Effect of hydroponic green herbage on the productive qualities of parent flock geese

Research (Published online: 08-04-2021)

4. Effect of hydroponic green herbage on the productive qualities of parent flock geese

Danis Khaziev, Rinat Gadiev, Chulpan Yusupova, Marina Kazanina and Svetlana Kopylova

Veterinary World, 14(4): 841-846

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Green food is the natural diet for livestock and poultry. Therefore, production of green food in sufficient quantities to meet the current demand has emerged as an urgent problem today. The use of natural laylands results in green food shortage, which, in turn, necessitates the application of various methods of artificial production of green herbage. One of these methods is hydroponic cultivation of green grass as animal feed. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the productive and reproductive qualities of geese of the parent herd.

Materials and Methods: Complex scientific analysis was conducted to explore the effect of hydroponic green herbage used at various dosages (20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of total diet weight) on the realization of the reproductive qualities of parent flock geese. The methodological framework of this research is the efforts of various foreign and domestic scientists on the topic under study. This research was conducted using generally accepted methods (i.e., experiment, comparison, analysis, and generalization), along with special methods (zootechnical, physiological, biological, hematological, morphological, statistical, and economic).

Results: The optimal dosage of hydroponic green herbage for geese diet was established, which constituted 25-30% of the total diet weight and increased the poultry population survival rate by 2.0%, egg production rate by 3.8%, and the hatching egg yield by 4.9%. The carotenoid content in egg yolk ranged from 1.62 to 3.50 μg. The content of Vitamins A and B2 was higher by 3.19 and 2.32 μg, respectively, compared to that in the control. The production profitability level increased by 9.6%.

Conclusion: By introducing 25-30% of hydroponic greens from the weight of the diet, it is possible to increase the safety of livestock by 2%, the yield of hatching eggs by 4.9%, egg production by 1.46-1.11 μg.

Keywords: economic efficiency, green food, hydroponics, parent flock geese, productive qualities, sprouted green herbage.

The misuse of antiretrovirals to boost pig and poultry productivity in Uganda and potential implications for public health

Research (Published online: 07-04-2021)

11. The misuse of antiretrovirals to boost pig and poultry productivity in Uganda and potential implications for public health

Dickson Ndoboli, Fredrick Nganga, Ben Lukuyu, Barbara Wieland, Delia Grace, Amrei von Braun and Kristina Roesel

International Journal of One Health, 7(1): 88-95

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Since 2015, local newspapers reported that pig and poultry farmers in Uganda use antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to promote growth in animals and control diseases. This study was conducted to assess farmers' knowledge, attitude and perceptions about the use of antiretroviral drugs as boosters in pigs and poultry and the possibility of detecting the antiretroviral drugs in meat using available laboratory methods.

Materials and Methods: In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in ten districts in Uganda. In 20 focus group discussions with 100 pig and poultry farmers and 70 animal health service providers, we assessed the use of ARV in livestock enterprises. Subsequently, samples of chicken, pigs, and animal feeds were collected from volunteer participants, and screened for residues of saquinavir, lopinavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometer.

Results: Participants in all ten districts were predominantly smallholder farmers supplying the local markets. All groups reported the use of ARVs in pigs and broiler birds but not in layer hens. In the absence of good quality feeds, the motivation for feeding ARVs was rapid animal weight gain, as well as the control of animal diseases, for which farmers have no alternative solutions. ARVs were obtained within the community for free, against cash, or in-kind payment. Residues of lopinavir were detected in four, and saquinavir in seven districts, and all three sample matrices.

Conclusion: Our study findings confirm anecdotal news reports on ARV use in livestock. While our findings are not generalizable to the whole country, they call for a representative follow-up. As the drugs were detected in tissues destined for human consumption, the potential risk to human health warrants further investigation.

Keywords: antimicrobial use, antiretroviral, growth promoters, pigs, poultry, residues.

Orally administered β-glucan improves the hemolytic activity of the complement system in horses

Research (Published online: 05-04-2021)

3. Orally administered β-glucan improves the hemolytic activity of the complement system in horses

Taline Scalco Picetti, Lucas de Figueiredo Soveral, Rovian Miotto, Luana Marina Scheer Erpen, Yasmin Kreutz, João Antônio Guizzo, Rafael Frandoloso and Luiz Carlos Kreutz

Veterinary World, 14(4): 835-840

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Immune-modulating molecules mainly act on innate immune cells, which are central to early defense against invading pathogens and contribute to developing adaptive immunity. Yeast-extracted β-glucan, a model immune-modulating molecule, is widely used in several animal species; however, its effect on horse immune parameters has not been thoroughly investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of orally administered β-glucan on selected innate immune parameters in horses.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen thoroughbred horses were assigned equally into three groups as follows: One control group (no β-glucan) and two β-glucan experimental groups (one received 125 mg and the other 2 g of β-glucan per day for 28 days). Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the experiment for hematological analysis, whole blood phagocytosis, respiratory burst assays, and to assess the serum lysozyme and complement hemolytic activities.

Results: At the end of the experiment, significant decreases (p<0.05) in monocyte numbers were observed in the control horses (258.8±45.9 vs. 115.3±41.5) and in those fed 125 mg/day of β-glucan (208.8±72.3 vs. 99.2±60.7), whereas a significant increase in numbers was noted in the horses that were fed 2 g/day of β-glucan (303.5±45.8 vs. 429.8±86.0; p<0.05). The natural hemolytic activity of the complement was higher only in horses fed 2 g/day of β-glucan (p=0.018) compared to the other groups. The hemolytic activity in the classical pathway was higher in those fed 125 mg/day (p=0.0035) and 2 g/day of β-glucan (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: β-glucan improves important innate immune parameters and might be fed to horses before stressful events.

Keywords: animals, glucans, monocytes, muramidase.

Support vector regression algorithm modeling to predict the parturition date of small - to medium-sized dogs using maternal weight and fetal biparietal diameter

Research (Published online: 02-04-2021)

2. Support vector regression algorithm modeling to predict the parturition date of small - to medium-sized dogs using maternal weight and fetal biparietal diameter

Thanida Sananmuang, Kanchanarat Mankong, Suppawiwat Ponglowhapan and Kaj Chokeshaiusaha

Veterinary World, 14(4): 829-834

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) is a feasible parameter to predict canine parturition date due to its inverted correlation with days before parturition (DBP). Although such a relationship is generally described using a simple linear regression (SLR) model, the imprecision of this model in predicting the parturition date in small- to medium-sized dogs is a common problem among veterinarian practitioners. Support vector regression (SVR) is a useful machine learning model for prediction. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of SVR with that of SLR in predicting DBP.

Materials and Methods: After measuring 101 BPDs in 35 small- to medium-sized pregnant bitches, we fitted the data to the routine SLR model and the SVR model using three different kernel functions, radial basis function SVR, linear SVR, and polynomial SVR. The predicted DBP acquired from each model was further utilized for calculating the coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error, and mean squared error scores for determining the prediction accuracy.

Results: All SVR models were more accurate than the SLR model at predicting DBP. The linear and polynomial SVRs were identified as the two most accurate models (p<0.01).

Conclusion: With available machine learning software, linear and polynomial SVRs can be applied to predicting DBP in small- to medium-sized pregnant bitches.

Keywords: biparietal diameter, dog size, prediction accuracy, support vector regression.

Serological and molecular survey of Leptospira spp. infections in wild boars and red foxes from Southeastern France

Research (Published online: 02-04-2021)

1. Serological and molecular survey of Leptospira spp. infections in wild boars and red foxes from Southeastern France

Cédric Roquelo, Angeli Kodjo, Jean-Lou Marié and Bernard Davoust

Veterinary World, 14(4): 825-828

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. Information on the recent prevalence of Leptospira in hunted wild animals is limited, particularly in southeastern France. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence and diversity of Leptospira spp. among wild boars (Sus scrofa) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from two military camps in Southeastern France.

Materials and Methods: Serological analyses were performed using microscopic agglutination tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to demonstrate Leptospira spp. infection from boar kidney DNA extracts.

Results: According to the species, the positive sera were obtained from 18% of 358 boars and 6 % of 64 foxes tested. The prevalence rate is significantly higher (p=0.02) in boars than in foxes. In wild boar, Australis represents the most recorded serogroup (15.9%), followed by Sejroe (2.8%) and icterohaemorhagiae (2.8%). In red fox, icterohaemorhagiae represents the most recorded serogroup (6.25%), followed by Sejroe (1.57%) and Hebdomadis (1.57%). PCR-based detection of Leptospira DNA was positive in 6/62 (9.6%) of the wild boars tested.

Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the importance of wild boar in the epidemiology of leptospirosis among wildlife in Southeastern France. Due to their predatory behavior and their varied diet, mainly composed of small mammals, red foxes could be considered sentinel animals of environmental contamination with leptospires.

Keywords: France, Leptospira spp., red fox, wild boar.

Wound healing properties of Gliricidia sepium leaves from Indonesia and the Philippines in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Research (Published online: 31-03-2021)

37. Wound healing properties of Gliricidia sepium leaves from Indonesia and the Philippines in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Aulaani'am Aulanni'am, Krismal Marchel Ora, Nisa Ain Ariandini, Dyah Kinasih Wuragil, Fajar Shodiq Permata, Wibi Riawan and Ma Asuncion Guiang Beltran

Veterinary World, 14(3): 820-824

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Gliricidia sepium is a medium-sized leguminous plant found widely in tropical to subtropical areas. It has been used as a medicinal ingredient and in rodenticides by local communities in both Indonesia and the Philippines. This study aimed to investigate the wound healing effects of an ointment containing G. sepium leaves on inflammatory cells using a rat model. We also determined its effect on the expression of interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-1β.

Materials and Methods: We used 16 Wistar male rats aged approximately 2 months and weighing 150-200 g. They were divided into four treatment groups (T1, positive control; T2, negative control; T3, wounds treated with G. sepium from Indonesia; and T4, wounds treated with G. sepium from the Philippines), and the ointment therapies were applied to wounds for 3 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine the inflammatory cells microscopically. IL-1β and IL-6 expression were observed immunohistochemically.

Results: G. sepium leaves significantly (p<0.05) decreased the number of inflammatory cells, and the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in the group treated with Indonesian G. sepium leaves was higher than that in the group treated with G. sepium leaves from the Philippines. The leaves contain flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which act as anti-inflammatory agents to enhance the wound healing process.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that G. sepium leaves from both the Philippines and Indonesia possess wound healing properties.

Keywords: flavonoid, Gliricidia sepium leaves, herbal plants, saponin, tannin, wound healing.

Molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. isolates from river and dam water, irrigated vegetables, livestock, and poultry manures in Jordan

Research (Published online: 31-03-2021)

36. Molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. isolates from river and dam water, irrigated vegetables, livestock, and poultry manures in Jordan

Yaser H. Tarazi, Abdallah F. Al Dwekat and Zuhair Bani Ismail

Veterinary World, 14(3): 813-819

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonellosis is an important food-borne and zoonotic disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The objectives of this study were to isolate, serotype, and genetically characterize Salmonella spp. from Zarqa river and King Talal dam waters, vegetables irrigated by such waters, and manure of poultry and livestock farms located in the Zarqa river basin in Jordan. In addition, certain virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolated Salmonella strains were determined.

Materials and Methods: A total of 250 samples were cultured using routine microbiological methods. Suspected Salmonella spp. were identified based on colony morphology and confirmed using biochemical and molecular methods. Virulence genes including invA, stn, and pCT plasmid were detected using multiplex PCR. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results: In total, 32/250 (12.8%) Salmonella spp. isolates were recovered from different sources. Of these, the most common serotype was Salmonella subspecies 1 (23 isolates), followed by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (4 isolates), Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (3 isolates), and finally Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (2 isolates). The PFGE indicated that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from poultry manure and from parsley were closely related (84.6%). Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis isolated from the dam water was closely related to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis isolated from spearmint (73.8%). Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolated from the river and dam water were 100% related to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolated from lettuce. In the antimicrobial sensitivity test, 14 out of 32 (43.8%) isolated Salmonella strains were resistant to two or more of the major antimicrobial agent groups. However, the majority of isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, and gentamicin (97%, 93.8%, and 87.5%, 84.4%, respectively). All isolates were resistant to erythromycin and amoxicillin.

Conclusion: Results of this study indicate a serious potential threat to public health associated with consuming leafy green vegetables grown on the banks of Zarqa river and its dam because of widespread Salmonella spp. contamination. Appropriate monitoring of irrigation water must be applied to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

Keywords: Salmonella spp., zoonosis, contaminated river and dam waters, vegetables.