New insights on ill-thriftiness in early-weaned buffalo calves

Research (Published online: 12-06-2016)

8. New insights on ill-thriftiness in early-weaned buffalo calves - Nasr-Eldin M. Aref, Ali El-Sebaie and Hammad Zaghloul Hammad

Veterinary World, 9(6): 579-586

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.579-586

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was designed to: (1) Investigate the effect of weaning time on various metabolic indices and growth pattern in buffalo calves compared to cow calves under field condition and (2) Shed light on the potential relationship between early weaning, growth metabolites, and suboptimal growth (ill-thrift) in buffalo calves.

Materials and Methods: A total number of 18 neonatal calves of both sexes and species (cattle and buffalo) were included in the study. Animals were divided into three groups according to their age at weaning as following: Cow calves (n=8) weaned at 4.5 months, buffalo calves (n=6) weaned at 3.5 months (early-weaned), and buffalo calves (n=4) weaned at 5.5 months (late-weaned). Morphological traits, growth metabolites, and hormonal profile were measured at monthly interval over the period of the study and around the time of weaning (2 weeks pre- and post-weaning).

Results: The obtained results showed that the trend of growth pattern was significantly increased in a linear pattern in cow calves and late-weaned buffalo calves, whereas early-weaned buffalo calves showed sharp decline in their body weight (BW) post-weaning. By the end of the study, early-weaned buffalo calves showed the lowest BW gain (ill-thrift). There is a positive association between the morphological traits and various growth metabolites and hormonal indices. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentrations of growth hormones (insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] and insulin) and other metabolites were reported in early-weaned buffalo calves compared to other animals. There is no association between stress indices (cortisol level and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) and growth rate.

Conclusion: Suboptimal growth rate (ill-thriftiness) is common in early-weaned buffalo calves and is attributed to low blood levels of growth metabolites, in particularly, IGF-1. In addition, the strong positive associations between concentrations of IGF-1 and morphological characters of growth suggest that IGF-1 is a reliable indicator for assessing metabolic status of individual calves.

Keywords: calves, growth, hormone, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, weaning.

Diversity of Meq gene from clinical Marek’s disease virus infection in Saudi Arabia

Research (Published online: 10-06-2016)

7. Diversity of Meq gene from clinical Marek’s disease virus infection in Saudi Arabia - Mahmoud H. A. Mohamed, Ibrahim M. El-Sabagh, Malik A. Al-Habeeb and Yousef M. Al-Hammady

Veterinary World, 9(6): 572-578

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.572-578

Abstract

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Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the genomic features of Meq gene of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) recently circulating in Saudi Arabia (SA).

Materials and Methods: Two poultry flocks suffering from mortalities and visceral tumors were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, King Faisal University, SA. Subjected to different diagnostic procedures: Case history, clinical signs, and necropsy as well as polymerase chain reaction followed by Meq gene sequence analysis.

Results: Case history, clinical signs, and necropsy were suggestive of MDV infection. The Meq gene was successfully detected in liver and spleen of infected chickens. A 1062 bp band including the native Meq ORF in addition to a 939 bp of S-Meq (short isoform of Meq) were amplified from Saudi 01-13 and Saudi 02-13, respectively. The nucleotide and deduced amino acids sequences of the amplified Meqgenes of both Saudi isolates showed distinct polymorphism when compared with the standard USA virulent isolates Md5 and GA. The sequence analysis of the S-Meq gene showed a 123 bp deletion representing 41 amino acids between two proline-rich areas without any frameshift. The Meq gene encoded four repeats of proline-rich repeats (PRRs sequences), whereas the S-Meq contains only two PRRs. Interestingly, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that both of SA MDV isolates are closely related to the MDV strains from Poland.

Conclusion: The two MDV isolates contain several nucleotide polymorphisms resulting in distinct amino acid substitutions. It is suggested that migratory and wild birds, as well as world trading of poultry and its by-products, have a great contribution in the transmission of MDVs overseas.

Keywords: deletion, Marek’s disease virus, Meq gene sequence, phylogenic analysis, Saudi Arabia.

Assessment of immune response to a lyophilized peste-des-petitsruminants virus vaccine in three different breeds of goats

Research (Published online: 08-06-2016)

6. Assessment of immune response to a lyophilized peste-des-petitsruminants virus vaccine in three different breeds of goats - S. S. Begum, G. Mahato, P. Sharma, M. Hussain and A. Saleque

Veterinary World, 9(6): 568-571

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.568-571

Abstract

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Aim: Immune response to a lyophilized peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) vaccine was evaluated in three different breeds of goats.

Materials and Methods: Three breeds of goats consisting six number of animals in three groups, i.e., Group A (local Assam hill goat), Group B (cross-bred), and Group C (Beetal goats) were randomly selected for evaluating the immune response to a lyophilized PPRV vaccine.

Results: A higher rise in the overall mean serum antibody titer was observed in Group A (40.50±3.74) than in Group B (37.58±37.58) and Group C (35.90±3.29) during the study period.

Conclusion: Initially, a negative PPRV specific serum antibody titer was recorded in all the groups at 0^th day of vaccination. Serum antibody titer in the vaccinated goats started rising gradually from the 14^th day post vaccination. Later higher rise in the overall mean serum antibody titer in Group A (local Assam hill goat) lead to the conclusion that higher serum antibody titer in local non-descript breed might be due to their better adaptation to the environmental condition.

Keywords: goat, immune, peste-des-petits-ruminants, vaccine.

The types of endocrine cells in the pancreas of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Research (Published online: 06-06-2016)

5. The types of endocrine cells in the pancreas of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) - Teguh Budipitojo, Yuda Heru Fibrianto and Guntari Titik Mulyani

Veterinary World, 9(6): 563-567

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.563-567

Abstract

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Aim: To identify the types of endocrine cells in the pancreas of the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) and its immunolocalization.

Materials and Methods: Five adult H. javanica were used without sexual distinction. The presences of endocrine cells (glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide [PP]) in pancreatic tissues were detected using the avidinbiotin-peroxidase complex method.

Results: The fusiform, round, and oval form endocrine cells were detected in the islets of Langerhans and exocrine parts. Most of the insulin cells were found in the central area, glucagon cells were identified in the central and peripheral areas, and somatostatin and PP cells were detected in the mantle area of the islets of Langerhans. Glucagon and somatostatin cells were also detected in smaller numbers of peripheral parts of the islet. In all of the islet parts, glucagon endocrine cells were most prevalent cell type and then, somatostatin, insulin, and PP. In the exocrine parts, PP, somatostatin, glucagon, and insulin endocrine cells were found in the inter-acinus part with moderate, moderate, a few and rare numbers, in that order. In the pancreatic duct, glucagon and somatostatin cells were found between epithelial cells in rare numbers.

Conclusion: The pancreas of Sunda porcupine (H. javanica) contains four types of major pancreatic endocrine cells with approximately similar distribution patterns to the other rodents, except for abundant glucagon cells in the peripheral area of the islets of Langerhans.

Keywords: endocrine cell types, Hystrix javanica, immunohistochemistry, pancreas, Sunda porcupine.

Plasma progesterone profile and conception rate following exogenous supplementation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and progesterone releasing intra-vaginal device in repeat-breeder crossbred cows

Research (Published online: 05-06-2016)

4. Plasma progesterone profile and conception rate following exogenous supplementation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and progesterone releasing intra-vaginal device in repeat-breeder crossbred cows - N. K. J. Pandey, H. P. Gupta, Shiv Prasad and S. K. Sheetal

Veterinary World, 9(6): 559-562

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.559-562

Abstract

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Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and progesterone impregnated intra-vaginal device on progesterone profile and conception rate in repeat-breeding crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods: Repeat-breeding crossbred cows aged 3-8 years (n=32), lactating and negative to white side test were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (Control, n=8), Group 2 (GnRH at 10 μg i.m, n=8), Group 3 (hCG at 1500 IU i.m., n=8), and Group 4 (progesterone impregnated intra-vaginal device at 958 mg, n=8). All the treatme nts were given on 5^th daypostbreeding and in Group 4 intra-vaginally implanted device was withdrawn on 9^th day (i.e., implant inserted for total 4 days) of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 5, 10, 15, and day 20 of estrous cycle, and plasma was separated for progesterone estimation.

Results: Accessory corpus luteum was not formed in crossbred cows of Group4 and control group. However, total 6 and 8 accessory corpora lutea were found in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. In pregnant cows, the plasma progesterone concentration increased continuously from day 0 to day 20. In non-pregnant cows, it increased from day 0 to day 15 and then declined. The conception rate on day 60 in Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 was 37.5%, 50%, 75%, and 37.5%, respectively.

Conclusions: Treating repeat-breeder cows with hCG is effective in increasing conception rate by developing accessory corpora lutea and higher progesterone level.

Keywords: human chorionic gonadotropin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, progesterone impregnated device, repeat breeding.

Effect of dietary iodine on production of iodine enriched eggs

Research (Published online: 04-06-2016)

3. Effect of dietary iodine on production of iodine enriched eggs - Shaikh Sumaiya, Sunil Nayak, R. P. S. Baghel, Anju Nayak, C. D. Malapure and Rajesh Kumar

Veterinary World, 9(6): 554-558

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.554-558

Abstract

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Aim: Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of iodine supplementation on iodine content of eggs in laying hens.

Materials and Methods: In the experiment, 135 laying hens (White Leghorn) of 55 weeks age were randomly distributed to 5 dietary treatments; each group contained 27 laying hens distributed in three replicates of 9 birds each. Diet T₁ was control basal layer diet without iodine enrichment in which iodine content (I₂) was as per NRC recommendation. Basal diets were supplemented with calcium iodate (Ca (IO₃)₂) at 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg in T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ groups, respectively. The iodine content in the calcium iodate is 65.21%, therefore, the diets T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ contained 3.25, 6.50, 9.75 and 13.0 ppm iodine, respectively. The laying hens were fed the respective experimental diets ad libitum during the experimental period of 10-week. The iodine content of egg yolk and albumen was analyzed at the end of 5^th and 10^th week of the experiment. Economics of feeding for the production of iodine enriched egg was calculated at the end of the experiment.

Results: Increasing iodine levels in diet of hens from 0.45 to 13.0 ppm significantly increased egg iodine concentration, the highest concentration of egg iodine was observed in the group fed diet supplemented with 13.0 ppm iodine followed by those fed 9.75, 6.50, 3.25 and 0.45 ppm iodine in diet. There was no significant difference in the iodine levels of unboiled versus boiled eggs. Therefore, the consumers are ensured to receive the optimal levels of iodine from boiled iodine-enriched eggs. Among different diets, minimum and significantly lower feeding cost (Rs. per dozen or per kg eggs) was noticed in hens allotted T₃ diet (6.50 ppm I₂). However, feeding cost of hens receiving 3.25 and 9.25 ppm I₂ was statistically (p<0.05) similar to control group (T₁). Further, it was noticed that feeding cost (Rs. per dozen or per kg eggs) was significantly increased due to the inclusion of higher level of iodine (13.0 ppm).

Conclusion: It was concluded that supplementing iodine at 6.50 ppm in layers diet was economically better for the production of iodine enriched eggs followed by feed iodine supplementation at 3.25 ppm as compared to control and other treatment groups.

Keywords: eggs, iodine, layers, performance.

Economic effects of foot and mouth disease outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in Uganda

Research (Published online: 02-06-2016)

2. Economic effects of foot and mouth disease outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in Uganda - Sylvia Angubua Baluka

Veterinary World, 9(6): 544-553

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.544-553

Abstract

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Aim: Disease outbreaks increase the cost of animal production; reduce milk and beef yield, cattle sales, farmers’ incomes, and enterprise profitability. The study assessed the economic effects of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in selected study districts in Uganda.

Materials and Methods: The study combined qualitative and quantitative study designs. Respondents were selected proportionally using simple random sampling from the sampling frame comprising of 224, 173, 291, and 185 farmers for Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Isingiro, and Rakai, respectively. Key informants were selected purposively. Data analysis combined descriptive, modeling, and regression analysis. Data on the socio-economic characteristics and how they influenced FMD outbreaks, cattle markets revenue losses, and the economic cost of the outbreaks were analyzed using descriptive measures including percentages, means, and frequencies.

Results: Farmers with small and medium herds incurred higher control costs, whereas large herds experienced the highest milk losses. Total income earned by the actors per month at the processing level reduced by 23%. In Isingiro, bulls and cows were salvage sold at 83% and 88% less market value, i.e., a loss of $196.1 and $1,552.9 in small and medium herds, respectively.

Conclusion: All actors along the cattle marketing chain incur losses during FMD outbreaks, but smallholder farmers are most affected. Control and prevention of FMD should remain the responsibility of the government if Uganda is to achieve a disease-free status that is a prerequisite for free movement and operation of cattle markets throughout the year which will boost cattle marketing.

Keywords: chain, cost, economics, financial losses, market, outbreak.