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The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play a vital role in the immune response of vertebrates by encoding molecules involved in self and non-self-discrimination (spelling) and antigen presentation. This study focuses on the MHC II DRB3 gene in goats, specifically comparing its nucleotide and amino acid sequences with those of other ruminant species (Capra hircus, Ovis aries, Bos taurus, B. grunniens, and Bubalus bubalis). Four different goat breeds (Philippine Native, Upgraded (Philippine Native x Exotic), Anglo-Nubian, and Saanen) were analyzed, and their MHC II DRB3 sequences were aligned with sequences from the NCBI GenBank. The nucleotide sequences exhibited high similarity between the different goat breeds and other ruminant species, indicating a conserved structure across mammalian species. Results from sequence comparisons revealed varying degrees of similarity between goat MHC II DRB3 sequences from C. hircus, O. aries, B. taurus, B. grunniens, and Bu. bubalis. Phylogenetic analysis further supported the close (95-99%) relationship between goats and other ruminants. Different functional domain regions in the MHC II DRB3 gene across different breeds of goats and other ruminants were characterized using SMART online tool. Moreover, polymorphism analysis using the HaeIII restriction enzyme highlighted genetic variability within the MHC II DRB3 gene in goats. This study enhances our understanding of the goat MHC II DRB3 gene, its similarities to other ruminant species, and its potential role in immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted using 18 growing (10-week-old) female Philippine mallard duck-IP Itim (PMD-IPI) breed to establish the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of the commonly used basal feeds (BF), corn (Co), rice bran D1 (Rb), and soybean meal (Sm). The experiment was carried out by in vivo metabolizable energy (ME) assay that lasted for 102 hours with 54-hour excreta collection period. The experimental design was completely randomized with six replications and one duck per replication. The AME of Co, Rb, and Sm were 3.69, 3.49 kcal/g as fed and 3.10, and 4.07, 3.62, and 3.27 kcal/g DM. While the AMEn were 3.60, 3.35, and 2.55 kcal/g as fed and 3.96, 3.47, and 2.68 kcal/g DM. The AME and AMEn generated on the BF for PMD-IPI were higher than the values by PHILSAN, the primary reference standard of feedstuff nutrient composition matrix in the country required in feed formulation. The experiment results suggest that BF have higher energetic values for PMD-IPI and the breed demonstrates additional efficiency in metabolizing BF energy. Therefore, this will facilitate the formulation of least-cost diets and underpins precision feeding for the breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aerolysin (aerA) is a virulence indicator used to identify the pathogenicity of the Aeromonas strain. Targeting a pathogen's crucial virulence gene for detection is essential, as it determines the potential threat to the host. This study aimed to develop a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probe for detecting the gene aerA in Aeromonas hydrophila among field samples. Materials and Methods: Kidney samples among both healthy and sick Nile tilapias in five provinces of Luzon Island were collected for bacterial analysis. Screening using specific primers targeting aerA was conducted in parallel with testing the AuNPs probe on the same sample set. The positive control provided by BFAR-NFLD, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, was used as a positive sample containing the target gene. Results: The AuNP probe demonstrated a computed accuracy of 81.32%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 81.26%. Among the 257 reactions, 59 were false positives, while no false negative results were observed. The AuNP probe could detect aerA at levels as low as 30 ng/µl. The low prevalence of the target gene may be attributed to the use of general media instead of specific media like Rimler-Shotts agar. Conclusion: The established colorimetric detection method for A. hydrophila with the aerA gene offers a swift alternative to PCR, negating the requirement for advanced equipment like a thermal cycler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic disease that affects both animal and human health and imposes serious public health concerns in the world. Intake of non-pasteurized milk is considered the most probable vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the detection of Mycobacterium bovis BCG in spiked milk using a polymerase chain reaction was performed. The performance of two DNA extraction methods, CTAB/phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol and EXTRAGENMB were also evaluated. In addition, Mycobacterial concentration was tried to determine using the Standard/Viable Plate Count Method and Spectrophotometric (Turbidimetric) Method. PCR successfully detected M. bovis BCG in spiked milk, detecting approximately up to two bacilli per reaction. The two DNA extraction methods were effective in the isolation of amplifiable DNA, having the advantage of EXTRAGENMB in terms of (1) shorter duration of DNA extraction, (2) less sample manipulation, and (3) ease of execution of the procedure. Quantitative determination of the Mycobacterial population, however, failed to quantify the bacterial concentration per dilution, suggesting that CFU concentration should be considered an approximation. It is expected that this method can be used for the detection of M. bovis in raw milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine and identify the productivity and technical efficiency of smallhold hog farms in the 3rd District of Pampanga, the Philippines. This study also recommended specific production inputs and technical parameter/s that can demonstrate improvement in reproductive efficiency and using a sow productivity index equation. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) were used and analyzed through Stochastic Production Frontier Approach. All variables for pig production were estimated to different functional forms and were all transformed to their natural logarithm, squared terms, and interaction terms. The most influential input variables are in sows (0.401) and in piglets born alive (0.52), which can increase their level of productivity as demonstrated by a positive and significant influence at p< 0.05 and p < 0.01 level of significance in the production output, respectively. It was also revealed that variables in the inefficiency model were efficient indicators with a significant effect on technical efficiency and with the inclusion of 21-day litter weight, can generate a Sow Productivity Index (SPI) based on the stochastic production frontier estimation of the relevant reproduction efficiency parameters. The high level of mean technical efficiency at 92% demonstrated that only 8% is needed for improvement for technical-based reproductive efficiency parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]