Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) could be used in rabbit nutrition in compliance with circular economy principles, global warming issues, and reduction of production costs. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of prickly pear seed cake (PPSC) on growth, physiological, and histometric parameters in rabbits. A total of 105 rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 35) and fed different diets: a commercial feed (C group), the same feed with alfalfa replaced by PPSC at 10% (10PP group), and at 20% (20PP group). They were group-housed in cages with 5 animals per cage from weaning until slaughtering. While body weights and weight gains were similar in all groups, the coefficients of nutrient digestibility of dry matter, fibers, and ashes, as well as the characteristics of intestinal villi, were improved in the 10PP group compared to the others (p < 0.05). The 20PP group showed a reduction in perirenal and interscapular fat (p < 0.05), as well as lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the C group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, PPSC can be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits up to 20% as a partial substitute for alfalfa without the impairment of growth performance. Additionally, the inclusion of PPSC enhanced nutrient digestibility and increased the intestinal absorption surface area.

Background: Essential oils, obtained from plants, are an alternative for controlling ectoparasites, particularly lice, mites and ticks, due to the problems posed by chemical insecticides, such as insect resistance, environmental impacts and concerns related to human and animal health. This study aims to investigate and compare the insecticidal activity of essential oils from Origanum floribundum and Eucalyptus citriodora against the louse Bovicola limbatus. Methods: The chemical composition of the two oils obtained by hydrodistillation was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a flame ionisation detector (FID-MS). To determine insecticidal activity, the essential oils were tested at different concentrations (0.05–0.8 µL/mL), with mortality recorded after 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h of exposure. Results: A corrected mortality rate of 100% was achieved for concentrations of oregano and eucalyptus essential oils of 0.8 µL/mL and 0.4 µL/mL, respectively. The LC₅₀ values were 0.11 and 0.10 µL/mL for oregano and eucalyptus, respectively, after 2 h of treatment. The LC₉₀ values observed are 0.31 and 0.24 µL/mL for oregano and eucalyptus, respectively. Conclusion: Both essential oils have similar and promising insecticidal potential and could be an alternative to chemical insecticides in a control strategy that is more respectful of human and animal health and the environment.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a major transboundary viral disease affecting cattle, characterized by cutaneous nodules, fever, and systemic manifestations. In Algeria, its recent emergence poses significant threats to livestock health and the agricultural economy. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of LSD outbreaks and assess associated biochemical alterations in infected cattle. Epidemiological data were collected from veterinary surveillance reports and analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results revealed a wide geographic spread of LSD, with a higher concentration of outbreaks in northern regions during the summer, highlighting the role of climatic conditions and vector activity in disease transmission. Biochemical analysis showed significant differences between infected and healthy cattle. Infected animals exhibited lower glucose levels and significant increases in urea and creatinine, along with decreased total proteins, albumin, and globulins. Liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were significantly elevated, while calcium levels were markedly reduced (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that LSD is a systemic disease associated with metabolic and organ dysfunctions. Integrating biochemical parameters with epidemiological surveillance could improve disease monitoring and control strategies.