Adaptive Interplay between Feeding Preference and Structure of the Upper Digestive Tract in African Green Bee-eater (Merops viridissimus cleopatra)

Wild bird research, particularly investigations of the interplay between feeding habits, diet, and alimentary tract anatomy, offers a captivating avenue for scientific exploration. While numerous studies have delved into the upper digestive tracts of various avian species, there remains a dearth of data on the upper digestive tract anatomy of the African green bee-eater (AG bee-eater, Merops viridissimus cleopatra). This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by elucidating the gross, microscopic, and histochemical features of the esophagus and stomach in AG bee-eaters, shedding light on their food preferences, and feeding habits. Ten adult, apparently healthy AG bee-eaters were examined, revealing structural organizations of the esophagus, proventriculus, and gizzard that parallel those observed in other avian species. Key findings encompass a protective mucous layer in the esophagus and proventriculus, coupled with a moderately thick cuticle, guarding against harm from stinging insects like bees and wasps. The upper digestive tract houses numerous mucous-secreting glands, secreting both protective acidic mucin and enzymatic-neutral mucins. The proventriculus, featuring a thin wall and abundant glandular activity, equips AG bee-eaters with vital gastric enzymes for digesting their high-protein diet. This adaptation aligns with the bird's compact upper digestive tract, well suited for processing relatively small food particles. Additionally, the ventriculus's muscular layer, moderately thick, aligns with the moderately coarser texture of the bee-eater's dietary preferences. Overall, this study unveils crucial anatomical adaptations enabling AG bee-eaters to thrive on a diet dominated by stinging insects

Efficacy and Safety of Ceftiofur for Treating Serious Respiratory Diseases in Cattle: Clinical, Histopathological, and Microbiological Assessments

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most serious diseases counted for economic loss and extensive usage of antibiotics in cattle. Ceftiofur, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, has been approved for use in cattle in the United States. This study was done to investigate the clinical effect of ceftiofur on calves as well as its efficacy and safety for treating BRD. Thirty Holstein calves from a dairy farm were divided into three groups. Group I served as a health control group. Group II consisted of healthy animals while Group III comprised calves clinically diagnosed with BRD. Both groups II and III received a single subcutaneous injection of ceftiofur (2mg/kg B.W) in the ear. All groups were clinically evaluated at day 0, 7, and 14 after drug administration for illness score, body weight, body gain, feed intake, body temperature, depression score, discharges, ear and coughing score. Clinical illness score showed clear signs of BRD (elevation of body temperature and depression). Nasal and ocular discharges were recorded and ranked. Significant increases in ear and coughing score were observed in diseased calves