Scienceline Publication Repository
Not a member yet
1315 research outputs found
Sort by
Molecular Characterization of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus Circulating in Egypt during 2023
Get PDFSince its discovery in Egypt in 1983, the infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) has continued to spread, leading to substantial losses for poultry farms. This study aimed to identify and molecularly characterize the ILTV currently in circulation in Egypt in 2023. Fifteen pooled trachea and lung samples were collected from affected vaccinated and non-vaccinated layer farms (Shiver, Lohhman, Brown layer, and Aviagel) aged from 10-30 weeks old spread throughout eight governorates in Egypt. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to detect ILTV. Ten positive samples representing various governorates were chosen for partial sequencing of the ICP4 gene, and four positive samples were chosen for sequencing of the TK, gD, and gG genes. Using phylogenetic analysis, the ICP4 clusters into chicken embryo origin vaccine and vaccine-like strains (CEO) and tissue culture origin vaccine and vaccine-like strains (TCO) and wild type. The GAHV-1-Egy-WO5-2023, GAHV-1-Egy-WO7-2023, and GAHV-1-Egy-WO8-2023 strains cluster in the CEO group with the CEO vaccine and vaccine-like strains with 98.9%–100% amino acid identity (A.A.); However, the remaining strains (GAHV-1-Egy-WO1-2023, GAHV-1-Egy-WO2-2023, GAHV-1-Egy-WO3-2023, GAHV-1-Egy-WO4-2023, GAHV-1-Egy-WO6-2023, GAHV-1-Egy-WO9-2023, and GAHV-1-Egy-WO10-2023) were clustered in the TCO group with TCO vaccine strains and vaccine-like strains with 100 % A.A. By analysis of gD, gG, and Tk genes, there is no difference between the TCO and CEO groups. Compared with several reference CEO and TCO vaccine strains and vaccine-like strains, some new specific mutations (Q161H and Q182H) were recorded in the ICP4 in GAHV-1- Egy-WO8-2023. In addition, A34G, and P276L were recorded in the gD gene in the GAHV-1-Egy-WO1-2023 and GAHV-1-WO4-2023. Also, the R115I, G126A, and S163I were recorded in the TK gene in GAHV-1-Egy-WO8-2023 and A99E in GAHV-1-Egy-WO5-2023, which can affect the virulence and pathogenicity of the virus, which may be due to the reactivation of the vaccine strain by the bird-to-bird transmission or viral recombination. In conclusion, the ILTV outbreaks in poultry farms across several regions of Egypt during 2023 were induced by vaccine strains derived from TCO and CEO. Thus employing innovative vector vaccines and reassessing the current vaccination regimens is necessary
Influence of Breed, Sex, and Age on Body Composition of Turkeys Reared in Southern Benin
Get PDFExotic turkey breeds generally exhibit superior growth performance compared to indigenous breeds in Benin. While local turkeys are recognized for their hardiness, they tend to demonstrate comparatively lower growth rates and have less well-documented carcass characteristics. The present study aimed to evaluate the body composition of the local turkey population reared in Southern Benin. Data were collected from 40 turkeys per breed (Exotic and local), totaling 80 turkeys. Each breed included 20 males and 20 females. The turkeys were divided into two age groups, including 7-month-old turkeys (Age-Group 1) and 9-month-old turkeys (Age-Group 2). Following a 24-hour hydrous diet, the turkeys were slaughtered by jugular vein, bled, scalded in water at 75°C, manually plucked, and the hot carcasses were weighed. Each carcass was cut to measure the weight of the wishbone, thigh and shank, wings, head, neck, gizzard, heart, liver, and legs. The current results indicated that the slaughter, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights of the exotic turkey were significantly higher than those of the local turkey. Additionally, male turkeys had notably higher slaughter, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights than females, regardless of breed. Furthermore, the live weight of turkeys at 7 months (3637 g) was significantly lower than at 9 months (4160.98 g). The weights of the breast, thigh, and tail cuts increased significantly as the turkeys aged. However, exceptions were observed in abdominal fat and specific parameters such as cold carcass yield, slaughter weight, and fifth-quarter components, including the heart, gizzard, head, and legs, which showed a positive correlation, especially in the exotic-type breeds. In contrast, no statistically significant correlation was observed between carcass yields at slaughter and abdominal fat in the exotic breed compared to the local breed. It might be beneficial to consider selecting or crossbreeding the local turkey population with more efficient exotic breeds to improve their overall body composition
Isolation and Identification of Eimeria spp. From Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Basrah, Iraq
Get PDFCoccidiosis is a widespread disease among pigeons worldwide, resulting in significant economic losses due to mortality, morbidity, and reduced feed efficiency. The present study aimed to isolate a field strain of Eimeria spp. in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Basra, Iraq. To ensure precise species identification, light microscopy techniques were combined with the advanced molecular method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sixty fresh fecal samples were collected from pigeon lofts, ensuring minimal environmental disturbance and contamination. The flotation method was employed to analyze fecal samples. The present results indicated that 36 out of 60 samples contained coccidian oocysts, which represented an overall prevalence of 60%. The PCR technique was employed to amplify the 18S rRNA genes, which were subsequently utilized for sample detection. Six representative sequences were selected, registered, and deposited in the NCBI database (PV459631.1, PV459632.1, PV459633.1, PV459634.1, PV459635.1, and PV459636.1). The present findings were validated through molecular analysis, and six representative gene sequences were submitted to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The current study revealed a high prevalence of coccidiosis, affecting 60% of domestic pigeons in Basra, highlighting its impact on their health. Moreover, this is the first report of Eimeria chalcoptereae in pigeons from Basra, Ira
Erosion Susceptibility Mapping for Owena River Basin, Nigeria
No full textErosion susceptibility studies on a basin scale is critical to integrated water resources planning of a river basin. Rapid urbanization, uncontrolled deforestation and overgrazing have made these studies even more important for development of strategies for soil conservation and land management in river basins. In this study, maps were developed to describe the spatial susceptibility to soil erosion within the Owena River basin using the RUSLE model. The parameters of the model include rainfall erosivity factor, soil erodibility factor, slope steepness and length factor, cover management factor and support practice factor. Rainfall erosivity was high in the southern and coastal parts of the river basin (RB) but had little erosion severity impact due to low slope steepness and length factor, and low cover management factor that characterized most of the RB. These low values were due to the flat topography of the basin and that 89% of the basin is of dense vegetation landscape. The soil erodibility range for the RB was low to moderate. The predominant soil erosion rate estimated was 0 – 10 ton/ha/yr and it covered 97% of the RB. This range implies that soil loss due to water erosion in the basin was low to moderate. However, low to moderate soil erosion susceptibility degrades agricultural topsoil in long-term, underscoring the need for sustainable land use and agricultural practices. High to severe erosion rates affected 1, 646 hectares of the RB and was mostly in grass lands and urban areas of the RB. This is attributed to rapid urbanization, which increased runoff and its erosive force, and overgrazed grasslands, which are more vulnerable to erosion due to vegetation loss. The annual soil loss for the whole RB is 5.5 tons/ha/yr while the total the annual soil loss from the RB was calculated as 38, 316 tons. This study has provided important information on parts of the RB needing targeted soil conservation and land management applications
Effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) powder in reducing proteolysis in fermented total mixed ration with okara for ruminants
No full textHigh protein content in silage feed often triggered excessive proteolysis caused by proteases derived from both plants and spoilage bacteria, which reduced the nutritional quality for ruminants. Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) is an herbal plant with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which have been reported to reduce proteolysis in previous studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temulawak powder (TP) as an anti-proteolysis additive in the fermentation of total mixed ration-based okara silage (TMRO-silage) and its impact on silage characteristics. Additionally, the study examined the effects of drying temperature on temulawak extract optimization. Temulawak was dried at 50, 65, and 80°C, followed by the measurement of phenol, flavonoid, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) content. The TMRO-silage was composed of commercial feed and okaras (1:1 w/w), supplemented with 0-1% temulawak in increments of 0.25% (5 treatments and 4 replications). Fermentation lasted for 14 days. Proximate and in vitro analyses (control vs. temulawak treatments) were conducted to assess silage quality. Drying temulawak at 65°C significantly (P < 0.01) increased phenol (16.9 µg quercetin equivalent, QE), flavonoid (23.3 µg QE), and FRAP (30.1 µg QE) content per dry weight. Temulawak supplementation significantly reduced ammonia levels and increased the crude protein content of TMRO-silage (P < 0.01). Moreover, it decreased ammonia concentration in the rumen (P < 0.01), improved dry matter and organic matter digestibility (P < 0.05), and notably reduced methane production per total gas volume (P < 0.05). In conclusion, temulawak effectively preserves the quality of complete feed silage, enhances rumen metabolism, and mitigates methane emissions
Effect of Cassava Silage Diet on Performance and Internal Organs of Male Ducks
Get PDFIt would be beneficial to consider supplementary feeding of livestock as a means of increasing production, although this may be constrained by the residues produced. Silage is one of the forage feed conservation techniques that has also been the subject of interest in recent years concerning poultry feed. The present study aimed to gain insight into the potential impact of feeding cassava-based silage (CS) on the internal organs and performance of male ducks. The study was conducted using 200 male local ducks aged one day, which were then reared in cages for 10 weeks. The research design was based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were arranged based on the amount/percentage of silage used in the basal ration and were as follows S0 (silage ration 0 CS/control), S25 (silage ration 25 CS), S50 (silage ration 50 CS), S75 (silage ration 75 CS), and S100 (silage ration 100 CS). In further observations, several variables were considered, including body weight gain (BWG), ration consumption, ration conversion, abdominal fat percentage, spleen percentage, liver percentage, kidney percentage, heart percentage, gizzard percentage, pancreas percentage, thyroid percentage, serum thiocyanate levels, and mortality, as well as serum thiocyanate. The results indicated a notable decline in performance (p < 0.05) in BWG observations when CS was provided in amounts exceeding 25 and consumption exceeded 50. Furthermore, there was a notable increase in the weight of internal organs, which appeared to coincide with an increase in the level of use of cassava-based silage in duck rations. Based on the results of the study the use of cassava-based silage could be considered as a potential alternative or replacement for up to 50 of basal rations, without necessarily resulting in significant changes in the performance and internal organs of livestock. © The Author(s) 202
Canine Mast Cell Tumors: Clinical Signs, Laboratory Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Get PDFCanine mast cell tumors, a tumor originating from mast cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation, are among the most common skin tumors in dogs. The present study aimed to explore the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and prognosis of canine mastocytomas through a case study. A 5-year-old male Akita, weighing 35.8 kg, was brought to the Doctor VET veterinary clinic in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, for evaluation. Upon initial examination, the dog had a body temperature of 38.5°C, a heart rate of 74 beats per minute (bpm), and a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute, all of which were within normal physiological limits. The animal was alert and responsive and displayed no signs of systemic distress. A detailed physical examination revealed a tumor located 35.2 mm below the plantar surface of the tarsal joint (art. tarsi). The tumor was round, mobile, and surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule, with no signs of pain or discomfort during palpation. Cytological analysis showed a high-cellularity smear with numerous mast cells scattered throughout the field. These cells were round to oval in shape with abundant cytoplasm containing dense, basophilic to metachromatic granules. The hematological evaluation indicated a systemic inflammatory or immune response triggered by the tumor, as evidenced by neutrophilic leukocytosis (73.1; 8.89×109/L). Biochemical analysis revealed an elevated alkaline phosphatase activity level (4.45 μmol/L), suggesting systemic involvement. The tumor was surgically excised, ensuring complete removal with wide margins to minimize the risk of recurrence. Histological examination of the excised tissues confirmed a densely cellular neoplastic infiltrate composed predominantly of mast cells arranged in sheets and clusters. The mast cells displayed significant cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, characterized by moderate to marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. While no significant necrosis was observed, scattered apoptotic bodies were present, indicating ongoing cellular turnover. This case highlighted the critical importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive management of canine mastocytomas. Low-grade tumors often carry a favorable prognosis when treated promptly and appropriately. However, higher-grade or poorly differentiated tumors may require multimodal therapeutic approaches to achieve better outcomes. 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
The Effect of Kepok Banana (Musa paradisiaca) Peel Extract on Macroscopic and Histopathological Features of Excision Wound Healing in Mice Skin
Get PDFKepok banana peel extract is known to have a bioactive content that can accelerate wound healing. The present study sought to evaluate the effects of Kepok banana peel extract on the macroscopic and histopathological features of excision wound healing in mouse skin. A total of 24 BALB/c mice were divided into four treatment groups, with each group consisting of six mice. The mice were further divided into three subgroups based on observation days, including days 3, 6, and 9. Each mouse received two excision wounds. The four treatment groups included K1 (control), K2 (topical therapy using Kepok banana peel extract ointment 5%), K3 (topical therapy using Kepok banana peel extract ointment 10%), and K4 (topical therapy using Kepok banana peel extract ointment 15%). The Kepok banana peel extract was obtained using the maceration method, and the ointment Kepok was prepared as a cream with extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%, using bio cream as the base. Wound healing activity was evaluated across three phases, including inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. The parameters observed in the current study included macroscopic and histopathological characteristics of the wound. Macroscopic observations involved wound size, while histopathological analysis included quantification of inflammatory cells, fibrocytes, collagen density, and interleukin-6 expression. Therapy using Kepok banana peel extract ointment was administered for 9 days in the treatment groups. Macroscopic features of the wounds were observed daily, and skin samples from each group were collected on days 3, 6, and 9. The results demonstrated that the 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations of Kepok banana peel extract formed wound healing areas on mouse skin on days 3, 6, and 9, and were able to reduce the number of inflammatory cells on days 3, 6 and 9 able to reduce IL-6 expression on days 3, 6 and 9, unable to increase fibrocytes on day 3, 6, and 9 and able to increased collagen density on days 6 and 9. The 15% concentration of Kepok banana peel extract applied for 9 days showed the greatest potential to accelerate wound-healing
Contributing Factors and Management of Pyometra in Dogs of Algeria
Get PDFPyometra is one of the most frequent and complex reproductive pathologies in older intact bitches over eight years of age, characterized by the accumulation of purulent material within the uterus. The present study aimed to analyze the influence of predisposing factors, including age, breed, parity, and estrous cycle, on the development of pyometra and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Seventeen cases were recorded at the Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Algeria, from September 2021 to September 2023. Among these cases, 47.05% (n = 8) involved bitches aged from two to four years, representing the most affected age group. German Shepherds accounted for 23.52% (n = 4) of cases, followed by Rottweilers and Pitbulls with 17.64% (n = 3) each. Nulliparous bitches represented 70.59% (n = 12) of the affected dogs, indicating a higher susceptibility compared to multiparous bitches. In 35.29% (n = 6) of cases, pyometra developed approximately eight weeks after the end of the previous estrous cycle. Ultrasonography proved to be a reliable and efficient tool for diagnosing both open- and closed-cervix pyometra in bitches. Ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid were effective medicines in selected cases, while ovariohysterectomy remained the definitive therapeutic approach. Overall, the study demonstrated that young, nulliparous bitches were more susceptible to pyometra, and that both medical and surgical treatments were effective, with no recurrence observed during follow-up
Biosecurity and Health Management Practices in Duck Farming in Coastal and Haor Regions of Bangladesh
Get PDFDuck farming has become a profitable venture in Bangladesh due to its economic potential and adaptability. This study aimed to assess the current state of native duck health, disease prevalence, and biosecurity management in selected regions of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 180 duck-rearing farmers from six upazilas of the Coastal and Haor regions using a standard questionnaire. The study investigated vaccination practices, disease prevalence, biosecurity management, and available treatment facilities. Approximately 60% of farmers in the Haor regions and 40 % in the Coastal regions reported vaccinating their ducks, while 56.67% in Haor and 34.44% in Coastal regions practiced deworming. Duck plague was the most prevalent disease in duck farms, with 83.33% and 90.00% prevalence rates in the Haor and Coastal areas, respectively. In the Haor region, 81.11% of farms reported disease incidence among growing ducks. Disease outbreaks (Duck plague and Cholera) were highest during the monsoon season at 77.78% of farms in Haor areas. In the Coastal region, 63.33% of farmers reported a higher duckling mortality rate. The frequent contact between ducks and wild birds was more common in Haor areas, as indicated by 32.22% of farmers. Disease outbreaks were identified as the major constraint to duck farming, and affordable feed price was the most pressing concern in both study areas. Despite these challenges, improvements in disease management, vaccination coverage, and biosecurity measures, alongside efforts to reduce feed costs, could significantly enhance the sector’s growth. It can be concluded that duck farming holds considerable potential and promising opportunities in the Haor and Coastal regions of Bangladesh