This study was conducted to determine the effect of rangeland quality on the rumen development of Angora goat kids and bucks. Twenty male singleton Angora goat kids with similar birth dates and birth weights were selected from each farm in an area with three different rangeland quality levels (good, medium, or poor) in Ankara Province. The kids were weaned at 60 days of age and then grazed completely on rangeland until slaughter. Rumen volumetric and papillary development of animals slaughtered at 4 and 7 months of age were determined. Empty rumen length, width, and weight were affected by rangeland quality in kids and bucks, with the best development observed in those grazing on good rangeland. The longest papillae were determined in kids from good rangeland in all rumen sacs except the caudodorsal blind sac (CDBS). While papilla widths in the cranial sac (CS) and caudoventral blind sac (CVBS) were highest in kids from good-quality and medium-quality rangelands, papilla widths in the ventral sac (VS) were higher in those from good-quality rangelands. Papilla density was highest in all ruminal sacs in kids from good rangeland. In bucks from good rangelands, papillae were longer in all rumen sacs compared to other rangeland groups, but the widest papillae were only detected in the CVBS and the densest papillae were detected in the CS, CDBS, VS, and CVBS. While rumen wall thickness was greatest in the rumen dorsal sac in bucks from medium-quality rangelands, it was greatest in the rumen CDBS in bucks from medium and poor rangelands. In kids and bucks, the longest and densest papillae were determined in the VS, CVBS, and CS of the rumen. When Angora goat kids and bucks were grazed on good rangeland, positive rumen development was achieved, and development slowed as rangeland quality decreased.
The spleen is an essential organ involved in hematopoietic and immune functions. A comprehensive understanding of its anatomy, including vascular topography and segmentation, is essential for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of splenic diseases, and the minimization of complications during surgical procedures. Detailed knowledge of the vascular architecture also supports the accurate prediction and management of hemorrhage severity in cases of splenic rupture. The spleen’s microvascular system has a unique and complex organization that is distinct from other organs, and its elucidation is critical for understanding splenic function. In the present study, the spleens of 20 hair goats were examined. After macroscopic measurements, 10 spleens were fixed in 10% formalin for histological analysis, stained using Crossmon’s modified trichrome technique, and evaluated under a light microscope. The vascular structures of the remaining spleens were visualized using the corrosion casting technique, and the resulting casts were coated and imaged via scanning electron microscopy. In 80% of the spleens, the splenic artery entered the hilum and divided into dorsal and ventral branches before distributing throughout the splenic parenchyma. In the remaining 20% of the spleens, irregular, non-segmented branching was observed. The ventral artery was generally thicker and supplied the spleen primarily through its trabecular branch arteries, providing the main source of nourishment to the parietal surface. The trabecular arteries within the parenchyma gave rise to the central arteries from which arteriolae penicillaris originated. Arterial circulation ended at the point at which the arteriolae penicillaris branched into conical or bulbous endings, and distinct traces of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial nuclei were identified on the vascular surfaces. This is the first study to detail the arterial architecture of the goat spleen through a corrosion casting approach combined with an electron microscopic examination, offering valuable insights to anatomical veterinary literature.
The present study aimed to investigate the hematological and biochemical blood parameters, along with selected egg quality traits, of Turkish Sultan chickens. A total of 90 blood samples collected from 60-week-old hens and roosters and 129 eggs collected from 50 hens were analyzed. The findings showed that hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, as well as biochemical markers such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid levels, were significantly higher in roosters. The average egg weight, shape index, yolk rate, and shell rate were 47.45 g, 75.14%, 33.46%, and 9.25%, respectively. The thick albumen rate was 41.42%, while the thin albumen rate was 15.86%. The internal egg quality traits were determined as follows: yolk index (45.84%), thick albumen index (5.82%), Haugh unit (70.09%), and yolk density (1.03 g/mL) and thick albumen density (0.98 g/mL). The highest correlation was observed between the Haugh unit and thick albumen height, as well as the Haugh unit and thick albumen index. Moreover, the lower shell thickness and Haugh unit values suggest that a shorter storage period may improve hatching performance. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the sex-related variations in hematobiochemical parameters, while establishing baseline egg quality traits of Turkish Sultan chickens.
The objective of the experiment was to compare the dominant follicle size, growth rate of the dominant follicle, estrus response, plasma progesterone concentration, and pregnancy in NiliRavi buffaloes synchronized by controlled internal drug release (CIDR; 1.38 g) and medroxyprogesterone acetate sponge (MPAS; 250 mg) in the ovulation synchronization (OvSynch) protocol. The experiment had a randomized complete block design. Buffaloes (n = 42) were blocked by parity, body weight, body condition score, and ovarian status, and, within the block, they were randomized to receive either CIDR or MPAS and that day was considered day 0 of the experiment. On days 0 and 9, the buffaloes received GnRH analogue (50 & micro;g of lecirelin acetate) and, on day 7, 0.075 mg cloprostenol sodium and the intravaginal device was removed. The dominant follicle diameter and growth rate were monitored every 12 h until ovulation. The growth rate and final diameter of the ovulatory follicle were greater (p < 0.01) in the CIDR treatment compared with the MPAS treatment. The proportion of estrus and estrus intensity scores were more (p < 0.05) in the CIDR treatment compared to the MPAS treatment. Plasma P4 concentration did not differ (p > 0.05) on days 0, 2, 6, or 13 in either treatment but CIDR treatment gave a greater (p < 0.05) progesterone concentration in the plasma than MPAS on day 4 of treatment. The 21-day nonreturn rate was greater (p < 0.05) in the CIDR treatment as compared with the MPAS treatment. However, pregnancy on days 35 and 65 did not differ (p > 0.05) between the treatments. In conclusion, the use of CIDR in the OvSynch protocol without timed insemination was advantageous over MPAS during the breeding season in cyclic buffaloes.
This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a multiplex real-time PCR (rPCR) kit, originally developed for bovine mastitis, for detecting mastitis pathogens in small ruminants and reducing bacterial identification time compared with conventional bacteriological culture (BC). Milk samples were obtained from 175 sheep and 124 goats and included cases of clinical mastitis (n = 57) and subclinical mastitis (n = 242). With BC, bacterial growth was detected in 125 of 299 milk samples (41.8%), yielding a total of 169 bacterial isolates. The pathogens most frequently isolated by BC were coagulase-negative staphylococci (58.0%), followed by Streptococcus spp. (9.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.1%), and Escherichia coli (4.1%). Using the multiplex rPCR assay, which targeted 14 bacterial species, one yeast, and one beta-lactamase gene, 210 milk samples (70.2%) tested positive, yielding a total of 459 pathogen detections. The pathogens detected by rPCR were predominantly Staphylococcus spp. (31.1%), followed by beta-lactamase-positive isolates (19.8%), E. coli (13.9%), S. aureus (7.1%), S. uberis (8.0%), Mycoplasma spp. (7.1%), and Enterococcus spp. (2.8%). Among the 174 BC-negative samples, 77 were also negative by rPCR. Among the 97 samples that were positive only by rPCR, Staphylococcus spp. (15.4%), beta-lactamase positive isolates (23.7%), Mycoplasma spp. (15.4%), S. aureus (5.1%), E. coli (13.4%), and S. uberis (8.2%) were detected. This study demonstrated that the bovine rPCR kit yielded reliable results for the diagnosis of mastitis in small ruminants compared with BC. These findings highlight the value of molecular diagnostic tools for supporting early mastitis detection and improving control strategies in small ruminant herds.
Advances in molecular genetics, especially the integration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses, have significantly transformed our understanding of the origins, geographical centers, and dispersal dynamics of domestication, a field traditionally based on archaeological and morphological evidence. In this study, the mtDNA control-region sequences of 296 individuals from 15 native Turkish sheep breeds were analyzed to clarify their maternal genetic diversity and evolutionary origins. Sequencing of a 531-bp D-loop fragment revealed 53 polymorphic sites and 78 distinct haplotypes, indicating substantial haplotypic diversity (Hd = 0.918) and nucleotide diversity (pi = 0.01391) within these populations. All five major ovine mitochondrial haplogroups (A, B, C, D, and E) were detected, with haplogroup B being the most prevalent (55.74%), followed by haplogroups A and C. The unexpectedly high frequency of haplogroup C (15.54%) is consistent with the possibility that Anatolia functioned not only as a historical contact zone but also as a region in which this maternal lineage may have persisted at relatively elevated ancestral frequencies, although alternative demographic scenarios cannot be excluded. Median-joining network analyses revealed clear separation among haplogroups and starlike topologies within haplogroups A and B, consistent with postdomestication demographic expansions. Furthermore, the significantly negative Tajima's D and Fu's FS values observed for haplogroups B and C provide additional support for expansion signals within these maternal lineages. Collectively, the findings highlight Anatolia's pivotal role as a genetic crossroads in the domestication and subsequent diffusion of sheep. The results also underscore the strategic importance of conserving within-breed genetic diversity, emphasizing that preserving individual-level variation is essential for safeguarding the evolutionary legacy and adaptive potential of T & uuml;rkiye's indigenous sheep genetic resources.
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) has recently been considered as a stem cell marker seen especially in mitotically active tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of LGR5 in the bovine reproductive tract, which is regularly renewed in response to hormonal changes throughout the estrous cycle. The oviduct (ampulla, isthmus, and fimbria), uterus, and ovary tissue samples were collected from 12 cows at a local slaughterhouse. The samples were further identified as follicular (n = 6) or luteal (n = 6), subjected to routine histological procedures, and processed for immunohistochemical expression of LGR5. In the oviduct, LGR5 immunoreactivity was localized in the mucosal epithelial lining, especially in the ampulla and fimbria of both follicular and luteal samples. In the ovary, immunoreactivity was limited to some surface epithelial cells and the corpus luteum; it was not present in the connective tissue or vasculature. Granulosa cells were also immunoreactive for LGR5. In the uterus, the immunoreactivity was limited to the uterine glands in both periods. The finding of the presence of LGR5 immunoexpression in the epithelial lining of the oviduct and uterine glands and corpus luteum raises the question of whether those LGR5 immunopositive cells function as stem cells to renew the epithelial lining and drive steroidogenic cell proliferation and differentiation.
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that play a major role in the transmission of pathogens affecting both animals and humans. Investigations into tick biology, pathogen transmission, and the development of effective control strategies have traditionally depended on the extensive use of laboratory animals. Consequently, the development of reliable in vitro feeding systems is a valuable alternative approach with the potential to reduce animal use in tick research. In the present study, a previously described silicone membrane artificial feeding system was modified and applied for the in vitro feeding of Hyalomma marginatum (Koch, 1844). Feeding units were prepared using bovine blood supplemented with different glucose concentrations and stimulants. A total of 106 adult female H. marginatum ticks were included in the experiments, along with additional trials involving larval and nymphal stages. Under the experimental conditions, adult H. marginatum females exhibited an attachment rate of 49.05% (52/106), and of those ticks, 61.53% (32/52) successfully engorged. The mean weight of fully engorged females was 302.2 mg. However, individuals of larval and nymphal stages were unable to attach or feed using the silicone membrane system. Overall, the results showed that adult H. marginatum can successfully adapt to silicone membrane-based artificial feeding under in vitro conditions, providing a useful experimental model for studies on tick physiology and vector-pathogen interactions while reducing reliance on experimental animals.
The Malaysian village chicken (MVC; Gallus gallus domesticus) is an indigenous breed derived from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), exhibiting slower growth and reproductive rates. The MVC plays an important ecological role in local farming systems and represents a valuable genetic resource. However, detailed information on ovarian development in this breed remains limited. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and histological characterization of the developing ovary in MVC chicks. A total of 20 chicks aged 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 5 per age group) were examined. These MVC chicks possessed a single functional left ovary positioned ventromedially to the cranial lobe of the left kidney. Age-related gross morphological changes were evident in size, shape, color, and consistency. Histologically, significant (p < 0.05) increases in cortical and medullary thickness were observed, with follicular growth progressing from primordial to primary and more advanced stages from 2 weeks after hatching, with cortical lobulation becoming prominent by 8 weeks. The proportion of primordial follicles (approximately 88%-89%) remained high across 2-8 weeks, indicating the maintenance of the ovarian reserve. These findings provide novel insight into MVC reproductive biology and establish baseline data to guide future studies on avian reproduction, development, and conservation in indigenous chicken populations.
The present study investigates the effects of the preslaughter fasting on pH and bacterial contamination in Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep. Included in the study were 10 Akkaraman and 10 Anatolian Merino sheep (n = 20) that were fasted for 24 h prior to slaughter, and a further 10 Akkaraman and 10 Anatolian Merino sheep (n = 20) that continued to be fed until slaughter as a control group. The total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) measured at 0 and 24 h in the fasting Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep were 4.87/4.79 and 4.75/5.57 log CFU/g, respectively, and the corresponding Enterobacteriaceae counts (TEC) were 3.37/2.38 and 3.20/1.99 log CFU/g, respectively. Overall, both contamination values increased during the fasting period. The effects on TMAB counts (5.22 +/- 0.624 log CFU/g and 4.77 +/- 0.408 log CFU/g) were found to be statistically significant, and a significant interaction effect was also observed. While fasting did not have a statistically significant effect in the Akkaraman breed, it had a significant effect in Anatolian Merino sheep (p < 0.01). The pH values of Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep, both fasted and nonfasted, were measured immediately after slaughter (pH(0)) and at 24 h postslaughter (pH(24)). The mean pH(0) values were 7.55 +/- 0.162 and 7.45 +/- 0.203, respectively, whereas the pH(24 )values were 5.72 +/- 0.123 and 5.78 +/- 0.141, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups. In conclusion, preslaughter fasting reduces intestinal content and, consequently, bacterial load, indicating a positive effect on microbial contamination. Furthermore, the absence of significant differences in pH values at 0 and 24 h postslaughter suggests that fasting does not adversely affect animal handling conditions prior to slaughter or the overall quality of the meat.
Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient involved in hormone activity, energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, bone development, wound healing, and immune function. The present study explores the effects of sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT) on nutrient digestibility and the modulation of specific nutrient transporters in the jejunum and ileum of rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into four equal groups: 1) control, 2) SPT 0.5 (0.5 mg B/kg body weight [BW]), 3) SPT 1 (1 mg B/kg BW), and 4) SPT 2 (2 mg B/ kg BW), and were fed the respective diets for a period of 4 weeks. The digestibility of nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash) was determined. Subsequently, the mRNA expression of several nutrient transporters, including PepT1, SGLT1, GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT5, FATP1, and FATP4, in the small intestine was determined using the RT-PCR method. The findings revealed that the various SPT doses influenced neither nutrient digestibility nor the expression levels of PepT1, SGLT1, GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT5, FATP1, and FATP4 compared with the control group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, boron supplementation in the form of SPT had no effect on nutrient digestibility or the expression levels of specific nutrient transporters in the jejunum and ileum of rats.
The growth performance and ultrasonic M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle traits of 2397 E & scedil;me lambs raised in the E & scedil;me district of U & scedil;ak province, an important lamb production area in Western Anatolia, were evaluated at 3 months (n = 1690) and 5 months (n = 707) of age. The average age of the lambs at the time of the first measurement (at weaning) was 100.15 days, and 152.37 days at the second. At 3 months of age, the average live weight (LW) was 29.34 kg and the average daily gain (ADG) was 248.35 g/day. By month 5, the LW had increased to 38.53 kg, while the ADG had decreased slightly to 222.62 g/day. Environmental factors such as year, farm, birth type, and sex significantly affected most traits (p <0.01). At month 3, heritability estimates for LW and ADG were 0.44 and 0.46, while ultrasonic traits of the LTL muscle-muscle depth (MD), backfat thickness (BFT), and skin + backfat thickness (SBFT)- showed heritabilities of 0.33, 0.47, and 0.61, respectively. At month 5, the heritability of ADG rose to 0.80, with values of 0.66, 0.27, 0.37, and 0.60 for LW, MD, BFT, and SBFT. Genetic correlations between ADG and LW were very high and positive (r(G )approximate to 0.97-0.98) across the ages. Growth and carcass-related ultrasound traits showed moderate to high heritability, suggesting that they may be successfully improved by selection. Since lambs are generally marketed or slaughtered at 3-3.5 months of age due to breeder and consumer demands, evaluation and selection at this age are particularly critical. The results demonstrate that genetic progress can be achieved at weaning age, confirming the suitability of current marketing practices and supporting the use of early selection in E & scedil;me sheep breeding programs.
The present study investigates the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin administration on the conception rate of cows 12 days after artificial insemination (AI). Included in the study were 150 high milk-yielding Holstein cows housed under the same husbandry and feeding conditions. All had calved at least once between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years, and were between 90 and 220 days in milk. In accordance with the farm's reproductive management approach, a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device was inserted into the vagina concurrent with a GnRH injection (day 0), and the device was removed on day 7. Two prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) injections were made 24 h apart, and a timed artificial insemination (TAI) procedure was performed in conjunction with a GnRH injection. The animals were randomly assigned to one of three groups 36 h after receiving the second dose of PGF2 alpha. On day 12 following the AI procedure, the first group (GnRH, n = 50) was given GnRH, the second group (hCG, n = 50) was given hCG, and the third group (Control, n = 50) received no additional treatment. Blood samples were collected for progesterone analysis on days 12, 16, and 20 following the AI procedure, and pregnancy testing was initiated on day 30. Pregnancy rates of 46%, 48%, and 42% were recorded in the GnRH, hCG, and Control groups, respectively (p > 0.05), with no significant differences noted between the experimental groups. The animals determined to be pregnant underwent an ultrasound scan on day 60, during which one embryonic death was noted in the Control group (4.7%). The progesterone levels observed in the GnRH and hCG groups on day 16 following AI were considerably greater than the 12(th) day progesterone levels (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). It was concluded from the study that GnRH and hCG injections on day 12 following AI increase progesterone levels, but have no influence on conception rates.
Improving meat quality is one of the most important aims for scientists and breeders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of housing system (indoor vs. free-range) and gender on carcass and meat quality traits in Pekin ducks. The animal material consisted of 20 male and 20 female birds in each housing system. Our results show cold carcass weights of 3174.10 +/- 80.65 g and 2672.60 +/- 59.63 g for male and female birds in the indoor housing system and 2821.10 +/- 50.53 g and 2306.90 +/- 43.32 g for male and female birds in the free-range housing system. The gender and housing system interaction effect was statistically significant (p < 0.05) only for the chroma value in the pectoralis major (PM) muscle. There was no housing system or gender effect on the other traits (p > 0.05). The PM muscle showed greater within-group variance than the gastrocnemius muscle. The canonical correlation analysis showed that relationships among meat quality parameter clusters can serve as a trait for breeding strategies in Pekin ducks.
Estimating goat body weight from morphometric traits is essential for growth monitoring, health management, and welfare. Accurate weight informs nutrition, clinical interventions, and mating decisions. In this study, the MARS and XGBoost algorithms were used to estimate the live weight of Kalahari Red goats based on body measurements. A dataset containing body length (BL), birth type (single, twin, or triplet), withers height (WH), rump height (RH), and heart girth (HG) information for 200 goats was used in the training and testing of the models. The performances of the models were evaluated with the goodness-of-fit criteria. XGBoost showed a performance of R2 = 0.998, RMSE = 0.023, and MAPE = 0.039 in the training set and R2 = 0.974, RMSE = 0.669, and MAPE = 0.927 in the test set. In addition, MARS achieved R2 = 0.994, RMSE = 0.260, and MAPE = 0.447 in the training set and R2 = 0.968, RMSE = 0.595, and MAPE = 0.771 in the test set. These results demonstrate that, although the R2 values of XGBoost are higher than those of MARS, both algorithms were effective. XGBoost consistently yielded lower errors and slightly higher R2 in estimating the live weight of Kalahari Red goats based on body measurements.
The study aimed to determine the effects of zinc-reinforced clinoptilolite supplementation to the diet on selected hematological parameters, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, and enzyme histochemical characteristics in fattening lambs. For this purpose, 40 healthy male lambs were randomly allocated into five equal groups: control (C; n = 8), natural clinoptilolite (NC; n = 8), zinc (ZN; n = 8), natural clinoptilolite plus zinc (NCZN; n = 8), and zinc-reinforced clinoptilolite (ZNRC; n = 8). All animals were housed in individual pens, and the supplementation period continued for 42 days. Blood samples were collected before the trial (day 0) and at the end of the trial (day 42) to evaluate hematological parameters, serum IgG concentrations, and enzyme activity. Lymphocyte and monocyte percentages increased only in the ZN group at day 42 compared with day 0 (p < 0.05). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin values decreased in all experimental groups at day 42 compared with day 0 (p < 0.05). Serum IgG concentrations increased at day 42 compared with day 0 in the ZN, NCZN, and ZNRC groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with zinc-reinforced clinoptilolite resulted in higher serum IgG concentrations in the ZNRC group compared with the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase-positive lymphocyte ratios were not affected by the different dietary treatments in any experimental group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, zinc-containing combinations (NCZN and ZNRC) appeared to exert more pronounced effects on immune-related parameters, particularly lymphocyte percentages and serum IgG concentrations. These findings suggest that alternative nutritional strategies may be developed by utilizing the ion-exchange capacity of clinoptilolite.
The selection of hobby animals for breeding by enthusiasts is often based on aesthetic considerations, which can have a negative impact on the animals' biology. Furthermore, "extreme traits" that deviate from ancestral norms, such as short beaks in pigeons, can be detrimental to the animal's welfare. Beaks perform many essential functions, such as facilitating feed intake and eggshell breaking. The present study investigates possible hatching problems and the nestling viability of short-beak pigeons through a study of the breeding records of M & imath;s & imath;ri (short beak), Baska (medium beak), and Turkish D & ouml;nek (normal beak) pigeons, as well as data from one breeding season of M & imath;s & imath;ri pigeons (e.g. records of unfertilized eggs, embryo losses, deaths in shell, and nestling losses before and after ringing). The hatching rates and nestling viabilities of Baska, Turkish D & ouml;nek, and M & imath;s & imath;ri breeds were 74.34%, 84.62%, and 60.05%, and 76.99%, 89.39%, and 77.82%, respectively, and the effect of breed on both traits was significant (p = 0.0238). The hatching probability of M & imath;s & imath;ri eggs was lower than that of Baska or D & ouml;nek eggs. The probability of Turkish D & ouml;nek nestlings reaching fledgling age was 2.94 times greater than that of M & imath;s & imath;ri nestlings (p = 0.0226). During the incubation period of M & imath;s & imath;ri eggs, the lowest was embryo loss (2.78%) and the highest was "dead in shell" (20.00%). In M & imath;s & imath;ri nestlings, nestling mortality was highest in the <= 10-day period (26.79%). It can be concluded that the hatching outcomes and nestling viability of M & imath;s & imath;ri pigeons are suboptimal when compared to normal beaked Turkish D & ouml;nek pigeons.
Pregnancy is considered one of the most physiologically stressful periods in mammals. In the present study, serum and hair cortisol concentrations were measured in nine female Akke & ccedil;i goats, including five primiparous (1.5 years old) and four multiparous (3.5 years old), to evaluate chronic stress during pregnancy. Hair samples were collected in October, November, and December following the introduction of bucks to the herd and within the first 12 h postpartum (corresponding to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th sampling times). Hair samples were not collected in January, February, or March (the 4th, 5th, and 6th sampling times) due to insufficient hair growth. Blood samples were obtained monthly between October and March during pregnancy and within the first 12 h postpartum. Both blood and hair samples were processed for hormone analysis in the laboratory. Cortisol concentrations in all samples were determined by enzyme immunoassay. The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in serum cortisol concentrations between the sampling times or parity groups, whereas significant differences were observed only in hair cortisol concentrations among period means in the hair matrix (p < 0.01). Therefore, it was concluded that hair cortisol concentrations during pregnancy in Akke & ccedil;i goats represent a more reliable biomarker of long-term stress compared with serum cortisol concentrations.
We hereby issue this erratum to address a concern regarding Tables 6, 7, and 8 in the manuscript titled “Nitrate and nitrite levels in cattle feed, drinking water, rumen content, and blood methemoglobin levels in Burdur Province of Türkiye”. Some of the numbers in Tables 6, 7, and 8 were misprinted by mistake during the typesetting process. To ensure the accuracy of the published work, the correct tables are included for your reference. The original article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0128.4376
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly encountered in canine clinical cases and can result in significant health complications if not properly treated. This study isolated and identified bacterial pathogens from dogs with clinical signs of UTI. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling was performed on the bacterial isolates and further molecular detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was also performed. A total of 104 urine samples were collected via cystocentesis and catheterization. Bacterial identification was conducted using standard bacteriological procedures, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method with 21 different antimicrobial discs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for molecular detection of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius using resistance genes mecA, tetK, and tetM. Of the 104 samples, 91 (87.50%) yielded pure bacterial cultures, 3 (2.88%) had mixed growth, and 10 (9.61%) had no growth. Among the 91 isolates, 58 (62.63%) were Gram negative and 33 (36.26%) were Gram positive. PCR identified 10 isolates as S. aureus and 12 as S. pseudintermedius. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed the highest sensitivity to enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (67.03%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (58.24%), chloramphenicol (57.14%), nitrofurantoin (56.04%), gentamicin (54.94%), and amikacin (51.64%). mecA was detected in 7 S. aureus and 7 S. pseudintermedius isolates, tetK in 3 isolates each, and tetM in 2 S. aureus and 4 S. pseudintermedius isolates. These findings underscore the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in canine UTIs and highlight the need for routine diagnostic testing to guide effective and targeted antimicrobial therapy.
