The emergence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in 2004 draws attention to the safety of rearing edible bird nest swiftlets within the vicinity of human dwellings in urban areas. There is also concern on the safety of the product itself. Convenient sampling of edible bird nest swiftlets (A. fuciphagus and A. maximus) was conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services and Animal Industry from September 2004 until June 2011. A total of 137 samples
were collected from four premises and two natural caves in four locations, namely Tawau, Kunak, Sandakan and Penampang. The samples were collected for Egg Innoculation Tests for H5N1 and Newcastle Disease (ND). All samples yielded negative results for both diseases.

The experimental trial of six weeks was undertaken on 90 broiler chicks divided into three groups. Control (To) group was fed standard broiler diet and T1 and T2 groups were provided same broiler diet supplemented with 300 and 500 mg of Spirulina per kg feed, respectively. Mean live body weight of six weeks of the experiment and live weight at the end of experiment were found to be significantly (P0.05) higher in Spirulina supplemented T1 and T2 groups of broilers than that of control (To) group. Comparatively better mean weekly weight gain and feed efficiency were also observed in Spirulina supplemented groups (T1 and T2)with decreased feed consumption as compared to control (To) group of broilers.

The world widely distributed infection by Rhodococcus equi usually leads to pneumonia and associated respiratory signs. This study is aimed at detecting the occurrence of this pathogen in selected horse farms. A total of 12 R. equi isolates from few samples (13.89%) were successfully obtained from soil and faeces collected from two selected farms. However, based on the vapA gene classification, only one virulent R. equi isolate was identified.

A number of studies have measured collagen fibers and collagen
deposition in wound healing process with advances imaging techniques. However, these are performed by complicated methods and need specific tools. In search of the easier ways in routine histopathological laboratory, collagen measurement and staining pattern of wound healing process were observed in wounded skin of Sprague Dawley’s rat by using two different stains which are standard haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and modified Masson’s
trichrome staining (MT). The comparison between these staining in wounded tissues was made to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both staining in wound healing study for 21 days postwounding. Tissues which stained with MT staining was then evaluated its collagen re-organization and density by using polarized light microscope with the aid of image analyzer software. Results showed that tissues stained with standard H&E could not be used to measure and differentiate the collagen deposition which is contradictory to MT staining. Wounded tissue stained with MT staining has showed a clear view of collagen fibers deposition
and re-organisation compared to H&E staining. This finding could validate the using of modified MT staining which leads to accurate histopathological analysis and observation in wound healing study.

This paper reports on the laboratory animal population in the
Laboratory Animal Unit, Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Ipoh from 2005 to 2010. Laboratory Animal Unit is a complementary unit which serves to supply laboratory animals to all diagnostic and research units in VRI. The objective of this unit is to breed and produce laboratory animals such as rabbits, mice, rats, guinea
pigs and hamsters for research projects as well as diagnostic and biological activities. The unit also supplies laboratory animals to
private agencies, universities and schools. There are 6 species of laboratory animals in VRI namely rabbit (New Zealand Breed), guinea pig (Hartlay Strain), hamster (Golden Syrian), white mice (Swiss Albino), BALB/c mice and Sprague Dawley Rat. Management of the animals includes breeding, fertility, production and disease monitoring. Generally, white mice bred well and had a high population
from 2005 to 2010 compared to the other laboratory animals due to their short gestation period and large litter size. With the higher current demand for laboratory animals, the production of the unit is
expected to increase.

A biogas plant is an anaerobic digester that produces biogas from organic materials such as animal waste, sewage slurry, vegetable waste and others. The Department of Veterinary Services had developed a small-scale biogas plant at a commercial dairy farm
in Semenyih, Selangor. The objectives of this project were to promote green technology and zero waste concepts on animal farming as well as to mitigate adverse effects on the environment due to unsystematic management of animal waste disposal. The biogas produced was used as fuel for biogas lamp, biogas stove, biogas water heater, biogas rice cooker and 1 kW biogas generator. The generator was connected to the distribution board in order to supply electricity to a few switch sockets and lighting system for farm use. A biogas plant in an animal farm is one of the green technology applications because it not only produces renewable gas and generates
electricity but also minimises greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. Furthermore, the residual solid waste
produced at the end of the process can be dried to be used as organic fertiliser.

Rodents particularly those belonging to the Muridae family in Malaysia have been well studied because of their medical and economic importance. Much of the work on rodents has been focusing on the identification of endo and ecto parasites. Parasites in rats (Murids) particularly helminthes belonging to the Nematoda family have been described by many workers for more than a century. This
paper is an attempt to compile 50 papers on rodent nematodes that has been published in various scientific journals over the last
100 years in Malaysia. It is hoped that this literature overview on rodent nematodes will come useful as a reference material for the budding parasitologist and biology scientist.

<span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>The objective was to test the hypothesis that there is variation of some protein components, biochemical and glucose from the blood of goats in the postpartum period. ElevenBôer goats were used to evaluate the serum following variables: total protein (TP), albumin, α-globulin, β-globulin, γ-globulin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), aspartate (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine, urea and glucose. These components were determined in moments zero (immediately after delivery), two, seven, 15, 30 and 75 days postpartum. The β-globulin, IgG, creatinine and urea from the goats did not show significant variations, the blood glucose at time zero was greater than the baseline values due to physiological stimulation of glycogenesis determined by the increase of cortisol in delivery. The blood constituents of goats showed variations in the period to 75 days postpartum as a result physiological causes related to delivery and postpartum.</p></span></span> | <span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>Objetivou-se testar a hipótese de que ocorre variação de alguns componentes proteicos, bioquímicos e glicêmicos do sangue de cabras no período pós-parto. Utilizaram-se 11 cabras para avaliar as seguintes variáveis séricas: proteína total (PT), albumina, α-globulina, β-globulina, γ-globulina, imunoglobulina G (IgG), aspartatoaminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA), gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), creatinina,ureia e glicemia. Esses componentes foram determinados nos momentos zero (imediatamente após o parto), dois, sete, 15, 30 e 75 dias pós-parto. A β-globulina, IgG, creatinina e uréia das cabras não apresentaram variações significativas; a glicemia no momento zero foi maior que os valores basais fisiológicos devido ao estímulo da glicogênese determinado pelo aumento de cortisol no parto. Os constituintes sanguíneos das cabras evidenciaram variações no período até 75 dias pós-parto em consequência de causas fisiológicas ligadas ao parto e puerpério.</p></span></span>

<span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>Estrous cycle of eight Nelore heifers were evaluated during different seasons of the year (autumn n=11; winter n=8; spring n=9 and summer n=9) with daily count and measurement of follicles ≥3mm, blood was collected every 12h for LH and progesterone (P4), and after estrous every 3h for LH peak. Five ovariectomized heifers were injected with 17β-estradiol (2μg/kg) every season and blood samples collected every 3h (for 30h) thereafter for LH quantification. The monthly percent body weight difference (Δ%) did not vary among seasons. P4 concentration was higher (p&lt;0.01) and follicle number lower during autumn and summer compared to winter and spring. During winter there were more estrous cycles with three and during summer only cycles with two follicular waves (p&lt;0.01). As LH secretion did not vary despite P4 concentration and as there was negative correlation between higher P4 values and daily percentile variation of photoperiod (Δ%, p&lt;0.01; r= -0.45) it is possible to suppose that there is seasonal variation on luteal cell sensitivity to LH. In the ovariectomized Nelore heifers, the LH basal concentration (without estradiol stimulus, p=0.02) and the LH response to estradiol (p&lt;0.01) were lower during summer, leading to the hypothesis that there is seasonal variation of hypothalamic sensitivity to estradiol. According to the present experiment there are suggestions of seasonal reproduction in Nelore heifers.</p></span></span> | <span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>Ciclos estrais em oito novilhas Nelore foram acompanhados durante diferentes estações (outono n=11; inverno n=8; primavera n=9; verão n=9) com contagem e diâmetro de folículos ≥ 3 mm diariamente, com colheitas de sangue a cada 12 h para LH e P4, e a cada 3 h para o pico de LH. Cinco novilhas ovariectomizadas receberam 17β estradiol (2μg/kg) em cada estação, com colheitas de sangue a cada 3 h para quantificar LH. A diferença percentual (Δ%) do peso entre os meses não variou entre as estações. Durante o ciclo estral, a concentração de P4 (média e máxima) foi maior (p&lt;0,01), e o número de folículos menor (p&lt;0,01), no outono e verão, se comparados ao inverno e primavera. No inverno houve mais ciclos com três ondas e no verão somente ciclos com duas ondas foliculares (p&lt;0,01). Como as características da secreção de LH não foram diferentes apesar da variação na concentração de P4, e como houve correlação negativa entre os valores máximos de P4 e a variação percentual (Δ%) diária no fotoperíodo (p&lt;0,01; r= -0,45), supõe-se que haja variação sazonal na sensibilidade das células luteínicas ao LH. Nas novilhas ovariectomizadas, a concentração basal (sem estradiol) circanual de LH foi menor no verão (p=0,02), assim como a sua secreção em resposta ao estradiol (p&lt;0,01), o que permite supor que também haja uma variação sazonal na sensibilidade hipotalâmica ao estradiol. De acordo com o presente experimento, há indícios de sazonalidade reprodutiva em novilhas Nelore.</p></span></span>

<span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>We used 72 piglets at 21 days old and the aim was to determine the effect of probiotics on performance of piglets challenged with E. coli. The design was a randomized block design with 2x2 factorial arrangement. The four treatments were: with probiotic and challenge, with probiotic without challenge, without probiotic with challenge, without probiotic and challenge. The probiotic was administered via Protexin ™ diet, from 21 to 63 days old and 35 days, the animals in treatments 1 and 3 were challenged. The variables were: average weight at 35, 49 and 63 days old, daily weight gain from 35 to 49 days, 49 to 63 days, from 35 to 63 days and fecal score. The variables average weight, daily weight gain and diarrhea score were subjected to analysis of variance by PROC GLM. In terms of weight and weight gain was found beneficial effect of probiotic when these characteristics were associated with the occurrence of diarrhea post-challenge and the reduction of E. coli. It was concluded that the probiotic used in the experimental model showed clear effect on the reductions of E. coli and diarrhea, are relatively influenced in the performance of piglets.</p></span></span> | Foram utilizados 72 animais aos 21 dias de idade para averiguar o efeito do probiótico no desempenho de leitões desafiados com E. coli. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com arranjo fatorial 2x2. Os quatro tratamentos foram: probiótico com desafio; probiótico sem desafio; sem probiótico com desafio; sem probiótico e sem desafio. O probiótico Protexin™ foi administrado via ração, dos 21 aos 63 dias de idade e aos 35 dias, os animais dos tratamentos 1 e 3 foram desafiados. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso médio aos 35, 49 e 63 dias de idade; ganho diário de peso dos 35 aos 49 dias; dos 49 aos 63 dias; dos 35 aos 63 dias e escore fecal. As variáveis ganho diário de peso, peso médio e escore fecal foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo PROC GLM. Em relação ao peso e ganho de peso verificou-se ação benéfica do probiótico quando se associaram estas características com a ocorrência de diarréia pós-desafio e a redução da E. coli. Concluiu-se que o probiótico no modelo experimental aplicado apresentou efeito notório nas reduções de E. coli e da diarréia, podendo exercer influência no desempenho dos leitões.