Crossing effect for improving egg production traits in chickens involving local and commercial strains

Research (Published online: 03-03-2020)

2. Crossing effect for improving egg production traits in chickens involving local and commercial strains

Mostafa Ahmed Soliman, Mohamed Hassan Khalil, Karim El-Sabrout and Mostafa Kamel Shebl

Veterinary World, 13(3): 407-412

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to contribute to the productivity improvement of the local chickens by enhancing their egg production traits using a crossbreeding program between Alexandria (local strain) and Lohmann White (commercial strain).

Materials and Methods: One thousand two-hundred and eighty-five 4-week-old chicks from two strains: Alexandria local strain (AA) and Lohmann White commercial strain (LL) and their reciprocal crosses obtained from 16 males and 160 females, were used to produce four genetic groups (AA, LL, AL, and LA). Differences among genotypes, direct additive, heterosis, and reciprocal effects were investigated regarding the following traits: Body weight at 4 and 8 weeks and at the age of sexual maturity, age at sexual maturity, egg production, average egg weight, and egg mass during the first 90 days of laying.

Results: Statistically significant effects of the genotypes were observed on traits studied. Analysis of direct additive effects showed that AA was superior as a sire strain for improving body weight at early age. For egg traits (age at sexual maturity, egg production, average egg weight, and egg mass), LL was better as a sire strain to improve these traits. Significant positive heterosis percentages were observed for body weight. The crosses (AL and reciprocal) were significantly superior in egg traits (egg production, average egg weight, and egg mass) compared to the local strain. The cross (LA) laid significantly earlier than the local strain. Analysis of reciprocal effects cleared that the local strain could be used as a strain of dam to improve body weight and egg traits.

Conclusion: Crossing improved egg production, egg weight, and egg mass in hybrids compared to the local strain.

Keywords: additive effect, crossbreeding, heterosis, laying hens, reciprocal effect.

High-resolution melting curve analysis for infectious bronchitis virus strain differentiation

Research (Published online: 03-03-2020)

1. High-resolution melting curve analysis for infectious bronchitis virus strain differentiation

Mustafa Ababneh, Ola Ababneh and Mohammad Borhan Al-Zghoul

Veterinary World, 13(3): 400-406

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Belonging to the Coronaviridae family, avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes respiratory, reproductive, and renal diseases in poultry. Preventative measures lie mainly in vaccination, while the gold standard for IBV classification and differentiation is based on the sequence analysis of the spike 1 (S1) gene. In this study, we tested a new assay for IBV strain classification that is less expensive and requires reduced time and effort to perform. We carried out a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction followed by high-resolution melting (qRT-PCR/HRM) curve analysis.

Materials and Methods: In this study, qRT-PCR was conducted on a partial fragment S1 gene followed by a high resolution melting curve analysis (qRT-PCR/HRM) on 23 IBV-positive samples in Jordan. For this assay, we utilized the most common IBV vaccine strains (Mass and 4/91) as a reference in the HRM assay. To evaluate the discrimination power of the qRT-PCR/ HRM, we did the sequencing of the partial S1 gene.

Results: It was shown that HRM was able to classify IBV samples into four clusters based on the degree of similarity between their melting points: The first cluster exhibited the highest similarity to the 4/91 strain, while the second was similar to the Mass-related IBV strain. Although the third cluster contained the highest number of samples, it displayed no similarity to any of the reference vaccine strains, and, after comparing them with the sequencing results, we found that the samples in the third cluster were similar to the variant II-like (IS-1494-06) IBV field strain. Finally, the fourth cluster comprised one unique sample that was found to belong to the Q1 IBV strain.

Conclusion: Our developed qRT-PCR/HRM curve analysis was able to detect and rapidly identify novel and vaccine-related IBV strains as confirmed by S1 gene nucleotide sequences, making it a rapid and cost-effective tool.

Keywords: high-resolution melting curve analysis, infectious bronchitis virus, spike 1 gene.

Schistosoma japonicum infections in cattle and water buffaloes of farming communities of Koronadal City, Philippines

Research (Published online: 02-03-2020)

6. Schistosoma japonicum infections in cattle and water buffaloes of farming communities of Koronadal City, Philippines

Jan Clyden B. Tenorio and Elizabeth C. Molina

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 28-33

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of public health concern in the Philippines. The disease is prevalent in few of the barangays (communities) in Koronadal City, Philippines. Status of the Schistosoma japonicum infections in domestic animal reservoir host has yet to be explored in these endemic communities. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and infection intensity of the disease in cattle and water buffaloes of endemic communities of Koronadal City.

Materials and Methods: Schistosomiasis was investigated in 70 cattle and 38 water buffaloes from three endemic communities in Koronadal City. The copro-parasitological technique used was the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method.

Results: S. japonicum infection was observed in 48.6% of cattle and 60.5% in water buffaloes. The bovine contamination index indicated that all infected animals released 3,505,500 eggs/day. On average, infected cattle released 1,674,500 eggs daily, while infected water buffaloes liberated 1,932,000 eggs in the environment daily.

Conclusion: Cattle and water buffaloes in these endemic areas are infected with S. japonicum. These animals release large numbers of eggs in the environment daily; hence, played an important role in disease transmission. Those living and working in endemic areas should be aware of the inherent dangers of the disease.

Keywords: one health, Philippines, Schistosoma japonicum, schistosomiasis, zoonotic parasitic diseases.

Effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal on immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemistry indices, and intestinal ecology of broilers

Research (Published online: 28-02-2020)

23. Effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal on immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemistry indices, and intestinal ecology of broilers

Sugiharto Sugiharto, Endang Widiastuti, Isroli Isroli, Turrini Yudiarti, Tri A. Sartono and Hanny I. Wahyuni

Veterinary World, 13(2): 392-399

Aim: The study investigated the effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (FCPMO) on the immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemical parameters, and intestinal ecology of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: Four hundred Lohmann broiler chickens were distributed to four groups of diets including CONT (corn-soybean-based feed with no additive), BACI (corn-soybean-based diet supplemented with 0.1% zinc bacitracin), FERM (diet containing 20% FCPMO), and FERB (diet containing 20% FCPMO and added with 0.1% Bacillus subtilis). At days 4, 14, and 19, the chicks were vaccinated using commercial Newcastle disease-infectious bursal disease (ND-IBD), IBD, and ND vaccines, respectively. At day 35, blood was sampled and digesta was obtained from the ileum and caecum. Furthermore, the duodenal segment was obtained.

Results: The BACI, FERM, and FERB groups had higher (p<0.05) serum superoxide dismutase activity than control. The malondialdehyde was lower (p=0.07) in BACI, FERM, and FERB than that in CONT. The BACI and FERM had lower (p<0.05) leukocytes and lymphocytes than CONT. The hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and hematocrit were lower (p<0.05) in BACI and FERM than those in CONT and FERB. Serum total triglyceride was lower (p<0.05) in FERM and FERB than that in CONT. The FERM and FERB had higher (p<0.05) albumin levels. Serum globulin level was lower (p<0.05) in FERB than that in BACI, but did not differ from that in CONT and FERM. The numbers of coliform, lactose-negative enterobacteria and enterobacteria were lower (p<0.05) in FERB than that in other treatment groups. Crypt depth (CD) was higher (p<0.05) in FERM, while the villi height to CD ratio was lower (p<0.05) in FERM than that in CONT and FERB. The treatments showed no effect (p>0.05) on cecal volatile fatty acids production.

Conclusion: Feeding FCPMO improved immune responses, antioxidative status, and physiological conditions, but had less effect on the intestinal ecology of broilers.

Keywords: antioxidant, broiler, fermented feed, health.

Molecular characterization of sheeppox virus from outbreaks in Karnataka, India

Research (Published online: 28-02-2020)

22. Molecular characterization of sheeppox virus from outbreaks in Karnataka, India

K. Sumana, Yogisharadhya Revanaiah, R. Apsana, Parimal Roy and G. B. Manjunatha Reddy

Veterinary World, 13(2): 386-391

Aim: This study aimed to characterize sheeppox virus (SPPV) using the P32 gene of the Capripoxvirus (CaPVs).

Materials and Methods: Clinical samples of skin, scabs, and nasal swab from suspected outbreaks Horalagallu (n=13) and Gerahalli (n=11) at Ramanagara district in Karnataka were collected. All the samples were initially subjected to genus-specific diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The pooled clinical samples from each outbreak were also subjected to virus isolation. The isolates were confirmed by CaPVs genotyping PCR targeting the full-length P32 gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: The clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe degree with no specificity between age and sex. Specific cytopathic changes in cell morphology were observed in infected Vero cells from both outbreaks, which were confirmed by PCR. The complete P32 gene from two outbreaks was successfully amplified with the expected amplicon size of 1006bp. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both the outbreaks were due to SPPV and shared high similarity with published SPPVs from Karnataka and other parts of India.

Conclusion: The current study showed that complete P32 gene-based genotypic PCR assay can be used for genetic characterization and molecular epidemiology of both sheeppox and goatpox diseases and also to differentiate the causative agents. The sequence analysis revealed 100% similarity among the two outbreak isolates suggesting the same strain of the virus and common source of infection for the outbreaks.

Keywords: goatpox, P32, polymerase chain reaction, phylogenetic analysis, sheeppox.

A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Exposure history, clinical signs, and formulation of a case definition

Research (Published online: 27-02-2020)

21. A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Exposure history, clinical signs, and formulation of a case definition

Michelle J. Gray and M. Carolyn Gates

Veterinary World, 13(2): 372-385

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a multisystem toxicosis caused by the ingestion of warm water marine species. Dogs and cats are susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aims to describe the syndrome of CFP in dogs and cats and to develop a case definition.

Materials and Methods: Six years (March 2011-February 2017) of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. Data relating to exposure history and clinical signs were collected.

Results: Two hundred forty-six cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. Fish ingestion was documented in 29% of cases. Reef/lagoon fish and moray eels were most commonly implicated. The toxicosis was characterized by motor dysfunction with a high frequency of ataxia and paresis/paralysis/recumbency. Respiratory and gastrointestinal systems were also affected, especially in canine CFP cases. A multi-tiered case definition and a diagnostic algorithm for CFP in dogs and cats were developed based upon the findings of this study and a review of the existing literature.

Conclusion: This case series is the largest study of canine and feline CFP to date. It documents the exposure history of cases and describes in detail clinical signs of the toxicosis. It also proposes a system of case classification that has the potential to both assist the diagnosis of CFP and facilitate future surveillance and research activities.

Keywords: case definition, cats, ciguatera, clinical signs, Cook Islands, dogs, exposure.

Prevalence and prevention of brucellosis in cattle in Lebanon

Research (Published online: 27-02-2020)

20. Prevalence and prevention of brucellosis in cattle in Lebanon

Hussein Hassan, Ali Salami, Nada Nehme, Raed Al Hakeem, Jeanne El Hage and Rana Awada

Veterinary World, 13(2): 364-371

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium of the genus Brucella. This disease is present worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, where it is endemic. This first-of-its-kind study in Lebanon aimed to assess the prevalence of brucellosis across the country and to determine the efficacy of a vaccine for reducing losses in herds so that its toll on public health is reduced.

Materials and Methods: Three hundred and fifty-three blood serum and 261 milk samples were obtained from cows in different areas of Lebanon. The samples were analyzed using serological tests (rose Bengal, milk ring, and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) and confirmed with competitive ELISA and polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The highest rate of Brucellae was found in the Bekaa region (10%). After vaccination of 5 cows and 13 heifers at different times, the results showed that all the vaccinated animals have developed an immune response to brucellosis 60 days after vaccination. This vaccine can be considered as stable and preventative to protect against brucellosis in animals and thus protect the public from this infection.

Conclusion: These findings will provide further insight into designing future targeted awareness interventions and adapted policies as efforts toward reducing the prevalence and prevention of brucellosis in cattle in Lebanon.

Keywords: Brucella abortus and melitensis, brucellosis, public health, vaccines, zoonosis.