Variability of serum reproductive hormones in cows presenting various reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa

Research (Published online: 17-03-2020)

16. Variability of serum reproductive hormones in cows presenting various reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa

K. Molefe and M. Mwanza

Veterinary World, 13(3): 502-507

Background and Aim: Hormones play a significant role in supporting reproductive processes. Predisposition to metabolic disorders may result from biological alterations in the neurohormonal system, thus leading to impaired immune function and poor reproductive performance. The aim of this study was to determine the reproductive hormonal profile in cows with reproductive conditions in semi-arid areas of the North West Province, South Africa, to establish possible correlations between different conditions and the hormonal profile.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from cows in different communal areas of Mafikeng. Convenience sampling was used to collect samples for the study. Blood samples were collected cows experiencing dystocia (n=50), retained placenta (n=13), downer cow syndrome (n=34), vaginal prolapse (n=16), and abortions (n=69), following cases reported at the Animal Health Hospital of the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviations, were used to describe the distribution of hormone levels across reproductive conditions. p-value less than the significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05).

Results: Data obtained revealed significantly higher estradiol in abortion (1122.99±71.99 pg/ml), downer cow syndrome (781.32±135.7 pg/ml), and dystocia (862.09±123.44 pg/ml). Oxytocin (OT) differed significantly in cows with dystocia (370.50±71.66 pg/ml) and abortion (574.73±60.65 pg/ml). Significantly low progesterone (Pg) was observed in abortion (2.45±1.509 ng/ml) and dystocia (8.59±0.402 ng/ml) while increased prostaglandin alpha was observed in cows with vaginal prolapse and abortion.

Conclusion: The findings highlight an increase in serum estradiol and OT in aborting cows. Low Pg and estradiol in cows with vaginal prolapses and retained placenta were noted. An association was seen between downer cow syndrome and high concentrations of estradiol and Pg. Prostaglandin alpha may increase in cases of vaginal prolapse and abortion. Hormonal alterations were observed and may contribute to the incidences of different reproductive conditions.

Keywords: cows, hormones, reproductive conditions.

Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia

Research (Published online: 16-03-2020)

15. Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia

Camilo Guzmán, Alfonso Calderón, Teresa Oviedo, Salim Mattar, José Castañeda, Virginia Rodriguez and Luiz Tadeu Moraes Figueiredo

Veterinary World, 13(3): 495-501

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis with a high impact on public health in Latin America. However, only in Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico have found antibodies in VEEV in bats, using immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and specificity are improved; thus, it is better for demonstrating natural infection in bats as potential hosts. This study aimed to determine the presence of VEEV in tissues of frugivorous bats.

Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling was carried out in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre area of the Colombian Caribbean. Two hundred and eighty-six bats were captured using fog nets, and the specimens according to taxonomic keys were classified. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Córdoba, the bats were treated with analgesics and anesthetics. Blood samples were taken and then euthanized to obtain tissues and organs which were preserved in liquid N2 at –196°C. A portion of each organ was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry. Several pathological anatomy analyses were performed to determine the histological characteristics of tissue lesions of frugivorous bats naturally infected with the VEEV.

Results: Of the 286 bats captured, 23 species were identified. In samples of the brain, spleen, and lung of two frugivorous bats (2/286=0.70%) Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium, the presence of VEEV was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion: A fragment of the nsP4 non-structural protein gene corresponding to the alphavirus was amplified. Two samples were positive (2/286=0.70%) in frugivorous bats; A. planirostris (code GenBank: MG820274) and S. lilium (code GenBank: MG820275). The present study showed the first molecular evidence and cellular evidence (histopathology and immunohistochemistry) of natural VEEV infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia; these bats could be a host of this zoonosis.

Keywords: Alphavirus infections, Chiroptera, pathology.

Effect of supplementation with rumen-protected choline and green tea extract on production performance of transition Karan Fries cows

Research (Published online: 14-03-2020)

14. Effect of supplementation with rumen-protected choline and green tea extract on production performance of transition Karan Fries cows

Parag Acharya, S. S. Lathwal, Pawan Singh, Neela Madhav Patnaik and Baisakhi Moharana

Veterinary World, 13(3): 489-494

ABSTRACT

Aim: The main objective of this study was to estimate the effect of supplementation of rumen-protected choline (RPC) and green tea extract (GTE) on production parameters in transition Karan Fries (KF) cows.

Materials and Methods: The present experiment was carried out on 32 pregnant KF cows. In the control group, cows were fed basal diet. In T1, each cow was fed RPC (55 g/day), in T2 – GTE (3 g/d), and in T3 – RPC + GTE (55+3) g/day along with basal diet. The duration of the experiment was 30 days before calving to 60 days after parturition.

Results: Feeding of both RPC and GTE significantly increased milk yield (p≤0.01), 4% fat corrected milk yield (p≤0.01), milk fat (p≤0.01), and total solid content (p≤0.05) than control. There was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in milk protein, lactose, and solids not fat ( SNF) content among the groups.

Conclusion: Supplementing RPC and GTE in combination improved milk yield and fat content of the milk without altering protein, lactose content of the milk in transition KF cows.

Keywords: green tea extract, milk fat, milk yield, production, rumen-protected choline, transition Karan Fries cows.

Clustering and spatial heterogeneity of bovine tuberculosis at the livestock/wildlife interface areas in Namwala District of Zambia

Research (Published online: 14-03-2020)

13. Clustering and spatial heterogeneity of bovine tuberculosis at the livestock/wildlife interface areas in Namwala District of Zambia

Novan Fully Proud Tembo, John Bwalya Muma, Bernard Hang'ombe and Musso Munyeme

Veterinary World, 13(3): 478-488

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a major public health issue in Zambia and has been exacerbated by human immunodeficiency virus prevalence and consumption of unpasteurized milk in the Southern Province of the country. The prevalence of bTB has been established to be linked to Kafue Lechwe, which act as reservoir hosts and share grazing fields with domestic cattle. No studies have so far used geographic information system (GIS) to investigate the relationship between the reservoir hosts (Kafue Lechwe) and domestic animals. This study, therefore, aimed to apply GIS to investigate the spatial distribution of bTB in Namwala District of the Southern Province of the country.

Materials and Methods: To investigate the spatial distribution of bTB, geographical positioning system (GPS) coordinates representing 96 cattle herds across 20 independent villages were captured alongside risk factor data. The 96 herds were based on abattoir reports of condemned carcasses and a trace back. Positive herds were confirmed by cross-reference to purified protein derivative tests conducted by the District Veterinary Office. The GPS coordinates were transferred into ArcView 3.2 and laid on the map of Namwala District alongside physical features, including national parks, game management areas, and flood plains. Questionnaires were administered across 96 independent households to assess risk factors of bTB transmission.

Results: The results revealed a "clustered" spatial distribution of the disease in cattle in Namwala District of Zambia, particularly significant in the eastern interface areas of the district (p=0.006 using Moran's I). Abattoir to production area trace back revealed a herd-level prevalence of 36.4% (95% CI=26.7-46.3%) among cattle herds in Namwala District, whereas individual animal prevalence ranged from 0% to 14% (95% CI=2.4-26.2%). Further, GPS data indicated that the majority of the positive herds were located at the livestock/wildlife interface area. Contacts with wildlife, coupled with sharing grazing, and watering points were found to be significant risk factors for bTB transmission.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of bTB in cattle and associated spatial risk factors. In particular, bTB was observed to be a function of animal location within the livestock/wildlife interface area. GIS is thus an applicable and important tool in studying disease distribution.

Keywords: geographic information system, reservoir hosts, spatial distribution, zoonotic tuberculosis (bovine tuberculosis).

Prediction of daily milk production from the linear body and udder morphometry in Holstein Friesian dairy cows

Research (Published online: 13-03-2020)

12. Prediction of daily milk production from the linear body and udder morphometry in Holstein Friesian dairy cows

Soeharsono Soeharsono, Sri Mulyati, Suzanita Utama, Wurlina Wurlina, Pudji Srianto, Tjuk Imam Restiadi and Imam Mustofa

Veterinary World, 13(3): 471-477

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to develop equations to predict daily milk production (DMP) based on linear body and udder morphometry of Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted on 174 lactating HF dairy cows reared by farmers at different locations under similar conditions. The age, parity, and body condition score of experimental animals were limited to 0.25 of the standard deviation value above or below the average. The average DMP was based on farmers' records. Morphometry components, i.e., body length (BL); chest circumference (CC); front udder height (FUH), rear udder height (RUH); and udder circumference (UC) were directly measured using a tape; meanwhile, body weight (BW) was estimated using the Indonesia Winter formula. The relationship variables of morphometry components (body and udder morphometry) and BW on DMP were analyzed by regression.

Results: The result showed no correlation (p>0.05) between CC and BW on DMP. Meanwhile, DMP obtained linear regression (p<0.05) with the mathematical equation: 1.30+0.11*BL; 13.90+0.41*FUH; 11.02+0.18*RUH; and 3.87+0.16*UC.

Conclusion: This study shows that the DMP of dairy cows could be predicted based on their BL and udder morphometry.

Keywords: body length, front udder height, milk production, rear udder height, udder circumference.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in livestock in the wildlife and livestock interface area of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India

Research (Published online: 13-03-2020)

11. Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in livestock in the wildlife and livestock interface area of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India

Sujit Kumar Behera, Deepanker Das, K. Balasubramani, Savitha Chellappan, Kaushik Rajaram, Himanshu Kumar Mohanta and Praveen Balabaskaran Nina

Veterinary World, 13(3): 465-470

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease that affects fertility in farm animals. The risk factors of brucellosis have not been well studied. This study aimed to understand the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis among livestock in Bangriposi block of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, a region that borders Similipal wildlife reserve.

Materials and Methods: Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence of the livestock in this region. Bivariate analysis was carried out to analyze the association between the variables and brucellosis. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the risk factors associated with brucellosis in the livestock.

Results: Based on RBPT, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among cattle and goats was estimated to be 1.1% and 11.2%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis indicates that study area, age, goats, animals with a history of abortion, and rearing practices were the major risk factors in this region.

Conclusion: This is one of the first studies in India to shed light on risk factors of brucellosis, an important neglected disease that affects the health of animals and humans and nation's economy.

Keywords: binary logistic regression analysis, bivariate analysis, brucellosis, rose bengal plate test, seroprevalence.

Screening for tylosin and other antimicrobial residues in fresh and fermented (nono) cow milk in Delta state, South-South, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 12-03-2020)

10. Screening for tylosin and other antimicrobial residues in fresh and fermented (nono) cow milk in Delta state, South-South, Nigeria

Onwumere-Idolor Onyinye Stella, Ekene Vivienne Ezenduka and Nwanta John Anaelom

Veterinary World, 13(3): 458-464

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk is a food that contains almost all the essential nutrients needed for growth and maintenance for both young and old animals and man. Since quite nutritious and in high demand, dairy products should be free of both chemical and biological contaminants. Unfortunately, antibiotics used in the treatment of infectious diseases in dairy cattle are often seen in their products if withdrawal periods of those drugs are not observed before milking. This study aimed to detect the presence of antibiotics and the level of tylosin in fresh and fermented (nono) milk from cows in Delta state, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and five samples comprising 126 fresh milk and 79 fermented milk (nono) were sampled from Kwale, Ozoro, and Oleh representing one senatorial district of Delta state, South-South Nigeria. They were screened for the presence of tylosin and other antimicrobial residues using four-plate test and tylosin was confirmed with high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: Antibiotic residues were obtained in 76% and 85% of fresh milk and nono, respectively. Tylosin residue was also detected in 24% fresh milk and 11% nono samples at mean concentrations of 14.64±0.69 μg/l and 7.97±0.23 μg/l, respectively. The mean concentrations of tylosin from both milk types were below the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL) of 50 μg/l in dairy.

Conclusion: High prevalence of antimicrobial residues in fresh milk and nono shows that consumers in the study area are predisposed to health hazards due to the presence of residues of different antibiotics in fresh milk and nono. Although tylosin was confirmed in both milk products, the mean concentrations were below the MRL. However, it is still very vital to resort to the observance of withdrawal periods and avoid gross misuse of antimicrobials. It is also necessary to emphasize the need for effective prevention of infectious diseases and most importantly create awareness and establish a national antibiotic residue monitoring program in Nigeria.

Keywords: antimicrobials, dairy, milk, residue, tylosin.