Research and Practice in Veterinary and Animal Science Current Issue

Beef is an indispensable source of protein for humans. The production is increased in recent years with the effect of increasing population. Besides of beef cattle breeds, male calves of dairy breeding and combined productive animals are also been fattened. The aim of the study investigate the carcass yield and characteristics of the some beef cattles. In the study hot carcass weights, carcass characteristics and skin weights of 588 male Holstein, Brown-Swiss, Simmental and Montbeliarde cattle breeds raised in Amasya region were used. For this purpose, the hot carcass weight data was taken at the slaughterhouse shortly after dressing and the weights of mince, cubed meat, steak, tenderloin, ribeye at the chilled carcass and skin weights of the beef cattle raised by the members of the Amasya Cattle Breeders Association were investigated. Slaughtered animals were fed mainly concentrated feed with commercial fattening feed. The hot carcass weights of slaughtered animals in Holstein, Brown-Swiss, Simmental and Montbeliarde cattle breeds were 343.70±3.12 kg, 319.80±15.50 kg, 336.56±3.58 kg and 349.44±6.06 kg respectively. The hot carcass weights of the animals according to age of 13-15 months, 16-18 months, 19-21 months, 22-24 months and +24 months were 316.44±8.20, 337.44±3.18, 342.00±3.62, 339.98±5.48 and 370.35±9.11 kg respectively. While the effect of breed on hot carcass weight was insignificant (p>0.05), the effect of age was significant (p<0.05). The breed and age interaction were significant (p<0.05). The highest skin weight was determined in the Simmental breed, and the lowest in the Holstein breed. While the effect of breed on mince, cubed meat, steak, tenderloin fillet was insignificant (p>0.05) and it was significant on ribeye (p<0.05). However, while the effect of age on mince, cubed meat, steak, tenderloin was significant (p<0.05), it was not significant on ribeye (p>0.05). As a result of the study, it was evaluated that different breeds reached their target slaughter weights in different times, and that breeders determine the target slaughter time according to carcass yield rather than age.

Intestinal parasites are commonly reported in free-ranging birds and play an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem and causing zoonotic diseases. The aim of this work was to reveal the presence and histological findings of digestive system parasites in storks, as well as the histopathological changes caused by C. hians isolated from storks. A total of four storks, an adult black stork and three adult white storks that were brought to the pathology laboratory were used in the study. Histopathological findings of the intestines of black and white storks were determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. During necropsy, numerous nodules were observed in the serosa of the intestines of black stork. A parasitic infection was only observed along the oesophagus. Histopathologically, in the intestines of the black stork, degeneration, necrosis and desquamation, heterophil and mononuclear cell infiltrations, parasite sections and parasite eggs, ulcerated areas, and regeneration with fibrosis were detected. Histopathologically, no parasitic infections were found in the white storks' oesophagus or proventriculus. Degeneration, necrosis, and desquamation were observed in the intestinal epithelium of white storks. This study was the first to define histopathological changes in the intestines of storks and showed severe nodular inflammation caused by C. hians in Türkiye.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminants that can cause significant economic losses due to reduced production and trade restrictions. Furthermore, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) can cause abortion. However, role of EHDV in abortion in cattle and small ruminants remains uncertain. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the frequency of EHDV in aborted foetuses. In this research, a total of 2029 aborted foetuses (from 553 cattle, 1388 sheep, and 88 goats) were collected from different herds and flocks in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolian regions of Türkiye during the period of 2012 and 2017. A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to detect EHDV specific RNA in aborted foetuses. EHDV specific RNA was not detected within aborted foetuses. The results of the study suggest that EHDV does not play a role in abortion in cattle and small ruminants in the studied regions of Türkiye. Further research is needed to determine the role of EHDV in abortion in domestic ruminants.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of breed and post-lambing time on sheep colostrum quality. In this study, colostrum samples taken at different times after lambing from 4 different sheep breeds (Tuj, Awassi, Morkaraman, Akkaraman) raised in Turkey were compared using Brix refractometer and color scoring. The sheep included in the study were placed in different paddocks according to their breeds. In the first week after lambing, a total of 7 colostrum samples were collected from each ewe, every 12 hours for the first 3 days and on the 7th day (mature milk sample). According to the data obtained from the study, it was determined that colostrum quality was affected by breed and milking duration (p<0.05). Brix values of colostrum in the first and second milking were found to be higher in the Akkaraman breed than in the Morkaraman breed (p<0.05). Additionally, it was determined that the color score decreased over time after lambing and this decrease was statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, since the quality of sheep colostrum varies depending on breed and time, the quality of the colostrum to be fed for lamb health and performance must be determined in advance.

Kangal Shepherd Dogs are highly valuable working dogs unique to Turkey, known for their robustness in withstanding harsh climatic conditions and possessing advanced herd protection and management abilities due to their genetic characteristics. Haematological values serve as crucial indicators of the physiological and physiopathological parameters in animals. A complete blood cell count (CBC) emerges as a powerful diagnostic tool when appropriately assessed. Given the establishment of pure breeds, it is essential to acknowledge that breed-specific hematologic values may exhibit variations influenced by factors such as gender, lifestyle, age, and geographical location. Therefore, understanding the physiological distinctions between genders becomes paramount. This study aims to assess the impact of gender on the complete blood count in Kangal Shepherd Dogs. Upon comparing hematologic parameters between female and male Kangal Shepherd Dogs, a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean platelet volume (MPV) value, which was higher in females than males (p < 0.05). While the mean red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), and haematocrit (HCT) values were higher in males, no statistically significant results were found (p > 0.05).

In this study, the statistical methods mostly used in veterinary sciences were examined. Currently, a statistical audit unit is being established in all sciences and scientific journals in terms of the reliability of the study. This unit determines the reliability of the study as a result of this control by checking whether the correct method is used. Statistics starts at the design stage of the experiment and reaches the right results with the right methods. If the statistical plan is not made at the beginning of the trial, the desired results cannot be achieved. For these reasons, it would be useful to get support from a statistician in order to achieve the desired results in studies of veterinary sciences.

In this case report, the aim was to contribute to understanding PNOE's clinical presentation, histopathological features, and successful treatment approaches, emphasizing the significance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management in affected felines. Proliferative necrotic otitis externa (PNOE) is a very rare skin disease of unknown etiology affecting the vertical ear canal and the concave surface of the auricle, which may be accompanied by secondary yeast or bacterial infections. In this case 8-month-old Scottish fold shorthair cat has fragile, papillomatous growths and caseous purulent exudate in the ear canal was presented. The differential diagnosis of this condition includes otoacariasis, plasma cell pododermatitis, papillomavirus and chronic bacterial or yeast otitis externa. Despite antimicrobial and antiparasitic based previous treatments, the lesions persisted. Histopathological examination revealed acanthotic epidermis, necrotic keratinocytes, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. Treatment involved methylprednisolone injection, topical pomades, and systemic antibiotics. The cat showed improvement after initial treatment week, with regression of lesions and cessation of ear discharge. Follow-up visits demonstrated continued improvement, and after two months, minimal sequelae remained.  In conclusion, despite the unknown etiology of PNOE, the disease is quite responsive to immunosuppressive therapy, which is beneficial for both diagnosis and treatment.