Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary piperine (PIP) supplementation on feed efficiency, growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, hemolymph biochemistry, antioxidant and immune responses, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) chal¬lenged with Vibrio parahemolyticus. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 shrimps (4.38 gm ± 0.2 gm) were randomly distributed into four treatments and fed a basal diet or supplemented with 0, 0.5 (PIP0.5), 1 (PIP1.0), and 2 (PIP2) gm/kg of diet. Results: The dietary inclusion of PIP significantly improved growth performance, blood proteins, and efficiency, resulting in the best results in the PIP2 group. Diets containing PIP led to significant improvements in crude protein and lipid content while also significantly reducing moisture con¬tent in a quadratic-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Shrimp in the PIP1 and PIP2 groups exhibited higher total protein and albumin levels compared to the free-PIP and PIP0.5 groups (p < 0.05). Shrimp-fed PIP-enriched diets showed lower lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) and liver enzymes (gam¬ma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase) in a quadratic trend (p < 0.05) compared to the control diet. Shrimp-fed diets containing PIPs exhibited a significant quadratic increase in digestive enzyme activity compared to those without PIPs (p < 0.05). The inclusion of PIP in the diet significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes and reduced malondialdehyde levels, as well as the inflammatory response (Interleukin 4, Interferon-gamma, and LYZ) in shrimp. Conclusion: These findings suggest that dietary PIP supplementation holds promise as a feed additive for enhancing growth, immunity, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 996-1006]

Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary piperine (PIP) supplementation on feed efficiency, growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, hemolymph biochemistry, antioxidant and immune responses, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) challenged with Vibrio parahemolyticus. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 shrimps (4.38 gm ± 0.2 gm) were randomly distributed into four treatments and fed a basal diet or supplemented with 0, 0.5 (PIP0.5), 1 (PIP1.0), and 2 (PIP2) gm/kg of diet. Results: The dietary inclusion of PIP significantly improved growth performance, blood proteins, and efficiency, resulting in the best results in the PIP2 group. Diets containing PIP led to significant improvements in crude protein and lipid content while also significantly reducing moisture content in a quadratic-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Shrimp in the PIP1 and PIP2 groups exhibited higher total protein and albumin levels compared to the free-PIP and PIP0.5 groups (p < 0.05). Shrimp-fed PIP-enriched diets showed lower lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) and liver enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase) in a quadratic trend (p < 0.05) compared to the control diet. Shrimp-fed diets containing PIPs exhibited a significant quadratic increase in digestive enzyme activity compared to those without PIPs (p < 0.05). The inclusion of PIP in the diet significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes and reduced malondialdehyde levels, as well as the inflammatory response (Interleukin 4, Interferon-gamma, and LYZ) in shrimp. Conclusion: These findings suggest that dietary PIP supplementation holds promise as a feed additive for enhancing growth, immunity, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(4): 996–1006, December 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k850

Objective: The aim of the current work is studying the effect of antioxidants and nano-antioxidants on in vitro development and mitochondrial function of buffalo oocytes. Materials and Methods: Good and excellent Buffalo oocytes were in vitro matured: (1) tissue culture medium-199 (control group), (2) TCM-199 + melatonin (Mel) 10−9 M (Mel group), (3) TCM-199 + zinc 10−6 M (Zn group), (4) TCM-199 + nano- Mel 10−6 M (N-Mel group), and (5) TCM-199 + nano-zinc-oxide 10−6 M (N-ZnO group) and incubated with CO2 5% and 38.5°C for 22 hr. In vitro-matured oocytes were either stained for mitochondrial function or cultured for detection of embryo development. Results: The maturation rate of buffalo oocytes in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups had a significant (p < 0.05) increase (91.89% and 93.64%, respectively) compared to the Mel group (85.78%) and Zn group (81.37%), and all groups were significantly higher than the control (73.16%). Mitochondrial intensity was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups than in oocytes matured in the Mel, Zn, or control groups. Rates of fertilization, cleavage, and transferable embryos of buffalo oocytes matured in vitro were significantly raised in the N-ZnO group (88.35%, 85.93%, and 30.71%, respectively) and the N-Mel group (86.74%, 82.75%, and 28.32%, respectively) (p < 0.05) when compared with the Mel group (82.46%, 77.25%, and 21.29%, respectively) and the Zn group (79.98%, 75.19%, and 19.68%, respectively), and all were increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group (71.76%, 68.7%, and 11.98%, respectively). Conclusion: Supplementation of maturation medium with Mel 10−9 M and zinc sulfate 10−6 M and nano-Mel 10−6 M and nano-zinc oxide 10−6 M improves buffalo oocyte maturation rates, mitochondrial function, and embryo development. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1093-1104]

Objective: The aim of the current work is studying the effect of antioxidants and nano-antioxidants on in vitro development and mitochondrial function of buffalo oocytes. Materials and Methods: Good and excellent Buffalo oocytes were in vitro matured: (1) tissue culture medium-199 (control group), (2) TCM-199 + melatonin (Mel) 10−9 M (Mel group), (3) TCM-199 + zinc 10−6 M (Zn group), (4) TCM-199 + nano- Mel 10−6 M (N-Mel group), and (5) TCM199 + nano-zinc-oxide 10−6 M (N-ZnO group) and incubated with CO2 5% and 38.5°C for 22 hr. In vitro-matured oocytes were either stained for mitochondrial function or cultured for detection of embryo development. Results: The maturation rate of buffalo oocytes in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups had a significant (p < 0.05) increase (91.89% and 93.64%, respectively) compared to the Mel group (85.78%) and Zn group (81.37%), and all groups were significantly higher than the control (73.16%). Mitochondrial intensity was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups than in oocytes matured in the Mel, Zn, or control groups. Rates of fertilization, cleavage, and transferable embryos of buffalo oocytes matured in vitro were significantly raised in the N-ZnO group (88.35%, 85.93%, and 30.71%, respectively) and the N-Mel group (86.74%, 82.75%, and 28.32%, respectively) (p < 0.05) when compared with the Mel group (82.46%, 77.25%, and 21.29%, respectively) and the Zn group (79.98%, 75.19%, and 19.68%, respectively), and all were increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group (71.76%, 68.7%, and 11.98%, respectively). Conclusion: Supplementation of maturation medium with Mel 10−9 M and zinc sulfate 10−6 M and nano-Mel 10−6 M and nano-zinc oxide 10−6 M improves buffalo oocyte maturation rates, mitochondrial function, and embryo development. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(4): 1093–1104, December 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k860

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are the most common opportunistic patho¬gens frequently associated with respiratory tract infection (RTI) in different animals. This cross-sec¬tional study aimed to identify the occurrence of S. aureus and E. coli in goats with RTI, analyze the antimicrobial resistance patterns, and explore potential risk factors contributing to RTI. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 nasal swab samples were collected from goats, and stan¬dard classical bacteriological methods were performed to isolate and identify S. aureus and E. coli. Subsequently, the disc diffusion method was employed to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity test. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with RTI. Results: About 13.3% (N = 16; N = 120) isolates were confirmed as S. aureus, and 6.67% (N = 8; N = 120) isolates were confirmed as E. coli. All S. aureus isolates were resistant to ampicillin, and all E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin. Among the isolated organisms, 43.7% (N = 7; N = 16) S. aureus and 62.5% (N = 5; N = 8) E. coli isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant (resistant to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female goats [(odds ratio) OR: 4.2; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.8–20.8; p = 0.074] and goats in poor health condition (OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 0.7–19.3; p = 0.100) were more prone to RTI caused by S. aureus. Besides, goats that were not dewormed (OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1–23.6; p = 0.051) and those reared in semi-intensive conditions (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.8–8.7; p = 0.092) were found to be at higher risk of S. aureus-mediated RTI. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of implementing improved farm management practices and efficient antimicrobial resistance control approaches to minimize respiratory infections and reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance in goats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1037-1050]

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are the most common opportunistic pathogens frequently associated with respiratory tractinfection (RTI) in different animals. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the occurrence of S. aureus and E. coli in goats with RTI, analyze the antimicrobial resistance patterns, and explore potential risk factors contributing to RTI. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 nasal swab samples were collected from goats, and standard classical bacteriological methods were performed to isolate and identify S. aureus and E. coli. Subsequently, the disc diffusion method was employed to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity test. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with RTI. Results: About 13.3% (N = 16; N = 120) isolates were confirmed as S. aureus, and 6.67% (N = 8; N = 120) isolates were confirmed as E. coli. All S. aureus isolates were resistant to ampicillin, and all E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin. Among the isolated organisms, 43.7% (N = 7; N = 16) S. aureus and 62.5% (N = 5; N = 8) E. coli isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant (resistant to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female goats [(odds ratio) OR: 4.2; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.8–20.8; p = 0.074] and goats in poor health condition (OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 0.7–19.3; p = 0.100) were more prone to RTI caused by S. aureus. Besides, goats that were not dewormed (OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1–23.6; p = 0.051) and those reared in semi-intensive conditions (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.8–8.7; p = 0.092) were found to be at higher risk of S. aureus-mediated RTI. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of implementing improved farm management practices and efficient antimicrobial resistance control approaches to minimize respiratory infections and reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance in goats. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(4): 1037–1050, December 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k855

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and animals regardless of species type, causing huge economic losses and deaths worldwide. However, the mechanisms and risk factors of zoonotic transmission are not well known in Pakistan. The current study aimed to identify the potential risk factors associated with TB in farmers and their animals, particularly exposure to infected animals in Lahore District, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of two components utilizing the concept of One Health. In the first component, a retrospective case-control study of human subjects (cases = 25, control = 25) was conducted from December 2021 to July 2022. In the second component, a cross-sectional analysis of the cattle owned by selected participants (TB cases and healthy controls) was completed in the Lahore district. A single intradermal tuberculin skin test was used to determine TB infection in cattle. Results: A total of 25 TB cases and 25 healthy controls were enrolled. Males in cases were found (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.0002–0.29, p = 0.014) less likely to get TB, cases older than 35 years (OR = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05–1.24, p = 0.004), unmarried cases (OR = 32.20, 95% CI: 2.92–819.03, p = 0.014), being a smoker (OR = 21.87, 95% CI: 2.80–395.82, p = 0.011), and keeping animals inside the home (OR = 9.92, 95% CI: 1.29–134.61, p = 0.047) were identified as significant predictors of TB in humans in the final multivariable logistic regression. Out of 175 tested animals, 3/65 animals belonging to the cases and 1/110 animals belonging to the controls were found positive. The animals belonging to the TB cases were (OR = 7.76, 95% CI; 0.79–76.02) more likely to have a positive Single Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin Test. The prevalence of bTB in animals belonging to the cases was 4.6% (95% CI, 1.26–12.58) compared to 0.9% (95% CI, 0.04–4.67) in animals of the control group. Conclusion: This study identified potential risk factors that could contribute to the complex wave of TB transmission between humans and animals. Our findings could provide data to inform policy-making and intervention strategies to reduce TB's burden in both populations. Embracing a holistic One Health perspective is imperative to effectively combat this shared health threat. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 967-978]

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and animals regardless of species type, causing huge economic losses and deaths worldwide. However, the mechanisms and risk factors of zoonotic transmission are not well known in Pakistan. The current study aimed to identify the potential risk factors associated with TB in farmers and their animals, particularly exposure to infected animals in Lahore District, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of two components utilizing the concept of One Health. In the first component, a retrospective case-control study of human subjects (cases = 25, control = 25) was conducted from December 2021 to July 2022. In the second component, a cross-sectional analysis of the cattle owned by selected participants (TB cases and healthy controls) was completed in the Lahore district. A single intradermal tuberculin skin test was used to determine TB infection in cattle. Results: A total of 25 TB cases and 25 healthy controls were enrolled. Males in cases were found (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.0002–0.29, p = 0.014) less likely to get TB, cases older than 35 years(OR = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05–1.24, p = 0.004), unmarried cases (OR = 32.20, 95% CI: 2.92–819.03, p = 0.014), being a smoker (OR = 21.87, 95% CI: 2.80–395.82, p = 0.011), and keeping animals inside the home (OR = 9.92, 95% CI: 1.29–134.61, p = 0.047) were identified as significant predictors of TB in humans in the final multivariable logistic regression. Out of 175 tested animals, 3/65 animals belonging to the cases and 1/110 animals belonging to the controls were found positive. The animals belonging to the TB cases were (OR = 7.76, 95% CI; 0.79–76.02) more likely to have a positive Single Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin Test test. The prevalence of bTB in animals belonging to the cases was 4.6% (95% CI, 1.26–12.58) compared to 0.9% (95% CI, 0.04–4.67) in animals of the control group. Conclusion: This study identified potential risk factors that could contribute to the complex web of TB transmission between humans and animals. Our findings could provide data to inform policy-making and intervention strategies to reduce TB’s burden in both populations. Embracing a holistic One Health perspective is imperative to effectively combat this shared health threat. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(4): 967–978, December 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k847

Objective: Fertilization rate of artificially inseminated cows using sexed and conventional semen in different seasons in South Papua. Materials and Methods: Eighty crossbred cows aged 4–4.5 years with body condition score 3.8 were divided into groups A (summer = 40 cows) and B (rainy season = 40 cows). Each cow in each season was artificial insemination (AI) using sexed frozen semen and conventional semen. Frozen semen was evaluated for post-thawing motility (PTM), cell membrane integrity, and acrosome damage before synchronization using 5 ml PGF2α plus vitamin E. Using a visual gun, we identified cows in estrus on days 4–7 post-synchronization. Pregnancy of cows was detected using N5Vet ultrasound on days 35 and 55. The interaction between season, semen type, and fertilization level was analyzed using standard error and two-way ANOVA, assisted by SPSS 21 software. Results: The wet season Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) level averaged 77.12 ± 1.19, and the summer season THI level averaged 82.67 ± 1.25. PTM quality averaged 60%–65%, viability 61%– 71%, sperm membrane integrity 62%–65%, and acrosome integrity 88%–91%. Conception rates (CR) value of rainy season (p < 0.05) with summer season. In addition, the services per conception (S/C) value in the rainy season (p > 0.05) is the same as in the summer. This study's S/C and CR values were within normal limits, and the pregnancy rate reached 65%–86%. Pregnancy detection can be observed on day 35, and the fetal heartbeat is visible. Conclusion: Post-AI fertilization using conventional semen was better in all seasons. The double dose of sexed semen can increase the fertilization rate in summer. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 954-960]

Objective: Fertilization rate of artificially inseminated cows using sexed and conventional semen in different seasons in South Papua. Materials and Methods: Eighty crossbred cows aged 4–4.5 years with body condition score 3.8 were divided into groups A (summer = 40 cows) and B (rainy season = 40 cows). Each cow in each season was artificial insemination (AI) using sexed frozen semen and conventional semen. Frozen semen was evaluated for post-thawing motility (PTM), cell membrane integrity, and acrosome damage before synchronization using 5 ml PGF2α plus vitamin E. Using a visual gun, we identified cows in estrus on days 4–7 post-synchronization. Pregnancy of cows was detected using N5Vet ultrasound on days 35 and 55. The interaction between season, semen type, and fertilization level was analyzed using standard error and two-way ANOVA, assisted by SPSS 21 software. Results: The wet season Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) level averaged 77.12 ± 1.19, and the summer season THI level averaged 82.67 ± 1.25. PTM quality averaged 60%–65%, viability 61%– 71%, sperm membrane integrity 62%–65%, and acrosome integrity 88%–91%. Conception rates (CR) value of rainy season (p < 0.05) with summer season. In addition, the services per conception (S/C) value in the rainy season (p > 0.05) is the same as in the summer. This study’s S/C and CR values were within normal limits, and the pregnancy rate reached 65%–86%. Pregnancy detection can be observed on day 35, and the fetal heartbeat is visible. Conclusion: Post-AI fertilization using conventional semen was better in all seasons. The double dose of sexed semen can increase the fertilization rate in summer. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(4): 954–960, December 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k845

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate in vitro ruminal fermentation, methane (CH4) emissions, and the relationship between the nutritional content and CH4 emissions of tropical feedstuffs to formulate low CH4-emitting feeds for ruminants. Materials and Methods: Eighteen feedstuffs, including roughages (3 crop residues, 2 silages, 3 common grasses, and 4 leguminous fodder) and 6 concentrates, were evaluated using the Hohenheim Gas Test. Approximately 200 mg of feed were incubated with a rumen fluid-buffer solution for 72 h to test gas production (GP) and 120 mg for 24 h to determine the CH4 con-centration in the gas. Digestibility of organic matter (dOM) and metabolizable energy (ME) were calculated using GP data. Results: Leguminous fodder contained the highest crude protein (CP) concentration (166–314 gm/kg dry matter (DM)), followed by common grasses (52–147 gm/kg DM) and silages (94–106 gm/kg DM), but the lowest concentration of detergent fiber fractions. Crushed wheat and maize had higher dOM and ME (87.8% and 90.9%, and 14.4 MJ/kg DM and 13.8 MJ/kg DM, respectively), and their CH4 concentration (% of GP) and CH4 emissions (L CH4/kg dOM) followed a similar trend as the other feedstuffs. The dOM and ME of German grass and Ipil-ipil were higher, whereas the CH4 concentration and CH4 emissions were lower compared to crop residues and other common grasses. The CH4 emissions originating from the feedstuffs were positively correlated with the concentration of neutral detergent fiber and GP and negatively correlated with CP. Conclusion: Our result provides an opportunity to select feed ingredients with higher digestibility and concurrently less CH4 emissions in formulating diets for ruminants when using commonly available feed resources in many tropical countries. This may enhance animal productive performances while reducing the impact of animal production on the environment. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 924-935]

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate in vitro ruminal fermentation, methane (CH4 ) emissions, and the relationship between the nutritional content and CH4 emissions of tropical feedstuffs to formulate low CH4 -emitting feeds for ruminants. Materials and Methods: Eighteen feedstuffs, including roughages (3 crop residues, 2 silages, 3 common grasses, and 4 leguminous fodder) and 6 concentrates, were evaluated using the Hohenheim Gas Test. Approximately 200 mg of feed were incubated with a rumen fluid-buffer solution for 72 h to test gas production (GP) and 120 mg for 24 h to determine the CH4 concentration in the gas. Digestibility of organic matter (dOM) and metabolizable energy (ME) were calculated using GP data. Results: Leguminous fodder contained the highest crude protein (CP) concentration (166–314 gm/kg dry matter (DM)), followed by common grasses (52–147 gm/kg DM) and silages (94–106 gm/kg DM), but the lowest concentration of detergent fiber fractions. Crushed wheat and maize had higher dOM and ME (87.8% and 90.9%, and 14.4 MJ/kg DM and 13.8 MJ/kg DM, respectively), and their CH4 concentration (% of GP) and CH4 emissions(L CH4 /kg dOM) followed a similar trend asthe other feedstuffs. The dOM and ME of German grass and Ipil-ipil were higher, whereas the CH4 concentration and CH4 emissions were lower compared to crop residues and other common grasses. The CH4 emissions originating from the feedstuffs were positively correlated with the concentration of neutral detergent fiber and GP and negatively correlated with CP. Conclusion: Our result provides an opportunity to select feed ingredients with higher digestibility and concurrently less CH4 emissions in formulating diets for ruminants when using commonly available feed resources in many tropical countries. This may enhance animal productive performances while reducing the impact of animal production on the environment.    J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(4): 924–935, December 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k842