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The influence of ripening time on the physicochemical characteristics of craft hard goat cheeses
No full textThe unique taste characteristics of craft hard cheeses made from raw goat milk, ripened using mites Acarus siro L., have contributed to increasing consumer demand enable the assessment of their quality and authenticity. In this study, 15 heads of Alpine and Yoghurt cheeses each weighing 4.5-5.0 kg were produced from raw goat milk and allowed to ripen for 12 and 18 months, respectively. Both cheeses were ripened with natural surface colonization by the mites Acarus siro L. It was found that the moisture content of Alpine cheese decreased from 43.31 on day 7 to 28.99% at 12 months of age, and the moisture content of Yoghurt cheese decreased from 46.90% on day 7 to 29.99% at 18 months. Moisture loss in both cheeses was strongly dependent on ripening time. The protein content in craft hard cheeses increased with age: from 21.45% to 28.68% in Alpine cheese and from 20.52% to 29.52% in Yoghurt cheese. Corresponding to the increase in dry matter content, fat content also increased in both varieties: from 24.45% to 31.50% in Alpine cheese and from 22.06% to 29.91% in Yoghurt cheese. A characteristic feature of both cheeses was the formation of holes, the size and distribution of varied with ripening duration. The hardness of Alpine and Yoghurt cheeses decreased with age, while the fracturability increased, reaching a minimum in the oldest cheeses, a change closely related to moisture loss. The rind of old-ripened Alpine and Yoghurt cheeses exhibited an amber color of varying intensity, with small verrucae due to the activity of the mite Acarus siro L. The observed changes in the physicochemical characteristics of young, mature, and old-ripened artisanal cheeses made from raw goat milk can serve as criteria for assessing their quality, age, and authenticity. Production of such cheeses contributes to diversifying the product range and enhancing the market competitiveness of premium goat cheeses
Effects of Six-Hour Pre-Incubation Thermal Conditioning and Prolonged Storage on Egg Quality, Embryogenesis, Hatchability, and Post-Hatch Physiology of Plymouth Rock Hybrid Chickens in Tropical Climate of Ghana
Get PDFProlonged storage negatively impacts incubation outcomes in commercial hatchery operations, highlighting the need for efficient storage strategies. This study assessed the impact of prolonged storage durations and six-hour pre-incubation thermal conditioning (PTC) on egg quality, embryonic development, hatchability, chick quality, blood profile, and thermoregulation. A total of 2,000 fertile eggs were collected from a flock of 72-week-old Plymouth Rock hybrid hens and subjected to a 2 × 2 factorial design, involving storage for either 14 or 21 days, with or without the application of 6-hour PTC. Following storage, the eggs were incubated in a Jamesway P5000 set at a temperature of 37.5°C and relative humidity of 56, then transferred on incubation day 18 to a hatcher set at 36.5°C and 60 until hatching. Results revealed that prolonged egg storage without PTC significantly diminished egg protein while PTC effectively countered this decline, enhancing Haugh unit values and blastoderm diameter. Prolonged egg storage without PTC also resulted in increased relative egg weight loss (REWL), fluctuated daily eggshell temperature, and reduced embryonic growth during incubation while PTC significantly reduced these effects, with embryos demonstrating significantly enhanced growth. Additionally, while fertility rates remained stable across all treatments, PTC significantly reduced mortality and improved hatchability by 11.4 in 14-day stored eggs and 10.8 in 21-day stored eggs. It also shortened incubation time, increased post-hatch chick body weights and enhanced their hematological and serum profiles, including normalized thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels compared to the non-PTC (control) group. Pearson correlation showed that longer incubation time was positively correlated with higher rectal temperature, serum glucose, and thyroid hormones, but negatively correlated with hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and total protein in non-PTC chicks. In conclusion, six-hour pre-incubation thermal conditioning mitigates the negative effects of prolonged egg storage and enhances embryogenesis, hatchability, chick quality, blood profile, and thermoregulation in Plymouth Rock hybrid chickens. © The Author(s) 202
Virulent Genes and Genetic Relationship of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Chickens and Husbandry Environments in Small-Scale Farms in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Get PDFSalmonella is one of the most severe pathogens causing diseases in poultry and humans, and several factors could become transmission vectors in the husbandry environment. This study was conducted from April to July 2024 to clarify the prevalence of common Salmonella serovars in chickens and the husbandry environment and their pathogenicity and genetic relationship in small-scale farms in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 279 samples were randomly collected from fresh chickens’ feces (n = 54), husbandry environment (n=81), and pests (n=144), including rats, geckos, and ants, in four small-scale farms to examine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. By the conventional isolation method, 75 samples were positive for Salmonella, accounting for 26.88%. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken feces, the environment, and pests were 27.78%, 12.35%, and 34.72%, respectively. Of 75 positive Salmonella isolates, two common serovars were identified, including S. Gallinarum (13.33%) and S. Enteritidis (10.67%); however, S. Pullorum and S. Typhimurium were not detected using PCR. These Salmonella isolates were detected virulent genes by using PCR, and found that these isolates harbored several virulent genes, including InvA (100%), fimA (100%), stn (93.33%), sopB (89.33%), and sodC1 (54.57%). The ERIC-PCR method was used to determine the genetic relationship among Salmonella strains carrying virulent genes present in chickens, environment, and pests in these small-scale farms. The results showed diversity in phenotype and similarity in the genetic relationship (more than 75% similarity) among Salmonella strains isolated from chicken feces and the livestock environment. In conclusion, the study indicated that pathogenic Salmonella serovars could survive and be transmitted among sources, including chickens, the husbandry environment, and pests in small-scale poultry farms in the Mekong Delta
Effects of Egg Storage Duration on Hatching Traits of Commercial Layers and Crossbreds of Indonesian Local Chickens
Get PDFEgg storage duration is highly critical to hatching performance and chick development. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of different egg storage durations on the hatching traits of crossbred chickens. In total, 128 hatching eggs were used in this experiment. The eggs were randomly distributed into four treatments and four replications, with each replication consisting of eight eggs. The treatments were based on the storage duration of the hatching eggs, including one day (T1), four days (T2), seven days (T3), and ten days (T4). Hatching performance was evaluated by fertility, the hatchability of fertile eggs, the hatchability of set eggs, and embryonic mortality. Day-old chickens were evaluated by chicken length, chicken weight, hatch yield, pasgar score, and saleable chickens. The present study's findings indicated that egg storage duration up to ten days did not significantly influence the hatchability of fertile eggs or embryonic mortality. However, egg storage duration significantly affected the fertility and hatchability of set eggs. Eggs stored for four and seven days tended to have improved fertility and hatchability. Additionally, hatching eggs stored for ten days had the lowest fertility and hatchability of set eggs. Body weight, body length, hatch yield, and pasgar score of chickens were not significantly different among all treatments. No significant differences among T1, T2, and T3 were observed in saleable chickens. However, T4 had significantly fewer saleable chickens compared to T1, T2, and T3. It can be concluded that the hatching eggs of crossbred chickens can be safely stored for up to seven days without adverse effects on hatching traits. Extended storage beyond this period, specifically up to 10 days, could worsen key hatching performance traits of crossbred chickens
Microbiological and Hematological Diagnostic Profiles of Strawberry Footrot in Sheep in Karawang, Indonesia
Get PDFDermatophilus congolensis (D. congolensis) is a gram-positive, coccus-shaped pathogenic bacterium that develops a filamentous structure during the infectious phase. The D. congolensis can cause scab lesions on sheep’s feet, which may eventually develop into bloody tissue resembling crushed strawberries. The present study aimed to provide diagnostic, microbiological, and hematological profiles of strawberry footrot in sheep in Karawang Regency, Indonesia. Six sheep (Ovis aries), with an average age of two years and exhibiting similar signs of strawberry footrot, were sampled from community farms in the region. Blood samples and exudate swabs from scab lesions on the feet and udder were collected in August 2024 for analysis. Hematological testing and bacterial isolation using blood agar, gram staining, fermentation, and biochemical tests were performed. The hematologic results indicated thrombocytosis, macrocytic normochromic anemia, and leukocytosis in the sheep. All samples exhibited beta hemolysis zones on blood agar and were gram-positive, coccus-shaped bacteria with a railroad appearance. Biochemical tests were positive for catalase, negative for indole, negative for Voges-Proskauer (VP), and showed the ability to ferment glucose and maltose. Based on clinical signs, hematological findings, and bacterial isolation, D. congolensis was confirmed as the causative agent of strawberry footrot in sheep in Karawang Regency, Indonesia
A Field Study on Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Broiler Chickens in Southern Iraq
Get PDFInfectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly transmissible avian Gamma-coronavirus that continues to pose a major challenge to poultry health and productivity worldwide, particularly in broiler production systems. The present investigation aimed to detect and characterize IBV infections in broiler flocks located in two districts of Southern Iraq between late 2024 and early 2025. A total of 200 clinically affected broilers (100 broilers from each flock) were sampled, with tracheal and kidney tissues collected for clinical evaluation, histopathological assessment, and viral isolation. Suspected IBV-infected chickens showed respiratory distress, increased mortality, and kidney lesions. The suggestive post-mortem lesions were caseous plug exudates at the tracheal bifurcation, as well as congested and hyperemic kidneys. The inoculation of tracheal and kidney tissue suspension in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) resulted in death, stunting, curling, dwarfism, congestion, and subcutaneous hemorrhages. The histopathological findings in tracheal tissues revealed epithelial desquamation, goblet cell depletion, and lymphocytic infiltration, while kidney findings exhibited tubular degeneration, glomerular disruption, and fibrin deposition. These findings emphasize the need for future studies to focus on the molecular identification of circulating strains, vaccine matching, and monitoring of post-vaccination protection levels in Iraq
HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF CAPTIVE FALLOW DEER (Dama dama) IN A ZOO ENVIRONMENT
No full textAccurate health assessment of wild, semi-captive, or domesticated animals is essential for their well-being. Despite this necessity, limited studies have been conducted on deer species, and there is a paucity of information on the hemato-biochemical parameters of different deer species globally. Present study aimed to fill this gap by determining the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer (Dama dama) maintained in semi-captivity within zoo environments for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Present research involved six healthy male fallow deer, aged 2 to 5 years. The deer were immobilized using xylazine hydrochloride and ketamine hydrochloride, and blood samples were collected from the external jugular vein. The hematological parameters measured included RBC, PCV, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, RETIC, WBC, WBC differential, PLT, MPV, PDW, and PCT. Biochemical parameters included glucose, urea, creatinine, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and enzymes (AST, ALT, ALKP, and GGT) activities. The results showed the higher glucose and urea concentrations and the same values for creatinine, triglycerides, and enzyme activities when compared to some previous reports. These findings highlighted the importance of considering handling methods and environmental conditions when interpreting biochemical parameters, contributing to improved health assessments and management practices for deer in captivity. © The Author(s) 202
PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF UMBILICAL LESIONS IN LIVESTOCK FARMING
No full textThe aim of this study is to determine the incidence of umbilical lesions in calves within livestock enterprises and to assess the economic losses they incur. The analysis is based on clinical data from 815 umbilical lesion cases recorded over a 17-year period, supplemented by findings from a Delphi survey conducted with expert veterinarians. The results indicated that umbilical lesions predominantly occur in March and April, and 53 of affected calves are younger than one month old. It was observed that 72.8 of umbilical lesions occurred in Simmental calves. Additionally, umbilical urachus fistula was more commonly diagnosed in females, while omphalitis was more prevalent in males. The incidence rate of umbilical lesions was calculated at 38.6, with a surgical success rate of 73.9. Postoperative complications were observed in 28.9 of cases, and 53.8 of the calves were culled due to growth retardation or further complications. The estimated cost of surgical intervention and postoperative treatment for umbilical lesions was determined to be 101.3 per calf. However, this cost increased to 245.6 in cases complicated by postoperative complications and developmental delays. Despite the fact that umbilical lesions can be largely prevented through simple postnatal hygiene measures, their incidence remains high, leading to substantial economic losses in Turkiye. © (2025), (Scienceline Publication). All rights reserved
Detection of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor in Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows Undergoing Repeat Breeding
Get PDFThe tropical climate in Indonesia will cause heat stress in imported cattle, such as Holstein Friesian dairy cows, which farmers in East Java Province widely keep. Heat stress can cause repeat breeding cases caused by failure in ovulation, which is greatly influenced by luteinizing hormones, whose receptors are found in the blood. This study aimed to detect luteinizing hormone (LH) gene receptors in the blood of dairy cows undergoing repeat breeding. This research was conducted from April to August 2023 using 4 randomly drawn 30 Holstein Friesian dairy cows with repeat breeder cases at the Wilis Farmer Village Unit cooperative. East Java. A ten-milliliter blood sample was taken from the jugular vein of each Holstein Friesian Dairy Cow and placed into a sterile tube. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction of luteinizing hormone gene receptors from the blood of Holstein Frisian dairy cows was done using a DNA extraction kit. DNA amplification of the receptor gene of the luteinizing hormone of Holstein Frisian dairy cows' blood was done using the PCR method, and DNA amplification was checked by 1% agarose electrophoresis. The results of the luteinizing hormone gene receptor from the blood of four Holstein Frisian dairy cows undergoing repeat breeding at the Tani Wilis Village Unit cooperative, East Java, were at 600 bp on gel electrophoresis. The LHR gene profile is potentially used as a marker to detect dairy cows with repeat breeding under heat stress
Serological Assays of Brucellosis in Unvaccinated Sheep and Goat in Indonesia
Get PDFBrucellosis is recognized as one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases and is often overlooked, impacting livestock populations worldwide. Annual routine screenings utilize serological assays, such as the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and the complement fixation test (CFT), to identify the presence of brucellosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and discriminative performance of the CFT, the locally produced RBT antigen from Indonesia, the commercial RBT antigen (Pourquier), and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using sera from Indonesian goats and sheep. A total of 184 serum samples were collected, including 92 from goats and 92 from sheep. The samples were obtained through jugular venipuncture from animals on small-scale goat and sheep farms in Java Island, Indonesia. The results were analyzed to determine true prevalence (TP), accuracy, and cross-tabulation with parallel interpretation to assess the sensitivity and specificity of each test analysis. The TP of brucellosis in small ruminant serum samples using local RBT, Pourquier RBT, CFT, and indirect ELISA was 6.99%, 9.74%, 0%, and 14.78% in goats, and 6.92%, 20.34%, 0%, and 7.81% in sheep, respectively. Moderate Kappa interrater reliability was observed between the local and Pourquier RBTs for both goats (0.537) and sheep (0.440). The combined RBT sensitivity in goats and sheep was 27% and 20%, respectively, while the combined RBT specificity was 92% in goats and 80.5% in sheep. Using more than one diagnostic method is essential for screening and investigating brucellosis in goat and sheep populations. A combination of RBT and indirect ELISA tests is recommended to identify Brucella reactors among small ruminants in Indonesia