This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on serum leptin levels in neonatal Holstein calves over a 28-day period. Neonatal calves were allocated into three groups: probiotic administered from birth (Group 1), probiotic administered from the third day after birth when feeding with milk commenced (Group 2), and a non-probiotic control group. Leptin levels were measured on days 0, 14, and 28. A significant decrease (P = 0.013) in leptin levels was observed in Group 2 on the 14th day compared to the Control group. Conversely, a significant increase (P = 0.017) in leptin levels was detected in Group 1 on the 28th day compared to the Control group. Changes in body weight over time were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) across the groups. No significant association between leptin levels and body weight was observed at the end of the intervention. These findings indicate that probiotic supplementation, regardless of the timing of initiation after birth, does not have a substantial impact on serum leptin levels during the neonatal period in Holstein calves. Further research with larger sample sizes and consideration of additional factors influencing leptin levels is warranted.
Utilization of plants improve nutrient utilization and health. There is paucity of information on comparison of phytochemical and antioxidant potentials of Vernonia amygdalina, Carica papaya and Moringa oleifera leaf extracts. Leaves were air dried and soaked in 1.32 litres of absolute ethanol and placed on electronic shaker for 72 hours. The stock solution was filtered with muslin cloth, crude extract from the ethanol was then separated using rotary evaporator and dried at 40oC. Phytochemical and antioxidant analyses of the crude extract were then carried out using standard procedure. Results showed that the extracts contained glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, tannin, phytate and oxalate and varied significantly (P<0.05) in their antioxidants. Phenols (27.75±0.33), Flavonoids (2.97±0.01), FRAP (22.82±0.51), DPPH (63.89±1.55) and Vitamin C (60.19±0.17) had significant higher values in M. oleifera. It can be concluded that the plant extracts have very rich phytochemical and antioxidant compositions with potential to boost immunity in livestock.
This study assessed sustainable poultry practices and the technical efficiency of poultry egg farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A sample of 276 farmers was selected using multistage sampling technique. A stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) based on the Cobb-Douglas production function was used to estimate efficiency levels and examine how sustainable poultry practices influence technical efficiency. Descriptive results showed that poultry production is largely male‑dominated (84.7%), and most farmers had tertiary education. The average age and farming experience were 45 years and 5.74 years respectively. Major sustainable poultry practices adopted (mean = 3.00) included protecting poultry houses from rain, sun, and wind; regular cleaning and disinfection; providing clean water daily; ensuring quality balanced feed; using feeders and drinkers that minimize wastage; following vaccination and deworming schedules; controlling flies and odors; storing manure away from water sources; involving women in farm management; and keeping proper financial records. The mean technical efficiency was 0.89, indicating that farmers operated close to the production frontier. In the inefficiency model, sustainable poultry practices had a significant negative coefficient, showing that higher adoption reduces technical inefficiency and improves efficiency. The study recommends that agricultural policy frameworks promote and incentivize sustainable poultry practices.
Pausinystalia yohimbe was investigated for its effects on the gut health and blood profile of broiler chickens. A study involving 225 chickens fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with a larvicide or varying doses of yohimbe (240, 300, or 360 mg/kg) was conducted. At 56 days old, blood and intestinal tissue samples were collected. The results showed that the diets had no significant effect on PCV, Hb, RBC, and WBC. However, at the starter phase, chickens fed 360 mg/kg of yohimbe had significantly higher (p<0.05) eosinophil counts. Supplementation with 240 mg/kg of yohimbe led to significantly higher (p<0.05) levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and uric acid. In the finisher phase, the 360 mg/kg group showed significantly higher (p<0.05) total protein, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, chickens fed 240 mg/kg of yohimbe showed the best results for duodenal villi height and crypt depth. The 300 mg/kg group showed the highest (p<0.05) jejunum villi height and a significant increase in ileum villi height and crypt depth. In conclusion, supplementation with yohimbe at 240 mg/kg is recommended for improved blood and intestinal health in the starter phase, while 300 mg/kg is most effective for the finisher phase.
Nigella sativa possesses immunomodulatory and antiviral properties, but its effects during infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of N. sativa seed powder (NSSP) supplementation on serum biochemical indices of cockerels challenged with very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV). One hundred Dominant Black Marshal birds were divided into five groups (A–E): Groups A and B received a basal diet, C and D received 2.8 g/kg NSSP from 21–27 days of age (doa), and E received NSSP continuously from 1–42 doa. On day 28, Groups B, D, and E were orally challenged with vvIBDV. Serum collected from days 1–42 was analyzed for total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, and creatinine. Results revealed that Group E had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total protein (from 31 doa) and globulin (from 32 doa) up to 42 doa compared to other groups. The albumin/globulin ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Group E from 31–42 doa, while serum albumin, urea, and creatinine showed no significant differences. These findings demonstrate that sustained N. sativa supplementation enhanced serum globulin response during vvIBDV infection, thus, suggesting its potential as a natural immunostimulant in poultry health management.
This research investigated the impact of kidney stone leaf meal on the performance of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed into the five treatments, each consisting four replicates. Water and feed were supplied ad libitum for 45 days. Weight gain was (P<0.05) higher in day 24 at 5% KSLM, and day 45 in 5% and 7.5% KSLM, and lower in 10% KSLM while no (P>0.05) in feed intake. Again, 5% and 7.5% KSLM (P<0.05) had best FCR and livability. The 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% KSLM (P<0.05) showed higher de-feathered and carcass weights, but higher breast weight in 5% and 7.5% KSLM. At day 45, intestinal weights (P<0.05) increased with increase KSLM, while gizzard, lungs, kidneys, crop, liver, and spleen were (P>0.05) unaffected. White blood cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes were (p<0.05) higher in 7.5% and 10% KSLM. Total protein and globulin were (P<0.05) similar in all the treatments except 10% KSLM. The 10% KSLM also showed (P<0.05) increased AST and ALT, and lower cholesterol. The conclusion drawn is that 5–7.5% KSLM can enhance performance of broiler, and limiting to 5% is advisable to improve immune system
Broiler are popular meat-producing birds in Indonesia because they contain high levels of animal protein. Apart from being used in the treatment of infectious diseases, antibiotics are also used as antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). However, the use of antibiotics as feed additives has been prohibited, a natural substitute for AGP is katapang leaves (Terminalia catappa L.). This study aims to determine the effect of administering katapang leaf extract (Terminalia catappa L.) on the number and type of leukocytes in broiler. This study used 24 Cobb strain broiler which were divided into four treatment groups, each group consisting of six replications. The treatment groups were P0 = only given 1% CMC-Na solution, P1 = Katapang leaf extract solution with 5% concentration, P2 = Ketapang leaf extract solution with 10% concentration, P3 = Katapang leaf extract solution with 15% concentration. The treatment is given orally with a syringe, given to chickens aged 21–35 days. At the end of the study, 2 ml–3 ml of blood is taken from the brachial vein. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test
The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) and papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) on the yolk color and yolk index of quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 24 laying quails were divided into four treatment groups: P0 (standard feed), P1 (feed supplemented with 0.6% turmeric), P2 (feed supplemented with 0.25% papaya leaves), and P3 (feed supplemented with 0.6% turmeric and 0.25% papaya leaves). Yolk color and yolk index measurements were conducted by breaking open the eggs. The yolk color was assessed by comparing the egg yolk with a standardized yolk color fan to identify the closest match. The yolk index was determined by measuring the width of the yolk with calipers and the height of the yolk using a micrometer tripod. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). The effects of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) and papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) significantly increased the yolk color and yolk index of quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica).
This research was an experimental study using completely randomized design (CRD) using 24 male broiler chickens randomized with 4 treatments with each treatment consisting of 6 broiler chickens. C was the control treatment consisting only commercial feed. P1 treatment was the addition of commercial feed, aflatox in and ochratoxin with the amout of 1 mg/kg feed for each. P2 treatment was the addition of commercial feed, aflatoxin with the amount of 1 mg/kg feed, ochratoxin 1 mg/kg feed, and and toxin binder as much as 1.1 g/kg feed. P3 treatment was the addition of commercial feed, aflatoxin with the amount of 1 mg/kg feed, ochratoxin 1 mg/kg feed, and and toxin binder as much as 1.6 g/kg feed. The result showed that P2, control and P3 treatment have the highest average daily gain. The highest to lowest protein cons umption showed in following order P1, P3, C, P2 treatment. P2 treatment have the highest protein efficiency showed by having the highest average daily gain with less production cost. Mycotoxin binder given in feed contaminated with aflatoxin and ochratoxin can help to reduce the negative effect of mycotoxin as to in creasing protein consumption and average daily gain
This study was made to know the histopathological changes of kidney in broiler chicken fed by mix mycotoxin (aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A) contaminated feed. A total of 20 chickens aged DOC to 35 days was divided into 4 groups (K-, K+, P1 and P2) each group consisted of 5 chickens. Group K- as a control without the addition of the mix mycotoxin to the fed. Group K+ feed was added with 0.1 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1 and 0.1 mg/kg of ochratoxin A. Group P1 and P2 feed were added mix mycotoxin with the same dose with addition of 1.1 g/kg mycotoxin binder in P1 group and 1.6 g/kg of mycotoxin binder in P2 group. Treatment of contaminated feed has been given for 28 days from day 8 until day 35. At the end of the treatment period (day 35), chickens were euthanized, and histopathological examination was carried out. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) on the mean rank of the kidney cell necrosis, cell degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and haemorrhage. The conclusion of this study is that the administration of mycotoxin binder has an effect in preventing and reducing the necrosis, degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and kidney haemorrhage.
Understanding raptor breeding biology is essential for conservation. This study assessed the captive breeding of the Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) and raptor presence in Libya. A pair acquired in 2018 was provided with artificial nests and monitored throughout the 2024 season. Clutch size ranged 4–6 eggs with a 32-day incubation. In 2024, all eggs hatched, producing three fledglings independent after four months. Between 2018–2025, the pair laid 35 eggs, yielding about 25 fledglings, confirming high captive success. Field surveys in October–November 2024 recorded 53 raptors: Falco peregrinus (39; Least Concern), F. biarmicus (6; resident), and Falco cherrug (8; Endangered, migratory). F. peregrinus was the most frequent, with Al Kufrah identified as the main hunting area. Results highlight the effectiveness of captive breeding for Lanner Falcons and underline urgent threats to wild populations, particularly habitat loss and poaching. Strong conservation actions are critical for sustaining both resident and migratory raptors.
This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray leaf ethanol extract against Candida albicans, focusing on identifying both the minimum inhibitory and maximum effective concentrations. Twelve treatments were applied using the paper disk diffusion method, including extract concentrations ranging from 10% to 100%, a positive control (ketoconazole), and a negative control (1% DMSO). Inhibition zone diameters were measured and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. The extract exhibited antifungal activity at a 50% concentration, with the strongest inhibition observed at 90%. These findings indicate the potential of T. diversifolia as a natural antifungal agent and support the exploration of plant-based alternatives to conventional antifungal drugs. This approach contributes to improving public health through the development of accessible, affordable treatments and highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity by utilizing locally available medicinal plants in biomedical research.
The quality of fresh milk based on SNI 2011 regarding fresh milk requirements includes physical, chemical and the number of microorganisms. One of the physical properties of milk can be seen from the density test. The chemical properties of milk can be seen from the lactose and fat rate. The lactose test is by means of titration of the filtrate resulting from filtering milk which is free from any content other than lactose. Density test using a lactodensimeter. Fat test using the Gerber method. From the results of research on the quality of cow's milk which was carried out using the lactose test approach, density and fat obtain average results of 3.98% of lactose rate, 1.0259 g/ml of density and 2.7% of the at rate in VUC Kertajaya is good and close to the criteria according to SNI 2011. This can affect the selling price of milk from farmers in VUC Kertajaya.
The continuing increase in egg consumption has led to the need to ensure that the laying hen industry sector is able to keep up with the need for eggs, one way is by increasing the productivity of laying hens and ensuring that laying hens can lay eggs on time. This study aims to determine the number and diameter of the bursa of Fabricius lymphoid follicles in late-laying pullets laserpuncture. This research is a 2x4 factorial complete randomized design experimental study. Chickens were divided into two groups, First Grade and Second Grade. Each Grade group was further divided into four groups based on laserpuncture points, namely control, Ova, weigen, and Ova-weigen. The variables observed were the diameter and number of lymphoid follicles of the bursa of Fabricius microscopically. The observation data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan test. The results of the analysis showed that 0.5 Joule laserpuncture had a significant effect on the diameter and number of the bursa of Fabricius lymphoid follicles (p<0.05). Laserpuncture shooting 0.5 Joules at the Wei Gen point shows the smallest diameter of the lymphoid follicles. While Ova point showed the smallest number of bursa Fabricius lymphoid follicles.
This study aimed to detect the presence of Salmonella sp. in broiler chickens raised in closed house systems using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Liver and intestinal samples were collected from chickens showing clinical signs such as diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy, along with pathological lesions observed during necropsy. Bacteriological identification involved isolation using selective media, Gram staining and biochemical tests. Two samples (3A and 3B) showed colony morphology and biochemical characteristics consistent with Salmonella sp. Confirmation using PCR targeting the invA gene (primers 139 and 141, expected amplicon size 284 bp) yielded negative results in both samples, while the positive control successfully amplified the target. The inconsistency between bacteriological and molecular results may be attributed to several factors: absence or mutation of the invA gene in the tested isolates, primer mismatch with local Salmonella strains, or inadequate DNA quality and concentration. These findings suggest that reliance on a single molecular marker may be insufficient for accurate detection and underscore the importance of optimizing PCR conditions. The study highlights the need for locally adapted primers and complementary diagnostic approaches to improve the reliability of Salmonella sp. detection in poultry, particularly in intensive production systems like closed house environments.
The ocular surface microbiome (osum) is an organized group of microorganisms along with owned genes residing on eye surface. The latter collection is a normal trait for eye health with a participant protection role. In the present original article of prospective case series the presenting author aimed at reporting natural treatment with osum, as because of microbiome modulation of ‘treat to target’ purpose. Given disadvantages of drugs used in ophthalmology, and based on selected probiotic strains with a very limited choices, presenting author decided to change ocular surface microechology by transferring microbiome from healthy donors to diseased 7 dogs. Canine allergic conjunctivitis (n=3), n=1 each for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis co-morbidity infectious ulcerative keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis related infectious ulcerative keratitis and vision loss were entire problem list. On every session a healthy donor was selected and used for transfer of ocular surface microbiome by use of sterile cotton swab.Complete recovery (n=3) and partial recovery (n=1) were evident out of 7 dogs enrolled. This natural treatment modality, unless this technique was developed by the presenting author, could substitute drug usage at least for canine allergic conjunctivitis along with microbiome modulation
The amelogenin gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay offers a precise, efficient, and cost-effective approach for embryo sex determination in cattle. This method capitalizes on genetic differences between the X and Y chromosome-linked amelogenin genes, enabling early sex identification critical for livestock management. Our study outlines the methodology, from embryo collection and DNA extraction to PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis analysis. Results consistently demonstrated the assay's reliability, identifies that all examined embryos were female embryos (X/X) across developmental stages with a male and female control (X/Y) (X/X) respectively, validating the technique. This study underscores the assay’s potential for advancing selective breeding and enhancing productivity in the cattle industry.
This study evaluates the growth performance, feed intake, sensory attributes, and blood profile of male guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed different cereal-based diets. A total of 100 male guinea fowls were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments containing maize, millet, or sorghum as primary energy sources. The experiment lasted eight weeks, with data collected on body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), meat quality, and blood parameters.Results showed that millet-based diets significantly improved growth performance during the starter phase (P < 0.05), with higher body weight (135.75 g at 4 weeks) and average daily gain (3.95 g/day) compared to maize (109.95 g, 3.00 g/day) and sorghum (128.10 g, 3.65 g/day).** Feed intake was highest in millet-fed birds**, though differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Feed conversion efficiency was slightly better for millet-fed keets (FCR = 3.17) compared to sorghum (3.47) and maize (3.67).Sensory evaluation revealed that millet-fed guinea fowls had slightly superior flavor, juiciness, and tenderness scores, though variations across diets were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Blood profiles remained within normal ranges, indicating that all diets supported adequate health.These findings suggest that millet-based diets optimize early growth and meat quality in guinea fowls, making them a cost-effective alternative to maize in poultry nutrition. Future research should explore long-term economic benefits and the feasibility of integrating millet into large-scale commercial feed formulations.
The outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in early 2024 significantly impacted livestock health conditions in Blitar City and led to an increase in emergency slaughter cases. The Dimoro Slaughterhouse plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of animal-derived food through the implementation of antemortem inspections. This study aims to evaluate the health status of beef cattle and identify pathological conditions detected during antemortem inspections at the Dimoro Slaughterhouse. The research used a quantitative descriptive method with direct observation of 40 cattle during the period of June 13–19, 2025. Clinical examinations were conducted on the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, anus, and limbs. The results showed that most cattle were male (34 heads) and predominantly of the Limousin breed (19 heads). No clinical symptoms of FMD, LSD, fever, or other disorders warranting slaughter rejection were found. Mild findings such as dirt around the anus were recorded in some individuals. Overall, the antemortem inspection was carried out effectively and contributed to ensuring the safety of meat products for public consumption.
The research was conducted using completely randomized design by divided 24 Texel sheeps into 4 treatments, each treatment consisted of 6 repetitions. The treatment groups consisted of: P0 (sheeps were given CMC-Na 0,5% solution), P1 (given meniran extracts at 5% concentration), P2 (given meniran extracts at 10% concentration) and P3 (given meniran extracts at 20% concentration). Administration of treatment between groups using a syringe (20 ml). The data were analyzed statistically using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's test. The economic value of feed is obtained from the feed conversion value multiplied by the feed price, where the feed conversion is obtained from the ratio between the amount of feed consumption and body weight gain. The income over feed cost obtained through the difference between income and total feed costs, where the total feed price is obtained from the cost of Texel sheep feed plus the cost of meniran extract (Phyllanthus niruri Linn). P1 with meniran extract 5% gives the best result. It can be conclude that the addition of 5% meniran extract could reduce the economic value of feed and increase income over feed costs on Texel sheeps.
