This study investigates the effects of storage time and pre-incubation warming duration on egg weight loss, hatchability, hatching synchrony, and chick quality. A total of 3000 eggs from Cobb 500 broiler breeder stock randomly devided into two storage times (4 and 10 days) and two pre-incubation warming durations (8 and 10 hours) at 25 degrees C. The study was conducted in a commercial hatchery with 5 replicate trays per subgroup. Results showed that neither storage time nor preincubation warming duration had a significant effect on hatchability, embryonic mortality, or chick quality metrics, except for a slight improvement in the Pasgar score with a longer prewarming duration. A key finding was the significantly improved hatching synchronization and reduced average hatching time, in eggs stored for 10 days with a 10-hour prewarming duration.which reflected by significant interaction between storage time and prewarming duration.These results confirmed that extended storage increases egg weight loss, the preincubation warming duration of 10 hours may promote to improving hatching outcomes in commercial conditions.
Intervertebral disc fenestration is a surgical procedure performed in neurosurgery for several decades, specifically in management of Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation (TIVDH). During this procedure a window is created in the annulus fibrosus and evacuation of the nucleus pulposus is attempted in order to eliminate the possibility of degenerative material extrusion into the spinal canal. This is a process which mainly occurs in chondrodystrophoid dog breeds that suffer from Hansen Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease. The idea of fenestration initially appealed to many surgeons and it was even used as monotherapy in TIVDH patients. However, the development of diagnostic imaging demonstrated the need for a more substantial decompressive intervention (e.g., hemilaminectomy or mini-hemilaminectomy) at the exact site of disc herniation, especially in severe cases with significant neurological deficits. One of the most challenging issues in the management of TIVDH is not only the effectiveness of the initial surgical or conservative treatment, but also the prevention of early and late recurrence episodes. The role of prophylactic fenestration remains a very controversial issue among specialists today. Many of them support the view that, in combination with decompressive surgery, the extruded disc and/or the immediately adjacent or even more distant discs should be fenestrated to avoid future extrusions and clinical relapses. A number of authors have conducted studies in order to assess follow up outcomes and clinical parameters after surgical decompression with or without fenestration. The goal was to determine whether or not fenestration can be considered as valid preventive measure. It is difficult however, to objectively evaluate these data due to variability among patients (breed, sex, age, neurological stage), differences in surgical techniques performed and limited follow-up periods. Older data suggested that recurrence rate was lower after fenestration of degenerative discs. Today, taking into account the results of more robust studies and meta-analyses, the fact that prophylactic fenestration reduces the rate of recurrences is strongly questioned. Possible postsurgical complications after fenestration are either iatrogenic or associated with spinal instability caused by alterations of supportive structures. Nevertheless, the frequency of such complications seems to be low in clinical practice.
The Middle East has a wide range of diversity and is distributed in this region with variable prevalence. Despite their critical importance, sufficient data to describe these breeds in this region are currently unavailable, and direct comparisons among them have not been made yet. The primary recognized Middle Eastern breeds were meticulously illustrated for each of the major Middle Eastern countries, along with a description of each breed's traits. Subsequently, two broad categories of growth and reproductive traits were taken using the available literature to compare among these breeds. To measure growth traits, readings of average body weights were recorded at birth and continued for three-month intervals until reaching maturity. Concerning reproductive traits, fertility, twinning, lambing, and survival rates were recorded. It is found that Turkey and Iran showed respectively the highest number of ovine biological diversity of sheep. This number is drastically reduced in other regions in the Middle East to include three breeds in Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Comparisons showed among breeds that the Assaf breed exerted the highest average body weight among all other breeds at the ages of birth. Again, Assaf breed showed the highest values of litter size, lambing rates, and prolificacy potentials. Red Karaman showed the highest fertility rates, while Bafra breed exerted the highest levels of twinning rates and prolificacy. In conclusion, Assaf breed stood out with the highest average body weight indices, demonstrating superior reproductive traits. Other Middle Eastern breeds, such as Bafra, red Karaman, and Hamdani, exhibited excellence in specific reproductive parameters, including twinning, fertility, and survival rates. This is the first comprehensive comparison that is conducted among the Middle East sheep to provide an insight into their unique characteristics, contributing to a better understanding of their potential for growth and reproductive success.
Microorganisms are widely found in nature, mostly in soil and water. For ruminant animals, microorganisms make up a high percentage of their rumen. In recent years, the inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to a gradual increase in the resistance of bacteria commonly found in the bovine digestive tract which can be transmitted between humans, animals, and the environment. With the rapid development of molecular biology technology, Metagenomics technology can be more efficient, fast, and accurate in detecting resistance genes in samples and discovering novel resistance genes, making the study of bovine bacterial resistance more convenient and thorough. This paper mainly reviews bacterial resistance in cattle and the application of Metagenomics technology in this study. It intends to provide a theoretical reference for understanding the clinical application of metagenomics in bovine production to slow the emergence of bacterial resistance.
The urgent need for new classes of anti-inflammatory drugs to overcome the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant infections in human and veterinary medicine, together with a review of the most important chemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic properties as well as the side effects of carprofen in dogs in previous research, formed the basis of the review in which it was conducted and presented in this article, as previous research confirmed the effectiveness of carprofen in treating pathological conditions related to acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Relatively speaking, the side effects of this drug were somewhat less than those of other drugs within the same family; therefore, we conclude that it can be used in dogs. Thus, it has a relatively high degree of safety.
To assess the effect of different levels of soybean oil (SO: 1, 2%) and different types of pellet binders (sodium bentonite (SB), calcium lignosulfonate (Ca-Ls), and plant compounds (PC) on the pellet quality, performance and jejunum morphology, 480 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) with an initial weight of 44.89 +/- 1.36 g were assigned to eight treatments with five replicates based on the completely randomized design. Treatments included: 1) 1% SO+1% SB (1-SB), 2) 1% SO+0.5 % Ca-Ls (1-Ca-Ls), 3) 1% SO+0.5% PC (1-PC), 4) 1% SO+ no pellet binder (1-None), 5) 2% SO+1% SB (2-SB), 6) 2% SO+0.5% Ca-Ls (2-Ca-Ls), 7) 2% SO+0.5% PC (2-PC), 8) 2% SO+ no pellet binder (2-None). The results showed that in the starter diet, 1-PC group had the most pellet durability index (PDI) (P<0.05). The PDI of the grower diets containing SB and PC was higher than others (P<0.05). The highest pellet hardness was observed in groups 1-SB, 1-PC, 2-SB, and 2-PC for starter diet (P<0.05). The pellet hardness in finisher diets containing SB and PC was higher (P<0.05). During the starter phase, the best feed conversion ratio was obtained in 1-SB (P<0.05). During the finisher phase, the lowest and highest daily feed intake was observed in groups 2-PC and 1-SB, respectively. During the finisher phase the most daily body weight gain was observed in SB group (P < 0.05). Sodium bentonite increased the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth (CD) ratio (P < 0.05). In general, diets with PC and SB had the highest PDI, and although the pellet quality improved, the presence of PC decreased the amount of feed the birds consumed during the finisher period. Additionally, SB enhanced a few intestinal metrics.
This research was conducted to determine the microbiological changes that occur during storage (zeroth, 7(th), 14(th), 21(st) and 28(th) days) in kefirs with pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juicy produced from cow's milk at different concentrations (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%). Sterile cow's milk, kefir grains, and Zivzik pomegranate juice were used in production. The highest total aerobic mesophilic microorganism (TAMM) count (9.00 +/- 0.35 log(10) CFU/mL) was determined in sample at 50% concentration on the 14(th) day of storage. In the last stages of storage, TAMM counts decreased at all concentrations due to the inhibitory effect of pomegranate juice on microorganisms. The count of coliform group microorganism determined at 3 log(10) CFU/mL levels in all concentrations also partially decreased during storage and Escherichia coli wasn't encountered in samples. However, the count of Lactobacillus spp. increased due to increasing pomegranate juice concentrations and improved fermentation. A statistically significant relationship (p<0.01) was observed between Lactobacillus spp. and coliforms determined in kefir samples. As the storage time was prolonged, fermentation effect was prominently seen in kefirs with pomegranate juicy and a significant relationship (p<0.01) was determined between yeast and mold count and pomegranate juice concentrations. As a result, it was observed that high concentrations of pomegranate juice in kefirs created an inhibitor effect on microorganisms in a generally. The fact that kefirs with pomegranate juicy comply with the criteria indicated in the legislations in terms of E. coli shows that the consumption of these products during storage won't pose any risk to public health. It is thought that individuals who have digestive system problems due to the count of Lactobacillus spp. detected above the level specified in the legislations and increasing during storage can easily use these products containing probiotics. Mold was only prominently reproduced in samples towards the end of the storage, and coliforms, which were thought to have originated from kefir grains used in production, were determined. When quality and hygienic materials are used in production, kefirs with pomegranate juicy that comply with standards and have a shelf life of 21 days' can be produced. Considering the taste and antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice, it is thought that kefirs with pomegranate juicy produced at hygienic conditions can be effective in healthy nutrition and these innovative products can contribute to economic development.
The aim of this study was to investigate if propofol requirements for induction of anaesthesia are lower in paediatric and geriatric dogs and cats than in adults. Based on 5-year retrospective data, 3,266 dogs’ and 606 cats’ anaesthetic records were included in the study. Animals induced with propofol were grouped according to premedication and age. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test revealed non-parametric data, while a Kruskal-Wallis and a Mann-Whitney test were used for comparisons. Paediatric and geriatric animals required significantly different propofol doses compared to adults. Premedication type and indication for anaesthesia also influenced propofol dose requirements. According to our study neonatal and paediatric dogs and cats require a higher dose of propofol for induction of anaesthesia when compared to adults and geriatrics, while geriatric patients require a lower dose compared to other groups. This finding comes in contrast to suggestions in veterinary literature that paediatric patients require a lower dose of propofol compared to adult animals. When propofol is used as a sole agent for induction of anaesthesia, patient age can affect the total amount of drug used.
Patellar luxation alters the alignment of the stifle joint and predisposes affected stifles to articular and peri-articular changes that may progress to secondary osteoarthritis. This study documented the radiographic and intra-operative macroscopic alterations in 14 stifle joints of dogs with Grades 2-4 patellar luxation and evaluated the prognostic value of radiographic scoring in relation to postoperative functional outcomes. Radiographic lesions were scored at ten predetermined points, and a scoring system was used to determine the correlation between luxation grade and radiographic lesions. The prevalence of articular cartilage erosions in different subdivisions was recorded. Functional outcomes were graded postoperatively and correlated with preoperative radiographic severity using Spearman rank correlation. Radiographically, distal patella was the most common site of osteophytosis or lytic change (86%), and pseudo- or flat trochlear grooves were frequently observed in higher luxation grades. Intra-operatively, articular cartilage erosions were present in 57% of stifles, most often affecting the distal patella and lateral trochlear surfaces. Radiographic scores increased significantly with luxation grade (ANOVA, p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation was detected between radiographic severity and functional recovery (rho = -0.73, p = 0.003), indicating that higher preoperative radiographic scores predicted poorer postoperative outcomes. These findings support the use of radiographic scoring as an objective prognostic indicator to guide clinical decision-making, case management, and client counselling in dogs with patellar luxation.
The aim was to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular damage and sepsis in calves infected with Cryptosporidium spp. and to evaluate the effectiveness of cTnI and NT-proBNP as biomarkers. 21 calves were selected from 133 calves under the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Diarrheic calves with (n=7) and without sepsis (n=7) all affected by Cryptosporidium spp., and clinically healthy calves (n=7) were studied. The diagnostic efficacies of NT-proBNP and cTnI concentrations were evaluated across three groups. cTnI concentration exhibited significant differences among all the groups (p<0.001), with the highest level observed in the Sepsis group (256.13 +/- 88.23 pg/mL). The serum NT-proBNP concentration was highest in the sepsis group (162.12 +/- 117.52 pg/mL). A statistically significant difference was observed between the sepsis and healthy groups (25.58 +/- 13.24 pg/mL), as well as between the non-sepsis (112.39 +/- 54.99 pg/mL) and healthy groups. These findings suggest the possibility of cardiovascular disorders in neonatal diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium spp., even without sepsis, indicating that the parasite may contribute to systemic effects. Cardiac assessment should be considered during diagnosis and treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea, even in the absence of sepsis.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of mesquite fruit powder (Prosopis farcta) on performance indicators, carcass characteristics, immune system, biochemical parameters and blood antioxidant status in broiler chickens. First, the analysis of the constituent components was performed in the laboratory. Totally, 160 broiler chickens of the Ross 308 strain were studied in a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments including basal diet (control) and diets containing 1, 2 and 3% mesquite powder. Each treatment consisted of four replications and each replication consisted of 10 birds. The 42-day rearing period was divided into three starter, grower and finisher periods under standard management and appropriate to the welfare of the flock. The results of this study showed that the addition of mesquite powder did not have any negative effects on feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the rearing period. Results of blood parameters, significant decrease in blood glucose concentration and significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were obtained in the mesquite-fed treatments (P<0.01). Also, liver enzyme activity was linearly and significantly decreased (P=0.01). Although carcass weight and internal organs were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments, numerical improvements in carcass quality traits including breast and thigh weight were evident in the mesquite-fed treatments. On the other hand, no significant effect was observed on immune responses including antibody titer against SRBC and the weight of immune organs including spleen, bursa of Fabricius and pancreas. Overall, the findings of this study showed that the use of mesquite powder up to 3% in the diet of broiler chickens can lead to non-significant improvement in growth performance, lipid profile modification and blood antioxidant status, without adverse effects on general health, immune responses and carcass quality of birds. These results indicate the potential of mesquite as a natural and safe additive in broiler poultry nutrition.
Fungal and parasitic infections pose significant health risks to avian populations, particularly under conditions of immunosuppression or poor husbandry. This study investigated the prevalence of Candida albicans, Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, and Giardia spp. in 756 birds referred to the Aban Veterinary Clinic over a two-year period (2023-2025). Fecal samples were analyzed via wet-mount microscopy, Gram staining, and clinical assessment to classify infections as mild, moderate, or severe. Results indicated C. albicans as the most prevalent pathogen (20.3% positivity), with severe cases concentrated in cockatiels and mynahs. M. ornithogaster infections were rarer (5% positivity), though an unusual predominance of intermediate cases in canaries suggested potential host-specific susceptibility. Giardiasis was detected in 40.6% of samples, primarily as mild infections (23.1%), with severe manifestations being rare (1.1%). Species-specific disparities were evident, with African grey parrots, pigeons, and finches showing no infections, while cockatiels and mynahs exhibited heightened vulnerability. These findings underscore the role of species-specific factors, immune status, and husbandry practices in disease manifestation. The study highlights the need for targeted surveillance in high-risk species and further investigation into atypical presentations, such as M. ornithogaster in canaries. Improved diagnostic protocols and management strategies are essential to mitigate these infections in avian populations.
Nosema disease, caused by microsporidian fungi of the genus Nosema, poses a significant threat to honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations worldwide. This study calculated the prevalence of Nosema species in honey bee colonies in the Attica region of Greece and assessed the impact of various management practices on infection rates. A survey was conducted in 33 apiaries in the Attica region during the spring of 2022. A total of 130 colonies were sampled and analyzed using species-specific multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene to detect Nosema species. A questionnaire was administered to beekeepers to gather data covering apiary characteristics, hive type, management practices, and clinical observations of nosemosis symptoms. The results revealed a high prevalence (69.2%) of Nosema ceranae in the sampled colonies, while Nosema apis or co-infection with both species was not detected. The absence of N. apis aligns with similar findings across Southern Europe, where N. ceranae has largely displaced the formerly dominant N.apis. Statistical analysis identified significant associations between N. ceranae prevalence and certain management factors. Colonies in migratory apiaries had significantly higher infection rates compared to stationary ones. Additionally, hives with screened bottom boards were less frequently infected than those with solid boards, suggesting a potential protective effect through enhanced ventilation and hygiene. Beekeeper occupation was also linked to infection risk: professional beekeepers' colonies exhibited a significantly higher prevalence than those of sideline and hobbyist beekeepers. Notably, the study found poor agreement between beekeeper-reported symptoms and laboratory-confirmed infections (Kappa = 0.046), indicating that reliance on visual signs alone is insufficient for accurate diagnosis of N. ceranae. This highlights the need for routine molecular diagnostics in colony health management. Overall, this study provides data on N. ceranae prevalence in Attica, Greece, for the first time and underscores the role of management practices in disease transmission. The findings emphasize the need for improved diagnostic awareness and targeted health strategies to mitigate the spread and impact of N. ceranae in Greek apiculture.
The mineral status of newborn calves, including chromium (Cr), is critical for early growth, stress mitigation, and overall health. Consequently, it is essential to supply minerals at sufficient levels to suckling calves. In order to evaluate of the effect of feeding milk enriched of inorganic, organic and chromium nanoparticles supplements on performance, blood minerals, biochemical, antioxidant and hormonal of Holstein suckling calves under heat stress, 32 calves with an average weight of 37 +/- 3 kg in a complete design were randomly selected with eight replications and four treatments. Experimental treatments included milk without chromium supplement (control), milk containing 3 mg of chromium in mineral form per day, milk containing 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium-methionine per day, and milk containing 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium nanoparticles per day. The results showed that milk enrichment with chromium nanoparticles increased the final weight, daily weight gain, and dry matter intake. Treatments receiving all three forms of chromium showed higher chromium, insulin, glucose, SOD, triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels in blood than control group. However, cortisol, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level of blood in calves consuming different forms of chromium decreased compared to the control group. In general, the use of chromium, especially in the form of chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles, is recommended for calves affected by heat stress.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of elderberry (Sambucus ebulus) feeding on performance, carcass characteristics, biochemical and antioxidant blood parameters, immune system, sensory and taste traits and fatty acid profile of meat in broiler chickens. Biological experiments were planned in a completely randomized design including three treatments of 0, 0.5 and 1% elderberry (Sambucus ebulus) fruit powder with 5 replications and 10 birds per replication. In total, 150 broiler chickens of the Ross 308 strain were fed corn and soybean meal-based diets during three periods: starter (1-11 d), grower (12-21 d) and finisher (22-42 d). The performance results showed that in the finisher period (22 to 42 d) a significant difference was observed for body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR), so that for body weight in this period, the best performance was related to the 0.5% elderberry treatment (P<0.05). Also, the worst (highest) FCR was observed for the group fed with the 1% elderberry group, which was significantly higher in terms of quantity than the control and 0.5% elderberry groups (P<0.05). In addition, performance in the entire period (age 1 to 42 d) also showed a significant difference between FCR in the 1% elderberry group (1.616) versus the control treatment (1.583) and the 0.5% elderberry treatment (1.577) (P<0.05), and the linear equation for this trait was also significant (y = 0.033x + 1.5755 with a coefficient of determination of 0.62 and a significance level of 0.037). In addition, the results of blood biochemical parameters for the traits glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), atherogenic index, uric acid, albumin, total protein, iron, calcium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) showed significant differences (improving trend) among the experimental treatments (P<0.01). Also, in all traits (except blood triglycerides, phosphorus and uric acid) a significant difference was observed between the control group compared to the effects of contrast with elderberry (zero group compared to two levels of 0.5 and 1% elderberry) and also for all mentioned blood traits except blood triglycerides, phosphorus and uric acid, there were significant linear equations between the effects of the treatments. Overall, the results showed that dietary supplementation with elderberry has a positive and promising role on blood biochemical parameters and immunity and in improving the health of chickens as well as maintaining product quality, but in choosing high levels of intake with the source, bird performance must be managed.
In recent periods, infectious bursal disease (IBD) has re-emerged with virulent strains, resulting in significant losses to the economy of Pakistan. IBD is caused by a virus of the genus Avibirna, leading to severe immune suppression and other secondary infections. A total of 110 broiler chickens with a history of IBD infection were selected from poultry diagnostic laboratories in Faisalabad, Multan, Arif Wala, Lahore, and from private farms in Gojra and Bahawalnagar in the Punjab region of Pakistan. After the necropsy, the samples were processed for histopathology, and only selected positive samples from histopathology were processed for molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis. According to our findings, the bursa of Fabricius during the necropsy was edematous, hemorrhagic, and enlarged in size, along with hemorrhages on the pectoral muscles and the gizzard and proventriculus junction. The histopathological examinations of 20 samples revealed that the virus severely affected the bursa as there were atrophic, necrotic changes, increased interfollicular spaces, and replacement of fibrous cells. Then, 13 samples were confirmed through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by amplifying the hypervariable region of the VP2 (HVR-VP2). The samples were sequenced to analyze the nucleotide sequence of the IBD virus (IBDV), referring to "UVAS-01" as a predominant, virulent strain from the samples obtained from the backyard poultry. The obtained data from the sequence were analyzed with the reported strains of Pakistan and other parts of the world. The similarity index for "UVAS-1" was 98-100% with the reported very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) strains in Pakistan, while the identity index was 92-100% with the very virulent strains prevalent in other regions of the globe. Using phylogenetic trees, the first vvIBD V strain was identified in the southeastern part of Punjab, Pakistan, in backyard poultry. Further work is required to study the reassortment in local strains for the emergence of vvIBD in indigenous breed farming.
This study examined the effects of dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and inflammatory responses of chicks. Three hundred 1-d-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to fifteen pens containing 20 chicks each, which was subjected to one of three dietary treatments supplemented with different levels of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) at levels of (control, 0, 6 and 9 g/ kg). On day 42, 2 birds per cage were weighed and euthanized, and samples were collected. Dietary GAA in 6 and 9 g/kg supplementation reduced feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) than broilers in the control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity, and creatinine & urea levels showed a marked significant (P<0.05) increase in 6 and 9 g/kg groups supplemented groups compared to the control group. Also, high levels of GAA significantly reduced serum Nitric oxide levels without affecting cholesterol and triglyceride. Malondialdehyde (MDA) markedly increased along with a significant decrease of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and in serum and liver, and catalase (CAT) in serum in both 6 and 9g/kg groups compared to control group. None of the serum and liver inflammatory parameters were affected by high levels of GAA. In conclusion, high levels of dietary GAA supplementation induced oxidative stress in broiler chickens, as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant function, while no significant inflammatory responses were observed. Therefore, the reduction in growth performance associated with high GAA levels is likely attributed to oxidative stress rather than inflammation.
Obesity in cats is associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, driven by an acute-phase response from adipose tissue. In addition to increasing disease risk, obesity also reduces lifespan. This study aimed, for the first time, to evaluate visfatin concentrations in clinically healthy obese and non-obese cats, assess its relationship with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and selected biochemical parameters, and explore their utility as early biomarkers of obesity-related changes. A total of 194 cats presented for routine health checks and vaccinations were screened; after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 were assigned to the Obese group and 20 to the Control group. All cats underwent physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry analysis, and measurements of serum CRP and visfatin concentrations. Body condition score (BCS) and body weight were significantly higher in the Obese group (p<0.0001). While CBC values remained within reference interval, monocyte (p<0.027) and red cell distribution width (RDW) (p<0.0001) levels were significantly increased in obese cats. Although serum biochemistry parameters were within reference interval, the Obese group had significantly higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p<0.012) and total bilirubin (TBIL) (p<0.0001), and lower alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations (p<0.035). Serum CRP (p<0.0001) and visfatin (p<0.001) concentrations were also markedly increased in obese cats. Diagnostic evaluation indicated that monocyte count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) had acceptable value, RDW, BUN, and visfatin had excellent value, and CRP and TBIL demonstrated outstanding diagnostic utility for identifying subclinical inflammation. In conclusion, the findings highlight the persistence of chronic low-grade inflammation in obese cats, even in the absence of clinical signs. Routine monitoring of CRP and visfatin, along with dietary and behavioral interventions, may be crucial for early detection and management of obesity and its related comorbidities in at-risk cats.
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that can infest various hosts and transmit various tick-borne pathogens. There have been no comprehensive studies on ticks infesting equines in Sindh province, Pakistan. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence, seasonal distribution, and diversity of ticks infesting equines (donkeys, mules, and horses) in the Sindh province, Pakistan. A total of 403 equines were examined for tick infestation, and a total of 152 ticks were collected from May 2023 to May 2024. The prevalence of ticks among equines was 37.5% (151/403). Equines in rural areas had higher (37.9%) tick infestation than urban (30.4%). Female equines (donkeys and horses) had a bit higher (40.8%%) infestation rate followed by males (39.9%) (donkey and horse) and mules showed no infestation. Infestation rates stratified by age group indicated that equines aged 6-10 years exhibited the highest prevalence (47.4%), followed by those aged 1-6 years (32.5%), 11-15 years (30.4%), and 16-20 years (30.0%). Horses showed the highest (64.5%) tick infestation rate, followed by donkeys (35.6%) and mules did not experience any tick infestation. Equines of brown color had the highest (43%) infestation rate. Equines that were not treated with acaricides had a higher (40%) infestation rate than acaricide-treated equines. The common preferred attachment sites for tick infestation were ears (14.6%) and thighs (14%). Female ticks were the most prevalent (17.4%), followed by males (15.4%) and nymphs (4.7%). Three tick genera including Hyalomma (31.5%), Rhipicephalus (3.7%), and Haemaphysalis (2.5%) were identified in the current study. Hyalomma dromedarii had the highest (15.9%) infestation rate followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (11.2%), Hyalomma scupense (4.2%), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (2.7%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (2.5%), Rhipicephalus microplus (1.0%), and Hyalomma isaacii (0.2%). Two species including Hy. isaacii and Ha. bispinosa were reported for the first time infesting donkeys in Sindh province, Pakistan. The highest infestation rate was observed in summer months from June to August, while seasonally, Summer (June-August) had the highest (54.5%) tick infestation rate followed by spring (March-May) (45.8%), autumn (September-November) (36%) and winter (December-February) (12%). Tick management in these areas should involve breed-specific studies, vaccination programs, seasonal control measures, and veterinary infrastructure development.
This study examines the seasonal effects of climatic variables on fungal biodiversity in the indoor air of cattle barns in Turkiye. Over 12 months, air samples were collected twice a month from 10 cattle barns, resulting in isolating 72 fungal species from 18 genera by using air sampler for isolation and MALDI-TOF MS identification techniques. Dominant genera such as Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were detected throughout the year, underlining their continuous presence. Seasonal variability is evident, with Cladosporium andAlternaria in high amount in warmer months, while Penicillium is more prevalent in colder months. Environmental variables, including temperature and humidity, strongly correlated with fungal concentrations, and ideal ranges were identified for the major species. These findings highlight the health hazards of airborne fungal spores to cattle and barn workers and focus on the need for improved air quality management techniques in livestock facilities. The study constitutes a fundamental understanding of fungal distribution and environmental interactions and calls for further in-depth research to mitigate health hazards and improve barn air quality.
