Journal of Animal Feed Science and Technology

Background: Verminous bronchitis in small ruminants is widely prevalent in many regions of India and neighboring countries. The sheep lung worm Dictyocaulus filaria, is the principal etiological agent responsible for weight loss, anaemia, hematological changes and causing mortality in sheep. Aim: Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze various hematological factors in Nellore brown infected sheep with Dictyocaulus filaria, the main causative agent of Verminous bronchitis in sheep and its successful control. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out to record the hematological changes in Nellore brown sheep affected with lung worms. Total 25 adult sheep and 17 lambs were identified and isolated from a sheep flock (n=387), showing symptoms of respiratory illness, dullness, coughing, anaemia, dyspnoea, laboured breathing and depression. Results: The infection showed an increase in Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocyte count (TLC). However, a decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), Hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count (TEC), blood pH in Dictyocaulus filaria infected sheep. All the affected sheep were successfully treated with two doses of levamisole hydrochloride @ 7.5 mg/kg body weight at 21 days interval as well as by minimizing exposer to the contaminated pastures. Conclusion: The present study reveals that a significant reduction in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume whereas, a significant increase in total leukocyte count and Erythrocyte sedimentation rates in sheep affected with Dictyocaulus filaria.

The valorization of agri-food and agro-industrial by-products has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable food and feed production systems. Traditionally considered waste, these by-products are now recognized as valuable resources rich in proteins, fibers, lipids, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Their strategic incorporation into livestock and pet food formulations enhances nutritional quality, gut health, and overall animal performance while contributing to resource efficiency and circular economy objectives. Technological innovations in rendering, extrusion, fermentation, and bioprocessing have enabled the transformation of heterogeneous by-products into safe, functional, and nutritionally standardized feed ingredients. Mechanistic insights from recent studies highlight improved nutrient digestibility, antioxidant potential, and modulation of the gut microbiota, thereby linking compositional attributes with measurable physiological and productive outcomes in animals. From an environmental perspective, valorization substantially reduces waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environmental footprint of food production by diverting organic residues from landfills. Economically, it decreases feed formulation costs and opens novel market opportunities through the development of eco-labeled, sustainable pet food and livestock feed products. However, challenges such as compositional variability, regulatory compliance, and consumer perception remain barriers to large-scale adoption. Ongoing research into nutrient standardization, traceability, and green processing technologies continues to bridge these gaps. The efficient utilization of agri-food and agro-industrial by-products exemplifies the convergence of sustainability, technology, and innovation. It represents a viable pathway toward resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible food and feed systems aligned with global sustainability goals.

Tail necrosis in buffaloes is an important clinical condition that compromises animal welfare and productivity. The tail plays a vital role in thermoregulation and insect deterrence and injuries, if neglected, may progress to necrosis and gangrene due to trauma, frostbite, infection, vascular compromise or nutritional disorders such as Degnala disease. The present report describes four cases of tail necrosis in buffaloes and their successful management by surgical intervention. Four adult female buffaloes aged 4–7 years were presented with foul-smelling discharge, tissue sloughing, black discoloration and non-bleeding necrotic lesions of the distal tail. Two cases were trauma-induced, one was attributed to frostbite and one to chronic fly strike with secondary bacterial infection. Clinical examination confirmed non-viable and painful tissue distal to the mid-coccygeal vertebra. Surgical amputation was performed under caudal epidural anesthesia using 2% lignocaine hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg). Standard aseptic preparation, proximal tourniquet and ligation of coccygeal vessels with absorbable sutures were followed by cruciate silk skin sutures. Postoperative therapy included ceftriaxone, meloxicam, daily antiseptic dressing and fly repellents. All animals recovered uneventfully, sutures were removed on Day 10 and complete wound healing was achieved by Day 14 without complications. These outcomes align with earlier studies that advocate prompt surgical management of tail gangrene in bovines (Dhillon et al., 2006; Jena and Sahoo, 2014; Patil et al., 2020; Nuss and Feist, 2011). Conservative dressings may help in mild cases, but advanced necrosis necessitates surgical amputation to prevent ascending infection, osteomyelitis and systemic illness. In conclusion, early diagnosis and surgical amputation under regional anesthesia provide favorable outcomes in buffaloes with tail necrosis. This approach, combined with appropriate wound care and antimicrobial therapy, ensures complete recovery, enhances animal welfare and maintains productivity.

Obstructive urolithiasis is a major surgical emergency in young male buffalo calves, often leading to life-threatening complications such as urinary bladder rupture. This case report describes the successful surgical management of an 8-month-old male buffalo calf presented with complete urinary obstruction. Clinical examination and exploratory laparotomy revealed a ruptured urinary bladder with partial necrosis of the dorsal wall and uroperitoneum. Following peritoneal lavage, necrotic tissue was carefully debrided and a tube cystotomy was performed using a Foley catheter to establish urinary drainage. Postoperative management included fluid therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, analgesics, daily bladder flushing, and dietary modification. Ammonium chloride (200 mg/kg orally for 10 days) was administered as a urinary acidifier to prevent recurrence. The calf recovered uneventfully, with restoration of normal urination after catheter removal on day 10. This case highlights the effectiveness of tube cystotomy combined with bladder debridement and intensive postoperative care in salvaging ruptured bladders in buffalo calf.

Pyometra is a hormone-mediated, severe life-threatening uterine infection commonly affecting intact female dogs during diestrus. This report describes the clinical evaluation and surgical management of a chronic open-cervix pyometra in a 4-year-old German Shepherd Dog, presented to the Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Post-Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education & Research (RAJUVAS), Jaipur with a sixmonth history of persistent purulent vulvar discharge. The bitch had undergone multiple unsuccessful courses of antibiotic and hormonal treatments prior to referral. Clinical, ultrasonographic and hematobiochemical evaluation confirmed pyometra. The case was managed by ovariohysterectomy following appropriate stabilization. The outcome was favourable, emphasizing the role of early surgical intervention in medically refractory pyometra.

mon traumatic injuries that can lead to severe haemorrhage, pain and secondary sinus infection. This report describes the clinical management of a 5-year-old buffalo presented with a complete transverse fracture of the right horn sustained during transportation. Clinical examination revealed active bleeding, sinus exposure and pain on palpation. Surgical amputation was performed under cornual nerve block using a gigli wire, followed by debridement, haemostasis, lavage and wound packing. Postoperative care included systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, tetanus prophylaxis and routine dressing. The animal showed uneventful recovery, with complete healing by day 21 and resumption of normal feeding and production. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, surgical intervention and appropriate postoperative management in horn fractures of buffaloes.