Objective: Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) negatively impact small ruminant production and pro¬ductivity nationwide, particularly in tropical and sub-tropic regions. Amongst other nematodes, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Teladorsagia circumcincta are the most common species in small ruminants animals. Thus, this study aimed to investigate communal sheep farmer's knowledge and attitudes toward GIPs in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September and November 2018 from three agro-ecological zones, namely, arid region, semi-humid, and humid. All data from this study were analysed with the Statistical Analysis System. Results: Of the total of 107 farmers who participated in the study, 69% were males, and 38% were females. Most livestock owners (85%) were aged >46 years old across all the study areas. The majority of farmers (83%) perceived that their animals are susceptible to wireworm (H. contortus) during the hot-wet season, followed by the hot-dry season (14%), with relatively low during the cold season (2%). Most farmers (85%) interviewed revealed that lambs are more exposed to para¬sitic infection, than mature sheep (15%) across all agro-ecological zones. An insignificant number of farmers (8%) with knowledge about GIPs life cycle and its biology (92%) across all agro-eco¬logical zones. This study reveals a significant increase in the occurrence of GIPs over the past few years across all agro-ecological, with largely (67%) attributed to the resistance of the strain to deworming remedies and changes in climatic weather patterns (33%). The farming experience was strongly (p < 0.05) associated with the farmer's gender and age. Helminths were reported significantly higher (p < 0.05) in humid zones than in other agro-ecological zones. Conclusions: This study concludes that most farmers perceived lambs as more susceptible to GIPs than old sheep. Therefore, farmers should be enlightened about the infection and transmission dynamics of the GIPs to develop appropriate control measures against worm infection to boost sheep production in the study area. It was also suggested that farmers should adhere to remedial instruction and adopt rotational deworming programs to avoid anthelmintic resistance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(3.000): 351-358]

Objective: Despite the development of several vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the need for an additional prophylactic agent is evident. In recent in silico studies, isovitexin exhibited a higher binding affinity against the human angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor than existing antiviral drugs. The research aimed to find out the point specificity of isovitexin for the hACE2 receptor and to assess its therapeutic potential, depending on the stability of the isovitexin–hACE2 complex. Materials and Methods: The pharmacokinetic profile of isovitexin was analyzed. The crystal structure of the hACE2 receptor and the ligand isovitexin were docked to form a ligand-protein complex following molecular optimization. To determine the isovitexin–hACE2 complex stability, their binding affinity, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions were studied. Lastly, the root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation, solvent accessible surface area, molecular surface area, radius of gyration (Rg), polar surface area, and principal component analysis values were found by simulating the complex with molecular dynamic (MD). Results: The predicted Lethal dose50 for isovitexin was 2.56 mol/kg, with an acceptable maximum tolerated dose and no hepatotoxicity or AMES toxicity. Interactions with the amino acid residues Thr371, Asp367, Glu406, Pro346, His345, Phe274, Tyr515, Glu375, Thr347, Glu402, and His374 of the hACE2 protein were required for the high binding affinity and specificity of isovitexin. Based on what was learned from the MD simulation, the hACE2 receptor-blocking properties of isovi¬texin were looked at. Conclusions: Isovitexin is a phytochemical with a reasonable bioactivity and safety profile for use in humans, and it can potentially be used as a hACE2-specific therapeutic to inhibit COVID-19 infection. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 230-240]

Objective: To examine the effects of the salinity level of drinking water on the egg production and quality of Alabio ducks. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 female Alabio ducks, aged 6 months, were subjected to this study. All ducks were kept in stage-type cages (1 m length × 1 m width × 0.5 m height), where each cage was inhabited by 4 ducks for 56 days of experimentation. All ducks were offered a mixed ration ad libitum for laying ducks, according to the nutritional requirements for egg-type ducks. The treatment in this study was drinking water with five stratified salinity levels, namely P0 = freshwater (0% salinity); P1 = water with a salinity of 0.75 practical salinity unit (PSU) (equal to 0.75 g NaCl/l); P2 = water with a salinity of 1.5 PSU (1.5 gm/l); P3 = water with a salinity of 2.5 PSU (2.5 gm/l); and P4 = water with a salinity of 3 PSU (3.0 gm/l). Observations were made on water intake, feed intake, egg production, and egg quality (egg weight, egg shape index density, shell proportion, shell thickness, yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit). Results: The results showed that the difference in salinity levels in drinking water from 0.75 PSU to 3 PSU did not affect water intake, feed intake, egg production, or egg quality of Alabio ducks for the first 56 days of the laying period (p > 0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that Alabio ducks have a good tolerance for drinking water salinity of up to 3 PSU, or equal to 3 gm/l NaCl. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 241-245]

Objectives: This study was designed to isolate, identify, and determine the prevalence of Aspergilli in commercial chicken in selected areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 lung samples from suspected dead chickens, comprising broilers (n = 32) and layers (n = 18), aged between 5 days and 45 weeks, were collected from poultry farms located in the Gazipur district in Bangladesh. Fungi were primarily identified based on the colony morphology using potato dextrose agar (PDA). DNA was extracted from the suspected colonies. Aspegillus spp. was detected by genus-specific ASAP-1 and ASAP-2. Aspergillus spp. were then screened by polymerase chain reaction targeting Aspergillus flavus (FLA-1 and FLA-2), Aspergillus fumigatus (ASPU and Af3r), and Aspergillus niger (ASPU and Nilr). Results: The overall prevalence of Aspergillus spp. was 44% (n = 22/50; p < 0.05). Among the Aspergilli, A. flavus was detected in 10% (n = 5/50) of the samples. Similarly, A. fumigatus and A. niger were detected at 26% (n = 13/50) and 8% (n = 4/50) respectively. Three samples were associated with more than one fungus; two fungi (A. flavus and A. niger) were in two samples, and three fungi (A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger) were in one sample. Conclusion: Isolation and prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in commercial chicken were studied for the first time in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 184-190]

Objective: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is one of the most important causative agents of swine diseases that pose a global economic threat. Presently, there is little or no information on the perception and awareness of PCV2 and its associated effects among pig farmers in Nigeria. Therefore, this research was carried out to describe pig farmers' views, awareness, and likely impact of PCV2 and its associated postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) on pig production in the southwestern region of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of pig farmers in Oyo and Ogun states, Southwest Nigeria, was carried out with the help of a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 111 farms out of the 385 required took part in the study, resulting in a total response rate of 28.8%. 89 (79.2%, 95% CI = 70.8–85.8) pig farmers who participated were unaware of PCV2, while 46 (41.4%, 95% CI = 32.7–50.7) had heard about PMWS. The level of awareness was generally poor, with an average score of 1.43 (SD ± 1.25; 23.9%). Only 23% (25/111) of the participants had a high level of awareness. To promote awareness about PCV2/PMWS, participants' most preferred sources of information were seminars, extension services (especially by veterinary and agricultural extension officers), social media (WhatsApp and YouTube), and mobile telephone (through calls or text messages). Conclusions: The present study showed a gap in the level of farmers' awareness about PCV2/ PMWS, and to bridge the gap, more scientific-based evidence is needed to promote targeted educational programs and policy formulations. Also, with the dearth of information about PCV2, it is necessary to determine its prevalence and the characteristics of the virus possibly circulating within the swine herds in Nigeria. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 203-210]

Objective: Rodlet cells produce secretions of glycoproteins in nature. This study investigated the microscopic morphology, histochemical and immunohistochemical reactions, and distribution of the rodlet cells in the gut of Binni fish (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi). Materials and Methods: Thirty samples were obtained from the cranial, middle, and caudal por¬tions of Binni intestine immediately after being euthanized, fixed in Bouin's solution for 18 h at 24°C, and had undergone routine histological processing, different conventional histochemical stains, and immunostaining with TNF-α and S100 protein antibody. Results: The intestine of Binni fish showed different stages of rodlet cells classified into three distinctive forms: vesicular, granular, and mature cells. Rodlet cells are poorly stained with hema¬toxylin and eosin. Their secretory granules have a weak positive reaction with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB), and react positively to combined AB and PAS. Rodlet cells were stained lightly with Safranin O, observed pink in color by Giemsa stain, and showed reactivity to Masson's and Mallory trichrome stains. Rodlet cells were immunostained positively against TNF-α and S100 antibodies, indicating that they have an immune function. Conclusions: Rodlet cells, with their neutral glycoprotein secretions, play a crucial role in the immunity of Binni fish intestine. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 282-289]

Objective: The objectives of this research are to overcome the limitations of rice bran (RB) and de-oiled rice bran (DORB) by fermentation anaerobically using inoculum from the rumen of a canulated sheep for desirable chemical changes. Materials and Methods: Initially, RB and DORB were fermented by 10% rumen liquor for 12 h at 39°C at different moisture levels (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% phosphate buffer). Again, DORB was fermented for 24, 48, and 72 h at 39°C using 10% rumen liquor at different moisture levels (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% phosphate buffer). Before and after fermentation, RB and DORB were analyzed for pH, proximate components, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total-P, inorganic-P, and phytate-P. Results: Fermentation of RB and DORB for 12 h reduced (p < 0.05) pH, crude fiber (CF),NDF, and phytate-P, but increased (p < 0.05) the content of inorganic-P. Subsequent fermentation of DORB for 24, 48, and 72 h reduced pH, CF, and NDF. Total-P of fermented DORB remained similar till 72 h fermentation (p < 0.05). But, inorganic-P increased with the increasing duration (24, 48, and 72 h) of fermentation and increased (30, 40, and 50) moisture level (p < 0.05). Alternatively, phytate-P decreased with increasing duration and moisture level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Inoculation of rumen microbes and incubation of RB (12 h) and DORB (24 h) at room temperature reduced phytate-P and fiber content (CF and NDF) when the moisture level was up to 50%; those are the indicators to reduce the limitation of RB and DORB to use as feed for non-ruminant animals like poultry and pigs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 728-735]

Objectives: This study was designed to detect Riemerella anatipestifer through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from duck farming areas of the Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and to determine the antibiogram profile of the PCR-positive isolates using the disc diffusion method. Materials and Methods: Fifty two samples were collected, comprising clinically sick (32 ducks) and dead ducks (20). PCR confirmation was accomplished, and consistent findings were observed, employing R. anatipestifer groEL (271-bp) gene as appropriate molecular markers. For further clarification, see R. anatipestifer specific PCR assay (546-bp) and gyrB-based PCR (162-bp) were also done. The disc diffusion method was followed for the antibiotic susceptibility test of the iso¬lates against commonly used antibiotics. Results: A total of 21 samples, 8 from clinically sick birds and 13 from dead birds, showed positive results in both conventional and molecular assays out of 52 samples. High occurrences were found in oropharyngeal swabs from sick ducks and the liver and heart from dead ducks. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the isolates were 100% resistant to penicillin G, cefradine, streptomycin, neomycin, gentamycin, meropenem, and erythromycin, but 100% sensitive to cotrimoxazole, florfenicol, and levofloxacin. Conclusion: For diverse duck-populated areas in Bangladesh, this study shows the severity of R. anatipestifer infection among ducks. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 684-693]

Objective: Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a mega biodiversity, among others, in the marine area. Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are a marine fish known to have biocompounds used in traditional medicine "Jamu," such as Hippocampus comes L. (HCL). The present study aims to analyze and compare the chemical contents of cultured seahorse (CS) and natural seahorse (NS) extracts. Materials and Methods: The CS and NS were identified morphometrically. After freeze-drying, the seahorses were ground into powder with a grinder. The seahorse powder was extracted with ethanol and a water solvent. The extract contained biocompounds, proximate, amino acids, and steroids with high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The study found unique characteristics of HCL. The highest yield was obtained in NS using a water solvent (18.6%). The biocompounds in seahorses consist of alkaloids and triterpenoids. The highest proximate of water content (11.03%) and ash content (42.50%) was found in NS. In addition, other compounds were also detected in CS, such as fat (7.48%) and protein (47.67%). Both of HCL's different sources had all essential and nonessential amino acids in which the highest concentration were in NS, i.e., L-arginine (56,537.22 mg/kg), L-lysine (17,794.17), glycine (113,649.80 mg/kg), L-proline (47,056.15), and L-alanine (43,451.81). The analysis of the steroid compound of the extract suggested the presence of steroid glycosides. Conclusion: The highest yield of the seahorse extract with a water solvent is about 18.6% and protein content of 47.67% in CS. The crude extract has alkaloids, triterpenoids, and glycine (113,649.80 mg/kg) in NS with water, suggesting the presence of steroid glycosides. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 610-616]

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the colony forming units (CFU) to isolate, identify, and antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus from chicken nuggets (CN). Materials and Methods: Sixty CN samples from two brands were collected from different super¬stores in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Uncooked, oven-cooked (OC), or gas stove-cooked (GSC) CN samples were inoculated onto mannitol salt agar and blood agar. Results: The total staphylococcal count (TSC) for uncooked CN ranged from log 4.68 to log 5.11 CFU/gm. For OC CN, TSC ranged from log 3.29 to log 3.62 CFU/gm. For GSC CN, TSC ranged from log 3.09 to log 3.49 CFU/gm. Relative to uncooked CN, microwave oven-cooked and GSC samples significantly reduced the TSC of CN (p < 0.01). Using the polymerase chain reaction assay and standard biochemical testing, only 8 out of 60 CN samples contained S. aureus. Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to Ampicillin (100%), Amoxicillin (100%), Oxacillin (75%), Cefixime (87.5%), Doxycycline (75%), intermediately sensitive to Erythromycin (25%), Cephalexin (12.5%), Ciprofloxacin (25%), Gentamicin (12.5%), Doxycycline (12.5%) and sensitive to Oxacillin (25%), Azithromycin (100%), Erythromycin (75%) Cephalexin (87.5%), Cefixime (12.5%), Chloramphenicol (100%), Ciprofloxacin (75%), Gentamicin (87.5%), Doxycycline (12.5%), and Vancomycin (100%). Conclusion: This study reports the first isolation and identification of S. aureus from CN in Bangladesh. GSC CN was better than OC and uncooked CN. Data also suggest that CN is contami¬nated with multidrug-resistant S. aureus, which poses a public health hazard. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 601-609]