Mycotoxin profiles of animal feeds in the central part of Thailand: 2015-2020

Research (Published online: 23-03-2021)

25. Mycotoxin profiles of animal feeds in the central part of Thailand: 2015-2020

Suppada Kananub, Prakorn Jala, Sudtisa Laopiem, Alongkot Boonsoongnern and Arsooth Sanguankiat

Veterinary World, 14(3): 739-743

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mycotoxin contamination in animal feeds is of considerable concern because it can affect animal health systems. As a result of contamination in the food chain, humans can indirectly come into contact with mycotoxins. The present study aimed to present mycotoxin contamination patterns in animal feeds from 2015 to 2020 and elucidate associations between the type of feed and the type of ingredient.

Materials and Methods: Data were summarized from the records of the Kamphaeng Saen Veterinary Diagnosis Center from 2015 to 2020, which comprised the analyses of aflatoxin (AFL), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin (T-2), fumonisin (FUM), and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination in feed ingredients, complete feeds, and unclassified feeds. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis.

Results: ZEA was prevalent in animal feeds. The prevalence of each mycotoxin was constant from 2015 to 2020. Approximately 20-30% of samples were positive for AFL and FUM. The highest contamination was ZEA, which was found in 50% of the samples, and the occurrence of T-2 and DON was <10%. AFL significantly contaminated complete feeds more than feed ingredients. Feed ingredients were related to mycotoxin contaminations. The highest levels of AFL, FUM, and DON contamination occurred in 2017. The data in this year consisted mostly of soybean, corn, and rice bran.

Conclusion: The number of positive samples of all five mycotoxins was constant from 2015 to 2020, but the occurrence of ZEA was the highest. Mycotoxins in feedstuffs are significantly related to the type of feed and the type of ingredient.

Keywords: complete feeds, compound feeds, contamination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, mycotoxin.

Moist wound dressing and its application in distant skin flap in cats

Research (Published online: 23-03-2021)

24. Moist wound dressing and its application in distant skin flap in cats

Erwin Erwin, Etriwati Etriwati, Rumi Sahara Zamzami and Cindy Trie Permatasari Hosea

Veterinary World, 14(3): 734-738

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process that requires an appropriate environment to promote healing process. The healing of distant flaps in cats is determined by vascularization, nutrient sufficiency for the cells, and stability of skin flaps. This study aims to evaluate the healing of distant flaps treated with moist wound dressing through subjective and objective observation in five cats with wounds in the forelimb and hindlimb area to determine the time to cut the skin flaps from the donor site.

Materials and Methods: In this study, five Indonesian local cats with wounds of various sizes in the limb were brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The sterile wound treatment included the administration of anesthesia, wound debridement, and distant flap closure in the thoracic and abdominal area. The distant flap and time to cut the skin flaps from the donor site were evaluated through subjective and objective examinations.

Results: The subjective observation on the color of the distant skin flaps showed redness and response to pain on day 3 after surgery, whereas the objective observation, which was based on drug absorption capability and drug effect showed good results. On day 7 after surgery, the skin flaps from the donor site were cut and showed good progress.

Conclusion: Overall, moist dressing helps in stabilizing the distant flap, allowing the distant flaps from the donor site to be cut on day 7 after surgery.

Keywords: distant flap, moist dressing, objective, subjective.

Comparison of computed tomographic ocular biometry in brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic cats

Research (Published online: 23-03-2021)

23. Comparison of computed tomographic ocular biometry in brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic cats

Kittiporn Yuwatanakorn, Chutimon Thanaboonnipat, Nalinee Tuntivanich, Damri Darawiroj and Nan Choisunirachon

Veterinary World, 14(3): 727-733

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ocular biometry has been used to evaluate ocular parameters; however, several factors need to be considered. In humans, age and sex have been shown to affect ocular biometry. The main factor that affects feline ocular biometry is the head circumference. At present, several reports have revealed that canine ocular biometry differs among dog breeds. However, there are no reports on normal ocular biometry in cats using computed tomography (CT). Therefore, this study aimed to explore feline ocular parameters between brachycephalic (B) and non-brachycephalic (NB) cats using CT and to evaluate the influence of age or sex of cats on ocular biometry.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four normal cats were divided into two groups: B (n=12) and NB (n=12). Each group had an equal number of designated males and females. CT was performed under mechanical restraint without general anesthesia and intravenous contrast enhancement. Ocular biometry, dimensions of the internal structure, including attenuation numbers and extra-ocular structures, were evaluated and compared.

Results: B-cats had a significantly wider globe width (GW) than NB-cats (p<0.05). In addition, globe length (GL) and GW were significantly correlated with the age of the cats. Significant correlation between GL and age was observed in all cats (r=0.4867; p<0.05), NB-cats (r=0.8692; p<0.05), and B-cats (r=0.4367; p<0.05), whereas the correlation between GW and age was observed in B-cats only (r=0.7251; p<0.05). For extra-ocular structures, NB-cats had significantly greater orbital depth than B-cats (p<0.05), and orbital diameter was significantly correlated with age in all cats and B-cats (p<0.05).

Conclusion: CT can be used for ocular biometric evaluation in cats with different skull types. GW was wider in B-cats, whereas the orbital depth was greater in NB-cats. Moreover, GW, GL, and orbital diameter were affected by the age of the cats. This information will be useful for further ocular diagnosis and treatment, especially in prosthetic surgical procedures.

Keywords: age, biometry, cat, computed tomography, eye, skull.

Prevalence of coliform bacterial contamination in cat drinking water in households in Thailand

Research (Published online: 22-03-2021)

22. Prevalence of coliform bacterial contamination in cat drinking water in households in Thailand

Suttiporn Srikullabutr, Panpicha Sattasathuchana, Anusak Kerdsin and Naris Thengchaisri

Veterinary World, 14(3): 721-726

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bacterial contamination of drinking water is a leading cause of gastrointestinal infections. Cats may be at risk of water contamination from feces due to poor sanitation and hygiene. The objectives of the present study were to (1) evaluate the prevalence of coliform bacteria in cat drinking water and (2) identify possible risk factors leading to contamination.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-five drinking water samples were collected from water containers used by cats (median age [range]: 5 years [8 months-15 years]) at their home. Using a sterile syringe, 50 mL water was collected directly from water containers. The water samples were stored in coliform enhancement media for 24 h and then submitted for bacterial culture.

Results: The prevalence of fecal coliform contamination of cat drinking water was 67.27% (37/55; 95% confidence interval: 53.29-79.32%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of coliform bacterial contamination of drinking water by age or gender of the cat or by water container type. However, bacterial contamination differed significantly between shorthaired cats and longhaired cats when comparing Escherichia coli (9/44 [20.45%] vs. 8/11 [72.72%], p<0.001) and Enterobacter spp. (16/44 [36.36%] vs. 9/11 [81.82%], p=0.007). For water that had been in a container longer than 12 h, there were significantly more contaminated tap water samples (16/19 [84.21%]) than contaminated processed water samples (9/17 [52.94%], p=0.047).

Conclusion: Coliform contamination in cat drinking water is common and occurs more often in households with longhaired cats. Drinking water for cats should be changed every 12 h, especially for households using tap water.

Keywords: animals, cats, coliform, contamination, Escherichia coli, hygiene, prevalence, water.

Determination of residues of pesticides, anabolic steroids, antibiotics, and antibacterial compounds in meat products in Oman by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Research (Published online: 22-03-2021)

21. Determination of residues of pesticides, anabolic steroids, antibiotics, and antibacterial compounds in meat products in Oman by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Issa Al-Amri, Isam T. Kadim, Abdulaziz AlKindi, Ahmed Hamaed, Rabea Al-Magbali, Samera Khalaf, Khdija Al-Hosni and Fazal Mabood

Veterinary World, 14(3): 709-720

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Meat is a rich source of many nutrients and plays a vital role in human life however, meat safety is one of the top priorities of great concern for consumers today. More than 90% of human exposure to harmful materials is due to consumption of contaminated meat products. This study was designed to compare four valid analytical methods for the determination of organochlorine pesticides 2,4 D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene/ dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, alachlor, organophosphate, anabolic steroids (progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen), antibiotics (tetracycline, sulfonamides, gentamycin, and cephalexin), antibacterial compounds (Macrolide, β-Lactam, Chloramphenicol, Sulphur drugs, and Gentamicin) residues in 135 beef, buffalo, and sheep meat samples (fresh, frozen meats, minced, and sausage samples) of local, regional, and international brands available in Omani markets.

Materials and Methods: Triplicate meat samples from each brand within each species were extracted with acetonitrile and purified with acetonitrile-saturated n-hexane to remove all impurities. To dry the sample after heating, the residue was passed across a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge for sample cleaning before gas chromatography (GC) (Brand GCMS-QP2010 Plus) coupled with different detectors, including a mass spectrometer or GC-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was also employed for the quantification of the residues in meat products. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were employed to assess veterinary drug residues, anabolic steroids, and pesticides. The CHARM II instrument was employed to detect chloramphenicol, gentamicin, sulfa-drug, β-lactam, and macrolide residues in meat and meat product samples.

Results: A thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method should be considered as another method of choice to determine concentrations of veterinary drugs and anabolic steroids. The TLC results were validated by LC-MS. The three described methods permit the multi-residue analysis of anabolic steroid residue levels of 0.06-1.89 ppb in meat product samples. There were three violative residues of anabolic steroids in red meat products that were above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Although, the levels of organochlorine pesticides and antibiotic concentrations in meat products were below the MRLs, the long-term consumption is considered a health hazard and will affect the wellbeing of consumers.

Conclusion: The four techniques (GC, high-performance liquid chromatography, ELISA and CHARM II) provided results that were reliable and precise for the detection of chessssmical residues in meat and meat products.

Keywords: anabolic steroids, antibiotic, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, meat products, pesticides, residue.

Anticancer activity of milk fat rich in conjugated linoleic acid against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in female Swiss albino mice

Research (Published online: 20-03-2021)

20. Anticancer activity of milk fat rich in conjugated linoleic acid against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in female Swiss albino mice

Abdelrahman M. Abd El-Gawad, Diea G. Abo El-Hassan, Ahmed M. Aboul-Enein, Sherein S. Abdelgayed, Salwa A. Aly, Gamal Esmat, Amr A. Mostafa, Mohamed H. Bakr, Rida A. Ali and Mahmoud A. Ayoub

Veterinary World, 14(3): 696-708

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The major conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have anticancer effect, especially breast cancer cells, inhibits cell growth and induces cell death. Also, CLA has several health benefits in vivo, including antiatherogenesis, antiobesity, and modulation of immune function. The present study aimed to assess the safety and anticancer effects of milk fat CLA against in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female Swiss albino mice. This was based on acute toxicity study, detection of the tumor growth, life span of EAC bearing hosts, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty adult female mice were equally divided into five groups. Groups (1-2) were normal controls, and Groups (3-5) were tumor transplanted mice (TTM) inoculated intraperitoneally with EAC cells (2×106/0.2 mL). Group (3) was (TTM positive control). Group (4) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with milk fat CLA (40 mg CLA/kg body weight). Group (5) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with the same level of CLA 28 days before tumor cells inoculation. Blood samples and specimens from liver and kidney were collected from each group. The effect of milk fat CLA on the growth of tumor, life span of TTM, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles were examined.

Results: For CLA treated TTM, significant decrease in tumor weight, ascetic volume, viable Ehrlich cells accompanied with increase in life span were observed. Hematological and biochemical profiles reverted to more or less normal levels and histopathology showed minimal effects.

Conclusion: The present study proved the safety and anticancer efficiency of milk fat CLA and provides a scientific basis for its medicinal use as anticancer attributable to the additive or synergistic effects of its isomers.

Keywords: anticancer activity, conjugated linoleic acid, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, % increase in life span, mean survival time, tumor transplanted mice.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli from swine farms using different antimicrobials and management systems

Research (Published online: 19-03-2021)

19. Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli from swine farms using different antimicrobials and management systems

Pramualchai Ketkhao, Sukanya Thongratsakul, Pariwat Poolperm, Chaithep Poolkhet and Patamabhorn Amavisit

Veterinary World, 14(3): 689-695

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The emerging of antimicrobial-resistant foodborne bacteria is a serious public health concern worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the association between farm management systems and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from conventional swine farms and natural farms. E. coli isolates were evaluated for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 17 antimicrobials, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- producing enzymes, and plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant genes.

Materials and Methods: Fecal swabs were longitudinally collected from healthy pigs at three stages comprising nursery pigs, fattening pigs, and finishers, in addition to their environments. High-generation antimicrobials, including carbapenem, were selected for the MIC test. DNA samples of colistin-resistant isolates were amplified for mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes. Farm management and antimicrobial applications were evaluated using questionnaires.

Results: The detection rate of ESBL-producing E. coli was 17%. The highest resistance rates were observed with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (53.9%) and colistin (48.5%). All isolates were susceptible to carbapenem. Two large intensive farms that used colistin-supplemented feed showed the highest colistin resistance rates of 84.6% and 58.1%. Another intensive farm that did not use colistin showed a low colistin resistance rate of 14.3%. In contrast, a small natural farm that was free from antimicrobials showed a relatively high resistance rate of 41.8%. The majority of colistin-resistant isolates had MIC values of 8 μg/mL (49%) and ≥16 μg/mL (48%). The genes mcr-1 and mcr-2 were detected at rates of 64% and 38%, respectively, among the colistin-resistant E. coli.

Conclusion: Commensal E. coli were relatively sensitive to the antimicrobials used for treating critical human infections. Colistin use was the primary driver for the occurrence of colistin resistance in swine farms having similar conventional management systems. In the natural farm, cross-contamination could just occur through the environment if farm biosecurity is not set up carefully, thus indicating the significance of farm biosecurity risk even in an antimicrobial-free farm.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, colistin, swine farms, mcr.