vol.10. N 2. 2025

HYGIENE INDICATORS OF PORK MEAT TREATED WITH ELECTROACTIVATED WATER 

Stanislav Radanski , Svetlin Ivanov , Gergana Krumova-Valcheva 

ABSTRACT

Electroactivated water (EAW) has been growing in popularity in recent years in many countries. The use of EAW during meat production improves some hygiene indicators, and is a cheap, safe, non-toxic and effective option for improving the quality and extending the shelf life of meat.

In the present study, the influence of different types of EAW on some hygienic indicators of pork meat was studied. The following indicators were studied: total microbial count (TMC), amount of Escherichia coli and coagulase-positive staphylococci, as well as the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes.

All tested EAW solutions can be used to improve the hygiene in pork meat production, with the most effective in long term being the treatment with acidic water (AW), and in short term – the treatment with highly alkaline water (HALW).

Key words: electroactivated water, hygiene indicators, pork meat, storage.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 3–10

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DIFFERENTIATING NEONATAL RAT HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS

Anton Caro 

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the differentiation and electrophysiological properties of neonatal rat hippocam-pal CA1 neurons cultured in vitro. Primary hippocampal neurons were extracted from 1-2 day old postnatal rats and cultured for a period of up to 13 days. Electrophysiological recordings were conducted using the patch-clamp technique on days 4 to 11, and 13 in vitro (DIV). Key parameters measured included resting membrane potential, input resistance, and cell capacitance.

Notably, the input resistance started to decrease significantly after 6 DIV, whereas the resting membrane potential and cell capacitance remained relatively constant over time. These findings suggest that these neurons undergo differentiation without a concomitant increase in size and provide valuable insights into the electro-physiological behavior and differentiation patterns of neonatal rat hippocampal neurons in a controlled envi-ronment.

This research contributes to the broader understanding of neuronal development and has potential im-plications for neurological studies.

Key words: patch-clamp, excitability, action potential, input resistance, hippocampal neuron

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 11–18

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY BALKAN DONKEYS (EQUUS ASINUS) IN BULGARIA 

Аnton Rusenov 

ABSTRACT

The Balkan donkey is a traditional autochthonous breed, bred for centuries in the rural areas of Balkan Peninsula countries. The information on electrocardiographic parameters in clinically healthy Balkan donkeys in Bulgaria is limited. The study was performed with 16 clinically healthy animals (10 females and 6 males), from 18 months to 30 years of age and weighing 220-290 kg. The standard resting horse base-apex lead system was used. The average heart rate was 43 beats/min. The P wave in all donkeys was notched, with a duration of 0.083 sec. and an average amplitude for P1 – 0.108 mV, and for P2 – 0.183 mV. The duration of the RR interval was 1.427 seconds, and that of the PR interval: 0.242 sec. Two configuration forms of the QRS com-plex were present – QS (31.25%) and rS (68.75%) with average duration of 0.087 sec. The T wave configura-tion in 81.2% of the animals was biphasic and in 3 of them (18.8%) was only positive. No cardiac arrhythmias were registered in the study. Additional electrocardiographic studies are needed in order to establish reference values specific to the Balkan donkeys in Bulgaria.

Key words: electrocardiography, Balkan donkey, normal parameters

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 19–24

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE PANCREAS OF RATS FED DIFFERENT HIGH-CALORIE DIETS AND EFFECTS OF REPLACING SUCROSE WITH STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES 

Krastina Trifonova , Penka Yonkova , Petko Dzhelebov 

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate micromorphological alterations in the pancreas of rats fed different high-calorie diets and the effects of replacing sucrose with steviol glycosides. Six groups of rats were fed different diets for five weeks: standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), high-carbohydrate diet (HCHD), high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCHD), standard diet plus E960/RA60 (SDRA) and high-fat diet plus E960/RA60 (HFDRA).

Histological studies demonstrated normal architecture of the pancreas in SD and SDRA groups. In the HFD group, clusters of large adipocytes were visible around blood vessels and in the interlobular connective tissue. In the HCHD group, dilations of sinusoid capillaries were seen in the endocrine islands. In the HFHCHD group, dilated blood vessels and ducts were found in the parenchyma. The acinar cells contained zymogen granules. In the HFDRA group, dilatations of the ducts and sinusoid capillaries in the islets were found. The acinar cells seemed swollen and contained small vacuoles.

Key words: high-calorie diets, pancreas, light micromorphology.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 25–32

CLINICAL STUDIES ON EXERCISE INDUCED PULMONARY HEMORRHAGE (EIPH) IN HORSES 

Sasho Sabev , Mariyana Nikolova 

ABSTRACT

The present study included 18 Thoroughbred horses with signs of EIPH competing in the 1600 m flat racing discipline. A clinical and endoscopic examination of the trachea (60-90 min after the finish) was per-formed, which confirmed the presence of blood in all horses examined. Two horses were diagnosed with grade 1 hemorrhage, two horses with grade 2, eight horses with grade 3 and six horses with grade 4. Klebsiella spp. and Streptococcus equi subsp. Zooepidemicus were isolated in Tracheal wash (TW). Tracheoscopy is an ex-tremely valuable method for diagnosing pulmonary hemorrhage in the field.

Key words: Thoroughbred horses, lung, hemorrhage, endoscopy

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 33–41

EFFECT OF A SOLAR-POWERED HEATING SYSTEM ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN WEANED RABBITS DURING WINTER REARING 

Denis Viryanski , Milena Bozhilova-Sakova 

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an autonomous solar-powered heating system on the growth performance of weaned rabbits using heat convection. The experiment was conducted in February at the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod, using two groups of 15 rabbits each, matched by breed, sex, and age. All animals were housed in identical cages within the same type of modular room (volume 182.91 m³) and fed with a standard pelleted diet. The control group was reared under standard microclimatic conditions without heating, while the experimental group was maintained under improved thermal conditions provided by the heating system. Body weight was recorded on a specific days. On day 90, the experimental group showed a trend toward higher average body weight (2558 g) compared to the control group (2412), with p = 0.0556. Sustainable energy solutions had a positive impact on rabbit growth and welfare during the early fat-tening period.

Key words: rabbits, growth, heating, microclimate, feed conversion

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 42–50

TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF HYPERACTIVATION OF RAM SPERMATOZOA AS A RESULT OF CHANGE IN THE KINEMATIC PARAMETERS 

Desislava Abadjieva , Tsvetan Tsvetkov , Krasimir Kotcev, Nikola Metodiev 

ABSTRACT

The presented research is focused on the kinetic parameters of ram spermatozoa related to hyperactiva-tion after incubation in Bovine serum albumine (BSA) -containing medium for 4 h. Seminal samples were collected from five sexually mature rams using artificial vagina. The ejaculates (n=15) were diluted with ex-tender 6A, then incubated (37°C, 5% CO2 in air) for 4 hours in the absence (control group) or presence (ex-perimental group) of 4 mg/ml BSA. The hyperactivation of the spermatozoa was detected using the Sperm computer analyser (SCA Microptic). Computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was performed for progres-sive and non-progressive motility and kinematic parameters of the sperm cells. The results demonstrated that incubation with BSA, resulted in a significant increase (P < 0,05) in the values of the kinetic parameters of spermatozoa at 4 h of incubation. The parameters that most accurately describe the hyperactivated motility are curvilinear velocity (VCL), percentage of fluctuation (WOB), amplitude of lateral displacement of the head (ALH), beat-cross frequency (BCF), velocity in a straight line (VSL), linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR). Our experiments display a significant decrease of the parameters VSL, LIN and STR (P < 0,05), which can also be related to the movement pattern of the cells characterized with hyperactivation. The incubation with BSA, under set conditions, resulted in the hyperactivation of ram spermatozoa with drastic changes in the following CASA parameters: VCL values > 100 μm/s, ALH > 7 μm, LIN < 50%, recorded at 4 h. The changes in sperm kinetics under the examined specific conditions can be used as a marker of hyperactivation of sper-matozoa during the preparation process of media and diluents before artificial insemination.

Key words: ram, spermatozoa, hyperactivation, kinematics, parameters.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 51–56

CONTROL OF VARROA DESTRUCTOR WITH DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS 

Delka Salkova , Kalinka Gurgulova , Valentina Gornishka 

ABSTRACT

The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor is a major agent responsible for the decline of honey bee colonies Apis mellifera worldwide. In recent years, various essential oils, alone or in combination, have been used against varroosis. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of some of the essential oils used in beekeeping (peppermint, pine and cedar) for the control of V. destructor. The experiments included 11 apiaries located in three regions of the country. Nine (9) different combinations of the listed essential oils were prepared and tested. During the treatment, were monitored the effectiveness against the mite, tolerance and safety in the treated colonies. After evaluating the results obtained, we settled on the combination of essential oils (CEO)-9 / SetOil. This combination can be used as a method in integrated pest management and also when introduc-ing/receiving a new queen bee by unifying the smell in the bee colony.

Key words: Apis mellifera, Varroa destructor, control, essential oils.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 57–64

STUDIES ON THE IMPACT OF LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM AND LACTOBACILLUS CASEI CULTURED IN DIFFERENT NUTRIENT MEDIA ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ON THE HELMINTHIASIS 

Fatihah Istafaro Maulidiya , Herinda Pertiwi , Galuh Hesti Dwi Indrawati , Nabila Hanina Hibatul Haqqi , Nur Jannah Eka Agustina , Loh Teck Chwen , Mohamad Yusril Nur Mahendra , Miyayu Soneta Sofyan 

ABSTRACT

The overuse of antibiotics in broiler production raises public health concerns. This study evaluated the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei cultured in sweet potato and tempeh infusions as probiotic alternatives. A total of 150 broiler chicks were divided into three groups: control (P1), sweet potato-based probiotic (P2), and tempeh-based probiotic (P3). Probiotics were administered via drinking water for 35 days. Growth performance, including average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (FBW) and helminth egg counts were assessed. Results showed that both probiotic treatments improved growth, with P3 showing significantly higher weight gain. Probiotic supplementation also reduced fecal egg counts of Heterakis galli-narum, Ascaridia galli, Cysticola columbae, and Schistosoma mansoni. The improvements are attributed to gut microbiota modulation and immunostimulatory effects of Lactobacillus spp. This study supports the use of sweet potato and tempeh infusions as cost-effective media for probiotics, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming.

Key words: Broiler, Lactobacillus spp., Poultry, Sweet potato, Tempeh.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 65–73

PODODERMATITIS IN ZOO ELEPHANTS – MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES 

Teodora Popova , Andreas Antoniou

ABSTRACT

Microbiological studies were performed on samples from the feet of elephants with signs of pododermatitis. The patients were the elephant Frostya from the Sofia Zoological park, as well as the elephants Myo and Lesso from the Attica Zoological park. The samples were taken from the contents under the nails and from lesions in interdigital space and on the foot.

From the materials from the elephant Frostya from the Sofia Zoo, the Gram-negative species Serratia marcescens and Hafnia alvei 2 were isolated. Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus simulans were also isolated, as well as the oval fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. From the elephants Myo and Lesso, the Gram-negative species Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter agglomerans 3, three types of staphylococci – S. warneri 1, S. mucilaginosus and S. cohnii ssp. urealyticum, Corynebacterium sp., as well as the oval fungus Candida glabrata were isolated. In addition, corynebacteria and fungi with colonies characteristic of Microsporium sp. were isolated from them.

The isolated microorganisms are conditionally pathogenic and multiply when the nails and skin of the feet are damaged locally. By improving hygiene conditions and providing greater opportunities for walk, which elephants need, conditions would be created to limit and prevent pododermatitis.

Key words: pododermatitis, elephant, microorganisms.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 74–85

CANINE SEMEN CRYOPRESERVATION AFTER SEMINAL PLASMA REMOVAL IN DOGS WITH BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Miroslav Genov, Desislava Gradinarska-Yanakieva 

ABSTRACT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can alter the composition of canine seminal plasma (SP) and specific prostatic proteins may impair sperm cryotolerance. The present study evaluated a large-volume cryopreserva-tion protocol with SP removal in dogs with BPH. Whole ejaculates were collected from 10 healthy dogs and 10 dogs with BPH. SP was removed by brief low-speed centrifugation. Samples were dispensed into cryovials in 500 μL aliquots and subjected to equilibration. They were then frozen using an accelerated ultralow tem-perature profile and subsequently thawed for computer-assisted sperm analysis. Post-thaw progressive motility declined in both groups when compared to fresh samples (p < 0.001), while linearity, straightness, and wobble remained stable within groups and were comparable between groups. Curvilinear, straight-line, and average path velocities decreased after freezing compared to fresh controls (p < 0.05) in both groups. The amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat-cross frequency exhibited significantly greater post-thaw reductions in BPH dogs than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the developed cryopreservation protocol enables effective long-term storage of canine semen from patients with BPH, while maintaining key trajectory parameters despite cryoinjury.

Key words: Canis familiaris, Spermatozoa, Cryotolerance, Computer-assisted sperm analysis, Sperm kinematics.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 86–92

RESPONSES OF BROILERS TO DIFFERENT DIETARY CONCENTRATIONS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC IRON IN RELATION TO IMMUNE REACTIONS

Krasimira Genova , Tandzhu Mehmedov , Anna Arnaudova-Mate

ABSTRACT

Trace elements such as Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn are essential for the growth of broiler chicks, as they play a crucial role in various immunological reactions within the body. Iron, in particular, is a vital nutrient for rapidly growing organisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic iron on specific immune reactions in broiler chickens. Over a period of 35 days, the birds were fed diets containing different doses of iron sulfate and iron methionine (60 ppm and 300 ppm). The study evaluated the impact of these minerals on the bacteri-cidal activity of lysozyme in serum and the migration of lymphocytes. Analysis of the data obtained from this research allows for the optimization of immunological reactivity in broiler chickens. Findings indicate that appropriate supplementation of iron can significantly enhance im-mune function, thereby improving overall health and growth performance in poultry.

Key words: organic and inorganic iron, broiler chickens, bactericidal activity, lysozyme, lymphocyte migration.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 93–98

TRICHINELLA ZIMBABWENSIS – THE FIRST KNOWN SPECIES OF THE GENUS TRICHINELLA INFECTING COLD-BLOODED ANIMALS: A REVIEW

Mira Ivanova, Kostadin Kanchev  

ABSTRACT

Trichinellosis is a meat-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes belonging to the genus Trichinella. These nematodes are among the least host-specific helminths. To date, 10 different Trichinella species have been described, including the encapsulating species Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella nativa, Trichinella britovi, Trichinella nelsoni, Trichinella murrelli, Trichinella chanchalensis, Trichinella patagoniensis and three gen-otypes whose taxonomic status remains unstipulated – Trichinella T6, T8 and T9 exclusive to mammals, and three non-encapsulating species Trichinella papuae, Trichinella pseudospiralis – infecting mammals and birds, and Trichinella zimbabwensis – infecting both mammals and reptiles. Muscle larvae of T. zimbabwensis, like those of T. papuae, do not infect birds. The morphology of adults and larvae is very similar to that of Trichi-nella papuae. These two species can cross between each other in both directions (i.e. female of T. zimbabwen-sis per male of T. papuae and female of T. papuae per male of T. zimbabwensis) producing F1 offspring which produce very few and less viable F2 larvae. These two nematodes cause similar degenerative patterns in the muscles. To summarize, the presence of different species which infect reptiles, mammals or birds in the genus Trichinella strongly suggests the possibility of this nematode group being ancient and it have evolved with the evolution of reptiles into mammals and birds (i.e. from poikilothermic to homoiothermic vertebrates).

Key words: Trichinella zimbabwensis, cold-blooded animals, meat-borne zoonosis, crocodile farms, Zimbabwe.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 99–105

WATER BUFFALO: ORIGINS AND GENETIC DIVERSITY ASSOCIATED WITH ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT TRAITS – A REVIEW

Ivona Dimitrova , Nevyana Stancheva , Krasimira Genova , Yordanka Yordanova , Pencho Penchev , Radena Nenova , Milena Bozhilova-Sakova 

ABSTRACT

Buffaloes provide humanity with high-quality food products. Due to the growing interest in healthy nutrition, the number of buffaloes in Bulgaria has been increasing since 2016. The Bulgarian Murrah breed is one of the two officially recognized buffalo breeds in Europe, which ranks among the leading dairy breeds in the world, is resistant to stress, has good adaptation abilities. Their breeding is difficult due to their late sexual maturity, summer anestrus, silent estrus and extended inter-calving interval. In order to improve the existing population, it is necessary to apply genetic selection aimed at improving the health and welfare of animals, increasing tolerance to stress factors and increasing reproductive abilities, milk and meat production by apply-ing appropriate molecular markers. This review provides information on the identified candidate genes in buf-faloes that could help optimize the production efficiency and productive potential of the Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes.

Key words: water buffalo, Murrah breed, candidate genes.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 106–119

A SECOND-DEGREE THERMAL BURN IN A BURMESE PYTHON (PYTHON BIVITTATUS) – CASE REPORT

Seven Mustafa , Iliana Ruzhanova-Gospodinova , Silvi Vladova, Yoana Kirilova

ABSTRACT

Thermal burns are common in reptiles kept as pets. This report describes a clinical case of thermal burn in a pet snake. The patient is a 3-year-old female amelanistic Burmese python (Python bivittatus) with a sec-ond-degree thermal burn due to a malfunction of the heating mat. Erythematous and necrotic areas were in-spected on the ventral scales. The treatment included iodine baths, burn dressing, application of topical oint-ments, and systemic antibiotics, as well as physiotherapeutic procedures. Тhermal burns in snakes should be treated with a multisystemic approach.

Key words: thermal burn, python, multisystemic treatment, physiotherapy.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 120–127

BILATERAL POLYDACTYLY IN A DOMESTIC PIG (SUS SCROFA DOMESTICUS L.) – A CASE REPORT

Georgi Popov , Georgi I. Georgiev 

ABSTRACT

Congenital limb malformations are relatively rare in domestic swine (Sus scrofa domesticus L., Family: Suidae, Order: Artiodactyla). The incidence increases with improper breeding, especially in cases of mating of individuals that are closely related genetically (inbreeding). The present case presents bilateral, asymmet-rical, postaxial polydactyly of the thoracic limbs in a pig, breed „Big White“, about 9 months old. The signs of improper development of the fingers were noticed at an early age and an unsuccessful attempt treatment was made. Due to the lack of clinical manifestation of a disease, no repeated therapeutic approach was per-formed and the full development of the malformation was detected after slaughter, during the post-mortem examination. The limbs were provided for morphological analysis, in the departments of „Special Pathological Anatomy“ and „Anatomy of Domestic Animals“, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, at the Forestry Uni-versity.

Key words: polydactyly, digit anomalies, pig, morphological analysis.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 128–132

COMBINED REGENERATIVE TOPICAL THERAPY FOR TRAUMATIC CORNEAL ULCER IN AN ENGLISH BULLDOG: A CLINICAL CASE

Georgi Marinov , Seven Mustafa , Nadya Zlateva , Evdoxia Magkrioti

ABSTRACT

Corneal ulcers present a significant clinical challenge in the treatment of companion animals. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of autologous blood derivatives, noted for their high local regenerative potential, either alone or in combination with other treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a combined topical therapy – including autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and ophthalmic drops containing sodium hyaluronate and dexpanthenol – in an English Bulldog with a traumatic corneal ulcer.

Key words: dog, corneal ulcer, platelet-rich-plasma, sodium hyaluronate, dexpanthenol.

TMVM, 2025, vol.10, No 2(19): 133–138