Diyala Journal for Veterinary Sciences

The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between the age of ewes subjected to various superovulation programs and the response of those ewes to the programs under study through the standard fertility parameters adopted in this type of studies.
Seventy healthy Awassi ewes were divided into seven equal groups (10 ewes for each) whose ages ranged from 2.5 to 7 years, with two age categories for each of the seven study groups, (the group of ewes less than 4 years old and the group of ewes aged 4 years and older) as follows: Control group (c) that did not receive any treatment (G1): a group of long-term progesterone sponges (14 days) with eCG injections on the day of the sponges’ withdrawal, then GnRH injections on the day after the sponges were withdrawn. Group (G2) was the same as group (G1), but without GnRH injections. Group (G3) received short-acting progestin (CIDR) in the same design as (G1), while group (G4) received (CIDR) in the same design as group (G2), but for 7 days only days for both groups (G3, G4). While group (G5) was injected with PGF2α in two doses 9 days apart, the eCG hormone was injected one day before the second dose, then GnRH was injected one day after the second dose of PGF2. The last group (G6) is similar to group (G5), but without the GnRH injection.
The results recorded a superiority for ewes within the age category of 4 years and older in most of the study groups in the parameters of the twinning rate, and litter size rate, compared to the age category of less than 4 years, with the opposite in respect to litter size rate, when all groups recorded superiority for age category of 4 years and older with some exceptions. While no differences were recorded between the two age categories under study in the rest of the fertility parameters, namely the estrus rate,lambing rate and survival rate. The current study conclude that the best age for ewes subjected to superovulation programs should be confined Under 4 years old.

This study aimed to determine whether Zinc Methionine supplements have a beneficial effect on the body performance of ROSS 308 strain broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease (ND). A total of 120 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 6 groups: five were treated and one served as a control group. The experimental groups were: G1: 20 chicks, control group; G2: 20 chicks, Zn-Met 90 mg/kg in diet (vaccinated at 1 day old with ND killed vaccine + ND eye drop vaccine and at 14 days old with ND eye drop vaccine); G3: 20 chicks, Zn-Met 90 mg/kg in diet (vaccinated at 7 and 21 days old with ND live vaccine in drinking water); G4: 20 chicks, Zn-Met 90 mg/kg in diet; G5: 20 chicks, vaccinated at 1 day old with ND killed vaccine + ND eye drop vaccine and at 14 days old with ND eye drop vaccine; G6: 20 chicks, vaccinated at 7 and 21 days old with ND live vaccine in drinking water.
Live body weight of chickens in the second, third, and fourth weeks showed significant results for G2. In the fifth week, G2 and G3 showed significant results. Body weight gain was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G2, G3, and G4 during the second, third, and fourth weeks of age. Feed intake in the fourth week was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G2, G3, and G4 compared with other groups, indicating positive effects of Zinc Methionine on feed intake. Feed conversion ratio in the third and fourth weeks showed highly significant effects compared with groups not receiving Methionine and Zinc.Conclusion: There was an increase in growth performance in the groups supplemented with Zinc Methionine compared to those that did not receive it. We recommend adding Zinc Methionine to feed along with administering the vaccines (killed and eye drop).

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important member of the Klebsiella genus in the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is a type of bacteria that can survive with or without oxygen, not motile, has a rod-like shape, and is classified as gram-negative.
Thirty male rabbits used in study and divided into three groups: 1st group (GI): given (1CC /animal) an oral dose of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) by a stomach tube as a control group for 60 days, 2nd group (GII): One dose weekly were given 1CC viable K. pneumonia (1 X 106 CFU/ml) orally by stomach tube for 60 days, 3rd group (GIII): twice dose weekly were given 1CC viable K. pneumonia (1 X 106 CFU/ml) orally by stomach tube for 60 days. After 60 day of experiment the tissue sample from lung were taken for pathological examination & stained by hematoxylin & eosin stain.
The results in 2nd group showed edema, interstitial pneumonia, hemorrhage with ballooning emphysema, severe infiltration of mononuclear cells, congested of blood vessels with interstitial pneumonia, While in 3rd group showed emphysema, artery arteriosclerosis with granuloma, fibrosis of bronchus, hyperplasia of epithelium and alveoli atelectasis.
The aim and importance of this to explain the effects of K. pneumonia on lung tissue after exposure orally.

Background: Endometritis is one of the most common diseases in cattle and occurs several weeks postpartum. It causes severe economic losses, including increased open days, calving intervals, and the number of services needed to achieve conception.
Aim of study: This study aimed to demonstrate the incidence of endometritis during 20–30 days postpartum in buffaloes. Moreover, we determined common risk factors that affect the rate of endometritis in these animals.
Methods: A total of 72 buffaloes, aged 3-12 years and at 20–30 days post-calving, were enrolled in this study. All the animals were checked by transrectal palpation, ultrasound, and vaginal secretion collection. A four-grade system (0 = clear mucus, 1 = mucus containing flecks of pus, 2 = discharge including < 50% pus, and 3 = involving > 50% pus) was used to categorize the vaginal secretions of these cows. Endometrial cytology and bacteriological samples were then collected using the cytobrush technique.
Results: Ten of 72 buffaloes (13.8%) had abnormal vaginal secretions (grades 1-3) and indicated clinical endometritis (CE), and twelve of 72 clinically healthy buffaloes (16.6%) had subclinical endometritis (SCE, ≥ 8% PMN buffaloes). Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria isolated from SCE (38.9%) buffaloes. Moreover, E. coli was the major bacteriological risk factor for SCE occurrence. A. pyogenes (28.1%) and E. coli (21.1%) were the most common risk factors for the occurrence of CE. Poor to moderate agreement was found among PMN%, bacteriological findings, and vaginal discharges.Conclusion: The current study showed minimal effects of SCE and the most isolated bacteria on the pregnancy rate of buffaloes, while the study demonstrated CE and A. pyogenes as the main risk factors for the reproductive performance of these animals.

The objective of the study was to assess some hormonal treatments used to treat retained placenta, and which method of treatment is more efficient than others.in Iraqi cows. The study was carried out in both Diyala and Saladin provinces and expanded from 5/10/2020 to 5/12/2023, and included 60 cows have many parturitions experiencing retained placenta after parturition. The treated cows divided into two categories, the first category consists of 25 cows and these have been treated with estradiol and oxytocin hormones for one time. The second category consists of 35 cows and treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) for one time. 12 (48%) cows from first category responded to the treatment by estradiol and oxytocin, and the placenta were expelled. Whilst 25(71.4%) cows from second category responded to the treatment by PGF2α. With significant difference between two categories toward PGF2α treatment at P< (0.05). 7 (58.3%) cows from 12 responded cows in the first category became pregnant later, whilst 19(76%) cows from 25 responded cows in the second category became pregnant later. With significant difference between two categories in aspect of pregnancy at P< (0.05). The pregnancy rate in non-responded animals in the first category was (61.5%) whereas the rate of pregnancy in non-responded animals in the second category was (60%) without significant difference between two sub-groups at P< 0.05.
It can be concluded the hormonal treatments for retained placenta by using PGF2α was more efficient in comparison with estradiol and oxytocin and both types of hormonal treatments were reliable in treating retained placenta in cows

Ibuprofen is considered one of the important medications used to relieve pain, as it belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to being inexpensive, it is necessary to relieve many types of pain, especially after surgery. In current study, twenty local male rabbits, divided equally into four groups. The 1st group received normal saline orally, 2nd group received ibuprofen 20mg/kg orally, 3rd group received 40mg/kg orally and the 4th group received pecan oil extract orally, after 3 hours received ibuprofen syrup orally. The experimental study continues for 28 days. The results observed the control group which received normal saline not showed any abnormalities in structures of the kidney. The second group which received ibuprofen 20mg/kg orally for 28 days showed congestion of blood vessels, infiltration of inflammatory cells, dilated blood vessels and hydropic degeneration. The third group which received 40mg/kg orally for 28 days showed fatty changes and eosinophilic material. In addition to highly congestion of blood vessels, cloudy swelling, hemolysis of RBC and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The fourth group which pecan oil extract orally, after 3 hours received ibuprofen syrup orally for 28 days showed normal structures of rabbit kidneys. Current study exhibit agreement with other about adverse effect of ibuprofen by appeared histopathological lesion on the kidney and in same time reported the beneficial effect of pecan oil on the kidney structures.

Endometritis, which is one of the most common diseases in dairy cows postpartum, causes severe economic losses, including increased open days, calving intervals, and numbers of services to achieve conception. The objective of this study was to define the optimal clinical and microbial diagnostic criteria for Subclinical endometritis (SCE) in dairy cows and evaluation commonly used, commercially available, treatments for Subclinical endometritis (SCE). This study was carried out in the College of Veterinary Medicine - Diyala University. Sixteen Multiparous cows (4-7 years old) that diagnosed as cases of Subclinical endometritis using microbial identification. the results of the highest isolation are Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus fumigutus , Rhizopus spp. and Alternaria spp.,which were (8/16,50%;6/16,37.5%;5/16,31.3% and 3/16,19%) respectively. The animals were divided into two equal groups ,first group was treated with 2gm of oxytetracycline 10% as intrauterine (IU) therapy, while the second group treated with lugolʼs iodine solution(0.5%) intrauterine (IU), the results showed that the number of cows responded were (4/8, 50% and 7/8, 87.5%), respectively. The result as far as the treatment to conception were recorded in 2nd group in comparison to the 1st group. From these observed , we concluded that lugolʼs iodine solution gives the best results in the treatment of endometritis in cows.

The aim of this study was to discover the characteristic features of the pancreas between two different birds. Twenty adult healthy owl birds and moorhen birds, ten individuals per group, were obtained from the local bird market (Algazal Market in Baghdad), regardless of their sex. Birds were euthanized via injection muscularly of ketamine and xylazine anesthetics ( 25.5 mg/kg) of body weight. The results showed that the owl Pancreas. The owl Pancreas was located in the coelomic cavity between the two limbs of the duodenum. The pancreas's color of ranged from white to creamy and it had wide to flat shape . The owl pancreas consisted of three lobes: the dorsal, ventral, and third. There are well-built interlobar networks that make it difficult to distinguish among the three lobes. In owls, the pancreas was tightly attached to the blood vessels and mesentery, as well as its relationship to the gizzard, liver, and spleen, holding the pancreas in place. The pancreas of moorhens exhibited an elongated, strand-like structure. The pancreas of this bird. It is composed of four lobes: ventral, dorsal, third, and splenic. The color of the pancreas is light pink.

Isolation and identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae from urine of breeders and cattle , relationship of infection rate with age and gender and histopathological changes in bladder and kidney of slaughtered cattle.
Methods: One hundred urine samples were collected from breeders and cattle raised in villages in Diyala province (50 from breeders, and 50 from cattle) from different ages, genders, and areas. The samples of urine were examined by microscopic examination ,cultured on MacConky and eosin methylene blue agar ,and subjected to full biochemical identification by vitek 2 system and histopathological study for bladder and kidney in slaughtered cattle.
Results:
Before collection of urine sample the main clinical signs showed in some affected cows with urinary tract infection (UTI) represented by weight loss and an abrupt reduction in feed intake and milk production specially dairy cow depression, weakness and frequent urine dribbling. Whenever in breeders represented clinically by cloudy urine, fever, strong unpleasant smell of urine, dark or bloody urine, flank or back pain, burning with urination. A total of 28/50 (56%) of urine specimens give positive urine culture among breeders, 4(8%) were klebsiella pneumoniae. A total of 44/50(88%) of urine specimens give positive urine culture among cattle,4(8%) were klebsiella pneumoniae. Klebsiella Pneumoniae appear pink mucoid colonies on macConky agar. Histopathological sections of kidneys shows granuloma formation (macrophages and lymphocytes) and damage in tubules, there is severe damage in glomeruli, tubules with hemorrhage.Urinary bladder shown thickening of mucosa with sloughing and infiltration of inflammatory cells with edema .

This study aimed to evaluate the potency of Nigella sativa seeds ethanol extract and levamisole on the immune regulation in male rabbits with H2O2-induced immune suppression. Thirty rabbits were distributed into: control group (6 rabbits): free access to food and water and the H2O2 group (24 rabbits): was administered with the ad-libitum supply of drinking water containing 0.5% H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide solution 35% diluted 70 times). After 28 days, stopping H2O2. Then, animals of H2O2 (24 rabbits) were subdivided into four groups (6 rabbits /group) in separate cages. Group Nigella sativa seeds extract (N.sativa S.E): was administered orally (by gavages needle) (1.5 g/ Kg B.W.). Group levamisole (LEVA): was given orally (by gavages needle) (every 72 hrs.) (5mg /Kg B.W.); a group of animals received N.sativa S.E (1.5 g/ Kg B.W.) + LEVA (5mg /Kg B.W.) for 28 days and the last group cessation of H2O2 administration (C.H2O2). The immunity response of rabbits indicated that exposure of animals to 0.5% H2O2 for 28 days revealed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the percentage of lymphocytes, RBCs, phagocyte activity with thrombocytopenia ,leukocytopenia and increase in neutrophils. Histopathological examination of the spleen in the H2O2 group showed a significant reduction and degeneration of lymphoid tissue. Combined use of oral N.sativa S.E.+ LEVA showed a clear improvement in various immunosuppressive indices compared to the H2O2 group. The study concluded that after stopping H2O2 as a source of oxidative stress and using Nigella sativa seed extracts, levamisole and together showed increased significance in the experiment.

Ticks blood-sucking arthropods are of great importance in the fields of veterinary and medical worldwide. This study was aimed to investigate the immune response of Hyalomma spp. ticks (eggs and adults-females) antigens by using fifteen local breed rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) which divided to three groups; first and second groups were immunized by 500μg s/c of sonicated eggs and adults antigens respectively and the third group (control negative) was injected 0.1 ml phosphate buffer saline (PBS) s/c. The first showed good immune responses through the skin tests compared to the second group and both of them than the third group that showed didn’t any immune response. Also for the histopathological changes of the vital organs (spleen, liver and kidneys), the first group showed high mononuclear cellular proliferation and infiltration compared to the other remain groups. This is the preliminary study by using sonicated Hyalomma spp. eggs antigens in local breed rabbit's which showed higher immune response than sonicated adult's females antigen and infiltration ,activation and proliferation of the mononuclear cells in the vital organs.

Members of the third generation of cefalosporins are well regarded as a therapeutic choice due to their extended bactericidal effect against gram-negative pathogenic bacteria in addition to their pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics favorable features. Cefatoxime is active against gram-negative bacilli and Streptococci in contrast to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while, Ceftazidime shows a greater antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. pharmacokinetic studies of Ceftazidime and Cefotaxime in local Mongrel dogs are almost non-existent. Therefore, this study aims to enrich the therapeutic profile of the third generation of cefalosporins with data by subjecting each ceftazidime and cefotaxime to study their distribution and elimination features, and to compare their pharmacokinetic profiles. The pharmacokinetic study ran a crossover design where a single intravenous bolus of Ceftazidime (20 mg/kg) was administered. then, after a washout period of two weeks, a bolus of Cefotaxime (25 mg/kg) was injected intravenously. The microbiological assay was used to find the concentrations of the two antibiotics. The Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic model was applied to calculate the distribution and elimination parameters of Ceftazidime and Cefotaxime. The results found the concentration at zero time (C0) and the areas under the curve (AUC & AUMC) parameters were significantly higher in the plasma of the dogs that were given Ceftazidime compared to those whom Cefotaxime administered. In contrast, Cefotaxime displayed larger volumes of distribution (Vdss and Vz ) than Ceftazidime. The mean residence time (MRT) and the half-life (t1/2) are longer in Cefotaxime than in Ceftazidime, also body clearance (Cl) was higher in Cefotaxime.
The Study concluded that the distribution and elimination of Ceftazidime and Cefatoxime in local mongrel dogs is slightly variable compared to the distribution and elimination in most recent studies done on dogs considering the difference in dose, the useddog species, the method of analysis, and the pharmacokinetics calculations. and, the comparison between the two drugs showed a better distribution of Cefatoxime to the peripheral tissues, a longer half-life, and a mild rapid elimination compared to Ceftazidime which achieved a greater concentration at the zero time accompanied by a larger area under the curve, such as paradoxical events may require a further study for the pharmacokinetics of both drugs especially Cefatoxime due to lack of adequate and recent pharmacokinetic studies for this drugs in dogs compared to Ceftazidime.