Impact of polyherbal formulation oral administration on the estrus response, luteal activity, and oxidative stress in postpartum dairy cows with ovarian subfunction

Research (Published online: 17-02-2022)

16. Impact of polyherbal formulation oral administration on the estrus response, luteal activity, and oxidative stress in postpartum dairy cows with ovarian subfunction

Yahia A. Amin, Nasra Ahmed M. Youssef, Alaa-Eldin Zain-Elabdeen Mahmoud, Mohammed Salah, Atef M. H. Khalil, Obeid Shanab and Ahmed Saad Ahmed Hassaneen

Veterinary World, 15(2): 360-367

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The reproductive performance of dairy cows is of a high economic value to maintain efficient and sustainable productivity. Postpartum anestrus is one of the major infertility problems that cause limitation of dairy cow reproductive performance and productivity. The previous studies have reported using a polyherbal formulation for different purposes, including reproductive performance. This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of polyherbal formulation administration on the reproductive performance of cows and to establish the oral administration of polyherbal formulations as a safe, effective, and economic treatment for dairy cows with postpartum anestrus due to nutritional disorders, negative energy balance, high milk production, and/or heat stress.

Materials and Methods: A total of 14 dairy cows with postpartum anestrus were randomly divided into two groups, which were subjected to oral administration of distilled water that served as the control (Ctrl; n=5) or polyherbal treatment (polyherbal treated; n=9) for two shots of treatment (each for 3 successive days) with a 10-day interval. Blood sampling and ultrasonography were performed before treatment and after the first and second shots of treatment. Progesterone (P4) assay was also performed.

Results: The estrus induction rate was 66.7% after the first shot of treatment in the polyherbal-treated group, which increased significantly to 88.9% after the second shot of treatment, compared with the Ctrl group (20%). The estrus response was confirmed by ultrasonography and P4 hormone assay, wherein the polyherbal treatment significantly increased the P4 concentration in the polyherbal-treated group after the second shot of treatment compared to that before treatment and in the Ctrl group at all time points. On pregnancy diagnosis, the treated dairy cows showed conception rates of 66.7% and 20.0% in the polyherbal-treated and Ctrl groups, respectively. In contrast, the concentration of malondialdehyde, an oxidative stress marker, and the total antioxidant capacity remained unchanged between both groups before and after treatment.

Conclusion: The polyherbal formulation containing tubers of C. rotundus, M. pterygosperma, rhizome of Z. officinale, and A. cepa has the potential to induce estrus response and luteal activity in dairy cows and is a possible treatment for ovarian inactivity in dairy farms.

Keywords: estrous cycle, ovarian inactivity, phytotherapy, reproductive herbal medicine.

Growth performance, morphometric of the small intestine, lymphoid organ, and ovary of laying hens supplemented with Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract in drinking water

Research (Published online: 16-02-2022)

15. Growth performance, morphometric of the small intestine, lymphoid organ, and ovary of laying hens supplemented with Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract in drinking water

L. U. Albab, T. I. Claudya, R. Oktafianti, N. Salsabila, R. D. Putri and H. T. S. S. G. Saragih

Veterinary World, 15(2): 350-359

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antibiotic, improves the growth performance of laying hens when used as a feed additive; however, it has been banned in Europe. Furthermore, secondary metabolites used as a substitute for antibiotics are compounds produced by plants. Therefore, this aims to determine the effect of dates water extract (DWE) on the performance of laying hens. This study used dates containing secondary metabolites as a feed additive and substitute for antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A completely randomized design was used, dividing 400 Lohmann brown day old chick into five groups (each group has five replications and each replication consisted of 16 laying hens). Furthermore, there were two control groups such as mineral water control group and antibiotic growth promoters (basal feed+50 mg/kg of bacitracin), and three DWE groups such as 5% DWE (50 mg/mL), 10% DWE (100 mg/mL), and 20% DWE (200 mg/mL). Dates extract treatment was administered through drinking water for 54 days, whereby three laying hens from each replication were taken randomly and decapitated on the neck. Afterwards, a necropsy was performed for histological preparations of the small intestine, ovary, and lymphoid organs. The structure and morphology of the small intestine, and ovaries were observed through histological preparations, while lymphoid organs were observed through histological preparation and morphometry, and body morphometry, body weight, feed intake and weight gain were observed by measurements and weighing.

Results: Small intestine morphology, ovarian follicle, and growth performance of the DWE2 group increased significantly compared to the control group, but the lymphoid organs index was influenced by DWE1.

Conclusion: The administration of 10% dates extract (100 mg/mL) in drinking water improves the morphology of the small intestine, ovarian follicles, lymphoid organs, and growth performance.

Keywords: dates water extract, feed additive, ovary, performance, small intestine.

Physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and anticandidal activities of Moroccan propolis

Research (Published online: 15-02-2022)

14. Physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and anticandidal activities of Moroccan propolis

Abderrazak Aboulghazi, Soumaya Touzani, Mouhcine Fadil and Badiaa Lyoussi

Veterinary World, 15(2): 341-349

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Human mycotic infections are one of the major health problems worldwide. Prolonged use of antimycotic drugs has contributed to the development of resistance in pathogenic fungi. This study was conducted to examine antioxidant and anticandidal activities of Moroccan propolis.

Materials and Methods: Two ethanolic extracts of Moroccan propolis from the Fez-Meknes region were evaluated regarding the following physicochemical parameters: Yield, pH, total carbohydrates, total proteins, total lipids, minerals, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. In addition, we assessed the in vitro anticandidal activity against vulvovaginal candidiasis strains, that is, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei, using the broth micromethod according to the CLSI/M27-A3 reference guidelines.

Results: The propolis samples exhibited a mean yield of 16%, with an acidic pH ranging from 4.8 to 5.9; the sample from the Oued Amlil area (OAPEE) contained high levels of resin, balsam, moisture, total carbohydrates, and total lipids: 59.8%, 0.71%, 2%, 1.01 gGlcEq/g, and 120 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, the sample from the Sefrou area (SFPEE) was richer in total proteins and minerals, with values of 2.5 g/100 g and 1.84%, respectively. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content in the propolis extracts were 117.38 and 194.68 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g, and 17.45–27.79 mg of quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. Regarding the antioxidant activity, the most effective propolis extract was the sample from the Sefrou area, at 72.5 μg/mL and 118.78 μmoL Fe2+/g for ABTS-half-maximal inhibitory concentration and FRAP-half maximal effective concentration, respectively. The analysis of phenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector revealed the presence of 13 polyphenols. The main compound in the OAPEE sample was epicatechin (310 mg/g), whereas in the SFPEE sample was apigenin (410 mg/g). Regarding the antifungal activity against Candida species, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of the Moroccan propolis ethanolic extracts ranged between 31.2 and 62.5 μg/mL and 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, respectively, comparable with fluconazole (as a reference antimycotic).

Conclusion: This study suggests that Moroccan propolis (31.2 and 125 μg/mL) may be an important source of bioactive molecules with anticandidal activity. Propolis may be a promising naturally-occurring candidate for the development of antimycotic drugs.

Keywords: antioxidant activity, propolis, total flavonoids, total polyphenols, vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Effects of urea supplementation on ruminal fermentation characteristics, nutrient intake, digestibility, and performance in sheep: A meta-analysis

Research (Published online: 15-02-2022)

13. Effects of urea supplementation on ruminal fermentation characteristics, nutrient intake, digestibility, and performance in sheep: A meta-analysis

Teguh Wahyono, Mohammad Miftakhus Sholikin, Yusuf Konca, Taketo Obitsu, Sadarman Sadarman and Anuraga Jayanegara

Veterinary World, 15(2): 331-340

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: As a non-protein nitrogen source, urea is a popular, low cost, and easily obtained protein supplement. The objective of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation and sheep performance.

Materials and Methods: A total of 32 experiments from 21 articles were compiled into a dataset. The levels of dietary urea varied from 0 to 31 g/kg of dry matter (DM). Parameters observed were rumen fermentation product, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and sheep performance. This dataset was analyzed using a mixed model methodology, with urea supplementation levels as fixed effects and the different experiments as random effects.

Results: Increasing levels of urea were associated with increases (p=0.008) in rumen pH, butyrate (C4) production, and ammonia (NH3–N) concentration. Urea supplementation had minor effects on total volatile fatty acids (p=0.242), total protozoa (p=0.429), and the microbial N supply (p=0.619), but tended to increase methane production (CH4; p<0.001). Supplementation of urea increased the intake of dry matter (DM; p=0.004) and crude protein (CP; p=0.001). Digestibility parameters, such as DM digestibility (DMD) and CP digestibility (CPD), also increased (p<0.01) as a result of urea supplementation. Retained N (p=0.042) and N intake (p<0.001) were higher with increasing levels of urea supplementation. In terms of animal performance, supplementation of urea increased average daily gain (ADG; p=0.024), but decreased the hot carcass weight percentage (p=0.017).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis reports the positive effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation products (i.e., pH, C4, and NH3–N), intake (DM, CP, and N), digestibility (DMD and CPD), and ADG in sheep.

Keywords: meta-analysis, sheep, supplementation, urea.

Efficacy of dietary supplementary probiotics as substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters during the starter period on growth performances, carcass traits, and immune organs of male layer chicken

Research (Published online: 14-02-2022)

12. Efficacy of dietary supplementary probiotics as substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters during the starter period on growth performances, carcass traits, and immune organs of male layer chicken

B. Agustono, W. P. Lokapirnasari, M. N. Yunita, R. N. Kinanti, A. E. Cesa and S. Windria

Veterinary World, 15(2): 324-330

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: With the increased concerns about global protein supply, chicken meat, especially from male layer chicken, constitutes an alternative in terms of quality and carcass traits. Probiotics have been proposed for replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which have been prohibited as poultry supplement feeds. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of dietary supplementary probiotics during the starter period on growth performances, carcass traits, and immune organs of male layer chicken.

Materials and Methods: In this study, one hundred and eighty 1-day-old male chicks from the strain ISA brown were used. They were divided into six groups according to the feed: 100% basal feed (T0), basal feed+2.5 g AGP/kg feed (T1), basal feed+probiotics 1 mL/kg feed (T2), basal feed+probiotics 3 mL/kg feed (T3), basal feed+probiotics 4 mL/kg feed (T4), and basal feed+probiotics 5 mL/kg feed (T5). Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium spp.) were given at a concentration of 1.2×109 colony-forming unit/mL. Virginiamycin was used as AGP. ISA brown layer chicken was treated for 21 days. Growth performances (body weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio [FCR]), carcass traits (weight at slaughter, weight of the carcass, breast muscles, liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart), immune organs (spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius), and non-edible organs (head, legs, and wings) were analyzed.

Results: Probiotic supplementation at 4 and 5 mL/kg feed (T4 and T5) during the starter phase improved the body weight, FCR, and feed consumption. The weight at slaughter, weight of the carcass, breast muscles, and liver from the T4 and T5 groups were significantly greater than those in the other treatment groups. In addition, the weight of the heart, lungs, and kidneys was increased in the T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 groups compared with that measured in the T0 group. Furthermore, there were significant differences regarding the immune organs between the T0 and the other treatment groups. The weight of the head, legs, and wings was also greater in the probiotic and AGP supplementation groups (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) than that in the basal feed group (T0).

Conclusion: Probiotic (L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and Bifidobacterium spp.) supplementation at 4 and 5 mL/kg feed during the starter period can be used to improve the growth, carcass traits, and weight of immune organs in male layer chicken.

Keywords: feed supplementation, growth performance, ISA brown layer chicken, probiotic, starter period.

α-Tocopherol restores semen quality in rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Research (Published online: 14-02-2022)

11. α-Tocopherol restores semen quality in rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Wurlina Wurlina, Imam Mustofa, Dewa Ketut Meles, Erma Safitri, Suherni Susilowati, Sri Mulyati, Budi Utomo and Suzanita Utama

Veterinary World, 15(2): 316-323

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent organic pollutant toxic to the human reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of α-Tocopherol administration on the male fertility parameters of a rat model exposed to TCDD.

Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy 12-week-old male rats were randomly divided into five groups. Rats in the control group were given corn oil twice daily in 4 h intervals. In the treatment groups, all rats were given TCDD at a dose of 700 ng/kg of body weight (BW)/day for 45 days. Four hours after receiving the TCDD, T0 rats were given corn oil, and T1, T2, and T3 rats were given α-Tocopherol at doses of 77, 140, and 259 mg/kg BW/day, respectively, for 45 days. On day 46, experimental animals were sacrificed to collect blood and testicular samples.

Results: TCDD exposure decreased superoxide dismutase activity, plasma membrane integrity, Leydig cell count, sperm cell count, sperm viability and motility, and increased malondialdehyde levels, serum testosterone levels, and sperm morphological abnormalities. The administration of α-Tocopherol mitigated the effects of TCDD exposure, and the 140 and 259 mg/kg BW/day treatments returned those male fertility parameters to normal levels.

Conclusion: The administration of 140 mg/kg BW/day α-Tocopherol restored male semen quality in rats exposed to TCDD. We found dynamics serum testosterone levels in rats exposed to TCDD that need to be further studied.

Keywords: α-Tocopherol, dioxin, fertility parameters, pollutant, reproductive system.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of β-lactamase and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from slaughtered pigs in Thailand

Research (Published online: 13-02-2022)

10. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of β-lactamase and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from slaughtered pigs in Thailand

Nattamol Phetburom, Parichart Boueroy, Peechanika Chopjitt, Rujirat Hatrongjit, Suphachai Nuanualsuwan and Anusak Kerdsin

Veterinary World, 15(2): 309-315

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Over recent years, antimicrobial-resistant Klebsiella species in humans, animals, food animals, food products, and agricultural environments have been the center of attention due to its role in the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. The emergence of resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins of third and higher generations in Klebsiella oxytoca has not received much attention in animal husbandry compared to that in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Reports on K. oxytoca are limited in the study area. Therefore, we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance genes in K. oxytoca isolated from slaughtered pigs in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Microbiological examination was conducted on 384 Klebsiella spp. isolates recovered from slaughtered pigs in ten provinces of Thailand. Seventy-two K. oxytoca isolates (18.75%) were examined for antimicrobial-resistant genes (β-lactamase [blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV]) and fluoroquinolone-resistant genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrD, qnrS, oqxAB, aac(6')-Ib-cr, and qepA).

Results: The most common genotype was blaCTX-M (58/72, 80.55%), followed by blaTEM with blaCTX-M (7/72, 9.72%) and blaTEM (6/72, 8.33%). The most common blaCTX-M group was blaCTX-M-1 (19/58, 32.76%), followed by blaCTX-M-9 (1/58, 1.72%). Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes were identified in 13 (18.05%) isolates: qnrS (16.70%) and qnrB (1.4%). All 13 isolates had qnrS transferable to an Escherichia coli recipient, whereas qnrB was not detected in any transconjugants. Either blaCTX-M or blaTEM harbored by one K. oxytoca strain was transferable to an E. coli recipient. Analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility revealed that more than 90% of the blaCTX-M-carrying K. oxytoca isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, ceftazidime, cefepime, cefotaxime, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, piperacillin–tazobactam, and fosfomycin. All K. oxytoca isolates (13) harboring qnr were susceptible to carbapenem and ceftriaxone; however, 43 (74.13%) of the K. oxytoca isolates harboring blaCTX-M exhibited extended-spectrum β-lactamase activity. Most of the K. oxytoca isolates from pigs were highly resistant to ampicillin, azithromycin, and gentamicin.

Conclusion: To prevent further transmission of Klebsiella spp. between food animals and humans, strict control of antibiotic use in clinical and livestock settings is necessary along with routine disinfection of the livestock environment and efforts to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance transmission.

Keywords: Klebsiella oxytoca, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance, slaughtered pigs, Thailand, β-lactamase.