Objective: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a set of molecular proteins on the surface of antigen presenting cells encoded by a large gene family which are important parts of the immune system. This study was conducted to convey information on the genetic characteristics of the MHC II DRB3 gene in riverine and swamp buffaloes. Materials and Methods: Characterization of MHC II DRB3 gene was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Thirty-milliliter milk samples were collected from 10 swamp-type and 10 riverine-type buffaloes. RNA from milk samples were extracted using Trizol and then followed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Results: The phylogenetic analysis with 1,000 bootstrap replications clearly showed complex parsimony in MHC II DRB3 gene between 10 riverine- and 10 swamp-type but also confirmed that the samples are similar to Bubalus bubalis. Aligned sequences of the 20 water buffaloes were compared with three other ruminants (Bos taurus, Ovis aries, and Capra hircus) and non-ruminant (Sus scrofa) that serve as an outgroup. MHC sequences from GenBank show that there was an average of 705 identical pairs, with 22 transitional pairs and 30 transversional pairs with a ratio of 0.7. Conclusion: Based on the molecular data, the current study conforms to other works of literature that this gene is highly polymorphic which can be due to its function in the immune responsiveness and disease resistance. Further study on the immunological response of MHC II DRB3 to infection may elucidate its underlying function and role in the protection against specific disease of animals. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(3.000): 308-314]

Objective: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a set of molecular proteins on the surface of antigen presenting cells encoded by a large gene family which are important parts of the immune system. This study was conducted to convey information on the genetic characteristics of the MHC II DRB3 gene in riverine and swamp buffaloes. Materials and Methods: Characterization of MHC II DRB3 gene was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Thirty-milliliter milk samples were collected from 10 swamp-type and 10 riverine-type buffaloes. RNA from milk samples were extracted using Trizol and then followed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Results: The phylogenetic analysis with 1,000 bootstrap replications clearly showed complex parsimony in MHC II DRB3 gene between 10 riverine- and 10 swamp-type but also confirmed that the samples are similar to Bubalus bubalis. Aligned sequences of the 20 water buffaloes were compared with three other ruminants (Bos taurus, Ovis aries, and Capra hircus) and non-ruminant (Sus scrofa) that serve as an outgroup. MHC sequences from GenBank show that there was an average of 705 identical pairs, with 22 transitional pairs and 30 transversional pairs with a ratio of 0.7. Conclusion: Based on the molecular data, the current study conforms to other works of literature that this gene is highly polymorphic which can be due to its function in the immune responsiveness and disease resistance. Further study on the immunological response of MHC II DRB3 to infection may elucidate its underlying function and role in the protection against specific disease of animals. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(3): 308-314, September 2019

Objective: A randomized, blinded clinical study was conducted to evaluate ketofol (Ketamine + Propofol combination) anesthesia in 12 entire male mongrel dogs sedated with either aceproma¬zine (ACP) or medetomidine. Materials and Methods: Group A (6) dogs were pre-medicated with ACP and Group B (6) dogs with medetomidine. Anesthesia was induced and maintained using ketofol (ketamine and propo¬fol). Routine open pre-scrotal castration was performed. Sedation score and ease of arousal were assessed and recorded. Duration and depth of anesthesia were evaluated using apnea and the absence of palpebral and pedal reflexes, attempts to stand up, and muscle tremors and post-operative pain. Simple statistics were compared using Student t-test and MannWhitney test (p < 0.05). Results: Medetomidine-sedated dogs had higher sedation scores compared to ACP-sedated dogs. Medetomidine-ketofol produced significantly (p < 0.05) longer duration of anesthesia (24.5 ± 3.1 min) compared to ACP-ketofol (10.0 ± 4.4 min). Sixty-seven percent of dogs anesthetized with ACP-ketofol required top up with ketofol to complete the castration. However, none of the Med-ketofol anesthetized dogs required top up. Med-ketofol produced a more profound depth of anes¬thesia and smoother recovery from anesthesia compared to ACP-ketofol. Med-ketofol (median score 6) attained better overall post-operative analgesia compared to ACP-ketofol (median score 7), though not statistically significant (p = 0.25). Although both protocols provided adequate anes¬thesia for castration, top up was required to complete the operation in more than half of ACP-ketofol anesthetized dogs, making Med-ketofol a better protocol. Conclusion: The study recommends the use of Med-ketofol anesthesia for castration in a dog, and post-operative analgesia to be administered with either protocol, but more so in ACP-ketofol anesthetized dogs undergoing castration. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(2.000): 215-221]

Objective: A randomized, blinded clinical study was conducted to evaluate ketofol (Ketamine + Propofol combination) anesthesia in 12 entire male mongrel dogs sedated with either aceproma­zine (ACP) or medetomidine. Materials and Methods: Group A (6) dogs were pre-medicated with ACP and Group B (6) dogs with medetomidine. Anesthesia was induced and maintained using ketofol (ketamine and propo­fol). Routine open pre-scrotal castration was performed. Sedation score and ease of arousal were assessed and recorded. Duration and depth of anesthesia were evaluated using apnea and the absence of palpebral and pedal reflexes, attempts to stand up, and muscle tremors and post-operative pain. Simple statistics were compared using Student t-test and Mann–Whitney test (p < 0.05). Results: Medetomidine-sedated dogs had higher sedation scores compared to ACP-sedated dogs. Medetomidine-ketofol produced significantly (p < 0.05) longer duration of anesthesia (24.5 ± 3.1 min) compared to ACP-ketofol (10.0 ± 4.4 min). Sixty-seven percent of dogs anesthetized with ACP-ketofol required top up with ketofol to complete the castration. However, none of the Med-ketofol anesthetized dogs required top up. Med-ketofol produced a more profound depth of anes­thesia and smoother recovery from anesthesia compared to ACP-ketofol. Med-ketofol (median score 6) attained better overall post-operative analgesia compared to ACP-ketofol (median score 7), though not statistically significant (p = 0.25). Although both protocols provided adequate anes­thesia for castration, top up was required to complete the operation in more than half of ACP-ketofol anesthetized dogs, making Med-ketofol a better protocol. Conclusion: The study recommends the use of Med-ketofol anesthesia for castration in a dog, and post-operative analgesia to be administered with either protocol, but more so in ACP-ketofol anesthetized dogs undergoing castration. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(2): 215-221, June 2019

Objective: The main objective of this study is to isolate, identify, and quantify the active antimicrobial compounds present in the crude aqueous stem bark extract of B. dalzielii using some common pathogenic microorganisms as well as toxicological profile. Material and Methods: Crude aqueous stem bark extract of Boswellia dalzielii (CASEB) was par¬titioned by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) using chloroformmethanolwater, 8:2:1 (v/v). The resulting bands were extracted using chloroformmethanol (50:50). The extract of each band was evaluated for antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans by disc diffusion. Compounds in the most antimicrobially bioactive fraction (MAAF) were identified by high performance liquid chro¬matography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), and gas chromatogra¬phy-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Toxicological profile of the CASEB was evaluated by studying its effect in albino Wister rats. Results: PTLC produced five bands/fractions of which the MAAF was identified as RF2-fraction being active against all the isolates except E. coli and K. pneumoniae. HPLC of the MAAF revealed seven components; FT-IR revealed 17 functional groups; GC-MS revealed five compounds of which 93.18% are Oleic acid (44.88%), Squalene (34.16%), and n-Hexadecanoic acid (14.14%). The acute toxicity showed LD50 > 3,000 mg/kg. Sub-chronic toxicity showed that higher doses of the CASEB caused significant changes in liver function indices and a fatty change with lymphocytic infiltration (sign of acute hepatitis) in the liver tissues, but none of these changes were observed in the kidneys. Conclusion: The antimicrobially active compounds in CASEB were Oleic acid, Squalene, and n-Hexadecanoic acid. These can be further purified and used as precursors of new antimicrobial agents for treating infections especially those due to fungi and Pseudomonas spp. that are known to resist wide array of antimicrobial agents. The LD50 of CASEB is >3,000 mg/kg in rats. However, long-term consumption of CASEB is associated with significant liver damage. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(2.000): 183-192]

Objective: The main objective of this study is to isolate, identify, and quantify the active antimicrobial compounds present in the crude aqueous stem bark extract of B. dalzielii using some common pathogenic microorganisms as well as toxicological profile. Material and Methods: Crude aqueous stem bark extract of Boswellia dalzielii (CASEB) was partitioned by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) using chloroform–methanol–water, 8:2:1 (v/v). The resulting bands were extracted using chloroform–methanol (50:50). The extract of each band was evaluated for antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans by disc diffusion. Compounds in the most antimicrobially bioactive fraction (MAAF) were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), and gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Toxicological profile of the CASEB was evaluated by studying its effect in albino Wister rats. Results: PTLC produced five bands/fractions of which the MAAF was identified as RF2-fraction being active against all the isolates except E. coli and K. pneumoniae. HPLC of the MAAF revealed seven components; FT-IR revealed 17 functional groups; GC-MS revealed five compounds of which 93.18% are Oleic acid (44.88%), Squalene (34.16%), and n-Hexadecanoic acid (14.14%). The acute toxicity showed LD50 > 3,000 mg/kg. Sub-chronic toxicity showed that higher doses of the CASEB caused significant changes in liver function indices and a fatty change with lymphocytic infiltration (sign of acute hepatitis) in the liver tissues, but none of these changes were observed in the kidneys. Conclusion: The antimicrobially active compounds in CASEB were Oleic acid, Squalene, and n-Hexadecanoic acid. These can be further purified and used as precursors of new antimicrobial agents for treating infections especially those due to fungi and Pseudomonas spp. that are known to resist wide array of antimicrobial agents. The LD50 of CASEB is >3,000 mg/kg in rats. However, long-term consumption of CASEB is associated with significant liver damage. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(2): 183-192, June 2019

Objective: Emergence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) has generated a sense of public alarm. The objective of this study was to detect the CREC and identification of the gene responsible for such resistance. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 samples comprising poultry cloacal swab, house flies (Musca domestica), and pond water were collected randomly from Mymensingh, Bangladesh and analyzed. Isolation and identification of E. coli were done based on culture and E. coli 16S rRNA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phenotypic detection of CREC was done by disk diffusion method. Finally, colistin resistance genes were detected by PCR by using colistin resistant gene mcr3 specific primers. Results: Among the 150 samples, phenotypically 18.00% (n = 27/150) isolates were found as colistin resistant. By PCR, 8.00% of the E. coli isolates were found positive for the presence of mcr3 gene. Conclusions: Colistin resistant E. coli carrying mcr3 are detected in poultry, house flies and water that are of great public health concern. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 50-53]

Objective: Emergence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) has generated a sense of public alarm. The objective of this study was to detect the CREC and identification of the gene responsi­ble for such resistance. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 samples comprising poultry cloacal swab, house flies (Musca domestica), and pond water were collected randomly from Mymensingh, Bangladesh and analyzed. Isolation and identification of E. coli were done based on culture and E. coli 16S rRNA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phenotypic detection of CREC was done by disk diffusion method. Finally, colistin resistance genes were detected by PCR by using colistin resistant gene mcr3 specific primers. Results: Among the 150 samples, phenotypically 18.00% (n = 27/150) isolates were found as colis­tin resistant. By PCR, 8.00% of the E. coli isolates were found positive for the presence of mcr3 gene. Conclusions: Colistin resistant E. coli carrying mcr3 are detected in poultry, house flies and water that are of great public health concern. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 50-53, March 2019

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate different respiratory diseases in broiler and sonali birds in some selected districts of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: We were collected a total of 460 blood samples from 46 farms with 36 broiler farms and 10 sonali farms (cross-breed) from 2015 to 2017. All the collected serum sam¬ples were tested for determining specific antibodies of avian rhinotracheitis (ART) virus, infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus, infectious bronchitis (IBV) virus, and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) infection using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The overall seropositivity was highest in ORT (45.9%), followed by IBV (37.6%), ART (2.6%), and ILT (0.4%). Out of 360 broiler samples, highest seropositivity was recorded in ORT (43.3%) and lowest in IBV (31.4%). Surprisingly, no broiler samples were found positive for ART and ILT. In case of sonali, the seropositivity was highest in IBV (60%) and lowest in ILT (2%). With respect to types of birds and age groups, the seropositive percentage of all four pathogens was found higher in sonali than broiler. Between two age groups of sonali, the seropositive percentage of ART (12%), ORT (55%), ILT (2%), and IBV (60%) was highest at 2160 weeks of age compared to 520 weeks of age. However, based on location, the seropositive of ORT and IBV was highest in Jamalpur (63.3%) and Fulbariya and Trishal (50%) and lowest in Sreepur (16.7%) and Jamalpur (3.3%). Conclusion: The four pathogens are ubiquitous in nature for the sonali chickens, and the prev¬alence of ORT and IBV was the most prevalent viruses in the study areas. This study indicates a need for improved surveillance and characterization of ORT and ART circulating in all types of poultry in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(4.000): 561-566]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate different respiratory diseases in broiler and sonali birds in some selected districts of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: We were collected a total of 460 blood samples from 46 farms with 36 broiler farms and 10 sonali farms (cross-breed) from 2015 to 2017. All the collected serum sam­ples were tested for determining specific antibodies of avian rhinotracheitis (ART) virus, infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus, infectious bronchitis (IBV) virus, and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) infection using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The overall seropositivity was highest in ORT (45.9%), followed by IBV (37.6%), ART (2.6%), and ILT (0.4%). Out of 360 broiler samples, highest seropositivity was recorded in ORT (43.3%) and lowest in IBV (31.4%). Surprisingly, no broiler samples were found positive for ART and ILT. In case of sonali, the seropositivity was highest in IBV (60%) and lowest in ILT (2%). With respect to types of birds and age groups, the seropositive percentage of all four pathogens was found higher in sonali than broiler. Between two age groups of sonali, the seropositive percentage of ART (12%), ORT (55%), ILT (2%), and IBV (60%) was highest at 21–60 weeks of age compared to 5–20 weeks of age. However, based on location, the seropositive of ORT and IBV was highest in Jamalpur (63.3%) and Fulbariya and Trishal (50%) and lowest in Sreepur (16.7%) and Jamalpur (3.3%). Conclusion: The four pathogens are ubiquitous in nature for the sonali chickens, and the prev­alence of ORT and IBV was the most prevalent viruses in the study areas. This study indicates a need for improved surveillance and characterization of ORT and ART circulating in all types of poultry in Bangladesh. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(4): 561-566, December 2019

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory methane emission and ultimate methane yield (B0) of goat feces that fed roughage consisted of Pennisetum purpureum and Gliricidia) and fed roughage and concentrate with different protein source in the ration (fish meal and soybean meal). Materials and Methods: Fifteen Kacang bucks were allocated to the control group (T0): goats were fed roughage only, T1: goats were fed roughage and concentrate with fish meal as protein sources, and T2: goats were fed roughage and concentrate and the protein source in the ration was soybean meal. Results: The protein content of feces from T0 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that from the other treatments. The same phenomenon was also found in the respiratory methane emission in terms of l/head/d, l/kg digestible dry matter, and l/kg body weight. However, there was no signif¬icant effect (p > 0.05) of different ration composition on the ultimate methane yield (B0) of goat feces. This study found that B0 of goat feces from treatment T0, T1, and T2 was 17.40%, 25.78%, and 61.29%, respectively, higher than that from the international default value for developing countries. Conclusion: Feeding grass and legume can reduce methane respiration emission in goat. B0 of feces in the present study was higher than that in the international default value; therefore, the potential emission of goat manure in tropical developing countries could be higher than that in the present estimation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(4.000): 431-437]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory methane emission and ultimate methane yield (B0) of goat feces that fed roughage consisted of Pennisetum purpureum and Gliricidia) and fed roughage and concentrate with different protein source in the ration (fish meal and soybean meal). Materials and Methods: Fifteen Kacang bucks were allocated to the control group (T0): goats were fed roughage only, T1: goats were fed roughage and concentrate with fish meal as protein sources, and T2: goats were fed roughage and concentrate and the protein source in the ration was soybean meal. Results: The protein content of feces from T0 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that from the other treatments. The same phenomenon was also found in the respiratory methane emission in terms of l/head/d, l/kg digestible dry matter, and l/kg body weight. However, there was no signif­icant effect (p > 0.05) of different ration composition on the ultimate methane yield (B0) of goat feces. This study found that B0 of goat feces from treatment T0, T1, and T2 was 17.40%, 25.78%, and 61.29%, respectively, higher than that from the international default value for developing countries. Conclusion: Feeding grass and legume can reduce methane respiration emission in goat. B0 of feces in the present study was higher than that in the international default value; therefore, the potential emission of goat manure in tropical developing countries could be higher than that in the present estimation. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(4): 431-437, December 2019

Objective: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection burden, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in different avian species in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Ilorin, involving 597 fecal samples and GI tracts from a variety of sold and slaughtered avian species. The study was conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. Fecal samples were examined using floatation technique, while the GI tracts were examined for gross helminths and its content were subjected to the direct wet mount examination. Data were analyzed using percentages (descriptive) and the Chi-square (χ2 ) test (inferential). p < 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis. Results: Ten GI parasites were detected with Eimeria species (32.83%), Ascaridia galli (30.15%) and Heterakis gallinarum (24.79%) as the most prevalent ones. Multiple parasites co-infection was recorded in all the avian species: broilers (77.78%), layers (33.33%), cockerels (45.16%), indigenous chickens (17.91%), ducks (69.70%), pigeons (94.12%), turkeys (47.83%), and guinea fowls (77.36%). Pigeons (100.00%) and turkeys (95.65%) were the most infected avian species. Age, sex, and avian types were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of GI parasites infection. Conclusion: This study gives a reflection of the GI parasites fauna of avian species in Nigeria. The GI parasites are endemic among different avian speciesin Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites is important in instituting a good preventive and control measures against GI parasites, so as to have maximum production and reproduction effects in the poultry industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 108-116]

Objective: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection burden, and risk fac­tors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in different avian species in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Ilorin, involving 597 fecal samples and GI tracts from a variety of sold and slaughtered avian species. The study was conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. Fecal samples were examined using floatation technique, while the GI tracts were examined for gross helminths and its content were subjected to the direct wet mount examination. Data were analyzed using percentages (descriptive) and the Chi-square (χ2) test (inferential). p < 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis. Results: Ten GI parasites were detected with Eimeria species (32.83%), Ascaridia galli (30.15%) and Heterakis gallinarum (24.79%) as the most prevalent ones. Multiple parasites co-infection was recorded in all the avian species: broilers (77.78%), layers (33.33%), cockerels (45.16%), indigenous chickens (17.91%), ducks (69.70%), pigeons (94.12%), turkeys (47.83%), and guinea fowls (77.36%). Pigeons (100.00%) and turkeys (95.65%) were the most infected avian species. Age, sex, and avian types were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of GI parasites infection. Conclusion: This study gives a reflection of the GI parasites fauna of avian species in Nigeria. The GI parasites are endemic among different avian species in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites is important in instituting a good preventive and control measures against GI parasites, so as to have maximum production and reproduction effects in the poultry industry. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(1): 108-116, March 2019