The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2 = 17.490, df = 3, p = 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders.Contribution: This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.

The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2 = 17.490, df = 3, p = 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders. Contribution: This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.

Objectives: Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, a parasite of zoo­notic significance with a wide range of intermediate and final hosts, and the parasite survives suc­cessfully in diversified conditions. Plentiful studies have been done to study the genetic structure of the population of the parasite and the level of intimate kinship using mitochondrial (mt) DNA. The present study was conducted to investigate the population structure, genetic variation, and phylogenetic relationship of various isolates of E. multiocularis submitted to GenBank worldwide. Sequences of mt genes (mt-cytochrome c oxidase (cox1), mt-NADH dehydrogenase (nad1)) of E. multilocularis were analyzed to achieve the set goals. Materials and Methods: A total of 275 and 124 gene sequences of mt-cox1 and mt-nad1 belong­ing to E. multilocularis, respectively, were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. The retrieved sequences were subjected to alignment with respective reference sequences using MEGA software. The PopArt software was used to establish medi­an-joining networks, while DnaSp was used to calculate neutrality and diversity indices. MrBayes software was used to investigate the phylogenetic association between haplotypes based on Bayesian phylogeny. Results: Approximately 13 and 20 distinctive haplotypes of nad1 and cox1 genes, respectively, were observed in the present study. In both of the mt genes, diversity indices indicated low haplo­type (mt-cox1 = 0.140; mt-nad1 = 0.374) and nucleotide (mt-cox1 = 0.00111; mt-nad1 = 0.00287) diversities. The values of Tajima’s D and Fu Fs for a population of both of the genes under study were found to be negative. Conclusion: This study is a maiden attempt to provide insights into the population structure and genetic variation of E. multilocularis on a global scale. However, it is suggested that to better understand the population structure and genetic diversity of E. multilocularis, more geographical locations and amplifications of full-length gene sequences should be considered, which could be helpful in widening the insights into the genetic diversity of E. multilocularis. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 264-274, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k772

Objectives: Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, a parasite of zoo¬notic significance with a wide range of intermediate and final hosts, and the parasite survives suc¬cessfully in diversified conditions. Plentiful studies have been done to study the genetic structure of the population of the parasite and the level of intimate kinship using mitochondrial (mt) DNA. The present study was conducted to investigate the population structure, genetic variation, and phylogenetic relationship of various isolates of E. multiocularis submitted to GenBank worldwide. Sequences of mt genes (mt-cytochrome c oxidase (cox1), mt-NADH dehydrogenase (nad1)) of E. multilocularis were analyzed to achieve the set goals. Materials and Methods: A total of 275 and 124 gene sequences of mt-cox1 and mt-nad1 belong¬ing to E. multilocularis, respectively, were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. The retrieved sequences were subjected to alignment with respective reference sequences using MEGA software. The PopArt software was used to establish medi¬an-joining networks, while DnaSp was used to calculate neutrality and diversity indices. MrBayes software was used to investigate the phylogenetic association between haplotypes based on Bayesian phylogeny. Results: Approximately 13 and 20 distinctive haplotypes of nad1 and cox1 genes, respectively, were observed in the present study. In both of the mt genes, diversity indices indicated low haplo¬type (mt-cox1 = 0.140; mt-nad1 = 0.374) and nucleotide (mt-cox1 = 0.00111; mt-nad1 = 0.00287) diversities. The values of Tajima's D and Fu Fs for a population of both of the genes under study were found to be negative. Conclusion: This study is a maiden attempt to provide insights into the population structure and genetic variation of E. multilocularis on a global scale. However, it is suggested that to better understand the population structure and genetic diversity of E. multilocularis, more geographical locations and amplifications of full-length gene sequences should be considered, which could be helpful in widening the insights into the genetic diversity of E. multilocularis. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 264-274]

Objective: This study investigated the application of Jicama starch (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) as a stabilizing agent to enhance the longevity and integrity of fermented milk. Materials and Methods: Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T (6 gm/100 ml) and Jicama starch (2 gm/100 ml) were added into pasteurized milk (65°C, 30 min) and then incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for 18 h. The fermented milk was stored at 4°C. The evaluation on proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity (TA), viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), syneresis, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hedonic sensory evaluation was conducted at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage. Results: Throughout the storage period, fermented milk enriched with Jicama starch significantly (p < 0.05) increased pH, TA, population dynamics of LAB, viscosity, WHC, and syneresis. It effec­tively sustained WHC and mitigated syneresis, thus ensuring the preservation of vital product quality. Furthermore, the quantity of LAB within the fermented milk consistently met the pro­biotic threshold of 84.50 × 108 CFU/ml. The hedonic sensory evaluation results indicated that fermented milk showed consistent sensory attributes throughout storage, except for overall acceptance, which declined on day 28. Conclusion: The addition of Jicama starch revealed a promising health probiotic product, present­ing a viable avenue for delivering probiotic benefits to consumers while maintaining the palatabil­ity and efficacy of the product. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 317-322, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k779

Objective: This study investigated the application of Jicama starch (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) as a stabilizing agent to enhance the longevity and integrity of fermented milk. Materials and Methods: Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T (6 gm/100 ml) and Jicama starch (2 gm/100 ml) were added into pasteurized milk (65°C, 30 min) and then incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for 18 h. The fermented milk was stored at 4°C. The evaluation on proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity (TA), viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), syneresis, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hedonic sensory evaluation was conducted at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage. Results: Throughout the storage period, fermented milk enriched with Jicama starch significantly (p < 0.05) increased pH, TA, population dynamics of LAB, viscosity, WHC, and syneresis. It effectively sustained WHC and mitigated syneresis, thus ensuring the preservation of vital product quality. Furthermore, the quantity of LAB within the fermented milk consistently met the pro¬biotic threshold of 84.50 × 108 CFU/ml. The hedonic sensory evaluation results indicated that fermented milk showed consistent sensory attributes throughout storage, except for overall acceptance, which declined on day 28. Conclusion: The addition of Jicama starch revealed a promising health probiotic product, presenting a viable avenue for delivering probiotic benefits to consumers while maintaining the palatabil¬ity and efficacy of the product. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 317-322]

Objective: This study aims to develop formulas for estimating tracheal diameter and length in dogs using easily measurable anatomical parameters. Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of 20 dogs of various breeds, comprising 10 males and 10 females, sourced from cadavers. The measured parameters included occipital tuberosity to tail base (OT), eye angle to ear tragus, nose to ear tragus, inner vertical diameters (IVD), and tracheal length (TL). The study conducted correlation and linear regression analyses, and subse­quently, the formulated models underwent validation using 16 live dogs. The results were com­pared to radiographic measurements. Results: Linear regression recommended formulas based on OT, resulting in IVD (mm) = 0.203 × OT – 3.724 (r2 = 0.608, p < 0.001) and TL (cm) = 0.346 × OT–3.773 (r2 = 0.837, p < 0.001). The predicted tracheal diameter and length from formulas were slightly smaller than radiographic measurements (IVD = 2.76 ± 1.85 mm, p < 0.0001 and TL = 2.07 ± 1.81 cm, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These formulas offer a practical way to estimate tracheal dimensions in live dogs, facilitating the selection of suitable endotracheal tube sizes and insertion depth. Further studies with larger sample sizes and consistent measurement methods can enhance the accuracy of these findings. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 323-329, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k780

Objective: This study aims to develop formulas for estimating tracheal diameter and length in dogs using easily measurable anatomical parameters. Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of 20 dogs of various breeds, comprising 10 males and 10 females, sourced from cadavers. The measured parameters included occipital tuberosity to tail base (OT), eye angle to ear tragus, nose to ear tragus, inner vertical diameters (IVD), and tracheal length (TL). The study conducted correlation and linear regression analyses, and subsequently, the formulated models underwent validation using 16 live dogs. The results were compared to radiographic measurements. Results: Linear regression recommended formulas based on OT, resulting in IVD (mm) = 0.203 × OT – 3.724 (r2 = 0.608, p < 0.001) and TL (cm) = 0.346 × OT–3.773 (r2 = 0.837, p < 0.001). The predicted tracheal diameter and length from formulas were slightly smaller than radiographic measurements (IVD = 2.76 ± 1.85 mm, p < 0.0001 and TL = 2.07 ± 1.81 cm, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These formulas offer a practical way to estimate tracheal dimensions in live dogs, facilitating the selection of suitable endotracheal tube sizes and insertion depth. Further studies with larger sample sizes and consistent measurement methods can enhance the accuracy of these findings. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 323-329]

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of Taraxacum coreanum (known as dandelion) (TC) and TC mixtures with milk thistle (MT) or Aspergillus oryzae (AO) as feed additives on the immune response, milk quality, and milk production in Holstein cows over 6 weeks of administration. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two healthy Holstein dairy cows were provided 30 kg of total mixed ration (TMR) with no TC, 90 gm TC, 54 gm TC + 36 gm MT, or 54 gm TC + 36 gm AO 40% groups. The feed additives were supplied daily in two equal portions (per 45 gm) by topdressing the TMR for 6 weeks. Milk and blood samples were collected weekly. Results: In the TC-treated cows (TC, TC + MT, and TC + AO groups), significantly lower peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) counts at 6 weeks and milk somatic cell counts (SCCs) at 4–6 weeks of administration were observed. Concentrations of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glu­tathione peroxidase (GSH-px) were notably elevated in cows treated with TC for 4–6 weeks, while levels of proinflammatory cytokines concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and chemokine (IL-8) were significantly reduced in TC-treated cows after 3–6 weeks of administration. Conclusion: These results suggested that TC or a TC mixture with other medicinal herbs supple­mentations enhanced the serum antioxidative activities and, consequently, might suppress the adverse immune response due to lower serum TNF-α and IL-8 release supported by lower WBC and SCC counts. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 330-338, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k781

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of Taraxacum coreanum (known as dandelion) (TC) and TC mixtures with milk thistle (MT) or Aspergillus oryzae (AO) as feed additives on the immune response, milk quality, and milk production in Holstein cows over 6 weeks of administration. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two healthy Holstein dairy cows were provided 30 kg of total mixed ration (TMR) with no TC, 90 gm TC, 54 gm TC + 36 gm MT, or 54 gm TC + 36 gm AO 40% groups. The feed additives were supplied daily in two equal portions (per 45 gm) by topdressing the TMR for 6 weeks. Milk and blood samples were collected weekly. Results: In the TC-treated cows (TC, TC + MT, and TC + AO groups), significantly lower peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) counts at 6 weeks and milk somatic cell counts (SCCs) at 4–6 weeks of administration were observed. Concentrations of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glu¬tathione peroxidase (GSH-px) were notably elevated in cows treated with TC for 4–6 weeks, while levels of proinflammatory cytokines concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and chemokine (IL-8) were significantly reduced in TC-treated cows after 3–6 weeks of administration. Conclusion: These results suggested that TC or a TC mixture with other medicinal herbs supple¬mentations enhanced the serum antioxidative activities and, consequently, might suppress the adverse immune response due to lower serum TNF-α and IL-8 release supported by lower WBC and SCC counts. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 330-338]

Objectives: Current research aimed to compare the effects of fungal and bacterial phytase with or without citric acid (CA) on growth performance, serum mineral profile, bone quality, and nutrient retention in birds given non-phytate phosphorus (nPP)-deficient diets. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 Indian River broiler chicks were disturbed into six groups, namely, i) positive control (PC), ii) negative control (NC) contained 0.2% lower nPP than that in the PC diet, iii) NC + fungal phytase (Aspergillus niger), iv) NC + fungal phytase with 2% CA, v) NC + bacterial phytase (Escherichia coli), and vi) NC + bacterial phytase with 2% CA. Results: Compared to the PC group, the NC group showed poor performance, serum phospho­rus (P) content, P retention, and bone quality. However, with the inclusion of phytase, all these phenomena were improved. The addition of bacterial phytase showed better values compared with fungal phytase. The main effects of phytase were significant for the feed conversion ratio (FCR), metabolizable energy conversion ratio (MECR), and P retention. The addition of CA, either with fungal or bacterial phytases, did not show considerable beneficial effects on overall perfor­mances. However, the main effects of CA were significant on the FCR, MECR, and crude protein conversion ratio. Conclusion: Incorporating bacterial and fungal phytase into low-nPP diets enhanced the broiler’s performance. The effects of bacterial phytase were more apparent than those of fungal phytase. However, the efficacy of phytase based on the source might relate to dose, and other factors need further investigation. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 376-383, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k786

Objectives: Current research aimed to compare the effects of fungal and bacterial phytase with or without citric acid (CA) on growth performance, serum mineral profile, bone quality, and nutrient retention in birds given non-phytate phosphorus (nPP)-deficient diets. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 Indian River broiler chicks were disturbed into six groups, namely, i) positive control (PC), ii) negative control (NC) contained 0.2% lower nPP than that in the PC diet, iii) NC + fungal phytase (Aspergillus niger), iv) NC + fungal phytase with 2% CA, v) NC + bacterial phytase (Escherichia coli), and vi) NC + bacterial phytase with 2% CA. Results: Compared to the PC group, the NC group showed poor performance, serum phospho¬rus (P) content, P retention, and bone quality. However, with the inclusion of phytase, all these phenomena were improved. The addition of bacterial phytase showed better values compared with fungal phytase. The main effects of phytase were significant for the feed conversion ratio (FCR), metabolizable energy conversion ratio (MECR), and P retention. The addition of CA, either with fungal or bacterial phytases, did not show considerable beneficial effects on overall performance. However, the main effects of CA were significant on the FCR, MECR, and crude protein conversion ratio. Conclusion: Incorporating bacterial and fungal phytase into low-nPP diets enhanced the broiler's performance. The effects of bacterial phytase were more apparent than those of fungal phytase. However, the efficacy of phytase based on the source might relate to dose, and other factors need further investigation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 376-383]

Objective: This study aimed to detect Toxocara cati in cats by microscopic and molecular analysis using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 200 cat feces samples were taken from various pri­vate veterinarian clinics in Baghdad. To identify eggs of T. cati by the flotation method, DNA from 100 cat feces was extracted, and one pair of ITS2 region-specific primers was used for polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequencing. Results: Toxocara cati infection rate was found to be 23 out of 100 fecal samples using PCR. Ten DNA product sequence data studies showed 98%–100% similarity to the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene sequences found in the Gene Bank. The study incidence showed that the overall infection rate by microscopic examination was 23%, with no significant difference between stray cats (27%), and domestic cats (19%). After studying the effect of several epidemiological parameters on the infec­tion rate, it was found that the infection rates of stray and domestic cats were higher in kittens under six months of age, at 46.1% and 27%, respectively, whereas rates were lower for the adult than six months was 11.5% of domestic cats and 14.7% of stray cats. The percentage of stray and domestic male cats that were registered was 35.5%, whereas the female cats registered were 20.6% and 17.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Cats are significant clinical reservoirs for zoonotic parasites. In Iraq, Baghdad has a high incidence of T. cati detections. Compared to conventional methods, PCR is thought to be a more sensitive, accurate diagnostic procedure that confirms the species’ identity. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 392-397, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k788

Objective: This study aimed to detect Toxocara cati in cats by microscopic and molecular analysis using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 200 cat feces samples were taken from various private veterinarian clinics in Baghdad. To identify eggs of T. cati by the flotation method, DNA from 100 cat feces was extracted, and one pair of ITS2 region-specific primers was used for polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequencing. Results: Toxocara cati infection rate was found to be 23 out of 100 fecal samples using PCR. Ten DNA product sequence data studies showed 98%–100% similarity to the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene sequences found in the Gene Bank. The study incidence showed that the overall infection rate by microscopic examination was 23%, with no significant difference between stray cats (27%), and domestic cats (19%). After studying the effect of several epidemiological parameters on the infec¬tion rate, it was found that the infection rates of stray and domestic cats were higher in kittens under six months of age, at 46.1% and 27%, respectively, whereas rates were lower for the adult than six months was 11.5% of domestic cats and 14.7% of stray cats. The percentage of stray and domestic male cats that were registered was 35.5%, whereas the female cats registered were 20.6% and 17.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Cats are significant clinical reservoirs for zoonotic parasites. In Iraq, Baghdad has a high incidence of T. cati detections. Compared to conventional methods, PCR is thought to be a more sensitive, accurate diagnostic procedure that confirms the species' identity. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 392-397]

Objective: The study aims to understand the effect of new antibiotic-substituting supplements in feeding chickens of the Hisex Brown cross in industrial conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 hatched chicks were randomly selected and distributed into Control, Test I, and Test II groups, with 3 replicates of 24 birds in three treatments. Results: At the end of the experiment, BW of T1/T2 birds was higher by 6.12% (p <0.01) and 10.29% (p <0.001) than CON. In comparison with the control hens, T1/T2 birds had a higher feed conversion rate and digestibility of nutrients. The blood indicators of T1/T2 hens exceeded those in control. Prebiotic supplementations were positively influenced in the immune indices of birds. IgA, IgG, IgM increased in groups T1/T2. Similar regularity was found in the natural resistance of chicks fed S1/S2. In the caecum, the Lactobacilli number was higher than in CON by 17.03% (p <0.01) in T1 and by 18.47% (p <0.01)—in T2; Bifidobacteria—by 17.94 (p <0.001) and 19.09% (p <0.01), respectively; at the same time, the number of E. coli decreased by 21.05% (p <0.01) and 24.21% (p <0.01). The concentration of emitted excreta noxious gases decreased: ammonia by 22.40%–24.95% (p <0.01); hydrogen sulfide by 10.67%–16.00% (p <0.01); and mercaptans by 12.90%–17.74% (p <0.05). Conclusion: These findings support the use of lactulose-based supplements as antibiotic alterna­tives to improve production in poultry farming and to reduce the toxic load on the environment. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 429-438, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k792

Objective: The study aims to understand the effect of new antibiotic-substituting supplements in feeding chickens of the Hisex Brown cross in industrial conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 hatched chicks were randomly selected and distributed into Control, Test I, and Test II groups, with 3 replicates of 24 birds in three treatments. Results: At the end of the experiment, BW of T1/T2 birds was higher by 6.12% (p [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 429-438]

Objective: Chronic stress arises from stressful situations in day-to-day life that are ignored or managed incorrectly. Long-term stress can have negative effects, especially when it plays a role in the development of neurological illnesses. Severe stress can also negatively impact emotional well-being. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has numerous health advantages. The aim of this study was to assess how VCO affected the biochemical and behavioral characteristics of Wistar albino rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable stress. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (150–200 gm) were split into two groups: experimental group and control group. Based on stress exposure and treatment with VCO and antidepressants, they were further divided into various subgroups. A chronic, unpredictable stress procedure was given for 21 days. After the experimental procedure, the rats were anesthe­tized, and through a cardiac puncture, blood was collected. The liver and brain were dissected to estimate different biochemical markers. Results: VCO proved to be a protective agent against chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in the biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cognition. Conclusion: VCO might be helpful as an effective natural treatment that can be utilized to effec­tively combat chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in brain and liver tissue. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 11(2): 449-454, June 2024 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2024.k794

Objective: Chronic stress arises from stressful situations in day-to-day life that are ignored or managed incorrectly. Long-term stress can have negative effects, especially when it plays a role in the development of neurological illnesses. Severe stress can also negatively impact emotional well-being. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has numerous health advantages. The aim of this study was to assess how VCO affected the biochemical and behavioral characteristics of Wistar albino rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable stress. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (150–200 gm) were split into two groups: experimental group and control group. Based on stress exposure and treatment with VCO and antidepressants, they were further divided into various subgroups. A chronic, unpredictable stress procedure was given for 21 days. After the experimental procedure, the rats were anesthe¬tized, and through a cardiac puncture, blood was collected. The liver and brain were dissected to estimate different biochemical markers. Results: VCO proved to be a protective agent against chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in the biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cognition. Conclusion: VCO might be helpful as an effective natural treatment that can be utilized to effectively combat chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in brain and liver tissue. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 449-454]