Effect of novel natural feed additive containing Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers

Research (Published online: 27-11-2021)

22. Effect of novel natural feed additive containing Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers

Sugiharto Sugiharto, Anugrah R. Pratama, Turrini Yudiarti and Tugay Ayasan

Veterinary World, 14(11): 3007-3014

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In the post-antibiotic era, consumer demand for healthy and safe meats has prompted poultry producers to seek alternative effective feed additives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a novel natural feed additive based on a mixture of Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth rate, internal organ weight, and breast meat characteristics of broilers.

Materials and Methods: A total of 280 1-day-old chicks were divided into one control (CNTRL; feed without additives) and three treatment groups: NOV25, feed with 2.5 g/kg novel additive; NOV50, feed with 5.0 g/kg novel additive; and NOV100, feed with 10 g/kg novel additive. The body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly. On day 35, the chickens from each group were slaughtered, and their internal organs and breast meat samples were collected.

Results: The BW of broilers in NOV100 was greater (p=0.016) than that in the other groups. The FCRs in the treatments groups were lower (p<0.001) than that in the control group. Elevated levels of the novel additive increased (p=0.051) the relative weight of the duodenum. The pH values in the breast meat of broilers receiving the novel additive were higher (p<0.001) than that in control. The C20:3n-6 of the NOV100 breast meat was lower (p=0.012) than that of NOV25 and NOV50, but it did not differ from that of the control. The unsaturated fatty acid-to-saturated fatty acid ratio in the breast meats of the treatments was higher (p=0.032) than that in control. The L-tyrosine content in NOV50 breast meat was higher (p=0.036) than that in CNTRL and NOV100 but did not differ from that in NOV25.

Conclusion: The proposed feed additive improved the live BW and FCR of broilers and the physical and nutritional qualities of broiler breast meat.

Keywords: Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate, breast meat, broiler, natural feed additive, organic acid.

Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt

Research (Published online: 27-11-2021)

21. Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt

Doaa S. Farid, Nahla H. Sallam, Ahmed M. Salah Eldein and Essam S. Soliman

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2996-3006

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020.

Materials and Methods: We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters.

Results: Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculus domesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer.

Conclusion: We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.

Keywords: ectoparasites, North Sinai, period prevalence, relative risk, rodents.

Nociceptive pain and anxiety in equines: Physiological and behavioral alterations

Review (Published online: 26-11-2021)

20. Nociceptive pain and anxiety in equines: Physiological and behavioral alterations

I. Hernández-Avalos, D. Mota-Rojas, J. E. Mendoza-Flores, A. Casas-Alvarado, K. Flores-Padilla, A. E. Miranda-Cortes, F. Torres-Bernal, J. Gómez-Prado and P. Mora-Medina

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2984-2995

ABSTRACT

Pain and anxiety are two of the most important concerns in clinical veterinary medicine because they arise as consequences of multiple factors that can severely affect animal welfare. The aim of the present review was to provide a description and interpretation of the physiological and behavioral alterations associated with pain and anxiety in equines. To this end, we conducted an extensive review of diverse sources on the topic. The article begins by describing the neurophysiological pathway of pain, followed by a discussion of the importance of the limbic system in responses to pain and anxiety, since prolonged exposure to situations that cause stress and pain generates such physiological changes as tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hyperthermia, and heart rate variability (HRV), often accompanied by altered emotional states, deficient rest, and even aggressiveness. In the long term, animals may show deficiencies in their ability to deal with changes in the environment due to alterations in the functioning of their immune, nervous, and endocrinologic systems. In conclusion, pain and anxiety directly impact the homeostasis of organisms, so it is necessary to conduct objective evaluations of both sensations using behavioral scales, like the horse grimace scale, complemented by assessments of blood biomarkers to analyze their correlation with physiological parameters: Heart rate, respiratory rate, HRV, the parasympathetic tone activity index, lactate and glucose levels, and temperature. Additional tools – infrared thermography, for example – can also be used in these efforts to improve the quality of life and welfare of horses.

Keywords: anxiety, equines, nociception, pain, welfare.

Preliminary study of coronavirus disease 2019 on pets in pandemic in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 26-11-2021)

19. Preliminary study of coronavirus disease 2019 on pets in pandemic in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Hamong Suharsono, Ali Ghufron Mukti, Ketut Suryana, I. Wayan Masa Tenaya, Dilasdita Kartika Pradana, Guy Daly and Mochamad Panji Pujasakti

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2979-2983

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has spread rapidly globally, resulting in a pandemic. In humans, the main routes of transmission are respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals or through contact with an object infected with the virus, followed by touching mouth, nose, or eyes. It is assumed that SARS-CoV-2 was originated in wild animals and was then transmitted to humans. Although some wildlife and domestic animals can be naturally or experimentally infected with the virus, the intermediate hosts that transmitted it to humans are still unknown. Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 associated with possible zoonotic transmission of intermediate hosts is considered critical. Reportedly, cats or dogs living with COVID-19-positive humans tested positive for the disease, suggesting that the virus was transmitted to the animals from humans. Information regarding the epidemiological investigation and comprehensive studies is limited. Therefore, it is still unclear how high is the correlation of infection in humans and pet animals, especially those living together. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pets of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at the Wangaya hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A total of seven clinically asymptomatic pets (six dogs of different races and sexes and a cat [age, 360-2920 days]) were included in this study. These animals belonged to patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from August to November 2020. Nasal swab and nasopharyngeal samples were collected from the pets individually under anesthetic condition and were collected 6-12 days after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in owners and hospitalization at the Wangaya Hospital. The swab samples were then processed for RNA isolation and tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2, in accordance with the World Health Organization manual 2020.

Results: RT-PCR results for all seven RNA samples, prepared from the swab samples, were negative. For the samples, all PCR products were below the threshold limit, suggesting no genetic material belonging to the samples tested.

Conclusion: This was the first preliminary study of COVID-19 on pets in pandemic using RT-PCR. The study tested a very limited quantity of samples, and all of them were negative. However, the way in which the samples were prepared was considered appropriate. Therefore, in further studies, testing of more samples of pets of more individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection is required.

Keywords: pets, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, viral detection.

Evaluation of secondary metabolites of herbal plant extracts as an antiviral effect on infectious bursal disease virus isolates in embryonated chicken eggs

Research (Published online: 25-11-2021)

18. Evaluation of secondary metabolites of herbal plant extracts as an antiviral effect on infectious bursal disease virus isolates in embryonated chicken eggs

Rawaa Saladdin Jumaa, Dhuha Ismael Abdulmajeed and Abdulkarim Jafar Karim

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2971-2978

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Infectious bursal disease attacks the poultry industry, mainly young chickens, causing immunosuppression, and death with high economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the monoextract, diextracts, and triextracts of Quercus infectoria (QI), Citrus aurantifolia (CiA), and Coffea arabica (CoA) on infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs).

Materials and Methods: The experimental design consisted of three sets of ECEs at 11 days of age, and each set included seven groups (G1-G7). The extracts of QI, CiA, and CoA were inoculated to ECEs by the chorioallantoic membrane method before, in concomitant (mixed) with, and after IBDV infection to the first, second, and third sets, respectively. The monoextract, diextracts, and triextracts of QI, CiA, and CoA were given at 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% concentrations to G1-G3, G4-G6, and G7, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction identified and confirmed the virus in accordance with the pathological changes.

Results: The monoextract (5-10% concentrations) inhibited IBDV and had no effect on viral infection preinoculation, whereas the monoextract (10% concentration) inhibited IBDV during mixed inoculation and post-inoculation. Diextracts (2-10% concentrations) inhibited IBDV and had no effect on viral infection preinoculation, whereas diextracts (5-10% concentrations) inhibited IBDV during mixed inoculation and post-inoculation. Triextracts (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% concentrations) inhibited IBDV by ameliorating the pathological changes of the virus and preventing the death of ECEs.

Conclusion: The inoculation of herbal extracts, particularly triextracts, alleviates the pathological changes in ECEs infected with IBDV. This study recommends the oral route in evaluating plant extracts against IBDV in poultry.

Keywords: chick embryo, herbal plant, infectious bursal disease virus, Iraq.

The ability of probiotics to ameliorate blood and gonad damage caused by copper toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Research (Published online: 25-11-2021)

17. The ability of probiotics to ameliorate blood and gonad damage caused by copper toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Alfiah Hayati, Manikya Pramudya and Hari Soepriandono

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2964-2970

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Industrial waste, such as heavy metals, is a major source of water pollution; at high levels, such pollution can reduce river water quality to the extent that it becomes unsuitable for aquaculture of freshwater fish. This study aimed to focus on the effects of copper (Cu) exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and specifically the ability of Lactobacillus-based probiotics supplementation in fish feed to ameliorate damage to gonads and negative effects on red blood cells (RBCs), whole blood cells (WBCs), hematocrit (HCT) levels, hemoglobin (HGB) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels following such exposure.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Nile tilapia fish were divided into eight groups: A negative control (without probiotics or Cu), a positive control (with probiotics but without Cu), three treatments with probiotics in feed, and one of three Cu concentrations (0.75, 1.50, or 3.00 mg/L), and three treatments with these three Cu concentrations but without probiotics in feed. The probiotics concentration in feed was 25 mL/kg (1×108 CFU/mL). Feeding was for 15 days, after which the hematological parameters, gonadal (testis) structure, and MDA levels of fish were analyzed.

Results: Exposure to Cu significantly (p<0.05) affected fish hematology (decreased HGB, HCT, RBC, and WBC levels) and altered the structure of the testes. However, the addition of probiotics to fish feed significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated these effects on hematology and maintained the histological structure of the gonads.

Conclusion: Cu exposure at ≥1.5 mg/L affected the hematologic parameters, gonadosomatic index, MDA levels, and testicular cells and tissue of Nile tilapia. However, probiotics supplementation in fish feed helped ameliorate the negative effects of Cu on these parameters. Thus, the Lactobacillus-based probiotics used in this study were apparently able to neutralize Cu toxicity in Nile tilapia.

Keywords: copper, fisheries, fresh water, hematology, probiotics, testis structure.

Inactivated vaccine against Aujeszky's disease

Research (Published online: 24-11-2021)

16. Inactivated vaccine against Aujeszky's disease

Zhanat B. Kondibaeva, Bolat A. Yespembetov, Khairulla B. Abeuov, Assiya K. Mussayeva, Sarsenbek T. Siyabekov, Saltanat T. Nussupova, Elmira K. Akmatova, Yerlan K. Pazylov, Kydyrbay T. Maikhin and Nazym S. Syrym

Veterinary World, 14(11): 2957-2963

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Aujeszky's disease, also known as Pseudorabies, remains one of the most problematic fulminant diseases in domestic animals, affecting the central nervous system. The study aimed to investigate the effect of an inactivated vaccine against Aujeszky's disease based on "Kordai" virus strain.

Materials and Methods: To test the inactivation of the "Kordai" strain (grown by the roller method in VNK-21/13 cell culture with an infectious titer of at least 7.5 lg TCD50/ml) which is causative of Aujeszky's disease, next-generation teotropin and propolis preparations were used in concentrations of 0.1%, 0.08%, and 0.04%.

Results: As a result of comparative studies on the optimization of parameters for inactivating the "Kordai" virus strain, it was established that teotropin is a more effective inactivant than propolis. At the same time, the optimal final concentration of teotropin for inactivation was 0.1%, along with a reaction medium temperature of 37°C, pH of 7.4-7.6, and duration of inactivation of 14 h. The titer of virus-neutralizing activity (VNA) of antibodies at the pH (neutralization reactions) in vaccinated sheep of 10-12 months of age was 7.5±0.3, Ig TCID50/ml (tissue culture infectious dose 50%), and 3.5±0.3 in the cell culture VNK-21/13 (culture of Syrian hamster kidney cells).

Conclusion: To determine colostral immunity in newborn lambs, the method of metabolic status correction was used to vaccinate lambs obtained from immune sheep 4 months after birth. The results showed that lambs obtained from immune sheep had high VNA titers. A sustained immune response in vaccinated animals was obtained after double vaccination.

Keywords: adjuvant, Aujeszky's disease virus, colostral immunity, immunogenicity, strain "Kordai."