Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the physical properties of Indonesian local sheep skin collagen extracted by acid and enzymatic methods. Materials and Methods: Collagen was isolated from Pure Breed Garut Sheep (Ovis aries sp.) skin, 1.5 years old. The skins were obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Cirebon, Indonesia. The solvents used were CH3COOH and three different enzymes: neutrase, alcalase, and bromelain. Results: The highest yields of extracted collagen were bromelain-soluble collagen (BSC), which reached 37.07%. The range of Ph values for all samples started from 4.01 to 4.76. The viscosity values (cP) of acid-soluble collagen (ASC), neutrase-soluble collagen (NSC), alcalase-soluble collagen (LSC), and BSC were 3.42, 3.90, 3.45, and 3.12, respectively. Regarding SDS-PAGE analyses, Garut sheepskin collagen is categorized as collagen type I, which has a molecular weight of about 140.99 to 148.74 kDa for α1 and around 110 to 111.86 kDa for α2. The results of FTIR and DSC analyses for all samples show the same motif with commercial collagen motifs based on the literature. Conclusion: Garut sheep skin has the potential to be an alternative raw material source for producing collagen. Collagen extracted using a combination of CH3COOH and bromelain enzyme showed the most desirable results in almost every characteristic. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 722-728]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the viability of nitrogen distribution in milk to detect adulteration in market milk. Materials and Methods: Raw cow milk was obtained from the dairy farm at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm (BAUDF). Fluid market milk, nonbranded bulk powdered milk, and local brand powdered milk were bought from the Mymensingh city area. The milk samples were T1 (milk from a known source—BAUDF, control group), T2 (reconstituted nonbranded bulk powdered milk), T3 (reconstituted local brand powdered milk), T4 (fluid market milk from Goala), T5 (mixture of 75% T1 and 25% T2), and T6 (mixture of 50% T1 and 50% T2). There were four replications in each variable, and the samples were tested for their physicochemical properties (specific gravity and acidity), gross composition (total solids, ash, milk fat, lactose, and total protein), and nitrogen distribution [casein nitrogen, noncasein nitrogen (NCN), and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN)]. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the milk samples about their physicochemical properties and gross composition. The T2 and T6 samples imparted lower protein content (p < 0.05). Much lower (p < 0.05) casein content was found in T2 and T6 than in T1. The NCN content among the samples also differed significantly (p < 0.05). All groups showed similar NPN values (p > 0.05) but the T1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results from this study show the potential of the nitrogen distribution of milk to detect adulterated and reconstituted market milk; however, a hefty dataset is required before being adopted at the field level. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1023-1029]

Objective: The aim of the current work is studying the effect of antioxidants and nano-antioxidants on in vitro development and mitochondrial function of buffalo oocytes. Materials and Methods: Good and excellent Buffalo oocytes were in vitro matured: (1) tissue culture medium-199 (control group), (2) TCM-199 + melatonin (Mel) 10−9 M (Mel group), (3) TCM-199 + zinc 10−6 M (Zn group), (4) TCM-199 + nano- Mel 10−6 M (N-Mel group), and (5) TCM-199 + nano-zinc-oxide 10−6 M (N-ZnO group) and incubated with CO2 5% and 38.5°C for 22 hr. In vitro-matured oocytes were either stained for mitochondrial function or cultured for detection of embryo development. Results: The maturation rate of buffalo oocytes in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups had a significant (p < 0.05) increase (91.89% and 93.64%, respectively) compared to the Mel group (85.78%) and Zn group (81.37%), and all groups were significantly higher than the control (73.16%). Mitochondrial intensity was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the N-Mel and N-ZnO groups than in oocytes matured in the Mel, Zn, or control groups. Rates of fertilization, cleavage, and transferable embryos of buffalo oocytes matured in vitro were significantly raised in the N-ZnO group (88.35%, 85.93%, and 30.71%, respectively) and the N-Mel group (86.74%, 82.75%, and 28.32%, respectively) (p < 0.05) when compared with the Mel group (82.46%, 77.25%, and 21.29%, respectively) and the Zn group (79.98%, 75.19%, and 19.68%, respectively), and all were increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group (71.76%, 68.7%, and 11.98%, respectively). Conclusion: Supplementation of maturation medium with Mel 10−9 M and zinc sulfate 10−6 M and nano-Mel 10−6 M and nano-zinc oxide 10−6 M improves buffalo oocyte maturation rates, mitochondrial function, and embryo development. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1093-1104]

This review evaluates the current situation of pig farming, identifies challenges, and projects for the sustainable development of the Chinese pig industry. A literature review using keyword searches was conducted on Google Scholar for articles from 2017–2023. The review included studies focused on pig farming in China, covering prospects, challenges, quantitative data on pro-duction, marketing, and consumption, automation in livestock farming, and publications from peer-reviewed journals, credible websites, government reports, and conference proceedings. Pork consumption in China is increasing, and the country imports a sizable amount of pork annually. Even though small-scale farms still account for most operations, the pig industry is undergoing a critical stage of modernization and transition towards large-scale farming. The major challenges identified were feed, disease, antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, and pork prices. Smart technologies, such as cameras, Internet of Things, and sensors, integrated into precision pig farming can improve productivity and animal health through real-time data collection and decision-making. To solve the problems we face now, we need to put a lot of money into large-scale transformation, the creation of new animal precision tools, the automation of manure treatment, and the research and development of long-lasting alternative energy sources like photovoltaics and wind. By implementing these strategies, large-scale precision pig farming in China can become economically and environmentally sustainable, which can ultimately benefit consumers by supplying wholesome pork products. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1076-1092]

Objective: Orangutans (Pongo abelii), as endemic primates of Indonesia, are characterized by a predominantly arboreal lifestyle. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia) and other Gram-negative bacteria are present in the Indigenous flora of many mammals, including orangutans. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance and virulence profile of K. pneumonia isolated from wild Sumatran orangutans. Materials and Methods: This study investigated 10 fecal samples from wild Sumatran orangutans from the Gunung Leuser National Park, Aceh, Indonesia. Biochemical and molecular identification of K. pneumoniae using the RNA polymerase subunit b gene and detection of virulence-associated genes. In addition, molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes was performed to character¬ize the resistance mechanisms in the isolates. Results: K. pneumonia was detected in 6 out of 10 fecal samples from wild Sumatran orangutans. The virulence genes mrkD and entB were detected in all (100%) of the isolates, whereas wabG was identified in 83.33% of the strains. Antibiotic susceptibility testing against K. pneumoniae revealed that three isolates were susceptible to streptomycin (S) and nalidixic acid (NA), while all six isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. One isolate demonstrated intermediate resistance to NA, while the remaining two exhibited intermediate resistance to S. Six isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, indicating multidrug resis¬tance. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance genes were detected in the isolates with the following prevalence: blaTEM gene (six isolates; 100%), blaSHV (six isolates; 100%), blaCTX-M gene (four isolates; 66.67%), and tetA gene (four isolates; 66.67%). Conclusion: This study revealed the virulence and resistance profile of K. pneumoniae bacterium isolated from wild Sumatran orangutans, which is essential for formulating effective conservation and healthcare strategies. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1066-1075]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the efficiency of newly formulated drugs based on mech¬anochemical modification of two widely used anthelmintic substances in suspension formulations against the main classes of helminths and parasitic arthropods. Materials and Methods: Solid-phase co-grinding of two substances, i.e., ivermectin (IM) and niclosamide (NS), with licorice extract and sodium succinate was performed in liquid-phase processing to obtain suspension formulations. Drug preparations were administered to the sheep of the experimental groups (5 experimental groups of 8 heads) with different concentrations of active substances, i.e., 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg of body weight (BW) NS and 0.2-mg/kg BW IM. Aqueous suspensions of the original substances in dosages of 0.2-mg/kg BW IM, 10.0-mg/kg NS, and placebo were included as controls. Efficacy of the formulations against gastrointestinal stron¬gyles, Trichuris spp., Moniezia spp., and nasal bot larvae (Oestrus ovis) was assessed in naturally infected sheep by the number of surviving adult parasites post-treatment in the gastrointestinal tract, nasal passages, and sinuses. Results: Formulated suspensions showed an increased solubility of 5.5–13.1 times compared to the original substances. Treatment of sheep with the SusIN-10 drug containing 0.2-mg/kg BW IM and 10.0-mg/kg NS showed 100% efficiency against gastrointestinal strongyles, Moniezia, and nasal bot larvae. Formulations containing 0.2-mg/kg BW IM and 3.0- and 0.5-mg/kg NS could eliminate all of the Trichuris worms. Administration of original substances of IM and NS with rec¬ommended dosages did not result in the adult parasites' complete elimination. Conclusion: Modification of the anthelmintic substances through mechanochemical methods made it possible to create formulations with a targeted spectrum of action, significantly higher water solubility, and optimal parasiticidal activity. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1122-1129]

Objective: The study aims to prepare the ash filtrate (AF) from household ashes using an in-house-designed handmade filtration system and to observe the antimicrobial efficacy and sanitizing effects. Materials and Methods: Household ashes from various plant sources were collected, and AF was prepared through a handmade filtration system after adding water. The pH of stock AF was measured, and 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% AF solutions were prepared by adding distilled water in appropriate proportions to obtain a wide range of pH values. The antimicrobial efficacy of AF against Salmonella spp. in vitro, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H9N2 in ovo were analyzed. Contaminated eggs were individually sprayed or dipped with AF to detect the bacterial load on the eggshell surface. Further experimental use of AF as an egg sanitizer in routine biosecurity operations in broiler sheds was also evaluated. Results: The prepared AF showed high alkalinity; pH varied from 10.7 to 8.20 and contained a higher amount of K, Na, and Cl. The alkaline AF and its dilution gradually inhibited Salmonella growth and showed gradual pH-dependent antibacterial efficacy. Similarly, AF and its dilution showed a gradual decrease in viral titer against the LPAIV (H9N2); however, antiviral activity against the velogenic strain of NDV was quite steady. Applying AF as an egg sanitizer also reduced the bacterial loads significantly on the eggshell surface compared to untreated eggs. Moreover, AF having pH 10.5 experimentally used in routine sanitization practices of a boiler shed resulted in low bird mortality (10/210), higher body weight gain, and a low feed conversion ratio compared to the untreated control flock. Conclusion: The higher alkalinity of the AF is responsible for the antimicrobial activity of commercial disinfectants. Consequently, we can use AF as a low-cost, effective, natural antimicrobial agent to replace chemical disinfectants. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1007-1016]

Objective: Pigs are used in various biomedical research fields because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. While farm pigs are raised outdoors for several months, minipigs are typically raised in indoor barrier facilities for several years. Although numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of major pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), in farm pigs, similar studies targeting minipigs are lacking. Materials and Methods: We imported 57 minipigs to our institution from three experimental animal production facilities and immediately assessed the serological and antigenic prevalence of PRRSV and PCV2. Results: PRRSV and PCV2 had seroprevalences of 80.7% and 94.7%, respectively, with 0% antigen positivity rates for PRRSV types 1 and 2 and high-pathogenic PRRSV and PCV2. Two factors could account for the high seroprevalence rates: the majority of individuals may have been vaccinated despite official claims from the origin facilities or exposed to PRRSV and PCV2. Preventing microbial infections is crucial for obtaining accurate and reproducible results. Conclusion: As the first investigation of microbial prevalence in minipigs, our findings indicate that minipigs raised in barrier facilities are not necessarily free from vaccines or infections. These results will significantly enhance the credibility of future biomedical research. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1017-1022]

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) irradiation's effect on the promotion of skin cancer, particularly its effect on DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and histological changes in Wistar rat skin. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were selected for this study and randomly divided into control, dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), and DMBA+NB-UVB groups. The rats were given a single dose of DMBA and exposed to NB-UVB 3 times a week for 10 weeks. The radiation dose started with 1 minimal erythema dose, which is equivalent to 3.192 J/cm². In the 11th week, analysis on cyclobutene pyrimidine dimer (CPD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB), inflammatory cytokines, and histopathology examination of the skin tissue was conducted. Results: Higher CPD, MDA, NFκB, tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-11, IL-10, and IL-12 levels in rats exposed to DMBA+NB-UVB for 10 weeks compared to control and DMBA groups. Macroscopic examination presented erythema, skin thickening, desquamation, ulcer, and crust. Histopathology examination showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, atypical keratinocytes,irregular arrangement of the basement membrane, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the DMBA+NB-UVB group. Conclusion: This research has shown that 10 weeks of a combination of DMBA and NB-UVB irradiation induced DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and histological changes in the Wistar rat skin. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1105-1113]

Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the prophylactic potential of EBN compared to EDTA in mitigating Cd's toxic effects on pregnancy rates and embryonic development in rats. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight female rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into donor and recipient groups, with donors further divided into seven subgroups, including negative control, Cd-exposed, EBN-treated, and EDTA-treated groups. Embryos from donors were transferred to recipient rats, with EBN and Cd administered for 4 weeks and EDTA given only in the last 5 days for the donor group. Results: Results showed significant differences in pregnancy rates and blastocyst quality. EBN at 120 mg/kg BW led to higher blastocyst production and better quality compared to Cd-exposed groups. The highest pregnancy rates in recipient groups correlated with the highest blastocyst scores from donors. Conclusion: EBN at 120 mg/kg demonstrated significant protection against Cd toxicity and its effect on pregnancy rates, embryo production, quality, and pre- and post-embryo transfer, sur¬passing the effects of both 90 mg/kg EBN and EDTA. This study provides empirical evidence in support of the conventional belief in the positive impact of EBN on female reproduction. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 944-953]