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Hematological parameters serve as vital diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, aiding in the identification of various diseases and metabolic conditions in animals. However, their reliability can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including storage conditions and duration. Pre-analytical errors, which account for up to 70% of laboratory diagnostic errors, primarily stem from issues such as sample collection, transportation, and storage. To address this, the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineWorking Group for the Preanalytical Phase conducted a survey to understand preanalytical practices among human laboratories. Despite significant interest, diversity in monitoring approaches was noted among European laboratories. The complete blood count (CBC) stands as a frequently requested test by veterinarians, but its accuracy can be affected by pre-analytical variables like storage temperature and delay in analysis. This study aimed to assess the stability of hematological parameters in feline blood samples stored at different temperatures (4°C and 20°C) for up to 48 hours. Ten clinically healthy cats were included in the study, with blood samples collected and analyzed immediately and at various time points over 48 hours. Results showed stability in hemoglobin concentration for 48 hours at both temperatures. However, RBC and PCV values increased significantly after 24 hours at 20°C. MCV, MCH, and MCHC values remained relatively stable over time, with minor fluctuations. Notably, WBC counts declined significantly after 48 hours at 20°C, while no significant changes were observed at 4°C. These findings underscore the importance of prompt analysis and appropriate storage conditions in maintaining the integrity of hematological parameters in veterinary practice. In conclusion, blood samples from cats stored at 4°C remain reliable for up to 48 hours for most hematological parameters, while samples stored at 20°C are suitable for up to 24 hours. These findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians and laboratory professionals, emphasizing the need for standardized pre-analytical practices to ensure accurate diagnostic results in veterinary hematology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reported incidence of blood transfusion reactions (TR) varies greatly. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the incidence of acute TRs in dogs receiving allogenic blood products, using consensus definitions, and to assess factors associated with TRs. Animals: Dogs (n = 858) administered allogenic blood products (n = 1542) between March and November 2022. Methods: Prospective, multicenter surveillance study occurring in referral hospitals in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia recording TRs in dogs administered blood products as defined by the consensus guidelines published by The Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in 2021. Results: The incidence of acute TR was 8.9% (95% CI 7.0‐11.1) for packed red blood cells (pRBCs) and 4.5% (95% CI 2.9‐6.6) for plasma products. The most frequently reported TRs were febrile nonhemolytic TRs (FNHTR; 4%, 95% CI 2.8‐5.5) when administering pRBCs and allergic TRs (3.2%, 95% CI 1.80‐5.10) when administering plasma products. A higher dose of pRBC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04 [95% CI 1.00‐1.08]) was associated with a higher odds of TR. Administration of pRBCs stored for longer than 28 days was associated with higher odds of FNHTR (aOR 4.10 [95% CI 1.58‐10.65]) and acute hemolytic TR (AHTR; OR 15.2 [95% CI 3.35‐68.70]) when compared with pRBCs stored for 14 days or fewer. Leukoreduction of pRBC was not associated with lower odds of developing a TR (OR 1.47 [95% CI 0.89‐2.42]). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinicians should be mindful of the age and dose of pRBC prescribed to dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on adult male and female Damascus goats to determine some blood components throughout the year. Twelve goats (4 males and 8 females), 2–3-year-old apparently healthy were used for one year. Jugular blood samples were collected once a week using vacutainers containing 18 mg K2E as an anticoagulant. Immediately after collection, samples were transferred to the lab to determine some blood components using Veterinary Hematology Analyzer. Overall means were: 17.09 ± 5.16 x 103/mm3 for White Blood Cells (WBC), 7.82 ± 2.85% for Lymphocytes (LYM), 0.98 ± 0.39% for Monocytes (MON), 11.16 ± 3.28 g/dL for Haemoglobin (HGB), 750 ± 319 x 103/mm3 for Platelet Counts (PLT) and 4.99 ± 0.38 fL for Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), with variations in the concentrations of the components among individuals. Results indicated statistical differences in the means of WBC, LYM, HGB, PLT and MPV between males and females, with no significant differences in the MON parameters. Results also showed statistical differences in the values of all parameters between winter and summer months in males and females, except for MON, where mean values of WBC, LYM and HGB with higher values in winter as compared to summer months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The presence of nucleated red blood cells in the peripheral blood (normoblastosis) of dogs and cats can be associated with different diseases and represents a negative prognostic factor in critically ill patients. Most veterinary automated hematological analyzers do not provide an enumeration of nucleated red blood cells, counting them instead as white blood cells. This makes a blood smear evaluation essential for the detection of nucleated red blood cells and subsequent correction of the automated white blood cell count. However, manual counts are known to be time-consuming and imprecise, and cases with normoblastosis may remain undetected if blood smear evaluation is not routinely performed. As the first veterinary hematology analyzer, Sysmex XN-V provides an automated nucleated red blood cell count. By comparing the results of manual and automated counts of 3810 canine and 2844 feline samples, this study demonstrates that the automated nucleated red blood cell count performed by the Sysmex XN-V hematology analyzer is accurate and can replace manual counts. Additionally, automated counts show a lower imprecision compared to manual counts. The automated nucleated red blood cell count not only represents a time-saving and cost-efficient advancement but also adds value to automated veterinary hematology profiles. The enumeration of nRBCs (nucleated red blood cells) by manual counting is time-consuming and imprecise. As the first veterinary hematology analyzer, Sysmex XN-V provides automated nRBC counts. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Sysmex XN-V in the enumeration of nRBCs for cats and dogs by comparing automated nRBC counts to manual counts from a total of 3810 canine and 2844 feline specimens. Repeatability, reproducibility, stability, carry-over, and linearity were assessed. The repeatability and reproducibility of Sysmex XN-V were good, with mean coefficients of variation (CV) of 4.5% and 5.4%, respectively. Bland–Altman difference analysis revealed mean biases shown as nRBCs/100 WBCs of 0.01 in dogs and 0.11 in cats with low nRBCs (<5/100 WBCs), mean biases of −1.27 in dogs and −0.24 in cats with moderate nRBC counts (5–20 nRBCs/100 WBCs), and mean biases of −7.76 in dogs and −1.31 in cats with high nRBC counts (>20 nRBCs/100 WBCs). The total observable error was below 9% in both species and at all ranges. Overall concordance between methods was high (91% in canine and 93% in feline samples). The automated nRBC count by Sysmex XN-V was found to be accurate and precise and can replace manual counts for cat and dog samples. Non-statistical quality assurance by scattergram evaluation, re-gating, and confirmation by blood smear evaluation is, however, recommended, especially in cases with severe normoblastosis. This advancement will save time, reduce errors, and add prognostic value to hematological results for animal patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral point-of-care technology is reagentless with minimal sampling (<10 μL) and can be performed in real-time. White blood cells are non-dominant in blood and in spectral information, suffering significant interferences from dominant constituents such as red blood cells, hemoglobin and billirubin. White blood cells of a bigger size can account for 0.5% to 22.5% of blood spectra information. Knowledge expansion was performed using data augmentation through the hybridization of 94 real-world blood samples into 300 synthetic data samples. Synthetic data samples are representative of real-world data, expanding the detailed spectral information through sample hybridization, allowing us to unscramble the spectral white blood cell information from spectra, with correlations of 0.7975 to 0.8397 and a mean absolute error of 32.25% to 34.13%; furthermore, we achieved a diagnostic efficiency between 83% and 100% inside the reference interval (5.5 to 19.5 × 10 9 cell/L), and 85.11% for cases with extreme high white blood cell counts. At the covariance mode level, white blood cells are quantified using orthogonal information on red blood cells, maximizing sensitivity and specificity towards white blood cells, and avoiding the use of non-specific natural correlations present in the dataset; thus, the specifity of white blood cells spectral information is increased. The presented research is a step towards high-specificity, reagentless, miniaturized spectral point-of-care hematology technology for Veterinary Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cuba's subtropical climate favors the circulation of agents that cause gastroenteric parasitic diseases, a serious health problem in sheep raising. Aim. To determine the relationship between hematologic variables and the parasitic burden on different farms. Materials and methods: This research study took place between January and June 2021. A total of 294 adult Pelibuey sheep were included in the study, all of which had a coprological test, hemogram, and differential. One-way ANOVA was used to study the variables per production unit. HSDTukey multiple comparison test was used as well. Pearson correlation was performed to determine the relationship between the variables included; the hematological variables with the greatest impact on parasites were compared. Results: The animals were considered resilient, since their hematological values were within the normal ranges, despite the different parasitic burdens with Haemonchus contortus. The correlation analysis of highly parasitized animals showed a positive correlation between the corpuscular hemoglobin concentration mean (CHCM) and the hemoglobin concentration (r'=0.812**). The Hb concentration showed a positive correlation with the hematocrit (Ht) (r=0.775**), whereas the eggs per feces gram test was negative (r= -0.430**). Conclusions: The correlation coefficient for hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes, and neutrophils was more visible in the animals infested with a parasitic burden below 800 eggs per gram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immature platelets (IPs) are newly formed platelets released into circulation that have been demonstrated as good markers of thrombopoiesis. Although many flow cytometric and fully automated‐based methods are available, the latest Sysmex XN‐V hematology analyzer for veterinary use is equipped with a specific fluorescent platelet channel (PLT‐F) that detects platelets using a platelet‐specific dye. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of the Sysmex XSN‐1000 V in determining the IPF (immature platelet fraction) and other selected PLT‐F channel parameters and to propose IPF reference intervals (RIs) for canine blood samples. Methods: Canine EDTA blood samples were analyzed on the Sysmex XN‐1000 V to assess linearity, imprecision, carryover, stability, and the effect of platelet clumping on selected platelet parameters from the PLT‐F channel. We also reported the de novo generated RIs for the IPF in dogs. Results: Imprecision was acceptable (CV <10%) for all parameters except for the absolute IPF values (IPF#), in which the reproducibility was 12.15% for the normal‐low concentration samples. Linearity and carryover were excellent for all variables. Relative IPF values (IPF %) and IPF# remained stable for both storage conditions for up to 48 hours; however, a nonsignificant progressive increase in these parameters was observed from 12 hours at 4°C. We observed a statistical increase in IPF% and IPF# and a statistically significant decrease in PLT‐F counts after intentional in vitro platelet aggregation. RIs were generated for all reference samples (n = 69) and for samples with (n = 25) or without (n = 44) platelet clumps. Conclusions: The performance of the new PLT‐F channel‐derived variables for dogs was excellent. Specific RIs for IPF should be used when platelet aggregates are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet estimation in stained blood smears is essential to confirm the automated total platelet count in veterinary hematology, even when sophisticated automated techniques are used. We investigated for the first time the adequacy of platelet smear estimation using the platelet: red blood cell ratio, considering the effects of different values of red blood cell counts and platelets in the smear monolayer area. For this study, 73 EDTA canine blood samples obtained from routine hematology were selected. All samples were submitted to an automated cellular count in a veterinary analyzer (ProCyte Dx, Idexx Laboratories), followed by traditional microscopic platelet estimation in stained blood smears in 10 high-power fields (100 ×, in immersion oil). In the same smears, the relative method of platelet estimation was conducted using the platelet:red blood cell ratio obtained in a differential cell count (in at least 1000 cells) and the automated RBC count. The agreement between the traditional and relative methods was evaluated using the Passing-Bablok regression analysis and the Bland–Altman method. Compared with the automated method, the relative method demonstrated a systematic negative bias of 100 × 103 platelets/μL and a proportional bias. No biases were observed between the traditional method for platelet estimation and the automated method. The results confirm that for dog blood samples, platelet estimation in stained blood smears is more reliable than the relative method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan that causes neonatal calf diarrhea common in the world. Buparvaquone, which is known to have very positive effects on oocysts, which are the main reserve in the spread of infection, has not yet been investigated for its hemato-biochemical aspect in calves with cryptosporidiosis. In the present study, the effect of buparvaquone on renal and hepatic functions in naturally infected newborn calves with cryptosporidiosis was investigated. A group was formed for this study using only a total of ten calves (n=10) naturally infected with cryptosporidiosis. Buparvaquone 2.5 mg/kg intramuscular injection was administered as a single dose to all calves in the group. Laboratory analyses and statistical calculations of blood and serum samples taken on the specified days were made. According to the results we obtained in the study, it was observed that the renal and hepatic effects of the drug after a single dose injection of buparvaquone to calves with neonatal cryptosporidiosis remained within normal limits, similar to the methods safely applied in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty liver syndrome was confirmed by haemotobiochemical and hepatic ultrasonographic investigations in 12 Malabari goats within six weeks after kidding. Animals were divided into two groups with six does each which received two different treatments. Ketonex bolus, which contains nicotinic acid, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and live yeast was given to the goats in Group I. The animals in Group II received syrup Bexoliv, which contains tricholine citrate, methionine, inositol, vitamin E, biotin, selenium, silymarin, iron, copper, and B12. In addition to this, animals of both groups received glycerin orally. On the fifteenth day of treatment, the animals were reevaluated. Six apparently healthy adult female goats within six weeks of kidding were selected as control. Before treatment, the neutrophil count showed a significant increase and lymphocyte and monocyte counts showed a decrease in the study groups. Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB), serum non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels showed a significant increase before treatment and reduced after treatment among both groups. Hepatic ultrasonography showed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma before treatment when compared to after treatment. The animals showed improvement with both treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine are increasingly used for experimental studies. This necessitates the development of effective anesthetic protocols adapted to this animal species and surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of balanced anesthesia with Dexmedetomidine HCl, Ketamine HCl and Butorphanol tartrate premedication and propofol induction and Ketamine HCl and propofol maintenance. Hematological parameters, respiratory and heart rates, SpO2 during compression anastomosis of the rectum were investigated. The proposed method of balanced anesthesia provides adequate analgesia for performing compression anastomosis in swine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Treatment could be extremely long-term, even lifelong, and presents a real challenge for the veterinarians. Usually, atopic dermatitis involves a combination of approaches, including reactive therapy for acute conditions and proactive therapy for long-term management. A modern method is the allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). The purpose of the present study is to prove that subcutaneously ad-ministered ASIT is a successful treatment that does not lead to any deleterious hematological and biochemical effects in dogs as opposed to long-term systemic glucocorticoids. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is considered to be the only treatment that can affect the course of the disease and not just suppress the symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We now have seven HPFs left, and to obtain an average of five spherocytes over the 10 HPFs, there should be 50 - 12 = 38 spherocytes in total of the remaining seven HPFs, which on average would be 5.43 spherocytes in each of the remaining HPFs. To quote from the consensus statement: A threshold of >= 5 spherocytes/x100 oil immersion field therefore could be considered supportive of a diagnosis of IMHA, but 3-4 spherocytes/x100 oil immersion field also may be consistent with IMHA provided that no other cause of spherocytosis is identified. And because the consensus statement reports >=5 (a whole number) and not >=5.0, one would have to round up or round down when calculating the average value, that is, 44 spherocytes in total over 10 HPFs would give an average of 4.4, which would be rounded down to 4, while 45 spherocytes over 10 HPFs would be 4.5, which would be rounded up to 5. [Extracted from the article]

Twelve clinical cases of urethral obstruction in tom cats presented to University Veterinary Hospitals of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University at Kokkalai and Mannuthythat had undergone urinary diversion procedures on the day of presentation were selected for the study. Signalment and anamnesis of the animals were studied to find the risk factors associated with urethral obstruction. The prevalence of urethral obstruction was found to be higher in uncastrated Persian breed of cats, which were one to two years of age. All cats had history of being fed with dry commercial diet, lowered water intake and living indoor. The stress factors identified were inter-cat conflict, fear, relocation, presence of guests and change in owner's routine. Haematobiochemical profile of these cats revealed significant changes in haematocrit and total erythrocyte count values.Elevated blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus and potassium were observed which significantly reduced following bladder evacuation. Urinalysis revealed haematuria, proteinuria, leukocyturia and struvituriaas frequently encountered findings in tom cats with urethral obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf on the blood metabolites of WAD goats. Twenty-eight WAD bucks aged 5 months with the mean body weight of 7 ± 0.2 kg were used in this completely randomized experiment. The goats were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments in different ratios of 0:60:40 (T1), 10:50:40 (T2), 20:40:40 (T3), 30:30:40 (T4), 40:20:40 (T5), 50:10:40 (T6), and 60:0:40 (T7) g/kg DM. The collected data were analyzed by the analysis of variance using SPSS. The ob-tained results showed that the highest PCV was obtained from treatment 1 (26.83%), followed by treatments 2 (23.40%) and 3 (22.27%). Haemoglobin concentration was the highest in treatment 1 (11.4 g/dl), followed by treatments 2 (11.15 g/dl) and 3 (10.37 g/dl). At the end of the experiment, there was a sharp decline in the PCV and haemoglobin values of the goats in treatments 5, 6, and 7. RBC values significantly (p < 0.05) decreased as the levels of cocoa pod increased. Total protein and albumin had the ranges of 7.23-5 and 3.7-2.1 g/dl, respectively and Total protein were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the groups. The hepatic enzymes ALT, ALP, and AST were within the normal range. Our study revealed that supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf at the combinations of 0% cocoa pod, 60% cassava pulp, and 40% acacia leaf to 20% cocoa pod, 40% cassava pulp, and 40% acacia leaf had no negative effects on the blood profile of WAD goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality control (QC) validation is an important step in the laboratory harmonization process. This includes the application of statistical QC requirements, procedures, and control rules to identify and maintain ongoing stable analytical performance. This provides confidence in the production of patient results that are suitable for clinical interpretation across a network of veterinary laboratories. Objectives: To determine that a higher probability of error detection (Ped) and lower probability of false rejection (Pfr) using a simple control rule and one level of quality control material (QCM) could be achieved using observed analytical performance than by using the manufacturer's acceptable ranges for QCM on the Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzers for veterinary use. We also determined whether Westgard Sigma Rules could be sufficient to monitor and maintain a sufficiently high level of analytical performance to support harmonization. Methods: EZRules3 was used to investigate candidate QC rules and determine the Ped and Pfr of manufacturer's acceptable limits and also analyzer‐specific observed analytical performance for each of the six Sysmex analyzers within our laboratory system using the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP)‐recommended or internal expert opinion quality goals (expressed as total allowable error, TEa) as the quality requirement. The internal expert quality goals were generated by consensus of the Quality, Education, Planning, and Implementation (QEPI) group comprised of five clinical pathologists and seven laboratory technicians and managers. Sigma metrics, which are a useful monitoring tool and can be used in conjunction with Westgard Sigma Rules, were also calculated. Results: The QC validation using the manufacturer's acceptable limits for analyzer 1 showed only 3/10 measurands reached acceptable Ped for veterinary laboratories (>0.85). For QC validation based on observed analyzer performance, the Ped was >0.94 using a 1‐2.5s QC rule for the majority of observations (57/60) across the group of analyzers at the recommended TEa. We found little variation in Pfr between manufacturer acceptable limits and individual analyzer observed performance as this is a characteristic of the rule used, not the analyzer performance. Conclusions: An improved probability of error detection and probability of false rejection using a 1‐2.5s QC rule for individual analyzer QC was achieved compared with the use of the manufacturers' acceptable limits for hematology in veterinary laboratories. A validated QC rule (1‐2.5s) in conjunction with sigma metrics (>5.5), desirable bias, and desirable CV based on biologic variation was successful to evaluate stable analytical performance supporting continued harmonization across the network of analyzers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to assess the values of hematological profile of Alpine goats in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to monitor health status of goats; moreover, to determine the effect of age on hematological parameters of goats. A total of 40 apparently healthy Alpine goats included in this study were divided into four groups according to age: <1 year old (Group 1), 1 to 3 years old (Group 2), 3 to 5 years old (Group 3) and >5 years old (Group 4). The following hematological parameters were measured: Red Blood Cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Reticulocyte count (RETIC), White Blood Cell (WBC), as well as white blood cells differentiation and determination of absolute values white blood cells; platelet count (PLT), and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV). All values investigated in our study were within reference range, except MCHC, percentage of neutrophils and percentage of monocytes. For investigated hematologic parameters, significant (P < 0.05) agerelated differences were found for HCT, MCV, MCHC, WBC, lymphocytes and platelet count. Recorded differences might be influenced by undetected infections, genetics, nutrition, fluctuations in the climate or management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to find out the evolution of the main haematological parameters in Hy-Line var. Brown hens raised in industrial system, during a natural moult process. The process of spontaneous moult started towards the end of the laying cycle (63 weeks of age) and lasted about seven weeks. Two groups were set up for monitoring: a control group of hens that did not show signs of moult and an experimental group of spontaneously moulted hens. Blood was sampled weekly, from the moment of observing the onset of moult, to the complete re-dressing with feathers, respectively a period of seven weeks. Haematological parameters showed a specific dynamic during this process. This dynamic is dominated by a decrease in red blood cells, packed cell volume and haemoglobin (P<0.05), on the one hand, and a decrease in the white cell number and in the percentage of lymphocytes (P<0.05) on the other. These changes take place predominantly in the first three weeks of the moult period. In the next period of the process, the modified haematological parameters return to the values comparable to those of the control (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary hematology serves as an important screening procedure to assess general health conditions, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. This study aims to interpret and establish a set of hematology reference ranges for Asian Elephants managed by private and government facilities in Nepal. Blood samples from 50 elephants around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha were collected and hematological parameters such as total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count were determined. The results show that the majority of hematological values were in line with the values previously published by different authors. The mean erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were reported as 3.32±0.93 x 10^6 cell/μL and 10448±335.49 cells/μL respectively. No sex-associated significant difference was observed in the case of total erythrocyte count, whereas total leukocyte counts varied significantly within sexes. Our findings revealed no significant difference in hematological parameters between government and privately owned elephants. The hematological values from our study can be used as reference values for assessing the health condition of elephants in Nepal. Further research work should be conducted to evaluate the factors affecting hematological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diseases among dairy cows is high in the postpartum period, which reduces dairy enterprise and higher demands for antibiotics. Considering this, the notion of promoting heath and reducing antibiotic application in dairy cow medicine by taking advantages of bioactive phytochemicals in herbal extracts is emerging. OBJECTIVES: This study's main purpose was to investigate the effects of supplementing Holstein dairy cows' ration in the close-up period by Immunofin® polyherbal aqueous extract on the normal physiology, clinical health, and hematological and biochemical parameters of postpartum dairy cows. METHODS: In this experiment, the herbal extract was supplemented in a close-up period diet for cows in the treatment group (n=10). However, cows in the control group (n=10) received precisely the same ratio as the placebo. The clinical health of cows was assessed, and some of their biochemical and hematological parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Cows in the treatment group had a lower incidence of retained fetal membrane and metritis (P=0.01). In addition, cows in the treatment group had a lower concentration of serum nonesterified fatty acid (P<0.001), and a lower number of peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocytes count among cows in the treatment group (P<0.0001). In contrast, their mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were higher (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Immunofin® supplementation in a close-up period had no negative impacts on prepartum cows' clinical health and could desirably alter some of the clinical, biochemical and hematological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite concerns of leaks, cannula drops, and expensive cannula costs, researches on the nutritional needs of ovine species had led to the use of bovine cannulation techniques to fistulate ovine species. Nine Yankasa-Balami crossbred rams were cannulated with locally improvised polyvinyl chloride plastisol after primary-secondary skin-muscle incisions but only primary rumen incisions; primary-secondary incisions on the skin-muscle of the left flank and the rumen; and a primary incision on the skin-muscle and the rumen, designated as groups A, B, and C, respectively. Glycaemic and haematological responses in the rams were measured at pre-anaesthesia (10 minutes), 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, 120 h, 144 h, and weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4. At 10 minutes post-anaesthesia, blood glucose levels in groups A, B, and C were higher than Pre values: 108.33 ± 10.2, 118.33 ± 51.83 and 153.33 ± 46.31, respectively. Moderate dehydration was suggestive of PCV redue to fistula fluid loss while neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were responsible for the increased leucocyte levels. As monocytes contribute to phagocytosis, neutrophils and eosinophils are indicative of surgical stress. Despite the fact that group B's blood glucose levels were much lower than group C's, the results were within the normal species range. Above all, the three incisional patterns are usable for rumen cannulation. Group B's rumen cannulation procedure was more traumatic than groups A and C's, and group A's was ranked second among the most stressful procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research sought to ascertain the relationship between hematocrit (HCT) and mortality in patients with sepsis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of septic patients who were hospitalized between 2008 and 2019 in an advanced academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts, registered in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database, We analyzed basic information including gender, age, race, and types of the first admission, laboratory indicators including HCT, platelets, white blood cells, albumin, bilirubin, hemoglobin, and serum creatinine, and 30-day mortality. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized to analyze the relationship between HCT and 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis. Results: This research recruited 2057 patients who met the research requirements from 2008 to 2019. According to the HCT level, it was classified into the low HCT level, the regular HCT level, and the high HCT level. The 30-day mortality rate was 62.6%, 27.5%, and 9.9% for patients with the low HCT level, the regular HCT level, and the high HCT level, respectively (p < 0.05). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis displayed that compared with patients with the regular HCT level, the 30-day mortality of patients with the low HCT level increased by 58.9% (hazard ratio = 1.589, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.009–2.979, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The low HCT level is an independent risk factor for the increase of the 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis and can be used as a significant predictor of the clinical outcome of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the haematological and biochemical response of broiler chicks fed Cooked and Fermented Shea Butter Cake Meal (CFSBCM). Shea butter cakes were processed by adding the cakes into water already boiled to 1000C and were boiled for thirty (30) minutes after which they were later fermented for different periods of 3, 6 and 9 days. Thereafter, processed seeds were air-dried and milled to obtain fine particles of the test ingredient. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), ninety-six (96) unsexed Ross 308 strains of broiler chicks were allocated to four (4) dietary treatments containing twenty-four (24) birds in each treatment and each treatment replicated four times with six (6) birds per replicate. The control diet (T1) had only maize meal without CFSBCM while the experimental diets contained 20% of CFSBCM fermented for 3, 6 and 9 days and were labelled T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The birds were fed all the experimental diets for four (4) weeks and on completion of the experiment on the 28th day, blood samples were collected and taken to laboratory for the analysis of haematological and serum biochemical indices. The results showed that of all the haematological parameters measured, significant difference (P<0.05) only exist in the values of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) while values of other parameters showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Values obtained from the serum biochemistry analysis of experimental birds showed that significant difference (p<0.05) exist in the values of the serum glucose, total protein, uric acid, creatinine and triglycerides while no significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded on serum albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). The results showed that the longer the fermentation days, the better the haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory and instrument harmonization is seldom reported in the veterinary literature despite its advantages to clinical interpretation, including the use of interchangeable results and common reference intervals within a system of laboratories. Objectives: A three‐step process was employed to evaluate and optimize performance and then assess the appropriateness of common reference intervals across a network of six Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzers at 5 commercial veterinary laboratory sites. The aims were to discover if harmonization was feasible in veterinary hematology and which quality parameters would best identify performance deviations to ensure a harmonized status could be maintained. Methods: The performance of 10 measurands of a commercially available quality control material (Level 2—Normal e‐CHECK (XE)‐Hematology Control) was evaluated during three 1‐month time periods. Precision and bias were assessed with Six Sigma, American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) total error quality goals and biologic variation (BV)‐based quality goal approaches to performance measurement. Results: Instrument adjustments were made to 1 analyzer twice and 3 analyzers once between evaluations to improve performance and achieve harmonization. Sigma metrics improved from 37/50 > 6 to 58/60 > 6 and to all >5 over the course of the harmonization project. BV‐based quality goals for desirable bias and for laboratory systems of 0.33 × CVI (within‐subject biologic variation) were more sensitive and useful for assessing performance than the ASVCP total error goals. Conclusions: Optimization and harmonization were achieved, and because BV‐derived bias goals were achieved, common reference intervals could be implemented across the network of analyzers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was aimed at establishing the prevalence, epidemiology and molecular characterization of major haemoprotozoons (Babesia and Theileria) and rickettsia (Anaplasma) of cattle in Jammu region (North India) using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Hematology, microscopy and PCR based prevalence studies were undertaken with 278 whole blood samples from cattle. Molecular prevalence studies were followed by genetic characterization of the isolates of Babesia, Anaplasma and Theileria spp. based on 18S rRNA, 16S rRNA and Tams1 gene, respectively. The data related to metrology and epidemiological variables like temperature, rainfall, season, age and type of livestock rearing was analyzed and correlated with occurrence of disease by statistical methods. Results: The prevalence based on microscopy was 12.9% (36/278) whereas PCR recorded 30.22% (84/278) animals positive for haemoparasitic infections. All the samples found positive by microscopy were also recorded positive by PCR. Thus the study revealed prevalence of Babesia bigemina, Anaplasma marginale and Theileria annulata to be 9.7, 16.5 and 0.7% respectively. The metrological and epidemiological variables made inroads for the propagation of vector ticks and occurrence of infection. Haematological alterations predominantly related to decrease in haemoglobin, red blood cell count and packed cell volume were evident in diseased animals and collaterally affected the productivity. Further the genetic characterization of Babesia bigemina. (MN566925.1, MN567603, MN566924.1), Anaplasma marginale. (MH733242.1, MN567602.1) and Theileria annulata (MT113479) provided a representative data of the isolates circulating in the region and their proximity with available sequences across the world. Conclusions: Despite holding much significance to the animal sector, comprehensive disease mapping has yet not been undertaken in several parts of India. The present study provides a blue print of disease mapping, epidemiological correlations and genomic diversity of Babesia bigemina, Anaplasma marginale and Theileria annulata circulating in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of turmeric powder and synbiotic as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter on haemato-biochemical parameters, comparative economics and mortality of broiler chicks. Total 150 day-old chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatments having 30 chicks in each group with three replicates of 10 chicks in each. Control group was fed basal diet, second group supplemented with antibiotic @ 0.02%, third supplemented with turmeric @ 0.5%, fourth supplemented with synbiotic @ 0.05% and fifth supplemented with turmeric @ 0.25%+synbiotic @ 0.025% in the diet. Haemato-biological parameters, comparative economics and mortality were recorded. Nonsignificant (p>0.05) effect was observed for haemato-biochemical parameters. However, numerically highest level of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, albumin and globulin was found in group supplemented with turmeric and synbiotic powder in combination. Highest reduction in serum triglyceride and cholesterol level was observed in group supplemented with turmeric and synbiotic powder in combination and lowest reduction was observed in control group. Highest net return per bird was observed in group supplemented with turmeric and synbiotic powder in combination and lowest was observed in control group. Lowest mortality was observed in a group supplemented with turmeric and combination group, while highest mortality was observed in control group. It can be concluded that as an alternative to antibiotics, addition of turmeric and synbiotic combination in the diets positively influenced haemato-biochemical parameters and comparative economics with reduced mortality of broiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based preparations are widely known to complement dermatological therapy, however toxic profiles of these plants are lacking and limited. To investigate the toxicity of Morinda citrifolia fruit ethanol extract applied to the skin of rats daily for 28 days, thirty female Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into five groups (n=5 rats for each group) for each study. The experimental period was set at 14 days and 28 days for acute and subacute dermal toxicity, respectively. Rats in the treatment groups were topically applied with the plant extract at three different doses; 2.5%, 5% and 10% on a shaved area of dorsal skin. For the acute toxicity study, rats received a single application of the extract on the first day of study, whereas rats in the subacute toxicity study were applied with the extract every single day for 28 days. All rats were observed for changes in appearance and behaviour and were assessed for changes of body weight, organ weight, haematology, serum biochemistry and histopathological analyses as a result of the interaction between the extract and the skin. The study indicated no mortality and sudden changes in physical appearances and behaviour of the rats. The results depicted no significant changes (p > 0.05) in the body weight, relative organ weight, haematological and biochemical values. No microscopic changes were detected in the assessment of the liver, kidneys and skin. It is demonstrated that M. citrifolia fruit extract is non-dermal toxic and these results may be useful in determining dosages for further pre-clinical evaluation and product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review available evidence to develop guidelines for the prevention of transfusion reactions and monitoring of transfusion administration in dogs and cats. Design: Evidence evaluation of the literature (identified through Medline searches through Pubmed and Google Scholar searches) was carried out for identified transfusion reaction types in dogs and cats. Evidence was evaluated using PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions generated for each reaction type. Evidence was categorized by level of evidence (LOE) and quality (Good, Fair, or Poor). Guidelines for prevention and monitoring were generated based on the synthesis of the evidence. Consensus on the final recommendations and a proposed transfusion administration monitoring form was achieved through Delphi‐style surveys. Draft recommendations and the monitoring form were made available through veterinary specialty listservs and comments were incorporated. Results: Twenty‐nine guidelines and a transfusion administration monitoring form were formulated from the evidence review with a high degree of consensus Conclusions: This systematic evidence evaluation process yielded recommended prevention and monitoring guidelines and a proposed transfusion administration form. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified, demonstrating the need for additional research in veterinary transfusion medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To use a systematic, evidence‐based consensus process to develop definitions for transfusion reactions in dogs and cats. Design: Evidence evaluation of the literature was carried out for identified transfusion reaction types in dogs and cats. Reaction definitions were generated based on synthesis of human and veterinary literature. Consensus on the definitions was achieved through Delphi‐style surveys. Draft recommendations were made available through industry specialty listservs and comments were incorporated. Results: Definitions with imputability criteria were developed for 14 types of transfusion reactions. Conclusions: The evidence review and consensus process resulted in definitions that can be used to facilitate future veterinary transfusion reaction research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review available evidence to develop guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of transfusion‐associated reactions in dogs and cats. Design: Standardized and systemic evaluation of the literature (identified through Medline via PubMed and Google Scholar searches) was carried out for identified transfusion reaction types in dogs and cats. The available evidence was evaluated using PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions generated for each reaction type. The evidence was categorized by level of evidence (LOE) and quality (Good, Fair, or Poor). Guidelines, diagnostic, and treatment algorithms were generated based on the evaluation of the evidence. Consensus on the final guidelines was achieved through Delphi‐style surveys. Draft recommendations were disseminated through veterinary specialty listservs for review and comments, which were evaluated and integrated prior to final publication. Results: Medline via PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched. There were 14 Population Intervention Comparison Outcome questions identified and corresponding worksheets were developed focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of transfusion‐associated reactions in dogs and cats. Fourteen guidelines and four algorithms were developed with a high degree of consensus. Conclusions: This systematic evidence evaluation process yielded recommended diagnostic and treatment algorithms for use in practice. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified, demonstrating the need for additional research in veterinary transfusion medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theileria annulata is the cause of tropical theileriosis in cattle in Pakistan, where it has a significant impact on the cattle industry. Here we report the molecular detection and seasonal prevalence and blood parameters of T. annulata infection in crossbred, Holstein Frisian and Sahiwal breed in Layyah District in the Punjab. In total, 844 blood samples (cross = 244, Holstein Frisian = 300, Sahiwal breed = 300) collected in 2017 and 2018 were tested. Blood smear screening revealed 125/844 (15%) of cattle positive for Theileria species. PCR amplification of cytochrome b gene indicated an overall T. annulata prevalence of 21% (174/844). The highest prevalence was observed in autumn season (53%), followed by winter (20%), summer (14%) and spring (3%). Crossbred cattle were the most susceptible to T. annulata (28%) followed by Sahiwal (19%) and Holstein Frisian. Representative partial cytochrome b gene sequences of T. annulata revealed phylogenetic similarities with sequences submitted from India, Iran, China, Turkey and Spain. Small numbers of ticks, including Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Haemaphysalis punctata, were identified from cattle but none of them was found PCR positive for the presence of T. annulata. Analysis of the hematology data indicated that red blood cell, hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%) and platelet count were significantly altered in T. annulata-positive cattle of all three breeds. Screening of cattle by PCR for the detection of T. annulata is recommended for diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are chromosomal segments which are selectively stained by silver methods and evaluated as agyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs). The evaluation of AgNORs provides an insight into the level of cellular proliferation. This technique has extensively and sparsely been used in human and veterinary histopathology respectively. However, two major drawbacks have been irreproducible results and excessive staining precipitates. This study seeks to adapt the technique to canine peripheral blood smears in order to establish a routine staining protocol. Standardized volumes and concentrations of silver nitrate, gelatin, and formic acid were applied to smears at different temperatures for varying lengths of time. The technique was applied to unfixed and fixed smears. In some cases, a reducing agent (1% potassium iodide) was applied. It was shown that the optimum staining protocol was achieved by applying standardized solutions to a fixed smear at 46°C for 50 minutes. It is concluded that the staining protocol outlined in this study is practicable, and produces excellent and reproducible results that would enhance evaluation of AgNORs in canine peripheral blood cells.

This study evaluated the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on the growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were distributed in four groups and fed diets with varying levels of GSE at 0, 10, 20, and 30 g/kg for 56 days. The final length in fish fed with 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet significantly increased in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). The final weight and weight gain of fish fed with GSE were statistically higher than for the control diet, while the feed conversion ratio was lower in GSE groups than the control. Hematological parameters did not statistically improve with GSE supplemented diets (P>0.05). However, fish fed with 30 g GSE/kg diet displayed a significantly higher WBC count than the other group (P<0.05). The serum total protein and globulin in fish fed with 20 g GSE/kg diet significantly increased compared to the control (P<0.05). A similar pattern was noticed in results for serum and mucus lysozyme activity with a significant increase in fish fed with 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet compared to the control (P<0.05). Total antibody levels in serum and mucus samples were also increased in fish by dietary GSE with maximum levels by 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet. Besides, mucus protease activity was higher in fish that received 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet with maximum level shown in fish fed with 30 g GSE/kg diet compared to the control group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, all groups showed higher mucus antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila with the highest activity in 30 g GSE/kg diet in comparison with the control group. The cumulative mortality was 36.67% when fish were fed with 30 g GSE/kg diet and challenged with A. hydrophila. However, the mortality rate was 40% and 53.33% in fish fed 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet, respectively. This study suggests that supplementation of GSE could significantly enhance the growth performance, immune responses, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila in common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosoma brucei infection is an important protozoan disease of dogs in tsetse fly infested areas of Africa. It is associated with great economic losses in dogs. Diminazine aceturate (DA) is commonly used in Nigeria for the management of protozoan diseases including trypanosomosis. DA has however been found to have potential harmful effect on the liver, heart, kidney and brain. The need to evaluate the efficacy of DA administered intramuscularly and intravenously in acute infection and evaluate the biochemical and cardiovascular effect warranted this study. In this study, we compared the treatment of single doses of DA intramuscular (i/m), and slow intravenous (i/v) administration. Sixteen local dogs (4-5 months) were used and grouped as Control (C), Trypanosome infested (untreated, T1), Trypanosome infested (i/m treated, T2), and Trypanosome infested (i/v treated, T3). DA was administered to T2 and T3 eight days after inoculation and trypanosome parasitaemia had been established. Daily body weight and body temperature, haematological tests, serological tests, parasitaemia and electrocardiograms of the dogs were evaluated in each group. Results show a steady rise in temperature after parasitaemia which resolved after treatment. There were significant increases in packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and creatinine, in the treated groups when compared with the control and untreated groups. There was significant increase in lymphocyte count in T2 compared to the control as well. There was a reduction in blood pressure of the infected untreated group. The electrocardiogram data showed significant increase in PR interval and QT interval in T1 and QTc intervals in T1, T2, and T3 across groups. We conclude that, though both routes cleared the parasitaemia and the intravenous route was well tolerated, no summative comparative advantage was seen over the intramuscular routes in the parameters observed in this study. Further work is needed to examine if advantage can be observed in long term prevention of relapse by the intravenous route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Theileria orientalis infection and the influence of this disease on dairy grazing heifers in Kyushu by monitoring red blood cell (RBC) indexes, and to evaluate the efficacy of diminazene diaceturate treatment of T. orientalis-infected animals. A monthly epidemiological survey was conducted for Holstein heifers, which were reared from 10 to 16 months of age on a large commercial dairy farm and grazed on eight independent grasslands from April to November, 2009. During the survey, a total of 2,803 blood samples were collected from the 891 grazing heifers, in which the prevalence of T. orientalis infection was 52.4%. Compared with the heifers before infection, heifers with high parasitemia (more than 100 parasites per 104 RBC) had significantly decreased RBC indexes, such as RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit (P<0.05), whereas heifers with low parasitemia (less than 100 parasites per 104 RBC) had similar RBC indexes as those before infection. Treatment with diminazene diaceturate had lower efficacy in heifers with high parasitemia than those with low parasitemia (40.7% and 73.2% became negative, respectively, P<0.05). In summary, T. orientalis infection is a potentially serious problem in Kyushu, and it is important to routinely implement control programs for heifers that are grazed on grasslands in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The haematology of animals including chickens is an important indicator of their health status. It is therefore considered a useful tool in clinical diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the haematological parameters of apparently healthy free range domesticated chickens as influenced by their sex, age and body weights. Blood samples taken from the jugular veins were analysed using standard haematological protocols. PCV, haemoglobin concentration, TRBC, TWBC, differential leukocyte counts, erythrocytes indices (MCV, MCHC and MCH) were measured. The study showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) age-dependent variation in all the measured haematological parameters. However, sex had effect on PCV, TRBC and heterophil count. Male chickens had higher PCV value of (34.4%) and TRBC value of (2.4 × 1012/L) as compared to female chickens with PCV value of (30.5%) and TRBC value of (2.1 × 1012/L). On the other hand, female chickens had higher mean heterophil value of (22.0 × 109/L) and MCHC value of (29.5g/dl) as compared to male chickens with mean heterophil and MCHC values of (16.8 × 109/L) and (25.7g/dl) respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in PCV with increasing body weights in males but not in females. The MCHC decreased significantly (P<0.05) as the body weight increased also in males but not in females. The results of the study indicate that sex and body weights influenced normal haematological parameters of apparently healthy free range domestic chickens in the study environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate effect of the used rice fermented using Chrysonillia crassa as a functional feed on biochemical and haematological parameters, microbial populations, internal organ weight and performance of broilers. The study used one hundred and fifty unsexed one-day-old chicks with average body weight of 48.30 ± 4.13g. At day 1 to 7, the chicks were given commercial feed. On day 8 onward, the chickens were randomized distributed to one of three experimental diets of 50 chicks each. The chicks were given formulated diet containing fermented used rice based-functional feed (FF). Drinking water was provided ad libitum. The study used completely randomized design with three experimental diets : T0 (diet without FF), T1 (diet contained 5% FF), and T2 (diet contained 10% FF). The chicken fed the used rice fermented increased in cholesterol, high density lipoprotein status, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, lactic acid bacteria, heart weight. and decreased in mean corpuscular volume, E.coli, jejunum weight, but no affect on body weight gain, feed convertion ratio and feed comsumption. In conclusion that the fermented used rice improved the physiological conditions, intestinal bacterial population and had no detrimental effect on performance of broiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease affecting horses, mules, donkeys and zebras and can lead to severe economic losses in the equine industry. There is limited information on clinical pathologic changes of equine piroplasmosis in donkeys. This study aims to investigate the impacts of babesiosis on various hematological and biochemical properties in naturally infected donkeys with Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Methods: A total of 200 apparently healthy donkeys were randomly examined for the presence of equine piroplasmosis in blood samples. Of 200 samples, 11(5.5%) animals were positive for T. equi and 3(1.5%) of the samples were infected with B. caballi. 14 uninfected donkeys, were also selected as a control group. Results: The results of the comparison showed that infected donkeys presented a significant elevation (P < 0.05) of total leukocyte count, number of lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil, while showed a significant decreased in (P < 0.05) hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The infected donkeys had significantly higher levels of total protein and total bilirubin (P < 0.05), whereas the amount of albumin was significantly lower in comparison to healthy animals (P < 0.05). It is interesting to note that the amounts of urea, cholesterol, creatinine, triglyceride, LDL and HDL, CK, AST, LDH, GGT, and Malondialdehyde were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in infected donkeys. Conclusions: The current study describes laboratory findings in the affected donkeys which were good criteria for diagnosis and control of equine piroplasmosis in donkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Blood and serological parameters are indicators of the health status of the birds and influenced by the type of feed and their nutrient composition. Scanty researches are available in rice gluten meal (RGM) regarding its effect of feeding with and without enzymes on hematology and serum biochemistry. This study was conducted for in vitro and in vivo investigation regarding feeding RGM without or with different enzymes on hematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens. The in vitro study was done to determine chemical composition of RGM used in the biological trial. Materials and Methods: A biological experiment with 384 broiler chicks was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding RGM as soybean replacement without or with different enzymes on carcass characteristics in broiler chicken for 42 days. Two levels of RGM were taken (15% and 17.5%). Protease, xylanase, and multienzymes supplementation under different treatments were done. Results: The RGM feeding and enzyme supplementation or their interaction revealed no significant (p>0.05) effects on the hematological parameters and serological parameters of broiler chickens except the significant (p<0.05) effect of enzyme supplementation on serum albumin and triglyceride values. The higher albumin values were observed in xylanase and protease supplemented birds and lower triglyceride values were observed in xylanase supplemented birds. Conclusion: Thus, it may be concluded that RGM feeding at 15% or 17.5% inclusion level with or without enzymes had no adverse effect on hematobiochemical profile of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total number of 135 Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) were used to study the effect of dietary supplementation with black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) on growth performance and some blood constituents. The fish were randomly divided into three treatment groups each of 45 fish, and each group was divided into 3 subgroups (15 fish / unit). These groups received N. sativa at 1% (T1) and 2% (T2) and control group (C) which fed on basal diet without N. sativa. Body weight and length were recorded biweekly all over the experimental period (12 weeks). Blood samples from each fish were collected to determine each of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV%), serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase. Ten fish were scarified to determine hepatosmatic index (HSI), spleen somatic index (SSI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Other ten fish were transported to wet laboratory and reared without oxygen supplementation to determine the resistance under oxygen deficiency. The results showed that there was insignificant increase in body weight, body weight gain, total length, and length increment in T2. Also, the hemoglobin increased insignificantly (P > 0.05) in T2 than the control. Moreover, the serum albumin improved insignificantly (P > 0.05) in T1 and T2 than the control. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated fish with N. sativa; while serum glucose decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared with control ones. The hepatosoatic index (HSI) insignificantly (P > 0.05) decreased in T1 and increased insignificantly (P > 0.05) in T2 compared to the control. Also, the dietary 1 and 2% N. sativa did not affect spleenosomatic index (SSI). The fish group which reared under oxygen deficiency exhibited remarkable decreased activity and increased random movement elicited by hypoxia changes in direction of swimming, while the fish groups fed diets with N. sativa showed slightly abnormal behavior changes. The mortality rates under oxygen deficiency were 100, 40 and 20% for control, T1 and T2, respectively. Under oxygen deficiency stress, the Hb and glucose did not differ between T1 and T2, while PCV% was increased significantly (P > 0.05) in T2 than that of T1; the same occurred (P < 0.05) with serum total protein concentration, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase activity, but serum albumin in T1 was higher than that of T2 (P < 0.05). There were no significant (P > 0.05) in HIS, SSI and GSI between treated groups with N. sativa and control ones. To conclude, the dietary supplementation with N. sativa at 1% and 2% displayed slight beneficial effects on growth performance and major effects on some blood constituents of O. niloticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]