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Fertility Restoration in Progestogen-Treated Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas: Effects of GnRH Agonist on Reproductive Activity
Get PDFDeslorelin implants are increasingly utilized in veterinary reproductive management as a reversible alternative to surgical sterilization in dogs. The present study evaluated the biphasic response to deslorelin (Suprelorin®, 4.7 mg; Virbac®, France) in Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla bitches after long-term progestogen-induced estrus suppression and assessed its efficacy for estrus induction and hormonal response sterilization. Thirty healthy bitches, aged 2-3 years and weighing from 19.8 to 23.7 kg, were enrolled in the study, which was divided into three groups, including a control group (C1) and two experimental groups (E1 and E2), each comprising 10 bitches. All of these dogs received subcutaneous deslorelin implants during anestrus. In E1, bitches previously treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate for 18 to 24 months received the implant for estrus induction, which was surgically removed on day 7. In E2, the implant was used for prolonged estrus suppression. Cytology and hormone analysis samples (progesterone, luteinizing hormone) were collected from the cephalic vein at specific time points; during anestrus (day 160), before implantation in controls, proestrus (day 3), estrus (days 1-3), the flare-up phase (72 hours post-implantation), and post-removal (day 7, group E1). Diestrus was monitored on days 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 30, and 60 for the E2 group under suppression. Cytological assessment was performed using Diff-Quik™ staining, and hormone levels were measured via chemiluminescent immunoassay and ELISA. Ultrasonography and physical examination were used to monitor reproductive tract status. The present study confirmed a biphasic response to deslorelin, characterized by an initial flare-up phase, during which luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and estrous behavior were elevated, peaking on days 3 or 4, followed by effective suppression from day 14 through day 60. Implant removal in group E1 successfully induced fertile estrus, demonstrating Suprelorin's utility for fertility restoration in progestogen-treated bitches. In group E2, the implant provided sustained reproductive suppression for up to 12 months without adverse effects. These results highlighted the dual role of deslorelin in inducing or suppressing estrus, providing a valuable, evidence-based pharmacological option for managing canine reproduction
Novel Approaches for Controlling Enteric Bacteria in Dairy Farms
Get PDFEscherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis are virulent bacterial pathogens that cause serious infections on dairy farms. Nano-based disinfectants are a promising area for antibacterial applications, including chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two commercial disinfectants, ChNPs and AgNPs, against Escherichia coli O26 (E. coli O26), Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis isolated from three dairy farms in the Sharqia governorate, Egypt. After applying 5% hydrogen peroxide, 10% iodine, 5% silver-hydrogen peroxide nanoparticles (Ag-H2O2 NPs), 5% chitosan-hydrogen peroxide nanoparticles (Ch-H2O2 NPs), 10% silver iodide nanoparticles (Ag-I NPs), and 10% chitosan iodide nanoparticles (Ch-I NPs) individually and in combination, the viability of fifty-three strains—comprising 7 E. coli O26, 43 Staphylococcus aureus, and 2 Salmonella enteritidis—was tested using a quantitative suspension method in the presence or absence of organic matter at varying contact times. The tested strains of E. coli O26, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis predominated in the samples at 17.07%, 39.45%, and 50%, respectively. Additionally, the in vitro experiments revealed that the most effective (100%) and fastest (less than a minute) bactericidal effect was achieved by the combination of H2O2-Iodine, loaded AgNPs, ChNPs, and their complexes. The results indicated that bactericidal efficacy depended on factors such as organic matter presence, contact time, and disinfectant concentration. Nano-based disinfectants combining silver, chitosan, and the H2O2-Iodine complex proved to be highly effective biocidal agents against pathogenic E. coli O26, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis. When two or more antimicrobial agents are combined, they can offer a valuable tool for controlling pathogenic bacteria
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in HSF1 and HSPA6 Genes with Growth and Adaptation traits in Barki Lambs
Get PDFBarki is a sheep breed that is well-adapted to the harsh environmental conditions in Egypt without compromising its reproduction and productivity. Further, it remarkably contributes to the livelihood of many breeders, particularly in the desert regions of Egypt. This study investigated potential polymorphisms in the HSF1 and HSPA6 genes and their impacts on growth, adaptation traits, and blood parameters in 194 Barki lambs. Growth traits included birth weight, weaning weight (WW), and weights at 6 (W6) and 9 (W9) months of age. Adaptation traits included respiration rate, heart rate, body temperature, rectal temperature, and hormonal and biochemical blood profiles. The PCR-Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism technique was applied to detect the allelic and genotypic frequencies of HSF1 and HSPA6 genes using SmaI and Cfr42I (SacII) restriction enzymes, respectively. The HSF1 exhibited two alleles (A and B) with only two genotypes, AB (0.46) and BB (0.52). However, the HSPA6 gene showed a monomorphic pattern. Association analysis revealed a significant effect of the HSF1 polymorphism on WW, W6, and W9. However, neither HSPA6 nor HSF1 polymorphisms significantly influenced adaptation traits or blood parameters. Lambs carrying AB genotypes had a relatively higher WW (16.14 kg) than BB lambs (13.7 kg). The fixed effect of lamb sex was significant on the weight at 9 months, with values of 34.43 kg for males and 28.17 kg for females. Male lambs were significantly heavier than females. Furthermore, lamb sex had a significant effect on respiratory rate (69.35 rpm for males and 60.48 for females), heart rate (87.48 rpm for males and 95.1 for females), urea (74 mg/dl for males and 41.21 mg/dl for females), aspartate aminotransferase (92.6 IU/L for males and 87.92 IU/L for females) and T3 hormone (2.75 ng/ml for males and 2.29 ng/ml for females). These findings elucidated that the HSF1 gene can be considered a functional candidate for improving growth performance in Barki lambs
Microbial Agents Causing Mortalities in Turkey Flocks: An Update on Egypt's Epidemiological Situation
Get PDFNumerous microbial agents, encompassing viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, contribute to significant mortality in turkey flocks, adversely affecting the global turkey industry. This review presents a comprehensive overview of these microbial threats, with an updated epidemiological perspective focusing on Egypt, while emphasizing their broader implications for the turkey industry worldwide. Viral pathogens, such as the Newcastle disease virus, avian influenza virus, avian metapneumovirus, and turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus, are associated with mortality rates reaching up to 100% in both young and adult turkeys. Additionally, turkey coronavirus has been reported to cause mortality rates of up to 50% in turkey poults. Bacterial infections, which may act as primary or secondary pathogens, also contribute to significant mortality in turkeys. Key bacterial agents include Mycoplasma spp., Bordetella avium, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Pasteurella multocida, and Salmonella spp. Furthermore, parasitic diseases, particularly histomoniasis and coccidiosis, are responsible for elevated mortality rates in turkey flocks
Effects of Food Waste Fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus on the Performance and Carcass Quality of Alabio Ducks
Get PDFThe incorporation of food waste as an alternative feed ingredient has attracted considerable academic attention, owing to its potential to decrease feed costs and promote sustainable practices within livestock production systems. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of food waste from Pesantren (FWP), Indonesia, fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus (R. oligosporus) as feed on the performance and carcass quality of Alabio ducks. A completely randomized design with four replications was used in the present study. A total of 200 one-day-old male Alabio ducks, with an average initial body weight of 39 ± 2 grams, were raised for eight weeks and randomly divided into five dietary groups, consisting of 40 ducks per group and five ducks per replicate with different FWP inclusion levels. The treatments varied based on the inclusion levels of FWP fermented with R. oligosporus in the diets of Alabio ducks which included FWP 0% (Treatment A, the control group), FWP 10% (Treatment B), FWP 20% (Treatment C), FWP 30% (Treatment D), and FWP 40% (Treatment E). Different parameters were observed at 56 days of age, including feed consumption, final body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein intake, carcass percentage, and abdominal fat percentage. The current results indicated that FWP significantly affected feed consumption, final body weight, FCR, and protein intake. Treatment D resulted in the highest body weight, protein intake, and the best FCR. However, there were no significant differences among treatments in carcass and abdominal fat percentages. In conclusion, incorporating up to 30% of FWP fermented with R. oligosporus, based on dry matter, into the diet of male Alabio ducks does not negatively impact their performance or carcass quality. Using FWP fermented with R. oligosporus as part of the duck feed offered a sustainable and cost-effective method for organic waste management in Pesantren poultry systems
Evaluation of Garlic Powder as a Control Agent of Vibrio sp. in the Digestive Tract of White-leg Shrimp
Get PDFGarlic (Allium sativum) is a natural plant recognized for its active compounds, such as allicin, which possess antibacterial properties that can combat pathogenic microorganisms. Vibrio sp. bacteria can be pathogenic to vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), causing mortality marked by necrosis and melanization in the hepatopancreas cells. The present study aimed to examine the chemical compositions of garlic powder and its potential to inhibit the growth of Vibrio sp. bacteria in vannamei shrimp. Vannamei shrimp, with a population of 400 shrimp/m3, were orally administered garlic powder mixed into their feed. The experimental doses were 0.1 mg of garlic powder (Group A), 0.5 mg of garlic powder (Group B), and 1 mg of garlic powder in 1 g of shrimp feed (Group C), along with shrimp that did not receive garlic powder (K, control group). Vannamei shrimp at the post-larva stage were used with a density of 1000 shrimp in each tank. Phytochemical analysis of the garlic powder revealed the presence of compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and saponins. Thin-layer chromatography using quercetin as the reference standard yielded a positive result, indicated by a retention factor of 0.66. Notably, there was a significant reduction in total bacterial counts of Vibrio sp. in 40 days of treatment. A garlic powder at a dose of 0.5 mg/g was particularly effective in inhibiting the growth of Vibrio sp. bacteria. The current results indicated that shrimp not given garlic powder (control group) exhibited significant atrophy and hepatopancreas infiltration
Effects of Different Levels of Raisins Pomace Powder on Productive Performance and Blood Parameters in Broiler Chickens
Get PDFOne of the primary concerns in poultry farming is the exploration of natural feed ingredient alternatives that are, concurrently, more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Raisin pomace powder (RPP), a by-product from grape processing, may contain numerous beneficial nutrients and natural compounds that contribute to optimal performance in chickens. The present study assessed the impact of incorporating RPP into broiler chicken diets concerning growth performance, carcass characteristics, economic efficiency, blood parameters, and immune indices. A total of 180 unsexed Ross 308 broiler chickens, all one day old with an initial average body weight of approximately 38 g, were randomly divided into four dietary treatments. The present study comprised a control group (T1) and three experimental groups, including 10 g/kg of RPP (T2), 20 g/kg of RPP (T3), and 30 g/kg of RPP (T4). The study duration spanned 35 days, covering both the initial and finisher phases. The present results demonstrated no statistically significant differences in body weight, weight gain, feed intake, dressing percentage, or economic efficiency among the treatment groups. However, the feed conversion ratio was notably higher in T2 in comparison to the control group. Hematological parameters, encompassing packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, as well as red and white blood cell counts, were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of RPP. Serum levels of total protein and globulin remained stable across groups, whereas albumin levels exhibited a significant decrease in T4. Additionally, cholesterol levels were reduced in T3 compared to T1. The current findings suggested that RPP can be included in broiler diets up to 30 g/kg without adverse effects on productivity, physiological status, or immune development. Utilizing RPP provided a sustainable strategy for poultry nutrition through the employment of agro-industrial by-products, thereby potentially improving feed resource efficiency and environmental sustainability
Effects of Black Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Leptin Level in Male Obese Rats
Get PDFObesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in tissues, leading to leptin resistance and chronic inflammation. Black garlic is a well-documented natural remedy capable of improving leptin resistance and oxidative stress through its antioxidant compounds, such as S-Allyl cysteine and polyphenol flavonoids. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of black garlic on oxidative stress and leptin levels in obese male rats. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats, aged 10 to 12 weeks and weighing approximately 200 g, were divided into five experimental groups, each comprising five rats. These groups included a negative control group fed a standard diet (K1), a positive control group given a high-fat diet (K2), Treatment group 1 receiving a high-fat diet plus 200 mg of black garlic (P1), Treatment group 2 receiving a high-fat diet plus 400 mg of black garlic (P2), and Treatment group 3 receiving a high-fat diet plus 800 mg of black garlic (P3). The rats received black garlic orally for 28 days. The blood samples were analyzed for markers of oxidative stress, specifically malondialdehyde, as well as leptin levels. The present findings indicated that black garlic significantly decreased malondialdehyde and leptin concentrations in groups P1, P2, and P3 compared to the positive control group. Black garlic, administered at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg, demonstrated the capacity to diminish oxidative stress and leptin levels in obese male rats
Assessing the Efficiency of Different Coccidiostats against Eimeria spp. in Broiler Chickens Grown in the Floor Pen System
Get PDFCoccidiosis is a critical parasitic disease that affects poultry through severe impairment in growth and yield. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined coccidiostats in broiler chickens reared in floor pen systems. A total of 1200 Cobb500 broiler chickens were divided into five treatment groups, each group consisting of eight replications, which were based on different coccidiostats, including Treatment 1 (Control), Treatment 2 (Maduramicin-Nicarbazin), Treatment 3 (Narasin-Nicarbazin), Treatment 4 (Semduramicin-Nicarbazin), and Treatment 5 (Monensin-Nicarbazin). Performance parameters were recorded on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 33. Treatment 3 exhibited the lowest feed consumption per chicken (2.797 kg), followed by Treatment 5 (2.825 kg) and Treatment 2 (2.835 kg). The control group consumed the highest amount of feed (2.880 kg), followed by Treatment 4 (2.888 kg). During week five, Treatment 5 demonstrated the highest body weight gain (1915 g), whereas Treatment 2 showed the lowest (1808 g). The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in Treatment 5 (1.500), followed by Treatment 3 (1.504), Treatment 4 (1.547), Treatment 2 (1.571), and the control group (1.576). However, the maximum intestinal lesion scores were noted in the control group, compared to the experimental groups observed on the culling day. Treatment 5 indicated the lowest lesion scores, followed by treatments 3, 4, and 2. Among the observed species, Eimeria (E.) tenella exhibited the highest lesion scores compared to E. maxima and E. acervulina in all the groups. Therefore, the effective use of these coccidiostats is crucial for preventing and managing coccidiosis outbreaks in poultry
Effects of Nettle (Urtica dioica) Supplementation on Productive Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Gut Microbiota in Broiler Chickens
Get PDFThe global poultry industry is challenged to meet rising demands for sustainable production, prompting interest in plant-based feed additives like Urtica dioica due to their nutritional and functional properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Urtica dioica on growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, and intestinal microbiota composition in broiler chickens. The 42-day feeding trial involved 120 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens with an average initial body weight of 41.7 ± 1.2 g. Broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four experimental groups, each consisting of six replicates with ten chickens. The treatment groups received basal diets supplemented with 1% (T1), 2% (T2), or 3% (T3) Urtica dioica, while the control group (T0) was fed the basal diet without additives. Productive performance parameters were recorded weekly, and on day 42, blood profiles and intestinal microbiota composition were evaluated. Results showed that 1% Urtica dioica significantly improved live weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group, with no additional benefits observed at higher inclusion levels. The biochemical assessment showed that broiler chickens supplemented with 1% Urtica dioica exhibited significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triacylglycerol levels compared to the control group. Microbial analysis demonstrated a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. populations and a decrease in coliform bacteria in the 1% supplementation group, suggesting improved gut health. These findings indicated that 1% Urtica dioica supplementation enhances growth, lipid metabolism, and intestinal health in broiler chickens