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]

Primates are known to harbour different gastrointestinal parasite species that affect their survival and reproductive activity. Entamoeba histolytica infects humans predominantly as well as non-human (NH) primates causing amoebiasis. Amoebic dysentery is common amongst non-human primates in captive sites. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the prevalence of amoebic dysentery in captive NH primates of the Mefou Primate Sanctuary (MPS) in Cameroon. The faecal samples of 277 NH primates were analysed by qualitative (direct smear and evergreen kit sedimentation technique) coprology from January to July 2019. Factors such as habitat type, keeper’s age and level of education were assessed to evaluate their effect on the prevalence of amoebic dysentery. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica was 46.2% (P=0,079 and χ2=18.13). E histolytica was the most predominant parasite species detected and it was present in all instances of mixed parasite infections. Amongst the NH primates positive for E. histolytica, 28 suffered from amoebic dysentery giving a prevalence of 21.9% and one of the infected primates (Cercopithecus pogonias) actually died from amoebic dysentery. The prevalence of mixed infections was significantly lower amongst NH primates living in outdoor enclosures compared to those living in other habitat types (P=0.015, χ2=10.46). The rate of re-infection was significantly higher amongst NH primates under the care of keepers with the lowest (primary school) level of education (P=0.001, χ2=13.09) on one hand and of older keepers (≥50s) (P = 0.008, χ2=13.708) on the other hand. This study shows that amoebic dysentery is a cause for a major concern in the MPS. The housing conditions of the NH primates at the sanctuary, the keeper’s age and level of education were important factors that influenced the prevalence of amoebic dysentery. Adequate measures should be put in place to address the situation.

The chicken farming industry in Indonesia cannot be separated from the use of antibiotics as a curative effort in controlling the disease. Its use is either via injection, soaking, or as a feed additive (growth promoter) mixed in feed. Inappropriate use of antibiotics causes allergic reactions or resistance and the possibility of causing poisoning, residues in livestock tissues or organs that are harmful to human health when consuming them. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic residues in eggs and the level of knowledge of livestock workers on the use of antibiotics in livestock. The detection of antibiotic residues was conducted using the agar plate diffusion method by Kirby Bauer with the disk diffusion technique using Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. As indicator bacteria. The results were analysed using a qualitative descriptive approach. The samples were 76 eggs taken from the Regional Technical Implementation Unit of the Non-Ruminant Livestock Center of the Aceh Livestock Service in Blang Bintang and Saree Aceh Besar. Chloramphenicol antibiotic was used as a test medium and as control by calculating the diameter of the inhibition zone formed on MHA media. furthermore, a cross-sectional study design was used and questionnaires were distributed to 14 livestock officers to understand the knowledge of officers on the use of antibiotics in livestock by using google form. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test through the SPSS 22.0 program. The results showed that the eggs and feed samples were negative from antibiotic residue. There was no relationship between feeding and antibiotic residues in eggs and laying hens feed. However, only 35.7% of officers had good knowledge about proper antibiotic usage. This means continuing awareness to the officers regarding the use of antibiotics either for treatment of diseases or as feed promoter are essential.

The increase in the house fly population (Musca domestica) indicates pollution from chicken farms due to the chicken feces produced. The house fly population from farms can be reduced by using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, but the exact number of BSF larvae has yet to be discovered to reduce the house fly population. This study aims to determine the presence of BSF larvae in chicken feces waste media in inhibiting the population of house flies. The research sample used 7-day-old BSF larvae from fishing for BSF flies from nature using organic waste to lay eggs and produce larvae. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications. Treatment without the addition of larvae (P0), 100 grams (P1), 200 grams (P2) and 300 grams (P3) into 1 kg of chicken feces stocked in a 50 cm x 50 cm container. The variable observed was the number of house flies perched on each treatment's feces. The results showed that the number of flies that landed on chicken feces with the addition of 0 g, 100 g, 200 g, and 300 g BSF larvae was 34.33±12.09, 22.33±10.21, 16.33 ±2.08 tails, 11.00±2.64 individuals. Based on the results of statistical analysis, it was found that the population of the house fly was significantly reduced (P0.05) between the addition of 0 grams of BSF larvae, 100 grams, 200 grams and 300 grams. The results of the study concluded that the more BSF larvae added, the less population of house flies perched around chicken feces. The presence of BSF larvae weighing 200 g per kg of chicken feces can reduce the population of flies that perch on chicken feces by 52%.

Broilers are chickens with high meat production. The productivity of broiler is seen from the percentage of carcass and abdominal fat. This study aims to determine the effect of giving fermented coconut pulp (Cocos nucifera L) on the percentage of carcass and abdominal fat of broilers. This study used a completely randomized design experimental method (CRD) consisting of 6 treatments and 6 replications so that the total observations were 36 units of observation. Each treatment had P1: 100% commercial feed without fermented coconut dregs, P2: 90% commercial feed + 10% fermented coconut dregs, P3: 80% commercial feed + 20% fermented coconut dregs, P4: 70% commercial feed + 30 % fermented coconut dregs, P5: 60% commercial feed + 40% fermented coconut dregs, P6 : 50% commercial feed + 50% fermented coconut dregs. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance which was preceded by the battle test, followed by the Tukey test using the SPSS program. The analysis of variance showed significantly different results (P0.05) on the percentage of carcass and abdominal fat of the broiler. Tukey's follow-up test on the carcass showed a significant difference (P0.05) and there was no significant difference in fat (P0.05). It can be concluded that the supplementary feed of fermented coconut pulp can be used 40% as additional feed to increase the carcass percentage but not reduce the broiler abdominal fat percentage.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among commercial pig farmers in the Ejisu Municipality to investigate reproductive performance, piglet mortality, and reproductive health problems on their farms. Questionnaires designed to obtain information on reproductive performance and reproductive health problems were administered to a total of 50 randomly selected pig farmers. Three farms were randomly selected to monitor farrowing and pre-weaning piglet mortality. The farrowing records of a minimum of 10 sows on each farm were taken, and the piglets followed up to the point of weaning by six weeks. Records of piglet mortalities and their causes were retrieved from farm records or post mortem reports. The mean litter size, stillbirth per litter, piglet birth weight (Kg), weaning to estrus interval, and gestation period were 9.5± 1.4, 1.6 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.1, .7±1.0 days, and 115.1± 2.6 days, respectively. The pre-weaning mortality (%) at day 42 was 18.7 and ranged from 7.3-28.3. Within the first two days post farrowing, mechanical crushing (8.9%) of piglets by sows and piglet starvation (7.2%), while diarrhea (2.5%) and piglet anemia (1.5%) accounted for mortalities within the first two weeks of life. Reproductive health problems by frequency of occurrence included mastitis (23%), agalactia (18%), stillbirths (18%), repeat breeders (14%) and dystocia (14%). The study concluded that the reproductive performance of sows was satisfactory, while pre-weaning piglet mortality was high. It is recommended to intensify extension education on the management of piglets after farrowing.

Os maus-tratos aos animais são considerados crime no Brasil e o atendimento desse tipo de ocorrência pode ser realizado por diferentes órgãos governamentais, incluindo os municipais. O presente trabalho analisa denúncias atendidas pelo Departamento de Vigilância em Saúde, da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Campo Magro, Paraná, Brasil, entre março de 2019 e dezembro de 2020 e avalia os tipos mais comuns de maus-tratos a animais e os animais envolvidos. Um total de 140 denúncias foram recebidas e 132 foram fiscalizadas, destas, 81 foram consideradas procedentes. A forma mais prevalente de maus-tratos foi a negligência com 64,2% (52/81). Os casos de negligência foram classificados em quatro diferentes tipos (cada caso pode ser classificado em mais de um tipo de negligência). O tipo mais frequente foi a negligência comportamental com 33,9% (36/106). Como mais de um animal podia estar envolvido em cada caso de maus-tratos, os 81 casos procedentes contabilizaram 471 animais envolvidos. A espécie canina foi a mais afetada, sendo 78,5% (370/471). A maior parte dos casos de maus-tratos foram cometidos contra animais adultos. Correlações estatísticas significativas foram encontradas entre o sexo e faixa etária dos cães em relação à ocorrência de maus tratos e, também, entre a espécie e os diferentes tipos de maus-tratos para cães e gatos.

This study evaluated (a) the efficacy of an association between injectable antibiotic therapy and sealant (ATBS) on milk yield (MY), somatic cell count (SCC), and prevalence of intramammary infections (IMI); and (b) the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on follicular cyst (FCs) resolution (cyclicity at the 45th day in milk; DIM) and cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) in heifers submitted to a lactation induction protocol (LIP). A total of 114 crossbred (Holstein × Jersey) heifers, with 34.7 ± 4.8 months and 439 ± 56.35 kg were submitted to LIP. On the 5th day of the LIP, the heifers were assigned to (i) ATBS (n = 57) with 7 mg/kg of norfloxacin associated with sealant and (ii) Control 1 (n = 57; CONT1) with no treatments. Lactation began on the 21st day of LIP and the 15th DIM, FCs were diagnosed and 106 heifers were randomized into two treatment groups with 53 heifers each: (i) GnRH (5 mL injectable GnRH) and (ii) Control 2 (CONT2; no treatment). Of the 114 heifers initially induced, 83.33% (n = 95) responded to LIP with an average MY of 15.19 kg/milk/day during 22 weeks of lactation. In the first 14 DIM, the IMI prevalence was 18% and 28% for heifers ATBS and CONT1 treated, respectively. Additionally, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated group of pathogens. Mammary quarters that received ATBS treatment had a lower risk of IMI and SCC than CONT1. The cyclicity at 45 DIM was 68% (ATBS) and 35% (CONT1), and 57% and 46% for animals in the GnRH and CONT2. CPR was 60% in the ATBS group and 89% in CONT1, but GnRH treatment did not affect the CPR. In conclusion, LIP was effective in stimulating MY in heifers, and the IMI prevalence decreased with ATBS treatment. Also, the use of GnRH did not affect the FC regression, cyclicity at 45 DIM, and CPR.

Felines play a leading role in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, but there is scarce information about the epidemiology of Neospora caninum, particularly in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats. Cats seropositive to T. gondii do not usually show symptoms unless they are immunosuppressed, such as FIV-infected cats. The same relationship remains poorly known for N. caninum, although it has been associated with neurological disorders in HIV-infected people. Since FIV-infected cats are prone to develop encephalitis of unknown etiology, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum in a shelter for stray cats naturally infected with FIV. A total of 104 serum samples from cats living in a shelter, located in São Paulo city (Brazil), was assessed for T. gondii and N. caninum specific antibody by indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT). Of the 104 cats, 25 (24%) were infected with FIV and, aside from these, 8 (32%) had antibodies against T. gondii (titers from 16 to 128). Only 1 (4%) of the FIV infected cats had antibodies against N. caninum, which was the first record of coinfection. Among the FIV-naïve cats, 11 (14%) were positive for T. gondii (titers from 16 to 256) and only 1 (1.2%) had antibodies against N. caninum. Serologically positive reactions to T. gondii and N. caninum were not correlated with age or sex (p>0.05), and there was no correlation between FIV and the occurrence of anti-T. gondii or anti-N. caninum antibodies (p>0.05). Further studies encompassing larger cat populations from different origins and locations are essential to clarify the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies in FIV-positive cats.