Epimedium grandiflorum is a medicinal plant containing bioactive compounds that may support male reproductive function; however, its effects on rabbit semen quality under tropical production conditions remain insufficiently investigated. This study evaluated the effects of dietary E. grandiflorum powder supplementation on semen quality, seminal plasma characteristics, and functional sperm parameters in black male rabbits raised in the Mekong Delta. Thirty-six sexually mature rabbits aged 10-11 months and weighing 3.2-3.4 kg were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments for 60 days, with 12 rabbits per treatment: control, basal diet without supplementation; E1, basal diet supplemented with 0.5% E. grandiflorum powder; and E2, basal diet supplemented with 1.0% E. grandiflorum powder. Ejaculates were collected at five-day intervals and evaluated for ejaculate traits, CASA-derived motility parameters, sperm concentration, morphology, seminal plasma physicochemical characteristics, viability, and HOST-positive rate. Dietary E. grandiflorum supplementation improved semen quality in a dose-related manner. Supplemented rabbits showed higher ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, CASA-derived motility parameters, mass activity, sperm resistance, viability, and HOST-positive rates, together with reduced abnormal sperm morphology. Favorable changes were also observed in seminal plasma characteristics, including increased osmotic pressure and buffering capacity, as well as reduced viscosity, while pH and density remained relatively stable. Dietary supplementation with E. grandiflorum powder, particularly at 1.0%, improved semen quality, seminal plasma stability, and sperm functional integrity in Vietnamese Black male rabbits. These findings suggest that E. grandiflorum could be a promising plant-derived feed additive for supporting male reproductive traits under tropical rabbit production conditions.
Buxtonella sulcata is a cosmopolitan ciliate protozoan parasitizing cattle and water buffaloes, transmitted mainly via the fecal-oral route. The parasite colonizes the large intestine of ruminants and can cause mucosal damage, inflammatory changes, and secondary bacterial complications. Young and immunocompromised animals are particularly susceptible to infection, especially following the decline of maternal colostral antibodies. Although infection is often subclinical, disease can occur under stress conditions and is associated with considerable economic losses in cattle production. This review summarizes the most important clinical and parasitological aspects of B. sulcata infection in ruminants: epidemiology, transmission, pathogenicity, clinical manifestations, and differential diagnosis. Special attention is given to coinfections with other enteric parasites, such as Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara vitulorum, and Moniezia spp., which cause diarrheal enteritis in calves. Buxtonellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in cattle, particularly in calves from endemic regions. Subclinical infections negatively affect growth performance, whereas clinical forms can result in severe intestinal disorders and economic losses. Increased awareness among veterinarians and continuous epidemiological investigations are necessary for identifying risk factors and establishing effective preventive and control measures, particularly in regions where the parasite has already been identified, including Serbia.
A juvenile female Western barn owl (Tyto alba) was admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre in northern Portugal, presenting severe congenital limb malformations. Postmortem examination revealed micromelia of the left pelvic limb and multiple digital anomalies, including aplasia and partial longitudinal meromelia affecting several digits, consistent with ectrodactyly. Additional malformations were observed in the anterior limbs. No evidence of trauma or other congenital abnormalities was detected. Due to the severity of the defects, euthanasia was performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ectrodactyly in Tyto alba, highlighting the importance of documenting congenital anomalies in wild bird populations.
A two-year-old male sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), weighing 8 kg, was presented to Kedonganan Veterinary Hospital, Bali, Indonesia, with a four-day history of inappetence and absence of defecation, accompanied by white, foamy urine. Radiographic examination revealed the presence of calculi within the urinary bladder. Surgical removal of the bladder calculi was therefore indicated, and the procedure was performed using a lateral transplastron coeliotomy approach. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively, enrofloxacin, dexamethasone, vitamin B complex, and fentanyl were administered via injection, followed by continued oral administration of enrofloxacin and dexamethasone for seven days. On the seventh postoperative day, the tortoise had become active again and was able to urinate and accept assisted feeding. Three years after surgery, the tortoise remained healthy without any complications.
The Kyrgyz Taigan is an autochthonous breed of Central Asian sighthounds, created and preserved in the specific geographic and climatic conditions of Kyrgyzstan. Although this hound plays a significant role in traditional hunting and is an important part of the national heritage, data on its morphometric characteristics are limited. The aim of this research was to determine the basic morphometric characteristics of the Kyrgyz Taigan and to examine the existence of sexual dimorphism in body measurements. Twenty-one body parameters were analyzed. Morphometric measurements were performed by non-invasive methods using Lydthin’s measurement stick, tape and a Vernier caliper. The obtained data were processed with descriptive statistics, while the differences between the sexes were examined using the Student’s t-test. The results indicate the presence of pronounced sexual dimorphism in most height and length parameters, whereby males are, on average, larger and more robust than females. Statistically significant differences were found in the dimensions that are directly related to the general body frame and functional strength of the dog. This pattern indicates the functional adaptation of the breed to the requirements of hunting, while maintaining the proportionality of the body structure.
