Objective: This work investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in communally consumed cheeses in Egypt. Materials and Methods: This study examined 100 samples of Domiati, Tallaga, Cheddar, and Ras cheese collected from several shops and supermarkets. Samples were spread on selective media to isolate bacterial strains. Molecular characterization of bacterial isolates was carried out using polymerase chain reaction to determine Shiga toxin 1 (stx1), Shiga toxin 2 (stx2), eaeA, and nuc genes. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to 14 antibiotics by disk diffusion assay. Results: In this study, several E. coli serotypes were identified. E. coli O26:H11, O103:H2, and O111:H2 expressed stx1/2, E. coli O114:H4 expressed stx1, E. coli O17:H18, O21:H7 and O146:H21 expressed stx2, while only E. coli O26:H11 and O111:H2 expressed eaeA. The E. coli isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, while most isolates (82.4%) showed multidrug resistance (MDR). AMR to erythromycin was the highest (100%), followed by nalidixic acid (94.1%), cefotax¬ime (82.4%), vancomycin and cephalothin (64.7%), penicillin G (52.9%), sulfamethoxazole (47.1%), amikacin and kanamycin (35.3%), ampicillin (29.4%), tetracycline and ciprofloxacin (23.5%), and doxycycline (11.8%), while gentamicin showed the least resistance (5.9%). The multiple antibi¬otic resistance (MAR) index of the isolated E. coli ranged from 0.071 to 1 (mean = 0.478). All S. aureus isolates expressed the nuc gene and demonstrated resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 90% of isolates were MDR. AMR to kanamycin and cephalothin was the highest (100%), fol¬lowed by penicillin (90%), doxycycline (70%), nalidixic acid and sulfamethoxazole (60%), erythro¬mycin (50%), tetracycline, cefotaxime, and gentamicin (40%), ciprofloxacin and ampicillin (30%), and amikacin (20%). In comparison, vancomycin showed the least resistance (10%). MAR index of isolated S. aureus ranged from 0.143 to 1 (mean = 0.529). Conclusion: The antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and S. aureus are potential risks for public health and may have a role in disseminating AMR to other pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 246-255]

This review attempted to explain factors associated with negative energy balance (NEB) occur¬ring during the periparturient period in dairy cows raised under tropical climatic conditions. The NEB has long been proven as an inevitable event in periparturient dairy cows. This condition had negative effects on the overall performances of dairy cows, including milk production, reproduc¬tion, and health condition. Therefore, periparturient management to overcome the NEB problem is vital for optimizing profit in dairy farming. In most tropical countries such as Thailand, dairy cows have been predominantly kept by small-holder farmers. Consequently, baseline milk yields, feed availability, feeding management, and general farming practices are different from typical commercial dairy farming. Heat stress also plays a crucial role in NEB conditions, and elevated temperature-humidity indexes above-normal conditions are recorded throughout the year. These factors influence the NEB in tropical dairy cows, which could result in different outcomes and consequences. Understanding the affecting components of NEB in dairy cows would help alleviate the severity of the NEB and its consequences, optimizing the dairy cows performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 378-387]

Objective: Anticoccidial drugs may lead to the development of drug resistance and drug residues. Herbal extracts could be an attractive alternative. This research was undertaken to evaluate the anticoccidial outcome of Carica papaya compared with the anticoccidial drug (Toltazuril) in Sonali chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 Sonali chickens were evenly and equally allocated into four groups, namely T1 (non-infected control), T2 (infected control), T3 (treated with C. papaya), and T4 (treated with Toltrazuril). All groups were experimentally infected with oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. orally except T1, and the mixed Eimeria spp. oocyst load (OL), body weight (BW) gain, and hematological parameters were calculated. Results: In the findings, the highest OL reduction rate in T4 was 100%, while the T3 was 83.44%. Nevertheless, BW differed significantly (p < 0.01) among the different groups, while the daily BW gain was higher in T3 amounting to 8.10 gm. In the case of hematological parameter, total eryth¬rocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in different groups were almost the same and were also statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) barring total leukocyte count resulting as significant (p < 0.05) at day 30. Additionally, the results of Pearsons correlation in T3 at day 30 indicated a strong significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation between OL and BW (r = −0.780) with the following regression equation: y = −0.16*x + 433.665. Moreover, the correlation of TEC, PCV, and Hb with OL was significantly (p < 0.01) negative, r = −0.786, r = −0.752 and r = −0.633, where the regression equations were y = −0.03*x + 4.51, y = −0.03*x + 27.42, and y = −0.04*x + 11.40, respectively. Conclusion: Long-term use of C. papaya leaves extracts effectively controls coccidiosis in Sonali chickens and can act as an effective growth promoter. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 91-100]

Objective: This experiment was undertaken to assess the scope and cost-effectiveness of the fer¬mented corn mixture (FCM)-based buffalo fattening approach compared to urea molasses straw (UMS) and silage-based approach. Materials and Methods: A completely comparative randomized design experiment was con¬ducted for 90 days with three treatments and five buffalo bulls in each. UMS, silage, and FCM roughage-based fattening diets were attributed as T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Two types of protein supplements, i.e., Type 1 (Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute-developed) for T1 and T2 and Type 2 (prescribed by farmers) for T3 treatments, were used. All the parameters were analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, 20 software. Results: Dry matter intake (kg, %live weight) was significantly higher in T1 (2.65), followed by T2 (2.34) and T3 (2.00), respectively. The crude protein intake, digestible crude protein intake, and digestible dry matter intake (kg/d) significantly (p < 0.05) differed between T1 and T3, but not T2. The digest¬ibility of acid detergent fiber (65.97) was significantly higher for T3 than T1 and T2 (54.44 and 58.73, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber digestibility of T3 (70.35) also differed (p < 0.05) with T1 (60.97) but not T2 (64.78). No difference was observed in the case of growth, but feed conversion ration was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) better in T2 (7.10) than T1 (8.35), where T3 (7.24) was neutral. The significantly (p < 0.001) highest expense [216.37 Bangladesh taka (BDT)/kg gain] was required for T1, followed by T2 and T3 (174.47 and 126.33 BDT/kg gain, respectively). Net profit from T3 and T2 (15,877 and 15,175 BDT, respectively) gained significantly (p < 0.05) higher than T1 (11,265 BDT). Conclusion: The FCM-based diet was suitable and cost-effective as a buffalo fattening approach. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 195-202]

Objective: The TYR (Tyrosinase) and MC1R (Melanocortin 1 receptor) genes are recognized as important genes involved in plumage pigmentation in Korean native chickens. Specifically, most color patterns in chicken result from differential expression of the TYR gene. In this study, the co-segregation of the pigmentation and sequence of the TYR and MC1R genes was investigated through intercrosses between red (R1q1), red with black and black plumage color types of native Korean chickens. Materials and Methods: Using DNA, RNA, and tissue by plumage color of each Korean native chickens, the role of major genes in pigmentation of pheomelanin was evaluated. Reverse tran¬scription polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, western blot, and immunohistochemical were performed to determine the effect of TYR and MC1R genes on plumage pigmentation in Korean native chickens. Results: The KCO line (Korean chicken Ogol: Black-line) with an EEC _ genotype exhibited black feathers, whereas red and red mixed with black chicken with EeC genotype exhibited white feathers. There were notable differences between the base sequences of MC1R and TYR in three Korean chicken breeds, with the highest variation in TYR. Perhaps this is the key characteristics of Korean chicken. Further, we analyzed the expression patterns of MC1R and TYR genes in each type of Korea native chicken and observed that TYR expression was high in feather follicle (R1q2) of KCO tissue. However, native red (Korean chicken red) and native red with black (Korean chicken red dark) chickens have increased TYR expression in the tissue. However, the expression of MC1R was much different from that of TYR. Conclusion: In this study, our results suggest that the differences in position and TYR expres¬sion levels exert more influence on plumage pigmentation in native Korean chicken breeds than changes in MC1R expression levels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 266-273]

Objectives: The study intended to detect the presence and distribution of avian encephalomyeli¬tis virus (AEV)-specific antibodies in Sonali (cross-bred) parent chickens regarding farm location, flock size, and age in Bogura district of Bangladesh, a Sonali chicken belt. Materials and methods: A total of 275 Sonali parent chickens blood samples were collected ran¬domly from 39 flocks during laying age with a healthy and non-vaccination history against AEV. Blood samples were collected aseptically from the wing veins of chickens using 3-ml syringes and sera were separated. Then, the sera were transferred to the laboratory by maintaining a cool chain. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the specific antibodies against AEV present in the sera samples. Results: Overall, 70.18% of the chickens were found seropositive for AEV antibodies. Based on the location, the highest seropositivity was recorded in Bogura Sadar [91.30%, confidence inter¬vals (CI) 79.21%97.58%], and the lowest was in the Adomdighi sub-district (45.45%, CI 29.49% 63.08%). For flock size, AEV seropositivity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the large flock (82.22%, CI 72.74%89.48%). Regarding age groups, the seropositivity of AEV was significantly (p < 0.05) increased with chickens age. Higher seropositivity was noted in chickens aged >51 weeks (89.32%, CI 81.69%94.55%). Conclusion: The results indicate that AEV is circulating in the environment, and chickens were exposed to the field strain of AEV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on AEV in chickens in Bangladesh. Proper vaccination and standard farm biosecurity practice could minimize AEV infection in chickens. A detailed epidemiology study, detection, and characterization of the AEV would be essential for effective AEV infection control. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 78-83]

Objectives: The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary energy and protein level growth performances of selected indigenous Ethiopian sheep breeds. Materials and Methods: Fifty intact ram lambs, 25 from each breed with 12 months of age and a mean initial body weight (IBW) of 19.31 ± 1.7 kg, were employed for this experiment. Animals were distributed randomly into five dietary treatments, i.e., minimum Energy and Protein (mEmP), medium energy and protein (MEMP), medium Energy and high Protein (MEHP), high energy and medium protein (HEMP), and high Energy and high Protein (HEHP) diets in randomized complete block design with 2 * 5 factorial arrangements. The minimum, medium, and high energy diets were 2.388, 2.866, and 3.344 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM) with the corresponding 10%, 16%, and 20% crude protein (CP) diets, respectively. The diets were formulated in a total mixed ration from wheat bran (WB), maize grain, peanut cake, and pasture hay feed ingredients. Diet offer was at the rate of 3% of lambs live weight and revised biweekly as per the attained body weight changes. Digestibility trial was conducted for 7 days of actual fecal data collection, followed by 90 days of feeding trial. Results: The animals fed on the MEHP diet had a maximum DM and nutrient intakes (CP and organic matter) and the best final body weight (FBW), total gain, gain rate, average daily gains, and feed conversion efficiency (31.3, 12.9 kg, 41.2%, 143.3 gm, and 23.13, respectively), followed by HEMP, HEHP, MEMP, and mEmP diets. Digestibility of DM and nutrients linearly followed similar trends (p < 0.01). Hararghe sheep was heavier (p < 0.01) by 4.3 and 3.1 kg in its FBW and total gain and more efficient in nutrients utilization (22.57 vs. 18.18) as compared to Afar sheep (AS). Conclusion: It is concluded that MEHP and MEMP are superior and optimum diets for sheep breeds, and Hararghe sheep is carried out better than AS in most growth performance parameters. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 185-194]

Objective: A phylogenetic study was carried out on the avian influenza virus (AIV) isolated from a disease outbreak in Sidenreng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in 2018. Material and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs and organ samples were obtained from ducks that showed clinical symptoms: torticollis, fascial edema, neurological disorders, the corneas appear cloudy, and death occurs less than 1 day after symptoms appear. In this study, isolate A/duck/ Sidenreng Rappang/07180110-11/2018 from duck was sequenced and characterized. Results: It was found that each gene segment of the virus has the highest nucleotide homology to the Indonesian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c. Multiple alignments of the sample Hemagglutinin (HA) gene with the avian influenza references virus showed that the pattern of amino acid arrangement in the cleavage site PQRERRRK-RGLF is the characteristic of the HPAI virus. In addition, the HA gene contained Q222 (glutamine) and G224 (glycine), signify¬ing a high affinity to avian receptor binding specificity (SA α2,3 Gal). Furthermore, there was no genetic reassortment of this virus based on the phylogenetic analysis of HA, NA, PB1, PB2, PA, NP, M, and NS genes. Conclusion: The HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c virus was identified in duck farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 346-354]

Objective: Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an economically important emerging infec¬tion of poultry as it causes immunosuppression and reduces egg production. Although it is world¬wide distributed and first reported (single case) in Bangladesh in 2002, no epidemiological and serological investigations have been conducted. The current study aimed to conduct a serologi¬cal investigation on the prevalence of CIAV infection in broiler breeder and layer farms in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total number of 460 sera samples were randomly collected from unvac¬cinated broiler breeder and layer flocks, of which 276 were from 11 broiler breeder farms and 184 from 12 layer farms. The sera samples were subjected to a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to observe antibodies induced by CIAV. Results: Results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of CIAV was 83.6% among a total of 460 samples. In broiler breeder birds, the prevalence was 89.9%, whereas it was 78.3% in layer birds. A higher number of female birds was found to be seropositive than male birds. However, chickens of all age groups were found to be susceptible to the virus. Conclusions: These results indicate the presence of CIAV in Bangladesh, which may be the sequel of naturally occurring either vertical or horizontal infection in all bird flocks tested without clinical symptoms of the disease. A further epidemiological investigation will be required, followed by molecular isolation and characterization of the virus for suitable vaccine candidate selection and/ or preparation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 323-329]

Objective: The efficacy of Salmonella typhimurium-specific bacteriophage STP-1 on S. typhimurium infection in weaning piglets was evaluated in this study. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight weaning piglets were randomly allocated to four groups (Group A: non-challenged/basal; Group B: non-challenged/+phage; Group C: challenged/basal; Group D: challenged/+phage) according to S. typhimurium infection or bacteriophage administration. The total experimental period (14 days) was subdivided in to non-challenged periods (phase I; day 17) and challenged periods (phase II; day 714) based on the challenging date (day 7). Each group was fed with basal feed or feed supplemented with bacteriophage STP-1 [1.0 × 109 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/kg] during the whole period (day 114). Body weights (BW) were measured to evaluate growth performance. Clinical symptoms (rectal temperatures and fecal consistency) induced by S. typhimurium were regularly checked. Bacteria colonization levels in feces and intestinal tissue samples were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After necropsy, small intestine samples (jejunum) were collected. Villus height and crypt depth (CD) were measured through histological examination with H&E staining. Results: The supplementation of bacteriophage significantly reduced bacterial colonization and intestine damage in the piglets infected with S. typhimurium. In the antigen concentrations of the feces and jejunum, Group C showed 5.8 ± 0.6, 5.7 ± 0.6, and 1.2 ± 2.0 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml on 1, 3, and 7 days post-inoculation (DPI) and 2.8 ± 1.3 log CFU/ml, whereas Group D showed 3.5 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 2.1, and 0.3 ± 0.9 log CFU/ml on 1, 3, and 7 DPI and 5.1 ± 0.9 log CFU/ml. In the villous height, Groups C and D showed 266.3 ± 24.1 and 324.6 ± 18.0 μm, respectively. In the goblet cell density of villi and crypts, Group C showed 10.0 ± 1.8 and 16.0 ± 3.7, while Group D showed 15.0 ± 4.8 and 21.1 ± 5.4. Also, the supplementation of bacteriophage significantly improved the growth performance in the infected piglets. The average daily gains of Groups C and D were 91 ± 24 and 143 ± 23, respectively, during the period after inoculation with S. typhimurium. Conclusion: The dietary supplementation of the phage was effective for alleviating S. typhimurium infection in post-weaning piglets. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 440-447]