Biochemical studies in experimentally Escherichia coli infected broiler chicken supplemented with neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract

Research (Published online: 24-11-2015)

12. Biochemical studies in experimentally Escherichia coli infected broiler chicken supplemented with neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract - Vikash Sharma, K. K. Jakhar, Vikas Nehra and Sarvan Kumar

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1340-1345

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1340-1345

Abstract

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Aim: An experimental study was conducted on 192-day-old broiler chicks for evaluating the effect of 10% neem leaf extract (NLE) supplementationon biochemical parameters in chickens experimentally infected with Escherichia coli O78 at 107 CFU/0.5 ml at 7 days of age.

Materials and Methods: The 192-day-old broiler chicks were procured. These chicks were divided into two groups (A and B) containing 96 birds each on the 1st day. Diet of all the chicks of Group A was supplemented with 10%NLE in water, whereas chicks of Group B were given feed and water devoid of NLE supplementation throughout the experiment. After rearing for 1 week, chicks of both the groups (A and B) were again divided into two subgroups (Group A into A1 and A2 and Group B into B1 and B2) of 54 and 42 birds, respectively. At the age of 7 days all the chicks of groups A1 and B1 were injected with E. coli O78 at 107 CFU/0.5 ml intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected from six chicks from each group at day 0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 days post-infection and serum was separated for biochemical studies.

Results: There was a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, globulin concentration and a decrease in total protein (TP), albumin concentrations, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in both the infected groups. However, the changes in biochemical values, i.e., ALT, AST, LDH, ALP, TP, albumin, and globulin wereof lower magnitude in NLE supplemented group suggesting hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effect of NLE.

Conclusions: Fromthe present study, it is reasonable to conclude that significant increase in the value of ALT, AST, LDH, globulin, and significant decrease in the value of ALP, TP, and albumin was of lower magnitude in supplemented infected group (A1) as compared to non-supplemented infected group (B1) suggesting hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effect of NLE.

Keywords: biochemical studies, chicken, experimentally Escherichia coli infected broiler, neem leaf extract.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis of infectious bursal disease in poultry birds

Research (Published online: 24-11-2015)

11. Histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis of infectious bursal disease in poultry birds - J. Singh, H. S. Banga, R. S. Brar, N. D. Singh, S. Sodhi and G. D. Leishangthem

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1331-1339

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1331-1339

Abstract

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Aim: The aim of the present study was to diagnose infectious bursal disease (IBD) using gross, histopathological, and immunopathological approaches and to compare efficacy of immunohistochemical techniques with conventional diagnostic techniques.
Materials and Methods: A total of 33 samples were collected from the six different poultry farms from Ludhiana and the nearby districts. Upon gross analysis of the necropsied birds, the relevant tissue samples such as bursa, kidney, junction of proventriculus and gizzard, heart, and muscles were then processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies.

Results: Varied macroscopic changes were noted in bursa, characterized as swollen, hemorrhages to atrophy in size. Nonetheless, hemorrhages over thigh muscles were rarely seen. Histologically, the bursa showed prominent fibrotic and atrophic changes. Rarefaction of bursal follicles with intermittent infiltration of lympho-mononuclear cells with chronic cystic changes was additional changes, considered to be paramount for IBD. Expression and localization of IBD specific viral antigens were noticed mainly intracellular to the rarefied areas of bursal follicle section(s), in conjunction to inner lining of the cystic cavities of affected follicles. In addition, the junction of proventriculus and gizzard, the heart muscle, respiratory ciliated epithelium, and proventriculus also revealed positive expression to IBD virus (IBDV) antigen. Advanced immunopathological techniques, i.e., immunofluorescence further testified the evidence of antigen as positive green signal within affected follicles. Further consideration to the reliability of various techniques employed, positive correlation (r=0.64623) was emerged out with conventional pathological scoring.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the bursa acts as an organ of choice for demonstrating IBDV antigen for specific diagnosis of disease using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and IHC staining is a precise, specific, rapid, and reliable method to demonstrate the IBDV antigen in the altered tissues due to IBDV infection.
Keywords: histopathology, immunohistochemical, infectious bursal disease.

A retrospective study on findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya

Research (Published online: 22-11-2015)

10. A retrospective study on findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya - Peter Kimeli, Susan W. Mbugua, Roger M. Cap, Gilbert Kirui, Tequiero O. Abuom, Willy E. Mwangi, Ambrose N. Kipyegon and John D. Mande

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1326-1330

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1326-1330

Abstract

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Aim: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Records for 591 dogs were included in this study. The data was obtained from the national screening office, Kenya Veterinary Board, for the period between the years 1998 and 2014. Monthly screening records were assessed and information relating to year of evaluation, breed, sex, age, and hip score captured. Descriptive statistics of hip scores was computed based on year, sex, age, and breed.

Results: A total of 591 records from the year 1998 to 2014 were retrieved at the National Screening Centre, the Kenya Veterinary Board. Each record was examined and data pertaining to year of screening, the breed, sex, age of the dogs, and the total hip score were recorded. The highest number of dogs screened for hip dysplasia (HD) was in the year 2009 and the lowest in the year 1998. More females than males were screened for HD and the mean age of all the dogs was 22.9±12.7 months. The most common breeds of dogs screened during the study period were German Shepherd (67.0%), Rottweiler (15.6%), and Labrador Retriever (12.2%). The mean hip score for the 591 dogs was 15.1±10.9 and the median 12.0. The mean hip scores per breed were; German Shepherd (16.3±12.1); Golden Retriever (16.0); Hungarian Vizla (15.0); Labrador Retriever (3.0±6.7); Great Dane (13.3±3.2); Rottweiler (12.2±8.2); Doberman (10.3±4.2); Rhodesian Ridgeback (9.6±3.8); and Boxer (9.3±0.6). Based on the hip score, moderate to severe HD was diagnosed in 16.6% of the dogs, mild HD in 32.7%, Borderline HD in 37.7%, fair HD in 6.9%, and good HD in 6.1%.

Conclusion: Canine HD is a common occurrence in Kenya with most dogs suffering mild to border line HD. In addition, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever appear to be the most affected breeds. It is therefore recommended that stringent measures be imposed to dog breeding programs to avoid transmission of this undesirable trait and consequently improve the welfare and the quality of dog breeds in Kenya.

Keywords: dogs, hip dysplasia, hip score, Kenya.

Staining of Platyhelminthes by herbal dyes: An eco-friendly technique for the taxonomist

Research (Published online: 22-11-2015)

9. Staining of Platyhelminthes by herbal dyes: An eco-friendly technique for the taxonomist - Niranjan Kumar, Jadav Mehul, Bhupamani Das and J. B. Solanki

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1321-1325

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1321-1325

Abstract

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Aim: An environment compatible technique to stain Platyhelminthes, Fasciola gigantica, Gastrothylax crumenifer, Taenia solium, andMoniezia expansa using aqueous and alcoholic extract of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), China rose (Hibiscus rosasinensis), and red rose (Rosa hybrida) were described to minimized the deleterious effects of the synthetic dyes.

Materials and Methods: Aqueous/ethanolic extracts of roses were extracted from the flowers while red beet was extracted from the roots.

Results: Stained helminthes acquired a comparable level of pigmentation with the distinction of their internal structure in these natural dyes. The flukes (liver and rumen) internal structure, oral and ventral/posterior sucker, cirrus sac, gravid uterus, testes, ovary, and vitallaria were appeared pink color in aqueous and alcoholic extract of either China or red rose and yellow to brown color in sugar beet stain. The interior of the proglottid of T. solium and M. expansa took yellow to brown color with good contrast in sugar beet stain and of pink to pink-red in China and red rose stain.

Conclusion: The extract of roses (red rose followed by China rose) followed by red beet possess the potential to replace the conventional stains in the taxonomic study of Platyhelminthes parasites.

Keywords: herbal dyes, Platyhelminthes, rose, sugar beet.

Electrocardiogram pattern of some exotic breeds of trained dogs: A variation study

Research (Published online: 22-11-2015)

8. Electrocardiogram pattern of some exotic breeds of trained dogs: A variation study - Joydip Mukherjee, Pradip Kumar Das, Prabal Ranjan Ghosh, Dipak Banerjee, Tripti Sharma, Debananda Basak and Sagar Sanyal

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1317-1320

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1317-1320

Abstract

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Aim: The present study has been conducted to evaluate the variation in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters among different trained breeds of dogs (viz. Labrador, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever) used for security reasons.

Materials and Methods: The ECG was recorded by single channel ECG at a paper speed of 25 mm/s and calibration of 10 mm=1 mV. The recordings were taken from all the standard bipolar limb leads (Lead-I, II, and III) and unipolar augmented limb leads (Lead-aVR, aVL, and aVF).

Results: Heart rate was found to be highest in Labrador and lowest in German Shepherd. P-wave duration was maximum in Golden Retriever breed and lowest in Labrador. Maximum amplitude of P-wave was found in Labrador followed by German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. There was significantly (p<0.05) higher values of PR interval in German Shepherd compared to other breeds. The variation in QRS duration, ST segment duration, T-wave duration, and T-wave amplitude was found to be non-significant among breeds. Inverted T-waves were most common in Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, whereas positive T-waves were found in Labrador. There was significant (p<0.05) variation in mean electrical axis of QRS complex among different breeds and it ranges from +60° to +80°.

Conclusion: The present study provides the reference values for different ECG parameters to monitor the cardiac health status among Labrador, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever breeds.

Keywords: dog, electrocardiogram, mean electrical axis.

Comparative efficacy of different estrus synchronization protocols on estrus induction response, fertility and plasma progesterone and biochemical profile in crossbred anestrus cows

Research (Published online: 21-11-2015)

7. Comparative efficacy of different estrus synchronization protocols on estrus induction response, fertility and plasma progesterone and biochemical profile in crossbred anestrus cows - A. J. Dhami, B. B. Nakrani, K. K. Hadiya, J. A. Patel and R. G. Shah

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1310-1316

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1310-1316

Abstract

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Aim: To evaluate estrus induction response and fertility including plasma progesterone and biochemical profile following use of three standard hormonal protocols in anestrus crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 true anestrus and 10 normal cyclic cows. 10 anestrus cows each were treated with standard intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device, Ovsynch (GPG) protocol, and Norgestomet ear implant with fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). 10 anestrus cows were kept as untreated control while 10 cows exhibiting the first estrus within 90 days postpartum without any treatment served as normal cyclic control. Blood samples were obtained from treated cows on day 0, 7, 9 (AI) of treatment and day 21 post-AI, and from control groups on the day of AI and day 21 post-AI for estimation of plasma progesterone, protein, cholesterol, calcium, and inorganic phosphorus profile.

Results: The use of CIDR, Ovsynch, and Norgestomet ear implant protocols resulted in 100% estrus induction with conception rates at induced estrus of 60%, 50%, and 50%, and the overall of three cycles as 80%, 80%, and 70%. In untreated anestrus control (n=10), only three cows exhibited spontaneous estrus within 90 days of follow-up and conceived giving the first service and overall conception rates of 66.66% and 30.00%, respectively. In normal cyclic control (n=10), the conception rates at first and overall of three cycles were 50% and 80%. The overall mean plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations in anestrus cows studied on day 0 (initiation), 7 (prostaglandin injection and/or removal of implant), 9 (FTAI) of treatment and on day 21 post-AI revealed that the values on day 7 and 21 were significantly (p<0.01) higher than other two periods in all three groups. The concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in conceived than non-conceived group on day 21 post-AI in CIDR (4.36±0.12 vs. 1.65±0.82 ng/ml) and Ovsynch (4.85±0.62 vs. 1.59±0.34 ng/ml), but not in Norgestomet ear implant (4.50±0.53 vs. 3.02±1.15 ng/ml) or normal cyclic group (5.39±0.67 vs. 3.13±0.37 ng/ml). The cholesterol and protein levels were significantly higher, but not the calcium and phosphorus, in normal cyclic control than in anestrus groups. The influence of treatment days and pregnancy status was not significant for any of the biochemical constituents in any of the groups.

Conclusion: Ovsynch and/or CIDR synchronization protocol can be effectively used to improve fertility up to 80% in anestrus cows, as compared to 30% in anestrus control, combined with plasma progesterone to delineate the reproductive status before and after treatment.

Keywords: anestrus, conception rate, cow, estrus induction, fertile estrus induction interval,treatment protocols.

Therapeutic management of botulism in dairy cattle

Research (Published online: 21-11-2015)

6. Therapeutic management of botulism in dairy cattle - S. Jegaveera Pandian, M. Subramanian, G. Vijayakumar, G. A. Balasubramaniam and K. Sukumar

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1305-1309

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1305-1309

Abstract

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Aim: To report the successful recovery of few dairy cattle from botulism in response to a modified therapeutic strategy.

Materials and Methods: Seventy four naturally-occurring clinical cases of bovine botulism encountered during the period of 2012-2014 which were confirmed by mouse lethality test became material for this study. Affected animals were made into three groups based on the treatment modifications made during the course of study.

Results and Discussion: With the modified therapeutic regimen, 17 animals recovered after 7-10 days of treatment. Clinical recovery took 2-30 days. Animals which were not given intravenous fluid and calcium recovered uneventfully. Cattle which were already treated with intravenous fluids, calcium borogluconate, and antibiotics did not recover. They were either died or slaughtered for salvage.

Conclusion: In cattle with botulism, administration of Vitamin AD3E and activated charcoal aid the clinical recovery. Besides, strictly avoiding anti-clostridial antibiotics, fluid therapy, and calcium therapy may facilitate the clinical recovery. Upon fluid administration, the pulmonary congestion existed in the ailing cattle might have worsened the anoxia. Administration of antibiotics like penicillin, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines further worsen the neuronal paralysis by increasing the availability of botulinum neurotoxin. Cattle in early botulism have fair chances of recovery with the modified therapy.

Keywords: botulism, cattle, neurotoxin, paralysis, therapy.