Bluetongue (BT) is an arthropod-borne viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). It has been reported in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world which raises significant socioeconomic concerns for international trade in animals and animal products. However, recent and updated information related to the current prevalence of BT in Malaysia is limited. The last holistic report was reported during BT outbreaks in the year of 1990s. This study aims to determine the current status of seroprevalence of BT among ruminants in Malaysia from 2013 to 2019. A total of 9,787 serum samples from buffalo, cattle, deer, goat as well as sheep were received from January 2013 until December 2019. All these serum samples were subjected to Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) test to detect the presence of antibodies towards BTV. The overall status of BTV was 20.18 % (1,975/9,787), with 56 % (14/25) in deer, 46.4 % (428/922) in cattle and 35.7 % (60/168) in buffalo. Positive BT antibodies were detected in young animals (<6 months) with 30.60 %, while 23.61 % in adult animals (>2 years). The results of this study revealed that BTV is still circulating at low level in domestic and wild ruminant livestock animals in Malaysia. It is suggested that this disease needs close monitoring to prevent possible outbreaks in the future.

A study on the prevalence of endoparasites of rats was conducted at the Laboratory Animal Facility and Management (LAFAM), UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam. The fecal samples were collected from a total of 187 laboratory rats which included 112 Sprague-Dawley and 75 Wistar rats. The fecal samples were examined by direct smear technique and fecal floatation technique. From the total of 187 fecal samples examined, 35.83 % were found positive for endoparasites. Prevalence of endoparasites was higher in Wistar (54.67 %) compared to Sprague-Dawley rats (23.21 %). The most prevalent nematode parasites were Syphacia muris (68.66 %) followed by Syphacia obvelata (26.87 %). The prevalence of these parasites emphasizes the needs of careful monitoring in the LAFAM and therapeutic measures when necessary.

The advantages of ventral and flank approaches for ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in terms of wound healing rate when compared to each other are still understudied. The effects of different OHE approaches on the wound healing rates of cats in Selangor, Malaysia were investigated. A total of 50 female cats were randomly included in this study. They were divided into the ventral-approach group (n=25) and the flank approach group (n=25). The wound healing rates and possible complications that could arise from the surgery in all cats were monitored daily from Day 1 until Day 7 post-surgery. Data were analysed using Independent T-test. Overall, the incision site wound healing rate in cats from the flank-approach group was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in cats from the ventral-approach group (72.55 ± 3.48 % vs. 59.91 ± 3.34 %; mean ± SEM). Complete healing of the incision site was observed in 12 % of cats from the flank-approach group as compared to 8 % of cats from the ventral-approach group. However, 8 % of cats from the ventral approach group had post-surgery complications whereas the flank-approach group had none. Results from the alternative approach may be attributed to reduced accessibility and contamination of the incision site during recovery

Locally, venison is considered as a premium and exotic meat, as it is not commonly found in fresh food markets and grocery stores. Despite its limited availability, demand is always high in its niche market, especially during festive seasons which highly escalate the price. However, as an expensive delicacy, deer meat is highly susceptible to fraudulent substitution and adulteration. Authentic deer meat are currently only recognized by consumers based on their own experience, meat texture, and taste which can be quite subjective. To assist in authenticating local deer meat in the market and protect consumers from fraudsters, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis can be carried out to distinguish between venison and other animal meat and products. Farmed venison in Malaysia are mostly from the species Rusa timorensis while Rusa unicolor is bred in the wild. Here, we detailed a newly developed conventional PCR method that is able to detect R. timorensis and R. unicolor based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) in a single run, thus providing a simple and more accurate alternative in venison authentication.

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability (h2 ), repeatability (r), and correlations (r yi yi ) in some traits of zootechnical interest in a population of New Zealand white rabbits of a tropical dry forest area. Materials and Methods: Three mating groups were formed, each one of 1 male and 70 females. The traits evaluated were littersize at birth (LB), born alive (BA), born dead (BD), litter weight born alive (LW), litter weight at weaning (LWW), weaning weight (WW), slaughter weight (SW), and carcass weight (CW). Weaning took place at 42 days, and the fattening phase lasted 60 ± 3 days. A descriptive statistical study was carried out on the study variables. Paternal heritability was esti mated (h2 f ) and maternal (h2 m), repeatability, rabbit index IC, and Pearsons correlations (r yi yi ) between traits. The descriptive statistics showed high variation for the BD traits. Results: The values of the productivity found were similar to those presented in studies around the world. h2 presented magnitudes between low and medium. h2 f ranged between 0.09 and 0.42 and between 0.11 and 0.45 for h2 m. In general, the values of h2 m were higher than the values of h2 f . The r valuesforthe traits LB, BA, LW, LWW, and SW presented low magnitude, while it was medium for WW and CW. From the values of r, IC was calculated for each of the rabbits, allowing their categorization, which will be used in future selection plans. r yi yi among the variables ranged from &#8722;0.01 to 0.860. They were generally positive and mostly not significant (p &gt; 0.05); they took a magnitude from low to moderate, except for the correlation between LB and BA. Conclusion: The production of rabbits under tropical conditions is similar to other reports. The genetic parameters evaluated were medium-to-low, indicating a robust non-additive gene and/ or environmental effect. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 471-478]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the ethanolic extract of avocado seed flour on the estrous cycle characteristics, the concentrations of reproductive hormones [luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol], and the activities of some tissues (ovarian and uterine) that are markers of oxidative stress in female guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four female cavies with normal estrous cycles and equivalent body weights (464.25 and 71.88 gm) were randomly assigned to four groups, each with six females. The control group received 1 ml of distilled water orally, whereas the EE100, EE200, and EE400 groups received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Persea americana seed, respectively. Following that, three consecutive estrous cycles were observed using vaginal smears. After the trial, the females were slaughtered, and blood and organs were gathered for study. Results: The mean duration of the estrus phase is considerably (p &lt; 0.05) longer in group EE100 animals than in control animals. LH concentrations were substantially (p &lt; 0.05) higher in females in group EE200 than in controls. Total cholesterol levels typically dropped in females in the extract groups, but only significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in those in group EE100 compared to the control group. Serum estradiol levels increased considerably (p &lt; 0.05) in treated females compared to controls. Catalase activity rose considerably (p &lt; 0.05) in the ovaries of group EE400 when compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase activity rose considerably (p &lt; 0.05) in the uterus of female cavies given the extract compared to the control. Conclusion: Avocado seed ethanolic extract prolongs the estrus phase, increases estradiol and LH levels, and protects the uterus from oxidative stress in female cavies. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 501-510]

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the unsaturated to saturated ratio of fatty acids (FAs) reaching the duodenum on postruminal digestion of FAs, mainly focused on stearic acid (C18:0). Materials and Methods: Six Holstein steers [208 ± 3 kg initial live weight (LW)] with cannulas in the abomasum and proximal duodenum were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Steers were fed a fixed amount of a basal steam-flaked corn-based diet containing 8% supple mental fat and were daily infused via abomasum with 0, 67, and 165 gm oleic acid (C18:1). The experiment lasted for 42 days. Results: The daily total FA (TFA) intake (dietary FA intake plus abomasal infusion of oleic acid) represented a 1.78, 2.10, and 2.56 gm TFA/kg LW ratio. The unsaturated to saturated ratio of FAs entering the duodenum increased (p &lt; 0.01) aslevel C18:1 infusion into the abomasum increased. Infusion of C18:1 tended (quadratic component, p = 0.07) to improve postruminal TFA digestion, being maximal for the 67 gm/day infusions. This increase in TFA digestion was due to increased (quadratic component, p = 0.03) postruminal C18:0 digestion (postruminal digestion of the other FAs was not different, p &#8805; 0.13). Conclusion: Increasing the unsaturated to saturated ratio of FAs entering the small intestine will enhance intestinal C18:0 digestion. This positive effect is expected to be more likely bene ficial when FA intake is high (and thus, the duodenal flow of FA is high), but this benefit looks diminished when the quantity of TFA reaching the intestine exceeds the proportion of 2.13 gm FA/kg LW. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 465-470]

Objective: Anticoccidial drugs may lead to the development of drug resistance and drug residues. Herbal extracts could be an attractive alternative. This research was undertaken to evaluate the anticoccidial outcome of Carica papaya compared with the anticoccidial drug (Toltazuril) in Sonali chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 Sonali chickens were evenly and equally allocated into four groups, namely T1 (non-infected control), T2 (infected control), T3 (treated with C. papaya), and T4 (treated with Toltrazuril). All groups were experimentally infected with oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. orally except T1, and the mixed Eimeria spp. oocyst load (OL), body weight (BW) gain, and hematological parameters were calculated. Results: In the findings, the highest OL reduction rate in T4 was 100%, while the T3 was 83.44%. Nevertheless, BW differed significantly (p &lt; 0.01) among the different groups, while the daily BW gain was higher in T3 amounting to 8.10 gm. In the case of hematological parameter, total eryth¬rocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in different groups were almost the same and were also statistically insignificant (p &gt; 0.05) barring total leukocyte count resulting as significant (p &lt; 0.05) at day 30. Additionally, the results of Pearsons correlation in T3 at day 30 indicated a strong significant (p &lt; 0.01) negative correlation between OL and BW (r = &#8722;0.780) with the following regression equation: y = &#8722;0.16*x + 433.665. Moreover, the correlation of TEC, PCV, and Hb with OL was significantly (p &lt; 0.01) negative, r = &#8722;0.786, r = &#8722;0.752 and r = &#8722;0.633, where the regression equations were y = &#8722;0.03*x + 4.51, y = &#8722;0.03*x + 27.42, and y = &#8722;0.04*x + 11.40, respectively. Conclusion: Long-term use of C. papaya leaves extracts effectively controls coccidiosis in Sonali chickens and can act as an effective growth promoter. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 91-100]

Objective: The study was carried out to investigate the use and impact of veterinary drugs, anti¬microbials, and supplements in commercial aquaculture for fish health management measures in three selected areas of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Data collection was conducted through questionnaire interviews with owners of 50 fish farms and 25 drug shop owners from Trishal, Fulpur, Tarakanda, and Sadar Upazila of Mymensingh district. Results: A total of 15 trade-named veterinary antibiotics and six categories of other compounds were identified in this study. Antibiotics were found as the most used veterinary drugs (80.85%), followed by disinfectants, nutritional supplements, saline, ammonia removal agents, probiotics, and pesticides. These veterinary compounds performances for fish health management were found to vary (10%60%) significantly. Conclusion: This studys findings urge the necessity to produce and approve effective aqua drugs and treatments to ensure farmed fish and public health. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 36-43]

Objective: This study was determined to see the effects of secretome on cellular production of testosterone and androgen-binding protein (ABP) using immunohistochemistry in testicle dysfunction due to cisplatin. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups: the healthy group, the group with testicular dysfunction, the secretome-treated group with 0.2 ml/kg body weight (BW), and the secretome-treated group with 0.3 ml/kg BW. The immunohistochemistry staining method is used to find out testosterone and ABP reactivity in tissue organs. Results: Very strong testosterone and ABP immunoreactivity were found in Leydig cells of normal testes. While in the Leydig cells of cisplatin-induced testicles, testosterone and ABP immunore activity were not observed. Testosterone and ABP were observed 1 week after the second secretome injection. The number of testosterone-immunoreactive cells in the low dose group from week 1 to 3 was 0, 19, and 32, respectively. From week 1 until week 4, the high dose group was 0, 29, 33, and 65, respectively. The number of ABP-immunoreactive cells from the first week until the third week in the low dose group was 0, 28, and 34, respectively. The high dose group from the first week until the fourth week was 0, 26, 58, and 83, respectively. The number of cells that produce testosterone and ABP increased from week 2 to 4. Conclusion: The administration of secretome could increase the number of immunoreactive cells toward testosterone and ABP in testicular dysfunction. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 687-694]