Veterinary Science & Technology

In the present study, heavy metals’ (Pb, Cd, As, Ni) status and their effect on oxidative stress parameters in cattle inhabiting Buddha Nallah was assessed. A total of 63 cows were randomly selected for the study and blood plasma samples were obtained from the animals and analyzed for heavy metals and for various oxidative stress parameters viz., GSH (Reduced glutathione), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A significant (p<0.01) increase in plasma heavy metals was recorded in the cows. A significant decrease in GSH (p<0.01) and SOD (p<0.05) and significant increase (p<0.01) in MDA levels was indicative of oxidative damage which may lead to detrimental health hazards in the animals inhabiting Buddha Nallah area of Ludhiana district.

The present study was planning to evaluate the concentrations of lead in blood and milk of crossbred cows reared in five different industrial areas in chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 100 milk and 100 blood samples were collected from crossbred milk cows randomly in and around five factories, which were present in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India such as Batteries factory at Karakambadi, Nutrine factory and Sugar factory at chittoor and Lamco (Iron pipes) factory at Erpedu and Sugar factory at Puttur. The samples such as blood and milk were subjected for acid digestion method [1], then these samples were used for lead residual estimation by following method of Perkin-Elmer 3100 (USA) double beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer-meter with hallow cathode lamp of lead. The highest lead concentration was found in the blood of cows reared in and around Karakambadi area (1.5 mg/L) then followed by cows of Erpedu (1.2 mg/L), Chittoor (Nutrine factory) (1 mg/L), Puttur (1.0 mg/L) and Chittoor (Sugar factory) (0.9 mg/L). Significant correlation was noticed between high levels of increased blood lead and milk lead levels in cows that were at near in different factories. There was significant increase in blood lead concentration simultaneously increase in milk lead concentration. The increase blood lead in relation with increase milk lead might be due to the excretion of lead through milk increases with increase in blood lead level.

This study was conducted in Adaberga dairy farm West Showa Zone, from November, 2014 to April 2015 to evaluate commonly used anthelmintics efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes. An experimental study design and purposive sampling procedure were employed to select 36 naturally infected jersey breed cattle from source population. And study populations were randomly allocated into three groups, twelve in each; the first group was treated with albendazole, the second with tetraclozan and the last group was left untreated (control). Fecal samples were collected from each cow before and after treatment and modified McMaster method was used to count eggs. Third stage larvae (L3) were recovered from the fecal cultures by the Baerman technique to identify gastrointestinal nematodes. The efficacy of each anthelmintic was determined by Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). SPSS Windows version 16.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics (means, standard error of mean and reduction percentages) were calculated to manage data. Means were compared among groups through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and difference between treatments was compared using least square method of multiple comparisons. The percentage reduction in mean fecal egg count, after 10 days of treatment, for Albendazole and tetraclozan were 95.51% and 98.18% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.262) among the egg count of control, albendazole treated and tetraclozan treated groups before treatment. Statistically egg counts were not different (p=0.85) between treatment groups but there were strict differences (p=0.00) between treatment and control groups on the post-treatment. Generally, these findings indicate that albendazole and tetraclozan are effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in the study area. But, appropriate use of these anthelmintics is credible to prevent future occurrence of resistance.

Background: Knowing the status of major problems that constrain livestock development no doubt contributes to initiating projects that can help improve productivity and market success of Ethiopian farmers; aiming at contributing to reduction in poverty of the rural poor through market oriented agricultural development. The objective of this study is to characterize the livestock production system and investigating the major livestock health problems in the area.

Methodology: Purposive sampling method was used to select 60 households from four peasant association (PA). A structured questionnaire was prepared and the heads of selected households were interviewed to collect data on production system characteristics and the importance of livestock health problems. Focus group discussion was also made with key respondents from each PA and the participants described the major husbandry problems in their area.

Results: The results revealed that mixed crop-livestock production system is the predominant system and animals are kept in very limited grazing land. The livestock herd was dominated by poultry (36.4%), goat (19.51%), sheep (19.13%) and cattle (18.94%) while the cattle herd was dominated by cows (39.27%) and oxen (12.87%). The main roles of poultry in the area are for egg production (43.79%), sale (29.76%) and meat production (26.43%). The main role of cattle in the farming system is as a source of traction power (41.7%) for crop production while small ruminants as source of income (100%). Equines were used as pack and transport animals. The livestock feeding was mainly based on natural pasture (100%). In cattle; blackleg, mastitis, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and calf diarrhea were the most important diseases. Ectoparasite and GIT parasitosis were the most important diseases in small ruminants. Colic and respiratory problems were considered important in equine. In poultry, Newcastle disease was the most devastating disease. Most of the respondents complained that animal feed followed by water shortage is serious problem in the livestock sector. Modern veterinary medicaments (95%) were known and used by most of the farmers, but traditional medicines were also used to a considerable extent (5%).

Conclusion: Emphasis should be given in the animal health delivery to maximize health service coverage of the area and Detail epidemiological studies on major economically important diseases of livestock is recommended to be under taken.

This study was carried out from November 2007 to May 2008 to determine the prevalence and distribution of pulmonary lesions in different lobes in Jimma municipality abattoir. Cross sectional study by gross examination of cattle lung was done in the abattoir to determine pulmonary lesions. From 384 lungs examined, 91.7% was found to have one or more lesions. Hydatidosis (108, 28.1%), emphysema (115, 29.9%), atelectasis (72, 18.8%), congestion (191, 49.7%), abscess (21, 5.5%), and lung parasite (1, 0.3%) were found during the study period. Body condition association with the lesions were studied and pulmonary abscess and pulmonary emphysema has significant effect (p<0.05) on poor body conditioned animals. Animals with fat body condition were significantly affected (p<0.05) by pulmonary congestion and atelectasis. Lung parasite and hydatidosis found having no significant association with the animal body condition. In conclusion lung is a highly condemned organ due to different pulmonary lesions occurring which in turn results a significant economic loss.

Bonnet macaques are old world monkeys and endemic to southern India. These animals constantly get into human settlements causing constant leading to human animal conflict. The study was carried out on 30 clinical cases of Bonnet Macaque of either sex referred for various surgical procedures. This paper aims at presenting a standard protocol of immobilizing bonnet macaques with injection ketamine hydrochloride. Time taken for ataxia was shorter 2.28 ± 0.22. Time for induction was 3.55 ± 0.10 minutes. The duration of anaesthesia was 39.50 ± 0.48 minutes. The mean recovery time was 44.17 ± 0.51 minutes. The quality of anaesthesia was smooth and uneventful. This clinical evaluation of ketamine hydrochloride for immobilization in bonnet macaques has been taken as a standard and can be used for immobilization in field conditions also.

Leopards are very elusive and elegant cats and their reproductive behavior has been a challenging one to document. All behavioral observations were carried out after the daily cleaning activities of the zoo keepers, from a vantage point undisturbed and unhindered. The animals were observed for 2 hours at a frequency of 4 times a day. A total of 38 leopards were included in the study comprising of 33 animals (17 males and 16 females) from Bannerghatta National Park and 5 animals (3 males and 2 females) from Aringar Anna Zoological Park. The study focused on the mating behavior of leopards which was divided into pre-copulatory period, copulatory period and post-copulatory period, invariable of the number of animals, the total number of matings were regarded prime in this study. The behavioral oestrus periods were calculated as the difference from the day of the first observed behavioral signs shown by the animal to the last observed day of the oestrus signs. The inter-oestrus interval was calculated from the last day of the previous observed behavioral oestrus to the first day of the next observed behavioral oestrus. The behavioral indicators are documented and the findings are discussed.

Sperm cells are complex models for handling in vitro, their viability is limited, and their physiology is complex. The study of their properties is of great application in the animal production industry, to improve the selection of gametes, control pathologies and for the development of cryobiology protocols. It is therefore important to have viable and functional gametes. Consequently, it has been demonstrated that the increase of sperm cell mortality is related to the increase of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and ROS is secondary to normal metabolic processes of the cell, i.e., special motility. One of the processes where the mature sperm cells’ main activity is the consumption of more energy, it is the flagellar movement through which high ATP consumption generates high quantities of ROS in the seminal plasma. There is evidence of strategies that lead to reduced metabolic activity for different variables (temperature, pH and other), the intention being that seminal plasma protects the sperm cells and reduces the mortality, and thus it is correct to suggest reducing mortality by reducing motility. It has to be considered that flagellar movement is a complex action that involves energy consumption, regulated by calcium. The phenomenon has not been fully characterized, but it is established that in certain mammalian models, the entry of calcium in specific channels such as CATsper or voltage-dependent channels is a signal for flagellar movement to occur. Reduce the motility of bovine spermatozoa using calcium channel blockers can increase cell survival and we hypothesized that: the general blockade of the calcium channel generated reduced the calcium entry into bovine sperm cells, restricting motility and increased survival of these cells. We propose to in the future explore whether the modulation of calcium channels in bovine sperm cells can reduce motility and increase the survival of these cells in experimental conditions, to reduce the mortality of the sample and improve laboratory manipulation.

The purpose of this project was to gain a better perspective of how 3D printing technology works by getting a first-hand look at this process and then strategize ways that this technology can potentially be used in veterinary medicine. A metal orthopedic plate and a humerus from a dog were obtained from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. A 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the metal orthopedic plate was made and printed using a plastic Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament. 3D CAD models of the metal plate and the humerus were also generated using a 3D Laser Scanning process. Using the CAD images from laser scanning, the metal plate was printed using aluminum material and the humerus was printed using nylon material. The 3D printed objects were very accurate in comparison to the original objects. In conclusion, this project demonstrated the value and potential in having the technology to duplicate anatomical structures and surgical instruments, which can lead to a variety of useful and unique applications in the academic and clinical realm of veterinary medicine.

Pulpy kidney disease is a poisoning produce by a toxin from gram positive spore forming an obligate anaerobic rod bacterium called Clostridium perfringens type D. The disease is perhaps the best known pathogenic Clostridium perfringens type, widely regarded as the causative organism of fatal enterotoxaemia of sheep or “over eating disease”. It appears to have a worldwide distribution and produce epsilon toxin that damages endothelial cells, which is almost exclusively responsible for the host pathology and subsequent death. The toxin is produced in the gut by abundantly growing bacterial cells and is triggered by some feeding factors and grazing management when animals are switched from a poor to a rich pasture or when a days with temperate to warm weather. This causes annual grasses to growth rapidly, with low fibre and high ammonia contents. This toxin absorbed to the systemic circulation. The disease is clinically manifested by acute, sub-acute and chronic neurologic condition, characterized by sudden death or neurologic and respiratory signs including blindness, convulsions, bleating, frothing by the mouth and recumbence before death. It is diagnosed by the detection of specific anti-bodies and necropsy finding. Treatment, prevention and control for the disease depends on anti-toxin, supportive treatment and correction of dietary excessively and vaccination. Therefore animals should be protected from over feeding. In addition an epidemiological surveillance on the disease should be done in animals and dietary management, so that appropriate prevention and control strategies can be implemented.

Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli are considering as important emerging food-born bacterial pathogens. Among these kinds of Escherichia coli, serotype O157:H7 is the cause of sporadic and epidemic human cases of hemorrhagic colitis, which can lead to severe life threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome. Majority of cases are associated with ingestion of food or water contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7. This serotype is identified in 1982, and afterward the different pathogenic genes responsible for its virulence are sequenced. As the organism has been involved in many outbreaks of disease in human and animals, it is essential to develop a rapid, reliable and reproducible method of detection. In this review, different deoxyribonucleic acid based genotyping and detection methods are discussed. Genomic techniques like those that pulse field gel electrophoresis and restricted fragment length polymorphism are reviewed and Polymerase Chain Reaction variants are addressed along with some emerging technology like biosensor and microarray. The advantage and disadvantages of each described method are discussed throughout the review. Since each technique has its own merit and demerit, the decision for selection of E. coli O157:H7 detection technique will depend mainly on the balance between several factors such as the high speed, sensitivity, specificity, discrimination power, and availability of proper equipment’s and skilled man power. Thus, further research is recommended to improve molecular based detection techniques of E. coli O157:H7 in order to make the detection of this pathogen effective and specific in various regional and reference laboratory.

Blood pressure determination is a very helpful aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of several diseases in small animal medicine. Non-invasive methods for blood pressure measurement are currently the most rapid and practical alternative in the clinical setting, however only few studies have dealt with selecting the best cuff position for its determination. The aim of the study was to determine the best site for cuff placement (limbs and tail) during noninvasive blood pressure in healthy subjects. Arterial blood pressure was measured by use of an oscilometric system in 22 clinically healthy dogs. Five consecutive measurements were obtained from five different sites: left and right median arteries, left and right tibial cranial arteries and coccygeal artery then were compared. Significant differences were found in systolic blood pressure measured from the right hind limb. Heart rate, age, and weight were not found to have a significant influence on arterial blood pressure. We suspect that the long duration of the procedure was the culprit, leading to stress, which as a result, led to higher blood pressure on the mentioned limb. Based on our results, we concluded that all limbs as well as the tail are suitable sites for routine blood pressure determination, as long as the procedure is completed within a rational time period.

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in the abattoir to study the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis in cattle originated from different localities and to determine the cyst prevalence as well as distribution in different organs within infected animals in Gondar ELFORA abattoir from October, 2009 to March, 2010. Out of the total 450 cattle slaughtered and examined at Gondar ELFORA abattoir, 9 animals (2.0%) were identified positive for Cysticercus bovis infection. Predilection sites for Cysticercus bovis were observed and their relative infestation rates were recorded. As a result of this study, predominantly cysts were found on shoulder muscle (55.56%) followed by masseter muscle (33.33%) and tongue (11.11%). The prevalence and occurrence of Cysticercus bovis was also studied based on the geographical locations of slaughtered cattle. Accordingly, cattle from low lands and high lands had showed a prevalence of 6.45% and 0.307%, respectively. In conclusion, C. bovis is prevalent and is one of the major parasitic diseases that causes huge carcass condemnation of slaughtered animals and poses serious financial lose in the socio-economy of the study area. Therefore, public health awareness should be created on improving personal and environmental hygiene for breaking the life cycle of the disease.

A cross-sectional study was under taken at dairy farms of Holleta Agricultural Research Center, Central Ethiopia, which was located at central highland of Oromia special zone surrounding Finfinne, to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes parasites of cattle from October 2009 to June 2010. A total of 283 cattle were examined using standard coprological examination on 147 Boran × Fresia and 136 Jersey breed cattle from both farms. The over all prevalence of GI helminthes parasites was found to be 68.2% (193/283) with the predominant eggs of paramphistomum (18.0%) followed by ascaris (9.5%), fasciola (8.5%), strongylus (7.1%), nematodirus (6.7%) and trichuris (1.8%) obtained from the study. There was statistical significant difference between age, breed and body condition with prevalence of parasites (P<0.05). The higher prevalence was recorded from adult animals than in young group. A cross breed of Boran × Fresia had higher prevalence of 57% than that of pure Jersey (43.0%). The level of infections determined by using Mc Master Eggs counting indicated that mild infections accounted for 55.5%, sever 1.1% and 11.7% for sub clinical light infections. Based on the results obtained further study on determinant factors for the occurrence of helminthes parasites and implementation of appropriate control and prevention methods should be applied in study area.

Dry beans are consumed around the world and contain a multitude of health benefits, some of which may be related to the gut microbiome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a 25% cooked Navy Bean (NB) or Black Bean (BB) powder on the fecal microbiota of overweight and obese companion dogs undergoing calorically restricted weight loss, compared to dogs fed an iso-nutrient control diet using 454 pyrosequencing. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, three-arm clinical trial was conducted. Thirty client-owned, clinically healthy, overweight or obese, adult, male and female dogs of diverse breeds were randomized to one of the three isocaloric, nutritionally complete weight loss diets containing either 0% bean powder (placebo-control); 25% cooked BB powder; or 25% cooked NB powder and calorically restricted to achieve weight loss of up to 2% body weight/wk. for 4 wks. Fresh fecal samples were collected from each dog immediately after completing the 4-wk diet intervention and weight loss phase. Fecal genomic DNA was extracted and used to create 16S rRNA gene amplicons, which were subjected to 454-pyrosequencing. Predominant bacterial phyla present in all dogs included Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Predominant fecal bacterial genera included Clostridium, Blautia, Fusobacterium, and undefined Lachnospiraceae. Fecal undefined Ruminococcus were greater (P<0.05) in dogs fed BB compared to dogs fed the control diet. Client-owned dogs with various dietary and environmental exposures, ages, and breeds were evaluated for fecal microbiota changes during short-term weight loss on different diets. A high variability in fecal microbiota was observed in this free living dog population, leading to few differences among treatments. The gut microbiota may be an area for investigation during long-term weight loss in companion animals, but such studies require a higher level of dietary control and larger sample sizes.

The aim of this study was to assess major health challenges of dairy cattle in Hawassa town, Ethiopia, which occurred on November 2014 up to April 2015. A single visit-multiple subject formal survey technique was used to collect data from 20 dairy farming which were selected at random and were interviewed using pre-tested, structured questionnaire which indicated that over all prevalence in this study was 33.6% (n=269) cattle were found affected by either one or more of health challenges. It appeared from the study that LSD (30.1%), mastitis (20.4%), hypocalcaemia (17.5%), repeated breeding (13%), RFM (10%) and parturient paresis (6.7%) were identified as the most frequently occurring diseases. Results of the major dairy cattle disease in the study area ranked LSD as number one disease occurred in different dairy farms, followed by mastitis (20.4%) and hypocalcaemia (17.5%). The degree of association of risk factors was assessed and parity, age, farm scale, and management system found to be directly associated. As the result shows age with dystocia directly associated and have good significances with the x2=12.479 and p-value =0.002, and LSD associated with farm scale but not significant, with the x2=4.705 and (p>0.05) and also abortion associated with management system but have no significance (p>0.05). This particular study indicated major health challenges which included hypocalcaemia, ketosis, abortion, RFM, parturient paresis, repeated breeding, diarrhea, bloat, and anestrous, uterine prolapsed, vaginal prolapsed, dystocia and LSD were one of the major reproductive and metabolic disorders responsible for the low reproductive performance of dairy cows.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2013 to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle and sheep in areas adjacent to the upper Awash River basin, South Western Shoa, Ethiopia. A total of 399 (308 bovine and 91 ovine) faecal samples were collected from Illu and Sebeta Hawas districts and microscopically examined using sedimentation techniques. Eggs of Fasciola species were identified based on their characteristic morphology and colour. Besides, a gross pathological examination was conducted on a total of 237 livers of slaughtered animals at Sebeta municipal abattoir to identify Fasciola species and assess the extent of infection. Coprological examinations revealed that, significantly higher prevalence (48.4%) in sheep than in cattle (36.7%). Similarly, a prevalence rate recorded in Illu district (45.6%) was significantly higher than that of Sebeta Hawas district (34.7%). Out of a total of 237 livers examined, 38.4% (91) were infected by one or more Fasciola species. The majority (54.9%) of the infection was caused by F. hepatica followed by F. gigantica (28.6%) and mixed species (16.5%). This study showed that, fasciolosis is exerting a significant impact on livestock production and productivity in the study areas. Therefore, proper control scheme should be designed and implemented in areas adjacent to the upper Awash River basin to minimize the burden of fasciolosis.

The nitrite concentrations in different commercial dog foods were measured. Differences in the nitrite concentrations were observed, and were mainly attributed by the type of meat used as the main ingredient and its proportion in the final product. Standard doses for nitrite of 2.5 and 4.6 mg/kg were calculated using different methods, and these values are both much lower than the standard dose for human food. The nitrite concentrations in some of the samples in this study exceeded the 2.5 mg/kg value.

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November, 2014 to April, 2015 aimed to assess the occurrence, infestation rate and associated risk factors of Varroa mite on Honeybees; investigation of the effect of propolis on varroa mites in Walmara District. Purposive sampling was used in Peasant Association; twelve apiaries and sixty four hives were randomly selected for inspection. Interviews, direct observation and experimental set up were the main data collection techniques used to gather the information. The results revealed the whole (384) bee colonies examined for Varroa mites were Positive with varies infestation range 4%-53% in brood and 4%-36% in adult Honeybees. The highest Adult infestation rate 18.20 ± 7.99% of Varroa mites was observed in Tullu Harbu, while the lowest infestation rate (14.25 ± 5.12%) was observed Wajitu Harbu. on other side The highest Brood infestation rate (22.76 ± 9.64) % of Varroa mites was observed in Nano Suba, while the lowest infestation rate 13.73 ± 5.88% was observed Wajitu Harbu. Infestation levels showed significant relationship with colony type (p=0.006). Weak colony type is highly infested than strong colony, However, associated risk factors including age, sex, educational status, duration of experience of Beekeepers, and site and hive type were not showed statistical significance with Varroa mite infestation (P>0.05). Effect of Propolis against Varroa Mite has been investigated and showed lethal effect. Propolis extracted with 70% ethanol was found to be highly toxic, at 20% (w/v) of propolis resulting in 94.44% mortality with a brief contact time of 5 sec. The study showed that whole bee colonies examined were co-existed with the mites and lethal effect of propolis on Varroa mites. Therefore, improved management system and further research to use propolis extract as a treatment option was recommended.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for sheep mange mites and lice infestation in Asella and its surroundings of south eastern Ethiopia, from November, 2009 to April, 2010. The study revealed that 212 (55.21%) of the 384 sheep examined were infested with mange mites or lice in the study area. A higher prevalence of pediculosis (49.5%) was observed compared to mange mite infestation which was rarely observed with prevalence rate of 5.72%. Mange mites genera identified in the present study were Sarcoptes (2.6%), Psoroptes (2.3%), Chorioptes (0.8%) while no Demodex was identified in the study settings of sheep. Pertaining to lice infestation, Bovicola ovis (36.7%) and Linognathus ovillus (16.9%) were the only identified species of lice. A negative association (p>0.05) of mange mites and lice infestation was observed among the sex groups while only lice infestation was positively associated (p<0.05) with the age groups of sheep in the study environs. Concerning to body condition scores, a chi-square analysis revealed that lice infestation was highly positively associated (p=0.000) with the covariates (different body condition score group) in which the highest prevalence of lice infestation was observed in sheep with poor body condition score (67.36%). Nevertheless, mange mite infestation was negatively associated (p>0.05) with different body condition scores as the statistical analysis revealed. The result of this study revealed that as an ever increasing threat of mange mite and lice infestation on overall sheep productivity and tanning industry in Ethiopia warrants urgent control intervention. Hence, to reduce mange mite and lice infestation prevalence and impact on the productivity and health status, planning of integrated control measures with sustainable veterinary services aiming at creating awareness about the importance and control of the ectoparasites for small ruminant’s owners is recommended.

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 in and around Kombolcha town to estimate the prevalence of gastro intestinal tract helminthes infection and to identify the common GIT helminthes parasites of equines. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses, mules and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 73.2% (281 from 384) with 57.0% (73 from 128), 82.5% (160 from 194) and 77.4% (48 from 62) in horses, donkeys and mules respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp was 44.5%, 3.1%, 2.3%, and 3.1% respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 63.4%, 8.6%, 2.1% and 3.1% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in donkeys, respectively and the prevalence of GIT parasites was 48.4%, 12.9%, 3.2% and 6.5% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in mules respectively. There was statistically significant difference between species, age, and body condition and among different management systems in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on sex. In conclusion, the present study revealed higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines. Therefore, regular deworming, improvement of housing and feeding management were recommended.

The objective of the present study the rfb gene clusters in avian pathogenic E. coli cardinal serotypes O1, O2 and O78 strains and to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method for serotyping of the O-antigens. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction method was used for the identification of serotypes of APEC. The second part of the study was to study the pathological lesions caused by most prevalent sero group in experimentally infected broiler chicks. A total of 100 tissue samples (50 lungs and livers each) were collected from colibacillosis suspected broiler birds and subjected to isolation and identification of E. coli by conventional methods. Multiplex PCR was used for confirmation of three serogroups i.e., O1, O2 and O78. We found more O2 33% than O1 8% and O78 zero percent. These results suggested the prevalence of O2 sero group in our study. The prevalent sero group (O2) was experimentally inoculated in broiler birds at day 7 of their age. Lungs and liver samples from these experimentally infected birds were taken at days 14 and 21 of their age and subjected to histopathology. We found that there was hepatomegaly, coagulative necrosis, congestion and infiltration of inflammatory cells in infected livers. The lungs were congested and there were macrophages, lymphocytes and heterophils too. There was mostly hepatic form of colibacillosis with this infective strain.

Streptococcus agalactiae is a contagious mastitis pathogen commonly found in dairies in northern Thailand. During infection, S. agalactiae may form biofilms which is known to be associated with increased antimicrobial resistance of bacteria. We aimed to investigate changes in antimicrobial resistance of biofilm producing S. agalactiae associated with bovine mastitis. We measured biofilm formation, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC), and Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) of 56 archived isolates from bovine milk in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Quantitative biofilm evaluation found no (0%) strong, 21 (37%) moderate, and 30 (54%) weak biofilm producers, as well as 5 (9%) non-biofilm producers. Qualitative biofilm assay found only 11 isolates (20%) to be biofilm producers; these were further investigated for resistance to ampicillin, cloxacillin, cephalexin, gentamicin and tetracycline. All 11 isolates showed higher MBECs compared to MICs and MBCs. Some S. agalactiae strains from cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis can produce biofilms in vitro, and these appear more resistant to common antibiotics. Such resistance can be an obstacle in the eradication of S. agalactiae from infected herds. Determination of biofilm formation by S. agalactiae cultured from milk may be useful for creating an effective treatment plan and prognosis of bovine mastitis.

The internal bonds created in milk gelation with chicken pepsin were approached by the use of dissociating agents-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), urea, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and compared to those with rennet gel. Gels viscoelasticity aspects and microstructure were studied using rheological dynamic non-destructive measurements and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively. Results showed that no significant differences (p>0.05) in protein interactions between the two types of gel, with hydrophobic binding dominance in protein gelation. Viscoelasticity and microstructure also showed a similarity in the viscoelastic properties and in milk aggregation micelles mode, obtained by chicken pepsin or rennet.