Iranian journal of veterinary research最新文献

Background: Using medicinal plants in broiler diets has been gaining attention as an alternative to synthetic additives due to their potential health benefits and lower risk of residue accumulation.

Aims: The present study primarily aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of herbal additives, specifically barberry (Berberis vulgaris), sumac (Rhus coriaria, L), symbiotic, and antibiotic on broiler chickens.

Methods: A total of 384 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to eight different dietary treatments, with six replicates per treatment. Experimental diets included control diet (CON), and other experimental groups were supplemented with 0.2 g/kg virginiamycin (VM), symbiotic (SS), 1 g/kg (B₁) and 2 g/kg (B₂) barberry seed powder, 1 g/kg (S₁) and 2 g/kg (S₂) sumac seed powder and 1 g/kg sumac seed powder + 1 g/kg barberry seed powder (B₁ + S₁).

Results: The study results indicated that body weight increased in birds fed with VM and SS-supplemented diets (P<0.05) during 1 to 42 days of age. All dietary treatments except CON increased the count of Lactobacillus spp. and decreased the number of coliforms versus at the end of the experiment (P<0.05). Antibody titers against Gambaro disease were higher in birds fed diets B2 and B1 + S1 (P<0.05). The results also indicated that the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower in the SS and B1 + S1 groups as compared with the control group.

Conclusion: A mix of sumac and barberry (1%) powdered seeds has the potential to improve performance, and disease responsiveness and intestinal microbiota in broiler.

Background: Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is one of the most economically important pathogens in sheep and goats. Fusion (F) and Hemagglutinin (H) proteins are the main immune-stimulating antigens.

Aims: The present study aimed to clone and express F and H genes in baculovirus, and evaluate the immunogenicity of recombinant proteins produced by sf9 cells in mice.

Methods: Amplified F and H genes (by RT-PCR using specific primers) were cloned into pFastBac Dual plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was transformed in DH10Bac host cells. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting was performed to control the recombinant protein, and a whole pure and specific recombinant protein was obtained.

Results: The immunogenicity of 20 μg of non-adjuvant recombinant proteins in Balb-c mice showed better results compared with the attenuated PPR vaccine.

Conclusion: The recombinant protein obtained from this study can be a suitable candidate for the production of recombinant vaccines against PPRV.

Background: Schistosomiasis, a zoonotic parasitic infection, poses significant challenges to the animal husbandry industry, leading to substantial economic losses. Despite its impact, there is limited data on the genotypes of Schistosoma (=Orientobilharzia) turkestanicum in Iran.

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of Schistosoma turkestanicum isolated from goats by analyzing the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene sequence in Lorestan province, located in Western Iran.

Methods: DNA extraction was performed on 20 male parasitic worms, and the mitochondrial Cox1 gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process, and sent for sequencing after purification by ethanol alcohol. The sequences were trimmed using CLC Main Workbench software. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the Neighbor-Joining method with 1000 bootstrap replicates in MEGA6 software to assess evolutionary relationships between the Cox1 gene sequence obtained in this study (GenBank accession No. PP627151) and various S. turkestanicum sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Additionally, this software was also used to plot the genetic distance matrix (nucleotide differences and similarities).

Results: Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the parasite isolated in this study was S. turkestanicum.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the S. turkestanicum lineage identified in this study is closely related to those found in Mazandaran province, Iran, as well as to African Schistosoma species.

Background: Pulse oximetry is a valuable tool for monitoring animals during anesthesia and assessing the adequacy of administered oxygen therapy.

Aims: To compare the pulse oximeter readings obtained by the Garmin Fenix 5X plus (GF5Xp) smartwatch and transmittance pulse oximetry (TPO) in anesthetized dogs.

Methods: Twelve clinical canine patients requiring anesthesia for castration were prospectively enrolled in this study. The animals were premedicated with intramuscular dexmedetomidine at a dose of 5 µg/kg. Anesthesia was induced through intravenous administration of propofol and maintained using sevoflurane. The arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) readings obtained from the tongue using TPO (238 readings) were compared with measurements taken over the lateral side of the tibia using a GF5Xp smart wearable device (238 readings). This comparison was performed using a Bland-Altman plot, where the differences (%) between the methods were plotted against their mean SpO₂ (Gold standard - Device), and the limits of agreement were represented as the mean ± 1.96 times the standard deviation.

Results: The SpO₂ levels in dogs were overestimated by the GF5Xp relative to the readings obtained by the TPO, with the bias of -0.3% (95% CI: -3.1%-2.5%).

Conclusion: GF5Xp may be interchangeable with TPO in dogs. Further studies are required to validate the accuracy of the GF5Xp in non-anesthetized dogs or dogs outside the physiological range.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a potential emerging and prevailing multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen involved in bovine endometritis.

Aims: Present research evaluated the prevalence and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and beta-lactam resistant S. aureus (BRSA) and also analyzed the associated risk factors with endometritis along with antibiotic resistance patterns.

Methods: A total of 384 uterine and vaginal fluid samples were collected from the adult dairy cattle and buffaloes showing the clinical signs of endometritis including foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever, enlarged and thickened uterine horns on rectal palpation, and confirmation by ultrasonography findings. The collected samples were subjected to standard microbiological methods for the detection of S. aureus. The confirmed isolates were further subjected to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test and the detection of the mecA and blaZ genes for the confirmation of MRSA and BRSA.

Results: Study found an overall prevalence of 17.96% for S. aureus from bovine endometritis cases. Among S. aureus isolates, 50.72% and 37.68% isolates were confirmed MRSA while BRSA was found as 36.23% and 18.84%, based on phenotypic and genotypic methods, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the possibility of pathogen transmission within and between livestock animals. Risk factor analysis showed that the breed of animal, visible discharge from vagina, lactation number, insemination procedure, and calving place showed significant (P<0.05) association with S. aureus-associated endometritis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of study isolates showed the resistance to various commonly used antibiotics.

Conclusion: The study concluded that S. aureus is found in 17.96% of bovines affected with endometritis and require further intensive research to elucidate the farm economic losses.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa plays a major influence on poultry outbreaks. Several factors may contribute to its pathogenicity.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of P. aeruginosa infection among layer chickens with phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates.

Methods: Samples (n=160) were collected from respiratory distressed layer chickens according to the lesion and bacteriologically examined for isolation of P. aeruginosa from Sharkia province, Egypt. The antimicrobial sensitivity was performed against 18 antimicrobial agents. A qualitative assessment of biofilm production was performed using the Tube method. The isolates were genetically examined for confirmation, detection of quorum sensing genes, virulence genes, and biofilm production genes by conventional PCR.

Results: P. aeruginosa was isolated from 25% of the samples. Moreover, 95% of the isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) with multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) of 0.67 to 0.83. A total of 38 isolates were able to produce biofilm with different degrees. PCR of 16S rRNA (P. aeruginosa) and oprL genes confirmed the existence of P. aeruginosa isolates. For quorum sensing genes, lasI and lasR were successfully amplified at 100% and 89.5%, respectively. For virulence genes, toxA and exoU were amplified by a percentage of 78.9%, while the higBA gene was in 100% of the isolates. pprA and pprB genes were amplified at 100% and 89.5%, respectively. For biofilm genes, pslA, fliC, and pelA were amplified in 100%, 84.2%, and 10.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: A strong correlation between quorum sensing genes, biofilm genes, and virulence genes was detected. Further, biofilm production increases the resistance of the isolates to antimicrobial agents.

Background: Incorporation of bentonite into the diets of ruminants can be helpful to maximize their performance. Modifying the structure of bentonite to nano and nanocomposite has improved their chemical stability and physicochemical properties, enhancing adsorption, absorption, and cation exchange capacity. Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of magnetic bentonite nanocomposite (MBNC) on in vivo and in vitro fermentation process patterns, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Baluchi male lambs.

Methods: Effects of control (basal diet), natural bentonite (NB) (10 g/kg dry matter (DM)), processed bentonite (PB) (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet), and MBNC (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet) on gas production (GP), and the fermentation process were determined using in vitro GP technique. For the in vivo experiment, 20 Baluchi male lambs were used with 4 experimental treatments: control, NB (5 g/kg DM), PB (5 g/kg DM), and MBNC (5 g/kg DM) and 5 replications in a completely randomized design for 60 consecutive days.

Results: The potential for GP and its fractional rates were significantly decreased and increased in MBNC, respectively (P<0.01). The lowest cumulative GP, and CH₄ yield were observed in MBNC (P<0.05). In vitro, DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility and all fermentation parameters increased with the addition of two levels of MBNC to the culture medium (P<0.01). Except for feed conversion ratio (FCR), other growth performance parameters increased with the addition of MBNC to the diet (P<0.01). The ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, and propionate significantly increased when MBNC incorporated to the diet (P<0.01). The NH₃-N (P<0.001) was significantly decreased in MBNC. The bentonite supplementation decreased acetate to propionate (P=0.001) compared to the control.

Conclusion: Adding MBNC at the 5 g/kg diet DM level can be used as a useful supplement to optimize rumen fermentation pattern, reduce methane production, and increase lamb performance.

Background: The photoperiod and other seasonal variations are the key factors that affect reproduction and production of the animals. The pineal gland secretes melatonin hormone that affects several physiological functions of the body during different seasons.

Aims: The present study was conducted to study the histoarchitectural and micrometrical changes in the pineal gland of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during different seasons of the year.

Methods: Pineal glands of 30 adult female Jaffarabadi buffaloes were collected from the slaughterhouse during the winter, summer, and rainy seasons. Samples were processed by standard histological procedures and stained with various stains for histological and micrometrical observations.

Results: The pinealocytes constituted a major cellular portion of pineal parenchyma. The pinealocyte nuclei were lightly stained and more euchromatic during the winter season whereas darkly stained and slightly heterochromatic during summer. The calcium deposits occupied a larger area of pineal parenchyma during the summer as compared to the winter season. The pinealocyte density, the nuclear diameter of pinealocytes, and the number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) were highest during the winter season as compared to the summer and rainy seasons.

Conclusion: The present study shows the influence of season on the histoarchitecture and histometry of the pineal gland of buffalo and indicated higher pineal activity during the winter season in this species.

Background: Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious enteric pathogen of puppies with worldwide distribution.

Aims: Molecular epidemiology, genetic characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and isolation of the CPV-2 virus from clinically affected dogs in Mizoram, India over eight years.

Methods: A total of 202 samples (199 fecal samples, 2 vomita, and 1 tissue sample) were screened by PCR assay.

Results: 103 out of 202 samples (50.99%) tested positive. Of the 103 positive samples, 83 samples were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis showed CPV-2c as the predominant variant (63.85%) followed by the 2a variant (26.5%), 2b (8.43%), and FPV (1.2%). Phylogenetic analyses of the CPV-2c sequences formed separate clusters and were ancestrally related to Japanese, Chinese, and Italian 2c sequences. Similarly, 2a isolates formed separate clusters under different clades and were ancestrally related to Indian, Singaporean, Japanese, Uruguayan, and Chinese 2a isolates. 2b isolates formed a single cluster with the Chinese 2b isolate. FPV isolate clustered with North American FPV. Both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations (unique to this study) were evident in all the types of CPV-2s indicative of active evolution with regional variation. In the cell culture medium, CPV-2 showed cytopathogenic effects at the third passage level.

Conclusion: The study, the first in-depth report on CPV-2, showed a shift towards CPV-2c as the predominant variant in Mizoram. This variant clustered separately from current vaccine strains, highlighting the need for extensive epidemiological surveillance to better understand viral phylogenomics and evaluate current vaccine efficacy.

Background: Given the abuse of broad-spectrum agents in the treatment of clinical bovine mastitis, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) have emerged to be of clinical and epidemiological significance.

Aims: The study aimed to identify CNS and Staphylococcus aureus in incurable clinical mastitis in 50 cattle and 90 buffaloes, determine antibiotic resistance profile, and biofilm-forming ability of CNS and S. aureus isolates.

Methods: 140 milk samples were collected from four villages in Sharkia, Egypt, for bacteriological isolation and molecular investigations.

Results: Forty-nine Staphylococcus isolates were identified, including 11 CNS and 38 coagulase-positive S. aureus. The most recorded CNS strains were S. epidemidis (3), S. simulans (2), S. hominis (2), S. chromogen (2), S. xylosus (1), and S. warneri (1). A 63.2% of S. aureus and 27.3% of CNS isolates showed the ability to form biofilm, which was confirmed by ica PCR. S. epidemidis and S. chromogen were extensively drug-resistant, and most S. aureus isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR). The proportion of methicillin-resistant was lower among S. aureus (84.2%), compared with CNS (90.9%).

Conclusion: CNS present a challenge due to their uprising resistance compared with S. aureus. The appearance of CNS-MDR strains carrying ica gene leads to treatment protocol failure on bovine farms and improper control of bovine mastitis.