Hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects of silymarin against salinomycin-induced toxicity in adult rabbits

Research (Published online: 19-09-2022)

16. Hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects of silymarin against salinomycin-induced toxicity in adult rabbits

Ahmed H. Ghonaim, Mai G. Hopo, Ayman K. Ismail, Tarek R. AboElnaga, Rania Abdelrahman Elgawish, Rania H. Abdou, and Kawther A. Elhady

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2244-2252

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salinomycin sodium, a licensed coccidiostat in rabbits, is used for fattening at a dose of 20–25 mg/kg. Salinomycin toxicity may arise from many risk factors (e.g., overdosage or use in non-target animal species). Silymarin extracted from milk thistle has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This study aimed to investigate the adverse impacts of oral administration of salinomycin for 28 consecutive days and how to reduce its risks and side effects by administering silymarin.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-four male New Zealand White bucks (1.750–2.000 kg) were randomly divided into seven groups (12 each). Group one was the control. Groups two and three were administered salinomycin orally (doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg ration). Group four was administered salinomycin (20 mg/kg ration) and silymarin (6.5 mg/kg body weight [BW]). Group five received salinomycin (40 mg/kg ration) and silymarin (13 mg/kg BW). Groups six and seven were administered silymarin at doses of 6.5 and 13 mg/kg BW. Rabbits were euthanized and slaughtered on day 29 using the Halal method. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, urea, total proteins, albumin, total cholesterol, and high- and low-density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL) were analyzed in serum. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in the liver. A histopathological investigation was performed on the liver and kidney.

Results: The MDA activity, AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, urea, and creatinine values were significantly elevated in groups two and three. The GSH, catalase, SOD, and HDL were significantly lower in these groups than in the control group. There were moderate pathologic changes in the liver and kidney of the third group . However, the results of the fourth and fifth groups improved more than those of the second and third groups. The results of the sixth and seventh groups were nearly the same as those of the control group.

Conclusion: Salinomycin toxicity was caused by oxidative damage because of reactive oxygen species formation. Silymarin (6.5 or 13 mg/kg BW) tends to prevent and treat accidental toxicity. However, the high dose of silymarin (13 mg/kg BW) had more renal and hepatoprotective capacities.

Keywords: anticoccidial drugs, feed additives, liver enzymes, oxidative biomarkers, rabbits, salinomycin, silymarin.

In situ degradation of dairy cattle feedstuffs using reusable local nylon fabric bags

Research (Published online: 18-09-2022)

15. In situ degradation of dairy cattle feedstuffs using reusable local nylon fabric bags

Despal Despal, Ouldya Fasya Alifianty, Adinda Putri Pratama, Fransiska Febrianti, Dwierra Evvyernie, Indah Wijayanti, Norma Nuraina, Indri Agustiyani, and Annisa Rosmalia

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2234-2243

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Disposable imported nylon bags used in an in situ digestibility measurement restrict the effort of scientists to obtain more accurate information about ruminant feed quality due to their low affordability and environmentally unfriendly characteristics. This study aimed to find reusable local nylon fabrics to substitute imports.

Materials and Methods: Five local fabrics (B1 = Abutai, B2 = Taffeta, B3 = Organza, B4 = N57, and B5 = M100) were used to make nylon bags and compared with the imported bag (B6 = Ankom technology). The research consisted of three steps: (1) Observing the similarity of the local nylon bag's hole number to the imported bag. (2) Testing feed in situ degradation (F1 = Napier grass, F2 = Cornmeal, and F3 = Dairy cattle total mixed ration) using bags B1–B6. (3) The reusability of the bag was tested using different washing methods (under running water [R1], rinse [R2], and ultrasonic water bath [R3]).

Results: It was shown that the hole numbers of B1 (1223 hole numbers) and B2 (1245 hole numbers) were not significantly different from B6 (1248 hole numbers). It was shown with dry matter degradability measurement using the in situ method that there was no significant difference in feed solubility (a), potential degradability (b), and the effective degradation between local fabrics (B1–B5) and B6. According to the degradation rate (c), there were interactions between the feeds and fabrics. For F1, all local fabrics were similar to B6, while for F2, only B1 was different from B6. For F3, only B5 was different from B6. It was also shown by the organic matter degradability measurements that there was a similar trend. The exception was the solubility (a) component in F3, in which it was shown that B1 was also different from B6. It was shown in the reusable test that there was no difference in the weight of the bag before and after all washing methods. In contrast, the hole number increased due to the shrinking of the bag after drying in a 60°C oven.

Conclusion: According to this in situ study, local nylon bag B2 can substitute imported bags. A lower drying temperature is suggested to prevent shrinking and make the bag reusable.

Keywords: digestibility, feed quality, in situ, local fabrics, nylon bag.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Morocco and associated risk factors

Research (Published online: 17-09-2022)

14. Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Morocco and associated risk factors

Kaoutar Faddane, Houda Moumni, Imad Cherkaoui, Mohammed Lakranbi, Salsabil Hamdi, Sayeh Ezzikouri, Rachid Saile, and Mohamed El Azhari

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2224-2233

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a prevalent infectious zoonotic disease that affects humans, livestock, and wildlife in many parts of the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis among farmers and patients attending six health centers in Sidi Kacem province (northwestern Morocco).

Materials and Methods: Blood samples (3-5 mL) were collected. Among 1283 participants, 351 were males and 932 were females and tested for Brucella antibodies using rose Bengal plate test and immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for confirmation.

Results: The seroprevalence of brucellosis was 33.20% (426/1283) with a higher risk among males and rural residents. The univariable analysis revealed that contacting cattle, handling abortion products and manure, and consuming undercooked beef and goat meat were all risk factors for brucellosis. Furthermore, raw milk and milk derivatives were risk factors strongly linked to brucellosis.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of brucellosis associated with the consumption of raw meat, raw dairy products, milk, and close contact with infected animals. However, there are some limitations to this study, such as we did not use the ELISA test on all sera collected and individuals under the age of 18 were not included in the study. Moreover, building a database on the occurrence of brucellosis and associated epidemiological factors is critical for providing informed advice to policymakers to improve control strategies against this disease in Morocco.

Keywords: human brucellosis, risk factors, seroprevalence, Sidi Kacem (Morocco).

Appraisal and validation of a method used for detecting heavy metals in poultry feed in Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 17-09-2022)

13. Appraisal and validation of a method used for detecting heavy metals in poultry feed in Bangladesh

Md. Mosharaf Hossain, Abu Sayeed Md. Abdul Hannan, Md. Mostofa Kamal, Mohammad Abul Hossain, and Shamshad B. Quraishi

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2217-2223

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Low concentrations of heavy metals are toxic and pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, regular assessments of the toxic metal content in poultry feed are crucial for evaluating feed quality and customer safety. It is difficult to determine the heavy metals in the poultry feed at the trace amount. Therefore, this study aimed to validate this method through the detection of three heavy metals, chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), in poultry feed samples.

Materials and Methods: Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) method was used to analyze the heavy metals in poultry feed according to the guidelines given by the Council Directive 333/2007/EC, Commission Decision 657/2002/EC. In this study, various parameters such as linearity check, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery percentage, precision checks, repeatability, reproducibility, and uncertainty measurement were considered to validate and assess the method following international guidelines. Heavy metals, such as Pb, Cr, and Cd, were analyzed from the feed samples in the laboratory using the GF-AAS method (Model: AA-7000 Shimadzu, Japan) with high purity argon as the inert gas, and the absorbance was read at wavelengths of 283.0, 357.9, and 228.8 nm, respectively.

Results: The coefficient of variation (CV%) for system suitability and precision data was <10% for all the metals (Pb, Cr, and Cd) detected in this study. The overall CV% of repeatability and reproducibility ranged from 8.70% to 8.76% and 8.65% to 9.96%, respectively. The linearity of the calibration curves was excellent (r2 > 0.999) at various concentration levels for the three different metals. The recovery (%) was found to be 94.53, 93.97, and 101.63% for Pb, Cr, and Cd, respectively. The LOD values in feed were 0.065, 0.01, and 0.11 mg/kg, and the LOQ values were 0.22, 0.03, and 0.38 mg/kg for Cr, Cd, and Pb, respectively. The values recorded for the measurement uncertainty (%) were 11.48, 4.43, and 12.42% for Cr, Cd, and Pb, respectively.

Conclusion: The results show that these study criteria or parameters have met the validated or acceptable range. Therefore, it is a reliable technique that can be used undoubtedly for the routine analysis of heavy metals in poultry feed samples across the globe.

Keywords: graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, method validation, poultry feed, toxic metals (Pb, Cr, and Cd).

Multiple gene editing in porcine embryos using a combination of microinjection, electroporation, and transfection methods

Research (Published online: 16-09-2022)

12. Multiple gene editing in porcine embryos using a combination of microinjection, electroporation, and transfection methods

Quynh Anh Le, Manita Wittayarat, Zhao Namula, Qingyi Lin, Koki Takebayashi, Maki Hirata, Fuminori Tanihara, Lanh Thi Kim Do, and Takeshige Otoi

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2210-2216

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mosaicism – the presence of both wild-type and mutant alleles – is a serious problem for zygotic gene modification through gene editing using the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 (CRISPR/ Cas9) system. Different delivery methods, such as microinjection (MI), electroporation (EP), and transfection (TF), can be used to transfer CRISPR/Cas9 components into porcine zygotes. This study aimed to develop a method that combines MI, EP, and TF to improve mutation efficiency mediated through the CRISPR/Cas9 system for a triple-gene knockout in pigs.

Materials and Methods: The study consisted of three groups: The MI group with three simultaneously microinjected guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1), cytidine 32 monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH), and β-1,4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 2 (B4GALNT2); the MI + EP group with two gRNAs targeting GGTA1 and B4GALNT2 genes delivered into zygotes through MI, followed by EP of gRNA targeting the CMAH 1 h later; and the MI + EP + TF group with MI of gRNA targeting GGTA1 gene into zygotes, followed by EP of gRNA targeting CMAH 1 h later, and then TF of gRNA targeting the B4GALNT2 gene into zona-free zygotes after another hour.

Results: The rate of blastocysts carrying mutations in one or two gene(s) was significantly higher in the MI + EP + TF group than in the MI group. However, the blastocyst formation rate of zygotes in the MI + EP + TF group was lower than that of the zygotes in the other treatment groups.

Conclusion: The combination of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery methods may improve the mutation efficiency of triple-gene edited porcine blastocysts.

Keywords: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9, electroporation, microinjection, porcine zygotes, transfection.

Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus in raw milk in Menofia Governorate and its effect on reproductive hormones and physiochemical properties of milk

Research (Published online: 16-09-2022)

11. Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus in raw milk in Menofia Governorate and its effect on reproductive hormones and physiochemical properties of milk

Ashraf Khamees Shaban, Ragab Hassan Mohamed, Asem Mohammed Zakaria, and Eman Mohamed Baheeg

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2202-2209

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals. In Egypt, FMD has been enzootic since the 1950s and caused great economic losses in cattle and buffalos over the past few years. This study aimed to detect FMD virus (FMDV) in serum and raw milk samples collected from infected and adjacent cattle and buffalos from different localities in El Menofia Governorate, Egypt.

Materials and Methods: Blood and milk samples were collected from apparently diseased and adjacent 100 cows and 100 buffalos. Serum samples were prepared and used for the detection of FMDV using a non-structural protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was used for the detection of FMDV in milk samples. Reproductive hormones were estimated using radioimmunoassay kits. Milk constituents were determined by Lactoscan.

Results: Of the 200 examined serum samples (100 cows and 100 buffalos), 56% and 44% were seropositive for FMDV non-structural protein antibodies in cattle and buffalo, respectively. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results confirmed that all examined milk samples collected from seropositive animals were positive for FMDV. Estrogen and progesterone levels in the serum of seropositive and seronegative animals were measured, and FMDV was proven to significantly elevate estrogen and reduce progesterone levels in both non-pregnant and pregnant animals during different stages of pregnancy. The effect of the virus on milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC) was also studied, revealing that FMDV infection significantly decreased the level of milk fat, protein, and lactose but did not significantly affected minerals, pH, and conductivity. Moreover, it significantly increased the SCC.

Conclusion: Data recorded in this study indicates a widespread occurrence of FMDV in cattle and buffalo all over Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Infected raw milk is of poor quality and, if put for commercial sale, may have health risks for consumers and play a significant role in spreading the virus. Moreover, FMDV may disturb some reproductive hormones, which could adversely affect cattle and buffalo productivity. Therefore, preventive programs and accurate diagnosis are essential for successful disease control.

Keywords: foot-and-mouth disease, physiochemical properties of milk, raw milk, reproductive hormones.

Exposure to high thermal conditions for a long time induces apoptosis and decreases total RNA concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among Indian Zebu–Jersey crossbreds

Research (Published online: 15-09-2022)

10. Exposure to high thermal conditions for a long time induces apoptosis and decreases total RNA concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among Indian Zebu–Jersey crossbreds

Gbolabo Olaitan Onasanya, George M. Msalya, Aranganoor K. Thiruvenkadan, Nagarajan Murali, Ramasamy Saravanan, Angamuthu Raja, Moses Okpeku, Mani Jeyakumar, and Christian O. Ikeobi

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2192-2201

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Global warming has grave consequences on livestock production systems and profound negative effects on animal production. This study aimed to carry out an in vitro thermal stress stimulation (TSS) of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using different thermal assault conditions (TACs), including normal to extreme temperatures and varying durations of thermal exposure (DTE) to understand how PBMCs of Indian Zebu–Jersey crossbreds respond to various levels and durations of heat shock.

Materials and Methods: Ten milliliters of blood were collected from 70 Indian Zebu–Jersey crossbreds under aseptic conditions and were sampled for isolating PBMCs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were divided into seven groups, each comprising 10 PBMC samples isolated from 10 different animals. Aliquots of 500 μL of PBMCs were stressed by exposure to different TACs (37, 40, and 45°C) for DTEs of 3 or 6 h. Subsequently, the cells were harvested. The control unstressed samples (500 μL aliquots of PBMCs) were exposed to no TAC (0°C) and zero DTE (0 h). Total RNA from all the treatment groups of PBMCs were isolated and quantitated.

Results: We found a very strong association between TACs and RNA levels. In addition, PBMCs viability was negatively affected by heat shock. This led to an exponential reduction in PBMC count as TACs toughened. Only 3.59 × 105 ± 0.34 cells/mL were viable after exposure to 45°C for a 6 h DTE. This cell viability was lower than that measured in controls subjected to no stress and zero time DTE (2.56 × 107 ± 0.22 cells/mL). We also observed a reduction in the concentration of RNA isolated from thermally stressed PBMCs.

Conclusion: In vitro TSS of PBMCs provided biological information on the response of cellular systems to heat shock after exposure to TACs. This will help to mitigate and manage the effects of thermal stress in bovine species. The association between the reduction in PBMC count after in vitro TSS and the expression of heat shock protein 70 gene will be investigated in the future to further understand how Indian Zebu–Jersey crossbreds respond to in vitro thermal conditions. This will be used to determine the in vivo response of Indian Jersey crossbreds to different environmental thermal conditions and will further enable the in vivo understanding of thermotolerance potentials of bovine species for better adaptation, survival, and production performance.

Keywords: bovine, cell survival, climate change, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, RNA synthesis, thermal stress.