Awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Punjab

Research (Published online: 18-02-2016)

13. Awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Punjab - Jaspal Singh Hundal, Simrinder Singh Sodhi, Aparna Gupta, Jaswinder Singh and Udeybir Singh Chahal

Veterinary World, 9(2): 186-191

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.186-191

Abstract

---

Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Punjab.

Materials and Methods: 250 livestock farmers were selected randomly and interviewed with a pretested questionnaire, which contained both open and close ended questions on different aspects of zoonotic diseases, i.e., awareness, knowledge, risks, etc. Knowledge scorecard was developed, and each correct answer was awarded one mark, and each incorrect answer was given zero mark. Respondents were categorized into low (mean − ½ standard deviation [SD]), moderate (mean ± ½ SD), and high knowledge (Mean + ½ SD) category based on the mean and SD. The information about independent variables viz., age, education, and herd size were collected with the help of structured schedule and scales. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, and results were prepared to assess awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases and its relation with independent variables.

Results: Majority of the respondents had age up to 40 years (70%), had their qualification from primary to higher secondary level (77.6%), and had their herd size up to 10 animals (79.6%). About 51.2% and 54.0% respondents had the history of abortion and retained placenta, respectively, at their farms. The respondents not only disposed off the infected placenta (35.6%), aborted fetus (39.6%), or feces (56.4%) from a diarrheic animal but also gave intrauterine medication (23.2%) bare-handedly. About 3.6-69.6% respondents consumed uncooked or unpasteurized animal products. About 84.8%, 46.0%, 32.8%, 4.61%, and 92.4% of livestock farmers were aware of zoonotic nature of rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, anthrax, and bird flu, respectively. The 55.6%, 67.2%, 52.0%, 64.0%, and 51.2% respondents were aware of the transmission of zoonotic diseases to human being through contaminated milk, meat, air, feed, or through contact with infected animals, respectively. The transmission of rabies through dog bite (98.4%), need of post-exposure vaccination (96.8%), and annual vaccination of dogs (78%) were well-known facts but only 47.2% livestock owners were aware of the occurrence of abortion due to brucellosis and availability of prophylactic vaccine (67.6%) against it as a preventive measure. About 69.2% respondents belonged to low to medium knowledge level categories, whereas 30.8% respondents had high knowledge (p<0.05) regarding different aspects of zoonotic diseases. Age, education, and herd size had no significant effect on the knowledge level and awareness of farmers toward zoonotic diseases.

Conclusion: Therefore, from the present study, it may be concluded that there is a need to create awareness and improve knowledge of livestock farmers toward zoonotic diseases for its effective containment in Punjab.

Keywords: awareness, knowledge level, livestock farmers, risk factors, zoonotic diseases.

Effect of incubation on freezability of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin treated buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa

Research (Published online: 18-02-2016)

12. Effect of incubation on freezability of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin treated buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa - S. A. Lone, J. K. Prasad, S. K. Ghosh, G. K. Das, B. Balamurugan, R. Katiyar and M. R. Verma

Veterinary World, 9(2): 182-185

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.182-185

Abstract

---

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incubation on freezability of cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) treated buffalo spermatozoa.

Materials and Methods: Semen samples with mass motility of 3+ and greater, collected from Murrah buffalo bulls were utilized. Immediately after collection, four equal groups of semen sample were made. Group I was kept as control and diluted with Tris upto concentration of 60×106 sperm/ml, where as Groups II, III, and IV were treated with CLC at 3 mg/120× 106 spermatozoa, incubated at 37°C for action of CLC for 10, 15 and 20 min, respectively, and diluted with tris upto concentration of 60×106 sperm/ml. All groups were subjected to equilibration and freezing. The evaluation of semen samples from all groups was carried out at fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw stage for progressive motility, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling response (HOS response).

Results: At the pre-freeze stage, significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of progressive motility and viability was observed in treatment groups as compared to control with no significant difference among treatment groups. HOS response was significantly (p<0.05) higher in treatment groups as compared to control at pre-freeze stage. At post-thaw stage, significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of progressive motility, viability and HOS response was recorded in Group II as compared to control and other treatment groups (III and IV). Group II retained significant post-thaw motility and viability at various post-thaw incubation periods.

Conclusion: Incubation period of 10 min for CLC treated buffalo spermatozoa yielded significantly higher results in terms of freezability as compared to incubation for 15 and 20 min.

Keywords: buffalo spermatozoa, cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin, incubation.

Isolation, antibiogram and pathogenicity of Salmonella spp. Recovered from slaughtered food animals in Nagpur region of Central India

Research (Published online: 16-02-2016)

11. Isolation, antibiogram and pathogenicity of Salmonella spp. Recovered from slaughtered food animals in Nagpur region of Central India - D. G. Kalambhe, N. N. Zade, S. P. Chaudhari, S. V. Shinde, W. Khan and A. R. Patil

Veterinary World, 9(2): 176-181

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.176-181

Abstract

---

Aim: To determine the prevalence, antibiogram and pathogenicity of Salmonella spp. in the common food animals slaughtered for consumption purpose at government approved slaughter houses located in and around Nagpur region during a period of 2010-2012.

Materials and Methods: A total of 400 samples comprising 50 each of blood and meat from each slaughtered male cattle, buffaloes, pigs and goats were collected. Isolation was done by pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water and enrichment in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth with subsequent selective plating onto xylose lysine deoxycholate agar. Presumptive Salmonella colonies were biochemically confirmed and analyzed for pathogenicity by hemolysin production and Congo red dye binding assay (CRDA). An antibiotic sensitivity test was performed to assess the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates.

Results: A total of 10 isolates of Salmonella spp. from meat (3 from cattle, 1 from buffaloes and 6 from pigs) with an overall prevalence of 5% among food animals was recorded. No isolation was reported from any blood samples. Pathogenicity assays revealed 100% and 80% positivity for CRDA and hemolytic activity, respectively. Antimicrobial sensitivity test showed multi-drug resistance. The overall resistance of 50% was noted for trimethoprim followed by ampicillin (20%). A maximum sensitivity (80%) was reported to gentamycin followed by 40% each to ampicillin and trimethoprim, 30% to amikacin and 10% to kanamycin.

Conclusion: The presence of multidrug resistant and potentially pathogenic Salmonella spp. in slaughtered food animals in Nagpur region can be a matter of concern for public health.

Keywords: antibiogram, Congo red binding assay, food animals, hemolysis, Salmonella Typhimurium.

Utilization of carrageenan, citric acid and cinnamon oil as an edible coating of chicken fillets to prolong its shelf life under refrigeration conditions

Research (Published online: 16-02-2016)

10. Utilization of carrageenan, citric acid and cinnamon oil as an edible coating of chicken fillets to prolong its shelf life under refrigeration conditions - Anshul Kumar Khare, Robinson J. J. Abraham, V. Appa Rao and R. Narendra Babu

Veterinary World, 9(2): 166-175

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.166-175

Abstract

---

Aim: The present study was conducted to determine efficacy of edible coating of carrageenan and cinnamon oil to enhance the shelf life of chicken meat stored under refrigeration conditions.

Materials and Methods: Chicken breast was coated with carrageenan and cinnamon oil by three methods of application viz., spraying brushing and dipping. The coated meat was evaluated for drip loss, pH, thiobarbituric acid number (TBA), tyrosine value (TV)extract release volume (ERV), Warner-Bratzler shear force value (WBSFV), instrumental color, microbiological, and sensory qualities as per standard procedures.

Results: There was a significant difference observed for physicochemical parameters (pH, TBA, TV, ERV, drip loss and WBSFV) and microbiological analysis between storage periods in all the samples and between the control and treatments throughout the storage period but samples did not differed significantly for hunter color scores. However, there was no significant difference among three methods of application throughout the storage period though dipping had a lower rate of increase. A progressive decline in mean sensory scores was recorded along with the increase in storage time.

Conclusion: The carrageenan and cinnamon edible coating was found to be a good alternative to enhance the shelf life of chicken meat under refrigeration conditions. It was also observed from study that dipping method of the application had comparatively higher shelf life than other methods of application.

Keywords: carrageenan, chicken breast/fillets, cinnamon oil, edible coating, spraying/brushing/dipping.

Expression of biologically active bovine interleukin 7 and evaluating the activity in vitro

Research (Published online: 13-02-2016)

9. Expression of biologically active bovine interleukin 7 and evaluating the activity in vitro - J. Lijo, N. Vijay, H. J. Dechamma and G. R. Reddy

Veterinary World, 9(2): 160-165

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.160-165

Abstract

---

Aim: Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a ϒc family cytokine involved in the homeostatic proliferation and maintenance of immune cells. In the present study, we report the expression of bovine IL-7 (bIL-7) in Escherichia coli and evaluated for its biological activity.

Materials and Methods: The sequence coding for bIL-7 (mature protein) was amplified from primary bovine kidney cell culture and cloned into pET28-a vector and expressed in E.coli (BL 21 DE3). The expressed protein was purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetatechromatography, and the reactivity of the protein was confirmed by western blotting using monoclonal antibodies raised against human IL-7. The biological activity of expressed bIL-7 was evaluated by analyzing its effect on the expression of a nuclear factor for activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) molecules in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Ability of the expressed protein was also analyzed by its effect on phosphorylating signal transducer and activator 3 (STAT3) molecule by immunostaining in human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293) cells.

Results: The bIL-7 was able to induce the expression of Bcl2 and NFATc1expression in bovine PBMCs by 7 and 5-folds, respectively, whereas a 2-fold decrease was observed in the case of SOCS3 expression. Immunostaining studies in HEK293 cells using antihuman phospho-STAT3 showed activation and nuclear translocation of STAT3 molecule on bIL-7 treatment.

Conclusion: bIL-7 gene was successfully amplified, cloned, and expressed in a prokaryotic expression system. The biological activity study showed that the E.coli expressed bIL-7 protein is biologically active. Considering the role of IL-7 in T-cell homeostasis and memory cell generation, this molecule can be used for enhancing the vaccine response and that has to be proved by further experiments.

Keywords: B-cell lymphoma 2, nuclear factor for activated T-cells c1, recombinant bovine interleukin 7, signal transducer and activator 3.

Effect of incorporation of calcium lactate on physico-chemical, textural, and sensory properties of restructured buffalo meat loaves

Research (Published online: 13-02-2016)

8. Effect of incorporation of calcium lactate on physico-chemical, textural, and sensory properties of restructured buffalo meat loaves - A. Irshad, B. D. Sharma, S. R. Ahmed, S. Talukder, O. P. Malav and Ashish Kumar

Veterinary World, 9(2): 151-159

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.151-159

Abstract

---

Aim: The present study was conducted to develop a functional meat product by fortifying calcium (in the form of calcium lactate) with restructured buffalo meat loaf (RBML).

Materials and Methods: Deboned buffalo meat obtained from the carcass of adult female buffalo within 5-6 h of slaughter and stored under frozen condition. Calcium fortified RBML were prepared by replacing the lean buffalo meat with calcium lactate powder at 0%, 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5% level through the pre-standardized procedure. The developed products were evaluated for physico-chemical properties, proximate composition, calcium concentration (mg/100 g), water activity (aw), Lovibond® tintometer color units, texture profile analysis (TPA), and sensory qualities as per-standard procedures.

Results: Of the various product quality parameters evaluated, cooking yield (%), product pH, moisture (%), protein (%), fat (%), and water activity (aw) decreases significantly with increasing level of calcium lactate. Calcium content of fortified functional RBMLs was 135.02, 165.73, and 203.85 mg/100 g as compared to 6.48 mg/100 g in control. Most of the sensory scores at 1% and 1.25% levels of calcium lactate in treatment products remained comparable among themselves and control product, with a gradual decline.

Conclusions: The present study concluded that 1.25% calcium lactate was the optimum level for the fortification of calcium in RBML without affecting the textural and sensory properties which could meet out 15% of recommended dietary allowance for calcium.

Keywords: buffalo meat, calcium fortification, Lovibond® tintometer color units, meat loaves, restructured products, texture profile analysis and sensory attributes.

Age-specific changes in electrocardiographic parameters in bipolar limb leads of conscious female native cats of Odisha

Research (Published online: 12-02-2016)

7. Age-specific changes in electrocardiographic parameters in bipolar limb leads of conscious female native cats of Odisha - Subhashree Sarangi, A. P. K. Mahapatra, S. Mohapatra and A. K. Kundu

Veterinary World, 9(2): 147-150

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.147-150

Abstract

---

Aim: To study and compare the age-specific changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters in bipolar limb leads of conscious female native cats of Odisha.

Materials and Methods: 20 healthy female native cats aged between 4 and 36 months of age were selected for the study. These queens were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. Group 1 constituted the queens aged 4-10 months (before puberty) with a mean weight of 2.28 kg (±0.4 standard error [SE]), and those aged 11-36 months (after puberty) with a mean weight of 3.72 kg (±0.6 SE) were in Group 2. The ECG was recorded with a 12-lead standard ECG recorder, Cardiart 108 T-MK VII-BPL (India) in the Leads I, II, and III.

Results: The mean heart rates were 160.73 (±7.83) beats/min and 139.09 (±2.72) beats/min in the cats aged 4-10 months and 11-36 months, respectively. Significant differences existed among Q- and R-wave amplitudes and duration of QT-interval

in Lead I. In Lead II, duration of QT and RR intervals, duration of ST-segment and amplitudes of P- and R-waves varied significantly. Significant differences were also observed in the P- and R-wave amplitudes in Lead III. The mean electrical axis was 63.11 (±1.98°) and 50.03 (±4.86°) in the cats aged 4-10 months and 11-36 months, respectively.

Conclusion: Since the ECG studies on conscious cats are scanty, and the number of native cats being presented in veterinary hospitals and clinics has increased drastically, there is a need to establish the reference values for ECG parameters in conscious native cats so that the cardiovascular abnormalities can be predicted.

Keywords: age-specific, conscious cat, electrocardiogram, mean electrical axis, native.