Objectives: The study aimed to detect Neospora caninum by nested PCR (nPCR) in aborted fetuses of cattle, sheep, and goats in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: The head portion of each aborted fetus (111) was dissected at each sampling site and transferred to the laboratory in an ice box. Data on risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were simultaneously collected. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from brain tissue to perform nPCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene of N. caninum and sequencing was performed from the representative positive samples. Results: By nPCR, N. caninum was found in 16.0% of aborted fetuses of cattle, followed by sheep (14.81%) and goats (11.78%). The highest prevalence was found in aborted fetuses of animals during the second trimester (27.78%) of pregnancy aged 2 to 4 years (18.75%). Obtained sequences showed they were completely matched with N. caninum ITS1 rDNA gene deposited in GenBank. Univariate analysis demonstrated that pregnancy stages (trimesters), abortion history of the animals, and access to dogs in animal farms were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with N. caninum infection. Conclusion: This study represents the first investigation into the molecular detection, phylogenetic characterization, and analysis of risk factors associated with N. caninum in livestock in Bangladesh. According to the research findings, N. caninum infection may have a role in abortion cases and the ensuing financial losses in the nation's livestock industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 618-626]

Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect of a toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) ligand on the motility of putative X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm in rams. Materials and Methods: Sperm from three fertile rams were incubated with tris-citrate buffer containing 0 to 0.9 μM resiquimod (a TLR7/8 ligand) that affects only the X chromosome sperm. Sperm was then subjected to a swim-up test method. After incubation, sperm in the top and lower layers of the media were transferred into a separate new tube. Sperm motility characteristics, concentration, morphometry, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration from both layers were identified. The data were analyzed for multiple comparisons using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The study demonstrated that the presence of resiquimod used in the swim-up method facilitated the morphometric separation of smaller sperm, predominantly representing Y chromosome sperm in the top layer. Meanwhile, larger samples, indicating X chromosome sperm, accumulated in the lower layer of the media, thus increasing sperm concentration. Resiquimod also decreased motility in the lower layer, but samples in the top layer were unaffected. This decrease was reinforced by the depletion of the ATP level of sperm at the lower level. Conclusion: The TLR7/8 ligand reduced the motility of the putative X-sperm by decreasing their ATP content, allowing separation from the putative Y-sperm. These results suggested the importance of TLR7/8 as a potential biomarker in sperm selection technology. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 648-654]

Research articles about the effects of rumen-protected choline (RPC) supplementation on metabolic response, and reproductive and productive performances in transitional dairy cows were reviewed and presented. Analysis was conducted on 32 research papers that were published. The papers examined treatments without RPC supplementation and RPC supplementation levels varying from 10 to 100 gm/day. The feeding duration of RPC started from 40 to 140 days prepartum and continued until 20 to 140 days postpartum in multiparous dairy cows. Studies indicated that adding herbal choline (Cho) to the diet of transition dairy cows resulted in increased milk production and improved milk quality, leading to enhanced energy balance and reduced oxidative stress. The concentration and yield of IgG in colostrum provide passive immunity to dairy newborns and can be enhanced by dietary Cho supplementation. The inconsistent effects of RPC supplementation on reproduction may be due to several factors such as heat stress, genetics, and management. RPC supplementation improved the transition dairy cows' milk yield and quality, but dosage response was not observed as in the prior publication. Remarkably, the length of RPC supplementation had a positive correlation with an increase in milk yield. Based on this review, 45–50 gm/day dietary RPC supplementation between 3 weeks pre-calving to 8 weeks post-calving is suggested to increase at least 10% milk yield in dairy cows. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 754-761]

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of using multivitamins in different estrus synchronization hormone protocols on estrus response, estrus onset, estrus duration, estrus intensity, and pregnancy rate in swamp buffalo. Materials and Methods: This study used 30 post-partum adult buffalo, with three estrus synchronization methods treated: 1. Conventional plus Prostaglandin F2 α (PGF2α-PGF2α + multivitamin)-AI; 2. Co-synch plus Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-PGF2α + multivitamin)-AI; 3. Combination of hormone plus (Estrogen-Progesterone-PGF2α + multivitamin)-AI. Research variables include estrus response, estrus onset, estrus duration, estrus intensity, and pregnancy rate. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23.0 program. Results: The results showed that the use of multivitamins in different estrus synchronization hormone protocols resulted in an estrous response reaching 100%. The onset of estrus in the three treatments [Treatment-1 (T1); Treatment-2 (T2); Treatment-3 (T3)] was 25.8; 27.6; 23.9 h, estrus duration: 21.0; 21.6; 21.92 h, estrus intensity: 25.8; 27.6; 32.6 h, and the pregnancy rate for buffalo reaches 80%. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the use of multivitamins in different estrus synchronization hormone protocols is effective in optimizing the swamp buffalo's estrus response; the estrus duration is longer, the estrus onset is faster, and the estrus intensity is higher. It can even optimize the increase in swamp buffalo pregnancy rates. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 729-737]

Objective: The current study investigated the effects of supplying ruminally protected amino acids (AA) (lysine, L; and methionine, M) and dietary protein levels on the performance of late-nursing ewes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one Awassi ewes nursing single lambs were individually housed and assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (2 × 2 factorial design). Ewes in treatment groups were (with supplemental RPL and RPM) or were not (without supplemental RPL and RPM) supplemented with lysine (8.5 gm/day) and methionine (4 gm/day) and were fed diets containing either 13.2 (moderate protein) or 11.1% (low protein) protein. Results: No interactions between supplemental AA and dietary protein levels were observed. Supplying ewes with L and M did not affect (p ≥ 0.06) their nutrient intake or their final body weights (BWs). Additionally, milk composition, yield, and efficiency were not affected by supple¬mental L and M. Decreasing dietary protein levels did not affect (p = 0.13) the final BWs, milk yield, composition, and efficiency but decreased (p < 0.01) nutrient intake of ewes. Conclusion: Under our study conditions, reducing the protein contents of the diets from 13.2% to 11.1% had no negative impact on late-nursing ewes. Regardless of dietary protein level, the beneficial effect of supplying L and M was not evident. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 711-716]

Objective: In the current study, we aimed to ascertain the levels of heavy metals and radioactive elements in the ovarian follicular fluids of pregnant and non-pregnant Kyrgyz mares. Materials and Methods: To this end, follicular fluids were obtained from 49 Kyrgyz mares aged 3–5 years. The mares were in various stages of pregnancy (Group 1, n = 27) or were non-pregnant (Group 2, n = 22). We measured the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), antimony (Sb), cobalt (Co), potassium (K), uranium (U), nickel (Ni), and thorium (Th) in follicular fluids using atomic emission mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the data were statistically analyzed according to whether the mare was pregnant or not, the pregnancy stage, the presence or absence of the corpus luteum in the ovaries, the corpus luteum's diameter if present, and the presence or absence and diameter of follicles. Results: We found that K levels were higher in non-pregnant mares (0.00564 ± 0.000590 ppm, p = 0.009). Furthermore, Ni (0.01033 ± 0.001880 ppm, p = 0.07) and K (0.00563 ± 0.000498 ppm, p = 0.026) levels were higher in mares with a follicle diameter of 1–3 cm. However, these results did not change according to the month of pregnancy, number of follicles, presence or absence of the corpus luteum in the ovaries, number of corpora lutea, and their diameters. Conclusion: Thus, we concluded that heavy metal and radioactive element levels in the ovarian follicular fluids of Kyrgyz mares do not significantly change with pregnancy status, and there are limited detrimental effects of pollution on the follicular fluids. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 583-591]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of surgical excision combined with a single shot of vincristine sulfate for treating transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) in dogs. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two dogs were divided randomly into two groups (n = 26). Dogs in Group I were treated surgically by debulking the tumorous mass, whereas dogs in Group II were subjected to a combination of surgery and a single injection of vincristine sulfate. Results: Female dogs showed a high prevalence of TVT compared to males (67.3%, n = 35 vs. 32.7%, n = 17), respectively. The German shepherd's breed showed a high prevalence of TVT compared to other breeds. There was a positive association between sex and outcomes. Most occurrences of regret in Group II were reported in females (n = 16, 61.5%) compared to male dogs (n = 10, 38.5%). There was also a positive association between breed and outcome. Most occurrences of regret in Group II were reported in German shepherd dogs (n = 16) compared to Group I (n = 7). In Group I, 15 dogs (57.7%) showed a complete regression, and 11 (42.3%) underwent recurrence. However, in Group II, 21 dogs (80.7%) showed a complete regression, and 5 dogs (19.2 %) underwent recurrence. Conclusions: It appears therefore that the simultaneous use of surgery and administration of a single dose of vincristine sulfate could be considered a combination therapy for TVT as it reduces the risk of recurrence and has a reasonable cost. Recognizing potential risk factors associated with TVT in dogs may be helpful in constructing the best preventive measures. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 553-559]

Objective: The current study evaluated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of dairy cattle through the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM) model and illustrated potential mitigation strategies by modifying nutrition interventions. Materials and Methods: A semi-structural questionnaire was developed to calculate dairy animal GHG emissions. This study comprised 40 farmers from four districts: river basin (Pabna), drought-prone (Chapainobabganj), floodplain (Nilphamari), and saline-prone (Sathkhira) areas. Ten lac¬tating cows (two cows from each farmer) were also selected to collect information on feeding practices, feed resources, feed intake (roughages and concentrate), water intake, and production and reproductive parameters for 7 days at each site during two seasons: dry (November– February) and wet (June–October). Results: The GHG emissions from the river basin area were significantly (p < 0.05) higher due to low-quality roughages (75%), whereas CH4/kg of milk production was the lowest (77.0 gm). In contrast, the area that frequently experiences drought showed a different pattern. For instance, the generation of CH4 from enteric fermentation was 1187.4 tons/year, while the production of CH4 and N2O from manure management was 323.1 tons/year and 4.86 tons/year, respectively. In comparison to other climatic areas, these values were the lowest because the supply of green grass was twice as abundant as in the other climatic areas (40%). The quantity of CH4/kg of milk produced in an area susceptible to drought did not vary. Conclusion: Implementing feeding systems in drought-prone areas is a successful approach to reducing GHG emissions in the dairy industry in Bangladesh. Consequently, implementing feed-balancing techniques can enhance productivity and foster environmentally sustainable ani¬mal production. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 664-674]

Objective: This study explores consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for labeled and certified chicken meat in Mymensingh district, examining the key socioeconomic and demographic factors that shape these preferences. Materials and Method: Data were gathered through structured interviews with 300 participants from diverse urban and rural demographics, encompassing various occupational groups. The analysis employed logistic regression models to examine the determinants of WTP for labeling and certification, with a focus on variables such as income, education, health perception, environmental awareness, dependency ratio, and market distance. Results: The study found that a significant proportion of consumers preferred labeled (64%) and certified (71%) broiler meat. Strong links between higher income and education levels and increased WTP suggest that wealthier and more literate consumers are more likely to invest in food safety measures. Positive health and environmental perceptions also played a role, with more conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for labeled and certified products. On the other hand, a higher dependency ratio and greater market distance were associated with lower WTP, underscoring the impact of socioeconomic constraints and accessibility issues on consumer choices. Conclusion: Introducing labeling and certification systems could strengthen consumer trust and enhance public health, offering substantial benefits to both the poultry industry and the broader economy in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 772-781]

Objective: This research was conducted to analyze the effect of cryopreservation of sperm using modified cryoprotectants on embryo development through in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this research, three types of cryoprotectant combinations were compared, including Nakagata, modified cryoprotectant, and commercial (Kitazato). Materials and Methods: Several parameters, namely sperm concentration, motility, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, cryo-survival rate, and viability rate, were measured and compared before vitrification and warming. Embryo development was also observed on the first and third days of development based on the cell number, cell size, and fragmentation rate. Results: Sperm cryopreservation exhibited a negative influence on embryo quality. Both Nakagata cryoprotectants and modified cryoprotectants attained good-quality embryos. In terms of embryonic development, this research revealed a modified cryoprotectant superior to Nakagata's cryoprotectant, although Kitazato was superior to the Nakagata cryoprotectant and modified cryoprotectant. Significant differences were found in the three cryoprotectants on observations on day 1 and day 3, all of them with p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: Modified cryoprotectant was found to be better than Nakagata but less significant than Kitazato in terms of embryonic development quality. Therefore, modified cryoprotectants could be a better alternative compared to commercial (Kitazato) cryoprotectants for improving embryo quality. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 544-552]