Pasteurella multocida serotype A is an important pathogen that causes respiratory illness in both farm animals and poultry, leading to severe economic losses worldwide. This study aimed to isolate P. multocida capsular type A (capA) as well as investigate the virulence-associated genes (VAGs) within the isolates. Samples (n = 250) were collected in the Anatolia region from cattle (n = 130), sheep (n = 70), goats (n = 45), and pet birds (n = 5) with clinical respiratory signs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were conducted using kmt1 and capA primers for P. multocida species identification and capsular serogroup A typing, respectively; subsequently, multiplex PCR was conducted to screen for VAGs of the serotype isolates. Of the 250 samples, 21 were confirmed as P. multocida and were distributed among the animal sources as follows: cattle, 12 (57.12%); sheep, 5 (23.8%); goats, 3 (14.28%); and pet birds, 1 (4.8%). Of the 21 P. multocida isolates, 7 (33.3%) were confirmed as capsular serotype A using capA primers. A total of 19 VAGs were screened: outer membrane protein genes (ompH, ompA, oma87, and plpB); fimbriae antigens genes (ptfA, pfhA, and tadD); somatic antigens genes (latB, rmlA-rmlC, gatG, nctB, and natG); toxA; and iron-binding genes (hgbA, hgbB, and tbpA). While oma87, gatG, and tadD were detected in all seven serogroup A isolates, none possessed the pcgD, ppgB, and exbB genes. The less prevalent VAGs were nctB and natG, while the highest prevalence was in a bovine isolate. P. multocida serotype A is a common pathogen in farm animals and pet birds in Anatolia; this organism harbors an abundance of VAGs that may serve as epidemiological markers and possible vaccine candidates.
This study investigated the concentrations of essential (Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, and Mo) and toxic (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) trace elements in complete feeds used for the intensive rearing of cattle, poultry, and pigs in North Macedonia and predicted their transfer into animal-derived foods. A total of 107 feed samples were collected from 40 farms between May 2023 and April 2024 and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results revealed that while most essential elements were within the regulatory limits, Co exceeded the maximum level in two cattle feed samples. Zn, Cu, and Mn levels were generally at potentially suboptimal concentrations, indicating possible deficiencies that can affect animal health and productivity. Toxic elements Pb, Cd, and As were prevalent across all feed types, although none exceeded the European Union's maximum limits, while Hg was rarely detected. Using literature-based transfer factors (TFs), this study predicted the transferred levels of these elements in animal-derived foods such as milk, eggs, meat, offal, and fat. The mean and median TF-based predictions indicated compliance with regulatory limits and suggested safety for human health at the screening level. However, worst-case scenario predictions using 95th percentile TFs suggested potential exceedances of regulatory limits for Pb, Cd, and As in certain food commodities, particularly in offal. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of trace elements in animal feeds to ensure animal health and welfare and the safety of animal derived foods. This predictive approach using TFs offers a valuable tool for rapid risk assessment and can support regulatory decision making.
This study aimed to examine the morphological and histological features of the hard palate in the Anatolian water buffalo through light and scanning electron microscopy, complemented by gross and morphometric evaluations. Eight hard palates were used in the study. A total of eight Anatolian water buffalo heads from healthy adult female water buffaloes were collected immediately after slaughter from various slaughterhouses in Bal & imath;kesir, T & uuml;rkiye. After analyzing and identifying the obtained hard palate samples, measurements were taken and documented through photography. The papilla incisiva, located in the middle of the caudal concave edge on the ventral surface of the pulvinus dentalis, had an oval appearance. Rugae palatinae extending transversely on both sides of the raphe palati were symmetrical and the number varied between 16 and 19. At higher magnification, polygonal areas, microridges, and micropores with honeycomb appearance were detected in the incisive papilla. Round islets of different sizes and heterogeneous distribution were detected in the groove in front of the rugae palatina. The stratum corneum of the incisive papilla was found to be thicker compared to that of the dental pad. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological, histological, and scanning electron microscopy characterization of the hard palate of the Anatolian water buffalo.
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.
