Pulmonary and gastrointestinal parasitic infections represent a significant impediment to profitable livestock production, resulting in substantial economic losses. In Iraqi buffaloes, many parasites are rarely investigated with neglected of phylogenetic data. The aims of study to investigate the prevalence rates of pulmonary (D. viviparus) and gastrointestinal (F. gigantica, F. hepatica and S. papillosus) parasites using the molecular diagnostic assay (PCR) with phylogenetic analysis of local isolates for documentation and indication its identity to the global NCBI isolates/strains. A total of 530 buffaloes of various ages and sexes were selected randomly from different rural areas in Wasit province, and subjected to sampling the nasal and fecal swabs to be tested molecularly by the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, a number of positive PCR products for each parasite were sequenced, submitted in the NCBI-GenBank database, and analysed phylogenetically using the MEGA-11 software. Our findings revealed that the prevalence rates of D. viviparus, F. gigantica, F. hepatica, and S. papillosus were 8.11%, 3.96%, 7.17%, and 14.34, respectively. Epidemiological data shown that D. viviparus and F. hepatica were more prevalent in buffaloes of 1-5 and >5 (11.01% and 8.72%, respectively) years than those aged <1 year. However, data of F. gigantica and S. papillosus were differed insignificantly among all age groups (<1, 1-5, and >5 years) of study buffaloes. For sex, distribution of D. viviparus, F. gigantica, and F. hepatica were differed insignificantly between females and males, while prevalence of S. papillosus was significantly higher in both males than females. Additionally, prevalence of S. papillosus was significantly higher both females and males, when compared to other study. Phylogenetic data indicated that D. viviparus, F. gigantica, F. hepatica, and S. papillosus isolates were closely related to the NCBI-BLAST Romanian (ID:PP808495.1), Iranian isolate (ID:JN828955.1), Turkish (ID:FJ459806.1), and Chinese (ID:KX138391.1) isolates. This might represent the first Iraqi study demonstrates molecularly the occurrence of D. viviparus and S. papillosus in buffaloes, and phylogenetic identity to global isolates suggesting the need for furthermore studies.
Antimicrobial resistance in poultry is a major global health concern. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry production contributes to increased bacterial resistance and the production of broad-spectrum beta-lactamase enzymes, posing a risk to human and animal health. Enteric bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, are among the most important of these bacteria. Therefore, this study aimed to identify beta-lactamase-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from poultry farms in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq. Furthermore, innate immune responses and pathogenicity were assessed using a mouse infection model. Sixty cloacal swabs were collected from a poultry farm. The isolates were identified using selective culture media , biochemical assays, and the VITEK 2 system, and their antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disc diffusion method. In addition, a multidrug-resistant ESBLs-producing isolate was used in a mouse infection model to determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀). TLR2 and TLR4 levels were measured using an ELISA assay to assess innate immune responses , and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and spleen organs were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HandE) staining. Twenty-three isolates (38.3%) were confirmed as Klebsiella pneumoniae in phenotypic ESB. All isolates exhibited complete (100%) resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftazidime, and cephalexin and moderate resistance was observed to aztreonam (56.5%) and streptomycin (47.8%) , indicating the presence of multidrug-resistant strains. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was recorded at 3.1 × 10⁷ CFU/ml. The TLR2 and TLR4 levels through 14 days were significantly elevated throughout the infection period, indicating continued activation of the innate immune response. Furthermore, Histopathological examination revealed necrotic lesions and severe inflammation in the liver, kidneys, and spleen. Current findings indicate that poultry farms may serve as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae, producing wide-type beta-lactamases is mainly linked with antibiotic misuse on farms. The findings of this study indicate the necessity to work further to enhance the adherence of antibiotic usage and biosecurity practices, and to emphasize the One Health concept in the poultry sector in Iraq.
Listeria monocytogenes is a main foodborne zoonotic pathogen responsible for severe infections in both animals and humans. This study aimed to isolate and characterize L. monocytogenes from clinically affected small ruminants in Salah Aldeen Province, Iraq, and evaluate its molecular and phylogenetic relatedness to global strains. A total of 500 samples, including gallbladder swabs, mastitis samples, neurological lesions, and abortion samples, were collected from goats and sheep. Isolation was carried out via selective enrichment in Half-Fraser and Fraser broth followed by plating on HiCrome™ Listeria Ottaviani–Agosti Agar. A total of 22 isolates (4.4%) were recovered exclusively from encephalitis, abortion, and mastitis patients. Gram staining revealed short gram-positive rods with characteristic morphology. Automated biochemical identification via VITEK-2 confirmed the isolates as L. monocytogenes with a 97% probability. Molecular analysis demonstrated successful amplification of the 16S rRNA, hlyA, and inlA genes in all the isolates, confirming their virulence potential. Partial 16S sequencing and BLAST analysis revealed 95–96% identity with the Nigerian strain MG670095.1. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction further revealed minimal genetic variation among Iraqi isolates, clustering them as a single conserved genotype with a closer relationship to Nigerian strains than to Chinese and Indian isolates. These findings confirm the circulation of pathogenic L. monocytogenes in local dairy-producing small ruminants and highlight a potential zoonotic threat through raw milk consumption. Continued molecular surveillance and improved biosecurity measures are needed to protect animal health and minimize foodborne transmission risks.
Abstract Background The efficacy of replacing conventional dicalcium phosphate (DCP) with nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA), with or without phytase, in the diets of broiler chickens was investigated over a 35-day feeding period. Methods A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (as hatch) were randomly allocated into four different dietary groups, each with five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). The control (CON) group was fed the basal diet only, whereas two treatment groups were fed diets containing 0.1% NHA (NHA 0.1%) or 0.2% NHA (NHA 0.2%) without DCP or phytase. A fourth group (Phy + NHA 0.1%) was fed 0.1% NHA combined with phytase 5000 FTU/g (0.01%), also without DCP. Growth performance, carcass traits, tibia mineralization, mineral excretion, and blood biochemical indices were evaluated. Results Dietary supplementation of 0.1% NHA with 0.01% phytase 5G showed significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) compared to other groups. Moreover, tibia Ca and P % were maintained (p > 0.05) as a ratio of 2:1 among all groups, indicating that NHA could improve Ca and P bioavailability in bone. However, Ca (p = 0.002) and P (p = 0.003) excretion were significantly reduced in all NHA-fed groups compared with the control. Serum calcium concentration increased (p = 0.009) in birds receiving NHA diets, while the combination of 0.1% NHA with 0.01% phytase 5G resulted in the greatest enhancement of serum phosphorus (p = 0.001) compared with the NHA-only groups. Conclusion Conclusively, replacing DCP with 0.1% NHA, particularly when supplemented with phytase, enhanced growth performance, improved feed efficiency, and increased P utilization while preserving bone mineralization in broiler chickens. These findings support NHA as a promising alternative mineral source in poultry nutrition.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a highly versatile and dangerous bacterium responsible for considerable economic losses. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial efficacy of amygdalin, compared with cefquinome, in reducing inflammatory responses in E. coli–infected rabbits. In addition, the effects of amygdalin on tissue chemical quality and cefquinome residues were assessed, along with the impact of boiling, roasting, and freezing on cefquinome residue levels in cefquinome-treated, E. coli–infected rabbits. In vitro, E. coli was identified and isolated, exhibiting sensitivity to cefquinome with varying responses to other antibiotics. 100 experimental rabbits were randomised into groups as follows: group 1 (control negative), group 2 (E. coli infected, untreated), group 3 (E. coli infected + cefquinome), group 4 (E. coli infected + cefquinome+ amygdalin), and group 5 (E. coli infected + amygdalin). Amygdaline supplementation, whether used alone or with cefquinome, enhances antioxidant enzymes and mitigates hepatorenal dysfunction. Amygalin and cefquinome combination elevates lysozyme concentration and interleukin 6 (IL6) expression, decreases nitric oxide levels, preserves protein integrity, and normalizes total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid, and pH levels. Additionally, amygalin reduced cefquinome residues in rabbit tissue, ensuring safety for slaughter at least 7 days after the last dose of cefquinome compared to 9 days after cefquinome alone. Boiling rabbit tissues was the most effective method for reducing cefquinome residues to levels safe for human consumption, surpassing both roasting and freezing. In particular, virulent resistant gens of E coli isolate (mphA, blaTEM, hlyF, and ompA) were detected in liver tissue. The study indicates that either cefquinome or amygdalin can mitigate the inflammatory consequences of E. coli. Nonetheless, the synergistic application provides enhanced and prolonged anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory advantages. Consequently, amygdalin may be endorsed together cefquinome to enhance the safety and quality of rabbit tissues. Also, Boiling is recommended for significantly diminished cefquinome residues.
The present study investigated the effectiveness of lysozyme and lycopene as natural preservatives for enhancing the physicochemical and microbiological quality of local beef burger samples during frozen and chilled storage. Beef burgers were formulated with lysozyme (0.1, 0.5, and 1 g) and lycopene (0.5%, 1.5%, and 3%), while untreated samples served as control groups. Quality attributes were evaluated periodically through measurement of pH, Thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), total volatile nitrogen (TVN), aerobic plate count (APC), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. All quality parameters showed significant deterioration (P < 0.05) with increasing storage time, particularly under chilled conditions. Control samples exhibited rapid increases in pH, TBA, TVN, and microbial counts, exceeding acceptable limits at early storage periods. In contrast, lysozyme- and lycopene-treated samples demonstrated significantly lower physicochemical and microbiological values throughout storage. Lysozyme exerted pronounced antimicrobial activity, effectively reducing aerobic bacterial count, E. coli, and S. aureus counts, with the highest inhibitory effect observed at 1 g. Lycopene significantly delayed lipid oxidation and microbial growth, with 3% lycopene providing the greatest protective effect. Frozen storage was more effective than chilled storage in preserving product quality; however, the addition of lysozyme or lycopene markedly extended shelf life under both storage conditions. These findings indicate that lysozyme and lycopene represent effective natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives for improving the quality and safety of beef burger products.
This study was conducted to examine the retinal effects of intravitreal potassium iodide in a rabbit model and to determine the extent of subsequent functional impairment and structural damage over a defined follow-up period. Twelve adult male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups. The sham group (GI) received an intravitreal injection of distilled water, while group II (GII) served as the treated group and received intravitreal potassium iodide (KI). Retinal structure and function were assessed at baseline and during follow-up at weeks 2, 4, and 6 by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG). Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA. Histopathological examination was conducted at the end of the experimental period. Rabbits exposed to intravitreal KI showed a progressive decline in ERG responses over time, accompanied by structural retinal damage in which OCT imaging revealed a marked reduction in overall retinal thickness. These findings were supported by histopathological examination and by statistical analysis demonstrating a significant structural and functional decline compared with the sham group. The findings show that intravitreal potassium iodide induces progressive neuroretinal degeneration in rabbits, characterized by functional loss and structural atrophy of the retina. This model is useful for studying iodide-induced retinal neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative changes in vivo.
Brucellosis remains a persistent global health threat. While the live attenuated Rev-1 vaccine is effective, it is associated with safety concerns, including residual virulence and interference with diagnostic tests. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenic potential and safety profile of a sonicated Brucella melitensis Whole Antigen (WA) compared with its derived subunit fractions (Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] and Protein) and the standard live vaccine. A virulent B. melitensis isolate was confirmed via Vitek-2 Compact System (99% probability). Forty-eight male Wistar rats (200-250g) were randomised into six groups (n=8 each): Negative Control, Protein Antigen, LPS Antigen, Whole Antigen (WA), Pathogenic Group (infected with virulent B. melitensis), and Vaccine Group (Rev-1). All antigens were standardised to 3 mg/mL protein concentration using the Bradford assay before immunisation. Blood samples were collected at days 1, 2, 7, and 14 post-primary immunisation, and at the same intervals after booster injection. Humoral (IgG, IgM) and cellular (IFN-γ, TLR2, TLR4) immune responses were quantified by ELISA. The Whole Antigen group elicited a superior and balanced immune response. At 14 days post-booster, the WA group maintained the highest IgG levels (11.16 ± 1.0 μg/mL), significantly outperforming the Vaccine group (7.41 ± 0.6, P<0.001). Critically, with respect to safety, although the Vaccine and Pathogenic groups exhibited high inflammatory IFN-γ levels (197.78 and 212.36 pg/mL, respectively), the WA group showed a regulated decline to near-baseline (103.33 ± 6.2 pg/mL), thereby preventing chronic inflammation. In conclusion: The sonicated Whole Antigen, using standardised protein content, demonstrates superior immunogenicity compared to live vaccine under the conditions of this study. It effectively decouples immunogenicity from immunopathology, presenting a promising candidate for a safer acellular vaccine.
The pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic effects of antidiabetic agents may be significantly affected by herb drug interactions. This study lies in its systematic evaluation of the herb drug interaction between Nigella sativa extract and metformin in Alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. Alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for inducing diabetes. One hundred adult rats were randomly divided into 5 groups each group continue about 20 rats, normogylcimea control, diabetic control, treated with metformin, Nigella sativa and combined oral administration of metformin/Nigella sativa. Metformin plasma concentrations were measured by a validated HPLC/LC–MS method and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated according to the non-compartmental analysis. The co-treatment of Nigella sativa with metformin considerably elevated the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of metformin, and diminished the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) compared to metformin given alone (P≤0.05) suggesting an increase in absorption. Whereas, parameters related to elimination like elimination rate constant, apparent clearance and volume of distribution were not significantly changed. The combination therapy also achieved better glycemic control than either therapy by itself. The results show absorption in chart that Nigella sativa concentration-dependently increases metformin absorption (greater than metabolism/excretion) thus in total leading to significant circumvention of elimination potentials of metformin which highlight the clinical importance of herb drug interactions in diabetes mellitus.
Fascioliasis is a neglected zoonotic disease of significant global veterinary and public health importance caused by the trematodes Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) and Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica). Approximately 180 million people are at risk worldwide, with an estimated 35 to 72 million currently infected. The disease affects both humans and livestock, causing substantial economic losses exceeding USD 3 billion annually in the agricultural sector. This review provides a comprehensive overview of fascioliasis, covering its historical background, parasite biology, life cycle, and global epidemiological distribution with emphasis on the current status in Iraq. The pathogenesis, clinical manifestations in humans and animals, and available diagnostic approaches including parasitological, immunological, and molecular methods are thoroughly examined. Treatment options, particularly triclabendazole and emerging alternatives, are discussed alongside the growing concern of drug resistance. The review highlights key risk factors contributing to disease transmission, including climate change, agricultural practices, dietary habits, and environmental modifications. Control and prevention strategies encompassing livestock management, snail control, health education, and future vaccine development are outlined. The re-emergence of fascioliasis as a major public health challenge necessitates enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostic capacity, integrated control measures, and increased awareness among healthcare professionals and communities in endemic regions, particularly in Iraq and globally.
The aim of present study was to investigate the efficacy of Magnesium oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on healing of avulsion wounds in dogs. Nine adult animals weighing (M±SD: 15 ± 5) Kg were utilized in this study. Four circular wound (1.5 cm) including full skin thickness were induced in both sides on the dorsum of the dogs (tow on each side. The wounds were separated into 4 groups: group treated with normal saline (control group), MgO group treated locally with 150 μg of Nano magnesium oxide; ZnO group treated locally with 150 μg Nano zinc oxide; and Mixed group treated locally by combination of Nano-magnesium oxide (150 μg) and Nano-zinc oxide (150 μg). The second dose of Nanomaterials repeated locally in all treated groups after 3rd day from induced injury. Wounds diameter was clinically monitored (0-day, 7th, 14th, 17th, 18th, and 21th days) post-operation. Wound samples collected at 7,14,21 day postoperatively. Results: Clinically 21-day post injury, more wound contraction with a narrow diameter was observed in MgO, ZnO, and mixed groups when compared with control group Histopathological results revealed a good healing process in in MgO, ZnO, and mixed groups which characterized by normal structure of epidermis layer and subcutaneous layer and papillary layer. In conclusion of this study, Nano Zinc Oxide and Magnesium Oxide nanoparticles accelerate wound healing process
Bacterial diseases remain a major constraint to intensive rabbit production, with pasteurellosis representing a leading cause of mortality and substantial economic losses. In addition to Pasteurella multocida, members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli, are frequently associated with fatal infections in rabbits. In the present study, a locally formulated, combination inactivated vaccine containing E. coli and P. multocida adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 70, was developed and its immunogenicity and protective efficacy were evaluated in rabbits. A total of 370 rabbits were divided into 4 experimental groups: polyvalent inactivated P. multocida vaccine, polyvalent inactivated E. coli vaccine, combination inactivated P. multocida and E. coli vaccine, and unvaccinated controls. All vaccinated rabbits received two subcutaneous doses (0.5 ml) administered one month apart. Three weeks after the booster dose, animals were challenged with virulent strains of P. multocida or E. coli. Vaccine-induced humoral immune responses were assessed using indirect hemagglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protective effectiveness was assessed by challenge trials and determination of LD₅₀. Combined inactivated vaccine elicited the highest antibody responses and conferred up to 90% protection against challenge with virulent P. multocida serotypes A and D and E. coli serotypes O157, O151, and O125. In comparison, monovalent vaccines induced lower levels of protection. These findings demonstrate that the combination inactivated P. multocida and E. coli vaccine is immunogenic and effective, supporting its potential application for controlling pasteurellosis and colibacillosis in rabbit production systems.
The increasing global trend towards antibiotic-free animal products has led to a growing need for feed additives that meets the requirements of the modern poultry industry in terms of providing growth factors, improving performance, preventing diseases, while leaving no residual antibiotics in animal products. The effectiveness and mode of action of several common plant-derived materials used as supplements, that act as growth promoters for poultry are summarized in this article, such as plant extracts, essential oils, isolated compounds, extrudates, oleoresins, and herbal parts. Plant-derived substances are used in animal feed as supplements (not as primary feed) to increase nutrients in diets, and more importantly, to play a functional role in improving the health of internal organs such as the intestines and liver, thus maximizing the utilization of the feed. They also inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and enhance the taste and color of the feed ingredients. These feed supplements are known as phytogenic feed addivives (also frequently referred to as phytobiotics or botanicals), they have been widely investigated, and remain of interest to researchers and in the feed and veterinary companies, based on an analysis of information presented in numerous studies published worldwide regarding the use of plant-derived materials as a promising alternative to traditional growth factors that have negative effects on health and the development of resistance to pathogenic bacteria.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) success in goats largely depends on oocyte quality and mitochondrial activity during in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization. The nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) plays central role in regulation mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism, which are essential for oocyte competence. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and mitochondrial-activating properties, has been reported to enhance the SIRT1–PGC-1α–NRF1 signaling pathway, improving cellular energy metabolism. The aimed of present study to evaluation the impact of resveratrol supplement on NRF1 gene expression during IVF and IVM of goats oocytes. The ovaries in present study were collected from slaughterhouse, and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from antral follicles and cultured in TCM-199 medium either without or with resveratrol supplementation. After maturation and fertilization, NRF1 mRNA expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and normalize against GAPDH. The results showed that resveratrol significantly increased NRF1 expression at both stages of oocyte development. During IVM, NRF1 levels were higher in resveratrol-treated oocytes (2.87 ± 0.31) compared to control (1.57 ± 0.19). Similarly, during IVF, expression levels were markedly elevated (8.68 ± 0.62 vs. 3.42 ± 0.32, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol supplementation enhances NRF1 gene expression through IVM and fertilization, suggesting a beneficial role in improves mitochondria functions, cytoplasmic maturation, and development potential of goat oocyte.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is relatively common congenital heart anomaly in dogs but is rarely reported in cats. This report describes the diagnostic evaluation of a 6 years old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented with exercise intolerance and mouth breathing during stress. Physical examination revealed a continuous machinery like murmur at the left heart base and bounding femoral pulsation. Thoracic radiography demonstrated cardiomegaly, a broncho-interstitial lung pattern, and pulmonary venous enlargement. Echocardiography confirmed a left to right shunting PDA with evidence of left atrial and left ventricular dilation (LA/Ao ratio is 1.68, left ventrivcular internal diameter during the diastole (LVIDd) is 31.8mm). Hematology illustrates mild anemia and biochemistry demonstrated elevated ALT activity, with other parameters within normal limits. Surgical correction was discussed with the owner but declined. This case highlights the diagnostic approach and clinical relevance of PDA in cats and emphasizes the importance of auscultation and echocardiography in the recognition of congenital cardiac anomalies in feline practice in Egypt.
This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of the systematically used ginger and the mechanism of action on alloxan invoked diabetic neuropathy with specific focus on management of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Thirty adult male rats (200 to 250 g) were randomly divided into six groups; control, alloxan (100 mg/kg), ginger extract, phytosome ginger, phytosome ginger with glibenclamide, and ginger extract with glibenclamide. All treatments were administered orally for one month. Histopathological examination of the sciatic nerve showed that alloxan caused intensive neuropathic injury characterized by axonal degeneracy, breaks of myelin sheath, endoneurial thickening, vascular congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Ginger extract partially reduced these changes, whereas phytosome ginger showed higher bioactivity in terms of enhanced nerve fiber organization and reduced Schwann cell and inflammatory.responses.
Cattle are the cornerstone of dairy sector and are appropriately referred to as the most precious animal by small-scale farmers. Each cattle species is known for its special abilities and have different values in the market. Among cattle, when we consider buffalo breeds, most of them are black in color with similar structural makeup despite minimal visual differences. Hence, proposing an automated process to identify the type of buffalo breeds would be very helpful for first time dairy farmers to know the right breed and buy the right breed. In this research, by using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and depth-wise convolutions, two models that classify five different buffalo breeds using machine knowledge have been proposed. The data was trained on three different pre-trained models (EfficientNet-b0, Visual Geometry Group 19 (VGG19), and MobileNet-V2) using a transfer learning approach. In addition, two CNN architectures are proposed to classify the buffalo breeds (CNN and DwiseNet). After comparing and analyzing the results of the proposed methodology, it was found that EfficientNet-b0 with 99% of accuracy and DwiseNet with 98% of accuracy would detect the buffalo breeds automatically in an efficient manner.
Rabbits regulate their body temperature through their long ears and heart rate, but continuous heat stress negatively affects their reproduction, feed intake, body weight gain, immune response, and intestinal integrity. Recently, multiple herbal feed additives including volatile oils extracts were used in rabbits rations to mitigate hazards of heat stress. Nano-particles are substances have potential effects than their precursors, so this work aimed to investigate the potential role of Nano Nigella Sativa oils (NNS) against heat stress in rabbits. Seventy five New-Zealand rabbits with age of 35 days were allocated into five groups (15 rabbits per group subdivided into 3 replicate), group 1 was nourished a control diet without any additives, while group 2, 3, 4, and 5 were nourished a control diet plus NNS of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg per kg of feed, respectively. All groups exposed for heat stress by elevating environmental temperature to 31 ºc for 5 hours per day along 42 days of experiment, at the end, feed intake (FI), live body weight (LBW), and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded, then Feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed, as well as 3 rabbits from each group were sacrificed then blood samples were taken to measure immune response, and oxidative indices, in addition to collection of cecal contents for microbial count, and cecal tissues for MUC-2 gene expression. All treatments were alleviated the hazards from growing rabbits exposed for excessive heat and recorded an improvement of BWG, FCR, interleukin-6 (IL-6), MalonDiAldehyde (MDA), SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), interleukin-10 (IL-10), microbial count, and MUC-2 but both treatments of 200 and 300 mg NNS have the highest significant beneficial role with non-significant effect between them. Therefore, 200 mg NNS was economically preferred as a feed additive choice in heat stressed growing rabbits.
Salmonella is a gram-negative bacterium and has a wide range of hosts, including humans, birds, mammals, and insects. It\'s one of the most problematic foodborne and zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to find the relationship between salmonellosis in humans and handling salmonella-infected poultry. For this purpose, 100 fecal samples from infected hens and 16 fecal samples from poultry farm workers suspected of having salmonellosis were collected. Bacterial isolation and identification, virulence factor profiling, and antibiotic profiling were conducted. The results of M-PCR for six virulence factors and the antibiotic sensitivity test for eight antibiotics showed that there was high similarity in the virulence factor profile (Stn, Pef, and sipB genes were in the same rate, 42.8%, 57.1%, and 42.8%, respectively, and the invA, spiA, and orgA genes were close in rate) and the antibiotic profile (chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim were in the same rate, 71.4%, 71.4%, 57.1%, 85.7%, and 71.4%, respectively, and nalidixic acid, cephalexin, and streptomycin were close in rate) of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from hens and poultry farm workers. The statistical results showed a significant difference at the probability level (p≤0.05). In conclusion: S. Typhimurium is circulating in both poultry and humans with considerable prevalence, harboring multiple virulence genes and showing alarming multidrug resistance. These findings emphasize the zoonotic risk of S. Typhimurium and highlight the need for surveillance, prudent antibiotic use, and strict biosecurity measures.
Antioxidant phytochemicals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds found abundantly in plants, which play a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress within biological systems. This study investigated the impact of Aloe vera extract (AVE) in drinking water on the productive performance and physiological status of growing rabbits. A total of 80 unsexed weaned rabbits (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into four experimental groups and were kept under the same managerial, hygienic, and environmental conditions. The control group (T0) received only tap water. Groups T1, T2, and T3 were given 1, 2, and 4 mL of AVE per liter of tap water daily, respectively. The experiment lasted 5 weeks. Rabbit growth performance data at 9 weeks of age showed superior body weights in the T1 and T2 groups, while the T3 group had lower weights. The T1 group showed significantly superior body weight gain (BWG), while the T3 group had the lowest BWG values. Results showed no significant differences in red blood cell, hemoglobin, white blood cell, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity values. Furthermore, rabbits treated with AV extract at varying concentrations showed a significant decrease in total bacterial count, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium spp. compared to the control group. In conclusion, daily supplementation with Aloe vera extract at 1 mL/L in drinking water enhanced the growth performance and physiological health and reduced mortality rates in growing rabbits.
