Veterinary Research Forum最新文献

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.

Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction is an important feature of aged heart. However, there is still no potent agent to ameliorate cardiac function abnormalities in aged hosts. Olive oil (OLO), containing monounsaturated fatty acids, has diverse protective effects on the cardiovascular system, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive effects. We evaluated the beneficial impacts of OLO against aging-related cardiac dysfunction. Wistar rats were randomly allotted into three groups with eight rats, including control, aged rats receiving D-galactose (D-GAL), and aged rats administrated with D-galactose plus OLO (D-GAL + OLO). Aged animals were received D-GAL at a dose of 150.00 mg kg^-1 daily through intra-peritoneal injection for aging induction. The animals in D-GAL + OLO group were co-administrated with oral OLO at a dose of 1.00 mL kg^-1 by gavage feeding daily. The administration term was eight weeks. A histological examination of heart tissue was performed. The heart tissues were also harvested to assay the oxidative stress and molecular parameters. The aged animals showed cardiac hypertrophy, increased malondialdehyde level and Bax expression, and reduced mitofusin 2, phosphatase and tensin homologue-induced putative kinase 1, dynamin-related protein 1, and Bcl2 expressions in comparison with the control animals. The OLO treatment ameliorated all these parameters. Overall, OLO could improve cardiac aging through reducing oxidative stress, enhancing genes mediated mitophagy, and improving genes mediated apoptosis in the heart.

All fresh poultry eggs differ greatly in chemical components. Many chemicals have been investigated in this field, but the presence of differences in odor components between species has not yet been investigated. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the volatile compounds of the eight different poultry species eggs and the differences among them. In this context, 180 eggs (20 from each species) were purchased from different farms, and the volatile compounds of raw eggs were determined by the solid phase micro-extraction method. Following the analysis, 41 volatile compounds and 12 organic groups were identified. The variety and ratios of these compounds varied among the species, with pigeon eggs containing the greatest number of compounds (19 compounds) and quail, partridge, and pheasant eggs containing the lowest numbers (seven compounds). Acetamide, 2-fluoro-, and D-limonene compounds were found in every species of eggs. The other species eggs did not contain any of the 10 volatile chemicals detected in pigeon eggs, eight in chicken eggs, and one in quail eggs. It was discovered that the eggs volatile compounds counts and chemical profiles varied, indicating differences in their tastes, smells, and aromas. The volatile chemicals found in this study may be species-specific and can be used as indicators to identify which eggs belong to which species.

Significant advancements in imaging and surgical methodologies have led to more frequent performance of neurosurgical procedures such as laminectomy in both animal and human patients. Epidural fibrosis (EF) is defined as the excessive formation of scar tissue in the epidural space after lumbar laminectomy, often resulting in recurring postoperative pain. Given the association between postoperative hematoma accumulation at the laminectomy site and the development of EF, the present study aimed to evaluate the preventive impact of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent with well-recognized hemostatic properties across various surgical fields. A rabbit laminectomy model was constructed to assess its effectiveness in reducing EF formation. A total number of 18 adult New Zealand White male rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: The control (saline) group and the treatment (topical TXA) group. Each rabbit underwent a two-level laminectomy at L3-L4. The treatment group received 5.00 mL of 100 mg mL^-1 TXA solution applied topically to the laminectomy site, while the control group received 5.00 mL of saline. Postoperative evaluations included magnetic resonance imaging at week six to assess EF, followed by histopathological examinations to evaluate fibroblast cell density in scar tissue, EF grading and thickness of the dura mater. The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic data revealed significant differences between the two groups indicating that topical administration of TXA might be a promising approach for preventing EF.

Crude fiber (CF) is a vital component in poultry nutrition with a notable phytonutrient effectively indicating the presence of indigestible biomass in food due to the absence of digestive enzymes for CF in broilers. This study aimed to analyze the properties of a multi-enzyme cocktail (MEC) Bacillus sonorensis BD92 (BsBD92) comprised of xylanase, β-glucosidase, exo-glucanase, and endo-glucanase enzymes. Also, this study intended to look at the growth performance and intestinal histology of broilers in the starter and finisher phases by the addition of MEC BsBD92 to their diet. To evaluate the efficacy of MEC BsBD92, 140 one-day-old unsexed Cobb500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into seven groups receiving different diets. The characterization of exo-glucanase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, and endo-glucanase showed that their peak activities were observed at a temperature of 50.00 ˚C and a pH of 5.50. The 6.00% CF and 2.00 X MEC BsBD92 improved the intestinal morphology and feed conversion ratio, demonstrating a synergistic effect on growth performance. Whereas, increasing meat percentages to 61.06 and 65.09 g per 100 g body weight during the starter and finisher phases was also observed, respectively. The lipid profiles revealed significant variations in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. This study provides an innovative approach, considering not only lowering the feed cost using inexpensive fibrous feedstuffs but also improving the feed efficiency through supplementation of MEC BsBD92.

The most significant infectious disease that affects cats is thought to be feline panleukopenia, also known as Cat distemper. Despite its epidemiological status, few literatures are available regarding the clinic-pathological aspect of the disease and about the molecular epidemiology of the circulating feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in India. This study gives a comprehensive insight into the prevalence, pathology and diagnosis of FPV in cat population of Mizoram. Twenty-six cats that died of clinical disease suspected of FPV were subjected to a thorough pathological examination followed by molecular diagnosis. The FPV infection was confirmed in 12 out of the 26 cats by polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the VP2 gene of FPV. The phylogenetic analysis based on the full VP2 gene of FPV has demonstrated close genetic affinity of FPV strains circulating in Mizoram with the isolates from Thailand (MW589472), Italy (MZ508524) and China (OR727315). The analysis of the VP2-deduced amino acid sequence revealed two distinct mutations, S179T and I401V, exclusively identified in isolates from this particular study.