Identification and sequence analysis of Tapasin gene in guinea fowl

Research (Published online: 18-12-2014)

12. Identification and sequence analysis of Tapasin gene in guinea fowl - Varuna P. Panicker and R. Uma

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1099-1102

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1099-1102

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Abstract

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Aim: An attempt has been made to identify and study the nucleotide sequence variability in exon 5 - exon 6 regions of guinea fowlTapasin gene.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from randomly selected birds (12 guinea fowl birds) and Tapasin gene amplified using chicken specific primers designed from GenBank submitted sequences. Polymerase chain reaction conditions were standardized so as get only single amplicons. Obtained products were then cloned and sequenced; sequences were then analyzed using suitable software.

Results: Amplicon size of the Tapasin gene in guinea fowl was same as reported in chicken with areas of transitions and transversions. The sequence variations reported in these coding sequences might have influence in the protein structure, which may be correlated with the increased immune status of the bird when compared with chicken breeds.

Conclusion: Since Tapasin gene is an immunologically important gene, which plays an important role in the immune status of the bird. Sequence variations in the gene can be correlated with the altered immune status of the bird.

Keywords: guinea fowl, Immunity, Tapasin gene.

Estimation of genetic parameters of weekly test-day milk yields and first lactation 305-day milk yield in Murrah buffaloes

Research (Published online: 16-12-2014)

11. Estimation of genetic parameters of weekly test-day milk yields and first lactation 305-day milk yield in Murrah buffaloes - Saroj Kumar Sahoo, Avtar Singh, A. K. Gupta, A. K. Chakravarty, Manvendra Singh and G. S. Ambhore

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1094-1098

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1094-1098

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Abstract

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Aim: The aim was to estimate genetic parameters of weekly test-day (TD) milk yields and first lactation 305-day milk yield (FL305DY) in Murrah buffaloes.

Materials and Methods: The data on 39059 weekly test-day milk yield (WTDY) records during first lactation of 961 Murrah buffaloes calved from 1977 to 2012 and sired by 101 bulls maintained in an organized farm at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal was analyzed to study the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors. Least squares maximum likelihood program was used to estimate genetic and non-genetic parameters affecting WTDY and FL305DY. Heritability was estimated using paternal half-sib correlation method. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among WTDY and 305- day milk yield was calculated from the analysis of variance and covariance among sire groups.

Results: The least squares means for FL305DY was found to be 1853.49±15.88 Kg. The least squares means of overall WTDY ranged from 2.44±0.07 kg (TD-43) to 7.95±0.06 kg (TD-8). Effect of period, season and age at first calving groups was found to be highly significant (p<0.01), significant (p<0.05) and non-significant on FL305DY, respectively. The h2 estimate of FL305DY was 0.25±0.09. The estimates of phenotypic and genetic correlations between 305-day milk yield and different WTDY ranged from 0.52 to 0.84 and from 0.19 to 0.98, respectively.

Conclusions: Our study showed that the effect of period of calving was highly significant (p<0.01) on FL305DY as well as all the WTDY. The estimates of phenotypic and genetic correlations were generally higher in the middle segment of lactation suggesting that these TD yields could be used as the selection criteria for early evaluation and selection of animals.

Keywords: genetic factors, Murrah buffalo, non-genetic factors, test-day milk yields.

Cloning and sequence analysis of hsf, an outer membrane protein gene of Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2

Research (Published online: 15-12-2014)

10. Cloning and sequence analysis of hsf, an outer membrane protein gene of Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2 - A. Priyadarshini, S. Kumar, S. K. Gupta, K. N. Viswas, R. K. Agarwal and V. P. Singh

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1090-1093

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1090-1093

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Abstract

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Aim: The present study was undertaken to clone, sequence and analyze the hsf, an outer membrane protein gene of Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2

Materials and Methods: hsf gene was amplified from genomic DNA of P. multocida. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was cloned in pET-32a vector and was characterized. hsf gene was sequenced, analyzed and phylogenetic tree was constructed taking sequences of other strains.

Results: Amplicon size was found to be 785 bp. Recombinant got characterized through colony PCR and restriction enzyme analysis.

Conclusion: hsf gene of P. multocida serotype B is similar to serotype A, but different from serotype D. Further work is needed to evaluate role of Hsf protein in protection studies and to study the antigenic properties of this recombinant protein as a candidate for vaccine.

Keywords: cloning, hsf gene, outer membrane protein, Pasteurella multocida, phylogenetic tree, sequencing

Nutritional evaluation of fodder, its preference and crop raiding by wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in Sonitpur District of Assam, India

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Research (Published online: 15-12-2014)

9. Nutritional evaluation of fodder, its preference and crop raiding by wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in Sonitpur District of Assam, India - Bidyut Jyoti Das, Bibeka Nanda Saikia, Kishore Kumar Baruah, Arundhati Bora and Mukul Bora

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1082-1089

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1082-1089

Abstract

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Aim: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value of fodder in natural habitat, cultivated crops and their preference by wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in forest and non-forest areas in four seasons using field observation in Sonitpur District of Assam; since, there were frequent incidences of crop raiding by wild elephant leading to loss of property and human-elephant conflict.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in four seasons. The study included forest areas of Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Nameri National Park and high human-elephant conflicted areas of non-forest near to the sanctuary and parks. The consumed fodders were identified, collected and evaluated. The proximate composition was determined using AOAC (1990).

Results: Total 39 different fodder species of 18 families including herbs, climber, grasses, paddy seeds, paddy saplings, plants and its leaves, bark, fruits, and roots were recorded to be utilized by elephants. The first three family of fodder that elephant relished more were Poaceae (46.15%), Musaceae (7.69%) and Zingiberaceae (5.13%) respectively. The crude protein content of fodder in all seasons, total ash content only in winter and post monsoon seasons and neutral detergent fiber content of fodder between forest and non-forest were significant (p<0.05). Elephants preferred to forage more on nutritionally rich fodder than poor natural fodder. Incidence of crop raiding was more in post monsoon season could be due to availability of nutritionally rich fodder than the poor natural fodder and generally happened in the night.

Conclusions: The study revealed that during post monsoon season, there were abundant nutritionally rich sources of cultivated crops than the fodder of natural habitat that might provoke the wild elephants to raid crops. Poaceae shared a major portion of their diet. The findings will definitely help nutritionist, ecologist and policy makers to understand wild elephant’s needs and also to take appropriate measures for conservation of endangered wild Asian elephant as well as mitigation of human-elephant conflict.

Keywords: crop, fodder, raiding, wild Asian elephant.

Effect of supplementation of different levels of selenium as nanoparticles/sodium selenite on blood biochemical profile and humoral immunity in male Wistar rats

Research (Published online: 11-12-2014)

8. Effect of supplementation of different levels of selenium as nanoparticles/sodium selenite on blood biochemical profile and humoral immunity in male Wistar rats - S. J. Bunglavan, A. K. Garg, R. S. Dass and Sameer Shrivastava

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1075-1081

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1075-1081

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Abstract

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Aim: To study the effect of supplementation of different levels of selenium as nanoparticles/sodium selenite on blood biochemical profile and humoral immunity in male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: The experimental research was conducted at Division of Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. 63 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 equal groups on the basis of their mean body weight (BW) (124.3±3.1 g BW) following completely randomized design. Experimental feeding was similar in all the groups except for the source and level of selenium (Se) in the diet. While Group 1 (control) was fed a basal diet with no Se supplementation, in Groups 2 and 3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented either as sodium selenite or Se nanoparticles, respectively. In Groups 4, 5, 6 and 7, Se was supplemented as its nanoparticles at 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25% levels respectively i.e. at 75 ppb, 37.5 ppb, 18.75 ppb and 9.375 ppb levels respectively. In Groups 8 and 9, 300 ppb Se was supplemented either as Se nanoparticles or sodium selenite, respectively. Experimental feeding was conducted for a period of 91 days. At the end of the experimental trial, blood samples were collected to analyze the blood serum biochemical profile (serum glucose, serum total protein (TP), serum albumin, serum globulin, serum albumin: globulin ratio [A:G ratio], serum total cholesterol) and humoral immunity.

Results: The levels of serum glucose, serum TP and serum albumin were comparable (p>0.05) among the nine groups of male Wistar rats. The mean serum total cholesterol was significantly (p<0.001) lowered in all the Se supplemented Wistar rats compared to the control group. The mean serum globulin level was significantly (p<0.05) higher and A:G ratio was significantly (p<0.05) lowered in Group 3 (supplemented with 150 ppb selenium nanoparticles) followed by Groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 as compared to the control group. The mean serum antibody titer was significantly (p<0.001) higher in all the Se supplemented groups with the highest value in Group 3 (supplemented with 150 ppb selenium nanoparticles) followed by Groups 4, 5, 8 and 9 compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Supplementation of selenium nanoparticles at the level of 150 ppb gave the best performance in terms of increased serum globulin level, reduced A:G ratio, and improved humoral immune status in male Wistar rats.

Keywords: humoral immunity, nanoparticles, selenium, serum cholesterol, serum globulin, serum glucose, serum total protein, Wistar rats.

Performance of Tharparkar calves following a suckling or non-suckling rearing system

Research (Published online: 11-12-2014)

7. Performance of Tharparkar calves following a suckling or non-suckling rearing system - Vipin Kumar Upadhyay, A. K. S. Tomar, B. H. M. Patel, S. Sahu, P. K. Bharti and D. M. Golher

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1071-1074

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1071-1074

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Abstract

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Aim: The aim was to find out the influence of suckling and non-suckling system of rearing on growth performance of indigenous Tharparkar calves.

Materials and Methods: A total of 14 Tharparkar calves was randomly divided into two groups. The Group 1 (G-1) was suckling group, in which calves were allowed to suckle from the same dam twice a day before/after milking from birth to 90 days of age, while in Group 2 (G 2), calves were weaned (non-suckling) immediately after birth (1st day weaning). The non-suckling calves were fed with colostrum within few hours after birth and twice daily for 3 days at the rate of 10% of live body weight (LBW) and later, kept under pail feeding till 71 days of age along with calf starter and green fodder as per the Indian Veterinary Research Institute protocol. The experimental trial was continued for 90 days of age of calf from its birth. Observations regarding various growth performances were made following standard procedures and the data obtained were statistically analyzed by SPSS program version 17.

Results: The effect of rearing system was found to be significantly (p≤0.05) higher for G 1 calves on 15 days LBW whereas it was highly significant (p≤0.01) on LBW’s at subsequent readings as compared to G 2 calves. For average daily gain (ADG) (g/day), G 1 calves showed highly significant (p≤0.01) value than G 2 calves during 0-30 days (447.62±58.13 in G 1 vs. 176.19±15.79 in G 2) and 31-60 days (614.29±77.27 in G 1 vs. 233.33±37.80 in G 2) and remained statistically significant (p≤0.05) between 61 and 90 days. On different body measurements, effect of system of rearing was non-significant up to 15 days. From 30 days onwards, higher significant values for G 1 calves were observed for heart girth and body length whereas for body height significant results were obtained from 45 days onward. This superiority in all growth parameters expressed by suckling system calves might be due to longer duration of milk feeding and more intake of milk as compared to that of non-sucking group.

Conclusion: Therefore present study was concluded that the calves reared under suckling system attained higher LBW, ADG in body weight and body measurements than the non-suckling group of Tharparkar calves.

Keywords: body measurements, growth, suckling, Tharparkar calves, weaning.

Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin levels in crossbred cows with endometritis following different therapy

Research (Published online: 11-12-2014)

6. Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin levels in crossbred cows with endometritis following different therapy - S. S. Biswal, S. Das, S. Balasubramanian, D. N. Mohanty, K. Sethy and M. Dasgupta

Veterinary World, 7(12): 1066-1070

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.1066-1070

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Abstract

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Aim: To determine the serum variations of two major acute phase proteins, serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) levels in crossbred endometritis cows following pre and post immunomodulation therapy.

Materials and Methods: 21 endometritis cows were randomly assigned to three groups (n=7) and treated with three different immunomodulators while seven healthy cows served as control. Uterine flushing collected from all animals was subjected to bacteriological study and serum samples were analyzed for SAA and Hp by sandwich ELISA method.

Results: Escherichia coli was most prevalent Gram-negative bacteria (6.02 × 106 CFU/ml) while Staphylococcus (0.86 × 106 CFU/ml) and Streptococcus (0.52 × 106 CFU/ml) were most predominant Gram-positive species isolated from uterine flushing. The pre-treatment SAA values (μg/ml) varied significantly (p<0.01) between the treatment groups whereas no difference was observed in post-treatment groups. No significant difference (p<0.01) was observed for Hp values between the treatment groups, but the mean SAA (μg/ml) and Hp (μg/ml) levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher in pre-treatment when compared to post-treatment within the groups.

Conclusion: In the diagnosis and monitoring of bovine endometritis, both SAA and Hp might serve as reliable biomarkers.

Keywords: crossbred cows, endometritis, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A.