Background: This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of two polyherbal formulations (PHF I and PHF II) composed of four medicinal plants: Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Momordica charantia (Bitter melon), Syzygium cumini (Jamun) and Catharanthus roseus (Sadabahar) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: A total of 54 male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine experimental groups: normal control, diabetic control and treatment groups receiving different doses of PHF or a standard antidiabetic drug, Glibenclamide. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 to evaluate antidiabetic effects through biochemical parameters, including blood glucose, insulin levels and HbA1c. Also, assessment of histopathology of pancreas, liver and kidneys was done to evaluate the ameliorative potential of polyherbal formulations. Result: Both polyherbal formulations significantly improved blood insulin and glucose levels in diabetic Wistar rats, with the 400 mg/kg dose demonstrating a near-equivalent efficacy to Glibenclamide. PHF I at 400 mg/kg was particularly effective, yielding substantial reductions in blood glucose levels and improved HbA1c management compared to diabetic controls. These findings suggest that PHF I effectively mitigates STZ-induced diabetes, likely due to its phytochemical constituents with potent antidiabetic properties.

Background: Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a key etiological agent of reproductive failure in swine, resulting in considerable economic losses for the pig farming industry. Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate the molecular prevalence, genetic characteristics, seroprevalence and associated pathological alterations in pigs from Assam, India. Result: Out of the 82 tissue samples screened by PCR targeting 226 bp specific to VP2 gene encoding capsid protein, 9 (10.97%) were found positive for PPV. These samples consisted mainly of pooled aborted fetal materials. Subsequently, next-generation sequencing of a representative clinical sample was carried out. Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 and NS1 genes revealed a high degree of nucleotide identity (99.77-100%) with contemporary PPV strains from China and South Korea. Phylogenetic clustering suggested that the VP1 sequence belongs to the 27a/27a-like lineage. Gross pathological alterations in aborted fetuses included hydrothorax and visceral congestion, whereas histopathology revealed necrosis in multiple organs and lymphoid depletion, which is suggestive of systemic viral effects. Serological screening of 224 pigs using a commercial ELISA kit divulged a seroprevalence of 23.21%, indicating widespread exposure to PPV among both healthy and diseased animals. These combined findings confirm the circulation of potentially virulent PPV strains in Assam and highlight the need of frequent surveillance, which will help in devising appropriate control strategies to mitigate reproductive losses in the swine population.

Background: Coccidiosis is considered one of the most serious diseases affecting rabbits and various other animal species, leading to substantial economic losses worldwide. Plant-derived extracts have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, particularly in light of increasing drug resistance, as well as their advantage of not causing harmful tissue residues. Methods: This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Vitis vinifera leaf extract (VVLE) against Eimeria stiedae in rabbits. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis by GC-MS, revealing the existence of 34 biologically active compounds. A total of 35 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into seven groups. Group 1 served as the uninfected, untreated (negative control) group. Group 2 uninfected and treated at 400 mg/kg of extract to test for toxicity. Group 3 represented the infected, non-treated (positive control) group. While, groups 4, 5 and 6 comprised infected treated with at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extracts, respectively. Finally, group 7 consisted of infected rabbits treated with Toltrazuril at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Result: The findings indicate that 400 mg/kg concentration of VVLE has a significant protective effect against Eimeria stiedae. It relieves clinical symptoms, reduces oocyst production, improves biochemical parameters and decreases the level of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) in the liver of Eimeria stiedae-infected rabbits. This refers to the effectiveness of Vitis vinifera leaf extracts (VVLE) against coccidiosis. Further investigations are needed to identify the pharmacological ingredients responsible for these effects and their potential as a natural alternative for coccidia prevention in animal feed.

Background: Piroxicam (PX) is an NSAID linked to hepato-renal toxicity. This study evaluated quercetin’s (QUE) protective role against PX-induced damage in pregnant rats. Methods: Pregnant rats (n=40) were divided into four groups (13 days): Control, QUE (75 mg/kg), PX (7 mg/kg i.p.) and QUE+PX. Hepato-renal toxicity was assessed via hematological, biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical (caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-6), oxidative stress markers and DNA fragmentation. Result: PX caused hematological disturbances, elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and kidney markers (creatinine, urea), decreased albumin and tissue damage. Increased MDA and decreased GSH/SOD indicated oxidative stress. Elevated caspase-3, TNF-α and DNA fragmentation confirmed apoptosis. QUE supplementation significantly reversed these alterations. Quercetin effectively ameliorated PX-induced hepato-renal toxicity through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Background: Popularity of duck farming and duck meat has hiked in last few decades. Balanced nutrition at an economic price can enhance profitability from this sector. Therefore, the present study analysed the effect of economizing duck feed by replacing wheat with graded doses of broken rice (a cheaper alternative to wheat) on growth, nutrient metabolisability and carcass characteristics in White Pekin ducks during starter phase. Methods: White Pekin ducklings (240-day-old) were allotted into 3 experimental groups, each having 4 replicates, with 20 ducklings in each. Three types of experimental feeds were prepared, no broken rice (control: BR-0) and treatment 1- broken rice substituting 25 per cent (BR-25) and treatment 2 substituting 50 per cent wheat (BR-50) by broken rice. The experimental feeds were fed to the ducks for eight weeks. Result: Substitution of wheat with graded doses of broken rice exhibited non-significant impact on daily feed intake, nutrient metabolisability and carcass characteristics of the Pekin ducks under study. The 8th week body weight ranged from 2195.53±36.78 g (BR-50) to 2248.04±18.26 (BR-25) and was consistent among the groups. The cumulative feed intake was significantly lower in the BR-50 group during the early (1st and 2nd week) and late phase (5th- 8th week). The cumulative feed intake at 8th week ranged from 5901.58±54.44 in BR-50 to 6334.09±18.00 in BR-0. The cumulative FCR at the early phase (1st, 2nd week) and late phase (7th and 8th week) was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in the BR-50 group compared to the BR-0 group. The duck feed cost (cost/kg) reduced by 0.56 and by 1.43 Indian rupees by replacing 25% (BR-25) and 50% of the wheat with broken rice (BR-50), respectively. Cost of production per kg live weight of the ducks was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced by 10.56 Indian rupees by substituting 50% of wheat with broken rice. Our findings concluded that replacing wheat with broken rice up to a 50% level in feed can potentially economize meat production costs in white pekin ducks without negatively impacting the nutrient digestibility, growth and carcass characteristics.

Background: This study details the long-term management of severe case of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) in an eight-year-old male Beagle dog with a three-year history of recurrent pruritus responsive to corticosteroids. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, fulfillment of all eight Favrot’s criteria and exclusion of other differentials. Methods: Lokivetmab was administered subcutaneously at 2 mg/kg every 30 days over 12 months following a test dose with no adverse effects. Disease severity was assessed at 30-day intervals using CADESI-04, Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), Erythema Severity Score (ESS), dermatoscopic erythema index (EIRGB) and hemato-biochemical analysis. Result: Pruritus resolved within the first 30 days but re-emerged thereafter, necessitating monthly dosing. CADESI-04 scores decreased from 91 at baseline to 59 by Day 120 and remained stable through Day 360. There was a drastic reduction in erythema with partial or complete lesion resolution in most sites. PVAS scores declined by ≥50% and ESS reduced from 3 to 1. Dermatoscopy supported these findings. Hematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal limits throughout.

Background: Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) is an important non-infectious metabolic syndrome in laying hens, with excessive fat retention in the liver, grossly liver rupture and sudden death. Methods: This study examined the prevalence, pathology and risks of FLHS in Kadaknath chickens raised on various management systems within the Rewa district of the Madhya Pradesh between 2022 and 2024. There were 830 birds that were studied, both backyard and organized farm flocks. To identify and describe lesions, necropsy and histopathological analyses were conducted to establish diagnosis. Result: The total prevalence of FLHS was 12.65%, with early laying birds (21-30 weeks) showing the highest incidence (18.2) at the period when estrogenic activity was high and the hepatic lipogenesis was at its peak. The seasonal patterns also showed that it prevailed more in the winter (19.2%), then summer (10.6%) and the rainy seasons (9.3%). Gross pathological alterations were enlarged yellowish friable livers with subcapsular and intraparenchymal hematoma, excess abdominal fat and ovarian degeneration. Microscopically the affected liver showed severe lesions of vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, sinosoidal congestion and multifocal hemorrhages which confirmed hepatic steatosis with vascular compromise. The results indicate that predisposing factors are early stages of lay, high energy diets, low mobility and metabolic stresses associated with seasons. Although Kadaknath chickens are famous in terms of resisting, the prevalence observed did not imply that such chickens are resistant to FLHS in intensive or semi-intensive farms. The dietary lipid modulators, better management and environmental control should be implemented to reduce the risk. The present study supplies baseline epidemiological and pathological data concerning FLHS in Kadaknath, which contributes to the establishment of breed-specific preventive actions aimed at increasing the productivity and welfare.

Background: In this study, the dual-purpose breed of Totapuri goats known for their adaptability and economic significance in Rajasthan were characterized and their management practices of the farmers and their husbandry methods were examined. Methods: Information about grazing, lodging, feeding and cleanliness was gathered from the local farmers write about farmers instead of goats whose herd collectively represented a sample size of 3,080 goats in the districts of Alwar, Dausa and Karauli. Result: According to the findings of the study, 71.57% of goat keepers graze their animals for 6-9 hours every day, mostly on public land (90.38%). The most common feeding method was semi-stall (83.16%), with 87.36% supplementing with mustard oil cake and 91.58% using a grain mix. 65.26% of farmers added mineral combinations to their diet, while 90.53% of farmers fed concentrate. There are still gaps in genetic data and optimal nutrition, despite these encouraging improvements. In order to improve productivity and conservation efforts, this study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive genetic characterization and performance evaluation.

Background: Chronic low-grade inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis are linked to aging, while the consumption of soluble fiber in the diet may help control both conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects on gut microbiota composition, systemic inflammatory biomarkers and intestinal barrier integrity markers-specifically, plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and serum amyloid A of a 10-week dietary intervention supplemented with 15% functional fibers (oats, carrots and sourdough) in an aged mouse model. Methods: The groups included control and high-soluble fiber diets (HSFD), as well as oats, carrots and sourdough bread. Blood, fecal samples and muscle function tests were obtained after the intervention to evaluate the composition of the gut microbiota and inflammatory markers. Result: Dietary supplementation with functional fibers dramatically improved physical performance and body composition in aged mice compared to the control group. This was demonstrated by increased muscle mass, grip strength and motor coordination. At the same time, it improved metabolic health by lowering fasting blood sugar and improving lipid profiles. The sourdough group had the lowest levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (1.58, 8.62 and 11.85 pg/mL), respectively. All HSFD groups also showed decreased levels of endotoxemia markers, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium (13.17 %), Lactobacillus (10.16 %) and Akkermansia (3.08 %) were identified to be more abundant in the sourdough group than in the control group, according to a quantitative PCR investigation of the gut microbiota. In aged mice, HSFD, especially those composed of sourdough, oats and carrots effectively enhanced metabolic health, decreased inflammation and altered the composition of the gut microbiota.

Background: Though studies have been carried out globally regarding the correlation of platelet indices with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, there appears to be limited reports on this aspect from India and there has been no published report from Punjab. The objective of this study is to correlate the role of platelet morphometry w.r.t size, colour, anisocytosis, polymorphism, activated or non- activated platelets and indices in the diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs. Methods: A total of 500 suspected cases of dogs were analyzed. A questionnaire proforma containing information pertaining to various risk factors i.e., age, breed, gender, clinical history (presence of fever and ticks, epistaxis and respiratory distress/exercise intolerance) was prepared for investigation. The blood samples (2-3 mL) were collected in EDTA and serum vials for further examination. Result: In dogs affected by Ehrlichia canis and Babesia gibsoni, platelet counts showed a marked reduction. Babesia-infected dogs exhibited a notable rise in mean platelet volume (MPV) and mean platelet mass (MPM), along with a decline in plateletcrit (PCT). Platelet distribution width (PDW) was elevated in both infections, while mean platelet component (MPC) increased in cases of severe thrombocytopenia associated with ehrlichiosis. In E. canis infection, a higher proportion of small, polychromic, non-activated platelets was observed, whereas B.gibsoni infection was characterized by larger, hypochromic, activated platelets. Both conditions also showed evidence of anisocytosis and polymorphism.