Microbiological, sensory, and physicochemical quality of curd cheeses originating from direct sales

Research (Published online: 29-11-2021)

26. Microbiological, sensory, and physicochemical quality of curd cheeses originating from direct sales

Ewa Januś, Piotr Sablik, Małgorzata Jakubowska and Klaudia Wróbel

Veterinary World, 14(11): 3038-3047

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Curd cheeses are characteristic elements of the dairy assortment, mainly in Central and Eastern European countries, and constitute a numerous and diverse group of dairy products. The aim of the study was to assess the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory quality of curd cheeses available in marketplaces in Lublin, where they were purchased through direct sales from producers.

Materials and Methods: The research material was household-produced curd cheese purchased 4 times (at 2-week intervals) from three producers. The physicochemical parameters (i.e., the total protein and fat content, active acidity, and titratable acidity) were determined in the cheeses. Microbiological assays were performed to evaluate the total number of bacteria (on milk agar), the number of yeasts and molds (on Sabouraud medium), and the number of coliform bacteria (on MacConkey medium). A general sensory evaluation was performed by a five-person panel, who assessed the appearance and color, texture, flavor, and aroma of the samples.

Results: The cheeses exhibited significant differences in their protein and fat contents, but these values were within the allowable limits. Most of the evaluated cheeses had normal levels of active and titratable acidity; substantially lower titratable acidity and higher pH values were detected only in the samples from supplier A. The total number of bacteria in the curd cheese samples was high (3.2×108 colony-forming units [cfu]×g-1 cheese) and varied substantially (from 3.6×107 to 8.6×108 cfu×g-1). The growth of Gram-negative bacterial colonies on MacConkey medium was observed in the samples from suppliers B and C (5.5×103 and 1.7×104 cfu×g-1, respectively), which is an undesirable phenomenon. The number of colonies cultured on Sabouraud medium and identified as yeast-like microorganisms ranged from 1.8×104 (product from supplier A) to 4.9×105 cfu×g-1 (cheese from supplier C). The scores in the sensory evaluation of the tested curd cheeses were low. The highest mean scores were achieved for appearance and color (4.25-4.45 points). Conversely, flavor and aroma received the lowest score (3.17 points). The highest scores for both the overall assessment and each parameter separately were awarded to the curd cheese produced by supplier A.

Conclusion: Our results suggest poor hygienic conditions during milk collection and processing, as well as during the distribution of these dairy products. Altogether, the purchase of products from direct sales may be associated with risks related to poor consumer health and food quality.

Keywords: curd cheese, microbiology, physiochemistry, sensory quality.

Increasing the efficiency of the herd reproduction system by introducing innovative technologies into dairy farming in Northern Kazakhstan

Research (Published online: 28-11-2021)

25. Increasing the efficiency of the herd reproduction system by introducing innovative technologies into dairy farming in Northern Kazakhstan

Vitaly Anatolevich Raketsky, Askar Myrzakhmetovich Nametov, Vasily Arkadyevich Sozinov and Abdrakhman Abdybekuly Baisakalov

Veterinary World, 14(11): 3028-3037

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In recent years, Kazakhstan has increasingly imported breeding cows for dairy and beef production. To maintain and improve their breeding qualities of reproductive function, it is necessary to constantly monitor the herd reproduction system. The aim of this study was to increase the level of herd reproduction by introducing innovative technologies into dairy farms in Northern Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, the AlphaVision visual insemination system (IMV Technologies, France) was used, aiding to improve the artificial insemination method in farms in Northern Kazakhstan and increased the breeding rate using sexed semen to inseminate cows. In addition, the AlphaVision device was used in the differential diagnosis of certain diseases of the reproductive organs of cows.

Materials and Methods: The object of the study was 200 cows (3-5-year-old) and 100 heifers (16-18-month-old) of Holstein breed. The authors carried out a comparative analysis of biotechnological methods of reproduction – the cervical method insemination with rectal fixation of the cervix (traditional method of insemination) and the AlphaVision visual insemination system, and the effectiveness of AlphaVision for diagnosing some reproductive tract abnormalities in cows was studied. In the experiment on conducting artificial insemination through AlphaVision, we have used both normal (two-sex) and sexed semen.

Results: When using the AlphaVision visual insemination system, a higher percentage of fruitful insemination was noted (20.7%) than when using the traditional method. The images obtained with AlphaVision made it possible to identify cows with abnormal sexual cycles, signs of vaginitis, endometritis, cervicitis, and differentiate them by the nature of the exudate. In many cases, visual examinations of the vagina and cervix are not carried out before the traditional method of artificial insemination. For this reason, some vaginal and cervical abnormalities are not diagnosed, resulting in reduced fertility in cows. We have found that the number of genital abnormalities has increased by 30% with the increasing age of cows. Obstetric and gynecologic pathologies in high-yielding cows are noted in more than 50% of the herd. A comparative assessment of clinical manifestations of cervicitis and other pathologies of reproductive organs, using the AlphaVision visual insemination system, has been carried out for the identified diseases. With the traditional method of insemination with conventional semen, the calf yield per 100 cows for the period 2016-2019 has been 65-80% and with sexed semen 30-50%. With AlphaVision in 2020, the insemination rate was 85% conventional and 60% sexed, respectively, which was 5% and 10% higher than with conventional insemination. This was due to the improved diagnosis of some reproductive diseases in cows.

Conclusion: The introduction of innovative technology, namely, the visual insemination system AlphaVision, into the practice of dairy farms in Northern Kazakhstan increased the level of the herd reproduction system.

Keywords: AlphaVision visual insemination system, biotechnological reproduction methods, cervicitis, diseases of the reproductive organs of cows, fertility rate, sexed semen.

Occurrence of Marek's disease in vaccinated Algerian broiler breeder flocks: A histopathological survey

Research (Published online: 28-11-2021)

24. Occurrence of Marek's disease in vaccinated Algerian broiler breeder flocks: A histopathological survey

Abdelaziz Lounas, Mohamed Besbaci, Madjid Akkou and Oumennoune Tali

Veterinary World, 14(11): 3021-3027

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Marek's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease that occurs in chickens. In the absence of control measures, MD causes devastating losses to commercial poultry flocks. Vaccination has enabled dramatic success in the prevention and control of MD. However, the MD vaccination program has failed frequently, and occasional clinical outbreaks have been reported in the vaccinated flocks as well. The present study aimed to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of the field cases of MD in broiler breeder flocks.

Materials and Methods: A survey on the update of MD occurrence in Algerian broiler breeder flocks was conducted from June 2020 to September 2020. Ten vaccinated broiler breeder flocks located in Central Algeria and having progressive tumors in different visceral organs were evaluated for MD virus infection by conducting a histopathological examination of the birds.

Results: The age of the birds affected with MD ranged from 13 to 22 weeks. The mortality rate varied sensitively from 4% to 10%. The clinical symptoms reported in the affected flocks included locomotor, nervous, digestive, and respiratory symptoms. Necropsy of the dead or euthanized birds revealed visceral lymphomatosis in several organs and macroscopic changes in the peripheral nerves (including loss of longitudinal striation, color change [grayish], and volume increase). The histopathological findings included the infiltration and proliferation of lymphocytes and blast cells (lymphoblasts) in various organs of the birds, which are the typical characteristics of MD and, therefore, confirmed the field infection of MD in these birds.

Conclusion: The present study provided evidence for the high prevalence of MD in the broiler breeder flocks vaccinated with a bivalent vaccine (turkey herpesvirus+Rispens) at the hatchery. The findings of the present study may indicate highlevel failure of vaccination in these birds.

Keywords: Algeria, broiler breeder flocks, histopathological findings, Marek's disease, Tumors.

Prevalence of the MDR1 gene mutation in herding dog breeds and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand

Research (Published online: 27-11-2021)

23. Prevalence of the MDR1 gene mutation in herding dog breeds and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand

Chommanad Lerdkrai and Nuch Phungphosop

Veterinary World, 14(11): 3015-3020

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: A canine multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1) nt230(del4) is a well-known inherited disorder that primarily affects collies and various herding breeds. The most recognized clinical implication for affected dogs is associated with an increased risk of multiple drug toxicity. To date, MDR1 gene mutations have been identified globally, especially in dogs from the USA and European countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MDR1 nt230(del4) in herding dog breeds and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: We clarified the prevalence of MDR1 nt230(del4) in 263 dogs of eight purebred dog breeds in Thailand using an allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction method and direct DNA sequencing.

Results: Rough Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Old English Sheepdogs were affected by the mutation with mutant allelic frequencies of 57.14%, 12.82%, 11.28%, and 8.33%, respectively. Among these populations, the prevalence of the MDR1 (+/–) genotype was 57.14% (12/21) for Rough Collies, 25.64% (10/39) for Australian Shepherds, 16.13% (15/93) for Shetland Sheepdogs, and 16.67% (2/12) for Old English Sheepdogs, whereas the MDR1 (–/–) mutation was only identified in Rough Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, with prevalences of 28.57% (6/21) and 3.22% (3/93), respectively. However, the MDR1 nt230(del4) was not identified in Border Collies, German Shepherds, White Swiss Shepherds, or Thai Ridgebacks.

Conclusion: This study provides the current situation regarding MDR1 nt230(del4) in herding dog breeds in Thailand. In this survey, we investigated for the first time the status of MDR1 genotype in Thai Ridgebacks. These results are helpful for veterinarians managing effective therapeutic plans for commonly affected dog breeds, and these results will encourage all breeders to improve their selective breeding programs based on the MDR1 nt230(del4) status.

Keywords: herding dog breeds, multi-drug resistance 1 gene, mutation, P-glycoprotein, Thai Ridgeback dogs.

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.