Influence of refeeding on production, blood biochemistry parameters, and reproduction in underfed Kacang goat does.

This research aimed to investigate the effect of refeeding on production, blood biochemical parameters, and reproduction in underfed Kacang goat does. Twelve 2-3-year-old Kacang goats scored (body condition score [BCS]: 1-1.5) with poor body condition but appeared healthy, gave normal births 3-4 months before but no longer nursing their youngs, and anestrus were used in this study. The experiment consisted of 110 days with 14 days of adaptation period and 96 days of feeding treatment and data collection. After the adaptation period, the animals were divided into two groups (A and B), with six animals each. During the first 40 days (underfeeding period), they were fed with kangkong (Ipomoea reptans) straw at a level of 2% of body weight (BW). For the following 56 days (refeeding period), each animal in group A was fed at the level of 4% BW per day while group B was fed at the level of 5% BW per day consisting of 50% kangkong straw and 50% concentrate. Feed intake, average daily gain, body condition, and estrus were assessed in the period of underfeeding and refeeding. Blood samples were collected at the end of the underfeeding and refeeding period for blood biochemical parameter analyses. During the underfeeding period, the animals were anestrous and had poor body condition (BCS: 1.17-1.33) and high serum levels of cortisol, progesterone, and estradiol. Refeeding resulted in a significant increase in BCS (2.75-3.0), restoring estrous cycle, and reduced serum cortisol and progesterone level (p < 0.05). The Kacang goats had good compensatory growth. It could be concluded that refeeding at the level of 4-5% BW would restore undernourished goats' clinical condition, productivity, and reproductive performance after 8 weeks of refeeding.

Evaluation of lower urinary tract disease in the Yogyakarta cat population, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This paper reports a retrospective study performed in 185 cats diagnosed with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). The analyzed population involved feline patients at the Veterinary Clinic of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical indications and causes of FLUTD in the Yogyakarta cat population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical data of all feline patients were obtained to conduct this study. FLUTD diagnoses were based on physical examinations, urinalyses, ultrasound examinations, and bacterial cultures. Only cats with a complete examination were used in the study. The clinical signs were evaluated and accompanied by the results of laboratory tests in cats that showed symptoms of FLUTD. The medical history of all feline patients was analyzed thoroughly. Most of the feline's urine samples were collected by catheterization. RESULTS: The most commonly diagnosed of FLUTD in the Yogyakarta cat population were: feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (56%), urinary tract infection (UTI; 25%), urolithiasis (13%), urethral plugs (UP) (4.9%), and neoplasia (0.4%), respectively. The prevalence of UTI is higher than that reported in Europe or the US. Older cats more often show symptoms of UTI and neoplasia, whereas young cats more often show symptoms of FIC and UP. The prevalence of male cats experiencing FLUTD in Yogyakarta is much higher than female cats. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of FLUTD cases in Yogyakarta is related to age and sex. The results of this study are similar to those of the previous research studies conducted in other countries.

Clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in broilers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogen causing aspergillosis in poultry. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis infection in broilers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A. fumigatus infection was induced experimentally by intra-air sac inoculation of a 1.7×108 spore suspension into broilers. Infected and non-infected birds were closely observed for the development of clinical signs of infection twice daily. Pathological samples were collected 5, 14, and 30 days post-infection (dpi) and examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: A total of 160 birds were included in this study. Clinical signs emerged at 3 dpi and became consistent at 5 dpi. A considerable decrease in severity and number of birds showing infection symptoms followed. The clinical signs of aspergillosis included anorexia (n=40; 50%), lethargy (n=32; 40%), dyspnea (n=38; 48%), and gasping (n=29; 36%). Macroscopic changes in the air sacs at 3 dpi included the development of minor lesions showing cloudiness, slight membrane thickening, and local exudates. Histopathological examination of the air sacs collected at 3 dpi indicated local inflammation surrounded by hyphae and spores. At 5 dpi, infected birds developed nodules, necrosis, and parenchymal consolidation of the lungs. Pulmonary changes, such as bronchopneumonia, spores, septate hyphae, and mild granulomatous inflammation, were also observed. At 14 dpi, multiple caseous nodules and plaques were found in the air sacs; plaque and necrosis in large areas of the lungs and severe multifocal granulomatous inflammation were noted. CONCLUSION: The clinical symptoms of aspergillosis emerged at 3 dpi and gradually decreased beginning at 7 dpi. Similar pathological changes were observed in the air sacs and lungs. The results of this work provide additional information on the pathogenesis of aspergillosis.