Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of green macroalgae as a novel, natural feed additive for broilers that have a greater concentration of active ingredients. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups of 180-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly assigned, with three replicates in each group: the control group [T0, maintained only with basal diet] and three treatment groups supplemented with macroalgae for 35 days along with basal diet [T1 = 0.05% (w/w); T2 = 0.1% (w/w); T3 = 0.2% (w/w) macroalgae]. Live weight, carcass weight, and organs’ weight were noted at the conclusion of the experiment. The meat quality was examined using the muscles of the thighs and breasts, and blood serum was obtained for biochemical assessment. Results: The results revealed that dietary supplementation of green macroalgae (0.1%) in broiler rations significantly (p < 0.05) improved the growth performance compared to other treated groups and controls. With increasing weight, it enhanced meat quality traits assessed by increased water holding capacity, ultimate pH, redness and yellowness, and decreased lightness of muscles in the thighs and breasts. Both the levels of serum cholesterol and abdominal fat decreased and showed no unwholesome effects on liver and kidney functions. Conclusions: For the production of safe and high-quality poultry meat, marine green macroalgae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) could be used as a potential feed additive. It enhanced the growth rate in broilers and improved meat quality and serum biochemical parameters for supplying healthy meat in the human food chain. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 524-533, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k802

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of green macroalgae as a novel, natural feed additive for broilers that have a greater concentration of active ingredients. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups of 180-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly assigned, with three replicates in each group: the control group [T0, maintained only with basal diet] and three treatment groups supplemented with macroalgae for 35 days along with basal diet [T1 = 0.05% (w/w); T2 = 0.1% (w/w); T3 = 0.2% (w/w) macroalgae]. Live weight, carcass weight, and organs' weight were noted at the conclusion of the experiment. The meat quality was examined using the muscles of the thighs and breasts, and blood serum was obtained for biochemical assessment. Results: The results revealed that dietary supplementation of green macroalgae (0.1%) in broiler rations significantly (p < 0.05) improved the growth performance compared to other treated groups and controls. With increasing weight, it enhanced meat quality traits assessed by increased water holding capacity, ultimate pH, redness and yellowness, and decreased lightness of muscles in the thighs and breasts. Both the levels of serum cholesterol and abdominal fat decreased and showed no unwholesome effects on liver and kidney functions. Conclusions: For the production of safe and high-quality poultry meat, marine green macroalgae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) could be used as a potential feed additive. It enhanced the growth rate in broilers and improved meat quality and serum biochemical parameters for supplying healthy meat in the human food chain. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 524-533]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of naturally occurring feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and estimate the median survival time of FIP cats treated with prednisolone to guide further therapeutic planning. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data from a total of 116 cats with effusion were fully recorded. Forty-five FIP-diagnosed cats were enrolled for analysis. Results: The study findings indicate that FIP was a disease affecting cats aged 1–2 years and was highly prevalent among male cats. Clinical manifestations of FIP affected the digestive (60%), hematological (53.3%), respiratory (33.3%), neurological (6.7%), and ocular (4.4%) systems. Blood profiles revealed mild anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, and an albumin to globulin ratio of 0.4. Fluid analysis and cytology of FIP cats demonstrated a transparent yellow fluid with a protein content of 6 gm/dl and a total nucleated cell count of approximately 5,000–10,000 cells. During the observation period, FIP cats treated with prednisolone exhibited a median survival time of 31 days. Conclusion: Confirming FIP cases can be challenging; therefore, a tentative diagnosis of FIP must be made with care. This study provided practical diagnostic tools to diagnose FIP based on clinical signs and multiple abnormalities, which allowed for more efficient and rapid detection. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(1): 19-26, March 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k742

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of naturally occurring feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and estimate the median survival time of FIP cats treated with prednisolone to guide further therapeutic planning. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data from a total of 116 cats with effusion were fully recorded. Forty-five FIP-diagnosed cats were enrolled for analysis. Results: The study findings indicate that FIP was a disease affecting cats aged 1–2 years and was highly prevalent among male cats. Clinical manifestations of FIP affected the digestive (60%), hematological (53.3%), respiratory (33.3%), neurological (6.7%), and ocular (4.4%) systems. Blood profiles revealed mild anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, and an albumin to globulin ratio of 0.4. Fluid analysis and cytology of FIP cats demonstrated a transparent yellow fluid with a protein content of 6 gm/dl and a total nucleated cell count of approximately 5,000–10,000 cells. During the observation period, FIP cats treated with prednisolone exhibited a median survival time of 31 days. Conclusion: Confirming FIP cases can be challenging; therefore, a tentative diagnosis of FIP must be made with care. This study provided practical diagnostic tools to diagnose FIP based on clinical signs and multiple abnormalities, which allowed for more efficient and rapid detection. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 19-26]

Objective: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of African swine fever (ASF) in pigs for slaughter in Leyte, Philippines. It underpins the concept that recovered and infected pigs from ASF are likely sent for slaughter to avoid perceived economic losses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 in eight abattoirs, each representing both a city and a municipality in Leyte province. A total of 218 blood samples from 78 farms were examined for ASF virus (ASFV) (VP72) antibodies using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Descriptive and seroprevalence analyses were performed. Results: ASF antibodies were detected in pigs for slaughter from abattoirs in Baybay and Ormoc cities, showing a seroprevalence of 3.57% (1/28 pigs) and 2.27% (1/44 pigs), respectively. An apparent absence of ASF antibodies was observed among pigs for slaughter in Isabel, Villaba, Abuyog, Kananga, Dulag, and Macarthur. The farm-level seroprevalence was 2.56% (95% CI: 0.71%–8.88%), while the pig-level seroprevalence was 0.91% (95% CI: 0.25%–3.27%). Conclusion: Detecting ASF antibodies among pigs for slaughter implies exposure to the virus from the farm of origin. This means that, on some farms, ASF remains unreported or undiagnosed. Active surveillance is needed for early case detection and rapid response to control the spread of ASF in the country. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(1): 65-70, March 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k748

Objective: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of African swine fever (ASF) in pigs for slaughter in Leyte, Philippines. It underpins the concept that recovered and infected pigs from ASF are likely sent for slaughter to avoid perceived economic losses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 in eight abattoirs, each representing both a city and a municipality in Leyte province. A total of 218 blood samples from 78 farms were examined for ASF virus (ASFV) (VP72) antibodies using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Descriptive and seroprevalence analyses were performed. Results: ASF antibodies were detected in pigs for slaughter from abattoirs in Baybay and Ormoc cities, showing a seroprevalence of 3.57% (1/28 pigs) and 2.27% (1/44 pigs), respectively. An apparent absence of ASF antibodies was observed among pigs for slaughter in Isabel, Villaba, Abuyog, Kananga, Dulag, and Macarthur. The farm-level seroprevalence was 2.56% (95% CI: 0.71%–8.88%), while the pig-level seroprevalence was 0.91% (95% CI: 0.25%–3.27%). Conclusion: Detecting ASF antibodies among pigs for slaughter implies exposure to the virus from the farm of origin. This means that, on some farms, ASF remains unreported or undiagnosed. Active surveillance is needed for early case detection and rapid response to control the spread of ASF in the country. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 65-70]

Objectives: To update recent information on contamination levels of mycotoxins in South Korea. Materials and methods: A total of 208 samples sourced from the feeds of swine farms were collected. The contamination levels of mycotoxins, which are aflatoxin (Afla), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisin (FUM), and T-2 toxin, were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: The detection levels of the total samples were 78.91% for DON, 75.24% for Afla, 47.02% for ZEN, 68.31% for FUM, and 5.94% for OTA and T-2, which were not detected at all. Most of the analyzed mycotoxins showed significant high occurrences in 47.02%–78.91% of the swine feed samples. 11 of the 152 alfa-positive samples exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. In the analysis of mycotoxin detection levels by growth stage, ZEN was found in the nursery stage at a remarkably high concentration level (126.46 ± 63.76 ppb), exceeding the MRL of ZEN for piglets proposed by the European Commission. This mycotoxin was also found in the samples from the gestation barn (89.04 ± 46.05 ppb) and the farrowing house (105.58 ± 94.12) at a high concentration level. Afla was found in the nursery stage at a high concentration (8.00 ± 2.22 ppb), approaching the MRL (10 ppb) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. Conclusion: These results indicate that many swine farms in South Korea are still exposed to mycotoxin risk, and special attention and surveillance are necessary for these mycotoxin risks in swine farms. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(1): 125-131, March 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k756

Objectives: To update recent information on contamination levels of mycotoxins in South Korea. Materials and methods: A total of 208 samples sourced from the feeds of swine farms were collected. The contamination levels of mycotoxins, which are aflatoxin (Afla), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisin (FUM), and T-2 toxin, were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: The detection levels of the total samples were 78.91% for DON, 75.24% for Afla, 47.02% for ZEN, 68.31% for FUM, and 5.94% for OTA and T-2, which were not detected at all. Most of the analyzed mycotoxins showed significant high occurrences in 47.02%–78.91% of the swine feed samples. 11 of the 152 alfa-positive samples exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. In the analysis of mycotoxin detection levels by growth stage, ZEN was found in the nursery stage at a remarkably high concentration level (126.46 ± 63.76 ppb), exceeding the MRL of ZEN for piglets proposed by the European Commission. This mycotoxin was also found in the samples from the gestation barn (89.04 ± 46.05 ppb) and the farrowing house (105.58 ± 94.12) at a high concentration level. Afla was found in the nursery stage at a high concentration (8.00 ± 2.22 ppb), approaching the MRL (10 ppb) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. Conclusion: These results indicate that many swine farms in South Korea are still exposed to mycotoxin risk, and special attention and surveillance are necessary for these mycotoxin risks in swine farms. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 125-131]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the nutritional composition and rumen fermentation attributes of the tithonia plant (Tithonia diversifolia) treated with Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria at different fermentation durations and doses. Materials and Methods: In this research, an experimental approach employed a factorial pattern with two factors as treatments with three replications using a complete randomized design. The primary factor was the dose of L. bulgaricus inoculum, with concentrations at 2% and 3%. The secondary factor examined during the study revolved around the duration of fermentation, offering three time frames of 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days for analysis. The inoculum of L. bulgaricus contained 65 × 1015 CFU/ml. Results: The use of L. bulgaricus bacteria on tithonia plants (T. diversifolia) with different inoculum doses and fermentation times demonstrated a highly significant effect and significant disparities (p < 0.05). In phytic acid content, nutrient content (crude protein (CP), crude fiber, crude fat, and dry matter (DM)), and in vitro digestibility, which includes DM, organic matter (OM), CP, volatile fatty acids (VFA), NH3, and gas production. However, it did not show any significant interaction between pH and OM content. Conclusion: The optimal results of nutrient profiling and in vitro digestibility, including DM, OM, CP, rumen pH, VFA, NH3 (ammonia), and gas production, were observed when the tithonia plant (T. diversifolia) was fermented using L. bulgaricus with 3% inoculum doses and a fermentation time of 5 days. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(1): 146-152, March 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k759

Objective: This study aims to investigate the nutritional composition and rumen fermentation attributes of the tithonia plant (Tithonia diversifolia) treated with Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria at different fermentation durations and doses. Materials and Methods: In this research, an experimental approach employed a factorial pattern with two factors as treatments with three replications using a complete randomized design. The primary factor was the dose of L. bulgaricus inoculum, with concentrations at 2% and 3%. The secondary factor examined during the study revolved around the duration of fermentation, offering three time frames of 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days for analysis. The inoculum of L. bulgaricus contained 65 × 1015 CFU/ml. Results: The use of L. bulgaricus bacteria on tithonia plants (T. diversifolia) with different inoculum doses and fermentation times demonstrated a highly significant effect and significant disparities (p < 0.05). In phytic acid content, nutrient content (crude protein (CP), crude fiber, crude fat, and dry matter (DM)), and in vitro digestibility, which includes DM, organic matter (OM), CP, volatile fatty acids (VFA), NH3, and gas production. However, it did not show any significant interaction between pH and OM content. Conclusion: The optimal results of nutrient profiling and in vitro digestibility, including DM, OM, CP, rumen pH, VFA, NH3 (ammonia), and gas production, were observed when the tithonia plant (T. diversifolia) was fermented using L. bulgaricus with 3% inoculum doses and a fermentation time of 5 days. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 146-152]

Objectives: The current study was performed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) properties of Antidesma thwaitesianum, also known as “MAO,” whole plant extract on Opisthorchiasis in animal models and CCA cell lines. Materials and Methods: Ethanol was used to extract compounds from the whole ripe fruit. The phytochemical investigation of MAO extract was done to evaluate antioxidant activity, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the active compounds. The efficacy of MAO extract against OV was evaluated in vivo. The anti- CCA activity was evaluated using superoxide dismutase (SRB), cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and western blot analyses. Results: MAO extract possessed flavonoid and phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and an expressed cyanidin-3-O-glycosides content of 0.08 µg/mg extract. MAO extract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects through raised alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as an influence on oxidative stress via decreased MDA and increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels. MAO extract significantly inhibited the migration of CCA cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, as well as triggered cell cycle arrest on G1 and activated apoptosis pathways via upregulation of C3, downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, cyclin D, and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 expression. MAO extract inhibited inflammation, which in turn decreased fibrosis in hamsters. It also increased hepatoprotective activity. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the potential benefits of MAO extract in both in vitro and animal studies of hamster opisthorchiasis. However, more research should be done to ascertain the mechanisms of activity of MAO extracts and elute bioactive components in order to confirm their safety and examine their clinical applications. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(3): 637–647, September 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k813

Objectives: The current study was performed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) properties of Antidesma thwaitesianum, also known as "MAO," whole plant extract on Opisthorchiasis in animal models and CCA cell lines. Materials and Methods: Ethanol was used to extract compounds from the whole ripe fruit. The phytochemical investigation of MAO extract was done to evaluate antioxidant activity, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the active compounds. The efficacy of MAO extract against OV was evaluated in vivo. The anti- CCA activity was evaluated using superoxide dismutase (SRB), cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and western blot analyses. Results: MAO extract possessed flavonoid and phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and an expressed cyanidin-3-O-glycosides content of 0.08 μg/mg extract. MAO extract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects through raised alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as an influence on oxidative stress via decreased MDA and increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels. MAO extract significantly inhibited the migration of CCA cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, as well as triggered cell cycle arrest on G1 and activated apoptosis pathways via upregulation of C3, downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, cyclin D, and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 expression. MAO extract inhibited inflammation, which in turn decreased fibrosis in hamsters. It also increased hepatoprotective activity. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the potential benefits of MAO extract in both in vitro and animal studies of hamster opisthorchiasis. However, more research should be done to ascertain the mechanisms of activity of MAO extracts and elute bioactive components in order to confirm their safety and examine their clinical applications. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 637-647]

Objective: The current study investigated the effects of supplying ruminally protected amino acids (AA) (lysine, L; and methionine, M) and dietary protein levels on the performance of late-nursing ewes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one Awassi ewes nursing single lambs were individually housed and assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (2 × 2 factorial design). Ewes in treatment groups were (with supplemental RPL and RPM) or were not (without supplemental RPL and RPM) supplemented with lysine (8.5 gm/day) and methionine (4 gm/day) and were fed diets containing either 13.2 (moderate protein) or 11.1% (low protein) protein. Results: No interactions between supplemental AA and dietary protein levels were observed. Supplying ewes with L and M did not affect (p ≥ 0.06) their nutrient intake or their final body weights (BWs). Additionally, milk composition, yield, and efficiency were not affected by supplemental L and M. Decreasing dietary protein levels did not affect (p = 0.13) the final BWs, milk yield, composition, and efficiency but decreased (p < 0.01) nutrient intake of ewes. Conclusion: Under our study conditions, reducing the protein contents of the diets from 13.2% to 11.1% had no negative impact on late-nursing ewes. Regardless of dietary protein level, the beneficial effect of supplying L and M was not evident. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(3): 711-716, September 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k821

Objective: The current study investigated the effects of supplying ruminally protected amino acids (AA) (lysine, L; and methionine, M) and dietary protein levels on the performance of late-nursing ewes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one Awassi ewes nursing single lambs were individually housed and assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (2 × 2 factorial design). Ewes in treatment groups were (with supplemental RPL and RPM) or were not (without supplemental RPL and RPM) supplemented with lysine (8.5 gm/day) and methionine (4 gm/day) and were fed diets containing either 13.2 (moderate protein) or 11.1% (low protein) protein. Results: No interactions between supplemental AA and dietary protein levels were observed. Supplying ewes with L and M did not affect (p ≥ 0.06) their nutrient intake or their final body weights (BWs). Additionally, milk composition, yield, and efficiency were not affected by supple¬mental L and M. Decreasing dietary protein levels did not affect (p = 0.13) the final BWs, milk yield, composition, and efficiency but decreased (p < 0.01) nutrient intake of ewes. Conclusion: Under our study conditions, reducing the protein contents of the diets from 13.2% to 11.1% had no negative impact on late-nursing ewes. Regardless of dietary protein level, the beneficial effect of supplying L and M was not evident. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 711-716]

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of seahorse (Hippocampus comes L.) extract on hematological profile and body weight on rats induced by depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with 200–250 gm and 8 weeks old. All rats were intramuscularly administered 1.25 mg/kg BW DMPA Merck Depo Geston at 150 mg/3 ml. The animals were divided into five main groups (6 each), consisting of aquadest (G1), CMC 1% (G2), seahorse extract (SE) dose 150 mg/kg BW (G3), 225 mg/kg BW (G4), and 300 mg/ kg BW (G5). All rats were weighed until the end of the treatment week. Results: The hematological profile and body weight of the group given SE tended to increase compared to the group not given extract; however, our hematological profile and body weight were in the normal range for rats. Conclusion: We find that SE enhances the effectiveness of the hematological profile, body weight, and safety of rats induced by DMPA. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(3): 717-721, September 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k822

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of seahorse (Hippocampus comes L.) extract on hematological profile and body weight on rats induced by depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with 200–250 gm and 8 weeks old. All rats were intramuscularly administered 1.25 mg/kg BW DMPA Merck Depo Geston at 150 mg/3 ml. The animals were divided into five main groups (6 each), consisting of aquadest (G1), CMC 1% (G2), seahorse extract (SE) dose 150 mg/kg BW (G3), 225 mg/kg BW (G4), and 300 mg/ kg BW (G5). All rats were weighed until the end of the treatment week. Results: The hematological profile and body weight of the group given SE tended to increase compared to the group not given extract; however, our hematological profile and body weight were in the normal range for rats. Conclusion: We find that SE enhances the effectiveness of the hematological profile, body weight, and safety of rats induced by DMPA. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 717-721]