Slovenian Veterinary Research

DETERMINATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS RESPONSES INDUCED BY THE COMBINATION OF 4 DIFFERENT RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN Dreissena polymorpha

Osman Serdar — 2026-03-31

Rare Earth Elements (REE), whose usage areas are increasing day by day, are increasing in the amount of mixing with the environment, causing changes in antioxidant enzyme activities by causing oxidative stress in living organisms. In this study, it was aimed to examine the oxidative stress responses induced by the mixture of 4 different REEs (terbium, gadolinium, Lanthanum, Praseodymium) in Dreissena polymorpha. For this purpose, sublethal concentration values were determined by literature review. Experimental application was carried out within 24 and 96 hours. In the analyzes performed to determine biomarker responses, samples taken from living organisms were weighed and homogenization processes were performed for the analysis of samples taken from the experimental groups, including the control group. After homogenization, samples were centrifuged at 4.000 rpm for 15 minutes. Supernatants were kept at -86 °C until measurements were made. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. One-way ANOVA (Duncan’s multiple range test; p < 0.05) was used for comparison of measured parameters among groups. As a result of the application, a decrease in CAT activity and GSH level and an increase in TBARS levels were observed after 96 hours compared to the control group, while no statistically significant difference was detected in SOD and GPx activities.

Determinacija odgovorov na oksidativni stres, ki ga povzroča kombinacija 4 različnih redkih zemljinskih elementov v Dreissena polymorpha

Izvleček: Redki zemeljski elementi (REE), katerih uporaba se iz dneva v dan povečuje, se vse bolj mešajo z okoljem in povzročajo spremembe v aktivnosti antioksidativnih encimov, saj v živih organizmih povzročajo oksidativni stres. V tej študiji smo želeli preučiti odzive na oksidativni stres, ki jih povzroča mešanica 4 različnih REE (Terbij, gadolinija, lantana, praseodima) v Dreissena polymorpha. V ta namen so bile na podlagi pregleda literature določene subletalne koncentracije. Eksperimentalna aplikacija je bila izvedena v 24 in 96 urah. V analizah, izvedenih za določitev odzivov biomarkerjev, so bili vzorci, odvzeti iz živih organizmov, stehtani in homogenizirani za analizo vzorcev, odvzetih iz eksperimentalnih skupin, vključno s kontrolno skupino. Po homogenizaciji so bili vzorci 15 minut centrifugirani pri 4000 rpm. Supernatanti so bili shranjeni pri temperaturi –86 °C do izvedbe meritev. Aktivnosti superoksid dismutaze (SOD), katalaze (CAT) in glutation peroksidaze (GPx) ter ravni glutationa (GSH) in s tiopropioninsko kislino reaktivnih snovi (TBARS) so bile določene z uporabo kompletov ELISA. Statistične analize so bile opravljene z uporabo SPSS. Za primerjavo izmerjenih parametrov med skupinami je bila uporabljena enosmerna ANOVA (Duncanov test večkratnega obsega; p < 0,05). Kot rezultat uporabe je bilo po 96 urah v primerjavi s kontrolno skupino opazno zmanjšanje aktivnosti CAT in ravni GSH ter povečanje ravni TBARS, medtem ko v aktivnostih SOD in GPx ni bila ugotovljena statistično značilna razlika.

Ključne besede: antioksidativni encimi; Dreissena polymorpha; oksidativni stres; redki zemeljski elementi; snovi, ki reagirajo s tiobarbiturno kislino

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ANESTHESIA COMBINATIONS ON CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS IN WHITE NEW ZEALAND RABBITS

Yakup Kocaman — 2026-03-31

The objective of this study is to assess the morphological and physiological alterations in the heart resulting from four distinct anesthesia combinations, with midazolam, medetomidine, and dexmedetomidine applied as preanesthetics in White New Zealand rabbits. For the study, a total of 32 white New Zealand rabbits were divided into four different groups. The vertebral heart score was measured in rabbits before (T₀) and at 5 (T₅), 10 (T₁₀), 30 (T₃₀), 50 (T₅₀) and 70 (T₇₀) minutes during the experiment. Concurrently, measurements were taken for the electrocardiographic parameters, all at consistent time intervals. Heart frequency, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mean arterial pressure and peripheral blood oxygen saturation were measured for a total of 60 minutes with 5 minutes intervals before and during preanesthesia. The vertebral heart score changed in all groups except the Mid+Med group. In the electrocardiographic assessment, in the Mid+Med, Deks, and Mid+Deks groups, an extension in the duration of the QRS wave and QT interval was observed, while no significant change was detected in the durations of the PR interval and T wave. Conversely, in the Me group, a distinct prolongation was observed in the duration of the P wave. Peripheral blood oxygen saturation values increased, heart frequency, mean arterial pressure and rectal temperature parameters decreased in entire groups. Following a thorough analysis of all the data in this study,it was observed that the morphological and physiological effects on the heart induced by the Mid+Med group resulted in less pronounced changes compared to the other groups.

Raziskava učinkov različnih kombinacij anestezije na kardiovaskularne parametre pri belih novozelandskih kuncih

Izvleček: Cilj te študije je bil ovrednotiti morfološke in fiziološke spremembe srca, nastale zaradi štirih različnih kombinacij anestezije, pri čemer so bili kot sedativi uporabljeni midazolam, medetomidin in dexmedetomidin pri belih novozelandskih kuncih. V študiji smo 32 živali razdelili v štiri različne skupine. Vrednost vertebralnega srčnega indeksa je bila merjena pri zajcih pred poskusom (T0) in po 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 30 (T30), 50 (T50) in 70 (T70) minutah med poskusom. Hkrati so bile v enakih časovnih intervalih opravljene meritve elektrokardiografskih parametrov. Srčno frekvenco, frekvenco dihanja, rektalno temperaturo, srednji arterijski tlak in nasičenost periferne krvi s kisikom smo merili skupaj 60 minut, s 5-minutnimi presledki pred in med sedacijo. Vrednost vertebralnega srčnega indeksa se je spremenila v vseh skupinah,razen v skupini Mid+Med. Pri elektrokardiografski oceni smo v skupinah Mid+Med, Dex in Mid+Dex opazili podaljšanjetrajanja vala QRS in intervala QT, medtem ko pri trajanju intervala PR in vala T nismo zaznali bistvenih sprememb. Nasprotno smo v skupini Me opazili izrazito podaljšanje trajanja vala P. Vrednosti nasičenosti periferne krvi s kisikomso se povečale, srčna frekvenca, srednji arterijski tlak in parametri rektalne temperature so se v vseh skupinah znižali.Po temeljiti analizi vseh podatkov v tej študiji je bilo ugotovljeno, da so morfološki in fiziološki učinki na srce, zaznani vskupini Mid+Med, povzročili manj izrazite spremembe v primerjavi z drugimi skupinami.

Ključne besede: elektrokardiografija; radiografija; kunec; VHS

CHANGES IN BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS IN BROILER CHICKENS EXPOSED TO GADOLINIUM AND LANTHANUM ORTHOVANADATE NANOPARTICLES

Alla Masliuk — 2026-03-31

In our research, we were interested in the presence of changes in the biochemical profile of the blood serum of broiler chickens under the influence of nanoparticles of gadolinium orthovanadate (NP GdVO₄:Eu³⁺), lanthanum orthovanadate (NP LaVO₄:Eu³⁺) and their mixture in therapeutic doses, which were established by us in previous studies on white rats. Day-old broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross (n=150) were used as the object of study. Chickens of the experimental group I received NP GdVO₄:Eu³⁺ for 10 days at a dose of 0.2 mg/L of drinking water, experimental group II – NP LaVO₄:Eu³⁺ at a dose of 0.2 mg/L of drinking water, experimental group III – NP GdVO₄:Eu³⁺ and NP LaVO₄:Eu³⁺ at a dose of 0.2 mg/L of drinking water (on average, chickens received 0.09 (0.13-0.05) mg/kg body weight of NP) and chickens of the experimental group IV received with water the veterinary vitamin drug Devivit Complex to compare the antioxidant effect at a dose of 0.3 ml/L of drinking water, chickens of the control group received drinking water without additives. After 10 days, NP administration was stopped and the chickens were observed for another 5 days. The administration of these nanoparticles to broiler chickens for 10 days was found to lead to a decrease in lipid metabolism (total cholesterol and triglycerides), protein metabolism (uric acid) and lipid peroxidation (diene conjugates and malondialdehyde) against the background of activation of carbohydrate metabolism (increased glucose concentration) and activity of hepatospecific enzymes (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases) with a prolonged effect after discontinuation of administration. The data obtained show that rare earth element orthovanadates nanoparticles have antioxidant properties. These nanoparticles are promising candidates for use in feed additives and veterinary drugs with an adaptogenic effect.

Spremembe biokemičnih označevalcev pri pitovnih piščancih, izpostavljenih nanodelcem gadolinijevega in lantanovega ortovanadata

Izvleček: V raziskavi nas je zanimala prisotnost sprememb v biokemičnem profilu krvnega seruma piščancev brojlerjev pod vplivom nanodelcev gadolinijevega ortovanadata (NP GdVO₄:Eu³⁺), lantanovega ortovanadata (NP LaVO₄:Eu³⁺) in njihove mešanice v terapevtskih odmerkih, ki smo jih ugotovili v prejšnjih študijah na belih podganah. Raziskava je bila izvedena na enodnevnih brojlerjih Cobb 500 cross (n = 150). Piščanci eksperimentalne skupine I so 10 dni prejemali NP GdVO₄:Eu³⁺ v odmerku 0,2 mg/l pitne vode, piščanci eksperimentalne skupine II – NP LaVO₄:Eu³⁺ v odmerku 0,2 mg/l pitne vode, piščanci eksperimentalne skupine III pa NP GdVO₄:Eu³⁺ in NP LaVO₄:Eu³⁺ v odmerku 0,2 mg/l pitne vode (v povprečju so piščanci prejemali 0,09 (0,13–0,05) mg/kg telesne mase NP). Piščanci poskusne skupine IV so z vodo prejemali veterinarski vitaminski pripravek Devivit Complex v odmerku 0,3 ml/l pitne vode za primerjavo antioksidativnega učinka, piščanci kontrolne skupine pa pitno vodo brez dodatkov. Po 10 dneh smo prenehali dajati NP in piščance opazovali še 5 dni. Ugotovili smo, da je 10-dnevno dajanje omenjenih nanodelcev piščancem brojlerjem povzročilo zmanjšanje presnove lipidov (skupnega holesterola in trigliceridov), presnove beljakovin (sečne kisline) in peroksidacije lipidov (dienskih konjugatov in malondialdehida) ob aktivaciji presnove ogljikovih hidratov (povečani koncentraciji glukoze) in aktivnosti hepatospecifičnih encimov (alanina in aspartat aminotransferaze) s podaljšanim učinkom po prekinitvi dajanja. Pridobljeni podatki kažejo, da imajo nanodelci ortovanadatov redkih zemeljskih elementov antioksidativne lastnosti, zato so obetavni kandidati za uporabo v krmnih dodatkih in veterinarskih zdravilih z adaptogenim vplivom.

Ključne besede: nanodelci gadolinijevega ortovanadata; nanodelci lantanovega ortovanadata; biokemični označevalci; piščanci brojlerji; krvni serum

EFFECT OF LED LIGHT COLOUR AND STOCKING DENSITY ON SOME HEMATOLOGICAL AND OXIDATIVE STRESS PARAMETERS IN JAPANESE QUAILS

Evrim Dereli Fidan — 2026-03-31

The study evaluated the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) light colour and stocking density on the hematological parameters, oxidative metabolism, and organ weights of quails. Several key management factors that influence the welfare of broilers include light color and stocking density. For this reason, this study aimed to reveal the effect of different light colors and stocking densities on the hematological and oxidative stress parameters in Japanese quails. For this purpose, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) were measured in quails subjected to different light colors and stocking densities, using commercially available ELISA kits. In this study, 720 1-day-old mixed-sex Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were randomly assigned to one of six treatments, each having four duplicates of 30 birds. The experiment was designed as a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, with three LED light colours (white, blue, and green) and two stocking densities (low = 200 cm²/bird and high = 100 cm²/bird). At 42 days of age, 20 quails from each treatment group were randomly selected for some hematological parameter analysis. According to the results obtained, the heterophile/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was significantly higher in the white LED light colour treatments. However, the effects of stocking density on the H/L ratio were not significant. The oxidative stress indicator MDA was unaffected by the light colour, however, the high stocking density drastically reduced liver CAT and GSH activities. The heart weight was lower in the quail subjected to blue LED light. The heart and liver organ weights were not affected by stocking density. In conclusion, whereas white LED light increases the H/L ratio and the stress situation, it does not affect the oxidative stress indicators. These findings highlighted the need to identify optimum LED light colours for quails in commercial production settings in order to increase flock welfare. More research is needed to understand the effects and find the best colour of LED light for quails at varied stocking densities.

Vpliv barve led-svetlobe in gostote živali na nekatere hematološke parametre in oksidativni stres pri japonskih prepelicah

Izvleček: Študija je ocenjevala učinke barve svetlobe svetlečih diod (LED) in gostote naselitve na hematološke parametre, oksidativno presnovo in težo organov prepelic. Več ključnih dejavnikov upravljanja, ki vplivajo na dobro počutje brojlerjev, vključuje barvo svetlobe in gostoto naselitve. Zato je bil namen te študije ugotoviti učinek različnih barv svetlobe in gostote naselitve na hematološke parametre in parametre oksidativnega stresa pri japonskih prepelicah. V ta namen so bile pri prepelicah, ki so bile izpostavljene različnim barvam svetlobe in gostoti naselitve, izmerjene ravni malondialdehida (MDA), superoksid dismutaze (SOD), katalaze (CAT) in glutationa (GSH) z uporabo komercialno dostopnih kompletov ELISA. V študiji je bilo 720 enodnevnih japonskih prepelic (Coturnix coturnix japonica) naključno razvrščenih v eno od šestih obravnav, vsaka s štirimi dvojniki po 30 ptic. Poskus je bil zasnovan kot faktorska razporeditev obdelav 3 x 2 s tremi barvami LED-svetlobe (bela, modra in zelena) in dvema gostotama naselitve (nizka = 200 cm²/ptico; visoka = 100 cm²/ptico). Pri starosti 42 dni je bilo naključno izbranih 20 prepelic iz vsake skupine za analizo nekaterih hematoloških parametrov. Glede na dobljene rezultate je bilo razmerje med heterofilci in limfociti (H/L) znatno višje pri prepelicah, izpostavljenih beli LED-svetlobi, vendar vpliv gostote naselitve na razmerje H/L ni bil značilen. Na indikator oksidativnega stresa MDA barva svetlobe ni vplivala, je pa visoka gostota naselitve drastično zmanjšala aktivnosti CAT in GSH v jetrih. Teža srca je bila manjša pri prepelicah, ki so bile izpostavljene modri LED-svetlobi. Gostota naselitve ni vplivala na maso srca in jeter. Zaključimo lahko, da bela LED-svetloba sicer poveča razmerje H/L in stresne razmere, vendar ne vpliva na kazalnike oksidativnega stresa. Te ugotovitve so poudarile potrebo po določitvi optimalnih barv LED-svetlobe za prepelice v komercialnih proizvodnih okoljih, da bi povečali dobrobit jate. Za razumevanje učinkov in iskanje najboljše barve LED-svetlobe za prepelice pri različnih gostotah naselitve je potrebnih več raziskav.

Ključne besede: prepelice; LED-svetloba; razmerje med heterofilci in limfociti; oksidativni stres; gostota naselitve

Campylobacter SPECIES IN POULTRY SLAUGHTERHOUSES: AN OVERVIEW

Ivana Zuber Bogdanović — 2026-03-31

Campylobacter is a constant concern in ensuring food safety, as it is one of the most common pathogens in food. The main source of Campylobacter species in food is poultry meat, and the primary production of this meat is a critical point where measures need to be taken to reduce its presence in the food chain. Therefore, poultry slaughterhouses are recognized as places where it is necessary to implement measures to control and reduce the number of Campylobacter spp. Food business operators are obliged to ensure greater hygiene on the slaughter line, through the inspection of equipment for each step of slaughter and the application of regular cleaning protocols. Continuous monitoring of the presence and abundance of Campylobacter spp. on the slaughter line provides data on the validity of hygiene control measures in the slaughterhouse, as well as the data needed to assess the microbiological risk in poultry meat. Monitoring the presence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses is a basic activity that is necessary for taking measures to reduce contamination, improve microbiological safety in poultry processing and thus improve the food safety system as a whole. This review aims to highlight the importance of investigating the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses, but also the importance of applying measures to prevent and control this pathogen both on farms and in slaughterhouses. These measures are necessary to minimize the presence and transmission of Campylobacter in poultry, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Vrste kampilobaktrov v klavnicah za perutnino: pregled

Izvleček: Bakterija kampilobakter je nenehna skrb pri zagotavljanju varnosti hrane, saj je eden najpogostejših patogenov v njej. Glavni vir kampilobaktra v hrani je perutninsko meso, pri čemer je primarna proizvodnja tega mesa kritična točka, kjer je treba sprejeti ukrepe za zmanjšanje njegove prisotnosti v prehranjevalni verigi. Zato so perutninske klavnice prepoznane kot kraji, kjer je treba izvajati ukrepe za nadzor in zmanjšanje števila bakterij Campylobacter spp. Izvajalci živilske dejavnosti so dolžni zagotoviti večjo higieno na klavni liniji, in sicer s pregledom opreme za vsak korak klanja in izvajanjem rednih protokolov čiščenja. Nenehno spremljanje prisotnosti in številčnosti bakterij Campylobacter spp. na klavni liniji zagotavlja podatke o ustreznosti ukrepov za nadzor higiene v klavnici, pa tudi podatke, potrebne za oceno mikrobiološkega tveganja v perutninskem mesu. Spremljanje prisotnosti bakterij Campylobacter spp. v klavnicah za perutnino je osnovna dejavnost, ki je neizogibna za sprejetje ukrepov za zmanjšanje onesnaženja, izboljšanje mikrobiološke varnosti pri predelavi perutnine in s tem izboljšanje sistema varnosti hrane kot celote. Namen tega pregleda je poudariti pomembnost preučevanja razširjenosti bakterij Campylobacter spp. v perutninskih klavnicah, pa tudi izvajanja ukrepov za preprečevanje in nadzor tega patogena tako na kmetijah kot v klavnicah. Ti ukrepi so nujni za zmanjšanje prisotnosti in prenašanja kampilobaktra pri perutnini, s čimer se zmanjša tudi tveganje za bolezni, ki se prenašajo s hrano.

Ključne besede: vrste kampilobaktrov; perutnina; klavnice; bolezni, ki se prenašajo s hrano; varna hrana

URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION SECONDARY TO HYPERPLASIA OF SEMINAL VESICLE GLANDS IN AN INTACT MALE AFRICAN PYGMY HEDGEHOG (Atelerix albiventris)

Lucia Kasalova — 2026-03-31

A 4-year-old, male, intact African pygmy hedgehog was presented at the clinic with a 2-day history of weakness. Clinical examination revealed a large fluid-like mass, suspected to be the urinary bladder. The surveying ultrasound confirmed an enlarged urinary bladder with anechoic content and a small amount of floating echoic material. The patient was not able to urinate nor was it possible to place an urinary catheter. After three days he continued to be non-responding to any medical approach. The patient was prepared for explorative surgery, during which he collapsed and was declared deceased. The following autopsy revealed an extramural urethral obstruction caused by the enlarged seminal vesicle glands. The histology examination confirmed hyperplasia of the glandular epithelial cells, with focal squamous metaplasia. A focal mild perivascular inflammatory infiltrate was also present, formed mainly by lymphocytes and plasma cells with isolated macrophages and admixtures of eosinophilic granulocytes.

Obstrukcija sečnice zaradi hiperplazije mehurnice pri nekastriranem samcu afriškega beloprsega ježa (Atelerix albiventris)

Izvleček: Štiriletnega nekastriranega samca afriškega beloprsega ježa so pripeljali na kliniko zaradi znakov oslabelosti, ki so trajali dva dni. Klinični pregled je pokazal veliko tekočini podobno maso, za katero se je domnevalo, da gre za sečni mehur. Ultrazvočni pregled je potrdil povečan sečni mehur z anehogeno vsebino in majhno količino plavajočega ehogenega materiala. Jež ni mogel urinirati, prav tako ni bilo mogoče namestiti urinskega katetra. Po treh dneh se še naprej ni odzival na noben način zdravljenja. Izveden je bil eksplorativni kirurški poseg, med katerim je poginil. Pri obdukciji je bila ugotovljena ekstramuralna obstrukcija sečnice, ki jo je povzročila povečana mehurnica. Histološka preiskava je potrdila hiperplazijo žleznih epitelijskih celic z žariščno skvamozno metaplazijo. Prisoten je bil tudi blag žariščni perivaskularni vnetni infiltrat, ki so ga sestavljali pretežno limfociti in plazmatke s posameznimi makrofagi ter primesmi eozinofilnih granulocitov.

Ključne besede: pomožne spolne žleze; mali sesalci; reproduktivni trakt