The aim of this research is to find out the influence of Nettle Leaves Extract (NLE) powder on the growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens. A total of 400 day old chicks (ROOS-308) were used. Treatments included basal diet (control), control+0.15% NLE, control+0.20% NLE, control+0.25% NLE and control+0.6% flavomycine (positive control) replicated 4 times each. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected from 4 birds in each treatment at the age of 36 day (a week after last Newcastle vaccination) for antibody determination and hematological parameters and white blood cell differential count. Cutaneous Basophil Hypersensitivity (CBH) response was used to measure the cell mediated immunity at the age of 28 days. Results showed that feed conversion ration were significantly better in NLE treated diets in any of rearing periods and less feed intake particularly in younger age (1-14 d). No positive immune response was seen by NLE levels except the basophil ratio increased by NLE diets. Red blood cells concentration increased significantly by NLE fortification as compared with control. Different levels of NLE caused significantly different hemoglobin and hematocrit values. Finally it is concluded that NLE has a strong growth promoting ability and has potential to impact on the hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Prolonged diet alternation is thought to be having relation with the gastrointestinal health of the individual. Even the psychology of the individual is directly co-related with the food habit bowel movement and disease condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The drastic and fluctuating bowel movement due to an imbalance between probiotics (natural flora) and wear and tear of intestine makes an important contribution to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the liquefaction time of semen, optimal cryoprotectant level in extender for cryopreservation of camel spermatozoa and subsequent in-vivo fertility for large scale application of assisted reproductive techniques. Two experiments were performed to meet the objectives of the study. In experiment I, semen samples of individual bulls (n=3) were divided for dilution in one of the three experimental extenders to evaluate the liquefaction process. In experiment II, semen samples of individual bulls (n=3) were divided for dilution in one of the three experimental extenders with variable glycerol concentrations to improve the post-thaw sperm quality and fertility. Liquefaction time, motility, live sperm, plasma membrane integrity and normal apical ridge varied significantly due to extender and bull. Sperm quality parameters were improved (P<0.05) with increase in glycerol concentration (7%) as cryoprotectant. Thirteen camels carried to full term pegnancy with semen frozen in extender with 7% glycerol. To date, four camels have delivered healthy calves and remaining are awaited for it. It is concluded that dilution of camel semen with Tris based extenders accelerates the process of liquefaction with improved sperm structures and functions. Supplementation of Tris based extender with 7% glycerol preserves the post-thaw quality and fertility of camel bull spermatozoa. Moreover, the fertility results of present study are very encouraging for the large scale application of assisted reproductive techniques in camelids.

The causes of almost all Feline inflammatory liver diseases have not been determined yet, but it is suspected that infectious agents or immune mechanisms may underlie the inflammatory response. In experimental liver disease models, methionine metabolites such as S-adenosyl-methionine have shown considerable hepatoprotective effects. Also Silybum marianum is considered to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant functions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of fermented methionine associated with Silibinin in adult domestic cats affected by neutrophilic cholangitis. Twenty cats with neutrophilic cholangitis were enrolled in the study. Ten cats were daily orally administered with a formulation based on fermented methionine and Silybum marianum. Ten cats, served as control. Hematochemical, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated at 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. Leukocyte, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Alanine AminoTransferase (ALT) were lower (p<0.05) in T group than C group at day 90. Bilirubin, GammaGlutamyl Transferase (GGT) at days 30 and 90 were lower (p<0.05) in treated group than control group. In group T, ALT, AST and reactive oxygen metabolite derivatives values significantly decreased at day 90 (P<0.05) compared to T0. In the same group biological antioxidant potential levels significantly increase at the end of the treatment (P<0.05). These findings suggest that the formulation based on fermented methionine and Silibinin has two relevant effects on the defence of hepatocytes in cats with neutrophilic cholangitis, specifically, it acts against oxidative stress and inflammation. Further investigations are ongoing to confirm these preliminary results.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June, 2017 to February, 2018 with the aim of determining the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and assessing its associated risk factors in Haranfama municipal abattoir, Girja district, South-Eastern Ethiopia. A postmortem examination was used as a diagnostic tool for this research to detect any adult liver fluke found in the bile ducts of the slaughtered cattle. Parasites were identified into species level by using standard parasitological techniques. A total of 384 randomly selected indigenous and cross breed cattle slaughtered during the study period were examined and 321 (83.6%) of them were found to be positive for one or both of the fasciola species. Fasciola hepatica was the most prevalent species with the prevalence rate of 31.8% (122), followed by F. gigantica and mixed infections with the prevalence rates of 29.2% (112) and 22.6% (87), respectively. There was statistically significant difference (P<0.05) among the different species of fasciola in the positive animals. In this study, different variables or associated risk factors such as breed, body condition, origin, sex and age of the study animals were considered. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the prevalence of the parasite among those associated risk factors. Finally, in the present study higher prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was obtained when compared with the prevalences reported by different researchers at different areas of the country. Therefore, strictly different measures should be practiced in the study area to control the parasite and thereby it is possible to avoid its negative impacts in the animals.