Objectives: The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary energy and protein level growth performances of selected indigenous Ethiopian sheep breeds. Materials and Methods: Fifty intact ram lambs, 25 from each breed with 12 months of age and a mean initial body weight (IBW) of 19.31 ± 1.7 kg, were employed for this experiment. Animals were distributed randomly into five dietary treatments, i.e., minimum Energy and Protein (mEmP), medium energy and protein (MEMP), medium Energy and high Protein (MEHP), high energy and medium protein (HEMP), and high Energy and high Protein (HEHP) diets in randomized complete block design with 2 * 5 factorial arrangements. The minimum, medium, and high energy diets were 2.388, 2.866, and 3.344 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM) with the corresponding 10%, 16%, and 20% crude protein (CP) diets, respectively. The diets were formulated in a total mixed ration from wheat bran (WB), maize grain, peanut cake, and pasture hay feed ingredients. Diet offer was at the rate of 3% of lambs live weight and revised biweekly as per the attained body weight changes. Digestibility trial was conducted for 7 days of actual fecal data collection, followed by 90 days of feeding trial. Results: The animals fed on the MEHP diet had a maximum DM and nutrient intakes (CP and organic matter) and the best final body weight (FBW), total gain, gain rate, average daily gains, and feed conversion efficiency (31.3, 12.9 kg, 41.2%, 143.3 gm, and 23.13, respectively), followed by HEMP, HEHP, MEMP, and mEmP diets. Digestibility of DM and nutrients linearly followed similar trends (p < 0.01). Hararghe sheep was heavier (p < 0.01) by 4.3 and 3.1 kg in its FBW and total gain and more efficient in nutrients utilization (22.57 vs. 18.18) as compared to Afar sheep (AS). Conclusion: It is concluded that MEHP and MEMP are superior and optimum diets for sheep breeds, and Hararghe sheep is carried out better than AS in most growth performance parameters. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 185-194]

Objective: A phylogenetic study was carried out on the avian influenza virus (AIV) isolated from a disease outbreak in Sidenreng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in 2018. Material and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs and organ samples were obtained from ducks that showed clinical symptoms: torticollis, fascial edema, neurological disorders, the corneas appear cloudy, and death occurs less than 1 day after symptoms appear. In this study, isolate A/duck/ Sidenreng Rappang/07180110-11/2018 from duck was sequenced and characterized. Results: It was found that each gene segment of the virus has the highest nucleotide homology to the Indonesian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c. Multiple alignments of the sample Hemagglutinin (HA) gene with the avian influenza references virus showed that the pattern of amino acid arrangement in the cleavage site PQRERRRK-RGLF is the characteristic of the HPAI virus. In addition, the HA gene contained Q222 (glutamine) and G224 (glycine), signify¬ing a high affinity to avian receptor binding specificity (SA α2,3 Gal). Furthermore, there was no genetic reassortment of this virus based on the phylogenetic analysis of HA, NA, PB1, PB2, PA, NP, M, and NS genes. Conclusion: The HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c virus was identified in duck farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 346-354]

Objective: Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an economically important emerging infec¬tion of poultry as it causes immunosuppression and reduces egg production. Although it is world¬wide distributed and first reported (single case) in Bangladesh in 2002, no epidemiological and serological investigations have been conducted. The current study aimed to conduct a serologi¬cal investigation on the prevalence of CIAV infection in broiler breeder and layer farms in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total number of 460 sera samples were randomly collected from unvac¬cinated broiler breeder and layer flocks, of which 276 were from 11 broiler breeder farms and 184 from 12 layer farms. The sera samples were subjected to a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to observe antibodies induced by CIAV. Results: Results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of CIAV was 83.6% among a total of 460 samples. In broiler breeder birds, the prevalence was 89.9%, whereas it was 78.3% in layer birds. A higher number of female birds was found to be seropositive than male birds. However, chickens of all age groups were found to be susceptible to the virus. Conclusions: These results indicate the presence of CIAV in Bangladesh, which may be the sequel of naturally occurring either vertical or horizontal infection in all bird flocks tested without clinical symptoms of the disease. A further epidemiological investigation will be required, followed by molecular isolation and characterization of the virus for suitable vaccine candidate selection and/ or preparation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 323-329]

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 < 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 ≥ 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: This work investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in communally consumed cheeses in Egypt. Materials and Methods: This study examined 100 samples of Domiati, Tallaga, Cheddar, and Ras cheese collected from several shops and supermarkets. Samples were spread on selective media to isolate bacterial strains. Molecular characterization of bacterial isolates was carried out using polymerase chain reaction to determine Shiga toxin 1 (stx1), Shiga toxin 2 (stx2), eaeA, and nuc genes. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to 14 antibiotics by disk diffusion assay. Results: In this study, several E. coli serotypes were identified. E. coli O26:H11, O103:H2, and O111:H2 expressed stx1/2, E. coli O114:H4 expressed stx1, E. coli O17:H18, O21:H7 and O146:H21 expressed stx2, while only E. coli O26:H11 and O111:H2 expressed eaeA. The E. coli isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, while most isolates (82.4%) showed multidrug resistance (MDR). AMR to erythromycin was the highest (100%), followed by nalidixic acid (94.1%), cefotax¬ime (82.4%), vancomycin and cephalothin (64.7%), penicillin G (52.9%), sulfamethoxazole (47.1%), amikacin and kanamycin (35.3%), ampicillin (29.4%), tetracycline and ciprofloxacin (23.5%), and doxycycline (11.8%), while gentamicin showed the least resistance (5.9%). The multiple antibi¬otic resistance (MAR) index of the isolated E. coli ranged from 0.071 to 1 (mean = 0.478). All S. aureus isolates expressed the nuc gene and demonstrated resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 90% of isolates were MDR. AMR to kanamycin and cephalothin was the highest (100%), fol¬lowed by penicillin (90%), doxycycline (70%), nalidixic acid and sulfamethoxazole (60%), erythro¬mycin (50%), tetracycline, cefotaxime, and gentamicin (40%), ciprofloxacin and ampicillin (30%), and amikacin (20%). In comparison, vancomycin showed the least resistance (10%). MAR index of isolated S. aureus ranged from 0.143 to 1 (mean = 0.529). Conclusion: The antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and S. aureus are potential risks for public health and may have a role in disseminating AMR to other pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 246-255]

Objective: Collagen is a fibrous protein that is primarily used in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. This study isolates and characterizes type-1 collagen from Sardine longiceps (scales, skin, and muscle). Materials and Methods: Collagen was isolated from S. longiceps using two methods: acid-solubilized collagen and pepsin-solubilized collagen. Sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE) was used to estimate the molecular weight of isolated collagen. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometry analysis was used to confirm the collagen extracted (type-I collagen). The functional groups of isolated collagens were identified using fourier trans¬form infrared (FTIR) analysis. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to investigate the crystallinity of isolated collagen. The high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to study the amino acid composition. Results: SDSPAGE of S. longiceps revealed molecular weights ranging from 116 kDa for α-2 to 97 kDa for α-1. UV-visible spectra showed an absorbance value below 300 nm, and the results confirmed type-I collagen. FTIR showed major functional groups like amide A, B, I, II, and III. XRD determined the crystallinity of isolated collagen. The HPLC results showed the presence of higher glycine content, followed by proline and hydroxyl proline in the extracted collagen. Conclusion: The overall study confirmed that fish waste materials (scales, skin, and muscles) could be used as an alternative source for collagen. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 679-686]

Objectives: Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that begins immediately following tissue injury and continues until the wound is completely healed and remodeled. Applying the most effective burn repair techniques is a constant challenge in medicine. Antiulcerogenic and wound healing properties of Areca palm leaves have been validated through various investigations and animal studies. This study aimed to determine the potential for A. palm hydroalcoholic extract to heal burn wounds in rats. Materials and Methods: For 14 days, we examined 40 male Wistar albino rats in 5 groups: those receiving 1% silver sulfadiazine cream (reference standard), those receiving eucerin (positive control), and those receiving 5% and 10% ointments of Areca catechu hydroalcoholic extract (treatment groups). No treatment was given to the negative control group. On the dorsal part of the animals necks, burn wounds were made. After the rats were sacrificed, the wound contraction rate (WCR) was determined, and the wound sites were histopathologically examined. Results: On the 14th day, the WCR was significantly higher in rats treated with A. palm 10% extract ointment than in rats treated with 5% extract, positive or negative control groups (p < 0.001), or rats treated with silver sulphfadiazine (p = 0.01). After applying a 10% extract ointment to burn wound sites, complete healing occurred with only mild tissue inflammation and edema. Conclusion: The studys findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of A. palm L. has the abil¬ity to expedite the wound healing process. Additional research is necessary to identify the compounds responsible for their wound healing properties and comprehend their action mechanism. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 619-628]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pretreatment with medetomidine (Me), midazolam (Mi), and ketamine (Ke) on stress-related neurohormonal and metabolic responses in isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy and castration. Materials and Methods: We prospectively recruited 112 client-owned healthy mixed-breed cats. In both surgeries, we divided the cats into seven groups (eight cats per group): non-treatment (control), Me (50 μg/kg), Mi (0.5 mg/kg), Ke (5 mg/kg), Me + Mi, Me + Ke and Me + Mi + Ke administered intramuscularly. After pretreatments, we maintained anesthesia with isoflurane and oxygen. Venous blood was taken before pretreatment, pre- and post-operatively during anesthesia, and at early- and complete-recovery. Results: Both plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline were reduced during anesthesia in all groups. Plasma cortisol increased during anesthesia and at early recovery in non-Me-treated groups, whereas it decreased in Me-treated groups in both surgeries. Plasma insulin and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) decreased, and glucose increased during anesthesia in all groups, but hyperglycemia and decrease in NEFA were greater in Me-treated groups. Conclusions: In isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing surgeries, premedication with Me alone and in combination is useful for reducing the perioperative stress-related increase in cortisol and catecholamines except for hyperglycemia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 563-575]

Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain an insight into the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pregnancy-associated mammary epithelial development and angiogenesis. However, we examined the primary VEGF receptor (VEGFR-2) in the mouse mammary cycle. Materials and Methods: The virgin (1012 weeks), days 10 and 18 of pregnancy (P-10 and P-18), days 0, 5, 10, and 20 of lactation (L-0, L-5, L-10, and L-20), and days 5 and 10 of post-weaning (W-5 and W-10) stage were all used in this study. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were carried out on mammary tissues taken from three mice at each stage. Results: VEGFR-2 was detected immunohistochemically in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelial and endothelial cells. Immunostaining for VEGFR-2 was consistently positive in mammary endothelial cells across all stages, whereas staining intensity in epithelial cells varied across the mammary cycle. Additionally, immunoblot analysis indicated a 220 kDa unique band of VEGFR-2 protein at all stages of the mammary cycle, with the maximum expression reported toward the end of pregnancy and gradually decreasing toward the end of lactation. Conclusion: In conclusion, the presence of VEGFR-2 in the mammary epithelium in addition to the endothelium suggests that VEGF plays an autocrine and paracrine role in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of the mammary epithelium during pregnancy. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 581-588]

Objectives: The research was carried out on broilers to determine the efficacy of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces boulardii combined) supplementation on growth performances, nutrient retention (metabolizable energy, dry matter, and crude protein), and cecal microbiology (Bifidobacteria spp., Clostridium spp., and coliforms). Materials and Methods: A total of 160 broiler chicks (day-old) were selected and differentiated randomly into 4 groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) (40 × 4) comprising 40 birds in every single group. The control group (T0) was fed commercial broiler feed only and the other three groups, referred to as treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3), were treated with 1 gm ciprofloxacin, 1 gm probiotic, and 1 gm probiotic plus 0.5 gm enzyme, respectively, in per liter of fresh dietary water 8 h daily for 7 days in each phase. Experimental trials were divided into 2 phases, the starter phase from day 0 to 21 and the finisher phase from day 22 to 35. Results: Bodyweight gain and nutrient retention in experimental broiler birds in treatment groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Overall body weight gain and nutrient retention of broiler chicks in treatment groups T2 and T3 were better than T1. From day 22 to 35, cecal Clostridium and coliform bacterial load counts were significantly lower p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively, in T1, T2, and T3 treatments than T0. Overall, Clostridium and coliform bacterial counts in the birds of treatment group T2 were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than T0. Conclusion: The probiotics, in addition to enzyme supplementation, had suitable influence effects on growth performance of broilers, birds retention of nutrient, and microfloral count in birds cecum. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 534-539]