A survey for potentially zoonotic parasites in backyard pigs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Northeast Colombia

Research (Published online: 09-02-2021)

8. A survey for potentially zoonotic parasites in backyard pigs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Northeast Colombia

Juan Carlos Pinilla, Elsa Morales and Angel Alberto Florez Muñoz

Veterinary World, 14(2): 372-379

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Backyard pigs farming is a rearing system associated with poor hygienic and sanitary conditions of the pig, often causing public health and food safety problems. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of potentially zoonotic parasites in population pig reared under backyard farming in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Northeast Colombia.

Materials and Methods: From September to December 2019, a total of 558 fecal samples from 64 backyard pig farms were examined for the presence of enteric protozoan infection. The coprological diagnosis was done by direct examination using Lugol's iodine solution, buffered saline solution, and Kinyoun technique. In addition, blood samples were collected from 200 pigs. Serum was collected and used for the detection of Trichinella spiralis and Taenia solium cysticercosis infections, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The overall prevalence of zoonotic protozoa in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area was 65.2%, reporting 52.7% prevalence for Balantidium coli, 33.7% for Entamoeba coli, and 5.7% for Cryptosporidium spp. Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was no statistical association (p>0.05), indicating that the prevalence was similar in the region under study. Pigs >7 months of age showed to be a risk factor for B. coli infection, indicating that the prevalence increases with the age, while pigs raised at >1000 masl and access to latrines, increased infection risk for E. coli and Cryptosporidium spp. infections. In the present study, T. spiralis infection was not detected in the analyzed sera, while T. solium cysticercosis infection was found to be 40.5%.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of protozoan infections and porcine cysticercosis reported in this study could be due to poor facilities, and lack of hygiene in the facilities, and suggests the possible transmission of these parasite populations between pigs and humans, thus increasing the transmission of parasites zoonotic potential. Therefore, appropriate sanitary management practices and deworming programs should be adopted to reduce the prevalence of these infectious agents.

Keywords: Colombia, cysticercosis, parasite, pigs, Trichinella, zoonotic.

Cocktail of chelated minerals and phytogenic feed additives in the poultry industry: A review

Review (Published online: 09-02-2021)

7. Cocktail of chelated minerals and phytogenic feed additives in the poultry industry: A review

Vishwanath Gopal Bhagwat, Ellusamy Balamurugan and Paramesh Rangesh

Veterinary World, 14(2): 364-371

ABSTRACT

This review article delineates the role of chelated minerals and phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) cocktail supplementation in improving the overall health status and production performance of poultry birds and its economic effects in the poultry industry. Organically complexed minerals have many advantages over inorganic sources. It has improved absorption and efficacy, which meets the bird's requirements comfortably with a low-dose level. Hence, inorganic forms can be replaced with lower-dose levels of organic minerals without any adverse effects on production performances in broilers and layers. PFAs possess medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immunomodulatory, therefore, could be recommended as supplements. They are also growth promoters that enhance the overall health status and augment poultry birds' production performance. Furthermore, the tremendous potential of PFAs could be extracted with the recent advances in science and technology. With the advantages of organically complexed minerals and multiple beneficial applications, there is a resurgence to develop PFAs as a cocktail of organic minerals to improve the overall health status of poultry birds and augment their productivity, which, in turn, helps the poultry industry to grow decisively and economically.

Keywords: chelated, cocktail, inorganic, organic, phytogenic feed additives, poultry, production performance, supplement, trace minerals.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell co-adjuvant therapy with albendazole for managing Toxocara vitulorum-rat model

Research (Published online: 08-02-2021)

6. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell co-adjuvant therapy with albendazole for managing Toxocara vitulorum-rat model

Faten A. M. Abo-Aziza, Abdel Kader A. Zaki, Ahmed I. Alajaji and Saleh M. Al barrak

Veterinary World, 14(2): 347-363

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Toxocara vitulorum is a bovine intestinal nematode. Immune pictures following infection are conflicting and stopping anthelmintic albendazole treatment recording reversed liver abnormalities. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) therapy, subsequent to albendazole administration in rats infected with T. vitulorum.

Materials and Methods: The ultrasonographic and histopathological examinations as well as serum liver enzymes activity and the kinetics of recovery were investigated. The correlation of cell-mediated and humoral immune pictures was assessed by assaying immunoglobulins, splenocytes viability, phagocytic index, and Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Results: The cultured BMMSCs counting were 4.21×104 cells/cm2 with 96.03% viability. Flow-cytometric analysis indicated positive CD90 (82%), CD105 (79%) and negative CD34 (0.37%), CD45 (0.42%), attesting to the suitability of the isolated BMMSCs for use in therapy. Transplantation of BMMSCs after albendazole administration significantly reduced the release of liver enzymes (p<0.05) indicating liver cellularity improvement. The ultrasonographic, macroscopic, and histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Significant elevation in the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (INF)-γ with a decline in interleukin (IL)-4 was observed in the untreated model (p<0.05). However, albendazole treatment followed by BMMSCs therapy significantly lowered the release of TNF-α and INF-γ, associated with significant production of IL-4 and IL-10 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The final results indicated that the liver functions, histopathological findings, and immune parameters were aggravated after experimental T. vitulorum infection. Albendazole treatment followed by BMMSCs therapy was found to assist in regeneration of injured hepatic tissue. Besides, it appeared to modulate host defensive immune responses against T. vitulorum antigens. This work could define more clearly the events that manipulate the host immune, histopathological, and biochemical responses to minimize obstacles in using stem cell therapy in animal toxocariosis.

Keywords: albendazole, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, cell therapy, rat, Toxocara vitulorum.

Prevalence and fecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites of Angora goats in four agro-ecological zones in Lesotho

Research (Published online: 05-02-2021)

5. Prevalence and fecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites of Angora goats in four agro-ecological zones in Lesotho

Leballo G. Matsepe, Setsumi Molapo, Moeketsi Phalatsi and Mamajone Phororo

Veterinary World, 14(2): 339-346

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Goats are reared for their meat, mohair and other socio-cultural needs in Lesotho. Helminth infections are some of the major setbacks in the goat production industry due to their negative impact on animals' health, resulting in significant losses on meat and mohair production and death. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, fecal egg infestation, and morphological identification of gastrointestinal parasites in goats.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 765 goats and subjected to McMaster egg counting techniques using the flotation method. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.26.0).

Results: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 94.7%, and the identified gastrointestinal parasites were nematodes (64.7%), coccidia (25.8%), and cestodes (4.2%). Haemonchus contortus was identified as the prevalent gastrointestinal nematode species found in goats. The prevalence and fecal egg count of gastrointestinal parasites were significantly higher (p<0.05) in goats located in the highlands and Senqu River Valley, while goats in the lowlands demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of H. contortus. Immature goats and kids were more significantly (p<0.05) prone to gastrointestinal parasites.

Conclusion: The nematodes and coccidia infestations were prevalent in goats located in the highlands and foothills, respectively, whereas nematode and coccidia fecal egg loads were higher in goats located in the foothills and Senqu River Valley, respectively.

Keywords: fecal egg counts, gastrointestinal parasites, goats, Haemonchus contortus, prevalence.

The deleterious effect of postpartum pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of dairy cows

Research (Published online: 05-02-2021)

4. The deleterious effect of postpartum pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of dairy cows

Yahia A. Amin, Rana A. Ali, Samer S. Fouad and Rawia M. Ibrahim

Veterinary World, 14(2): 329-338

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Postpartum uterine infectious diseases, such as pyometra, have discrepancy with both health and, subsequently, productivity of dairy cows due to its high prevalence and the high cost of treatment. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of the pyometric animal compared to those of healthy ones.

Materials and Methods: The study included 30 cows. The animals were differentiated into two groups of 15 cows each: A group of pyometra and a control group. All pyometric cows were subjected to breeding soundness examination after the end of pyometra and were compared to the control group. Blood samples were obtained to assess the levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, albumin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphorus, sodium, potassium, progesterone hormone (P4), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase.

Results: Results revealed significant prolonged duration of first estrus, the days open, and the required number of services due to pyometra. The pyometra group yielded increased levels of NEFA, TGs, ALP, BUN, creatinine, MDA, and progesterone hormone. In addition, significant decrease in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, albumin, Ca, phosphorus, sodium, TAC, GPx, and superoxide dismutase was observed in the pyometra group. Finally, no difference in the concentrations of total protein, ALT, AST, and potassium was observed in the pyometra group.

Conclusion: The reproductive indices was adversely influenced in cows with postpartum pyometra, and metabolic profile, involving energy balance signals and liver function indicators, revealed differences between the two groups. Increased levels of oxidative stress parameters and decrease levels of antioxidant levels were also found, suggesting that pyometra is an incentive for oxidative stress. Overall, checking the energy balance, metabolic imbalances, and oxidant/antioxidant profile, accompanied with pre-emptive procedures during the postpartum period, is essential and can reduce the chances of such diseases and possible noxious results in highly productive cows.

Keywords: dairy cows, metabolic profile, oxidant/antioxidant parameters, postpartum pyometra, reproductive indices.

The use of probiotics in animal feeding for safe production and as potential alternatives to antibiotics

Review (Published online: 03-02-2021)

3. The use of probiotics in animal feeding for safe production and as potential alternatives to antibiotics

Mbarga M. J. Arsène, Anyutoulou K. L. Davares, Smolyakova L. Andreevna, Ermolaev A. Vladimirovich, Bassa Z. Carime, Razan Marouf and Ibrahim Khelifi

Veterinary World, 14(2): 319-328

ABSTRACT

Although the production of safe food for human consumption is the primary purpose for animal rearing, the environment and well-being of the animals must also be taken into consideration. Based on microbiological point of view, the production of healthy food from animals involves considering foodborne pathogens, on the one hand and on the other hand, the methods used to fight against germs during breeding. The conventional method to control or prevent bacterial infections in farming is the use antibiotics. However, the banning of these compounds as growth promoters caused many changes in animal breeding and their use has since been limited to the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. In this function, their importance no longer needs to be demonstrated, but unfortunately, their excessive and abusive use have led to a double problem which can have harmful consequences on consumer health: Resistance to antibiotics and the presence of antibiotic residues in food. The use of probiotics appears to be a suitable alternative to overcome these problems because of their ability to modulate the immune system and intestinal microflora, and further considering their antagonistic role against certain pathogenic bacteria and their ability to play the role of growth factor (sometimes associated with prebiotics) when used as feed additives. This review aims to highlight some of the negative effects of the use of antibiotics in animal rearing as well as emphasize the current knowledge on the use of probiotics as a feed additive, their influence on animal production and their potential utility as an alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly in poultry, pig, and fish farming.

Keywords: animal nutrition, antibiotic resistance, feed additive, fish farming, pig, poultry, probiotic, safe production.

Clinical, hematological, and biochemical studies on hypozincemia in neonatal calves in Egypt

Research (Published online: 03-02-2021)

2. Clinical, hematological, and biochemical studies on hypozincemia in neonatal calves in Egypt

Mamdouh M. El-Maghraby and Ahmed E. Mahmoud

Veterinary World, 14(2): 314-318

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Zinc has a wide spectrum of biological activities and its deficiency has been related to various dysfunctions. This study aimed to clarify the clinical, hematological, and biochemical changes in Holstein dairy calves with naturally occurring hypozincemia before and after treatment.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 25 Holstein dairy calves <1 month of age in the El-Salhya Dairy Farm, Al-Sharqiya Province, Egypt. Calves were born from apparent healthy dams without any clinical signs of zinc deficiency. They were divided into two groups. The first group (G1) included five clinically healthy calves that were used as controls. The second group (G2) included 20 calves suffering from alopecia and skin lesions. The diseased calves were then treated by oral administration of zinc oxide at the rate of 80 mg/day for 10 successive days and then 20 mg/week for 2 weeks (G3). A total of 90 samples, whole blood and serum samples were collected during the study across all groups. Whole blood was evaluated for complete blood count and serum was used to estimate total protein, albumin, globulin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase.

Results: The diseased calves had macrocytic normochromic anemia. Total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were significantly reduced in the diseased calves than in the control and treated groups. Biochemical analysis of serum revealed a highly significant decrease in the globulin, zinc, and calcium concentrations in the diseased calves than in the control and treated groups. ALP activity was significantly lower in the diseased and treated calves than in control. There were no differences in any other parameters between the groups.

Conclusion: Zinc deficiency naturally occurring in calves caused clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations such as alopecia, skin abnormalities, and macrocytic normochromic anemia. In addition, zinc deficiency altered the cell-mediated immunity as indicated by leukopenia and lymphopenia. These alterations were improved by oral administration of zinc oxide.

Keywords: alopecia, calf, complete blood count, skin lesions, zinc deficiency.