This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf on the blood metabolites of WAD goats. Twenty-eight WAD bucks aged 5 months with the mean body weight of 7 ± 0.2 kg were used in this completely randomized experiment. The goats were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments in different ratios of 0:60:40 (T1), 10:50:40 (T2), 20:40:40 (T3), 30:30:40 (T4), 40:20:40 (T5), 50:10:40 (T6), and 60:0:40 (T7) g/kg DM. The collected data were analyzed by the analysis of variance using SPSS. The obtained results showed that the highest PCV was obtained from treatment 1 (26.83%), followed by treatments 2 (23.40%) and 3 (22.27%). Haemoglobin concentration was the highest in treatment 1 (11.4 g/dl), followed by treatments 2 (11.15 g/dl) and 3 (10.37 g/dl).  At the end of the experiment, there was a sharp decline in the PCV and haemoglobin values of the goats in treatments 5, 6, and 7. RBC values significantly (p < 0.05) decreased as the levels of cocoa pod increased. Total protein and albumin had the ranges of 7.23-5 and 3.7-2.1 g/dl, respectively and and Total protein were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the groups. The hepatic enzymes ALT, ALP, and AST were within the normal range. Our study revealed that supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf at the combinations of 0% cocoa pod, 60% cassava pulp, and 40% acacia leaf to 20% cocoa pod, 40% cassava pulp, and 40% acacia leaf had no negative effects on the blood profile of WAD goats.

Femoral fractures in cats are common and are usually treated using pins and wires, lag screws, intramedullary pins, as well as interlocking pins and plates. Among femur fractures, supracondylar femur fractures have an important place, and both proximal and distal femur fractures are more difficult than diaphyseal fractures. This study, which was conducted on 55 cats with the distal femur and supracondylar fractures, aimed to retrospectively evaluate the results of three different methods used traditionally. These methods were Rush pinning, cross pinning, and locked anatomic plates. Despite the disadvantages of each of the techniques, no problem was found in the application of either of them. No complications, including pin migration or plate and screw related complications, were encountered in the postoperative period. Functional improvement was achieved in all cats. As a result, it can be said that the method to be used in supracondylar fractures in cats varies according to the surgeon's preference and the orthopedic materials in his or her inventory. However, the anatomical locking plates may be preferred due to their advantages, such as not using bandages and starting to use the limb in the early postoperative period.

The present study was conducted to assess the seasonal breeding of Caspian horses in 10 mares during a year. Mares were divided into two age groups: 3-6 years (young) and 7-19 years (old). Blood samples (n=530) were collected weekly. The ovarian activity was evaluated by the concentration of progesterone. Mares with serum progesterone concentrations consistently higher and lower than 1 ng/ml were considered cyclic and non-cyclic, respectively. Results showed an interaction between time and age on the concentration of serum progesterone, ovarian activity, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) (p < 0.05). In March, the concentration of serum progesterone was higher in young mares (7.84 ± 1.14) than in old mares (1.26 ± 1.14, p < 0.05).  The serum progesterone was higher in old mares than in young mares during July-November (p < 0.05). Ovarian activity was higher in young mares than in old mares during February-April (p < 0.05). Ovarian activity was higher in old mares than in young mares during July-November (p < 0.05). The length of the breeding season was higher in old mares than in young mares (p < 0.05). BCS was higher in young mares (4.4 ± 0.22) than in old mares (3.2 ± 0.22) in February (p < 0.05). Body weight was lowest in the young mares during September-January (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between ovarian activity and BCS of Caspian mares. Finally, seasonal breeding was shorter and earlier in young Caspian mares compared to old mares.

The effects of curcumin and its nano-micelle form on body weight, insulin resistance, adiponectin, and blood biochemical parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were studied. Diabetes was induced in fifty male Wistar rats which were divided into five groups treated with 1) no dietary supplements, 2 and 3) 40 and 80 mg curcumin/kg of feed, and 4 and 5) 40 and 80 mg nano-micelle curcumin/kg of feed. A group of ten untreated male Wistar rats was also considered a healthy control group. The serum concentrations of AST, ALT, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and adiponectin, as well as insulin resistance, were assessed. Body weight and weight of liver, heart, and pancreas were also evaluated. Induction of diabetes increased the serum concentrations of AST, ALT, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C, and insulin resistance and decreased the serum levels of insulin, adiponectin, and HDL-C, as well as body weight and weight of the heart and pancreas (p < 0.05). Nano-micelle form of curcumin alleviated the negative effects of glucose, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the nano-micelle form of curcumin showed better efficiency compared to curcumin for improving the adverse effects of diabetes. It can be suggested that the nano-micelle form of curcumin at specific doses might be useful for diabetes treatment.

Among the causes of lameness in horses, those of arthrogenic origin, especially synovitis, which can progress to advanced joint damages, such as osteoarthritis, are of importance in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the early diagnosis, treatment, and treatment outcomes of acute synovitis, which occur frequently in English and Arabian horses during the racing season. A total of 167 joints of 126 horses (39 English and 87 Arabian Thoroughbred) aged 2-4 years diagnosed with acute synovitis were evaluated using clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examinations. The treatment protocol of horses consisted of cold hydrotherapy and light pressure bandage initially, followed by rest for 10 days and controlled walking only, a single dose of phenylbutazone, and intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injection. Although functional improvement was observed in all the horses following this treatment, subsequent relapses occurred in 22 cases. Consequently, it is important to comply with this treatment program and plan the treatment of acute synovitis in the early period. Controlled gaits, rather than absolute immobility, increase the success of treatment, especially in horses at rest. In addition, it is important to ensure that the relevant joint is not overburdened after the rest period in order to avoid relapses.

Bovine paratuberculosis or Johne's disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), which affects domestic and wild ruminants around the world. The clinical presentation of MAP infection is characterized by chronic diarrhea unresponsive to treatment. The objective of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine paratuberculosis in cattle herds of Tuta, Boyacá, Colombia. This descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was performed on 882 blood samples taken from cattle of different racial and age groups. Blood samples were processed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PARACHEK® 2 Kit, Prionics AG, Switzerland). The obtained data were analyzed by the statistical software Epi Info. In this study, a general seroprevalence of 3.1% was found, and seropositivity in females was 3.6%. The highest prevalence of antibodies against MAP was in individuals > 4 years (5%) and the Jersey breed (4.8%). Therefore, the age of over 4 years was identified as a risk factor associated with MAP. Moreover, a statistical association was found between management and biosafety variables, such as pen management (p = 0.012), feeding with concentrate (p = 0.012), and the presence of diarrhea on the farm (p = 0.048). It could be concluded that the disease is present in Tuta, however, considering factors, such as the chronicity of the disease and the diagnostic method used, it is expected that the number of infected animals is much higher than presented in this research.

In addition to the well-studied effects in regulating calcium and phosphorus balance, vitamin D has many non-calcemic effects that include acting as an immune modulator or an antioxidant. Cows acquire vitamin D either from photosynthesis in the skin or through swallowing fungi in the forage or vitamin D supplements. Although vitamin D deficiency is rare, today we are facing an increasing number of vitamin D deficiencies in cows due to the indoor housing away from sunlight exposure. According to the NRC recommendation, to maintain the vitamin D serum concentration in the range of 20 to 50 ng/ ml, it is necessary to administer 21,000 IU/ d of vitamin D in cattle. In addition, considering the involvement of vitamin D in various calcemic and non-calcemic effects, it seems that previously recommend levels of vitamin D supplementation have not been enough for preventing many diseases and disorders in cattle. Vitamin D toxicity may also occur due to over-supplementation of vitamin D or overgrazing in plants with high amounts of vitamin D metabolites. This review article will discuss various roles of vitamin D in dairy cattle health, normal physiology, and disease prevention.

Kisspeptin stimulates gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). The GnRH neurons receive inhibitory inputs from ghrelin, RFamide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased levels of GnRH/LH and kisspeptin, and decreased release of GABA, ghrelin,  and RFRP-3. In the present study, the effects of GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, were investigated on GnRH, KiSS1, RFRP-3, and ghrelin gene expression in the hypothalamus of PCOS model rats. For induction of PCOS, female Wistar rats weighing 180-200g received intra-muscular injection of estradiol valerate. Fifteen PCOS rats in three groups received intraperitoneal injections of saline, 5, or 10 mg/kg baclofen for two weeks. The hypothalamic samples were dissected. Gene expression levels of GnRH, KiSS1, RFRP-3, and ghrelin were determined by real time qPCR method. Results revealed that baclofen significantly decreased the mean relative KiSS1 gene expression compared to PCOS group. Also, the mean relative RFRP-3 gene expression significantly increased in the baclofen-receiving rats in comparison to PCOS group. Furthermore, baclofen did not change GnRH or ghrelin mRNA levels in comparison to PCOS group. According to these results it can be concluded that in PCOS condition the GABAergic signaling pathway may suppress GnRH neural activity via down or up regulation of the intra-hypothalamic neuropeptides upstream of GnRH neurons.

The Basolateral Amygdala (BLA) has been shown to have an important role in food-related learning behaviors. Using a novel approach, we have evaluated the role of BLA in food preference and Food memory related to visual cues in rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats, weighing 200–250 g, were used for the experiments. Electric lesion of BLA was produced by passing 1.5 mA of current for 7 s. Food-related behaviors and preferences were evaluated by using an automated apparatus. Geometric visual cues were also constructed. Food-deprived rats were presented with different diets in 6 consecutive trial performances. The number of visits, time consumed on each food zone and port, distance traveled in each visit, and the total amount of food eaten was evaluated. The changes in hippocampal c-Fos expression were determined by immunoblotting. The control sham group showed a high and low preference for biscuit and white flour, respectively. BLA lesion rats exhibited a shifted preference curve. In the sham group, a more significant amount of food consumption was associated with an increased number of references to each zone and port, along with more time spent there. Furthermore, a decrease in hippocampal c-Fos expression was observed in the BLA- lesion animals. Taken together, the basolateral amygdala has a significant role in rats’ food-matched visual-cue memory and high-calorie/sweetness preferences.

Treatment of bacterial diseases such as bovine mastitis with antibiotics has problems such as antibiotic resistance and drug residue in animal products.  Essential oil of medicinal plants have antibacterial activity and are suitable alternatives. This study examined the antimicrobial activity of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Satureja hortensis (savory) essential oils on major mastitis-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Chemical compositions of essential oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of oils were determined with serial broth dilution method using autoclaved whole milk rather than synthetic broth. The effect of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of essential oils on the growth curve of tested bacteria in milk was obtained in 0, 1, 2, 4, 10, and 24 hours. Major compositions of sage and savory essential oils were carvacrol (61.01%), thymol (20.41%), 1R-α-pinene (7.88%), eucalyptol (32.45%), thymol (28.24%), and α-pinene (13.42%), respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration ranged 1.25-2.5% and 2.5-5% for savory, and 0.625-1.25% and 1.25-2.5% for sage, respectively. Savory and sage significantly decreased the S. aureus and S. agalactiae population in 4, 10, and 24 h (p < 0.05) and E. coli population in 10 and 24 h (p = 0.01). The sage and savory essential oils had antibacterial effects against three tested bacteria, and sage had a stronger effect than savory because of stronger antibacterial components (carvacrol and thymol). Further in vivo tests are recommended to evaluate the efficiency of these essential oils on the treatment of bovine mastitis.