Veterinary Science & Technology

This editorial article critically discusses few selected ways to optimize cereal nutrition in peripaturient ruminants. Despite some recent progress, research is much needed to explore dependent and independent effects of cereal type and processing in relation to dietary forage choice and its physical effectiveness on rumen ecology and ruminant metabolism during the periparturient phase. Health and immunity markers need to be monitored to enable pragmatic long-run policy-making.

Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) are a type of beef cattle native to Indonesia. Their size is relatively smaller (300-600 kg) than those of Bos taurus, but Bali cattle have high adaptability to tropical conditions, especially against some diseaeses. Efforts have been done to study the physiology of Bali cattle through their saliva as a non-invasive research material. Predicted Zymogen Granule Protein (G3MZ19) has been reported presence in Bali cattle saliva, however until now has not been characterized. In this paper, the results of our studies on the expression and the phylogenetic study of G3MZ19 fragment gene in Bali cattle are presented. PCR was carried out using the primers developed from Bos Taurus G3MZ19 gene (Ludwig NR database). Our studies revealed that G3MZ19 genes were expressed in the genomic DNA of Bali cattle. Results of dendogram with 1000 bootstrap replications indicate that Bali cattle are located within, but quite distinct from, certain Bos taurus’s predicted G3MZ19 genes. In addition to ruminants, in our dendogram analysis, we also incorporated mono gastric (humans and porcines) G3MZ19-related genes. However, evolutionary of Bali cattle G3MZ19 shows only Sus scrofa existed in the dendogram, while humans do not at all. What are the role of this G3MZ19 in Bali cattle, and how accurate its evolution in ruminants still needs to be investigated further?

Piroplasmosis is now considered emerging tick-borne zoonosis worldwide and domestic animals have been proposed as potential reservoirs for some piroplasm infections. The aim of this research was to identify the frequency of Babesia microti infection in untravelled dogs from Southern Italy (Sicily). Blood samples from 89 dogs were examined for the presence of Babesia microti antibodies and DNA. The dogs were infested with ticks. Among the examined dogs only one (1.16%) had B. microti antibodies, associated to B. canis, A. phagocytophilum and R. conorii infections. In the PCR assay, the dog was also found positive for B. microti and R. conorii DNA, and negative for other microorganisms. The infected dog showed a non-specific flu-like syndrome, with depression, disorexia, hyperthermia (39.6°C), light dehydration, moderate lymphadenopathy and heavy tick infestation (>20). No significant changes were present in the cell blood count. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of serological and molecular identification of B. microti piroplasm in a dog from Southern Italy. Because specific antibodies and DNA were detected in an untraveled dog, babesiosis is probably due to an autochthonous tick infection. However, this study indicates that Babesia microti is not widely distributed in dog populations in Sicily, as demonstrated by low prevalence of infection. So, in Sicily the dog would not appear to represent a reservoir of infection, but rather an accidental host.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different treatment regimens for the management of acute footrot in sheep. This study was conducted on 36 adult sheep of both sexes living at an altitude of 1800-2000 meters above sea level, aged between 2.49 ± 1.6 years and weighing 36.7 ± 0.9 kg. Footrot was diagnosed on the bases of physical and clinical analysis and then confirmed laboratorically. The animals were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. The animals of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd group were administered dicrysticin- SLDV@ 2.5 g/animal intramuscularly (IM), oxytetracycline @ 20 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) IM, and enrofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg b.wt. IM, respectively on the days 1st, 2nd and 3rd, besides this the animals in 1st and 2nd group were given melonex @ 0.2 mg/kg b.wt and esgipyrin-N @ 3 ml/animal IM for three days. Along with the above medications animals of all the groups were given 10% copper-sulfate footbath. The mean recovery time in days was shortest in group 2nd (3.03 ± 0.64) followed by group 1st (4.10 ± 0.31), and longest in group 3rd (4.48 ± 0.79) respectively. The mean ± SE values of rectal temperature and ruminal motility showed significant (p<0.05) differences. Therefore administration of parenteral antibiotics and analgesics in association with footbath is highly effective treatment for the footrot in sheep.

This paper contains a description of device for ambulatory diagnosis of pet’s cardiovascular system functional state capable of measuring pulse wave parameters and storing obtained data. One of the main advantages of developed device practical application is elimination of animal anxiety caused by visit to veterinary clinic. The animal during the measurement does not experience any anxiety and stress. The dog’s cardiovascular system measurement result was obtained without the stress influence on the animals. This allows to significantly reducing measured pulse wave data misinterpretation. Easy handling of the device and capability of transferring data to external flash drives allows pet owner to make measurements domiciliary and pass the results to veterinarian during the next animal clinic visit.

Newcastle Disease (ND) is a serious and commonly fatal viral poultry disease, which is widely distributed throughout the world. In most developing countries including Ethiopia, ND is the most important disease causing huge economic losses. A cross sectional study was conducted in February 2014 in village chickens at three selected districts in and around rift valley lakes of Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by serological and molecular methods. A total of 155 sera and 155 swab samples were collected from village chickens in Bishoftu, Tikur wuha and Ziway districts. The sera samples were analyzed by Competitive-ELISA. ND viruses were isolated from the tracheal swab specimens, through inoculation in embryonated chicken eggs and were characterized genetically by using molecular methods. Real-time RT-PCR targeting a conserved region of the M gene was employed to amplify all APMV1. M-gene positive samples were further analyzed by Real-time RT-PCR targeting F-gene to specifically amplify the virulent strains. The overall sero prevalence of ND was 11.6% with no statistically significant differences between the study districts at 95% confidence level. Thirteen isolates were positive for APMV1 out of which 38.4% (5/13) were virulent NDV strains. This study provides important information on serological and virological profile of NDV and highlights the importance of continuous surveillances to better understand the epidemiology of the disease.

Background

A seroepidemiological study of ovine brucellosis was carried out in Ada’a-Liben, Ambo and Fentale districts of Central Ethiopia from November 2010 to May 2012. A cross-sectional two stage cluster sampling method was used in order to collect 1119 sera samples from 227 flocks. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information about risk factors. Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT) were used as screening and confirmatory tests, respectively. A logistic regression was used to compute the odd ratios associated with potential risk factors.

Results

Overall, the results revealed that 16.74% (95% Confidence interval [CI]: 11.85, 21.63) and 3.57% [95% CI: 2.49, 4.66] of the tested flocks and animals, respectively, had antibodies against Brucella sp. by CFT. The highest animal level seroprevalence was recorded from Fentale district (4.97%) followed by Ada’a-Liben (3.0%) and Ambo (2.09%) districts. Univariable logistic regression analysis of potential risk factors revealed that district, breed, still birth and neonatal losses were significantly associated with brucella seroprevalence at both individual animal and flock level (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression model revealed history of still birth as an independent predictors of seropositivity at individual animal level (adjusted Odds ratio [aOR]=2.55, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.45; P=0.016). Of the variable offered to the multivariable model (district, history of still birth and neonatal losses), none of them were found to be independent predictors of flock level seropositivity (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Ovine brucellosis is endemic at moderately high prevalence in the study areas. History of still birth was significantly associated with ovine brucellosis. Further epidemiological studies that include isolation, biotyping and molecular identification of Brucella sp. and education of people are suggested for better control.

Aims

It is the 1st time to study sarcosysts meisheri of camels in Assiut Govemorate; throughout the study different parts from camels in different locations were examined for Sarcosystis meisheri. (Abdominal, esophagus and tongue muscles).Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis meisheri . Infection among slaughtered camels in Assiut, Upper Egypt and to examine the ultrastructural characteristics of the sarcocystis meisheri inside the different muscles of camels.

Main methods

Random samples of different regions of camel muscles (0esophagus, tongue and abdominal region) were collected for examination of any Sarcocystis meisheri in muscles.

Key findings

One hundred and ninety five (195) specimens were examined. Only one hundred and eight (108) were found to be infected (55.5%).The infectious rates was highest in esophagus (62%), followed by abdominal muscles (52.2%) and tongue muscles (51.25%).

Significance

Generally the infectious rate with the parasite was higher in males than in females. Morphological and ultrastructures of muscle stage (sarcocyst) have been reported and illustrated in this study by both light and electron microscope. TEM showed that there are two types of Sarcocystis meisheri in camels in Assiut Governorate. The cyst consists of two types of cells these are metrocytes and merozoites and contained a large numbers of micronemes, rhopries, conoid and and mitochondrial organelles.

This study was conducted in Jigjiga District of Fafan zone with the objectives to assessed small holder Camel milk production performance. Four kebeles were selected randomly from total of 33 kebeles of the District. Sample households were selected purposively based on the presence of lactating camel in the household. Accordingly ten (10) household were selected from each kebele. Therefore the total sample size was 40 respondents. Out of this 80% and 20% were male and female, respectively. The data were collected from primary source by using semistructured questionnaires. The age of the respondents were 20-30 (55%), 10-20 (20%,) and 30-40 (25%). Majority (60%) of the respondents were illiterate, whereas only 40% of them were literate. Milking yield of the area was from 1-6 liter per animal per day. According to respondent’s response, Majority (75%) of them produced 3 liters per each lactating camel produces, where 15% of them can produce equal or more than four (4) litres per day, where only 10% of them produced two liter per day. Almost all (90%) of the respondents camel produce high milk yield during the spring season, where (10%) of the them can bring with a good output of milk production during autumn season. majority (55%) of the respondents replied that camel’s milk production can persist with a time of (24) hrs, where 30% of the respondents camel’s milk can exist (36) hrs, Where only15% of the respondents camels’ milk can exist (48) hrs. the main factors that affect camel milk were feed (45%), drought (20%), and disease (35%). The weaning age of camel in the study area ranges from 6-18 months, 18 months (70%) is the most common one. The milking frequencies were ranges from 2-3 times per day. Whereas, 3 times per day (80%) are common. Majority of the respondents utilize traditional milk handling equipment’s (65%) Dhiil (hourglass) and (35%) Gaawe. In conclusion, Due to lack of better management, nutrition and health care camel milk production is low. Therefore, Successful mitigation measures for improved and sustained camel milk production requires contribution and clear roles of a number of stakeholders.

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010-April 2011 to determine the prevalence and distribution of salmonella isolates from apparently healthy sheep and goats slaughtered at Addis Ababa Abattoir enterprise, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 384 sheep and goats were randomly selected and examined for the presence of salmonella in liver, kidney, spleen, carcass, mesenteric lymph node and feces. Three hundred eighty four samples of liver (0.00%), kidney (0.00%), spleen (0.00%), muscle (0.00%), carcass (0.00%), mesenteric lymph node (1.9%) and feces (5.3%) were examined. The isolation and identification of salmonella were carried out according to the technique recommended by the Standard Technique. Out of 384 samples, a total of 4 (1.04%) salmonella were isolated of which 1.5% (n=200) and 0.5% (n=184) were from sheep and goats respectively. Out of the positive isolates, 2(2.6%) and 1(3.6%) were from faeces and mesenteric lymph node of sheep and 1(3.7%) was from feces of goats. The result revealed that there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of salmonella between male (1.14%) and female (1.79%) sheep and male (100%) and female (0.00%) goats. There was also no statistical significant difference between adult (1.96%) and young (1.02%) sheep and also between adult (100%), and young (0.00%) goats. The prevalence of salmonella in sheep (1.5%) and in goat (0.54%) was not significantly associated (p>0.005). Finally, the result of present study shows that unhygienic practices of workers resulted in contamination of mesenteric lymph node and the possibilities of cross contamination between positive animal and healthy ones. Although the present study shows the low prevalence of salmonella in the study area, the important impacts of salmonellosis on sheep and goats' production and productivity should not be neglected. Therefore, emphasis should be given to control the disease.

Background

In humans and rats the peritoneal surface area is described, but not the abdominal cavity surface area (ACSA). On the literature review undertaken, no discriminatory values of surface area of the abdominal cavity in cats were found. The objective of the study is to determine the ACSA in cats, through three-dimensional (3D) modeling. For this purpose it was performed a retrospective study of a series of cases of tomographic exams of cats, without changes in the abdominal cavity. Processing the digital images and through segmentation techniques was constructed the 3D model of the abdominal cavity of 26 cats, making it possible to determine its volume and surface area.

Results

The volume (mean ± standard deviation) of the abdominal cavity of cats was 6.59x10-4 ± 2.22 × 10-4 m3, and the area of abdominal surface 5.11x10-2 ± 9.86 × 10-3 m2.

Conclusions

The values determined provide not-existent anatomical information and contribute to the study of diseases affecting this area. The determination of this area allows its application in calculating and determining intraabdominal pressures and understanding them better. The same methodology can be used in other species for the determination and calculation of the abdominal surface area.

Best periods for deworming cattle against fasciolosis in Nigeria. A number of researches have confirmed the presence of fasciolosis and the extent of its harm both to cattle and humans in Nigeria. However, less attention has been given as to the specific periods during which cattle should be dewormed against the parasites. As a result, cattle are usually dewormed randomly at any time with just any fluckicide and in many cases are dewormed only when symptoms appear. This contributes to the lingering disease despite repetitive treatment. This study recommends specific periods in the rainy season and dry season for deworming cattle based on records of research findings in the past and of recent. A research was conducted towards the close of the rainy season (September ending and October ending, 2010) in 2 local Government Areas (Girei and Yola South) of Adamawa state in north eastern Nigeria. To fill the 5 microplates procured, blood samples were drawn randomly from the jugular vein of 225 field cattle. The sera obtained were screened for Fasciola gigantica antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A prevalence rate of 55.5% was obtained in September as against 75.5% in October. Analysis with a t-test paired sample statistics indicated a significant difference (P<0.05) in the incidence of the disease between the months of September and October hence the best period recommended for deworming in the rainy season is early September to early October. It can be deduced from records of seasonal prevalence of fasciolosis that the best periods to deworm cattle in the dry season is January/February.

The aim of this study is to raising the possible difficulties and the complications met in intra and post-operatively during a radical prostatectomy (RP). Four (n=4) healthy Atlas Shepherd Dog, of 2 years old underwent a RP on the level of the canine clinical pathology of Tiaret veterinary science Institute (Algeria). A clinical and echographic follow-up post-operative revealed the presence of a light urinary incontinence, solved in the short run for two dogs. Whereas it is persistent and complicated in cystitis and a leakage of the urine at the anastomosis site in the two other dogs. A treatment containing antibiotics systemically and locally associated with a disinfection of the wounds was set up. Following a hospitalization two dogs were restored completely, whereas the two others had inevitable complications been dependant on the urinary system. For a good management of the complications related to total prostatectomy, a rigorous clinical follow-up, associated with an ultrasonographic examination prove to be essential.

The quail acts as a model for recent experimental studies and its oviduct development is of special interest. This study was carried out on 61 adult female Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) collected from quail farms in Assiut and South Valley Universities in order to characterize the morphological features of the uterus during the post-hatching life. The process of development was consisted of three stages: undifferentiated, differentiated and adult stage. The undifferentiated stage began from day of hatching till 25-days old age and the oviduct was divided into cranial, middle and caudal parts. The caudal part (the future uterus and vagina) was represented by a simple wall of a single layer of simple columnar epithelial cells resting on subepithelial undifferentiated mesenchymal cells with many mitotic divisions. At 20 days old, the mucosa is thrown into distinct mucosal folds as well as the ciliated and secretory epithelial cells were first appeared at this age. At differentiated stage (from 30-40 days), the tubular glands began to develop and opened between the epithelial cells. The adult stage began from 50 days old and the luminal surface of the uterus was characterized by numerous long leaf-like folds. Also, the apical part of the cells showed positive reaction with PAS and Alcian blue. The tubular glands are filled with the secretion, which give positive reaction with PAS and Alcian blue. The uterovaginal junction lies between the uterus and the cranial part of the vagina, and contains the sperm host gland. This area showed transition of the mucosal folds from longitudinal folds of the uterus to complex interconnecting folds of the vagina. Many typical sperms with oval head and tail were inserted between the ciliated and microvillous surface epithelial cells of sperm host glands. This detailed anatomical and histological study of post-hatching development of uterus in quail will not only help to evaluate changes occurs during this critical period, but also will assist in understanding clearly the physiology of reproduction in quail.

The study was conducted to investigate growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass quality measures and some serum blood parameters of purebred and crossbred Romanov male lambs (7/8 Romanov:1/8 Argali). For this purpose two groups of sheep were formed, the first consisted of 163 ewes with 2 rams of purebred Romanov sheep, while the second consisted of 49 purebred Romanov ewes with one crossbred ram (3/4 Romanov:1/4 Argali). The ewes were mated with the rams from the same group. Newly born lamb survivability and live body weight were estimated just after lambing. The lambs kept in the experiment till the age of 4 months (weaning age) then ten male lambs from each group were selected and kept under the same feeding and housing condition till the age of 8 months. The lamb keeping index, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and some serum blood parameters were determined for each lamb group.

The results of the study revealed that, the crossbred Romanov male lambs (7/8 Romanov:1/8 Argali) had 4.80 kg more in their body weight as well as 19 g of average daily gain by the age of 8 months. Crossbred lambs had 2.8 kg more in their hot carcass weight over the purebred ones. Crossbred Romanov lambs had higher lamb keeping index, growth performance and nutrient digestibility than purebred ones. Also, they have a better metabolic blood profile.

Fluctuating sex steroids during the estrous or menstrual cycle of mammalian females make it difficult to determine their role on behaviors and physiology. To avoid this, many investigators ovariectomize their animals and administer progesterone, estradiol or a combination of both. Several different strategies are used to administer estradiol, which confounds interpretation of results. This study compared two methods of estradiol replacement implants: Silastic tubes filled with crystalline estradiol benzoate (E2) and commercially available estradiol benzoate pellets. Implants were placed subcutaneously in adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats and blood samples obtained weekly. Control OVX rats received empty Silastic tubes or placebo pellets. Our data shows that E2 plasma levels from rats with Silastic implants peaked after one week and decreased slowly thereafter. In contrast, plasma E2 from commercial pellets peaked after two weeks, increasing and decreasing over time. To validate hormone release, body weight was monitored. All E2 treated animals maintained a similar body weight over the four weeks period whereas an increase in body weight over time was observed in the OVX group that received empty implants, confirming E2 release and supporting the role of E2 in the regulation of body weight. Furthermore, the effects of E2 on basal locomotor activity were assessed using animal activity cages. Results showed no difference between E2 and control group in several locomotor activities. These results indicate that Silastic implants achieve more stable plasma estradiol levels than pellets and thus are a better alternative for studies of estradiol on brain function and behavior.