Veterinary World最新文献

Background and aim: Rabbits are increasingly valued in tropical livestock systems for their efficient feed conversion, high-quality meat, and adaptability to small-to-medium scale farming. Genetic selection using molecular markers, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes, offers a powerful tool to enhance carcass yield and meat quality. The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene, a regulator of energy balance and feed intake, has been associated with growth and carcass traits in various livestock but remains underexplored in tropical rabbit production systems. This study aimed to investigate the association between MC4R SNPs and economically important carcass traits in three commercial rabbit breeds, New Zealand White (NZW), Hyla, and Hycole, raised under tropical conditions in Indonesia.

Materials and methods: Thirty-five male rabbits (10 NZW, 11 Hyla, 14 Hycole; aged 3-4 months) were selected from 621 bucks. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and a 127-base pair MC4R fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced for SNP detection. Carcass traits measured included hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, reference weight, carcass percentage, meat-to-bone ratio, and five commercial cut points (CP1-CP5). Association analysis between MC4R genotypes (AA, AG, GG) and carcass traits was performed using a general linear model, considering breed and genotype × breed interactions.

Results: An SNP at position 519 (G>A) produced three genotypes. GG-genotype rabbits exhibited the highest carcass percentage (57.0%) and superior CP2 weight (0.12 ± 0.03 kg) and percentage (10.67 ± 1.53%), with significant genotype effects (p < 0.05) for CP2 weight and CP1 percentage. Breed effects were significant for carcass percentage and CP1 percentage (p < 0.05), while genotype × breed interactions significantly influenced CP2 traits (p < 0.01). The G allele showed a positive association with forequarter meat yield, suggesting its utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Conclusions: MC4R polymorphism at position 519 is significantly associated with key carcass traits in commercial rabbits under tropical conditions. The GG genotype is linked to improved carcass yield, particularly in CP2 traits, although effects vary by breed. Incorporating this SNP into MAS programs can enhance meat production efficiency and carcass quality in tropical rabbit breeding.

Background and aim: Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) has long been valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. C. sativum essential oil (CsEO), particularly linalool-rich chemotypes, exhibits diverse biological activities; however, integrated evaluations encompassing neurological, inflammatory, and molecular targets remain limited. This study aimed to chemically characterize Peruvian CsEO and assess its anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, alongside those of pure linalool, while elucidating potential mechanisms through cytokine modulation and molecular docking of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.

Materials and methods: CsEO was extracted from Peruvian coriander seeds through steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was quantified using the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Anticonvulsant effects were tested in BALB/c mice using the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, analgesic activity through the acetic acid-induced writhing test, and anti-inflammatory effects in Holtzman rats using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular docking evaluated linalool's binding affinity to COX-1 and COX-2 relative to standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Results: GC-MS identified linalool as the major constituent (59.80%), alongside α-pinene (8.65%), camphor (8.48%), and γ-terpinene (7.09%). CsEO demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC₅₀] = 32.04 μg/mL), exceeding that of linalool alone (IC₅₀ = 152.29 μg/mL). Significant anticonvulsant effects occurred at 200 mg/kg for both CsEO and linalool, increasing seizure latency by up to 87.20% and reducing seizure frequency by ~43%. In analgesic assays, linalool (200 mg/kg) achieved a 93.80% writhing reduction, comparable to tramadol, while CsEO showed strong but slightly lower efficacy. CsEO (200 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan-induced edema by 51.35% at 4 h, reduced IL-1β by 49.8%, and IL-6 by 26.5%, effects comparable to ibuprofen. Docking revealed moderate linalool affinity for COX-1 (-5.70 kcal/mol) and COX-2 (-6.10 kcal/mol), sharing key hydrophobic interactions with reference drugs.

Conclusion: Peruvian CsEO, characterized by a distinctive linalool-rich chemotype, exhibits significant multi-target pharmacological activities, with synergistic contributions from minor constituents enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Its integrated efficacy profile and favorable safety indicators highlight CsEO as a promising phytotherapeutic candidate for managing seizures, pain, and inflammation. Further studies should explore chronic models, pharmacokinetics, and formulation strategies to optimize

Background and aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains a significant zoonotic and economic threat globally. Despite the long-standing use of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, its inconsistent efficacy and interference with surveillance tests underscore the need for alternative approaches. This study evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of a novel influenza vector-based vaccine expressing M. bovis antigens ESAT-6 and TB10.4, formulated with or without an adjuvant.

Materials and methods: Recombinant influenza A viruses expressing ESAT-6 and TB10.4 were constructed using reverse genetics and incorporated into vaccine formulations. Guinea pigs and calves were immunized with adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted formulations, followed by challenge with a virulent M. bovis strain. Safety was assessed through clinical observation and histopathology. Immune responses were monitored using interferon-gamma (IFNγ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and protection was evaluated through organ damage indices, bacterial load, and survival rates over a 12-month period.

Results: Both formulations were safe and well-tolerated in guinea pigs and calves, with no adverse clinical signs. The non-adjuvanted vaccine induced the highest and most sustained IFNγ response, peaking between 2 and 5 months post-vaccination. In guinea pigs, the protection index reached +0.60 lg in the non-adjuvanted group versus +0.2 lg in the adjuvanted group. In calves, lung bacterial load was reduced to 1.83-1.93 lg colony-forming unit (CFU) in vaccinated animals compared with 5.8 lg CFU in unvaccinated controls. Histopathological examination confirmed minimal tissue damage in the vaccinated groups. Both vaccine formulations demonstrated protective efficacy equivalent to or better than BCG, with the non-adjuvanted version showing superior performance.

Conclusion: This novel influenza vector-based vaccine expressing ESAT-6 and TB10.4 antigens elicits strong, long-lasting cellular immunity and provides significant protection against M. bovis infection in guinea pigs and calves. The adjuvant-free formulation demonstrated higher immunogenicity, simplified production, and minimal adverse reactions, positioning it as a promising alternative to BCG for bTB control in livestock.

Background and aim: The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production enhances growth and prevents disease but contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and food contamination through residual accumulation in animal-derived products. Limited national-level data exist for Kazakhstan, where livestock farming is a major agricultural sector. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic residues in meat and feed samples collected from across Kazakhstan and assess their implications for public health and food safety.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2023 and March 2025 across 14 regions of Kazakhstan. A total of 1,026 meat samples (beef, horse, chicken, lamb, and pork) and 150 feed samples (succulent, coarse, concentrated) were collected from licensed facilities. Samples were processed under standard protocols and analyzed using the Evidence Investigator biochip system (Randox, UK), employing Antimicrobial Array I Ultra and Antimicrobial Array II Plus panels. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance, were performed using International Business Machine Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Residual antibiotics were detected in all categories of meat and feed, with several concentrations exceeding permissible limits. Succulent feeds showed the highest contamination (streptomycin 86.43 ppb; quinolones 35.56 ppb). Among meats, chicken contained the highest residue levels (quinolones up to 91.97 ppb; streptomycin up to 492.00 ppb), followed by beef (sulfadimethoxine 18.26 ppb; dapsone up to 285.14 ppb). Statistically significant differences were observed among meat types for quinolones (p = 0.000), ceftiofur (p = 0.000), thiamphenicol (p = 0.003), tylosin (p = 0.000), and tetracyclines (p = 0.005). Streptomycin levels varied widely but were not statistically significant (p = 0.072).

Conclusion: The findings highlight uncontrolled antibiotic use in Kazakhstan's livestock sector, particularly in poultry farming. The presence of elevated antibiotic residues in meat and feed underscores urgent food safety concerns and the potential acceleration of AMR. Strengthened regulatory oversight, strict adherence to drug withdrawal periods, and adoption of sustainable alternatives such as probiotics and phytogenic feed additives are crucial. Establishing a national monitoring program and expanding laboratory surveillance capacity are essential steps to safeguard public health and promote safe, sustainable livestock production.

Background and aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) remains a pervasive and economically significant disease in the dairy industry worldwide. In Indonesia, its prevalence has been amplified by poor management and environmental conditions, with incidence further exacerbated by the 2022-2023 foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. This study aimed to investigate the hematological and blood mineral profiles of dairy cows with varying severities of SCM in West Java, thereby identifying disease-associated alterations that may improve detection and management strategies.

Materials and methods: A total of 155 blood samples and 620 milk samples were collected from Holstein-Friesian dairy cows across five high-density dairy regions in West Java between July and November 2024. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined using the Breed method and cows were categorized into three groups: Group A (0-100 × 10³ cells/mL), group B (100-400 × 10³ cells/mL), and group C (>400 × 10³ cells/mL). Hematological profiles were assessed using an automated analyzer, while serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation tests.

Results: Elevated SCC was associated with significant increases in total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes (p < 0.05), with a higher prevalence of leukocytosis (26.23%), neutrophilia (15.15%), and lymphocytosis (21.88%) observed in group C cows. Blood Ca levels increased significantly with SCC (r = 0.31, p < 0.01), despite overall hypocalcemia being widespread (44.78%-73.81%). Erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit showed declining trends with rising SCC, though not statistically significant. No significant correlation was observed between SCC and P levels.

Conclusion: Increased leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and Ca levels are strongly linked to elevated SCC in SCM. These blood-based parameters, particularly leukocyte and Ca profiles, show promise as alternative diagnostic indicators under low-resource conditions where SCC testing is limited. This study presents one of the most comprehensive datasets on post-FMD SCM in Indonesian dairy herds, highlighting the potential for developing low-cost diagnostic markers to enhance early detection and improve herd management.

Reproductive problems such as infertility, endometritis, and ovarian cysts are major causes of economic loss in cattle. Traditional treatments, including antibiotics and hormonal therapies, often show limited effectiveness and raise concerns about resistance and animal health. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising alternative because of their ability to regenerate tissues, modulate immune responses, and improve reproductive function. This review summarizes recent studies and consolidates emerging preclinical and clinical insights into MSC-based reproductive therapy in cattle. MSCs help repair ovarian and uterine tissues by migrating to damaged areas, reducing inflammation, releasing growth factors, and protecting against oxidative stress. Different methods of therapy, such as intrauterine infusion, intravenous delivery, and intraovarian injection, have been tested with encouraging results. For example, MSC therapy has improved pregnancy rates in cattle with endometritis and restored ovarian activity in animals with cystic ovaries. In addition to cell-based therapies, MSC-derived secretomes and exosomes demonstrate strong potential as cell-free approaches, offering regenerative effects with reduced risks. Despite these advances, challenges remain in translating MSC therapy to clinical practice. Variability in outcomes, technical expertise required for administration, and regulatory approval are major barriers. More studies are needed to standardize treatment protocols, evaluate long-term safety, and develop cost-effective strategies. Overall, MSC therapy represents a novel and sustainable approach for improving cattle fertility and herd productivity, offering an important step forward in veterinary reproductive biotechnology.

Background and aim: Gamma-oryzanol, a bioactive compound derived from rice bran, is recognized for its antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties. This study evaluated the effects of dietary gamma-oryzanol supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, blood health, and follicular development in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica).

Materials and methods: A total of 216 12-week-old laying quails were randomly assigned to six groups receiving -gamma-oryzanol at 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 g/kg of diet for 7 weeks. Feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio, egg quality traits, hematological and biochemical parameters, and ovarian follicular characteristics were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's post hoc test.

Results: Gamma-oryzanol at 0.2 g/kg significantly increased egg production (98.69%) compared to the control (86.80%). Supplementation at 0.3-0.5 g/kg improved eggshell thickness and yolk index (p < 0.05). Red blood cell counts were significantly higher at 0.4 g/kg, indicating enhanced erythropoiesis. Other hematological and biochemical parameters remained unchanged. A significant increase in small white follicle count and F3 follicle diameter was observed at 0.5 g/kg, indicating improved follicular development.

Conclusion: Gamma-oryzanol supplementation at 0.2-0.5 g/kg enhanced laying performance, egg quality, and ovarian follicle development without adverse hematological or biochemical effects. The compound shows potential as a safe and functional feed additive to support productivity and reproductive efficiency in commercial quail production.

Background and aim: Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) production is vital for food security in Andean countries and increasingly relevant in parts of Africa. Optimizing nutrient utilization is critical to enhance productivity, farmer income, and sustainability. This study employed a multivariate approach to evaluate crude protein and energy digestibility and metabolism in Peruvian guinea pigs under different feeding regimens (maintenance, restricted, and ad libitum) at various ages.

Materials and methods: Forty-two male guinea pigs were housed individually in metabolic cages and fed a pelleted diet formulated according to the National Research Council (1995) recommendations. Digestibility and metabolism trials were conducted at 52, 90, and 145 days of age across three feeding levels. Variables including dry matter intake (DMI), gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy, metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein intake (CPI), and retained protein (RP) were measured. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering to identify intake-efficiency patterns.

Results: DMI, GEI, and CPI increased significantly with age and feeding level, strongly correlating with body weight (r > 0.7). Protein retention efficiency (RP/CPI) was highest at maintenance feeding (83.5%) but declined to 73.6% in ad libitum-fed animals at 145 days, indicating protein catabolism when intake exceeded requirements. In contrast, energy metabolizability (ME/GE) peaked under ad libitum feeding (79.5% at 90 days). PCA revealed that PC1 (48.5% variance) was associated with intake and growth, whereas PC2 (18.1%) was linked to metabolic efficiency of protein and energy. Cluster analysis distinguished three groups by feeding level and age, confirming that higher intake reduced protein utilization efficiency despite supporting faster growth.

Conclusion: Multivariate analysis demonstrated that while ad libitum feeding maximized growth and energy metabolizability, it reduced protein retention efficiency, emphasizing the need for balanced protein-energy ratios tailored to the physiological stage. These findings provide a framework for designing age- and intake-specific feeding strategies to enhance nutrient efficiency, meat production, and sustainability in guinea pig systems.

Background and aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease affecting cloven-hoofed livestock, with significant economic and trade implications. Armenia lies within the West Eurasia and Middle East epidemiological pool, where serotypes O, A, Asia-1, and occasionally SAT-2 circulate. Despite decades of control efforts, the historical epidemiology of FMD in Armenia has not been comprehensively documented. This study aimed to conduct a 65-year retrospective analysis of FMD in Armenia to characterize serotype distribution, outbreak patterns, vaccination strategies, and diagnostic advancements, and to identify priorities for progression in the progressive control pathway (PCP-FMD).

Materials and methods: Data from 1958 to 2023 were compiled from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) agricultural archives, national veterinary records, World Organization for Animal Health/World Reference Laboratory for FMD reports, and peer-reviewed literature. Serotype identification, outbreak frequency, and species involvement were analyzed using descriptive statistics, heatmaps, and geographic information system (GIS) mapping. Diagnostic evolution from complement fixation testing to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and viral protein 1 (VP1) sequencing was documented. Vaccination protocols were traced from early monovalent campaigns to current polyvalent strategies.

Results: Between 1958 and 2023, Armenia recorded over 1 million FMD cases, with peaks in 1966 (591,820 cases) and 1973 (471,263 cases). Serotypes O, A, Asia-1, and SAT-1 were detected, with serotype O predominating. Outbreaks declined significantly after the 1980s, coinciding with mass vaccination, improved diagnostics, and targeted biosecurity measures. Notable milestones included integration of the A/Armenia/98 strain into vaccines (1999) and adoption of polyvalent vaccines containing the A/ASIA/G-VII lineage (2016). No outbreaks have been reported since 2016.

Conclusion: Armenia's sustained control of FMD reflects adaptive vaccination strategies, early serotype detection, and regional cooperation. Progression from PCP-FMD Stage 2 to Stage 3 will require enhanced vaccination coverage, expanded surveillance, and strengthened veterinary infrastructure. Historical lessons from Armenia's control strategies may inform FMD management in similar transboundary risk zones.

Background and aim: Sperm morphometry is a vital indicator of fertility, yet male germ cells are highly vulnerable to environmental toxins such as heavy metals. Dromedary camels (DCs) are frequently exposed to penile and preputial pathologies, conditions that can impair semen quality. This study aimed to assess epididymal sperm morphometric characteristics in camels with genital lesions and to explore their associations with concentrations of aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb).

Materials and methods: Sixty adult male DCs (8-10 years, n = 10/group) were classified into six groups: injury-free, balanoposthitis, penile trauma, prolapsed prepuce, phimosis, and penile tumors. Blood samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Epididymal spermatozoa (caput, corpus, cauda) were evaluated for sperm length (SL), sperm head length (SHL), sperm head width (SHW), sperm head length-to-width ratio (SHL/W), and sperm tail length. Sperm abnormalities were categorized into proximal/distal cytoplasmic droplets and tail defects. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and correlation statistics.

Results: Sperm morphometrics varied significantly with pathological status. Camels with penile and preputial disorders exhibited increased SHW in caudal spermatozoa, while SHL and SHW were reduced in caput spermatozoa (p < 0.01). The phimosis group showed fewer abnormalities and lower total abnormal sperm, whereas the penile tumor group had elevated proximal and distal defects and the highest abnormality rate. Heavy metal analysis revealed significantly increased Zn and Ni concentrations in the penile tumor group, while Mo and Pb levels showed no significant differences. Correlation analysis indicated strong associations of Al and Zn with SHW and SHL/W in caudal spermatozoa, and Ni with SHL, SHW, and SHL/W in corpus spermatozoa (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Epididymal sperm morphometrics are influenced by penile and preputial pathologies and are significantly associated with Al, Zn, and Ni concentrations. These findings highlight the potential role of heavy metal accumulation in camel reproductive dysfunction and emphasize the need for monitoring environmental exposure in breeding regions.