Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically important, contagious poultry viral disease reported across the globe. No recent reports on ND circulating in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of the study is to characterize 16 Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) isolated from chickens in Malaysia in the year of 2019. All isolates were genotypically analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers specific to the viral fusion (F) protein gene. Analysis of the F protein cleavage site’s deduced amino acid sequences revealed that from the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates, three of them were virulent with two different motifs of 112RRQKRF117 and 12RRRKRF117 while other isolates were avirulent. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that three isolates were grouped in genotype VII, five in genotype I while eight in genotype II. All genotype VII isolates were clustered under sub-genotype VII.2 (VIIh and VIIi) which is the same strain causing previous outbreaks in Malaysia. Therefore, findings in this study demonstrated that there is no new introduction of NDV genotypes in Malaysia. However, farms should implement biosecurity measures at strict level as well as executing continuous monitoring and surveillance of the disease as these implementations would help them to conduct proper preventive measures and control of panzootic viruses in future.

Infection with gastrointestinal helminths has been a key factor affecting profitable animal production globally. Pig production in Nigeria has been adversely affected by presence of endoparasites. However, type of husbandry system can affect the prevalence of the parasites, thus, there is a need for this study to look at the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the production of pigs in this tertiary institutional farm in Southwestern Nigeria. Faecal analysis for intestinal helminths was conducted on the pigs using saturated sodium chloride floatation technique. One hundred and fifty faecal samples were taken with only Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp and Trichuris spp ova identified in single and mixed infection. The overall prevalence rate was 20%. Mixed infections remained more dominant (15.31%) with Ascaris suum having the highest occurrence as a single infection (3.33%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp (2%) and Trichuris spp (1.33%). Females had higher prevalence of nematode infection (14.67%) compared to males (5.33%). Comparing breeds, Large White had 14.67% prevalence of nematode infection which is higher than that of Duroc (5.33%). Weaners had no presence of helminths, whereas growers had the highest prevalence (9.33%), while piglets and adults had the same prevalence of nematode infection (5.33%). One of the factors that affect good productivity in pig farming is low presence of helminthes. Pork eaters are hereby encouraged to buy their meat from institutional farms as they produce safer meats for consumption.

Cost of feed is one of the primary stumbling blocks for goat farming in Malaysia. Stage feeding was introduced as a method to formulate feed at minimum cost based on the requirement of different stages of production to improve overall farm productivity. A study was conducted to evaluate 5 feeding rations formulated based on the requirements of different production stages on Katjang-Boer crossbred. Ration formulated of creep feed (CF) for a period of 101d, starter grower (SG) (70d), grower finisher (GF) (98d), flushing feed (FF) (97d) and maintenance feed (MF) (155d) were compared with commercial feed (CCF and CMF) as control. Results showed a significantly higher (P<0.05 preweaning bodyweight of 12.83 ± 3.61 kg in CF at 101 days of age. Post weaning also achieved significantly higher bodyweight (P<0.05 of 22.20±2.78kg and 31.5±4.67 in SG (223 days) and GF (361 days) of age respectively. Feed cost per kg gain obtain in CF (RM5.68), SG (RM9.03) and GF (RM6.57) were lower compared to CCM of RM6.14, RM10.27 and 12.99 respectively. FF showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) of 67.01 ± 14.42 g while MF was able to maintain body weight at minimum cost. Stage feeding proved to be able to meet nutritional needs through significantly higher body weight in CF, SG, GF and FF as well as lower feed cost per kg gain rendering it as a more economical option.

To investigate premium palm kernel cake (PKC) based diet’s effect on amino acid digestibility, this study conducted a feeding trial. Four groups of 150 day-old broiler chickens in every group were given four isocaloric diets using these formulation: Diet 1 - commercial feed for both starter and grower phase Diet 2 - broiler feed that contains 30% PKC for starter phase + commercial grower, Diet 3 - commercial starter + broiler feed that contains 45% PKC for grower phase (and Diet 4 - broiler feed that contains 30% PKC for starter phase + broiler feed that contains 45 % premium PKC for grower phase. During the experiment’s day 31, bird faeces’ samples were collected based on group diets in order to estimate the availability of amino acid as well as the digestibility of amino acids using balance experiment. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with photo-diode array detector was used to analyse amino acid. The findings showed no significant difference in digestibility of amino acids with p<0.05 in the feed broiler chickens’ comparison with commercial feed in terms of different levels of PKC based diet. This study shows that by including 30-45% premium PKC in poultry diet, it could contribute as protein source in broiler feed production with suitable supplementation of essential amino acid. Further studies are encouraged to combine the analysis of excreta, ileal digesta and growth performance in order to achieve more concrete findings.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is contagious and fatal to humans. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant concerns on food safety and security are rising due to potential interspecies transmission. As such, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 on imported meat and animal parts is carried out and reported in this study to safeguard food safety and security. Overall, none of the 225 samples from various livestock (buffaloes, cattle, goat and pig) imported from seven countries were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) from July 2020 to November 2021. This study finding serves as a baseline data for SARS-CoV-2 in imported meat and animal parts. Notably, this study accentuated the importance of active surveillance to prevent zoonosis and to safeguard food safety and security.

Napier Pakchong (Cenchrus purpureus cv. Pakchong) is another cultivar of Napier grass which was introduced from Thailand. This cultivar is mostly adapted for local soil conditions in Malaysia, has high yield and relatively high protein content making Napier Pakchong suitable for ruminant feeding. This experiment was carried out to determine the dry matter yield and nutritive values of Napier Pakchong at three different cutting ages (6ᵗʰ, 7ᵗʰ and 8ᵗʰ weeks old). All plots underwent a standard preparation and basal fertilizers during grass establishment. The cutting treatments were carried out 3 times at the 6ᵗʰ, 7ᵗʰ and 8ᵗʰ weeks. After each harvest, the rates of maintenance fertilizer used were NPK 150:60:100 (kg/ha/year). The harvested forage was weighed and sent for dry matter yield and proximate analysis. The data were analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the programme of SAS (Package Version 9.4). The difference between treatment means was measured by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5 % level of significance. The data showed that dry matter yield production increased in line with the cutting interval. Crude protein (CP) value declined as the harvesting interval increased. Even though the CP value declined, the CP percentage still fulfils the protein requirements for ruminants. It is suggested that Napier Pakchong harvested at 7th to 8th weeks due to optimum dry matter yield and nutritive value.

The advantages of ventral and flank approaches for ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in terms of wound healing rate when compared to each other are still understudied. The effects of different OHE approaches on the wound healing rates of cats in Selangor, Malaysia were investigated. A total of 50 female cats were randomly included in this study. They were divided into the ventral-approach group (n=25) and the flank approach group (n=25). The wound healing rates and possible complications that could arise from the surgery in all cats were monitored daily from Day 1 until Day 7 post-surgery. Data were analysed using Independent T-test. Overall, the incision site wound healing rate in cats from the flank-approach group was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in cats from the ventral-approach group (72.55 ± 3.48 % vs. 59.91 ± 3.34 %; mean ± SEM). Complete healing of the incision site was observed in 12 % of cats from the flank-approach group as compared to 8 % of cats from the ventral-approach group. However, 8 % of cats from the ventral approach group had post-surgery complications whereas the flank-approach group had none. Results from the alternative approach may be attributed to reduced accessibility and contamination of the incision site during recovery

Total solids content in milk is measured to ensure the quality of fresh milk. In Malaysia, The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) monitors the quality and safety of fresh milk from the dairy farm to milk processors through the Milk Collection Centre (MCC). The aim of this study is to assess the quality of milk produced by dairy farmers from four MCCs in Perak based on the milk’s total solids content. This parameter was used to grade fresh milk into Grade A, Grade B and Grade C, and used by DVS of Perak state for milk pricing. The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) had received a total of 2397 samples of fresh milk from MCCs in Perak in the year 2018. Statistical analysis showed that the mean total solids content in milk from the four MCCs were significantly different (p<0.05) (Sg. Siput: 13.26%, Tapah: 12.60% Parit 12.87% and Taiping 12.99%). Overall, about 69.17% of samples were that of Grade A, 24.81% were Grade B and 6.02% were Grade C. This study showed that Sungai Siput MCC was the main contributor for Grade A milk while Taiping MCC was the highest contributor of Grade C milk. The result of this study also indicated that milk produced by dairy farmers in Perak was of good quality, yet there are still the needs for improvement in providing constantly high quality of milk.

Liquid manures stored produce a significant amount of methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) gas from biological anaerobic fermentation. Studies carried out to evaluate a potential biological cover on inhibiting gases emission and simple cover design to overcome the high cost of biogas production on covered lagoon types that are available on the market. The agriculture waste from rice straw, cocopeat, hay, and sawdust were used as biological covers in reducing CH4 emission and NH3 volatilisation from ruminant slurries. During ninety days of the undisturbed storage period, immediate reduction of CH4 and NH3 gases fluxes were observed after the application. Rice straw and coco peat were found to effectively reduce the emission of CH4 and NH3 between 45.5% and 56.9%. Other biological cover showed a slightly lower reduction on NH3 volatilisation and much lower in CH4 inhibition percentage (28-29%). Covering method was found to be suitable with Malaysia’s climate in reducing greenhouse gas emission from slurry manure.

The poultry industry is the most advanced and independent among livestock industry in Malaysia with over 100 percent self-sufficient level (SSL) since 2004. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) has launched National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) in October 2021. One of the objectives is to increase the poultry’s SSL to 140.2 % by 2030, an increase from 104.10 % in 2020. The objective of this study was to analyze the production cost of selected commercial broiler farms in Malaysia. The scope of the study was to evaluate the economic assessment of broiler production in order to understand the industry widely and also to identify which segments along the production line need to be improved and at the same time to ensure that this industry remains competitive and productive. Production cost data were obtained from selected commercial broilers via questionnaire forms. The result showed that the average broiler production cost is RM4.40/kg. Small farms have higher total average cost per kg, which is RM4.70, followed by commercial scale farms at RM4.43 and medium-scale farms at RM4.29, respectively. Feed cost contributes 66 % of the total production cost of whole expenditure followed by day-old chick’s cost, 19 %. The average profit estimation is RM0.65/kg based on RM5.05/kg for the ex-farm price of live poultry.