The livestock sector is making great contributions to the world economy. Many different diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney and mineral substance insufficiency, cause huge losses in yield and production in the livestock sector. Early diagnosis is essential to combat these diseases. Today, homocysteine levels are used as biochemical markers in the diagnosis of the functions and diseases of many different organs in human medicine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that occurs in the process of methionine metabolism and does not enter the primary structure of proteins. Homocysteine is a biochemical marker used in the assessment of cardiovascular and renal diseases as well as other organ functions. In this review, homocysteine determination methods and detailed information about which organ and system diseases can be used in livestock sector will be given. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 319-332]

Objective: The present study was conducted for the purpose of setting forth the normal serum Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate levels in Van cats of varying ages and genders, and the age-dependent variations of these parameters. Materials and methods: The material of the study consisted of a total of 60 healthy Van cats including 30 female and 30 male cats. Cats from both genders were separated into 3 groups on the basis of their ages. While the cats of 6 - 12 months of age were included in the first group, cats of 12-24 months of age were included in the second and those of more than 24 months of age were included in the third group. Results: From the blood samples collected; serum normal homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels were determined as 7.1±2.2 nmol/mL, 850.7±231.8 pg/mL and 16.7±0.8 ng/mL, respectively. In the statistical comparison of the determined serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels; some variations among different groups of age and genders were determined. However, none of these differences were determined to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The normal levels of serum Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate of healthy Van cats were set forth for the first time by the present study. It is believed that the normal values of these parameters in Van cats can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases and particularly cardiovascular diseases, that they will be helpful for researchers and will serve as a guideline to the studies to be conducted in the future. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(1.000): 58-64]

Objective: Chlamydiosis is of great global public health, veterinary and economic importance. This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of chlamydiosis in Abu Dhabi camel (Camelus dromedarius) and its association with hematobiochemical responses towards the infection. Materials and methods: Blood samples (n=245) were collected from both housed and nomadic herds of camels. Anti-chlamydia antibodies were detected by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Camels had history of reproductive failure as abortion and repeat breeding. Besides, clinical reproductive examination was done with the camels. Results: Based on the results of ELISA, the overall seroprevalence of chlamydiosis was 19.59% (n=48/245). The hematological results revealed significant increase in the total hemoglobin concentration (15.65±0.28 gm/dL), hematocrit % (36.65±2.66%), mean corpuscular volume (37.35±0.83 U) and neutrophils % (72.05±0.89%) in the affected camels. The biochemical results revealed significant increase of the levels of alkaline phosphatase (61.50±3.56 IU/I), creatinine kinase (184.00±3.35 IU/I), and aspartate aminotransferase (64.50±3.42 IU/I). Nevertheless, significant reduction in glucose (42.25±1.97 mg/dL), choloride (107.03±0.53 mmol/L), and zinc (43.00±3.36 ug/dL) levels were observed in the affected camels. Conclusion: Chlamydiosis is prevailing among the Abu Dhabi camel. Chlamydiosis has great effect on the hematobiochemical parameters and reproductive performance of dromedary camels. Affected camels are suffered from reproductive failure manifested by abortion and/or repeat breeder. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 175-180]

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the influence of physico-chemical characteristics on diversity of the intermediate host of schistosomes in Makwaye and Kubanni reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Physico-chemical characteristics and diversity of the intermediate host of schistosomes in Makwaye and Kubanni reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria, were investigated for a 12-month period (January to December, 2014). Physico-chemical properties were analyzed according to the standard procedures for examination of water and waste waters. The molluscs were collected using an Ekman grab model number 923, measuring 19 cm by 14 cm with an area of 0.0266 m2. PAST software was used to run Principal Component Analysis, Shanon-Weiner diversity index and Cluster analysis. Results: A total of 978 Bulinus globosus and 3612 Biomphalaria pfefferi were recorded in Makwaye reservoir with high abundance in dry season while a total of 163 B. globosus and 602 B. pfefferi was recorded in Kubanni reservoir with higher abundance in wet season. Shanon-Weiner diversity index of Makwaye reservoir also ranged from 2.01-2.22 and 1.16-1.31 in Kubanni reservoir. Significant variations (P≤0.05) were observed in physicochemical parameters, schistosomes intermediate host abundance with seasons. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed significant influence (P≤0.05) of physicochemical properties on schistosome intermediate host composition, with BOD, DO, pH and Calcium significantly influencing the presence of B. globosus and B. pfefferi in both reservoirs. Conclusion: It is concluded that the presence of these molluscs in the study areas may constitute a predisposing factor to schistosomiasis and therefore, various management strategies and recommend preventive measures to people coming in contact with these two reservoirs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 363-370]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen (N) retention in goats fed ensiled maize stover (EMS) when supplemented with snake bean (Bobgunnia madascariensis) pod meal (BMM). Materials and methods: Eight local goats (21&plusmn;2 Kg) in individual metabolic cages were divided into two groups. One group received a 100 gm BMM daily supplement to basal diet (EMS+50 gm maize bran), while the other group did not receive any supplement. The experimental design was a 2x2 switchback with 7 days of adaptation and 5 days of sampling of orts, feces and urine. Feed intake was recorded and total fecal collection was done to analyze digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as well as N balance. Results: Goats receiving BMM supplement had higher (P<0.05) intake and digestibility of the analyzed nutrients than the group without supplementation. BMM supplementation also significantly increased N intake and fecal N output, compared to those without supplementation. BMM-supplemented goats had significantly better N retention than those without supplementation. Conclusion: Thus, supplementing BMM to goats fed EMS induced a higher (P<0.05) intake and digestibility of nutrients as well as better N retention. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 168-174]

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the hazardous effects of high fructose administration on kidney, heart and aorta in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty adult healthy male albino rats weighing about 200-220 gm each were used in this study. The rats were divided into 2 duplicate groups; control group and fructose group. Fructose was administered to rats in fresh drinking water daily for 8 weeks (the whole experimental period). Serum urea, creatinine and sodium concentration were determined by using ready-made kits. Spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods were also used for the detection of other serum components. Histopathological examination of the tissues was done by staining with H&E, PAS and Masson trichrome stains. Results: Nephropathy was achieved in fructose group after one month as indicated by biochemical assay. Pathological observation showed that high fructose administration decreased size of cardio-myocytes, increased cardiac interstitial fibrosis score and aortic wall thickness. In kidneys, high fructose administration decreased glomerular tuft area and corpuscular area, increased percentage in the rats affected with interstitial renal fibrosis score 1 and percentage of rats had glomerular sclerosis score 2. Conclusion: High fructose in diet should be avoided because it can damage kidney, heart and aorta in rats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(1.000): 71-79]

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the cause of death of large number of camels during an outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Material and methods: History was taken from the camel owners and breeders. Besides, clinical and post-mortem (PM) examinations were conducted. In this study, ten locations were surveyed and all camels were examined. Wheat bran was suspected as the source of the havoc. For establishing this assumption, a feeding trial was conducted with three camels, six mice, one rabbit and four of each chickens and ducklings using the incriminated wheat bran. Samples were collected from the suspicious wheat bran and the afflected animals, and were sent to international reference laboratories for diagnosis. The clinical signs elicited by the feeding trial were compared with the signs recorded in the outbreak. Results: The body temperature of the affected camels ranged from 36.4&#9702;C to 41.9&#9702;C. The clinical signs included hyper-excitability, muscle tremors, in-coordination of the hind quarters, sternal or lateral recumbence, inability to stand, and death. PM examination revealed no remarkable pathological changes in internal organs but the rumens were full of gases, and showed hyperemia and petechial hemorrhages. Within a period of twelve days from the onset of the crisis, 2,800 of the affected camels died. The clinical signs showed by the two camels in the feeding trial were similar to those observed in field outbreak. The tentative diagnosis of toxicosis, which was made based on the clinical signs was confirmed by the reference laboratories. Salinomycin (300 to 400 mg/Kg feed), Aluminium (230 ppm), Aspergillus clavatus and A. flavus were detected in the incriminated wheat bran. Conclusion: Salinomycin causes heavy mortalities in one-humped camels in the affected areas. Owners and breeders are adviced to avoid feeding low quality feed to their camels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 214-221]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the chelating effect of silver nitrate (AgNO3) by chitosan on growth performances, hematological and biochemical parameters, and the histopathological structure of the liver and the kidney in broiler chicken. Materials and methods: A total of 192 day-old Cobb 500 strain chicks were randomly assigned to 3 treatments of 64 chicks each. Control group was fed on basal diet without supplement (R0) and the two others groups were fed on rations supplemented with 10 mg of unchelated (RAg) or chelated (RCs-Ag) AgNO3 per Kg of feed, respectively. Parameters that have been studied consisted of feed intake, weight gain, blood and serum biochemical, and histopathological analyses of liver and kidney. Results: Results revealed that chelation of AgNO3 by chitosan did not have any effect on growth performances and hematological parameters in chicken. However, chelated and unchelated AgNO3 increased the serum content in triglyceride, and cholesterol and decreased the serum content in creatinin, albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT). Chelating AgNO3 with chitosan prevented and corrected the toxicity induced on the histological structure of liver and kidney. Conclusion: Chitosan can be used as a chelating agent to alleviate the harmful effects of AgNO3 as silver ion for poultry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 187-193]

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) among selected poultry species in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Materials and method: ELISA kit (X-Ovo FlockscreenTM, Cat. No.V085 5 plates. February, 2014 - Xnew kit format), Chicken serum, enzyme conjugate reagent, adhesive cover, wash buffer, substrate reagent, stop solution. Serum samples from village chickens, broilers, layers, ducks, turkeys and geese in Maiduguri were tested for CIAV antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) as per the manufacturers protocols at the Viral Research Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. The results were presented in simple percentages, bar charts and analyzed using SPSS Version 16 software. Results: Out of 944 sera from different species of poultry tested, an overall seroprevalence of 38.5% (n=363/944) was recorded in this study. The species distribution showed village chickens had 41.4% (n=166/944) prevalence, layers with 23.0% (n=12/52), broilers 46.6% (n=146/313), turkeys 23.6% (n=30/127), ducks 13.7% (n=4/29) and geese 22.7% (n=5/22) prevalence for CIAV antibodies. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that CIAV infection is present among different poultry species in the study area and therefore highlight the need for continuous surveillance so as to control further spread of the virus. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 385-389]

Objective: Molecular based study was conducted to determine the associated serotypes in the reemergence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Assiut governorate, Egypt during 2014 and 2015. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty cattle with clinical signs suggesting their infection by FMDV were examined clinically and twenty three of them were used for confirmation by laboratory diagnosis. Different clinical samples including vesicular fluid and tongue epitheliums were collected and after RNA extraction using commercial kit, RT-PCR was done using different primer sets. Results: Serotype O was detected in 8 samples, 2 of them were also positive for SAT2 serotype. The determination of specific serotype was failed in case of the rest 13 samples although they were positive when tested by the universal primer specific for FMDV. Conclusion: Serotypes O and SAT2 were the more prevalent serotypes in the current outbreak in Assiut governorate, Egypt. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(1.000): 32-38]