Polish journal of veterinary sciences最新文献

An animal body's immune response to viruses might vary depending on various factors. The relationship between 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL), interferon alpha (IFN-α), and duck hepatitis A virus type 3 (DHAV-3) virus genome copy number in duck embryo tissues was studied to investigate duck's natural antiviral immunity mechanism. 15-day-old SPF duck embryos were infected with DHAV-3 and their organs and tissues were collected at various times after inoculation. RT real-time PCR was used to determine OASL and IFNA mRNA expression levels and the DHAV-3 copy number. Compared with that at 0 hours, liver OASL transcription increased significantly at 24 hours, and extremely significantly in the liver, heart, gizzard, small intestine, and muscle at 48 hours. The heart had the highest expression level, followed by the liver, with lower expression in the other tissues. There was no significant difference in IFNA expression between the heart and liver at 12 hours, but it started to rise at 24 hours, reaching its maximum at 48 hours. Although IFNA expression increased in the gizzards, small intestines, and muscles, its relative expression levels were lower than those in the heart and liver. In the tissues, the virus genome copy number peaked at 24 hours, and then decreased. The liver had the highest virus genome copy number, followed by the heart. The results implied that the differences in OASL transcription in the tested tissues were similar to those of IFNA. Thus, the immune response (OASL and IFN-α levels) of duck embryos to DHAV-3 shows tissue differences, especially in the liver and heart.

The control of respiratory infections is integral to a healthy livestock farm. The current study was conducted to optimize a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) in nasal samples of cattle having suspicion of respiratory tract infections. The nasal samples were collected from 10 dairy farms affected with respiratory disease outbreaks in the recent past. These outbreaks were associated with respiratory tract infections caused by bacterial pathogens P. multocida, S. aureus and M. bovis. A multiplex PCR assay was therefore optimized to enable the simultaneous detection of these bacterial pathogens directly from nasal samples. The multiplex PCR assay was optimized using primers already validated for efficient amplification of specific DNA segments in reference strains of targeted bacterial pathogens. The standardized assay was specific and sensitive enough to detect ≥100 genome equivalents of target DNA segments in each of P. multocida, S. aureus and M. bovis. The assay was successfully applied for the detection of the three bacterial pathogens in 50 nasal samples. PCR amplicons were subjected to Sanger dideoxy sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis to determine if species identification was specific. In short, the optimized multiplex PCR assay may prove as a reliable, economical, and simple tool for the management of bovine respiratory tract infections caused by some key bacterial pathogens.

Postpartum inactive ovaries (IO) in dairy cows reduce the economic returns of the dairy industry. It is related to energy metabolism disorder, hormone levels and cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between insulin resistance (IR), adiponectin (ADPN), and leptin (LEP) at 14 days postpartum to assess the predictive potential for IO risk in dairy cows. Cows at 14 days postpartum were randomly selected and allocated into an insulin resistance group (IR, with IR index < 2.5, n=30) and a non-insulin resistance (non-IR, with IR index > 2.5, n=30). Serum Samples were collected at 14 and 55 days postpartum. Six cows of estrus and six cows of IO were randomly selected for slaughter at 55 days postpartum. Then, adipose and ovary samples were allocated for further experiments. A significant association between IR and IO, with 53.33% prevalence in the IR group compared to 16.67% in the non-IR group. Cows with IR had higher levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acid, and lower levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, ADPN, and LEP. Reproductive performance was adversely affected, with IR cows showing longer durations for first estrus and reduced milk yield. ADPN and LEP levels were significantly lower in IR cows, suggesting their role in modulating insulin sensitivity and reproductive functions. The combined analysis of ADPN, LEP, and IR index showed high sensitivity (91.3%) and specificity (87.2%) in predicting IO, highlighting their potential as reliable biomarkers. These observations indicate that IR and serum LEP and ADPN at 14 days postpartum can predict IO in dairy cows.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV). It leads to reproductive disorders and respiratory failure in sows and piglets. As an endoribonuclease, the PRRSV non-structural protein 11 (NSP11) is crucial in replication and assists immune system evasion. NSP11, which is relatively more conserved than NSP2, could potentially cause a new round of PRRSV epidemics, given a major mutation occurs. Here, we aimed to analyze the PRRSV-2 NSP11 genetic diversity in China between 1996-2022. The NSP11 nucleotide sequence was analyzed in 60 PRRSV-2 strains, revealing a similarity of 83.6% - 100%. Similarly, amino acid sequences exhibited homology ranges of 91.0% - 100.0%. Amino acid sequence alignment analysis revealed multiple substitutions in NSP11. NSP11 phylogenetic analysis of 489 PRRSV-2 strains revealed that Lineages 8 and 1 were the predominant strains of PRRSV circulating in China. These two lineages exhibit relatively close genetic relationships. Although unsupported by SimPlot analysis, recombination analysis suggested a potential recombination event in the 489 PRRSV-2 NSP11 sequences. Recombination analysis and amino acid sequence alignment confirmed the PRRSV NSP11 conservation. Our findings provide genetic diversity of PRRSV-2 NSP11 in China and contribute to effective strategy development to prevent and control PRRSV.

A change in testicular volume can indicate decreased male fertility and is useful for comparing spermatogenesis before and after experiments in animals, or before and after treatment of especially valuable domestic breeding animals with pharmaceuticals affecting spermatogenesis, such as antitumor drugs. Various formulae can be used to calculate the volume of living males' testes. This study examined the suitability of four testicular volume calculation formulas for male Wistar rats of different ages (2-months, 1-year, and 2-years-old) and the changes in testicular volume during 90 days of observation. In 2-months-old rats, the solid ellipsoid triaxial body calculation formula and the prolate ellipsoid formula were most suitable for the calculation of testes' volume, and the volume of both testes increased very significantly during the 90 days of observation. In 1-year-old rats, the solid ellipsoid triaxial body calculation formula was optimal, and the volume of both testes increased insignificantly. For 2-years-old rats, the solid ellipsoid triaxial body calculation and prolate ellipsoid formulas or their average was recommended, and the volume of both testes decreased slightly during 90 days of observation.

Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is a popular freshwater fish that has been extensively and intensively cultured worldwide. However, cryopreservation of its sperm, especially pre-freezing procedure, has not been properly developed. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the best pre-freezing procedure for cryopreservation of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus sperm. The completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications was employed in this study. The tested treatments were T1=4°C → 0°C → -4°C → -10°C → -79°C → -196°C, T2=4°C → 0°C → -4°C → -10°C → -196°C, T3=4°C → 0°C → -4°C → -196°C, T4=4°C → 0°C → -196°C, and T5=4°C → -196°C, with a 10 min equilibration at each respective temperature. Furthermore, sperm was cryopreserved for two weeks in liquid nitrogen (-179°C). The results of the ANOVA test showed that pre-freezing had a significant effect on sperm motility, and viability (P<0.05), but had no considerable impact on sperm abnormality (P>0.05). Treatment T4 exhibited higher motility and viability, but these values were not significantly different from T3 and T5. Based on practical consideration, it was recommended to utilize the T5 pre-freezing procedures (4°C → -196°C) for cryopreservation of Nile tilapia sperm. Considering these results, Nile tilapia sperm can be directly cryopreserved into liquid nitrogen after equilibration at 4°C for 10 min.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) infections in cats are a new and not fully understood problem in Poland. These infections have drawn the attention of both veterinarians and human medical practitioners, mainly because of their zoonotic potential, i.e. possible spreading to humans and other mammals. In wild felids as well as in domestic cats, AIV can cause severe infections, often ending in death. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) have been identified, with the recent H5N1 (2.3.4.4b clade) outbreak affecting poultry, wild birds and carnivores. Transmission likely occurs through contact with infected birds, their excretions or contaminated raw poultry, while cat-to-cat transmission remains unconfirmed. First reported in Thailand in 2003, H5N1 infections in cats have since occurred in multiple countries. In Poland, 25 confirmed cases were identified in June 2023, with genetic sequencing linking the virus to strains detected in local wild birds. The virus primarily replicates in the lower respiratory tract, spreading via viremia or nerve fibers, causing multi-organ failure. While avian influenza in cats is severe and often fatal, it should not yet be considered an epidemic. Further interdisciplinary research is essential to clarify transmission routes and assess the zoonotic risk. Additionally, differential diagnosis should include rabies, which presents similar neurological symptoms and remains a critical public health concern. This article presents the current knowledge of H5N1 virus infection in cats, especially the possible routes for its spreading, the current epizootic situation of the disease around the world, its pathogenesis, clinical course and methods of diagnosis.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major global health concern, especially in resourcelimited settings, leading to stunted growth, weakened immune systems and increased mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Tempe protein isolates from germinated (GTI) and non-germinated (NGTI) soybeans as alternatives to animal protein (casein) in recovering from PEM using a rat model. The rats were divided into five groups: the control group (20% casein diet), protein-malnourished (PM) group (3% casein diet), and three intervention groups (supplemented with GTI, NGTI or casein). After a 3-week PEM induction phase, the rats were re-fed with their respective diets for 3 weeks. The NGTI group showed significantly better growth recovery compared to the GTI and PM groups, demonstrating higher body weight gain, feed intake and skeletal development. While GTI showed some recovery, NGTI outperformed GTI in terms of nitrogen retention, protein digestibility, and net protein utilization, suggesting that NGTI provides superior protein bioavailability. Furthermore, NGTI rats exhibited improvements in hematological indices (e.g., hemoglobin and hematocrit) and biochemical markers (e.g., serum urea, creatinine), indicating better overall health recovery. The casein group, which served as the animal protein reference, showed the best growth and nitrogen utilization, yet NGTI demonstrated comparable performance in growth recovery and protein bioavailability, highlighting its potential as an alternative to animal protein. The results suggest that NGTI can serve as a sustainable and effective alternative protein source for rehabilitation from PEM, with potential applications in both human and veterinary nutrition, particularly for companion animals or those recovering from illness or malnutrition.

In this study, the protective effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf extracts against hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP), a cytotoxic agent, were investigated. Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. The control and CP groups received 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) via gavage for 10 days. On the 7th day, a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered to the rats in both the CP and the experimental groups. The rats in the experimental groups were also treated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanolic (MeOH) extracts (1g/kg body weight, via gavage) each dissolved in DMSO, for 10 days. In the LC-QTOF-MS analyses of the extracts, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside was present exclusively in the EtOAc extract, while this extract also had the highest concentrations of luteolin-7-O- glucoside, apigenin 7-glucoside, apigenin, oxo-octadecatrienoic acid, hydroxy-octadecatrienoic acid, and hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid. In the plasma and liver tissue samples of the CP group, levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased, while antioxidant markers levels and IL-10 levels decreased. Compared to the CP group, the MeOH extract group showed reduced levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β, along with increased levels of GSH (except in liver tissue), GPx, SOD, and IL-10 in both plasma and liver samples. In the EtOAc group, liver MDA levels were significantly reduced and plasma GSH levels were elevated. However, changes in plasma IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α levels were not statistically significant. In the n-hexane group, none of the examined parameters showed significant changes. Histopathological examinations of liver tissues in the CP group revealed sinusoidal dilation, hyperemia in the central veins, vacuolar degeneration, and increased Kupffer cell activation. In contrast, the EtOAc group exhibited a marked reduction in these anomalies, indicating notable histological improvement. The MeOH group showed a reduction in hyperemia and vacuolar degeneration, while the n-hexane group demonstrated only limited tissue recovery. Consequently, the results of this study demonstrated that the EtOAc extract, rich in diverse phenolic compounds, was the most effective in mitigating CP-induced hepatic degeneration. Meanwhile, the MeOH extract, which had the highest total phenolic content, exhibited the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and contributed to partial histological improvement.

The objective of this research is to analyze key mineral parameters in Algerian Arbia goats during different reproductive phases to evaluate the variation in these parameters and their influence on some reproductive performance. The study was conducted at the Technical Livestock Institute (I.T.E.L.V) of Ksar Chellala in Tiaret, Algeria, from October 2022 to May 2023. During all stages of reproduction (estrus period, pregnancy, and post-partum period), 21 primiparous and multiparous Arbia goats were studied, aged between one and ten years and weighing 24.19±6.08 kg at mating. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, were estimated using the DIRUI CS-T180 Auto-chemistry Analyzer. Plasma sodium, potassium, and chloride levels were measured with ion-selective equipment (Easy Lyte ® Plus, MEDICA). In this study, mineral levels fluctuate in both groups: in primiparous and multiparous females, there is no appreciable difference (p>0.05) for electrolytes Na, K, and Cl throughout the various reproductive phases. However, P, Ca, and Fe concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the last month of pregnancy; also, Fe levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the post-partum phase. Nevertheless, the mineral plasma parameters during the late pregnancy stage and the age and weight of the goats at mating have a significant relationship. The multiparous kids (n=7) had a higher birth weight than the primiparous kids (n=8) (3.12±0.54 and 2.84±0.78, respectively). In Arbia goats, primiparous females were more fertile (100%), more productive (72.72%), and more prolific (114.28%) compared to multiparous females. Finally, it is found that parity influences the weight of the progeny at birth as well as the mineral concentrations at various stages of reproduction in Arbia goats. On the other hand, the reproductive characteristics of Arbia goats decline with parity.