Objective: There are three objectives in this study; 1) to measure the live weight of pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids; 2) to determine the growth curves between males and females pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids; and 3) to analyze the body condition score (BCS) between male and female pre-and post-weaning kids. Materials and Methods: This study included pre-weaning kids aged 1 month, as well as post-weaning kids aged 3–6 months. 10 pre-weaning purebred Saanen kids (n = 5 male and n = 5 female) and 20 post-weaning Saanen kids (n = 10 male and n = 10 female) were employed in this investigation. Pre-and post-weaning kids’ live weights were assessed weekly on a weighing scale, and BCS was calculated based on their body frame. In the data analysis, the two-sample t-test with Minitab Software was utilized. Results: The findings revealed that pre-weaning Saanen kids gained weight steadily from week 1 to week 6, with males being heavier than females. The p-value, on the other hand, suggested that there was no difference in live weight between pre-weaning male and female Saanen kids. Over 6 weeks of sampling, the male had a larger proportion of live weight gain (80%) than the female (75%). Meanwhile, the BCS of pre-weaning Saanen kids grew from week 1 to week 6. It is critical to account for the development of muscle mass while still evaluating the fat cover to determine whether the kids are maintaining an adequate BCS. However, the live weight of post-weaning kids was inconsequential because they were still in the growing phase. As a result, from the 1st to 6th week, post-weaning kids’ body weight and BCS increased as their growth progressed. After 6 weeks of sampling, females had a higher percentage of live weight than males. This is because the kids raised on the farm do not have complete control over the environmental effects. Over 6 weeks of sampling, female post-weaning Saanen kids grew a slightly higher percentage of live weight (88%) than males (85%). Conclusion: This study conducted a direct assessment study, which monitored and determined the live weight and BCS of pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids. Pre-weaning kids’ average values of live weight were calculated as insignificant at the age of 1 month. The mean live weight is most affected by milk consumption from its mothers, the management of the farm, and the environment. For the post-weaning Saanen kids, the females have a slightly higher average live weight gained for 6 weeks than the males (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the live weight changes of Saanen kids during the weaning stages are independent of the BCS.   J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 9(3): 527–535, September 2022 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2022.i622

Objective: There are three objectives in this study; 1) to measure the live weight of pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids; 2) to determine the growth curves between males and females pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids; and 3) to analyze the body condition score (BCS) between male and female pre-and post-weaning kids. Materials and Methods: This study included pre-weaning kids aged 1 month, as well as post-wean¬ing kids aged 3–6 months. 10 pre-weaning purebred Saanen kids (n = 5 male and n = 5 female) and 20 post-weaning Saanen kids (n = 10 male and n = 10 female) were employed in this investigation. Pre-and post-weaning kids' live weights were assessed weekly on a weighing scale, and BCS was calculated based on their body frame. In the data analysis, the two-sample t-test with Minitab Software was utilized. Results: The findings revealed that pre-weaning Saanen kids gained weight steadily from week 1 to week 6, with males being heavier than females. The p-value, on the other hand, suggested that there was no difference in live weight between pre-weaning male and female Saanen kids. Over 6 weeks of sampling, the male had a larger proportion of live weight gain (80%) than the female (75%). Meanwhile, the BCS of pre-weaning Saanen kids grew from week 1 to week 6. It is critical to account for the development of muscle mass while still evaluating the fat cover to determine whether the kids are maintaining an adequate BCS. However, the live weight of post-weaning kids was inconsequential because they were still in the growing phase. As a result, from the 1st to 6th week, post-weaning kids' body weight and BCS increased as their growth progressed. After 6 weeks of sampling, females had a higher percentage of live weight than males. This is because the kids raised on the farm do not have complete control over the environmental effects. Over 6 weeks of sampling, female post-weaning Saanen kids grew a slightly higher percentage of live weight (88%) than males (85%). Conclusion: This study conducted a direct assessment study, which monitored and determined the live weight and BCS of pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids. Pre-weaning kids' average values of live weight were calculated as insignificant at the age of 1 month. The mean live weight is most affected by milk consumption from its mothers, the management of the farm, and the environment. For the post-weaning Saanen kids, the females have a slightly higher average live weight gained for 6 weeks than the males (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the live weight changes of Saanen kids during the weaning stages are independent of the BCS. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(3.000): 527-535]

Objective: The treatment of syncope depends largely on its possible etiology. Therefore, identifying the cause of syncope is very important in treatment planning. Herein, we report an etiology of syncope caused by pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with canine filariasis, followed by syncope due to bradyarrhythmia 1 year later. Materials and Methods: An 8-year-old male English Cocker Spaniel was referred to our hospital for a second opinion regarding syncope that the dog had started experiencing approximately 2 months prior. Based on the examination findings, we diagnosed that the fainting was due to heartworm disease and associated PH. After increasing the dose of pimobendan (0.50 mg/kg, q12h), the syncope subsided. However, syncope recurred on the 215th day of the first episode. Results: The findings that differed from those during the initial examination were that cardiac arrest was observed for approximately 5 sec during auscultation, along with sinus arrest. Therefore, to further investigate for syncope, a Holter electrocardiograph was obtained for 3 days. Consequently, sinus arrest was identified as the etiology of the recurrent syncope, and the patient was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome, Rubenstein classification type II. Following cilostazol (10 mg/kg, q12h) administration, the syncope subsided. Conclusion: This case reports syncope in a dog, which typically occurs due to different etiologies. When a dog has PH, it may be important to think about the possibility of arrhythmias caused by a bigger right heart. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 9(3): 440–446, September 2022 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2022.i612

Objective: The treatment of syncope depends largely on its possible etiology. Therefore, identifying the cause of syncope is very important in treatment planning. Herein, we report an etiology of syncope caused by pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with canine filariasis, followed by syncope due to bradyarrhythmia 1 year later. Materials and Methods: An 8-year-old male English Cocker Spaniel was referred to our hospital for a second opinion regarding syncope that the dog had started experiencing approximately 2 months prior. Based on the examination findings, we diagnosed that the fainting was due to heartworm disease and associated PH. After increasing the dose of pimobendan (0.50 mg/kg, q12h), the syncope subsided. However, syncope recurred on the 215th day of the first episode. Results: The findings that differed from those during the initial examination were that car¬diac arrest was observed for approximately 5 sec during auscultation, along with sinus arrest. Therefore, to further investigate for syncope, a Holter electrocardiograph was obtained for 3 days. Consequently, sinus arrest was identified as the etiology of the recurrent syncope, and the patient was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome, Rubenstein classification type II. Following cilostazol (10 mg/kg, q12h) administration, the syncope subsided. Conclusion: This case reports syncope in a dog, which typically occurs due to different etiologies. When a dog has PH, it may be important to think about the possibility of arrhythmias caused by a bigger right heart. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(3.000): 440-446]

Objective: This study focuses on the orocutaneous fistula (OCF), a pathological channel between the buccal cavity and the outer surface (skin) of the face, causing leakage of saliva and fluid from the oral cavity to the face externally and also the ectopic incisors (EIs) erupted in a rare position in a day-old calf. The surgical interventions for these congenital defects were further described in this study. Materials and Methods: The calf was presented with an abnormal and external opening in the left submandibular region, having congenitally exposed jawbone and muscles with the resemblance of a linear groove, and was clinically examined based on the problem of swallowing milk due to lateral passing out of liquid through the unnatural tract before entering into the digestive tract. Clinical observation revealed an OCF with four EIs that abnormally erupted in the externally exposed groove of the fistula. Reconstructive surgery (RS) was performed along with a thorough guided approach to repair the defect, emphasizing normal functionality of the buccal cavity connecting to the pharynx and cranial esophagus, and smooth extraction of the EIs was ensured without making any deep wound. Results: After 2 weeks of postoperative care with supportive medications, the calf was quite recovered, having no further complications in the submandibular region along with no visible defect in swallowing. Conclusion: OCF in calves can be fruitfully treated by RS before getting severely infected and complicated. Outside the oral cavity, submandibular EIs can be easily removed, ensuring no further bleeding and defect. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 9(3): 509–515, September 2022 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2022.i620

Objective: This study focuses on the orocutaneous fistula (OCF), a pathological channel between the buccal cavity and the outer surface (skin) of the face, causing leakage of saliva and fluid from the oral cavity to the face externally and also the ectopic incisors (EIs) erupted in a rare position in a day-old calf. The surgical interventions for these congenital defects were further described in this study. Materials and Methods: The calf was presented with an abnormal and external opening in the left submandibular region, having congenitally exposed jawbone and muscles with the resemblance of a linear groove, and was clinically examined based on the problem of swallowing milk due to lateral passing out of liquid through the unnatural tract before entering into the digestive tract. Clinical observation revealed an OCF with four EIs that abnormally erupted in the externally exposed groove of the fistula. Reconstructive surgery (RS) was performed along with a thorough guided approach to repair the defect, emphasizing normal functionality of the buccal cavity connecting to the pharynx and cranial esophagus, and smooth extraction of the EIs was ensured without making any deep wound. Results: After 2 weeks of postoperative care with supportive medications, the calf was quite recovered, having no further complications in the submandibular region along with no visible defect in swallowing. Conclusion: OCF in calves can be fruitfully treated by RS before getting severely infected and complicated. Outside the oral cavity, submandibular EIs can be easily removed, ensuring no further bleeding and defect. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(3.000): 509-515]

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are typically isolated and cultured by successive passages using 9- to 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) and in 14-day old ECEs for virus mutational studies. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests (RT-PCRs) are commonly used for IAV diagnosis, but virus isolation remains invaluable in terms of its high sensitivity, providing viable isolates for further studies and the ability to distinguish between viable and nonviable virus. Efforts at isolating ostrich-origin IAVs from RT-PCR positive specimens using ECEs have often been unsuccessful, raising the possibility of a species bottleneck, whereby ostrich-adapted IAVs may not readily infect and replicate in ECEs, yet the capacity of an ostrich embryo to support the replication of influenza viruses has not been previously demonstrated. This study describes an optimised method for H5 and H7 subtype IAV isolation and propagation in 28-day old embryonated ostrich eggs (EOEs), the biological equivalent of 14-day old ECEs. The viability of EOEs transported from breeding sites could be maximised by pre-incubating the eggs for 12 to 14 days prior to long-distance transportation. This method applied to studies for ostrich-adapted virus isolation and in ovo studies will enable better understanding of the virus-host interaction in ostriches and the emergence of potentially zoonotic diseases.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are typically isolated and cultured by successive passages using 9- to 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) and in 14-day old ECEs for virus mutational studies. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests (RT-PCRs) are commonly used for IAV diagnosis, but virus isolation remains invaluable in terms of its high sensitivity, providing viable isolates for further studies and the ability to distinguish between viable and nonviable virus. Efforts at isolating ostrich-origin IAVs from RT-PCR positive specimens using ECEs have often been unsuccessful, raising the possibility of a species bottleneck, whereby ostrich-adapted IAVs may not readily infect and replicate in ECEs, yet the capacity of an ostrich embryo to support the replication of influenza viruses has not been previously demonstrated. This study describes an optimised method for H5 and H7 subtype IAV isolation and propagation in 28-day old embryonated ostrich eggs (EOEs), the biological equivalent of 14-day old ECEs. The viability of EOEs transported from breeding sites could be maximised by pre-incubating the eggs for 12 to 14 days prior to long-distance transportation. This method applied to studies for ostrich-adapted virus isolation and in ovo studies will enable better understanding of the virus-host interaction in ostriches and the emergence of potentially zoonotic diseases.

Yersinia enterocolitica infections impose a significant public health and socioeconomic burden on human population in many countries. The current study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular diversity of Y. enterocolitica in meat and meat products across various retail outlets in selected provinces of South Africa (SA). In a cross-sectional study, a total of 581 retail meat and meat products were collected from four cities across three provinces of SA. Samples were from beef and pork products, which included 292 raw intact, 167 raw processed, and 122 ready-to-eat (RTE) meats. Samples were analysed using classical microbiological methods for isolation, identification and biotyping of Y. enterocolitica. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for confirmation, serotyping, screening of virulence (n = 11) and antimicrobial resistance (n = 18) genes. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined against 12 antibiotics discs, using disc diffusion method. The overall prevalence of 12% (70/581) was reported across all cities with contamination proportion reported in samples collected from raw intact 15% (43/292), followed by raw processed 11% (18/167) and RTE meats 7% (9/122). All positive isolates were of biotype 1A with 7% (5/70) belonging to bioserotype 1A/O:8. Most of the isolates harboured ymoA, ystB, fepD, ail, fepA, invA and myfA virulence genes. High antimicrobial resistance frequency was observed for ampicillin (94%), cephalothin (83%) and amoxicillin (41%), respectively. Of the 18 tested antimicrobial resistance genes, blaTEM was the most predominant (40%) followed by cmlA (21%). This study reveals the presence of antimicrobial resistant Y. enterocolitica possessing virulent genes of public health importance in products of animal origin, therefore, health monitoring and surveillance of this pathogen is required.

Yersinia enterocolitica infections impose a significant public health and socioeconomic burden on human population in many countries. The current study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular diversity of Y. enterocolitica in meat and meat products across various retail outlets in selected provinces of South Africa (SA). In a cross-sectional study, a total of 581 retail meat and meat products were collected from four cities across three provinces of SA. Samples were from beef and pork products, which included 292 raw intact, 167 raw processed, and 122 ready-to-eat (RTE) meats. Samples were analysed using classical microbiological methods for isolation, identification and biotyping of Y. enterocolitica. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for confirmation, serotyping, screening of virulence (n = 11) and antimicrobial resistance (n = 18) genes. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined against 12 antibiotics discs, using disc diffusion method. The overall prevalence of 12% (70/581) was reported across all cities with contamination proportion reported in samples collected from raw intact 15% (43/292), followed by raw processed 11% (18/167) and RTE meats 7% (9/122). All positive isolates were of biotype 1A with 7% (5/70) belonging to bioserotype 1A/O:8. Most of the isolates harboured ymoA, ystB, fepD, ail, fepA, invA and myfA virulence genes. High antimicrobial resistance frequency was observed for ampicillin (94%), cephalothin (83%) and amoxicillin (41%), respectively. Of the 18 tested antimicrobial resistance genes, blaTEM was the most predominant (40%) followed by cmlA (21%). This study reveals the presence of antimicrobial resistant Y. enterocolitica possessing virulent genes of public health importance in products of animal origin, therefore, health monitoring and surveillance of this pathogen is required.

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi. The present study investigated the protective effect of methanolic leaf extracts of Monanthotaxis caffra (MLEMC) against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 animals each. Five groups were administered orally for seven days with three different concentrations of MLEMC (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg), curcumin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (25% propylene glycol). The following day, these groups were administered 1 mg/kg b.w. of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The experiment was terminated three days after administration of AFB1. Group 6 represented untreated healthy control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and liver histopathology were evaluated. Methanolic leaf extracts of M. caffra decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine in the sera of rats as compared with the AFB1 intoxicated group. Co-administration of MLEMC improved the histological characteristics of the hepatocytes in contrast to the AFB1 treated group, which had mild to severe hepatocellular injuries including bile duct proliferation, bile duct hyperplasia, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and fibrosis. Extracts of M. caffra were beneficial in mitigating the hepatotoxic effects of AFB1 in rats by reducing the levels of liver enzymes and preventing hepatic injury.

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi. The present study investigated the protective effect of methanolic leaf extracts of Monanthotaxis caffra (MLEMC) against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 animals each. Five groups were administered orally for seven days with three different concentrations of MLEMC (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg), curcumin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (25% propylene glycol). The following day, these groups were administered 1 mg/kg b.w. of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The experiment was terminated three days after administration of AFB1. Group 6 represented untreated healthy control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and liver histopathology were evaluated. Methanolic leaf extracts of M. caffra decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine in the sera of rats as compared with the AFB1 intoxicated group. Co-administration of MLEMC improved the histological characteristics of the hepatocytes in contrast to the AFB1 treated group, which had mild to severe hepatocellular injuries including bile duct proliferation, bile duct hyperplasia, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and fibrosis. Extracts of M. caffra were beneficial in mitigating the hepatotoxic effects of AFB1 in rats by reducing the levels of liver enzymes and preventing hepatic injury.

Water quality is critical for poultry farming. This study assessed the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of drinking water in small-layer farms in Southern Mozambique and identified potential risk factors for total coliform (TC) and Escherichia coli contamination of drinking water. In 20 farms, 57 samples were collected and examined for pH, nitrate content (NC), nitrite level (NL) and total hardness contents (TH). Furthermore, TC and E. coli growth were assessed at 37 °C. One hundred per cent of the drinking water was of acceptable quality in terms of pH (6.5–8.5), NC (50 mg/L) and NL (3 mg/L). Total hardness contents exceeded the recommended standard in 37.5% of borehole water samples and 91.7% of tap water samples, respectively. Total coliform and E. coli were found in 40% and 15% of water samples. Tap water samples had the greatest contamination, with TC and E. coli levels of 41.7% and 16.7%, respectively. Although not statistically significant, sampling from the beginning of the nipple line (p = 0.101, OR = 7.357, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.678–79.886) and not cleaning the rearing equipment regularly (p = 0.098, OR = 3.966, 95% CI: 0.766–20.280) were factors affecting the TC growth. Sampling from the tank water source (p = 0.001, OR = 0.005, 95% CI: 0.000–0.121) and borehole water source (OR = 13 585) and not cleaning the equipment consistently (p = 0.073, OR = 9.682, 95% CI: 0.810–115.68) were all factors affecting E. coli growth. It is concluded that the TH and microbiological quality of the drinking water of the study region are inadequate. Regular water quality assessments should be incorporated into Mozambican layer farm management to limit the potential for health concerns, and farmers should thoroughly clean and disinfect their rearing equipment.Contribution: We should incorporate regular water quality assessments into Mozambican layer farm management to limit the potential for health concerns, and farmers should thoroughly clean and disinfect their rearing equipment.

Water quality is critical for poultry farming. This study assessed the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of drinking water in small-layer farms in Southern Mozambique and identified potential risk factors for total coliform (TC) and Escherichia coli contamination of drinking water. In 20 farms, 57 samples were collected and examined for pH, nitrate content (NC), nitrite level (NL) and total hardness contents (TH). Furthermore, TC and E. coli growth were assessed at 37 °C. One hundred per cent of the drinking water was of acceptable quality in terms of pH (6.5–8.5), NC (50 mg/L) and NL (3 mg/L). Total hardness contents exceeded the recommended standard in 37.5% of borehole water samples and 91.7% of tap water samples, respectively. Total coliform and E. coli were found in 40% and 15% of water samples. Tap water samples had the greatest contamination, with TC and E. coli levels of 41.7% and 16.7%, respectively. Although not statistically significant, sampling from the beginning of the nipple line (p = 0.101, OR = 7.357, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.678–79.886) and not cleaning the rearing equipment regularly (p = 0.098, OR = 3.966, 95% CI: 0.766–20.280) were factors affecting the TC growth. Sampling from the tank water source (p = 0.001, OR = 0.005, 95% CI: 0.000–0.121) and borehole water source (OR = 13 585) and not cleaning the equipment consistently (p = 0.073, OR = 9.682, 95% CI: 0.810–115.68) were all factors affecting E. coli growth. It is concluded that the TH and microbiological quality of the drinking water of the study region are inadequate. Regular water quality assessments should be incorporated into Mozambican layer farm management to limit the potential for health concerns, and farmers should thoroughly clean and disinfect their rearing equipment. Contribution: We should incorporate regular water quality assessments into Mozambican layer farm management to limit the potential for health concerns, and farmers should thoroughly clean and disinfect their rearing equipment.

Background: Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) strains are a major cause of diarrheal diseases in both developed and developing countries. Healthy asymptomatic animals may be reservoirs of zoonotic DEC, which may enter the food chain via the weak points in hygiene practices.Aim: We investigated the prevalence of DEC along the pig production continuum from farm-to-fork.Methods: A total of 417 samples were collected from specific points along the pig production system, that is, farm, transport, abattoir and food. E. coli was isolated and enumerated using Colilert. Ten isolates from each Quanti-tray were selected randomly and phenotypically identified using eosin methylene blue agar selective media. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the species and to classify them into the various diarrheagenic pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined against a panel of 20 antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and EUCAST guideline.Results: The final sample size consisted of 1044 isolates, of which 45.40% (474/1044) were DEC and 73% (762/1044) were multidrug-resistant. Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) was the most predominant DEC at all the sampling sites.Conclusion: The presence of DEC in food animal production environments and food of animal origin could serve as reservoirs for transmitting these bacteria to humans, especially in occupationally exposed workers and via food. Adherence to good hygienic practices along the pig production continuum is essential for mitigating the risk of transmission and infection, and ensuring food safety.

Background: Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) strains are a major cause of diarrheal diseases in both developed and developing countries. Healthy asymptomatic animals may be reservoirs of zoonotic DEC, which may enter the food chain via the weak points in hygiene practices. Aim: We investigated the prevalence of DEC along the pig production continuum from farm-to-fork. Methods: A total of 417 samples were collected from specific points along the pig production system, that is, farm, transport, abattoir and food. E. coli was isolated and enumerated using Colilert. Ten isolates from each Quanti-tray were selected randomly and phenotypically identified using eosin methylene blue agar selective media. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the species and to classify them into the various diarrheagenic pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined against a panel of 20 antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and EUCAST guideline. Results: The final sample size consisted of 1044 isolates, of which 45.40% (474/1044) were DEC and 73% (762/1044) were multidrug-resistant. Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) was the most predominant DEC at all the sampling sites. Conclusion: The presence of DEC in food animal production environments and food of animal origin could serve as reservoirs for transmitting these bacteria to humans, especially in occupationally exposed workers and via food. Adherence to good hygienic practices along the pig production continuum is essential for mitigating the risk of transmission and infection, and ensuring food safety.

Objective: A 35-day-long trial was conducted to compare the consequences of supplementing cit­ric acid (CA), Spirulina platensis, and their combination as natural substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on the productive performance, dressing percentage, and blood serum metab­olites of broilers.  Materials and Methods: A total of 150-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, each having 30 chicks in it (10 chicks per replicate cage). The dietary groups were as follows: 1- Control (corn–soybean-based), 2- Control + antibiotic (Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg bodyweight), 3- Control + 1% S. platensis, 4- Control + 0.5% CA, and 5- Control + 1% spiru­lina + 0.5% CA. Starting from day 7 up to day 21, antibiotics were administered via water; spirulina and CA were offered via feed.  Results: When compared to the control, all dietary supplements significantly (p < 0.05) improved broiler growth performance. However, dressing characteristics and serum metabolites (serum creatinine, albumin, and uric acid) were not influenced (p > 0.05) by dietary changes, except cholesterol level (p < 0.05). Supplementation with antibiotics, CA, and spirulina produced com­parable results. Among them, the CA-fed group recorded the highest live weight, weight gain, feed intake, improved feed conversion ratio, and the lowest serum cholesterol level (106.5 mg/ dl). The combination group performed better than the control, but not as well as their single supplementations.  Conclusions: CA and S. platensis might both be good candidates as natural alternatives to AGP (Enrofloxacin). But, among them, CA performed better in terms of production performance. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 9(1): 1–7, March 2022 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2022.i562

Objective: A 35-day-long trial was conducted to compare the consequences of supplementing citric acid (CA), Spirulina platensis, and their combination as natural substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on the productive performance, dressing percentage, and blood serum metabolites of broilers. Materials and Methods: A total of 150-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, each having 30 chicks in it (10 chicks per replicate cage). The dietary groups were as follows: 1- Control (corn–soybean-based), 2- Control + antibiotic (Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg bodyweight), 3- Control + 1% S. platensis, 4- Control + 0.5% CA, and 5- Control + 1% spirulina + 0.5% CA. Starting from day 7 up to day 21, antibiotics were administered via water; spirulina and CA were offered via feed. Results: When compared to the control, all dietary supplements significantly (p < 0.05) improved broiler growth performance. However, dressing characteristics and serum metabolites (serum creatinine, albumin, and uric acid) were not influenced (p > 0.05) by dietary changes, except cholesterol level (p < 0.05). Supplementation with antibiotics, CA, and spirulina produced com-parable results. Among them, the CA-fed group recorded the highest live weight, weight gain, feed intake, improved feed conversion ratio, and the lowest serum cholesterol level (106.5 mg/ dl). The combination group performed better than the control, but not as well as their single supplementations. Conclusions: CA and S. platensis might both be good candidates as natural alternatives to AGP (Enrofloxacin). But, among them, CA performed better in terms of production performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(1.000): 1-7]

Objective: A 35-day-long trial was conducted to compare the consequences of supplementing citric acid (CA), Spirulina platensis, and their combination as natural substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on the productive performance, dressing percentage, and blood serum metabolites of broilers. Materials and Methods: A total of 150-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, each having 30 chicks in it (10 chicks per replicate cage). The dietary groups were as follows: 1- Control (corn–soybean-based), 2- Control + antibiotic (Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg bodyweight), 3- Control + 1% S. platensis, 4- Control + 0.5% CA, and 5- Control + 1% spirulina + 0.5% CA. Starting from day 7 up to day 21, antibiotics were administered via water; spirulina and CA were offered via feed. Results: When compared to the control, all dietary supplements significantly (p < 0.05) improved broiler growth performance. However, dressing characteristics and serum metabolites (serum creatinine, albumin, and uric acid) were not influenced (p > 0.05) by dietary changes, except cholesterol level (p < 0.05). Supplementation with antibiotics, CA, and spirulina produced com-parable results. Among them, the CA-fed group recorded the highest live weight, weight gain, feed intake, improved feed conversion ratio, and the lowest serum cholesterol level (106.5 mg/ dl). The combination group performed better than the control, but not as well as their single supplementations. Conclusions: CA and S. platensis might both be good candidates as natural alternatives to AGP (Enrofloxacin). But, among them, CA performed better in terms of production performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(1.000): 1-7]