Staphylococcus species colonises humans and animals and is a major food contaminant with public health significance. Here, we assessed the occurrence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) in the pig-production chain in Ibadan, Nigeria. Nares of 120 pigs and 10 farmers were sampled with sterile swabs whilst 54 pork samples were collected from a retail slaughterhouse. Staphylococcus species were isolated using enrichment, cefoxitin–aztreonam selective broth and Mannitol salt agar. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to cefoxitin (30 μg), oxacillin (1 μg) and vancomycin (30 μg). Methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates were characterised using conventional biochemical tests. From 184 samples, 364 staphylococcal isolates were obtained. Amongst the 54 pork samples, 44.0% were contaminated with Staphylococcus species. Overall, 9 (2.5%) MRS were obtained and presumptively identified as Staphylococcus xylosus (n = 3), Staphylococcus sciuri (n = 3), Staphylococcus warneri (n = 2) and Staphylococcus cohnii (n = 1). There was no relationship between the prevalence of MRS between pigs and pig handlers in the farms, but Farm 2 had the highest frequency of 66.7% (p 0.05). Piglets had the highest prevalence of 66.7% (p 0.05) whilst MRS was absent in workers and pork samples. This study raises concerns about the cross-contamination of staphylococci in the food chain. Constant surveillance is imperative to ensure food safety.

Staphylococcus species colonises humans and animals and is a major food contaminant with public health significance. Here, we assessed the occurrence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) in the pig-production chain in Ibadan, Nigeria. Nares of 120 pigs and 10 farmers were sampled with sterile swabs whilst 54 pork samples were collected from a retail slaughterhouse. Staphylococcus species were isolated using enrichment, cefoxitin–aztreonam selective broth and Mannitol salt agar. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to cefoxitin (30 μg), oxacillin (1 μg) and vancomycin (30 μg). Methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates were characterised using conventional biochemical tests. From 184 samples, 364 staphylococcal isolates were obtained. Amongst the 54 pork samples, 44.0% were contaminated with Staphylococcus species. Overall, 9 (2.5%) MRS were obtained and presumptively identified as Staphylococcus xylosus (n = 3), Staphylococcus sciuri (n = 3), Staphylococcus warneri (n = 2) and Staphylococcus cohnii (n = 1). There was no relationship between the prevalence of MRS between pigs and pig handlers in the farms, but Farm 2 had the highest frequency of 66.7% (p 0.05). Piglets had the highest prevalence of 66.7% (p 0.05) whilst MRS was absent in workers and pork samples. This study raises concerns about the cross-contamination of staphylococci in the food chain. Constant surveillance is imperative to ensure food safety.

Human coronaviruses are known respiratory pathogens associated with a range of respiratory illnesses, and there are considerable morbidity and hospitalisation amongst immune-compromised individuals of all age groups. The emergence of a highly pathogenic human coronavirus in China in 2019 has confirmed the long-held opinion that these viruses are important emerging and re-emerging pathogens. In this review article, we trace the discovery and emergence of coronaviruses (CoVs) over time since they were first reported. The review article will enrich our understanding on the host range, diversity and evolution, transmission of human CoVs and the threat posed by these viruses circulating in animal populations but overtime have spilled over to humans because of the increased proximity between humans and animals.

Human coronaviruses are known respiratory pathogens associated with a range of respiratory illnesses, and there are considerable morbidity and hospitalisation amongst immune-compromised individuals of all age groups. The emergence of a highly pathogenic human coronavirus in China in 2019 has confirmed the long-held opinion that these viruses are important emerging and re-emerging pathogens. In this review article, we trace the discovery and emergence of coronaviruses (CoVs) over time since they were first reported. The review article will enrich our understanding on the host range, diversity and evolution, transmission of human CoVs and the threat posed by these viruses circulating in animal populations but overtime have spilled over to humans because of the increased proximity between humans and animals.

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

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 Duncans 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 2021; 8(1.000): 1-6]

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

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 effi¬cacies in blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptorsevere 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 commenc¬ing molecular docking and dynamic simulation as a complex with the ACE2 receptor to compare their blocking efficacy with the control drug. The ligandreceptor complexes accuracy in prevent¬ing the Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 penetration inside the host cells has been analyzed through hydrogenhydrophobic bond interactions, principal component analysis (PCA), root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and B-Factor. Advanced in silico program¬ming 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 mount¬ings were Rhinacanthin D > Flemiflavanone D > Lactupicrin > Exiguaflavanone A > Rhamnetin. The binding affinity of the Cassiarin DACE2 complex was (−10.2 KJ/mol) found inferior to the Rhinacanthin DACE2 complex (−10.8 KJ/mol), referring to Rhinacanthin D as a more stable candi¬date to use as drugs. The RMSD values of proteinligand 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 5250, predicting efficient ligandreceptor 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 2021; 8(1.000): 24-35]

Objective: This study aimed to isolate and identify Escherichia coli from broiler samples from Sukabumi, Indonesia. Also, antibiogram studies of the isolated bacteria were carried out consid­ering the detection of the antibiotic resistance genes.  Materials and Methods: Cloaca swabs (n = 45) were collected from broilers in Sukabumi, Indonesia. Isolation and identification of E. coli were carried out according to standard bacterio­logical techniques and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation of the polymerase chain reac­tion targeting the uspA gene. Antibiotic sensitivity test, using several antibiotics [tetracycline (TE), oxytetracycline (OT), ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (CN), nalidixic acid (NA), ciprofloxacin (CIP), enrofloxacin (ENR), chloramphenicol, and erythromycin] was carried out following the Kirby– Bauer disk diffusion method. Detection of antibiotic resistance coding genes was carried out by PCR using specific oligonucleotide primers. Statistical analysis was carried out with one-way anal­ysis of variance.  Results: The results showed that 55.6% (25/45) of the samples were associated with the pres­ence of E. coli. Antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the E. coli isolates were resistant to TE (88%; 22/25), OT (88%; 22/25), AMP (100%; 25/25), CN (64%; 16/25), NA (100%; 22/25), CIP (88%; 22/25), ENR (72%; 18/25), chloramphenicol (0%; 0/25), and erythromycin (92%; 23/25). On the other hand, the antibiotic resistance coding genes were tetA (86.4%; 19/22), blaTEM (100%; 25/25), aac(3)-IV (0%; 0/16), gyrA (100%; 25/25), and ermB (13%; 3/23). It was found that chlor­amphenicol is markedly different from other antibiotic treatment groups.  Conclusion: Escherichia coli was successfully isolated from cloacal swabs of broiler in Sukabumi, Indonesia. The bacteria were resistant to TE, OT, AMP, CN, NA, CIP, ENR, and erythromycin. Chloramphenicol was more sensitive and effective than other antibiotics in inhibiting the growth of E. coli. The antibiotic resistance genes detected were tetA, blaTEM, gyrA, and ermB. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(1): 84-90, Mar 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h489

Objective: This study aimed to isolate and identify Escherichia coli from broiler samples from Sukabumi, Indonesia. Also, antibiogram studies of the isolated bacteria were carried out consid¬ering the detection of the antibiotic resistance genes. Materials and Methods: Cloaca swabs (n = 45) were collected from broilers in Sukabumi, Indonesia. Isolation and identification of E. coli were carried out according to standard bacterio¬logical techniques and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation of the polymerase chain reac¬tion targeting the uspA gene. Antibiotic sensitivity test, using several antibiotics [tetracycline (TE), oxytetracycline (OT), ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (CN), nalidixic acid (NA), ciprofloxacin (CIP), enrofloxacin (ENR), chloramphenicol, and erythromycin] was carried out following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Detection of antibiotic resistance coding genes was carried out by PCR using specific oligonucleotide primers. Statistical analysis was carried out with one-way anal¬ysis of variance. Results: The results showed that 55.6% (25/45) of the samples were associated with the pres¬ence of E. coli. Antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the E. coli isolates were resistant to TE (88%; 22/25), OT (88%; 22/25), AMP (100%; 25/25), CN (64%; 16/25), NA (100%; 22/25), CIP (88%; 22/25), ENR (72%; 18/25), chloramphenicol (0%; 0/25), and erythromycin (92%; 23/25). On the other hand, the antibiotic resistance coding genes were tetA (86.4%; 19/22), blaTEM (100%; 25/25), aac(3)-IV (0%; 0/16), gyrA (100%; 25/25), and ermB (13%; 3/23). It was found that chlor¬amphenicol is markedly different from other antibiotic treatment groups. Conclusion: Escherichia coli was successfully isolated from cloacal swabs of broiler in Sukabumi, Indonesia. The bacteria were resistant to TE, OT, AMP, CN, NA, CIP, ENR, and erythromycin. Chloramphenicol was more sensitive and effective than other antibiotics in inhibiting the growth of E. coli. The antibiotic resistance genes detected were tetA, blaTEM, gyrA, and ermB. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 84-90]

Objective: This study aimed to salvage the study population from the fatality that occurs due to iatrogenic injury to the thoracic cavity’s pleural membrane.  Materials and Methods: An experimental study of temporomandibular joint arthroplasty with costochondral graft was carried out on 72 healthy ‘Oryctolagus cuniculus’ species of male rab­bits. The rabbits were distributed into two age groups: growing (3–4 months) and adult (12–18 months). All the procedures were carried out under general anesthesia with xylazine hydrochlo­ride and ketamine hydrochloride after calculating the doses, maintained by halothane and O2 inhalations. Out of 72 rabbits, 33 rabbits had accidental perforation of the pleural membrane observed that required a chest drain.  Results: In this study, 21 (63.64%) rabbits received chest drain and salvaged. The rest of the rab­bits (n = 12; 36.36%) that did not receive any chest drain and died. Most of the rabbits (n = 17; 81%) were under the growing group, weighing less than 2 kg and four (19%) were adult rabbits.  Conclusion: This manual chest drain is life-saving for rabbits. It is a new addition to the advance­ment of thoracic surgery on animals. It is cost-effective and safe. The developed customized drain­age system may make it easier to harvest the costochondral graft-related experiments. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(1): 138-145, Mar 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h496

Objective: This study aimed to salvage the study population from the fatality that occurs due to iatrogenic injury to the thoracic cavitys pleural membrane. Materials and Methods: An experimental study of temporomandibular joint arthroplasty with costochondral graft was carried out on 72 healthy Oryctolagus cuniculus species of male rab¬bits. The rabbits were distributed into two age groups: growing (34 months) and adult (1218 months). All the procedures were carried out under general anesthesia with xylazine hydrochlo-ride and ketamine hydrochloride after calculating the doses, maintained by halothane and O2 inhalations. Out of 72 rabbits, 33 rabbits had accidental perforation of the pleural membrane observed that required a chest drain. Results: In this study, 21 (63.64%) rabbits received chest drain and salvaged. The rest of the rab¬bits (n = 12; 36.36%) that did not receive any chest drain and died. Most of the rabbits (n = 17; 81%) were under the growing group, weighing less than 2 kg and four (19%) were adult rabbits. Conclusion: This manual chest drain is life-saving for rabbits. It is a new addition to the advance¬ment of thoracic surgery on animals. It is cost-effective and safe. The developed customized drain¬age system may make it easier to harvest the costochondral graft-related experiments. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 138-145]

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary turmeric or garlic extract on physiological responses, hematological parameters, antioxidants status, testicular functions, and health indices of heat-stressed rabbit males.  Materials and Methods: Seventy bucks were distributed into seven experimental groups (ten/ group). A commercial diet (CD) was fed to rabbit males in the control group, while males in G2, G3, and G4 were fed CD with turmeric at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively. Males in G5, G6, and G7 were fed CD with garlic extract at 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks.  Results: The results showed that turmeric or garlic extract levels decreased ear temperature, res­piration rate, germ cell apoptotic number, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde level, libido, and sperm of dead and abnormal tail (p < 0.05). The hemoglobin and red and white blood cells, platelets, total antioxidants capacity, mass motility, mitochondrial potential, normal, acro­some reacted, normality, and a total functional fraction of spermatozoa and relative of epididymal weight were increased (p < 0.05). The increased packed cell volume percentage and initial semen fructose were significant only when 100 mg per kg garlic extract was supplemented.  Conclusion: Phytochemicals extract supplementation can be an effective dietary supplementation to eliminate heat stress and improve health, oxidative capacity, and testicular functions of rabbit males. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 256-265, June 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary turmeric or garlic extract on physiological responses, hematological parameters, antioxidants status, testicular functions, and health indices of heat-stressed rabbit males. Materials and Methods: Seventy bucks were distributed into seven experimental groups (ten/ group). A commercial diet (CD) was fed to rabbit males in the control group, while males in G2, G3, and G4 were fed CD with turmeric at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively. Males in G5, G6, and G7 were fed CD with garlic extract at 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that turmeric or garlic extract levels decreased ear temperature, res¬piration rate, germ cell apoptotic number, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde level, libido, and sperm of dead and abnormal tail (p < 0.05). The hemoglobin and red and white blood cells, platelets, total antioxidants capacity, mass motility, mitochondrial potential, normal, acro¬some reacted, normality, and a total functional fraction of spermatozoa and relative of epididymal weight were increased (p < 0.05). The increased packed cell volume percentage and initial semen fructose were significant only when 100 mg per kg garlic extract was supplemented. Conclusion: Phytochemicals extract supplementation can be an effective dietary supplementation to eliminate heat stress and improve health, oxidative capacity, and testicular functions of rabbit males. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 256-265]