Background: Chronic stress affects endocrine, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral functions, thereby influencing metabolic regulation, immune responses, and neurological activity. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic noise stress on hormonal, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral parameters in Wistar albino rats, with particular emphasis on sex-specific differences. Methods: Twenty Wistar albino rats (control: n = 10; noise-stress: n = 10) were distributed equally by sex and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The noise-stress group was exposed to white noise (70 dB) for 1 h daily for 30 consecutive days, whereas the control group was maintained in a quiet environment. T4 and total cholesterol concentrations were measured in lithium-heparinized whole blood samples using a veterinary biochemistry analyzer, and hematological parameters were assessed using an automated hematology analyzer. Behavioral parameters were evaluated based on activity levels and stress-related observations. Statistical analyses were performed using the independent-samples t-test, with a P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: T4 concentrations were significantly higher in the noise-stress group than in the control group (P < 0.001). T4 was also higher in the noise-stress group in male rats (P = 0.025). The total cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower following noise exposure in both female (P < 0.001) and male rats (P = 0.007). Hematological analysis revealed higher WBC, granulocyte, and MID cell counts and lower lymphocyte percentages in female rats. Lymphocyte percentage tended to decrease in male rats, whereas platelet-related parameters showed descriptive increases following noise exposure. Behavioral observations indicated increased stress-related responses, including increased aggression, heightened responsiveness to external stimuli, altered locomotor activity, and increased food and water intake, in the noise-exposed group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Chronic noise stress induced significant hormonal, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral alterations. Female and male rats displayed different patterns of metabolic, immune, and behavioral responses to noise stress.
Background: Resource optimization through precision nutrition management is a critical tool for the decarbonization of the dairy sector in the context of the increasing drive toward climate neutrality by 2050. Aim: This study was conducted as a before-after intervention field study to examine the impact of a precision automated compound feed production system on production performance and urea levels in milk in dairy cows. Methods: The intervention was implemented on a commercial dairy farm in Central Bulgaria (220 Bulgarian Black and White cows; average productivity 8,500–9,000 kg per lactation). A monitored subgroup of 80 cows at 60–150 days in milk (free-range group on deep litter; mean parity 1.8 ± 0.7; body weight 594 ± 38 kg) received the same total mixed ration throughout the study. The conventional compound-feed preparation was replaced by an automated precision installation, and paired 28-day monitoring periods before and after the switch were used for comparison. Results: After the transition, the CV of the compound feed fell below 5.0%, indicating optimal homogeneity. Under this condition, milk urea was stabilized at 27.14 mg/dL, compared with 30.22 mg/dL at lower mixing precision. Across the intervention, the average milk urea decreased from 30.01 to 25.94 mg/dL (P < 0.01; Cohen\'s d = 2.12), whereas the average daily milk yield increased from 28.09 ± 0.36 to 31.57 ± 0.14 kg per cow (P < 0.001; Cohen\'s d = 2.42). Conclusion: Precision automated compound-feed production improved ration homogeneity, reduced milk urea, and increased milk yield, supporting resource optimization for the decarbonization of the dairy sector.
Background: Wax moths represent major pests in honeybee colonies, damaging comb structures and reducing colony strength. Morphological and molecular analyses enable precise species identification and clarify their diversity and distribution in Kurdistan. Aim: This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly identify wax moth species collected from different locations in Kurdistan, Iraq. Methods: Comparison of larval weight, adult body weight, and wing length of Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella across different locations in the Kurdistan region. Significant geographical variations were observed, indicating that environmental conditions strongly influence the morphological traits of both wax moth species and also molecularly identify wax moth species collected from different locations in Kurdistan, Iraq, using mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase subunit I (COI) gene analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using species-specific primers successfully produced ~550 bp fragments from all insect samples, which were confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Partial COI sequences from 12 specimens were generated and edited using the Bio Edit software, and then compared with reference sequences in the National Center for Biotechnology Information using BLAST. Results: Morphological traits of wax moths varied significantly across Kurdistan, with Halabja populations showing greater body weight and size, while Penjwen consistently exhibited lower measurements, also the results showed a sequence identity of 99.5%–100% with G. melonella and A. grisella, confirming accurate species identification. All validated sequences were submitted to GenBank and assigned accession numbers. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method in MEGA 12 grouped samples into two distinct clades corresponding to the two species, demonstrating close genetic similarity within each genus. These findings confirm the effectiveness of COI-based DNA barcoding for reliable identification of wax moth species and provide baseline genetic data for future studies on population structure and pest management in the region. Conclusion: Significant morphological variation occurred across Kurdistan, with larger wax moths in Halabja and smaller in Penjwen, while COI barcoding confirmed species identity, enabling robust future population studies.
Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in cats severely restricts mouth opening and creates a difficult airway, but reports of combined anesthetic and surgical management in adult traumatic bilateral bony cases are sparse. Case Description: A 39-month-old, 3.64-kg, spayed female Scottish Fold cat developed bilateral bony TMJ ankylosis (preoperative mouth opening, 8 mm) approximately two months after a fall from a fourth-floor balcony. Because the cat had a brachycephalic-like facial conformation that prevented a satisfactory seal with a conventional cone-shaped facemask, pre-oxygenation was performed using an Elizabethan collar covered with a transparent shower cap as an improvised hood. A mixed alfaxalone-based intravenous premedication followed by slow alfaxalone titration preserved spontaneous ventilation throughout induction. Over-the-endoscope intubation, with a 2.85-mm flexible fiberscope as an introducer, succeeded at the first attempt within 35 seconds. Sequential staged bilateral mandibular condylectomy with stay-suture preservation of the auriculopalpebral nerve, the dorsal buccal branch of the facial nerve, and the parotid duct restored mouth opening to 45 mm. At re-examination 10 months post-operatively, computed tomography (CT) confirmed complete condylar resection without re-ankylosis; the sedated mouth opening was maintained at approximately 50 mm, and body weight had increased from 3.64 to 4.18 kg. Conclusion: This integrated airway and surgical strategy offers a feasible alternative for adult cats with bilateral bony TMJ ankylosis, with a favorable structural outcome confirmed by CT at 10-month follow-up.
Background: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production faces persistent threat from Aeromonas hydrophila, the causative agent of Motile Aeromonas Septicemia, whose virulence is substantially amplified under thermal stress. Antibiotic-dependent disease management has accelerated multidrug resistance, necessitating sustainable non-pharmacological alternatives. Although Moringa oleifera leaf powder and Spirulina individually demonstrate immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties in fish, their combined application alongside short-term fasting under simultaneous thermal and infectious challenge has not been investigated. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined M. oleifera leaf powder and Spirulina dietary supplementation, with short-term fasting, on gill histopathological integrity and A. hydrophila colonisation in Nile tilapia subjected to heat stress and bacterial immersion challenge Methods: Sixty fish were distributed into four groups: negative control (C-), positive control (C+)vsubjected to heat stress at 34°C and immersion challenge at 10⁷ CFU/mL A. hydrophila, herbal supplementation with prior fasting (T1), and herbal supplementation without fasting (T2). Secondary lamellar hyperplasia and degeneration/necrosis were scored on H & E-stained sections; gill A. hydrophila colonies were enumerated on RS agar. Results: Both T1 and T2 significantly reduced histopathological scores and bacterial counts compared with C+ (P < 0.05). T1 achieved the greatest tissue protection, with lesion scores comparable to C⁻, whereas T2 showed intermediate but significant improvement. Bacterial counts in T1 and T2 were significantly lower than in C+ and did not differ significantly from each other. Conclusion: Combined M. oleifera and Spirulina dietary supplementation significantly attenuated gill histopathological damage and reduced A. hydrophila burden in heat-stressed Nile tilapia. Short-term fasting augmented the protective effect of herbal supplementation, with the combined regimen yielding gill integrity comparable to uninfected fish. This integrative nutritional approach represents a promising antibiotic-free strategy for disease prevention in intensive tilapia aquaculture.
Background: Kappa-casein (κ-casein) gene polymorphism is a potential genetic marker that may influence production traits in livestock, yet its specific impact on the post-natal development of Awassi sheep offspring requires further validation. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal κ-casein gene polymorphisms on the growth performance and morphometric body measurements of Awassi lambs, to evaluate genetic markers associated with offspring performance and provide insights for potential breeding selection strategies. Methods: A total of 53 Awassi sheep, comprising 24 mature ewes and 29 of their male lambs, were evaluated from January to July 2025. Lambs were allocated to four groups based on maternal κ-casein genotypes, determined by nucleotide sequencing of a 416 bp amplified fragment. Growth traits (birth weight, weaning weight, and body weight gain) and morphometric measurements (height at withers, heart girth, and diagonal body length) were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA. Although limited by small and unbalanced genotype sample sizes, preliminary parametric structures were verified. Results: Group 1 was the predominant genotype, accounting for 50% of the flock distribution (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed in birth weights among the four groups, suggesting that maternal κ-casein variations may not exhibit a detectable association with initial birth weight. However, Group 3 displayed lower weaning weight (20.5 kg), total weight gain (16.55 kg), and daily weight gain (0.276 kg) compared to the other groups (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found among Groups 1, 2, and 4. Morphometric assessments revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between Group 1 and Group 3 in body height, heart girth, and body length, while no significant differences were found between Groups 2 and 4. Conclusion: Maternal κ-casein polymorphism shows potential preliminary associations with pre-weaning growth; however, due to small and unequal genotype group sizes, these findings require cautious interpretation. Selecting lambs from Group 1 dams may be tentatively recommended for rapid fattening systems, while Group 3 progeny may require further multi-generational evaluation due to lower observed growth and structural parameters.
Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) causes duck viral hepatitis (DVH), an acute viral disease that affects young ducks and is marked by rapid and severe liver damage as well as high mortality. This disease spreads quickly within a population and mostly affects ducks younger than 3 weeks of age. DHAV is a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family that causes widespread hepatic necrosis due to its strong hepatocyte tropism. The fecal-oral route is the main method of transmission, and contaminated habitats, drinking water, feed, and fomites are the sources of infection. Clinically, DVH is peracute, with few symptoms before death, which frequently makes field detection challenging. Degeneration, congestion, and widespread hepatocellular necrosis are common pathological liver alterations. A combination of clinical observation, pathological lesion evaluation, and molecular confirmation, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), is used to make the diagnosis. Since no specific antiviral treatment is currently available, management concentrates on control and supportive measures such as immunization, biosecurity, and appropriate husbandry practices. To provide initial protection by maternal antibody transmission, vaccination of the duck is essential. DVH has a substantial economic impact due to greater mortality, decreased productivity, and higher disease control expenses. Therefore, efforts to prevent and control this disease in duck production systems require a thorough understanding of its characteristics.
Background: Working dogs routinely engage in demanding physical activities, such as sprinting, jumping, apprehension tasks, and vertical searches, which exert substantial biomechanical stress on the lumbosacral (LS) spine. This repetitive stress predisposes them to degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) and cauda equina syndrome, common conditions that can limit their active service life. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the sacrum is an uncommon, likely underrecognized cause of cauda equina syndrome in dogs, resulting from abnormal endochondral ossification and potentially causing nerve root compression. Although conservative treatments, surgical interventions, and epidural corticosteroid infiltrations have been utilized for managing general lumbosacral pathologies, specific reports detailing epidural corticosteroid therapy for sacral OCD in working dogs remain limited. Case Description: A 6-year-old, 38 kg, intact male Dutch Shepherd working dog presented with persistent intermittent left pelvic limb lameness initially attributed to a suspected cranial cruciate ligament injury. Advanced diagnostic imaging, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), identified a sacral OCD lesion contributing to DLSS and cauda equina syndrome and associated left sciatic nerve root inflammation. Conservative management with a three-part series of methylprednisolone acetate epidural steroid infiltrations (ESIs) at time points day 0, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks post initial treatment, resulted in significant clinical improvement, allowing the dog to return to full active duty for detection and apprehension. The working dog required a repeated series of ESIs approximately 18 months later due to recurrence of mild clinical signs, again responding positively, and has remained in active duty and fit for deployment. Conclusion: This report describes the first documented case of a sacral OCD lesion associated with cauda equina syndrome successfully managed with a series of ESIs in a working dog, facilitating sustained return to high-level active duty and deployment. This minimally invasive management strategy warrants consideration in similarly affected dogs, particularly working dogs, to provide effective, targeted anti-inflammatory therapy for sacral OCD-associated cauda equina syndrome where maintenance of active duty and minimal downtime is critical.
Background: Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is involved in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and fat deposition in chickens by facilitating fatty acid binding and transport within adipocytes. Aim: This study evaluated the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) c.266A>G in the FABP4 gene and diets containing lemuru fish oil as a substitute for crude palm oil, as well as zinc and chromium supplements, on the fatty acid profiles of IPB D1 chicken meat. Methods: A total of 100 IPB D1 chickens were assigned to four dietary treatments: P0 (control diet), P1 (P0 + Zinc [Zn] and Chromium [Cr]), P2 (P0 + lemuru fish oil), and P3 (P2 + Zn and Cr). Genotypes were identified using DNA sequencing, and a factorial design with complete randomization was used for analyses. Results: FABP4 gene polymorphism in chickens was found at SNP c.266A>G. The results showed that the SNP c.266A>G and dietary treatment significantly affected (p < 0.05) the fatty acid composition of the IPB D1 chicken thigh meat. The fatty acid ratio and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-9, were dramatically affected (p < 0.05) by the interaction between SNP c.266A>G and the applied dietary treatment. The AG genotype chickens fed a diet containing 3% lemuru fish oil supplemented with 120 ppm Zn and 400 ppb Cr showed the lowest omega-6/omega-3 ratio. P3AG (diet treatment containing 3% lemuru fish oil with supplementation of 120 ppm Zn and 400 ppb Cr with genotype AG) had a more balanced fatty acid profile, with a ratio of <10, which is considered beneficial for human health. Conclusion: The combination of lemuru fish oil with Zn and Cr (P3) supplementation with the AG genotype improved the fatty acid content of chicken meat, particularly in increasing the omega-3 (EPA and DHA) content and n6/n3 ratio of IPB D1 chickens.
Background: Low-protein diets are increasingly applied in broiler production to reduce nitrogen excretion and environmental impact; however, they may impair growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal health. Phytogenic feed additives, particularly polyherbal mixtures, have been proposed as natural strategies for mitigating these negative effects. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of polyherbal mixtures on broiler growth performance, serum antioxidant markers, intestinal histomorphology, tight junction and cytokine gene expression, litter quality, and welfare indicators. Methods: A total of 600 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were assigned on day 11 to 2 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 30 birds per pen. Treatments included a commercial normal-protein diet (CON) and a low-protein diet plus a polyherbal mixture at 2,600 mg/kg (LPD-HM). Results: During the grower phase (days 11–21), the LPD-HM increased feed intake but did not affect the final body weight (FBW) or body weight gain (BWG); the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher, and the index performance was lower than those fed the CON diet. In the finisher phase (days 22–35), the growth performance did not differ between the groups. Across days 11–35, the FBW and BWG were maintained, whereas the cumulative FCR was higher with the LPD-HM, indicating that the feed efficiency was not fully restored. LPD-HM improved the serum antioxidant status, with higher superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity and lower malondialdehyde levels. Intestinal histomorphology did not differ between the groups. The tight-junction gene occludin and the cytokine genes tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and interleukin-13 were significantly upregulated with LPD-HM. Furthermore, litter pH and litter ammonia were lower with LPD-HM, whereas litter moisture and total nitrogen tended to decrease. In addition, footpad dermatitis scores decreased with the LPD-HM, whereas breast dermatitis, hock burn, and bird soiling scores remained unchanged. Conclusion: Dietary LPD-HM maintained FBW and BWG but did not fully restore feed efficiency while modulating antioxidant status, barrier-related gene expression, litter chemistry, and footpad health.
The functional state of the gastrointestinal tract is a key factor determining farm animals’ overall health and productivity. This review focuses on the S100 calgranulin subfamily (S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12) from its historical discovery, biological functions, and potential clinical diagnostic application in cattle. A systematic literature search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines across major scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science), covering the period from 1965 to 2025. А comprehensive comparative profile was compiled, mapping calgranulin data across cattle, pigs, and horses. The analysis demonstrates a significant elevation of calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) in neonatal calves with diarrhea, indicating high non-invasive diagnostic potential. However, the review highlights a severe lack of standardized species-specific sensitivity and specificity metrics as a major current limitation. Integrating fundamental molecular insights with optimized diagnostic algorithms represents a critical direction for enabling timely and effective gastrointestinal monitoring in future veterinary clinical trials.
Background: The morphological organization of rabbit kidneys, particularly their internal renal architecture, has been inconsistently described in the literature. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the gross anatomical and morphometric characteristics of the kidneys in New Zealand White rabbits. Methods: A postmortem study was conducted on 10 clinically healthy, sexually mature, eight-month-old New Zealand White rabbits (five males and five females). The kidneys were examined in situ and after longitudinal sectioning following a standardized dissection protocol. Organ dimensions, weight, and volume were recorded, and the kidneys’ internal anatomical organization was evaluated. Results: Both kidneys were retroperitoneally located and exhibited a smooth bean-shaped external appearance. Gross examination revealed five to eight renal pyramids converging toward a single renal papilla in all animals. No significant sex-related differences were observed in kidney dimensions or weight (P > 0.05), whereas females had significantly greater renal volume than males (P < 0.05). The internal anatomical arrangement observed in this study was consistent with a multi-pyramidal but unipapillary organization of the rabbit kidney. Conclusion: The kidneys of New Zealand White rabbits exhibited a smooth external surface and an internal organization characterized by multiple renal pyramids converging toward a single renal papilla. These findings are based on gross anatomical observations and provide additional morphological information that may be useful for comparative anatomical and experimental research. Further histological and imaging studies are required to confirm the anatomical organization observed in this study.
Background: Thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid insecticide known for its harmful effects on bees and other pollinators, was banned in the European Union in 2013 because of its proven environmental risks. In Morocco, however, this compound is still used in agriculture and may contribute to the decline of honeybee populations. Aim: This study aimed to assess whether environmentally relevant doses of thiamethoxam affect the survival of honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers over a 10-day exposure period. Methods: Queenless worker microcolonies were established using 20-day-old bees and orally exposed to sucrose syrup containing increasing doses of thiamethoxam (0, 1, 10, 20, 50, and 70 ng/bee). Results: Bee mortality increased in a clear dose-dependent manner. At doses of 20 ng/bee or higher, 100% mortality was observed within 48 h, compared with 16.67% in the control group. The LD₅₀ values decreased over time (from 10.65 ng/bee at 24 h to 4.18 ng/bee at 72 h), indicating a time-dependent expression of thiamethoxam toxicity in honeybees. Conclusion: Overall, these results show that thiamethoxam is highly toxic to Apis mellifera and that high exposure levels can severely compromise colony survival in contaminated environments. The reduced reliability of LD₅₀ estimates at later time points is likely due to mortality saturation at higher doses, limiting the range of intermediate responses required for robust probit modelling.
Background: Lesions of the pars esophagea in pigs are a common multifactorial, predominantly non-infectious gastrointestinal disorder associated with physicochemical, nutritional, and man-agement-related factors. Disruption of the physiological pH gradient between glandular and non-glandular gastric regions is considered a key mechanism in lesion development, while Lactobacillus spp. represent a stable component of the porcine gastric microbiota. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the severity of gastric mucosal damage, gastric pH values, and the presence of lactic acid bacteria, predominantly morphologically consistent with Lactobacillus spp., using culture and cytological methods. Methods: A total of 20 porcine stomachs were analysed. The pH values were measured in the pars esophagea and in the glandular region of the stomach. Microbiological examination included cultivation on selective media and impression smear cytology. Results: The results demonstrated a decrease in pH in the pars esophagea associated with increasing lesion severity, from 5.39 ± 0.64 in score 0 lesions to 4.07 ± 0.40 in score 2 lesions (p = 0.012), whereas pH values in the glandular region remained relatively stable (mean 4.42). Lactic acid bacteria, predominantly morphologically consistent with Lactobacillus spp., were detected in all samples regardless of lesion severity. Conclusion: The findings suggest that local acidification of the pars esophagea is a key factor in the development of gastric lesions, whereas lactic acid bacteria, predominantly morphologically consistent with Lactobacillus spp., appear to represent an acid-tolerant but likely secondary component of the gastric microbiota.
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-volume synthetic endocrine disruptor widely used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Its prevalence in food containers, water bottles, and can linings leads to continuous dietary exposure, raising significant public health concerns. This drives scientific interest in finding effective, natural protective agents. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a prominent adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, is renowned for its cytoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and stress-alleviating properties, suggesting potential protective benefits against chemical toxicants. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the histo-protective efficacy of a standardized Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract (WSRE) against BPA-induced testicular histopathological damage in rats. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10): Group I (Control) received the vehicle only; Group II (BPA) received 200 mg/kg body weight/day of BPA orally; Group III (Ashwagandha) received 500 mg/kg body weight/day of Ashwagandha orally and Group IV (BPA plus Ashwagandha) received the same doses of both BPA and Ashwagandha at the aforementioned doses. The treatment continued for 60 consecutive days. Following sacrifice, the testes were immediately dissected out, fixed in Bouin\'s solution, and processed through dehydration and paraffin embedding. Five µm thick sections were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) to evaluate criteria such as germ cell degeneration, disorganization, vacuolization, and sloughing of spermatogenic cells. Results: Histopathological analysis of the BPA-only group revealed severe testicular injury, including marked distortion of tubule architecture, significant thinning and disorganization of the germinal epithelium, extensive vacuolization, and sloughing of spermatogenic cells into the lumen. Spermatogenesis was severely disrupted, with a notable absence of mature spermatozoa in many tubules. In contrast, the BPA plus Ashwagandha co-treatment group exhibited dramatic histoarchitectural preservation. Seminiferous tubules appeared near normal, with well-organized germinal epithelial layers containing all stages of spermatogenic cells. Degeneration, vacuolization, and cellular sloughing were minimal compared to the BPA-only group. Conclusion: Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract exhibits significant protective effects against the histopathological damage caused by BPA in rat testes. By maintaining the structural integrity of the germinal epithelium and ensuring the complete spermatogenic cycle, it validates its potential as a protective phytotherapeutic intervention for male reproductive toxicity.
Background: Broilers have certain disadvantages, namely high levels of fat and cholesterol in their meat and susceptibility to disease infection. Furthermore, the ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP), which can cause side effects, presents a challenge. Based on this, safe natural feed additives are sought, one of which utilizes betel leaf water extract. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of administering betel leaf water extract via drinking water on pathogenic bacterial populations and blood lipid profiles in broilers. Methods: A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used with 4 treatments, 5 replications, and each unit consisting of 6 day-old chicks (DOC). The treatments were A (control group, without betel leaf water extract/BLWE), B (drinking water with 2% BLWE), C (drinking water with 4% BLWE), and D (drinking water with 6% BLWE). The variables observed were blood lipid profiles and pathogenic bacteria in the broiler intestine. Results: Triglycerides and LDL decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with BLWE administration, up to 6%. Meanwhile, HDL increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the 6% BLWE level compared to the control treatment (A). Total cholesterol significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with 6% BLWE administration. Total pathogenic E. coli bacteria significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with 6% BLWE administration, and Coliform significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at BLWE levels of 4% and 6%. Conclusion: This study indicates that administering BLWE at up to 6% can improve blood lipid profiles and reduce pathogenic E. coli and Coliform bacteria.
Background: Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by intraerythrocytic parasites (Babesia caballi and Theileria equi), is an emerging equine tick-borne disease of great veterinary significance to equine health globally. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of EP in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A total of 600 equines (n = 600), consisting of horses (n1 = 200), mules (n2 = 200), and donkeys (n3 = 200), were examined year-round in the districts of Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, using microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Overall PCR-confirmed positivity % was 45.0% (270/600), while ELISA and microscopy detected 56% (336/600) and 33.0% (198/600) positivity, respectively. There was no noticeable difference in the positivity % of PCR between equine species (p > 0.05). Analysis of district-level data showed significantly higher PCR positivity in Sargodha than in Mandi Bahauddin (p = 0.049). Seasonal variation was significant (p < 0.001), with PCR positivity highest in spring (62.8%) and lowest in winter (20.0%), whereas ELISA seropositivity peaked during summer (65.8%) and was lowest during winter (17.3%). Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in PCR positivity across gender, age group, gelding status, and stress (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression identified stress as a consistent independent predictor of PCR-confirmed infection across all species, while seasonal effects remained significant in several species-specific models (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that stress and seasonal factors play an important role in the epidemiology of equine piroplasmosis. PCR, ELISA, and microscopy were useful diagnostic tools; however, PCR remained the most definitive method for EP detection.
Background: Maintaining platelet (PLT) counts with lower doses of corticosteroid is an important clinical goal in the treatment of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) in dogs. However, since some cases of refractory IMT are unresponsive to adjuvant therapies, including immunosuppressive agents and splenectomy, it is necessary to expand the treatment options for IMT. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of danazol, a synthetic steroid reported to increase PLT counts through immunomodulatory and hormonal effects in human medicine. Case Description: This report describes the clinical course of two IMT dogs treated with adjunctive danazol therapy, which remains underexplored in veterinary medicine. In both cases, PLT counts remained difficult to control despite prednisolone (PSL) administration, multiple immunosuppressive agents, and splenectomy. Following the introduction of danazol, PLT counts were maintained within clinically acceptable ranges, and gradual tapering of PSL was achieved for at least 364 days in Case 1 and 716 days in Case 2. No clinically significant adverse effects associated with danazol administration were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that adjunctive danazol therapy may contribute to long-term PLT stabilization in some dogs with refractory IMT that remain poorly controlled after splenectomy. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical utility and safety of danazol as an adjunctive treatment option in canine IMT.
This bibliometric study mapped the global landscape of water buffalo research from 2000 to 2024 based on 5,194 publications indexed in the Scopus database. The analysis evaluated publication trends, collaboration patterns, and the evolution of major research themes in buffalo science. The findings showed a substantial increase in scientific output over the study period, reflecting growing global interest in buffalo production systems. India emerged as the leading contributor in terms of publication output and citation impact, while Italy demonstrated the strongest international collaboration network. Thematic analyses revealed that buffalo research has predominantly focused on milk production, reproductive biotechnology, genetics, and molecular approaches, with recent studies increasingly emphasizing genomic applications and reproductive technologies. On the contrary, research related to nutrition, feed innovation, rumen function, and sustainable feeding strategies remains relatively limited despite its importance for production efficiency and environmental sustainability. Collaboration network analysis also indicated that internationally co-authored publications generally achieved higher citation impact than single-country studies. Overall, the results highlight the need for future buffalo research to strengthen studies on sustainable feeding systems, locally available feed resources, rumen microbiology, and climate-resilient production strategies, alongside broader international collaboration and integration of emerging technologies to support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of buffalo production systems. [Open Vet. J. 2026; 16(6.000): 3950-3965]
Background: Oral pergolide has become the mainstay of treatment for equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). It has a high success rate, but some horses are, or become, refractory to the effects. Others have intolerable behavioral or gastrointestinal side effects. The only widely used alternative to oral pergolide has been injectable sustained-release cabergoline. There is scant published information on alternative oral therapies. Case Descriptions: Here, we report on the response of five confirmed PPID horses to oral cabergoline. All horses failed to be controlled by oral pergolide, and four of the five were also tried on injectable sustained-release cabergoline, but with intolerable side effects. No changes were made other than the switch to oral cabergoline. Diet, drugs and management otherwise remained the same. Conclusion: Preliminary response seen in these five cases and the one in the literature indicates that daily oral cabergoline has the potential to be a well-tolerated and effective alternative.
