Strangles in Arabian horses in Egypt: Clinical, epidemiological, hematological, and biochemical aspects

Research (Published online: 06-08-2016)

4. Strangles in Arabian horses in Egypt: Clinical, epidemiological, hematological, and biochemical aspects - Ahmed N. F. Neamat-Allah and Hend M. El Damaty

Veterinary World, 9(8): 820-826

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.820-826

Abstract

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Aim: Respiratory tract infections are considered the major problem of equine worldwide. Strangles is an infectious and highly contagious respiratory bacterial disease of equine caused by Streptococcus equi. This study is aimed to evaluate some clinical and epidemiological investigation associated with strangles and to study the hematological and biochemical changes in 20 Arabian horses naturally infected with S. equi during the disease and after 10 days from treatment by procaine penicillin with benzathine penicillin.

Materials and Methods: A total of 490 Arabian horses have been examined, 120 (24.5%) have been clinically diagnosed as strangles. Under complete aseptic conditions, nasal swabs and pus samples from those were collected for bacterial culture. 20 horses from the positive infected with S. equi have been treated by 6 mg/kg b.wt procaine penicillin with 4.5 mg/kg b.wt benzathine penicillin deep intramuscular injection/twice dose/4 days interval.

Results: 102 horses (20.8%) were found positive for S. equi. Horses with age group under 1 year were the most prone to strangles (32.25%) followed by horses of the age group from 1 to 2 years (20%) and finally of the age group over 2-4 years (11.89%). Hematological parameters revealed anemia in the infected horses, while leucogram revealed a significant increase in the total leucocytic, granulocytic and monocytic counts without a significant change in the lymphocytic count. Biochemical parameters revealed a significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, globulins, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and potassium. In other side, hypoalbuminemia and hyponatremia have been reported, whereas alanine aminotransferase activity and creatinine level showed non-significant changes. Respiratory acidosis has been exhibited in the infected horses. Treatment of horses by procaine penicillin with benzathine penicillin revealed improvement of these parameters toward the healthy horses.

Conclusion: S. equi easily spreads from infected to susceptible horses through contaminated water and other fomites. Therefore, good biosecurity is very important if the welfare and economic costs of an outbreak are to be reduced. The presence of respiratory acidosis with increased of cTnI could indicate pneumonia secondary to strangles with risk of heart involvement.

Keywords: biochemical, Egypt, hematology, horse, strangles, Streptococcus equi.

Risk factors associated with Cryptosporidia, Eimeria, and diarrhea in smallholder dairy farms in Mukurwe-ini Sub-County, Nyeri County, Kenya

Research (Published online: 05-08-2016)

3. Risk factors associated with Cryptosporidia, Eimeria, and diarrhea in smallholder dairy farms in Mukurwe-ini Sub-County, Nyeri County, Kenya - S. G. Peter, George K. Gitau, S. Richards, J. A. Vanleeuwen, F. Uehlinger, C. M. Mulei and R. R. Kibet

Veterinary World, 9(8): 811-819

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.811-819

Abstract

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Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the household, calf management, and calf factors associated with the occurrence ofEimeria, Cryptosporidia, and diarrhea in pre-weaned calves reared in smallholder dairy farms in Mukurweini Sub-County of Nyeri County, Kenya. In addition, the study also evaluated factors associated with average daily weight gain in the same pre-weaned calves.

Materials and Methods: A total of 112 newborn calves (63 males and 49 females) on 111 farms (1 set of twins) were followed for 2 months between June 2013 and August 2013. Two calves were lost to follow-up. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on household characteristics and calf management practices in the 111 selected farms. On the first visit to the farm (within 7 days of the birth of the calf), blood samples were collected from the jugular vein to assess the level of maternal immunity acquired by the calf, by determining the serum total protein and selenium concentration. At 4 and 6 weeks of age, fecal samples from the calves were collected to assess the presence of Cryptosporidia and Eimeria oocysts. Every 2 weeks for 2 months, the calves and their environments were examined, their 2-week consumption and health history were recorded, and weights were estimated with a weight tape. Each of the factors was evaluated in a univariable regression model and only those found to be significant (p≤0.20) were included in a multivariable model. Elimination of non-significant factors was done in the multivariable model through a backward elimination procedure so that only those variables which were confounders, and/or significant at (p≤0.05) remained in the final model.

Results: About 37% (41/110) of the calves experienced diarrhea at least once during the 2-month study period. The overall period prevalence of Eimeria and Cryptosporidia was 42.7% (47/110) and 13.6% (15/110), respectively. Low serum protein was associated with 1.8 and 2.4 times the odds of Eimeria and Cryptosporidia infections, respectively. Lack of supervision of calf birth and low serum total protein were both associated with 1.3 times the odds of diarrhea incidence. Dirty calf pens, feeding <5 L of milk/day, and infection withEimeria were associated with 0.105, 0.087, and 0.059 kg, respectively, reduced average daily weight gain of the calves.

Conclusion: In the Kenyan context, calf diarrhea risk could be reduced through better supervision of parturition and colostrum provision. Specifically, the risk of Eimeria and Cryptosporidia infections could be reduced by optimizing the passive transfer of immunity to the newborn calves. Average weight gains of calves could be improved by good colostrum provision, pen hygiene, and preventingEimeria infections.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium, diarrhea incidence, Eimeria, neonatal dairy calves, risk factors.

Estimate the contribution of incubation parameters influence egg hatchability using multiple linear regression analysis

Research (Published online: 04-08-2016)

2. Estimate the contribution of incubation parameters influence egg hatchability using multiple linear regression analysis - Mohamed H. Khalil, Mostafa K. Shebl, Mohamed A. Kosba, Karim El-Sabrout and Nesma Zaki

Veterinary World, 9(8): 806-810

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.806-810

Abstract

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Aim: This research was conducted to determine the most affecting parameters on hatchability of indigenous and improved local chickens’ eggs.

Materials and Methods: Five parameters were studied (fertility, early and late embryonic mortalities, shape index, egg weight, and egg weight loss) on four strains, namely Fayoumi, Alexandria, Matrouh, and Montazah. Multiple linear regression was performed on the studied parameters to determine the most influencing one on hatchability.

Results: The results showed significant differences in commercial and scientific hatchability among strains. Alexandria strain has the highest significant commercial hatchability (80.70%). Regarding the studied strains, highly significant differences in hatching chick weight among strains were observed. Using multiple linear regression analysis, fertility made the greatest percent contribution (71.31%) to hatchability, and the lowest percent contributions were made by shape index and egg weight loss.

Conclusion: A prediction of hatchability using multiple regression analysis could be a good tool to improve hatchability percentage in chickens.

Keywords: chickens, hatchability, multiple regression, path coefficient, prediction.

Impact of pregnancy and nutrition on oxidant⁄antioxidant balance in sheep and goats reared in South Sinai, Egypt

Research (Published online: 03-08-2016)

1. Impact of pregnancy and nutrition on oxidant⁄antioxidant balance in sheep and goats reared in South Sinai, Egypt - M. F. Nawito, Amal R. Abd El Hameed, A. S. A. Sosa and Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud

Veterinary World, 9(8): 801-805

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.801-805

Abstract

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Aim: To monitor the effect of nutrition and pregnancy on oxidative status of animals under the arid condition of South Sinai.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from two groups of animals: The first group retained in farm and fed on concentrate (high diet) and another group grazing natural forage (low diet). Each group was subdivided into pregnant and non-pregnant animals. Blood samples were assayed for their content of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes.

Results: MDA level significantly increased in pregnant animals fed either concentrate or grazing low-quality forage and accompanied by a low level of TAC in pregnant grazing animals fed low-quality forage. The activity of CAT decreased in pregnant fed either concentrate or grazing and SOD significant decrease in the pregnant grazing group. These data suggested that the animals might have experienced some degree of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and indicating that redox homeostasis was impaired in those pregnant and specially fed on forage rations.

Conclusion: Pregnancy constituted the most oxidative stress facing the grazing and concentrated diet feed sheep and goats under arid and saline conditions of Southern Sinai, Egypt.

Keywords: nutrition, oxidant⁄antioxidant, pregnancy, sheep and goats.

Characterization of the atypical lymphocytes in African swine fever

Research (Published online: 30-07-2016)

19. Characterization of the atypical lymphocytes in African swine fever - Z. A. Karalyan, Z. R. Ter-Pogossyan, L. O. Abroyan, L. H. Hakobyan, A. S. Avetisyan, Karalyan N. Yu and E. M. Karalova

Veterinary World, 9(7): 792-800

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.792-800

Abstract

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Aim: Atypical lymphocytes usually described as lymphocytes with altered shape, increased DNA amount, and larger size. For analysis of cause of genesis and source of atypical lymphocytes during African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection, bone marrow, peripheral blood, and in vitro model were investigated.

Materials and Methods: Atypical lymphocytes under the influence of ASFV were studied for morphologic, cytophotometric, and membrane surface marker characteristics and were used in vivo and in vitro models.

Results: This study indicated the increased size, high metabolic activity, and the presence of additional DNA amount in atypical lymphocytes caused by ASFV infection. Furthermore, in atypical lymphocytes, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio usually decreased, compared to normal lymphocytes. In morphology, they looking like lymphocytes transformed into blasts by exposure to mitogens or antigens in vitro. They vary in morphologic detail, but most of them are CD2 positive.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that atypical lymphocytes may represent an unusual and specific cellular response to ASFV infection.

Keywords: African swine fever virus, atypical lymphocytes, CD2, DNA ploidy.

Y-chromosomal genes affecting male fertility: A review

Review (Published online: 30-07-2016)

18. Y-chromosomal genes affecting male fertility: A review - Jasdeep Kaur Dhanoa, Chandra Sekhar Mukhopadhyay and Jaspreet Singh Arora

Veterinary World, 9(7): 783-791

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.783-791

Abstract

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The mammalian sex-chromosomes (X and Y) have evolved from autosomes and are involved in sex determination and reproductive traits. The Y-chromosome is the smallest chromosome that consists of 2-3% of the haploid genome and may contain between 70 and 200 genes. The Y-chromosome plays major role in male fertility and is suitable to study the evolutionary relics, speciation, and male infertility and/or subfertility due to its unique features such as long non-recombining region, abundance of repetitive sequences, and holandric inheritance pattern. During evolution, many holandric genes were deleted. The current review discusses the mammalian holandric genes and their functions. The commonly encountered infertility and/or subfertility problems due to point or gross mutation (deletion) of the Y-chromosomal genes have also been discussed. For example, loss or microdeletion of sex-determining region, Y-linked gene results in XY males that exhibit female characteristics, deletion of RNA binding motif, Y-encoded in azoospermic factor b region results in the arrest of spermatogenesis at meiosis. The holandric genes have been covered for associating the mutations with male factor infertility.

Keywords: holandric genes, male fertility, microdeletion sex-chromosome, spermatogenesis.

Effect of endosulfan on immunological competence of layer birds

Research (Published online: 28-07-2016)

17. Effect of endosulfan on immunological competence of layer birds - P. P. Singh, Ashok Kumar, R. S. Chauhan and P. K. Pankaj

Veterinary World, 9(7): 777-782

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.777-782

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the immunological competence of endosulfan insecticide after limited oral administration in White Leghorn layer chickens.

Materials and Methods: A total of 20 White Leghorn birds were given endosulfan in drinking water at 30 ppm/bird/day (no observable effect level dose) for a period of 3-months. Immune competence status of layer birds and chicks hatched from endosulfan offered birds were estimated at 15-day interval in layer birds and at monthly interval in chicks using immunological, biochemical parameters, and teratological estimates.

Results: There was a significant decrease in levels of total leukocytes count, absolute lymphocyte count, absolute heterophil count, total serum protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, and serum gamma globulin in the birds fed with endosulfan as compared to control. Similarly, immune competence tests such as lymphocyte stimulation test, oxidative burst assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests indicated lower immunity in birds treated with endosulfan as compared to control. Subsequently, chicks produced from endosulfan-treated birds were also examined for immune competence, but no significant difference was observed between chicks of both the groups.

Conclusion: The exposure to endosulfan in limited oral dosage was able to exhibit hemo-biochemical and other changes that could be correlated with changes in the immunological profile of layer chickens suggesting cautious usage of endosulfan insecticide in poultry sheds.

Keywords: blood biochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, layers, immune competence, organochloride, teratogeny.