Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a newly identified virus belonging to the Orthobunyavirus genus, of the Bunyaviridae family, and transmitted by haematophagous arthropods in particular mosquitoes and biting midges of the Culicoides genus. The SBV is known to cause reproductive disorders in ruminants mainly abortions, stillbirths and congenital malformations (hydranencephaly and arthrogryposis syndromes). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of SBV in dairy cattle in Algeria. Between September 2023 and December 2023, blood serum samples from 300 dairy cows from 75 dairy farms in north eastern Algeria were tested for SBV antibodies using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Individual seroprevalence was 38.33% (115/300; 95.00% confidence interval: 32.83 - 43.83), while herd seroprevalence was 41.33% (31/75; 95.00% confidence interval: 30.18 - 52.47). In addition, the results of this study revealed that SBV seroprevalence at individual or herd level was high and not negligible confirming the presence of SBV in the regions studied in Algeria. In conclusion, more in-depth studies are recommended concerning the molecular proof, origin and pathogenesis of SBV in ruminants mainly those linked to reproductive disorders as well as the study of the various associated risk factors.

Abstract In this study, the effect of Gundelia tournefortii (GT) extract against diabetic gastropathy was investigated by pathological methods. The animal groups were designed as the control, diabetes, diabetes + GT50, diabetes + GT100, and diabetes + GT200 groups. No treatment was applied to the control group. The other groups received 45.00 mg kg^-1 streptozotocin intraperitoneally on the experimental day. The treatment groups were also given 50.00, 100, and 200 mg kg^-1 of GT extract daily by gavage for 21 days. Tissues were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to reveal the presence of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha), apoptosis (cysteine aspartate specific proteases-3), and oxidative stress (heat shock protein-27). Histopathological examination revealed no pathological lesion in the control group. In the diabetes group, mucosal tissue damage, and vascular and inflammatory changes were observed. In the treatment groups, GT decreased histopathological findings in parallel with the dose increase. Immunohistochemical examination revealed no immunopositivity in the control group, while severe immunopositivity was observed in the diabetes groups in terms of inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In the treatment groups, there was a decrease in the severity of immunopositivity’s depending on the dose increase. As a result of this study, which has not been done before, GT was found to have a protective effect against gastropathy, being an important complication of diabetes, and this study is thus an important reference point for future research and promises new hope for the patients.

Abstract Pseudorabies virus (PRV) heavily depends on host machinery to support its life cycle. Investigating the interaction between PRV and host could aid in the understandings of viral pathogenesis. In this study, we performed a 4D label free proteomic method to examine the differentially expressed proteins in porcine kidney PK-15 cells with PRV infection. The results showed that the levels of 661 proteins were significantly elevated and 693 proteins were markedly reduced. Furthermore, these altered proteins were primarily enriched in spliceosome, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), RNA transport, and protein export. To ensure the reliability of the proteomic results, the protein levels of formin binding protein 11 and wolfram syndrome 1as components of spliceosome and ER were verified via western blotting and the results were consistent. Together, our data shed light on a new protein profiling induced by PRV infection and highlighted the importance of spliceosome and ER in PRV replication which could promote understandings of host-PRV interplay.

Abstract All fresh poultry eggs differ greatly in chemical components. Many chemicals have been investigated in this field, but the presence of differences in odor components between species has not yet been investigated. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the volatile compounds of the eight different poultry species eggs and the differences among them. In this context, 180 eggs (20 from each species) were purchased from different farms, and the volatile compounds of raw eggs were determined by the solid phase micro-extraction method. Following the analysis, 41 volatile compounds and 12 organic groups were identified. The variety and ratios of these compounds varied among the species, with pigeon eggs containing the greatest number of compounds (19 compounds) and quail, partridge, and pheasant eggs containing the lowest numbers (seven compounds). Acetamide, 2-fluoro-, and D-limonene compounds were found in every species of eggs. The other species eggs did not contain any of the 10 volatile chemicals detected in pigeon eggs, eight in chicken eggs, and one in quail eggs. It was discovered that the eggs volatile compounds counts and chemical profiles varied, indicating differences in their tastes, smells, and aromas. The volatile chemicals found in this study may be species-specific and can be used as indicators to identify which eggs belong to which species.

Abstract Infectious bronchitis, being caused by a coronavirus, is a significant disease affecting broiler and layer chickens, leading to substantial losses in the poultry industry due to the high mortality rates and decreased egg yield. Nearly 30 serotypes and 100 variants were described to date; developed vaccines are being for some severe cases, like the Massachusetts strain, to mitigate the effects. Determining the vaccinal strain's titer is crucial for creating an effective vaccine, and calculating the virus infectivity in the egg embryo is very important using dilutions ranging from 10^-3 to 10^-8, from each dilution 0.10 mL is used. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the avian bronchitis virus injected into the allantoic cavity of ten days old embryonated eggs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction tests determined the viral load in the allantoic fluid. The embryos were removed to study gross injuries. The trachea, lung, and mesonephros were removed and submitted for histopathological studies, and nuclear factor-kappa B immunofluorescence analysis. The results revealed that the dilution of one-thousandth of the virus in the embryos caused the highest organ damage and viral replication. Varying degrees of hyperemia, edema, cellular infiltration, and degeneration were observed in the trachea, lung, and mesonephros depending on the virus dilution. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the avian bronchitis virus, and has a potential impact on achieving an effective vaccine.

Abstract Adding trace minerals to animal diets has a positive impact on reproductive performance. This study aimed to investigate whether supplementing zinc, manganese, and copper affects the testosterone level, sperm quality, and anti-oxidant enzyme activities in rams. Ten mature Afshari rams (2.50 years old; weighing 100 ± 3.29 kg) were fed a nutritionally adequate diet for 11 weeks, half of which receiving a sulfated zinc, manganese, and copper in their daily concentrates (supplemented group), while the other half served as a control group receiving no mineral in the concentrates. Ejaculate volume, as well as sperm concentration, motility, viability, morphology, and membrane integrity were assessed. From week five onwards, all parameters were significantly higher in the supplemented group. Additionally, the percentage of abnormal sperm was lower, anti-oxidant enzymes activities in the seminal plasma were improved, and plasma testosterone concentration was higher in the supplemented group compared to the control group. However, alkaline phosphatase activity was not significantly different. Furthermore, seminal plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, and manganese at the end of the study were higher in the supplemented group compared to pre-treatment levels, while these parameters were decreased in the control group. Overall, co-supplementing copper, zinc, and manganese in rams maintained the sperm quantity and quality, as well as seminal plasma anti-oxidant capacity, emphasizing the importance of studied elements in ram reproduction.

Abstract The goal of this research was to determine the normal range of arterial blood gas, electrolytes and acid-base status in the healthy male sheep of Iranian Shall breed. For this purpose, the blood sample was collected from the ear artery of 15 Iranian Shall sheep whose health was confirmed by clinical examinations, hematological tests including complete blood count and air-dried blood smear and cardiac evaluations including electrocardiography and echocardiography. Then, the values of pH, partial dioxide carbon pressure, partial oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, base excess, bicarbonate as well as the concentration of electrolytes and anion gap were measured using a blood gas analyzer. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analyses by SPSS software and the tests of Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Pearson and descriptive statistics of the results were expressed as mean ± SE, range (minimum and maximum) and confidence interval 95.00%. The results showed the mean value of arterial blood gas including oxygen saturation, partial oxygen pressure, and partial dioxide carbon pressure were 95.69%, 61.58, and 26.28 mmHg, respectively, and the others arterial blood parameters including pH, base excess, and bicarbonate were 7.54, 1.61, and 22.84 mmol L^-1, respectively. Also, the mean values of arterial blood electrolytes including Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^-, were 143.25, 4.22, and 109.46 mmol L^-1, respectively, and the mean anion gap was 12.64 mmol L^-1. The present study determined the range of normal amounts of arterial blood gas, electrolytes and acid-base status in the healthy male sheep of Iranian Shall breed which could be used as a reference for further research on sheep diseases and to distinguish healthy status from disease.

Abstract Significant advancements in imaging and surgical methodologies have led to more frequent performance of neurosurgical procedures such as laminectomy in both animal and human patients. Epidural fibrosis (EF) is defined as the excessive formation of scar tissue in the epidural space after lumbar laminectomy, often resulting in recurring postoperative pain. Given the association between postoperative hematoma accumulation at the laminectomy site and the development of EF, the present study aimed to evaluate the preventive impact of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent with well-recognized hemostatic properties across various surgical fields. A rabbit laminectomy model was constructed to assess its effectiveness in reducing EF formation. A total number of 18 adult New Zealand White male rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: The control (saline) group and the treatment (topical TXA) group. Each rabbit underwent a two-level laminectomy at L3-L4. The treatment group received 5.00 mL of 100 mg mL^-1 TXA solution applied topically to the laminectomy site, while the control group received 5.00 mL of saline. Postoperative evaluations included magnetic resonance imaging at week six to assess EF, followed by histopathological examinations to evaluate fibroblast cell density in scar tissue, EF grading and thickness of the dura mater. The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic data revealed significant differences between the two groups indicating that topical administration of TXA might be a promising approach for preventing EF.