Objective: The poultry industry plays a key role in developing socio-economic and health sectors in Bangladesh. Poultry waste is a potential environmental threat as untreated poultry waste is used in vegetable gardens. The study aimed to investigate the current situation of small-scale poultry farms and their waste management practices in selected areas of Bangladesh and detect Escherichia coli and Salmonella in vegetables from farms using untreated poultry waste as fertilizer. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 86 small-scale poultry farms from different upazilas of Mymensingh and Khulna districts. 104 samples, including vegetables, poultry litter, water, and soil, were collected from vegetable gardens, ponds, fields, and wet markets in Mymensingh district to detect microbial contamination. Bacteria were identified based on their growth and colony morphology on selective media and motility tests. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a commercial PCR kit. Results: The survey revealed that mostly middle-aged males were involved in poultry farming. Most of the farmers had primary education and engaged in farming for about 5 years without training. In the study area, 37% of farmers collected droppings daily in the morning and used them as organic fertilizer. About 58% of farmers did not know the hygienic handlings of droppings and faced health problems. In PCR, either E. coli or Salmonella or both were confirmed in vegeta¬bles, litter, soil, and pond water. Conclusion: Appropriate poultry waste management practices can reduce the possible contami¬nation of microbial agents in the human food chain. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 72-79]

Objectives: The objective of this work was to estimate the diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) para¬site species, their prevalence, and risk factors in Black Bengal goats (BBGs) of Natore, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from randomly selected 260 BBGs were processed through Stoll's ova counting method, floatation, and simple sedimentation method. Microscopy-based identification of parasitic eggs, cysts, or oocysts was made. A semi-structured question¬naire-based data on host and management practices were collected from the owner. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: The overall prevalence of GI parasites in BBGs was 65.4%, with an individual prevalence of 8.5% for Fasciola gigantica, 21.5% for Paramphistomum spp., 20% for Haemonchus spp., 34.2% for Strongyloides spp., 8.5% for Trichuris spp., and 9.2% for Eimeria spp. No significant effect of host age, gender, body condition, animal rearing system, or housing floor type was observed on parasitism. Animals of young age, female, poorly body-conditioned, living in a free-range system, and housed on a muddy floor had a relatively higher susceptibility to infection. Deworming had a significant impact on reducing the frequency of caprine GI parasitism. Conclusions: Despite the significant effect of anthelmintic, the elevated prevalence of GI parasites in BBGs suggests a critical need for developing effective strategies to prevent caprine parasitoses. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 80-87]

Cryptosporidium is a primary cause of waterborne epidemics, despite being previously considered only an opportunistic pathogen. The disease is associated with significant economic losses in humans and animals that are brought on by diarrhea, which frequently causes dehydration. Contact with diseased people or animals, as well as polluted water, is the major cause of infection. Different drugs are used to control the parasites. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), which is an anti-protozoan and anti-viral drug, can be used to control helminths, viruses, and protozoan parasites as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been approved by the food and drug authority (FDA). However, the problem is the development of resistance over a period of time in these parasites. Nanoparticles have received significant attention as possible anti-parasitic agents in recent years. By directing medications to specific cellular locations, targeted drug delivery minimizes the side effects of medications. Nanoparticles have demonstrated effectiveness against different Cryptosporidium species. Nanoparticles loaded with NTZ are found to be an effective remedy for C. parvum in young ones and decrease the oocyst count shed in the stools. Additionally, silver nanoparticles have proven to be effective against C. parvum by releasing silver ions that breach the cell wall of the oocyst, causing the escape of intracellular contents and the destruction of sporozoites within the oocyst. Implementing tiny particles for the purification of consuming water from Cryptosporidium is an economical and environmentally sustainable process. However, the use of nanoparticles in medicine requires more research. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 704-719]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the concentration of nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) in ruminant feed in tropical areas, with a focus on forage grasses and legumes in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 11 grasses (Chrysopogon zizanioides, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum atatum, Chloris gayana, Pennisetum polystachion, Panicum maximum, Cenchrus biflorus, Andropogon canaliculatus, and Digotaria decumbens) and six legumes (Arachis hypogaea, Pueararia Javanica, Centrosema pubescens, Clitoria ternatea, and Arachis pintoi) were analyzed for NEAA content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Based on the results of this research, it was found that almost all NEAA content in forage was less than 3% (Serine (Ser), Alanine (Ala), Glycine (Gly), Tyrosine (Tyr), Proline (Pro), Cysteine (Cys), and Asparagine (Asn), except for glutamic (Glu) acid and arginine (Arg) in some legumes. The Glu content in grass ranges from 0.76% to 2.61%, and the Arg content ranges from 0.92% to 2.09%. These two NEAAs were most abundant in grasses and legumes, with concentrations of 5.10% to 6.27% and 3.10% to 5.53%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study concluded that Glu and Arg were the most abundant NEAAs in tropical forages in Indonesia, with legumes having a higher concentration of NEAAs compared to grasses. Among the legumes, A. hypogaea had the highest NEAA content (23.40%), while among the forages, C. zizanioides had the highest NEAA content (12.37%). However, it was observed that neither legumes nor grasses could fulfill the metabolizable TNEAAs requirements for gaining cattle (250 kg of empty body weight gain), unlike commercial concentrates, which were found to meet the requirements, especially for Arg, Glu, and thyronine. The provision of concentrate is necessary to supplement forage to meet the NEAA needs for cattle. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 820-829]

Objective: Protein and carbohydrates are substances needed by ruminants, especially sheep. Providing protein and carbohydrates must pay attention to their degradation. In addition, balancing nutrients to meet the nutritional needs of rumen microbes is very important because the unbalanced availability of rumen degradable protein (RDP) and readily available carbohydrate (RAC) at one time can cause suboptimal microbial protein synthesis efficiency. Materials and Methods: Completely randomized design with a nonfactorial pattern of five treatments with three replications. Treatment includes RDP and RAC ratios, namely R1 = 2.30, R2 = 2.00, R3 = 1.70, R4 = 1.50, and R5 = 1.30. Results: The results showed that the balance of RDP and RAC in sheep ration formulation in vitro had a very significant effect (p < 0.01) on NH3, microbial protein synthesis, total gas, total microbes, and organic matter digestibility (OMD) but had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on rumen pH and dry matter digestibility (DMD). Conclusion: The optimal balance of RDP and RAC in the formulation of sheep rations in vitro was obtained at a ratio of 2.30 with NH3 (mM) 8.47, rumen pH 5.97, microbial protein synthesis (mg/100 ml) 123, gas (ml/g of material) 145, total microbes (cells/ml) 2.012 × 106, (log CFU cells/ml) 6.3025, DMD 61.0%, and OMD 63.1%. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 738-743]

Objective: This study evaluated the utilization of marigold leaves (MGLs) in rations and their impact on rumen enzyme activity, fermentation parameters, methane (CH4) emission, and nutrient digestibility in vitro. Materials and Methods: The experimental diets comprised different proportions of MGL incorporated into the dry matter (DM) rations. Experimental design: The MGL treatments in diets include 0% (MGL-0), 7% (MGL-7), and 14% (MGL-14). Results: Results indicated that MGL-14 substantially raised (p < 0.05) the rumen parameters, including NH3–N and microbial protein, total volatile fatty acids, acetate (C2), propionate (C3), butyrate (C4), and the C2:C3 ratio. In contrast, the MGL-7 and MGL-14 groups experienced a noteworthy reduction (p < 0.05) in the total protozoa population. The MGL-7 and MGL-14 treatments also led to a substantial increase in the digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), and crude fiber (CF) in the rumen. However, they also resulted in a decline (p < 0.05) in crude protein (CP) digestibility. The DM and OM total digestibilities were higher (p < 0.05) in the MGL-14 and MGL-7 groups. The utilization of MGL did not influence (p > 0.05) the ruminal enzyme activities (carboxymethyl cellulase, amylase, protease), cumulative gas production, kinetics, ruminal pH value, CH4 and CO2 production, total CF, and CP digestibility. Conclusion: The utilization of MGL until 14% DM in diets can enhance ruminal fermentation parameters and nutrient digestibility in vitro without negatively affecting gas production kinetics or ruminal enzyme activities. However, it did not have any impact on CH4 production. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 782-793]

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of different physical forms of feed containing Ipomoea aquatica waste and concentrate feed on the rumen characteristics, chewing activity, and performance of sheep. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rams (19.87 ± 2.19 kg) were arranged in a completely randomized design. Rams were fed dried I. aquatica waste and concentrate feed provided separately (RCF) (conventional feeding system), and total mixed ration consisted of mash complete feed (MCF), and pelleted complete feed (PCF). The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. Results: The dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of rams fed different physical forms of feed containing I. aquatica waste in their diet were similar between the treatments, ranging from 4.08% to 4.29% of body weight, 120–180 gm, and 6.32–9.17, respectively. Different physical feeds did not affect microbial synthesis in the rumen. Methane emissions per unit of production were similar between the groups. The PCF sheep ate faster (0.24 min/gm DMI) than the MCF sheep (0.38 min/gm DMI), but similar to the RCF sheep (0.31 min/gm DMI). Conclusion: Dried I. aquatica waste was useful as an alternative lamb feed roughage during the dry season. The pelleted mixed ration was more efficient than mash in increasing DMI. The dried I. aquatica waste was environmentally friendly for mitigating enteric methane emissions by sheep. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 677-684]

Objective: The following study examines for the first time the changes that occur in the post-partum period following abortion in the first trimester of dairy cows using hormonal, hematological, and oxidant/antioxidant profiles. In addition, a bacteriological examination was also performed to explore the role of infections in the complications that occur during this period. Materials and Methods: One hundred cows were split into two equal groups: The first group enrolled cows that suffered from abortion in the first trimester. The second group enrolled cows that did not experience abortion problems (the control group). Uterine swabs were collected from cows. Blood samples were collected for hormonal, hematological, and oxidative profiles. Results: Results reveal that Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. are the opportunistic bacteria that were isolated from abortive cows with multidrug-resistant (MDR) characteristics. Red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration (MCHC) were significantly higher in the abortive group than in controls in the first 3 days after calving. Conversely, total leukocyte count, platelet count, neutrophils, eosinophils, and immunoglobulin G and M were significantly lower in the abortion group than in controls. The concentrations of estradiol, prostaglandin F2α, oxytocin, and cortisol are significantly increased in the abortive cows, while progesterone is significantly decreased. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in the abortive group, while the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were lower. Conclusion: Abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of postpartum opportunistic bacterial invasion of the uterus. Oxidative stress (OS) and neutropenia are the most important findings that may occur in the postpartum period after abortion and may be due to the abortion itself or its predisposition to opportunistic bacterial invasion of the uterus, which finally causes a fertility reduction. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 654-666]

Objective: The aim of the study was to use a meta-analysis to identify the correlation between linear body measurements, including body length (BL), wither height (WH), heart girth (HG), and body volume (BV), and body weight in beef cattle by breed, sex, and age as categories. Materials and Methods: These results can be used as a method for predicting beef cattle body weight. This study used systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines to create a checklist. The first stage was searching for papers relevant to the study objectives. The second stage was searching using the keywords beef cattle, body weight, body measurement, and correlation. The third stage was reviewing the title and abstract. The fourth stage was abstracting information from selected papers, and the last stage was tabulating data. Results: The results from this study were obtained, and 32 papers were eligible for the meta-analysis stage. The correlation between linear body measurement and body weight of beef cattle showed that HG (r = 0.88) and BV (r = 0.97) were significantly (p < 0.05) different compared to BL (r = 0.74) and WH (r = 0.72). The correlation between HG and body weight, and the categorization of cattle breeds showed significantly (p < 0.05) different results. The correlation between BV and body weight of cattle according to breed categories showed results that were not significantly (p > 0.05) different, while age was significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, to predict beef cattle body weight, it is necessary to use HG or BV, with breed, sex, and age of cattle as categories. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 630-638]

Objectives: Lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal, is a serious concern for poultry that negatively affects their productivity and health. To combat those issues efficiently, it is necessary to include feed supplements that have rich antioxidant properties for satisfactory health and productivity. Spirulina platensis (Sp), a microalgae, is a compound that provides several health benefits for humans and animals. This study explores that supplementation of Sp in diet as well as in water reduces the burden of Pb in different tissues, improves hematology, and improves the productive performance of advanced-age laying hens. Materials and methods: Forty birds were separated into four groups: the control (C), Spirulina (Sp), Pb, and (Pb + Sp) groups. The Pb group was given Pb acetate at a dose of 2 gm/l in water ad libitum for 4 weeks. Sp group was fed Sp at a dose of 4 gm/kg feed. The Pb + Sp group was given Pb and Sp as in the previous groups. Results: Productive performance and hematology such as hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) concentration, and MCH were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in Pb-treated groups compared to controls. The distribution of Pb concentration was highest in the bones and lowest in the gizzard. However, Sp treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the productive performance and the hematological parameters. Moreover, Pb concentration in different organs significantly decreased in the group treated with Sp. Conclusion: This study indicates that Sp can possibly be used as a natural and powerful dietary additive to mitigate heavy metal intoxication in chickens, thereby being efficient and effective for production. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 794-800]