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 present research was conducted to evaluate the negative effects of nicotine powder on the blood physiology, and biochemical and histological alterations of Labeo rohita. Materials and Methods: Fish were divided into four groups (1–4). Fish groups 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to different concentrations of nicotine, such as 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75 mg/l, while group 1 acted as a control. To find out the long-term impact of nicotine on body physiology, we conducted a 42-day experiment. After the completion of the experiment, hematology, biochemical assays, and histology were done. Results: Results revealed a considerable increase in HGB, red blood cells, WBCs, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width -SD, procalcitonin, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, globulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, BUN, creatinine, and blood glucose levels, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, RDW, platelet, high-density lipoprotein, albumin, total proteins, and T3 levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased in exposed fish as compared to control group fish. Histological alterations showed that exposure to smokeless nicotine causes deleterious and degenerative effects in the liver, kidney, and gills of exposed fish. Conclusion: Nicotine administration in fish results in adverse effects on different biochemical and hematological parameters and causes histological alterations in some vital organs of exposed fish. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 463-473]

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: The study aimed to assess the feasibility of incorporating food-grade zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) for making zinc-fortified meatballs from broiler meat. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 broiler breasts were treated with different concentrations of elemental zinc (Zn) of food-grade ZnSO₄ for making meatballs. The study included a control group without added Zn (T0: 0 mg/kg) and treatment groups with Zn concentrations of 10 mg/kg (T1), 20 mg/kg (T2), 30 mg/kg (T3), and 40 mg/kg (T4). Post-cooking, the meatball samples underwent preservation at −20°C for proximate composition, quality parameters, storage quality, texture, and sensory analysis. Results: Though the moisture content of meatballs did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), the T4 meatballs showed higher moisture percentages and significantly (p < 0.01) higher crude protein content compared to the control. However, a significant increase in cook yield (p < 0.01) and water-holding capacity (p < 0.05) were revealed by the T4 group. The T4 meatball recovered around 41.8% Zn. The malondialdehyde levels in all samples were acceptable when kept in the chiller for ten days. Moreover, the addition of varying doses of ZnSO4 did not result in a significant alteration (p > 0.05) in the hardness of the meatballs. The sensory panelists also validated the instrumental outcome of hardness. Conclusion: The addition of 40 mg/kg of elemental Zn from ZnSO4 improves nutritional composition and quality with no alteration of the texture and sensory properties of the meatball. This dose could be an effective strategy for fortifying chicken meat products and could offer a valuable source of dietary Zn for human consumption. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1130-1138]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the optimal doses of a flavonoid blend (FB) for enhancing cost-efficient production, digestibility, gut-beneficial microbiota, serum metabolites, and meat quality in broilers. Materials and Methods: For 35 days, 280-day-old chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly allocated to four groups, each containing 70 birds, with 5 replicates. Birds were given FB (gm/kg) at the levels of 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 in a basal diet (corn-soya-based) and designated as the control, 0.2 FB, 0.4 FB, and 0.6 FB groups, respectively. At 35 days, 15 birds from each group were slaughtered to analyze cecum microbiota, serum profiles, meat, and bone quality. Results: Compared with the control, birds given FB linearly showed better feed intake and overall performance, with the optimum results observed in 0.6 FB. Birds fed FB resulted in linear, quadratic, and cubic improvements in digestibility, with the 0.6 FB group presenting 12% more (p < 0.01) crude protein digestibility than the control. Birds offered either 0.4 FB or 0.6 FB increased (p < 0.01) the population of beneficial bacteria while reducing (p < 0.01) pathogenic bacteria in the cecum compared to the control. Birds fed 0.6 FB showed substantial improvements in beneficial serum metabolites and liver health, along with reduced bad cholesterol compared with the control. Although FB was unaffected (p > 0.05) by dressed yield, meat composition, lightness, or bone characteristics, the 0.6 FB group showed substantially (p < 0.01) more meat redness and bone ash percentage in broilers than in the control. Conclusions: Supplementing 0.6 gm FB/kg of diet improved growth performance, enhanced digestibility, increased beneficial gut microbiota and serum metabolites, and ameliorated meat quality in broilers. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 979-988]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the intron 2 region of the leptin (LEP) gene and the 5' untranslated region of the thyroglobulin (TG5) gene across four crossbred beef cattle populations, including Blanc Bleu Belge × Lai Brahman (BLB), Charolais × Lai Brahman (CLB), Droughtmaster × Lai Brahman (DLB), and Red Angus × Lai Brahman (RLB) raised in Central Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 tail hair root samples (50 per group) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The PCR-RFLP method was utilized to analyze the LEP and TG5 gene polymorphisms using the restriction enzymes Sau3AI and PsuI, respectively. Results: The SNPs of LEP/Sau3AI and TG5/PsuI were present in all populations, with a lower frequency of the LEPB allele compared to LEPA. The LEPAA genotype was most common, followed by LEPAB and LEPBB; notably, the LEPBB genotype was absent in the CLB group. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed for LEP/Sau3AI in the CLB and BLB populations. Conversely, the TG5CT genotype dominated all groups, with no individuals exhibiting the TG5TT genotype. None of the populations achieved Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for TG5/PsuI. The level of polymorphism was moderate for LEP/Sau3AI in RLB and BLB and for TG5/PsuI across all groups. Conclusion: The SNPs of LEP/Sau3AI and TG5/PsuI may serve as valuable tools for genomic selection. By focusing on increasing the frequency of the TG5T allele, breeding programs can more effectively enhance beef marbling and other important traits, leading to improved beef quality and greater economic outcomes in the cattle industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 989-995]

Objective: To investigate the effect of quail egg supplements enriched with marine macroalgae Eucheuma spinosum on body weight and physiological conditions of Sprague Dawley rats during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This study used a completely randomized experimental design. The test animals were 25 pregnant white rats aged 3 months and weighed ± 200 gm. Pregnant rats were divided into five treatments and five repetitions; each repetition contained one pregnant rat. T0: control treatment; T1: treatment group consuming quail eggs from quail fed commercial feed; T2: treatment group consuming quail eggs from quail fed with 3% E. spinosum; T3: treatment group consuming quail eggs from quail fed with 4% E. spinosum; T4: treatment group consuming quail eggs from quail fed with 5% E. spinosum. The parameters measured were egg proximate, egg iron, egg cholesterol, red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytes (LYM), neutrophils (NEUT), RBC distribution width (RDW), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: The addition of E. spinosum into quail feed at concentrations of 3%, 4%, and 5% did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the proximate levels (water, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrates) compared to the control. However, the analysis of iron in quail eggs indicated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control treatment. In addition, the supplementation of E. spinosum in the quail feed resulted in significantly reduced (p < 0.05) quail egg cholesterol levels when compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the supplementation of quail egg produced by quail fed with E. spinosum did not significantly affect the birth weight of the pups, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, LYM, NEUT, RDW, PDW, MPV, MDA, and SOD when compared to the control treatment (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, the mother weight, Hb, HCT, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and glucose levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Conclusion: The administration of E. spinosum with concentrations of 3%, 4%, and 5% can increase iron levels and decrease cholesterol levels in quail eggs. The administration of quail egg supplements produced by quail-fed additional macroalgae E. spinosum can increase body weight, Hb, and HCT in pregnant rats. The addition of marine macroalgae with concentrations of 4% and 5% can decrease the levels of cholesterol, LDL, and glucose and increase serum HDL levels in pregnant rats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1114-1121]

Objective: The present study looked at how electrolytes, hormones, and postpartum reproductive physiology were affected in black Bengal goats (BBGs) when they were fed a phthalate mixture (PHA). Materials and Methods: Twenty clinically healthy BBGs, 1–2 months pregnant, aged 6–8 months with a body weight of 10–12 kg, were chosen and randomly allocated to two experimental groups (n = 10 each). The BBGs of the treatment group (n = 10) were administered a standard ration containing a mixture of Diethyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate, Di-isobutyl Phthalate, and Dipropyl Phthalate. The non-treated control group (n = 10) received the goat ration without any phthalates up to parturition. Blood samples were taken from experimental pregnant goats just before parturition to analyze serum hormone and electrolyte levels. Results: The levels of sodium, chloride, and calcium were reduced (p < 0.05) in PHA-exposed goats than in the non-exposed control group. No significant difference was observed in potassium and phosphorus levels between the two groups. PHA-exposed goats showed significantly decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroxin compared to control goats (p < 0.05). Postpartum reproductive traits, such as gestation length, postpartum heat period, abortion rate, and retained placenta, were significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged in BBG that had been exposed to PHA. Conclusion: PHA plasticizer exposure during pregnancy affects the electrolytes, hormones, and postpartum reproductive physiology of BBGs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1051-1056]

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: The study was conducted to identify the molecular mechanism of the phenotype formation of Youzhou black sheep by histological cytology and transcriptomics. Materials and Methods: In this study, HE and IHC staining were used to explore the patterns and cytological differences in skin pigment deposition between Youzhou Dark goats and Banjiao goats. In addition, the DEGs related to the black skin phenotype were identified via transcriptomic analyses. Finally, the expression pattern of the agouti signal protein (ASIP) gene in the skin from individuals with different skin color phenotypes was verified by FISH. Results: The results showed that compared with that on the skin surface of Banjiao goats, melanin deposition on the skin surface of Youzhou Dark goats was abnormally increased. The transcriptomic analyses showed that the expression of the ASIP genes decreased significantly in Youzhou Dark goats. FISH confirmed that the expression of the ASIP gene in Youzhou Dark goats was significantly lower than that in Banjiao goats. Conclusion: The present study showed that a decrease in ASIP gene expression and an increase in melanin production are important factors associated with skin pigmentation in Youzhou Dark goats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(4.000): 1139-1148]