negative in those epithelia. By contrast, at 3 weeks of age, PNA and/ or UEA-I turned to clearly label epithelia in the excurrent duct system. At 5 weeks, efferent ductules epithelium was UEA-I-negative but strongly PNA-positive; segment I was PNA-negative but faintly UEA-I positive; segment II was weakly PNA-positive but strongly UEA-I-positive; segment III was strongly-PNA- and UEA-I-positive; segment IV was weakly UEA-I-positive but strongly PNApositive; and segment V was faintly UEA-I-positive but strongly PNA-positive. At 5 and 8 weeks (the adult), the staining patterns of PNA and UEA-I lectins were nearly identical. Moreover, an increasing staining intensity was observed in both lectins with the advancement of age until 5 weeks of age. Additionally, it was noted that, with the exception of segment I, the staining intensity of PNA gradually increased while that of UEA-I gradually decreased towards the distal section of the ductus epididymis. Conclusion: Lectin PNA and UEA-I staining, in conclusion, indicated epithelial segments in the male genital duct of mice from the postnatal developing age of 3 weeks, and up until 5 weeks, their staining patterns were nearly identical to those in adults. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 516-523, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k801

Objective: The study aimed to identify the effect of pineapple hump extracts in different doses on increasing the chemical and physical quality of rabbit meat. Materials and Methods: The research stages were carried out with maintenance for two months using a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and five replicates. P0 = complete ration without pineapple hump extract; P1 = complete ration with the addition of 0.2% pine¬apple hump extract; P2 = complete ration with the addition of 0.4% pineapple hump extract; and P3 = complete ration with the addition of 0.6% pineapple hump extract. The variables observed were the chemical quality of meat (pH, moisture, carbohydrate, fat, and protein content in rabbit meat), and the physical quality (water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss). Results: The data were analyzed using SAS, with significantly different results subjected to Duncan's further testing. The addition of 0.4% pineapple hump extract in rabbit complete rations had a very significant effect on the WHC of 71.62%. The addition of 0.6% pineapple hump extract also had a significant effect on the protein content of meat, increasing it by 19.17%. Conclusion: The effects of pineapple hump extract up to 0.6% in a complete diet of weaned rab¬bits have a positive effect on the physical and chemical quality of rabbit meat, especially on the protein and water-holding capacity of rabbit meat. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 296-301]

Objective: The study aimed to identify the effect of pineapple hump extracts in different doses on increasing the chemical and physical quality of rabbit meat. Materials and Methods: The research stages were carried out with maintenance for two months using a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and five replicates. P0 = com­plete ration without pineapple hump extract; P1 = complete ration with the addition of 0.2% pine­apple hump extract; P2 = complete ration with the addition of 0.4% pineapple hump extract; and P3 = complete ration with the addition of 0.6% pineapple hump extract. The variables observed were the chemical quality of meat (pH, moisture, carbohydrate, fat, and protein content in rabbit meat), and the physical quality (water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss). Results: The data were analyzed using SAS, with significantly different results subjected to Duncan’s further testing. The addition of 0.4% pineapple hump extract in rabbit complete rations had a very significant effect on the WHC of 71.62%. The addition of 0.6% pineapple hump extract also had a significant effect on the protein content of meat, increasing it by 19.17%. Conclusion: The effects of pineapple hump extract up to 0.6% in a complete diet of weaned rab­bits have a positive effect on the physical and chemical quality of rabbit meat, especially on the protein and water-holding capacity of rabbit meat. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 296-301, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k776

Objective: In the present research work, we examined the dietary Moringa oleifera effect on gut health and growth traits in chickens. Materials and Methods: There were 280 chicks (day old) that were weighted and allotted uni¬formly in seven groupings, each containing eight replicates (n = 5). Birds were supplemented with M. oleifera leaf extract (MLE) and seed extract (MSE) for 35 days. Group I was the control (fed merely basal diets), while Group II received 0.8% MLE, Group III was given 0.8% MSE, Group IV was given 1.2% MLE, Group V was given 1.2% MSE, Group VI was given 0.8% MLE + 0.8% MSE, and Group VII was given 1.2% MLE + 1.2% MSE. At the end of the fifth week, two chickens were selected from each replica, and samples (small intestine and ileal ingesta) were collected. Results: The chicken diet with MLE and MSE supplements saw significant improvement (p < 0.05) in both feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG). In the small intestine (duodenal, jejunal, and ileal), dietary MLE and MSE supplements significantly increased (p < 0.05) the surface area of the villus and the ratio of their height/crypt depth in comparison to the control group. The MLE and MSE supplements significantly increased (p < 0.05) the total goblet cell counts in the small intestine. The Lactobacillus spp. count was significantly improved (p < 0.05) and reduced (p < 0.05) in Escherichia coli counts when the bird diet was supplemented with MLE (0.8%) and MSE (0.8%). Conclusion: Results indicated that M. oleifera leaf and seed extract diet improved the growth trait and gut health in chickens. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 339-348]

Objective: In the present research work, we examined the dietary Moringa oleifera effect on gut health and growth traits in chickens. Materials and Methods: There were 280 chicks (day old) that were weighted and allotted uni­formly in seven groupings, each containing eight replicates (n = 5). Birds were supplemented with M. oleifera leaf extract (MLE) and seed extract (MSE) for 35 days. Group I was the control (fed merely basal diets), while Group II received 0.8% MLE, Group III was given 0.8% MSE, Group IV was given 1.2% MLE, Group V was given 1.2% MSE, Group VI was given 0.8% MLE + 0.8% MSE, and Group VII was given 1.2% MLE + 1.2% MSE. At the end of the fifth week, two chickens were selected from each replica, and samples (small intestine and ileal ingesta) were collected. Results: The chicken diet with MLE and MSE supplements saw significant improvement (p < 0.05) in both feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG). In the small intestine (duodenal, jejunal, and ileal), dietary MLE and MSE supplements significantly increased (p < 0.05) the surface area of the villus and the ratio of their height/crypt depth in comparison to the control group. The MLE and MSE supplements significantly increased (p < 0.05) the total goblet cell counts in the small intestine. The Lactobacillus spp. count was significantly improved (p < 0.05) and reduced (p < 0.05) in Escherichia coli counts when the bird diet was supplemented with MLE (0.8%) and MSE (0.8%). Conclusion: Results indicated that M. oleifera leaf and seed extract diet improved the growth trait and gut health in chickens. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 339-348, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k782

Objective: This study investigated the application of Jicama starch (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) as a stabilizing agent to enhance the longevity and integrity of fermented milk. Materials and Methods: Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T (6 gm/100 ml) and Jicama starch (2 gm/100 ml) were added into pasteurized milk (65°C, 30 min) and then incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for 18 h. The fermented milk was stored at 4°C. The evaluation on proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity (TA), viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), syneresis, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hedonic sensory evaluation was conducted at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage. Results: Throughout the storage period, fermented milk enriched with Jicama starch significantly (p < 0.05) increased pH, TA, population dynamics of LAB, viscosity, WHC, and syneresis. It effectively sustained WHC and mitigated syneresis, thus ensuring the preservation of vital product quality. Furthermore, the quantity of LAB within the fermented milk consistently met the pro¬biotic threshold of 84.50 × 108 CFU/ml. The hedonic sensory evaluation results indicated that fermented milk showed consistent sensory attributes throughout storage, except for overall acceptance, which declined on day 28. Conclusion: The addition of Jicama starch revealed a promising health probiotic product, presenting a viable avenue for delivering probiotic benefits to consumers while maintaining the palatabil¬ity and efficacy of the product. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 317-322]

Objective: This study investigated the application of Jicama starch (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) as a stabilizing agent to enhance the longevity and integrity of fermented milk. Materials and Methods: Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T (6 gm/100 ml) and Jicama starch (2 gm/100 ml) were added into pasteurized milk (65°C, 30 min) and then incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for 18 h. The fermented milk was stored at 4°C. The evaluation on proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity (TA), viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), syneresis, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hedonic sensory evaluation was conducted at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage. Results: Throughout the storage period, fermented milk enriched with Jicama starch significantly (p < 0.05) increased pH, TA, population dynamics of LAB, viscosity, WHC, and syneresis. It effec­tively sustained WHC and mitigated syneresis, thus ensuring the preservation of vital product quality. Furthermore, the quantity of LAB within the fermented milk consistently met the pro­biotic threshold of 84.50 × 108 CFU/ml. The hedonic sensory evaluation results indicated that fermented milk showed consistent sensory attributes throughout storage, except for overall acceptance, which declined on day 28. Conclusion: The addition of Jicama starch revealed a promising health probiotic product, present­ing a viable avenue for delivering probiotic benefits to consumers while maintaining the palatabil­ity and efficacy of the product. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 317-322, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k779

Objective: This study focused on the antibiogram profiling of Staphylococcus aureus and coagu¬lase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) and the detection of icaA and blaZ genes from bovine raw milk samples. Materials and Methods: Bovine milk samples were collected from dairy farms, and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated and identified via conventional and molecular screening. Disk diffusion test (DDT) was implemented to determine the resistance pattern. Biofilm and β-lactamase-produc¬ing Staphylococcus spp. were identified via amplification of the icaA and blaZ genes. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS were identified by DDT and PCR of the mecA gene. Results: From 63 samples, 35 were confirmed as Staphylococcus spp., of which 16 (25.39%) S. aureus isolates were coagulase-positive, while 19 (30.16%) were negative. PCR confirmed that 50% (8/16) of S. aureus and 36.84% (7/19) of CoNS possessed the icaA gene. All S. aureus iso¬lates were found resistant to penicillin-G (P) both phenotypically and genotypically. The isolates were also resistant to erythromycin (ERY) and oxytetracycline (TET). While CoNS showed high to reduced resistance against P, TET, ERY, and azithromycin, no S. aureus isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, while 10.53% of CoNS isolates were. All S. aureus and CoNS isolates were sus¬ceptible to vancomycin and gentamicin. MR was exhibited by 37.5% of S. aureus and 42.10% of CoNS isolates. Moreover, S. aureus and CoNS had 56.25% and 52.63% multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed the presence of a biofilm-producing, MDR staphylococcal strain in milk that might endanger consumers. Routine surveillance and monitoring, along with antimicrobial resistance learning, can reduce risks. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 455-462]

Objective: This study focused on the antibiogram profiling of Staphylococcus aureus and coagu­lase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) and the detection of icaA and blaZ genes from bovine raw milk samples. Materials and Methods: Bovine milk samples were collected from dairy farms, and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated and identified via conventional and molecular screening. Disk diffusion test (DDT) was implemented to determine the resistance pattern. Biofilm and β-lactamase-produc­ing Staphylococcus spp. were identified via amplification of the icaA and blaZ genes. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS were identified by DDT and PCR of the mecA gene. Results: From 63 samples, 35 were confirmed as Staphylococcus spp., of which 16 (25.39%) S. aureus isolates were coagulase-positive, while 19 (30.16%) were negative. PCR confirmed that 50% (8/16) of S. aureus and 36.84% (7/19) of CoNS possessed the icaA gene. All S. aureus iso­lates were found resistant to penicillin-G (P) both phenotypically and genotypically. The isolates were also resistant to erythromycin (ERY) and oxytetracycline (TET). While CoNS showed high to reduced resistance against P, TET, ERY, and azithromycin, no S. aureus isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, while 10.53% of CoNS isolates were. All S. aureus and CoNS isolates were sus­ceptible to vancomycin and gentamicin. MR was exhibited by 37.5% of S. aureus and 42.10% of CoNS isolates. Moreover, S. aureus and CoNS had 56.25% and 52.63% multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed the presence of a biofilm-producing, MDR staphylococcal strain in milk that might endanger consumers. Routine surveillance and monitoring, along with antimicrobial resistance learning, can reduce risks. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 455-462, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k795