Veterinary Science & Technology

Wild pigs are the most prolific, very intelligent and secretive species that over the recent past has been in a lot of conflict terms with the humans. These animals are adaptive generalists and survive in wide range of habitats worldwide. The reproductive traits of wild pigs are extraordinary showing high prolificacy so it becomes impossible to control their population. These animals have adapted to become nocturnal proving it difficult to know about their behavior. However in order in spite of these challenges the main objectives of this study was to understand the behavior and ecology of this particular species to come up the control strategies. Thus basis for documenting and understanding the wild pig behavior has dramatically evolved, contributing significantly to our understanding of these animals. In general, however, the lack of intensive field studies was attributed to the fact that wild pigs were regarded everywhere as a pest. The wild pig groups usually known as sounder’s were tracked and all findings were documented. The study period was about a year and the wild pigs were tracked and observed at the adjoining regions of the Eastern Ghats (Sathyamangalam region) and the Western Ghats (Mudumalai tiger reserve, Anaimalai tiger reserve) and of Tamil Nadu state during November, 2012 to October, 2014. A variety of behaviors were documented such as social unit organization, Habitat utilization, Daily activity patterns, Movement patterns, Modes of mobility, Home range, Male-male competition, Maternal behavior, Resting/loafing beds, Mannerism and attitudes, Vigilance behavior, Vocalizations, Wallowing, Rubbing, Symbiotic grooming behavior, Scent marking, Senses. At the end of the study we were able to precisely outlay the above the entire behavior attributes of wild pigs. These findings are necessary to understand the wild pigs and their vermin nature to combat crop raiding, eventually cutting down Human-Wild pig conflict, that will a more scientific method of conservation to avoid conflicts ending in tragic outcomes.

A cross sectional study was conducted in Dangur district, North Western Ethiopia from February to June, 2013 to determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis in small ruminants using dark phase contrast buffy coat examination. Blood samples were collected from 312 randomly selected small ruminants including sheep (108) and goats (204) of different sexes and body conditions in five peasant associations. Of the total small ruminants examined during the study period, 8 animals (2.56%) were infected with trypanosomes. Out of the total examined, (3.70%) four sheep and four (1.96%) goats were found infected. Infections were due to Trypanosoma vivax (1.85%) and Trypanosoma congolense (0.98%) in both sheep and goats. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between season, body conditions, species and sexes on infection rate. The overall Mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV) value of examined animals was 27.66%. The difference in mean PCV of parasitaemic (23.13%) and aparasitaemic (27.78%) animals was not significant (P>0.05) although, lower mean PCV was recorded in parasitaemic animals. Although, the present study revealed low prevalence (2.56%) of trypanosomosis in small ruminants in the study area, the impact of this disease on production, and the role of these small ruminants as potential risk of transmission to other livestock should not be under estimated. Therefore, appropriate intervention measures need to be taken.

Cross-sectional serological and questionnaire surveys were employed on small ruminants to determine the prevalence of brucellosis, identify risk factors and public health implications. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease with high economic and public health importance in the sub-Sahara countries in particular. A total of 1190 blood samples were collected from shoats (876 caprine and 314 ovine) in Chifra and Ewa districts. One hundred fifty five (13%) of the samples tested were positive using mRBPT. Further testing of the positive reactors for mRBPT with CFT revealed 147 (12.35%) seropositivity for brucella. The result showed that among the risk factors considered in the analysis, species, sex, age, parity number and flock size had statistically significant effect on seropositivity (p<0.05). Goats were more than 2 times (OR=2.34) at risk of getting infected with brucella than sheep. The seroprevalence was also significantly higher in female (13.8%) than in male (6.5%) animals. The odds of seropositivity in older animals are 2.36 times higher than that of younger ones. Individual animal seroprevalence was higher in larger flocks than in smaller ones (OR=0.68). The habit of drinking raw milk was practiced by almost all of the respondents. Poor awareness of the zoonotic importance of brucellosis and the practices of consuming raw milk and handling potentially infectious materials using bare hands pose a serious danger to small ruminant owners. There is a need for planning and implementation of joint programs by stakeholders in prevention and control of the disease as well as raising public awareness.

The experiment was a completely randomized block design with 6 groups awarded different treatments including 17 rams, 12 bucks and 113 calves. Animals clinically manifesting urolithiasis from field were merely screened as stone and non-stone formers. All replicates were run under different clinical situations with the objectives to screen calves as stone formers and non-stone formers and to ascertain recurrence risk due to residual fragments in future, and estimate urine biochemical analysis to ascertain a diagnostic factor for urolithiasis and prognostic factor for its recurrence that would help to evolve prophylactic protocol. Crystal formation indicated that urine was sufficiently saturated which support the formation and growth of uroliths. The, male calves showing numbers of crystals with a concomitant inflammatory process are at risk for calculi formation. Alterations in Urinary Calcium Phosphorous and Magnesium cannot be fixed as a diagnostic or prognostic value for detection of uroliths forming animals to a fear degree of accuracy. Urinalysis is simple and reliable test to confirm urinary tract disease and identify pathophysiology mechanisms associated with the underlying cause.

Veterinary clinical examination relies on knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Animal behavior, skills in the methods and techniques of clinical examination, clinical sign and pathogenesis of the diseases which are the basic requirements for clinician in his/her good diagnostic approach. Disease problems in veterinary medicine are invariably presented to the clinician through the medium of the owner’s complaint, which is a request for professional assistance by giving animal history. In any clinical examination procedures, it is necessary to employ some suitable means of restraint: physical, chemical or verbal, in order to be able to carry out the examination safely and without danger to the clinician or his assistants. Inspection, Palpation, percussion and auscultation are the commonly used methods of physical examination for assessing pathophysiological or anatomical abnormalities of given animal during clinical examination. The general clinical examination involves detailed consideration of physical body condition; conformation/shape; posture; gait; abnormal behavior; body temperature; pulse; and respiration of individual animal; whereas the regional or systematic clinical examination involves the application of the various clinical methods to the various regions or systems of the body. The system involved is identified and is then examined in greater detail using either a complete or a problem oriented examination. In addition to history taking and clinical examination; skills on techniques of laboratory sample collection and submission is an important consideration for further diagnosis, treatment and take practicable control and prevention measures on identified disease.

A 2 years old Polo Horse was admitted with a severe swelling of the prepuce and paraphimosis. Paraphimosis occurs most frequently from preputial edema. In stallions is an emergency demanding immediate, aggressive medical treatment. The owners and the veterinarian suspected of an acute trauma. Immediate diagnosis of preputial hematoma was performed by ultrasonography. The ultrasonography at the clinical examination allows us to differentiate conditions to select the appropriate treatment. A successful treatment is totally related to reduce edema. This report describes the history, clinical findings, management and progression of a preputial hematoma with paraphimosis in a 2 year old Polo horse.

In order to determine the utility of different perches in enriched colony housing systems for laying hens, the use of perches and an effect of the type and location in the system was examined in this behavioral study. Laying hens of the line Lohmann Selected Leghorn were housed in four different enriched colony housing systems which differed particularly in the alignment and arrangement of the functional areas. For analysis, perches were grouped into three types: low, low underneath the drinking trough and high. To evaluate the use of the perch types, video recordings were taken for 48 hours during three observation periods. These recordings were analyzed hourly at daytime and twice at nighttime. Through scan sampling, the overall number of hens using the perches and the fraction of hens per meter on a specific perch type were assessed. At nighttime, an average 62% of the laying hens used the perches. On average, 24% of the laying hens used the perches at daytime, with no significant difference between the different systems. Low perches that were not installed underneath the drinking trough were less commonly used than high perches. However, the hens used low perches that were positioned underneath the drinking trough more than other perch types during the day. At nighttime, high perches were used frequently and, depending on the system, more than the low perches. It should be considered that the hens used the low perches underneath the drinking trough during the day not to rest but rather to have better access to the drinking trough. It can be recommended that a sufficient number of high perches should be offered, so that all hens have access to these obviously preferred perches. If perches are installed underneath the drinking trough, it should be considered if additional perch space should be offered.

In the present study, the effect of oral administration of imidacloprid over three generations on biochemical, histological and physiological alterations in female rats was assessed. Female rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 was control and was given corn oil, group 2 was administered imidacloprid at the rate of 10 mg/kg bw/day, group 3 was administered imidacloprid at the rate of 20 mg/kg bw/day. F0 and F1 generation female albino rats were dissected for this study. Weight of ovary decreased significantly at higher dose of treated female rats of F0 and F1 generation. Histopathology of ovary of group 2 and group 3 revealed different stages of follicles. The level of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly at higher dose in the ovary of females of both the generations. In either generation, non-significant changes were observed in fertility index, live birth index, gestation lengths and sex ratio. Female F1 pups in the 20 mg/kg/day group showed a significant decreased body weight on postnatal day 21 as compared to F0 pups on day 21.

Conclusion: The lower dose of imidacloprid (10 mg/kg/day T1) had no effect on various reproductive parameters of female rats and higher dose (20 mg/kg/day T2) of imidacloprid had some significant effects on feed consumption and reproductive parameters for three generation reproductive study.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) serum levels have been related to various pathological conditions in both humans and animals. The involvement of HA in the pathogenesis of mycobacterial infections has been suggested. The aim was to evaluate serum levels and ilea tissue presence of HA in healthy bovines and in clinical paratuberculosis (PTB) cases. HA serum concentrations in bovines were found to be in the range of 130 to 617 ng/mL with a median value of 418 ng/mL. Significantly increased HA levels were detected in 1 month-old calves. Increased levels of HA were found at peripartum as compared to healthy control animals, with pre- parturition values significantly higher than post- parturition (p=0.02). Cows with clinical PTB showed higher serum levels and diminished ileal detection of HA than healthy animals. In serum, physiological variations in HA serum levels related to age and parturition were found in bovines. In addition, clinical PTB also affected the presence of HA in serum and ileum. These results might contribute to elucidate the clinical significance of HA evaluation in cattle and its involvement in PTB infection.

Reliable detection of unwanted organisms in experimental animal colonies is an essential requirement for biomedical research. Since most rodents are housed in Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) systems which prevent aerogenic transmission of pathogens, soiled-bedding sentinels are commonly used for routine health monitoring. In this study, we investigated whether testing of Exhaust Air Particle (EAP) samples by real-time PCR (EAP PCR) might be a valid alternative to SBS for the detection of H. hepaticus infections. EAP PCR detected H. hepaticus infections at a minimal prevalence of 1/63 cages within one week. EAP PCR provides a sensitive, simple, and reliable alternative to SBS for H. hepaticus identification in laboratory mouse colonies.

Precise tumor staging encompassing the patient’s entire body is essential in cancer management. While more advanced imaging modalities for tumor staging are available, in veterinary medicine, three-view thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography are conventionally performed to screen for pulmonary and abdominal metastases. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the use of whole-body computed tomography as an alternative in detecting lesions likely to be associated with primary or metastatic neoplasia in dogs. Sixteen dogs that underwent wholebody computed tomography were identified. Fifteen dogs had a histopathologic diagnosis of cancer. One dog had a cytologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. The most common tumor types in this population included mast cell tumors [4; hind limbs (2), sternum (1), prepuce (1)], oral malignant melanomas (2), and spindle cell sarcomas [2; flank (1), cecum (1)]. The most commonly detected thoracic computed tomographic lesions were positional atelectasis (68.8%) and pulmonary nodules (12.5%). The most commonly detected abdominal computed tomographic lesions were splenomegaly (43.8%) and lymphadenomegaly (18.8%). The most commonly detected extra-thoracic/extra-abdominal computed tomographic lesions were cervical and retropharyngeal lymphadenomegaly (31.3%) and thyroid tumors (18.8%). No complications associated with anesthesia or contrast agents given during the procedure were observed and all dogs recovered uneventfully. Median scan time was 37.5 minutes. This study demonstrates that whole-body computed tomography is a safe and time-efficient imaging modality that is effective in identifying a range of pathologic changes important to tumor staging. Further prospective studies are needed to correlate the sensitivity and specificity of whole-body computed tomography with those of a combination of three-view thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography.

The data for the present study was collected on first lactation milk and life time performance traits of 1367 Sahiwal cows born to 112 sires spread over a period of 71 years from 1944-2014 maintained at Government Livestock Farm, Chakganjaria, Lucknow. The overall least squares mean of first lactation traits viz. first lactation milk yield, life time lactation length, life time milk yield and average daily milk yield were estimated to be 1941.16 ± 27.66 kg, 1534.28 ± 36.84 days, 9262.50 ± 272.92 kg and 5.94 ± 0.10 kg respectively. Season effect was non-significant on all the traits. The periods of calving were found to have significant influence on first lactation milk yield and average daily milk yield, the sire effect was found significant on all the traits. The heritability estimates of different first lactation and life time traits were observed low to medium. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among all the traits were observed very low to high.

Objective of this study was to report Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of histologically confirmed paranasal sinus tumors and surgical outcomes. Totally 17 dogs and 3 cats were included in the study. Medical records of dogs and cats which were presented between January 2008 and November 2015 due to paranasal sinus tumors were reviewed. Dogs and cats were included if they have full clinical findings, diagnosed by MRI, confirmed histologically, and treated just surgically. Collected data for sex, breed, age, tumor stage, localisation, surgical outcomes, histological diagnosis, survival time and cause of death were included. Soft tissue mass within the nasal cavity replacing the nasal conchae and/or ethmoturbinates and mass invading to the frontal sinuses were determined in 80% (n=16) of the cases in MRI. Nasal and/or frontal bones were destructed in 65% (n=13) of the cases. In 7 dogs bone flap was created to expose and remove the tumor, and the flap was replaced wired after operation. In 10 dogs and 3 cats frontal and/or nasal bone was involved by the tumor, and closure of the defects was carried out with PMMA and wire. In this case series 50% of the tumors were sarcomas, and it was followed by adenocarcinoma (20%) and neuroesthesioblastoma (15%) in decreased rates. Dedicated MRI examination is crucial for diagnosis of paranasal sinus tumors, and surgical intervention as sole treatments looks acceptable for providing better quality of life for certain time.

Trypanosomosis is a parasitic disease that causes serious economic losses in livestock, in sub-Saharan African countries. A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2011 to March 2012 in the eastern part of Dangur district, Benishangul-Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and apparent density of tsetse flies. For prevalence study, a total of 543 blood samples were collected from randomly selected animals. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) was determined and samples were examined for the presence of trypanosomes using the buffy coat technique. In total, 46 (8.5%) of the samples were tested positive for trypanosomes. The majority of the infections were caused by Trypanosoma congolense (95.7%), and the remaining was caused by Trypanosoma vivax. The difference between prevalence of trypanosomes among study sites was statistically significant (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between sexes and age groups. The mean PCV value of parasitemic animals (22.6%) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of aparasitemic animals (27.0%). A total of 528 tsetse flies were caught by deploying 78 monopyramidal traps. Of these tsetse flies, 71.8% were Glossina tachinoides and the remaining were G. morsitans submorsitans. The overall apparent density of tsetse flies was 3.4 flies per trap per day (F/T/D). In conclusion, this study revealed that trypanosomes and their vectors are prevalent and pose a huge threat to cattle production in the area. Therefore, proper intervention strategies should be put in place and implemented to minimize the burden of the disease.

Background: We investigated the effect of resveratrol alone on platelet counts and ability to aggregate and its effect in combination with β-glucan.

Methods: The experiment included three groups of growing piglets. Resveratrol was administered to the first experimental group (R). The second experimental group (RG) received resveratrol with the addition of β-glucan. The third group was used as control (C) and received alcohol solution only. Blood samples were collected before the start of the experiment and at the end of the 1st and 2nd week of supplementation. The number of platelets, their aggregation activity (amplitude) and rate of aggregation (slope) after stimulation by ADP and Cationic Propyl Gallate (CPG) were determined.

Results: Resveratrol significantly reduced the numbers of platelets from 690.0 ± 145.10 × 109/l detected at the beginning of the experiment, to 484.2 ± 128.50 × 109/l after 2 weeks of supplementation (P<0.05). The administration of resveratrol together with β-glucan accelerated these changes; the numbers of platelets dropped significantly from the initial level of 694.8 ± 124.67 × 109/l to 509.9 ± 156.28 × 109/l already after one week of supplementation (P<0.05) and at the end of the experiment were 463.3 ± 195.59 × 109/l (P<0.05). The aggregation activity of platelets induced by ADP decreased significantly at the end of the experiment in both experimental groups (R: P<0.01; RG: P<0.05); and was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate induced by CPG was decreased in R group (P<0.05; and RG group P<0.01).

Conclusion: The results demonstrate the similar effect of resveratrol and β-glucan on the number of platelets and their aggregation ability in piglets.

A study of response of village chickens to vaccination with ND I2 vaccine coated on maize grit as vaccine carrier was carried out in some selected LGAs of Gombe State, using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Vaccination efficacy of maize grit coated with Newcastles Disease I2 vaccine has been compared between adult and young, village chickens. The study showed that 94.3% of the vaccinated village chickens (adults and chicks) seroconverted with protective levels of antibodies against ND virus. Those vaccinated with the maize grit coated vaccine exhibited antibody titres of between 1:16 to 1:8192 with GMT values of 109 to 245. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the response of the vaccinated adult village chickens as compared to the younger birds (chicks). It is concluded from the study that maize grit is a very suitable vaccine carrier for the delivery of ND I2 vaccine to village chickens.

Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 are insidious problems for the beef industry. Asymptomatic fecal shedding of these pathogens contaminates the hide and carcass. Furthermore, Salmonella are unique in their ability to infiltrate lymph nodes leading to the post-harvest contamination of ground beef. These contaminations yield the two most important food safety hazards associated with the consumption of beef. Herein, we report the anti-Salmonella and anti-E. coli O157:H7 effects of a novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation prototype (PRT; NaturSafeTM) fed to feedlot cattle. Cattle fed PRT were compared to those fed a combination of monensin, tylosin, and a direct-fed microbial- a standard conventional practice in the U.S. beef industry. In this investigator-blinded study, 1,495 feedlot heifers (300-400 kg) were fed PRT (n=747 heifers) or the standard industry diet (PC; n=748 heifers) without PRT for 125-146 days prior to slaughter. At the abattoir, fecal swabs were obtained from 400 animals (n=200/group) and subjected to selective culture for enumerating Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7. Additionally, subiliac lymph nodes were obtained from 400 carcasses for enumeration of Salmonella spp. Salmonella isolated from the feces and lymph nodes were subjected to a virulence assay and some antibiotic susceptibility and Salmonella serovar testing. When compared to cattle that received PC, Salmonella fecal shedding, lymph node infiltration, virulence, and antibiotic resistances were significantly decreased in cattle fed PRT. Additionally, PRT-fed cattle had a lower prevalence of certain Salmonella serovars (Newport, Typhimurium, and Dublin) and shed fewer E. coli O157:H7. The decrease in Salmonella virulence was associated with a decreased expression of hilA, a genetic regulator of Salmonella invasion into eukaryotic cells. This study revealed that a proprietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation prototype inhibits the shedding, lymph node carriage, downstream virulence, and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella residing in cattle beyond the standard conventional practice that includes monensin, tylosin, and a direct-fed microbial.

A longitudinal study on calf management and health problems was conducted in 97 small holder Dairy farms found in Dugda Bora, Arsi Negelle, Shashemene and Kofele districts of Oromia region, Ethiopia, from November 2010 to April 2011. A total of 97 calves (84 local and 13 cross breed) were selected randomly and regularly monitored up to six months of age. Information on potential risk factors was collected by personal observation during the regular visit to farms and from questionnaire survey conducted during the study period. Chi-Square statistics and comparison of proportions were used to analyze the data. Out of 97 small holder dairy farms, 88 (90.7%) follow an extensive type of production system. Out of 97 calves surveyed, 59 (60.8%) were female and 38 (39.2%) were male. Calves were housed separately away from adult animals on 75 (77.3%) of the farms. 86 (88.7%) of the farms practiced a residual suckling feeding system. Based on the questionnaire survey, 26 (26.8%) external parasite infection followed by diarrhea 16 (16.5%). Routine clinical examination of calves for any health problem were also carried out indicating calf diarrhea in 18 (18.6%), tick infestation in 16 (16.5%) and mange mite infection 9 (9.3%). Among the risk factors considered for analysis, hygiene is found to be significantly associated with health problems of calves replied by the farmers (χ2=25.57.6; P<0.12) and result of routine examination (χ2= 27.642; P<0.016). Out of the 97 calves surveyed, 33 (34.0%), 55 (56.7%) and 9 (9.3%) have poor, medium and good body condition scores respectively. Out of the 21 risk factor considered, about 9 were found to be significantly associated with body condition score of calves. The calf health and management problems found in this study can be achieved through creation of awareness among farm owner and implementation of improved calf management practices.