Central Asian Journal of Veterinary Science

SALMONELLA IDENTIFICATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A SALMONELLA ABORTUS EQUI ISOLATE

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Введение и цель исследования. Аборты, вызванные сальмонеллезом лошадей, остаются актуальной проблемой в коневодстве, обусловленной циркуляцией эпизоотических штаммов Salmonella abortus equi . Целью данного исследования было всестороннее изучение биологических свойств эпизоотического изолята, полученного от абортированного плода лошади из Аййртауского района Северо-Казахстанской области, и определение его таксономической принадлежности.

Материалы и методы. Чистая культура была выделена с использованием метода ступенчатого посева Дригальского, после чего были отобраны типичные колонии. Таксономическая идентификация проводилась на основе всесторонней оценки морфологических, культуральных, биохимических и антигенных характеристик в соответствии с критериями, изложенными в « Руководстве Берги по определению бактерий» . В частности, в данном исследовании изучались клеточная морфология, характер роста на дифференциально-диагностических средах, спектр ферментативной активности и антигенная структура посредством реакций агглютинации с поливалентными и монорецепторными сыворотками.

Результаты. Изолят был идентифицирован как грамотрицательная, подвижная палочка, факультативный анаэроб, образующий типичные колонии и продуцирующий сероводород. Его биохимический профиль характеризовался ферментацией глюкозы с образованием кислоты и газа, отсутствием ферментации лактозы и сахарозы, отрицательными реакциями на индол и уреазу, а также способностью использовать цитрат. Тесты на агглютинацию продемонстрировали специфическую реактивность с поливалентными сыворотками Salmonella (A, B, C, D и E) и монорецепторными сыворотками O-IV и O-XII, что указывает на принадлежность к серологической группе B. Жгутиковые антигены Hc (фаза I) и H-1,6 (фаза II) соответствовали антигенной формуле O:4,12:c:1,6.

Заключение. Сочетание фенотипических и антигенных характеристик позволило идентифицировать изолят как Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica серовар Abortus equi . Полученные данные подтверждают его эпизоотическую значимость и соответствуют характеристикам типичного возбудителя сальмонеллезных абортов у лошадей.

Wheat Bran-Derived Xylo- and Maltooligosaccharides as Potential Synergistic Prebiotics for Animal Nutrition

Kiribayeva A., Shamsiyeva Y. — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and objective. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and maltooligosaccharides are promising prebiotic candidates for functional feed additives in animal nutrition. Wheat bran, containing arabinoxylan-rich hemicellulose and residual starch, is a potential source of both oligosaccharide fractions. This review analyzes their structural-functional properties, possible prebiotic synergy, and prospects for use in animal feeding.

Materials and Methods. Wheat bran was considered a plant-derived biomatrix containing arabinoxylans as a source of XOS and residual starch as a potential source of maltooligosaccharides. This review analyzed English-language peer-reviewed publications from 2004–2025 on wheat bran composition, XOS and maltooligosaccharide structure, digestive stability, gut microbiota modulation, short-chain fatty acid production, and use in animal nutrition. Searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords including wheat bran, xylooligosaccharides, maltooligosaccharides, prebiotic properties, animal nutrition, gut microbiota, fermentation kinetics, and short-chain fatty acids.

Results. The reviewed data indicate that wheat bran is a promising substrate for obtaining two functional oligosaccharide groups: XOS from the arabinoxylan fraction and maltooligosaccharides from residual starch. XOS are resistant to digestive enzymes and can reach the lower intestine, where they serve as substrates for saccharolytic bacteria, whereas maltooligosaccharides may be fermented more rapidly if partially preserved after digestion. Both fractions may modulate animal gut microbiota, stimulate beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and promote short-chain fatty acid production. The strongest animal evidence is currently available for XOS, especially in poultry, while maltooligosaccharides remain less studied and require further validation. Their combined use is of interest because differences in structure, digestive stability, and fermentation rate may provide complementary prebiotic effects.

Conclusion. Wheat bran is a promising source of XOS- and maltooligosaccharide-containing fractions for functional feed additives. Their combination may support animal gut microbiota, enhance short-chain fatty acid production, strengthen intestinal barrier function, and improve feeding efficiency. Further studies should focus on standardizing fraction composition, optimizing production conditions, and validating XOS-maltooligosaccharide efficacy in in vitro, in vivo, and productive animal trials.

MAPPING AND ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF CATS IN CITIES OF KAZAKHSTAN

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The article presents the development and application of an information database and a GIS-based cartographic model for analyzing the distribution of endoparasites in cats in major cities of Kazakhstan. The relevance of the study stems from the high epidemiological significance of parasites transmitted from domestic and stray cats to humans, as well as the lack of systematized data on this issue in the country.

The aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive information resource for the collection, storage, analysis, and spatial visualization of data on endoparasites in cats, as well as to identify high-risk areas. The study included data from 1,301 cats from five cities in Kazakhstan (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Uralsk, and Kostanay), obtained from veterinary clinics and animal shelters. The database contained information on the biological characteristics of the animals, types of biological samples, laboratory test results, and the geographic coordinates of sampling sites.

Using GIS technologies (ArcGIS), a spatial analysis of the distribution of endoparasites was conducted, including Toxocara cati, Giardia, Cystoisospora spp., Cryptosporidium (coproscopy), and Toxoplasma gondii (serology).

The results showed that the highest prevalences were observed in Almaty, whereas lower prevalences were recorded in Astana, likely due to climatic conditions and differences in cat population density.

The developed database and cartographic model represent effective tools for epidemiological monitoring, risk assessment, and the planning of preventive measures. The findings may be applied in public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental monitoring to reduce the risk of zoonotic parasitic infections in the human population.

Avian retroviruses

Musralina L. , Ivanova K., Ostapchuk Y. , Skiba Y. — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Avian retroviral infections, particularly avian leukosis virus (ALV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), pose a severe threat to the modern poultry industry. The ability of these viruses to include immunosuppression and neoplastic processes leads to heightened avian susceptibility to concurrent infections (such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease), diminished vaccination efficacy, and substantial hidden economic losses. Despite the active circulation of various ALV genetic variants and reported REV outbreaks in neighboring countries (China, Russia), data regarding their prevalence in Kazakhstan remain extremely limited. This review aimed to synthesize current knowledge on retrovirus biology, raise awareness among veterinary professionals regarding the hidden threat of ALV and REV, and substantiate the necessity of implementing systematic control of these infections at poultry facilities.

Material and Methods. A comprehensive analysis of current scientific literature addressing the biology, classification, life cycle, and molecular mechanisms of retrovirus-host cell interactions was conducted. The role of exogenous and endogenous retroviruses in the development of infectious and oncological diseases was examined. Additionally, available information on the epizootiological situation in countries bordering Kazakhstan was reviewed, alongside contemporary approaches to the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of retroviral infections.

Results. The analysis demonstrated that ALV and REV possess high genetic variability and the capacity to establish persistent infections through integration into the host genome. It was established that these infections frequently progress subclinically: virus-induced lymphoblastomas and internal organ lesion often remain undetected, while outbreaks of concurrent infections are erroneously attributed to poor vaccine quality. A broad range of susceptible hosts (domestic and wild birds) and the active circulation of these pathogens in border regions were identified as key factors creating a high risk of introduction into Kazakhstan, where systematic molecular epidemiology monitoring is currently absent.

Conclusion. The implementation of comprehensive molecular genetic testing and continuous monitoring of avian retroviruses in Kazakhstan is critical to ensure the biosecurity of poultry enterprises, mitigate economic damage, and develop effective strategies for the control and prevention of ALV and REV, as well as the protection of flocks.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of DNA extraction methods from sheep ear tissue samples for whole-genome sequencing

Orkara Sh. , Khamzina A., Khamzina A., Kulzhanova B., Smagulov D. — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool for studying the genetic structure of livestock populations. Effective implementation of WGS is largely determined by the quality of the source genomic DNA. Sheep ear notches obtained in the field are a convenient source of biomaterial; however, their high connective tissue density makes DNA extraction challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the STAB method and the commercial PureLink Genomic DNA Kit for DNA extraction from ear notches of Kazakh fat-tailed sheeps.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in two stages. STAB lysis buffer was used in the first stage, and the commercial PureLink Genomic DNA Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used in the second stage. Quality control was performed using a NanoDrop2000 spectrophotometer and gel electrophoresis.

Results. The average DNA concentration isolated by the CTAB method was 293 ng/μl, and the A260/280 ratio ranged from 1.70 to 1.86 (mean 1.78 ± 0.04), indicating heterogeneous purity. The PureLink kit demonstrated consistently high quality: concentration 350.2 ± 96.9 ng/μl, A260/280 1.86 ± 0.01, and A260/230 2.13 ± 0.08.

Conclusion. The commercial PureLink Genomic DNA Kit is recommended for DNA extraction from sheep ear notches, as it provides consistent quantitative and qualitative data that meet WGS requirements.

Evaluation of DNA extracted from hair follicles of four types of Kazakh horses (Zhabe, Naiman, South Altai and Aday)

Ibadullayeva A., Assanbayev T., Sharapatov T., Kazhken A., Khamzina А. — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. This study aimed to assess the quality and concentration of genomic DNA isolated from hair follicles of four Kazakh horse types: Zhabe, Naiman, South Altai, and Aday. The study material comprised 84 hair follicle samples collected from Kazakh horses originating from different regions of Kazakhstan, including Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan, Zhetisu, and Mangystau regions. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using the PureLink™ Genomic DNA Mini Kit, and the quantity and purity of the extracted DNA were evaluated using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer based on the A260/A280 absorbance ratio.

The analysis revealed that the concentration of extracted DNA ranged from 93.7 to 247.2 ng/µL, while DNA purity values were predominantly within the range of 1.8–1.9, indicating high-quality DNA suitable for subsequent molecular genetic analyses.

The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the applied DNA extraction protocol and confirm the suitability of hair follicles as a reliable, non-invasive source of genomic material for advanced genetic investigations, including population genetic analyses and whole-genome sequencing of Kazakh horses.

COMPARATIVE ACARICIDAL ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST THE MITE PSOROPTES CUNICULI

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Psoroptes cuniculi is one of the most widespread causative agents of psoroptic mange in rabbits, causing significant economic losses in rabbit breeding. Given the increasing need for environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic acaricides, the investigation of acaricidal properties of medicinal plants represents a promising research direction. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the acaricidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants against Psoroptes cuniculi mites under laboratory conditions.

The study objects included extracts of Mentha piperita, Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris, Ferula foetida, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) D.Don, Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton, and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. at concentrations of 200, 500, and 1000 µl/ml. A 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution was used as a negative control, while permethrin at concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µl/ml served as a positive control. Acaricidal activity was assessed by mite mortality rates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

It was established that the extraction method significantly influenced the efficacy of the preparations. Overall, ethanolic extracts induced significantly higher mite mortality compared to aqueous extracts (30.33% and 19.70%, respectively; P < 0.01). The most pronounced acaricidal activity was demonstrated by the ethanolic extract of Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb., which achieved 100% mite mortality at a concentration of 1000 µL/mL, whereas the aqueous extract caused only 28% mortality. High efficacy was also shown by ethanolic extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (69%) and Curcuma phaeocaulis (48%) at the maximum concentration. Extracts of Mentha piperita, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, and Ferula foetida were characterized by considerably lower acaricidal activity.

The obtained results indicate the high potential of ethanolic extracts of Eugenia caryophyllata, Cinnamomum cassia, and Curcuma phaeocaulis as sources of natural acaricidal compounds for the development of alternative control agents against Psoroptes cuniculi. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm their practical efficacy, focusing on therapeutic effectiveness and safety of application.