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Effects of Two Types of Estrogen on the Follicular Wave for in Vivo Oocyte Collection in Brown Swiss Cows
No full textThe manipulation of follicular waves through hormonal treatments, such as estrogen administration, plays a crucial role in optimizing in-vivo oocyte collection for assisted reproductive technologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of two specific types of estrogen on follicular wave dynamics and their impact on in-vivo oocyte collection in Brown Swiss cows. Fourteen cows, in their first lactation, weighing approximately 340 kg were randomly assigned to one of two treatments including T1 (estradiol cypionate) and T2 (estradiol benzoate). Both treatments were administered at 1.2 mg of estrogen, at day 0 of the experiment. All Brown Swiss cows were provided with a diet entirely consisting of alfalfa grazing. On day 7, follicular wave dynamics were assessed using a DP-50 vet ultrasound device equipped with a 7.5 MHz transducer for transvaginal follicular aspiration guidance. Follicle counts were categorized into three size ranges including 2-4 mm (small), 4-8 mm (medium), and greater than 8 mm (large). Additionally, the quantity and quality (viable oocytes) of the collected oocytes were evaluated by the Ovum Pick Up (OPU) team for oocyte viability on day 7. The study assessed the follicular dynamics (number of follicles) and efficiency of oocyte collection (viable oocytes) in cows treated with Estradiol Cypionate (T1) and Estradiol Benzoate (T2). The average number of small, medium-sized, and large follicles size were 6.048 ± 6.037, 3.16 ± 2.01, and 0.53 ± 0.67 respectively. The total number of follicles was 9.59 ± 3.56. The mean number of viable oocytes recovered was 3.024 ± 1.66, while the mean number of non-viable oocytes was 1.47 ± 1.01. The results indicated no significant differences between treatments in the size of small, medium, and large follicles, nor in the total number of follicles and viable oocytes recovered. However, a significant difference was observed in the number of non-viable oocytes recovered, with a higher mean in T2 (1.86) compared to T1 (1.09). The results indicated an adequate follicular response and viable oocyte recovery in both treatment groups (estradiol cypionate and estradiol benzoate). However, variations in oocyte viability were observed, with estradiol cypionate showing a slight advantage
Amelioration Potency of a Nano-Therapeutic Drug in Rats with Uninephrectomy and Cisplatin-induced Toxicity
No full textWhile physicians describe drugs to treat diseases, these medications may have cytotoxic effects on certain organs, necessitating the use of some drugs to ameliorate such adverse effects. The study was conducted to investigate the protective behavior of nanoemulsified sodium salicylate on uninephrectomized rats injected with cisplatin to induce nephrotoxicity. Fifty adult male albino rats, aged five weeks and weighing approximately 100-120 g, were divided into five groups. The first group received 200 mg/kg/day i.p normal saline for 30 days. The second group was administrated 200 mg/kg/day of nanoemulsified salt of salicylic acid for 30 days. The third group, comprising uninephrectomized rats, was injected with two doses of cisplatin (20 mg/kg body weight) on alternate days from the start of the experiment to induce nephrotoxicity. The fourth group, also uninephrectomized, received 200 mg/kg/day i.p of nanoemulsified sodium salicylate for 30 days. The fifth group, uninephrectomized and treated with 200 mg/kg/day sodium salicylate nanoemlusion for 21 days, was subsequently injected with two doses of cisplatin, followed by continued nanoemulsified sodium salicylate treatment until day 30 from the start of the study. The results showed a significant increase in tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), Hyaluronic acid (HA), malondialdehyde, kidney injury molecule -1(KIM-1), and nitric oxide in the nephrotoxic group injected with cisplatin compared to the control group. Additionally, there was an elevation in the mRNA expression of nephrotoxic group with uninephrectomy. However, nephrotoxic rats treated with nanoemulsified sodium salicylate exhibited only a modest increase in TIMP-1, HA, and KIM-1 levels, along with elevated expressions of podocin and nephrin compared to the healthy control group. These findings suggest that nanoemulsified sodium salicylate exerts a protective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in uninephrectomized
Angora goats and mohair production in South Africa: a review
No full textThis review summarises the properties, nutritional requirements, and production of a natural fibre called mohairs produced by Angora goats. One of the most valuable natural fibres is mohair, produced by Angora goats. Angora goats, also known as Ankara, have their origin in Asia Minor, but today, South Africa is home to over 23 of the global population of Angora goats, where it produces over 60 of the world's mohair, generating about 4 million kilograms annually. Eastern parts of South Africa account for over 72 of the total Angora goats in the country, hence producing the highest number of mohair. The physical properties of Angora mohair, such as lustre, non-inflammable, breathable, durability, elasticity, and resistance to soiling, make it unique and different from other natural fibres of other animal sources. These properties are affected by age, nutrition, and management. The role of nutrition is particularly crucial, as Angora goats require 3-4 of their body weight DM, whilst meat goats and lactating dairy goats require 3-5 and 4-6 of their body weight DM. When Angora goats were fed diets with 18 crude protein, mohair growth increased by about 33 annually compared to diets containing 12-15 CP, while feed intakes were the same. Also, copper, sulphur, molybdenum, and water intake affect the quality of mohairs. In conclusion, inadequate nutrition significantly impedes productivity and sustains financial losses. Hence, promoting sustainable farming practices is vital, investing in research to develop resilient grazing systems and drought-tolerant feed crops, and building capacity for small-scale farmers to improve mohar production and quality in South Africa
Evaluation of the stinging nettle (Urtica simensis) as non-conventional animal feedstuff in selected highland areas of South Wollo of Ethiopia
No full textThis study assessed the use of stinging nettle as animal feed and evaluated its biomass yield and nutritional quality in Dessie Zuria and Legambo districts, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 randomly selected respondents and growing niches across 8 kebeles. Findings indicated a demand for 1935 tons of dry matter (DM), while available feed resources contributed only 915.41 tons of DM, highlighting a significant feed shortage. Stinging nettle, which remains vegetative in both wet and dry seasons, was identified as a potential supplementary feed. Over 77.86 of respondents reported that ruminants consume the leaves and stems, while 13.02 noted that chickens rarely use the leaves, and equines never consume any part of the plant. Cattle preferred stinging nettle in both seasons, but small ruminants showed preference only during the dry season, and chickens showed the least preference in the wet season. Most households (83.6-89.3) treated the plant by wilting it for 2-6 hours, while others (4.40-10.16) dry it, and the rest (4.69-9.89) mix it with other feeds to minimize its stinging nature. Common growing niches for stinging nettle include backyards, pastureland, and roadsides, with the first producing a higher biomass yield of 22.29 tons/ha (P<0.02) than the roadsides (14.89 tons/ha), and the pastureland yielded intermediate biomass (19.21 tons/ha). Stinging nettle from pastureland niche had higher crude protein (CP, 25.26) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (60.90, P<0.001). The ash (7.90), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 39.74), and acid detergent fiber (24.16) contents were lower for samples taken from the pastureland niche. In conclusion, stinging nettle is suitable for supplementation due to its favorable nutritional qualities. Further studies, such as animal feeding trials and investigations into anti-nutritional factors, are needed for more detailed information on the use of the stinging nettle plant as an animal feedstuff
Smart Geotechnics: Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience with IoT and AI
No full textThe integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents transformative opportunities
for geotechnical engineering, fundamentally reshaping the monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure. This paper
delves into the synergistic application of IoT sensors and AI algorithms to facilitate real-time monitoring, predictive
maintenance, and risk management, significantly enhancing the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure
such as bridges, tunnels, and foundations. Through a rigorous examination of theoretical frameworks, a review of
pertinent literature, and detailed case studies, the study underscores the substantial benefits of these technologies,
including improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety, and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, it
addresses the predominant challenges of data security, system integration, and scalability, and suggests future
research directions and policy considerations to overcome these barriers. The paper advocates for the broader
adoption of smart geotechnics, highlighting its crucial role in advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in
the era of smart cities
An Overview of Cyanide Poisoning in Humans and Animals
No full textCyanide poisoning poses a significant global health risk, affecting both humans and animals due to its rapid and often fatal effects. Cyanide compounds, such as hydrogen cyanide, potassium cyanide, and cyanogenic glycosides found in certain plants, interfere with cellular respiration by blocking cytochrome oxidase, causing cytotoxic hypoxia and organ failure. Human exposure to cyanide is primarily linked to industrial activities such as mining and electroplating, as well as smoke inhalation during fires. Symptoms of poisoning include respiratory distress, dizziness, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest and death if left untreated. In animals, particularly livestock, poisoning often results from consuming cyanogenic plants such as sorghum and specific grasses. Different species have varying susceptibility to cyanide, with cattle showing signs such as respiratory distress, seizures, and death after ingesting these plants. Detection methods for cyanide, including spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, and ion-selective electrodes, which analyze cyanide levels in blood, urine, or tissues. Treatment generally involves the administration of antidotes, such as hydroxocobalamin, sodium thiosulfate, and sodium nitrite, which neutralize cyanide in the body. The current study aimed to highlight the importance of stringent regulatory measures on cyanide usage in industrial and agricultural contexts to prevent accidental poisoning. Environmental monitoring and processing of safe food are vital to reduce the incidence of cyanide poisoning in both humans and animals
Establishment of Mammary Tumors by Injection of 7,12-Dimethylbenzaanthracene in Mammary Fat Pad of Rats
No full textChemical-induced mammary cancer models are widely used to mimic human breast carcinogenesis, with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) being a commonly used agent. The oral administration of DMBA frequently results in the formation of tumors at random locations and carries significant risks, including high mortality rates and damage to various organs. To address these issues, this study employed a subcutaneous DMBA administration protocol to induce mammary cancer in rats. A total of twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 45-55 days weighing 112-130 g were divided into four groups, including the control group injected with 0.75 mL corn oil (D0), a single dose of DMBA at 80 mg/kg BW (D1), two doses with a one-week interval (D2), and three doses with one-week intervals (D3), all administered via subcutaneous in mammary fat pad. Control groups (D0) did not show any tumor growth. Mammary tumor incidence increased with dosage (D1 33.33%, D2 66.67%, and D3 100%). Histopathological examination revealed the presence of various mammary tumor types without evidence of metastasis in all induced rats. All tumors originated from the injection site, and only a single nodule was observed in each rat. There were no significant differences in tumor grades between the treatment groups, and no mortality was recorded during the study. The D3 group showed the highest tumor incidence over the three-month observation period. These findings suggest that subcutaneous DMBA administration effectively induces mammary cancer in rat models with controlled tumor localization and minimal systemic effects, making it a promising method for experimental breast cancer studies
The Combination of Attapulgite, Betaine, and Chromium with Curcumin on Lipid Metabolism in Laying Hens under Tropical Conditions
No full textLiver health in laying hen is associated with lipid synthesis and metabolism. This study focused on oxidative parameters to maintain liver health and lipid metabolism in laying hens. The efficacy of curcumin as a herbal compound, combined with attapulgite, betaine, and organic chromium in a feed additive called Citrus XL, was evaluated in terms of its impact on lipid metabolism. This study involved 2000 ISA Brown strain laying hens aged 82–87 weeks. The heat stress index was calculated based on a temperature of 26.71 ± 1.11 oC and humidity of 83.21 ± 6.86 in open-house cages with an 18-hour lighting period. This experiment included four treatments with five replications, including a basal diet with no Citrus XL (Control), a basal diet plus 0.5 kg/ton of Citrus XL, a basal diet plus 1.0 kg/ton of Citrus XL, and a basal diet plus 1.5 kg/ton of Citrus XL. To do so, blood biochemistry, fat content, liver score, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. The results indicated a significant increase in HDL levels as well as a reduction in LDL and MDA levels, liver scores, and egg yolk fat content. In conclusion, the treatment with 1.0 kg/ton of Citrus XL yielded the best results in terms of HDL, liver score, and liver MDA while Citrus XL treatment with 0.5 kg/ton produced the best results for LDL and yolk fat content. Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. © The Author(s) 202
Effects of Fermented and Non-fermented Green Seaweed Supplementation on Performance, Caecal Bacterial Population, and Blood Constituents of Japanese Quails
No full textGreen Seaweeds are a valuable feedstock that can be utilized in poultry feed. Due to their recalcitrant polysaccharide structure, their use is still limited in poultry farming. This structure can be broken by a biotechnological approach such as solid-state fermentation (SSF) such as Trichoderma reesei, which simultaneously increases the nutritional value of the biomass. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of fermented and non-fermented green seaweed (Ulva lactuca) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, caecal microbiota, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant status in growing Japanese quails. Japanese quails (n = 375; one day old) were divided into five groups, with three replicates per group (25 quails in each replication). The quails were fed with five experimental diets, namely a control diet (basal diet without supplement), a basal diet supplemented with 1 and 2 green seaweed (GS) as well as 1 and 2 fermented green seaweed (FGS) for 42 days. The results showed that the groups fed FGS had a greater body weight gain and better feed conversion ratio than the other groups. The FGS groups showed the highest digestibility of crude protein and crude fiber, followed by the GS groups. FGS supplementation decreased abdominal fat percentage while increasing the bursa of Fabricius weight. The count of Lactobacillus was significantly increased in quails fed either GS or FGS, while Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli were decreased. The green seaweed-fed groups had significantly greater total protein, albumin, and globulin levels than the control group. Total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL were decreased in quails-fed diets containing 1 and 2 FGS. The quails in FGS diet groups had higher levels of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and superoxide dismutase than the other groups, but lower levels of MDA. In conclusion, adding up to 2 fermented Ulva lactuca to the basal diet of Japanese quail promotes the growth and health of quails. Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. © The Author(s) 202
EFFECTS OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONTENT ON THE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF UNSELECTED RABBIT DOES AND THEIR LITTERS DURING FIRST TWO LACTATIONS
No full textThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different dietary protein levels on the productive performance of unselected rabbit does and their litters during their first two lactations. For this purpose, fifty-two nulliparous rabbit does, 4.5 months of age and live weight of 3115 ± 71 g, were divided into three groups (17 or 18 females per group), kept in individual cages and each group received only one of the three experimental diets. These diets were iso-energetic (10.8 MJ DE/kg), but with increasing levels of crude protein (CP): 15, 17 and 19 for the low (L), medium (M) or high (H) diets, respectively. Breeding was carried out by natural copulation using 6 males of 5–6 months of age and 2865±21 g initial weight, controlled semi-intensive lactation and weaning at 35 days after birth. Female body weight, feed intake, milk production, litter size and weight were monitored at birth and weekly after parturition during the first two lactations. The protein intake of the rabbits increased with the amount of protein in the diet (L vs. M: +12.2; L vs. H: +18.8; p < 0.001), without any effect on milk production and feed intake. Milk production was unaffected by parity. Throughout the pre-weaning period, litter size and weight and maternal mortality were unaffected by dietary protein level. Dietary protein level had no effect on live weight, birth to weaning weight gain, milk production or feed intake during the first two consecutive lactations of rabbit does. © The Author(s) 202