Objective: The study was conducted to identify the sequence variation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from fifty (n = 50) South African Dorper sheep aged between 3 and 4 years. The Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for the TLR4 gene. DNA sequencing was used to identify the sequence variations of the TLR4 gene in South African Dorper sheep. Results: The results showed that one synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the TLR4 gene in exon 2 position T2249C was identified. Two genotypes (TT and TC) were discovered from the identified SNP. The dominant genotype was TT (0.60) over TC (0.40), with the domi¬nant allele T (0.80) over C (0.20). The results also indicated that the used population was in the Hady-Weinberg Equilibrium. Polymorphism genetic analysis findings suggest that the identified sequence variation of TLR4 in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep was moderate polymorphism. Conclusion: TLR4 gene at exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep had the SNP (T>C) at position 2249 bp with two genotypes (TT and TC). [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 302-305]

Objective: The goal of this research was to evaluate where selenium nanoparticles impact the activity of antibodies in immunized lambs with foot and mouth vaccines by modulating the immune system. Materials and Methods: Two groups of lambs of 3–4 months of age were injected with 1 ml of ARRIAH-VAC vaccine intramuscularly in the neck, five Lambs were given selenium nanoparticles (size 100 nm) oral administration of selenium nano dose of 0.1 mg/kg of body mass once every day for sixty days considered as group one (G1) while the other five used as control Group 2 (G2). Results: This resulted in the establishment of an immune response, as evidenced by a rise in antibody titer in the blood using the ELISA test for three serotypes A, O, and Asia 1, when sele¬nium nanoparticles were given orally at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight after immunization, we noticed a significant (p >0:05) selenium nano group increase in IgG response in all immunized groups in contrast to lambs that had only received the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine Conclusion: We have demonstrated that selenium nanoparticles administered orally significantly enhance immune responses while also increasing body weight. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 367-375]

Objective: The present research was conducted to evaluate the negative effects of nicotine powder on the blood physiology, and biochemical and histological alterations of Labeo rohita. Materials and Methods: Fish were divided into four groups (1–4). Fish groups 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to different concentrations of nicotine, such as 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75 mg/l, while group 1 acted as a control. To find out the long-term impact of nicotine on body physiology, we conducted a 42-day experiment. After the completion of the experiment, hematology, biochemical assays, and histology were done. Results: Results revealed a considerable increase in HGB, red blood cells, WBCs, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width -SD, procalcitonin, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, globulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, BUN, creatinine, and blood glucose levels, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, RDW, platelet, high-density lipoprotein, albumin, total proteins, and T3 levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased in exposed fish as compared to control group fish. Histological alterations showed that exposure to smokeless nicotine causes deleterious and degenerative effects in the liver, kidney, and gills of exposed fish. Conclusion: Nicotine administration in fish results in adverse effects on different biochemical and hematological parameters and causes histological alterations in some vital organs of exposed fish. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 463-473]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate rumen fermentation parameters influenced by both the graz¬ing system and breed. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, involving 40 cows with matched age, parity, and physiological status. The cows were evenly divided between Bonsmara and Nguni breeds, as well as communal and commercial grazing systems. Rumen fluid samples were collected and analyzed for parameters including ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Results: Nguni cows exhibited significantly higher ruminal NH3-N levels (p < 0.05) compared to Bonsmara, ranging from 69.05 to 96.78 mg/l. Commercial grazing demonstrated significantly higher NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.05) than communal grazing. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and specific VFAs (Iso-butyrate, valeric, and iso-valeric) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/l) than in commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/l). Acetate, propionate, butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio did not display significant differences (p > 0.05) between breeds but varied between grazing systems. Communal systems had higher acetate and acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.05), while commercial systems showed higher propionate and butyrate levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Grazing conditions significantly influenced rumen fermentation parameters, irrespec¬tive of breed. Further research is necessary to explore the relationship between forage conditions, diversity, and rumen fermentation within different grazing systems. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 349-355]

Objective: Chronic stress arises from stressful situations in day-to-day life that are ignored or managed incorrectly. Long-term stress can have negative effects, especially when it plays a role in the development of neurological illnesses. Severe stress can also negatively impact emotional well-being. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has numerous health advantages. The aim of this study was to assess how VCO affected the biochemical and behavioral characteristics of Wistar albino rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable stress. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (150–200 gm) were split into two groups: experimental group and control group. Based on stress exposure and treatment with VCO and antidepressants, they were further divided into various subgroups. A chronic, unpredictable stress procedure was given for 21 days. After the experimental procedure, the rats were anesthe¬tized, and through a cardiac puncture, blood was collected. The liver and brain were dissected to estimate different biochemical markers. Results: VCO proved to be a protective agent against chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in the biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cognition. Conclusion: VCO might be helpful as an effective natural treatment that can be utilized to effectively combat chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in brain and liver tissue. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 449-454]

Objective: Different sources and levels of starch in the total mixed ration might result in different rumen fermentation profiles, rumen microbial composition, and enteric methane production. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary starch intake on enteric methane production through a meta-analytical approach by integrating related published studies. Materials and Methods: Papers that provided study results on enteric methane production from cattle fed different sources and levels of starch were selected. A total of 52 publications were filtered based on some specified criteria, comprised of 73 studies focused on enteric methane production in cattle fed a basal diet supplemented with starch. The collected data were subjected to statistical meta-analysis through a mixed methodology model. The p-value and root mean square error (RMSE) were applied as the statistical models. Results: Results showed that increasing the level of dietary starch intake and its digestibility in the rumen as well as increasing propionate significantly decreased the acetate to propionate (A/P)ratio as well as enteric methane production (p < 0.01). Conclusions: It is concluded that the addition of starch to diets mitigates enteric methane production from cattle, primarily through two ways, i.e., manipulation of the protozoa population and alteration to a lower A/P ratio. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 212-230]

Objective: This study aimed to develop a mobile application (app) specifically designed for enhancing farm management and performance assessment in fattening beef cattle. Materials and Methods: The development process followed a user-centered design approach, which involved focus group discussions and key informant interviews with 20 participants to design content and features. The app was developed for both mobile and web platforms. After the prototype and launch of the app, the system usability scale (SUS) and user satisfaction were assessed. Results: The assessment findings identify the specific expected functions in the app, with the farm accounting records function being the most desired feature among users, followed by production analysis, production records, and resource inventory. The mean SUS score was calculated to be 75.17, indicating a qualitative assessment of "Good." The assessment of user satisfaction indicated that the mean satisfaction score for all participants was 4.26, suggesting a high level of satisfaction and a favorable perception of the app. Conclusion: This app provides an alternative way to record farm activity, suggest feed and feeding schedules, and provide financial management tools designed explicitly for small-scale beef cattle farmers. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 203-211]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the variants of the growth hormone receptor (GHR), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), pituitary-specific transcription factor-1 (PIT1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5) genes and their effect on growth performance and dressing percentage (DP) parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 401 DNA samples from Sumba Ongole (SO) cattle were utilized for the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, of which 200 samples were used for the study of DP association and 74 samples were used to investigate growth performance. The SO cattle growth performance includes the following: birth weight, weaning weight at 205 days of age, weaning average daily gain (ADG), yearling weight at 365 days of age, and post-weaning ADG. Results: The GHR, GHRH, PIT1, and STAT5A genes showed polymorphism. The highest polymorphism information content value was shown in the STAT5A gene. The highest DP value was found in the SO cattle population with the CC genotype (STAT5A), and the lowest DP value was found in the SO cattle population with the GG genotype (GHR). The GHR and STAT5A genotypes were highly associated (p < 0.05) with the DP parameter. Based on locus combination analysis, the highest DP value was found in the SO cattle population with AG|CC genotype (GHR|STAT5A) (57.85%), AG|BB|CC genotype (GHR|GHRH|STAT5A) (57.85%), and AA|BB|BB|CC genotype 18 (GHR|GHRH|PIT1|STAT5A) (56.02%). Conclusion: All investigated genes in this study were polymorphic but were not associated with several growth parameters. The GHR and STAT5A genes can be proposed as genetic markers for the high DP trait in SO cattle in Indonesia, especially the AA genotype (GHR) and CC genotype (STAT5A). [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 85-92]

Objective: The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: 90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water. Results: The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity. Conclusion: This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and improve broiler growth performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 40-46]

Objectives: This research aimed to determine the optimum type of solvent and extraction time to produce secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants) from mangosteen leaves (Garcinia mangostana L.) as feed additive candidates for poultry. Materials and Methods: This research used a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial design with three replications. Factor A used two types of distilled water as a solvent (ordinary distilled water and distilled water heated at 100°C), while Factor B encompassed various extraction times (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min). The parameters assessed included total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and overall antioxidant activity. Results: The TPC, TFC, TTC, and total antioxidant activity all showed a highly significant interaction (p < 0.01) with the type of solvent and extraction duration. Conclusion: The best solvent and time for mangosteen leaf extract to produce secondary metabolites, which can be candidates for feed additives in poultry, is ordinary distilled water for 45 min. In this research, the phenol content was 81.03%, flavonoids 11.07%, tannins 1.01%, and antioxidants 77.61%. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 139-145]