ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) production is vital for food security in Andean countries and increasingly relevant in parts of Africa. Optimizing nutrient utilization is critical to enhance productivity, farmer income, and sustainability. This study employed a multivariate approach to evaluate crude protein and energy digestibility and metabolism in Peruvian guinea pigs under different feeding regimens (maintenance, restricted, and ad libitum) at various ages.Materials and Methods:Forty-two male guinea pigs were housed individually in metabolic cages and fed a pelleted diet formulated according to the National Research Council (1995) recommendations. Digestibility and metabolism trials were conducted at 52, 90, and 145 days of age across three feeding levels. Variables including dry matter intake (DMI), gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy, metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein intake (CPI), and retained protein (RP) were measured. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering to identify intake-efficiency patterns.Results:DMI, GEI, and CPI increased significantly with age and feeding level, strongly correlating with body weight (r > 0.7). Protein retention efficiency (RP/CPI) was highest at maintenance feeding (83.5%) but declined to 73.6% in ad libitum-fed animals at 145 days, indicating protein catabolism when intake exceeded requirements. In contrast, energy metabolizability (ME/GE) peaked under ad libitum feeding (79.5% at 90 days). PCA revealed that PC1 (48.5% variance) was associated with intake and growth, whereas PC2 (18.1%) was linked to metabolic efficiency of protein and energy. Cluster analysis distinguished three groups by feeding level and age, confirming that higher intake reduced protein utilization efficiency despite supporting faster growth.Conclusion:Multivariate analysis demonstrated that while ad libitum feeding maximized growth and energy metabolizability, it reduced protein retention efficiency, emphasizing the need for balanced protein–energy ratios tailored to the physiological stage. These findings provide a framework for designing age- and intake-specific feeding strategies to enhance nutrient efficiency, meat production, and sustainability in guinea pig systems.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Stallion sexual behavior during semen collection can be influenced by multiple factors, yet the role of sexual arousal intensity remains underexplored. Understanding how arousal modulates behavioral and physiological reproductive traits is essential for improving artificial insemination (AI) efficiency and semen quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sexual arousal intensity, age, origin, and semen collection method on stallion sexual behavior and the quality of fresh and frozen semen.Materials and Methods:Thirteen Arabian stallions (7 Tunisian, 6 foreign parentage) aged 6–20 years (total ejaculates = 49) were assessed during semen collection using either a dummy or an estrous mare. Sexual arousal intensity was scored on a four-point scale (− to +++). Behavioral responses, mounting and erection parameters, and semen traits were recorded. Fresh semen was evaluated for volume, motility, concentration, and morphology; frozen semen was assessed for motility, viability, membrane integrity, and abnormalities. Data were analyzed using multifactorial analysis of variance with significance at p < 0.05.Results:High arousal (+++) increased vocalizations, anogenital sniffing, and Flehmen responses (p < 0.05) but prolonged preparation time (p = 0.05). Low arousal (−/+) prolonged full erection duration (p < 0.01) and improved sperm motility in fresh and frozen semen (p < 0.01). Stallions of foreign origin exhibited higher fresh semen motility (p < 0.01) but required longer preparation and collection times (p < 0.05). The estrous mare method improved fresh semen motility and concentration (p < 0.05) but did not affect frozen semen traits. Younger stallions produced larger semen volumes, but had higher abnormal sperm counts in fresh samples, whereas older stallions showed more abnormalities post-freezing (p < 0.01).Conclusion:Sexual arousal intensity significantly modulates both behavioral and semen quality parameters in stallions. Lower arousal is associated with prolonged erection and superior sperm motility, suggesting dissociation between behavioral excitement and physiological semen traits. Collection from an estrous mare can enhance fresh semen motility, though the dummy remains safer for handlers. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring semen collection protocols to individual stallion profiles to optimize AI outcomes.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Dengue is a significant mosquito-borne viral disease with increasing public health relevance, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Although it primarily affects humans, veterinary research plays a crucial role in understanding disease dynamics, particularly through the use of animal models and vector control strategies. This study aimed to analyze global research trends on dengue within the field of veterinary medicine between 2019 and 2024, identifying patterns in productivity, collaboration, and emerging thematic priorities.Materials and Methods:A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus-indexed publications retrieved on December 15, 2024. The search included terms related to dengue and Aedes species within the veterinary subject area. Data were analyzed using SciVal for metrics and collaboration patterns and RStudio for statistical summaries and visua-lizations. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies on dengue relevant to veterinary contexts published between 2019 and 2024.Results:A total of 742 publications were identified across 67 journals, including 652 articles and 60 reviews. Annual output showed a 3.01% decline, with an average document age of 2.56 years and 9.0 citations per article. International collaboration was evident in 41.51% of publications, with Brazil, Argentina, and Australia emerging as key contributors. Thematic evolution demonstrated a shift from basic entomological studies (2019–2020) to applied control strategies, including Wolbachia-based mosquito interventions and citizen surveillance (2021–2022). The most prolific institutions were Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil) and the University of Florida (USA), while the journal Parasites and Vectors had the highest publication volume.Conclusion:This bibliometric review highlights the growing interdisciplinary nature of dengue research in veterinary medicine and the pivotal role of international collaboration. The observed decline in publication rate underscores the need to reinvigorate research efforts. The findings advocate for a One Health approach integrating veterinary, ecological, and public health disciplines to address vector-borne diseases. Future efforts should focus on enhancing global partnerships, standardizing animal models, and supporting innovative vector control strategies to mitigate the burden of dengue.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Suture ligation is the standard technique for feline orchiectomy, but it requires surgical expertise and is time-consuming. Silicone rubber bands (SRBs), previously used in human procedures, offer a potential alternative. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of common veterinary sterilization methods on the mechanical integrity of SRBs and (2) compare the surgical outcomes of SRB versus suture ligation in feline orchiectomy.Materials and Methods:Twenty-eight: SRBs were randomly assigned to four sterilization groups: No sterilization (control), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, autoclaving, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma. Bands were tested for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation at break, and elastic modulus using a universal testing machine. Separately, 20 healthy male cats were randomly assigned to undergo orchiectomy using either SRB ligation (n = 10) or traditional suture ligation (n = 10). Surgical time, intraoperative/post-operative complications, Glasgow composite measure pain scale scores, wound healing, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were monitored for 10 days.Results:Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization preserved SRB elasticity without significantly affecting UTS, while autoclaving and chlorhexidine treatment increased stiffness and reduced elongation at break (p < 0.05). SRB ligation significantly reduced surgical time (3.06 ± 0.32 min) compared to suture ligation (4.48 ± 0.62 min; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in post-operative pain scores, wound healing characteristics, or complication rates between groups (p > 0.05). Mild GI symptoms were observed in both groups but were not statistically different.Conclusion:SRB ligation is a viable, time-efficient, and clinically comparable alternative to traditional suture ligation in feline orchiectomy. Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma is recommended for SRB sterilization due to its minimal impact on material integrity. This technique may be especially beneficial in high-volume or resource-limited settings, offering a safe, efficient approach to feline population control. Future research should evaluate the long-term biocompatibility and broader surgical applications of SRBs in veterinary practice.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical global health threat, compromising the efficacy of treatments across human, animal, and environmental health domains. While efforts have predominantly focused on livestock and human medicine, the role of pet owners remains underexplored, despite their direct involvement in antimicrobial administration and influence on veterinary decisions. This study aimed to assess perceptions, knowledge, and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among pet owners in Chile, providing a baseline to inform future education and policy initiatives under a One Health framework.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey targeting adult dog and cat owners was conducted from May 19 to 21, 2023, in Santiago, Chile, during a large public pet-focused event. Using a validated questionnaire, data were collected on demographics, pet characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotics and AMR. A total of 378 valid responses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations, particularly between education level and reported practices.Results:Most respondents were female (74.4%) with professional degrees (64%) and aged between 21 and 50 years. Dogs were more commonly owned (73.8%) than cats (26.2%). While 86.2% reported their pet had received antibiotics, only 68.2% recalled veterinarians confirming proper administration understanding. A strong majority agreed that antibiotics should only be used for bacterial infections and opposed acquiring them without a prescription. Notably, 92.4% stated that they would stop treatment early if improvement was observed. Approximately 52% had used human antibiotics for pets, and 38% were open to substituting prescribed veterinary antibiotics with human ones. No significant association was found between education level and antibiotic use behaviors (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Findings reveal important gaps in owner understanding and adherence to antimicrobial guidelines, particularly regarding treatment completion and human antibiotic use in pets. Strengthening veterinarian-owner communication, promoting species-specific antibiotic use, and enhancing awareness of AMR’s broader implications are essential. These insights support targeted educational efforts and integration of pet owner perspectives into national AMR strategies to advance One Health goals.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Heterakis gallinarum is a parasitic nematode that commonly infects the ceca of domestic and wild gallinaceous birds, acting as a vector for Histomonas meleagridis, the causative agent of blackhead disease. Despite its significance in poultry health, molecular data from Iraq, particularly Sulaymaniyah province, remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and genetic features of H. gallinarum isolated from free-range chickens in Sulaymaniyah using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene sequencing.Materials and Methods:A total of 140 free-range adult chickens were purchased from local markets in Sulaimani city between January 2023 and October 2024. Birds were euthanized, and cecal contents were examined for Heterakis spp. Adult worms were morphologically identified under light microscopy. DNA was extracted from representative isolates, and the COX1 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the neighbor-joining method based on the Kimura-3 parameter model.Results:Out of 140 chickens examined, 51 (36.43%) were infected with H. gallinarum. Morphological analysis revealed typical features, including unequal spicules in males and barrel-shaped eggs. PCR confirmed a 1325-bp COX1 gene fragment. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis showed 98%–99% similarity with known H. gallinarum sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction clustered the Iraqi isolate (GenBank: PQ395216.1) with isolates from China, South Africa, Tunisia, and Bangladesh, indicating low genetic divergence across geographic regions.Conclusion:This is the first molecular documentation of H. gallinarum in free-range chickens from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The findings highlight the widespread genetic conservation of this parasite and underscore the need for further epidemiological studies to determine risk factors and potential impacts on poultry productivity.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:The rapid spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Indonesia and other Asian countries has devastated domestic and wild pig populations. In the absence of a viable vaccine, ASF control depends on strict biosecurity measures and the prompt culling of infected animals. Accurate and timely detection is therefore essential to limit disease transmission, highlighting the urgent need for reliable diagnostic tools. This study aimed to develop serological assays for ASF virus (ASFV) antibody detection using recombinant ASFV proteins.Materials and Methods:Three key ASFV structural proteins–p30, p54, and p72–were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Protein solubility, particularly for p54, was enhanced by targeted deletion of hydrophobic domains. Recombinant proteins were purified using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography and assessed for diagnostic performance through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting using 114 field serum samples.Results:The solubility-optimized p54 antigen was successfully used to develop an indirect ELISA, while the insoluble p30 retained sufficient antigenicity for immunoblot-based detection. The p54-based ELISA showed high diagnostic performance, achieving an area under the curve of 0.936, with 91% sensitivity and 85% specificity. Agreement with a commercial ELISA kit was substantial (Cohen’s kappa = 0.635). Immunoblotting confirmed that all recombinant proteins maintained strong antigenicity and diagnostic specificity.Conclusion:Recombinant ASFV proteins p54 and p30 demonstrated strong potential for serological diagnostics when expressed in E. coli. Notably, this is the first study to report a successful domain truncation strategy for enhancing p54 solubility in E. coli, enabling the development of affordable, locally produced ELISA kits. The p30-based immunoblot assay serves as a confirmatory tool to strengthen ASF detection and outbreak response in resource-limited settings.

Background and Aim:Antibiotic resistance has spurred interest in alternative feed additives for poultry. Wood vinegar (WV), a by-product of plant pyrolysis, contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WV supplementation through drinking water on the cecal microbial population, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, antioxidant enzyme activity, and apparent ileal nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens.Materials and Methods:A total of 432 1-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 72 per group; 6 replicates of 12 birds each). Treatments included a negative control (T1), a positive control with 0.02% oxytetracycline (T2), and WV-supplemented groups at dilution ratios of 1:100 (T3), 1:200 (T4), 1:500 (T5), and 1:1000 (T6) in drinking water. The experiment lasted 35 days. Plasma antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], total antioxidant capacity [T-AOC]), VFA profiles, ileal digestibility (crude protein [CP], ash, ether extract [EE]), and cecal microbial populations were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the General Linear Model and Duncan’s multiple range tests (p < 0.05).Results:WV supplementation enhanced antioxidant status, with significant increases in GPx (T5 and T6) and T-AOC (T6), while CAT and SOD remained unaffected. T5 significantly elevated acetic, butyric, and total VFA levels. WV-treated birds (T3–T6) showed reduced Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteria counts and increased bifidobacteria and total bacteria compared with controls. T4 showed the highest digestibility of CP, while T5 significantly improved ash and EE digestibility.Conclusion:WV supplementation, particularly at a 1:200 dilution (T4), effectively improved gut microbial balance, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and promoted nutrient digestibility. These results support WV as a viable natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production.

Background and Aim:The global demand for efficient poultry production necessitates alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel four-component organic-mineral feed additive (OMFA), comprising lactulose, arginine, ultrafine silicon dioxide particles, and succinic acid, and a three-component variant (without lactulose) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, elemental tissue composition, and the cecal microbiota of Arbor Acres broiler chickens.Materials and Methods:One hundred and five one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into three groups: Control, Group I (four-component OMFA), and Group II (three-component OMFA). Growth metrics were recorded weekly over a 42-day period. Nutrient digestibility was assessed through balance experiments, while elemental tissue composition was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cecal microbiota profiling was conducted using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing on the MiSeq platform. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.Results:Group I showed an 11.2% increase in body weight gain and a 9.6% reduction in feed conversion ratio compared to controls (p = 0.074; p = 0.063). Group II demonstrated superior weight gain (17.9%) but incurred a 3.6% increase in feed costs. Digestibility of crude fat and protein improved significantly in Group II (p = 0.037). Elemental analysis indicated that lactulose supplementation enhanced the accumulation of magnesium, calcium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and chromium in muscle tissue. Microbiota analysis revealed that Group I increased Ruminococcaceae abundance and suppressed Pseudobdellovibrionaceae, while Group II favored the proliferation of Helicobacteraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae.Conclusion:Both OMFA formulations enhanced productivity and modulated gut microbiota. The four-component OMFA improved feed efficiency and mineral deposition, while the three-component version elicited greater weight gains. These findings support the incorporation of OMFA as a strategic tool in antibiotic-free poultry production. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the metabolic interactions among additive components and their long-term effects on gut health and performance.

Background and Aim:Low birth weight and within-litter variations are major challenges in swine production, often exacerbated by highly prolific sow lines. Nutritional interventions such as amino acid and probiotic supplementation have shown promise, but their combined effects remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of Bacillus subtilis QST 713 and L-arginine supplementation during late gestation on reproductive performance in sows.Materials and Methods:A randomized trial was conducted on 247 Landrace × Yorkshire sows allocated to four dietary groups from day 85 of gestation to farrowing: (1) Basal diet (control), (2) basal diet + B. subtilis, (3) basal diet + L-arginine, and (4) basal diet + both supplements. Reproductive outcomes–including individual birth weight (IBW), total litter birth weight (TBW), born-alive birth weight (NBABW), proportion of runt (<1.1 kg) and large piglets (>1.5 kg), and within-litter coefficient of variation in birth weight [CVBW])–were assessed. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used for analysis.Results:Co-supplementation with B. subtilis and L-arginine significantly increased IBW (1434.7 g vs. 1310.0 g, p < 0.001), TBW (19.6 kg vs. 16.9 kg, p < 0.001), NBABW (18.1 kg vs. 15.9 kg, p = 0.006), and the proportion of large piglets (33.7% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.0002), while reducing runt piglet incidence (4.0% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001). Neither supplement alone produced significant improvements. No treatment significantly affected litter size, CVBW, stillbirth, or mummification rates.Conclusion:Co-supplementation of sows with B. subtilis and L-arginine during late gestation produces synergistic impro-vements in piglet birth weight and litter quality. This strategy offers a practical and cost-effective approach to enhance swine reproductive efficiency.