Isolation and Molecular Detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Commercial Layer Chickens in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Mycoplasma gallisepticum induced poultry diseases are associated with a huge economic crisis and have a considerable impact on the poultry industry worldwide. The aim of the current study was to isolate and perform molecular detection of MG circulating pathogenic strain in the commercial layer farms in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. The entire study was conducted from January 2018 to January 2019 at three Upazilas of Sylhet district in Bangladesh. A total of 50 dead layer chickens (indicating signs of respiratory distress before death) were collected randomly from 15 different layer farms. The tissue samples, such as air sacs, trachea, and lungs, were taken from suspected dead chickens. Both cultural and PCR-based techniques were applied to identify Mycoplasma from tissue samples. The conventional PCR technique was implemented to amplify 185 bp DNA fragments for the MG. Out of 50 samples, 36% (18/50) and 70% (35/50) of MG were identified by cultural method and PCR, respectively. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that PCR is an easier, more sensitive, and less time-consuming method for the early diagnosis of MG in chickens, compared to cultural isolation and hence can lower the economic burden to poultry farmers caused by this disease.

The Effects of Calcination on Mineral Composition and Physical Properties of Limestones and Oyster Shells Derived from Different Sources

Limestones and oyster shells are normally used in raw or roasted meal form in the livestock diet. Calcination is intended to improve the mineral concentration and physical characteristics of limestones and oyster shells which vary based on different chemical compositions, textures, and impurities of their types and habitats. The present research aimed to study the effects of calcination on mineral composition and the physical properties of limestones and oyster derived from various sources. Limestone samples from three local limestone mining and oyster shell samples from three shellfish species were calcined by burning at a temperature of 800-1000°C. The calcined products were analyzed for mineral content (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Mn), physical properties (bulk density, tapped density, specific density, and angle of repose), and particle size. Results indicated that calcination had no significant effect on Ca and P concentrations but reduced micro mineral concentration. Limestones had a higher Mg concentration than that of oyster shells, and calcination increased Mg concentration. Calcined oyster shells had higher densities, percentages of fine particles, and lower angles of response. The results suggested that the type of limestones and oyster shells could determine their thermal decomposition properties.

The Relationship Between Coat Color and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Algeria

The objective of the current study was to analyze the reproduction parameters of 48 dairy cows (29 Montbeliardes and 19 Normandes) and their relationship to coat color. Cows were imported from European countries and raised in the semi-arid region of Sétif in Algeria. The findings showed that the cows of the Montbéliarde breed were more fertile and of greater reproduction efficiency, compared to Normandes. Regarding the Montbéliarde breed, the intervals between calving and calving to conception were respectively 378.34 and 98.65 days, which were shorter than those of the Normandes breed (67 and 22 days, respectively). Normandes cows registered a higher number of services per conception (1.54 ± 0.9), compared to Montbeliarde cows (1.34 ± 0.55). Calving to the first service interval of the Normandes (76 days) was longer by 5 days than that of the Montbéliarde breed. The coats of Montbéliarde cows (51%) were whiter than those of Normandes (48%). A darker hair coat probably assured protectivity against thermal stress and greater efficiency of reproduction. The interval between calving in Montbéliarde cows was significantly affected by coat color; the interval between calving of cows with a colored coat was shorter (358 days) than whiter cows (400 days). For Normandes, cows with a colorful coat required fewer services per conception number (1.44). Hair works as a temperature regulator and may affect reproduction performances. The results of the current study suggest the possibility of integrating coat color into animal selection. It can be assumed that colored coats for Montbéliarde and Normande breeds appear to be related to their reproductive efficiency (interval between calving and number of services per conception, respectively).

Adding Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) Leaf Essential Oil to Gelatin Coating for Extending the Shelf Life of Red Snapper Fillet

Red Snappers contain high content protein and water which makes them highly perishable. However, they are widely processed into the fillet. One of the disadvantages of filleting is the short shelf life due to the high water content turning the fillets into an ideal media for bacteria. The edible coating protects the meat from perishability by reducing the water vapor, aroma, and lipid migration. One of the potential protein sources for coating is gelatin. The essential oil content that has a role in inhibiting bacterial growth is citronellal. The present study aimed to determine the effects of adding Kaffir limes (Citrus hystrix) leaf essential oil to a gelatin coating on the shelf life of red snappers’ fillet. An experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four treatment groups based on the concentration of Citrus hystrix essential oil and five replications (n = 3 per group). In this regard, the treatments were named P0 (0% of Citrus hystrix), P1 (1% of Citrus hystrix), P2 (1.5% of Citrus hystrix), and P3 (2% of Citrus hystrix). The investigated parameters included total plate count, sensory quality, and acidity. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that the addition of 1.5% and 2% Citrus hystrix essential oil decreased the number of bacteria, and led to a higher sensory quality. In conclusion, The addition of Citrus hystrix essential oil in the gelatin-coating process can be used as a method of processing the fishery products to extend the shelf life of red snappers’ fillet at room temperature and inhibit bacterial growth.

Chemical and in vitro evaluation of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) Leaves as a Substitute of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with/without Rejected Green Banana Fruits (Musa paradisiaca)

Leucaena leaves and rejected green banana fruits can be promising to cope with feed gaps in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions. The present study evaluated the feeding value and secondary active compounds of Leucaena leaves and rejected green banana fruits for ruminants using a semi-automated gas production (GP) system. Comparisons were made with the traditional feeds as alfalfa, and Dichanthium spp. grass hay. Analysis of HPLC was performed for the feed ingredients to characterize the main phenolic components. The in vitro evaluation was carried out for the experimental feed ingredients and diets. Four diets were formulated as the first diet consisted of alfalfa and grass hay at a ratio of 35:65 (AG), the second diet composed of alfalfa, grass hay, and green banana fruits at a ratio of 35:55:10 (AGB), third and fourth diets were prepared by replacing alfalfa in AG and AGB with Leucaena leaves to be LG and LGB, respectively. Leucaena leaves showed a high content of valuable phenolic components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, and naringenin. Moreover, Leucaena leaves and diet had higher crude protein, total phenols, and total tannins than alfalfa, which was reflected on the chemical composition of diets, and recorded the lowest total accumulative GP at 24 hours leading to low CH4 and CO2 production. Banana fruits recorded the lowest ruminal pH, ammonia concentration, and degraded neutral detergent fiber, compared to other feed ingredients, while it had the highest GP and degraded organic matter. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use Leucaena leaves in animals’ diets with/without rejected green banana fruits as an alternative feed resource with potential environmental and animal health benefits.

Antiviral Effects of Plant Extracts Used in the Treatment of Important Animal Viral Diseases

The goal of this review was to highlight some plant species that have significant antiviral activity against DNA and RNA viruses in vitro and in vivo although more research is needed to address safety issues, drug interactions, and the possibility of using them in combination with other natural products. Viral infection plays an important role in human and animal diseases. Although there have been advances in immunization and antiviral drugs, there is still a lack of protective vaccines and effective antiviral drugs in human and veterinary medicine. The lack of effective antivirals necessitates the search for new effective antiviral compounds. Plants are naturally gifted at synthesizing antiviral compounds. They are rich sources of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities as a result of advanced analytical chemistry, standard virus assays, and development of standardization and extraction methods. Plant extracts have a wide variety of active compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, sulphides, polyphenolics, coumarins, saponins, furyl compounds, alkaloids, polyines, thiophenes, proteins, and peptides. Moreover, certain volatile oils have indicated a high level of antiviral activity. Replication, assembly, and release, as well as targeting virus host-specific interactions capable of inhibiting several viruses, could help the development of broad-spectrum antivirals for the prevention and control of viral pathogens. The in vitro antiviral activities of Erythroxylum deciduum, Lacistema hasslerianum (chodat), Xylopia aromatica, Heteropteris aphrodisiaca, Acacia nilotica (gum arabic tree), Lippia graveolens (Guettarda angelica (Velvetseed), Prunus myrtifolia, and Symphyopappus plant extracts can inhibite viral replication, and interfer with the early stages of viral adsorption of DNA viruses. However, Boesenbergia rotunda plant extracts have inhibited RNA viruses. A potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor with B. rotunda extract and panduratin A after viral infection drastically suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in Vero E6 cells.

The Effect of Commercial Probiotics on the Phytoplankton Diversity Associated with Biofloc

The intensive aquaculture industry faces two main problems, first, the decrease in the water quality caused by high concentrations of metabolites, and second, the use of low natural food in aquaculture activities with high water exchange intensity. For this reason, efforts are needed to develop biofloc to maximize the contribution of natural food which can increase aquaculture production. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of commercial probiotics on the differences in the phytoplankton diversity associated with biofloc. The fish were divided into three treatment groups. Treatment A involved biofloc formation without using probiotics, treatment B contained biofloc formation using commercial probiotics (Bacillus spp., lactic acid, Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces spp. 50/50 feed), and treatment C entailed biofloc formation using commercial probiotics (containing a native microbial consortium, 50/50 feed). The treatment groups were repeated six times so that there were 18 experimental units. The research was conducted from March to April 2015. The results indicated that the administration of probiotics with different types led to insignificant differences among the treatment groups. The highest diversity index value occurred in treatment C on day 34 of the experiment that was equal to 0.49. On the other hand, the highest value of the dominance index (C = 0.99) occurred in treatments A and B on day 21. It can be concluded that the addition of probiotics with different biofloc could result in insignificant phytoplankton diversity. Furthermore, the Nitrogen/Phosphorus (N/P) ratio as a limiting factor for phytoplankton growth indicated different results in each treatment.

Sustainable Rabbit Production under the Global Warming Conditions in Southern Mediterranean Region

There is still a wide gap between meat demand and meat production in Egypt. This gap is becoming larger due to the direct and indirect impacts of global warming that negatively influence the grazing area and the performance of livestock. In this context, rabbits are considered as an alternative source for animal-origin meat. In the Southern Mediterranean region, the most obvious problem encountering rabbit production is the hot waves during the summer, especially during the last decades. The narrow thermo-neutral zone of rabbits makes the high temperature hinder the success of commercial production. Different strategies may assist rabbits in coping with heat stress, which are reviewed in the current study, including the improved management practices, development of new breeds, and implementation of different nutritional strategies.

Impact of Replacing Different Levels of Panicum maximum in Rabbit Diets on Growth Performance, Hemato-Biochemical Profile, and Histological Responses of Some Internal Organs

There has been an interest in alternative sources in rabbit feeding. Therefore, the current study aimed to estimate the health status, growth performance, hemato-biochemical, and histological picture of some important internal organs in growing Newziland rabbits as a result of replacing different levels of Panicum maximum (PM) in its pelleted diet. A total of 35 weaned rabbits (20 males and 15 females) aged 5 weeks were purchased with an average body weight of 839.7 ± 7.05 g and 771.20 ± 9.19 g for males and females, respectively. Randomly, five equal rabbit groups were formed (7 rabbits in each group). The first group (control) was fed a basal diet without PM. The second, third, fourth, and fifth groups were fed pelleted diets containing PM with a replacing percent of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of clover hay, respectively. All groups were fed ad libitum of pelleted feed for two months. The blood was aspirated individually three times, including at the beginning of the experiment (as zero time), after one month, and at the end of the experiment, respectively. The whole blood was used for the measurement of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit percentage, erythrocytes, and total leukocyte counts. At the experimental end, in each group, 3 male rabbits were sacrificed and their internal organs including liver, kidney, cecum, and rectum were collected for histopathology. The live body weight was significantly affected by sex where males were heavier than females, also feed conversion ratio, growth rate, and feed intake were significantly affected by feeding on different levels of PM. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the total leukocytic count had a non-significant effect while the erythrocyte count increased significantly in all experimental groups. There were insignificant changes in plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, creatinine, and glucose concentrations when different levels of PM were added. furthermore, the plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly decreased in rabbits fed PM, 75% and 100% when compared with 25%, 50%, and control groups. Finally, replacement PM instead of clover hay in pelleted diets till 75% was found to be the safety and optimum percentage for biological and healthy rabbits.

Gastroprotective Effect of Conocarpus Erectus Plus Omega-3 on Experimentally Induced Ulcer in Rats

There has been a dearth of research on the gastroprotective effect of Conocarpus erectus in the literature so the current study was designed to estimate the ability of Conocarpus erectus (C. erectus) leaves extract alone and in combination with omega-3 regarding gastroprotective effects. A total of 30 male rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). All animals induced gastric ulcer by 80 mg/kg of naproxen orally twice a day for three consecutive days. At the same time, the animals treated orally with 175 mg/kg omega-3, 250 mg/kg C. erectus, 80 mg omega-3 + 150 mg C. erectus, 10 mg/kg of lansoprazole, and 2 ml/kg of DMSO were named T1, T2, T3, T4, and TC, respectively. The obtained results of the present study indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponin, and tannin as active ingredients in C. erectus leaves extract. Consequently, C. erectus seemed to have the potential of chelating metals in a concentration-dependent manner. Gross and histopathology findings showed the highly protective capability of C. erectus and omega-3 against ulcerative lesion, compared to the time each was used alone. The outcomes of the current study indicated that using C. erectus alone or plus omega-3 can protect the gastric mucosa from the ulceration induced by naproxen, and the chelating properties of C. erectus.