Objective: This research assesses whether probiotics could enhance growth performance and improve nutrient digestibility in birds fed with low-protein diets. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 1-day-old ROSS chicks were used in a completely randomized design consisting of 5 treatments with 5 replicates and 10 birds for each replicate. The experimental diets were as follows: basal diet containing 100% crude protein (CP) according to Nutrition Research Council recommendation (control diet); basal diet containing CP 10% less than the control diet low protein (LP); LP with addition of probiotic by 50 mg/kg diet (LP + P1); LP with addition of probiotics by 100 mg/kg diet (LP + P2); LP with an addition of probiotics by 150 mg/kg diet (LP + P3). Results: Broilers fed with the control, LP + P2, and LP + P3 diets had greater body weight and weight gain than broilers fed with the LP during starter, finisher, and total periods (p < 0.01). The feed conversion ratio was the best (p < 0.01) in the control and LP + P3 treatments compared with the LP and LP + P1 treatments throughout the experiment. The European production efficiency factor was the lowest in the LP treatment compared with other treatments from 1 to 42 days. Protein efficiency ratio and protein retention were both higher in birds fed with the LP + P2 and LP + P3 diets compared to birds given the control and LP diets (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Adding probiotics to the diet remarkably improved the productive performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler-fed low-protein diets.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of congenital flexural deformity (knuckling), to identify the association between trace elements and vitamins with the deformity, and to apply different surgical techniques for correcting this congenital malformation in newborn bovine calves. Materials and Methods: The study was implemented on 17 newborn calves with carpal (knee) and fetlock (foot) knuckling presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from January to December 2020. The serum biochemical alterations and clinical outcomes were assessed on days 0 and 21 following surgery. Two surgical methods: ten¬don transection and tendon elongation by Z-tenotomy, were performed for surgical restoration. Results: We found that knuckling comprised 12% of the total congenitally malformed calves. The male calves had a higher prevalence (52%, n = 9) and the same in the winter season (65%, n = 11). The majority of the knuckling was bilateral types (88%, n = 15), involving the carpal joint (82%, n = 14) and moderately angulated (59%, n = 10). The serum level of magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and zinc were significantly (p < 0.05) changed from the pre-surgical stage to the stage of non-lameness after surgery. The disorder was surgically treated by tendon transection or tendon elongation procedure and had a good prognosis. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the development of knuckling in calves might be related to a deficiency/excess of specific minerals and vitamins and that it can be effectively cor¬rected by surgical intervention; however, early diagnosis and the use of proper surgical techniques are crucial for improving the prognosis. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 88-95]

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of using dried chaya leaf meal (DCLM) as a protein feed in a diet on growth performance, blood profiles, and carcass quality in a native Thai chicken. Materials and Methods: Eighty 14-day-old Pradu Hangdum chicks were divided into four groups with four replicates each: control (without DCLM), 10%, 20%, and 30% DCLM inclusion in mash feed. Growth performance was recorded weekly until 98 days of age. Blood profile, carcass quality, and visceral organ weight were measured at 98 days of age. Results: The 10%–30% DCLM inclusion in the diet did not affect feed intake or feed efficiency; however, the body weight gain of chicks decreased linearly with the increase in DCLM inclusion. The heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were linearly increased with the increasing DCLM levels in the groups. The serum blood chemistry did not differ among the groups, while the AST in 10% and 20% DCLM was lower than in the control. Increasing the level of DCLM in the chicken diet did not affect carcass quality. Conclusion: The DCLM can be used as a feed ingredient in Thai native chicken feed up to 20%. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 51-56]

Objective: Certain advantages of donkeys are still not listed as for other equine species. Moreover, donkeys lack comprehensive scientific studies. The present study examines the histological architecture and histochemical characteristics of the esophagus in the Iraqi local breed donkey (Equus asinus). Materials and Methods: Eight esophagus samples were collected from a local breed donkey. Tissue specimens (~1 cm³) were collected from the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal regions of the esoph¬agus and processed via routine histological technique. The tissue sections were stained with hema¬toxylin and eosin, Massons Trichrome, and combined Alcian blue (pH 2.5) plus PAS (AB-PAS). Results: The esophagus of the local breed donkey had folded mucosa wrapped by thin non-ke¬ratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The heights of epithelia of the cervical and thoracic regions of the esophagus were significantly higher than that of the abdominal regions. The lamina propria consisted of dense fibrous tissue that appeared thickest in the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus. The muscularis mucosa disappears at the cervical region, while the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus contain thick, scattered, interrupted bundles of smooth muscle fibers. Tunica submucosa was very thick at the thoracic and abdominal regions of the esophagus, composed of loose connective tissue filled with compound tubular mucose¬rous esophageal glands. Using a combined AB-PAS stain, mucous alveoli within the esophageal glands indicated strong acidic mucopolysaccharide. Tunica muscularis of the cervical and thoracic regions was built up by striated muscle fibers and turned into smooth type at the abdominal region of the esophagus. Conclusion: The esophagus of the local breed donkey shows considerable histological similarities with the other mammals that make this species reliable as an experimental model of digestive tissue. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 14-20]

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the effect of Leucaena at different proportions and doses of molasses on the nutritional quality, silage fermentation characteristic, and in vitro digestibility of corn stover silage. Materials and Methods: The study was designed in a completely randomized factorial design 3*3 pattern. The first factor was the proportion addition of Leucaena, i.e., L0 (0%), L15 (15%), L30 (30%), and L45 (45%) of inclusion of Leucaena on the dry matter (DM) basis of corn stover. The second factor was the dose of inclusion of molasses, i.e., M2 (2%), M4 (4%), and M6 (6%) on the fed basis of silage. Each treatment had five replications. The variables observed included chemical composition [DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), hemicellulose, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber], silage fermentation characteristics (pH and NH3-N), DM digestibility (DMD), and OM digestibility (OMD) under in vitro conditions. Results: The result shows that the inclusion of Leucaena in the proportion of 30%–45% is very effective in increasing and improving the chemical composition of corn stover silage, significantly suppresses the content of CF, and increases the CP content of the silage. Likewise, the inclusion of molasses at a dose of 4% also positively contributed to the quality of the resulting silage, especially its effect in suppressing the buffer capacity of proteins resulting in low pH values and NH3-N concentrations in silage. Conclusions: It was concluded that the inclusion of Leucaena in 30%–45% and the inclusion of molasses at a dose of 4% is very effective in increasing and improving the chemical composition, silage fermentability characteristics, and rumen degradation of corn stover silage. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 118-125]

Objective: This research was arranged to explore the effect of supplementation of a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a new probiotic in fermented rice straw-based rations on in vitro digestibility and ruminal characteristics. Materials and Methods: A randomized group design with 3 types of treatment and 4 replications as a group was used in this study. A probiotic inoculum containing L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae with 1 × 1010 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml. Treatments were followed by: P1 = complete rations without probiotics (control), P2 = P1 supplemented 0.5% probiotics, and P3 = P1 supplemented 1% probiotics. Substrate complete rations were based on the fermented rice straw and concen¬trate (60%:40%). Parameters of digestibility and rumen fermentation products were determined after 48 h of incubation. Results: Probiotics supplemented with fermented rice straw-based rations significantly increased (p < 0.05) digestibility and rumen characteristics in vitro. Supplementation with 1% probiotics (P3) produces the highest digestibility compared to other treatments: in-vitro dry matter digestibil¬ity (IVDMD) (55%), in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) (58.28%), in-vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD) (84.42%), in-vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) (53.99%), in-vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) (58.39%), and in-vitro cellulose digestibility (IVCLD) (67.12%). Rumen pH (6.76–6.80) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) due to supplemented probiotics. Probiotic supplementation in rations significantly (p < 0.05) increased the content of NH3 and total volatile fatty acid (VFA). Supplementation with 1% probiotic (P3) showed the highest concentration of NH3 (26.56 mg/100 ml) and was also followed by the total VFA (115.75 mM) compared to the control (22.59 mg/100 ml and 103.00 mM, respectively). Conclusion: Supplementation of 1% probiotics (combination of L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae) containing 1 × 1010 CFU/ml in fermented rice straw-based rations increases nutrient digestibility, that is, IVDMD, IVOMD, IVCPD, IVADFD, IVNDFD, and IVCLD, and also increases rumen fermenta¬tion, which is the concentration of NH3 and total VFA. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 96-102]

Objective: This study aimed to isolate Aliarcobacter cryaerophilus in ready-to-cook poultry meat in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Thirty drumstick samples were collected from super shops in Dhaka city (n = 10), Mymensingh city (n = 10), and Patuakhali town (n = 10). After sample processing, they were cultured in Blood agar media with Campylobacter base using a microfilter (0.42 nm). Suspected colonies were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR assay targeting 16SrRNA genes. Then, sequencing was performed for confirmation. Results: Of 30 samples, 3 (10%) were positive for A. cryaerophilus. Phylogenetic analysis shows that our isolate has strong similarities with one of the isolates from China. Conclusion: The presence of this organism in ready-to-cook poultry meat is a significant concern for consumers as it bears zoonotic importance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(1.000): 113-117]

Objective: Various disease complications are a risk of overweight or obesity, so losing weight can reduce the risk of diseases caused by obesity. Binahong leaf ethanol extract (Anredera cordifolia) is a weight-loss herbal preparation. Aim: This study aims to analyze whether A. cordifolia extract is effective in losing weight by affecting the mechanism of adipogenesis in an animal obesity model. Materials and Methods: Animals were grouped into six groups as follows: the normal diet (K1), the negative control group (K2), the positive control group with Orlistat at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW (K3), an ethanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves at doses of 50 mg/kg BW (P1), 100 mg/kg BW group (P2), and 150 mg/kg BW (P3). All rats were fed a diet that consisted of high fat for eight weeks, except K1. Afterward, the treatments were given based on group distribution. Then, the rats were treated based on their groups for 4 weeks, and the high-fat diet was still given during the treatment for the control groups (K2). Anthropometric examinations such as body weight, length, and the circumference of the abdomen were measured. Metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and abdominal fat weight, were measured using molecular parameters that measured PI3K levels and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in abdominal fat tissue samples using the ELISA method. Results: ERK levels of abdominal fat were lowered in the treatment group using the extract of A. cordifolia (50 mg/kg BW (P1) and 100 mg/kg BW (P2)) compared to the control group that was given a high-fat diet without treatment. The control group, which was fed a high-fat diet without treatment, had an average ERK level of 10.17 ± 2.98 ng/ml, P1 (50 mg/kg BW). Furthermore, when ethanol extracts were used as opposed to the control group, which received a high-fat diet without treatment, there was an increase in phosphoinositide three-kinase (PI3K) levels (K2). The control group received 9.35 ± 2.87 ng/ml, the treatment group received 100 mg/kg BW (P2) 9.48 ± 1.54 ng/ml, and the treatment group received 150 mg/kg BW (P3) 7.87 ± 1.79 ng/ml. The weight of fat in the abdomen differed between the groups that received a high-fat diet without treatment (K2) and those that received a high-fat diet with treatment (P1, P2, P3; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Anredera cordifolia extract possesses anti-obesity activities by decreasing ERK and increasing PI3K levels, as well as reducing abdominal fat weight. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 809-816]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Clostridium perfringens sialidase treatment on monolayer cell behavior using computational screening and an in vitro approach to demonstrate interaction between enzyme-based drugs and ligands in host cells. Materials and Methods: The in silico study was carried out by molecular docking analysis used to predict the interactions between atoms that occur, followed by genetic characterization of sialidase from a wild isolate. Sialidase, which has undergone further production and purification processes exposed to chicken embryonic fibroblast cell culture, and observations-based structural morphology of cells compared between treated cells and normal cells without treatment. Results: Based on an in silico study, C. perfringens sialidase has an excellent binding affinity with Neu5Acα (2.3) Gal ligand receptor with Gibbs energy value (ΔG)—7.35 kcal/mol and Ki value of 4.11 μM. Wild C. perfringens isolates in this study have 99.1%–100% similarity to the plc gene, NanH, and NanI genes, while NanJ shows 93.18% similarity compared to the reference isolate from GenBank. Sialidase at 750 and 150 mU may impact the viability, cell count, and cell behavior structure of fibroblast cells by significantly increasing the empty area and perimeter of chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells, while at 30 mU sialidase shows no significant difference compared with mock control. Conclusion: Sialidase-derived C. perfringens has the capacity to compete with viral molecules for attachment to host sialic acid based on in silico analysis. However, sialidase treatment has an impact on monolayer cell fibroblasts given exposure to high doses. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 667-676]

Objective: The results of G1 and G4 polymorphisms as litter-size (LS) markers of ewes remain contradictory. The aim was to evaluate the impact of G1 (c.260 G>A) and G4 (c.721 G>A) polymorphisms on the LS of sheep by synthesizing data from multiple previous studies. Methods: Data were extracted from 14 eligible articles. The genotypes of G1 and G4 polymorphisms were homozygous wild-type (WW), heterozygous (WM), and homozygous mutanttype (MM). The standardized mean difference (SMD) method using random effect models was employed to determine the effect size of G1 and G4 polymorphisms on LS under dominant, recessive, additive, and co-dominant genetic models. Heterogeneity was analyzed with the I2 statistic index. Publication bias was depicted with funnel plots and tested by Egger's and Begg's tests. Results: The study showed that the correlation between G1 polymorphism and LS in sheep was not significant (p > 0.05) under all genetic models. The influence of G4 polymorphism on the LS of sheep was found significantly (p < 0.05) under dominant [SMD = 0.28, I2 = 0% (no heterogeneity)] and co-dominant [SMD = −0.14, I2 = 36% (moderate heterogeneity)] genetic models. The WM genotype of G4 polymorphism increased LS, while the MM genotype reduced LS in sheep. Publication bias among G1 and G4 polymorphism studies was absent in all genetic models. Conclusion: Thus, the study revealed that G4 polymorphism could be a potential genetic marker for LS in ewes. On the contrary, G1 polymorphism has no association with the LS of ewes. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 599-607]