Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone predominantly produced in the kidneys, primarily stimulating erythroid cell proliferation in the bone marrow. The present study investigated the impact of EPO combined with swimming exercise on cardiac morphometry in adolescent male and female rats. The 4-week study involved 48 rats (24 males and 24 females), which were divided into four main groups of six males and six females each. The control group was administered intraperitoneal saline four times a week. The swimming exercise group also received intraperitoneal saline, followed by 30 min of swimming exercise, four times a week. The drug control group was given 50.00 IU kg^-1 epoetin alfa intraperitoneally, four times a week. Lastly, the Swimming + Drug group received 50.00 IU kg^-1 epoetin alfa intraperitoneally, four times a week, followed by 30 min of swimming exercise. The post-study measurements demonstrated that EPO administration did not result in notable alterations in crucial parameters, including the left ventricular mass index, left ventricular mass, and left ventricular posterior wall in the context of left ventricular hypertrophy in both genders. However, in female rats, EPO-only group and the combined EPO and exercise group showed significant thinning of the right ventricular wall and interventricular septum indicating potential cardiac dilatation. The results highlight the necessity of considering gender-specific responses when evaluating EPO's cardiovascular effects, particularly concerning the right ventricle, and suggest further investigation into the long-term consequences of these observed changes.

Abstract The Iraqi indigenous chicken (IIC) is a native breed known for its remarkable ability to thrive in harsh environments. However, the primary challenge with this breed is its lower productivity levels especially when compared to commercial strains. This study evaluated the performance of 120 layers of IIC in comparison with an equal number of Hy-Line W-80 layers across multiple traits including feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily feed intake (DFI), egg mass (EM) and total egg number (EN) production. Over a period spanning four consecutive weeks intervals significant differences were observed between the two lines across all measured parameters. Hy-Line W-80 consistently exhibited superior FE, with values ranging from 0.49 to 0.54 compared to IIC values that ranged from 0.23 to 0.26. Similarly, Hy-Line W-80 demonstrated lower FCR values ranging from 1.85 to 2.03 contrasting with IIC (3.77 to 4.37). The DFI was notably higher in Hy-Line W-80 (ranging from 104.30 to 106.00 g per day) compared to IIC (73.75 to 90.20 g per day). Furthermore, Hy-Line W-80 consistently outperformed IIC in EM production with values ranging from 52.33 to 56.67 compared to IIC values (19.83 to 21.47). Another superiority of Hy-Line W-80 was observed by showing higher EN over IIC layers in all sixteen weeks of investigation. In conclusion, Hy-Line W-80 consistently outperformed IIC in various parameters such as FE, FCR, DFI, EM and EN production. Accordingly, these data could be exploited in selective breeding and genetic improvement strategies to enhance the productivity of IIC.

Abstract Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) is a homeopathic product used in the veterinary field. This study aimed to determine the effects of TCAE on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in the embryo. The study used 220 fertile, incubated chicken eggs divided into 11 equal groups on the 7^th day of incubation. The groups comprised untreated and physiological saline control groups, a group with TCAE alone, four groups with varying doses of Cd alone and four groups with the same doses of Cd plus TCAE. At the end of the incubation period, the eggs were opened, kidney and liver tissue samples were taken for histopathology and the number of dead and living embryos were recorded. In the prsent study, the median lethal dose of Cd was determined to be 0.029 mg per egg and the median lethal dose of Cd plus TCAE was determined to be 0.020 mg per egg. The histopathological examinations determined that kidney and liver damage were increased when TCAE and Cd were administered together, that was higher than when Cd was given alone. Thus, TCAE, which had no toxic effect on the embryo when used alone, might increase the embryotoxic activity of Cd. However, more detailed studies are needed.

Abstract Crude fiber (CF) is a vital component in poultry nutrition with a notable phytonutrient effectively indicating the presence of indigestible biomass in food due to the absence of digestive enzymes for CF in broilers. This study aimed to analyze the properties of a multi-enzyme cocktail (MEC) Bacillus sonorensis BD92 (BsBD92) comprised of xylanase, β-glucosidase, exo-glucanase, and endo-glucanase enzymes. Also, this study intended to look at the growth performance and intestinal histology of broilers in the starter and finisher phases by the addition of MEC BsBD92 to their diet. To evaluate the efficacy of MEC BsBD92, 140 one-day-old unsexed Cobb500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into seven groups receiving different diets. The characterization of exo-glucanase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, and endo-glucanase showed that their peak activities were observed at a temperature of 50.00 ˚C and a pH of 5.50. The 6.00% CF and 2.00 X MEC BsBD92 improved the intestinal morphology and feed conversion ratio, demonstrating a synergistic effect on growth performance. Whereas, increasing meat percentages to 61.06 and 65.09 g per 100 g body weight during the starter and finisher phases was also observed, respectively. The lipid profiles revealed significant variations in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. This study provides an innovative approach, considering not only lowering the feed cost using inexpensive fibrous feedstuffs but also improving the feed efficiency through supplementation of MEC BsBD92.

Abstract Infections causing diarrhea in cattle breeding pose a substantial threat to calf breeding and health, causing considerable economic losses worldwide, including in Türkiye. The primary causative agents of calf diarrhea include bovine group A rotavirus, bovine coronavirus (BCoV), Escherichia coli K99, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. The objective of this study was to diagnose the pathogens present in samples taken from calves exhibiting diarrhea symptoms in the Elaziğ province of Türkiye. The study material consisted of 85 fecal samples from calves up to 30 days of age with diarrhea symptoms and 42 small intestine samples from calves died as a result of diarrhea symptoms after necropsy. Following total RNA isolation from the samples, one-step duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was conducted to identify the bovine rotavirus (BRV) and BCoV. Our results indicated that 24 of the samples were positive for BRV, 13 were positive for BCoV, and 25 were positive for BRV and BCoV in the form of mixed infection. The immunochromatographic analysis revealed that three samples were positive for E. coli K99 antigens, 12 for Cryptosporidium spp. antigens, and 28 for Giardia spp. antigens. Our results indicate that one-step duplex RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunochromatography methods can be valuable tests to be used in routine diagnostic laboratories for the detection of pathogens associated with calf diarrhea.

Abstract Echocardiography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive method for evaluating heart disease in veterinary medicine, crucial for measuring cardiac structures and functions. Despite its importance, limited data exist on sheep, particularly the Ghezel breed, a significant breed in Iran. This study aimed to establish normal echocardiographic values for Ghezel sheep, providing reference data for both clinical and research applications. We evaluated 15 healthy Ghezel sheep with a mean age of 16.50 ± 1.80 months and a mean weight of 42.69 ± 4.73 kg. Comprehensive clinical exams, biochemical and hematological tests and color Doppler echocardiography were performed. Descriptive results from standard right and left parasternal views in both longitudinal and transverse planes were obtained and compared to existing studies. The study successfully established pulse wave Doppler reference values for the Ghezel breed. These findings could be used in diagnosing heart disease in Ghezel sheep and would be beneficial in future research particularly in sheep used as an animal model for translation in human cardiac studies.

Abstract Osteomyelitis is caused by the local spread of an infected source adjacent to the infection following trauma, bone surgery or joint replacement. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of vancomycin (Van)/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposite in comparison with curcumin (Cur)/PCL on the healing of experimental osteomyelitis in tibia in rabbits. After induction of osteomyelitis forty adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Control group: The animals were considered as controls and no scaffolds were used. In PCL/Van group, the created bone defects were filled with the combination of PCL and Van. In PCL/Cur, the created bone defects were filled with the combination of PCL and Cur. Polycaprolactone/Cur/Van group: The created bone defects were filled with the combination of PCL, Cur and Van. Bone samples were taken for histopathological evaluation on the 30^th and 60^th days. For radiological evaluations of the osteomyelitis, radiographs were prepared at time intervals zero (day of surgery), 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after surgery. In order to evaluate hematology, blood was taken on days 0 (day of surgery), 15, 30, 45, and 60. The results of the present study showed that Cur nanocomposite significantly improved the healing process of the rabbit tibia experimental osteomyelitis model compared to the control group. Also, the PCL/Cur/Van group showed the best healing results. In conclusion, PCL/Cur/Van nanocomposite scaffold showed positive effects on the healing process.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a Rovabio^® Plus multi-enzyme on production and reproductive performance, duodenum morphology and biochemical parameters in 45 - 60 weeks old broiler breeders. For this purpose, 260 broiler breeders of Ross 308 strain were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications (13 hens and one rooster in each replication). Experimental treatments included: 1) Positive control diet (diet with standard energy and phosphorus and without multi-enzyme), 2) Negative control diet (diet in terms of energy 5.00% and phosphorus 50.00% less than the positive control diet, 3) Negative control diet with 1.00 g kg^-1 Rovabio^® Plus multi-enzyme and 4) Positive control diet with 1.00 g kg^-1 Rovabio^® Plus multi-enzyme. The results showed that negative control diet caused a significant decrease in the egg production percentage, egg weight, egg mass, settable eggs, fertile eggs, hatchability and one grade chickens, increased the feed conversion ratio and embryonic losses. Addition of 1.00 g kg^-1 of multi-enzyme to negative control diet made the above parameters similar to the positive control treatment, however, the positive control treatment supplemented with multi-enzyme had a better performance compared to other treatments. This research showed that dietary supplementation of Rovabio^® Plus multi-enzyme in broiler breeders at the age of 45 - 60 weeks led to the improvement of productive performance and incubation in negative control diet.