Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
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Acute toxicity of silver nanoparticles stabilized by cetylperidinium anion in white rats
No full textModern toxicology is facing new challenges due to the constantly growing number of new compounds, especially in nanoform. The most common among such substances are metal nanoparticles, especially Silver. The relevance of their development is due to a wide range of unique properties such as antimicrobial action, anti-inflammatory properties, etc. Most Silver nanoparticles have pronounced toxicity. As a result of that in recent decades new approaches to their synthesis have been developed considering the provisions of “green chemistry”. The acute toxicity of newly synthesized Silver nanoparticles stabilized by the cetylperidinium anion was studied. The studied compound is an aqueous solution of yellow-brown colour with a concentration of 0.15 g/L at pH 6.3–6.5. The nanoparticles obtained by the developed synthesis method have a shape close to spherical and a size of 20 nm. To assess acute toxicity, a toxicological experiment was conducted on white rats of both sexes, a total of 30 animals. Rat males were divided into three groups of 6 animals each: experimental 1, experimental 2 group and a control one. Experimental 1 and 2 groups of males received the studied compound at a dose of 5000 and 10000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Rat females were divided into two groups of 6 animals each: an experimental and a control. Experimental group of females received the substance at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. Both males and females control groups were administered distilled water according to a similar procedure. All rats were observed daily for 14 days, then they were removed from the experiment. After pathological dissection, the mass coefficients of internal organs were calculated as an integral indicator of organotropic action. As a result of the studies, it was found that a single intragastric administration of Silver nanoparticles did not cause the death of experimental rats during 14 days of observation. It allows to attribute the substance to toxicity class V (non-toxic compounds) and hazard class IV (low-hazard substance). Calculations of mass coefficients of internal organs indicate the absence of statistical differences between the data of rats from the control group and rats from the experimental groups. This allows to conclude that a single oral administration of Silver nanoparticles does not affect general trophic processes in the body of rats of both sexes. Thus, Silver nanoparticles stabilized by cetylperidinium anion do not have a toxic effect under acute experimental conditions and can be used as a medicine
Cow behavior indicators using various means of mechanization and automation of feed distribution and feeding
Get PDFThis work aimed to study the daily behavior of dairy cows under different options of feeding concentrated feeds. The research was conducted on two farms, the Terezine Dairy Farm, the central department, and the Vilna Tarasivka department. On the first farm, the cows are kept in free-range boxes, fed with complete feed mixtures, and delivered twice daily to the feeding table. On the second farm, the animals are also kept free-range with the rest in boxes, and milking is carried out voluntarily on eight automatic robots. Animals are fed with general mixed feed mixtures, which are delivered twice a day by self-propelled feed mixer-distributor Siloking to the feeding table. However, part of the concentrated feed (up to 50 % of the need) in the form of granules is received by animals individually during milking and at feeding stations located separately from the rest area of the animals. To conduct the study, there were formed two groups of cows (n = 87 and n = 97) of the second and third lactations on each farm in the new-calving period and the period of milking and insemination (before 100 days of lactation) with an average productivity of 28.3 ± 0.61 kg. When feeding stations were used to feed concentrated feeds to cows, the duration of total feed intake increased by 22 minutes. With this variant of feeding concentrated feeds, higher values of the indicators of the feed consumption reactions number and rumination reactions were observed – by 0.30 and 0.19 times, respectively. The duration of other behavioral indicators that affect animal productivity (lying rest, standing, walking, and drinking) was slightly more optimal in feeding concentrated feed only from the feeding table. The values of six indices, characterizing the comfort of keeping dairy cows on both farms, were within the recommended values, with a slight advantage in farms that feed animals exclusively from the feeding table (except for the feeding index). The best scores for keeping conditions comfortable and hygienic assessment were in the option of feeding concentrated feed from the feeding table and at feeding stations by 0.14 and 0.12 points, respectively
Effectiveness of medicines for Trichurosis of the nutritae
Get PDFThe launch of new drugs against productive and small animal parasites is due to informed consumers' requirements. It aims to expand the existing range of effective drugs that provide long-term action, acting against both ecto- and endoparasites, taking into account a convenient method of administration. For trichuriasis of farm animals, drugs based on different active ingredients are used. Data on the effectiveness of medications for parasitosis of nutria (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) are absent in Ukraine, although the circulation of Trichuris myocastoris (Enigk, 1933) has been proven. That is why our work aimed to determine the effectiveness of domestic anthelmintics for the localization of trichuriasis in the intestine of the nutria. Accordingly, for the experiment to determine the therapeutic efficacy indicators, three experimental groups of semi-aquatic rodents with an average intensity of trichuriasis invasion (from 304.9 ± 13.7 to 316.9 eggs/gram) were formed. The therapeutic efficacy of Profiverm injection 1 %, Profiverm granulate (active ingredient for both preparations – ivermectin), and Levamisole 8 % (levomisole hydrochloride), PE “O.L.KAR-AgroZooVet-Service”, Ukraine, was tested. It was found that their efficacy depended on the method of administration and the chemical group to which they belonged. It was proven that macrocyclic lactones have the highest nematocidal properties against the causative agent of nutria trichuris, both in the case of subcutaneous administration and in the form of a therapeutic-feed mixture. In the case of spontaneous invasion, it was found that on the seventh day after deworming, the efficacy of Profiverm injection was 1 % and 81.8 %, and the efficacy of Profiverm granulate was 90.9 %. On the 14th and 21st day after deworming of nutria, the effectiveness of the drugs was 90.9 % and 100.0%, respectively. Less effective at the end of the experiment (EE 63.6 % for IE of 85.0 %) was the use of Levamisole 8 %. Field tests showed that the veterinary drug Profiverm granulate, when applied three times to the therapeutic feed mixture in the manufacturer's recommended doses, was well tolerated by spontaneously affected nutria 6 months of age and did not have a toxic effect on the invaded organism
Seasonal fluctuations in individual milk parameters in free-range cows
Get PDFUnderstanding milk composition is essential for the Ukrainian dairy industry due to its impact on dairy products' nutritional value, processing characteristics, and functional properties. The drive to achieve high profitability in the dairy industry worldwide has led to different calving models and feeding systems depending on the region's most profitable and efficient form of milk production. This has led to significant regional differences in milk composition. The aim was to analyze individual indicators in raw milk from free-range cows. Their minimum and maximum limits were determined at Komyshuvatskyi Milk Complex LLC, which is key when determining the grade of milk. The content of fat, protein, and somatic cells of raw milk from the farm's industrial herd of cows was analyzed for the period from May 2023 to April 2024. The indicators we selected demonstrated seasonal trends. Significant relationships in the protein-fat system were identified. A decrease in fat content was monitored during the summer period, with the lowest indicator of 3.63 % in July and the maximum of 4.14 % in December. It was found that the average protein index in raw milk was 3.35 %, with a fundamental norm of 3.0, and the peak reached the level of 3.42 between November and January. At the same time, the fat-to-protein ratio in the cows' raw milk did not fall below – 1.14, which proves proper feeding. The average level of somatic cells for the selected period was 245.45 ± 15.72 thousand/cm³. At the same time, this indicator also showed fluctuations, which rose in the winter season to 318.97 thousand cells/ml but did not exceed the established norms according to DSTU 3662:2018 Raw cow milk—technical conditions. The results of veterinary reporting prove that obtaining milk in the conditions of this farm, where well-established work ensures its high quality, may be more suitable for producing various products, including baby food, at different times of the year
Efficiency of different feeding strategies during the rearing of piglets from hyperprolific sows under very early weaning
No full textThe article presents the results of a study on the influence of initial live weight of piglets and the duration of feeding milk replacers on growth dynamics, feed intake, and the economic efficiency of the nursery period. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal diet structure and the duration of prestarter feed use depending on the live weight of piglets at the beginning of the nursery phase. The study was conducted on two groups of piglets: animals in the control group had a standard body weight for early-weaned piglets and consumed whole milk replacer until day 8, whereas piglets in the experimental group, which were 26 % lighter at placement, received milk replacer until day 15. The transition to prestarter and starter feeds was carried out after reaching live weights of 9 and 12 kg, respectively. During the first week of the experiment, only minor weight gains were observed; however, from the second week onward, growth rates increased, particularly in the experimental group, indicating the compensatory growth capacity of piglets with lower initial body weight. At the same time, the structure of feed consumption differed significantly: piglets in the experimental group consumed larger amounts of expensive prestarter feeds and milk replacers, whereas animals in the control group transitioned more rapidly to less expensive starter feeds. This resulted in a higher average cost per kilogram of feed in the experimental group (UAH 27.39 versus UAH 23.86 in the control group). Economic analysis showed that piglets in the control group had lower operational nursery costs (UAH 1470.76 versus UAH 1674.52), lower feed cost per unit of weight gain (UAH 42.18 versus UAH 49.30), and higher production profitability (118.54 % versus 95.19 %). Despite this, piglets in the experimental group with lower initial body weight achieved satisfactory final growth performance and high survival rates (97–98 %), confirming the feasibility of extended use of high-quality milk replacers during the early post-weaning period. The obtained results indicate that optimizing feeding strategies with consideration of the initial live weight of piglets is an effective tool for improving productivity and economic efficiency during the nursery phase. A differentiated approach to the duration of prestarter feed use ensures reduced cost of weight gain, stable animal survival, and increased profitability in pork production
The role of melatonin in the regulation of the immune system and reproductive health: mechanisms and prospects for clinical application
Get PDFMelatonin is a multifunctional hormone with diverse physiological roles, particularly in immune regulation and reproductive health. While primarily synthesized by the pineal gland in response to the circadian rhythm, melatonin is also produced in extrapineal tissues such as the placenta, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive organs, highlighting its systemic significance. Beyond its role in sleep-wake cycle regulation, melatonin exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, making it essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and overall physiological stability. In the immune system, melatonin contributes to both innate and adaptive immunity by modulating cytokine production, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing immune cell activity. It plays a protective role against infections and inflammatory diseases by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) while promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10). Additionally, melatonin influences immune tolerance, which is critical for preventing autoimmune responses and ensuring successful pregnancy. In females, melatonin improves oocyte quality, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes by protecting ovarian follicles from oxidative damage, regulating steroidogenesis, and supporting placental function. Its role in fetal development is particularly significant, as it contributes to maternal-fetal circadian signaling, placental vascularization, and epigenetic modifications that influence gene expression. In men, melatonin contributes to spermatogenesis and improves sperm quality by boosting mitochondrial activity, decreasing oxidative stress, and safeguarding sperm DNA from damage. Additionally, it helps regulate hormone production in the testes, maintaining optimal reproductive health. Given its pleiotropic effects, melatonin holds substantial therapeutic potential for addressing immune dysfunction, reproductive disorders, and pregnancy complications. Future research should focus on clinical applications of melatonin supplementation in treating infertility, pregnancy-related complications, and immune-mediated diseases. Understanding the intricate relationship between melatonin, immunity, and reproduction may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in both human and veterinary medicine. Melatonin is a multifunctional hormone with essential roles in immune regulation and reproductive health. Beyond its well-known function in circadian rhythm regulation, melatonin exerts potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis by reducing oxidative stress, modulating cytokine production, and enhancing immune cell function, thereby offering protection against infections and inflammatory disorders. In reproduction, melatonin influences key processes such as oocyte maturation, embryo development, and pregnancy maintenance. It supports fertility by improving ovarian function, regulating gonadotropin secretion, and protecting reproductive tissues from oxidative damage. Additionally, melatonin's involvement in placental function and fetal development highlights its significance in ensuring successful gestation. Given its widespread physiological effects, melatonin presents promising therapeutic potential for addressing immune-related and reproductive disorders. Future research exploring its clinical applications may lead to novel strategies for enhancing reproductive success and immune resilience in both human and veterinary medicine
Biological value of lamb meat in relation to amino acid composition and genotype differences
Get PDFLamb meat is widely recognised as a highly digestible source of high-quality protein, rich in essential amino acids vital for human nutrition. Its biological value is largely determined by the amino acid profile, which is influenced by breed, feeding, and management systems. This study aimed to compare the amino acid composition of muscle tissue in purebred Romanov and crossbred Romanov × Hisar ram lambs to assess the effect of genotype on the nutritional quality of meat. The experiment involved ten animals (n = 5 per group), reared under identical conditions and slaughtered at 8 months of age. Amino acid concentrations were determined by ion-exchange chromatography, with tryptophan and hydroxyproline analysed using spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the crossbred lambs had significantly higher contents of isoleucine (12.7 %, P ≤ 0.001), leucine (8.0 %, P ≤ 0.001), threonine (10.3 %, P ≤ 0.05), lysine (7.5 %, P ≤ 0.05), and aspartic acid (8.4 %, P ≤ 0.01). A reduction in hydroxyproline content by 17.5 % was also observed, suggesting lower connective tissue density and improved meat tenderness. The protein quality index, calculated as the tryptophan-to-hydroxyproline ratio, was 2.98 in the crossbreds versus 2.21 in the purebreds, representing a 35 % increase. These findings indicate a clear improvement in the biological value of muscle protein in crossbred lambs, confirming the positive impact of introducing Hisar genetics into Romanov sheep. Further research is warranted to evaluate how these compositional improvements translate into consumer sensory perception and functional meat properties under different production systems
Enhancing the efficacy of phage therapy against canine otitis externa through glycerin-modified formulations
Get PDFChronic recurrent bacterial infections of the canine external auditory canal, particularly otitis externa, are often associated with biofilm formation, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy. Biofilms create a physical barrier that impedes penetration of antimicrobial agents, support the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial populations, and maintain chronic inflammation. In response to the growing antibiotic resistance, bacteriophages are increasingly considered a promising alternative for treating biofilm-associated infections. However, achieving high therapeutic efficacy requires not only careful selection of highly lytic phage strains but also optimization of formulation stability and application conditions. One approach involves using auxiliary components that enhance phage activity, improve their penetration into biofilms, and maintain lytic activity. Glycerin, for example, can act as an osmotic stabilizer and cryoprotectant, preserving phage structural integrity and activity. Additionally, non-ionic surfactants like Tween 20/80 may facilitate phage access to biofilms and expand adsorption on bacterial cells. However, surfactants can irritate the skin or induce allergic reactions, and high concentrations of glycerin may alter pH, which is undesirable for topical ear applications. Therefore, the study focused on glycerin as a simple, isotonic, and low-irritant additive that could stabilize phages without harming the sensitive tissues of the ear canal. The study aimed to determine the potential of glycerin as an auxiliary component to enhance the efficacy of a phage cocktail against pathogens associated with canine otitis externa, specifically identifying the optimal concentration of glycerin that increases lytic activity against planktonic cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and assessing its impact on 24-hour biofilms mimicking chronic infection. Results showed that adding glycerin significantly improved phage-mediated bacterial lysis. Concentrations of 6–8 % glycerin provided the highest reduction in viable bacterial counts compared to phages alone, with similar trends observed for both planktonic cells and mature biofilms. The combination of phages with 6 % glycerin reduced viable cells within biofilms by approximately 1.9-fold for P. aeruginosa and 2-fold for S. pseudintermedius, indicating enhanced biofilm disruption and bactericidal effect. These findings highlight the potential of including 6 % glycerin in phage-based ear drops to increase therapeutic effectiveness against chronic bacterial otitis in dogs, balancing stability, efficacy, and safety. The study supports the idea that rational modification of phage formulations can significantly improve outcomes in veterinary phage therapy targeting biofilm-associated infections
Correlation relationships of homeostasis indicators in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration
No full textMyxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs is accompanied by electrolyte disturbances, oxidative stress, and low-grade systemic inflammation, which may affect cardiac geometry and electrophysiology. This study presents a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from our previous work to evaluate correlations between homeostatic markers and cardiovascular parameters in dogs with MMVD. We compared a control cohort (healthy dogs, n = 6) with two cohorts of ACVIM stage C patients: standard therapy (ST, n = 6) and standard therapy plus humic substances (STH, n = 6). We assessed clinical–laboratory, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic indices on days 1 and 21. In controls, we identified physiological associations between catalase activity and heart rate (HR; r = 0.93; p = 0.008) and between P-wave duration and catalase (r = 0.82; p = 0.046). In ST, HR showed no significant associations with antioxidants; however, QRS duration correlated inversely with catalase on day 1 (r = −0.93; p = 0.008), while R-wave amplitude correlated positively with superoxide dismutase (r = 0.84; p = 0.036) and later with malondialdehyde (r = 0.99; p = 0.002). In STH on day 1, we observed HR–catalase (r = 0.83; p = 0.042) and P-wave amplitude–total antioxidant capacity (TAC; r = 0.94; p = 0.005) correlations, which disappeared by day 21; the QT interval showed a biphasic association with catalase (r = −0.84; p = 0.036 on day 1; r = 0.82; p = 0.046 on day 21). Under diuretic therapy in STH, serum chloride correlated positively with P-wave duration (r = 0.84; p = 0.038), underscoring the role of electrolyte balance in atrioventricular conduction. In the pooled sample on day 1, HR correlated moderately with malondialdehyde (r = 0.51) but this association faded over time; inorganic phosphorus was associated with left-ventricular dilatation in ST at study end (r = 0.94; p = 0.021) and lost this dependence in STH. Collectively, these findings indicate that humic substances generate short-lived yet notable “antioxidant–ECG” correlations and may attenuate pathological links driven by electrolyte imbalance and oxidative stress
Microbiome of wool and upper respiratory tract of rabbits after aerosol disinfection in the presence of animals using Polyhexamethyleneguani-dine and nanoaquachelate of Argentum
No full textPolyhexamethyleneguanidine (PHMG) and nanoaquachelate of Argentum are promising biocides that can be used in the development of modern disinfectants for aerosol disinfection in the presence of animals. That is why studying their effect on the microbiota of wool and the upper respiratory tract, in particular in rabbits, is a relevant and promising area of research. In the experiment, three groups Thermon white rabbits were formed: in the first group of animals, aerosol disinfection was carried out using polyhexamethyleneguanidine (PHMG), in the second group – polyhexamethyleneguanidine and nanoaquachelate Argentum (PHMG+NChAg), and a control group of rabbits. Aerosol treatment in the presence of animals was carried out weekly for 3 months. The sanitizing bactericidal properties of biocides in relation to the microbiota of wool and the upper respiratory tract were determined by identifying Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Candida spp., coliforms, and MAFAM, in accordance with the “Methodological recommendations for sanitary and microbiological testing of swabs from the surfaces of test objects and objects of veterinary supervision and control”. The number of microorganisms was determined by the serial dilution method. A separate statistical assessment of the frequency of detection of the corresponding microorganisms among the test animals was performed. The studies showed that polyhexamethyleneguanidine in combination with Argentum nanoaquachelate had higher sanitizing and bactericidal activity than polyhexamethyleneguanidine alone. The frequency of detection of Bacillus microorganisms in rabbit wool when using PHMG in combination with Ag nanoaquachelate decreased to 26.9 %, Candida spp. – to 13.7 %, and coliforms were not identified. At the same time, the number of Bacillus spp. microorganisms decreased by 50.7 %, Candida spp. – by 53.4 %, and MAFAM – by 55.6 %. Microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus were not identified in all cases.
The frequency of detection of microorganisms of the genus Bacillus from the nasal passages of rabbits when using PHMG in combination with nanoaquachelate Ag decreased to 18.7 %, Staphylococcus spp.– to 45.1 %, Candida spp. – to 34.1 %. At the same time, the number of microorganisms Staphylococcus spp. decreased by 47.0 %, Bacillus spp. – by 54.5 %, Candida spp. – by 65.5 %, and MAFAM – by 62.8 %. Coliforms were not identified