Veterinary Research Forum最新文献

This study compared the effects of a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration at the time of insemination on the reproductive outcome of estrus-synchronized Mongolian ewes subjected to two artificial insemination methods during the breeding season. All females were treated with a polyurethane intravaginal sponge impregnated with 45.00 mg of flurogestone acetate for 12 days, followed by an intramuscular injection of 330 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin at sponge removal. In Experiment 1, 150 ewes were inseminated using a laparoscopic intrauterine artificial insemination method 48 hr after sponge removal. The ewes were randomly assigned to the hCG group which received 500 IU of hCG at the time of insemination, and the control group which received 1.00 mL of sterile saline solution. In Experiment 2, 85 ewes were inseminated twice at 48 and 60 hr after sponge removal using a cervical artificial insemination method. The ewes were randomly assigned to the hCG group, which received 500IU of hCG at the time of the first insemination and the control group which received 1.00 mL of sterile saline solution. The pregnancy rate in the control group was not significantly different compared to the hCG group in Experiment 1 and the pregnancy rate in the control group was significantly higher compared to the hCG group in Experiment 2. In conclusion, the administration of hCG at the time of insemination could not be recommended in ewes when implementing a fixed time artificial insemination protocol during the breeding season.

Infectious bronchitis, being caused by a coronavirus, is a significant disease affecting broiler and layer chickens, leading to substantial losses in the poultry industry due to the high mortality rates and decreased egg yield. Nearly 30 serotypes and 100 variants were described to date; developed vaccines are being for some severe cases, like the Massachusetts strain, to mitigate the effects. Determining the vaccinal strain's titer is crucial for creating an effective vaccine, and calculating the virus infectivity in the egg embryo is very important using dilutions ranging from 10^-3 to 10^-8, from each dilution 0.10 mL is used. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the avian bronchitis virus injected into the allantoic cavity of ten days old embryonated eggs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction tests determined the viral load in the allantoic fluid. The embryos were removed to study gross injuries. The trachea, lung, and mesonephros were removed and submitted for histopathological studies, and nuclear factor-kappa B immunofluorescence analysis. The results revealed that the dilution of one-thousandth of the virus in the embryos caused the highest organ damage and viral replication. Varying degrees of hyperemia, edema, cellular infiltration, and degeneration were observed in the trachea, lung, and mesonephros depending on the virus dilution. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the avian bronchitis virus, and has a potential impact on achieving an effective vaccine.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a newly identified virus belonging to the Orthobunyavirus genus, of the Bunyaviridae family, and transmitted by haematophagous arthropods in particular mosquitoes and biting midges of the Culicoides genus. The SBV is known to cause reproductive disorders in ruminants mainly abortions, stillbirths and congenital malformations (hydranencephaly and arthrogryposis syndromes). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of SBV in dairy cattle in Algeria. Between September 2023 and December 2023, blood serum samples from 300 dairy cows from 75 dairy farms in north eastern Algeria were tested for SBV antibodies using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Individual seroprevalence was 38.33% (115/300; 95.00% confidence interval: 32.83 - 43.83), while herd seroprevalence was 41.33% (31/75; 95.00% confidence interval: 30.18 - 52.47). In addition, the results of this study revealed that SBV seroprevalence at individual or herd level was high and not negligible confirming the presence of SBV in the regions studied in Algeria. In conclusion, more in-depth studies are recommended concerning the molecular proof, origin and pathogenesis of SBV in ruminants mainly those linked to reproductive disorders as well as the study of the various associated risk factors.

Infections causing diarrhea in cattle breeding pose a substantial threat to calf breeding and health, causing considerable economic losses worldwide, including in Türkiye. The primary causative agents of calf diarrhea include bovine group A rotavirus, bovine coronavirus (BCoV), Escherichia coli K99, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. The objective of this study was to diagnose the pathogens present in samples taken from calves exhibiting diarrhea symptoms in the Elaziğ province of Türkiye. The study material consisted of 85 fecal samples from calves up to 30 days of age with diarrhea symptoms and 42 small intestine samples from calves died as a result of diarrhea symptoms after necropsy. Following total RNA isolation from the samples, one-step duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was conducted to identify the bovine rotavirus (BRV) and BCoV. Our results indicated that 24 of the samples were positive for BRV, 13 were positive for BCoV, and 25 were positive for BRV and BCoV in the form of mixed infection. The immunochromatographic analysis revealed that three samples were positive for E. coli K99 antigens, 12 for Cryptosporidium spp. antigens, and 28 for Giardia spp. antigens. Our results indicate that one-step duplex RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunochromatography methods can be valuable tests to be used in routine diagnostic laboratories for the detection of pathogens associated with calf diarrhea.

Alectoris chukar (AC) is a common model organism in biological research. To understand oogenesis and folliculogenesis mechanisms in bird reproduction, we analyzed the ovarian tissue structure of AC at embryonic and pre-pubertal stages. Fertilized eggs, newborn chicks and juvenile AC were used to study the tissue structure of female gonads. Sections of ovaries were prepared and examined using various histological techniques including Hematoxylin and Eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome. Semi-thin and ultra-thin sections of ovary in newly-hatched chicks were prepared for study by electron microscope. The study revealed asymmetry between the left and right ovaries, with a larger left ovary. The functional left ovary exhibited a cortex and medulla, containing somatic and germ cells, with an increase in germ cell number, size and volume leading to cortex thickening. Meiosis division of germ cells and oocyte formation were observed with pre-follicular cells surrounding them. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondria and desmosome cell junctions in germ cells. Our study provided insights into tissue changes in ovaries and germ cells at different developmental stages of AC embryos, newly-hatched chicks and juvenile AC. The results suggested that cortex thickening and germ cell mitochondria density could be used as hallmarks of healthy AC maturity under normal physiological conditions. Further research should explore the impact of growth factors, hormones and environmental factors to unravel avian ovarian development complexities and improve AC reproductive biology knowledge.

Chemotherapy agents impose harmful side effects beside their therapeutic properties. This study aimed to uncover the ameliorative effects of thiamine (VitB1) on sperm characteristics and in vitro fertilizing ability in methotrexate (MTX) exposed mice. For this purpose, 36 apparently healthy adult male mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6), including control (0.10 mL normal saline per day; intraperitoneally [IP]), sham (10.00 mg kg^-1 per week MTX; IP), positive control group (100 mg kg^-1 per day VitB1; IP), and three experimental groups (25.00, 50.00, and 100 mg kg^-1 per day; IP VitB1 plus MTX, respectively; IP). Then, sperm parameters and the in vitro fertilizing potentials were assessed. The sperm count, motility, and viability in the sham group showed a significant decrease in comparison with the VitB1-treated and control groups. In the VitB1 100 mg kg^-1 + MTX group, there was a significant increase in sperm count in comparison with the sham group. The sperms with DNA damages and immature sperms in the sham group significantly increased in comparison with the positive control and control groups. In vitro fertilization and embryonic development in the sham group were decreased in comparison with both the control and VitB1 groups. In VitB1 50.00 mg kg^-1 and 100 mg kg^-1 + MTX groups, there was an increase in the fertilization rate, along with embryonic development promotion. According to the results of this study, thiamine ameliorates toxic effects of MTX on sperm traits and in vitro fertilizing potentials by constraining oxidative stress.

Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) is a rare condition in dogs, primarily caused by improper feeding and care practices. It involves the accumulation of triacylglycerols in hepatocytes due to various toxic factors and dietary carbohydrate deficiencies. This case report describes the clinical, hematological, and pathological findings of an abandoned 8-year-old dog suffering from hepatic lipidosis that was referred to an animal shelter. The dog was unconscious, immobile, depressed, and severely obese. Pronounced abdominal distension and icteric mucous membranes were immediately noticeable during the initial examination. A blood sample was collected, and the case was referred to a veterinary hospital for diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, before the referral could be completed, the dog suddenly died. Immediately following the death, a postmortem necropsy was performed to determine the cause. Necropsy revealed an extremely enlarged liver with a yellowish discoloration and abnormal kidneys with nodular lesions. Based on these findings, fatty liver was strongly suspected. Complete blood count and biochemical parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, were subsequently evaluated. Complete blood count results indicated leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and an increase in red cell distribution width. Biochemical analyses revealed hypertriglyceridemia and elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological examination confirmed severe fatty degeneration in the liver, alongside marked degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidneys. The findings of the present study contribute to the limited data on canine hepatic lipidosis and underscore the necessity of raising awareness about its clinical presentation, diagnostic markers, and histopathological characteristics.

Exposure to extreme temperature conditions such as occurs in certain occupations is known to induce male infertility. In humans and most of the mammals, it has been shown that whole-body heat stress (HS) decreases fertility and produces defective embryos. Hence, the present study aimed at gaining some insights into the mechanisms producing defects after HS. In the present study, 56 mature male Wistar rats were randomly categorized into eight groups (n = 7), including group 1: Control, groups 2: Bioactive peptides (BPs; 10.00 mg kg^-1), groups 3, 4, and 5: Heat-stressed (37.00, 39.00, and 43.00 ˚C for 20 min, respectively), and groups 6, 7, and 8: Heat-stressed along with BPs (10.00 mg kg^-1), respectively. All treatments were administered orally once per day. The HS was induced through the immersion of rat scrotums in a water bath. After 45 days, rats were sacrificed and left testes were removed, fixed, and used for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Harvested right testes were also used for oxidative stress assessments and molecular analyses. Heat stress increased testicular tissue damage, elevated oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, and increased germ cells apoptosis, p53 and caspase 3 expressions, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Treatment with BPs as a substance with anti-oxidant properties ameliorated the damage caused by HS. The results of this study highlight the protective role of BPs in the reproductive tract under HS. Bioactive peptides may have potential function against testicular tissue oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Phthalate esters, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), are extensively utilized and human and animal exposure leads to serious toxic effects, including hepatotoxicity. In the present study the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) on DBP-induced liver damage was investigated. A total number of 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 5): control (corn oil), DBP (500 mg kg^-1), RJ (200 mg kg¹), Quercetin (QCN; 50.00 mg kg^-1), RJ (100 mg kg^-1) + DBP, RJ (200 mg kg^-1) + DBP, RJ (300 mg kg^-1) + DBP, QCN (50.00 mg kg^-1) + DBP. After 28 days of daily oral gavage treatment, animals were euthanized. The insulin resistance index, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes were measured on the collected serum samples. Moreover, oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers were determined in the liver. Histopathological alterations and ultimately cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity was also assessed. Data obtained revealed that RJ significantly reduced the insulin resistance index and liver enzymes level in RJ-DBP groups. At the same time, RJ recovered the DBP-induced oxidative stress and restored the DBP-depleted glutathione. Moreover, RJ improved lipid profile and reduced significantly the DBP-induced hepatic CYP 2E1 activity in RJ-DBP groups. Dibutyl phthalate induced-hepatic damage such as necrosis of hepatocytes and scattered bleeding was alleviated in RJ-DBP group. Our data suggested that the administration of RJ could protect the DBP-induced hepatic functional and structural alterations. The RJ protective effects might be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and reduced CYP 2E1 activity.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common causes of osteoarthritis in dogs. Surgical stabilization is obligatory and tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is the most commonly used surgical technique. Studies on the long-term monitoring of matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) and acute-phase proteins are limited, especially those with parallel monitoring of changes in the serum, synovial fluid (SF) and urine. We aimed to describe long-term changes in 1) MMPs: gelatinases and caseinases, 2) APPs: ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and paraoxonase-1, and 3) the correlation of MMPs in the serum, SF and urine with lameness in dogs 2 and 6 months undergoing TPLO. From 17 dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, sera, SF and urine samples were collected preoperative 2 and 6 months after the surgery. Relative activity (RA) of MMPs was measured in all samples using zymography. Acute-phase proteins were measured in the serum and SF using spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Relative activity of MMPs in serum was not change at different sampling points. In SF, a marked decrease in MMPs RA was evident, however, only RA of caseinases was significantly reduced during the recovery period. In urine, RA of caseinases was positively correlated with the lameness score with decreasing activity trend during time. Serum and synovial acute-phase proteins were not changed after surgery, which was consistent with the agarose gel analyses. Decreased activity of caseinases pointed to reduced degradation of extracellular matrix after TPLO. Synovial and urine caseinases are potential biomarkers in predicting the recovery outcome following stifle stabilization.