Grass and leaf meals, which include vital phytocompounds, have the potential to be a natural and safe alternative to antibiotics in the poultry industry. Therefore, this study aims to assess Pennisetum purpureum leaf meal and its phytocompounds on the health performances of colored-broilers. A total of 216 unsexed Sasso chicks were assigned to six diet groups. The negative control (T1) received a commercial basal diet without antibiotics, while the positive control (T2) received the same diet with oxytetracycline (100 mg/kg). Groups T3 to T6 received no antibiotics and included P. purpureum meal at 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, or 5.00 grams per kilogram of feed, respectively. The feeding trial was conducted for 8 weeks. Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly to calculate the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Other measures included intestinal morphology, cecal microbiota, and serum biochemical profiles. The 5.00 g/kg diet (T6) delivered the most consistent gains, showing significant improvements in growth performance, intestinal structure, and cecal microbial composition (P < 0.05). Several blood biochemical markers improved with P. purpureum, with the strongest effects at 5.00 g/kg. Overall, P. purpureum meal at 5.00 g/kg appears to be a practical plant-based alternative to antibiotic growth promoters, supporting better health performance and selected health-related outcomes in tropical broiler systems.
Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes threatens sustainable goat production globally. While resistance is well-documented in many regions, data from Thailand remain limited. This study determined the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and assessed the efficacy of albendazole and fenbendazole in meat goats in Maha Sarakham province, northeastern Thailand. A two-stage cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 meat goat farms between August 2021 and March 2022. In Stage 1, fecal samples from 150 goats were examined using simple flotation and sedimentation techniques to identify parasite morphology. In Stage 2, the McMaster technique was employed to quantify fecal egg counts (FEC). Twenty-six goats with FEC >= 150 EPG were allocated to receive albendazole (10 mg/kg, n = 11) or fenbendazole (15 mg/kg, n = 15). Fecal egg count reduction (FECR) was calculated on Day 14 following WAAVP guidelines. Resistance was defined as FECR <95%. Overall prevalence was 84.00% (95% CI: 77.30-89.01%), with Strongyle-type nematodes being most prevalent (77.33%, 95% CI: 70.00-83.30%), followed by Moniezia spp. (25.33%). Co-infections were observed in 22.0% of animals. Both drugs showed substantially reduced efficacy: albendazole FECR 71.95% (95% CI: 64.36-79.89%) and fenbendazole FECR 79.56% (95% CI: 68.58-89.78%), with no significant difference (P = 0.706). All 10 farms (100%) demonstrated resistance to both benzimidazoles. This study provides the first comprehensive evidence of widespread benzimidazole resistance in Thai goat populations. The universal resistance observed highlights an urgent need for integrated parasite management strategies, including pasture management, selective treatment protocols, and alternative control methods.
Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the antioxidant defense capacity of living organisms. Oxidative stress is commonly assessed using serum samples; however, blood sampling in pigs is often avoided on commercial farms because of disease transmission concerns and animal welfare considerations. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between oxidative stress markers in serum and colostrum samples and to determine their association with production performance in lactating sows. A total of 34 Landrace & times; Large White sows from a commercial farrow-to-finish farm were included in the study. Blood and colostrum samples were collected immediately after the first piglet was delivered. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Production performance indicators during the lactation period were also recorded. The results showed that concentrations of MDA, SOD1, and GPX1 were consistently higher in colostrum than in serum samples, by 1.67-, 1.57-, and 1.58-fold, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between serum and colostrum MDA concentrations (r = 0.866, P < 0.001). Among production indicators, average daily litter weight gain was positively associated with serum SOD1 concentration (r = 0.472, P = 0.013). Other oxidative stress markers showed no significant correlations with production parameters. These findings suggest that colostrum MDA may serve as a potential alternative indicator for oxidative stress assessment in lactating sows. However, oxidative stress markers showed limited association with sow production performance.
The aim of this study was to investigate hematological and biochemical alterations associated with gram-negative bacterial lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats. For this purpose, 56 dogs and 36 cats were examined between October 2022 and May 2023. Twenty-eight dogs and twenty-two cats with clinical signs of lower UTIs were confirmed using ultrasonography, urinalysis, hematobiochemical analysis, and molecular identification of recovered pathogen. In dogs, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (82%), crystalluria (85.7%), and proteinuria. There was also significant decrease in total protein and globulin levels compared to those in the control. A significant increase in BUN, GGT, and CRP levels was recorded in comparison with healthy dogs. Neutrophils and monocytes showed a significant increase, whereas TLC showed no significant increase. Urinalysis revealed noticeable pyuria (82%), hematuria (57.1%), proteinuria (85.7%), and crystalluria (85.7%). However, the urinary ALP levels were significantly decreased. In cats, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (72.7%) and hematuria (81.8%). A significant increase in BUN, creatinine, and GGT levels was recorded in comparison with the controls. TLC significantly increased, with neutrophilia and relative lymphopenia. Urinalysis revealed noticeable pyuria (72.7%), hematuria (81.8%), proteinuria (54.5%), crystalluria (18%), and glucosuria (63.6%). Moreover, urinary ALP was significantly higher in cats with UTIs than in controls. The results of the present study indicate that Gram-negative infections of the urinary tract induce noticeable hematobiochemical alterations in dogs and cats. Dogs mainly showed systemic inflammation with mild renal effects, whereas cats showed severe renal impairment. The significant alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters emphasize their diagnostic significance in differentiating systemic inflammation from renal dysfunction.
Recent studies have demonstrated that platelets are crucial in inflammation and immune responses. Alteration in platelet activity impact morbidity and survival due to the formation of intravascular clots or bleeding resulting from impaired platelet function. Aiming to evaluate changes in platelet activity in dogs with naturally occurring acute pancreatitis (AP), we identified differences in quantitative and morphological platelet indices, as well as the ratio of platelets expressing P-selectin on their surface (activated platelet ratio; APR) between dogs with naturally occurring AP and healthy dogs. The study included 9 client-owned dogs with AP (the AP group) and 28 client-owned healthy dogs (the control group) from several animal hospitals. Dogs with AP were diagnosed based on compatible clinical signs, increased serum canine pancreatic lipase concentrations, and/or abdominal ultrasonographic findings consistent with AP. In this multi-institutional case-control study, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), and plateletcrit (PCT) were measured using complete blood count. Additionally, fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to measure the APR. There were no statistically significant differences in MPV, PDW, P-LCR, PLT, or PCT between dogs with acute pancreatitis and healthy controls. APR was statistically significantly higher in the AP group (P = 0.013). In conclusion, dogs with naturally occurring AP showed increased APR, suggesting that platelet activation may be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, although conventional platelet indices did not differ significantly between groups.
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most commonly presented hamster species in veterinary practice, yet descriptive echocardiographic values remain limited, particularly under conscious conditions. This study aimed to establish normal two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiographic values in healthy conscious Syrian hamsters and to evaluate the influence of age, body weight, and sex on cardiac parameters. Forty Syrian hamsters (27 males and 12 females; one excluded) underwent physical examination, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. Age and body weight were recorded. Echocardiographic parameters were analyzed for their distribution and correlation with age and body weight. All echocardiographic parameters demonstrated a normal distribution. Age and body weight correlated with several echocardiographic measurements, whereas no significant differences were observed between males and females. The study established baseline echocardiographic values for conscious Syrian hamsters, including two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler indices.
Colostrum provides essential nutrients and immune factors that newborn piglets can absorb only within the first 24 h afterbirth. Fatty acids are essential for neonatal physiology, supporting thermoregulation, neurodevelopment, and immune function, and serving as a key energy source to reduce hypothermia and mortality in piglets. However, information on the fatty acid composition of sow colostrum under tropical conditions and its relationship with reproductive performance remains limited, warranting further investigation to improve piglet survival. This study evaluated the fatty acid profile of sow colostrum under tropical production conditions and examined its associations with reproductive traits. Colostrum samples were collected within 1 h postpartum from 30 Landrace & times; Yorkshire sows in a commercial herd in Thailand. Samples were obtained from 4-6 randomly selected teats per sow (>= 15 ml), stored at 4 degrees C during collection, and frozen at-20 degrees C until analysis. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography using a Supelco SP-2560 capillary column. Sows were classified according to parity, gestation length, farrowing duration, litter size, and oxytocin use during farrowing. On average, sows farrowed 13.1 +/- 3.2 piglets per litter, with 11.8 +/- 2.7 piglets born alive, and a mean farrowing duration of 206 +/- 102 min. The predominant fatty acids in colostrum were oleic acid (C18:1n9c; 35.6 +/- 2.2 g/100 g total fatty acids), palmitic acid (C16:0; 28.3 +/- 2.0 g/100 g), and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c; 22.5 +/- 1.9 g/100 g). Oleic acid was positively correlated with total piglets born (r = 0.417, P = 0.022) and piglets born alive (r = 0.467, P = 0.009), whereas palmitic acid was negatively correlated with total piglets born (r = -0.467, P = 0.009), piglets born alive (r = -0.489, P = 0.006), and farrowing duration (r = -0.532, P = 0.003). Linoleic acid was positively correlated with gestation length (r = 0.497, P = 0.005) and farrowing duration (r = 0.539, P = 0.002). Palmitic acid was negatively associated with both oleic acid (r = -0.610, P < 0.001) and linoleic acid (r = -0.513, P = 0.004). These results indicate that colostrum fatty acid composition is associated with maternal reproductive traits and may influence early neonatal energy supply under tropical conditions.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by the PKD1 c.10063C>A mutation, is a prevalent inherited feline disorder, but its allele frequency in Vietnam remains unidentified. This study aimed to determine the carrier frequency of this variant in British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Ragdoll cats in Ho Chi Minh City and to correlate genotype with ultrasonographic phenotype. Ninety-seven client-owned cats were genotyped for the pkd1 mutation using PCR-RFLP. A subset of 47 cats also underwent abdominal ultrasonography to detect renal cysts. Genotypic results were correlated with sonographic findings, and risk factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR). Sixteen of 97 cats (16.5%) were heterozygous carriers, yielding an overall mutant-allele frequency of 0.08. No homozygous mutants were found. Breed-specific carrier frequencies were 56.3% in British shorthairs, 25% in Maine Coons, and 18.7% in ragdolls. Among the 47 ultrasonographically examined cats, there were nine (19.1%) had renal cysts, and eight of whom were mutation carriers. The sensitivity and specificity of the genetic test relative to ultrasound were 88.9% and 97.4%, respectively. A strong genotype-phenotype correlation was confirmed, where mutant carriers had significantly higher odds of having kidney cysts detected on ultrasound (OR = 296.0; P < 0.001). The PKD1 c.10063C>A allele is present at a significant frequency in popular non-Persian breeds in Vietnam. In conclusion, PCR-RFLP is a rapid and accurate screening tool, supporting its integration into breeding programs and clinical practice to mitigate ADPKD incidence and improve feline health.
Serum microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases. The serum concentration of miRNA-375 (miR-375), which is abundantly expressed in pancreatic islet cells, is increased in dogs with experimentally induced pancreatic injury and naturally occurring acute pancreatitis. However, this has not been reported in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to compare the expression of serum cfa-miR-375 between dogs with DM and healthy dogs and examine changes in serum cfa-miR-375 levels after insulin administration in dogs with DM. Twenty dogs with DM and 18 healthy dogs were included. The relative expression of serum cfa-miR-375 using reverse transcription and real-time PCR were evaluated. The primary endpoint was the comparison of serum cfa-miR-375 expression between dogs with DM and healthy dogs. The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) fold change (FC) of serum cfa-miR-375 was significantly higher (P = 0.048) in dogs with DM (2.30 +/- 2.018) than in healthy dogs (1.294 +/- 0.560). The FC of serum miR-375 was significantly increased (P = 0.01) after treatment (4.017 +/- 2.054) than before treatment (2.322 +/- 2.608) in dogs with DM. The percentage change in cfa-miR-375 levels was positively correlated with the concentration of serum fructosamine post-treatment (r = 0.62, P = 0.01). Increased serum miR-375 levels may be associated with direct leakage from the damaged pancreas and pathological glucose regulation in canine DM.
A 10-year-old female Pomeranian was referred after a hepatic cyst was incidentally identified during a routine health check. Ultrasound-guided simple drainage was initially performed, and cytological examination of the aspirated fluid confirmed a simple cyst. However, the cyst re-expanded to its original size within 2 weeks. Therefore, ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy was elected using lower-concentration ethanol (83%), a readily available medical disinfectant, rather than conventional high-concentration ethanol. Approximately 50% of the aspirated volume was replaced with 83% ethanol and retained for 20 min to achieve effective epithelial ablation. Post-procedural follow-up revealed a transient increase in cyst size and serum alanine aminotransferase levels on day 3, attributed to the inflammatory sclerosing process; however, these changes resolved spontaneously by day 20. Complete cyst regression was confirmed by day 60, with no recurrence during the 1-year follow-up. This case suggests that lower-concentration ethanol (83%) is a feasible, safe, and effective sclerosing agent for canine hepatic cysts and may represent a practical option in clinical settings where high-concentration ethanol is unavailable.
Improving the reproductive performance of sows plays an important role in the pig industry, and it applies not only to commercial pigs but also to indigenous pigs. In this study, the polymorphisms of three genes, namely estrogen receptor (ESR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), and follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSHB) in the "I" pig population were investigated, and their associations with reproductive performance were evaluated. Ear tissue samples were collected from 151 fattening pigs and 126 sows across breeding farms in Vietnam for polymorphisms of the ESR, PRLR and FSHB genes. Three genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) were detected at the ESR T1665G and FSHB T212C loci, whereas the AA genotype was not observed at the PRLR G1789A locus. Consequently, genotype frequencies of ESR and FSHB were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while PRLR deviated significantly (P < 0.001). The ESR genotypes and parity showed no significant effects on the reproductive traits. The PRLR G1789A polymorphism showed a significant effect only on BWW, with sows carrying the BB genotype exhibiting more favorable values than those with the AB genotype. However, most of the traits differed across years, except age at first mating (AFM) and farrowing interval (FRI). The FSHB genotypes significantly affected reproductive performance, excluding AFM, age at first farrowing (AFF), FRI, and piglet birth weight (BWB). Sows with the FSHBAA genotype had a higher number of total piglets born and greater piglet body weight at birth and weaning than those carrying FSHBAB. These findings indicate that the FSHBAA genotype may serve as a useful genetic marker for enhancing reproductive traits in the endangered "I" pig population.
A 5-month-old intact male Pomeranian puppy was presented with a 2-week history of acutely swollen face, eyelids, lips, and muzzle. A physical examination revealed focal alopecia, folliculitis, and erythema on the muzzle, periocular, and perianal areas; crusts were also found around the muzzle. The puppy received monthly oral afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. No ectoparasite was observed based on a trichogram test. Skin cytology revealed intracellular cocci and neutrophils. A skin biopsy taken from the muzzle revealed pyogranulomatous perifollicular dermatitis with epidermal spongiosis, intraepidermal pustules, and a superficial crust. This condition was diagnosed as juvenile cellulitis on the basis of age, clinical signs, distribution of the lesions, and the biopsy results. Initially, the puppy was treated with oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 25 mg/kg every 12 hours in combination with topical 4% chlorhexidine once daily. After 2 weeks of treatment, the puppy showed marked improvement, with only skin inflammation remaining. Therefore, 0.584 mg/ml hydrocortisone aceponate topical spray was additionally applied once daily for 2 weeks. Systemic antibiotic was continued for 6 weeks until clinically resolved.
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are heteroxenous apicomplexan parasites recognized as major causes of reproductive disorders in numerous mammalian species. The present study aimed to assess through an epidemiological survey, the prevalence of reproductive losses in 75 dromedary herds during the period 2022-2025, as well as the associated risk factors, and to detect these protozoa by histopathological analysis in 63 dromedaries slaughtered at the slaughterhouse of El Oued province (126 samples: 63 hearts and 63 diaphragms). The survey revealed that 80% of the herds had a history of abortions, of which 60% also reported cases of stillbirth. Risk factor analysis showed a significant association exclusively with the presence of domestic cats and dogs (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed forms compatible with T. gondii exclusively in the cardiac muscle of adult females, with tachyzoites detected in one animal (1.6%) and tissue cysts in two animals (3.17%). No evidence of N. caninum was detected. Cardiac lesions were characterized by mononuclear cell infiltrates, focal hemorrhages and areas of necrosis, indicating marked inflammatory and vascular reactions. These findings suggest that T. gondii, may be involved in reproductive losses in dromedaries and effective parasite control strategies specific to dromedary camels need to be developed.
A comparative cross-sectional study aimed to describe the epidemiological data of canine urate urolithiasis in Thailand by evaluating the change in proportion over the year and identifying risk-associated factors, including age, breed, sex, and neutered status, through comparisons with multiple comparison groups. The urate and non-urate group was dogs whose uroliths were submitted from Thailand to the Minnesota Urolith Center between 2016 and 2023, and the hospital group was dogs that were visited at the Small Animal Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, between 2020 and 2023. Of 6,171 canine urolith submissions, 210 samples (3.4%) were urate-containing uroliths submitted from twenty-eight canine breeds. Twelve breeds were identified as high-risk, and only one breed was recognized as low-risk. The majority of high-risk breeds were medium-to large-breed dogs. Intact male and younger age dogs were found to be at a higher risk of developing urate uroliths, with the mean age +/- standard deviation at diagnosis of 6.07 +/- 3.5 years. Based on these findings, a screening program for urate urolithiasis in dogs aged 1-6 years was recommended for these high-risk breeds, particularly in intact male dogs, to achieve clinical benefits through early detection of urate uroliths.
The dromedary camel possesses unique ocular adaptations enabling survival in harsh desert environments. This study aimed to characterize the posterior segment of the dromedary camel's eye using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus photography. Fourteen healthy adult camels were sedated and imaged. High-resolution OCT images enabled clear visualization and measurement of the retina, choroid, and sclera. The retina exhibited well-defined layers, including the retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptor layer, plexiform layers, and nerve fiber layer. Mean thicknesses of the retina, choroid, and sclera were 267 +/- 2.54 mu m, 299 +/- 3.15 mu m, and 155 +/- 2.74 mu m in the right eye, with similar values in the left eye. Mild interocular differences were observed in macular and foveal thickness. These findings provide reference anatomical data for the dromedary camel posterior segment, supporting veterinary ophthalmology and further research on camel ocular health.
Pediatric dogs are predisposed to skeletal disorders during growth, with rickets, hypertrophic osteopathy, and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism being the most common. Rickets, usually caused by vitamin D deficiency, leads to bone softening and deformities, whereas hypertrophic osteopathy involves abnormal calcium salt deposition that impairs mobility. This study investigated developmental orthopedic diseases in Aksaray Malakli dogs, focusing on nutritional factors and biochemical markers. Twenty-two pediatric dogs were examined and divided into two groups. Group I (n=11) showed gait abnormalities and postural deformities, whereas Group II (n=11) included clinically healthy dogs. Clinical, radiographic, and biochemical assessments were performed, including cortical index, parathormone, osteocalcin, vitamin D3, calcium, and phosphorus measurements. Nutritional history revealed that Group I dogs were fed exclusively with "yal," a grain-based diet, likely leading to calcium deficiency and impaired skeletal development. Group II received abalanced diet including animal-based products and commercial feed. Clinical examinations indicated no pain in either group, but Group I showed abnormal posture and forelimb curvature. Radiographs revealed bone structural changes in Group I, while Group II maintained normal alignment. Biochemical tests demonstrated imbalances in Group I, particularly in vitamin D and phosphorus levels, and statistical analysis confirmed significant intergroup differences. These findings indicate that nutrition, vitamin D status, and calcium-phosphorus balance are key contributors to metabolic bone disorders in Malakli dogs. Proper nutritional regulation during early growth may help prevent rickets and other metabolic bone diseases in this breed.
This experiment investigated the effect of feeding levels with high micronutrients on the reproductive performance and plasma progesterone concentration in early gestation sows. Thirty-six first-parity sows (Landrace & times; Yorkshire & times; Duroc), with an initial average body weight of 160.85 kg, were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments during early gestation: Treatment 1) fed 1.5 kg/day (days 1-30), Treatment 2) fed 1.5 kg/day with 1.7 times the vitamins and minerals (total vitamin E 150 IU) (days 1-15) and fed 1.5 kg/day (days 16-30), Treatment 3) fed 1.5 kg/day with 1.7 times the vitamins and minerals (total vitamin E 150 IU) (days 1-30), and Treatment 4) fed 2.5 kg/day (days 1-30), with nine replicates per treatment. At day 30 of gestation, sows in Treatment 4 had the highest body weight, body condition score, and backfat thickness (P < 0.01). Treatment 4 had the highest litter size, but no difference between Treatments 2 and 3 (P > 0.05). Treatments 2 and 3 had a high litter size but lower stillborn and mummified piglets, which led to a higher number of weaned piglets than Treatments 1 and 4 (P < 0.05). Treatment 3 had the highest plasma progesterone concentration at 10 and 30 days of gestation (P > 0.05). In conclusion, low feed intake with 1.7 times the vitamins and minerals levels (treatments 2 and 3) in the early gestation stage increases litter size, similar to high feed intake that contains 1.7 times the vitamins and minerals (treatment 4). However, the plasma progesterone concentration showed no significant difference among the treatment groups.
Mycoplasma hyorhinis is a significant pathogen in swine, yet its fastidious nutritional requirements present challenges for in vitro cultivation. Conventional supplements like horse serum (HS) often suffer from batch variability and potential inhibitors. This study aimed to evaluate chicken serum (CS) and chicken egg yolk (CY) as novel alternatives to develop a reliable cultivation method for M. hyorhinis. Five clinical isolates were cultured for 10 days in a basal medium supplemented with CS or CY at 10%, 20%, or 30%, with 30% HS as the control. Growth was quantified daily using a Color Changing Unit (CCU) assay. CS supported robust growth across strains, with 10% CS outperforming the 30% HS control in most isolates. The 10% CS formulation consistently yielded the highest titers (7.0 Log10 CCU/mL) and area under the curve (AUC) values. Notably, increasing CS concentration led to slightly reduced growth. In contrast, CY was less effective, and 30% CY completely inhibited growth. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study evaluating both chicken serum and egg yolk as alternative supplements for M. hyorhinis cultivation, showing that 10% chicken serum is a superior and cost-effective alternative to horse serum, while egg yolk was not supportive under the tested conditions.
Conjunctivitis is a common ocular condition in domestic cats, often associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Accurate detection and resistance profiling are essential for appropriate therapy. This study aimed to characterize clinical features of feline conjunctivitis, identify S. aureus using phenotypic and genotypic methods, and assess its antibiotic susceptibility. Twenty conjunctivitis-suspected cats in Sleman, Indonesia, underwent clinical examination and conjunctival swabbing. Bacterial isolates were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar and identified by Gram stain, catalase, coagulase, biochemical tests, and PCR targeting 23S rRNA. Susceptibility to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin was tested by Kirby-Bauer. Predominant signs included excessive tearing (95%), hyperemia (85%), and inflammation (80%). Staphylococcusspp. was detected in 95% of samples; 75% were molecularly confirmed as S. aureus. All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin, while 52.63% showed intermediate resistance to amoxicillin. Staphylococcus aureus is a significant bacterial agent in feline conjunctivitis in Sleman, Indonesia. Combined phenotypic-genotypic identification and susceptibility testing are vital for targeted management.
This study investigates the impact of winter nighttime versus daytime milking on melatonin concentration in milk and explores its relationship with somatic cell count (SCC) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC). Milk samples were collected from 40 Holstein cows at 12-hour intervals (04:00 AM Night samples and 04:00 PM Day samples) during the winter season (11 h of light and 13 h of darkness). The relationship between melatonin content, SCC and DSCC was assessed. Night milk had significantly higher melatonin levels (15.63 +/- 1.90 pg/mL) compared to day milk (6.80 +/- 0.75 pg/mL). SCC was significantly lower in night milk compared to day milk. The percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) + lymphocytes (DSCC) was 66.54% in night milk and 63.36% in Day milk. The percentage of macrophages + epithelial cells was 33.46% in Night milk and 36.64% in Day milk. It has been shown that SCC are lower in Night milk compared to Day milk. This observation confirms a potential beneficial effect of melatonin on cow udder health and indicates that this effect occurs without modify the proportion of PMN + lymphocytes and macrophages + epithelial cells during Night milk and Day milk sampling.
