Genotyping of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus isolated from diseased rabbits in Egyptian Provinces by VP 60 sequencing

Research (Published online: 15-06-2020)

12. Genotyping of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus detected in diseased rabbits in Egyptian Provinces by VP60 sequencing

Ahmed M. Erfan and Azhar G. Shalaby

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1098-1107

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an economically important disorder of rabbits, where infection results in severe losses to the meat and fur industries. Our goal was to characterize the RHD virus (RHDV) strains currently circulating in different regions of Egypt.

Materials and Methods: Fifty rabbits suspected of harboring RHDV from 15 Egyptian governorates were evaluated. Diseased rabbits were identified by clinical signs and postmortem lesions. RHDV was confirmed through hemagglutination assay (HA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Partial sequencing of the VP60 gene was performed for genotyping.

Results: From 50 rabbits, we identified 16 cases of RHDV (32%) by HA and PCR, including seven males and nine females. We identified two distinct genotypes through sequencing of an amplified fragment of the virus VP 60 gene. One group is composed of those circulating primarily in upper Egypt, which is closely related to the classical G3-G5 virus strains, and the second group, circulating predominantly in lower Egypt, was more closely related to the RHDV2 variant. The overall nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 78.4% to 100%, and identity with the vaccine strains ranged from 78.8% to 91.1%.

Conclusion: Our results constitute important documentation of RHDV strains currently circulating in Egypt. The findings suggest that there may be a limit to the effectiveness of currently applied vaccine strains as this formulation may not cover all circulating strains. A wider investigation that includes both domestic and wild rabbits will be needed to identify appropriate control measures for this disease.

Keywords: Egypt, native rabbits, prevalence, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, VP60.

The influence of "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, nutrient digestibility, and growth of mother-bonded calves

Research (Published online: 15-06-2020)

11. The influence of "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, nutrient digestibility, and growth of mother-bonded calves

Fail Khaziakhmetov, Airat Khabirov, Khamit Tagirov, Ruzil Avzalov, Gulnara Tsapalova and Almaz Basharov

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1091-1097

ABSTRACT

Aim: This paper presents the results of the studies on "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics and their influence on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, immunoresistance, nutrient digestibility, and growth intensity of mother-bonded calves.

Materials and Methods: The calves of the control group were fed with their basic diet (BD) without "Stimix Zoostim" or "Normosil", whereas the calves of the experimental group were fed with their BD supplemented with "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil". For 10-20-day-old calves, the daily dose was 10 mL per head, whereas 21-90-day-old calves received 15 mL of probiotics per head per day. The calves of the experimental group were administered probiotics every day. Calves aged 10 to 60 days received probiotics with milk, and then at the age of 61 to 90 days, received probiotics with water. (This is a sequential process. At 60 days old, calf rearing with milk stops, and after that, we use probiotics added to water to rear them). Both groups were administered probiotics twice a day, specifically 50% of the daily dose at each feeding time.

Results: The results in this study proved that "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics exhibit high probiotic activity and have a positive effect on the calves' fecal microflora. Feeding the calves with probiotics resulted in a significant increase in the number of normal flora, such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, and a decrease in the amount of Escherichia. It also resulted in an increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and ?-globulins within the physiological range. In our study, we found that the phagocytic reaction in the blood serum of the experimental group was slightly enhanced, suggesting a high response of the body to infectious agents.

Conclusion: Thus, the group of calves receiving probiotic "Stimix Zoostim" exhibited an exceedance of phagocytic activity by 4.8% and the group receiving "Normosil" by 4.4%, in comparison with the control group. The daily dose of 10 mL of probiotics per head for 10-20-day-old calves and 15 mL per head for 21-90-day-old calves also had a positive effect on nutrient digestibility, growth, and forage consumption. The economic benefit per animal was 149.23 and 157.0 rubles, respectively.

Keywords: average gain, blood immunoresistance, forage consumption, hematologic indicators, mother-bonded calves, nutrient digestibility.

Serum biochemistry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi (Testudines: Emydidae) bred in captivity in the Northeastern semiarid region of Brazil

Research (Published online: 13-06-2020)

10. Serum biochemistry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi (Testudines: Emydidae) bred in captivity in the Northeastern semiarid region of Brazil

A. Gradela, V. N. Souza, M. M. Queiroz, A. C. Constantino, M. D. Faria, I. C. Pires and F. M. Correa

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1083-1090

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to assess fundamental biochemical values of healthy animals and to provide useful data on comparative physiologies of Testudines, being assessed the serum biochemistry profiles, and body and tail biometry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi bred in interaction in the semiarid region of the São Francisco river valley.

Materials and Methods: Serum biochemistry variables (urea, creatinine, glucose, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio), and biometry values of the body (mass [body mass (BM)], maximum curvilinear length [carapace length (CL)], and width [carapace width (CW)] of the carapace, maximum curvilinear length [plastron length (PL)], and width [plastron width PW] of the plastron), and the tail (total length of the tail [TLT], pre-cloacal tail length [PrCL], post-cloacal tail length [PoCL]) were measured after 24 h fasting.

Results: T. s. elegans displayed higher BM, CL, CW, PL, PW, AST, TP, albumin, and globulin values. T. dorbignyi displayed higher values of glucose, TLT, and PrCL. Variables aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total protein (TP) in T. s. elegans and glucose in T. dorbignyi explained most of the variance between the species and could serve to distinguish them.

Conclusion: We conclude that most of the differences between T. s. elegans and T. dorbignyi shall be explained by biometric variables, AST, TP, and glucose, which characterize interspecific differences. Our results point out terms of reference for these species bred in captivity in the semiarid region of Brazilian Northeastern region and serve as a model for the comparative intra- and inter-species physiology and as a base for the health assessment of these species.

Keywords: albumin, biometry, creatinine, glucose, urea.

Assessment of water source availability and quality for small ruminant consumption in the Northern Badia region of Jordan

Research (Published online: 12-06-2020)

9. Assessment of water source availability and quality for small ruminant consumption in the Northern Badia region of Jordan

J. Al-Khaza'leh, A. Abdelqader, M. Abuajamieh and F. M. F. Hayajneh

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1073-1082

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Water is the most important nutrient for the production of healthy livestock. Water scarcity bottlenecks livestock production in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly during the dry season. This study aimed to assess water availability and quality for small ruminants, and to identify major challenges of meeting their water requirements in two major small ruminant production systems in Jordan.

Materials and Methods: Transhumant and sedentary production systems in the Northern Badia region of Jordan were the focus of this study. A questionnaire was distributed to 120 sheep and goat farmers (62 transhumant farmers and 58 sedentary farmers) and a water quality assessment was completed.

Results: Results showed that the two production systems varied their water source use seasonally. Water provision was perceived as one of the major constraints for Bedouins, particularly during the dry season in transhumant production systems, when longer distances to water sources and the high costs of fetching water daily aggravated the problem. The mean distance and travel times to the boreholes were less in the sedentary system. Watering frequency was significantly lower in the transhumant system compared to the sedentary system (p<0.05). Although the values of water quality parameters complied with guidelines for livestock consumption, low water quality was the main concern expressed by some of the survey households.

Conclusion: Technical support to properly design, manage, and rehabilitate surface water harvesting systems is required for the sustainable use of water resources in the study region. Moreover, systematic water quality monitoring is necessary to ensure its suitability for livestock use. Further investigations on the microbiological quality of water and its effect on the health and performance of livestock are recommended.

Keywords: Jordan, livestock, water access, water quality, water scarcity.

Genetic variability of the Avian leukosis virus subgroup J gp85 gene in layer flocks in Lower Egypt

Research (Published online: 12-06-2020)

8. Genetic variability of the Avian leukosis virus subgroup J gp85 gene in layer flocks in Lower Egypt

Nahed Yehia, Hemat S. El-Sayed, Sabry E. Omar and Fatma Amer

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1065-1072

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of layer flock tumor disease in Lower Egypt during the period of 2018- 2019 and to undertake molecular characterization and determine the genetic diversity of all identified viruses.

Materials and Methods: Forty samples were collected from layer chicken located in six governorates of Lower Egypt during the period of 2018-2019. Samples were taken from tumors in different organs. Tumor tissues were identified by histopathological sectioning and then further confirmed by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Finally, genetic evolution of Avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) gp85 gene was studied.

Results: All the study samples were negative for Marek's disease virus, reticuloendotheliosis virus A,B,C and D and 20 samples were positive for ALV-J in backyard in six governrates. Sequencing of ALV-J gp85 gene was performed for six representative samples (one from each governorate), and they were found to be genetically related to prototype virus HPRS-1003 (identity percentage: 91.2-91.8%), but they were from a different group that was similar to the AF88-USA strain (first detected in 2000) with specific mutations, and they differed from a strain that was previously isolated in Egypt in 2005, forming two different subgroups (I and II) that had mutations in the hr1domain (V128F, R136A) and hr2 domain (S197G, E202K).

Conclusion: The ALV-J virus was the main cause of neoplastic disease in layer chickens from Lower Egypt in the period of 2018-2019. We found that the genetic evolution of ALV-J gp85 gene was related to prototype virus HPRS-1003 but in a different group with a specific mutation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the antigenicity and pathogenicity of recently detected ALV-J strains.

Keywords: Avian leukosis (J), gp85 gene, Marek's disease, reticuloendotheliosis virus, tumor viruses.

Occurrence of oxytetracycline residues in milk samples from Palakkad, Kerala, India

Research (Published online: 11-06-2020)

7. Occurrence of oxytetracycline residues in milk samples from Palakkad, Kerala, India

M. Asif Hebbal, C. Latha, K. Vrinda Menon and Jolly Deepa

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1056-1064

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Food of animal origin such as milk is vital for nutritional security and should be free of any antibiotic residues due to its public health significance. We designed a study aiming to determine the occurrence of antibiotic residues and in further levels of oxytetracycline residues in pooled raw milk samples from Palakkad district, Kerala.

Materials and Methods: We collected pooled raw milk samples were collected from Alathur, Chittoor, and Palakkad blocks of Palakkad district, Kerala. A total of 215 samples were screened for antibiotic residues by microbial inhibition assay (MIA) and the positive samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine oxytetracycline residues, this was further confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results: We found that out of the 215 pooled raw milk samples screened for antibiotic residues using MIA, 22 samples (10.23%) were positive for antibiotic residues from Palakkad, Kerala. Out of these 22 samples, five (2.33%) were positive for oxytetracycline residues. We further calculated the mean concentration of oxytetracycline residues in these five samples and estimated it to be 201.00±41.25 ng/mL and 272.11±53.21 ng/mL using ELISA and HPLC, respectively. On analyzing these five samples, we found that four samples (1.86%) exceeded the maximum residue limits level of 100 ng/mL for oxytetracycline residues in milk as specified by Codex Alimentarius Commission/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Conclusion: This study revealed that the occurrence of oxytetracycline residues in pooled raw milk samples in the Palakkad district of Kerala. Hence, there is a need for surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic residues in milk due to its impact on public health to ensure consumer safety.

Keywords: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, microbial inhibition assay, oxytetracycline residues, Palakkad, pooled milk.

Dietary supplementation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts improved growth performance and reduced production cost in broilers

Research (Published online: 11-06-2020)

6. Dietary supplementation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts improved growth performance and reduced production cost in broilers

Torun Kumar Paul, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Anowarul Haque, Sudipta Talukder, Yousuf Ali Sarker, Mahmudul Hasan Sikder, Mohammad Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan, Mohammed Nazmus Sakib and Alip Kumar

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1050-1055

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Global trend to remove the antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) from animals contributes to the exploration of successful measures to sustain production and reduces the intestinal diseases in the post-AGP era. Plant extracts, therefore, have been used to improve performance and intestinal health. Here, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts (NLE) as alternatives to AGPs in broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: Sixty day-old broiler chicks were assigned to 12-floor pens, each stocked with five birds and divided into three treatment groups of four pens per treatment. The groups were: Negative control, basal diet without additives; positive control, basal diet with antibiotics and vitamins; and NLE treated group, basal diet supplemented with 0.1% aqua extract of neem leaves.

Results: Overall feed intake was significantly (p≤0.05) highest in the positive control. Higher body weight, higher dressing percentage, and lower feed conversion ratio were observed in birds treated with NLE compared to the negative control group (p≤0.05) but not the positive control group (p>0.05). There was no significant variation in hematology between different groups. Furthermore, the economic evaluation indicated that the NLE treatment was found cheaper than control and antibiotic treatment in cost-benefit analysis.

Conclusion: We suggest NLE might be a cheaper alternative to antibiotics in broiler production as indicated by improved body weight and feed efficiency.

Keywords: alternatives to antibiotics, broiler chickens, growth performance, neem leaf extracts, production cost.