Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the mean concentrations of heavy metals including aluminum (Al), arsenic, nickel (Ni), mercury, lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) and to assess the health hazards due to the exposure of cattle/human population to a distinct or the mixture of heavy metals through various sources. Materials and methods: A total of 180 samples including water sources, animal feed, and raw cows milk from rural regions in Qena, Egypt, were examined using the inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP; iCAP 6200). Results: The data highlighted heavy metal pollution with variable concentrations among most of the investigated regions. All concentrations of Al, Ni, and Cd detected in the feeding stuff showed a strong correlation to their respective levels in milk rather than those detected in water (R2= 0.072 vs. 0.039, 0.13 vs. 0.10, and 0.46 vs. 0.014, respectively) (p < 0.05). Anisocytosis and poi¬kilocytosis with a tendency to rouleaux formation were evident, and basophilic stippling was a pathognomic indicator for heavy metal toxicity, especially Pb. Leukopenia and macrocytic anemia were shown in 50% and 65% of examined cattle, respectively. The target hazard quotients values were more than one (>1) for all heavy metals from water intake for both children and adults and Al and Cd in milk for children, and the hazard index values were indicated higher for noncarcino¬genic health hazards. The target cancer risk values predispose people in the surveyed villages to higher cancerous risks due to exposures to the mixture of heavy metal through the consumption of water and milk. Conclusion: The bioaccumulation and transmission of heavy metal mixtures from water sources and feeding material have detrimental influences on milk pollution and cattle health which seem to be a serious issue affecting public health in those rural communities. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(2.000): 345-359]

Objectives: The experiment was undertaken to investigate the performances of broilers with respect to meat yield traits, leg bone quality, blood metabolites, and economic profitability fed conventional diets supplemented with L-methionine (L-Met). Materials and methods: Day-old broiler chicks (n = 144) of either sex were used to conduct the experiment from d1 to 33 days in a battery cage rearing system. Birds were distributed randomly into four dietary treatments, i.e., D0 (DL-Met), D1 (0.20% L-Met), D2 (0.25% L-Met), and D3 (0.30% L-Met) in a completely randomized design. Broiler chicks were fed complete starter ration for the first 2 weeks and then test diets were supplied ad libitum from d15 to 33 days. All the formu¬lated rations had the same calorie and proteinous values. Similar housing, feeding, and rearing management were provided to the birds for all the experimental period. Data on carcass yield traits, such as dressing %, thigh, breast, back, drumstick, shank, neck, and wing weights, etc, were measured on the last day of the trial. Blood serum profile (total protein, glucose, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, and triglycerides), right tibial bone traits (bone weight, bone width), and mineral concentrations (Ca% and P%) were also assessed on the last day of the experiment. The economic profitability of broilers fed on the L-Met diet was also measured in this study. Results: The results revealed that except for dressing % (p < 0.05) and back weight (p < 0.01); all other meat characteristics measured this study were found similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. The highest dressing % and back weight were observed in the D3 group and the lowest being in D0. Blood serum metabolites did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments. Leg bone traits of broilers were found similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. Higher profit (p < 0.01) and lower production cost (p < 0.05) were observed in the birds fed the D3 diet than other treatments. Conclusion: It can be inferred that broilers might show improved dressed yield and profitable broiler production fed on L-Met supplemented diet (D3). [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(2.000): 253-259]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of African swine fever (ASF) disease in Benin. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 70 pig farms from the Departement of Atlantique and Oueme and also by using the data available from the Directorate of Livestock on the spread of ASF in Benin from 2014 to 2018. The prevalence of ASF was assessed with 106 nasal swabs from apparently healthy domestic pigs and 15 organ samples from dead ASF-suspected pigs. ASF virus detection was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reac¬tion using Qiagen Kit for DNA extraction. Data recorded were processed with SAS software (2006). Results: It appears that ASF is an endemic disease in Benin with the Department of Oueme as the hotspot of dissemination of the virus in the country. The losses due to ASF recorded from 2014 to 2018 are evaluated to 884,850,000 CFA Franc by estimating the average cost of a pig at 25,000 FCFA. A prevalence of 1.89% (CI at 95%, 0.713.49) was recorded for live animals with a positive result in organs from all dead pigs suspected of ASF. Breeding practices related to the sharing of breeding males, scavenging pigs, and non-compliance with biosecurity measures were the risk factors identified. Conclusion: The present study sheds light on the areas prone to the ASF virus in Benin. Moreover, the cross-sectional data recorded on the prevalence of ASF will help to better rule on the spread of the disease. It would be interesting for the Beninese Republic to increase its efforts for ASF control. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(3.000): 464-470]

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in Benin. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the blood samples were taken from 932 cattle: 573 from slaughterhouses and 359 from the farms of the targeted divisions. After the blood samples, thick drops and blood smears were made. The capillary tubes filled with blood made it possible to determine the hematocrit in cattle. Results: The prevalence of trypanosomosis in farms (27.02%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of animals in slaughterhouses (16.75%). In farms, the prevalence was 38.55% during the rainy season against 16.67% in the dry season (p < 0.001). In slaughterhouses, prevalences were 10.99%, 17.58%, and 21.50%, respectively, in Bohicon, Cotonou/Porto-Novo, and Parakou. Hematocrit in slaughterhouses was 24.17% and 31.44%, respectively, in infested and non-infested animals. In farms, this rate was 22.85% in infested animals and 29.31% in non-infested animals (p < 0.05). Young cattle are more vulnerable to trypanosomosis than older cattle. Conclusion: Given the endemic situation of bovine trypanosomosis and its impact on the econ¬omy, this knowledge of the health status of cattle will help out to seek ways and alternatives to reduce the damage. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(1.000): 6-15]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported as a worldwide emergency. Due to the extensiveness of spread and death, it has been declared as a pandemic. This review focused on the current pandemic situ¬ation and understanding the prevention and control strategies of COVID-19. Data presented here was by April 3, 2020. A total of 1,016,399 cases of COVID-19 with 53,238 deaths was reported from 204 countries and territories including two international conveyances over the world. After China, most of the new cases were from Europe, particularly Italy acting as the source of impor¬tation to many of the other countries around the world. China has obtained success by ascribing control strategies against COVID-19. The implementation of Chinas strategy, as well as the devel¬opment of a vaccine, may control the pandemic of COVID-19. Further robust studies are required for a clear understanding of transmission parameters, prevention, and control strategies of SARS-CoV-2. This review paper describes the nature of COVID-19 and the possible ways for the effective controlling of the COVID-19 or similar viral diseases that may come in the future. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(2.000): 260-280]

Objective: This experiment was designed to assess the quality and to evaluate the feeding impact of moringa feed on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, methane (CH4) production, and milk yield. Materials and methods: According to body weight and exitentry average daily milk production, fifteen BLRI cattle breed-1 lactating cows of 3rd or 4th stage of parturition with wk 3 and 4 of calving were selected and were equally and randomly distributed into three dietary groups. One group of cows was fed a control diet (T0) consisting of 1:1 dry matter (DM) of Napier silage and conventionally mixed concentrate. The other two groups were fed a control diet by randomly replacing i) 50% (T1) or ii) 100% (T2) of its concentrate with moringa feed. The three dietary groups were balanced nutritionally based on energy and protein following the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) standard. Results: The concentrate mixture was replaced with moringa feed to increase the feed efficiency and to reduce the DM or crude protein intake (p < 0.05) per 100 kg of metabolic body weight. The T2 group flourished with the highest (p < 0.05) amount of raw milk and also 4% fat-corrected milk (4.39 and 4.59 kg/day, respectively) compared to the T0 group (3.30 and 3.49 kg/day, respec¬tively). However, it increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of total volatile fatty acid and decreased (p < 0.05) the blood and milk cholesterol, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) was reputed by adding moringa feed into the T0 group, without showing any significant (p > 0.05) change in CH4 produc¬tion, fat, solid not fat, lactose or protein content of milk. Conclusion: Therefore, moringa feed increased the productivity in dairy cows, replacing the whole concentrate diet. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(3.000): 521-529]

Objectives: Migratory birds play a major role in the transmission of pathogens globally, but still their role in the transmission of fungi in Bangladesh is not known. The present study was carried out for the isolation and molecular detection of fungi including Aspergillus from migratory birds traveling to Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 50 fecal samples were collected from BaojaniBaor, Magura, and areas close to Jahangirnagar University, Savar. The isolation of fungus was based on culture on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), followed by staining, morphology, and molecular detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among 50 samples, 40 showed positive for fungal growth on PDA, of which 30 yield only yeast-like colonies, five only molds, and five yielded both yeast and molds. The isolated molds produced various pigmented colonies, namely, black, whitish, grayish, olive green, and yellow. Among 10 molds, six were confirmed as fungi by PCR using genus-specific primers such as ITS1 and ITS4. Later, of these six fungi, five were confirmed as Aspergillus by PCR with primers such as ASAP1 and ASAP2 specific for Aspergillus genus. Therefore, the overall occurrence of Aspergillus was 10% (5/50). PCR specific for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger failed to produce specific PCR amplicon, suggesting that the isolated Aspergillus belongs to other groups. Conclusion: This is the first report describing the isolation and molecular detection of Aspergillus from fecal samples of migratory birds in Bangladesh. The present findings confirm that migratory birds are potential source for Aspergillus and other fungus in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(2.000): 338-344]

Objectives: Avian lymphatic system plays a very significant role in immunity as well as disease control. This research aimed to investigate the histomorphological changes and involution of the thymus of Sonali chicken at different post-natal stages in Bangladesh as the age-related changes of the thymus of Sonali chicken were not described before. Materials and methods: A gross and microscopic investigation was performed on the thymus of 25 healthy Sonali chickens representing different stages of post-natal life: days 1, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Experimental chickens were sacrificed by cervical subluxation, and the thymus was collected and subjected for both the gross and histological studies. The histological changes were examined with light microscopy after H&E staining. Results: The thymus was located in close association of the jugular vein, having a long chain of thy¬mic lobes, 58 lobes on each side. The statistically significant age-related changes were observed (p < 0.05). All gross parameters (weight, length, width, and thickness) found to be increased up to day 42. On day 56, the growth was found to decline from the previous groups. The microscopic observations revealed the same pattern of changes such as gross parameters, i.e., continuously increased till day 42 and then declined (p < 0.05). At day 56, the involutory signs such as partial loss of interlobular septa and accumulation of adipose tissue in connective tissue septa were found. Conclusion: It is well known that in chicken, after a certain period, the thymus got involuted. In Sonali chicken of Bangladesh, the age of involution was notified at day 56/8th week of the post-natal stage, which was correlated both in macro- and microscopic observations. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(2.000): 324-330]

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the serum ferritin level and quantitate ultra¬sound elastography as a marker to distinguish dogs with benign and malignant liver tumors. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight dogs were determined the serum ferritin and ultrasound elastography by using fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Results: Our results demonstrated that dogs with malignant liver tumors had significantly higher mean serum ferritin concentrations than those with benign liver tumors (p = 0.004). The mean intensity of blue and red colors from elastography was greater in the malignant than those in the benign group, especially for the blue color, meaning that lesions showed more hard tissue. Additionally, histograms of blue color in the malignant tended to be higher than the benign group. Conclusion: We suggested that quantitative ultrasound elastography and serum ferritin concen¬tration comprise an alternative and non-invasive diagnostic method that could be used to predict the type of liver tumors in dogs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 575- 584]

Objectives: Aqueous extracts of Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina leaves were inves¬tigated for their hepatoprotective potential in diabetic rats. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty male albino rats were randomly assigned to eight equal groups (n = 15). The first group (control) comprised normal healthy rats, while the second to fifth groups were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) [60 mg/ kg body weight (BW)] for induction of diabetes. Group 2 was kept as positive diabetic control, while groups 35 were orally treated with aqueous extracts of R. mucronata (400 mg/kg BW), A. marina (400 mg/kg BW) and with a combination of ½ a dose of the two plants, respectively, for six weeks. Groups 68 were non-diabetic rats that orally received aqueous extracts of R. mucronata (400 mg/kg BW), A. marina (400 mg/kg BW), and a combination of ½ a dose of the two plants, respectively, for 6 weeks. Results: STZ-induced diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in serum glucose and liver enzymes, increased serum insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-cells (HOMA-β), and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Histopathological and immuno¬histochemical examinations of the liver revealed improved pathologic criteria in the plant extract treated diabetic rats compared with the remarkable changes which had been seen in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Conclusion: This study suggests that the aqueous extract of R. mucronata or its combination with A. marina showed potent hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects for liver dysfunction, as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(1.000): 177-185]