Assessment of optimum thermal humidity index for crossbred dairy cows in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, India

Research (Published online: 05-11-2014)

3. Assessment of optimum thermal humidity index for crossbred dairy cows in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, India - Shweta Kohli,

U. K. Atheya and A. Thapliyal

Veterinary World, 7(10): 916-921

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.916-921

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Abstract

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Aim: Uttarakhand is a relatively new state and many cross bred cattle were introduced to boost the milk yield of the state. Despite all efforts the milk yield of dairy in Uttarakhand is comparatively low. In our study, we assessed the effect of heat stress on milk production, using thermal humidity index (THI) in high (cross bred cattle) and low milk producing (LMP) cows (native cows) in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India.

Materials and Methods: Effect of heat stress was measured on high and LMP cross bred cows using THI maintained on standard feeding and nutritional value. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded to calculate the THI. Daily milk production was noted to verify the effect of heat stress. Furthermore, profile the thyroid hormones using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Low yielding cows did not show any significant change when the THI was above 72 from month June to October during stress condition. But high yielding cows shows a significant decrease (p<0.05) in milk yield when THI was above 80 (severe stress zone) in the month of June to October and milk production decrease from an average of 18±1.4 to 10.9±0.92 L whereas in November-December when THI declines in the zone of comfort the milk yield did not show significant rise. The thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) level were found lower in summer heat stress condition for a high yielding cattle.

Conclusion: Summer heat stress significantly decreased milk yield in high milk producing (HMP) crossbred cows. As THI rises from comfort zone to stress zone milk yield decreased by 30-40% and this loss in milk production is irreversible. Management strategies should be needed as environmental control housing is suggested for the HMP crossbred cattle to minimize the heat stress. If all the dairies with cross bred cattle implement these small modifications in housing of cattle, there would be a huge increase in milk production.

Keywords: cross bred dairy cow, heat stress, milk production.

Effect of higher temperature exposure on physicochemical properties of frozen buffalo meat

Research (Published online: 04-11-2014)

2. Effect of higher temperature exposure on physicochemical properties of frozen buffalo meat - M. R. Vishnuraj, G. Kandeepan and Vivek Shukla

Veterinary World, 7(10): 909-915

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.909-915

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Abstract

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Aim: The aim was to study the changes in various physicochemical parameters of frozen buffalo meat undergone temperature abuse at two different isothermal storage temperatures (37±1°C, 25±1°C) using a simulated model.

Materials and Methods: Frozen buffalo meat was evaluated after exposing to various temperature abuse conditions over selected durations for different meat quality parameters including pH, extract release volume (ERV), flourescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis, free amino acid (FAA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and D-glucose value and compared against a control sample maintained at 4±1°C.

Results: Of the various meat quality parameters evaluated pH, FDA hydrolysis, FAA content and TVBN content showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in temperature abused samples after temperature abuse and on subsequent refrigerated storage. However, ERV and D-glucose content decreased significantly (p<0.05) in temperature abused buffalo meat during the same period of study.

Conclusions: The present study featured the influence of exposure temperature and duration in various physicochemical parameters and the rate of spoilage development in frozen buffalo meat after temperature abuse.

Keywords: buffalo meat, physicochemical parameters, spoilage, temperature abuse.

Fly proof net shed for livestock: A novel concept of physical barrier for integrated management of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Research (Published online: 04-11-2014)

1. Fly proof net shed for livestock: A novel concept of physical barrier for integrated management of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) - B. W. Narladkar and P. R. Shivpuje

Veterinary World, 7(10): 899-908

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.899-908

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Abstract

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Aim: An age old and time tested technique of mosquito net requiring no energy, used by humans since prehistoric period was the inspiration behind this novel technique of fly proof net shed for livestock. With the aim to develop similar type of net shed for animals, which will protect them at night from biting of range of insects from Culicoides midges to mosquitoes, research was undertaken.

Materials and Methods: Net shed with pitch roof (gable type) was erected for use of livestock. The open inlet area was covered with 40 mesh size wire net. The roof at attic level was fitted with hurricane type of ventilator. Shed was used for animals at night hours only. vane anemometer was used for estimation of temperature and wind related parameters. Thermal humidity index (THI) and air changes were calculated as per the standard formulas. Based on these parameters suitability of shed was judged.

Results: It was observed that, due to netting of the shed population of Culicoides and other flies and incidences of their bites at night hours were considerably lowered. As a result, animals were found comfortable, and their body movements undertaken for wiping off these flies were significantly reduced from 196.50 to 22.16. All it accrued to increased milk yield to the tune of 18.97% in the net shed buffaloes as against control shed. Studies on suitability and comfort to animals were tested by estimating THI and air changes per hour in the net shed, which also revealed the estimates in comfortable regimen and ventilation, remained not much affected despite of netting. Other parameters studied for testing its more accuracy by taking other species of animals as kids, for them also, shed was found suitable through estimation of various physiological and behavioral parameters. Finally, the efficacy of shed was judged on the basis of cost effectiveness. Highly encouraging results on the above said parameters endorsed the effectiveness of the technique.

Conclusion: A net shed with pitch roof (gable type) fitted with hurricane type ventilator at its top serves the purpose of a physical barrier to minimize host-pest contact. Observations recorded in the experiment are sound enough to conclude and to recommend the use of net shed for livestock.

Keywords: Culicoides spp., fly proof net shed, integrated pest management, livestock, physical barrier.

Biochemical characterization of preovulatory and cystic ovarian follicular fluid of sow

Research (Published online: 31-10-2014)

27. Biochemical characterization of preovulatory and cystic ovarian follicular fluid of sow - R. Nath, N. Mahanta, M. Islam and S. S. Deka

Veterinary World, 7(10): 895-898

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.895-898

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Abstract

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Aim: The present study was designed to biochemically characterize ovarian cyst follicular fluid of sows and to relate possible changes in relation to preovulatory ovarian follicular fluid of sows.

Materials and Methods: Ovaries were collected from adult and non-pregnant slaughtered sow (Hampshire X local cross). A total of 16 pairs of ovaries were investigated, and they were classified according to their pathological and physiological status into two categories i.e. preovulatory and cystic follicle (diameter >25 mm with turbid appearance). Fluid was aspirated from the follicles and stored at −20°C prior to assaying. Follicular fluid samples were analyzed for glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, creatinine, uric acid. The activities of the enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were also estimated by spectrophotometric methods. The data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software.

Results: As follicles became cystic, the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein and albumin showed a significant (p<0.05) increased while BUN decreased significantly (p<0.05). The enzyme activities of ALT, ALP and CK increased significantly (p<0.05), but the activity of GGT significantly (p<0.05) decreased.

Conclusion: Results obtained showed that there was a significant change in most of the cystic follicular fluid metabolites.

Keywords: biochemical characterization, follicular fluid, sows.

Hemato-biochemical and oxidative effect of fresh juice and ethanolic extract of Ficus tsiela Roxb in rats

Research (Published online: 31-10-2014)

26. Hemato-biochemical and oxidative effect of fresh juice and ethanolic extract of Ficus tsiela Roxb in rats - Litty Mathew, N. Divakaran Nair, N. Vijayan and K. A. Mercey

Veterinary World, 7(10): 890-894

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.890-894

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Abstract

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Aim: The goal was to assess the hemato-biochemical and oxidative changes of Ficus tsiela Roxb in rats.

Materials and Methods: A total of 48 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into six groups with eight rats in each group. Group 1 received no treatment served as a control group. Group 2 and 3 animals were orally ingested with fresh juice from 5 g of leaves and 10 g of leaves, respectively. Group 4, 5 and 6 animals were orally administered with the extract at doses of 750, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg, respectively. The experiment was continued for a period of 21 days. Biochemical parameters including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine kinase (CK), creatinine and blood glucose and hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leucocyte count (DLC) were determined on 0, 7, 14, and 21 day of treatment. Lipid peroxides and reduced glutathione values were determined in liver at day 21.

Results: Hb, PCV, TLC and DLC showed no significant variations in treated groups compared with control and ALP, AST, CK and creatinine values showed a significant increase in serum of the higher dose groups. There was no variation in the level of blood sugar. There was an increase in the values of lipid peroxides and reduction in the values of reduced glutathione in the liver homogenate which indicated oxidative damage.

Conclusion: The fresh juice and ethanolic extract at higher doses had no effect on hematological values. However, biochemical parameters affected adversely. Both fresh juice and extract caused oxidative damage to liver.

Keywords: biochemical, Ficus tsiela, phytotoxicity.

Virological and immunological studies on foot and mouth disease virus type SAT2 naturally infected and vaccinated buffalo cows and their calves

Research (Published online: 31-10-2014)

25. Virological and immunological studies on foot and mouth disease virus type SAT2 naturally infected and vaccinated buffalo cows and their calves - Ehab El-Sayed Ibrahim, Eman M. Soliman and Wagdy R. El-Ashmawy

Veterinary World, 7(10): 882-889

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.882-889

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Abstract

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Aim: Due to inadequate data on the dynamics of foot and mouth disease (FMD) infection in buffalo, the present work was aimed at investigating some virological and immunological aspects of FMD virus (FMDV) SAT2 infection in naturally exposed and vaccinated buffalo cows and their calves.

Materials and Methods: The study employed clinical observation and examination, virus isolation in mice brain and cell culture, in addition to virus detection using complement fixation test; indirect sandwitch enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and demonstration of RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for confirmation the results.

Results: FMD type SAT2 antibodies was detected in a protective level by the 1st week post infection and 3rd week post vaccination and peak titers were recorded by the 3rd week, 12th week in infected and vaccinated buffaloes, respectively. These titers began to decline to reach their lowest protective levels by the 36th week, 12nd week in infected and vaccinated buffaloes respectively. The SAT2 antibodies in calves born to vaccinated and infected buffalo cows were detected on the 1st day post parturation through the suckling of their Dam’s colostrums. The highest maternal antibody titers were recorded in sera by the 2nd day post parturation. These antibodies declined gradually to reach their lowest protective levels on14th week, 16th week post parturition in calves rom vaccinated and infected buffaloes, respectively. High antibody titers in the colostrums and milk of vaccinated and naturally infected buffalo cows were recorded at parturition, and they began to decrease gradually recording their lowest protective titers by 10th and 12nd week post parturition respectively.

Conclusion: FMDV serotype SAT2 was confirmed as a causative agent of the suspected FMD signs in pregnant buffalo at El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during 2012. Vaccinated and naturally infected buffalo cows were able to provide their calves with high levels of maternal derived antibodies through their colostrums, which could protect new born calves for not less than 14 week post parturation.

Keywords: buffalo, foot and mouth disease, infection, montanide oil ISA 206, SAT-2, vaccination.

Variations in free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant responses in salivary glands of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum andHyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks

Research (Published online: 31-10-2014)

24. Variations in free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant responses in salivary glands of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum andHyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks - Mayukh Ghosh, Nirmal Sangwan and Arun K. Sangwan

Veterinary World, 7(10): 876-881

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.876-881

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Abstract

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Aim: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Hyalomma dromedarii ticks are of major economic importance in the livestock sector as the vector of tropical theileriosis causing huge production loss, mostly in tropical countries. The release of different reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by exogenous and endogenous means can potentially induce oxidative damage to the ticks during their prolonged feeding on their vertebrate hosts. Hence, ticks need an effective free radical scavenging and antioxidant defense system for their successful feeding of a blood meal. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the interspecies variations in antioxidant response, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory activities in salivary gland extracts (SGE) of the two species as they differ considerably in relation to feeding behavior and host specificity.

Materials and Methods: Tick salivary glands were dissected out under ice from semi-fed female ticks of both the species and homogenized at low temperature to prepare SGE. SGE was stored at −40°C for analysis of free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant status.

Results: Significant depletion in reduced glutathione concentrations, malondialdehyde level and elevation in free radical scavenging activity, superoxide dismutase, anti-inflammatory activity were found in SGE of engorging female H. dromedarii ticks as compared to H. a. anatolicum.

Conclusion: Higher antioxidant status and free radical scavenging activities in H. dromedarii might have enabled these ticks to suck more blood from the host in spite of continuous host’s immune responses. These findings about tick biology will help in improving tick control strategies.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, free radicals, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma dromedarii.