Infectious bursal disease of poultry is a common disease worldwide that relates to the significant genetic variability of IBDV. The aim of the study was to find out the molecular peculiarities of IBDV strains in respect with VP1 and VP2 genes differences and similarities. The study was carried out on a commercial farm in Ukraine with involving Ross 308 crossbred broiler chickens. Bursa Fabricii and brain samples were collected from three different poultry houses located into one broiler flock. The samples were transferred to FTA cards and transported to the laboratory. Viral RNA was isolated and analyzed using RT-PCR. Partial sequencing of the VP1 and VP2 genes was additionally performed for the samples with Ct < 32. The obtained nucleotide sequences were analyzed using specialized software and data from the NCBI RefSeq and AniCon vaccine databases. The presence of IBDV was confirmed in 100% of bursa Fabricii and brain samples. Two genotypes of the virus were identified as a result of VP1 and VP2 genes sequencing including A3B1 (highly virulent) which observed in 83.3% and A1aB1 (classical) - in 16.7% of all samples. IBDV strains of the A1aB1 genotype had 100% homology with the vaccine strains Avipro IBD Xtreme, CEVAC IBD L, Bursaplex, CEVAC Transmune IBD for both segments (A and B). The highest homology (over 99%) in respect with VP2 gene among all vvIBDV strains was observed in compare with MT050435 and NIR/AC-09389/02/2019 stains, which belong to the clade of reassortant strains of Northwest Europe (NW EU). In addition, a clustered strain was identified in 16.7% cases as the classic attenuated IBDV strain in respect with VP1 gene. However, this strain has contained the highly virulent VP2 fragment also. Obtained results for the first time demonstrated the circulation of reassortant strains from the Northwest European (NW EU) clade of IBDV in Ukraine. Taking together, present results may be applied to develop the efficacy of Gumboro disease prevention programs.

This paper reports a rare benign peritoneal fibroma in a 7-year-old dog and demonstrates the use of artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted digital morphometry in veterinary pathology. The dog had presented with progressive abdominal distention. Upon examination, a well-encapsulated mass was found attached to the parietal peritoneum on a small vascular pedicle during exploratory laparotomy. A histopathological examination revealed interlacing bundles of spindle-shaped fibroblasts arranged within a stroma with abundant collagen. There was slight evidence of vascular proliferation, and no mitotic figures were observed, consistent with a benign fibromatous lesion. AI-based image analysis employed U-Net for segmentation and ResNet-based feature extraction to create quantitative morphometry parameters such that nuclear eccentricity, cytoplasmic area, and vascularization index were all consistent with a low proliferative rate and mostly organized stromal architecture observed on routine histopathology. Here, both AI-derived measures strengthened diagnostic confidence by reducing subjectivity and providing an objective foundation for evaluating canine soft-tissue tumors. The recovery after the operation was normal, and there was no recurrence noted at the follow-up visit 90 days later. This case demonstrates the benefit of introducing AI-based digital morphometry into routine histopathology to improve diagnostic accuracy, decrease interobserver variation, and facilitate data-driven characterization of soft tissue tumors in veterinary pathology.

The periparturient period in sows is characterized by profound metabolic alterations that reflect the adaptive capacity of the organism and may differ depending on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) tone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of biochemical markers in sows with normotonic, sympathicotonic, and vagotonic regulation of the ANS and to assess the effect of dietary magnesium nanocomplexes on their periparturient adaptation. The experiment involved 15 Large White sows (2–3 parities) divided into groups according to ANS tone, with blood samples collected 10 and 1 days before farrowing, and 1 and 5 days after farrowing. Biochemical assays included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, creatine kinase (CK), total bilirubin, bile acids, and other standard metabolic indices. The results demonstrated that 10 days before farrowing only minor differences were detected between groups, although vagotonic sows already exhibited elevated ALT and ALP activities, suggesting higher baseline hepatic strain. One day before farrowing, sympathicotonic sows displayed significant increases in ALT, GGT, and ALP activities, while vagotonic sows showed additional elevations in amylase, bile acids, and bilirubin, indicating stronger prepartum hepatic and digestive stress. On the first day postpartum, peak metabolic deviations were observed: vagotonic sows had the highest increases in ALT and AST activities (>60%) and bilirubin (>80%), while sympathicotonic sows exhibited the strongest rise in CK, pointing to greater muscular load. Normotonic sows were more stable, with moderate enzyme elevations and faster recovery. Five days after farrowing, most indices in normotonic sows approached baseline, whereas sympathicotonic and vagotonic sows still showed elevated hepatic and muscular markers. Supplementation with magnesium nanocomplexes markedly reduced the amplitude of periparturient shifts: ALT, AST, amylase, and bilirubin increases were significantly attenuated, especially in vagotonic animals, while CK activity remained moderately elevated, particularly in sympathicotonic sows. These findings confirm that magnesium support reduces hepatic and pigment load and accelerates recovery of the biochemical profile but does not fully counteract muscular stress, emphasizing the importance of ANS-based approaches in designing nutritional strategies for sow.

The mineral nutrition is extremely relevant aspect of goats reproduction. Thus, the main objective of present work was to study the therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of the vitamin and mineral feed additives in lactating goats. The study was conducted in the winter-spring period with involving Saanen goats devided into two experimental and control groups. Clinical and instrumental examination of animals was carried out during 40 days of the study. The concentration of total calcium, ionised calcium and 25OHD3 was determined in the blood serum. The echoosteometry analysis performed onto the last ribs along the Maclac line. Obtained results have shown that feeding lactating goats in the experimental group with the vitamin and mineral premix together with the mineral mixture during 40 days contributed to the restoration of total calcium metabolism, its ionised fraction and increased their content in blood serum in 64.3% and 85.7% of animals, respectively. The ratio of ionised calcium in the structure of total calcium was 1.21 times higher compared to the first day of the study. Mineral feed additive supplementation at 40 g/head dose in the control group was ineffective: the content of total calcium and ionised calcium at the end of the experiment was 12.5% and 33.3% lower, respectively, compared to the experimental group. Hypocalcaemia was diagnosed in 33.3% of animals. The concentration of calcidiol in the goat serum in the experimental group was 59.3% higher in compare to control group (AUC = 0.810; J index – 66.7%) on final day oftreatment, while showed a tendency to decrease its content in both groups was observed. The speed of ultrasonic wave propagation in lactating goats in the experimental group at the end of the experiment was significantly higher than at the beginning of the experiment. In animals of the control group, echoosteometry indicators were 1.89 times lower than in the experimental group (AUC = 0.969; J index – 91.7%). Obtained results evidence that combined supplementation of vitamin and mineral blends exhibit the beneficial effect in repect with calcium metabolism in lactating goats.

The study focused on the analyzing of the temperament characteristics impact on the indices of variational pulsometry in German Shepherd dogs in order to assess the relationships between behavioral traits and the physiological state of the animals. The research involved 30 male dogs aged 2–5 years, weighing 28–38 kg, all of which were clinically healthy according to physical examination and laboratory tests. Short-term electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were used to calculate the main indicators of variational pulsometry, including the mean R–R interval (Mean RR), mode (Mo), mode amplitude (AMo), variation range (Δx), vegetative balance index (VBI), and stress index (SI). To assess temperament, the standardized C−BARQ instrument was applied, which allowed classification of dogs by levels of aggression, fear, anxiety, excitability, trainability, and obedience. The results demonstrated a significant influence of temperament on cardiac activity. In dogs with high aggression levels, Mean RR decreased by 11.13% (P < 0.001), Mo by 12.00% (P < 0.001), and Δx by 48.57% (P < 0.001), compared with calm animals. At the same time, AMo, VBI, and SI increased by 65.06% (P < 0.001), 264.35% (P < 0.001), and 318.47% (P < 0.001), respectively, indicating pronounced sympathetic nervous system activation. In excessively excitable dogs, Mean RR and Mo decreased by 10.47% and 10.67% (P < 0.001), while VBI and SI increased by 475.32% and 555.32% (P < 0.001). Anxiety had a moderate effect: in highly anxious dogs, Mean RR and Mo decreased by 6.05% and 6.85% (P < 0.05), whereas VBI and SI rose by 72.72% and 91.05% (P < 0.001). Obedience was positively correlated with Δx, confirming better adaptive reserves in more trainable dogs. The findings suggest that temperament plays a major role in shaping the physiological responses of the cardiovascular system. The application of variational pulsometry combined with behavioral assessment provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating the condition of animals, their adaptive capacity, and resistance to stress. Present results can be applied to the development of effective training and management strategies tailored to individual behavioral profiles of dogs.

The article analyzes the means of preventing transmissible diseases in dogs, in particular – Lyme disease, which is caused by the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, one of the carriers of which is the tick of the genus Ixodes. It has been found that optimal conditions for Ixodes ticks are created in the ecosystems of Polissya, Ukraine, which are the most susceptible to their vital activity, since in these areas a high level of humidity is maintained as well as stable presence of host animals. Habitats with a large number of rodents and ungulates contribute to the maintenance of the population of ticks, in particular those that carry Lyme borreliosis pathogens. In thise study methods and means of prevention and control of the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs are described. The analysis of scientific research made it possible to compare acaricidal drugs and determine that Foresto or Bravecto are more suitable for the long-term protection against ticks, while Frontline Spray, NexGard, Simparica are good for quick protection and for the dogs that bathe often most optimal are: Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio. For the puppies from 2 days old Frontline Spray is recommended. At the same time for tick bites prevention the following repellents are effective: Advantix, Scalibor, Effitix, Foresto. We have to note that acaricidal drugs do not have a detrimental effect on the pathogens of the dog's disease. The main groups of antibiotics and their mechanism of action for the destruction of B. burgdorferi s.l. were determined in the study. It was established that doxycycline can be considered the first choice drug due to its high ability to penetrate tissues and effectively inhibit the growth of borrelia. The main results of the study is identification of the measures preventing the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs, namely: monitoring tick population, i.e. regular epidemiological studies of tick distribution density in various biotopes of Polissya, Ukraine, especially in areas of their high activity; veterinary control and prevention among domestic animals, i.e. timely vaccination, treatment with antiparasitic agents and careful examination of dogs; increasing the level of population awareness, promoting methods of prevention and protective measures, such as the use of repellents, regular examination of dogs after walks in nature, etc. Prospects for further research are experimental testing of drugs and comparison of their effectiveness against ticks and in treatment of dogs with Lyme borreliosis.

Climate changes and the increasing frequency of heat waves have become critical constraints for the sustainability of dairy farming, as heat stress (HS) markedly alters the physiological and metabolic status of lactating cows. This study aimed to evaluate hematological and biochemical responses of Ukrainian Black-and-White cows with different levels of milk yield under chronic HS conditions. The experiment was conducted on ten cows at peak lactation (6–9 weeks postpartum), divided into high-yielding (30–35 L/day) and low-yielding (18–23 L/day) groups. Blood samples were collected under thermoneutral conditions and during periods of elevated temperature-humidity index (THI >72). Hematological indices were determined using an automated veterinary analyzer, while plasma biochemical markers were measured with a point-of-care system. The results demonstrated pronounced differences between groups: high-yielding cows exhibited a greater reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet number during HS, indicating impaired erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis. These changes were accompanied by significant increases in serum ALT, AST, GGT, CK, and total bilirubin, reflecting hepatic cytolysis, cholestasis, and muscle damage. Furthermore, marked decreases in albumin, glucose, calcium, and magnesium concentrations pointed to impaired protein synthesis, hypoglycemia, and mineral imbalance, which are critical indicators of compromised homeostasis. In contrast, low-yielding cows showed similar trends but of lower intensity, maintaining relatively stable albumin and glucose levels, and displaying less pronounced enzyme leakage. These findings highlight the greater vulnerability of high-yielding cows to HS, while low-yielding animals exhibit a more resilient metabolic profile under the same conditions. The results suggest that hematological and biochemical markers can serve as sensitive indicators for early detection of HS in dairy herds. Further research should address the dynamics of these markers across different lactation stages and evaluate nutritional or nanoelement-based interventions to enhance thermotolerance in dairy cattle.

The publication explores the historical development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and experimental methods applied to non-contagious diseases within the zemstvo veterinary practice of Dnipro Ukraine. It traces the evolution of approaches, the adaptation of general biological and medical achievements, and the mutual influences between Ukrainian veterinary medicine and global scientific practice. Particular attention is given to the advancement of surgical techniques, anesthesiology, reproductive medicine, the design of surgical equipment, and therapeutic treatments. The work highlights the contributions of Mykhailo Maltsev, Moysey Koyranskyi, Mykola Shadrin, Serhii Yevseienko, Serhii Hrintser, Yevdokym Telychenko, and A. Popov. The impact of folk medicine and local veterinary culture on disease prevention and control is assessed. The study characterizes the patterns of veterinary progress, driven primarily by the zemstvo service. It demonstrates the dynamic integration of scientific developments into practice and the reciprocal influence of field experience on academic research. Following the elimination of major epizootic threats, a full-scale development of methods for managing non-contagious pathology began. The invention of an operating table for large animals by Moysey Koiranskyi serves as an example of professional competition and the complex journey from workshop innovation to industrial implementation. The publication conveys the “spirit of the era,” comparing professional relationships of the late 19th – early 20th centuries with those of today. It acknowledges that the period under study coincides with the rule of the Russian Empire, when Ukrainian specialists lacked the opportunity to publish in their native language or establish independent veterinary institutions. Nonetheless, the role of periodicals as platforms for collegial exchange, experience sharing, and scientific discourse is emphasized. Zemstvo veterinary community has served as both the analysts and the expert cohort while their research aimed to solve practical aspects. They did not reject folk medicine, often turning to medicinal plants due to limited access to pharmaceuticals. This reveals a deep connection between veterinary practice and the everyday life of the population, forming a distinct national character and tradition within regional veterinary culture. The development of obstetrics, gynecology, surgery, and andrology, as well as the establishment of breeding centers and agricultural exhibitions in Southeastern Ukraine, had both local and international significance.

Results of study of complex metabolic indicators in ewes of the Dnieper meat breed at the initial stage of the suckling period are presented. The aim of the study was to determine the productive, biochemical and hematological indicators in ewes and lambs depending on the number and sex of newborn lambs. The animals were divided into two groups (n = 5). The first group included ewes that gave birth to one lamb, the second group consisted of ewes with twin lambs. The results of the study showed that during the first 20 days of the suckling period the milk yield of ewes, which fed one lamb, was at the level of 26.5 kg for ewe-lambs and 27.5 kg for ram-lambs, while with twins the total milk yield was 43.5 kg. As a result, the average daily milk yield during this period for ewes with single lambs was 1.33–1.38 kg, and for ewes with twins 2.18 kg, which was 58.0–63.9% more. The growth rate was higher in single lambs compared to twin lambs, among ram-lambs it was 34.5 %, and among ewe-lambs – 27.1% (p<0.01) . Determination of the chemical composition of milk of the experimental groups of ewes showed that the protein content corresponded to the basic values – 5.84% and 5.82%. As well as the lactose content was at the level of 4.77 and 4.78%. In the milk of ewes with single lambs, the fat content was 5.56%, which was slightly higher in relation to ewes with twins by 0.14%. The results of the morphological analysis of blood showed a higher number of erythrocytes – 9.1 ± 0.27 T/l in ewes with twins compared to that in ewes with one lamb – 8.7 ± 0.17 T/l. A higher hemoglobin content was also determined in ewes with twins. However, the number of leukocytes in this group was 23.5% lower comparing to ewes with single lambs, which may be associated with a greater metabolic load on ewes with twins. The observed growth retardation of lambs born as twins compared to singletons may also be a consequence of metabolic depletion. The results obtained indicate metabolic stress during the suckling period and are important for their application in breeding and prediction of livestock productivity.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in piglets remains a pressing issue in modern industrial swine production. The primary causes are the physiologically low iron levels present in newborn piglets and the imbalance between iron reserves, intake, and the animal's requirements during the suckling period. Contributing factors include the enhancement of productivity traits in pigs, such as increased litter sizes, accelerated growth rates during the suckling period, and restricted access to natural environmental elements, particularly soil. This review examines the mechanisms of iron homeostasis with an emphasis on intestinal iron absorption. Blood testing remains the cornerstone of anemia diagnosis in piglets. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is considered the key diagnostic indicator, and its measurement is increasingly conducted via point-of-care testing. Other important tests include red blood cell and reticulocyte counts, hematocrit, serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). Preventive strategies continue to focus on identifying the most effective and safe iron-containing preparations. In current industrial swine farming, the most commonly used preventive measure is a single intramuscular administration of complex iron-carbohydrate preparations on the third day of life at a dose of 200 mg per piglet. However, several issues remain under discussion. One such issue is the potential to influence neonatal iron levels through the maternal organism. Another is the need to evaluate the comparative efficacy of parenteral iron formulations based on iron dextran and gleptoferron. Due to the known toxicity of iron preparations, alternative administration approaches are being explored, such as combining parenteral and oral routes. Split dosing strategies and/or additional injections during the suckling period are also being proposed.