Mohamed Besbaci

Motor laterality in horses affects performance, training, and welfare. A simple morphological marker for laterality would help riders, trainers, and veterinarians identify likely locomotor asymmetries early. This study tested whether observable morphological and behavioural characteristics were associated with rider-perceived motor laterality in domestic horses. Cross-sectional observational field study. The study was conducted on 100 regularly ridden domestic horses. Mane orientation, facial whorl characteristics, standing curvature, masticatory laterality, mouth hardness side, and other variables were recorded. Experienced riders assessed two laterality outcomes: preferred forelimb at walk departure (dep1) and ease of canter departure (dep2). Univariable and multivariable analyses tested associations between recorded characteristics and laterality outcomes. Mane orientation was the strongest predictor of laterality (p < 0.001): right-maned horses were predominantly right-lateralised (dep1: 91.1%; dep2: 78.7%), and left-maned horses were mainly left-lateralised (dep1: 89.1%; dep2: 81.1%). In multivariable analysis, mane orientation was the sole independent predictor (dep1 OR = 83.71; dep2 OR = 15.91; GEE OR = 32.12, 95% CI 13.30–77.61). Model discrimination was excellent (AUC = 0.91). Masticatory laterality and mouth hardness side showed significant univariable associations, but did not remain independent predictors. Facial whorl traits, age, breed, discipline, and sex showed no significant associations. The cross-sectional design prevents causal inference. Laterality outcomes relied on rider perception rather than objective kinematic measurements, which introduces possible observer bias. Longitudinal and biomechanical validation remains needed. Mane orientation is a robust, non-invasive indicator of inherent motor laterality in domestic horses and can be used by riders, trainers, and veterinarians to anticipate locomotor asymmetries without specialised equipment. Longitudinal and kinematic studies are required to confirm causality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate association among certain serum nutritional parameters, body condition score, and body weight, with resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum in Prim‘Holstein and Montbeliard dairy cows in Algeria. Milk samples were collected from 30 dairy cows twice weekly between days (d) 15 and 60 postpartum and progesterone concentration were determined in whole milk by ELISA. Body condition score and weight were determined at d 0, 30 and 60 postpartum, and blood samples were collected on d 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 postpartum to determine serum concentration of urea, total proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. A cow was considered to have a normal ovarian cyclicity if ovulation occurs before the 35th d postpartum followed by a regular cycle. Results showed that only 40% of cows had normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Among abnormal resumption group, delayed first ovulation was the most recorded. Body condition score, body weight, and concentrations of cholesterol, urea and aspartate transaminase change significantly during the 60 d postpartum. Body condition score changed significantly during the first 60 d postpartum (P<0.0001). There was an effect of body condition score between the two groups normal resumption and abnormal resumption (P=0.02). There was an effect of body condition score and body condition score loss on abnormal resumption and normal resumption groups in all sampling time (P=0.01). There was an effect of body condition score loss ≥ 0.75, and loss < 0.75 on resumption of cyclicity in the first 30 d postpartum. Concentrations of urea and phosphorus were higher in cows with normal resumption than abnormal resumption. Monitoring body condition score is essential to control nutritional management, in order to minimize abnormal resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows.

Elevated ammonia and urea, common byproducts of nitrogen metabolism, are increasingly found in dairy cows and may negatively impact reproductive function. However, their effects on bull sperm remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of ammonia and urea at physiologically relevant concentrations on key sperm characteristics. Thawed bull semen was incubated under five treatment conditions: control (no added ammonia or urea), low urea (LU), high urea (HU), low ammonia (LA), and high ammonia (HA). Sperm motility and kinematics were assessed using Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA), and sperm viability, DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and oxidative stress markers were evaluated using flow cytometry. HA significantly reduced MMP (p = 0.008) and several motility parameters, including progressive motility and velocity (VCL, VSL, ALH), compared to LA and control groups. A decrease in sperm viability was observed in the HA group compared to LA at the beginning of incubation. While HU reduced MMP (p = 0.002), sperm motility was not significantly affected compared to LU. No significant differences were found in DNA fragmentation or oxidative stress biomarkers between groups. These results highlight the impact of ammonia, specifically, on sperm mitochondrial function and motility, which are crucial for successful fertilization.

Follicular dynamics represent the fundamental aspect of bovine reproduction, which relies on complex physiological and hormonal processes. To investigate the haemodynamics and characteristics of ovarian follicles at different stages of development in Atlas Brown cattle, 31 cycling non‐lactating cows were submitted to the Ovsynch oestrous synchronisation protocol to standardise follicular development. Follicular growth and vascularisation were monitored using 2D and Doppler ultrasonography. Moreover, follicles were classified into dominant, largest subordinate and third‐largest follicle. Also, 28 ovary samples were collected for histological examination focusing on the theca interna capillary density. The follicular deviation was identified between Days 1 and 3 after GnRH injection. Statistical analysis revealed that before the deviation, no differences were found between the two parameters in all types of follicles studied (p > 0.05); furthermore, after follicular deviation, the dominant follicles maintained capillary density (p < 0.05) and maintained detectable blood flow. However, the largest subordinate and third‐largest follicles marked a reduction of both parameters (p < 0.05). Histological findings confirmed ultrasonographic data, demonstrating maintained angiogenesis in dominant follicles and reduced vascularisation in atretic follicles. These results demonstrate the critical role of vascularisation for follicular dominance and selection, providing helpful information for optimising reproductive management practices in cattle. Also, this study advances knowledge of bovine reproductive physiology and suggests potential improvements in synchronisation and ovulation stimulation protocols. As a result, increasing the outcome of artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

Introduction. The veterinary profession in Algeria has traditionally been male-dominated, largely due to the perceived complexity and high-pressure work environment. The purpose. This study aims to identify the primary risks confronting female veterinary professionals. Materials and methods. An online questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was published online. A total of 108 female veterinary practitioners mainly in the private sector from various departments in Algeria have participated. Results. Work-related problems were present in 61.1% of responders, which caused much more flu, heatstrokes and frostbites. A very close percentage was observed for dogs and cats bites and/or scratches (59.2%), primarily observed in the front limb. Even allergies were present in 56.5% of cases, especially to desinfectants. A lower degree of infectious and/or parasitic disease occurrence (38.0%) was observed and dermatophytosis was preponderant. Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders were extremely common and concerned 54.6%, with a predominance of low back pain. A percentage of 19.4% reported road accidents during the round trip between the workplace and the residence, mainly causing work stoppages of around a month. A majority of female practitioners had psychological concerns (70.3%), stress was the most reported, as well as social difficulties (59.2%) and is especially the problems with the family environment, in addition to insufficient financial income. Limitations. The study could be continued and extended to other professional categories related to the veterinary sector. Conclusions. This study helped to identify problems faced by women practitioners in Algeria, and propose solutions to enhance veterinary practices and strengthen women’s position in society.

Algeria is a typical country of great and ancestral equestrian tradition where horses are a varied asset in terms of animal genetic resources, offering an important diversity of breeds in terms of their adaptation and their capacity for production in their natural environment. This literature review aims to illustrate the role played by the horse in Algerian culture and traditions from the past to the present and, to present main diseases studied throughout the country. The equine industry occupies a prominent place in the history and economy of North Africa, especially in Algeria, horse has a major role in sustainable development, particularly in the environmental field, by playing a particular role in the management of spaces and landscapes beneficial to the maintenance and development of biodiversity, but also in its relationship with humans. Especially in the Center and West of the country, horses are the main actors of "Fantasia", which ensures the continuity of an authentic military equestrian tradition, it is a simulation of traditional military action. According to the prevalence rates, the main diseases threatening horses’ health are Equine Influenza, West Nile Virus, Equine Viral Arteritis, Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Toxoplasmosis, Microsporidiosis and Pinworms. However, low rates were observed for Rhinopneumonitis, Brucellosis, Surra and Cryptosporidiosis. Actually, horses deserve more attention from public authorities and civil society, to preserve this animal considered as a part of the national and humanitarian heritage.

Eight sandfly-borne phleboviruses were found to circulate in North Africa. Phleboviruses detected in sandflies were Toscana (TOSV), Sandfly Fever Sicilian (SFSV), Sandfly Fever Naples (SFNV), Cyprus (CYPV), Punique (PUNV), Utique, Saddaguia, and Medjerda Valley (MVV) viruses, yielding an overall infection rate of 0.02–0.6%. Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus longicuspis were the most common vector species in the region. TOSV seroprevalence in dogs from Algeria (4.56%) and Tunisia (7.5%) was low and close, unlike SFSV (38.1%) and PUNV (43.5%), which were restricted to Tunisia. SFSV (1.3–21%) and TOSV (3.8–50%) were the most prevalent among humans. TOSV was frequently detected and symptomatically confirmed in both Algeria (3.8%) and Tunisia (12.86%). Other sandfly-borne phleboviruses have also been detected but less importantly, such as SFNV in Morocco (2.9%) and Tunisia (1.1%) and PUNV (8.72%), CYPV (2.9%), and MVV (1.35%) in Tunisia. Their distribution was mainly northern. Overall, 15.9% of the healthy population were seropositive for sandfly-borne phleboviruses, with evidenced cocirculation. Noticeably, studies conducted in Morocco were mostly interested in TOSV in sandflies. Available data from Libya and Egypt were scant or historical. Further elaboration is required to check the sporadic detection of less-prevalent phleboviruses and fully elucidate the epidemiological situation.

Background and Aim: Marek's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease that occurs in chickens. In the absence of control measures, MD causes devastating losses to commercial poultry flocks. Vaccination has enabled dramatic success in the prevention and control of MD. However, the MD vaccination program has failed frequently, and occasional clinical outbreaks have been reported in the vaccinated flocks as well. The present study aimed to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of the field cases of MD in broiler breeder flocks. Materials and Methods: A survey on the update of MD occurrence in Algerian broiler breeder flocks was conducted from June 2020 to September 2020. Ten vaccinated broiler breeder flocks located in Central Algeria and having progressive tumors in different visceral organs were evaluated for MD virus infection by conducting a histopathological examination of the birds. Results: The age of the birds affected with MD ranged from 13 to 22 weeks. The mortality rate varied sensitively from 4% to 10%. The clinical symptoms reported in the affected flocks included locomotor, nervous, digestive, and respiratory symptoms. Necropsy of the dead or euthanized birds revealed visceral lymphomatosis in several organs and macroscopic changes in the peripheral nerves (including loss of longitudinal striation, color change [grayish], and volume increase). The histopathological findings included the infiltration and proliferation of lymphocytes and blast cells (lymphoblasts) in various organs of the birds, which are the typical characteristics of MD and, therefore, confirmed the field infection of MD in these birds. Conclusion: The present study provided evidence for the high prevalence of MD in the broiler breeder flocks vaccinated with a bivalent vaccine (turkey herpesvirus+Rispens) at the hatchery. The findings of the present study may indicate high-level failure of vaccination in these birds.

One strategy for improving fertility in cattle is administration of GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during the luteal phase, which increases progesterone (P4) secretion and delays luteolysis. To provide an overview of how GnRH or hCG treatment between 4 and 15 d after artificial insemination (AI) improves pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in cows, a meta-analysis was performed on 107 different trials from 52 publications. Data from 18,082 treated cows and 18,385 untreated controls were meta-analyzed. The meta-analysis explained the relative risk for P/AI with GnRH or hCG treatment under various circumstances. The results did not show any difference in P/AI between cows treated with hCG and cows treated with GnRH. Compared with no treatment, treatment with GnRH or hCG improved the chances of P/AI in cows with very poor (60.1%). Moreover, treatment with GnRH and hCG improved the chances of P/AI in primiparous cows. The improvement was much better in primiparous cows with very low fertility. Treatment with buserelin at a dose above 10 µg and with hCG at a dose above 2,500 IU was associated with increased chances of P/AI compared with lower doses. Treatment with GnRH 10 d after AI was also associated with increased chances of P/AI compared with earlier treatment. The present meta-analysis showed that the use of GnRH and hCG after AI should be focused on cows expected to have low or moderate fertility. Day and dose of treatment have to be considered as well.