Genetic polymorphisms of fecundity genes in Watish Sudanese desert sheep

Research (Published online: 05-04-2020)

2. Genetic polymorphisms of fecundity genes in Watish Sudanese desert sheep

Sara E. Ibrahim Mohamed, Romaz M. Ahmed, Khaleel I. Z. Jawasreh, M. A. M. Salih, Dalia Mursi Abdelhalim, A. W. Abdelgadir, Md. T. Obeidat, L. M. A. Musa and Mohammed-Khair A. Ahmed

Veterinary World, 13(4): 614-621

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Watish sheep is a strain of desert sheep of smaller size compared to other desert sheep ecotypes, and there is anecdotal evidence that it is endowed with high litter size. The present study was designed for screening for polymorphisms in the known fecundity genes (bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B A<G in exon 6, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) (FecXB, FecXG, FecXH, and FecXI) in exon2, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) – G1 in exon1 and G8 in exon2 and PRLG<A in intron2) and their association with litter size in Watish.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 156 Watish ewes of 2-6 years of age, along with data on litter size in the first, second, and third parity from Sinnar state and contiguous Blue Nile State. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated by direct counting. Chi-square test for goodness of fit was performed for agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations and association testing.

Results: The results demonstrated that all individuals were non-carriers for the target mutations of FecB, BMP15 (FecXB, FecXH, and FecXI), and GDF9-G8. With regard to the GDF9-G1 gene, the genotypic frequencies were 0.07% (G+) and 0.93% (++), in FecXG gene they were 0.993% (++) and 0.006% (B+), in PRL gene 0.516(++), 0.347(B+), and 0.137(BB). The Chi-square test showed a non-significant association between ewe's type of birth and the detected mutations genotypes.

Conclusion: These results preliminarily indicated that GDF9-G1, BMP15 (FecXG), and PRL genes might have had some contribution for improving litter size in Watish Sudanese sheep. However, further studies using larger samples are needed to detect the effects of those mutations on Watish sheep litter size.

Keywords: fecundity, genes, litter size, sheep, Watish.

Heavy metal levels in milk and fermented milk products produced in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan

Research (Published online: 02-04-2020)

1. Heavy metal levels in milk and fermented milk products produced in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan

N. B. Sarsembayeva, T. B. Abdigaliyeva, Z. A. Utepova, A. N. Biltebay and S. Zh. Zhumagulova

Veterinary World, 13(4): 609-613

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Monitoring food quality and safety remain a pressing issue. The intermediate results of the study on the residual amounts of heavy and toxic elements in food products are presented herein. The aim of this study was the determination of heavy metals in milk and fermented milk products from basic farms in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 raw milk samples and 80 cottage cheese samples were analyzed. The milk and cottage cheese samples were subjected to mineralization during the analysis to remove organic impurities and determine the heavy metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results: The contents of cadmium, lead, and arsenic in all raw materials and food products did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations.

Conclusion: The dairy samples showed low contents of cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic that did not exceed the allowable concentrations for basic farms in the Almaty region.

Keywords: food products, heavy metals, milk, monitoring, quality, safety.

Addition of binahong (Anredera cordifolia) leaf powder to diets to produce eggs with low cholesterol

Research (Published online: 31-03-2020)

31. Addition of binahong (Anredera cordifolia) leaf powder to diets to produce eggs with low cholesterol

Sri Kismiati, Hanny Indrat Wahyuni, Rina Muryani, Dwi Sunarti and Sri Sumarsih

Veterinary World, 13(3): 604-608

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of binahong leaf powder to quail rations on the production and quality of eggs.

Materials and Methods: The study involved the use of two hundred 7-week-old quails housed evenly in 20 wire cages with a body weight of 123.77±0.72 g. The quails were treated as follows: Ration without binahong leaf powder (T0), addition 2% of binahong leaf powder (T1), addition 4% of binahong leaf powder (T2), and addition 6% of binahong leaf powder (T3). The study used a completely randomized design. The parameters measured were the production, weight, and characteristics of the eggs, as well as the cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and egg protein content in the yolk.

Results: The addition of 2-6% binahong powder did not significantly affect egg production, egg characteristics, or egg protein content, but significantly (p<0.05) affected the cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL contents in yolk. The cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL contents decreased significantly in T1, whereas HDL increased significantly in T2 and T3.

Conclusion: The addition of 2% binahong was enough to obtain healthy quail eggs with low levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL.

Keywords: binahong, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride.

Molecular and histopathological identification of ovine neosporosis (Neospora caninum) in aborted ewes in Iraq

Research (Published online: 30-03-2020)

30. Molecular and histopathological identification of ovine neosporosis (Neospora caninum) in aborted ewes in Iraq

Sattar J. J. Al-Shaeli, Ali M. Ethaeb and Hasanain A. J. Gharban

Veterinary World, 13(3): 597-603

ABSTRACT

Aim: The objective of the present study was to detect Neospora caninum DNA in the placenta of sheep and evaluate the association of risk factors to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive and histopathological analysis of the placenta and fetal tissue samples of aborted fetuses.

Materials and Methods: Fresh placenta from 51 aborted ewes was collected for PCR assay. Placental and fetal tissues of aborted fetuses, including brain, heart, liver, lung, and thymus, were collected for histopathological analysis, besides the risk factor data were obtained during the time of sampling.

Results: From 51 placentas examined by PCR, 13.73% appeared positive to N. caninum DNA. The relationship between PCR positive and the risk factors revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in age of the dam, fetal age, feed source, water source, and the presence of other animals at farm, whereas the type of birth, stillbirth, and size of flock showed insignificant difference (p>0.05). Histopathological investigation of placental and fetal tissues of positive samples showed tissue cyst-like structure, necrotic foci, and infiltration of mononuclear cells. Other lesions were thickening in chorionic plate in placenta, severe vacuolization and death of neurons, microgliosis, demyelination, edema, and proliferation of astrocytes in brain. In addition, fibrous and fat deposition with stenosis in the heart, parenchymal necrosis, severe atrophy, vacuolization and hyalinization of hepatocytes, megakaryocyte, portal fibrosis in the liver, and interlobular septal thickening in lung without obvious lesions is seen in the thymus tissue samples.

Conclusion: This is a unique study that confirmed N. caninum DNA in the placenta of aborted ewes in Iraq using PCR assay. Histopathological analysis of some aborted fetuses organs could provide a more confirmatory and reliable data for a significant role of neosporosis in increasing the rate of abortion in sheep, while the clinical data of risk factors could be used to control the transmission of N. caninum infection.

Keywords: histopathology, Iraq, Neospora caninum, polymerase chain reaction, sheep.

Effect of KOROPASS, an extruded jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis)-derived supplement, on productivity and economic performance of beef cattle

Research (Published online: 29-03-2020)

29. Effect of KOROPASS, an extruded jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis)-derived supplement, on productivity and economic performance of beef cattle

Bambang Waluyo Hadi Eko Prasetiyono, Agung Subrata and Widiyanto Widiyanto

Veterinary World, 13(3): 593-596

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of feeding a graded amount of extruded jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) on nutritional status, production performances, and economic performance of beef cattle.

Materials and Methods: The supplement called "KOROPASS" was prepared from the extruded jack bean (according to the extrusion heating process). Sixteen male Friesian-Holstein crossbred cattle were divided into four groups and fed on KOROPASS as per the regimen: R0 (total mixed ration [TMR] without KOROPASS), R1 (TMR supplemented with 3% KOROPASS), R2 (TMR supplemented with 6% KOROPASS), and R3 (TMR supplemented with 9% KOROPASS). The in vivo experiment lasted 44 days. TMR contained 12% crude protein and 60% total digestible nutrient. The consumption and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and total protein (TP), feed efficiency, average daily gain, and income over feed cost (IOFC) were evaluated.

Results: KOROPASS supplementation significantly increased (p<0.05) beef cattle consumption of DM (from 7.83 [R0] to 8.33 [R1], 8.91 [R2], and 9.69 kg/day [R3]), OM (from 6.72 to 7.17, 7.69, and 8.38 kg/day, respectively), and TP (from 892 to 1020, 1182, and 1406 g/day, respectively). The elevated levels of KOROPASS significantly increased (p<0.05) digestibility in terms of the levels of DM (from 42.9 [R0] to 50.6 [R1], 58.0 [R2], and 63.6% [R3]), OM (from 54.3 to 59.6, 66.3, and 70.6%, respectively), and TP (from 65.0 to 67.1, 75.0, and 80.7%, respectively). Dietary supplementation of KOROPASS significantly increased (p<0.05) metabolizable protein, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency of beef cattle. Finally, dietary KOROPASS supplementation, especially at 9%, resulted in the highest (p<0.05) IOFC value of beef cattle.

Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of KOROPASS improved feed utility, as reflected by the increase in consumption and digestibility of DM, OM, and TP. Further, KOROPASS supplementation improved feed efficiency, growth, and economic performance of beef cattle. The findings indicate the potential value of KOROPASS as a feed supplement for beef cattle.

Keywords: beef cattle, extruded jack bean, feed utilization, growth.

In vitro evaluation of graded level of Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) oil on methane production, fermentation characteristics, and protozoal populations

Research (Published online: 28-03-2020)

28. In vitro evaluation of graded level of Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) oil on methane production, fermentation characteristics, and protozoal populations

G. Thirumalaisamy, Pradeep Kumar Malik, Atul P. Kolte and Raghavendra Bhatta

Veterinary World, 13(3): 586-592

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of variable levels of silkworm pupae oil and roughage: concentrate ratio on in vitro methane production, fermentation characteristics, and rumen protozoa population.

Materials and Methods: In vitro gas production study (24 h) was performed with graded levels of silkworm pupae oil, namely, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 5% of the basal diet and four variable dietary regimes consisting roughage and concentrate in different proportions (70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60). At the end of incubation, gas samples were analyzed for methane, while fermented rumen liquor was used for protozoa enumeration. A separate set of incubations was carried out for the determination of in vitro dry matter digestibility.

Results: Results from the in vitro studies revealed no adverse impact of the silkworm pupae oil supplementation up to 2% level on total gas production. However, supplementation beyond 2% has shown a reduction in total gas production. Incubation with variable levels (0.5-5%) of silkworm pupae oil with different dietary regimes indicated negligible (3-5%) to a substantial reduction (25-30%) on methane production. A graded decrement in methane production was recorded with increasing levels of silkworm pupae oil. Similarly, the protozoal populations were decreased from 10 to 51.5% with graded levels of silkworm pupae oil in different dietary regimes as studies did not reveal any significant (p>0.05) variation between 2 and 4% of oil supplementation.

Conclusion: The silkworm pupae oil supplementation at 2% level decreases methane production by 12-15% without any adverse impact on feed fermentation. Oil supplementation may have a more pronounced effect on methane reduction if added to high roughage diet at in vitro conditions. However, in vivo, studies in ruminants are warranted to confirm the methane reduction with silkworm pupae oil supplementation.

Keywords: dry matter digestibility, methane production, protozoa, silkworm pupae oil.

Babesia canis spp. in dogs in Baghdad Province, Iraq: First molecular identification and clinical and epidemiological study

Research (Published online: 28-03-2020)

27. Babesia canis spp. in dogs in Baghdad Province, Iraq: First molecular identification and clinical and epidemiological study

Naseir Mohammed Badawi and Afaf Abdulrahman Yousif

Veterinary World, 13(3): 579-585

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate babesiosis in dogs of different breeds and ages and of both sexes in Baghdad Province by molecular detection of Babesia canis using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing followed by phylogenetic analyses.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 310 dogs of different ages and breeds, and of both sexes in different areas of Baghdad Province from December 2018 to September 2019; during clinical examinations, body temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and signs of diseases were recorded. PCR was used to amplify a specific 450-bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of B. canis. PCR products were sequenced, and MEGA 6.0 software was used for analysis. Chi-square and odds ratio tests were used to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of babesiosis.

Results: Clinical signs of babesiosis included paleness or icterus of the mucus membranes, tick infestation, and febrile illness during the acute and subacute phase. The prevalence of infection with B. canis was 5.1%, with the higher prevalence in male dogs and in dogs <3 years of age. Huskies were more likely to be infected than other dogs. Infection prevalence was highest in April and June and was higher in spring and summer than in winter. Using sequence data, 14 isolates of Babesia canis canis and one isolate of each Babesia canis rossi and Babesia canis vogeli were identified. Phylogenetic analyses of B. canis canis revealed that three shared clades and several isolated lineages were similar to other isolates (97-99% similarity), whereas B. canis vogeli and B. canis rossi showed similarities of 98% and 99% with isolates from other geographical regions.

Conclusion: This study provides the first molecular record and phylogenic analysis of B. canis in dogs in Iraq, and it will be valuable for confirming clinical signs and studying epidemiological risk factors of babesiosis in dogs.

Keywords: 18S rRNA gene, Babesia canis, Baghdad, dog, Iraq.