Objective: This research assesses the utilization of sieved olive pulp (SOP) in the diet of growing rabbits through the use of an exogenous enzyme or dry yeast as a pretreatment. Materials and Methods: One hundred sixty-eight male V-Line rabbits aged 5 weeks (weighing 550 ± 25 gm) were randomly divided into seven groups with eight replicates each as follows: the control group was fed a basal diet without supplementation; while the other six groups were fed basal diets containing 20% and 25% of SOP and supplemented with 0.1 gm/kg Econase (E), 0.5 gm/kg dry yeast (Y), and a combination of both. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Results: The results indicated that supplementation of E, Y, and EY into rabbit diets containing SOP improved live body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibil¬ity. A higher dressing percentage was observed in the groups fed a 20% and 25% SOP diet sup¬plemented with EY (p < 0.05). The treated groups showed an increase in total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05), while there was a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and malondi¬aldehyde levels (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Rabbit groups fed an SOP diet supplemented with E, Y, or EY demonstrated higher (p < 0.05) economic efficiency compared to the control. Conclusion: Supplementing the diet of rabbits containing SOP with exogenous enzymes and/or dry yeast enhances the nutritional value of SOP while improving rabbit performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 161-170]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of total aflatoxin (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in poultry feed ingredients under different environmental conditions during the summer and winter seasons, while the hygiene quality of the feed ingredient was assessed through viable fungal count (VFC). Materials and Methods: A total of 288 poultry feed ingredients (n = 96 each) samples were collected from different poultry shops, which were initially analyzed for the presence of AF and OTA through thin layer chromatography (TLC) and then confirmed the contamination concentration through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: The results of the current study confirmed the incidence of contamination with AF and OTA by TLC and ELISA methods. The contamination level of AF ranged from 26.09 to 50.56 (mean = 41.22 ± 9.45) μg/kg, whereas the contamination level of OTA ranged from 50.13 to 6.21 (mean 42.60 ± 6.21) μg/kg. The contamination level of AF was found to be above the permissible level set by the Food and Drug Administration (20 μg/kg), whereas the contamination level of OTA was below the permissible limits. Moreover, the VFC values were also below the recommended level. The results showed that the association between AF, OTA, and moisture content was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Mycotoxin contamination was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in the winter season. These findings suggested that continuous monitoring regimes might prevent mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed ingredients. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 107-113]

Objective: This research aimed to assess the effects of dried plantain herb, lemongrass, and their combination on milk yield, immunological, liver enzymatic, serum, and milk mineral status in dairy cows. Materials and Methods: Twenty cows were arbitrarily assigned to 4 diets. Cows were given a basal ration considered as control diet (CL-D) having 14.93% crude protein (CP)and 10.96 MJ ME per kg dry matter (DM). Each cow was given 100 gm plantain, 100 gm lemongrass, and 50 gm plantain + 50 gm lemongrass with CL-D and taken as plantain diet (PT-D), lemongrass diet (LG-D), and plantain-lemongrass diet (PL-D), daily for 63 days, respectively. Blood and milk samples were taken four times at an interval of 14 days. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance. Results: Better DM consumption and milk yield were observed in the PT-D and LG-D compared to the CL-D (p ≤ 0.05). LG-D improved the milk's total solids, protein, and fat compared to CL-D (p < 0.05). Substantially, herbal groups improved serum albumin and reduced globulin concentrations compared to CL-D. LG-D had the highest serum immunoglobulin G, while herbal groups effectively reduced the liver enzymes compared to CL-D. Herbal groups did not affect serum and milk's calcium and phosphorus concentrations, while LG-D and PL-D substantially improved serum and milk zinc concentrations. Conclusions: Both plantain and lemongrass improved dairy cows' DM consumption and milk yield. Plantain and/or lemongrass enhanced the immune system and liver health, but not serum and milk calcium and phosphorus level. Lemongrass and a combination of plantain and lemongrass increased the serum and milk zinc concentrations. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 185-193]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the compound content of the combined extracts of Langusei fruit (Ficus minahassae L.) and papaya latex (Carica papaya L.) and perform bioassays of the combination of extracts on fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides. Materials and Methods: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determined the chemical composition of the combined extract. The toxicity of the extract combination was evaluated in vivo on cat flea and dog flea imago separately. The combination of phytochemical screening of Langusei extract and papaya latex contained all the main phytochemical compounds. Results: The LCMS/MS analysis results showed that the combination of Langusei extract and papaya latex contained six compounds. Four compounds were identified: 3-butenyl glucosinolate, erythromycin, aluminum palmitate, and henpentakontilbenzene. Four compounds indicate a new compound. The toxicity of the combined extract was highest for both Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis in the P4 treatment (10%), with an average mortality of 100%, the same as the control mortality of the synthetic insecticide deltamethrin. The best LD50 for C. felis was in the F1 formula (4.003 mg/l), while in C. canis it was shown in the F3 (3.733 mg/l). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, the combination of Langusei fruit extract and papaya latex can be developed as an ectoparasiticide for fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 810-818]

Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect of a toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) ligand on the motility of putative X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm in rams. Materials and Methods: Sperm from three fertile rams were incubated with tris-citrate buffer containing 0 to 0.9 μM resiquimod (a TLR7/8 ligand) that affects only the X chromosome sperm. Sperm was then subjected to a swim-up test method. After incubation, sperm in the top and lower layers of the media were transferred into a separate new tube. Sperm motility characteristics, concentration, morphometry, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration from both layers were identified. The data were analyzed for multiple comparisons using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The study demonstrated that the presence of resiquimod used in the swim-up method facilitated the morphometric separation of smaller sperm, predominantly representing Y chromosome sperm in the top layer. Meanwhile, larger samples, indicating X chromosome sperm, accumulated in the lower layer of the media, thus increasing sperm concentration. Resiquimod also decreased motility in the lower layer, but samples in the top layer were unaffected. This decrease was reinforced by the depletion of the ATP level of sperm at the lower level. Conclusion: The TLR7/8 ligand reduced the motility of the putative X-sperm by decreasing their ATP content, allowing separation from the putative Y-sperm. These results suggested the importance of TLR7/8 as a potential biomarker in sperm selection technology. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 648-654]

Objective: The methodology employed in this research was designed to identify and characterize the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) at the molecular level, originating from recent outbreaks in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: The IBDV outbreak farm was investigated, and bursa of Fabricius (BF) specimens were acquired from infected chickens. Initially, viruses in the processed samples were detected in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells, and the RT-PCR method was used to confirm IBDV. The positive samples were injected through chorioallantoic membrane route into the embryo of a 10-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) egg for virus isolation and pathogenicity testing. Finally, we sequenced the VP2 gene to identify phylogenetic relationships and detect mutations. Results: From the 77 collected samples, 42.85% (33/77) were found positive for cytopathic effects in CEF cells, and IBDV was detected in 31.16% (24/77) of the samples by RT-PCR. IBDV was isolated in SPF chicken embryos. In the pathogenicity test, infectious bursal disease was evident in seronegative chickens with visible signs of disease. Sequence analysis shows that the broiler-isolated viruses clustered with genotype A3B2 and backyard chickens with genotype A1B1. The presence of amino acid motifs for virulence markers was revealed in the partially sequenced VP2 gene with a mutation at S254G in four IBDV isolates from broilers. However, amino acids for virulence markers were absent in two isolates from backyard chickens, which shows sequence homology with IBDV classic strains. Conclusion: In this study, we identified and characterized circulating reassorted IBDV from vaccinated broilers, which may be one of the major causes of vaccination failure in broilers. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 534-543]

Objective: The current study investigated the effects of supplying ruminally protected amino acids (AA) (lysine, L; and methionine, M) and dietary protein levels on the performance of late-nursing ewes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one Awassi ewes nursing single lambs were individually housed and assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (2 × 2 factorial design). Ewes in treatment groups were (with supplemental RPL and RPM) or were not (without supplemental RPL and RPM) supplemented with lysine (8.5 gm/day) and methionine (4 gm/day) and were fed diets containing either 13.2 (moderate protein) or 11.1% (low protein) protein. Results: No interactions between supplemental AA and dietary protein levels were observed. Supplying ewes with L and M did not affect (p ≥ 0.06) their nutrient intake or their final body weights (BWs). Additionally, milk composition, yield, and efficiency were not affected by supple¬mental L and M. Decreasing dietary protein levels did not affect (p = 0.13) the final BWs, milk yield, composition, and efficiency but decreased (p < 0.01) nutrient intake of ewes. Conclusion: Under our study conditions, reducing the protein contents of the diets from 13.2% to 11.1% had no negative impact on late-nursing ewes. Regardless of dietary protein level, the beneficial effect of supplying L and M was not evident. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 711-716]

Objectives: The study aimed to inactivate the FAdV isolate (UPM11142P5B1) produced in a biore¬actor and assess the humoral and cellular immunity, efficacy, and virus shedding in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: The isolate was grown in a bioreactor, inactivated using binary ethylene¬imine, adjuvanted with Montanide 71VG, and injected into day-old broiler chickens either with or without booster groups. The following parameters were measured: T lymphocyte profile in the liver, spleen, and thymus; FAdV antibody titer; clinical symptoms; gross and histological alter¬ations in the liver, spleen, and thymus; virus copy number in the liver and cloacal shedding. Results: Compared to the unchallenged control group, booster (BG), and non-booster (NBG), the challenged control group (CCG) had a larger liver: body weight (BW) ratio, milder clinical signs, gross lesions, and histological alterations. They also had a lower BW. At 7, 21, 35, and 42 days post-inoculation (dpi), the NBG and BG exhibited higher antibody levels than the UCG. At 35 dpi, challenged BG and NBG produced more antibodies than CCG. In BG and NBG, T cells were stimu¬lated in the spleen, thymus, and liver. At 35 and 42 dpi, the challenged BG and NBG showed significantly decreased viral copy numbers in the liver and shedding, respectively, along with increased lymphocyte counts. Conclusion: The inactivated UPM11142P5B1 with Montanide 71VG could be a vaccine against FAdV 8b infections in chickens. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 693-702]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of thioacetamide (TAA) on the structure and function of the testes and assess the therapeutic effects of Curcuma longa (Cl) against TAA-induced toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male albino rats weighing 180–200 gm and aged 11–12 weeks were randomly separated into four groups. The control group was given normal saline, the Cl group was orally administered Cl (500 mg/kg/day), the TAA group received intraperitoneal TAA (200 mg/kg body weight, three times/week), and the Cl with TAA group received Cl orally two hours before TAA administration. After 8 weeks, all rats were anesthetized, and body and testis weights were recorded. Morphological and histological assessments as well as biochemical analyses were conducted. Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in both body and testis weights in the TAA group, accompanied by a substantial increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hor¬mone (FSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Testosterone (T) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased in the TAA-treated group compared to the control. Conversely, the Cl-treated group exhibited a substantial decrease in LH, FSH, and MDA levels while showing a significant increase in T and GSH. Conclusion: Cl has been found to have a potential therapeutic role in mitigating TAA-induced testicular damage by acting as an antioxidant. This is supported by a significant decrease in oxi¬dative stress markers and supporting hormonal levels. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and explore the clinical applicability of Cl in preventing and treating testicular toxicity. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 762-771]

Objective: The objective was to find out the expression of EphB4 receptor and ephrin-B1 ligand by the macrophages that live inside the mouse testicles. Materials and Methods: Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of EphB4 and ephrin-B1 was identified via RT-PCR amplification, and protein expression was examined by immunostaining. Results: Analysis using RT-PCR revealed that mRNA of EphB4 and ephrin-B1 were noticed in the examined testis of all postnatal ages. Furthermore, immunostaining revealed that F4/80-positive intra-testicular-resident macrophages were located in the intertubular spaces within the testis and more densely around the intra-testicular excurrent duct system, and increased in number gradually during the postnatal period of development until 5 weeks of age, when the mice attain their maturity (puberty), and maintained thereafter. Both EphB4 and ephrin-B1 immunoreactiv¬ity were noticed in F4/80-positive intra-testicular-resident macrophages within the testis of all studied postnatal ages. Ephrin-B1 and EphB4 immunoreactivity were weak during early postnatal development until the age of 2 weeks, and then ephrin-B1 immunoreactivity became very strong and EphB4 immunoreactivity became strong at the age of 3 weeks, and they continued to do so until the age of 8 weeks. Furthermore, EphB4 receptor was tyrosine-phosphorylated in testis. Conclusion: The expression of EphB4 and ephrin-B1 in mice intra-testicular-resident macro¬phages is being examined for the first time in this work. The localization of EphB4 and ephrin-B1, and EphB4 tyrosine-phosphorylation suggest that EphB4/ephrin-B1 signaling might occur in the intra-testicular-resident macrophages, and may participate in maintaining male fertility. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 746-753]