Objectives: The study's goal was to determine the impacts of drinking saline water on the biochemical parameters of Murrah buffalo. Materials and methods: Twenty Murrah buffalo of both sexes, ranging in age from 6 months to 11 years, were randomly selected. 10 ml of blood samples were collected from each buffalo and processed to separate serums. The supplied drinking water and feed samples were also collected. Blood parameters–glucose, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, urea, uric acid, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, zinc, potassium, sodium, and chloride–were analyzed. Different clinical manifestations of selected buffalo were also recorded. Results: The buffaloes with skin lesions had higher serum concentrations of AST, creatinine, zinc, sodium, and chloride compared to another group. Significant age effects were found for serum concentrations of glucose (p < 0.05), creatinine (p < 0.01), uric acid (p < 0.001), phosphorus (p < 0.05), and potassium (p < 0.05). No significant age and gender effects were found for AST, ALT, urea, magnesium, calcium, zinc, sodium, and chloride. The serum concentration of creatinine was higher in female buffaloes, whereas the uric acid concentration was lower in female buffaloes compared to males. Conclusion: The blood parameters that were measured and remained within reference ranges show that Murrah buffaloes can adapt to saline water with little to no impairment to their liver and renal functions. The differences in the ages and sexes of the animals within the study groups highlight that mature female buffaloes suffer more from skin disorders and attempt to adjust to exotic conditions by changing the functioning of their liver and kidney. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 736-742]

Objectives: The study aimed to determine how Nano-Methionine (Nano-Meth) affected growth, lipid metabolism, and relative gene expression for acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid syn¬thase (FAS), growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR-1), myo¬statin (MSTN), and cholecystokinin (CCK) genes in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 2 groups: 1) the control group received drinking water without any supplements, and 2) the Nano-Meth group received 10 ml/l of 5% Nano-Meth starting from 1 day old until 35 days old (the end of the experiment). Results: Nano-Meth improved final body weight, weight gains, feed intake, and feed conver¬sion ratio. Compared to the control group, Nano-Meth significantly lowered the serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein in chickens. Nano-Meth significantly increased the serum levels of total protein, albumin, high-density lipo-protein, and glucose more than the control group. Nano-Meth lowered the mRNA gene expression of ACC, FAS, MSTN, and CCK but increased that of GHR and IGFR-1. Conclusions: We concluded that supplementation with Nano-Meth enhances growth performance and decreases lipid accumulation in broiler chickens. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 743-753]

Objective: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on the weight and cellularity of abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on four broiler chicks (20 chicks per group) fed commercial feed and water ad libitum. The DEX was supplied with feed at 0 mg/kg (non-DEX), 3 mg/kg (DEX-1), 5 mg/kg (DEX-2), and 7 mg/kg (DEX-3) from day 0 to day 28. The entire abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots were collected and weighed after sacrificing five birds from each group on days 14 and 28. Results: The DEX groups had considerably lower (p < 0.05) fat depot weights with dose-related variation noted among the DEX groups. The histological findings revealed the presence of uniloc¬ular, round to oval-shaped adipocytes. The DEX-1 and DEX-2 had way lower (p < 0.05) numbers of adipocytes while the DEX-3 had considerably higher (p < 0.05) numbers of adipocytes than the non-DEX. DEX-1 and DEX-2 had larger (p < 0.05) adipocytes whereas DEX-3 had smaller adipocytes than the non-DEX. Adipocyte sizes and fat depot weights were found to have very strong negative relationships. Conclusion: Dietary DEX affects the growth and distribution of abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots and adipocyte cellularity subjected to both dose and duration of DEX treatment. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(4.000): 583-590]

Objective: This study assessed traditional farmers' preferences for indigenous pigs and their awareness levels toward reproductive biotechnology. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study employed a mixed-methods con¬current triangulation design with a pragmatic approach. For quantitative data collection, a ran¬domly selected sample size of 622 respondents was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A semi-structured interview guide was used in seven focus group discussions (FGDs) for qualitative data. For quantitative data, descriptive statistics were used to find out how often something happened, and chi-square tests were used to look for relationships. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was used. Results: The majority (66.9%) of respondents were female, and they had largely (64.8%) attended a primary level of education. A slight majority (43.1%) of the respondents were 30–45 years old. Most respondents (65.1%) were low-income earners (below K500). Incidentally, the majority (74.1%) of respondents had low awareness of reproductive biotechnologies. Respondents' aware¬ness levels were associated with gender (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.01), and not age (p > 0.05). With regard to trait preference, a total of seven indigenous pig traits were reportedly preferred, of which disease resistance (25.9%) and litter size (23.8%) were the most preferred. From FGDs, participants valued indigenous pigs, citing many preferred traits, of which disease resistance and litter size were the most emphasized traits. Some participants were aware of many reproductive biotechnologies and their perceived advantages. However, they were more familiar with artificial insemination, heat detection methods, and synchronization. Conclusions: The majority of respondents had low awareness of reproductive biotechnologies. Respondents' awareness was associated with sociodemographic characteristics. The identified indigenous pig traits preferred by traditional farmers included adaptive and productive traits. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 255-266]

Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the gut content and record morphometric and hematological parameters in the common hoopoe (Upupa epops). Materials and Methods: Twenty samples of healthy birds (10 from each sex) were collected from different locations in Okara District, Punjab, Pakistan, from September 2020 to March 2021. Birds were captured live for blood samples and morphometric and gut analyses. Results: It was revealed that the concentrations of different hematological parameters were as follows: hemoglobin, 20.03g/dl; red blood cells, 3.28 × 106/μl; white blood cells, 326.67 × 103/ μl; hematocrit, 56.47%; MCV, 173.33 FL; MCH, 57.4 pg; MCHC, 57.4 pg; PLT, 8.33/μl; and RDW, 8.33/μl. The percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils were 84.67%, 11.67%, 2.00%, and 1.67%, respectively. The gut content of the common hoopoe mostly consisted of Coleoptera and Acrididae larvae. However, Lepidoptera, Gryllotalpidae, and sand were also recorded, along with seeds of Salvadora persica. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between male and female U. epops in feeding content, total weight of the gut, or weight of the empty gut. Regarding the morphometric param¬eters, there was a significant difference in both sexes' wingspan, body length, and body weight. Males were significantly heavier than females. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 290-294]

Objective: The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an infectious disease that causes very high eco¬nomic losses due to decreased livestock production and poultry deaths. The vaccine's ineffec¬tiveness due to mutation of the genetic structure of the virus impacts obstacles in controlling the disease, especially in some endemic areas. This study aimed to provide an alternative treatment for NDV infection by observing the viral replication inhibitor activity of Clostridium perfringens sialidase in primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells. Materials and Methods: The virus was adapted in CEF monolayer cells, then collected thrice using the freeze–thaw method and stored at −20°C for the next step in the challenge procedure. C. perfringens crude sialidase was obtained, but it was further purified via stepwise elution in ion exchange using Q Sepharose® Fast Flow and affinity chromatography with oxamic acid agarose. The purified sialidase was tested for its toxicity, ability to breakdown sialic acid, stopping viral replication, and how treated cells expressed their genes. Results: According to this study, purified C. perfringens sialidase at dosages of 187.5, 93.75, and 46.87 mU effectively hydrolyzes CEF cells' sialic acid and significantly inhibits viral replication on the treated cells. However, sialidase dosages of 375 and 750 mU affected the viability of mono¬layer CEF cells. Interestingly, downregulation of toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and TLR7 (p < 0.05) in the sialidase-treated group indicates viral endocytosis failure. Conclusions: By stopping endocytosis and viral replication in host cells, sialidase from C. perfrin¬gens can be used as an alternative preventive treatment for NDV infection. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 335-345]

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has evolved as one of the most significant bacteria causing food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence, antibiotic sensitivity, virulence, and enterotoxin production of S. aureus in raw milk of cow from small-scale production units and house-raised animals in Damietta governorate, Egypt. Material and Methods: The samples were examined bacteriologically, and antimicrobial sensitivity testing was carried out. Moreover, isolates were characterized by the molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and enterotoxin genes. Results: Out of 300 milk samples examined, S. aureus was isolated from 50 samples (16.7%). Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that isolates were resistant to β-lactams (32%), tetracycline (16%), and norfloxacin (16%); however, they showed considerable sensitivity to ceftaroline and amikacin (72%). Multidrug-resistance (MDR) has been observed in eight isolates (16%), with a MDR index (0.5) in all of them. Of the total S. aureus isolates obtained, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has been confirmed molecularly in 16/50 (32%) and was found to carry mecA and coa genes, while virulence genes; hlg (11/16, 68.75%) and tsst (6/16, 37.5%) were amplified at a lower percentage, and they showed a significant moderate negative correlation (r = −0.59, p-value > 0.05). Antibiotic resistance genes have been detected in resistant isolates relevant to their phenotypic resistance: blaZ (100%), tetK (50%), and norA (50%). Fifty percent of MRSA isolates carried the seb enterotoxin gene. Conclusion: High detection rate of MRSA and MDR isolates from milk necessitates the prompt implementation of efficient antimicrobial stewardship guidelines, especially at neglected small-scale production units. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(1.000): 113-121]

Objective: Here, we developed and tested the efficacy of a vaccination protocol based on a commercially available live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum (Salmonella galli¬narum) in layer chickens. Materials and Methods: 50 layer chickens of 16 weeks age were obtained and divided into two groups (n = 25), control and vaccinated. The vaccinated group received Salmonella vaccine at 0.2 ml/bird, s/c route at 16, 18, 30, and 42 weeks of age. At 21 weeks of age, birds from both groups were challenged with S. gallinarum orally at 4 × 107 colony-forming unit per bird. Results: Both rapid serum plate agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated a rising rate of seroconversion in vaccinated birds across the study period, with a 4% positive rate at 18 weeks, 56% at 21 weeks, 60% at 30 weeks, and 64% at each time point of 42 and 54 weeks. The vaccine showed 100% clinical protection and reduced the Salmonella shedding in the feces and eggs of the challenged birds. On the contrary, the unvaccinated challenged birds showed clinical signs and lesions typical of Salmonella infections with morbidity and mortality rates of 36% and 20%, respectively, and had high rates of Salmonella shedding in feces and eggs. Conclusions: With the proposed vaccination schedule Salmonella shedding was prevented, and a high seroconversion was confirmed. To prevent Salmonella infections in laying flocks, a 3-month interval immunization program is advised starting at the pre-laying stage. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 301-309]

Objective: The information about risk factors for a high stillbirth rate in piglets is inadequate. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine important risk factors for an extremely high stillbirth rate in a commercial pig farm in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: This study included 628 piglets and 45 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. Data including parity number, gestation length (GL), litter size (LS), piglet's gender, stillbirth, birth order, birth interval (BI), cumulative farrowing duration (CFD), birth weight (BW), crown-rump length (CRL), body mass index, and ponderal index (PI) were collected. To deal with hierarchical data where several piglets might be born from a sow, Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were used to examine the association between stillbirth and investigated risk factors. Results: The stillbirth rate was 14.3%, and the incidence of stillbirth at the litter level was 68.9%. The final multivariate GLMM selected eight factors, including CFD, BI, CRL, BW, PI, GL, LS, and parity, as significant risk factors for stillbirth in the piglet. CFD >90 min, BI > 30 min, CRL [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(1.000): 13-18]

Objective: The current broiler trial was planned to assess the effects of Kolin Plus™, a polyherbal formulation (PHF), on performance, protein and fat accretion, and serum L-carnitine (LC) levels in broilers fed a high-energy diet (HED). Materials and Methods: A total of 500 1-day-old Cobb 430 male chicks were assigned to 5 treat¬ment groups consisting of 10 replicates, with 10 birds in each replicate (n = 100). Group G1 was a negative control fed HED, and group G2, a positive control supplemented with synthetic choline chloride (SCC) 1,500 gm/ton in HED. Groups G3, G4, and G5 were supplemented with PHF in HED at 400, 500, and 750 gm/ton feed, respectively (PHF400, PHF500, and PHF750). Results: The PHF produced a dose-dependent numerical improvement in body weight, feed con¬version ratio, livability, and the European Production Index. There were no changes in carcass nitrogen and protein accretion, whereas a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in carcass fat and fat accretion was observed in the SCC and PHF groups. Moreover, PHF showed a significant increase in serum LC levels. Conclusion: Kolin Plus™ improves performance parameters akin to SCC by improving fat metabo¬lism and mobilization by enhancing serum LC levels and restoring normal fat accretion. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(1.000): 166-174]