Veterinary and Animal Science最新文献

The study investigated the potentials of dried cabbage waste meal (DCWM) on growth performance, blood biochemical characteristics, physiological indices, and economics of production of weaned pigs. Ninety crossbred (Large white X Landrace; 8.01 ± 0.18 kg body weight) clinically certified weaned pigs of equal sexes were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments containing DCWM. Each treatment consisted of 18 pigs replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Diet 1 (control diet) contained no DCWM whereas diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg levels of inclusion of DCWM, respectively, replacing parts of the feed. The study lasted for 8-weeks. Feed and water were available ad-libitum. Average daily feed intake (715.76–780.03 g/d) increased (p < 0.05) while average daily weight (294.17–301.74 g/d) and feed conversion ratio (2.39–2.65) were similar (p > 0.05). White blood cell (12.11–14.62 × 10⁹/L), lymphocytes (62.93–70.30%), Uric acid (7.74–9.99 mmol/L), HDL (0.89–1.27 mmol/L) and K (130.90–145.72 mmol/L) concentrations increased (p < 0.05) whereas cholesterol (2.30–5.06 mmol/L) and triglyceride (0.33–0.87 mmol/L) concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) in response to increased DCWM in the diets. Total cost of feeding ($17.96–20.89) reduced (p < 0.05) while gross benefits ($48.97–52.30) were significantly better (p < 0.05) for pigs fed 100, 150 and 200 g/kg DCWM compared to those fed 0 and 50 g/kg diets. DCWM in pig diets up to 200 g/kg had positive influence on blood cholesterol and economics of production.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) refers to complete or incomplete damage to the spinal cord, which comprises the central nervous system. SCI in dogs, like humans, is mostly caused by external trauma, and the degree of impact is dependent on the location of the injury in the spine. Stem cell therapy is a promising avenue for SCI research. In this report, we investigate the therapeutic potential of amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) in dogs with spinal cord injuries. A 2-year-old male beagle dog presented with sensory and motor incomplete symptoms resulting in an inability to control the legs, hips, and genitourinary system due to an injury in the lumbar region of the spinal cord. In addition to the administration of surgical decompression, AF-MSCs were directly injected into the damaged spinal tissue. Approximately 15–16 weeks after stem cell transplantation, the dog's hind limb movement improved, and spinal cord regeneration was confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eventually, the dog was able to walk independently, although not perfectly. In conclusion, AF-MSC-based stem cell transplantation may be beneficial for SCIs.

In 2021, the H5N1 virus lineage 2.3.4.4b spread to the Americas, causing high mortality in wild and domestic avian populations. South American countries along the Pacific migratory route have reported wild bird deaths due to A/H5Nx virus since October 2022. However, limited genomic data resulted in no cases reported in Brazil until May 2023.

Brazil reported its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI A/H5N1) in May 2023. The virus was detected in Cabot's tern specimen in Marataízes, Espírito Santo. Cases were also found in backyard poultry and other wild birds, but no human or commercial poultry cases occurred. HPAI poses risks to the poultry industry, food security, and public health.

Researchers used next-gen sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to study the Brazilian sample. It confirmed its affiliation with the 2.3.4.4b clade and proximity to sequences from Chile and Peru.

This sheds light on the spread and evolution of HPAI A/H5N1 in the Americas, emphasizing continuous monitoring to mitigate risks for both avian and human populations. Understanding the virus's genetics and transmission allows implementing effective control measures to protect public health and the poultry industry.

Tiamulin is an antibiotic approved exclusively in veterinary medicine, active against G-positive bacteria as well as Mycoplasma spp. and Leptospirae spp. The study was aimed to establish its pharmacokinetics and to evaluate drug effects on resistance in cloacal flora in vivo in geese. Eight healthy geese underwent to a two-phase longitudinal study (60 mg/kg single oral administration vs 60 mg/kg/day for 4 days) with a two-week wash-out period. Blood samples and cloacal swabs were collected at pre-assigned times. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) has been evaluated for each isolated bacterial species. The pharmacokinetic parameters that significantly differed between the groups were C_max (p = 0.024), AUC_0-t (p = 0.031), AUC_0-inf (p = 0.038), t1/2_kel (p = 0.021), Cl/F (p = 0.036), and Vd/F (p = 0.012). Tiamulin exhibited a slow to moderate terminal half-life (3.13 h single; 2.62 h multiple) and a rapid absorption (1 h single; 0.5 h multiple) in geese, with an accumulation ratio of 1.8 after multiple doses. An in-silico simulation of multiple dosing did not reflect the results of the in vivo multiple dosage study. In both treatments, the MIC values were very high demonstrating a resistance (> 64 μg/ml) against tiamulin that can be present prior the drug administration for some strains, or emerge shortly after the commencing of treatment for some others.

Essential oils supplementation has potential growth-promoting, antibacterial, and immunostimulatory effects for various fish species. Dietary supplementation with essential oils improves Nile tilapia's growth and intestinal morphology. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of supplementation with microencapsulated essential oils (MEOs) containing cinnamaldehyde (53.9 %), thymol (24.2 %), and carvacrol (18.7 %) in Nile tilapia fingerlings on growth parameters and foregut histomorphometry. Six thousand fishes with initial body weights and lengths of 1.20 ± 0.32 g and 2.03 ± 0.40 cm, respectively, were reared in two separate 60 m³ circular tanks (control and supplemented with 500 mg/kg of MEOs) at a 5 kg/m³ density. Growth parameters included weight and length. Ten foregut samples per tank were collected at 0-, 15- and 30-days post-treatment. The histological analysis involved the size of intestinal folds and the number of goblet cells. Our results showed that fingerling growth parameters such as final body weight and length increased by 16.9 % and 10.43 %, respectively, with MEOs supplementation compared to the control group. Furthermore, histomorphometry results showed that the supplementation of MEOs led to a significant increase in the growth of both the width and length of intestinal folds and the number of goblet cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the early supplementation with MEOs improved the number, length, and width of intestinal folds and increased the number of goblet cells, positively influencing intestinal morphology and health. Additionally, MEOs improved growth parameters in Nile tilapia at 30 days of supplementation.

To evaluate the sensory and motor effects promoted by a combined sciatic and femoral nerve block in calves using two approaches. Six calves were used, in a crossover study. Ultrasound combined with neurostimulation, was used to perform the following block combinations: the proximal approach (PA), which consisted of the association of the parasacral approach (sciatic nerve block) and ventral to the ilium approach (femoral nerve block); distal approach (DA) consisted of the association of a lateral approach to the pelvic limb approach (sciatic nerve block), and an inguinal approach, underneath the femoral trigone (femoral nerve block). Pressure algometry and motor function of the limb where evaluated. Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) increase, and ataxia duration means were 9.5 ± 0.7 kg and 10.4 ± 3.9 hr for PA and 10.4 ± 3.9 kg and 12.7 ± 1.9 hr for DA, respectively with no significant difference. There was no significant difference between MNT elevation time and the duration of ataxia using the same approach. The DA treatment showed significant MNT elevation in 72% of the tested regions, while the PA treatment showed an elevation in 100% regions tested. Topographic approaches closer to where the spinal nerves emerge produced a larger desensitised area.

Pharmacodynamic understanding of the different local anesthetic concentrations allows adapting their use to diverse clinical/surgical procedures, such as intraoperative and/or postoperative analgesia. A crossover study was performed, where 6 calves (5 male and 1 female), weighing 120 ± 28 Kg, were subjected to combined sciatic and femoral nerve block using three ropivacaine concentrations. The treatments were: R0.75, using 0.75% ropivacaine; R0.2, 0.2% ropivacaine; and R0.12%, 0.12% ropivacaine. All treatments were performed with ultrasound and neurostimulation assistance, and a volume of 0.1 mL/kg of the respective local anesthetic solution was administered in each block point. The sites of mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) evaluation were based on the calf pelvic limb dermatomes. The proportion between desensitized areas, MNT elevation time and level of ataxia were registered. Elevation of MNT occurred in 100% of the tested areas in the R0.75 and R0.2 treatments, and in 82% of the R0.12 treatment. Mean MNT elevation times were 9.5 ± 0.7 h for R0.75, 6 ± 0.8 for R.02, and 2.4 ± 2.3 for R0.12, differing significantly between all treatments. No difference was observed between MNT elevation time and ataxia duration time, in each treatment. It is concluded that the duration of sensory-motor effects is dose-dependent, but there was not possible to detect block selectivity as the concentrations was reduced. More desensitized areas and extension were obtained with the use of higher concentrations.

Common food sources including meat, fish and vegetables are the main source of fats and fatty acids required by human body. Edible insects such as worms, locusts, termites, crickets and flies have also been identified as a potential source of essential fatty acids since they are highly documented to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as α-linolenic and linoleic acids which are vital for the normal functioning of the body. The approval of insects as edible food by the European Union has sparked research interest in their potential to form part of human and animal diets due to their abundant protein, amino acids, fats, and minerals. However, little attention has been given to the importance and health benefits of lipids and fatty acids present in edible insects consumed by human and animals. This article aims to review the biological significance of essential fatty acids found in edible insects. The accumulation of fats and essential fatty acids present in edible insects were identified and described based on recommended levels required in human diets. Furthermore, the health benefits associated with insect oils as well as different processing techniques that could influence the quality of fats and fatty acid in edible insects were discussed.

Cows experience many physiological, nutritional and social changes during transition period. This study aims to evaluate the differences in nutrients total-tract digestibility (nTTD) between primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) cows through the transition period. From -23, -5, 0, 7, 14, and 30 days from calving a sample of feed and feces samples were collected from 25 Holstein cows (11 PP and 14 MP) as well as daily rumination time through accelerometers.

The results show that average nTTD were different (p ≤ 0.02) for amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber organic matter (aNDFom) and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber (pdNDF₂₄₀; 52.5 vs. 54.0 and 78.8 vs. 81.3, respectively in PP vs. MP), while no differences were found regarding pdNDF₂₄ and starch (88.5 vs. 88.6 and 95.1 vs. 96.1, respectively in PP vs. MP). Total-tract starch digestibility (TTstarchD) was different among timepoints (p < 0.01), going from an average of 91.40 up to 97.39% of starch, on times -23 and 14, respectively. Differences in total-tract digestibility of aNDFom among timepoints (p < 0.01) was expected because of differences in diet composition among lactating and non-lactating cows. No differences in daily rumination time (p = 0.92), TTstarchD and total-tract potentially digestible NDF digestibility at 24 h (TTpdNDF₂₄D) were recorded. Our findings show that fiber digestibility during the transition period is higher in MP probably for a different ruminal retention time. These differences should be considered when formulating rations for groups with different parity number.

Septic peritonitis is a serious medical condition affecting veterinary patients and post-operative care remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate and compare post-operative outcomes of dogs treated for septic peritonitis with and without surgically placed closed-suction abdominal drains. Medical records were retrospectively searched from the years 2009 through 2019 and one hundred and fifteen dogs with confirmed septic peritonitis treated with exploratory laparotomy were included. Twenty-two dogs had closed suction drains placed and ninety-three dogs were managed without post-operative drainage. Overall survival to discharge rate of patients in this study was 72%. The survival rate of patients with an abdominal drain was 53% compared to 77% in patients without a drain (P < 0.0001). Dogs with a higher APPLE_fast score were significantly more likely to have a drain placed at the time of surgery (P = 0.0277). Dogs that had a closed-suction drain were significantly more likely to be given colloidal support compared to dogs managed without drainage (P = 0.0342). Based on this data, closed-suction drainage post-operatively for treatment of septic peritonitis was not associated with a more favorable survival outcome. The use of a severity of illness score, APPLE_fast, did not show a correlation between severity of illness and survival outcome but did demonstrate a correlation between illness severity and placement of a closed-suction drain. Closed-suction drainage post-operatively increased the likelihood of receiving colloidal support, but due to the retrospective nature of the study and the lack of standardized post-operative nutritional support, definitive conclusion that post-operative drainage alone led to increased colloidal support cannot be made in this study.