Monday 29 May 2017

Immunopathological response of leukocytes against microfilariae and adult worms in white rats infected with Setaria cervi

Research (Published online: 30-05-2017)
16. Immunopathological response of leukocytes against microfilariae and adult 
worms in white rats infected with Setaria cervi
Sharba Kausar and Wajihullah Khan
Veterinary World, 10(5): 562-568
ABSTRACT
Aim: Aim of this study was to see the immunopathological changes against the microfilariae (Mf) and adult worms of a bovine filarid, Setaria cervi in the tissues of vital organs of experimentally infected white rats. The effect of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was also observed on the Mf, as leukocytes especially lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins which opsonize and increase the efficacy of DEC against circulating Mf. Effect of this drug was also assessed on liver enzymes in the microfilaremic rats.
Materials and Methods: Microfilaremia was established by implanting adult worms intraperitoneally and by the infusion of Mf recovered from the uterus of gravid female worms. DEC was administered orally for six consecutive days in the rats having patent infection. Differential leukocyte count was recorded every 3rd day, and liver enzymes were estimated every 10th day in both treated and untreated rats. Pathological changes were observed in HE stained sections of vital organs where Mf or adult worms were trapped.
Results: Destruction and reduction in microfilarial density were noticed in microfilaremic rats treated with DEC. Trapped Mf and embedded worms revealed heavy cellular infiltrations by defensive cells which surrounded and attached with the body surface of the Mf as well as adult worms for their destruction and piece meal clearance. Immune-mediated pathology was observed in the tissue sections of lungs, spleen, and liver. Liver enzymes were elevated during the period of higher parasitemia.
Conclusion: There was a moderate level of immunopathology against the Mf and adult worms by the leukocytes in experimentally infected microfilaremic rats. Mf were in the process of degeneration where they got trapped. Moderate increase in liver enzyme was noticed which was slightly more in untreated group. Although a fraction of Mf gets killed in the peritoneum, majority of them successfully enter the systemic circulation and survive for about 54 days, which is sufficient enough for conducting immunological and chemotherapeutic studies.
Keywords: differential leukocyte count, liver enzymes, microfilariae, pathology, Setaria cervi, white rats.

Saturday 27 May 2017

Prevalence of multiple drug resistant Streptococcus suis in and around Guwahati, India

Research (Published online: 28-05-2017)
15. Prevalence of multiple drug resistant Streptococcus suis in and around Guwahati, India
Mrinalee Devi, Jyoti B. Dutta, Swaraj Rajkhowa, Dhireswar Kalita, Girindra Kumar Saikia, Bipin Chandra Das,
Razibuddin Ahmed Hazarika and Gauranga Mahato
Veterinary World, 10(5): 556-561


ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus suis and their resistance patterns isolated from both clinically healthy carriers and diseased pigs in and around Guwahati, Assam, India.
Materials and Methods: A total of 497 samples were collected during October, 2012, to April, 2014, from clinically healthy (n=67) and diseased (n=230) pigs of varying age and either sex maintained under organized and unorganized farming systems. Samples were processed for isolation and identification of S. suis by biochemical characterization and polymerase chain reaction targeting the housekeeping gene glutamate dehydrogenase. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of the recovered isolates against nine antibiotic groups comprising 17 antimicrobial agents was studied by standard method.
Results: Of the 497 samples examined, 7 (1.41%) isolates were confirmed to be S. suis of which 5 (1.87%) and 2 (0.87%) were derived from clinically healthy and diseased pigs, respectively. All the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin, and erythromycin (100%) followed by the penicillin group and enrofloxacin (85.71%), ceftriaxone, doxycycline HCL, ofloxacin and chloramphenicol (71.43%), to kanamycin, clindamycin and co-trimoxazole (42.85%). The isolates showed least susceptibility to cefalexin, tetracycline and streptomycin (28.57%). All the five S. suis isolates from clinically healthy pigs were susceptible to penicillin G, amoxyclav, doxycycline HCl, gentamicin, amikacin and erythromycin, 80.00% isolates susceptible to ampicillin, enrofloxacin and ofloxacin, 60.00% to ceftriaxone, kanamycin and chloramphenicol, 40% to cefalexin, tetracycline, clindamycin and co-trimoxazole, respectively. Only 20.00% isolates were susceptible to streptomycin. Both the isolates recovered from diseased pigs were susceptible to ampicillin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, amikacin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. On the other hand, both the isolates were resistant to cefalexin, tetracycline, doxycycline HCL, and kanamycin. Altogether five different resistance patterns (multi-drug resistance) were observed. Of the seven S. suis isolates, two isolates were susceptible to all the 17 antimicrobial agents, one isolate was resistant to four antimicrobial agents, two isolates to seven agents, one isolate to nine agents, and one isolate exhibited resistance to 14 antimicrobial agents.
Conclusion: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of S. suis in clinically healthy and diseased pigs and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. All the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin and erythromycin, and most of them were resistant to cefalexin, tetracycline and streptomycin. Five different patterns of antimicrobial resistance (multi-drug resistance) were observed.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, emerging zoonotic pathogen, multiple drug resistance, pathogen prevalence, Streptococcus suis.

Efficacy and efficiency of poultry carcass composting using different mechanical mixing equipment for avian influenza outbreaks

Research (Published online: 27-05-2017)
4Efficacy and efficiency of poultry carcass composting using different mechanical mixing equipment for avian influenza outbreaks - Jennifer Elizabeth Keaten and Mark Hutchinson
International Journal of One Health, 3: 19-27



  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2017.19-27

Abstract

Background and Aim: Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease that caused the largest animal disease outbreak in the history of US agriculture. There are several disposal methods of AI infected poultry carcasses available in the US, which include on-site burial, landfill, incineration, rendering, and composting. Of these methods, composting is the most environmentally friendly and poses a low risk for biosecurity. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a comprehensive plan for composting AI infected carcasses. The current protocols have the potential for areas of anaerobic pockets within the windrow due to inadequate mixing and the large carcass size of whole birds. This could lead to ineffective virus neutralization or prolonged composting times and higher resource costs. The purpose of this project was to determine if using a horizontal mixer (HM) wagon to mix composting ingredients or a vertical mixer (VM) wagon to mix and cut up the compositing ingredients is an economical and timely means to accelerate the tissue break-down and obtain optimal temperatures for poultry carcass composting during an AI outbreak.
Materials and Methods: A replicated trial with three treatments, HM, conventional layering (CL) and VM, and three replications was initiated at the Compost Research and Education Center part of the University of Maine Forest and Agricultural Experimental Station called High Moor Farm. Daily temperatures and screened core sample weights (screen weights) on day 0, 16, and 30 were recorded for each of the compost piles. The time to build each replication was recorded and used to help calculate the cost of each method. Data on equipment, carbon material and labor costs were collected from private contractors from the 2014 to 2016 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) outbreak and used to compare costs between methods.
Results: All treatment methods reached USDA protocol temperatures to neutralize the HPAI virus. Screen weights for both the VM and HM treatments were lower than the CL treatment. Screen weights decreased significantly from day 0 to day 16 for the VM and HM treatments with no significant change from day 16 to day 30. When comparing costs, the mixer wagon methods were the more cost effective than the CL method when using high volume equipment.
Conclusion: The data from this study support the use of a mixer wagon to reduce particle size and mix ingredients for more timely and effective composting of poultry carcasses.
Keywords: carcass management, compost, high pathogenic avian influenza, poultry.

Thursday 25 May 2017

Single-nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic diversity analysis of the Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep breeds

Research (Published online: 26-05-2017)
14. Single-nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic diversity analysis of the Kilakarsal and
Vembur sheep breeds
Rathinasamy Selvam, Nagarajan Murali, A. Kannan Thiruvenkadan, Ramesh Saravanakumar,
Gurusamy Ponnudurai and Thilak Pon Jawahar

Veterinary World, 10(5): 549-555
ABSTRACT
Aim: The present study was thus undertaken to analyze the genetic diversity of Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep breeds using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, 5, 6, 9, and 10 genes.
Materials and Methods: Competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based end-point genotyping was performed using real-time PCR to type the SNPs. Allele discrimination module implemented in real-time PCR was utilized to call the genotypes based on fluorescence intensity recorded for each of the two alleles. Basic diversity indices, namely, gene frequencies, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient (FIS), and testing for Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were estimated using package for elementary analysis of SNP data software program.
Results: Of the 25 SNPs, 22 were found to be polymorphic, whereas two SNPs, namely, TLR3_1081_AC and TLR9_2036_CT, were monomorphic in both Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep populations. The SNP TLR10_1180_AG was monomorphic in Kilakarsal but polymorphic in Vembur sheep. The observed heterozygosities were estimated as 0.289 and 0.309 in Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep, respectively, whereas the expected heterozygosity values were 0.305 and 0.309 in the two breeds, respectively. The overall mean FIS was 0.107 ranging from -0.005 to 0.241 in Kilakarsal sheep and -0.047 ranging from -0.005 to 0.255 in Vembur sheep. In Kilakarsal sheep, the test for HWE revealed TLR9_1308_GC SNP locus with significant deviation (p<0.05) due to heterozygosity deficit. In Vembur sheep, TLR10_82_CT and TLR10_292_CG loci showed significant deviation (p<0.05) due to heterozygosity excess. Other SNP loci did not deviate from HWE (p>0.05) revealing that the population was in HWE proportions.
Conclusion: The SNP markers within five TLR genes (TLR3, TLR5, TLR6, TLR9, and TLR10) utilized for genotyping in this study were highly polymorphic in Kilakarsal and Vembur breeds of sheep. This study on the genetic diversity analysis of the Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep breeds revealed considerable genetic variation within the breeds and it can be utilized to improve desirable traits.
Keywords: allele discrimination module, competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, Kilakarsal, single-nucleotide polymorphism, Toll-like receptor genes, Vembur.

The positive expression of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (Malaysian isolate) in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Research (Published online: 25-05-2017)
13. The positive expression of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (Malaysian isolate) in
Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Lizma Felisha Mazlan, Noor Farhana Bachek, Siti Nor Azizah Mahamud, Lokman Hakim Idris, Tan Sheau Wei,
Abdul Rahman Omar and Mohd Hezmee Mohd Noor
Veterinary World, 10(5): 542-548
ABSTRACT
Aim: Genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is the most predominant NDV strains that circulating in Malaysia; thus, this study was aimed to determine the susceptibility of Japanese quails toward genotype VII NDV. Clinical signs, gross pathological lesions of organs, positive detection of virus in organs and cloacal swabs, as well as the expression of the antibody titer, were used as parameters to assess the susceptibility of Japanese quails following infection of genotype VII NDV.
Materials and Methods: About 20 quails were divided into three groups (n=8 for Groups A and B; n=4 for the control group). The quails in the Groups A and B were infected via intraocular route with 0.03 ml of 103.5 ELD50 and 107.0 ELD50 of NDV strain IBS 002, respectively, while the control group received 1x phosphate-buffered saline. Cloacal swabs and necropsy were taken on day 7 post-infection for all quails were subjected to one-step reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for detection of virus and examination for gross pathological lesion, respectively. Blood serums of infected quails were taken on day 10, 14, and 21 post-day infections and were subjected for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay.
Results: Depression and ruffled feathers, trachea rales, leg paralysis, and torticollis were shown in some of the quails in both infected groups. Based on statistical analysis, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in clinical signs between the infected groups. The results for RT-qPCR were found to be negative for all groups, and no gross pathological lesions of organs observed for quails in both infected groups. Trachea, proventriculus, and cecal tonsil were taken for the detection of NDV by RT-qPCR, and some of the organ samples showed positive detection of virus in both infected groups. HI assay showed an increase in mean titers of antibody across time and between infected groups.
Conclusion: In summary, Japanese quails are susceptible to genotype VII NDV based on parameters assessed.
Keywords: infections, intraocular, Japanese quails, Newcastle disease virus.

Saturday 20 May 2017

Standardization of dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of bovine visceral schistosomiasis

Research (Published online: 21-05-2017)
12. Standardization of dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of bovine visceral schistosomiasis
Kommu Sudhakar, G. S. Sreenivasa Murthy and Gaddam Rajeshwari
Veterinary World, 10(5): 536-541
ABSTRACT
Aim: Bovine visceral schistosomiasis has been reported as an important disease entity as it affects animal health, productivity, causes economic losses due to liver condemnation, and produces a high morbidity. This study was conducted to standardize an easy, reliable dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of visceral schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma spindale and to know the prevalence rate in and around Hyderabad.
Materials and Methods: A dot-ELISA was standardized in the laboratory using whole worm antigen (WWA) and excretory-secretory antigen (ESA) of S. spindale. The standardized test was used for the diagnosis of bovine visceral schistosomiasis at field level. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was compared with counter current immunoelectrophoresis. In total, 288 sera (125 cattle and 163 buffalo) were screened by dot-ELISA.
Results: The dot-ELISA detected 32.63% of infection (94/288) using WWA and 40.62% of infection (117/288) using ESA. In cattle, the prevalence rate was 32.80% (41/125) using WWA and 40.80% (51/125) of infection. Similarly, in buffaloes, the prevalence rate was 32.51% (53/163) using WWA and 40.49% (66/163) of infection using ESA. The overall sensitivity of dot-ELISA was 76.74% and 80.48% with WWA and ESA, respectively, and specificity was 73.3% and 78.57% in WWA and ESA, respectively.
Conclusion: As ante-mortem diagnosis of visceral schistosomiasis is difficult in subclinical conditions, dot-ELISA can be used as a reliable immunodiagnostic test for diagnosis at field level.
Keywords: dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay, excretory-secretory antigen, Schistosoma spindale, whole worm antigen.

Development of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of canine leptospirosis

Research (Published online: 20-05-2017)
11. Development of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of canine leptospirosis
A. Sathiyamoorthy, G. Selvaraju, K. M. Palanivel and P. Srinivasan
Veterinary World, 10(5): 530-535
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was taken up to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) for screening antibodies against Leptospira spp. in canines.
Materials and Methods: An i-ELISA was developed using outer membrane protein extracted from Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola used for coating the well with concentration of 0.5 μg/μl. A total of 250 serum samples from clinically affected and apparently healthy dogs were collected along with relevant epidemiological data at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, and subjected to i-ELISA.
Results: Out of 250 sera samples, 140 (56.00%) were found to be positive by i-ELISA. All the sera samples were subjected to microagglutination test (MAT) with panel of 12 different serovars. A total of 71 (28.40%) sera samples were positivity to MAT excluding the sera samples positive to L. interrogans serovars canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae in vaccinated dogs. Sensitivity and specificity of i-ELISA were higher in compared with MAT was 91.54% and 58.10%, respectively.
Conclusion: An indirect ELISA developed for the detection of canine antileptospiral antibodies proved to be highly sensitive, rapid and easy to perform and overcome the drawbacks of MAT.
Keywords: canine leptospirosis, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, outer membrane protein, Leptospira canicola, Triton X-114 extraction.

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Comparison of milk production and milk composition for an exotic and a local synthetic rabbit lines

Research (Published online: 16-05-2017)
10. Comparison of milk production and milk composition for an exotic and a local synthetic rabbit lines
Karim El-Sabrout, Sarah Aggag and Alaa El-Raffa
Veterinary World, 10(5): 526-529
ABSTRACT
Aim: Basic objective of this research was to compare two rabbit lines: V-line (exotic line), Alexandria (local synthetic line) for yield and composition of milk product and their effect on productive performance of rabbits.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted on 80 does and their kits. Milk yield (MY) of each doe and milk composition (MC) were recorded at 3rd week of lactation.
Results: The results of MY showed insignificant difference between V-line and Alexandria line. While the results of MC indicated significant differences in milk protein and fat between the two lines. The protein electrophoresis was used for assaying variation in milk proteins between the two lines. The banding protein patterns showed seven protein bands for Alexandria line and six bands for V line. The results demonstrated one specific protein marker at 48 KDa (?-casein) in Alexandria doe's milk. Moreover, the results of individual body weight at weaning age indicated that Alexandria rabbits had significantly higher body weight compared with V-line rabbits (845.33 g, 664.05 g, respectively). Alexandria line had significantly lower mortality rate compared with V-line (1.5%, 2.7%, respectively).
Conclusion: The differences which obtained in Alexandria line milk may play an important role in the productive performance of rabbits.
Keywords: Alexandria line, milk yield, proteins, rabbit performance, V-line.

Friday 12 May 2017

Effects of season and artificial photoperiod on semen and seminal plasma characteristics in bucks of two goat breeds maintained in a semen collection center

Research (Published online: 13-05-2017)
9. Effects of season and artificial photoperiod on semen and seminal plasma characteristics in bucks of two goat breeds maintained in a semen collection center
Francisco Arrebola and Jose-Alfonso Abecia
Veterinary World, 10(5): 521-525
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study quantified the effects of season and photoperiodic treatment on semen and seminal plasma (SP) characteristics in 12 bucks of two Spanish goat breeds (Murciano-Granadina, and Payoya) for the past 1 year.
Materials and Methods: A total of 6 bucks (three of each breed) were exposed to the natural day length and the other six males (three of each breed) were exposed to alternating conditions of 2 months of long days (16 h light) and 2 months of short days (8 h light). Weekly concentrations of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, testosterone, and protein in SP were measured. Reaction time and scrotal circumference were recorded, and plasma testosterone concentrations were measured before semen collection.
Results: Sperm volume, LDH, and potassium concentration in SP, and reaction time did not differ significantly between breeds, seasons, and photoperiodic treatment. Sperm concentrations were higher (p<0.001) in spring and summer than they were in autumn and winter. Mean percentage of positive hypo-osmotic swelling test sperm was the highest in summer and under the artificial photoperiod (p<0.01). GOT/AST concentrations differed (p<0.01) between breeds and seasons. Breed, season, and photoperiod had significant (p<0.001) effects on protein and testosterone levels in SP. Plasma testosterone concentrations were highest in summer (p<0.001), and differed significantly (p<0.01) between breeds. Scrotal perimeter differed significantly (p<0.001) between breeds and photoperiod.
Conclusion: Recognition of those seasonal and breed-specific differences in the performance of bucks should help to improve the management of individual semen samples for use in artificial insemination programs.
Keywords: buck, goat, semen, seminal plasma.

Detection of emerging antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from subclinical mastitis in cattle in West Bengal

Research (Published online: 12-05-2017)
8. Detection of emerging antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from subclinical mastitis in cattle in West Bengal
Arnab Das, Chanchal Guha, Ujjwal Biswas, Partha Sarathi Jana, Amaresh Chatterjee and Indranil Samanta
Veterinary World, 10(5): 517-520
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this work was to detect antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from subclinical mastitis in cattle in West Bengal.
Materials and Methods: The milk samples were collected from the cattle suffering with subclinical mastitis in West Bengal. The milk samples were inoculated into the nutrient broth and incubated at 37°C. On the next day, the growth was transferred into nutrient agar and MacConkey agar. All the pure cultures obtained from nutrient agar slant were subjected to Gram-staining and standard biochemical tests. All the bacterial isolates were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to different antibiotics commonly used in veterinary practices. All Gram-negative isolates including positive control were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaVIMtetA, tetB, tetC, and tetM genes considered for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-β-lactamase, and tetracycline resistance.
Results: In total, 50 Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter) were isolated from milk samples of subclinical mastitis infected cattle. Among these Gram-negative isolates, 48% (24/50) were found either ESBL producing or tetracycline resistant. Out of total 50 Gram-negative isolates, blaCTX-M was detected in 18 (36%) isolates, and 6 (12%) harbored blaTEM genes in PCR. None of the isolates carried blaSHV genes. Further, in this study, 5 (10%) isolates harbored tet(A) gene, and 8 (16%) isolates carried tet(B) gene. No tet(C) gene was detected from the isolates.
Conclusion: This study showed emerging trend of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria associated with subclinical mastitis in cattle in West Bengal, India.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance, cattle, Escherichia coli, India, sub-clinical mastitis.

Thursday 11 May 2017

Isolation, morphological identification and in vitro antibacterial activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves

Research (Published online: 11-05-2017)
7. Isolation, morphological identification and in vitro antibacterial activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves
Ankit Kumar Singh, Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Varsha Sharma, Tanmay Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Dimple Kumari
Veterinary World, 10(5): 510-516
ABSTRACT
Aim: The objective of this study was to isolate endophytic bacteria from Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves, their identification and investigate their antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureusStreptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus cereus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coliSalmonellaTyphimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of A. indica (neem) was procured from the Department of Botany, JNKVV, Jabalpur. Five samples were taken, and each sample was divided into five subsamples and separated for further isolation of endophytic bacteria. For sterilization leaves were treated with double distilled water, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, 0.01% bavistin, 0.05% and 70% ethanol. Sterilized leaves of the plants were embedded in Kings B (KB) petri plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Characterization of the bacteria was done according to its morphology and by Gram-staining. After that, a single colony was transferred into brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The antibacterial effect was studied by the disk diffusion method with known antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Ci) as standard.
Results: A total of 25 bacterial isolates from A. indica (neem) were obtained and identified morphologically. Most of the samples on KB media depicted irregular shape, flat elevation, undulated, rough, opaque, and white in color. Most of the samples on blood agar showed irregular, raise elevation, undulated, smooth, opaque and all the isolates were nonhemolytic and nonchromogenic. The growth of endophytic bacteria in BHI broth were all isolates showed turbidity. The microscopic examination revealed that maximum isolates were Gram-positive and rod shaped. Good antibacterial activity was observed against S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, E. coli, SalmonellaTyphimurium, and K. pneumoniae.
Conclusion: Endophytic bacteria are present in leaves of A. indica (neem) and it possesses antibacterial activity against few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Keywords: antibacterial activity, Azadirachta indica (neem), ciprofloxacin, endophytic bacteria, leaves.

Wednesday 10 May 2017

Dactylogyrus barnae sp. n. (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea) infecting gills of Barilius barna Hamilton, 1822 (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from a global biodiversity hotspot - Arunachal Pradesh (India)

Research (Published online: 10-05-2017)
6. Dactylogyrus barnae sp. n. (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea) infecting gills of Barilius barna Hamilton, 1822 (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from a global biodiversity hotspot - Arunachal Pradesh (India)
Leki Wangchu, Dobiam Narba, Michi Yassa and Amit Tripathi
Veterinary World, 10(5): 505-509
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was a part of an ongoing parasitological survey to investigate the health status of hill stream fish in river systems of Arunachal Pradesh - A global biodiversity hotspot.
Materials and Methods: During the 2013/2015, 18 live specimens of Barilius barna (Cyprinidae) were captured from the local rivers of Arunachal Pradesh and examined for parasitic monogenoids. These fish, with their flatworms, were immediately fixed in hot (60°C) 4% formalin for later examination. Identification and morphometric description used in this study followed Gussev (1976). Type specimens were deposited in the British Natural History Museum, UK.
Results: Dactylogyrus barnae sp. n. is described and illustrated from specimens of B. barna (Hamilton, 1822) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species is characterized by a combination of the following characters: Copulatory tube coiled in 1½ counterclockwise rings, vagina consisting of a vaginal tube and vaginal pore, a complex sclerotized plate of unknown function in between male copulatory organ and vagina, and an anteromedial knob-like process on the dorsal bar.
Conclusion: D. barnae sp. n. is the fourth species of Dactylogyrus described from the Northeast India and brings the total number of species of Dactylogyrus in Indian waters to 56. B. barna represents a new host record for Dactylogyrus spp., and possibly the first report for any parasite.
Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Barilius barnaDactylogyrus barnae sp. n., monogenoidea, sclerotized plate.

Tuesday 9 May 2017

An immunological approach of sperm sexing and different methods for identification of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm

Review (Published online: 09-05-2017)
5. An immunological approach of sperm sexing and different methods for identification of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm
Shiv Kumar Yadav, Dharmendra Kumar Gangwar, Jarnail Singh, Chiranjeev Kumar Tikadar, V. Vinoth Khanna, Sudha Saini, Sunny Dholpuria, Prabhat Palta, Radhey Shyam Manik, Manoj Kumar Singh and Suresh Kumar Singla
Veterinary World, 10(5): 498-504
ABSTRACT
Separation of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm has been practiced for selection of desired sex of offspring to increase the profit in livestock industries. At present, fluorescence-activated cell sorter is the only successful method for separation of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm. This technology is based on the differences in DNA content between these two types of sperm and has been commercialized for bovine sperm. However, this technology still has problems in terms of high economic cost, sperm damage, and lower pregnancy rates compared to unsorted semen. Therefore, an inexpensive, convenient, and non-invasive approach for sperm sexing would be of benefit to agricultural sector. Within this perspective, immunological sperm sexing method is one of the attractive choices to separate X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm. This article reviews the current knowledge about immunological approaches, viz., H-Y antigen, sex-specific antigens, and differentially expressed proteins for sperm sexing. Moreover, this review also highlighted the different methods for identification of X- and Y-sperm.
Keywords: differentially expressed proteins, H-Y antigen, sex specific proteins, sperm identification, sperm sexing.

Sunday 7 May 2017

Physiological alteration, quality of anesthesia and economy of isoflurane in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus)

Research (Published online: 08-05-2017)
4. Physiological alteration, quality of anesthesia and economy of isoflurane in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus)
Parag Deori, Kushal Konwar Sarma, Parsha Jyoti Nath, Chandan Kumar Singh and Rita Nath
Veterinary World, 10(5): 493-497
ABSTRACT
Aim: Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of isoflurane anesthesia on physiological parameters, assessment of anesthetic qualities, and economy of use of isoflurane in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus).
Materials and Methods: In this study, 18 apparently healthy adult domestic chickens were selected randomly and divided into three groups. The birds were anesthetized by masked induction with isoflurane at a dose rate of 3.5%, 4%, and 5% and were maintained with 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% isoflurane with oxygen by endotracheal intubation in Groups I, II, and III, respectively. Physiological parameters, viz., cloacal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate were recorded at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. The quality of anesthesia was assessed on the basis of induction time, induction behavior, quality of sedation, production of analgesia, degree of muscle relaxation, palpebral reflex, recovery time, and recovery behavior. The economy of anesthesia was calculated in terms of quantity of isoflurane utilized during 60 min of study. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance, Duncan's multiple range tests.
Results: There was significant decrease (p<0.01) in physiological parameters such as in cloacal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate in the birds of all the groups from 0 to 60 min. The induction time was 5.83±0.33, 2.37±0.18, and 0.87±0.15 min, respectively, in Groups I, II, and III. Induction behavior was smooth in Group III, whereas mildly stormy in Group II and I. Quality of sedation was excellent in Group III, better in Group II as compared to Group I. Analgesia was moderate in Group III whereas poor in Group II and I. Degree of muscle relaxation was excellent in Group III, whereas good in Group I and II. Palpebral reflexes were absent in all the groups. Recovery time was 15.33±0.84, 18.83±0.94, and 26.50±0.85 in Groups I, II, and III respectively. Recovery behavior was smooth in birds of all the groups. The cost of the anesthesia was 158.22±1.04, 194.27±0.66, and 236.84±s0.60 Indian National Rupee in Groups I, II, and III, respectively. Quantity of anesthesia utilized in each group was 7.62±0.05, 9.35±0.03, and 11.41±0.03 ml in Groups I, II, and III, respectively.
Conclusion: The use of isoflurane at different concentration produces different level of physiological changes, quality of anesthesia and economy without causing any deleterious effect on the birds. The physiological parameters observed in this study can serve as reference values for the wild and endangered birds.
Keywords: anesthetic quality, chicken (Gallus domesticus), economy, isoflurane, physiological parameters.

Influence of clinical mastitis and its treatment outcome on reproductive performance in crossbred cows: A retrospective study

Research (Published online: 07-05-2017)
3. Influence of clinical mastitis and its treatment outcome on reproductive performance in crossbred cows: A retrospective study
Narender Kumar, A. Manimaran, M. Sivaram, A. Kumaresan, S. Jeyakumar, L. Sreela, P. Mooventhan and D. Rajendran
Veterinary World, 10(5): 485-492
ABSTRACT
Aim: Evaluation of the effect of clinical mastitis (CM) and its treatment outcome on the reproductive performance in crossbred cows retrospectively.
Materials and Methods: Datasets of 835 lactating cows affected with CM during a period of 12 years (2001-2012) were considered for this study. Mastitis treatment related data and reproductive parameters such as days to first detected heat (DTFDH), days to first insemination (DTFI), days open (DO), and number of services per conception (SC) were collected from mastitis treatment and artificial insemination registers, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 20 software. The means were compared with the Duncan's multiple comparison post-hoc test.
Results: CM affected cows had significantly (p<0.05) higher DTFDH, DTFI, DO and SC compared to clinically healthy cows. Cows diagnosed with a single episode of CM had significantly (p<0.05) delayed DTFDH while, DO and SC were significantly higher (p<0.05) in cows diagnosed by multiple episodes of CM. SC was significantly (p<0.05) higher in cows diagnosed with both relapse and recurrence. Severe CM affected cows had significantly (p<0.05) altered reproductive parameters. The reproductive parameters were altered to high extent when CM occurred during the breeding period.
Conclusion: CM-affected cows had higher DTFDH, DTFI, DO and SC compared to clinically healthy cows. The negative effects of CM on reproduction parameters were higher when CM occurred during the breeding period.
Keywords: clinical mastitis, crossbred cows, reproductive parameters, retrospective study.

Friday 5 May 2017

Brucellosis: Community, medical and veterinary workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Northern Uganda

Research (Published online: 05-05-2017)
3. Brucellosis: Community, medical and veterinary workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Northern Uganda - Harriet Muloki Nabirye, Joseph Erume, George William Nasinyama, Joseph Morison Kungu, Jesca Nakavuma, Duncan Ongeng and David Okello Owiny
International Journal of One Health, 3: 12-18

     

doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2017.12-18


Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data.
Results: Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control.
Conclusion: Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.
Keywords: awareness, Brucellosis, patients, practitioners, Uganda.

Wednesday 3 May 2017

Comparison of Surti goat milk with cow and buffalo milk for physicochemical characteristics, selected processing-related parameters and activity of selected enzymes

Research (Published online: 04-05-2017)
2. Comparison of Surti goat milk with cow and buffalo milk for physicochemical characteristics, selected processing-related parameters and activity of selected enzymes
Darshna B. Prajapati, Dharti B. Kapadiya, Amit Kumar Jain, Bhavbhuti M. Mehta, Vijaykumar B. Darji and Kishorkumar D. Aparnathi
Veterinary World, 10(5): 477-484
ABSTRACT

Aim: The study was undertaken to find out the physicochemical characteristics, selected processing-related parameters and activity of selected enzymes in Surti goat milk.
Materials and Methods: Milk samples from Surti goats and buffalo milk samples were collected during the period from July 2013 to January 2014 at Reproductive Biology Research Unit, Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Anand. Milk samples from Kankrej cows were collected from Livestock Research Station, AAU, Anand. Samples were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics such as acidity, viscosity, surface tension, specific gravity, refractive index, freezing point, and electrical conductivity. Samples were also analyzed for selected processing-related parameters such as heat coagulation time (HCT), rennet coagulation time (RCT), rate of acid production by starter culture, alcohol stability, and activity of selected enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase activity, catalase activity, proteolytic activity, and lipase activity.
Results: Goat milk had the highest acidity, viscosity and surface tension, followed by cow milk and buffalo milk. However, the differences in acidity, specific gravity, surface tension, refractive index, electrical conductivity, HCT and lipase activity of three types of milk studied, viz., goat, cow, and buffalo milk were found statistically non-significant (p<0.05). The buffalo milk had the highest specific gravity, followed by those found in cow and goat milk. The viscosity, freezing point and RCT of goat milk was significantly lower (p>0.05) than that of the buffalo milk. However, the difference in viscosity, freezing point and RCT of goat milk and that of the cow milk was statistically non-significant. The cow milk had the highest refractive index, followed by goat and buffalo milk. The cow milk had the highest proteolytic activity and heat coagulation time (HCT), followed by those found in buffalo and goat milk. The goat milk had the lowest freezing point, lipase activity, and RCT, followed by those found in cow and buffalo milk. The goat milk had the highest electrical conductivity, followed by those found in buffalo and cow milk. The collected goat, cow and buffalo milk samples showed negative stability at 68% (v/v) alcohol concentration. Goat milk showed positive alcohol test at 75% (v/v) alcohol concentration. Acidity was found to increase proportionally with time. After 14 h, it was found that goat milk became thicker, but the curd had a very low consistency. Cow milk had the highest alkaline phosphatase activity and catalase activity followed by those found in goat milk and lowest alkaline phosphatase activity and catalase activity was found in buffalo milk. The alkaline phosphatase activity and proteolytic activity of goat milk was significantly lower (p>0.05) than that of the cow milk. However, the difference in alkaline phosphatase activity and proteolytic activity of goat milk and that of the buffalo milk was statistically non-significant. Alkaline phosphatase activity of buffalo milk was significantly lower (p>0.05) than that of the alkaline phosphatase activity in cow milk.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that the goat milk has highest acidity, viscosity, electrical conductivity, and surface tension compared to that of cow and buffalo milk. The goat milk has lowest specific gravity, freezing point, proteolytic activity, lipase activity, RCT and HCT compared to cow and buffalo milk. Goat milk had highest refractive index compared to buffalo milk, whereas lowest refractive index compared to cow milk. Goat milk showed positive alcohol test at 75% (v/v) alcohol concentration. The curd formed from goat milk after 14 h was having very weak consistency. The goat milk has higher alkaline phosphatase activity, catalase activity compared to buffalo milk while it has lower alkaline phosphatase activity, catalase activity compared to cow milk.
Keywords: heat coagulation time, lipase activity, physicochemical characteristics, proteolytic activity, rennet coagulation time.

Tuesday 2 May 2017

Relative gene expression of fatty acid synthesis genes at 60 days postpartum in bovine mammary epithelial cells of Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes

Research (Published online: 02-05-2017)
1. Relative gene expression of fatty acid synthesis genes at 60 days postpartum in bovine mammary epithelial cells of Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes
Mamta Janmeda, Vishnu Kharadi, Gaurav Pandya, Balkrishna Brahmkshtri, Umed Ramani and Kuldeep Tyagi
Veterinary World, 10(5): 467-476
ABSTRACT
Aim: Aim of the study was to study the relative gene expression of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis at 60 days postpartum (pp) in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MECs) of Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes.
Materials and Methods: A total of 10 healthy Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes of each breed were selected at random from Livestock Research Station, Navsari and Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh, Gujarat, respectively, for this study. Milk sample was collected from each selected buffalo at day 60 pp from these two breeds to study relative gene expression of major milk fat genes using non-invasive approach of obtaining primary bovine MECs (pBMEC) from milk samples.
Results: In this study overall, the relative expression of the six major milk lipogenic genes butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1 (BTN1A1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase mitochondrial (GPAM), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase alpha (ACACA), and lipin (LPIN) did not show changes in expression patterns at 60th day of lactation in both Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes.
Conclusion: The pBMEC can be successfully recovered from 1500 ml of milk of Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes using antibody-mediated magnetic bead separation and can be further used for recovering RNA for down step quantification of major milk lipogenic gene expression. The relative expression of the six major milk lipogenic genes BTN1A1, SCD, LPL, GPAM, ACACA, and LPIN did not show changes in expression patterns in both Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes, suggesting expression levels of lipogenic genes are maintained almost uniform till peak lactation without any significant difference.
Keywords: buffalo, gene expression, Jafarabadi, milk, Surti.