Effect of Majapahit (Crescentia cujete L.) fruit powder on the immune profile of Litopenaeus vannamei after infection with Vibrio spp.

Research (Published online: 10-06-2021)

11. Effect of Majapahit (Crescentia cujete L.) fruit powder on the immune profile of Litopenaeus vannamei after infection with Vibrio spp.

Sri Rahmaningsih, Riska Andriani and Hernik Pujiastutik

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1480-1486

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The use of bioactive compounds is a promising tool to improve shrimp health regarding vibriosis. This study aimed to determine the effect of the dietary Majapahit (Crescentia cujete L.) fruit powder on the cellular immune response of vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) infected with Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Materials and Methods: Twelve vannamei shrimp (aged 1 month) were randomly divided into four groups (n=3). Vannamei shrimp received experimental feed with different concentrations of Majapahit fruit powder for 20 days: Group A, 0%; Group B, 3.04%; Group C, 6.08%, and Group D, 9.12%. Subsequently, vannamei shrimp was infected with V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, and V. parahaemolyticus. The total hemocytes, total differential hemocytes (hyaline, semi-granular, and granular cells), and phagocytic activity were assessed. Data were analyzed through analysis of variance (p<0.05) using SPSS ver. 24 for Windows.

Results: Majapahit fruit powder at a dose of 3.04% increased the number of hyaline cells of L. vannamei after infection with Vibrio spp. Supplementation of the feed formula with Majapahit fruit powder at a dose of 3.04% increased the number of semi-granular and granular cells compared with the control. Furthermore, Majapahit fruit powder at doses of 3.04% and 6.08% increased the hemocytes compared with a dose of 9.12%. The phagocytic activity of L. vannamei after infection with Vibrio spp. tends to increase after supplementation with 3.04% Majapahit fruit powder.

Conclusion: This study showed that the addition of C. cujete L. powder to the feed formula increased the cellular immune response. The most effective dose ranged from 3.04% to 6.08%.

Keywords: Crescentia cujete L., hemocytes, immune response, phagocytosis.

Allele and genotype frequencies of the SOD1 gene polymorphism associated with canine degenerative myelopathy in Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece

Research (Published online: 09-06-2021)

10. Allele and genotype frequencies of the SOD1 gene polymorphism associated with canine degenerative myelopathy in Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece

Antonia Mataragka, John Ikonomopoulos, Georgios S. Zervas, Christos D. Vamvakidis, Nikolaos Tzimotoudis, Ariadne Loukia Hager-Theodorides, Maria Gazouli and Antonios Kominakis

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1472-1479

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is an adult-onset fatal disorder associated with a point mutation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (SOD1:c.118G>A). This study aimed to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of this mutation in a group of Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece.

Materials and Methods: Samples (n=72) of whole blood were collected from 72 purebred dogs of the Hellenic Armed Forces; these samples were processed for DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and digestion with the restriction endonuclease AcuI. Sample testing was conducted in compliance with ISO17025 accreditation requirements.

Results: The observed relative genotype frequencies were 71% for the homozygous (GG), 25% for the heterozygous (AG), and 4% for the homozygous mutant (AA) alleles. These frequencies were close to those expected, indicating no significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE, p=0.395). The frequency of heterozygous animals indicates that a high risk of developing CDM in forthcoming generations exists in the tested population because mating among carriers would result in 25% AA progeny. The medical record of the group of study animals indicated selection against leishmaniosis, as applied throughout generations by owners and breeders. The potential association of this selection with the HWE status of the study population was discussed.

Conclusion: The SOD1:c.118G>A mutation was common in the tested group of dogs; thus, they are suitable for a follow-up investigation on the development and progression of CDM. A case-control study on animals with evidence of sensitivity to infectious myelopathy could provide new insights into disease pathogenesis.

Keywords: degenerative myelopathy, dogs, genetic analysis, genetic polymorphism, restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction, SOD1:c.118A.

Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation of cuscuses from Maluku Province, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 08-06-2021)

9. Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation of cuscuses from Maluku Province, Indonesia

Prasetyarti Utami, Bambang Heru Budianto and Ana Sahara

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1465-1471

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cuscuses are one of the endemic Indonesian marsupials, which needs to be protected and revived in terms of the numbers and range of species. Ectoparasites of ticks (Ixodidae) are one potential obstacle to cuscus conservation. Tick infestation can cause blood loss in the host, even being a predisposing factor for infection with pathogenic organisms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, infestation intensity, and species of ticks present on cuscuses in Maluku Province, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Ticks were collected from cuscuses origin of the four regions in Maluku Province, namely the island of Ambon, Seram Island, Romang Island, and Wetar Island . Cuscuses were captured at night, with ticks being collected from them from the head to the tip of the tail. The tick samples obtained from the cuscuses were preserved, identified, and counted. Cuscuses were released back into their habitat after collecting the ticks. The obtained ticks were observed using an Olympus BX51 microscope with an Olympus DP12 digital camera and prepared for examination under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Infestation rate, infestation intensity, and morphology of the species were described.

Results: The cuscuses were found to be infested with Ixodes cordifer ticks. Cuscuses in Maluku Province had a low tick infestation rate. The range of infestation prevalence of island origin cuscuses in Maluku was between 14.28% and 16.67%. Simultaneously, I. cordifer infestation level was mildly infested based on the intensity of thick infestation ranged from 1 to 1.2 ticks per cuscus. From observation of the tick surface structure under SEM, sexual dimorphism and various specific characteristics of the ticks were identified.

Conclusion: The low infestation rate of I. cordifer ticks in cuscus was influenced by the up and down movement of the conscious activity in the tree, which allowed minimal contact with the ticks. The infestation prevalence rates on each island studied were similar. Such similarities of infestation are related to the similarity of cuscus species among Ambon, Lakor, Seram, and Romang islands, which are all included in the Phalangeridae family, and their similar habitats, behaviors, climatic conditions, and geographical areas.

Keywords: Cuscus, Ixodes, scanning electron microscope.

Seasonal effect on semen availability and quality of racing pigeon in Thailand

Research (Published online: 07-06-2021)

8. Seasonal effect on semen availability and quality of racing pigeon in Thailand

Suwarak Wannaratana, Em-on Olanratmanee, Kuekaroon Charoenmuang, Thanvarath Boriharnthanawuth, Banpatee Tangtrongwanich, Thanawan Jongpattana, Yanita Sukhor, Arrita Kongthip and Thanida Sananmuang

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1459-1464

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Seasonal variations among geographical regions could influence pigeon semen quality differently. This study aimed to determine the seasonal effect on semen availability and quality of racing pigeons in Thailand to understand and improve breeding management in the country.

Materials and Methods: Semen was collected from six fertile captive pigeons once a week during summer (March-June), monsoon (July-October), and winter (November-February) during 2019-2020. The success rate of semen collection and semen quality was determined in each season – by which changes in average temperature, humidity, and photoperiod were obtained.

Results: Comparable success rates of semen collection were acquired among different seasons, while varied semen qualities were revealed. The percentages of total motility and progressive motility score of sperm were significantly lowest in summer (66.35±3.40 and 3.88±0.15, respectively) compared to monsoon (85.45±2.91 and 4.67±0.10, respectively) and winter (79.29±1.96 and 4.37±0.10, respectively), while its concentration (×109 sperm/mL) and outputs (×106 sperm) were significantly highest in winter (7.62±0.54 and 91.44±10.83, respectively) compared to summer (4.23±0.41 and 48.45±6.35, respectively) and monsoon (3.57±0.30 and 51.45±7.21, respectively). Besides, semen samples collected from birds housing at an average temperature of <29.5°C demonstrated better sperm motility sperm concentration and total sperm counts than those from at a higher temperature.

Conclusion: Winter was regarded as the best season contributing the best semen quality, while summer was the worst. Due to the fluctuation of temperature during summer and winter, the seasonal temperature was implied as the major factor contributing to changes in sperm quality of racing pigeons in Thailand.

Keywords: humidity, photoperiod, pigeon semen quality, temperature, Thailand.

Analysis of codon usage bias of classical swine fever virus

Research (Published online: 05-06-2021)

7. Analysis of codon usage bias of classical swine fever virus

Sharanagouda S. Patil, Uma Bharathi Indrabalan, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh and Bibek Ranjan Shome

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1450-1458

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Classical swine fever (CSF), caused by CSF virus (CSFV), is a highly contagious disease in pigs causing 100% mortality in susceptible adult pigs and piglets. High mortality rate in pigs causes huge economic loss to pig farmers. CSFV has a positive-sense RNA genome of 12.3 kb in length flanked by untranslated regions at 5' and 3' end. The genome codes for a large polyprotein of 3900 amino acids coding for 11 viral proteins. The 1300 codons in the polyprotein are coded by different combinations of three nucleotides which help the infectious agent to evolve itself and adapt to the host environment. This study performed and employed various methods/techniques to estimate the changes occurring in the process of CSFV evolution by analyzing the codon usage pattern.

Materials and Methods: The evolution of viruses is widely studied by analyzing their nucleotides and coding regions/ codons using various methods. A total of 115 complete coding regions of CSFVs including one complete genome from our laboratory (MH734359) were included in this study and analysis was carried out using various methods in estimating codon usage bias and evolution. This study elaborates on the factors that influence the codon usage pattern.

Results: The effective number of codons (ENC) and relative synonymous codon usage showed the presence of codon usage bias. The mononucleotide (A) has a higher frequency compared to the other mononucleotides (G, C, and T). The dinucleotides CG and CC are underrepresented and overrepresented. The codons CGT was underrepresented and AGG was overrepresented. The codon adaptation index value of 0.71 was obtained indicating that there is a similarity in the codon usage bias. The principal component analysis, ENC-plot, Neutrality plot, and Parity Rule 2 plot produced in this article indicate that the CSFV is influenced by the codon usage bias. The mutational pressure and natural selection are the important factors that influence the codon usage bias.

Conclusion: The study provides useful information on the codon usage analysis of CSFV and may be utilized to understand the host adaptation to virus environment and its evolution. Further, such findings help in new gene discovery, design of primers/probes, design of transgenes, determination of the origin of species, prediction of gene expression level, and gene function of CSFV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on codon usage bias involving such a large number of complete CSFVs including one sequence of CSFV from India.

Keywords: classical swine fever virus, codon usage bias, India, nucleotide composition, synonymous codons.

Antioxidant and immune responses of broiler chickens supplemented with Rhazya stricta extract in drinking water

Research (Published online: 04-06-2021)

6. Antioxidant and immune responses of broiler chickens supplemented with Rhazya stricta extract in drinking water

Saleh M. Albarrak

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1437-1449

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rhazya stricta is a herbal plant widely used in traditional medicine due to its proficiency and naturalness with few side effects. In this study, we investigated the impact of using an R. stricta extract supplement on broiler chickens' performance, especially the immune system.

Materials and Methods: In addition to the control group, one group received the methanol extract of R. stricta in drinking water for the first 2 weeks before being challenged with sheep erythrocytes (SRBCs), while the other group was challenged with SRBCs without receiving the R. stricta treatment. We evaluated cellular immunity by determining the phagocytic activity and lymphocyte (L) proliferation and assessed humoral immunity by quantification of the serum total IgM and IgG. We measured the serum levels of antioxidant enzymes and performed a histological examination of the spleen and the bursa of Fabricius (BF).

Results: Our results indicate a significant enhancement in cellular immunity in the group supplemented with R. stricta as demonstrated by a significant increase in the phagocytic activity, L proliferation, and percentages of circulating L (p<0.05). The chickens treated with R. stricta exhibit an enhanced humoral response shown by a significant elevation in the serum levels of the total antibodies of the IgM and IgG isotypes, along with a notable increase in BF activity. Furthermore, R. stricta supplementation is associated with a significant increase in the serum levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase (p<0.05), along with a significant improvement in broilers' general performance, body weight, and feed efficiency.

Conclusion: Our results suggest an immunomodulatory effect for the methanol extract of R. stricta and highlight the potential use of this plant in preventive and therapeutic medicine.

Keywords: antioxidants, chickens, immunomodulation, Rhazya stricta.

Effectiveness of dry cow therapy and/or internal teat sealant on existing infections in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

Research (Published online: 04-06-2021)

5. Effectiveness of dry cow therapy and/or internal teat sealant on existing infections in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

Ronald K. Sang, George K. Gitau and John A. Van Leeuwen

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1430-1436

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dry cow therapy (DCT) can be an effective treatment of mastitis that has not responded to conventional treatment during lactation. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of DCT options available in reducing intramammary infections in smallholder dairy farms in Kiambu County, Kenya.

Materials and Methods: The study targeted smallholder dairy farms which were registered at the local dairy cooperatives and which had cows that were at the point of dry-off. A total of 32 cows with 121 quarters that were California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive were recruited, with the quarters randomly allocated to receive either DCT (DCT – neomycin sulfate, penethamate hydriodide, and procaine benzylpenicillin) and internal teat sealant (ITS) or ITS alone (bismuth nitrate) after aseptically collecting quarter milk samples for bacterial culture. Farm- and animal-level factors were captured through a questionnaire which was administered to the principal farmer or a person who was managing the animals. Post-calving, milk samples were also collected for bacterial culture to establish if the infection was cleared or if there was a new infection.

Results: DCT with ITS significantly reduced the proportion of quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus from 64.0% at dry-off to 44.0% post-calving (35% reduction). In the control group, ITS alone, there was a small reduction in proportions of S. aureus from 46.8% to 40.4%. Proportions of quarter infections by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in the treatment group reduced from 16.0% at dry-off to 2.0% post-calving, with a significant reduction in the control group too from 19.1% to 4.3%, which could be due to self-cure. Actinomyces species, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus species, and Pseudomonas species proportions slightly increased in the treatment group, as did E. coli and Pseudomonas species proportions in the control group.

Conclusion: In smallholder dairy farms with subclinical mastitis, DCT of CMT-positive cows leads to a significant decrease of S. aureus infections at calving.

Keywords: dairy, dry cow therapy, effectiveness, mastitis, smallholder.

Optimal therapeutic adropin dose intervention in mice and rat animal models: A systematic review

Research (Published online: 04-06-2021)

4. Optimal therapeutic adropin dose intervention in mice and rat animal models: A systematic review

Foad Alzoughool and Mohammad Borhan Al-Zghoul

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1426-1429

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Adropin is a hormone encoded by the Enho gene, which is associated with energy homeostasis. Preclinical studies using animal models have shown that adropin plays a role in enhancing glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia. Lately, several studies on animal models have been performed to examine the therapeutic and pathophysiological effects of adropin in many disorders. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the ideal adropin dose in mice and rat animal models.

Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases from 2008 to 2020. The terms used in the search were "adropin," "adropin doses in animal models," "glucose homeostasis related to adropin," and "adropin therapeutic effects on rats and mice." Articles that included non-adropin doses, in vitro studies, and factors affecting adropin levels were excluded from the study.

Results: Of the total 179 qualified studies, six studies were included. We found that a daily injection of 450 nmol/kg of adropin for 3 days might be considered the optimum dose of effect in mice, whereas injection of 2.1 μg/kg once a day for 10 successive days might be the optimal effective dose in rats.

Conclusion: Additional investigations are needed to determine the optimum dose of adropin to be used as a therapeutic intervention depending on the animal model.

Keywords: adropin, animal model, dyslipidemia, glucose homeostasis, systematic review, therapeutic dose.

First molecular confirmation of Coenurus cerebralis in sheep and goats with neurological behaviors in Iraq

Research (Published online: 03-06-2021)

3. First molecular confirmation of Coenurus cerebralis in sheep and goats with neurological behaviors in Iraq

Eva Aisser Ajaj, Hadeel Asim Mohammad, and Hasanain A. J. Gharban

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1420-1425

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Coenurus cerebralis is the intermediate stage of the canine cestode, which infect sheep and goats, resulting mainly in neurological signs and causing direct and indirect economic losses. This study aimed to demonstrate the existence of C. cerebralis and to elucidate the role of this parasite in inducing neurological behaviors in sheep and goats.

Materials and Methods: On the basis of historical data on neurological signs, we subjected 76 animals (49 sheep and 27 goats) of different ages, sexes, and geographical areas for molecular examination of their blood samples using the polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results: Of the 76 animals, 23.68% tested positive for C. cerebralis infection. We found significant increases in infection (p<0.05) in sheep (26.53%) more than in goats (18.52%). Circling movement was prevalent significantly among both C. cerebralis-positive sheep and goats. The Nineveh region had a significant (p<0.05) increase in positive sheep and goats, and the sheep of all study regions were infected significantly (p<0.05) more than were the goats. We found no significant (p>0.05) variation between sheep ages ≥1-3 years and ≥3 years; however, both groups had a significantly (p≤0.043) higher positivity rate than did sheep ages <1 year. The findings of sheep ages <1 year and ≥1-3 years were significantly higher than those of the goats, but not for goats ages ≥3 years. Female sheep and goats showed a significant increase in positivity versus that for the males.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report in Iraq targeting detection of C. cerebralis in sheep and goats with neurological behaviors; therefore, additional studies involving different animals in other regions using molecular techniques are needed.

Keywords: definitive, intermediate host, Iraq, polymerase chain reaction, Taenia multiceps.

Effects of Gossypium spp., Balanites aegyptiaca, and Sesamum indicum seeds oils on quality of chilled and frozen-thawed ram semen

Research (Published online: 03-06-2021)

2. Effects of Gossypium spp., Balanites aegyptiaca, and Sesamum indicum seeds oils on quality of chilled and frozen-thawed ram semen

Adamou Akourki, Arantxa Echegaray, Orlando Perdomo, Nicolas Angel Escartin and Marta Guillén

Veterinary World, 14(6): 1412-1419

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Essential oils found frequently in plants are well known for their activities against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to analyze egg yolk replacement by seed oils of Gossypium spp. (cotton), Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date), and Sesamum indicum (sesame) in semen extender, on ram sperm quality chilled at 4°C and frozen-thawed.

Materials and Methods: Ejaculates were collected from adult rams and refrigerated at 4°C in a Tris-based extender containing 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of Gossypium spp., B. aegyptiaca, and S. indicum seed oils, to evaluate which were the two best extenders for comparison with BIOXcell, a commercial extender for deep freezing ram semen.

Results: The data showed that sperm movements analyzed by the CASA system were faster in extenders supplemented with 2.5-5% of cottonseed oil and 1.25-10% of sesame oil, whereas in the extender containing B. aegyptiaca oil, all seminal parameters studied had the worst values. During the sperm-freezing process, 5% of cottonseed oil and 5% sesame seed oil were selected from the first study, with sesame oil reaching the best sperm quality. Thus, sperm motility and velocity were 44.14±13.99%, 24.44±12.6%, and 25.92±11.50%; and 20.26±9.56%, 8.76±6.38%, and 9.42±5.40%, respectively, for sesame oil, cottonseed oil, and BIOXcell.

Conclusion: In summary, 2.5-10% of cottonseed oil and 1.25-10% of sesame seed oil can replace egg yolk in a Tris–egg yolk–based extender. Moreover, a Tris-based extender supplemented with 5% sesame seed oil could be an alternative for deep freezing ram semen, even though these results need to be confirmed with semen collected from rams with appropriate sexual rest.

Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca, Gossypium spp., ram, semen freezing, Sesamum indicum.