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We characterized 15 H5N1 HPAI viruses from different small- and medium-scale poultry flocks across Bangladesh during 2018–2021 based on their complete genome sequences. The antigenic relatedness of H5N1 HPAI viruses from different timepoints was analysed. During 2020–2021, 42.11% of the flocks tested positive for at least one of the respiratory infections, with 15.79% showing influenza A virus, of which 8.77% tested positive for HPAIV H5N1. Co-infections with two to four pathogens were detected in 15.8% of flocks. Phylogeny and gene constellation analyses based on complete genome sequences of 15 HPAI viruses revealed the continuing circulation of H5 clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 viruses. In the HA protein of the study isolates, functionally meaningful mutations caused the loss of an N-linked glycosylation site (T156A), a modified antigenic site A (S141P), and a mutation in the receptor binding pocket (E193R/K). Consequently, antigenic analysis revealed a significant loss of cross-reactivity between viruses from different host species and periods. Most viruses displayed oseltamivir resistance markers at positions V96, I97, S227, and N275 (N1 numbering) of the NA protein. In addition, for the PB2, M1, and NS1 proteins, significant mutations were noticed that have been associated with polymerase activity and increased virulence for mammals in all study isolates. These results highlight the need for intensified genomic surveillance of HPAI circulating in poultry in Bangladesh and for establishing appropriate control measures to decrease the circulation of these viruses in poultry in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of grass variety on intake, nutrient digestibility, and performance of thin-tailed sheep. The research was conducted in Suket Ijo Farm, Sanggrahan, Wedomartani, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Twelve female thin-tailed sheep with an average body weight of 15 kg and the age of 8 to 10 months were used in this study. The sheep were given the feed formulation based on dry matter (DM): (67%), water spinach straw (8%), and 25% of either Gamma Umami grass (P1), local Napier grass (P2), or dwarf Napier grass (P3). The variables observed were feed nutrient consumption, nutrient digestibility, and thin-tailed sheep performance. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that the treatment feed had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the consumption of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), crude fiber digestibility (CFD), average daily gain (ADG), and ration conversion. However, it had no significant effect (P>0.05) on crude protein (CP) consumption and extract ether digestibility (EED). The highest ADG was in treatment P1, 105.46 g, with a ration conversion of 5.74. Hence, it was concluded that the diet containing Napier grass variety Gamma Umami showed higher feed nutrient digestibility and improved thin-tailed sheep's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effect of the cutting process and drying period using sunlight on the hay quality of dwarf Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Asystasia gangetica. Hay quality of both species was evaluated in a completely randomised design corresponding to five drying periods (one to five days), with or without cutting process, with three replicates. Both plants were harvested at a vegetative stage and then divided into two portions: unchopped and chopped. Plants were dried using sunlight for the respective drying period, and hay quality was examined in physical and chemical analyses. Each sample was analysed for dry matter (DM) content. The A. gangetica at four days drying period and Napier grass at five days drying period were selected for chemical analysis. Results showed that the physical characteristics of hays for both plants were not affected by the drying periods and cutting process. Asystasia gangetica achieved higher DM content than Napier grass for almost all drying periods. For Napier grass, the three days were drying periods that achieved the desirable DM content (> 85.0%), while two days were drying periods for A. gangetica. Napier grass contained higher crude fibre and ether extract contents than A. gangetica, while crude protein content appeared vice versa. The nutritive values of both plants were not affected by the cutting process. In conclusion, Napier grass's three days drying periods and a two days drying period of A. gangetica can achieve the desirable DM content under sunny conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of recipients physiological condition on pregnancy rate and subsequent kidding in does. Oestrus was synchronised by inserting controlled internal drug release device (CIDR, 0.33 g natural hormone progesterone; EAZI-BREED CIDR, Pharmacia & Upjtohn Limited, NZ) and an i.m. injection of 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) (Folligon®; Intervet International B.V., EU). A total of 31 Boer crossbred (Boer × local) recipient does were divided into two treatment groups namely intact group (15 does) and used group (63 does). Intact group may be defined as those goats that had not used for any surgery, while used group may be defined as those goats that had been used for surgery such as laparoscopic ovum pick up, embryo transfer. On Day 7 after CIDR removal, ovaries were checked for corpus luteum (CL) and recipient does with functional CL were only used as recipients. After flushing, recovered embryos were examined under a stereomicroscope and only transferrable embryos (morula and blastocyst) were transferred. Uterine horn was exteriorised over the surface of abdomen with the help of a grasping forceps and a surgical blade. One to 3 fresh embryos along with a small amount of flushing medium were transferred into the lumen of the anterior part of the uterine horn. Once completed, the uterine horn was placed back into the peritoneal cavity and the incision was sutured. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at around 30 to 35 days after embryo transfer by using a real-time ultrasound scanner. The average numbers of embryos transferred per recipient doe were 2.60 and 2.56 for intact and used groups, respectively. The percentage of pregnancy was 26.67 for intact group. No pregnancy was recorded in used group. Average embryo survival rate was calculated based on the number of kids born, which was 7.69. Average gestation length was 148 days. From the findings obtained in this research, it could be concluded that intact does were favourable as recipient in ET programme than repeated surgery does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]