Chickens' general well-being and productivity depend heavily on their gut health. It describes how well the gastrointestinal system functions and the complex interactions it has with microbial communities. In order to optimize the chicken's digestive tract, this paper examines the importance of gut microbiota, highlighting the ways in which these microbes support performance, health, and resistance to disease. The intricate microbiome found in the gut is important for immunological response, digestion, and nutrient absorption. It is crucial to comprehend gut health since, even in the absence of obvious symptoms of illness, it can have a direct impact on hen performance. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including by offering a well-balanced diet high in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics. These elements encourage the development of advantageous bacteria, which enhances the hens' general health and performance. The chicken's digestive system depends on its gut flora. Poultry farmers can improve the well-being and output of their flocks by comprehending its function and putting prevention measures in place to keep the microbiota steady.

This study was conducted to examine uncooked meat samples collected from slaughtered animals from butchers' markets in Basra Governorate. During the period from June to August 2024, 75 samples were studied, including 50 samples of sheep meat and 25 samples of butchers' tools. Using sterile swaps, equivalent areas (2.5 CM) of meat surface or butchers' tools were rubbed evenly, and then the swaps were inoculated into a thioglycolate medium containing tubes. The cultures were transported to the lab and cultivated under anaerobic conditions for 48 hrs. at 37C using an anaerobic jar and gas bags. The presence of Clostridium perfringens bacteria was detected by microbial culture on CHROMagar and microscopic examination in addition to species-specific polymerase chain reaction using the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that C. perfringens was present in 15 total samples among the 75 samples studied (10 isolates from meat and 5 isolates from butchers' tools). Furthermore, PCR detected the cpa gene in all C. perfringens-positive samples, confirming that these isolates belong to type A of Clostridium perfringens. The results of this study indicate that the source of such contamination originates from poor sanitation of slaughterhouses and/or due to the disease of slaughtered animals. These findings necessitate imposing strict sanitation measures and public health awareness to limit C. perfringens meat contamination.

The present study aimed to identify the skin features of the local dog. After anesthesia, five adult dogs took the skin samples, and the wounds were sutured that form after collecting the sample and the samples were fixated with 10% formalin and Bouin's solution.(special stain )in the present study, the skin consists of two layers epidermis and dermis, the epidermis is composed of epithelial cell layers comprised of four different types of cells of various studied regions. while the dermis was composed of two layers that embedded the hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and a few numbers of sweet and sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles. In conclusion, The skin is a large organ covering all body joints, underlying the muscles and bones. It is characterized by a few sebaceous and sweat glands.

This study evaluated the effects of treating eggs with varying concentrations of acetic acid (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) on internal and external egg quality traits. A total of 40 fresh chicken eggs were divided equally among the four treatment groups. Eggs were immersed in their respective acetic acid solutions for 10 minutes, followed by rinsing and air-drying. Quality parameters, including weight, external dimensions, shell thickness, and internal traits, were measured before and after treatment. External traits such as egg breadth showed significant differences (P<0.05), with higher values observed at 5% and 10% concentrations, while egg length and shell thickness remained unaffected. Internal traits such as yolk and albumin weights were significantly influenced (P<0.05), with optimal values noted at 10% concentration. Egg volume and surface area also increased significantly with acetic acid treatments, particularly at higher concentrations (10% and 15%), while the shape index remained stable. Density-related traits such as egg and yolk density peaked at 10% and 5%, respectively, reflecting enhanced structural integrity and nutrient retention. The shell weight per surface area was highest at 5% concentration, suggesting improved calcium deposition. Overall, acetic acid concentrations of 5%-10% demonstrated the most favorable effects on egg traits, indicating the potential for moderate acid treatments to enhance certain quality parameters without compromising structural integrity. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing acetic acid use in egg preservation and hatchery practices, warranting further research into extended exposure durations and alternative acids.

The purpose of the study was to investigated the histological effect dietary L-arginine supplementation at 0%, 5%, and 10% above National Research Council recommendations on the testes of 225 male Japanese quail from three genetic lines (white, Brown, and gray). The current study was conducted from December 6, 2022, to July 1, 2023, at the poultry farm of Kirkuk University's animal production department, College of Agriculture. Initially, the Directorate of Agricultural Research-Baghdad. Birds were divided by color into three groups and fed diets containing different arginine levels from age 30 to 90 days. Testes from selected birds were examined histologically after H&E staining. Results showed that 5% arginine (S2) induced significant spermatogenic activity in all groups, with the most notable effect in gray quail (thickened basement membranes, increased spermatogenesis, and fat infiltration). The Brown line showed moderate changes, while the white line exhibited only mild stimulation with no fat infiltration. At 10% arginine (S3), the gray line displayed severe histopathological changes, including basement membrane thickening, Sertoli cell disruption, fat infiltration, and signs of early lipoma formation. The Brown line exhibited signs of hyperplasia, while the white line showed enhanced spermatogenesis and sperm maturation with minimal adverse effects. In conclusion, gray quail were highly sensitive to arginine supplementation, Brown quail showed a moderate response, and white quail demonstrated increased spermatogenic activity with minimal histological damage.

The present study emphasizes the importance of in Ovo feeding strategies, particularly the supplementation of fertilized eggs with amino acids such as L-arginine to enhance the Bursa of Fabricius development. Targeted nutritional interventions during embryogenesis offer a promising approach to improving the overall health, productivity, and market value of poultry. The experiment was done in the college of agriculture - University of Sulaimani to study the effects of arginine on the bursal tissue of commercial and local Kurdish chickens. One hundred fertile eggs involved from the Ross-308 broiler breeder strain and one hundred fertile eggs from a local breed. The in ova inoculation treated included a control group without inoculation and three groups inoculation with 1%, 2%, and 3% Arginine solutions. The inoculations were carried out twice, on the 14th and 18th days of incubation. Four chicks at one-day age from each Treated group were euthanized, and their bursa of Fabricius was preserved for histological slide preparation. The study found that bursal follicular proliferation in Kurdish breeds showed significant improvements in lymphoid follicles and number compared to commercial breeds. The scoring system for bursal follicular proliferation was higher in the G4 (3% Arginine) Treated group. However, bursal sections from Fabricius bursa showed significant aggravation in follicle number, with G3 and G4 Treated groups scoring higher. Eggs inoculated with arginine showed significant follicular growth in both breeds.

Ectoparasites can severely impact wildlife species, both through their feeding behaviour and by facilitating secondary infestations or bacterial infections. Here, we report on two cases of periorbital damage caused by ixodid tick infestations in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), including a rare record of traumatic myiasis in wildlife. Both cheetahs were recently reintroduced to the Marromeu-Coutada Complex in Central Mozambique and had sustained relatively severe injuries. This ostensibly yielded them immunocompromised and thus more vulnerable to tick infestations, particularly when exposed to novel species. These incidents occurred during the peak hot-wet season in which adult tick abundance is likely highest. These cases provide novel insights into the risks of tick infestations for reintroduced cheetahs and the importance of intensive post-release monitoring to allow for timeous veterinary intervention. Contribution: This study falls within the scope of the journal. Ixodid ticks are of veterinary importance for wildlife and domestic animals across Africa because of the associated direct damage and potential spread of tick-borne pathogens. This study investigates two cases of tick infestations in cheetahs recently reintroduced into a tropical environment. The identified risk factors appear to be exposure to novel ectoparasites, injuries, and the hot-wet season. This highlights the need to consider ectoparasite risk when planning wildlife translocations.

Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) has devastating outcomes on ruminant health and impacts on national and international trade. The current work assessed the diagnostic value of the VersaTREK automated liquid culture system in isolating Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) from faecal and intestinal tissue samples from ovine under South African conditions and compared it with the current method of choice, histopathological examination. Intestinal tissue and faecal samples from 111 sheep (including complete set from 104 slaughter sheep from flocks with a history of MAP infection as well as incomplete sample sets from 7 sheep) were analysed using the liquid culture method. One set of tissues was subjected to histopathological examination. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from culture isolates was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using primers that target the IS900 regions of the MAP for species verification. Overall, the VersaTREK automated liquid culture in combination with IS900 PCR showed a comparable level of detection in tissues (12.6%) as histopathology (13.5%), but the detection rate for faecal samples was lower than for tissues (10.8%). A combination of histopathology and faecal culture increased the detection rate from 13.5% (n = 14/104) and 9.6% (n = 10/104), respectively, to 15.4% (n = 16/104). Contribution: Our findings highlight the diagnostic utility of the VersaTREK automated liquid culture system in detecting MAP in ovine samples collected both ante and postmortem. However, an inhibitory effect on the MAP isolation rate observed when the antibiotic cocktail was added to the culture medium warrants further investigation. The outcome of the study is beneficial in guiding the strategic planning of the nationwide control programme.

Maggots are one of the fly larvae with a high protein content of up to 30-45%, so maggots can be used as an alternative animal feed ingredient. As one of the sources of animal feed raw materials, insects-based feed must also be safe from contaminants of microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, this study aims to isolate and determine the screening of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria from maggots' digestive systems. Maggots are cultivated on media based on animal faecal and organic waste for 2 months. Then, the bacteria are isolated and purified using nutrient agar media, and hemolysis tests are carried out on blood agar media and Gram staining. Eighty-seven bacterial colonies with various morphological characteristics were successfully isolated from the maggot digestive system. Most isolated bacteria are classified as Gram-negative bacteria with a bacilli form. Based on the results of the hemolysis test, as many as 16% of bacterial isolates are indicated by pathogenic bacteria because of their ability to hemolyze blood. However, only about 2% showed b-hemolysis. Thus, it can be concluded that the screening results of non-pathogenic bacteria are still more numerous compared to pathogenic bacteria present in the maggot digestive system.

Dadih is a traditional food product that is produced by storing buffalo milk in bamboo tubes and left for 2-3 days. During the process of making Dadih, milk ferments into Dadih in a bamboo tube. The aim of this research is to determine the quality of buffalo Dadih from pH values, acidity degrees, and total bacterial colonies with different storage durations and temperatures. This research used 12 bamboo tubes with two treatments and three repetitions. This research used a laboratory experimental method with a 2x3 factorial pattern. This research showed that the highest room and refrigerator pH values were found in the first week, with an average of 7.13 0.15 and 7.9 0.1. The highest acidity degree values from room temperature and refrigerator were in the third week, with 359.47 16.95 and 254.03 6.34. Another finding was that the highest total bacterial colonies at room temperature and in the refrigerator were in the third week, with 3.33 0.89 and 2.8 0.76. It can be concluded that the buffalo Dadih from Gayo has a pH value and a total value of bacterial colonies that meet SNI standards. Meanwhile, the total titrated acid in Dadih does not yet have an SNI standard.