Objective: This work was organized to assess macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression in snakehead fish extract supplementation to first-line eradication regimen in rats induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. Materials and methods: A total of 28 manly rats were haphazardly isolated equally into four groups. Group-1 was the control negative, and groups-2–4 were H. pylori-infected groups. Group-2 was the control positive. Groups-3 and 4 were treated with first-line eradication regi­men and first-line eradication regimen supplemented with snakehead fish extract, respectively. Immunoreactive scores (IRS) of MIF expression and eradication testing procedure were carried out. The comparison and difference between groups were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc Mann–Whitney U-test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered to be a limit of significance. Results: The average IRS of MIF expression in group-2 was the highest among other groups (p < 0.05). Group-4 (supplemented by snakehead fish extract) had a lower median value IRS of MIF expression compared to group-3 [1.0 (0.0–2.0) vs. 3.5 (2.0–6.0), p = 0.004]. Conclusion: MIF expression was higher in rats induced by H. pylori infection. Snakehead fish extract supplementation to first-line eradication regimen significantly reduces more MIF expres­sion compared to a single administration of first-line eradication regimen in rats induced by H. pylori infection. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(2): 209-217, June 2020

Objectives: The experiment was undertaken to investigate the performances of broilers with respect to meat yield traits, leg bone quality, blood metabolites, and economic profitability fed conventional diets supplemented with L-methionine (L-Met). Materials and methods: Day-old broiler chicks (n = 144) of either sex were used to conduct the experiment from d1 to 33 days in a battery cage rearing system. Birds were distributed randomly into four dietary treatments, i.e., D0 (DL-Met), D1 (0.20% L-Met), D2 (0.25% L-Met), and D3 (0.30% L-Met) in a completely randomized design. Broiler chicks were fed complete starter ration for the first 2 weeks and then test diets were supplied ad libitum from d15 to 33 days. All the formu­lated rations had the same calorie and proteinous values. Similar housing, feeding, and rearing management were provided to the birds for all the experimental period. Data on carcass yield traits, such as dressing %, thigh, breast, back, drumstick, shank, neck, and wing weights, etc, were measured on the last day of the trial. Blood serum profile (total protein, glucose, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, and triglycerides), right tibial bone traits (bone weight, bone width), and mineral concentrations (Ca% and P%) were also assessed on the last day of the experiment. The economic profitability of broilers fed on the L-Met diet was also measured in this study. Results: The results revealed that except for dressing % (p < 0.05) and back weight (p < 0.01); all other meat characteristics measured this study were found similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. The highest dressing % and back weight were observed in the D3 group and the lowest being in D0. Blood serum metabolites did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments. Leg bone traits of broilers were found similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. Higher profit (p < 0.01) and lower production cost (p < 0.05) were observed in the birds fed the D3 diet than other treatments. Conclusion: It can be inferred that broilers might show improved dressed yield and profitable broiler production fed on L-Met supplemented diet (D3). Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(2): 253-259, June 2020

Objective: The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor sildenafil citrate (SC) on the level of brain hippocampal neurophysiological parameters (inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters), oxidant/antioxidant status, minerals, and anxiety-like behavior using albino male rats. Materials and methods: A total of 24 albino male rats were allocated to three separate groups (each one had eight rats): control and SC 5 and 10 mg/kg treatments via i.p. infusion every 3 days for 12 injections. For the behavior of anxiety evaluation, the elevated plus maze test was conducted 1 day after the last treatment, and then all the rats were killed. For serum separation, the blood samples were taken, and hippocampus was dissected from the brain and stored frozen until analysis. Results: Both doses of sildenafil significantly improved brain hippocampal neurotransmitter [nor­epinephrine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), and gamma-aminobutyric acid] values accompa­nied by a decreased dopamine level. Interestingly, the SC higher given dose (10 mg/kg) increased the malondialdehyde level with the reduction of the antioxidant parameters [reduced glutathione (GSH) level, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities] although the lower dose of SC did not cause oxidative stress. Serum and brain hippocampal K, Cu, and Se concentrations were also increased with SC treatments. Moreover, the test of elevated plus maze revealed an anxiolytic impact of sildenafil. Conclusion: It was concluded that SC improved the parameters of some hippocampal neurotrans­mitters and minerals accompanied by anxiolytic impact with the test of elevated plus maze, with a state of oxidative stress revealed with the higher dose of SC which was not recorded with the lower dose. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(2): 281-289, June 2020

Objectives: Avian lymphatic system plays a very significant role in immunity as well as disease control. This research aimed to investigate the histomorphological changes and involution of the thymus of Sonali chicken at different post-natal stages in Bangladesh as the age-related changes of the thymus of Sonali chicken were not described before. Materials and methods: A gross and microscopic investigation was performed on the thymus of 25 healthy Sonali chickens representing different stages of post-natal life: days 1, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Experimental chickens were sacrificed by cervical subluxation, and the thymus was collected and subjected for both the gross and histological studies. The histological changes were examined with light microscopy after H&E staining. Results: The thymus was located in close association of the jugular vein, having a long chain of thy­mic lobes, 5–8 lobes on each side. The statistically significant age-related changes were observed (p < 0.05). All gross parameters (weight, length, width, and thickness) found to be increased up to day 42. On day 56, the growth was found to decline from the previous groups. The microscopic observations revealed the same pattern of changes such as gross parameters, i.e., continuously increased till day 42 and then declined (p < 0.05). At day 56, the involutory signs such as partial loss of interlobular septa and accumulation of adipose tissue in connective tissue septa were found. Conclusion: It is well known that in chicken, after a certain period, the thymus got involuted. In Sonali chicken of Bangladesh, the age of involution was notified at day 56/8th week of the post-natal stage, which was correlated both in macro- and microscopic observations. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(2): 324-330, June 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the mean concentrations of heavy metals including aluminum (Al), arsenic, nickel (Ni), mercury, lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) and to assess the health hazards due to the exposure of cattle/human population to a distinct or the mixture of heavy metals through various sources. Materials and methods: A total of 180 samples including water sources, animal feed, and raw cows’ milk from rural regions in Qena, Egypt, were examined using the inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP; iCAP 6200). Results: The data highlighted heavy metal pollution with variable concentrations among most of the investigated regions. All concentrations of Al, Ni, and Cd detected in the feeding stuff showed a strong correlation to their respective levels in milk rather than those detected in water (R2= 0.072 vs. 0.039, 0.13 vs. 0.10, and 0.46 vs. 0.014, respectively) (p < 0.05). Anisocytosis and poi­kilocytosis with a tendency to rouleaux formation were evident, and basophilic stippling was a pathognomic indicator for heavy metal toxicity, especially Pb. Leukopenia and macrocytic anemia were shown in 50% and 65% of examined cattle, respectively. The target hazard quotients values were more than one (>1) for all heavy metals from water intake for both children and adults and Al and Cd in milk for children, and the hazard index values were indicated higher for noncarcino­genichealth hazards. The target cancer risk values predispose people in the surveyed villages to higher cancerous risks due to exposures to the mixture of heavy metal through the consumption of water and milk. Conclusion: The bioaccumulation and transmission of heavy metal mixtures from water sources and feeding material have detrimental influences on milk pollution and cattle health which seem to be a serious issue affecting public health in those rural communities. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(2): 345-359, June 2020

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the molecular characteristics of nat­urally mutant non-pathogenic O27 strain of Escherichia coli and its efficacy as probiotic in broilers and determine the best age at which it can be administered.  Materials and methods: A total of 24 virulence genes using 24 sets of primers were detected using the polymerase chain reaction technique. For probiotics experiments, 60 chicks (day 1 old) were divided into three groups, 20 per group, and reared for 4 weeks. The first group was consid­ered as a negative control. The second group was treated orally with O27 strain at first day of life for three successive days and repeated at day 21. The third group was administered orally with O27 strain at day 10 old, and repeated at day 21 old.  Results: The data revealed that type 1 fimbrial adhesion, salmochelin siderophore receptor, and sigma factor-binding protein were detected in O27 strain, but temperature-sensitive hemaggluti­nin, hemolysin secretion gene, pyelonephritis-associated Pili gene, polysaccharide capsule synthe­sis gene, Shiga-toxin1 gene, Shiga-toxin2 gene, Brain microvascular endothelial cell invasion, E. coli attaching and effacing gene, heat-stable enterotoxin, heat-labile enterotoxin, east 1 toxin, colicin V, verotoxin type 2, necrotizing cytotoxic factor type 1, colonization factor antigen I, colonization factor antigen III, coli surface 2, coli surface 4, serine protease pic autransporter, vacuolating autotrans­porter toxin, and serine protease EspP precursor were not detected in O27 strain. Group 2 perfor­mance parameters were significantly better (p < 0.01) than groups 3 and 1. Hematological and bio­chemical parameters did not be influenced (p > 0.05) by the administration of O27 strain. Antibody titers of infectious bursal disease virus and Newcastle disease virus in groups 2 and 3 were improved as compared to group 1. Group 2 had significantly higher titers than group 3. Histopathologically, all groups showed normal histopathological pictures. However, jejunum in groups 2 and 3 showed more tall, intact, and densely packed microvilli and more crypt depth than the control group.  Conclusion: The O27 strain of E. coli is non-pathogenic bacteria. Its effects on growth perfor­mances and enhancement of immunity in broilers match with the same impact of probiotics, and these candidates will fit to be a good probiotic in the future. The results revealed that the effects of O27 strain at the day 1 old of life for three successive days and repeated at day 21 old are better for improving the performance and immunity of the birds. More research works about the charac­terized non-pathogenic E. coli strain O27 are required for field and commercial use. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(3): 374-383, Sep 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g431

Objective: Mastitis is considered as an economically important disease of dairy buffaloes in Asia. This study examined the mastitis milk and nasal swab samples for the detection and genotyping of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in water buffaloes.  Materials and Methods: Staphylococcus aureus was identified based on biochemical tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of nuc gene, whereas MRSA on mecA gene. The disc diffusion test was used to determine the antibiotic resistance and staphylococcal cassette chro­mosome mec (SCCmec), spa, and multilocus sequence typing for the genotyping of isolates.  Results: Staphylococcus aureus was detected on 39/93 milk (41.94%) and 27/384 nasal swab (7.03%) samples. However, only nine isolates (23.08%) harbored the mecA gene from milk sam­ples and three isolates (11.11%) from the nasal carriage. All MRSA isolates exhibited resistance to cefoxitin and penicillin, whereas 50% were found resistant to clindamycin. All these isolates were found susceptible to sulfa-trimethoprim and chloramphenicol, whereas the majority of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin. The SCCmec types of the MRSA isolates were type IVc (50.00%), type II (8.33%), type I (8.33%), and non-typea­ble (33.33%). The spa types and sequence type (ST) identified were t019 (ST30), t701 (ST1649), t311 (ST5), t657 (ST1148), t015 (ST508), t1939 (ST12), t800 (ST9), t091 (ST2454), t138 (ST5991), and t1642 (ST5992).  Conclusion: Milk and nasal swab samples from dairy water buffaloes were found positive for MRSA. The MRSA isolates were still susceptible to most antibiotics tested. Moreover, the gen­otypes of some MRSA isolates were found similar to some human MRSA strains, suggesting a possible human to animal transmission. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(3): 397-406, Sep 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g434

Objective: This experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the housing system on the welfare and growth performance of the Muscovy duck.  Materials and methods: A total number of 48 Muscovy duck aged 3-week old were divided ran­domly into two groups (24 duck on each): deep litter system and cage system. Each group was subdivided into three replicates (8 birds on each) were identified with wing rings.  Results: The study showed that feeding and drinking behaviors significantly increased (p < 0.05) in duck reared at the cage system. While there was no noticeable effect on lying and feather peck­ing, duck raised in the deep litter had better growth performance with a substantial difference, which achieve a higher feed conversion rate with lower feed efficiency. Physical conditions were significantly better at cage management. The level of stress indicating hormones indicating free Thyroxin was increased with the cage. Therefore, the litter system improves duck welfare and their performance.  Conclusion: It is concluded that the duck managed under the litter system has more opportunities that facilitate the expression of more natural behavior, and thus improve their health and perfor­mance, as a result of improved feed conversion rate and feed efficiency. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(3): 407-413, Sep 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g435

Objective: This experiment was designed to assess the quality and to evaluate the feeding impact of moringa feed on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, methane (CH4) production, and milk yield.  Materials and methods: According to body weight and exit–entry average daily milk production, fifteen BLRI cattle breed-1 lactating cows of 3rd or 4th stage of parturition with wk 3 and 4 of calving were selected and were equally and randomly distributed into three dietary groups. One group of cows was fed a control diet (T0) consisting of 1:1 dry matter (DM) of Napier silage and conventionally mixed concentrate. The other two groups were fed a control diet by randomly replacing i) 50% (T1) or ii) 100% (T2) of its concentrate with moringa feed. The three dietary groups were balanced nutritionally based on energy and protein following the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) standard.  Results: The concentrate mixture was replaced with moringa feed to increase the feed efficiency and to reduce the DM or crude protein intake (p < 0.05) per 100 kg of metabolic body weight. The T2 group flourished with the highest (p < 0.05) amount of raw milk and also 4% fat-corrected milk (4.39 and 4.59 kg/day, respectively) compared to the T0 group (3.30 and 3.49 kg/day, respec­tively). However, it increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of total volatile fatty acid and decreased (p < 0.05) the blood and milk cholesterol, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) was reputed by adding moringa feed into the T0 group, without showing any significant (p > 0.05) change in CH4 produc­tion, fat, solid not fat, lactose or protein content of milk.  Conclusion: Therefore, moringa feed increased the productivity in dairy cows, replacing the whole concentrate diet. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(3): 521-529, Sep 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g449

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the serum ferritin level and quantitate ultra­sound elastography as a marker to distinguish dogs with benign and malignant liver tumors.  Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight dogs were determined the serum ferritin and ultrasound elastography by using fine-needle aspiration biopsy.  Results: Our results demonstrated that dogs with malignant liver tumors had significantly higher mean serum ferritin concentrations than those with benign liver tumors (p = 0.004). The mean intensity of blue and red colors from elastography was greater in the malignant than those in the benign group, especially for the blue color, meaning that lesions showed more hard tissue. Additionally, histograms of blue color in the malignant tended to be higher than the benign group.  Conclusion: We suggested that quantitative ultrasound elastography and serum ferritin concen­tration comprise an alternative and non-invasive diagnostic method that could be used to predict the type of liver tumors in dogs. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 575-584, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g455