Objective: Phuchka is one of the most common street foods in Bangladesh. It is served with salad, sweet and sour tamarind dispersed water, and minced eggs as topping at places where people usually gather. This makes these foods susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore, assessing the bacterial load and antimicrobial profile of organisms isolated from phuchka and other foodstuffs served with it was the focus of this study. Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolates were isolated and identified from the samples after the bacterial loads were assessed as total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), and total staphylococcal count (TSC). The antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates was obtained using the disk diffusion method. Molecular detection of Escherichia coli isolates and the presence of gene responsible for tetracycline resistance was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: According to the recommendations, the TVC value of 70% phuchka and egg samples was safe, whereas TSC value illustrated that 80% of both phuchka and egg samples were at safety level. For the TCC value, 80% egg and 70% phuchka samples were found to be safe for consumption. Among all the samples, the microbial loads of the vendors hand wash were least in the safety level. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that both Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin but showed resistance to ampicillin. Conclusion: The data of this study indicate that phuchka can pose a public health problem as foodborne bacterial isolates which are antibiotic-resistant are found in it. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 361-366]

Objective: Phuchka is one of the most common street foods in Bangladesh. It is served with salad, sweet and sour tamarind dispersed water, and minced eggs as topping at places where people usually gather. This makes these foods susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore, assess­ing the bacterial load and antimicrobial profile of organisms isolated from phuchka and other foodstuffs served with it was the focus of this study.  Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolates were isolated and identified from the samples after the bacterial loads were assessed as total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), and total staphylococcal count (TSC). The antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates was obtained using the disk diffusion method. Molecular detection of Escherichia coli isolates and the presence of gene responsible for tetracycline resistance was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.  Results: According to the recommendations, the TVC value of 70% phuchka and egg samples was safe, whereas TSC value illustrated that 80% of both phuchka and egg samples were at safety level. For the TCC value, 80% egg and 70% phuchka samples were found to be safe for consump­tion. Among all the samples, the microbial loads of the vendors’ hand wash were least in the safety level. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that both Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin but showed resistance to ampicillin.  Conclusion: The data of this study indicate that phuchka can pose a public health problem as foodborne bacterial isolates which are antibiotic-resistant are found in it. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 361-366, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h523

Objective: This study aimed to salvage the study population from the fatality that occurs due to iatrogenic injury to the thoracic cavitys pleural membrane. Materials and Methods: An experimental study of temporomandibular joint arthroplasty with costochondral graft was carried out on 72 healthy Oryctolagus cuniculus species of male rab¬bits. The rabbits were distributed into two age groups: growing (34 months) and adult (1218 months). All the procedures were carried out under general anesthesia with xylazine hydrochlo-ride and ketamine hydrochloride after calculating the doses, maintained by halothane and O2 inhalations. Out of 72 rabbits, 33 rabbits had accidental perforation of the pleural membrane observed that required a chest drain. Results: In this study, 21 (63.64%) rabbits received chest drain and salvaged. The rest of the rab¬bits (n = 12; 36.36%) that did not receive any chest drain and died. Most of the rabbits (n = 17; 81%) were under the growing group, weighing less than 2 kg and four (19%) were adult rabbits. Conclusion: This manual chest drain is life-saving for rabbits. It is a new addition to the advance¬ment of thoracic surgery on animals. It is cost-effective and safe. The developed customized drain¬age system may make it easier to harvest the costochondral graft-related experiments. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 138-145]

Objective: This study aimed to salvage the study population from the fatality that occurs due to iatrogenic injury to the thoracic cavity’s pleural membrane.  Materials and Methods: An experimental study of temporomandibular joint arthroplasty with costochondral graft was carried out on 72 healthy ‘Oryctolagus cuniculus’ species of male rab­bits. The rabbits were distributed into two age groups: growing (3–4 months) and adult (12–18 months). All the procedures were carried out under general anesthesia with xylazine hydrochlo­ride and ketamine hydrochloride after calculating the doses, maintained by halothane and O2 inhalations. Out of 72 rabbits, 33 rabbits had accidental perforation of the pleural membrane observed that required a chest drain.  Results: In this study, 21 (63.64%) rabbits received chest drain and salvaged. The rest of the rab­bits (n = 12; 36.36%) that did not receive any chest drain and died. Most of the rabbits (n = 17; 81%) were under the growing group, weighing less than 2 kg and four (19%) were adult rabbits.  Conclusion: This manual chest drain is life-saving for rabbits. It is a new addition to the advance­ment of thoracic surgery on animals. It is cost-effective and safe. The developed customized drain­age system may make it easier to harvest the costochondral graft-related experiments. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(1): 138-145, Mar 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h496

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary turmeric or garlic extract on physiological responses, hematological parameters, antioxidants status, testicular functions, and health indices of heat-stressed rabbit males. Materials and Methods: Seventy bucks were distributed into seven experimental groups (ten/ group). A commercial diet (CD) was fed to rabbit males in the control group, while males in G2, G3, and G4 were fed CD with turmeric at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively. Males in G5, G6, and G7 were fed CD with garlic extract at 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that turmeric or garlic extract levels decreased ear temperature, res¬piration rate, germ cell apoptotic number, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde level, libido, and sperm of dead and abnormal tail (p < 0.05). The hemoglobin and red and white blood cells, platelets, total antioxidants capacity, mass motility, mitochondrial potential, normal, acro¬some reacted, normality, and a total functional fraction of spermatozoa and relative of epididymal weight were increased (p < 0.05). The increased packed cell volume percentage and initial semen fructose were significant only when 100 mg per kg garlic extract was supplemented. Conclusion: Phytochemicals extract supplementation can be an effective dietary supplementation to eliminate heat stress and improve health, oxidative capacity, and testicular functions of rabbit males. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 256-265]

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary turmeric or garlic extract on physiological responses, hematological parameters, antioxidants status, testicular functions, and health indices of heat-stressed rabbit males.  Materials and Methods: Seventy bucks were distributed into seven experimental groups (ten/ group). A commercial diet (CD) was fed to rabbit males in the control group, while males in G2, G3, and G4 were fed CD with turmeric at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively. Males in G5, G6, and G7 were fed CD with garlic extract at 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks.  Results: The results showed that turmeric or garlic extract levels decreased ear temperature, res­piration rate, germ cell apoptotic number, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde level, libido, and sperm of dead and abnormal tail (p < 0.05). The hemoglobin and red and white blood cells, platelets, total antioxidants capacity, mass motility, mitochondrial potential, normal, acro­some reacted, normality, and a total functional fraction of spermatozoa and relative of epididymal weight were increased (p < 0.05). The increased packed cell volume percentage and initial semen fructose were significant only when 100 mg per kg garlic extract was supplemented.  Conclusion: Phytochemicals extract supplementation can be an effective dietary supplementation to eliminate heat stress and improve health, oxidative capacity, and testicular functions of rabbit males. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 256-265, June 2021

Objective: The efficacy of Salmonella typhimurium-specific bacteriophage STP-1 on S. typhimurium infection in weaning piglets was evaluated in this study. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight weaning piglets were randomly allocated to four groups (Group A: non-challenged/basal; Group B: non-challenged/+phage; Group C: challenged/basal; Group D: challenged/+phage) according to S. typhimurium infection or bacteriophage administration. The total experimental period (14 days) was subdivided in to non-challenged periods (phase I; day 17) and challenged periods (phase II; day 714) based on the challenging date (day 7). Each group was fed with basal feed or feed supplemented with bacteriophage STP-1 [1.0 × 109 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/kg] during the whole period (day 114). Body weights (BW) were measured to evaluate growth performance. Clinical symptoms (rectal temperatures and fecal consistency) induced by S. typhimurium were regularly checked. Bacteria colonization levels in feces and intestinal tissue samples were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After necropsy, small intestine samples (jejunum) were collected. Villus height and crypt depth (CD) were measured through histological examination with H&E staining. Results: The supplementation of bacteriophage significantly reduced bacterial colonization and intestine damage in the piglets infected with S. typhimurium. In the antigen concentrations of the feces and jejunum, Group C showed 5.8 ± 0.6, 5.7 ± 0.6, and 1.2 ± 2.0 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml on 1, 3, and 7 days post-inoculation (DPI) and 2.8 ± 1.3 log CFU/ml, whereas Group D showed 3.5 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 2.1, and 0.3 ± 0.9 log CFU/ml on 1, 3, and 7 DPI and 5.1 ± 0.9 log CFU/ml. In the villous height, Groups C and D showed 266.3 ± 24.1 and 324.6 ± 18.0 μm, respectively. In the goblet cell density of villi and crypts, Group C showed 10.0 ± 1.8 and 16.0 ± 3.7, while Group D showed 15.0 ± 4.8 and 21.1 ± 5.4. Also, the supplementation of bacteriophage significantly improved the growth performance in the infected piglets. The average daily gains of Groups C and D were 91 ± 24 and 143 ± 23, respectively, during the period after inoculation with S. typhimurium. Conclusion: The dietary supplementation of the phage was effective for alleviating S. typhimurium infection in post-weaning piglets. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 440-447]

Objective: The efficacy of Salmonella typhimurium-specific bacteriophage STP-1 on S. typhimurium infection in weaning piglets was evaluated in this study.  Material and Methods: Twenty-eight weaning piglets were randomly allocated to four groups (Group A: non-challenged/basal; Group B: non-challenged/+phage; Group C: challenged/basal; Group D: challenged/+phage) according to S. typhimurium infection or bacteriophage administra­tion. The total experimental period (14 days) was subdivided in to non-challenged periods (phase I; day 1–7) and challenged periods (phase II; day 7–14) based on the challenging date (day 7). Each group was fed with basal feed or feed supplemented with bacteriophage STP-1 [1.0 × 109 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/kg] during the whole period (day 1–14). Body weights (BW) were mea­sured to evaluate growth performance. Clinical symptoms (rectal temperatures and fecal consis­tency) induced by S. typhimurium were regularly checked. Bacteria colonization levels in feces and intestinal tissue samples were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After necropsy, small intestine samples (jejunum) were collected. Villus height and crypt depth (CD) were measured through histological examination with H&E staining.  Results: The supplementation of bacteriophage significantly reduced bacterial colonization and intestine damage in the piglets infected with S. typhimurium. In the antigen concentrations of the feces and jejunum, Group C showed 5.8 ± 0.6, 5.7 ± 0.6, and 1.2 ± 2.0 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml on 1, 3, and 7 days post-inoculation (DPI) and 2.8 ± 1.3 log CFU/ml, whereas Group D showed 3.5 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 2.1, and 0.3 ± 0.9 log CFU/ml on 1, 3, and 7 DPI and 5.1 ± 0.9 log CFU/ml. In the villous height, Groups C and D showed 266.3 ± 24.1 and 324.6 ± 18.0 μm, respectively. In the goblet cell density of villi and crypts, Group C showed 10.0 ± 1.8 and 16.0 ± 3.7, while Group D showed 15.0 ± 4.8 and 21.1 ± 5.4. Also, the supplementation of bacteriophage significantly improved the growth performance in the infected piglets. The average daily gains of Groups C and D were 91 ± 24 and 143 ± 23, respectively, during the period after inoculation with S. typhimurium.  Conclusion: The dietary supplementation of the phage was effective for alleviating S. typhimurium infection in post-weaning piglets. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 440-447, June 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h532

Objective: The article aimed to study the relationship between the physico-chemical qualities of pig meat and their pre-slaughter weights. Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 pigs were reared for fattening under the same condi¬tions of keeping and feeding, slaughtered, and used to sample the longest back muscle meat with pre-slaughter weights of 110 and 130 kg. The samples were evaluated according to generally accepted methods for assessing the physico-chemical qualities in pig meat. Results: Samples of meat from animals slaughtered at 130 kg had higher values for marbling by 2.0 points or 5.24% (p < 0.01), active acidity pH in ham muscles by 0.20 pH or 3.57% (p < 0.01), and the longest muscle of the back by 0.10 pH or 1.82% (p < 0.001). The pre-slaughter weight factor substantially affected the pH of ham muscles at 10.35% and on the marbling of meat in the longest back muscle at 13.31%. Pigs slaughtered at 110 kg had a greater increase in the color intensity of the meat and an increase in its water holding capacity. At a pre-slaughter weight of 130 kg, increasing the marbling and decreasing the softness of the flesh demonstrated a modest, adverse relationship. Conclusion: The findings support the use of pre-slaughter weight management to enhance pork quality. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 521-533]

Objective: The article aimed to study the relationship between the physico-chemical qualities of pig meat and their pre-slaughter weights.  Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 pigs were reared for fattening under the same condi­tions of keeping and feeding, slaughtered, and used to sample the longest back muscle meat with pre-slaughter weights of 110 and 130 kg. The samples were evaluated according to generally accepted methods for assessing the physico-chemical qualities in pig meat.  Results: Samples of meat from animals slaughtered at 130 kg had higher values for marbling – by 2.0 points or 5.24% (p < 0.01), active acidity pH in ham muscles – by 0.20 pH or 3.57% (p < 0.01), and the longest muscle of the back – by 0.10 pH or 1.82% (p < 0.001). The pre-slaughter weight factor substantially affected the pH of ham muscles at 10.35% and on the marbling of meat in the longest back muscle at 13.31%. Pigs slaughtered at 110 kg had a greater increase in the color intensity of the meat and an increase in its water holding capacity. At a pre-slaughter weight of 130 kg, increasing the marbling and decreasing the softness of the flesh demonstrated a modest, adverse relationship.  Conclusion: The findings support the use of pre-slaughter weight management to enhance pork quality. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 521-533, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h542

Objective: Ivermectin (IVM) could be used effectively to treat bovine cutaneous papillomatosis, a widespread viral skin disease that causes major economic losses in cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the regression of bovine cutaneous papillomas induced by IVM by estimating oxidative stress markers, besides clinicopathological and hematological findings. Materials and Methods: Twenty naturally infected animals with cutaneous papillomatosis were chosen randomly and diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. All the infected animals were divided into groups: Group I (n = 10), which received no treatment and was considered the con¬trol group. In Group II (n = 10), the animals were subcutaneously injected at 0.2 mg/kg of IVM 2 weeks apart during the 90-day experimental period. Papilloma regression was tracked clinically, papilloma biopsies were taken for histopathological analysis, and blood samples were taken for hematological and oxidative parameter testing. Results: From the 15th to 45th day after receiving IVM, papillomas began to fade. Necrotic areas, ulcerations, and lymphocytic infiltration were found in the histopathological studies, besides a decrease in papilloma epidermal proliferation. total erythrocytes count, packed cell volume, total leucocytes count, and lymphocytes values were increased significantly, and a large decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reduced was identified as signs of IVM-induced oxidative stress. Conclusion: IVM has oxidative and immunostimulatory properties, and it can be used against cutaneous papillomatosis. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 370-377]

Objective: Ivermectin (IVM) could be used effectively to treat bovine cutaneous papillomatosis, a widespread viral skin disease that causes major economic losses in cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the regression of bovine cutaneous papillomas induced by IVM by estimating oxidative stress markers, besides clinicopathological and hematological findings.  Materials and Methods: Twenty naturally infected animals with cutaneous papillomatosis were chosen randomly and diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. All the infected animals were divided into groups: Group I (n = 10), which received no treatment and was considered the con­trol group. In Group II (n = 10), the animals were subcutaneously injected at 0.2 mg/kg of IVM 2 weeks apart during the 90-day experimental period. Papilloma regression was tracked clinically, papilloma biopsies were taken for histopathological analysis, and blood samples were taken for hematological and oxidative parameter testing.  Results: From the 15th to 45th day after receiving IVM, papillomas began to fade. Necrotic areas, ulcerations, and lymphocytic infiltration were found in the histopathological studies, besides a decrease in papilloma epidermal proliferation. total erythrocytes count, packed cell volume, total leucocytes count, and lymphocytes values were increased significantly, and a large decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reduced was identified as signs of IVM-induced oxidative stress.  Conclusion: IVM has oxidative and immunostimulatory properties, and it can be used against cutaneous papillomatosis. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 370-377, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h525

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 < 0.05) at both doses. Total neutrophil, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts, hemoglobin percentage, delayed hypersensitivity reaction, and PI were all significantly (p < 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 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 proce­dure. To assess the immunomodulatory action, Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 25–35 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 quan­tity 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 histo­pathological 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 evi­dent. The liver weight increased significantly (p < 0.05) at both doses. Total neutrophil, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts, hemoglobin percentage, delayed hypersensitivity reaction, and PI were all significantly (p < 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., 8(3): 479-488, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h537