The growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) gene is recognized as a critical regulator of ovarian function and fertility in cattle. However, its role in crossbred populations, particularly Madrasin cattle (Madura × Simmental cross), remains underexplored. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of fertility traits in this crossbreed could provide valuable insights for improving reproductive efficiency in Indonesia’s livestock sector. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between GDF-9 gene expression and reproductive traits, specifically reproductive tract size (RTS), cervical mucus characteristics, and fertility rate, in Madrasin cows. A total of 20 Madrasin cows (aged 2–5 years) were evaluated. GDF-9 expression levels were assessed through polymerase chain reaction, and samples were categorized into “Strong Expression” (G1) and “Dimmed Expression” (G2) groups based on amplicon band intensity. Reproductive tract dimensions were recorded through rectal palpation, while cervical mucus quality was analyzed using five parameters: appearance, viscosity, spinnbarkeit, pH, and fern pattern. Fertility was determined by the non-return rate (NRR) following artificial insemination. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Cows in the strong GDF-9 expression group exhibited significantly larger uterine horn diameters and greater ovarian height than the dimmed group (p < 0.05). Cervical mucus from G1 animals displayed higher scores in appearance and spinnbarkeit, although only appearance was statistically significant. NRR was notably higher in G1 (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced fertility in cows with elevated GDF-9 expression. GDF-9 gene expression in Madrasin cattle is positively associated with RTS and fertility-related cervical mucus characteristics. These findings suggest that GDF-9 could serve as a promising genetic marker for improving fertility and breeding outcomes in crossbred cattle populations. However, the study’s limited sample size and exclusion of environmental factors warrant further investigation to validate the utility of GDF-9 in broader genetic selection strategies.

Streptococcosis, caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, is a significant disease in tilapia farming that results in substantial economic losses. While vaccination is the most effective method for prevention, current vaccines face challenges when administered orally or through immersion, primarily due to poor absorption and degradation in the fish’s digestive system. Nanotechnology offers new ways to improve vaccine delivery and effectiveness. This review compares two nanoparticle (NPs)-based systems – nanoemulsions and silica NPs (SiNP) – for delivering vaccines to tilapia. Nanoemulsions are small, stable droplets that protect the vaccine and help it stick to mucosal surfaces, making them more effective in triggering immune responses. SiNP are highly stable and can protect vaccines under harsh conditions but still face challenges in particle size and vaccine loading. The review highlights important factors, including particle size, stability, and surfactant composition, that affect the vaccine’s effectiveness. In practical terms, nanoemulsions are more suitable for use in Indonesia’s tropical aquaculture settings because they are easier to apply, more stable, and more effective in their current formulations. Further research is needed to improve both systems, especially to ensure long-term safety, improve delivery to mucosal tissues, and reduce production costs. Nanotechnology-based vaccines have a strong potential to improve fish health and reduce antibiotic use in aquaculture.

Hospital effluents are a major source of environmental contaminants, harboring pathogenic bacteria, toxic trace metals, and high organic loads. This study aimed to evaluate the bacteriological and physicochemical profiles of wastewater discharged from three coastal hospitals in Oran, Algeria, and to assess the associated public and livestock health risks under the One Health approach. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to February 2024, involving monthly sampling at three hospitals and one drainage collector. Twenty-six composite samples were collected at three peak daily intervals. Bacteriological analysis targeted Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. using selective media, membrane filtration, and biochemical confirmation. Physicochemical parameters, including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and conductivity, were analyzed using standard American Public Health Association methods. Trace metals (lead [Pb], cadmium, nickel, copper [Cu], zinc) were quantified through atomic absorption spectrometry. All effluents contained pathogenic bacteria, with peak concentrations of E. coli (up to 34.5 × 106 colony-forming units [CFU]/100 mL), S. aureus (up to 4.5 × 106 CFU/100 mL), and persistent Salmonella spp. detected primarily in warmer seasons. All S. aureus and Salmonella isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. Physicochemical assessment revealed elevated BOD5 (190 mg/L–398 mg/L), COD (200 mg/L–590 mg/L), and COD/BOD5 ratios <2.5, indicating high organic pollution with partial biodegradability. Trace metal concentrations, particularly Pb and Cu, exceeded the World Health Organization discharge guidelines in all samples. Contaminant levels were highest in summer, correlating with increased hospital activity and temperature. Untreated hospital wastewater in Oran poses a serious threat to public and environmental health. The presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and toxic metals highlights the urgent need for dedicated hospital wastewater treatment infrastructure. Grazing livestock and marine ecosystems exposed to these effluents are at risk of bioaccumulation and infection. Regulatory enforcement, routine monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable green hospital plans are essential to safeguard health under the One Health paradigm.

Zoonotic malaria remains a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia. The potential role of cattle as reservoirs for Plasmodium spp. in Indonesia has not been fully elucidated, despite increasing recognition of animal reservoirs in malaria transmission dynamics. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in humans and cattle in a malaria-endemic region of Indonesia to explore the potential for zoonotic transmission and inform integrated control strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.3. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March to July 2024 involving 41 human participants and 43 cattle. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using endpoint polymerase chain reaction techniques targeting Plasmodium genus-specific DNA sequences. The infection prevalence in both populations was determined, and the results were interpreted to assess the risk of zoonotic malaria transmission. All human blood samples tested negative for Plasmodium spp., corresponding to a 0% infection rate (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0%–8.5%). In contrast, one cattle sample tested positive, resulting in a 2.33% infection rate among cattle (95% CI: 0.06%–12.0%). The positive detection in cattle was confirmed by a distinct 240 base pairs band through agarose gel electrophoresis. The absence of infections in humans suggests the effectiveness of current public health measures, while the presence of Plasmodium DNA in cattle underscores the potential role of cattle as parasite reservoirs. The findings highlight the importance of integrating animal health surveillance into malaria elimination programs under the One Health framework. Although no zoonotic transmission to humans was observed, the detection of Plasmodium spp. in cattle warrants continuous surveillance, improved livestock management practices, and targeted vector control measures. Further studies with species-specific molecular diagnostics and broader geographic coverage are recommended to clarify the zoonotic potential and transmission dynamics involving cattle.

The global demand for sustainable animal protein sources has led to the exploration of insects as alternative feed ingredients. Among these, black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) have demonstrated significant nutritional and functional potential. This study investigated the effects of microwave-dried BSF larvae meal (MDBSFM) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, humoral immune response, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in broiler chickens. A total of 160 unsexed Lohmann broiler chickens were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments (T0–T4), with MDBSFM supplementation levels of 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00%, respectively. Each treatment consisted of four replicates, each with eight birds. Growth performance metrics, organ weights, intestinal histomorphology, immunoglobulin levels (IgA and IgY), and IGF-1 mRNA expression were measured. Fatty acid composition of MDBSFM was analyzed by gas chromatography. MDBSFM supplementation significantly improved body weight gain, final body weight, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05), with optimal outcomes observed at 0.75% inclusion. Villus height in the ileum was markedly increased in the 0.50% and 0.75% groups (p < 0.01), suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. IgA and IgY concentrations were significantly elevated in response to MDBSFM (p < 0.05), particularly in the T3 and T4 groups. Although IGF-1 mRNA expression did not differ significantly (p = 0.58), the highest fold change (1.54) was noted in the 1.00% group. Microwave-dried BSF larvae meal represents a promising functional feed additive capable of improving growth, intestinal health, and humoral immune responses in broilers without adverse effects. The high lauric acid content and bioactive compounds in MDBSFM may contribute to these beneficial effects. While IGF-1 upregulation trends warrant further molecular investigation, MDBSFM offers a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry diets. Future research should focus on microbiota profiling and large-scale commercial validation.

Mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed, particularly with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), poses significant threats to broiler health, meat quality, and consumer safety. Toxin binders are commonly used to mitigate these effects; however, their impact on endogenous stem cell activity and overall broiler performance remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial toxin binder in reducing AFB1 and OTA residues in broiler meat, inducing endogenous stem cell production, and improving growth and feed performance indices. Twenty Cobb broilers were randomly assigned to four groups: Negative control (C−), positive control with mycotoxin-contaminated feed (C+), treatment 1 (T1: 1.1 g/kg binder), and treatment 2 (T2: 1.6 g/kg binder). Broilers were fed for 35 days. AFB1 and OTA levels in pectoral muscles were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography, while endogenous stem cell markers (CD34+, CD45+, CD105−) in spleen tissue were assessed through flow cytometry. Growth parameters, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and performance index were also evaluated. AFB1 and OTA residues were significantly reduced in T1 and T2 compared to C+ (p < 0.05), with T2 showing the lowest levels (0.0023 μg/mL and 0.073 μg/mL, respectively). Flow cytometry revealed that T2 significantly induced endogenous stem cells (35.62% ± 2.16) compared to all other groups. The highest average daily growth occurred in T1 (68.78 ± 4.78 g/day), while the best FCR (1.38 ± 0.079) and performance index (386.2 ± 14.34) were also recorded in T1. No mortality occurred in any group. Administering a toxin binder at 1.6 g/kg effectively reduced AFB1 and OTA residues and significantly activated endogenous stem cells, suggesting a protective and regenerative effect. Meanwhile, a dose of 1.1 g/kg yielded optimal growth performance and feed efficiency. These findings support the dual functional role of toxin binders in enhancing broiler meat safety and physiological resilience.