Molecular epidemiology of helminth diseases of the humpback grouper, Cromileptes altivelis, as a pattern for mapping fish diseases in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 27-05-2021)

35. Molecular epidemiology of helminth diseases of the humpback grouper, Cromileptes altivelis, as a pattern for mapping fish diseases in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia

Sri Subekti, Muhammad Kholiqul Amiin, Hervina Benazir Ardiyanti, Muhammad Aiman Yudarana, Ivan Achmadi and Rizhar Eman Karunia Akbar

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1324-1329

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Neobenedenia girellae and Haliotrema epinepheli are important but neglected helminth parasites of marine fish. The humpback grouper, the most relevant definitive host, harbors several Neobenedenia and Haliotrema spp. simultaneously on body surfaces and gills. These species can be distinguished morphologically This study aimed to identify Neobenedenia and Haliotrema spp. infestations in monogenean humpback grouper by multiplex polymerase chain reaction method, which seems to be widely distributed in the study area. Data can be used as a basis for mapping disease patterns in Strait waters.

Materials and Methods: Eighty humpback groupers (Cromileptes altivelis) were collected from eight different areas in the Sunda Strait and examined using scrapings from body surfaces and gill lamellae followed by multiplex PCR for identification.

Results: Parasites on body surfaces were recovered from 49 fish (61.2%) and were found on gill lamellae in 72 fish (90%) by microscopic examination. Endoparasites were absent. Ectoparasites identified included, N. girellae, Neobenedenia melleni eggs, Neobenedenia pasifica, Neobenedenia longiprostata, Haliotrema eukurodai, H. kurodai, Haliotrema leporinus, Haliotrema dongshaense, Haliotrema angelopterum, Haliotrema aurigae, Haliotrema scyphovagina, and H. epinepheli.

Conclusion: The distribution of trematode disease in humpback grouper in Sunda Strait waters was revealed. All parasites were from genera, Neobenedenia and Haliotrema. Risks associated with these parasites should not be overlooked. Prevention and control programs need to be extended to other marine fish. Humpback grouper should be dewormed more frequently.

Keywords: humpback grouper, multiplex polymerize chain reaction, worm disease.

Physiological status of broiler chickens with diets supplemented with milk thistle extract

Research (Published online: 26-05-2021)

34. Physiological status of broiler chickens with diets supplemented with milk thistle extract

Olga Bagno, Sergey Shevchenko, Antonina Shevchenko, Oleg Prokhorov, Anna Shentseva, Grigory Vavin and Elena Ulrich

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1319-1323

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In recent decades, the use of various feed supplements is the current trend in poultry farming, among which phytogenics serve as alternatives to feed antibiotics. This study aimed to examine the effect of feeding various doses of milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum) on the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood in broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: Experiments were carried out in an industrial poultry farm on broiler chickens of the Hubbard ISA F15 cross for 40 days. One control group and five experimental groups of day-old chickens were formed. The number of birds in each group was 50. Broilers of all groups received complete feed, and the experimental groups received an additional milk thistle extract at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/kg of body weight. Milk thistle medicinal plant extract was obtained using water-ethanol extraction followed by low-temperature vacuum drying. For the assessment of blood analyses, samples were collected from the wing vein of six chickens per group. Using unified methods recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, the content of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, total protein, protein fractions, triglycerides, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and the concentration of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood serum were determined.

Results: It was found that the introduction of milk thistle extract into the diet of broiler chickens with the aforementioned doses increased the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells in the blood, as well as a decrease in the level of albumin and an increase in the content of γ-globulins in its serum.

Conclusion: The authors assume that the introduction of milk thistle extract into a complete feed for broiler chickens increased the anabolic processes in their bodies, accompanied by increased use of proteins of the albumin fraction as the main material for organogenesis.

Keywords: blood biochemical composition, feed supplement, hemoglobin, milk thistle (Silybum marianum), red blood cells, white blood cells.

Comparative occurrence and antibiogram of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli among post-weaned calves and lactating cows from smallholder dairy farms in a parallel animal husbandry area

Research (Published online: 26-05-2021)

33. Comparative occurrence and antibiogram of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli among post-weaned calves and lactating cows from smallholder dairy farms in a parallel animal husbandry area

Chya Vannakovida, Kannika Na Lampang, Phongsakorn Chuammitri, Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Khwanchai Kreausukon and Raktham Mektrirat

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1311-1318

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Inappropriate overuse of antimicrobials might be associated with the spreading of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in animal-based food products. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli have been recognized as an emerging global problem in a One Health approach. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and antimicrobial-susceptible profiles of ESBL-producing E. coli among post-weaned calves and lactating cows in a parallel animal husbandry area.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-two pool fecal samples were collected from 36 smallholder dairy farms registered in Ban Hong Dairy Cooperatives, Lamphun Province, Thailand. Pre-enriched fecal samples were cultured in MacConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxime. The potential E. coli isolates were identified by not only biochemical tests but also polymerase chain reaction assay of the 16S rRNA gene. ESBL production was confirmed by the combination disk test. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method.

Results: The occurrence of ESBL-producing E. coli at the farm level was 80.56%. The different phenotypic antibiogram of ESBL-producing E. coli was observed among post-weaned calf and lactating cow specimens. The most frequent resistance patterns of ESBL-producing isolates from both groups were amoxicillin-ceftiofur-cephalexin-cephalothin-cloxacillin-streptomycin-oxytetracycline-sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. For the median zone diameter, enrofloxacin-resistant isolates with narrow zone diameter values from lactating cow specimens were particularly more than post-weaned calf specimens (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings revealed the dynamic changes in ESBL-producing E. coli from calves and lactating cows in Lamphun Province, posing the inevitability to prevent bacterial transmission and optimize antimicrobial therapy in dairy farming.

Keywords: antibiogram, antimicrobial resistance, cattle, Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum β-lactamase, smallholder dairy farm.

Efficiency of high-carbohydrate fodder in the diets of Holstein cows

Research (Published online: 25-05-2021)

32. Efficiency of high-carbohydrate fodder in the diets of Holstein cows

Irina Mironova, Alexey Pleshkov, Azat Nigmatyanov, Elvira Yarmukhamedova and Sofia Islamova

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1303-1310

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the efficiency of carbohydrate-enriched rations fed to pasture and stall-housed cows.

Materials and Methods: Forty Holstein cows were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. The experiment lasted 305 days. All animals were kept under the same conditions, except for the amount of energy-carbohydrate rations fed. The control cows were on a standard diet. Experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 received a ration enriched with energy-carbohydrate components at 250, 500, and 700 g/head/day, respectively. Feed intake was measured on 2 consecutive days each month. During the balance trial, when young animals reached 13 months, feed intake was examined daily. Fodder, its residues, feces, and urine collected during the balance trial were used to determine nutrient digestibility and nitrogen exchange.

Results: Nitrogen balance was positive in all experimental animals. Cows in Group 3 made better use of the digested nitrogen. A biochemical blood test showed higher total protein content in the serum of the experimental cows than in the control by 1.47-3.49% (p≤0.05-0.001) in winter and 0.24-0.98% (p≤0.01) in summer. In winter, the serum protein level increased due to changed feeding routines and shorter exercise times, but did not exceed physiological requirements. The alpha- and gamma-globulins levels increased to 0.2-0.5 g/L in winter and 0.3-0.6 g/L in summer, and 0.5-1.4 g/L in winter and 0.1-0.2 g/L in summer, respectively. Beta-globulins decreased. The supplement had a positive effect on milk output, which increased by 67.1-137.3 kg (1.93-3.95%; p≤0.05-0.001) in the first 100 lactation days, then by 198.2-458.8 kg (2.39- 5.53%; p≤0.05-0.001) for the remaining days. All animals had a high milk yield coefficient, with the experimental groups having 0.64-2.64% more milk yield than the control. The lactation curves showed that the average daily milk yield of all experimental cows increased, then gradually decreased along the physiological trajectory from the 3rd month until the end of lactation. Milk quality analysis in the experimental groups indicated an increase in the dry matter content by 0.17- 0.27% (p≤0.001) in summer and 0.16-0.27% (p≤0.001) in winter; higher protein levels by 0.04-0.06% in summer and 0.03- 0.07% (p≤0.05) in winter; increased fat by 0.09-0.14% (p≤0.05-0.001) in summer and 0.09-0.13% (p≤0.05-0.001) in winter; increased density by 0.47-0.61°A (p≤0.05) in summer and 0.17-0.27°A in winter; and increased energy by 1.70-2.63% (p≤0.001) in summer and 1.57-2.54% (p≤0.01-0.001) in winter.

Conclusion: The energy-carbohydrate feed "Tanrem" can provide the required energy intake of Holstein cows. The maximum biological and economic effect wads attained at 500 g per animal.

Keywords: animal breeding, cows, diet, ration cuts.

Prevalence and molecular identification of Nematodirus helvetianus in camels in Iraq

Research (Published online: 25-05-2021)

31. Prevalence and molecular identification of Nematodirus helvetianus in camels in Iraq

Amer Rasool Alhaboubi, Ali Issa Fadhil and Shehala Rasool Feidhel

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1299-1302

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Camels from the central part of Iraq are infected with multiple parasitic diseases that have an economic impact by decreasing meat and milk production. This study aimed to evaluate Nematodirus spp. in camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Materials and Methods: The study animals consisted of camels slaughtered in the central area of Iraq at the Al-Najaf slaughterhouse. All ages and sexes of camels were examined. Worms were recovered and identified microscopically. For molecular characterization, two Iraqi Nematodirus spp. partial ribosomal genes (ITS1 and ITS2) were sequenced and submitted to the NCBI database.

Results: Of 160 camels tested, 29 were infected with Nematodirus spp. (18.13%). Twenty-one nematodes containing the Nematodirus genes were identified in the small intestines of naturally infected camels. BLAST analysis revealed 88.1% sequence similarity with that of Nematodirus helvetianus isolated in China and 87.2% similarity with N. helvetianus isolated in the United States.

Conclusion: The prevalence of N. helvetianus warrants the use of anti-helminthic drugs for these animals and a rationale for future control strategies to prevent the transmission of this infection to other livestock.

Keywords: camel, internal transcribed spacer, Nematodirus spp.

The role of Helianthus tuberosus powder in healing of full-thickness wounds in mice

Research (Published online: 24-05-2021)

30. The role of Helianthus tuberosus powder in healing of full-thickness wounds in mice

Ali Ghazi Atiyah and Nadia Hameed Rija AL-Falahi

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1290-1298

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Recently, many medicinal plants have received considerable attention in the medical field because of their role in the wound healing potential. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of H. tuberosus powder on the healing pathway of full-thickness cutaneous wounds in a mouse model.

Materials and Methods: H. tuberosus powder was prepared by a freeze-drying process using a lyophilizer and its active ingredients were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while its antibacterial properties were evaluated by agar well diffusion assay. The percentage wound contraction was also assessed. Thirty mice were used, which were divided equally into two groups, a control group and a treated group. A full-thickness wound, 1 cm×1 cm in size, was established on the dorsal aspect of the thoracolumbar region, into which H. tuberosus powder was topically applied in the treated group. In contrast, the control group was left without any treatment. The animals were euthanized on days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding for histopathological study.

Results: The agar well diffusion method indicated the antibacterial activity of H. tuberosus, while the HPLC results indicated that the active ingredients of H. tuberosus powder mainly consisted of three major kinds of fatty acid. In addition, the macroscopic results of wound contraction rate and the histopathological outcomes of the healing process were significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced in the treated group compared with those in the control group.

Conclusion: H. tuberosus powder acts as an antibacterial agent with the ability to enhance the wound healing process.

Keywords: antimicrobial activity, fatty acids, Jerusalem artichoke, medicinal plants, wound healing.

Effect of exposure to different light colors on embryonic development and neurophysiological traits in the chick embryo

Research (Published online: 24-05-2021)

29. Effect of exposure to different light colors on embryonic development and neurophysiological traits in the chick embryo

S. M. Abdulateef, M. A. Al-Bayar, A. A. Majid, S. S. Shawkat, A. Tatar and M. Q. Al-Ani

Veterinary World, 14(5): 1284-1289

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Many environmental factors exist that influence embryonic development which is missing in the poultry industry, such as light in incubation facilities or hatcheries. Light plays an important role in the growth and development of chick embryos, whereas dark environments can lead to hatching failure or embryo distortion. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the importance of light and its various colors on the growth and development of broiler chick embryos.

Materials and Methods: Four treatments were used to study the impact of various light colors on the growth of embryos and their neurophysiological traits: Dark without light (D), red light (RL), blue light (BL), and green light (GL), with three replicates per treatment (25 eggs/replicate) for a total of 300 fertile Ross 308 eggs. Each treatment was assigned to one incubator (75 eggs/incubator), whereas all other conditions were kept the same.

Results: The results showed a significant increase (p<0.01) in embryonic development for embryo weight, chick body weight, hatchability, and embryo index for RL, BL, and especially GL. RL, BL, and especially GL significantly increased (p<0.01) neurophysiological traits of the neurons, brain weight, and brain index.

Conclusion: The use of light during the embryonic period affects the development of the embryo and its neurophysiological traits.

Keywords: embryo, embryonic development, light color, neurophysiology.