Objective: In the context of the fast-expanding shrimp farming industry in Sri Lanka, this study aimed to evaluate the distribution and understanding of BMPs, examine the relationship between BMPs and disease outbreaks, and analyze the current antibiotic usage trends through a fact-finding survey. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted in 131 shrimp farms located in Puttalam District in North Western Province, where shrimp farming is thriving in Sri Lanka. The survey was conducted from September to October 2021. In addition, in August 2022 and August 2023, interviews were conducted with shrimp farms in Puttalam district and Batticaloa district, shrimp hatcheries, and export companies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Probit, and Tobit regression analysis. Results: The item-count technique revealed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the use of antibiotics without consulting experts, signifying inappropriate use. No aquaculture farmer reported being unaware of BMPs, and among the 45 farmers who attended a BMPs seminar, 30 claimed to possess a good understanding of BMPs. Probit and Tobit regression results revealed that the rate of understanding of BMPs, education level, and obtaining information on the sanitation management of shrimp farming from extension and guidance organizations were inversely associated with both disease incidence in shrimp farming and shrimp discards. Conclusion: Although the use of antibiotics is prohibited in BMPs, the analysis results suggest inappropriate use of antibiotics. The findings indicate that enhanced BMP understanding can reduce disease incidence and shrimp discards, emphasizing the need for incentives to promote BMP adoption and reduce the necessity for antibiotics. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 33-39]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of biologically active substances and electrical stimulation of the uterus in cows on the effectiveness of estrus synchronization. Materials and Methods: Ninety (n = 90) Kazakh white-headed cows were synchronized with two injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on days 0 and 9 and prostaglandin F2α on day 7. The cows were divided into six groups and, during the protocol, treated with biologically active substances (Tetramag, Selevetum, antiseptic-stimulator Dorogov 2 fraction, groups 2, 3, and 4). Cows in groups 5 and 6 were treated with the same substances but additionally had electrical stimulation of the uterus, while cows in group 1 were left untreated and served as a control. Results: The results have shown that on Day 0, no differences were observed in E2 concentrations between the groups. However, on the 10th day, a significant disparity was noted in the E2 level among cows in group 6 compared to groups 2, 3, 4, and the control group. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between groups 5 and 6. Likewise, the fertility rate in cows from group 6 was significantly higher compared to groups 2, 3, 4, and the control group, with no significant differences between groups 5 and 6. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the utilization of electrical stimulation of the uterus and the inclusion of certain biological substances during the estrus synchronization protocol demonstrate a positive effect on the reproductive performance of beef cattle in Kazakhstan. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 100-106]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to select the active fraction of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) for its antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (AMC 6934), Bacillus subtilis (AMC 7923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (AMC 8973), and Escherichia coli (AMC 5761). Materials and Methods: A total of 2 kg of dry red ginger rhizome powder was macerated in stages with different levels of solvent polarity to extract the chemical composition within the red ginger powder sample. The extraction process begins with a non-polar solvent (n-hexane) by soaking the red ginger powder sample for 3 × 24 h. Results: The red ginger extract fractionated with methanol produced alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and coumarins, while the fractionation using n-hexane produced alkaloids and triterpenoids only. The fractionation with ethyl acetate produced alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, and coumarins. The antioxidant activity test was 49.261 mg/l for the ethyl acetate fraction, 146.648 mg/l for the methanol fraction, and 300.865 mg/l for the n-hexane fraction. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction was effectively powerful in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All fractions had moderate antibacterial activity; however, the performance of ethyl acetate in the red ginger extract was better than that of methanol and n-hexane. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 114-124]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of water temperature on intramuscular injected alfaxalone anesthesia in carp (Cyprinus carpio). Materials and Methods: Six healthy adult carp (C. carpio) were intramuscularly injected with alfaxalone (2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 mg/kg) at normal water temperature (25°C) and at low water temperature (2.5 mg/kg, 15°C). The respiratory rate, heart rate (HR), and anesthesia depth (AD) were evaluated every 5 min for 30 min after administration and every 1 h after 60 min after injection. Results: The respiratory and HRs did not change significantly upon alfaxalone injection, regardless of dose. However, a dose-dependent increase in AD scores was observed. Furthermore, 2.5 mg/kg alfaxalone injected in 15°C water showed an almost equal anesthetic effect to that of 5.0 mg/kg alfaxalone in 25°C water. Conclusion: Alfaxalone is readily available, and its anesthetic effect in carp was enhanced by lowering water temperature, illustrating the possibility of intramuscular injection of alfaxalone in fish. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 27-32]

Objective: The effect of feeding yeast-fermented feed in various forms on broiler growth performance and bone mineralization was studied. Materials and Methods: Initially, a corn-soy-based diet was formulated and fermented in anaerobic conditions at 28°C in laboratory space for 48 h with yeast (2.0%) and moisture (50%). Afterward, the 150 newly hatched Arbeor Acres commercial broiler chicks were divided into 5 dietary groups (30 chicks, 6 cages, and 5 birds per cage). Each group received one of the following formulated and fermented diets: dry feed (DF), moist feed (MF), yeast-added dry feed (Y-DF), yeast-added moist feed (Y-MF), or yeast-fermented moist feed (YF-MF). Water and feed were supplied ad libitum. Six birds per group were slaughtered at age 37 for the determination of carcass traits and tibia ash. Results: Fermentation improved crude protein from 20.7% to 22.8% but declined crude fiber from 7.9% to 6.3% in the YF-MF group compared to the DF group. High body weight gain was recorded in 771, 830, and 992 gm in the MF, Y-MF, and YF-MF groups, respectively, compared to the DF (762 gm) group (p < 0.01). The feed conversion ratio was better in the Y-MF (1.57) and YF-MF (1.57) groups than in the DF (1.75) group. Feeding a fermented, moist diet resulted in improved carcass yield (69%) in the YF-MF group. Bone mineralization expressed a better tibia ash percentage (35% from 30%) in the YF-MF group compared to the DF group. Conclusion: Therefore, YF-MF enhanced the quality of feed and improved growth, carcass weight, and bone mineralization in broiler. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 78-84]

Objective: To isolate and characterize cellulolytic rumen bacteria from the rumen of Sahiwal cattle using rumen bacterial inoculum to increase the nutritional value of rice bran used as broiler feed. Materials and Methods: The ruminal liquid was kept at an optimal pH of 6.9 and a redox potential of less than −300 mV while being incubated anaerobically at 39°C in a medium containing rumen fluid glucose cellobiose agar. By using the Hungate technique, the organisms were detected based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular testing. Results: The findings revealed that the isolated Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavifaciens were obligate anaerobic, generally Gram-positive, nonmotile cocci or rod, single or pair, occasionally short chain, producing yellow pigment when grown on cellulose, and having a clear zone around the colonies. Both isolate fermented sugars such as cellobiose, glucose, and lactose, as well as decomposed xylan. The results also showed that the isolates recognized as Ruminococcus spp., a cellulolytic rumen bacterium, were catalase-negative, indole-negative, and gelatin liquefaction-positive. Conclusion: Isolation and characterization of Ruminococcus spp. may be helpful for Bangladesh in reducing the cost of producing poultry feed and circumventing restrictions on rice bran use. We can also develop more efficient and long-lasting plans to enhance poultry performance and feed efficiency, as well as increase the nutritional value of rice bran used as broiler feed, by understanding how various Ruminococcus spp. function in this process. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 1-8]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, abundance, and identification of genera of gastrointestinal parasites in buffaloes belonging to an establishment in Villa Oliva, Ñeembucu Department, Paraguay. Materials and Methods: A total of 117 buffaloes were included in the study and divided into three groups of 39 (n = 39) animals—Group 1: = [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 961-966]

Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary piperine (PIP) supplementation on feed efficiency, growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, hemolymph biochemistry, antioxidant and immune responses, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) chal¬lenged with Vibrio parahemolyticus. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 shrimps (4.38 gm ± 0.2 gm) were randomly distributed into four treatments and fed a basal diet or supplemented with 0, 0.5 (PIP0.5), 1 (PIP1.0), and 2 (PIP2) gm/kg of diet. Results: The dietary inclusion of PIP significantly improved growth performance, blood proteins, and efficiency, resulting in the best results in the PIP2 group. Diets containing PIP led to significant improvements in crude protein and lipid content while also significantly reducing moisture con¬tent in a quadratic-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Shrimp in the PIP1 and PIP2 groups exhibited higher total protein and albumin levels compared to the free-PIP and PIP0.5 groups (p < 0.05). Shrimp-fed PIP-enriched diets showed lower lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) and liver enzymes (gam¬ma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase) in a quadratic trend (p < 0.05) compared to the control diet. Shrimp-fed diets containing PIPs exhibited a significant quadratic increase in digestive enzyme activity compared to those without PIPs (p < 0.05). The inclusion of PIP in the diet significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes and reduced malondialdehyde levels, as well as the inflammatory response (Interleukin 4, Interferon-gamma, and LYZ) in shrimp. Conclusion: These findings suggest that dietary PIP supplementation holds promise as a feed additive for enhancing growth, immunity, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 996-1006]

Objective: The aim of the current work is studying the effect of antioxidants and nano-antioxidants on in vitro development and mitochondrial function of buffalo oocytes. Materials and Methods: Good and excellent Buffalo oocytes were in vitro matured: (1) tissue culture medium-199 (control group), (2) TCM-199 + melatonin (Mel) 10−9 M (Mel group), (3) TCM-199 + zinc 10−6 M (Zn group), (4) TCM-199 + nano- Mel 10−6 M (N-Mel group), and (5) TCM-199 + nano-zinc-oxide 10−6 M (N-ZnO group) and incubated with CO2 5% and 38.5°C for 22 hr. In vitro-matured oocytes were either stained for mitochondrial function or cultured for detection of embryo development. Results: The maturation rate of buffalo oocytes in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups had a significant (p < 0.05) increase (91.89% and 93.64%, respectively) compared to the Mel group (85.78%) and Zn group (81.37%), and all groups were significantly higher than the control (73.16%). Mitochondrial intensity was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups than in oocytes matured in the Mel, Zn, or control groups. Rates of fertilization, cleavage, and transferable embryos of buffalo oocytes matured in vitro were significantly raised in the N-ZnO group (88.35%, 85.93%, and 30.71%, respectively) and the N-Mel group (86.74%, 82.75%, and 28.32%, respectively) (p < 0.05) when compared with the Mel group (82.46%, 77.25%, and 21.29%, respectively) and the Zn group (79.98%, 75.19%, and 19.68%, respectively), and all were increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group (71.76%, 68.7%, and 11.98%, respectively). Conclusion: Supplementation of maturation medium with Mel 10−9 M and zinc sulfate 10−6 M and nano-Mel 10−6 M and nano-zinc oxide 10−6 M improves buffalo oocyte maturation rates, mitochondrial function, and embryo development. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1093-1104]

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are the most common opportunistic patho¬gens frequently associated with respiratory tract infection (RTI) in different animals. This cross-sec¬tional study aimed to identify the occurrence of S. aureus and E. coli in goats with RTI, analyze the antimicrobial resistance patterns, and explore potential risk factors contributing to RTI. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 nasal swab samples were collected from goats, and stan¬dard classical bacteriological methods were performed to isolate and identify S. aureus and E. coli. Subsequently, the disc diffusion method was employed to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity test. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with RTI. Results: About 13.3% (N = 16; N = 120) isolates were confirmed as S. aureus, and 6.67% (N = 8; N = 120) isolates were confirmed as E. coli. All S. aureus isolates were resistant to ampicillin, and all E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin. Among the isolated organisms, 43.7% (N = 7; N = 16) S. aureus and 62.5% (N = 5; N = 8) E. coli isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant (resistant to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female goats [(odds ratio) OR: 4.2; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.8–20.8; p = 0.074] and goats in poor health condition (OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 0.7–19.3; p = 0.100) were more prone to RTI caused by S. aureus. Besides, goats that were not dewormed (OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1–23.6; p = 0.051) and those reared in semi-intensive conditions (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.8–8.7; p = 0.092) were found to be at higher risk of S. aureus-mediated RTI. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of implementing improved farm management practices and efficient antimicrobial resistance control approaches to minimize respiratory infections and reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance in goats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1037-1050]