Objective: This study aimed to examine the diversity of phenotypic characteristics of female Alabio ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo) and their eggs in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 18-month-old ducks and 300 eggs were selected using a survey method with multistage random sampling. These samples were obtained from two dis¬tricts in the province of South Kalimantan [Banjar (BJ) districts and Tanah Laut (TL)]. The observed data were analyzed descriptively with variations using the independent t-test for each location. Principal component analysis (PCA) was deployed to assess the overall variance and define vari¬ables with greater discriminatory power between individuals. Results: The observations on the body's physical characteristics and the eggs of Alabio ducks showed significant differences between ducks from BJ and TL areas (p < 0.05) except for yolk diam¬eter, albumen height, albumen index, and Haugh unit (HU) (p > 0.05). Most egg quality traits from BJ were greater than those from TL, which include egg weight, egg length, egg width, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness, and egg shape index. The PCA revealed medium-to-high communalities in the phenotypic body characteristics of Alabio ducks and their eggs. Conclusion: Significant physical characteristics and egg quality differences were found between the two locations, except for the albumen index and HU, with substantial variability within each trait. These traits could explain the total variation in the phenotypic characteristics of female Alabio ducks. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(2.000): 249-256]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the diversity of phenotypic characteristics of female Alabio ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo) and their eggs in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 18-month-old ducks and 300 eggs were selected using a survey method with multistage random sampling. These samples were obtained from two districts in the province of South Kalimantan [Banjar (BJ) districts and Tanah Laut (TL)]. The observed data were analyzed descriptively with variations using the independent t-test for each location. Principal component analysis (PCA) was deployed to assess the overall variance and define variables with greater discriminatory power between individuals. Results: The observations on the body’s physical characteristics and the eggs of Alabio ducks showed significant differences between ducks from BJ and TL areas (p < 0.05) except for yolk diameter, albumen height, albumen index, and Haugh unit (HU) (p > 0.05). Most egg quality traits from BJ were greater than those from TL, which include egg weight, egg length, egg width, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness, and egg shape index. The PCA revealed medium-to high communalities in the phenotypic body characteristics of Alabio ducks and their eggs. Conclusion: Significant physical characteristics and egg quality differences were found between the two locations, except for the albumen index and HU, with substantial variability within each trait. These traits could explain the total variation in the phenotypic characteristics of female Alabio ducks.  J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(2): 249–256, June 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j676

Objective: Arcobacter butzleri, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter jejuni are significant foodborne pathogens regarding the consumption of raw poultry meat. An existing survey was conducted to assess the occurrence of S. aureus, C. jejuni, A. butzleri, and L. monocytogenes in raw poultry meat samples. Materials and Methods: Ninety-four raw ostrich, turkey, chicken, and quail meat samples were collected and subjected to culture-based analysis. Staphylococcus aureus, C. jejuni, A. butzleri, and L. monocytogenes isolates were confirmed by standard biochemical techniques. Results: The occurrence of A. butzleri, C. jejuni, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus in poultry meat samples was 11.45%, 17.70%, 1.04%, and 16.66%, respectively. L. monocytogenes was absent in chicken, turkey, and ostrich meat samples. Only one quail meat (4.16%) was positive for L. monocytogenes. The uppermost contamination rate with A. butzleri, C. jejuni, and S. aureus was found in chicken (25%), turkey (25%), and turkey (25%) meat samples, respectively. The concur¬rent occurrence of A. butzleri + C. jejuni + S. aureus bacteria amid the examined poultry meat samples was 2.08%. Conclusion: This is an initial report of A. butzleri, S. aureus, C. jejuni, and L. monocytogenes in poultry meat samples. Adequate cooking of poultry meat can diminish foodborne diseases due to A. butzleri, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and C. jejuni bacteria, and these species may constitute a public health problem. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(2.000): 205-210]

Objective: Arcobacter butzleri, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter jejuni are significant foodborne pathogens regarding the consumption of raw poultry meat. An existing survey was conducted to assess the occurrence of S. aureus, C. jejuni, A. butzleri, and L. monocytogenes in raw poultry meat samples. Materials and Methods: Ninety-four raw ostrich, turkey, chicken, and quail meat samples were collected and subjected to culture-based analysis. Staphylococcus aureus, C. jejuni, A. butzleri, and L. monocytogenes isolates were confirmed by standard biochemical techniques. Results: The occurrence of A. butzleri, C. jejuni, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus in poultry meat samples was 11.45%, 17.70%, 1.04%, and 16.66%, respectively. L. monocytogenes was absent in chicken, turkey, and ostrich meat samples. Only one quail meat (4.16%) was positive for L. monocytogenes. The uppermost contamination rate with A. butzleri, C. jejuni, and S. aureus was found in chicken (25%), turkey (25%), and turkey (25%) meat samples, respectively. The concurrent occurrence of A. butzleri + C. jejuni + S. aureus bacteria amid the examined poultry meat samples was 2.08%. Conclusion: This is an initial report of A. butzleri, S. aureus, C. jejuni, and L. monocytogenes in poultry meat samples. Adequate cooking of poultry meat can diminish foodborne diseases due to A. butzleri, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and C. jejuni bacteria, and these species may constitute a public health problem.  J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(2): 205–210, June 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j670

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the antibiotic-resistant profile and to identify molecular characterization of some virulence genes of Klebsiella spp. isolated from mastitis samples in Vietnam. Materials and Method: A total of 468 samples from clinical mastitis cases were collected and submitted to the Laboratory. All samples were cultured, and Klebsiella spp. was identified through biochemical reactions and confirmed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial resistance was tested by disk diffusion method, and virulence and resistance genes were tested by PCR. Results: An antibiogram study showed that a high proportion of isolates are multidrug-resistant (94%). All isolates were resistant to lincomycin and sulfamethoxazole, followed by ampicillin (94%), sulphonamide (66%), amoxicillin (56%), streptomycin (52%), polymyxin B (28%), colistin sulfate (12%), tetracycline (6%), ciprofloxacin (4%), florfenicol (4%), enrofloxacin (4%), piperacillin (2%), trimethoprim (2%), nalidixic acid (2%), imipenem (2%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (2%). In contrast, all isolates showed sensitivity to gentamicin and ceftiofur. The appearance of an efflux pump system, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), tetracycline, and sulphonamides-resis¬tant genes was reconfirmed using different specific primers. Capsular serotype K1 and virulence genes magA, fimH, and entB, responsible for hypermucoviscosity production, adherence, and enterobactin production, were confirmed in isolates. Multidrug resistance and virulence potential in Klebsiella spp. are changing this mastitis pathogen into a superbug and making its management harder. Conclusions: Klebsiella spp. associated with bovine mastitis in Nghe An province were mostly multidrug-resistant and carried virulence genes including fimH, entB, and antimicrobials resistant genes (blaSHV, acrAKp, tetA, etc.), but these isolates were not ESBL producers. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 132-143]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the antibiotic-resistant profile and to identify molecular characterization of some virulence genes of Klebsiella spp. isolated from mastitis samples in Vietnam. Materials and Method: A total of 468 samples from clinical mastitis cases were collected and submitted to the Laboratory. All samples were cultured, and Klebsiella spp. wasidentified through biochemical reactions and confirmed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial resistance was tested by disk diffusion method, and virulence and resistance genes were tested by PCR. Results: An antibiogram study showed that a high proportion of isolates are multidrug-resistant (94%). All isolates were resistantto lincomycin and sulfamethoxazole, followed by ampicillin (94%), sulphonamide (66%), amoxicillin (56%), streptomycin (52%), polymyxin B (28%), colistin sulfate (12%), tetracycline (6%), ciprofloxacin (4%), florfenicol (4%), enrofloxacin (4%), piperacillin (2%), trimethoprim (2%), nalidixic acid (2%), imipenem (2%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (2%). In contrast, all isolates showed sensitivity to gentamicin and ceftiofur. The appearance of an efflux pump system, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), tetracycline, and sulphonamides-resistant genes was reconfirmed using different specific primers. Capsular serotype K1 and virulence genes magA, fimH, and entB, responsible for hypermucoviscosity production, adherence, and enterobactin production, were confirmed in isolates. Multidrug resistance and virulence potential in Klebsiella spp. are changing this mastitis pathogen into a superbug and making its management harder. Conclusions: Klebsiella spp. associated with bovine mastitis in Nghe An province were mostly multidrug-resistant and carried virulence genes including fimH, entB, and antimicrobials resistant genes (blaSHV, acrAKp, tetA, etc.), but these isolates were not ESBL producers. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(1): 132–143, March 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j662

Objective: This study examines the effect of fermented milk containing the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on cholesterol and intestinal microbiota. Materials and Methods: 24 male rats weighing an average of 200 gm each spent 1 week in a cage adapting to their new environment. They were fed standard feed daily and were allowed to drink ad libitum. For 3 weeks, rats were divided into four groups (doses of fermented milk): M+ (control), M1 (0.35 ml), M2 (0.70 ml), and M3 (1.05 ml). The analysis includes bodyweight deter¬mination, serum biochemical analysis, and intestine microbiota analysis. Results: The results indicated that while P. acidilactici BK01 fermented milk did not affect body weight or high-density lipoprotein, it did have a beneficial effect on total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, treatment of fermented milk with P. acidilactici BK01 has been shown to increase the total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the intestine, as indicated by changes in the intestinal villi. Conclusion: Administering fermented milk (P. acidilactici BK01, 1.05 ml) can reduce total serum cholesterol and increase the number of LAB in intestinal villi in experimental animals, so it has the potential to be a probiotic. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 64-71]

Objective: This study examines the effect of fermented milk containing the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on cholesterol and intestinal microbiota. Materials and Methods: 24 male rats weighing an average of 200 gm each spent 1 week in a cage adapting to their new environment. They were fed standard feed daily and were allowed to drink ad libitum. For 3 weeks, rats were divided into four groups (doses of fermented milk): M+ (control), M1 (0.35 ml), M2 (0.70 ml), and M3 (1.05 ml). The analysis includes bodyweight determination, serum biochemical analysis, and intestine microbiota analysis. Results: The results indicated that while P. acidilactici BK01 fermented milk did not affect body weight or high-density lipoprotein, it did have a beneficial effect on total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, treatment of fermented milk with P. acidilactici BK01 has been shown to increase the total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the intestine, as indicated by changes in the intestinal villi. Conclusion: Administering fermented milk (P. acidilactici BK01, 1.05 ml) can reduce total serum cholesterol and increase the number of LAB in intestinal villi in experimental animals, so it has the potential to be a probiotic. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(1): 64–71, March 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j653

Objective: Certain advantages of donkeys are still not listed as for other equine species. Moreover, donkeys lack comprehensive scientific studies. The present study examines the histological architecture and histochemical characteristics of the esophagus in the Iraqi local breed donkey (Equus asinus). Materials and Methods: Eight esophagus samples were collected from a local breed donkey. Tissue specimens (~1 cm³) were collected from the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal regions of the esoph¬agus and processed via routine histological technique. The tissue sections were stained with hema¬toxylin and eosin, Massons Trichrome, and combined Alcian blue (pH 2.5) plus PAS (AB-PAS). Results: The esophagus of the local breed donkey had folded mucosa wrapped by thin non-ke¬ratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The heights of epithelia of the cervical and thoracic regions of the esophagus were significantly higher than that of the abdominal regions. The lamina propria consisted of dense fibrous tissue that appeared thickest in the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus. The muscularis mucosa disappears at the cervical region, while the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus contain thick, scattered, interrupted bundles of smooth muscle fibers. Tunica submucosa was very thick at the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus, composed of loose connective tissue filled with compound tubular mucose¬rous esophageal glands. Using a combined AB-PAS stain, mucous alveoli within the esophageal glands indicated strong acidic mucopolysaccharide. Tunica muscularis of the cervical and thoracic regions was built up by striated muscle fibers and turned into smooth type at the abdominal region of the esophagus. Conclusion: The esophagus of the local breed donkey shows considerable histological similarities with the other mammals that make this species reliable as an experimental model of digestive tissue. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 14-20]

Objective: Certain advantages of donkeys are still not listed as for other equine species. Moreover, donkeys lack comprehensive scientific studies. The present study examines the histological architecture and histochemical characteristics of the esophagus in the Iraqi local breed donkey (Equus asinus). Materials and Methods: Eight esophagus samples were collected from a local breed donkey. Tissue specimens (~1 cm3 ) were collected from the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal regions of the esophagus and processed via routine histological technique. The tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Massons Trichrome, and combined Alcian blue (pH 2.5) plus PAS (AB-PAS). Results: The esophagus of the local breed donkey had folded mucosa wrapped by thin non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The heights of epithelia of the cervical and thoracic regions of the esophagus were significantly higher than that of the abdominal regions. The lamina propria consisted of dense fibrous tissue that appeared thickest in the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus. The muscularis mucosa disappears at the cervical region, while the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus contain thick, scattered, interrupted bundles of smooth muscle fibers. Tunica submucosa was very thick at the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus, composed of loose connective tissue filled with compound tubular mucoserous esophageal glands. Using a combined AB-PAS stain, mucous alveoli within the esophageal glands indicated strong acidic mucopolysaccharide. Tunica muscularis of the cervical and thoracic regions was built up by striated muscle fibers and turned into smooth type at the abdominal region of the esophagus. Conclusion: The esophagus of the local breed donkey shows considerable histological similarities with the other mammals that make this species reliable as an experimental model of digestive tissue. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(1): 14–20, March 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j647

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the effect of Leucaena at different proportions and doses of molasses on the nutritional quality, silage fermentation characteristic, and in vitro digestibility of corn stover silage. Materials and Methods: The study was designed in a completely randomized factorial design 3*3 pattern. The first factor was the proportion addition of Leucaena, i.e., L0 (0%), L15 (15%), L30 (30%), and L45 (45%) of inclusion of Leucaena on the dry matter (DM) basis of corn stover. The second factor was the dose of inclusion of molasses, i.e., M2 (2%), M4 (4%), and M6 (6%) on the fed basis of silage. Each treatment had five replications. The variables observed included chemical composition [DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), hemicellulose, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber], silage fermentation characteristics (pH and NH3-N), DM digestibility (DMD), and OM digestibility (OMD) under in vitro conditions. Results: The result shows that the inclusion of Leucaena in the proportion of 30%–45% is very effective in increasing and improving the chemical composition of corn stover silage, significantly suppresses the content of CF, and increases the CP content of the silage. Likewise, the inclusion of molasses at a dose of 4% also positively contributed to the quality of the resulting silage, especially its effect in suppressing the buffer capacity of proteins resulting in low pH values and NH3-N concentrations in silage. Conclusions: It was concluded that the inclusion of Leucaena in 30%–45% and the inclusion of molasses at a dose of 4% is very effective in increasing and improving the chemical composition, silage fermentability characteristics, and rumen degradation of corn stover silage. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 118-125]

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the effect of Leucaena at different proportions and doses of molasses on the nutritional quality, silage fermentation characteristic, and in vitro digestibility of corn stover silage. Materials and Methods: The study was designed in a completely randomized factorial design 3*3 pattern. The first factor was the proportion addition of Leucaena, i.e., L0 (0%), L15 (15%), L30 (30%), and L45 (45%) of inclusion of Leucaena on the dry matter (DM) basis of corn stover. The second factor was the dose of inclusion of molasses, i.e., M2 (2%), M4 (4%), and M6 (6%) on the fed basis of silage. Each treatment had five replications. The variables observed included chemical composition [DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), hemicellulose, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber], silage fermentation characteristics (pH and NH3 -N), DM digestibility (DMD), and OM digestibility (OMD) under in vitro conditions. Results: The result shows that the inclusion of Leucaena in the proportion of 30%–45% is very effective in increasing and improving the chemical composition of corn stover silage, significantly suppresses the content of CF, and increases the CP content of the silage. Likewise, the inclusion of molasses at a dose of 4% also positively contributed to the quality of the resulting silage, especially its effect in suppressing the buffer capacity of proteins resulting in low pH values and NH3 -N concentrations in silage. Conclusions: It was concluded that the inclusion of Leucaena in 30%–45% and the inclusion of molasses at a dose of 4% is very effective in increasing and improving the chemical composition, silage fermentability characteristics, and rumen degradation of corn stover silage.   J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(1): 118–125, March 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j660

Objective: This study aimed to see if increasing the concentration of nutmeg flesh extract in vitro could increase the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria and if it had any effect on broiler chicken performance. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of nutmeg flesh extract (5, 10, 15, and 20/100 ml distilled water) were combined with 10 ml L. plantarum (bacterial concentration 1 × 109 cfu/ ml) to produce synbiotics. A total of 250 unsexed Lohmann broiler chickens were reared together from 0 to 7 days of age in the in vivo study. Beginning on day 8, synbiotics nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum were added to the ration in amounts of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ml/kg for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, while no synbiotics were added to the control diet (T0). Results: The levels of nutmeg flesh extract had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on L. plantarum growth. In the survival test against gastric acid, bile salts, and temperature, the addition of nut¬meg flesh extract (20/100 ml distilled water) significantly (p < 0.05) maintained the population of L. plantarum. In vivo studies showed that the T1,T2,T3, and T4 groups gained more body weight (p < 0.05) than the T0 group during the rearing period but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the internal organ weight and carcass of broiler chickens. Conclusions: Nutmeg flesh extract could stimulate the growth of L. plantarum bacteria, and using it as a synbiotic could improve broiler chicken performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 42-50]

Objective: This study aimed to see if increasing the concentration of nutmeg flesh extract in vitro could increase the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria and if it had any effect on broiler chicken performance. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of nutmeg flesh extract (5, 10, 15, and 20/100 ml distilled water) were combined with 10 ml L. plantarum (bacterial concentration 1 × 109 cfu/ ml) to produce synbiotics. A total of 250 unsexed Lohmann broiler chickens were reared together from 0 to 7 days of age in the in vivo study. Beginning on day 8, synbiotics nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum were added to the ration in amounts of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ml/kg for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, while no synbiotics were added to the control diet (T0). Results: The levels of nutmeg flesh extract had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on L. plantarum growth. In the survival test against gastric acid, bile salts, and temperature, the addition of nutmeg flesh extract (20/100 ml distilled water) significantly (p < 0.05) maintained the population of L. plantarum. In vivo studies showed that the T1,T2,T3, and T4 groups gained more body weight (p < 0.05) than the T0 group during the rearing period but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the internal organ weight and carcass of broiler chickens. Conclusions: Nutmeg flesh extract could stimulate the growth of L. plantarum bacteria, and using it as a synbiotic could improve broiler chicken performance. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 10(1): 42–50, March 2023 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2023.j650