Veterinary World editorial team would sincerely like to thank all of our reviewers who contributed to peer review for the journal in 2021.

The use of anesthetic infusions based on pharmacokinetic values associated with anesthetic plan and bispectral index in dogs have not been well-documented in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the bispectral index (BIS) change based on pre-propofol and establish clinical anesthetic depth changes during propofol sequential target-controlled infusion (STCI) in dogs with a plasma target of 5 μg/mL. Twenty healthy male dogs aged 1-3 years and weighing 9.8-44 kg were recruited. These dogs were pre-medicated intramuscularly with methadone (0.2 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg). After 30 min, propofol anesthetic induction and maintenance were initiated using STCI according to dog pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. Subsequently, the target plasma concentration of propofol was set at 5 μg/mL for both anesthetic induction and the 120 min maintenance. Then, TivaTrainer v.9.1 software was used to calculate anesthetic infusion rates in a TCI plasmatic concentration mode using the PKs model optimized by covariates for propofol TCI in dogs. The BIS value was recorded every 5 min from the beginning of induction until the end of anesthesia. Finally, analysis of variance was performed on numerical data using the Friedman test, followed by the Bonferroni adjustment (p<0.05). A statistical difference was observed between the baseline BIS value (T0), with a median value of 84.5 (81-97), and BIS after every 15 min (T15) of inducing anesthesia. Surgical anesthetic depth was also reached in 18 of 20 dogs after 10 min of infusion and in all dogs after 20 min, with a median BIS value of 72 (53-89) at the time of surgical anesthesia depth. Results also showed no BIS variation (p<0.05) between anesthetic moments after anesthetic induction with a substantial amplitude of BIS in the surgical anesthetic depth. Moreover, the maximum depth of anesthesia in all dogs by clinical evaluation was reached after 20 min of anesthesia and then remained stable throughout the anesthetic period. This study suggested that most dogs (90%) attained a surgical depth of anesthesia within 15 min of STCI onset, with a plasma target of 5 μg/mL and no change in anesthetic depth throughout the period anesthesia lasted. Furthermore, median BIS values remained high even after dogs reached the surgical depth of anesthesia, indicating that the comparison of BIS values of dogs and humans should not be considered for classifying anesthetic and hypnotic depths in dogs. Keywords: bispectral index, target-controlled infusion, total intravenous infusion.

Human salmonellosis with non-typhoidal Salmonella remains a global public health concern related to the consumption of contaminated eggs and egg-based products. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of Salmonella, antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, and egg antibiotic residues concerning risk factors associated with Salmonella contamination in eggs, the layer farming environment, and laying hens kept in battery-cage closed-housing systems. This study used a repeated cross-sectional design to collect 488 samples from eggs, laying hens, and the farm environment on one laying farm for Salmonella detection according to ISO 6579:2002/AMD 1:2007. Salmonella-positive samples were further tested for serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion test. The layer farm contact person was interviewed at the sampling time to evaluate the risk factors associated with Salmonella contamination using logistic regression analysis. For each month, 24 eggs (144 eggs in total) were also randomly sampled from the collection egg area at the farm for antibiotic residue detection using the European Four Plate Test. The highest Salmonella prevalence rates were in the samples from the layer pen floors, followed by the egg sizing machine (ESM) and eggshells at 65.5%, 52.5%, and 15%, respectively. Salmonella enterica serovar Corvallis was the dominant serovar (48.38%), followed by Mbandaka (37.76%), Braenderup (14.29%), and Typhimurium (4.08%). Rodent presence at the farm and the frequency of changing the disinfectant foot dip were significant factors related to Salmonella contamination on the pen floors (odds ratio [OR]=22.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.11-240.48, p=0.01; OR=24, 95% CI=2.78-206.96, p=0.004, respectively). Hand-washing before sorting and cleaning the ESM were the significant factors (OR=13, 95% CI=1.2-140.73, p=0.04). The most resistant Salmonella isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline. One isolate of S. enterica Typhimurium was resistant to cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, and oxytetracycline. The antibiotic residues in the egg yolks were streptomycin, enrofloxacin, and tetracycline at prevalence rates of 36.11%, 11.81%, and 7.64%, respectively. Streptomycin was the most abundant residue in the albumen and yolk, followed by tetracycline. Salmonella prevalence in layer farming with a closed-housing system is related to effective biosecurity and hygiene issues, such as rodent control, clean farm equipment, and good worker hygiene. In addition, eggs' antibiotic residues may be related to treating antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella isolates and medicated feed with inappropriate antibiotic withdrawal time. Keywords: antibiotic residue, antibiotic resistance, eggs, laying hens, risk factors, Salmonella prevalence.

The potential solution is to use agro-industrial by-products as an unconventional source of raw materials for broiler feed. This study aims to determine the effects of substituting prickly pear (FB; Opuntia ficus-indica) husks for corn and FB seed cake for soybean meal on the production performance, slaughter characteristics, and chemical composition of broiler meat. Two hundred day-old chicks of equal sex ratio (1:1) of Big Fast strain, weighing on average 37±2g, were randomly divided into four homogeneous groups of 50 subjects each. Each group was subdivided into 10 packs of five animals, which were banded and numbered. Rations with substitution rates of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of corn and soybean meal by dehydrated husks and FB cake were randomly distributed among the groups. Average daily gains and body weights on 48 days were improved (p<0.05) in 10% and 20% groups, while the 30% group performed identically to the control. Cold carcass yield was optimal in 10% and 20% groups. The liver weight of the experimental groups decreased significantly (p<0.05), while their gizzard weight increased significantly (+24 points). The meat protein rate evolved proportionally to the substitution rate, whereas the fat rate depreciated by up to –1.08 points for the 30% group compared to the control. Incorporating FB processing by-products into broiler feed at rates of 10% and 20% improves zootechnical performance, carcass yields, and the chemical composition of the meat. Keywords: broiler feed, prickly pear processing, production cost.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes several infectious diseases, including mastitis, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis, and poses a threat to human and animal health. This study aims to phenotypically and genetically identify S. aureus from the isolates collected from humans, animals, environment, and Dangke products in the dairy farms of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, as well as to establish a genetic relationship among the isolated S. aureus strains. The total number of samples was 142, comprising 30 humans (skin swab), 58 animals (raw milk), 14 dairy products (Dangke), and 40 environmental samples (water). S. aureus was phenotypically identified using the culture method, followed by Gram staining, catalase test, and coagulase test. Simultaneously, genotypic identification of S. aureus was performed using the conventional polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. Sequencing data were analyzed using the MEGA X software by comparing BLAST National Center for Biotechnology Information databases. The phenotypic methods revealed that 56/142 (39.4%) animal, human, and Dangke samples grew on culture, and 56/56 (100%) were Gram stain positive, 56/56 (100%) catalase-positive, and 23/56 (41.1%) coagulase positive. The genotypic method revealed that 32/56 (57.1%) samples amplified the nuc gene. The phylogenetic analysis of 12 isolates revealed that they are all closely related and do not belong to distinct clades. It indicates that S. aureus isolates from animals (S30) are probably the same strain as human isolates (H2, H3, H4, and H5). The findings of this study can be used as information regarding the importance of preventing and controlling diseases caused by S. aureus using a health approach involving the human, animal, and environmental sectors. This study was limited to the sequencing analysis of the nuc gene. Keywords: dairy farm, environment, human, nuc gene, Staphylococcus aureus.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally and has led to extremely high mortality rates. In addition to infecting humans, this virus also has infected animals. Experimental studies and natural infections showed that dogs have a low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas domesticated cats and other animals in the family Felidae, such as lions, tigers, snow leopards, and cougars, have a high susceptibility to viral infections. In addition, wild white-tailed deer, gorillas, and otters have been found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Furry farm animals, such as minks, have a high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus appears to spread among minks and generate several new mutations, resulting in increased viral virulence. Furthermore, livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, were found to have low susceptibility to the virus, whereas chicken, ducks, turkeys, quail, and geese did not show susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge can provide insights for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies in animals and humans. Therefore, this review focuses on experimental (both replication and transmission) in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pets and in wild and farm animals, and to provide details on the mechanism associated with natural infection.

Listeria monocytogenes is a critical foodborne pathogen that infects pregnant females and their newborns and older adults and individuals with comorbidities. It contaminates fresh vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat foods, and frozen food products consumed by individuals. The culture conventional detection methods for L. monocytogenes are time-consuming, taking 4 days. This study aimed to describe the development and comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)- lateral flow dipstick (LFD), LAMP assay to PCR, and conventional culture for detecting L. monocytogenes in frozen food products. Five LAMP primer sets, including F3, B3, forward inner primer, and backward inner primer, were designed from a specific region on ferrous iron transport protein B gene (feoB gene) to amplify LAMP products. The DNA probe was created, and the detection limit was determined in pure culture and purified DNA, as well as the detection in 20 frozen food product samples. The LMfeoB4 LAMP primer sets and DNA probe were LAMP products amplified at 60°C for 50 min. The specificity of the assay revealed no cross-reactivity with other pathogenic bacteria. The limit of detection (LOD) of the LAMP-LFD and LAMP assays using purified genomic DNA was 219 fg/μL both in LAMP and LAMP-LFD assays. The LOD of LAMP and LAMP-LFD assays in pure culture was 4.3×102 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL and 43 CFU/mL, respectively. The LOD of the LAMP-LFD assay using artificially inoculated chicken in frozen food samples with pre-enrichment was 3.2×102 CFU/mL. The LAMP-LFD was also more sensitive than the LAMP assay and polymerase chain reaction. Finally, LAMP-LFD revealed no false positives in any of the 20 frozen food product samples. LAMP-LFD assay using a specific region on the feoB gene to detect L. monocytogenes was highly specific, sensitive, faster, and convenient, making it a valuable tool for the monitoring and rapid screening of L. monocytogenes in frozen food products. This technique is applicable to the development of detection technologies for other pathogens in food products. Keywords: ferrous iron transport protein B gene, frozen food product, Listeria monocytogenes, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral flow dipstick.

Toxoplasma gondii is recognized as a zoonosis causing toxoplasmosis in animals globally. Cat is a definitive host of T. gondii and sheds oocyst through feces, which can infect human beings and animals through contaminated food ingestion. A precise diagnostic test is essential to prevent T. gondii infection in both humans and animals. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the pETite- dense granule antigen 7(GRA7)-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect T. gondii infection in cats. T. gondii-GRA7 was cloned and expressed in the Expresso® small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) T7 Cloning and Expression System. The recombinant pETite-GRA7 was purified using HisTrap affinity chromatography and confirmed using Western blot analysis. The recombinant protein was used to develop and evaluate the indirect ELISA for T. gondii infection detection. In total, 200 cat sera were tested using pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The statistical analysis based on Kappa value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, χ2 test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the test. A 606 bp GRA7 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was obtained from T. gondii RH strain genomic DNA. The gene was cloned into the pETite™ vector and transformed to HI-Control Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for protein expression. Approximately 35 kDa of recombinant pETite-GRA7 was observed and Western blot analysis showed positive bands against anti-6-His antibody and positive-T. gondii cat serum. A sample of 0.5 μg/mL of pETite-GRA7 was subjected to indirect ELISA to detect T. gondii infection in the cat sera. The results showed sensitivity and specificity of pETite- GRA7-based indirect ELISA at 72% and 96%, respectively. An acceptable diagnostic performance was characterized by high concordant results (94%) and substantial agreement (Kappa value=0.65) with IFAT. The seroprevalence levels of ELISA and IFAT were 10% and 9%, respectively, and were not significantly (p>0.05) different. The expected performance of ELISA at different cutoff points using the ROC curve analysis revealed 89% sensitivity and 92% specificity at the cutoff value of 0.146, with a high overall assay accuracy (area under the curve=0.94). In this study, the pETite™ vector, N-terminal 6xHis SUMO fusion tag, was used to improve the solubility and expression level of GRA7. The recombinant pETite-GRA7 showed enhanced protein solubility and purification without special condition requirements. This pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA showed high concordant results and substantial agreement with IFAT. ELISA revealed an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. These initial data obtained from cats' sera demonstrated that pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA could be a useful method for local serological diagnosis of T. gondii infection in cats in Thailand. Keywords: cats, GRA7, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, recombinant protein, serodiagnosis, Toxoplasma gondii.

Although Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are common members of human and animal gut microbiota, their resistance to different antimicrobials makes them important pathogens. Multidrug-resistant enterococci often contaminate foods of animal origin at slaughterhouses. The World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health recommend including animal-derived enterococci in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring programs. This study aimed to fill a literature gap by determining the current AMR prevalence of E. faecalis and E. faecium from different food-producing animals in Russia. Samples of biomaterial were taken from chickens (n=187), cattle (n=155), pigs (n=49), turkeys (n=34), sheep (n=31), and ducks (n=31) raised at 28 farms in 15 regions of Russia. Isolates of E. faecalis (n=277) and of E. faecium (n=210) (487 isolates in total; 1 isolate per sample) were tested for resistance to 12 antimicrobials from 11 classes using the broth microdilution method. Three criteria were used for the interpretation of minimum inhibitory concentration: Epidemiological cutoff values (ECOFFs) from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) clinical breakpoints. The AMR cloud online platform was used for data processing and statistical analysis. A difference of >10% was found between E. faecalis and E. faecium resistance to several antimicrobials (erythromycin, gentamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and streptomycin). In total, resistance to most antimicrobials for enterococci isolates of both species taken from turkeys, chicken, and pigs was higher than cattle, sheep, and ducks. The highest levels were found for turkeys and the lowest for ducks. Among antimicrobials, resistance to bacitracin and virginiamycin was 88-100% in nearly all cases. High levels of clinical resistance were found for both bacteria species: Rifampicin (44-84%) from all animals, tetracycline (45-100%) from poultry and pigs, and erythromycin (60-100%), ciprofloxacin (23-100%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (33-53%) from chickens, turkeys, and pigs. No vancomycin-resistant isolates were found. Most isolates were simultaneously resistant to one–three classes of antimicrobials, and they were rarely resistant to more than three antimicrobials or sensitive to all classes. Differences in resistance between enterococci from different farm animals indicate that antimicrobial application is among the crucial factors determining the level of resistance. Conversely, resistance to rifampicin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin found in enterococci from farm animals in our study was notably also found in enterococci from wild animals and birds. Our results may be partly explained by the intrinsic resistance of E. faecium and E. faecalis to some antimicrobials, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and bacitracin. Keywords: animals, antimicrobial resistance, enterococci, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, livestock.

Remote drug delivery has become an essential tool for safely delivering medication and vaccines to free-ranging, non-domestic, or dangerous animals. All dart guns currently use a single dart per injection, and it might occasionally be not practical with large animals. Shooting the dart more than once on an animal may cause flight, injury, stress, and ultimately unsuccessful delivery. Furthermore, purchasing many dart guns and hiring and training more staff may be unfeasible in developing countries. Therefore, employing the double-dart injection technique may help reduce the cost of operation, save time for capturing animals, minimize stress and injury, and improve animal welfare. The objectives of this study were to test the possibility of using the double-dart injection technique and optimizing the guidelines for this procedure. A standard brand-calibrated darting rifle was used to deliver the darts to the target board constructed from paper, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. The shot stage and shooter were fixed, and the shooting range was 5-20 m. The pressure of the gun was varied according to a company's recommendation. The single dart (control dart) was first shot to the target point, and then the double darts were shot 3 times for each condition. The experiment was done in the field with no wind. The inclusion criteria were that two darts must hit the target and not penetrate the target board deeply. The distances between the control dart and double darts (first and second darts) and between each dart of the double darts were measured, and the standard curve graphs and formulas were created. The results showed that the distance between the control dart and the double darts was shortened as the pressure was increased. All double-dart injections hit the target below the control dart. We were able to create many formulas to predict the optimal gun pressure and aim point for double-dart injection in each shot range. It usually requires more pressure settings than a single-dart injection, particularly the long shot range. It also needs to aim the target point above the original point. Double-dart injection technique can be used efficiently in 5-20 m distance, and it usually requires increasing the pressure from the company's recommendation and adjusting the injecting point. Keywords: double-dart technique, free-ranging animals, remote drug delivery, wildlife.

Male hypogonadism results from failure to produce physiological levels of testosterone. Testosterone in men is essential in masculine development, sperm production, and adult man's health. Osteoporosis is one of the consequences of hypogonadism. Regular physical exercise and exogenous testosterone administration are frequently used to prevent or treat this condition. This study aimed to understand the effects of lifelong exercise training and testosterone levels (isolated and together) in the main bone structure parameters. A total of 24 rats were used and randomly divided into four groups: Control group (CG; n=6), exercised group (EG, n=6), testosterone group (TG, n=6), and testosterone EG (TEG, n=6). A micro-computed tomography equipment was used to evaluate 15 bone parameters. Both factors (exercise training and testosterone) seem to improve the bone resistance and microstructure, although in different bone characteristics. Testosterone influenced trabecular structure parameters, namely, connectivity density, trabecular number, and trabecular space. The exercise promoted alterations in bone structure as well, although, in most cases, in different bone structure parameters as bone mineral density and medullar mineral density. Overall, exercise and testosterone therapy seems to have a synergistic contribution to the general bone structure and resistance. Further studies are warranted, comparing different individual factors, as gender, lifestyle, or testosterone protocols, to constantly improve the medical management of hypogonadism (and osteoporosis). Keywords: bone, exercise training, hypogonadism, micro-computed tomography, osteoporosis, testosterone.

Streptomyces is a well-known agent of secondary metabolite production. This study aimed to identify Streptomyces spp. from garbage dump soils in Surabaya based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Moreover, the structure of new chemical compounds used for treating infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants was elucidated. We isolated Streptomyces spp. from garbage dump soils in Surabaya. In this study, all isolates were characterized according to phenotype, and they were also confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Multiple sequence alignment and molecular phylogeny analyses were conducted using the MEGA 5.0 software, and then the TREE VIEW program was used to display the phylogenetic tree. The level of DNA similarity was also evaluated using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) program and then compared with nucleotide sequences stored in the GenBank database using National Center for Biotechnology Information BLAST. The eight Streptomyces spp. showed different nucleotide sequence lengths in gel electrophoresis and photography, which is in accordance with the results observed in the phylogenetic tree. New types of Streptomyces spp., Sp-C, Sp-D, Sp-Ep, Sp-G, and Sp-I, were found from the waste heap in Surabaya. Of these, Sp-Ep was very closely related to Streptomyces indonesiasis and Streptomyces nashvillensis. Sp-F was identified as Streptomyces levis strain NRRL B-24299, and Sp-C was identified as Synodontis filamentosus. Sp-D was related to Sida javensis and Staphylococcus roseus. Sp-G was related to Streptomyces roseoviridis strain NBRC 12911 and Streptomyces thermocarboxydovorans strain AT52. Sp-I was related to Streptomyces cangkringensis and Streptomyces asiaticus. Finally, Sp-A was related to Sansevieria laurentii strain LMG 19959. Based on the phylogenetic tree, new strains of Streptomyces isolate, namely, Sp-D, Sp-Ep, Sp-G, and Sp-I, were found in the garbage dump soils of Surabaya. This new strain can produce antibiotics to be used as an alternative to antibiotics; however, further research is needed to confirm the activity. Keywords: identification, infectious disease, the garbage dump soil, the new type of Streptomyces.

The value of the pet food industry, which is majorly the prescribed diet, exponentially increased over the years due to increased awareness among pet owners to provide a healthy lifestyle for their pets. However, several factors such as aroma, flavor, texture, and shape of prescribed diets greatly influenced the palatability in cats. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the palatability of the prescribed diet for domestic shorthair (DSH) cats. The two-bowl method was employed to determine the palatability of prescribed diets on five DSH cats for 6 days. Furthermore, the four types of prescribed diet assessed in this study were struvite, renal, hypersensitivity, and intestinal. Furthermore, the pet food palatability was analyzed using “First Approached,” “First Consumed,” “Total Consumption,” and “Intake ratios.” Our findings revealed that “Total Consumption” and “Intake Ratios” were significantly different in struvite, renal, and intestinal diets compared to the hypersensitivity diet. In addition, this result indicates that the hypersensitivity diet is the most unpalatable compared with other diets. A detailed investigation of the diet ingredients showed that a hypersensitivity diet lacks herbs and spices than the other diets. Therefore, these ingredients lacking in the hypersensitivity diet influence the palatability of pet foods. Keywords: aroma, domestic shorthair cats, flavor, palatability, prescribed diet.

Over the past two decades, the number of elephant camps in Thailand has increased considerably, and captive elephants have become more popular within the tourism industry. Tourist activities involving elephant exhibitions and trekking potentially affect animal health and welfare. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between a novel stress biomarker, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM), and various factors (sex, age, weather season, tourist season, and elephant usage patterns), monitoring the fGCM concentration during and after trekking activities ceased. Fecal samples of 20 captive Asian elephants from two camps in Kanchanaburi Province were collected monthly for 1 year. The fGCM concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay and evaluated relative to individual demography, season, and tourist trekking activity. The mean differences of fGCMs concentrations were compared by analysis of variance and t-test statistics according to data types with p<0.5. Significant differences in mean fGCM concentrations were found between age categories (p=0.001), trekking and non-trekking animals (p=0.039), and during and after trekking (p=0.023). The mean fGCM concentration of elephants aged during 0-44 years (136.7 ng/g) was significantly higher than for animals over 44 years old (107.7 ng/g), and the elephant trekking group (144.9 ng/g) was significantly higher than the other group (124.7 ng/g). Within the trekking group, the mean fGCM concentrations gradually declined to 129.13 ng/g within 8 months of trekking cessation. Elephant's ages and activities co-influenced the variance of fGCM concentrations. In addition, permanent tourist activity, especially trekking, can increase elephant stress. This study's findings can be applied to the health status monitoring of captive elephants and result in improved animal welfare. Keywords: captive elephant, fecal glucocorticoid, hormone, stress, trekking.

Paratuberculosis (PTB) is an infectious disease that induces chronic enteritis in ruminants. It is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). In this study, we evaluated the presence of MAP using bacteriological, molecular, and anatomopathological studies, based on the clinical suspicion of PTB in a zoo, in an area housing 10 scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), five giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), and three blue wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus). From November 2016 to June 2017, fecal samples were collected from individuals of the three species on four occasions, resulting in a total of 56 fecal samples. In addition, five small intestine samples were collected from the necropsies of three adult scimitar-horned oryx females and two oryx calves. MAP identification was performed through isolation in Herrold's medium with egg yolk, mycobactin, and sodium pyruvate, Ziehl–Neelsen staining, IS900 polymerase chain reaction (IS900 PCR), and anatomopathological examination of intestine samples. Diffuse granulomatous enteritis with abundant acid-fast bacilli was found in two out of five intestine samples from adult scimitar-horned oryx females. MAP was isolated in 7/56 (12.5%) of the fecal samples from four scimitar-horned oryx, one giraffe, and two wildebeest samples. Two out of 5 (40%) samples obtained from scimitar-horned oryx tested positive. IS900 PCR yielded five positive samples (two fecal samples and three small intestine samples). MAP isolates were classified as Type C (Cattle) using type-specific PCR. These results demonstrated the presence of MAP in the area evaluated and indicated the importance of both sampling live animals and conducting postmortem examinations. The use of bacteriological and histopathological diagnostic techniques demonstrated in this study will provide insight into the health status and prevalence of paratuberculosis in wild ruminants under human care. Keywords: histopathology, IS900, isolation, paratuberculosis, scimitar-horned oryx, zoo animals.

Antibiotics are among the essential veterinary medicine compounds associated with animal feed and food animal production. The use of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections is almost unavoidable, with less need to demonstrate their importance. Although banned as a growth factor for a few years, their use in animals can add residues in foodstuffs, presenting several environmental, technological, animal health, and consumer health risks. With regard to human health risks, antibiotic residues induce and accelerate antibiotic resistance development, promote the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans, cause allergies (penicillin), and induce other severe pathologies, such as cancers (sulfamethazine, oxytetracycline, and furazolidone), anaphylactic shock, nephropathy (gentamicin), bone marrow toxicity, mutagenic effects, and reproductive disorders (chloramphenicol). Antibiotic resistance, which has excessively increased over the years, is one of the adverse consequences of this phenomenon, constituting a severe public health issue, thus requiring the regulation of antibiotics in all areas, including animal breeding. This review discusses the common use of antibiotics in agriculture and antibiotic residues in food/feed. In-depth, we discussed the detection techniques of antibiotic residues, potential consequences on the environment and animal health, the technological transformation processes and impacts on consumer health, and recommendations to mitigate this situation.

Chronic hyperglycemia in prediabetic individuals would progress to diabetes and lead to several systemic disruptions, including hematological parameters. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between prediabetes and hematological indices in a prediabetic rat model. Eighteen male rats were randomly divided into two groups of nine. Prediabetes was induced in nine rats by a 3-week high-fat and high-glucose diet, followed by low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection (30 mg/ kg body weight). The oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels were measured 72 h after STZ administration. The control group of nine rats was given standard diets. At the end of the 3rd week, the animals fasted overnight before blood collection. Blood samples were drawn and used for the analysis of the FBG and fasting insulin levels and glycated albumin to define prediabetes criteria before hematology analysis. We found a significant increase in the FBG and insulin levels in the prediabetic versus the control group. There were decreases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels and red cell distribution in prediabetic rats versus the control. At the same time, a significant increase in the platelet count was observed in the prediabetic group. There was a positive correlation between FBG and lymphocytes and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in prediabetic rats. On the other hand, we found a negative correlation between white blood cell count and glycated albumin. Correlations were found in several hematological parameters in the prediabetic rat models. The changes in hematological indices in prediabetic rats may be further used as a valuable indicator of glycemic control. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, high-fat and high-glucose diet, hyperglycemia, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, streptozotocin.

Passive hip laxity (PHL) is considered the primary risk factor for canine hip dysplasia (HD) and is estimated, in stress hip radiographs, using the distraction index (DI). The study aimed to associate the early PHL using the hip Distractor of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (DisUTAD) and the late HD grades. A total of 41 dogs (82 hips) were submitted to a follow-up study. First, between 4 and 12 months of age, dogs were radiographed using the DisUTAD hip distractor and were determined the DI for each hip joint. Then, after 12 months of age, dogs were reevaluated for HD using the conventional hip ventrodorsal projection and hips were evaluated for HD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring system. Hips of dogs' in the second examination with FCI grades of A (n=28), B (n=11), C (n=22), and D and E (n=21) had an early DI of 0.32±0.1, 0.38±0.08, 0.50±0.12, and 0.64±0.11, respectively. Statistical analysis using the general linear model univariate, with the DI as dependent variable and the FCI grades, side and sex as fixed factors, and the post hoc Bonferroni correction test showed significant differences among FCI grades (p<0.05). These results show the association between early DI and the late FCI HD grades and the DisUTAD is recommended for the early canine HD diagnosis. Keywords: canine hip dysplasia, distraction index, hip distractor DisUTAD, hip laxity.

Ascorbic acid, widely known as vtamin C, is an essential nutrient for animals such as poultry. Ascorbic acid in poultry feed improves animal health and thus increases the growth performance of birds. Ascorbic acid can be used in the form of synthetic products or can be naturally obtained from fruits and plants. It is soluble in water and can be easily administered in drinking water and the diet. Poultry can synthesize ascorbic acid in the body. However, the performance of the animals can be improved by adding ascorbic acid to their diet. In addition, ascorbic acid is called an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This increases their resistance to disease during the transition season. Ascorbic acid supplementation positively affects the stress response, especially during the dry season in tropical countries. Furthermore, supplementing ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet improves resistance to diseases, regulates stress, and helps in the body's oxidation process. Ultimately, this enhances the laying rate, egg hatch performance, and higher poultry productivity. For layers at the end of the laying period, it helps increase the quality of the eggshell and reduces the proportion of broken eggs. Ascorbic acid has a strong relationship with other vitamins such as vitamin E and other substances such as zinc, safflower oil, folic acid, and a fibrous diet. This review aims to synthesize all the information of ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet, thereby providing the general role of ascorbic acid for the poultry industry.

Antibiotics have been used as growth promoters in poultry. However, continuous and long-term antibiotics can cause resistance, suppress the immune system, and accumulate toxic residue. To overcome these problems, feed additives that are safe for livestock and health for humans are needed, including probiotics. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effect of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, and Bifidobacterium spp.) and Moringa oleifera extract on performance (body weight gain, body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio [FCR]), carcass yield (carcass weight and percentage of carcass) and mortality of Peking duck. This study used 48 Peking ducks, divided into four treatments and six replications. Each replication consisted of two ducks. The treatments were as follows: T0=control, T1=4 mL containing 1.2×108 CFU/mL of probiotic in drinking water, T2=4 mL containing M. oleifera extract in drinking water, and T3=2 mL containing 1.2×108 CFU/mL of probiotic in drinking water+2 mL containing M. oleifera extract in drinking water. The probiotics consist of L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. lactis, and Bifidobacterium spp. The data were statistically analyzed through analysis of variance. For the follow-up test, a multiple range test was conducted. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between body weight, feed intake, and mortality treatments. By contrast, control and treatment showed a significant difference (p<0.05) on feed efficiency, FCR, body weight gain, carcass weight, and percentage of carcass weight. Results of body weight gain statistics showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0 and T1, but T0 and T1 showed a significant difference with T2 and T3. The results of the feed efficiency statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0, T1, and T2, but there was a significant difference between T0, T1, and T3. Feed efficiency at T2 showed no significant difference with T3, T1, and T0. The results of the FCR statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0, T1, and T2, but there was a significant difference between T0, T1, and T3. FCR at T2 showed no significant difference with T3, T1, and T0. The carcass weight statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0, T1, and T3, but there was a significant difference between T0 and T2. T2 showed no significant difference with T1 and T3. The carcass percentage statistic showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between T0 and T1, but T0 and T1 showed a significant difference (p<0.05) with T2 and T3. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that the use of a combination of probiotics (L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. lactis, and Bifidobacterium spp.) and M. oleifera extract can increase the production performance of Peking ducks and is safe for ducks' health. Keywords: health, probiotic, Moringa oleifera, Peking duck.

Because of the diversity of local genotypes of Ehrlichia canis, genes targeted by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays should be systematically evaluated. This study evaluated the amplification efficiency, linearity, precision, and sensitivity of two TaqMan RT-PCR assays targeting the dsb and gltA loci of E. canis in recombinant plasmids and naturally infected dogs. Thirty blood samples were collected from dogs showing clinical signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis at the Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The dsb and gltA genes were amplified by conventional PCRs (cPCRs) on the blood samples and were then sequenced. Meanwhile, RT-PCR was used to detect dsb and gltA genes in 10-fold dilutions of the recombinant plasmids. Both dsb and gltA were amplified with a high degree of linearity (R2≥0.975 and 0.993, respectively) in all dilutions, although the mean percentage of relative standard deviation of gltA was lower, but the difference was non-significant. The detection limits of RT-PCR and cPCR were 10–7 and 10–6, respectively, for both loci. RT-PCR targeting dsb (22/30; 73.3%) and gltA (15/30; 50%) yielded a number of positive results that did not differ significantly (p=0.06). The RT-PCR positive results of the dsb gene (22/30) differed significantly from that of cPCR (11/30) (p=0.004). In contrast, the RT-PCR positive results of the gltA gene (15/30) did not differ significantly from that of cPCR (12/30) (p=0.43). The mean Ct value (30.2) based on dsb RT-PCR of 22 positive cases was higher than that of gltA RT-PCR (Ct=27.4) on 15 positive cases. The Ct values from dsb RT-PCR were >30 in all seven discordant samples that were not detected by the gltA RT-PCR. RT-PCR targeting the dsb gene was more sensitive for detecting E. canis in naturally infected dogs. This study suggested that TaqMan RT-PCR of the dsb gene should be selected for E. canis research in this region. Keywords: detection, diverse local genotypes, Ehrlichia canis, TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Antibiotics are often overused and misused by broiler farmers. Moreover, this practice may lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may be used for various purposes such as therapy, prophylaxis, flushing, and growth promoters. The study aimed to examine the association of knowledge and attitudes with antibiotics used by broiler farmers. The study design was cross-sectional. The data were obtained from interviewing 132 farmers' households in Bogor District, West Java, Indonesia. The outcome variable was antibiotic use, whereas the independent variables included knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic resistance. The statistical analysis used a t-test and correlation test. A total of 78% of broilers farmers use antibiotics, and most of the farmers used antibiotics for flushing and prophylaxis. Furthermore, antibiotic use was associated with broiler farmers' knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic resistance. However, there is no significant correlation between the duration of antibiotics use and their knowledge and attitude. The use of antibiotics in broilers is still high in Bogor, and most of the used antibiotics belong to the Medically Important Antimicrobial category. In general, the use of antibiotics in broilers is influenced by knowledge. Keywords: antibiotic resistance, attitude, broilers, knowledge, use of antibiotics.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a major problem worldwide. Antibiotics are often used to prevent or treat infections in livestock. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance in enterococci in Gabonese livestock. We collected 174 animal samples (46 laying hens, 24 swine, 62 cattle, and 42 sheep) from farms in four provinces of Gabon. Bacterial strains belonging to the genus Enterococcus were obtained using selective media and polymerase chain reaction targeting the tuf gene. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Enterococci were present in 160 of the samples (97%), distributed as follows: laying hens (100%, 41/41), swine (100%, 22/22), small ruminants (88%, 37/42), and cattle (100%, 60/60). Resistance to cephalothin/cephalexin, streptomycin, and rifampicin (RIF) was high, and resistance to vancomycin (VAN), erythromycin, and tetracycline was moderate. A high diversity of resistance was found in Haut-Ogooué and Estuaire provinces. Laying hens and swine showed moderate levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and penicillin, while sheep and cattle had high levels of resistance to RIF. All species showed a high level of resistance to VAN. We found various patterns of multiple resistances in the isolates, and the multiple resistance indexes ranged from 0.2 to 0.8. This study shows that livestock in Gabon can be considered potential reservoirs of resistance. Keywords: antimicrobial, cattle, enterococci, Gabon, laying hens, sheep, swine.

Heat stress is a major challenge for animals, impairing their welfare and performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of heat stress on the vital and hematobiochemical parameters of healthy dogs. The experimental subjects comprised 10 dogs, encompassing seven males and three non-pregnant females between 2 and 3 years of age. Ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded 2 hourly during the day and the temperature humidity index was calculated. Vital parameters [i.e., rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate, and heart rate (HR)] were assessed and blood was collected from each dog daily for hematobiochemical analysis. The RT (38.5±0.2°C) of dogs exposed to high AT and high RH (HA/HR) conditions was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of dogs exposed to HA and low RH (LR) conditions (37.2±0.11°C). Under HA/HR conditions, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentrations, and white blood cell counts were significantly lower than those of the same dogs exposed to HA/LR conditions. Conversely, under HA/HR conditions, the lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and cortisol values were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the values obtained in dogs exposed to HA/LR conditions. Meanwhile, the alkaline phosphatase, urea, and glucose levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in dogs exposed to HA/HR conditions. The exposure of healthy dogs to HA/HR conditions induced heat stress, which may have an adverse effect on their immune status, thereby affecting their health and welfare. Keywords: blood, dog, environment, heat index.

Indigenous Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cattle are well adapted with distinguished reproductive capabilities; they account for more than 70% of the domestic beef production in Malaysia. The published literature on the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of KK cattle are sparse and require further improvement. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of Malaysian KK cattle and method of estimating live body weight (BW). Morphometric and phenotypic measurements were taken from 184 KK cattle (102 males and 82 females) sourced from three regions. Each animal's color pattern was recorded for their coat, muzzle, face, eyelashes, horns, tail switch, hoof, and legs through visual observation. Length measurements were taken of the body, face, ear, horn, tail, and rump. Several morphological features such as length, width, and girth were measured using a measuring tape, while wither height and hip height were assessed with a measuring scale. Brown is the predominant coat color in KK cattle (>82%). The overall means of head length, face width (FW), ear length, horn length, wither height, heart girth (HG), body length (BL), and rump length were 42.5±4.5, 17.3±2.9, 19.8±3.1, 9.9±4.4, 104.3±7.1, 127.4±13.2, 98.3±12.3, and 32.4±4.1 cm, respectively. Different morphometric parameters of length, width, and circumference were significantly (p<0.01) larger in males than females, except for tail length and TG. Correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis clearly revealed that BL is the best parameter for estimating live BW in KK cattle. Phenotypic and morphometric measurements in this study showed that Malaysian KK cattle generally possess a brown coat pattern with smaller body size, while BL revealed to be the best parameter to predict BW. The data generated from this study would be useful as baseline data for the identification and selection of KK cattle based on their phenotypical- and morphological-features for further improvement of this breed. Keywords: characteristics, Kedah-Kelantan cattle, morphometric, phenotypic.

Several Ecuadorian farms use human test strips (cheaper than veterinary strips) to diagnose bovine ketosis; however, their reliability is unknown. This study aimed to determine the confidence level of human strips for the detection of ketosis in bovines by comparing two diagnostic methods for ketosis: one used in bovines (gold standard) to analyze blood samples and the other used in humans to analyze urine samples. The study was conducted on an Ecuadorian farm using 50 animals, ten from each of five categories: heifers, 4 months pregnant (4MP), 15 days prepartum (15DPRE), 15 days postpartum (15DPOST), and 42 days postpartum (42DPOST). Blood samples were collected through coccygeal venipuncture and urine samples were collected during spontaneous urination. BHBCheck™ assay was used to measure β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in the blood, whereas Combur10Test® was used to measure acetoacetate (AcAc) in urine for the determination of ketosis. BHB was detected in all animals. Based on a ketosis cutoff point of 0.8-1.2 mmol/L, 13 animals from the 15DPOST and 42DPOST categories had ketosis; AcAc was detected in the urine from nine animals originated from the two same categories. Metabolites, either BHB or AcAc, were not detected in heifers, 4MP, or 15DPRE individuals. Finally, the BHBCheck™ assay had better efficiency in detecting ketosis in animals (p<0.05) than the Combur10Test®. Combur10Test® urine strips reached 92% reliability for the detection of ketosis in dairy cattle, compared to BHBCheck™ assays. Keywords: acetoacetates, cattle, hydroxybutyrates, ketosis, postpartum period.

In this research, a review of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is conducted as part of the One Health approach. A review of publications, which included "antimicrobial resistance" and "One Health," was conducted. Among the global health problems, AMR is the one that most clearly illustrates the One Health approach. AMR is a critical global problem affecting humans, the environment, and animals. This is related to each of these three components due to the irresponsible and excessive use of antimicrobials in various sectors (agriculture, livestock, and human medicine). Improper management of antimicrobials, inadequate control of infections, agricultural debris, pollutants in the environment, and migration of people and animals infected with resistant bacteria facilitate the spread of resistance. The study aimed to analyze the problem of AMR from a health perspective to analyze the different actors involved in One Health.

A drawback of studies on bat blood smears in the field is the lack of time for fixation because blood sampling using a non-lethal method often provides less time for fixation in smear preparations due to the small volume of blood collected. Usually, there is insufficient blood for another smear preparation, so it is necessary to use blood smears as rationally as possible, especially for rare bats. Many stains are used for staining peripheral blood smears, and they have advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to examine commonly used stains for blood smears to select the best stain for staining peripheral blood smears in bats. In this study, 48 blood smears of Rhinolophus spp. bats were examined using several blood staining methods. Four methods that showed the best results were used in further experiments: Romanowsky-Giemsa, Pappenheim, hematoxylin-eosin, and eosin methylene blue. Comparative analysis of different methods for staining bat blood smears revealed that the most convenient method for analyzing blood cells is Pappenheim method. Staining blood smears using Pappenheim method yield the least number of unsuccessful blood smear stains and are quite effective for the morphological analysis of blood cells. Keywords: blood smears, Rhinolophidae, staining, white blood cells.

Yogurt contains beneficial probiotics. Addition of red ginger to yogurt as an antioxidant source becomes a way to improve the flavor and functional properties of yogurt. This study aimed to examine yogurt processing and the effect of adding red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum rhizoma), as an antioxidant source, on Pediococcus acidilactici BK01. It sought to observe the physicochemical and sensory qualities during storage (4°C). Goat milk was obtained from local farmers in Lubuk Minturun, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The yogurt was divided into two factors. Factor A was supplemented with red ginger in various concentrations: A (0% – as control), B (1%), C (2%), and D (3%). On the other hand, Factor B was subjected to variations in storage time: A (1 day), B (15 days), and C (30 days). Each treatment was conducted in triplicate. Physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity [TTA], and proximate analysis), sensory characteristics, and antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) were measured using the standard tests. The data were analyzed through analyzing multivariate (analysis of variance) supported by Duncan's multiple range test. The addition of red ginger juice increased the antioxidant activity, TTA, and water holding capacity (WHC) (p<0.05), while syneresis was significantly decreased; however, it had no effect on the total lactic acid bacteria. At the end of this research (day 30), the yogurt was still suitable for consumption, with the following composition: Antioxidant activity 48.39%, pH 4.3, TTA 1.716, water content 80%, protein 3%, fat 3%, syneresis 28%, WHC 63%, and total lactic acid bacteria 89×108 colony-forming units/mL. Furthermore, yogurt supplemented with red ginger changed its color into red blush. Yogurt red ginger juice is recommended as a functional drink, as it contains probiotics P. acidilactici BK01 and antioxidants to support human health. The addition of up to 3% ginger juice and a storage period of 30 days are still favored by the panelists and meet the quality standard of yogurt. We have not conducted the study on active compounds so, further research could be conducted on the components of the active compounds found in red ginger yogurt. Keywords: color, Pediococcus acidilactici BK01, probiotic, red ginger, yogurt.

Staphylococci are commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens found on the skin and mucosa. Sports animals are more prone to injury and illness, and we believe that antimicrobial agents might be extensively used for the treatment and cause the existence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and AMR profile of staphylococci in sports animals (riding horses, fighting bulls, and fighting cocks) in South Thailand. Nasal (57 fighting bulls and 33 riding horses) and skin swabs (32 fighting cocks) were taken from 122 animals. Staphylococci were cultured in Mannitol Salt Agar and then identified species by biochemical tests using the VITEK® 2 card for Gram-positive organisms in conjunction with the VITEK® 2 COMPACT machine and genotypic identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed with VITEK® 2 AST-GN80 test kit cards and VITEK® 2 COMPACT machine. Detection of AMR genes (mecA, mecC, and blaZ) and staphylococcal chromosomal mec (SCCmec) type was evaluated by PCR. Forty-one colonies of staphylococci were isolated, and six species were identified, including Staphylococcus sciuri (61%), Staphylococcus pasteuri (15%), Staphylococcus cohnii (10%), Staphylococcus aureus (7%), Staphylococcus warneri (5%), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (2%). Staphylococci were highly resistant to two drug classes, penicillin (93%) and cephalosporin (51%). About 56% of the isolates were methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), and the majority was S. sciuri (82%), which is primarily found in horses. Most MRS (82%) were multidrug-resistant. Almost all (96%) of the mecA-positive MRS harbored the blaZ gene. Almost all MRS isolates possessed an unknown type of SCCmec. Interestingly, the AMR rate was notably lower in fighting bulls and cocks than in riding horses, which may be related to the owner's preference for herbal therapy over antimicrobial drugs. This study presented many types of staphylococci displayed on bulls, cocks, and horses. However, we found a high prevalence of MRS in horses that could be transmitted to owners through close contact activities and might be a source of AMR genotype transmission to other staphylococci. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, fighting bulls, fighting cocks, riding horses, Staphylococcus.

Madura cattle is local cattle in Indonesia. This cattle hasphenotypic variations in growth traits. This study aimed to identify leptin (LEP) gene polymorphism exon 2 associated with body measurements in Madura cattle. We recorded body weight (BW) and body measurements of 51 Madura cattle aged 1-4 years in Waru District, Madura. The LEP gene genotyping was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism method with AciI restriction enzyme. A 267 bp DNA fragment of the LEP gene was successfully amplified using a pair of primers. This study revealed three genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) and two alleles (T and C). The frequencies of TT, TC, and CC genotypes were 0.275, 0.45, and 0.275, respectively, whereas the frequencies of T and C alleles were 0.500 and 0.500, respectively. The c.73T>C mutation was significantly associated with BW, body length (BL), and chest girth (CG) (p<0.05). Among all genotypes, the TC had the highest BW, BL, and CG. Conclusively, LEP gene polymorphism (c.73T>C) exon 2 was polymorphic and associated with body measurements, especially BW, BL, and CG. Keywords: body measurements, leptin, Madura cattle, polymorphism.

Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) encodes a multifunctional transcription factor that controls many genes and pathways and is associated with cattle body weight and measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PLAG1 polymorphisms with body weight and measurements in Bali cattle. A total of 87 Bali cattle, consisting of 48 bulls and 39 heifers at the Breeding Center for Bali Cattle, were used as the population in this study. Cattle were 2 years old and kept semi-intensively in the pasture. Phenotype data consisting of body weight, withers height, body length, chest girth, waist height, and chest depth were measured. Birth weight data were obtained from birth records, and weight gain, adjusted weaning weight, and yearling weight were calculated using formulas. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein as much as 5 mL, and genomic DNA was isolated using the salting-out method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify three target polymorphisms, namely, g.48308 C>T, g.32212 (19 bp indel), and g.45233 T>C. The presence of a 19 bp indel was determined by direct observation of the PCR product on a 2% agarose gel. Two other polymorphisms were detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism using the restriction endonuclease enzymes SacII and BclI. PLAG1 genotype and phenotype associations were analyzed using a general linear model. The results showed that two of the target polymorphisms in PLAG1 did not vary. The DD genotype indicated by 123 bp of PCR product was the only genotype identified for g.32212 19 bp indel, and TT genotype was the only genotype found for g.45233 T>C single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Conversely, g.48308 C>T SNP was found to be polymorphic. In addition, the g.48308 C>T polymorphism of PLAG1 was significantly associated with body length of Bali cattle. Cattle with the CC genotype had a greater body length than the other two genotypes. The g.48308 C>T SNP in PLAG1 was associated with Bali cattle body length characteristics. This finding could be used as a basis for selecting Bali cattle based on body length characteristics. Keywords: association study, Bali cattle, body length, growth trait, Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1.

Food safety is an important aspect to be evaluated in preventing any potentially harmful side effects of food product such as yogurt. The purple sweet potato yogurt product was developed to combine the benefits of probiotic activities in yogurt and the bioactive effects of anthocyanin in purple sweet potato. This study was performed to investigate acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of purple sweet potato yogurt (PSPY) in mice. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated by a 14-day observation for any clinical sign of toxicity on fifteen female balb/c mice following a single dosage of PSPY (nil, 2 or 5 g/kg body weight). The sub-chronic oral toxicity study was conducted by feeding PSPY to four groups of mice with the dose of 0, 12, 20, and 40 g/kg body weight for 28 days, and another group of mice receiving 40 g/kg body weight purple sweet potato for 14 days longer to observe any delayed toxicity effect. Body weight and clinical signs of toxicity were observed daily. Liver and kidney macroscopy and relative organ weight, liver histology, liver enzyme, and hematology profile analyses were done at the end of the study. There were no signs of toxicity observed from the acute toxicity study and no abnormality in body weight, relative organ weight, and gross organ examination. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, there were no clinical signs of toxicity, no significant differences in body weight, relative liver weight, liver enzymes, hematology profile, or abnormality in gross and histological examination of the liver. This study shows that oral administration of PSPY in mice up to 5 g/kg body weight did not result in acute toxicity, while the dosage up to 40 g/kg body weight did not lead to sub-chronic toxicity. Keywords: acute oral toxicity, anthocyanin, purple sweet potato, sub-chronic oral toxicity, yogurt.

Environmental contaminants such as pesticides have shown immunomodulatory effects that can make animals highly susceptible to pathogenic invasion. The current work aims to study the incidence of udder infections in a single dairy herd of 160 cows in Qalyoubia Governorate, in relation to the potential intoxication of dairy cattle with organochlorine (OCs) pesticides. The study also aims to investigate the impact of udder infections on milk composition. The dairy herd was screened for udder infections using the California mastitis test and measurement of somatic cell count (SCC), followed by bacteriological and molecular analysis. In parallel, the milk samples were also tested for residues of 15 OCs compounds using gas chromatographic analysis. The examined herd showed a high prevalence of mastitis (37.5%) and Mycoplasma was identified as the main bacterial pathogen. OCs residues were detected in milk of 45 cows out of 160 with a higher incidence in mastitic (43.3%) than in healthy cows (19%). Further, the biochemical analysis of milk showed a significant drop in major electrolytes combined with a significant rise in blood-borne electrolytes (Na and Cl) and total protein. This was more extreme in the case of Mycoplasam mastitis compared to non-Mycoplasma mastitis. In addition, Mycoplasma mastitic milk revealed a high level of malondialdehyde associated with reduced antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), compared to non-Mycoplasma mastitis. Mycoplasma mastitis was shown to be associated with increased SCC and, in turn, appeared significantly correlated with increased biochemical changes in milk, indicating the serious impact of Mycoplasma mastitis on the dairy industry. Our data also show a strong correlation between increased SCC and biochemical changes in milk, suggesting that tested biochemical parameters might serve as potential biomarkers for the early detection of mastitis. The study also suggested a potential relationship between poisoning with OCs and susceptibility to bacterial udder infections. However, further studies are required to examine the immune status of a dairy herd in relation to the level of OCs in cow's blood, as well as the water sources used, grass forage and soil. Keywords: antioxidant bioactivities, mastitis, Mycoplasma mastitis, organochlorine pesticide.

Obstructive urolithiasis is a common disease in small ruminants with fatal outcomes if left untreated. Many methods have been established; however, long-term success rates remain unsatisfactory. Four bibliographic databases (PubMed, HeBis, Medline (OvidSP), and Web of Science) were searched to evaluate the prevalence of urolithiasis in small ruminants and long-term outcomes after surgery using a systematic review. The study aimed to give evidence-based data concerning prevalence and success rates after surgery. The analysis included 24 (total 239) peer-reviewed journal articles dealing with the prevalence of urolithiasis and 16 (total 39) concerning long-term outcomes after surgery. Literature was included if it referred to species, language, availability, and relevant statements to the specific questions, including the presence of control groups. Heterogeneity tests included χ2, Ι2, and τ2, respectively. A 95% confidence interval was determined, and effects were estimated using the fixed effect model. Due to a feeding-associated bias, prevalence analysis was conducted for a sorghum-based and a corn-based feeding resulting in a weighted prevalence of 62% and 17%, respectively. Analysis of long-term outcomes after surgical interventions revealed long-term success rates of 15-77% after ultrasonographic tube cystotomy and marsupialization of the urinary bladder, respectively. The prevalence of urolithiasis is strongly associated with feeding and may be calculated as 17% in corn-based rations and 62% in sorghum-based rations. Surgical interventions result in guarded to moderate long-term success rates of 15-66%. Urethral stoma and marsupialization of the bladder provide acceptable long-term success rates with 71-77% but are rather salvage techniques than accepted surgical methods, especially when used in companion animals. The development of urolithiasis is mainly influenced by nutrition. Effective prophylaxis of this disease should, therefore, always include advisory service for the owners. Existing surgical techniques should be critically re-evaluated concerning their long-term success rates. Keywords: castration, long-term outcome, prevalence, small ruminants, systematic review, urolithiasis.