Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons^™

Avian Influenza And The Approach To Designing An H5n1 Vaccine, Lauren N. Hickey

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 has been responsible for the culling and deaths of millions of birds since 2022 with concern for wildlife, livestock, and human infections occurring as well. With eggs flying off the shelves in grocery stores, even individuals not involved in the agricultural industry have seen the drastic effects of this disease first-hand. For chickens, this virus works quickly and overpowers the innate immune system before the adaptive immune system has time to properly respond. Therefore, a safe and effective vaccine could reduce the number of poultry deaths and prevent the continuous spread of the infection. …

New Frontiers In Diagnosing Equine Lameness, Hyrum Hoopes, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

Lameness is one of the most common and expensive health problems seen in horses. Modern technology allows veterinarians to look beneath the surface. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital radiography (X-rays), nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) give clearer, more detailed pictures of what’s happening inside the horse’s leg. Each technology offers different advantages, from identifying uneven movement to revealing hidden damage within bones, joints, or soft tissues. When combined with veterinary visual evaluation, they help pinpoint the cause of lameness faster and more accurately than ever before.

Investigation Of The Functional Dimensions Of Teats Up To Mid-Lactation In Bulgarian Murrah Buffaloes Established By Ultrasonography, Ivan Fasulkov, Pencho Penchev, Yordanka Ilieva, Manol Karadaev

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to monitor the changes in teat measurements from early to mid-lactation in the Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes. The experiment was carried out with twenty (10 primiparous and 10 pluriparous) lactating buffaloes. Five series of ultrasound measurements were performed, each consisting of two sessions for each animal corresponding to the phases of lactation: first lactation month (day 1 to day 30 postpartum) and mid- lactation (day 122 to day 152). The studied parameters were teat canal length (TCL), teat diameter (TD), teat wall thickness (TWT), and teat cistern diameter (TCD). The data were processed using the …

Effects Of Acepromazine On Intraocular Pressure, Anterior Chamber Depth In Horses: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study, Abdelhaleem Elkasapy, Magdy Elgioushy, Mohamed Marzok, Sayed Elhawari, Adel Almubarak, Mohamed Rizk, Sabry El-Khodery, Adel Al-Akraa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acepromazine on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), cardiovascular and respiratory rates in horses. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, twelve horses were equally allocated randomly into two groups: treatment and control (n = 6 each). Horses of the treatment group received 0.1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of acepromazine intravenously, while those in the control group received 0.4 mL/100 kg bwt of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously. IOP, ACD, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded before (T0) and then at T10, T20, T30, T40, T50, T60, T70, T80, and T120 min …

Current Status Of Anthelmintic Resistance In Meat Goats: A Comparative Efficacy Study Of Albendazole And Fenbendazole In Maha Sarakham, Thailand, Minta Pipatsakulpak, Usanisa Boonum, Kotchakorn Roongruang, Benjawan Sae-Chue, Sukanya Leethongdee, Songsak Chumpawadee, Nattaya Watwiengkam, Pongphol Pongthaisong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes threatens sustainable goat production globally. While resistance is well-documented in many regions, data from Thailand remain limited. This study determined the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and assessed the efficacy of albendazole and fenbendazole in meat goats in Maha Sarakham province, northeastern Thailand. A two-stage cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 meat goat farms between August 2021 and March 2022. In Stage 1, fecal samples from 150 goats were examined using simple flotation and sedimentation techniques to identify parasite morphology. In Stage 2, the McMaster technique was employed to quantify fecal egg counts (FEC). Twenty-six goats …

Correlation Of Oxidative Stress Markers Between Serum And Colostrum And Their Association With Production Performance In Lactating Sows From A Prrs-Unstable Herd, Supasit Sopin, Yonlayong Woonwoong, Pichai Jirawattanapong, Prapassorn Boonsoongnern, Wirod Lakkanasombat, Alongkot Boonsoongnern

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the antioxidant defense capacity of living organisms. Oxidative stress is commonly assessed using serum samples; however, blood sampling in pigs is often avoided on commercial farms because of disease transmission concerns and animal welfare considerations. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between oxidative stress markers in serum and colostrum samples and to determine their association with production performance in lactating sows. A total of 34 Landrace × Large White sows from a commercial farrow-to-finish farm were included in the study. Blood and colostrum samples were collected immediately after …

Perceptions Of Rural Large Animal Owners On Cost And Distance As Barriers To Veterinary Medicine, Alyssa Dalleske

Honors College Theses

Access to veterinary care remains a significant issue in rural communities due to financial, geographic, and access barriers. Limited access to veterinary care can have an impact on animal welfare and an economic impact for producers. This study aimed to assess factors influencing access to veterinary services, including cost, distance to clinics, perceived value of care, and availability of mobile veterinary professionals. The survey was distributed to rural large animal owners using social media, and gained 20 participants. It collected data on perceived barriers within their communities. The survey results indicated that cost of care and distance to veterinary clinics …

Public Perception Of Equine Rabies And Its Implications For Future Education And Preventative Strategies, Kya Walton

Honors College Theses

This study examined the rabies knowledge, vaccination, and risks of exposures of horse owners/overseers across the state of Kentucky. Research was conducted to determine the need for public health educators and veterinarians to inform the public on rabies. Survey results concluded that respondents' general knowledge of rabies transmission and mortality rate was respectable, but knowledge relating to equine vaccination was comparatively lower. A weak inverse relationship was observed between general rabies knowledge and concern over an individual’s horses contracting rabies. A weak positive correlation was determined when looking into general rabies knowledge and the likelihood of vaccinating an individual’s horses. …

Dextromethorphan And Trace Level Detections Of Dextrorphan In Post-Race Urine Samples – A Case Report And Analysis, Kimberly Brewer, Justin C. Holmes, Clara Fenger, Abelardo Morales-Briceño, Andreas F. Lehner, George A. Maylin, Robert Holland, Levent Dirikolu, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Dextrorphan is a Phase I equine metabolite of dextromethorphan, a widely used anti-tussive / cough suppressant medication marketed and available in numerous over-the-counter formulations in the United States. Dextromethorphan is an Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) drug class 4 penalty class B substance and a Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Authority (HIWU) CONTROLLED S7 B substance and is regulated as such in horse racing. In horses, dextromethorphan is metabolized to its Phase I metabolite, dextrorphan, which is next glucuronidated and the resultant dextrorphan-glucuronide conjugate then excreted at remarkably high concentrations in equine urine. Dextrorphan is therefore at times identified in …

Expression Pattern Of The Hifα-Family In Equine Chorioallantois During Pregnancy And Placental Pathology, Yatta Boakari, Hossam El-Sheikh Ali, Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Claudia Barbosa Fernandes, Sophia Panelli Marchio, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Equine placental dysfunction impairs fetal growth and disrupts pregnancy outcomes. Despite many advances in diagnosis, the molecular pathophysiology of equine placentitis and premature placental separation remains poorly understood. However, the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-α) pathway is related to placental hypoxia, and its modulation in placental diseases has been shown in other species. Therefore, we hypothesized that in conditions marked by equine placental dysfunction, oxygen deprivation in the chorioallantois membrane triggers the activation of the HIF-α pathway, which is related to molecular alterations associated with placental insufficiency. Accordingly, we compared the expression of HIF1A, HIF2A, HIF3A, and HIF1AN genes in equine chorioallantois …

Investigating The Potential Role Of Toxoplasma Gondii In The Development Of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, Brooklyn Nicole Shirah

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurologic disease of horses prevalent in the Americas, caused by the coccidian parasites Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi. Toxoplasma gondii is a related parasite that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals, including horses. Prior studies show conflicting results on whether T. gondii contributes to EPM, in part because no validated T. gondii serologic assay exists in horses. This study developed a recombinant TgSAG1 ELISA and confirmatory Western blot. These assays evaluated T. gondii seropositivity in 789 serum samples from healthy and neurologic horses across multiple geographic regions and examined 31 paired serum:CSF samples for …

Environmental Detection And Quantification Of Equid Alphaherpesviruses In Equine Facilities Using Air Sampling, Emma E. Hyde

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 and 4 (EHV-1/-4) circulate at equestrian facilities, contributing to outbreaks. Due to the complexities of the pathogen, including the limited predictability of reactivation from latency and the effects associated with secondary sites of viral replication, abortion, and neurologic disease, EHV infections are of utmost concern to the equine industry. Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of the viruses in stabling areas at competitions, though little is known about this phenomenon in other high-traffic equine environments. This thesis presents two studies using air sampling surveillance methods to further explore the viral detection in other equine environments (veterinary facility …

Comparison Of Spayed Heifer Performance To Intact Heifers Fed Melengestrol Acetate On Feedlot Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Tate S. Johnson, Rebecca L. Mcdermott, Halden J. Clark, Jim C. Macdonald, Jessica L. Sperber

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

Pregnancy and estrous cycle management are critical considerations when feeding intact heifers in the feedyard. Alternatively, producers can opt to spay heifers, which eliminates hormonal fluctuations associated with the estrous cycle. A proportion of U.S. feedlots have spayed heifers on feed, although there is limited data comparing the performance of spayed heifers to intact heifers. A commercial feedlot experiment was conducted to compare performance between spayed and intact heifers fed melengestrol acetate. Intact heifers had greater ADG and tended to have greater DMI compared to spayed heifers, although no difference in feed conversion was observed. Carcass weight …

Effects Of Replacing Antibiotics With Bacillus-Based Probiotics In The Diet Of Lactating Sows On Reproductive Performance, Feed Intake, Serum Immunoglobulin Levels, Milk Production, Oxidative Stress Markers, Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, And Piglet Growth Performance, Chutikan Srisang, Tip-Apa Akkhaphan, Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul, Junpen Suwimonteerabutr, Rafa Boonprakob, Suparlark Nuntawan Na Ayudhya Dr, Lea Hübertz Birch Hansen Dr, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This clinical trial investigated the effects of adding a Bacillus-based probiotic to the lactation diet of sows (without in-feed antibiotics) on maternal and piglet outcomes. A total of 109 Landrace × Yorkshire sows (parity 1–7) were assigned to either a control group (n = 61) or a treatment group (n = 48) receiving Bacillus subtilis – 541 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens – 516. Piglets in the treatment group also received the probiotics via creep feed from day 3 until weaning. Blood samples were collected within 12 h after farrowing to assess serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and malondialdehyde (MDA) …

Recovery And Characterization Of Moraxella Species From Bovine Specimens, Laura G. Leger

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The family Moraxellaceae is made up of a diverse group of 24 named species that fall into three phylogenetic groups. While most Moraxella spp. act as commensal respiratory and/or ocular flora of mammals, some are associated with disease. One of these diseases, infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), has significant welfare and economic impacts to both cattle and cattle producers. Moraxella bovis is the only experimentally determined cause of IBK, however, an association of Moraxella bovoculi with disease has been proposed. Currently, available vaccines do not have high levels of efficacy in the field. Culture based methods are the gold standard for …

Seroprevalence Of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (Srlvs) And Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus (Pprv) In Nonvaccinated Sheep And Goats In Sarawak, Malaysia, Bura Thlama Paul, Ali Saidu, Maria Eva Barudi, Faez Firdaus Abdullah Jesse, Juriah Kamaludeen, Suhaili Mustafa, Masnindah Malahubban, Ali Hanafiah Hakim, Krishnan Nair Balakrishnan, Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) are economically important viral diseases that threaten small ruminant production globally. While previous studies have reported their serological status in Peninsular Malaysia, there is limited epidemiological information on their occurrence in East Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of SRLVs and PPRV among nonvaccinated sheep and goats from selected smallholder farms in Sarawak. A total of 245 serum samples collected from sheep (n = 117) and goat (n = 128) were screened using commercial ID Screen^® PPR competition (PPRC ver. 0821) and MVV/CAEV …

Blood Glucose Concentration In Highly Prolific Sows Before Farrowing: Its Relationship With Parity And Litter Size, Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul, Silvia Comencini, Fabio De Rensis, Roberta Saleri, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Farrowing is an energy-demanding period for prolific sows, with blood glucose levels serving as key indicators affecting farrowing outcomes and piglet survival. This study aimed to evaluate blood glucose levels in prolific sows prior to farrowing, assess the prevalence of hypoglycemia in late gestation, and investigate the relationship between blood glucose levels, parity, and litter size under tropical conditions. A total of 67 Danish Landrace × Yorkshire sows were grouped based on litter size (6–14, 15–17, or ≥18 piglets) and parity (2–4 and 5–6). To determine glucose levels, blood samples were collected at 115.8 ± 1.6 days of gestation, at …

Fetal Losses Associated With Prrsv, Ppv, And Pcv2 Detection, Em-On Olanratmanee, Pachara Pearodwong, Duangkamol Lewchalermwong, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections associated with fetal losses in 10 commercial swine herds in Thailand. Samples were collected from 100 sows and included 25 aborted fetuses, 35 mummified fetuses, and 40 stillborn piglets. The average parity number of the sows was 2.8 ± 2.4, ranging from 0 to 11. Fetal age was determined based on either the day of abortion or estimated using crown-rump length, and categorized as ≥70 days. Organs from each case were pooled, homogenized, and tested …

Maternal Hyperleptinemia Alters Placental Transcriptome And Progesterone Regulation Without Affecting Early Equine Fetal Growth, Lucinda L. Thorburn

LSU Master's Theses

While consequences of equine obesity are well defined, the extent to which persistent hyperleptinemia and accompanying leptin (Lep) resistance affect the fetal-maternal environment warrants further exploration. This study compared endocrine, fetal, placental, and uterine parameters during early pregnancy (through day 70) in mares with elevated leptin versus normal leptin (NL) concentrations. Fourteen mares were classified as either NL (n = 6; Lep 0.9 ± 0.3 ng/mL), moderate leptin (ML; n = 4; Lep 3.0 ± 0.3 ng/mL), or high leptin (HL; n = 4; Lep 5.8 ± 0.7 ng/mL) based on annual plasma leptin. Mares were artificially inseminated and induced …

Improving Health In Overweight Equines, Mikayla Joy, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

The primary treatments for overweight horses include diet modifications and incorporating exercise routines, with the most effective solution being a combination of both. There are special considerations and treatments for horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), which is prevalent in obese equines. This fact sheet provides information on determining body condition, managing nutrition, and incorporating exercise to improve a horse's health.

Assessing The Efficacy Of Eutectic Mixture Of Local Anesthesia Cream And Vapocoolant Spray In Mitigating The Pain Associated With Ear-Tagging In Pre-Weaned Calves, Yu-Jhe Lo, Thomas Chia-Tang Ho, Jacky Peng-Wen Chan

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study evaluated the efficacy of a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream and vapocoolant spray (VS) in preventing pain in calves following ear-tagging. Thirty-four calves were randomly assigned to three groups: no anesthesia control (CON, n=11), EMLA applied 60 minutes prior (EMLA, n=11), and five-second VS application immediately prior (VS, n=12). Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured at 18±1 days of age, with the left ear of the CON group serving as the sham group (Sham, n=11), followed by ear-tagging at 21±1 days. Post-tagging assessments included pain-related behaviors, serum cortisol levels, heart rate, and wound scores. The PPT …

Environmental Effects On Preweaning Calf Health, Lindsay L. Waechter-Mead

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Neonatal calf health is an important factor in the productivity and profitability in the beef cattle industry, influencing preweaning survival, growth, and long-term performance. The overall objective of this thesis is to characterize risk factors that contribute to health issues in young beef calves. The first objective is to review literature exploring the environmental factors affecting preweaning morbidity and mortality, including hypothermia, precipitation, and wind. Management strategies such as the effect of environmental conditions of calving location, body condition score in dams at parturition, and the impacts of dystocia on calf health will also be discussed. Gaps in current research …

Epidemiological Inferences Of The Impacts Of Winter Ticks On Moose Health, Krishna S. Woerheide

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The North American Moose (mooz in Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwe language, Alces alces), a culturally significant subsistence species for the Anishinaabe people, faces population decline due to calf predation, pathogen transmission, and parasitism by the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), all exacerbated by climate change. This study explores the impact of winter tick infestations on moose health, with a focus on natural mineral seeps as potential transmission hotspots in moose habitats within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation (Gichi Onigaming), on Isle Royale National Park (Minong), and within the 1854 Ceded Territory (greater northeastern Minnesota) - ancestral and present homelands of …

Effectiveness Of Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance Administered To Newly Received, High-Risk Stocker Calves, Elle Johnston

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Stocker cattle purchased at auction can be susceptible to disease due to the stressors associated with the auction process. These cattle are labeled “high-risk” due to their compromised immune system during transportation, handling, and vaccination processes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a maternal bovine appeasing substance, FerAppease, on growth performance and behavior of stocker cattle. Male beef calves (n=80) were purchased at auction and transported to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Savoy Research Complex Beef Stocker Unit. Steers and bulls were of varying age, breed, and temperament. Upon arrival to the facility …

Stereotypic Behaviors And Physiological Indicators Of Stress Occur In Horses With Restricted Durations Of Turnout, Elizabeth E. Rodgers

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The confinement of horses to stalls with limited or no turnout time restricts their natural roaming behaviors, which potentially increases stress and behavioral stereotypies. This study investigated the impact of turnout duration on behavioral and physiological stress indicators in healthy horses. Adult horses (n = 11) were enrolled in a 3 treatment (0-, 15-, and 60-minute turnout/day) Latin square design, including 3 12 d experimental periods over 6 weeks. Horses were acclimated to turnout (24.38 x 64.01m indoor arena) and stalls (2.74 x 4.87m - 3.66 x 3.66m) stalls prior to data collection on day 1. Experienced handlers managed …

Methane Mitigation And Its Effects On Energy Utilization In Lactating Dairy Cattle, Shan C. Sherwood

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Improved methane (CH₄) mitigation strategies are needed to achieve the greenhouse gas emission goals of the dairy industry. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed oil and acetate (BCA) on CH₄ production and whole-animal energy utilization. Twelve dry Jersey cows were used in a 2-period crossover design study with 28d periods. The BCA treatment was compared to a control diet with corn oil. Both BCA and corn oil were added to the base diet as a top dress. Results from this study did not show any …

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Ii And Its Receptor: Novel Regulators Of Semen Quality And Follicular Function In Swine, Caitlin Elizabeth Ross

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Pigs are the only mammalian livestock species encoding functional proteins for the second form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) and its receptor (GnRHR-II). In the first study, GnRHR-II localized to developing germ cells and the connecting piece of ejaculated spermatozoa. Concurrently, GnRH-II was most abundantly produced in the testis compared with other reproductive tract organs and was present within seminal plasma. Moreover, treatment of extended semen with GnRHR-II analogues altered sperm motility, morphology, and kinematics. For remaining studies, we utilized a swine line with ubiquitous knockdown of GnRHR-II (GnRHR-II KD) developed in our laboratory. The second study demonstrated that circulating GnRH-II …

Impact Of Colostrum Lactose Concentration In Relation To Metabolomic Profiles On Kid Growth Performance Of Black Bengal Goats, Tien Thi Phuong Vo, Chollada Buranakarl, Sumonwan Chamsuwan, Sumpun Thammacharoen, Morakot Nuntapaitoon, Sarn Settachaimongkon

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Colostrum composition, including lactose concentration in relation to metabolomic profiles on kids’ growth performance of Black Bengal goats, has not yet been elucidated. Macronutrients, including lactose and metabolomic profiles, were determined in 37 colostrum samples using MilkoScan and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance technique, respectively. Kids’ growth performance, including birth weight, average daily gain at 0–4 weeks (ADG0-4W), 4–8 weeks (ADG4-8W), and wean weight were determined. A total of 51 metabolites were detected in the colostrum. From the general linear model for univariate analysis, kids born from multiple litter sizes showed lower ADG during the first month postpartum (P = 0.004). …

Region-Specific Hematological And Biochemical Reference Intervals For Southern Thai Fighting Bulls, Dhiravit Chantip, Nantaporn Chooruang, Kitikarn Sakuna, Niramol Thongtem, Wiruntita Bohman

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Accurate health assessments are vital for the performance and welfare of fighting bulls. Existing hematological and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) for cattle may not adequately reflect the unique characteristics of fighting bulls due to breed, age, and geographical differences. This study aimed to develop and apply region-specific RIs for hematological and biochemical parameters in fighting bulls from southern Thailand. A retrospective analysis of laboratory records was conducted on 1,460 healthy fighting bulls enrolled in an annual health check program at the Livestock Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, from January 2016 to December 2023. Blood …

External Jugular Vein Catheterization Technique For Continuous Blood Sampling In Gilts, Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul, Yosua Kristian Adi, Chutikan Srisang, Pirada Virankabutra, Natchanon Dumniem, Jinda Singlor, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

External jugular vein blood collection is common in gilts and sows, but continuous sampling for hormonal and pharmacokinetic research requires catheterization. The standard protocol has remained largely unchanged for nearly 40 years. This study aimed to develop a modified external jugular vein catheterization technique in gilts. Ten gilts (72.0 ± 3.4 kg) underwent surgery under general anesthesia after 12-hour fasting. Sedation was induced with intramuscular Xylazine (4.4 mg/kg) and Tiletamine–Zolazepam (2.2 mg/kg), followed by intravenous Thiopental sodium (10 mg/kg). Once anesthetized, gilts were placed in dorsal recumbency, and the external jugular fossa was prepared under sterile conditions. A 10 cm …