Effects of body condition score and estrus phase on blood metabolites and steroid hormones in Saanen goats in the tropics

Research (Published online: 04-05-2020)

1. Effects of body condition score and estrus phase on blood metabolites and steroid hormones in Saanen goats in the tropics

Pradita Iustitia Sitaresmi, Budi Prasetyo Widyobroto, Sigit Bintara and Diah Tri Widayati

Veterinary World, 13(5): 833-839

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Body condition scores (BCSs) assessment can be a potential management tool for the improvement of animal performance. The study investigated whether blood metabolic (protein, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and cholesterol) and steroid hormonal (progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol) parameters are affected by the BCS and estrous status in Saanen goat.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from three groups of mature, dry, and non-pregnant female goats with different BCSs: 2-2.9 (BCS 2), 3-3.9 (BCS 3), and 4-4.9 (BCS 4) on a BCS scale ranged from 1 to 5. Blood serum was collected (n = 160) to determine the blood metabolic profile and steroid hormone levels, depending on the follicular status.

Results: The results demonstrate a variation in the serum metabolite and hormone (glucose, BUN, protein, estrogen, and cortisol) levels at different BCSs and at different phases of the estrous cycle. The hormonal profiles were significantly different (p<0.05) between the estrous cycle phases. The results suggest that BCSs were associated with blood metabolic profiles and steroid hormone levels.

Conclusion: As it can be concluded, an association between steroid hormone levels and the phases of the estrous cycle existed in Saanen goats.

Keywords: blood serum, body condition score, estrus phase, hormones, Saanen goat.

Microbial risk assessment of ready-to-eat fast foods from different street-vended restaurants

Research (Published online: 03-05-2020)

8. Microbial risk assessment of ready-to-eat fast foods from different street-vended restaurants

Abdullah Al Momen Sabuj, Zobayda Farzana Haque, Md. Iftekhar Younus, Amrita Pondit, Nanda Barua, Md. Golzar Hossain, Md. Alimul Islam and Sukumar Saha

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 41-48

ABSTRACT

Aim: Microbiological risk analysis of ready-to-eat fast foods for sale on the campus of Bangladesh Agricultural University was undertaken to understand the contribution of such foods to foodborne disease.

Materials and Methods: From each of 10 randomly selected fast food outlets, a total of 120 samples of six food items were collected to assess common microbial load. In parallel, vendors were asked about their food production and selling practices, while consumers (n=200) were asked about their consumption of fast foods and whether they had experienced symptoms of foodborne disease.

Results: Aerobic plate count (APC) varied from 6.92 to 7.24 log colony-forming unit (cfu)/g, Staphylococcus spp. 4.67 to 5.15 log cfu/g, Salmonella spp. 3.67 to 4.22 log cfu/g, and Escherichia coli 4.10 to 4.58 log cfu/g. Microbial risk assessment of Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and E. coli for daily, weekly, or monthly consumption was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations). The consumer survey showed 57% chance of being infected by ready-to-eat fast food samples. The calculated mean annual risks of Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and E. coli infection were about 100% in all cases.

Conclusion: Thus, the study revealed high risk of infection associated with the consumption of ready-to-eat fast foods.

Keywords: fast foods, microbial quality, microbial risk, Monte Carlo simulation.

Histomorphological differentiation of the skin of leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus)

Research (Published online: 30-04-2020)

32. Histomorphological differentiation of the skin of leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus)

Chukkath Vijayan Rajani, Harshad Sudhir Patki, Patgiri Simanta, Kalaripparambath Surjith, Padinjare Melepat Deepa and Mampillikalam Pradeep

Veterinary World, 13(4): 827-832

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are carnivores. Leopard and Bengal tiger are listed in the red list as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources. Leopard cat and golden jackal are grouped under animals of least concern. A wide variation exists in the structure of the skin and pattern of hair follicles among domestic and wild mammals. Thus, the study aims to create a baseline data on the skin of leopard, leopard cat, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal and the data so obtained may form an indispensable tool in wildlife forensics.

Materials and Methods: Skin samples of leopard (n=3), leopard cat (n=4), Bengal tiger (n=3), and golden jackal (n=4) were collected from the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode. The samples were processed for paraffin embedding. Horizontal and vertical sections of 5 μm thickness were used for histological staining techniques. Observations on the layers and features of epidermis, hair follicle pattern and glands, namely, sweat and sebaceous were recorded.

Results: Skin comprised an outer epidermis and an inner dermis. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium made up the epidermis. Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum were discernible in leopard, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal. In leopard cat, stratum basale, stratum spinosum, and stratum corneum were present. Compound hair follicles were a characteristic feature of all species. However, the pattern varied. In leopard, leopard cat and Bengal tiger, a single large primary guard hair was encircled by compound follicles. The number of surrounding compound follicles ranged between five to seven in leopard, two to five in leopard cat, and three to seven in Bengal tiger. Each compound follicle, in turn contained, one to two coarse primary hair follicles and several fine secondary hair follicles. Compound follicles arranged as clusters of three were a salient attribute in jackal. The central follicle was comparatively larger than the lateral ones. Each compound follicle comprised a single long, primary hair, and six to eight smaller secondary hairs.

Conclusion: Histological variation in the skin of the leopard, leopard cat, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal was established. The data form a valuable basis for comparative histology of wild carnivores. Further, the data may be of value in the identification of the unknown skin samples of wild carnivores.

Keywords: Bengal tiger, golden jackal, leopard cat, leopard, skin.

Intestinal cestodes of chicken are effectively killed by quinoline-rich extract of Spilanthes acmella

Research (Published online: 30-04-2020)

31. Intestinal cestodes of chicken are effectively killed by quinoline-rich extract of Spilanthes acmella

Pawi Bawitlung Lalthanpuii and Kholhring Lalchhandama

Veterinary World, 13(4): 821-826

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Spilanthes acmella is used for the treatment of intestinal helminth infections in Mizo traditional medicine. In spite of a variety of drugs developed for helminthiases, an entirely safe and absolutely effective drug is still lacking, so much so that infections remain a major problem in human and animal welfare. In this study, we attempted to substantiate S. acmella as an anticestodal agent.

Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of the aerial parts of S. acmella was prepared and from it a bioactive fraction was obtained using column chromatography. Chemical analyses were done using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Helminth survival test was performed in vitro on an intestinal cestode, Raillietina tetragona. Structural effects on the cestode were examined under scanning electron microscopy.

Results: From the bioactive fraction of S. acmella extract, TLC indicated the presence of an aromatic quinone, which was identified using GC–MS as a quinoline derivative (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline having a retention time of 24.97 min and chemical formula of C12H15N). The quinoline-rich fraction showed concentration-dependent activity against R. tetragona as that of albendazole. Scanning electron microscopy of the treated cestode revealed classic anthelmintic effects such as tegumental shrinkage and damage of surface organs. The scolex was shrunk, suckers were degenerated with disintegrated spines, and rostellum was completely collapsed. There were severe damages on the tegument and formation of pit-like scars on the proglottids.

Conclusion: The efficacy of S. acmella extract and structural damages it caused on the cestode indicates that it is a potential source of anthelmintic agent and that 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline contributes to its antiparasitic activity.

Keywords: cestode, helminthiasis, quinoline, Spilanthes acmella, tegument.

Efficacy and safety of ethanolic Curcuma longa extract as a treatment for sand tampan ticks in a rabbit model

Research (Published online: 29-04-2020)

30. Efficacy and safety of ethanolic Curcuma longa extract as a treatment for sand tampan ticks in a rabbit model

Sobhy Abdel-Shafy, Abdullah D. Alanazi, Hanan S. M. Gabr, Ahmad M. Allam, Hala A. A. Abou-Zeina, Ragab A. Masoud, Doaa E. Soliman and Mohammad Yahya Alshahrani

Veterinary World, 13(4): 812-820

Background and Aim: The soft tick Ornithodoros savignyi is distributed throughout Africa, including Egypt. It primarily attacks camels, cattle, donkeys, and cows; and rarely affects humans. This study evaluated the acaricidal efficacy of ethanolic Curcuma longa extract (Turmeric) on the second nymphs of O. savignyi and then investigated the safety of this herb in rabbits.

Materials and Methods: The nymphs were immersed in 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mg/ml ethanolic C. longa extract. An additional group was immersed in ethanol as a control. On the 1st, 7th, and 15th-day post-treatment, the mortality percentages, LC50 and LC95 were calculated. The ticks exposed to 10 mg/ml ethanol C. longa extract were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three male New Zealand White rabbits were orally administered 2 ml (two doses) of 10 mg/ml ethanolic C. longa extract, and another three rabbits were orally given two doses of 2 ml of absolute ethanol as a negative control. Histopathological examination of the kidney and liver hematology and the kidney and liver function was performed. Chemical analysis of the extract was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: The LC50 and LC95 were 1.31 and 15.07, 1.07 and 8.56, and 0.81 and 6.97 mg/ml on the 1st, 7th, and 15th day, respectively. SEM revealed that mamillae and spots on the surfaces of the treated ticks were not discriminating except for some clefts on the surfaces. The histological examination, blood profile, and biochemical analyses revealed no significant differences between the treated and untreated rabbits (p>0.05). GC/MS analysis revealed 50 compounds, and curcumene and t umerone were found to be the major constituents of this ethanolic extract.

Conclusion: The ethanolic C. longa extract produced a strong acaricidal effect on the second nymph of O. savignyi, and it was safe to use in rabbits.

Keywords: histopathology, scanning electron microscopy, soft ticks, tick control, turmeric.

Normal reference ranges of ocular physiology and sonographic biometry of Latvian Hunting dogs

Research (Published online: 28-04-2020)

29. Normal reference ranges of ocular physiology and sonographic biometry of Latvian Hunting dogs

Līga Kovaļčuka and Gundega Mūrniece

Veterinary World, 13(4): 807-811

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Latvian Hunting dog is the only national dog breed in Latvia and so far, there are no data on the important ophthalmological data pertaining to clinical tests and ocular biometry. The aim of this study was to improve the ocular examination and to document normal reference ranges of the globe axial length (AXL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and Schirmer tear test (STT).

Materials and Methods: Sixteen Latvian Hunting dogs (32 eyes) of varying age and sex were included in this study. All dogs underwent an ophthalmic examination followed by tear production (STT) and IOP (TonoVet®) measurements. Biometric examination using A-mode ultrasonography was done under topical corneal anesthesia using 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride. The eyes were scanned using A-mode ultrasonography with a 10 MHz transducer by transcorneal approach. The reference values of IOP, STT, AXL, ACD, and LT are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results: Statistical analysis using the SPSS v.23 and Microsoft Excel 2013 showed no statistically significant differences between the right and left eyes for either of the tests. The mean±SD value of STT and IOP values was 20.9±3.2 mm/min and 17.7±3.2 mmHg, respectively. The mean±SD of the AXL, ACD, and LT obtained by A-mode ultrasound was 2.21±0.1 cm, 0.35±0.1 cm, and 0.42±0.06 cm, respectively.

Conclusion: This study documents the normal reference ranges of important ophthalmological clinical tests (IOP and STT) and ocular biometry (AXL, ACD, and LT) in Latvian Hunting dogs.

Keywords: anterior chamber depth, axial length, intraocular pressure, Latvian Hunting dogs, lens thickness, Schirmer tear test.

Assessment of the nutritive value of corn stover and king grass in complete feed on Ongole steer calves productivity

Research (Published online: 28-04-2020)

28. Assessment of the nutritive value of corn stover and king grass in complete feed on Ongole steer calves productivity

Ronny Agustinus Victor Tuturoong, Sjenny Sutryaty Malalantang and Sony Arthur Ely Moningkey

Veterinary World, 13(4): 801-806

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to assess the nutritional values of corn stover and king grass (Pennisetum purpupoides) in complete feed on the productivity of male Ongole steer calves.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two steps: Cattle adaptation and data collection. Cattle adaptation was carried out for 2 weeks, and the cattle were fed the experimental feed. The experimental feed was formulated into five combinations: R1 (50% king grass); R2 (12.5% corn stover +7.5% king grass 50% concentrate); R3 (25% corn stover+25% king grass); R4 (37.5% corn stover+12.5% king grass); and R5 (50% corn stover). All experimental feeds were added with 50% concentrate. Data were collected in five intervals, and each interval was of 4 weeks. In every interval, weight gain and digestibility were measured every day, beginning from the 4th week by collecting feces. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) digestibility, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), body weight gain, and feed conversion data were analyzed.

Results: R4 and R5 treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) the feed nutritional value and weight gain of male Ongole steer calves. Interestingly, treatment with R4 had the maximum increase (p<0.05) on the digestibility value of each variable: DM, 68.85%; OM, 71.89%; CP, 73.90%; NDF, 59.10%; ADF, 55.35%; and weight gain, 0.61/gr/day.

Conclusion: R4 treatment found to be the best nutritional value for improving the productivity of male Ongole steer calves.

Keywords: complete feed, corn stover, king grass, Ongole breed.