Recently, Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV) cases have been reported in many countries worldwide. FAdV is a contagious agent associated with inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) in chickens. It belongs to the Aviadenovirus genus of the family Adenoviridae. The virus is classified into five species (A to E) and further divided into 12 serotypes. Depending on the serotypes, they have diverse characteristics of virus that can either be pathogenic or nonpathogenic strain. From the viewpoint of epidemiological as well as vaccine development, it is very important to detect FAdV strains. Previous studies have been conducted on molecular research, but the continuity of this study in Malaysia has been limited. This study aims to identify the serotype classification of five Malaysian FAdV isolates obtained from field outbreaks during 2017-2019. In this study, polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were conducted based on Hexon gene. Results from the nucleotide sequence analysis discovered that the five isolates showed high similarity with FAdV-8b strains. High bootstrap values in phylogenetic analysis supported the clustering of the Malaysian FAdVs isolates into FAdVs species E. Consequently, the result of this study contributed important information on the epidemiology and culminated in the importance of control strategies against FAdV infection in Malaysia.

Liquid manures stored produce a significant amount of methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) gas from biological anaerobic fermentation. Studies carried out to evaluate a potential biological cover on inhibiting gases emission and simple cover design to overcome the high cost of biogas production on covered lagoon types that are available on the market. The agriculture waste from rice straw, cocopeat, hay, and sawdust were used as biological covers in reducing CH4 emission and NH3 volatilisation from ruminant slurries. During ninety days of the undisturbed storage period, immediate reduction of CH4 and NH3 gases fluxes were observed after the application. Rice straw and coco peat were found to effectively reduce the emission of CH4 and NH3 between 45.5% and 56.9%. Other biological cover showed a slightly lower reduction on NH3 volatilisation and much lower in CH4 inhibition percentage (28-29%). Covering method was found to be suitable with Malaysia’s climate in reducing greenhouse gas emission from slurry manure.

To investigate premium palm kernel cake (PKC) based diet’s effect on amino acid digestibility, this study conducted a feeding trial. Four groups of 150 day-old broiler chickens in every group were given four isocaloric diets using these formulation: Diet 1 - commercial feed for both starter and grower phase Diet 2 - broiler feed that contains 30% PKC for starter phase + commercial grower, Diet 3 - commercial starter + broiler feed that contains 45% PKC for grower phase (and Diet 4 - broiler feed that contains 30% PKC for starter phase + broiler feed that contains 45 % premium PKC for grower phase. During the experiment’s day 31, bird faeces’ samples were collected based on group diets in order to estimate the availability of amino acid as well as the digestibility of amino acids using balance experiment. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with photo-diode array detector was used to analyse amino acid. The findings showed no significant difference in digestibility of amino acids with p<0.05 in the feed broiler chickens’ comparison with commercial feed in terms of different levels of PKC based diet. This study shows that by including 30-45% premium PKC in poultry diet, it could contribute as protein source in broiler feed production with suitable supplementation of essential amino acid. Further studies are encouraged to combine the analysis of excreta, ileal digesta and growth performance in order to achieve more concrete findings.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is contagious and fatal to humans. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant concerns on food safety and security are rising due to potential interspecies transmission. As such, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 on imported meat and animal parts is carried out and reported in this study to safeguard food safety and security. Overall, none of the 225 samples from various livestock (buffaloes, cattle, goat and pig) imported from seven countries were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) from July 2020 to November 2021. This study finding serves as a baseline data for SARS-CoV-2 in imported meat and animal parts. Notably, this study accentuated the importance of active surveillance to prevent zoonosis and to safeguard food safety and security.

Information on common diseases is important for effective disease control and management programme. This paper aims to identify the common equine parasites infection diagnosed in Peninsular Malaysia using existing laboratory data system records from government veterinary laboratories. Equine data were analysed on the basis of disease diagnoses, states, types of programme, and breed from January 2014 to December 2018. For this purpose, laboratory data from parasitology unit in six (06) Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) laboratories across Peninsular Malaysia were compiled and a total of 7,123 samples sent to the laboratories during the time period were analysed. A total of 623 samples (8.75 %) were positive of 7 different endoparasites, with helminthiasis recording 4.45 % and protozoan infections recording 4.28 %. Monitoring programme recorded second highest number of samples received (33.58 %) but with highest positive samples (6.96 %), while import programmes had the highest number of samples received but with only 0.62 % of the samples were recorded positive. State of Johore (7.97 %) had the highest number of horse positive sample followed by Perlis (0.24 %) and Pahang (0.21 %). Thoroughbred were breed with the highest number of samples received (66.31 %) with 7.28 % were positive. In conclusion, this study provides an idea of prevailing equine common parasite status in Malaysia as per handled in the DVS laboratories, as DVS continues to emphasize horse health by conducting disease screening primarily associated with import and export programmes as well as conducting disease monitoring to ensure sustainability of the industry

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) and sperm quality for bull fertility screening by using Brahman bulls. A total of 17 Brahman bulls were sampled from the Department of Veterinary Services’ farm at Pusat Ternakan Haiwan (PTH) Ulu Lepar, Kuantan, Pahang, with age ranging between 2 to 7 years old. All candidates had undergone BSE and sperm quality test. All the data collected were analysed using SPSS software. The average age of the Brahman in this study was 55.06±14.37 months with 36.53±3.21 cm of scrotal diameter. The average libido score recorded for Brahman bulls in this study was 5.35±1.90. The minimum libido score was two (2) while the maximum score was seven (7). For sperm quality traits, the average parameter recorded for Brahman bulls were as follows: 54.41±20.15 % (sperm motility), 62.94±26.94 % (live sperm) and 49.40±8.53 % (normal sperm). The minimum and maximum score for sperm motility was 10 % and 80 %, respectively. For live sperm, the minimum score was 10 % and maximum score was 80 %. Meanwhile, normal sperm had a minimum score of 30 % and a maximum score of 65 %. The bull that fulfilled the requirements of the screening can be assigned as a superior bull for breeding program, thus making fertility screening a useful tool in monitoring potential breeder of the farm.

Objective: This research investigated the immunomodulatory potentials of two medicinally important wild epiphytic Bangladeshi orchids Cymbidium aloifolium and Papilionanthe teres using Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: Orchid extracts were prepared using a cold methanol extraction proce¬dure. To assess the immunomodulatory action, Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 2535 gm were divided into five groups each with six animals. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) of 0.5 × 109 cells/ml were used to immunize all mice on the 7th day, and a booster dose of the same quan¬tity of SRBC was given on the 11th day of the experiment. After 14 days of oral treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of orchid extract, the mice were sacrificed to collect serum and organs. Hematological assays, delayed type of hypersensitivity assays, phagocytic index (PI), and histo¬pathological investigations were used to assess in vivo immunomodulatory efficacy. Results: The body weight changes of the experimental animals were considerably greater at 100 mg/kg bw than at a higher dose (200 mg/kg bw). There was a substantial improvement of relative organ weights of the thymus and spleen at the low dose, but no effect on kidney weights was evi¬dent. The liver weight increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) at both doses. Total neutrophil, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts, hemoglobin percentage, delayed hypersensitivity reaction, and PI were all significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased in mice receiving the lower dose. In contrast to the control group, the higher dose reduced immunological response, suggesting the negative influence of a higher dose of extracts on the immune reaction. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that orchid extracts can potentially modulate the innate immune system in the experimental animal. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 479-488]

Objective: This study assessed the effect of cellulose sheets fortified with Natamycin-loaded algi¬nate nanoparticles on the growth of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin production on the superficial layer of Egyptian Romy cheese after 12 weeks of maturation. Materials and Methods: Toxigenic A. flavus (GenBank accession No. MT645073) was inoculated into the outer surface of Egyptian Romy cheese (at 5 log CFU/gm) and wrapped with a cellulose sheet fortified with Natamycin-loaded alginate nanoparticles. Unwrapped control contaminated Romy wheels were made as well as non-contaminated wrapped cheese wheels for sensory eval¬uation. Romy cheese wheels were stored at a temperature similar to commercial methods for 12 weeks. Fungal counts were enumerated during this time, and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay detected aflatoxin after the 4th week of maturation storage. Results: In cheese samples covered with cellulose sheets containing Natamycin-loaded alginate nanoparticles, the fungal count was reduced by 2 log approximately in contrast to control samples after the 2nd week of storage. However, within the 8th week of storage, the greatest significant reduction (p &lt; 0.05) was seen where fungal growth was hindered entirely to the end of the rip¬ening period. The mean values for taste, color, flavor, and overall acceptability were 4, 4.7, 4.09, and 4.3, respectively. Furthermore, in the treated samples, the total aflatoxin concentration was decreased by 78.6% relative to the untreated control one. Conclusion: Using cellulose sheets fortified with Natamycin-loaded alginate nanoparticles in Egyptian Romy cheese wrapping could be an effective way of controlling A. flavus and subsequent aflatoxin production without influencing the typical taste, color, flavor, and overall appearance of traditional Romy cheese. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 58-63]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pretreatment with medetomidine (Me), midazolam (Mi), and ketamine (Ke) on stress-related neurohormonal and metabolic responses in isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy and castration. Materials and Methods: We prospectively recruited 112 client-owned healthy mixed-breed cats. In both surgeries, we divided the cats into seven groups (eight cats per group): non-treatment (control), Me (50 &#956;g/kg), Mi (0.5 mg/kg), Ke (5 mg/kg), Me + Mi, Me + Ke and Me + Mi + Ke administered intramuscularly. After pretreatments, we maintained anesthesia with isoflurane and oxygen. Venous blood was taken before pretreatment, pre- and post-operatively during anesthesia, and at early- and complete-recovery. Results: Both plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline were reduced during anesthesia in all groups. Plasma cortisol increased during anesthesia and at early recovery in non-Me-treated groups, whereas it decreased in Me-treated groups in both surgeries. Plasma insulin and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) decreased, and glucose increased during anesthesia in all groups, but hyperglycemia and decrease in NEFA were greater in Me-treated groups. Conclusions: In isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing surgeries, premedication with Me alone and in combination is useful for reducing the perioperative stress-related increase in cortisol and catecholamines except for hyperglycemia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 563-575]

Objective: To identify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that affect the backyard poul¬try system in the Savanna region, Department of Sucre, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 860 native birds, both hens (Gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), regardless of age and sex. Samples were processed using direct techniques with ZnSO4 and indirect methods such as modified Sloss. Data were presented as frequencies, and the nonparametric odds ratio test was used for two independent samples. Results: A total of 77.3% (665/860) of the birds were infected with one or more species of gas¬trointestinal parasites. Among the nematodes, Capillaria spp. (45.6%), Ascaridia galli (18.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.4%), Syngamus trachea (38.9%), Tetrameres spp. (25.2%), and Strongylus spp. (12.2%) were recorded. The cestodes were Choanotaenia infundibulum (22.6%), Davainea proglottina (42.3%), Raillietina spp. (58.3%), and Hymenolepis spp. (54.7%), while only Eimeria spp. (90%) was recorded as protozoa. Conclusions: The study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal parasite infestations, the most common species being Hymenolepis spp., Eimeria spp., Raillietina spp., and Heterakis gallinarum. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 606-611]