Veterinary Science & Technology

Dermatophilus congolensis is a bacterium that causes exudative dermatitis with scab formation in bovines. Humidity and ticks are predisposing factors. This study describes skin lesions in 27 bovines from a Simbrah herd of grazing livestock of 180 females (15%), aged 18 to 30 months old, in Aldama, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Lesions were distributed in the lower extremities, the belly and the neck and consisted of thick grayish to dark brown scabs with exudates and blood. Scabs were collected from four of the most severely affected animals, placed in sterile tubes and then transported in refrigeration to the laboratory. Samples were processed for isolate D. congolensis. The four samples revealed long branched filaments made up of coccoid cells arranged in parallel rows, one after the other, which is a characteristic of D. congolensis. In this outbreak, morbidity was 15% (27/180) and mortality was 22% (6/27). The PCR using ESP1 and ESP2 primers amplified a product between 400 and 500 bp, and the 16 s sequence was 100% identical to D. congolensis gene for 16S rRNA, strain: NBRC 105199 Sequence ID: dbj|AB550800.1|. The observation of lesions, clinical signs, identification and sequence led to this first report of bovine dermatophilosis in Mexico.

The study was conducted from December 2013 to April 2014 to predict the proper age for vaccination of chickens against infectious bursal disease (IBD) and calculate the maternal antibody transfer rate. A total of 99 chickens: 80-day-old chickens and 19 parent chickens’ were randomly selected from Mekelle Farms. Blood samples were collected from heart and wing vein of individual chicken and serum was harvested. Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (IELISA) was employed to measure the Maternally Derived Antibodies (MDAs) from chickens of day 2, 18, 21 and antibody titers from parents. Samples from 2 day old chicken were having MDA titer in the range of 805.095-2821.239 with a mean titer of 1677.5. Antibody titers from 19 parents were also measured and the antibody titer showed that it falls within the range of 1825.94-4856.87 with a mean titer of 2964.602 and maternal antibody titer transfer rate from parents to 2 day old chickens was 56.57%. Other MDA titers were measured from 38 chickens of 21 days age of which 19 were vaccinated at 18th day of age and 19 them were non-vaccinated. Titers from vaccinated and non-vaccinated chickens were also compared using paired independent T- test and there was a significant difference with p-value of p=0.00. The present study showed that the proper time for administration of live intermediate IBD vaccine is 18 days instead of 21 days with the management conditions in place at the farm. Therefore, IBD vaccine should not be given to chickens whose parents had taken IBD vaccine without determining MDA titer and age for vaccination.

Background: The ever-rising prices of feed ingredient remained to be the greatest single item determining the profit margins in poultry farming, especially in developing countries. The most appropriate strategy for these countries is to develop diets which allow locally available new ingredients to be used. This experiment was conducted to evaluate replacement of maize by sorghum on growth rate and feed conversion ratio, on Hubbard classic broiler chicken.

Methods: Two-hundred forty chicks day-old with mean initial body weight of 42.5 ± 0.24 g were used for the experiment in complete randomized design. The experiment consisted of 28 days starter phase and 21 days finisher phase. The treatment were T1 (maize based, control), T2 (15% sorghum), T3 (30% sorghum) and T4 (45% sorghum). The experiment lasted for 7 weeks, during which dry matter intake (DMI), body weight gain were measured and Feed conversion ratio.

Results: The laboratory chemical analysis of feeds showed that the CP content and ME values of the formulated feed were 22% CP and 3200 kcal/kg DM; and 21 CP and 2883 kcal/kg DM, for starter and finisher ration, respectively. No significant (P>0.05) difference was seen in daily, total DM intake, Final body weight, average daily body weight gain and DM conversion ratio between treatments and the control group for starter, finisher and entire period

Conclusion: From the present study, it can be conclude that replacement of sorghum with maize up to 45% appeared to be biologically better and not having adverse effect on broiler performance.

The aims of this study were to measure the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) in seminal plasma (SP), the influence of temperature overtime on such enzymes and, to assess post-thaw viability of semen supplemented with autologous or homologous SP by nigrosine-eosin (NE) and hypoosmotic tests (HOST). A total of 48 sperm-rich fractions from 8 boars were collected and equally divided for SP antioxidant activity determination or cryopreservation experiments. Marked differences in SP antioxidant activity were found amongst individuals. SOD values ranged from 7.88 ± 0.04 U/g to 12.01 ± 0.07 U/g. Restricted maximum likelihood variance components estimates (REML) indicated that 98% of the variation resided between individuals (p<0.05). In addition, GPX1 activity ranged from 0.03 ± 0.001 U/g to 0.05 ± 0.005 U/g with a REML between and within individual of 58% and 42%, respectively (p<0.05). Further, temperature largely influenced SOD and GPX1 activity (Spearman’s ρ ≥ 0.77; main effect p<0.01). Regardless, sperm viability improved significantly in groups supplemented with 20% (v/v) SP compared with control as per NE 27 ± 0.59 % vs. 26 ± 0.23 % or HOST 28 ± 0.27 % vs. 18 ± 0.27 % (p<0.05). Although there was an additive effect of SP on sperm viability, the antioxidant levels were not strongly correlated to sperm morphology. Therefore other factors in seminal plasma are contributing to sperm viability and overall fitness towards a successful fertilization.

Turkey hens show spontaneous parthenogenesis (embryo development without any male contribution) which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Chromosome pattern and differential expression of genes associated with parthenogenetic development in turkey eggs were investigated in the present study. The metaphase spread obtained from parthenogenetic embryos was classified as haploid, diploid, polyploidy or aneuploidy based on the proportion of ‘n’ number of chromosomes. With the advancement of embryonic age, per cent of haploid cell (38.73 to 20.44) or other ploidy decreased while those of diploid cell increased (21.10 to 42.06) and the transition of ploidy continued till 48 h of embryo dveleopment. Early developmental stages presented higher ratios of W chromosomes in comparison to Z chromosomes while ZW combination was absent. Freshly laid parthenogenic eggs had higher Sox2 gene expression, but 24hrs old embryo had higher Sox3, GATA-4 or PouV genes expression. Expression of male specific genes (DMRT and AMH) was higher in 12 h or older parthenogenetic embryos, but the female specific genes, ASW and P450 were expressed more in freshly laid parthenogenetic eggs. It is concluded that transition of ploidy from haploid to diploid or poly-ploidy continued till 48 h or beyond parthenogenetic development. Significantly higher expression of Sox3 or GATA-4 gene in parthenogenetic embryos could potentially be used as marker gene for indication of parthenogenesis in turkey.

Wild animals, including frogs are usually infected with several species of parasites. Frogs are important for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they control populations of insects and secondly they can act as indicator species to the environment. Studies have shown that frogs can harbor many species of parasites. Worldwide, there were numerous researches carried out on frog parasites but few had been reported from Malaysia. From this study, 300 frogs from 14 species were collected from eight study sites: Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Phrynoidis aspera, Hylarana erythraea, H. labialis, H. nigrovittata, Polypedates leucomystax, Fejervarya cancrivora, F. limnocharis, Limnonectes blythii, L. paramacrodon, L. ibanorum, L. ingeri, Microhylabutleri, and Kaloulapulchra. Eleven (11) helminthic parasites (Heterakis spp., H. vesicularis, Trichostrongylus spp., Pharyngodon spp., Ascaris spp., Oswaldocruzia spp., Rhabdias spp.,Glypthelmins staffordi, Diplodiscusm sacculosus, Manodistomum spp., and Macracanthorynchus spp.), eight blood parasites (a rickettsia, Hepatozoon spp.,Haemogregarina spp., Lankesterella spp., Trypanosoma loricatum, T. rotatorium, T. chattoni, and microfilaria) and one protozoa (Nyctotherus spp.) were recorded from frogs. There were correlations between the presence of helminthic parasites and distribution of rainfall, as well as between blood parasites and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of water.

Echocardiography has become routinely procedure used in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with any suspected or known heart diseases. It is one of the most widely used diagnostic modality in cardiology. It can provide a wealth of helpful information, including the size and shape of the heart, pumping capacity, and the location and extent of any tissue damage of heart. An Echocardiogram on other hand gives physician’s estimates of heart function such as a calculation of the cardiac output, ejection fraction, and diastolic function. It also helps to evaluate cardiac defects such as, atrial septal defects, AV valve stenoses, coronary artery defects, occult DCM, coronary artery disease, feline heartworm disease, persistent left cranial vena cava, canine hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and feline diastolic dysfunction may be identified. This Review details principle, uses, technique, types and limitations of Echocardiography in equines.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2014 to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the apparent density of tsetse and other biting flies in four peasant associations of Mandura district. For the prevalence study, dark phase contrast buffy coat examination and Giemsa stained thin blood smears were used. Whereas for the entomological survey and apparent density of flies, traps were deployed. The entomological survey indicated that Glossina tachnoides was the only tsetse fly species caught in the study area along with other biting flies like Haematopota, Stomoxys and Tabanus. Apparent tsetse flies density of 0.06 flies/trap/ day was recorded in the district. For the prevalence study, out of a total of 405 cattle examined, 22 (5.43%) were found infected with trypanosomes. Highest prevalence was recorded in cattle with poor body condition (7.06%) followed by medium (5.20%) and god (3.92%). This study showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in trypanosomosis infection rate among peasant associations, age, body condition and sex of the animal. The overall mean PCV value of examined cattle is 29.29 ± 4.813 (׀t׀=122.49; df=404; P=0.00). The mean PCV of non infected cattle was slightly higher (29.30%) than that of infected animals (29.27%). Among the species of trypanosomes isolated, Trypanosoma vivax was identified to be the major causes of trypanosomosis in the study area accounting for 81.82% of the total infections observed followed by Trypanosoma congolense (18.18%). Taken as a whole, the present work evidenced that tsetse and trypanosomosis has continued to pose a considerable threat to cattle of the study area warranting an integrated control to safeguard cattle production and productivity.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2013 to April, 2014 to assess the prevalence of bovine babesiosis in Teltele District, North West Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 384 blood samples were collected from ear vein of cattle from four peasant associations (PAs). In this study the overall prevalence of bovine babesiosis was found 16.9% (65/384) using microscopic examination of Geimsa stained blood smear. Significant variation was observed among study areas (P<0.01). Four PAs were assessed and the lowest prevalence was recorded in Fulotole (9.4%) followed by Hatuse (13.6%), Kulcha (18.2%) while the highest was recorded in Billa kebele (27.85%). Higher prevalence was recorded in female (17.5%) than male (16.3%) with significant difference (P<0.05). Age wise prevalence showed the highest prevalence among old animals (23.5%) followed by adult (15%) and young animals (13.2%). Body condition of the animal was significantly associated (P<0.001) and highest prevalence recorded in animals with poor body condition (35.96%). Two species of Babesia identified were B. bovis (9.9%) followed by B. bigemina (7%). In conclusion the results of this study have indicated that bovine babesiosis was highly prevalent in the study area. This warrants appropriate tick control and strategic prophylactic treatment in order relive the current challenges in the focus area.

Newcastle disease [avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1)] is highly prevalent in poultry thought India. The present study was undertaken to extrapolate the pathogenecity of a field isolate of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in comparison with velogenic BOM-1 isolate (AY 294125). The field NDV isolate and the BOM-1 isolate were propagated in SPF eggs and the infected allantoic fluids were used for characterization of pathotype. The Mean Death Time (46 hours), Intracerebral Pathogenicity Index (1.74), Intravenous pathogenicity Index (2.01) were enumerated to find out the pathotype of the virus. The field NDV isolate was able to agglutinate mammalian erythroytes except equine RBCs, stable at 56°C for 60 mins and proved to be a rapid eluter. It formed plaques (5.39 x 106 PFU/ ml) in chick embryo fibroblast with characteristic cytopathic effects of velogenic NDV comparable with BOM-1 isolate. The viral proteins that were detected by SDS-PAGE were HN (76 KD), F (66 KD), NP (55 KD) and M (44 KD). The total protein in the field virus isolate was determined to be 18.75 mg%, which was lower than that of the total proteins in BOM-1 isolate (45 mg%). The field virus contained 28.83 mg% of total lipids and 4.98 mg% total carbohydrates, which were more or less similar to that of BOM-1 isolate and that of allantoic fluid. On the basis of all the biological and the chemical tests conducted, the field virus isolate included in this present study was characterized as velogenic viscerotropic strain of NDV.

Enset (Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman) is one of the most important staple and co-stable food crops for around 20 million people in Ethiopia. However its production has been threatened by a devastating bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. This disease was officially reported in Ethiopia for the first time in the 1960‟s. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective to screen field-grown Enset clones collected for reaction against bacterial wilt and to assess the farmers practices used for the management of the target pathogen. A large number of Enset clones (20) assessed and collected from the Dire Inchini, Jibat and Wonchi distrcts and were screened against resistance/tolerance to Enset bacterial wilt, X. campestris through artificial inoculation. All artificially inoculated Enset clones with X. campesrtris suspensions of different concentration were developed disease symptom of variable intensity levels during the first 30 days after inoculation. The Enset clones, Suite, Warke, Bidu, Astera and Kekari showed 100% disease symptoms at 30 days after inoculation and could, hence, be used as susceptible checks in future screening trials. This vascular disease was resulted in yellowing of the leaves, wilting and finally collapsing of the entire plant. Disease symptoms were not observed on Enset clones of Mezya, Bedadet, Hiniba and Nech Enset after 90 days of inoculation periods and were taken relatively as resistant to the target wilt causing pathogen. Those Enset clones showed tolerance to Enset bacterial wilt causing pathogen should be multiplied, demonstrated and addressed for the final user or Enset producing farmers and help as one disease management option; in addition to cultural practices and others effective phyto-sanitary measures Enset producing farmers are using.