Objective assessment methods are essential to assess the effects of anaesthesia on rabbits’ gastrointestinal function. In this prospective case series, the digestive function of four pet rabbits undergoing general anaesthesia for elective orchiectomy was assessed using both abdominal ultrasonography (60 minutes pre-anaesthesia and 45-75 minutes post-anaesthesia) and quantification of their food intake and faecal output. The ultrasonographic outcome measures were duodenal and pyloric contractions, counted from a three-minute video recording for each site. A peristaltic contraction was defined as either unidirectional motion of luminal contents (sagittal plane) or a single rhythmic dilation and contraction of the lumen (transverse plane) lasting one to two seconds. Postoperative food intake was calculated by weighing the offered food using a precision scale. The faeces collected during the observation period were also weighed. Only one out of the four rabbits ate during the elapsed observation period from the end of the anaesthetic to abdominal ultrasonography, and none of them produced any faeces during this time. Abdominal ultrasonographic assessment could be completed within 15 minutes and was feasible with gentle restraint of the rabbits in sternal recumbency. Duodenal contractions were subjectively found to be more consistent and easier to detect and monitor than pyloric contractions. Based on the pilot findings of this case series, ultrasonographic assessment of duodenal contractions, together with monitoring of postoperative food intake and faecal output, may be a useful tool for the early detection of post-anaesthetic digestive dysfunction in rabbits, and potential identification of rabbits at higher risk of developing postoperative ileus.

The growing challenge of drug-resistant microbes emerging from increased antibiotic use in livestock production has prompted bans and intensified research into natural feed additives for sustainable and improved animal production. While probiotics (live bacteria) have been commonly used to enhance animal health and growth, heightened concerns about probiotic stability and propensity to transfer the antibiotic resistance gene, limit their efficiency and viability. Currently, postbiotics are emerging as the more stable and natural alternative gut health promoters, in the light of their potential to increase nutrient intake, absorption, growth, fertility, and carcass quality. Postbiotics are beneficial left-over wastes (by-products and compounds) from the metabolism and digestion of probiotics and prebiotics (substrates for live bacteria) in the gut. Postbiotics include antimicrobial peptides that slow down the growth of harmful bacteria, short-chain fatty acids that help healthy bacteria flourish, amino acids, microbial cell fragments, extracellular polysaccharides, and vitamins B and K. Emerging evidence suggests that postbiotics may offer environmental benefits in mitigating microplastic contamination and reducing methane emissions in livestock production. This review examines existing gaps in the light of current knowledge on postbiotics and their impact on animal health, milk production, carcass quality, and reproductive outcomes in livestock, and proposes future research direction to foster a better understanding of the role of postbiotics in enhancing sustainable monogastric and ruminant livestock production.

This study evaluated the effects of replacing wheat bran (WB) with deoiled rice bran (DORB) in concentrate diets on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, carcass characteristics, and economic returns in Sokoto Gudali bulls. Twenty-five bulls (18 months old; 210 ± 0.4 kg) were randomly assigned to five diets in which WB was substituted with DORB at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100%. Concentrate was fed at 2% of body weight, while Digitaria smutsii hay was provided ad libitum for 70 days. Data on intake, weight gain, digestibility, serum metabolites, carcass traits, and economics were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Bulls fed the 50% DORB diet had significantly higher final body weight (278.7 kg), average daily gain (984 g/day), and total dry matter intake (10.68 kg/day), along with the most efficient feed conversion ratio (10.85). Serum glucose, total protein, albumin, and urea remained within normal physiological ranges across all treatments. Carcass characteristics differed significantly with the 50% DORB group recording the highest hot carcass weight and rib-eye area. Economic analysis showed that the 50% DORB diet generated the greatest net profit ($144.11), lowest feed cost per kilogram of gain ($12.48), and highest benefit-cost ratio (1.17). Overall, a 50% replacement of wheat bran with deoiled rice bran produced the most favourable biological and economic outcomes under the conditions of this study, indicating potential for efficient utilisation of DORB in feedlot diets for Sokoto Gudali bulls.

Growth Hormone (GH), Pituitary-specific Transcription factor (PIT), and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), are critical regulators of growth and productivity in poultry. This study aimed to compare the sex-specific expression of these three genes in the hypothalamus, liver, and breast muscle of Normal feather indigenous chickens from South-Western Nigeria, a valuable but underutilised genetic resource. Using RT-qPCR techniques, tissue samples were analysed from a cohort of male and female birds at 8 weeks of age. Our findings reveal significant sex-specific differences in gene expression across these tissues. Specifically, GH and PIT expression levels were consistently higher in males, particularly in the breast muscle, while IGF-1 expression was significantly more pronounced in females in the hypothalamus and liver. GH expression in the male hypothalamus was significantly higher than in the female (p < 0.001), and PIT expression in the male breast muscle was also highly significantly higher (p < 0.001). These results indicate that growth-related gene expression in indigenous chickens is shaped by both genetic and sex-linked factors. This study provides foundational molecular insights into the sexual dimorphism of growth in Nigeria’s indigenous chicken breed, suggesting that GH and PIT expression could be explored as targets for improving muscle development in male lines.

Evaluating the distribution of animal disease burden across the value chain and its impact on the economy informs relevant policy development and facilitates targeted investment in sustainable livestock production. The Nigerian agricultural sector contributes about 24% to the GDP and employs 34% of the national workforce. However, animal diseases threaten this sector due to weak veterinary infrastructure, fragmented vaccination campaigns, inconsistent surveillance, and reactive responses to disease outbreaks. Whilst the threats of animal diseases to the profitability and sustainability of the livestock sector is worldwide, in Nigeria, these threats emanate from both the negative economic impacts and weak preventive measures taken to minimise the introduction or spread of animal diseases. Designing a robust national control plan remains limited due to the lack of systemic and locally contextualised evidence. This review aimed to access, retrieve, critically synthesise, and assess scattered reports of animal diseases in Nigeria to provide a comprehensive information that is essential for the development of relevant evidence-based disease control policies. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, BASE, AJOL, and ARTOAJ databases to identify relevant publications from 2000-2025 based on data availability.  Articles were included if they clearly quantified economic losses from animal diseases in Nigeria. Articles were excluded if they were not in English, not focused on Nigeria, or if the full text was unavailable. A total of 2318 articles were screened, 50 were sought for retrieval and 27 were included in the review. Losses ranged from USD 15.87 (5,005.85 Nigerian Naira) to USD 456,905,311.00 (700,304,123,857.00 Nigerian Naira). The review also highlights the need for the use of economic models to capture invisible losses across the value chain, providing further insight into the impact of livestock diseases in Nigeria.

Heterobranchus longifilis is a hardy fish species known for its ability to withstand stress in aquaculture, resistant to diseases, gives high yields, exhibits high fecundity and grows fast in cultured enclosures. For Clariid species to thrive in enclosures, periodic tank washing and salt application are mandatory. Low levels of salt used to wash fry tanks are reported to be beneficial for growth and survival of fish through minimising stress and eliminating ectoparasites. This study aimed to demonstrate that regular application of salt and tank washing improve hatchery output. Using a factorial experimental design, six thousand Heterobranchus longifilis fry were allocated to the following four treatments in triplicates: 1) Neither washing nor salting, 2) washing and salting only, 3) washing only, and 4) salting only. The experimental duration was thirty-five days. Twelve fry plastic tanks measuring 0.8 x 0.8 x 1.1m ² were used. Stocking was five hundred fry per tank, each with an initial average body weight of 352 g. Results showed that final weights ranged from 409 to 516 g. Percentage survival rates were 80 in the washing and salting treatment, 71in the washing only treatment, 51in the salting only treatment and 45 in the neither washing nor salting treatment. Condition factor ranged from 1.1 to 1.5, an indication of fish wellness. Water quality parameters were within expected normal range. This study concludes that periodic washing and salt application significantly improve water quality, prevent diseases, minimise stress and support growth and survivability of fish in cultured enclosures.

In the context of globalisation and digital transformation in higher education, enhancing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) skills among students in agricultural sciences, particularly in Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, has become increasingly essential. However, the absence of specialised and contextually relevant learning tools poses a significant barrier to accessing international academic resources. This paper presents the development process, technical features, and application potential of the Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine (ASVM) Dictionary, a bilingual digital glossary designed and implemented by a research team at Can Tho University. With over 10,000 English–Vietnamese terms, including pronunciation, illustrative images, and real-time search functionality, the ASVM Dictionary not only facilitates accurate terminology acquisition but also promotes self-directed learning and digital engagement. Results indicate that there were more than 80,000 website visits and 2,000 app downloads, reflecting high practical interest and adoption. The paper also compares the ASVM Dictionary with traditional reference materials, analyses its integration into current ESP curricula, and proposes future development directions, such as incorporating artificial intelligence and expanding interdisciplinary applications.

African swine fever (ASF) continues to pose a major threat to pig production in Vietnam, highlighting the critical role of farm-level biosecurity. This study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity status of large-scale commercial pig fattening farms in Central Vietnam using a standardised digital assessment tool. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on five commercial pig farms (≥300 livestock units) using the Food & Agriculture Organisation’s framework based PigHealth Security-X software, which comprises 165 questions grouped into eight biosecurity vectors. Biosecurity performance was quantified on a scale from 0 to 100%. Overall, all surveyed farms were classified as having an excellent level of biosecurity, with a mean score of 91.3%. Nevertheless, three vectors showed comparatively lower scores: Good husbandry practices (83.4%), transportation (85.0%), and structural location (85.6%). Major non-compliant indicators included high stocking density, frequent entry of external vehicles, insufficient vehicle disinfection time, and the absence of off-site disinfection facilities. These findings indicated that despite high overall biosecurity scores, specific operational weaknesses that may increase the risk of pathogen introduction and spread remained. Regular biosecurity assessments using digital tools such as PigHealth Security-X can support farm managers in identifying critical control points and implementing targeted improvements to strengthen disease prevention and control in commercial pig production systems.

Oxidative stress is closely linked to inflammation and contributes to the onset of different diseases in farm animals, thereby affecting their health, performance, welfare and productivity. Oxidative damage occurs as a result of the accumulation of free radicals and pro-oxidants that overwhelm the animal’s antioxidant defense system. This imbalance impairs growth and reproductive performance, health and welfare, leading to disease susceptibility and reduced productivity. This review highlights the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation, the production of free radicals, their effect on animal health and welfare, as well as combating oxidative stress with bioactive compounds, minerals and vitamins. Oxidative stress can be prevented through the use of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, vitamins, minerals, appropriate management and production systems. Bioactive compounds and vitamins act by scavenging free radicals through neutralization or by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, which upregulates antioxidant genes and promotes the production of antioxidant enzymes that convert free radicals into less reactive forms. Minerals, on the other hand, serve as co-factors for antioxidant enzymes, thereby enhancing their activity. Additionally, environmental enrichment, animal housing and proper handling can reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress, leading to improved animal health and welfare. In conclusion, oxidative stress can cause significant losses in animal production; however, its prevention through effective management practices and dietary interventions can significantly improve animal health, performance, welfare and productivity.

The intestinal microbiota plays a critical role in broiler health, nutrient metabolism, immune function, and overall productivity. Its composition is influenced by multiple factors, with diet being the primary driver alongside genetics, digesta passage rate, and rearing environment. Amid growing restrictions on antimicrobial growth promoters and increasing emphasis on sustainable production, fermented diets have emerged as a viable nutritional strategy in broiler nutrition. Furthermore, fermentation serves as a valuable tool for valorizing agricultural by-products and developing alternative broiler feed ingredients. Research has shown that fermented feed enhances growth performance, improves gut health, and beneficially modulates the intestinal microbiota, and hence microbiome. This review synthesizes current research on how fermented feeds, including fermented cereals, brans, legumes, pulses, pomaces, and complete rations, influence the composition, diversity, and functional dynamics of the broiler intestinal microbiota. We discuss the chicken gastrointestinal tract, microbiota, fermentation of broiler feed, the mechanisms through which fermented diets interact with the gastrointestinal environment, emphasizing their role in improving gut barrier integrity, immune responses, and nutrient absorption. By integrating recent findings, this paper highlights the potential of fermented feeds as a viable, microbiome-targeted intervention to support sustainable broiler production while addressing contemporary challenges in poultry health and nutrition.

Poultry coccidiosis remains a major parasitic disease causing significant economic losses worldwide. Although previous studies have reported its occurrence in Vietnam, there is a lack of region-specific epidemiological and clinicopathological data under distinct agro-ecological and production conditions in Thai Nguyen Province. This study determined the prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinicopathological alterations of coccidiosis in chickens in this region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to December 2024 in six communes of Phu Binh District, with 300 faecal samples examined using the flotation technique for Eimeria oocysts. Infection intensity was semi-quantitatively assessed, while clinical signs, gross lesions (n = 75), and haematological parameters (10 infected vs. 10 healthy chickens) were evaluated. Prevalence differences were analysed using the Chi-square test, and haematological parameters were compared using independent-samples t-tests (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence was 49.00%, with significantly higher rates in chickens aged 1-3 months (67.05%) and in free-range systems (86.90%). Seasonal variation showed higher prevalence in summer (63.04%) and spring (53.57%) compared to winter (33.82%). Infected chickens exhibited diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, lethargy, and anorexia. Haematological analysis revealed reduced red blood cell counts and haemoglobin levels, alongside increased white blood cell counts, heterophils, and eosinophils (P < 0.05). Gross lesions included haemorrhagic enteritis, intestinal ballooning, and mucosal thickening. These findings highlight the high prevalence of coccidiosis in Thai Nguyen Province and provide region-specific evidence to support targeted control strategies and improved biosecurity measures.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) remains endemic in Indian agricultural belts despite vaccination efforts. Historically, a paediatric ailment, new findings indicate a demographic transition towards adult infections. This systematic review compiles evidence on occupational, environmental, and socio-behavioral variables influencing JE transmission in India to guide targeted control initiatives. In accordance with PRISMA 2020 recommendations, electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) were searched for published articles between January 2000 and October 2025. Of 160 records, 23 observational, entomological, and veterinary research fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data were consolidated concerning geographic location, risk factors, and “One Health” indicators. Significant occupational risks were identified for populations engaged in paddy cultivation, tea plantation work, and pig rearing, particularly in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. The review identified key factors reported across studies including: (1) Ecological: Close proximity (<100m) to fragmented rain-fed farmland; (2) Entomological: Peak Culex abundance corresponding with monsoon cycles; and (3) Veterinary: Reported seropositivity in animal hosts in studies conducted in endemic settings. Additionally, a critical gap was identified between community knowledge and preventive practices. JE in India is increasingly manifesting as an occupational hazard for the adult agrarian workforce. Current pediatric-focused strategies are insufficient. An integrated approach incorporating adult vaccination, veterinary sentinel surveillance, and occupational health measures may help reduce transmission risk.

This study describes the clinical characteristics, paraclinical findings, ultrasonographic features, and treatment outcomes of canine renal diseases at Ho Chi Minh and Dong Nai Provincial network of Pet Health Centre Veterinary Hospitals from November 2024 to June 2025. Among 219 dogs presenting with suspected renal disease, 183 dogs were diagnosed, accounting for 83.56% of cases. Acute kidney disease was identified in 53.42% (117/219) of dogs, while chronic kidney disease accounted for 30.14% (66/219). Common clinical signs in acute and chronic cases included anorexia/lethargy (81.28%), vomiting/diarrhea (60.54%), oliguria or urinary retention (100%), and polyuria/polydipsia (100%). Haematological analysis revealed leukocytosis in 46.45%, anemia in 61.75%, and thrombocytopenia in 48.09% of affected dogs. Biochemical abnormalities showed elevated creatinine in 77.60% and increased blood urea nitrogen in 65.57% of cases. Urinalysis demonstrated proteinuria (82%), leukocyturia (64%), and hematuria (54%). Renal ultrasonography performed in 83 dogs revealed nephritis/pyelonephritis (39.76%), hydronephrosis (25.30%), and small kidneys (22.89%). The prevalence of renal disease was significantly higher in exotic breeds (91.06%), male dogs (93.08%), kennel-raised dogs (98.78%), and dogs fed commercial dry diets (91.49%). Treatment outcomes showed a recovery rate of 41.03% in acute kidney disease, while no complete recovery was observed in chronic kidney disease; mortality rates were 42.74% and 25.76%, respectively. These findings indicate that most dogs were diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early detection and routine renal monitoring in veterinary clinical practice.

The hypothesis that Gliricidia sepium (GS) foliage can partially replace cottonseed cake (CSC) without compromising growth, health, or nutrient utilisation was tested in a feeding trial using twenty 15-month-old growing Bunaji bulls with a mean live weight of 110.5 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in which GS replaced CSC at 0, 25, 50, and 75% (w/w). Concentrate was offered at 2% of body weight, while Brachiaria decumbens hay and water were provided ad libitum over a 90-day period. Feed intake, growth performance, and feeding costs were evaluated. Concentrate intake, total dry matter intake, and average daily gain increased (P < 0.05) with GS inclusion up to 50% and declined at 75%. Average daily gain ranged from 220 to 350 g/day, with the highest values recorded at the 50% replacement level. Feed conversion efficiency improved (P < 0.05), while feed cost per unit of weight gain decreased with increasing GS inclusion. In conclusion, GS foliage can replace CSC up to 50% in the diets of growing Bunaji bulls without adverse effects on performance, and its use is recommended as a cost-effective alternative feed resource for farmers.

Chigger mites (Trombiculidae) are important ectoparasites of poultry, particularly under free-range production systems, where environmental exposure increases the risk of infestation. This study aimed to identify chigger mite species and investigate the epidemiological characteristics of infestation in free-range chickens raised by household farmers in Cao Bang Province, northern Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 856 chickens of different ages and sexes across four communes/wards in the province. Chigger specimens were collected, morphologically identified, and analysed for prevalence in relation to age, sex, and season. Two chigger mite species, Eutrombicula whichmanni and Neoschoengastia gallinarum, were identified. Both species mainly parasitized the flank and inner thigh skin and were detected in all surveyed locations with a frequency of 100%. The overall prevalence of infestation was 40.65% and increased significantly with chicken age (P < 0.05). Seasonal variation was evident, with the highest prevalence recorded in summer (51.94%), followed by spring (45.71%), autumn (33.94%), and winter (31.96%). Although infestation was more common in hens than in roosters, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings highlight the widespread occurrence of chigger mites in free-range chickens in Cao Bang Province and emphasize the need for targeted surveillance and seasonally adapted control strategies to support sustainable poultry production.

This study characterised mitochondrial genetic diversity in Vietnamese Ven dogs using a 582-bp fragment of the HV1 region from 21 individuals. A total of 32 polymorphic sites was identified, and sequence variation resolved 14 haplotypes assigned to three major haplogroups (A, B, and C). Haplogroup A was predominant, while haplotype C2 was the most frequent (19.06%). One novel haplotype (Cn) was detected at low frequency (4.67%). Genetic diversity indices indicate substantial maternal variation within the sampled population (Hd = 0.943; Pi = 0.01524), consistent with patterns reported in other Vietnamese and Southeast Asian village dogs. The haplotype network further supports the coexistence of both closely related and moderately divergent maternal lineages, although demographic inference remains limited by sample size. Overall, the findings suggest that Vện dogs represent a phenotypically defined subset embedded within a diverse regional gene pool rather than a distinct maternal lineage. This study provides a baseline HV1 dataset for Vện dogs and highlights the need for expanded sampling and genome-wide analyses to better resolve population structure, evolutionary history, and implications for conservation and breeding strategies.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common myocardial disease in cats and can progress to congestive heart failure. This study was conducted at Procare Veterinary Hospital from December 2024 to December 2025 to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic indices, and treatment outcomes of HCM in cats. Among 2,195 cats presented for examination, 167 cases (7.61%) were suspected of having heart disease; 30 cats (17.96%) were definitively diagnosed with HCM by echocardiography. HCM was most frequently observed in British Shorthair cats (66.66%), followed by mixed-breed cats (20.00%); sex was not an independent risk factor. Cats younger than 6 years accounted for 83.33%, and those weighing under 5 kg accounted for 73.33% (p < 0.01). Clinically, tachycardia and/or a gallop rhythm was the most common finding (34.67%), whereas cardiac murmurs were less frequent (8.00%); gallop rhythm represented 80.00% of all cardiac auscultation abnormalities. Echocardiographic parameters showed that interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd) and the left atrium-to-aorta ratio (LA/Ao) increased significantly with disease stage, with LA/Ao reaching 2.55 in stage C. Vertebral heart score (VHS) gradually increased from 8.06 ± 0.15 in stage B1 to 9.83 ± 0.47 in stage C. Treatment outcomes were highly favorable in early stages (100% in B1; 94.44% in B2) but poor in the heart failure stage (16.67% in stage C), highlighting the importance of early screening by echocardiography to improve the prognosis of feline HCM. This study concludes that treatment is most effective when the disease is detected in the early or pre–heart failure stages, supplements scientific data on feline cardiovascular disease, supports early screening and the development of appropriate follow-up strategies in clinical veterinary practice in Vietnam. Based on the study findings, a key recommendation for future application by clinicians dealing with this condition in their practices is that echocardiography is essential for definitive diagnosis of HCM because clinical signs and cardiac auscultation findings have limited diagnostic specificity.

This study evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic indicators, and treatment outcomes of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs at Procare Veterinary Hospital. From October 2024 to October 2025, a total of 3,840 dogs presenting with respiratory signs or undergoing health screening were examined. Dogs suspected of cardiac disease were further evaluated using thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and NT-proBNP quantification. Results showed that 232/3,840 dogs (6.04%) were suspected of MMVD, of which 84 dogs (36.21%) were definitively diagnosed by echocardiography, accounting for 2.19% of all examined dogs. The most common clinical signs were dyspnea/pulmonary edema (38.94%) and cough/respiratory inflammation (33.17%), with increasing frequency from stage B1 to C. Cardiac murmur intensity increased with disease progression; most dogs in stages B2 and C had murmurs ≥ grade III/VI. VHS, LA/Ao, LVIDd, and LVIDs increased significantly across stages (p < 0.001), while fractional shortening (FS) showed no significant change (p = 0.575). Mean LA/Ao reached 1.76 in stage B2 and 2.18 in stage C. NT-proBNP concentrations increased from 500 pg/mL (B1) to 953.8 ± 294.0 pg/mL (B2) and 2,131.8 ± 354.4 pg/mL (C). Treatment outcomes were excellent in stage B1 (100%) and B2 (98.18%), but markedly lower in stage C (43.48%). These findings indicate that MMVD is a common acquired cardiac disease in dogs. Combined clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and NT-proBNP measurement are essential for staging, monitoring disease progression, and improving treatment outcomes through early detection.