Veterinaria México OA

Effect of dietary tannins on productive parameters and diesel toxicity in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

2026-02-27T20:08:51+00:00

Nile tilapia is a highly nutritious source of protein, and its production through aquaculture practices leads to a lower carbon footprint when compared to the production of terrestrial species. However, environmental contamination poses a significant risk in aquaculture, necessitating strategies to mitigate its impacts on fish. This study evaluated the effects of experimental diets supplemented with tannins on performance parameters of Oreochromis niloticus over a 60-day feeding trial. At the end of the experiment, their potential hepatoprotective role was assessed in fish exposed to diesel-induced toxicity. The fish were fed a control diet (T1) or a diet supplemented with either 2 % (T2) or 4 % tannins (T3). Fourteen fish per tank were allocated across three tanks per treatment. After 60 days, seven fish from each treatment group were exposed to an acute diesel exposure to either an acute dose of diesel (50 µg/g) or fish oil (control). Performance parameters were then compared, and liver samples were obtained and used to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP), carboxylesterase (CaE), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymatic activity. Diesel exposure led to increased ALP activity, decreased CaE, and GST activities. However, no significant alterations in enzyme activities were observed in fish maintained under dietary treatments T2 and T3 following diesel exposure compared to the control group. Moreover, performance parameters remained unaffected by the inclusion of tannins in diets. These findings suggest that dietary tannins may provide a protective effect against diesel-induced physiological disturbances.

Codon usage bias and evolutionary dynamics of porcine Sapelovirus: insights into host adaptation

2026-01-22T19:52:45+00:00

Porcine sapelovirus (PSV), a member of the Sapelovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family, is a swine pathogen causing respiratory diseases, polioencephalomyelitis, and gastroenteritis. The infection results in economic loss in the swine industry and often co-occurs with bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Despite its impact, the evolutionary dynamics and adaptation mechanisms of PSV remain poorly understood. This study investigates the evolutionary forces shaping adaptation of the PSV polyprotein gene through codon usage bias and nucleotide composition analysis. A total of 34 polyprotein coding sequences of PSV were retrieved from the NCBI database and analyzed using bioinformatics tools. The nucleotide composition analysis revealed adenine as the most abundant nucleotide, with thymine predominating at the third codon positions. The Guanine-Cytocine (GC) content was balanced overall, with variations in GC content at the third codon position values suggesting mutational pressure. Relative synonymous codon usage analysis identified overrepresented and underrepresented codons, highlighting host-specific selection pressures. The Effective number of codons and neutrality plots indicated that natural selection predominantly influences codon usage bias in PSV, while mutational pressure contributes less. Chargaff's second parity rule analysis confirmed deviations influenced by these forces, while dinucleotide abundance analysis provided insights into codon usage trends. The codon adaptation index (CAI = 0.584) suggested moderate adaptation of PSV to its natural host, Sus scrofa domesticus, reflecting evolutionary constraints on translational efficiency. Correspondence analysis highlighted factors driving viral evolution. These findings contribute to our understanding of PSV molecular evolution, supporting the development of antiviral strategies, vaccines, and diagnostic for disease control.

Neonatal zoometry as a predictor of productive performance in creole piglets

2026-02-19T19:13:18+00:00

La conservación de los recursos genéticos animales se considera un pilar para la seguridad alimentaria y el desarrollo rural mexicano; sin embargo, algunas poblaciones están en riesgo de desaparecer, como la de los cerdos criollos, que se concentran en un núcleo productivo rural muy pequeño, donde la alta mortalidad y la productividad de los lactantes reflejan las limitaciones. Primero, cuando los lechones nacieron, se pesaron (PN) y se tomaron sus medidas zoométricas: circunferencia cefálica (CC), circunferencia abdominal (CA), circunferencia torácica (CT), longitud corporal (LC), e índices zoométricos: índice de masa corporal (IMC) e índice ponderal (IP) de neonatos criollos ts´üdi xirgo. Mediante la construcción de modelos de regresión multivariable, se buscó la agrupación de variables, que permitan identificar lechones con mejores valores en las características productivas durante la lactancia: peso el día 21 (P21), peso al destete (PD) y ganancia diaria de peso (GPD). Se consideró que las agrupaciones incluyeran una variable zoométrica y un índice zoométrico al nacer como variable fija, y los días de lactancia (DL) como bloque. Algunas de las variables que influyen en la productividad de los lechones criollos son las características físicas. Hallamos que el conjunto de variables PN, CT, IP y DL brinda una mejor predicción para el P21 (P = 0.001) y el PD (P = 0.003), mientras que, para la GPD, las variables que se ajustan a los datos son PN, LC, IP y DL (P = 0.01). El uso de herramientas y protocolos para la identificación temprana de lechones en riesgo permite brindar las condiciones óptimas para una lactancia y un desarrollo eficaces, disminuyendo la mortalidad predestete, favoreciendo el incremento nacional de estos animales y sirviendo como impulso y apoyo económico para las familias productoras de cerdo criollo.

Physicochemical and microbiological quality according to the production systems of bovine milk and fresh cheese (cuajada) in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico

2026-01-22T19:52:57+00:00

The objective of this research was to characterize the physicochemical and microbiological quality of bovine milk and fresh cheese (“cuajada”) produced in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as to analyze the livestock production systems associated with their manufacture. For each production system, 10 L of raw bovine milk and 10 samples of fresh cheese (500 g each) were evaluated, determining both microbiological and physicochemical parameters. Producers in these systems ranged from 43 to 72 years old and had completed higher education. The cattle herds consisted of 64–187 head, with predominant breeds including Zebu (Bos indicus), Swiss, and Indubrasil (Bos taurus × Bos indicus), yielding 100–168 liters of milk per day. The results showed that both milk and “cuajada” failed to meet the microbiological standards established by Mexican regulations. Regarding physicochemical properties, cheese moisture content was high (50–61 %), while protein ranged from 17–35 % and fat from 8–22 %. Color analysis revealed high lightness (L* 87–93) and yellow hue (b* 15–20), whereas texture profiling indicated significant differences in hardness (5–50 N) and cohesiveness. The findings highlight the importance of providing technical training to improve the quality and safety of these products while preserving their cultural and traditional value.

Evaluation of salinomycin for an extended period in laying replacement hens

2026-01-22T19:52:32+00:00

The clinical efficacy of salinomycin premix (Pisacox®) administered in feed to replacement pullets to control coccidiosis was evaluated by dosing during 4 or 14 weeks. The productive performance, signs, and lesions associated with coccidiosis and direct oocyst counts were analyzed in 3 000 Bovans White pullets distributed in 3 groups of 1 000 birds having the same diet: control group (Ctrl) without coccidiostat; Sal₄group with the administration of salinomycin for 4 weeks; and Sal₁₄group that received salinomycin for 14 weeks. Predictably, in both Sal₄ and Sal₁₄treatments, lower oocyst counts than in the control were observed. However, it was more evident with Sal₁₄towards the end of the trial, whose oocyst count was < 5 000 g of feces. This response can be associated with better productivity variables. The coccidial-type intestinal lesions detected in control were classified as severe (2.55), while Sal₄ and Sal₁₄presented values of 1.0 and 0 (mild lesions and normal appearance, respectively). The accumulated mortality associated with coccidiosis was statistically higher in the Ctontrol group (9.8 %) (P < 0.001), 1.33 % for Sal₄, and 0.2 % for Sal₁₄(P < 0.05, between these two groups). In conclusion, using salinomycin for 4 weeks successfully controls clinical coccidiosis. However, the lower rate of coccidiosis, the improvement in productive variables, and the lower accumulated mortality in Sal₁₄allow for the proposal of including the treatment with salinomycin for 14 weeks in replacement pullets.

Serum lipopolysaccharide as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in Canis familiaris pyometra

2026-01-22T19:53:10+00:00

Specific sensitive diagnostic markers for early diagnosis of canine pyometra have been widely attempted, but none have proven to be a perfect diagnostic marker for clinical practice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin is a cell wall component of gram-negative bacteria, released during bacterial death. The early release, inherent stability, and serotype-specificity of endotoxin suggest its potential as a good candidate for early diagnosis of pyometra. The present study focused on understanding the potential of LPS as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in canine pyometra. The study also tried to establish the correlation between bacterial isolates cultured from the vaginal discharge and endotoxin levels. A total of 12 animals presented to University Veterinary Hospitals with open and closed-cervix pyometra were selected and divided into two groups of six dogs each. Serum LPS concentration (ng/mL) was estimated on various days of observation using ELISA. Mean serum LPS concentration was higher in both groups on the day of presentation, and significantly higher levels were observed in animals with closed-cervix pyometra. Bacteriological examination revealed a predominance of gram-negative organisms in both groups. Hence, it establishes LPS as a better diagnostic marker of canine pyometra. Conversely, a reduction in the levels of LPS on subsequent days of observation confirms its efficacy as a prognostic marker.

A comprehensive analysis of lactation traits in the Arbia goat breed (Capra hircus) from Algeria

2026-02-16T22:45:06+00:00

This study aimed to analyze the milk performance of Arbia does, the predominant goat breed in Algeria. A total of 389 quantitative and qualitative milk control records were collected from sixty-six dairy Arbia does monitored throughout their complete lactation period. The animals, managed under similar livestock practices, were located in two different agroecological regions: arid (Ar) and semiarid (SAr). The average lactation length (DIM) and interval between kidding (IKI) were 195.82 ±60.42 and 250.55 ±69.55 days, respectively, with milk production peaking at 89.22 ±10.76 days postkidding. The study recorded an average Total Milk Yield (TMY) of 207.18 ±76.86 kg, Daily Milk Yield (DMY) of 1.05 ±0.2 kg, and Persistency Coefficient (PC) of 72.91 ±4.13 %. The average Total Fat Yield (TFY), Total Protein Yield (TPY), Milk Fat Rate (MFR), and Milk Protein Rate (MPR) were 219.72 ±95.05 g, 745.28 ±88.68 g, 1.94 ±1.13 %, and 4.11 ±1.67%, respectively. Does from SAr produced more TFY and comparable TPY compared to those from Ar, despite having lower TMY and shorter DIM, reflecting significantly higher MFR and MPR in SAr. While lactation length showed potential influence on TMY (P = 0.07) and significant effects on TPY (P < 0.05), other factors, such as age, lactation number, and animals' origin, did not significantly affect TMY. Analysis revealed one production profile in Ar and two distinct lactation production profiles in SAr, suggesting the need for tailored optimization strategies based on this diversity in milk production characteristics.

Etiological and histomorphological studies on enteritis in broiler chickens in Kashmir, India

2026-02-25T18:30:59+00:00

Enteric disorders comprise the most important groups of diseases affecting poultry birds and continue to be a major cause of high economic losses in many areas throughout the world, causing increased mortality rates, decreased weight gain, and increased feed conversion rates. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and pathological investigations of various diseases affecting the intestines of poultry in the central part of the Kashmir Valley. 3 024 broiler chickens from 100 outbreaks of enteritis were necropsied and examined for the presence of lesions corresponding to different disease conditions. Various diseases were diagnosed based on history, clinical signs, gross pathology, and isolation of specific pathogens from the affected birds’ organs. The study revealed 45.69 % of enteritis associated with various specific and nonspecific disease conditions. The highest prevalence was associated with mixed infections (12.4 %), followed by colibacillosis (10.78 %), coccidiosis (8.23 %), salmonellosis (7.8 %), New Castle disease (3.34 %), nonspecific causes (1.92 %), and necrotic enteritis (1.22 %). The intestines showed gross changes including congestion, thickened walls, mucosal hemorrhages, ballooning, and a velvety appearance of the mucosa. Microscopically the intestines showed mucosal sloughing and necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, tunica muscularis thickening, and goblet cell hyperplasia.

Productive and reproductive indicators of livestock in the Guayzimi parish, Nangaritza canton, Zamora Chinchipe province, Ecuador

2026-02-26T18:32:22+00:00

The evaluation of the cattle production system allows the diagnosis and suggestions of alternatives to improve production conditions. This study aimed to evaluate productivity and reproductive indicators and their relationship with the production systems in the parish of Guayzimi, canton of Nangaritza, in the province of Zamora-Chinchipe, Ecuador. A survey was conducted among bovine farmers in the study area, including questions related to social, productive, and reproductive aspects. A sample of 35 producers was analyzed using multivariate principal component analysis, descriptive statistics, correspondence analysis, and multiple correlation matrices Spearman's criterion. The results identified three main components: “Technical-Productive”, “Reproductive Efficiency”, and “Marketing,” which accounted for 35.1 %, 28.7 %, and 13.3 % of the total variance, respectively. Together, these components explained 77.7 % of the variance. The main issues identified were related to herd structure, showing a surplus of cows and bulls at 17.4 % and 78.6 %, respectively, and a deficit of heifers, calves, and young bulls at 21.3 %, 3.3 %, and 39.4 %, respectively. Additionally, a notable stagnation of females in the pre-reproductive stage suggesting they are not a significant variable in the production process. This study shows that achieving productive efficiency requires consideration of the relationship between 'herd organization + production organization + marketing” and the fact that stagnation in the flow of replacement female cattle is due to deficiencies in production strategies. Future studies could build on this research to strengthen the foundation of bovine production in the Guaizimi, Nangaritza, Zamora-Chinchipe.