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Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) was developed in the late 1980s to study the sperm movement characteristics or kinematics. Since then, CASA is becoming among the most important tools in reproductive biotechnologies laboratories and research centers related to animal breeding although the doubt about its effectiveness. This review aimed to investigate the different studies and reports performed by the scientific community recently regarding CASA system, as well as to suggest new areas of use and improvement for this automated device to better interpret the complexity surrounding the sperm sample. The main problem is related to the standardization and optimization of the equipment and procedures. CASA system has evolved dramatically over the past two decades to become powerful tool for the rapid and objective assessment of sperm concentration, motility and kinematics, as well as morphology, in almost all mammals, including humans. Despite the lack of full universal standardization, the various CASA instruments have all currently demonstrated high levels of accuracy and reliability.

The Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) belong to aspartic protease family and are synthesized by trophoblast cells of ruminant placenta and secreted into maternal blood and milk. These biomarkers very closely associated to pregnancy have demonstrated their efficiency and reliability in detection of vital embryos or pregnancy loss. In order to measure the concentration of PAGs in bovine serum, a direct radioimmunoassay (RIA) system was developed and validated. The radioiodinated bPAG tracer was prepared by chloramine-T direct method and the solid phase was used in RIA/PAGs as a separation system. The optimization tests allowed to set the assays procedure as working buffers, time and temperature of the assays incubation. Assay sensitivity was 0.63 ng/mL, the intra and inter-assay CVs were 7.7% and 5.3% respectively and the accuracy of the assays was expressed by a good parallelism and recovery tests. The serums bPAG values determinated by this developed system were consistent with the reproduction status and pregnancy stages of cows. The developed RIA/PAG system can provide the laboratory with an efficient method for the accurate detection of pregnancy, which could offer veterinarians and farmers an important tool for the reproductive management in dairy herds. Moreover, this diagnostic tool can also be developed for other livestock species.

This study aimed to estimate the estrous cycle length of the Algerian Arbia goat in Northern Algeria. For this, eighteen (18) Arbia goats, aged between 2 and 6 years, were used in our work that took place in the experimental farm of the Saad Dahlab University (Blida, Algeria). Blood samples were taken from each goat twice a week (at a 2 or 3-day interval) for 3 months. The serum progesterone concentration was determined by Radio-Immuno-Assay. Smears of the vaginal mucosa were taken at the same time as the blood samples. The predominance of superficial cells on the smear of the vaginal mucosa as well as a serum progesterone level less than 1 ng/mL expressed the return to estrous which was considered the beginning of a new cycle. A negative correlation was observed between the percentage of superficial cells (SC) and serum progesterone (P4) levels in all goats. Our results showed a significant difference (P25 days; with an average of 32.14±5.58 days), represented 14.9% of recorded cycles. Following these results, it can be concluded that the local goat in Northern Algeria had different types of cycles (normal, short, and long) with a large percentage of normal cycles.

The assessment of reproduction characteristics of an Algerian local sheep in a semi-arid zone was the objective of this study. Twenty rams of Ouled Djellal breed were used. The parameters analyzed were testosterone rate, testicular diameter, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, and percentage of live and dead spermatozoids (SPZ). The results obtained showed that the mean monthly testosterone rate was high throughout the year (4 ng/mL), increased in spring, peaked in summer (July) (4.9 ng/mL), and decreased in autumn and winter to reach a minimum value (January) of 1.9 ng/mL. Similarly, testicular diameter, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and count showed high levels in spring and summer and decreased in autumn and winter. The maximum and minimum values were respectively, 7.09 cm, 1.55 mL, 4 billion/mL, 3.5, 79.37%, 21% and 5.46 cm, 0.80 mL, 2.50 billion SPZ/mL, 2.81, 77.36%, and 20.42%. Significant effects of season on serum testosterone levels, testicular conformation, ejaculate volume, and concentration were recorded in this study. Indeed, the rates of these parameters increased significantly (P

Background and Aim: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the inhabitants of the Aflou region of Laghouat (Southern Algeria). This study was considered as a first step toward the identification of new bioactive antiparasitic molecules. The preservation and documentation of this traditional knowledge will ensure its continuity and transmission from one generation to another, especially because of the emergence of resistant parasites and the lack of references caused by the lack of work in this area; therefore, we intended to inventory and collect the maximum amount of information on medicinal plants that are traditionally used by the local population as antiparasitic in humans and animals (small ruminants, cattle, and livestock). Materials and Methods: The information was collected using open interviews; the ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the area mentioned above from April to July 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire and a global sample of 200 respondents. The data were analyzed using the System Package for the Social Sciences software and Microsoft Excel 2010 using the following quantitative indices: Relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value (FIV), fidelity level, and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: The investigation uncovered the antiparasitic use of 58 plant species belonging to 30 families. The family Asteraceae had the highest FIV (FIV = 0.23). The pathology with the highest degree of agreement among the informants was genitourinary parasitosis (ICF = 0.930). The species that was most commonly cited by the local population was Artemisia herba-alba Asso (RFC = 1), and the foliage was the most commonly used part (46.4%). Infusion (38.8%) was the most-used preparation for remedies. Conclusion: This investigation revealed a rich ethnopharmacological knowledge in southern Algeria; therefore, the data gathered in this survey may be utilized to create novel antiparasitic compounds with activity in humans and animals.

Background and Aim: Ovarian cysts (OC) in female dromedary camels have been described as problematic because they can cause infertility. This study aimed to compare the hormone concentrations and biochemical contents present in serum and follicular fluid of normal and cystic she-dromedaries of the two most common Algerian camel breeds (Sahraoui and Targui) to gain a better understanding of biological differences that may yield insights into preventing or treating this ovarian abnormality. Materials and Methods: At an abattoir in southeastern Algeria, 100 pairs of the same females' ovaries and blood samples were taken immediately after the slaughter of clinically healthy, non-pregnant females (8–15 years old) over two consecutive breeding seasons (November 2017–April 2018 and November 2018–April 2019). The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, protein, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were determined using commercial diagnostic kits and standard analytical procedures. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure progesterone (P4) and insulin concentrations. Results: The concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and P4 in sera and follicular fluid (regardless of ovarian follicle diameter) were different (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the other parameters studied. Glucose, insulin, cholesterol, urea, and P4 levels in blood serum differed significantly from pre-ovulatory follicles. None of the biochemical and hormonal components measured differed significantly between the pre-ovulatory and cystic fluids of the she-dromedaries studied. The breed did not affect the biochemical and hormonal composition of she-dromedary cystic and follicular fluids. Conclusion: Ovarian cysts appear to form in a metabolic milieu distinct from follicular fluid and blood serum, with no influence from camel breeds. It is suggested that further research on the blood-follicle barrier be conducted to gain a better understanding of the OC development process in she-dromedaries.

Th e present study aimed at the direct detection of parasitic DNA in placenta samples of ewes by PCR targeting the B1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii. We identifi ed also the possible risk factors associated with the infection. A total of 307 female sheep from 23 farms were collected between 2019 and 2020 in the Tebessa region in northeastern Algeria. Data showed that T. gondii DNA was detected in 114 of the 307 tested females (37.1%). Th e on-farm molecular prevalence was 82.6%. High rates were revealed in Bir Al Ater (32.4%) and Tlidjen (43.6%). Th e level of contamination was high in farms applying a sedentary mode (47.6%); this system tends to have a positive eff ect on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis (P

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sprouted fenugreek incorporation into the diet of rabbits on their dairy and growth performances. Data from 24 lactations performed by 8 Californian rabbit does were studied. They were divided into 2 homogeneous groups, a control (batch C) having received an ordinary ration and an experimental (batch E) having received the same ration supplemented with sprouted fenugreek. Growth rates of suckling pups were also recorded. Then, Growth performance of 152 young rabbits’ issue from these females was monitored. They were divided into 4 homogeneous groups, one control having received an ordinary diet (batch C) and 3 experimental having received the same diet with substitution of 12%, 15% and 25% (batch E1, E3 and E3) of the concentrate by sprouted fenugreek. The results showed an improvement in the dairy performance of the rabbit does of batch E, with an average peak lactation of 287 g/d vs 236 g/d in batch C (p

The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical screening, the acute toxicity, in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal activities of the Zizyphus lotus (Z lotus) leaf’s aqueous extract. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity study, anti-inflammatory evaluation using carrageenan induced paw edema and the anti-diarrheal activity was assessed by the castor oil induced diarrhea inhibition method in laboratory rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. The extract at the doses used caused a significant (P< 0.05) reduction in the wet feces dumped by the rat with the castor oil-induced diarrhea, and decreased the distance travelled by the charcoal meal. The results showed that the extract of Zizyphus lotus has a significant antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory activity which supports its use in traditional herbal medicine practice.

This study was carried out in order to identify the different parasites (ecto and mesoparasites) infesting the tortoise Testudo graeca graeca. For this, a population of 24 tortoises was studied from mid-March to May 2018, in the region of Aflou-Laghouat, within two sites: Djellel and Oued Sebgag. The turtles were captured at the time of their activity; sex, age, body weight, total length of the shell and body height were determined. A careful search for parasites has been carried out using various recommended techniques. A total of 126 Hyalomma aegyptium ticks were identified, with an overall prevalence of 71%, an average intensity of 7.4 and an abundance of 5 ticks per individual. The stool examination identified six mesoparasites, namely: Angusticaecum holopterum, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongylus sp, Nematodirus sp, Trichostrongylus sp, Fasciola hepatica. The sex of the host showed a significant influence on the parasitic infestation: the females were four times more infested than the males.

The aim of this study was to make a finding about the structural, functional and performance aspects of 217 dairy farms in northern Algeria through a survey, then to establish a diagnosis and a typology of these farms. The results showed that farms had an average size of 42.7 ± 102 ha, of which 34.5% was fodder area (FA), and an average of 28 ± 34.5 livestock units (LU) per farm, of which 65% were dairy cows (DC) dominated mainly by the Holstein and Montbeliarde breeds (74.8% of the total herd). The average number of annual work unit (AWU) was 2.98 ± 1.92 AWU/farm of which 78 ± 35% was a family labour. The farms’ performances were generally low. Dairy production (DP) average was 14.3 ± 4.77 kg/cow/day/farm, while fertility represented by calving interval (CI) was 397 ± 20.2 days/cow/farm. The use of multidimensional statistical methods has identified five types of farms. This study revealed a poor exploitation of the dairy potential of cows raised in Algeria, with the dominance of archaic breeding practices that oppose the welfare of these cows. To optimize dairy farming, solutions have been proposed.

Bovine mastitis is the most serious dairy problem in terms of economic losses to the dairy industry. In Algeria, dominates as one of the most prevalent diseases in dairy cattle among the dairy farms. Mastitis treatment with antibiotics leads to the development of antibiotic resistant strains and consumer health problem. Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a major health issue. With new generations of virulence and resistant bacteria, we need to improve our understanding and produce novel techniques to control these pathogenic strains. In our study, the activity of several extracts from seven medicinal plants, namely Mentha pulegium, Lavandula dentate, Origanium sp, Marrubium vulgare, Salvia bicolor, Blackstonia perfoliata, and Phlomis crinita, traditionally used in Algeria was investigated against 26 methicillin resistant staphylococci and multi-resistant Escherichia coli. (E.coli) isolated from animals with mastitis manifestation by the disc diffusion method. Results revealed the potential of extracts of Salvia bicolor, Marrubium vulgare and Phlomis crinita as antibacterial agents against strains isolated from bovine mastitis and support the possible use of these phytotherapic agents in the clinical management of the disease. Further studies into their toxicity and phytochemistry are advocated.

The aim of this study was to carry out the metabolic profile comparison between follicular fluid and serum in normal cows and those affected by ovarian cysts (OC). After slaughtering, blood samples and follicular fluids from normal and cystic animals were collected and assayed using commercial kits to determine the concentrations of metabolites (glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, cortisol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine and insulin) and the liver enzymes activity. Data showed that OC were characterized by low levels of glucose, total protein, cholesterol and cortisol in cystic fluid, while urea concentrations were high compared to normal follicular fluid (P

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been occurring in Algeria since 2014, when an outbreak was announced in Setif, a district in the eastern region of the country. The problem was apparently resolved with the help of vaccination. However, in 2015, 2016, and 2018, FMD recurred. The veterinary authorities and media educated breeders on how to recognize the clinical signs and how to report the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and recognition of FMD by farmers and breeders. Moreover, an assessment of the behavior of cattle and sheep owners and herders following FMD cases is examined. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to October 2018 to evaluate the perception of cattle and sheep owners and breeders regarding FMD in the Northern regions of Algeria, using questionnaires. Results: One hundred questionnaires were distributed; 71 were collected. Data showed that all the responders claimed to know about the disease, while more than half of the owners/herders claimed that they knew the clinical symptoms of FMD and mentioned fever, hypersalivation, lameness, and vesicles. Fewer than half (42%) (30/71) took some measures to prevent the disease, while more than half (58%) (41/71) did not take any measures in 2018. No one claimed to have reported the disease to authorities in 2018, while more than half had done so in 2014. Conclusion: It appears that experienced farmers recognized the clinical signs of FMD, while an academic background was not conclusively necessary for the identification of the clinical signs of the disease. Concerning the assessment of risk-associated behavior in the event of FMD occurrence, the responses of the breeders were not significantly different from those of risk-associated behaviors in the event of an epidemic. Farmers and breeders expressed similarity in terms of communicating the appearance of the disease in their livestock; the majority of them seemed to be aware of the importance of reporting the disease to local authorities, especially in 2014, when the disease first occurred. This behavior is encouraged by refund and technical assistance policies by the veterinary authorities, but in 2018, no disease was reported due to fear of slaughtering and economic loss.

Ovarian cyst (OC) is one of the major factors affecting the fertility of dairy cows considering its effect on the reproductive performances and the economic losses. In spite of a lot of research, many aspects of OC, especially its pathogenesis remain unclear and not very conclusive. It is well known that a follicle becomes cystic because it doesn’t ovulate. Failure of ovulation is related to the dysfunction of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, which can have several origins. The refractory state of the hypothalamus to the positive feedback effect of estrogens is related to the presence of intermediate dose of progesterone. At the ovarian level, the data are conflicting as for the cellular and molecular changes including the expression of hormone receptors. The same applies to the other factors which can increase the incidence of OC, in particular the animal or environment-specific with controversial study results. At the end, we can conclude that OC is a complex condition of different origins, which makes research on its pathogenesis still relevant. Keywords: ovarian cyst, etiopathogenesis, cow

Objective: This work aimed to determine the resistance and/or the susceptibility to antibiotics of staphylococci isolated from cattle with mastitis in the North of Algeria. Materials and Methods: The disk diffusion method was carried out to reveal the antibiotic resis¬tance in accordance to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines in the Mueller-Hinton agar. Results: Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) isolates showed more resistance to Cefoxitin, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, Vancomycin, Trimethoprime Sulfamethoxazole, Clindamycine, Neomycin, and Erythromycin than Coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS). CPS were more resis¬tant to Penicillin and Tetracycline as compared to CNS strains; however, all these strains presented sensitivity to Gentamicin and neomycin. Conclusion: The Staphylococci showed high resistance to the beta-lactam antibiotics. As far as the authors know, these molecules are used with or without control in different protocols to prevent and cure the mastitis in Algeria. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(2.000): 231-235]

Meat is a food of animal origin, which can be contaminated by infectious, parasitic and other non-infectious agents responsible for diseases, which threaten the health of consumers. This still poses a public health problem in Algeria and in many countries. In order to assess the epidemiological situation of certain diseases in the Taher region in Jijel and to determine the influence of certain variation factors and to estimate the risk on public health, a study was extended over a period of 14 months on a total of 1756 cattle slaughtered at the Taher slaughterhouse. The results showed that 609 cattle (34.68%) showed lesions. The highest rate of pathological findings was observed on the liver (37.27%) followed by the lungs (30.21%). The lowest rate was recorded on the digestive system (0.33%) followed by the kidneys (1.14%). In addition, the liver and lungs were more contaminated with hydatid cyst compared to other organs (20.69%, 19.05%, respectively). Our data showed that the diseases affected more females (55.82%) than males (44.17%) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, cattle aged between 3 and 5 years were the most affected (43.51%) and local breed cattle showed more lesions (71.59%). These results testify to the real risk represented by the consumption of organs affected by diseases, and the need to recognize the agents of contamination and the mode of transmission and to implement an extension and control program in this region depending on the epidemiological aspect of the lesions.

Surra, caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is a re-emerging animal trypanosomosis, which is of special concern for camel-rearing regions of Africa and Asia. Surra decreases milk yield, lessens animal body condition score and reduces market value of exported animals resulting in substantial economic losses. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study of dromedary camels was conducted in Algeria, and major risk factors associated with infection were identified by collecting data on animal characteristics and herd management practices. The seroprevalence of T. evansi infection was determined in sera of 865 camels from 82 herds located in eastern Algeria using an antibody test (card agglutination test for Trypanosomiasis – CATT/T. evansi). Individual and herd seroprevalence were 49.5% and 73.2%, respectively, indicating substantial exposure of camels to T. evansi in the four districts studied. Five significant risk factors for T. evansi hemoparasite infection were identified: geographical area, herd size, husbandry system, accessibility to natural water sources and type of watering. There was no association between breed, sex or age with T. evansi infection. Results of this study provide baseline information that will be useful for launching control programmes in the region and potentially elsewhere.

The study was aimed at evaluating the hormonal, histological and metabolic changes associated with ovarian cyst (OC) formation in cows. For this purpose, , the fluid was aspirated from 195 ovarian cysts and 120 ovarian large follicles collected at a local abattoir in order to assess their hormonal concentrations and metabolic changes. Pieces of the cyst wall tissue were subjected to histologic evaluation. Data showed that the cysts’ fluid was characterized by the lower concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein and higher urea levels than those of the large follicles (P 1, whereas the luteal cysts all had E/P ratio < 1. It can be speculated that the abnormal levels of some biochemical and hormonal parameters may lead to follicle dysfunction resulting in cyst formation. Keywords: ovary, cyst, biochemistry, hormone, cow

A clinical study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic methods for ovarian cysts (OC), and to determine the metabolic profiles of animals with OC in the region of Mitidja in the North of Algeria. A total of 504 non-pregnant lactating cows were used in this study. Ultrasonography was performed by EXAGO scanner and was combined with assessment of serum P4. Biochemical serum parameters were assayed by spectrophotometry and insulin and cortisol serum measurement was performed by electrochemiluminescence. The results showed an overall incidence of 11.9% of OC. The incidence of OC was higher among cows in third lactation. Holstein breed was the most affected by OC compared with other breeds (P0.05). OC were single in 91% of cases. They were found mainly on the right ovary (66.66%). Seasonality had a significant influence on incidence rate of OC with higher incidence rates during winter and spring (71.66%); while, 28.33% of OC were detected during the summer and autumn (P