Senna occidentalis (L.) is a tropical legume with promising nutritional value for poultry feeding. However, its utlisation in broiler diets is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors that impair overall performance. Processing techniques have been reported to mitigate these constraints and enhance its nutritional quality. This study evaluates the phytochemical properties of processed Senna occidentalis seed and its effect on the serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens.

One hundred and sixty (160) 17-day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with five replicates of eight birds each in a completely randomised design. Diet 1 was a highly digestible protein (HDP), diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 10% Raw Senna Seed Meal (RSSM), 10% Fermented (FSSM), and 10% Boiled (BSSM) supplemented diets. Phytochemical screening of the processed seed meals was determined using standard procedures. On day 21, 2mL of blood samples were collected from three birds per treatment for serum biochemical assay. Data were analysed using ANOVA at P = α0.05.

Flavonoids and alkaloids were abundantly present (++ve) across treatments. Saponins and tannins were more pronounced (++ve) in FSSM and RSSM while anthraquinones were abundantly present (++ve) in BSSM. Alkaloids content was highest in the RSSM (2.70%) and BSSM (2.40%), while FSSM had increased flavonoids (2.23%) and terpenoids (2.25%) contents. BSSM showed moderate levels of phytochemicals across compounds. Serum biochemical indices revealed elevated total protein (3.77g/dL) and albumin (1.03g/dL) in birds fed BSSM diet, while birds fed RSSM (3.83mg/dL) and FSSM (3.43mg/dL) diets had higher urea levels. Other parameters showed no significant differences.

In conclusion, fermentation and boiling enhanced the nutritional value of Senna occidentalis seed meal and improved the serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective alternative protein ingredient in broiler diets.

Gut development and organ integrity are central to nutrient utilization, immune competence, and overall performance in broiler chickens. With restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters, phytogenic feed additives have emerged as natural strategies to enhance gut function while ensuring food safety. Piper guineense, a West African spice rich in alkaloids and essential oils, has demonstrated antimicrobial and growth-promoting potential, yet its effects on intestinal morphometry and organ histology in poultry remain poorly studied. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary P. guineense leaf and seed (2:1 ratio) on intestinal morphometry and organ (liver and kidney) histology of broiler chickens. A total of 288-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% P. guineense and reared on deep litter for 6 weeks. At the end of the trial, two birds per replicate were humanely sacrificed. Intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, pancreas, colon, and caecum) were excised and their length weight were measured, while liver and kidney tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed using standard paraffin embedding, sectioned at 5 µm, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined under light microscopy. Results revealed that birds fed 1.0% inclusion exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) longer colons and heavier colons and caecums, suggesting enhanced hindgut development and fermentation capacity, with no detectable alterations in liver and kidney tissues. Conversely, birds fed 1.5% inclusion showed reduced jejunal and ileal weights, increased duodenal length, and histopathological lesions in the liver and kidney, including hepatocellular degeneration and mild renal tubular damage. In conclusion, moderate inclusion (1.0%) of P. guineense supports beneficial gut development without compromising organ health, whereas excessive inclusion (1.5%) may impair small intestinal growth and induce metabolic organ damage. These findings highlight the dual efficacy and safety considerations of P. guineense as a phytogenic additive and underscore the importance of dose optimization in broiler nutrition.

Livestock is the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, contributing nearly 15% to the national GDP and over 60% to the agricultural GDP. It sustains more than eight million rural households and plays a central role in ensuring food and nutritional security. Despite this importance, animal welfare remains one of the most overlooked aspects of livestock production. The living conditions of buffaloes, cattle, dairy cows, sheep, goats, camels, and working equines often fall short of basic welfare standards. Poor nutrition, limited veterinary access, heat stress, lack of shade and water, and outdated legislation continue to affect animal well-being and farm productivity. Pakistan’s livestock population includes about 45 million cattle, 44 million buffaloes, 32 million sheep, 83 million goats, over one million camels, and nearly five million horses and donkeys. Welfare practices vary across regions and systems. Studies indicate that heat stress can reduce cattle feeding activity by up to 20%, while welfare-based management can increase productivity by 15%. A camel welfare survey in southern Punjab revealed that most animals lacked shade and water, and nearly a third experienced rough handling—though over half still showed calm behavior toward caretakers. Small ruminants and dairy animals in arid areas face seasonal feed and water shortages, disease risks, and inadequate veterinary coverage. Nationally, the outdated 1890 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act remains poorly enforced. However, the newly proposed National Animal Health, Welfare, and Veterinary Public Health Bill (2024) represents progress, promoting a “One Health” approach that integrates animal, human, and environmental well-being. Encouragingly, organizations like SPCA Punjab and universities are raising awareness about animal care. Yet, working animals still face overwork and neglect. Improving housing, nutrition, heat-stress management, humane handling, and precision livestock farming can make Pakistan’s livestock sector more sustainable, productive, and compassionate.

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of dietary inclusion of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) bud powder on hormonal profiles and reproductive efficiency in rabbit does. Thirty-six does (2–3 months old; 600–650 g) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups—T1 (0 g/kg), T2 (5 g/kg), T3 (7.5 g/kg), and T4 (10 g/kg)—for 20 weeks in a completely randomized design. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s test. Several hormonal parameters (FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone) were measured, alongside reproductive indices such as conception rate, gestation length, litter size, litter weight, and pre-weaning survival. The moderate inclusion of clove significantly increased FSH and progesterone levels, with peak values in the T2 (20.88 mIU/mL and 1.70 ng/mL) and T3 (18.23 mIU/mL FSH) groups, indicating enhanced follicular and luteal functions. LH rose with increasing clove levels, highest in T4 (15.87 mIU/mL), though these were associated with reduced FSH and progesterone, suggesting possible hormonal dysregulation at higher doses. Estradiol showed a non-significant increase. Maternal weights at mating and conception rose with clove inclusion, highest in T3 and T4 (1850.11 g and 1950.89 g), respectively. Gestation length was significantly reduced in T2 and T4 (~28.5 days). T2 recorded the highest litter size (4.44 kits), lowest pre-weaning mortality (2.22%), and highest kit survivability (93.29%). These findings suggest that moderate clove inclusion (5–7.5 g/kg) can improve reproductive traits and hormonal balance in rabbit does, promoting sustainable production. However, there is a suggestion that higher doses may disrupt endocrine regulation.

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are main infection causing microbes. Both of the microorganisms also have great ability to develop resistant against antibiotics. Strains that have antibiotic resistance can cause infections in the form of epidemics. The objective of the present study was to identify and detect Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus from samples of milk from mastitis positive buffaloes and cows and to assess the patterns of antimicrobial resistance profile. A total of 30 milk samples (buffalo: n= 15, Cows: n=15) were collected randomly from apparently healthy animals. Samples were collected from different dairy farms in the region of Rawalpindi. Samples were first checked for subclinical mastitis using surf field mastitis test (SFMT). Mastitis positive samples were analyzed in the laboratory by biochemical tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to for the molecular identification of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus utilizing the 16SrRNA gene. Antibiotic sensitivity test (AST) was performed to check antimicrobial resistance patterns of different antibiotics by using disk diffusion method. Out of 30 samples, 18 samples were found mastitis positive using SFMT (60%). For identification of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus API E20 and API Staph Kit was used respectively. Biochemical tests and PCR confirmed the presence of that out of 18 samples, 4 samples found for Staphylococcus. aureus and 6 samples were found positive for Escherichia coli. AST was performed to check antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated organisms and results have shown that both organisms were resistance against penicillin whereas Staphylococcus aureus was also found resistant against Oxytetracycline. Both organisms were also found highly sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and Erythromycin. The results of this study have shown that Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are present in selected dairy farms in Rawalpindi which can lead to their spread to other farms and cause a larger scale milk production loss.

White Lupin (Lupinus albus) is an emerging crop in the current livestock feeding regime. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of this crop as fodder and grain for feeding of buffaloes in arid regions. Seven cultivars of white Lupin were selected from a large germplasm screening trial (SUK-3 and LUP-6483 as pure fodder cultivars, LUP-230 and LUP-248 as grain cultivars, and Dieta, Lodi, and LUP-6463 as dual purpose) were grown under hot arid environment and data were recorded for variability in yield, chemical composition and in situ degradation kinetics according to the NorFor standards. The in-situ incubation of the samples were performed in two rumen cannulated buffaloes to observe the degradation profiles of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) at various time intervals. The results of chemical composition indicated that CP ranged from 145-199 g/kg DM for fodder cultivars, and 314-413 g/kg DM for grain cultivars. The NDF ranged from 394-462 g/kg DM for fodder cultivars, and 189-233 g/kg DM for grain cultivars. The results of agronomic traits of fodder indicated that the dual-purpose cultivar LUP-6463 had the highest fresh forage yield (10.72 tons/acre) and CP (199 g/kg DM) while Lodi had the maximum fat (40.3 g/kg DM) and NDF (462 g/kg DM) concentrations. Whereas the grain cultivar LUP-230 had the highest grain yield (2.14 tons/acre), followed by LUP-6463. The grain cultivar LUP-230 had the superior DM and CP degradability while LUP-6463 had the maximum NDF degradability. By combining the data of yield, nutrient composition and degradability, it is evident that the dual-purpose cultivar of white Lupin LUP-6463 and grain cultivar LUP-230 can provide excellent feeding and nutritive values to replace commonly used green fodders and protein sources such as soybean in the buffaloes feeding.

Introduction: Dietary protein and energy supplies are critical during the transition period of dairy cows. Although prepartum restricted energy has several benefits, supplies of protein and energy vary concurrently, and it remains unclear whether it is the effect of prepartum protein and energy supplies independently or it is the protein-to-energy ratio that matters. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to observe the effects of the prepartum dietary protein-to-energy ratio on the postpartum performance of dairy cows fed for prepartum restricted or ad libitum intake.

Methods: Studies conducted on the manipulation of prepartum dietary protein or energy were included in the analysis. A total of 16 experiments were included with 47 dietary treatments. To distinguish linear trends from non-linear responses, a linear GLM model was used to assess the overall direction of the response, whereas a quadratic MIXED model was applied to test curvilinear responses while accounting for between-study heterogeneity.

Results: The prepartum protein-to-energy ratio of the experiments ranged from 40.7 to 84.3 g/Mcal per kg of dry matter. Postpartum milk fat yield increased quadratically with an increase in the protein-to-energy ratio only in those studies where restricted energy intake was compared with ad libitum/high-energy intake (p=0.03). Milk yield and postpartum feed intake remained unaffected (p>0.05). However, milk yield tended to increase (p=0.09), while the milk yield/kg of dry matter linearly increased with increasing prepartum metabolizable protein intake (p=0.02). In prepartum ad libitum intake experiments, milk fat content and postpartum body condition score decreased with increasing prepartum metabolizable protein intake (p<0.05). Milk yield increased linearly in those studies where prepartum feed was offered for ad libitum/high-energy intake but at the cost of increased body condition loss (p<0.01).

Conclusions: Overall, beyond their individual effects, the ratio of prepartum dietary protein to energy influences the postpartum performance of dairy cows. Nevertheless, feeding strategies (restricted vs. ad libitum) should be considered while balancing prepartum dietary protein and energy contents.

This study evaluated the potential of tropical forage species to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce enteric methane emissions using the in vitro gas production technique. The objective was to assess digestibility and methane (CH₄) production of Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf and Inga edulis Mart., evaluated individually and in mixtures, as a strategy to enhance the sustainability of tropical livestock systems. Forages were incubated in vitro for 48 h, either alone or combined, and total gas production, dry matter degradation (DMD), and methane production were measured. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized block design. I. edulis showed a substantially higher crude protein content than U. brizantha (18.16 vs. 6.31%), while neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was also higher in I. edulis (78.88 vs. 67.28%). After 48 h of incubation, U. brizantha and the mixture containing 15% I. edulis produced the highest total gas volumes (179.33 and 175.04 mL/g DM, respectively), followed by the mixture with 30% inclusion (153.83 mL/g DM). In contrast, pure I. edulis showed the lowest gas production (31.46 mL/g DM). Significant differences in DMD were observed among treatments. At 24 h, U. brizantha showed the highest degradation (50.39%), followed by mixtures with 15% (49.10%) and 30% (44.88%) I. edulis, while the legume alone had the lowest value (14.03%). A similar pattern was observed at 48 h. Methane production at 24 h was highest in U. brizantha (5.45 mL/g DM), followed by mixtures with 15% (5.21 mL/g DM) and 30% (4.26 mL/g DM) I. edulis. Pure I. edulis produced negligible methane (0.03 mL/g DM). These results indicate that moderate inclusion (15%) of I. edulis maintains fermentative activity similar to that of the grass alone, while higher inclusion levels reduce gas production, dry matter degradation, and methane emissions.

Introduction: The increasing global demand for animal protein requires sustainable ingredients that reduce dependence on fishmeal. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal is a promising alternative, but information on its use for paco (Piaractus brachypomus) juveniles is limited. This study evaluated the apparent digestibility, growth performance and blood biochemical profile of paco fed diets in which fishmeal was partially or totally replaced by H. illucens larvae meal.

Methods: An apparent digestibility trial was conducted for 6 weeks in Gelph-type collectors using 9 fish fed control, fishmeal and H. illucens meal test diets. A 60-day growth trial was carried out at the Pucayagro fish farm, located in the San Martín region, Peru, with 4 replicate tanks per treatment and 20 fingerlings per tank. Experimental diets replaced fishmeal with insect meal at 0%, 30%, 60% and 100%. At the end of the growth trial, blood samples were collected for analysis of triglycerides, cholesterol, hepatic enzymes, glucose and total protein.

Results: H. illucens larvae meal showed high apparent digestibility, particularly for ether extract (97%) and crude protein (88%). Fish fed the 30% replacement diet achieved weight gain comparable to the control, whereas 60% and 100% replacement reduced growth. Diets containing insect meal increased the amount of plasma triglycerides and induced a progressive reduction in cholesterol with an increasing replacement level. Activities of AST and ALT rose at higher inclusion levels, while glucose and total protein levels remained within physiological ranges.

Conclusions: Dried H. illucens larvae meal can replace up to 30% of dietary fishmeal in paco fingerlings without compromising growth or key blood biochemical indicators. Higher replacement levels negatively affect performance and may challenge hepatic function, highlighting 30% fishmeal substitution as a practical upper limit under the present conditions.

The marine aquarium trade involves the commercialization of > 2500 species, yet few of these species are obtained from captivity. Fishes play an important role in the international marine trade, and the Gobiidae family is one of the most important, representing 5-7% of the total demand for marine organisms. To advance our understanding of culturing practices for aquarium fishes, the present study details the reproductive performance of the redhead goby, Elacatinus puncticulatus, a small, rocky reef fish used in the aquarium trade. Twenty-three reproductive pairs were monitored in laboratory conditions. The mean standard length of individuals was 25 ± 3 mm (mean ± SD), and males were bigger than females by at least 1 mm. We gathered data on the following parameters: (1) days until first spawning, (2) inter-spawning interval, and (3) number of eggs per spawning. Days until first spawning averaged 69 ± 40 days, being shorter when a female was in advanced gonadic development. When a female was paired with a bigger male, days until first spawning decreased, especially when the male was 6–8 mm bigger than the female. Inter-spawning intervals averaged 14 ± 13 days and were unrelated to standard length or the size difference between reproductive pairs. Finally, the number of eggs was 189 ± 69 and showed a positive relationship with female size, and tended to decrease with every new spawning event. The present work is the first to describe the reproductive performance of wild-caught redhead goby individuals in captivity, and such findings will potentially have implications for rearing the redhead goby for the aquarium trade.