Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
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Toxicological evaluation of an iron-containing veterinary drug and environmental aspects of its residue disposal
Get PDFThe article highlights the results of a comprehensive study of toxicological safety and environmental risks associated with using the iron-containing veterinary drug “Ferodev” (solution for injection), which contains the active substance - iron in the form of hydroxide-dextran complex. The purpose of the study was to determine the parameters of acute toxicity of the drug under the conditions of its intragastric administration to laboratory animals (male white rats) and to analyze the possible consequences of the drug residues entering the environment. During the experiment, it was established that the drug belongs to class V in terms of toxicity – practically non-toxic substances, and to class IV in terms of the degree of danger. At the same time, considering the potential cumulative effect of iron and auxiliary components of the drug, particularly phenol, indicates environmental risks in improper disposal. The need to comply with regulated methods of handling drug residues that ensure environmental safety and reduce the threat to soil and aquatic ecosystems is substantiated. Special attention was paid to the analysis of pathoanatomical changes in animals depending on the level of the administered dose of the drug. Changes in behavior, functional state of internal organs, and mortality depending on the toxicological load were noted. The results of the study indicate the presence of a dose-dependent reaction of the body, which may be important for determining the safe range of use of the drug. An assessment of current approaches to environmentally safe disposal of pharmacological residues was carried out. The data obtained can be used for further regulatory developments in veterinary medicine and environmental protection. Further research will focus on developing regulated methods for environmentally safe disposal of iron-containing veterinary drugs and studying their cumulative impact on biocenoses
Influence of climate trends on the effect of nitrogen fertilizers, nitrapyrin and inoculates in soybean growing in Male Polissya
Get PDFThe objective of the research was to determine the effects of different forms of nitrogen fertilizers, applied at varying rates, the use of the nitrification inhibitor N-Lok™ and seed inoculants on soybean grain yield in Male Polissya, considering the mesoclimate dynamics in Western Ukraine. The experiments were conducted at the Lviv National University of Nature Management during 2022-2024, at an experimental field located at coordinates 50°12'07.8" N and 24°32'52.9" E. Weather statistics were obtained from the Meteopost website (https://meteopost.com/weather/climate). The experimental plot is characterized by deep gleyed soddy sandy-loam soil with 4% humus content in the arable layer, elevated levels of easily hydrolyzable nitrogen and available phosphorus, medium levels of exchangeable potassium, and a slightly acidic pH of 5.6-5.8. Traditional research methods were applied. Over 14 years of observations, the climatic norm for precipitation, set at 748 mm, was exceeded in 9 years and fell below the norm in 5 years, with record-low precipitation in 2022 and 2024. The average annual temperature over 14 years, as well as in the last three years, showed a tendency to increase. In the last three years, July recorded lower average monthly temperatures compared to August, with temperatures reaching 20-21°C in 2022 and 2023. Under these conditions, soybeans provided an average three-year yield range of 2.81-3.95 t/ha of grain. With the nitrogen fertilization system N30 (ammonium sulfate) on a P60K60 background and the use of a nitrogen-fixing inoculant, the highest three-year yield was achieved, with a maximum grain yield of 4.12 t/ha in 2023. This vegetative period was the most favorable for the crop, yielding 0.40 t/ha more than the average for 2022-2024. The use of nitrapyrin and inoculants under different systems of nitrogen fertilization of soybeans on the P60K60 phosphorus-potassium background had different effectiveness, depending on the hydrothermal conditions of vegetation in Male Polissya on sod deep clayey sandy-light loamy soil. The use of the nitrate stabilizer N-Lok™ (applied before sowing at 1.7 l/ha) on a N30+30P60K60 background resulted in a soybean yield of 3.90 t/ha, which was 0.36 t/ha higher than the N30 (ammonium sulfate) on a P60K60 background, considered the traditional production method
Cardioprotective effects of L-arginine in a mesatone-induced rat model of chronic heart failure: biochemical and electrocardiographic insights
Get PDFThe management of chronic heart failure (CHF) remains a critical challenge in cardiovascular pathology. This study aimed to investigate the role of L-arginine in a mesatone-induced rat model of CHF. L-arginine exhibits cardioprotective effects. CHF was induced in experimental groups by intramuscular administration of 0.1 mL of a 1 % mesatone solution, followed by daily free swimming until profound fatigue for 21 days. The experiment continued until stable and irreversible myocardial changes developed. One experimental group received L-arginine at a dose of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 10 days. The control group consisted of intact animals. The impact of CHF on the cardiovascular system was assessed through biochemical and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters. In CHF-induced rats, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased by 36.7 % (P ≤ 0.05) and 184.1 % (P ≤ 0.05), respectively, compared to the control group. Additionally, CHF was associated with an increase in creatinine levels by 152.6 % (P ≤ 0.01) and urea levels by 207.0 % (P ≤ 0.05), indicating renal dysfunction. Electrolyte imbalances included elevated sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, reflecting the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). CHF also caused significant alterations in ECG parameters, including a 24.8 % (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in heart rate, a 50.2 % (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in R-wave amplitude, and a 192.9 % (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in T-wave amplitude. Additionally, CHF led to a 37.2 % (P ≤ 0.05) prolongation of the QRS complex and a 60.3 % (P ≤ 0.05) increase in QT interval duration, indicating myocardial conduction abnormalities and impaired ventricular repolarization. L-arginine administration demonstrated a cardioprotective effect by reducing AST levels by 27.7 % (P ≤ 0.05) and ALT by 5.8 %, suggesting improved myocardial function. Furthermore, creatinine and urea levels decreased by 46.9 % (P ≤ 0.05) and 60.0 % (P ≤ 0.05), respectively, indicating a beneficial effect on renal function. Electrolyte imbalances were partially corrected, with potassium levels decreasing by 69.9 % (P ≤ 0.05) and chloride levels by 44.1 % (P ≤ 0.05). L-arginine also contributed to the partial normalization of ECG parameters, leading to a 9.0 % (P ≤ 0.05) increase in heart rate, reduction in QT interval prolongation, and improved ventricular conduction. These findings suggest that L-arginine mitigates biochemical and electrophysiological disturbances associated with CHF, supporting its potential as a cardioprotective agent
Determination of the stability of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for dogs based on celecoxib
Get PDFStability studies are an important task in developing finished veterinary medicinal products. The stability of medicines ensures that their therapeutic properties are preserved for several years in storage. Stability should be under the close attention of the developer, given that state control bodies do not check this indicator, and it is the manufacturer's responsibility. In order to obtain data on the change in the quality of the developed solution for injection based on celecoxib over time, under the influence of various environmental factors, and to establish recommended storage conditions, stability tests of the resulting drug were conducted. As a result of the stability study, it was proposed to establish a shelf life of 2 years and 28 days for the resulting solution after the first puncture of the stopper in a dark glass bottle at a temperature of 25 ± 2 °C and a humidity of 60 ± 5 %, in the original packaging. Chromatograms demonstrate high similarity between the standard sample and the drug if the prominent peaks coincide in retention time and intensity. The peak spectra confirm the identity of celecoxib in the test drug and the standard sample. The difference in the spectra may indicate possible degradation of the drug or the presence of impurities. Further studies will be the next stage of pre-registration testing aimed at developing the section “Data reflecting the risk assessment for the environment”, which is a mandatory material of the part “Chemical, pharmaceutical and biological documentation” of the dossier for this veterinary drug. Instructions will be created to dispose of expired or defective batches of the drug, preventing harmful environmental effects
A new method for assessing the operational value of sows
Get PDFThe paper presents the results of a study of the lifespan, breeding use, and reproductive qualities of sows of the Large White breed of foreign origin. Based on the research results, a new mathematical model, “operating value of a sow,” was developed, and a scale for evaluating animals of the specified production group was developed according to this indicator. The research was conducted in agricultural formations of Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Sumy regions, as well as in the animal husbandry laboratory of the State Institution Institute of Grain Crops of the NAAS. The work was carried out following the scientific research program of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine No. 31, “Genetic improvement of farm animals, their reproduction and preservation of biodiversity.” (Genetics, preservation, and reproduction of bioresources in animal husbandry). The research results show that high lifespan indicators, breeding use, and reproductive qualities characterize sows of the Large White breed of foreign origin. A significant difference between the animals of the experimental groups (I, “high level of operational value” – III, “low level of operational value” was established by the following indicators: life expectancy (18.7 months; td = 13.75), duration of breeding use (19.6 months; td = 15.68), total number of farrowing received (4.1; td = 26.97), total number of live piglets received (52.3 heads; td = 30.40), multiparity (1.1 heads; td = 4.78), number of piglets at the time of weaning (0.3 heads; td = 2.14), litter weight at the time of weaning at the age of 30 days (4.5 kg; td = 3.46). The number of significant pairwise correlation coefficients between the index “operating value of the sow” (Kh1), life expectancy, duration of breeding use, and reproductive qualities of sows is 100 % and ranges from – 0.389 ± 0.0626 to +0.999 ± 0.0001. It was established that the maximum increase in additional production was obtained from the I experimental group sows with a “high level of operational value.” It is +3.67 %, and its cost is +145.67 UAH/head/farrowing. The evaluation index “Kh1” for sows of the “high level of operational value” category ranges from 83.55 to 134.67 points
Impact of acute heat stress on hematological and biochemical profiles in Brown Swiss cows
Get PDFHeat stress (HS) is a critical environmental factor that disrupts dairy cows' physiological and metabolic balance, leading to impaired productivity, immune suppression, and oxidative stress. The Brown Swiss breed is known for its relatively higher thermotolerance, yet its hematological and biochemical responses to acute HS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute heat stress on the hematological and biochemical parameters of Brown Swiss dairy cows, identifying key physiological adaptations and potential biomarkers for stress assessment. The experiment involved 16 Brown Swiss cows in their second lactation, divided into a heat-stressed group (HYP, n = 8) and a control group (CON, n = 8). Heat stress conditions were characterized by a temperature-humidity index (THI) of 77.6 for five consecutive days. Hematological and biochemical analyses were conducted using an automated haematology analyzer and biochemical assays to assess oxygen transport capacity, metabolic adaptations, and immune responses. The results demonstrated significant changes in key blood parameters due to acute HS. Haemoglobin concentration decreased by 8.8% (P < 0.05), while platelet count and leukocyte levels were reduced by 30.2 % and 25.1 %, respectively (P < 0.05), indicating hematopoietic and immune alterations. Biochemical findings showed a 21.8 % increase in albumin concentration (P < 0.05), along with a 77.5 % rise in blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05), suggesting enhanced protein catabolism. Additionally, total lipoprotein levels increased by 56.3 % (P < 0.05), and β-carotene concentration rose by 87.1 % (P < 0.05), reflecting metabolic shifts and oxidative stress adaptation. Thus, acute HS induces significant hematological and biochemical alterations in Brown Swiss cows, affecting oxygen transport, immune function, and metabolic regulation. The findings highlight the physiological trade-offs necessary for thermoregulation, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional and environmental strategies to enhance heat stress resilience in dairy cattle. Further research is warranted to explore long-term adaptations and develop practical mitigation approaches
Determination of subacute toxicity of an injectable meloxicam-based drug in dogs
Get PDFLaboratory studies were conducted to determine the subacute toxicity of the veterinary drug Loxidev in dogs. 1 ml of the drug contains the active substance: meloxicam – 20 mg, excipients – glycine, sodium hydroxide, meglumine, and water for injection – up to 1 ml. The drug Loxidev, based on meloxicam, is used in diseases of European fallow deer, treatment of animals for non-infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system (acute aseptic myositis to reduce symptoms of lameness and inflammation), as well as for diseases of the respiratory system (in the case of appropriate antibiotic therapy). Red deer: treatment of animals for non-infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis of the metatarso-metatarsal joint to reduce symptoms of lameness and inflammation). It was established that subcutaneous administration of the drug Loxidev (solution for injection) to dogs in doses of 0.03; 0.15 and 0.3 ml/kg of body weight for 3 days in general does not affect the clinical and biochemical parameters of the blood and does not cause hepato- and nephrotoxic effects on the animal body under the conditions of a subacute toxicological experiment. The exceptions were the tendencies to reduce the concentration of total hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte count, as well as a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the number of leukocytes by 6.6 %, respectively, relative to the control in the blood and an increase (P < 0.05) in the enzymatic activity of ALT and AST and the concentration of urea in the blood serum of dogs after three days of administration of the drug at a dose of 0.30 mg/kg of body weight by 19.4; 19.3 and 14.5 %, respectively, however, 7 days after discontinuation of the drug, these indicators did not significantly differ from the control. Further research directions will include the following: studying the long-term effects of meloxicam on the body of dogs to determine possible cumulative effects when used in long-term therapeutic courses; analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the identified toxic effects, for example, effects on enzyme systems, oxidative stress or immunological reactions; expanding studies with an emphasis on the specific effects of the drug on the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and digestive tract, which are the primary targets for NSAIDs; studying the effects of meloxicam on animal reproductive function, embryo development and potential risks to offspring
Microclimate parameter dynamics in pig housing using the biodestructor Sanaero
Get PDFAmong the various unpleasant gases that are formed and accumulated in the rooms for intensive pig growing ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are considered to be the most dangerous. These gases are key indicators of environmental safety and comfort of animals and workers. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the concentration of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the air of pigs for feeding pigs when using the microbial preparation developed by us for the destruction of Sanaero pus. It was established that the highest concentration of ammonia in the air of boxes was recorded on the ninth day in the test samples – 56.7 ±3.9 mg/m3 and 2.1 times (P < 0.05) less concentration (25.8 ± 1.7 mg/m3) in the premises, which were added to the pump. In the future, a gradual decrease in the concentration of ammonia in the control and experimental premises, so on the 17th day, the content of ammonia was 25.1 ± 1.6 mg/m3 in the air in control and 11.8 ± 0.8 mg/m3 in the air of the experiment. This indicates more active release of gaseous ammonia from pus in the air in control and more slowly in the experiment using the Sanaero biodestructor. It is established that the treatment of manure in the piggies with a biodestator Sanaero allows to reduce the formation of hydrogen sulfide in the air of boxes, about 2 – 3 times, comparing with control boxes at ambient temperatures + 20 – +25 °C. Therefore, during the production use of the Sanaero biodegrade developed by us, there is a significant positive correlation to reduce the secretion of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide into the air of the pigmen, comparing with the premises in which the biodegradist was not used
The effect of feed additives on biochemical and immunological blood parameters in growing pigs
No full textThis study presents the results of biochemical and immunological indicators of clinically healthy young pigs of the Large White breed. The research was conducted against the background of expanding the basic diet with supplements having different mechanisms of action: the probiotics BioPlus 2B (based on Bacillus licheniformis СН 200 and Bacillus subtilis 201) and Bacell (Ruminococcus albus, Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus subtilis 8130 in composition), and a mixture of plant extracts Extract SV containing carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and capsaicin. Animals were randomly selected for the control group (Group 1), and for the experimental groups – according to the results of bacteriological studies of the intestinal microflora. Group 2 consisted of pigs with a reduced content of Escherichia coli, which consumed BioPlus 2B with the basic diet, Group 3 – pigs with a reduced content of Lactobacillus spp., which consumed Bacell, Group 4 – animals with a normal ratio of E. coli, bifidobacteria and lactobacteria. Blood samples were taken immediately after the distribution of pigs into groups (day 0) and on days 18 and 62. When using feed additives, an increase in the concentration of total protein in pigs was observed on day 62, alongside changes in the protein profile of animals that consumed BioPlus 2B – an increase in α1-globulins by 1.33 times (P ˂ 0.01), and Extract SV – β-globulins by 1.18 times (P ˂ 0.01), BUN and creatinine by 10 % (P ˂ 0.05), which indicated the absence of violations of the protein synthesis function of the liver. On day 18, we observed a significant increase in the concentration of IgG by 10 % in animals consuming Bacell, which may indicate a temporary immune-stimulating effect. The prevalence of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the intestine when consuming feed additives indicates a relationship between the structure of the microbiome and the biochemical and immunological indicators of the experimental pigs. The described approach to selecting feed additives allows us to achieve maximum efficiency and predict results in industrial pig farming, thereby optimizing the production cycle and increasing the profitability of the farm
Comparative assessment of slaughter qualities and morphological composition of half-carcasses of Limousin bulls of different selections
No full textThe research conducted is devoted to the problem of increasing the efficiency of beef production by assessing the genetic potential of Limousin bulls of different breeding origins. The results obtained indicate that within a single breed there is a significant differentiation in the productive qualities of animals, which is determined by the direction of selection in a particular country. The research was conducted at LLC “Lvivske” in the Lviv region on Limousin bulls of different countries of selection (Hungary, Poland, Ukraine). It was found that Hungarian-bred bulls were characterised by their massive size, which gives them an advantage in terms of slaughter performance. In particular, at 18 months of age, they reach the highest pre-slaughter live weight (559.5 kg) and have the heaviest carcasses after slaughter. However, analysis of the morphological composition showed that the high live weight of these animals is partly due to massive skeletal development and intensive fat deposition, which is a sign of early physiological maturation. On the other hand, Polish-bred bulls had the most desirable carcass composition from a technological point of view. It has been proven that this genotype combines high growth energy with a unique ability to form muscle tissue with a relatively thin skeleton. This allowed Polish bulls to achieve the highest slaughter yield (64.6 %) and meat yield (81.0 %), which is one of the highest indicators for the breed. The varietal composition of their half-carcasses is of particular value: the yield of grade I meat reaches 82.0 %, while the content of low-grade raw materials (grade III meat) is 4.4 %. Animals of Ukrainian selection in all studied age periods significantly lagged behind foreign analogues in terms of slaughter indicators, morphological and varietal composition of half-carcasses and had lower indices of meatiness, muscle tissue and meat-bone ratio. The use of dispersion analysis made it possible to establish the influence of breeding origin and age of bulls on their meat productivity. It was found that the country of selection had the most significant effect on bone mass (53.7 %), tendons (49.4 %) and the yield of grade III meat (67.2 %). On the other hand, the age factor (fattening duration) is decisive for quantitative weight indicators: it determines 51.7 % of the pre-slaughter live weight and 53.4% of the weight of the pulp. An almost identical dependence of the yield of grade I meat on both factors has been established, which scientifically justifies the expediency of combining the best global gene pool with technologically sound growing periods of up to 18 months in order to achieve maximum economic efficiency