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Volume 16 (3); May 2026

Research Paper

Clinicopathological characterization of cutaneous papillomatosis in cattle from new valley governorate, Egypt

AL Ghaythan AA, Marzok M, Elkhidr RY, Shousha S, Saber M, El-Sherif M, and Hassan M.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): 132-139, 2026; pii: S222877012600016-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.16 

Abstract

Bovine papillomatosis is a contagious proliferative skin disease of cattle caused by bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs). It is characterized by exophytic, papillary, or cauliflower-like lesions affecting the skin or mucous membranes and occurs worldwide, particularly in young animals. Histopathology remains a reliable confirmatory diagnostic tool in field settings lacking molecular techniques. This descriptive observational field study included 50 cattle with lesions clinically consistent with cutaneous papillomatosis. Animals of both sexes, aged 9 months to 4 years, were evaluated for sex, age, lesion size, multiplicity, and anatomical distribution. Representative lesions were surgically excised, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed by routine paraffin embedding, sectioned at 4μm, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Data are presented as counts and percentages, and the study followed STROBE guidelines. Most affected cattle were female (76.0%) and aged 9–18 months (74.0%). Lesions smaller than 10 cm³ predominated (78.0%). Multiple lesions were more common than solitary ones, with three animals presenting up to 20 lesions each. A total of 211 lesion sites were recorded, with the highest frequency in the head and neck region (51.7%), followed by the chest, abdomen, and withers (23.2%). Histopathology revealed epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, elongated rete pegs, papillary projections with fibrovascular cores, fibroblastic proliferation, and variable inflammatory infiltration, including occasional vascular thrombosis. This study showed that bovine cutaneous papillomatosis in this setting predominantly affects young cattle and shows a marked predilection for the head and neck. Histopathological features align with classical papillomatous and fibropapillomatous lesions, supporting their value as a practical diagnostic tool in field conditions.
Keywords: Cattle, Molecular typing, Mucous membranes, Papillomatosis, Skin.

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Research Paper

Growth performance of native chickens fed diets containing fermented putak (Corypha gebanga)

Koni TNI, Foenay TAY, Rohyati E, and Widu AA.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): 140-144, 2026; pii: S222877012600017-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.17 

Abstract

Putak, a potential feed ingredient obtained from the inner pith of the gebang palm (Corypha gebanga), is traditionally used on Timor Island, Indonesia. However, its low crude protein content and high fibre level restrict its inclusion in poultry diets. Previous studies have indicated that fermentation with 10% palmyra sap for six days enhances the crude protein content of putak. This study evaluated the effects of graded dietary inclusion levels of fermented putak on the growth performance of native chickens during the starter phase. A completely randomized design was applied with four dietary treatments and five replications (7 birds per replicate): 0% (P0), 10% (P1), 20% (P2), and 30% (P3) fermented putak inclusion in the diet. Increasing levels of fermented putak significantly affected feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.05) but did not significantly influence feed intake or body weight gain (P > 0.05). The FCR of birds fed the control diet did not differ significantly from that of birds fed diets containing 10% fermented putak, whereas poorer FCR values were significantly observed at inclusion levels of 20%. In conclusion, fermented putak can be included at levels of up to 10% in the diets of native chickens during the starter phase without adverse effects on feed efficiency. Future studies should aim to optimize the inclusion level of fermented putak beyond 10% by improving its nutritional quality, particularly through enhanced fermentation techniques or the use of feed additives such as enzymes. Research should also investigate its long-term effects across different growth phases of native chickens, as well as its impact on carcass characteristics and overall health. 
Keywords: Feed efficiency, Gebang palm, Growth performance, Native chickens, Palmyra sap.

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Research Paper

Influence of dry microbial composition based on lactobacilli strains on the physiological and microbiological status of Romanian pheasants

Luneva AV, Lysenko YA, Marchenko EY.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): 145-151, 2026; pii: S222877012600018-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.18 

Abstract

This study presents the results of evaluating the effects of a dry microbial composition based on lactobacilli strains (Loigolactobacillus coryniformis and Lactobacillus johnsonii), isolated from the intestinal tract of pheasants, on productivity, physiological status, and gut microbiocenosis of Romanian pheasants. The experiment was conducted on 140 birds divided into four groups: one control group and three experimental groups receiving the microbial composition at inclusion levels of 0.5–1.5% of the feed mixture. The trial duration was 91 days. Survival rate, body weight dynamics, feed intake, hematological and biochemical blood parameters were assessed, along with bacteriological analysis of the cecal contents. The results demonstrated that supplementation with the microbial composition at a dose of 1.0% yielded the most pronounced effects, including an increase in survival rate up to 100%, a statistically significant increase in body weight by 7.2%, and a reduction in feed conversion ratio by 4.2% compared to the control group. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed no signs of toxicity or adverse effects of the microbial additive on the experimental birds. Microbiological analysis of the cecal chyme showed that administration of the microbial composition induced a restructuring of the gut microbiome, characterized by an increase in beneficial microbiota, namely Lactobacillus spp. (1.1–2.9-fold) and Bifidobacterium spp. (1.4–3.6-fold), accompanied by a reduction in opportunistic microorganisms. The study shows the efficacy of the developed dry microbial composition in Romanian pheasant production, with the optimal effect, at a dosage of 1.0% of the compound feed.
Keywords: Body weight, Dry microbial composition, Feed conversion ratio, Gut microbiota, Lactobacillus.

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Research Paper

Physiological responses of sheep’s milk to forage-based diets produced using ‎treated wastewater

Al-Atiyat RM, Malhis I, Al-Dawood A, Rashaydeh F, Tabbaa MJ, Titi H, Omar JA.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): 152-158, 2026; pii: S222877012600019-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.19 

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding strategies and irrigation ‎methods of forage on sheep milk yield and composition. Specifically, it evaluated the impact of ‎alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and guinea grass (Panicum maximum)-based diets ‎irrigated with either treated wastewater (TWW), after physical, biological, and chemical methods to remove contaminants or fresh water. 30 lactating ewes were ‎assigned to different feeding groups, and milk yield and composition parameters ‎including fat, solids-not-fat (SNF), lactose, protein, and total solids were analyzed ‎over a 25-day period. Results indicated that while milk yield remained stable across ‎feeding groups, significant differences ‎(P ‎≤ 0.05‎) ‎were observed in milk composition. The ‎highest milk yield (3.5 kg/day) was recorded in ewes supplemented with 100% M. ‎sativa irrigated with TWW, while the lowest yield (1.5 kg/day) was observed in the ‎‎50% straw irrigated with freshwater treatment. Milk fat percentage and lactose did not ‎significantly differ between feeding treatments, meanwhile SNF, density, total solids, ‎and protein content were significantly affected. Ewes consuming Panicum maximum irrigated with TWW had higher SNF and protein levels, suggesting a ‎nutritional advantage of drought-resistant grasses in dairy production. A significant ‎decline ‎(P ‎≤ 0.05‎) in milk fat percentage was observed over time, particularly in ewes consuming ‎‎100% M. sativa irrigated with TWW. These findings suggest that feeding strategy ‎plays a more decisive role in milk composition than irrigation type, with P. maximum‎ ‎improving SNF and protein levels. Irrigated with treated wastewater did not negatively impact milk ‎yield or major composition parameters, indicating its potential as a sustainable ‎irrigation source for forage plants.
Keywords: Feeding strategies, Medicago sativa, Panicum maximum, Sheep, Wastewater.

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Research Paper

Impact of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis supplement on reproductive and productive qualities of sows

Karatieievа O, Lіuta I, Kramarenko A, and Kramarenko S.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): 159-171, 2026; pii: S222877012600020-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.20

Abstract

In modern livestock management, biotechnological products, including feed additives, are widely utilized to enhance productivity. One such agent is probiotics, which have been employed for a long time in both human food and livestock. Their effects are based on various biological mechanism–including the reduction of intestinal acidity, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and stimulation of the immune response. Unlike antibiotics, which are prohibited in animal feed, probiotic supplements are regarded as safe alternatives for maintaining animal health and prophylaxis disease. In particular, in the diets of sows, probiotics contribute to the improvement of overall physiological condition and stimulate the development of beneficial intestinal microflora. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in studying effective probiotic bacteria and developing advanced biotechnological preparations. Among promising candidates are probiotics based on Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, which have been evaluated in various animal species for their potential beneficial effects on host physiology. The use of such probiotic feed additives has demonstrated favorable effects in sows across different ages and physiological stages. The administration of this probiotic for both young and adult animals during periods of preparation for fertilization, as well as before and after farrowing, positively affected their reproductive function. Improvements were observed in indicators such as sexual reflex expression, fertilization rates, litter size, and the number of live births. Additionally, significant enhancements in growth, weight gain, and the survival of piglets up to two months of age were recorded. The optimal doses of probiotic use were determined to be 1.0% of the daily ration for young sows and 1.5% for adults. Therefore, the results of this study substantiate the inclusion of a probiotic supplement combining these two bacteria in the diets of sows to enhance their productivity and the quality of their offspring.
Keywords: Biotechnological products, Gastrointestinal microflora, Immune system, Probiotics, Sows, Reproductive capacity.

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Research Paper

Genetic and biochemical characteristics of sire bulls (Bos taurus) in reproductive biotechnologies

Melnyk V, Gill M, and Tymofiiv M.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): 172-182, 2026; pii: S222877012600021-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.21

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between polymorphic serum protein systems – transferrin (Tf), amylase (Am), and ceruloplasmin, (Cp)- and sperm production parameters, as well as fertilization rates, in Red Steppe and Angeln cattle. Electrophoresis was employed to determine protein phenotypes and calculate levels of heterozygosity. The relevance of this study is justified by the necessity of establishing immunogenetic markers to enhance selection efficiency. Analysis revealed breed-specific immunogenetic markers. Regarding the Transferrin (Tf) locus in Red Steppe bulls, the highest sperm production indicators were observed in homozygous individuals (Tf^AA, Tf^DD), whereas in the Angeln breed, superior sperm volume was noted in heterozygous individuals (Tf^AD). Cows inseminated with sperm from heterozygous pairs generally exhibited significantly higher fertility rates than those inseminated with sperm from homozygous pairs. The Amylase (Am) system confirmed the negative influence of the Am^CC phenotype, which is associated with the lowest level of sperm production and fertility. In the Red Steppe breed, homozygous Am^BB sire bulls possessed the highest reproductive qualities. The study of the Ceruloplasmin (Cp) system revealed that in the Red Steppe breed, heterozygotes (Cp^BC) demonstrated the highest fertility, despite the superior sperm productivity of homozygotes (Cp^AA). Conversely, in the Angeln breed, Cp^BB homozygotes prevailed in both indicators. These results suggest that the optimal level of heterozygosity may depend on breed-specific genetic backgrounds. Red steppe bulls that were homozygous or possessed a 25% heterozygosity level exhibited the highest sperm production and fertilization ability, whereas the optimal level of Angeln bulls was 50%. It is recommended that homozygosity levels of Tf, Am, and Cp be incorporated into selection indices when purchasing sire bulls to improve the reproductive qualities of the herd.
Keywords: Amylase, Bos taurus, Ceruloplasmin, Heterozygosity, Semen quality, Sire bull, Transferrin.

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Research Paper

Growth performance, mineral composition and heavy metal accumulation in Jambo grass (Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanense) irrigated with industrial effluent

Islam S, Islam M.R, Selim ASM, Bristi SS.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): , 2026; pii: S222877012600020-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.20

Abstract

The use of industrial wastewater for forage production is increasing in peri-urban livestock systems, yet its implications for fodder safety remain uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of graded industrial effluent irrigation on growth characteristics, nutrient composition, and heavy metal accumulation in Jambo grass (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense). A pot experiment was conducted using five irrigation treatments comprising fresh water (control) and 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% industrial effluent. Morphological traits, biomass yield, proximate composition, and concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe were determined in soil and plant tissues. Moderate effluent application (25–50%) improved plant height, leaf production, and total biomass yield compared with the control. However, progressive increases in effluent concentration resulted in elevated accumulation of Pb and Cd, particularly in roots and leaves. At higher effluent levels (≥75%), Pb and Cd concentrations in edible plant parts exceeded recommended limits for livestock feed, despite proximate composition remaining largely unaffected. Crude protein and fiber fractions showed no significant variation among treatments. The results indicate that diluted industrial effluent may support Jambo grass productivity, but unrestricted use poses potential risks to livestock health due to heavy metal contamination. Careful dilution and routine monitoring are therefore essential if wastewater-irrigated fodder is to be used in animal feeding systems. 
Keywords: Forage quality, Jambo grass, Heavy metals, Livestock feed safety, Wastewater irrigation.

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Research Paper

Enhancing nutrient digestibility and microbial fermentation in rice straw-based diets using cassava, copra, and palm kernel meals

Noviandi CT, Astuti A, Utomo R, and Agus A.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(3): , 2026; pii: S222877012600021-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.21 

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of cassava-urea and protein meal supplementation at different proportions on the in vitro fermentation characteristics and digestibility of rice straw-based diets. Five diets were prepared with 20% rice straw as the base, and cassava-urea to protein meal ratios of 80:0 (T1), 70:10 (T2), 60:20 (T3), 50:30 (T4), and 40:40 (T5). In vitro digestibility and fermentation traits were analyzed using a two-stage method. The results showed that higher levels of protein meal improved crude protein digestibility from 67.5 to 81.1%. However, this increases reduced dry matter and organic matter digestibility, dropping from 82.8 to 75.0% and from 83.4 to 74.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). The pH remained within the optimal range of 7.29 to 7.41, with no significant change in total volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, which ranged from 40.9 to 44.8 mM. The ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) levels rose significantly from 7.86 to 11.4 mg/100 mL. This led to a decrease in the VFA:NH₃-N ratio, which changed from 5.30 to 4.05 (P < 0.05). This suggests an energy-to-nitrogen imbalance at higher protein meal levels. Microbial protein synthesis improved from 1.17 to 1.35 mg/mL (P < 0.05), likely due to increased nitrogen availability despite the imbalance. Including a moderate amount of protein meals, specifically 60% cassava-urea and 20% protein meal, provided a better balance in digestibility and fermentation efficiency. This highlights the importance of optimizing the energy-to-protein ratio in ruminant feed formulations.
Keywords: Cassava meal, In vitro digestibility, Microbial protein synthesis, Rice straw, Rumen fermentation.

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