Relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes

Research (Published online: 02-11-2016)

1. Relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes - T. Chandrasekar, Kalyan Sundar Das, Showkat A. Bhat, J. K. Singh, Thulasiraman Parkunanan, K. Puhle Japheth, Mayur R. Thul and Pranay Bharti

Veterinary World, 9(11): 1173-1177

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1173-1177

Abstract

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Aim: This study was conducted to find out the relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Materials and Methods: A total of 12 Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers were selected from Buffalo Farm, Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Regional Station- Bir Dosanjh, Nabha, Patiala, Punjab. The udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth, teat length (TL), teat diameter (TD), and teat distances were measured at fortnightly interval from 60 days prepartum until calving. After calving, 60 days total milk yield (TDMY), peak yield (PY), and days taken to attain PY (DPY) were also recorded. The correlation coefficients of various prepartum udder and teat measurements since 60 days prepartum to calving with 60 days TDMY, PY, and DPY were calculated to find out the relationship between the traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Results: The result envisaged that all udder and teat measurements were increased gradually toward the date of calving in primiparous buffaloes. The UL, UW, left fore (LF) and right rear (RR)TL, RRTD, and the distance between LF to left rear (LR) teat were positively correlated with 60 days TDMY. The UL and UW depicted positive but nonsignificant correlation with PY. Fore TLs showed positive correlation where as TDs and teat distances had a negative correlation with the DPY in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Conclusion: It was concluded that milk production performance could be assessed on the basis of prepartum udder and teat measurements in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Keywords: buffalo heifers, milk yield, peak yield, primiparous buffalo, teat measurements, udder measurements.

Effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder on some diagnostic enzymes in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ingesting arsenic contaminated water and fodder

Research (Published online: 31-10-2016)

22. Effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder on some diagnostic enzymes in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ingesting arsenic contaminated water and fodder - Subrat Kumar Dash, Shashi Nayyar and Rajesh Jindal

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1167-1172

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1167-1172

Abstract

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Aim: The study investigated the effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder on some diagnostic enzymes related to hepatic and muscle function in buffaloes ingesting arsenic contaminated water and fodder in an arsenic affected area.

Materials and Methods: A total of 25 samples of tube well water, fodder and buffalo blood were collected through a survey from arsenic contaminated areas and 20 samples from the uncontaminated, i.e., control areas of Ludhiana district, Punjab for determination of arsenic concentration. A total of 30 buffaloes (selected from above 45 animals) were divided into three groups of 10 each on the basis of blood arsenic level, viz., control group: Clinically healthy buffaloes from the uncontaminated area with the blood arsenic level within the normal limit (0-0.05 ppm); Arsenic exposed group: Buffaloes exposed to arsenic through intake of contaminated water and fodder in the arsenic affected area with the blood arsenic level above the normal limit of 0-0.05 ppm; treatment group: Arsenic exposed buffaloes treated with T. arjuna bark powder orally at 42 mg/kg b.w. OD for 30 days. Single blood samples were collected from control and arsenic exposed groups. Blood samples from the treatment group were collected on 0, 15th, and 30th day of treatment along with one sample on the 45th day, i.e., after withdrawal of treatment. Activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) were assayed in plasma.

Results: Significantly (p<0.05) higher arsenic concentration was observed in tube well water, fodder and buffalo blood samples collected from the arsenic contaminated area. A significant positive correlation was noticed between arsenic concentrations of tube well water, fodder and untreated buffalo blood samples, collected from the arsenic affected area. ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK activities were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the arsenic exposed buffaloes compared to control. Treatment with T. arjuna bark powder reduced the plasma levels of ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK in arsenic exposed buffaloes comparable to that of control.

Conclusion: Exposure to arsenic altered the hepatic and muscle function enzymes in buffaloes. T. arjuna bark powder supplementation lowered the ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK activities in arsenic exposed buffaloes toward the values exhibited by the control group.

Keywords: arsenic, Bubalus bubalis, diagnostic enzymes, Terminalia arjuna.

Seroepidemiological survey of Neospora caninum and its risk factors in farm dogs in Nakuru district, Kenya

Research (Published online: 30-10-2016)

21. Seroepidemiological survey of Neospora caninum and its risk factors in farm dogs in Nakuru district, Kenya - Tequiero Abuom Okumu, John Njenga Munene, James Wabacha, Victor Tsuma and John Van Leeuwen

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1162-1166

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1162-1166

Abstract

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Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum (NC) and its risk factors in farm dogs in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: As part of a longitudinal study on dairy cattle abortion in 2010 in Kenya, serum samples were collected from 84 dogs in 53 randomly selected dairy cattle farms to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of seropositivity for NC.

Results: 15 (17.9%) of the dogs were seropositive to NC antibodies, and at least one seropositive dog was found in 12 (22.6%) of the 53 farms. The final multivariable logistic regression model identified free-roaming as the only factor significantly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio=4.48; p=0.03).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that canine neosporosis does exist in Kenya and that farmers should restrict their dogs from roaming to reduce the risk of their dogs becoming a reservoir for NC. More studies need to be carried out to determine the reproductive effects of NC on dairy cattle in Kenya.

Keywords: cross-sectional study, dogs, Kenyan dairy farms, Neosporosis.

Evaluation of salivary electrolytes during estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes with reference to estrus detection

Research (Published online: 28-10-2016)

20. Evaluation of salivary electrolytes during estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes with reference to estrus detection - Indu Devi, Pawan Singh, Surerder Singh Lathwal, A. Kumaresan and Kuldeep Dudi

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1157-1161

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1157-1161

Abstract

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Aim: Timely estrus detection is one of the critical factors for increasing reproductive efficiency in buffaloes. In recent decades, saliva has become a more popular as a noninvasive source for determining physiological status of animals by various biochemical electrolytes. This study was designed to assess and correlate changes in different salivary minerals concentration (calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride) during different stages of the estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes.

Materials and Methods: The saliva samples were collected during the different phases of the estrous cycle from 20 Murrah buffaloes in early morning hours and were assayed using respective minerals assay kits.

Results: The concentrations of calcium (8.76±0.08-12.11±0.11 mg/dl), inorganic phosphorus (6.56±0.13-14.72±4.50 mg/dl), magnesium (2.27±0.14-5.79±0.15 mg/dl), sodium (139.47±0.31-159.62±1.22 mmol/L), potassium (12.40±0.22-26.85±1.22 mmol/L), and chloride (109.28±0.41-137.07±0.68 mmol/L) varied during the different phases of estrous cycle. The concentration of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride in saliva were significantly (p<0.01) higher during estrus phase compared to other phases of the estrous cycle. All these minerals were positively and significantly (p<0.0001) related to estrogen concentration while salivary concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride showed a significant (p<0.0001) negative correlation with progesterone level in blood plasma.

Conclusion: These preliminary findings indicate that there are definite variations in salivary mineral and electrolyte concentrations during different phases of the estrous cycle. These results may be used as an aid for estrus detection/ confirmation in buffaloes although validation of the results using a large number of animals is required.

Keywords: heat detection, noninvasive method, saliva electrolytes, silent heat.

Effect of boiling on the antidiabetic property of enzyme treated sheep milk casein

Research (Published online: 28-10-2016)

19. Effect of boiling on the antidiabetic property of enzyme treated sheep milk casein - Farhath Jan, Santosh Kumar and Richa Jha

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1152-1156

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1152-1156

Abstract

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Aim: Sheep milk-born bioactive peptides have been found to exhibit various physiological activities. The present work was designed with the aim to evaluate the effect of boiling on antidiabetic property of peptides derived from sheep milk caseinate on hydrolysis with three different proteases.

Materials and Methods: In this investigation, casein prepared from raw and boiled sheep milk was hydrolyzed by three commercially available proteases (trypsin, pepsin, and chymotrypsin). These hydrolysates collected at different hydrolysis times (60, 120, 160, and 240 min) were assayed for their antidiabetic activity.

Results: Among the three different enzyme hydrolysates, casein treated with chymotrypsin shows the highest antidiabetic activity among other enzymes. While the antidiabetic effect of raw milk-derived casein hydrolysates always exceeds than effect shown by boiled milk casein hydrolysates.

Conclusion: The result obtained hence shows that the effect of boiling on the properties of bioactive peptides released during different enzyme digestion depends largely on the enzymatic formulation used and treatment conditions. Chymotrypsin treatment of raw casein yields peptides with maximum antidiabetic activity as compared to pepsin and trypsin. Moreover, the peptides produced after enzymatic treatment of boiled casein show reduced antidiabetic properties. Therefore, enzymatically treated raw milk casein hydrolysates may be used as effective nutritional supplements for diabetic patients, as it causes a significant inhibition of α-amylase activity.

Keywords: α-amylase, antidiabetic, bioactive peptides, casein, hydrolysates, proteases.

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in raw milk and some dairy products

Research (Published online: 26-10-2016)

18. Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in raw milk and some dairy products - Mona A. El-Zamkan and Karima G. Abdel Hameed

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1147-1151

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1147-1151

Abstract

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Aim: This study was accomplished to test raw milk and certain dairy products sold in local markets of Qena, Egypt, for the presence ofCampylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni.

Materials and Methods: A total of 150 samples of raw milk, kareish cheese, and yoghurt (50 samples each) were subjected first to enrichment in Bolton broth at 42°C for 2 days under a microaerobic condition, subsequently campylobacter blood free selective agar plates were cultured and incubated in the same condition of the broth. Based on the morphological and biochemical themes of the growing colonies, it was further classified into Campylobacter spp. The identified isolates were later affirmed by polymerase chain reaction using primers that were designed to locate hipO genes in C. jejuni and glyA in C. coli.

Results: Of the total 150 examined samples of raw milk and soft cheese samples; 37 (24.6%) samples were contaminated withCampylobacter spp. C. jejuni was dominating in this study in 20%, 14%, and 8% of the examined raw milk, kareish cheese, and yoghurt samples, respectively. No sample harbored C. coli.

Conclusion: Campylobacter spp. could be detected in 24.6% of the investigated samples. C. jejuni isolated from 14% of the total tested samples, while C. coli could not be detected from the examined samples. Campylobacter spp. is rampant in the areas of poor hygienic conditions making products made from raw milk of public health hazard.

Keywords: Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, dairy products, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, raw milk.

In-vitro fermentation characteristics and methane reduction potential of mustard cake (Brassica juncea L.)

Research (Published online: 26-10-2016)

17. In-vitro fermentation characteristics and methane reduction potential of mustard cake (Brassica juncea L.) - S. M. Durge, M. K. Tripathi and N. Dutta

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1141-1146

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1141-1146

Abstract

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Aim: To assess the effect of mustard cake (Brassica juncea L.) levels in concentrate mixtures and in composite feed mixtures (CFMs) on in-vitro fermentation characteristics and methane production.

Materials and Methods: Five concentrate mixtures were prepared with containing 30% oil cake, where linseed cake was replaced by mustard cake at the rate of 0%, 7.5%, 15.0%, 22.5%, and 30% in concentrate mixture. Mustard cake contained glucosinolate 72.58 μmol/g oil free dry matter (DM) and contents in diet were 0, 5.4, 10.9, 16.3, and 21.8 μmol/g of concentrate mixture, respectively. Concentrate mixture containing 15.0% mustard cake was found to produced minimum methane which was then used for the preparation of CFM containing 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% levels with gram straw.

Result: Increased levels of mustard cake in concentrate mixtures had a linear decrease (p<0.05) in the total gas production, and the 15% inclusion showed lowest methane concentration (quadratic, p<0.01). The degradability of DM and organic matter (OM) of concentrate mixtures did not change, however, pH and NH3-N concentrations of the fermentation medium showed linear (p<0.05) reductions with increased mustard cake levels. Increased levels of 15% mustard cake containing concentrate mixture in CFMs exhibited a trend (p=0.052) of increased gas production, whereas methane concentration in total gas, methane produced and degradability of DM and OM were also displayed a linear increase (p<0.05). However, the pH, NH₃-N, and total volatile fatty acid levels decreased linearly (p<0.05) with increased levels of concentrate in CFMs.

Conclusion: Reduction in methane production was evidenced with the inclusion of mustard cake in concentrate mixture at 15% level, and the CFMs with 25% concentrate, which contained 15% mustard cake, exhibited an improved fermentation and reduced methane production.

Keywords: Brassica, glucosinolate, mustard cake, methane, rumen fermentation.