Veterinary World最新文献

Background and aim: Climate change and global warming have intensified the challenges of heat stress (HS) in mammals, compromising thermoregulation, hydration, and physiological stability. Functional waters such as alkaline reduced water (ALKA), Zamzam water (ZMZM), and ozonated water (OZON) have been proposed to provide therapeutic and protective benefits. However, limited research has explored their roles in thermoregulation under chronic HS. This study investigated the effects of ALKA, ZMZM, and OZON on thermophysiology, serum metabolites, and intestinal morphology in Wistar rats exposed to variable thermal climates.

Materials and methods: Seventy male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 180-200 g) were randomized into five groups (n = 14): Control, distilled water (DIST), ALKA, ZMZM, and OZON. The experiment lasted 71 days, consisting of thermoneutral zone (TNZ; days 0-7), HS (32.3 ± 0.8°C; days 8-35), and a return to TNZ (days 36-71). Core body temperature (Tcore) was monitored using thermal microchips and loggers. Daily water intake, body weight, serum biochemical markers, and intestinal villi morphology were evaluated. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and general linear model procedures.

Results: HS induced hyperthermia and increased daily water intake by 69.2% across all groups. ZMZM significantly reduced Tcore, especially at night, and increased water intake during HS. OZON consumption elevated water intake during TNZ, reduced serum creatinine, and enhanced alkaline phosphatase levels, while both OZON and DIST groups exhibited elevated antidiuretic hormone levels. ALKA intake significantly reduced serum sodium+ and chloride- levels under post-HS TNZ. Histological analysis revealed that ZMZM markedly increased villus length, width, and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, indicating enhanced intestinal absorptive capacity.

Conclusion: ZMZM demonstrated superior thermoregulatory and intestinal benefits, supporting hydration, physiological recovery, and intestinal health during and after HS. OZON showed nephroprotective and metabolic modulation potential, while alkaline water contributed to electrolyte regulation. These findings highlight the potential of functional waters as supportive strategies against HS, warranting further translational studies in livestock and humans.

Background and aim: Blood transfusion in camels is hindered by poorly understood blood group systems, non-specific agglutinins, and a lack of standardized cross-matching protocols. Non-specific agglutinins, primarily immunoglobulin M (IgM), can lead to cross-reactivity, while complement components C3 and C5a impact transfusion outcomes and immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate age- and phenotype-related variations in non-specific agglutinins, C3, and C5a in camels to assess implications for transfusion compatibility and innate immunity.

Materials and methods: A total of 360 healthy male camels representing three phenotypes (black, yellow, and white) and four age groups (3-5, 5-8, 8-10, and >10 years) were sampled from slaughterhouses in Saudi Arabia. Serum agglutinin titers were determined using hemagglutination assays with heterologous red blood cells (RBCs). Heat inactivation (56°C, 30 min) and sheep RBC (SRBC) adsorption were applied to assess antibody specificity. C3 and C5a concentrations were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses employed analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test (p<0.05).

Results: Yellow camels exhibited the highest agglutinin titers (up to 1338.4 ± 119.3 against black RBCs), with significant age-related increases. White camels showed the lowest reactivity but demonstrated marked age-related increase in C3 (3.252 ± 0.578 to 4.829 ± 0.983 μg/mL) and C5a (2.776-3.525 μg/mL). Black camels displayed moderate complement levels, peaking in older animals. Heat inactivation and SRBC adsorption substantially reduced titers across all phenotypes, confirming IgM dominance. Age-related increases in agglutinins and complement components indicated immune maturation or cumulative antigen exposure.

Conclusion: Phenotypic and age-related immune differences significantly affect transfusion compatibility in camels. Yellow camels' high agglutinin activity poses greater transfusion risks, whereas white camels' lower reactivity and higher complement activity suggest potential as universal donors. Age-adjusted and phenotype-matched transfusion protocols, pre-transfusion heat inactivation, and monitoring C5a in older camels could enhance transfusion safety. This is the first comprehensive study linking camel phenotype and age to complement activation (C3 and C5a), providing a framework for improved transfusion practices and future genomic research into complement-related traits.

Background and aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing One Health threat driven by the excessive use of antimicrobials (AMs) in human and veterinary medicine. Recognizing this, the European Green Deal's Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy set a target to reduce veterinary AM sales by 50% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Understanding the performance of European Union (EU) Member States (MS) is critical to evaluate progress and identify gaps. This study assesses the performance of EU-27 MS in reducing veterinary AM sales during the progress period (2018-2022) and estimates their likelihood of achieving the 2030 reduction target.

Materials and methods: Data from the European Medicines Agency (European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption) and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans were analyzed. Indicators included AM sales (mg/population correction units [PCUs]), trends from 2018-2022, and national targets for CAP Strategic Plans result indicator R.43 ("Limiting antimicrobial use"). MS were grouped by performance level, strong, average, limited, or insufficient, using the zero unitarization method, and results were visualized with color-coded classifications.

Results: Between 2018 and 2022, AM sales for food-producing animals declined by 31% across the EU, with notable reductions in Portugal (-57%), Malta (-48%), France (-44%), and Latvia (-43%). However, sales increased in Poland (+7%) and Lithuania (+36%), and the largest absolute sales remained concentrated in Spain, Poland, Italy, and Germany (over 70% of total EU sales). PCU analyses revealed uneven intensity of AM use, with Spain and Poland showing high usage rates, while Germany and France demonstrated more efficient use. During the progress period, 20 MS were rated as strong contributors, while three MS showed limited contributions. For the target period (2023-2030), only six MS (e.g., Italy, Romania, Latvia, and Malta) are projected to maintain strong contributions, whereas seven MS, including Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark, are unlikely to achieve the target.

Conclusion: The EU-27 achieved substantial reductions in AM sales during 2018-2022, yet performance remains uneven across MS. While some countries have already met or are close to the 2030 target, others require accelerated policy interventions, veterinary stewardship, and stronger CAP alignment. Achieving the EU-wide 50% reduction by 2030 will depend heavily on high-consumption MS adopting best practices from leading countries.

Background and aim: Suture ligation is the standard technique for feline orchiectomy, but it requires surgical expertise and is time-consuming. Silicone rubber bands (SRBs), previously used in human procedures, offer a potential alternative. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of common veterinary sterilization methods on the mechanical integrity of SRBs and (2) compare the surgical outcomes of SRB versus suture ligation in feline orchiectomy.

Materials and methods: Twenty-eight: SRBs were randomly assigned to four sterilization groups: No sterilization (control), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, autoclaving, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma. Bands were tested for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation at break, and elastic modulus using a universal testing machine. Separately, 20 healthy male cats were randomly assigned to undergo orchiectomy using either SRB ligation (n = 10) or traditional suture ligation (n = 10). Surgical time, intraoperative/post-operative complications, Glasgow composite measure pain scale scores, wound healing, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were monitored for 10 days.

Results: Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization preserved SRB elasticity without significantly affecting UTS, while autoclaving and chlorhexidine treatment increased stiffness and reduced elongation at break (p < 0.05). SRB ligation significantly reduced surgical time (3.06 ± 0.32 min) compared to suture ligation (4.48 ± 0.62 min; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in post-operative pain scores, wound healing characteristics, or complication rates between groups (p > 0.05). Mild GI symptoms were observed in both groups but were not statistically different.

Conclusion: SRB ligation is a viable, time-efficient, and clinically comparable alternative to traditional suture ligation in feline orchiectomy. Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma is recommended for SRB sterilization due to its minimal impact on material integrity. This technique may be especially beneficial in high-volume or resource-limited settings, offering a safe, efficient approach to feline population control. Future research should evaluate the long-term biocompatibility and broader surgical applications of SRBs in veterinary practice.

Background and aim: Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria tenella, is a significant parasitic disease affecting poultry, resulting in severe intestinal damage and substantial economic losses. The increasing resistance to conventional anticoccidial drugs necessitates novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a pyrazole-modified chitosan Schiff base-iron nanocomposite (ChSB-FeNPs) and evaluate its prophylactic and therapeutic effects against E. tenella in experimentally infected broiler chickens.

Materials and methods: ChSB-FeNPs were synthesized by incorporating iron nanoparticles into a pyrazole-modified chitosan Schiff base matrix and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. Sixty broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six groups: Uninfected controls, prophylactic and therapeutic ChSB-FeNPs treatments, and a standard amprolium treat-ment. Birds were infected with E. tenella and monitored over 28 days. Clinical signs, survival, body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), oocyst counts, lesion scores, liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase), lipid profiles (low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein), and histopathological changes were assessed.

Results: ChSB-FeNPs-treated groups (both prophylactic and therapeutic) showed significantly reduced oocyst output, lesion scores, liver enzyme elevations, and histopathological damage compared to infected untreated controls. Prophylactic ChSB-FeNPs treatment notably improved body weight gain and FCR, with efficacy comparable to or exceeding that of amprolium. TEM confirmed the nanocomposite size (~39.5 nm), and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated safety at 0.133 μg/mL.

Conclusion: ChSB-FeNPs exhibited potent anticoccidial effects, offering both preventive and therapeutic benefits against E. tenella infection in broilers. This nanocomposite represents a promising, next-generation alternative to conventional anticoccidial drugs, warranting further investigation for large-scale application.

Background and aim: The small intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in poultry digestion and immune function. Rearing systems can influence their composition, thereby affecting the overall health and performance of the birds. This study aimed to investigate how rearing systems (intensive [IN] vs. free-range [FR]) and immune status, reflected by leukocyte profiles, influence the small intestinal microbiome of IPB-D3 chickens, a genetically improved Indonesian local breed.

Materials and methods: Ninety IPB-D3 chickens were reared for 12 weeks under either IN or FR systems. Hematological profiling was conducted to assess health status, with leukocyte counts used to stratify birds. Microbiota samples from the small intestine were analyzed using full-length 16S ribosomal RNA (V1-V9) sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore platform. Taxonomic identification was performed using the SILVA database. Statistical comparisons were made using t-tests, and microbial diversity was assessed through alpha and beta diversity metrics.

Results: While most hematological parameters did not differ significantly between rearing systems, total leukocyte counts were higher in intensively reared chickens (p = 0.002). FR chickens exhibited significantly greater microbial diversity (p < 0.05) across multiple alpha diversity indices. A total of 1,294 unique species were identified in FR birds versus 720 in the IN group, with 1,761 shared species. Leukocyte level further influenced microbial profiles; chickens with high leukocyte (HL) counts were dominated by Ligilactobacillus aviarius, whereas low-leukocyte chickens had a higher abundance of Bacteroides caecigallinarum. Gallibacterium anatis, a potential pathogen, dominated in IN systems with elevated leukocytes.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that both the rearing environment and immune status substantially influence small intestinal microbial composition in IPB-D3 chickens. FR systems promoted richer, more beneficial microbial communities, while IN systems, especially with HL levels, were associated with opportunistic pathogens. Leukocyte profiling may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for gut health, supporting future development of precision poultry management strategies and immune-responsive probiotics.

Background and aim: Ethical treatment of animals in scientific research is fundamental to ensuring data integrity and public trust. In Indonesia, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) plays a key role in ethical oversight, yet the extent of researchers' knowledge regarding its roles and animal welfare (AW) principles remains unclear. This study assessed the level of understanding (UN) of ethical clearance and AW practices among researchers at the Indonesian Centre for Animal Research and Development (ICARD), focusing on variations based on educational background and professional position.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 107 researchers from: ICARD was conducted using a structured digital questionnaire assessing knowledge across three domains: IACUC roles, ethical clearance procedures, and AW implementation. Participants were stratified by educational background (veterinary vs. non-veterinary [NV]) and professional position. Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis) were used to evaluate group differences, with post hoc Dunn's tests where applicable.

Results: Veterinary researchers showed significantly greater UN of AW implementation (p < 0.01) and marginally higher knowledge of ethical clearance procedures (p < 0.10) compared to non-veterinarians. While IACUC knowledge was high across both groups, no significant differences were found (p = 0.161). By researcher position, prospective researchers demonstrated the lowest comprehension of AW practices (mean rank = 32.30), while junior researchers and research professors had the highest levels (mean ranks = 62.06 and 62.31, respectively). Position-based differences in IACUC and ethical clearance UN were not statistically significant, but significant variation was found in AW implementation (p = 0.035).

Conclusion: This study reveals critical disparities in the UN of ethical clearance and AW among Indonesian researchers, particularly between veterinary and NV backgrounds and across researcher positions. Targeted ethics training, especially for early-career and NV researchers, is essential. Institutional policies should reinforce mandatory certification and continuous professional development to foster ethical research practices and enhance AW compliance.

Background and aim: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a globally distributed retrovirus that causes enzootic bovine leu-kosis, a chronic infection associated with significant economic losses in cattle. Conventional serological diagnostic tools such as agar gel immunodiffusion and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detect anti-BLV antibodies but cannot identify proviral DNA, especially in early infections or in calves with maternal antibodies. This study aimed to develop a sensitive and specific duplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay targeting the env gene of BLV with β-actin as an internal control and apply it for molecular surveillance and genotyping of BLV in cattle from six regions of Kazakhstan.

Materials and methods: A total of 1,680 bovine DNA samples from cattle aged over 3 years were collected from six administrative regions of Kazakhstan. A duplex qPCR assay was developed using primers targeting a conserved region of the BLV env gene and bovine β-actin. Sensitivity was assessed using plasmid and genomic DNA dilutions, and specificity was tested against existing WOAH-recommended and commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols. Positive samples with cycle threshold <28 were subjected to nested PCR and Sanger sequencing for genotyping. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the maximum likelihood method.

Results: The developed qPCR assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 20 plasmid copies for the env gene and 6 genomic equivalents for β-actin per reaction, with high specificity comparable to international standards. The overall BLV infection rate was 38.9%, ranging from 13% in Pavlodar to 60.5% in East Kazakhstan. Among 149 sequenced positive samples, four genotypes (G1, G4, G7, and G8) were identified. Genotype G4 was predominant, comprising 79.2% of sequences and present in all six regions.

Conclusion: The duplex qPCR assay is a robust, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for detecting BLV provirus, including in animals with maternal antibodies or early-stage infections. The regional genotypic distribution underscores the need for tailored control strategies. This molecular surveillance provides essential baseline data for national BLV eradication programs and contributes to global BLV epidemiological mapping.

Background and aim: Biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens represent a significant threat to public health by enhancing microbial survival and facilitating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Iraq, data on the biofilm-producing potential of key meat-borne pathogens remain scarce, particularly for fastidious organisms such as Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Salmonella serovars. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of biofilm formation in selected meat-borne bacterial isolates and examined their correlation with phenotypic AMR, focusing on moderate to strong biofilm producers.

Materials and methods: A total of 44 bacterial isolates - including Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium - were recovered from retail meat samples collected between 2018 and 2023 in Wasit, Iraq. Biofilm-forming ability was quantified using microtiter plate assays and interpreted per Stepanovic's criteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed through the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with resistance patterns statistically analyzed for associations with biofilm strength.

Results: Among all isolates, 25% were strong and 40.91% moderate biofilm producers. Salmonella serotypes showed the highest biofilm strength (100%), followed by C. jejuni (75%) and MRSA (57.14%). A significant correlation (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between biofilm production and resistance to vancomycin, ofloxacin, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, and cefoxitin. Gram-negative isolates with strong to moderate biofilm capacity exhibited resistance rates ranging from 61.90% to 95.24%, while Gram-positive MRSA showed higher resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides.

Conclusion: Biofilm production significantly contributes to increase AMR among meat-borne pathogens, compromising food safety and treatment efficacy. Enhanced surveillance, targeted biofilm control strategies, and molecular studies are crucial to mitigate the rising threat of biofilm-associated AMR in the food chain.

Background and aim: Negative energy balance (NEB) is a common metabolic disorder in postpartum dairy cows that compromises milk yield, metabolic health, and reproductive function. Sustainable nutritional interventions are essential to mitigate NEB without increasing production costs. This study evaluated the effect of a legume-based green concentrate (GC) containing Gliricidia sepium and Indigofera zollingeriana on performance, hormonal profiles, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels in Holstein Friesian (HF) cows experiencing NEB.

Materials and methods: Eighteen postpartum HF cows diagnosed with NEB (BHB > 1.5 mmol/L) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (n = 6): Commercial concentrate (CON), GC with 20% legume inclusion (GC20), and GC with 30% legume inclusion (GC30). All cows received concentrate at 3% body weight (dry matter basis) alongside elephant grass for 60 days postpartum. Parameters evaluated included milk yield, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), body condition score, daily profit, milk composition, and concentrations of BHB, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), estrogen, and prolactin.

Results: GC30 significantly improved milk yield (15.88 kg/d), FCE (1.10), and daily profit (United States Dollars 10.99/d), while reducing feed costs and BHB levels in blood (0.91 mmol/L) and milk (0.43 mmol/L) compared to CON (p < 0.05). GC30 also elevated IGF-1 (50.27 ng/mL) and estrogen (104.36 ng/mL), indicating enhanced reproductive readiness. In vitro digestibility and rumen fermentation metrics were also superior in GC-supplemented diets, particularly GC30. No adverse effects were observed on prolactin levels or milk protein and lactose content.

Conclusion: Feeding GC, especially GC30, effectively mitigates NEB, enhances productivity, improves hormonal balance, and increases economic returns in postpartum HF cows. This sustainable and cost-effective feeding strategy is suitable for smallholder farmers and supports animal welfare and farm profitability. Future research should explore the effects of long-term GC supplementation and its environmental implications.