Hematotoxicity of zinc carbonate nanoparticles in the Wistar rat model

Nanomicroelementology is the modern science of trace elements obtained using nanotechnology. Over the past 20 years, its achievements have led to the emergence of many food additives and medicines containing metal nanoparticles (NPs). The leading role here belongs to the discovery of zinc oxide NPs. They are widely used in the cosmetic and food industries and biomedical research, and their annual synthesis has the highest values among all nanomaterials. However, zinc-based NPs exhibit toxic effects, especially with prolonged administration. This occurs due to the action of high doses but does not depend on the route of administration of NPs (oral, intratracheal, intraperitoneal). To obtain low-toxic, safe NPs, the authors of this article developed zinc carbonate NPs (ZnCN) obtained by coprecipitation and stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Therefore, this work aimed to determine the ZnCN hematotoxic effect. For this purpose, a chronic toxicological experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats (n = 25), which were administered from 25 to 200 mg/kg b. w. for 30 days. On the 15th, 30th and 45th days of the experiment, blood samples were taken for evaluation on an automatic hemanalizer. Hematological parameters (hemoglobin level, number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and hematocrit and thrombocrit) examined during the 45 days of the experiment did not reveal pronounced signs of toxicity of the studied compound. When high doses (100–200 mg/kg b. w.) of ZnCN were administered to animals of experimental groups 3 and 4, leukocytopenia was observed. At the same time, in experimental group 3, on the 30th day of the study, the leukocyte content was lower than the control by 18.3% (P < 0.05), and in experimental group 4 – by 25.7 % (P < 0.01). At the end of the experiment on the 45th day, the leukocyte content in rats of experimental group 4 remained significantly lower by 17.9% (P < 0.05). In contrast, in experimental group 3, this indicator only tended to decrease. It is worth noting that some indicators (hemoglobin, erythrocytes) after administering 25–50 mg/kg b. w. ZnCN showed positive dynamics in the changes, which indicates an improvement in the metabolic profiles of experimental groups 1 and 2 rats. Therefore, the ZnCN studied in this experiment did not show pronounced signs of hematotoxicity

Nigerian currency redesign policy of 2023: impact on animal agriculture

Nigerian government has launched numerous policies and programs throughout the past few decades to promote national development. Redesigning of currency is still a component of the Central Bank of Nigeria's monetary policy initiatives, which are intended to discourage certain financial crimes such as hoarding of currency and counterfeiting, among others, and to reinforce the institution's sovereignty. Therefore, the purpose of the paper is on the Naira redesign policy and its effect on livestock farmers’ activities. The paper also followed descriptive research approach by reviewing the existing literature concerning the topic sentence on the latest issues relating to the 2023 Naira redesign policy. Limited access to cash and poor livestock yield were among the negative impacts of 2023 Naira redesign policy. Intended outcomes of any policy will inevitably be impacted by inconsistencies in their execution. Thus, policies should be implemented to overcome anticipated challenges that could compromise the accomplishment of goals and objectives. The article recommends that in future policy implementation, the livestock production sector should be strongly considered by Nigerian government, which should create the necessary awareness needed before enforcing deadlines on this type of policy

Impact of acute heat stress on hematological and biochemical profiles in Brown Swiss cows

Heat stress (HS) is a critical environmental factor that disrupts dairy cows' physiological and metabolic balance, leading to impaired productivity, immune suppression, and oxidative stress. The Brown Swiss breed is known for its relatively higher thermotolerance, yet its hematological and biochemical responses to acute HS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute heat stress on the hematological and biochemical parameters of Brown Swiss dairy cows, identifying key physiological adaptations and potential biomarkers for stress assessment. The experiment involved 16 Brown Swiss cows in their second lactation, divided into a heat-stressed group (HYP, n = 8) and a control group (CON, n = 8). Heat stress conditions were characterized by a temperature-humidity index (THI) of 77.6 for five consecutive days. Hematological and biochemical analyses were conducted using an automated haematology analyzer and biochemical assays to assess oxygen transport capacity, metabolic adaptations, and immune responses. The results demonstrated significant changes in key blood parameters due to acute HS. Haemoglobin concentration decreased by 8.8% (P < 0.05), while platelet count and leukocyte levels were reduced by 30.2 % and 25.1 %, respectively (P < 0.05), indicating hematopoietic and immune alterations. Biochemical findings showed a 21.8 % increase in albumin concentration (P < 0.05), along with a 77.5 % rise in blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05), suggesting enhanced protein catabolism. Additionally, total lipoprotein levels increased by 56.3 % (P < 0.05), and β-carotene concentration rose by 87.1 % (P < 0.05), reflecting metabolic shifts and oxidative stress adaptation. Thus, acute HS induces significant hematological and biochemical alterations in Brown Swiss cows, affecting oxygen transport, immune function, and metabolic regulation. The findings highlight the physiological trade-offs necessary for thermoregulation, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional and environmental strategies to enhance heat stress resilience in dairy cattle. Further research is warranted to explore long-term adaptations and develop practical mitigation approaches

Determination of the stability of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for dogs based on celecoxib

Stability studies are an important task in developing finished veterinary medicinal products. The stability of medicines ensures that their therapeutic properties are preserved for several years in storage. Stability should be under the close attention of the developer, given that state control bodies do not check this indicator, and it is the manufacturer's responsibility. In order to obtain data on the change in the quality of the developed solution for injection based on celecoxib over time, under the influence of various environmental factors, and to establish recommended storage conditions, stability tests of the resulting drug were conducted. As a result of the stability study, it was proposed to establish a shelf life of 2 years and 28 days for the resulting solution after the first puncture of the stopper in a dark glass bottle at a temperature of 25 ± 2 °C and a humidity of 60 ± 5 %, in the original packaging. Chromatograms demonstrate high similarity between the standard sample and the drug if the prominent peaks coincide in retention time and intensity. The peak spectra confirm the identity of celecoxib in the test drug and the standard sample. The difference in the spectra may indicate possible degradation of the drug or the presence of impurities. Further studies will be the next stage of pre-registration testing aimed at developing the section “Data reflecting the risk assessment for the environment”, which is a mandatory material of the part “Chemical, pharmaceutical and biological documentation” of the dossier for this veterinary drug. Instructions will be created to dispose of expired or defective batches of the drug, preventing harmful environmental effects

It uses non-traditional ingredients in complete feed for fattening piglets

The experimental research aimed to study the effect of feeding compound feed to fattening piglets with different proportions of flour from apple pomace on the quality of their slaughter products. The research was conducted on piglets of a large white breed of French breeding. During the fattening period, the piglets of the research groups were fed compound feed with different proportions of apple flour (5 %, 10 and 15 % by weight). It was established that compared to the control group, in the pigs' meat from the experimental groups, total moisture content decreased by 0.4–0.6 % and fat by 0.1–0.5 %. Regarding protein content, the piglets from the experimental groups prevailed by 0.5–1.0 % of their peers from the control group. At the same time, there is a tendency to increase the energy and biological value of the pigs' meat, which, during the fattening period, were fed apple pomace flour in the amount of 5 and 10 % by weight instead of barley grain. Regarding the quality of adipose tissue, a slight increase in total moisture content by 0.1–0.8 % and a decrease in fat content by 0.5–1.7 % was observed in the piglets from experimental groups, compared to similar indicators in the control group. The results of studies of physicochemical indicators of adipose tissue indicate some advantages of the fat of piglets from the control group. In particular, the melting temperature of pig fat in experimental groups was higher by 0.9–1.7 °C, and the iodine value of fat was lower by 3.3–7.1 % compared to the control group. It has been proven that using flour from apple pomace in the composition of compound feed for fattening piglets does not significantly affect the quality of their muscle and fatty tissues. At the same time, it saves part of expensive grain feed and thereby increases the efficiency of pork production

A new method for assessing the operational value of sows

The paper presents the results of a study of the lifespan, breeding use, and reproductive qualities of sows of the Large White breed of foreign origin. Based on the research results, a new mathematical model, “operating value of a sow,” was developed, and a scale for evaluating animals of the specified production group was developed according to this indicator. The research was conducted in agricultural formations of Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Sumy regions, as well as in the animal husbandry laboratory of the State Institution Institute of Grain Crops of the NAAS. The work was carried out following the scientific research program of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine No. 31, “Genetic improvement of farm animals, their reproduction and preservation of biodiversity.” (Genetics, preservation, and reproduction of bioresources in animal husbandry). The research results show that high lifespan indicators, breeding use, and reproductive qualities characterize sows of the Large White breed of foreign origin. A significant difference between the animals of the experimental groups (I, “high level of operational value” – III, “low level of operational value” was established by the following indicators: life expectancy (18.7 months; td = 13.75), duration of breeding use (19.6 months; td = 15.68), total number of farrowing received (4.1; td = 26.97), total number of live piglets received (52.3 heads; td = 30.40), multiparity (1.1 heads; td = 4.78), number of piglets at the time of weaning (0.3 heads; td = 2.14), litter weight at the time of weaning at the age of 30 days (4.5 kg; td = 3.46). The number of significant pairwise correlation coefficients between the index “operating value of the sow” (Kh1), life expectancy, duration of breeding use, and reproductive qualities of sows is 100 % and ranges from – 0.389 ± 0.0626 to +0.999 ± 0.0001. It was established that the maximum increase in additional production was obtained from the I experimental group sows with a “high level of operational value.” It is +3.67 %, and its cost is +145.67 UAH/head/farrowing. The evaluation index “Kh1” for sows of the “high level of operational value” category ranges from 83.55 to 134.67 points

Effects of Selenium and vitamin E against arsenic toxicity in Broiler

Currently arsenic contamination in Bangladesh is the world's biggest natural calamity in terms of total population affected in an area. Arsenic is spreading in various ways in the environment and significantly threatening the public health as well as the animal health of Bangladesh. Arsenic can enter the food chain, causing widespread distribution throughout the plant and animal kingdom. This work was done in broilers to study the comparative efficacy of Selenium and Vitamin E to prevent arsenic toxicity. Sixty broilers were used in this study, and broilers were divided into a control group (T₀), arsenic-treated group (T₁), Arsenic (As) plus Selenium treated group (T₂), and Arsenic (As) plus Vitamin E treated group (T₃). Each group consists of 15 broilers. Broilers of T₀ group were given normal feed and water and kept as control. Broilers of T₁, T₂, and T₃ were given 100 mg Arsenic (As) trioxide/kg body weight, mixed with drinking water daily for 35 days. In addition to arsenic (As) trioxide broilers of group T₂ and T₃ were fed with Selenium @ 0.25 mg/kg body weight and T₃ were fed with Vitamin E @ 150 mg/kg body weight for 35 days, respectively. Five broilers from each group (T₀, T₁, T₂, and T₃) were sacrificed at 15-day intervals to determine haematological and biochemical parameters. Results showed that in group T₁, body weight gain was minimal, whereas in group T₂ and T₃, the body weight gain in broilers was better. TLC, TEC, and Hb values were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in T₁ group. Whereas in the rest groups reduction of TLC, TEC, and Hb was less than in arsenic-treated groups. SGPT, SGOT, and Serum creatinine values were increased in the As-treated group (T₁) than the control group (T₀) whereas in groups T₂ and T₃ the values were comparatively reduced. In conclusion, Selenium and vitamin E significantly affect body weight, and haematological and biochemical changes in the case of arsenicosis in the Broiler

Establishing the safety and quality of fish and fish products using unique methods

Food business operators involved in the farming, storage, and sale of fish and the production of fish products must implement traceability systems and food safety assurance systems to enable risk-based control throughout the entire production cycle – from fish harvesting and processing to storage and retail. For the effective work of state veterinary inspectors during risk-based control at fish production and distribution facilities, it is recommended to implement the developed unique express and optimized methods for monitoring fish and fish products. These methods help establish quality and safety indicators and ensure compliance with shelf-life requirements through adherence to sanitary and hygienic standards at fish production and distribution sites. The recommended methods include: the peroxidase reaction, a photometric method for assessing fish freshness, bacterioscopic determination of the freshness of fish and fish products, measurement of the moisture-holding capacity of fish meat and fish products, and determination of histamine and sodium chloride content in fish products. These methods demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 99.3 %–99.9 % in testing. Research enabled the differentiation of chilled and frozen fish by assessing freshness using the peroxidase reaction: Fresh fish showed a blue-green color; Fish of doubtful freshness showed a light blue color; Spoiled fish showed an absence of blue-green coloration. Optimal optical density values of meat-water extracts with Nessler’s reagent were identified: Up to 0.245 units (B) – fresh fish and fish products (light yellow color), From 0.246 to 0.545 B – fish and fish products of doubtful freshness (intense yellow color), From 0.546 to 0.845 B – spoiled fish and fish products (orange color). Using the unique express bacterioscopic method, the degree of freshness of fish and fish products was determined by counting the number of microorganisms in five visual fields on a single impression smear from the fish or fish product: Fresh – up to 10 microorganisms, Doubtful freshness – 11 to 30 microorganisms, Spoiled – more than 30 microorganisms. It was found that frozen fish had reduced moisture-holding capacity (MHC). For example: Frozen horse mackerel – 58.91 ± 0.06 %, Frozen catfish – 55.89 ± 0.04 %, Frozen mullet – 53.45 ± 0.08 %, Frozen mackerel – 51.32 ± 0.09 %. The highest MHC among fish products was recorded in: Medium-salted cold-smoked tuna – 64.6 ± 0.05 %, Medium-salted smoked silver carp – 60.32 ± 0.09%, Lightly salted salmon – 59.81 ± 0.07 %–all in accordance with regulatory standards. The histamine content in chilled, frozen fish and fish products did not exceed the regulatory limit of 100 mg/kg, except for hot-smoked horse mackerel, where histamine exceeded the limit by 2.31 %. The sodium chloride content in the tested fish product samples was within acceptable levels: Lightly salted: 6.0–9.0 %, Medium-salted: 9.0–13.0 %, Heavily salted: 13.0–19.0 %. The development and implementation of these unique, express, and optimized methods into the practice of veterinary professionals is highly relevant for advancing the methodology of assessing the safety and quality of fish and fish products

Cow behavior indicators using various means of mechanization and automation of feed distribution and feeding

This work aimed to study the daily behavior of dairy cows under different options of feeding concentrated feeds. The research was conducted on two farms, the Terezine Dairy Farm, the central department, and the Vilna Tarasivka department. On the first farm, the cows are kept in free-range boxes, fed with complete feed mixtures, and delivered twice daily to the feeding table. On the second farm, the animals are also kept free-range with the rest in boxes, and milking is carried out voluntarily on eight automatic robots. Animals are fed with general mixed feed mixtures, which are delivered twice a day by self-propelled feed mixer-distributor Siloking to the feeding table. However, part of the concentrated feed (up to 50 % of the need) in the form of granules is received by animals individually during milking and at feeding stations located separately from the rest area of the animals. To conduct the study, there were formed two groups of cows (n = 87 and n = 97) of the second and third lactations on each farm in the new-calving period and the period of milking and insemination (before 100 days of lactation) with an average productivity of 28.3 ± 0.61 kg. When feeding stations were used to feed concentrated feeds to cows, the duration of total feed intake increased by 22 minutes. With this variant of feeding concentrated feeds, higher values of the indicators of the feed consumption reactions number and rumination reactions were observed – by 0.30 and 0.19 times, respectively. The duration of other behavioral indicators that affect animal productivity (lying rest, standing, walking, and drinking) was slightly more optimal in feeding concentrated feed only from the feeding table. The values of six indices, characterizing the comfort of keeping dairy cows on both farms, were within the recommended values, with a slight advantage in farms that feed animals exclusively from the feeding table (except for the feeding index). The best scores for keeping conditions comfortable and hygienic assessment were in the option of feeding concentrated feed from the feeding table and at feeding stations by 0.14 and 0.12 points, respectively

The effectiveness of using a water-soluble lipid complex in feeding young laying hens

The research aimed to examine the effectiveness of using fermented water-soluble lipid complex (ELC – essential lipid complex) in the amount of 0.4–1.0 % instead of soybean oil in the amount of 0.5–0.6 % on the growth and development of replacement young laying hens of the Loman LSL-classic cross. The studies were conducted in the conditions of the farm (FG) “Zahid-Ptytsia”. The control and experimental groups received balanced crude protein, metabolizable energy, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The control group received 0.6 % soybean oil from one day to 27 days and 0.5 % from 28 to 56 days. Experimental groups II, III, and IV received 0.5–0.4 %, 0.7–0.6 %, and 1.0–0.9 %, respectively. As a result of the research, it was found that adding a fermented water-soluble lipid complex had a positive effect on the growth and development of replacement young laying hens. In particular, the live weight at 112 days of age was within the recommended standard but was highest in the control group. However, all experimental groups had an advantage in developing reproductive organs. Ovarian weight was greater by 4.19, 11.24, and 5.14 % in groups II, III, and IV, respectively. The oviduct length was higher by 6.24, 14.20, and 4.31 %, respectively, in groups II, III, and IV. In terms of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, particularly the height of the comb, 112-day-old chickens of groups III and IV had an advantage by 2.94 %. Regarding the number of flight feathers, group III had an advantage of 4.88 %. An essential element of the technology of raising chickens is the cost of feed, which is about 70 % of the cost structure. In the II experimental group, feed costs were lower by 6.56 %, III by 8.92 %, and IV by 14.24 %. During the growing period, the cost of compound feed for growing one head decreased by 113.44 grams or 14.20 %. An essential element of the technology of raising chickens is the cost of feed, which is about 70 % of the cost structure. Feed consumption in the II experimental group was lower by 6.56 %, in the III – by 8.92 %, and in the IV – by 14.24 %. During the growing period, the cost of compound feed for growing one head decreased by 96–170 g or 1,81–3,20 %. If feed costs account for 70 % of the cost structure, then the cost of rearing was reduced due to the reduction in feed costs. The rearing efficiency will ultimately be known from the egg production results