Immunomodulatory effect of synbiotic goat milk cheese on indomethacin-induced inflammation rats

The aim of this study was to determine immunomodulatory effect of synbiotic goat milk cheese on indomethacin-induced inflammation rats. The rats were divided into 6 groups: synbiotic cheese (Lactobacillus rhamnosus + glucomannan porang) (1.44 g/d), synbiotic cheese (0.72 g/d), synbiotic cheese (0.36 g/d), probiotic cheese (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) (0.72 g/d), normal rats (standard AIN-93 only), and indomethacin only. The results showed that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α and nitric oxide (NO) levels in rats fed with sinbiotic 1.44 and 0.72 g/d were not significantly different from those found in normal rats.  The plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase (GPX)1 levels in the rats treated with synbiotics and probiotics showed no difference from those induced with indomethacin only. The GPX1 gene expression in liver tissue in rats treated with synbiotic and probiotic was not different from those of indomethacin-induced rats. The jejunum in synbiotic cheese group experienced less mucosal or epithelial damage compared to that in the group induced with indomethacin only. There were more mucin-producing goblet cells in the crypt and more microvilli in the jejunum and ileum of rats treated with synbiotic or probiotic cheese. In conclusion, the synbiotic goat milk cheese can act as an immunomodulator in the inflammatory rats which is through the production of TNF-α and NO so that the TNF-α and NO are found similar to normal rats. The synbiotic goat milk cheese can reduce damage to the intestinal epithelial cells and increase the number of mucin-producing goblet cells

The potential of quails as reservoirs for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria: A public health perspective

Quails are included in the group of poultry that are susceptible to various diseases, one of which is colibacillosis. The large and increasing population of quails, if antibiotics are given continuously, will contribute to antibiotic resistance in the livestock sector. extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) is an enzyme produced in the plasmid of Gram-negative bacteria that have resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. ESBL is produced by nosocomial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. The quail farming environment is often a reservoir for ESBL bacteria due to several factors, including intensive use of antibiotics for disease prevention and growth, as well as inadequate sanitation. ESBL-producing bacteria in quails can be transferred to humans through several potential routes. Direct contact with quail or consumption of contaminated processed products can be the main route of transmission of ESBL bacteria to humans. In addition, agricultural environments contaminated with livestock waste are also a source of the spread of resistant bacteria to the environment and ultimately to the human population. Monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the poultry sector, especially quail, is essential to prevent the spread of difficult-to-treat infections in humans. This includes improving standards of cage and equipment hygiene, good waste management, and restricting access to the farm area. In addition, antibiotic use must be carried out wisely and based on veterinarian recommendations, to avoid selection of resistant bacteria

Alterations in the lipid profile and oxidative stress associated with anorexia in donkeys with large intestinal impaction

Hyperlipemia is one of the most common and life-threatening conditions, frequently associated with anorexia secondary to many disease conditions. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the lipid profile and oxidative stress associated with different durations of anorexia in donkeys with large intestinal impaction. Twenty-three non-pregnant female donkeys (7–13 years, 270–300 kg) affected by large intestinal impaction and varying durations of anorexia (1, 3, 5, and ≥ 6 days) were investigated. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, hepatic indicators, and antioxidant defenses. Results revealed progressive significant increases (p < 0.05) in serum triglycerides, LDL, uric acid, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidase, and bilirubin, indicating enhanced fat mobilization, hepatic strain, and oxidative stress. Conversely, antioxidant defenses such as catalase activity and vitamin C declined sharply, while HDL levels also decreased significantly (p <0.05). Albumin showed a mild reduction, whereas total protein remained stable. The findings highlight that prolonged anorexia, especially beyond 5–6 days, induces severe metabolic dysregulation and oxidative imbalance, predisposing donkeys to hyperlipemia and hepatic dysfunction. Early nutritional and antioxidant intervention is therefore crucial to mitigate these risks and improve survival outcomes in anorexic donkeys suffering from impaction of the large intestine

A strategic plan to improve fertility rates after handling dystocia in Egyptian buffaloes

The study investigated how veterinarians' management decisions during dystocia affected postpartum fertility in buffaloes. Conducted from October 2020 to September 2023, the study examined 288 buffaloes out of 655 dystocia cases observed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt. Dystocia was evident in all the cases reviewed, as reported by the owners. After conducting vaginal examinations, the selected cases were identified to have fetal malposition (FM), incomplete cervical dilatation (ICD), or uterine torsion (UT). Out of the 288 buffaloes included in the study, 192 were chosen to test the research hypothesis. The first line of treatment for these animals involved either a cesarean section (n = 75), correction of fetal malposition (n = 35), management of insufficient cervical dilatation (n = 27), or detorsion of uterine torsion (n = 55). In the number of cases where the initial treatment was unsuccessful—such as fetal malposition (n = 20), incomplete cervical dilatation (n = 12), or uterine torsion (n = 20)—a cesarean section was performed as a secondary option to resolve the issues causing the failure of fetal expulsion

Mitigating effects of ginseng bulk on hepatic and immunological toxicity induced by boldenone undecylenate in rats

Boldenone undecylenate (Bold) is an anabolic–androgen steroid, which is used illegally in veterinary and human uses for bodybuilding and fitness, but it is associated with adverse effects mainly to the liver and immunity. Ginseng has antioxidant and immune-modulatory activities. This study investigated the effect of ginseng bulk (Gin) on liver functions and the immunity of rats exposed to oxidative stress induced by using Bold. Forty healthy adult male Wistar Albino rats were equally divided into four groups; control, Sesame oil (vehicle control), Bold, and Bold + Gin 100 (100 mg/kg Gin). After 8 weeks, blood and liver samples were collected for analysis of liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), oxidative stress markers (catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), immune markers (Immunoglobulin G (IgG)), and liver histology. The results showed that in the Bold treated group, AST, ALT, MDA, and IgG levels were significantly elevated, while catalase was reduced compared to the control group. However, the co-administration of ginseng bulk with Bold significantly improved these parameters, reducing liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and immune cell alterations while increasing hepatic catalase activity. Histological examination of the liver in the Bold group revealed severe damage, including necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, inflammation, and cirrhosis, while ginseng supplementation led to improvement in the liver architecture. In conclusion, ginseng bulk 100 has an ameliorating effect against the liver and the immune damage caused by Bold, highlighting their antioxidant and immune-modulatory properties

Enhancing protein protection and ruminal in vitro fermentation using cinnamon leaf powder (Burmese cinnamon ness ex bi.) as a cinnamaldehyde source

This study aimed to assess the impact of adding cinnamon leaf flour (Burmese cinnamon Ness ex BI.) to rations on rumen fermentation parameters using an in vitro method. Cinnamon leaf flour was added at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, corresponding to 0, 16, 32, 48, and 64 mg/kg of feed dry matter (DM), with each treatment repeated three times. Data from the study were analyzed for variance with Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), which was tested using one-way pattern first. The results showed that the addition of cinnamon leaf flour at level of 2% to 4% reduced pH to a range of 6.72 in the rumen. A significant decrease was observed in NH3 concentration with the addition of cinnamon leaf flour at 4% by 19.53%. Compared to the control, there was a decrease in microbial protein concentration, with 2% level showing the highest reduction of 16.67%. The addition of 1% level decreased the population of protozoa by 13.56%. VFA production increased with the addition of 3% cinnamon leaf meal in the ration, which included total VFA of 81.66 mM, acetic acid of 38.48 mM, propionic acid of 24.20 mM, butyric acid at 19.08 mM, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio of 1.60. This study showed that adding 3% cinnamon leaf flour, which was similar to 48 mg/kg DM of cinnamaldehyde, significantly (P<0,05) reduced NH3 and number of protozoa, maintained protein from microbes, and increased VFA production in the rumen in vitro

Microbial quality of cooking butter after addition of curcumin extract during refrigerated storage

Cooking butter is a popular type of food consumed in Egypt. However, its microbial quality may deteriorate during conventional production methods, potentially leading to health risks. The shelf life of cooking butter can be extended by incorporating natural preservatives. Curcumin extract is one such natural compound known for its antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial quality of cooking butter stored at 5±1°C for 30 days after the addition of curcumin extract at concentrations of 2% and 4% (v/w). The butter samples were analyzed for the presence of coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, psychrotrophic bacteria, lipolytic bacteria, enterococci, yeasts, and molds at several intervals, including the initial time, the second day, and then weekly until the end of the storage period. The results revealed that both 2% and 4% curcumin extract significantly reduced all investigated microbial counts during the storage period from the first to the last week, with a more pronounced reduction observed at the 4% concentration. The sensory evaluation confirmed that the curcumin-enriched butter exhibited desirable attributes. These findings indicate that curcumin extract is a potent antimicrobial agent, capable of reducing microbial contamination in cooking butter during refrigerated storage, offering a safer alternative to artificial preservatives

Risk factors of Gram-negative bacteria infection isolated from equine ophthalmic lesions

In this study, we conducted an epidemiological investigation of gram-negative bacteria associated with ocular lesions in equines. A total of 100 animals (86 horses and 14 donkeys) were investigated in this case-control study. Clinical and microbiological investigations were performed for each patient. Twenty-eight animals (25 horses and three donkeys) were found to have ophthalmic infections.  Regarding clinical signs, horses and donkeys with ophthalmic infection had conjunctival hyperemia (n=10, 35.7%), continuous lacrimation (n=11, 39.3%), blepharospasm (n=1, 3.6%), eyelid edema in 5/28 (17.9%), mucopurulent ocular discharge (n=9, 32.1%), corneal edema (n=1, 3.6%), and corneal opacity (n=5, 17.9%). There was a significant association between Pseudomonas species and age. The highest percentage was recorded in horses aged < 5 years (n = 36, 57.1%). There was a significant association between season and the spread of ocular infection with E. coli, where 10 (76.9%) horses were infected in spring compared to three (23.1%) horses in the winter season. There was a significant association between the occurrence of mixed infections in the eyes and each season and the level of hygiene. The highest percentage of infection was recorded in winter (19, 61.3%) than in spring (12, 38.7%). However, for the level of hygiene, the highest percentage (87.1%) was recorded in horses with poor hygiene compared to those with good hygiene (12.9%). The risk factors associated with both E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. and ophthalmic infections in horses revealed a multifaceted relationship between microbial pathogens and environmental influences

Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats: A systematic review

Helminthosis caused by various parasitic nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes is especially important in small ruminant production due to loss of productivity and health challenges caused by infestations. The control of helminthosis in ruminants depends on various types of benzimidazole, macrocyclic lactone, and imidazothiazole anthelmintics. Unfortunately, prolonged indiscriminate use of these drugs has led to anthelmintic resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) if ruminants. AR is a heritable loss of sensitivity of a parasite population to a previously effective anthelmintic. Understanding the mechanisms underlying AR is crucial for sustainable parasite management. This systematic review was conducted to answer the research question: “What is the prevalence, distribution, diagnosis, and molecular basis for anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants?” This paper attempts to present current knowledge on the occurrence, mechanisms, global situation, and diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance in Trichostrongyle nematodes of sheep and goats with reference to the situation in Malaysia. Eligible original research articles published between January 1, 1990, and April 30, 2024, from the Scopus and PubMed databases were retrieved and analyzed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The results of the study showed that benzimidazole, macrocyclic lactone, and imidazothiazole resistance is rampant in 9 different species of gastrointestinal nematodes globally. Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, and Teladorsagia are the most widely reported anthelmintic-resistant Trichostrongyles in small ruminants globally. In vivo FECRT is still the most widely used method for detecting anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goats. Key resistance markers include mutations in the β-tubulin gene for benzimidazole resistance, the acr-8 gene for imidazothiazole resistance, and increased P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression for macrocyclic lactone resistance. Despite current research efforts, data is lacking on the molecular markers for resistance in many gastrointestinal nematode species and the resistance status of hydropyrimidines, requiring further studies in this area. Therefore, future studies need to focus on developing standardized molecular diagnostics for detecting resistance in prevalent pathogenic Trichostrongyles for more efficient tracking of resistance. Sustainable control using proper dosing of anthelmintics, rotation of anthelmintics, the refugia principle, and combination therapy can slow down the emergence of resistance in nematode populations

Molecular and phylogenetic characterization to assess the evolutionary dynamics of the Spike gene Hypervariable regions of recent Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) isolates in Egypt

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) remains a significant threat to poultry production despite the widespread use of vaccination, resulting in considerable economic losses due to its genetic variability. Our study aimed to investigate the genetic characterization and evolution of IBV field isolates from Egyptian broiler and layer flocks during the period of 2023 to 2024, focusing on the sequences of hypervariable regions of the S1 gene. In this study, 17 samples were collected from various poultry flocks across three Governorates between 2023 and 2024. Of these 17 samples, six tested positive for IBV using RT-qPCR. Virus propagation was conducted for the RT-qPCR positive samples in the allantoic sac of SPF-ECES. Additionally, five isolates undergo genetic characterization through RT-PCR targeting the S gene hypervariable regions 1, 2, and 3, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Findings can be summarized as follows: three isolates were found to cluster with the variant II (Egy/var-II) strain, while two aligned with the classic vaccine strains of the Massachusetts serotype. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a divergence between field and vaccine strains, highlighting the significance of mutations in the S1 gene in viral evolution. These results underscore the necessity for continuous surveillance to monitor IBV variants and assess vaccine efficacy in Egypt.