Objective: Coccidiosis is a protozoan infection that can result in hemorrhagic diarrhea, depres¬sion, weakness, weight loss, and even mortality in young animals. β-defensin-1 is an antimicro¬bial peptide produced largely by epithelial cells in the skin and mucosa. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate how β-defensin-1 levels changed in coccidiosis-infected calves. Materials and Methods: The sample included 10 coccidiosis-positive calves and 7 healthy calves, for a total of 17 calves of diverse breeds and older than 15 days. To assess the level of β-defen¬sin-1, blood samples were obtained from the vena jugularis of the animals. The concentrations of β-defensin-1 in the serum were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Although the serum β-defensin-1 level decreased in infected animals, the drop was not statistically significant when compared to the control group. Conclusion: According to the studys findings, there was no significant change in the serum β-de¬fensin-1 level in coccidiosis-infected calves. We believe that it will be advantageous to conduct additional studies with a larger sample size in order to acquire more precise results. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 494-500]

Objective: The avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 circulating in Indonesia has raised increasing concern about its impact on poultry and its public health risks. In this study, the H9N2 virus from chicken poultry farms in Java was isolated and characterized molecularly. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three pooled samples of chicken brain, cloacal swab, trachea, and oviduct were taken from multiple chickens infected with AIV in five regions of Java, Indonesia. The samples were isolated from specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs that were 9 days old. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to identify H9N2 viruses. Results: This study was successful in detecting and characterizing 13 H9N2 isolates. The sequencing analysis of hemagglutinin genes revealed a 96.9%98.8% similarity to the H9N2 AIV isolated from Vietnam in 2014 (A/muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM719/2014). According to the phylogenetic analysis, all recent H9N2 viruses were members of the lineage Y280 and clade h9.4.2.5. Nine of the H9N2 isolates studied showed PSKSSR↓GLF motifs at the cleavage site, while four had PSKSSR↓GLF. Notably, all contemporary viruses have leucine (L) at position 216 in the receptor-binding region, indicating that the virus can interact with a human-like receptor. Conclusion: This study described the features of recent H9N2 viruses spreading in Javas poultry industry. Additionally, H9N2 infection prevention and management must be implemented to avoid the occurrence of virus mutations in the Indonesian poultry industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 423-434]

Objectives: Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that begins immediately following tissue injury and continues until the wound is completely healed and remodeled. Applying the most effective burn repair techniques is a constant challenge in medicine. Antiulcerogenic and wound healing properties of Areca palm leaves have been validated through various investigations and animal studies. This study aimed to determine the potential for A. palm hydroalcoholic extract to heal burn wounds in rats. Materials and Methods: For 14 days, we examined 40 male Wistar albino rats in 5 groups: those receiving 1% silver sulfadiazine cream (reference standard), those receiving eucerin (positive control), and those receiving 5% and 10% ointments of Areca catechu hydroalcoholic extract (treatment groups). No treatment was given to the negative control group. On the dorsal part of the animals necks, burn wounds were made. After the rats were sacrificed, the wound contraction rate (WCR) was determined, and the wound sites were histopathologically examined. Results: On the 14th day, the WCR was significantly higher in rats treated with A. palm 10% extract ointment than in rats treated with 5% extract, positive or negative control groups (p < 0.001), or rats treated with silver sulphfadiazine (p = 0.01). After applying a 10% extract ointment to burn wound sites, complete healing occurred with only mild tissue inflammation and edema. Conclusion: The studys findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of A. palm L. has the abil¬ity to expedite the wound healing process. Additional research is necessary to identify the compounds responsible for their wound healing properties and comprehend their action mechanism. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 619-628]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pretreatment with medetomidine (Me), midazolam (Mi), and ketamine (Ke) on stress-related neurohormonal and metabolic responses in isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy and castration. Materials and Methods: We prospectively recruited 112 client-owned healthy mixed-breed cats. In both surgeries, we divided the cats into seven groups (eight cats per group): non-treatment (control), Me (50 μg/kg), Mi (0.5 mg/kg), Ke (5 mg/kg), Me + Mi, Me + Ke and Me + Mi + Ke administered intramuscularly. After pretreatments, we maintained anesthesia with isoflurane and oxygen. Venous blood was taken before pretreatment, pre- and post-operatively during anesthesia, and at early- and complete-recovery. Results: Both plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline were reduced during anesthesia in all groups. Plasma cortisol increased during anesthesia and at early recovery in non-Me-treated groups, whereas it decreased in Me-treated groups in both surgeries. Plasma insulin and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) decreased, and glucose increased during anesthesia in all groups, but hyperglycemia and decrease in NEFA were greater in Me-treated groups. Conclusions: In isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing surgeries, premedication with Me alone and in combination is useful for reducing the perioperative stress-related increase in cortisol and catecholamines except for hyperglycemia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 563-575]

Objective: To identify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that affect the backyard poul¬try system in the Savanna region, Department of Sucre, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 860 native birds, both hens (Gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), regardless of age and sex. Samples were processed using direct techniques with ZnSO4 and indirect methods such as modified Sloss. Data were presented as frequencies, and the nonparametric odds ratio test was used for two independent samples. Results: A total of 77.3% (665/860) of the birds were infected with one or more species of gas¬trointestinal parasites. Among the nematodes, Capillaria spp. (45.6%), Ascaridia galli (18.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.4%), Syngamus trachea (38.9%), Tetrameres spp. (25.2%), and Strongylus spp. (12.2%) were recorded. The cestodes were Choanotaenia infundibulum (22.6%), Davainea proglottina (42.3%), Raillietina spp. (58.3%), and Hymenolepis spp. (54.7%), while only Eimeria spp. (90%) was recorded as protozoa. Conclusions: The study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal parasite infestations, the most common species being Hymenolepis spp., Eimeria spp., Raillietina spp., and Heterakis gallinarum. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 606-611]

Objectives: The research was carried out on broilers to determine the efficacy of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces boulardii combined) supplementation on growth performances, nutrient retention (metabolizable energy, dry matter, and crude protein), and cecal microbiology (Bifidobacteria spp., Clostridium spp., and coliforms). Materials and Methods: A total of 160 broiler chicks (day-old) were selected and differentiated randomly into 4 groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) (40 × 4) comprising 40 birds in every single group. The control group (T0) was fed commercial broiler feed only and the other three groups, referred to as treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3), were treated with 1 gm ciprofloxacin, 1 gm probiotic, and 1 gm probiotic plus 0.5 gm enzyme, respectively, in per liter of fresh dietary water 8 h daily for 7 days in each phase. Experimental trials were divided into 2 phases, the starter phase from day 0 to 21 and the finisher phase from day 22 to 35. Results: Bodyweight gain and nutrient retention in experimental broiler birds in treatment groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Overall body weight gain and nutrient retention of broiler chicks in treatment groups T2 and T3 were better than T1. From day 22 to 35, cecal Clostridium and coliform bacterial load counts were significantly lower p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively, in T1, T2, and T3 treatments than T0. Overall, Clostridium and coliform bacterial counts in the birds of treatment group T2 were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than T0. Conclusion: The probiotics, in addition to enzyme supplementation, had suitable influence effects on growth performance of broilers, birds retention of nutrient, and microfloral count in birds cecum. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 534-539]

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and aluminum (Al) in raw bovine milk. Milk consumption was used to calculate the estimated weekly intake (EWI), provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) for individuals. Metal distribution in dairy products and byproducts was studied as a result of artisanal processing. Material and Methods: Seventy-five raw bovine milk samples were collected from artisanal producers in Alexandria city, West Delta, Egypt, and analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of artisanal dairy processing on metal distribution was studied. Results: The averages of Pb, Cd, and Al in milk samples were 45.06, 4.77, and 2.93 μg/l, with 13.33% and 1.33% of analyzed samples had Pb and Al levels higher than the permissible limits, respectively. The EWI values of Pb, Cd, and Al were 1.050, 0.111, and 0.068 μg/kg body weight, which contributed to about 4.20%, 1.59%, and 0.97% from the PTWI, respectively. The THQ of three metals was [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 454-464]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in goats in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in different goat-populated regions of Bangladesh from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 208 serum samples were randomly collected from goats in Jashore (n = 50), Jhenidah (n = 22), Tangail (n = 40), Savar (n = 46), Thakurgaon (n = 18), and Bandarban (n = 32) areas. The samples were subjected to determine the presence of antibodies against Brucella spp. by rose bengal plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Results: Overall, the seroprevalence of Brucellosis in goats was 4.33% (n = 9/208) by RBPT and 2.40% (n = 5/208) by c-ELISA. The seroprevalence of brucellosis on the basis of RBPT was 6% (buck: 0%, doe: 6%) in Jashore, 4.5% (buck: 0%, doe: 4.5%) in Jhenidah, 2.5% (buck: 0%, doe: 2.5%) in Tangail, 4.35% (buck: 0%, doe: 4.35%) in Savar, 6.25% (buck: 0%, doe: 6.25%) in Bandarban, and 5.56% (buck: 0%, doe: 5.56%) in Thakurgaon. On the other hand, the seroprevalence of brucel¬losis by c-ELISA was 4% (buck: 0%, doe: 4%) in Jashore, 4.5% (buck: 0%, doe: 4.5%) in Jhenidah, 3.13% (buck: 0%, doe: 3.13%) in Bandarban, and 5.56% (buck: 0%, doe: 5.56%) in Thakurgaon. Brucellosis was more prevalent (p > 0.001) in does aging 34 years. Conclusion: Goats from different areas of Bangladesh are caring antibodies against Brucella organisms. Further bacteriological investigations are necessary. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 123-128]

Objective: This research aims to study the target specificity of selective bioactive compounds in complexing with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (hACE2) receptor to impede the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 influx mechanism resulting in cardiac injury and depending on the receptors active site properties and quantum tunneling. Materials and Methods: A library of 120 phytochemical ligands was prepared, from which 5 were selected considering their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADMET) and quantitative structureactivity relationship (QSAR) profiles. The protein active sites and belong¬ing quantum tunnels were defined to conduct supramolecular docking of the aforementioned ligands. The hydrogen bond formation and hydrophobic interactions between the ligandrecep¬tor complexes were studied following the molecular docking steps. A comprehensive molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) was conducted for each of the ligandreceptor complexes to figure out the values root mean square deviation (RMSD) (Å), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) (Å), H-bonds, Cα, solvent accessible surface area (SASA) (Å2), molecular surface area (MolSA) (Å2), Rg (nm), and polar surface area (PSA) (Å). Finally, computational programming and algorithms were used to interpret the dynamic simulation outputs into their graphical quantitative forms. Results: ADMET and QSAR profiles revealed that the most active candidates from the library to be used were apigenin, isovitexin, piperolactam A, and quercetin as test ligands, whereas serpentine as the control. Based on the binding affinities of supramolecular docking and the parameters of molecular dynamic simulation, the strength of the test ligands can be classified as isovitexin > quercetin > piperolactam A > apigenin when complexed with the hACE2 receptor. Surprisingly, serpentine showed lower affinity (−8.6 kcal/mol) than that of isovitexin (−9.9 kcal/mol) and quer¬cetin (−8.9 kcal/mol). The MDS analysis revealed all ligands except isovitexin having a value lower than 2.5 Ǻ. All the test ligands exhibited acceptable fluctuation ranges of RMSD (Å), RMSF (Å), H-bonds, Cα, SASA (Å2), MolSA (Å2), Rg (nm), and PSA (Å) values. Conclusion: Considering each of the parameters of molecular optimization, docking, and dynamic simulation interventions, all of the test ligands can be suggested as potential targeted drugs in blocking the hACE2 receptor. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 540-556]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine and taurine on the motility and viability of chilled equine semen. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 ejaculates were collected from three mature stallions with proven fertility during the breeding season. The gel-free spermatic fraction of each ejaculate was divided into two aliquots and diluted with a semen extender (either INRA 96® or BotuSemen Gold®). The aliquots were then split and assigned to one of the six treatment groups: control (no supplement), caffeine (2 and 4 mM), taurine (25 and 50 mM), and a combination of caffeine (2 mM) plus taurine (25 mM). Samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed at different time points (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h) to evaluate total (TMOT) and progressive (PMOT) motility and viability by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Results: Regardless of the extender, PMOT and TMOT decreased over time. However, compared with the control, the treatment with 4 mM caffeine significantly mitigated the decrease in PMOT at 72 h. Additionally, semen treated with a combination of caffeine plus taurine maintained a significantly higher PMOT at 96 h, with improved viability at all time points. Conclusions: The combination of caffeine plus taurine helps maintain chilled equine semen viabil¬ity and progressive motility up to 96 h independently of the extender used. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 635-641]