Analysis of culling reasons during the breeding cycle and lifetime performance: The strategy to remove crossbred Landrace and Large White sows under tropical climate

Research (Published online: 26-12-2021)

15. Analysis of culling reasons during the breeding cycle and lifetime performance: The strategy to remove crossbred Landrace and Large White sows under tropical climate

Ratchadaporn Boripun, Watcharapong Mitsuwan, Pawinee Kulnanan, Thotsapol Thomrongsuwannakij and Warangkana Kitpipit

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3170-3174

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Sow culling is an important practice in commercial swine production because it is directly associated with the economic efficiency of the breeding herd. This study was conducted to analyze the reasons for sow culling and quantify the factors affecting culling in crossbred Landrace and Large White sows under tropical climate.

Materials and Methods: A total of 4887 culled sows from one parent stock farm located in Ratchaburi province, Western Thailand, were examined in this study. Culling reasons were grouped into the following eight categories according to farm management: (1) Reproductive disorders, (2) old age, (3) low performance, (4) diseases, (5) lameness, (6) udder problems, (7) body condition, and (8) other illnesses. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between culling sows and environmental factors. Effects of parity and season of culling were considered as fixed effects in a statistical model.

Results: Descriptive statistics indicated the following factors accounting for sow removals: Old age (34.93%, n=1707), reproductive disorders (29.32%, n=1433), low performance (12.62%, n=617), lameness (12.56%, n=614), diseases (4.8%, n=235), body condition (4.68%, n=229), udder problems (0.79%, n=39), and other illnesses (0.26%, n=13). Parity and season of culling were also found to have a significant effect on sow culling (p<0.05). The majority of culling sows in this population were of old age and high parity.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the purposeful culling of sows on this farm was within the targeted range. However, the incidence of reproductive disorders was too high and required further investigations.

Keywords: culling, parity, season, sow, tropical climate.

Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos

Research (Published online: 26-12-2021)

14. Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos

Mohamed M. M. El-Sokary, Al-Shimaa Al-H. H. El-Naby, Amal R. Abd El Hameed, Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud and T. H. Scholkamy

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3164-3169

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Despite many trials, buffalo embryos have poor cryosurvivability because of their high lipid content. L-carnitine was found to be a lipid-reducing agent when added to oocyte and embryo culture media. The study aimed to determine the most effective concentration of L-carnitine to improve the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos.

Materials and Methods: In vitro maturation and embryo culture media were supplemented with four concentrations of L-carnitine: 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM. Good-quality embryos on 7 days were vitrified using mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol at two concentrations (3.5 and 7 M).

Results: The result showed that the cleavage and morula rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the 0.5 mM group. Blastocyst rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher at both 0.5 and 1 mM. The rates of viable embryos directly after thawing were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 0.5 mM group. No significant difference was found in embryos cultured for 24 h after warming among all the groups.

Conclusion: The addition of L-carnitine at a concentration of 0.5 mM to the culture media improves the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos directly after warming but not after 24 h of culture. Nevertheless, further studies must identify how L-carnitine exerts its beneficial micromechanisms.

Keywords: antioxidant, buffalo embryos, cryotolerance, L-carnitine.

Establishment of semen collection technique using electroejaculator and semen cryopreservation of Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809)

Research (Published online: 25-12-2021)

13. Establishment of semen collection technique using electroejaculator and semen cryopreservation of Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809)

Bongot Huaso Mulia, Ardyta Widianti, Jansen Manansang, Dedi Rahmat Setiadi, Vincentia Trisna Yoelinda, Taufiq Purna Nugraha, Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja and Raden Iis Arifiantini

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3156-3163

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. Information on reproductive aspects is crucial for wild animals, including the Javan leopard. In this study, we aimed to develop electroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen.

Materials and Methods: The semen of four adult Javan leopards was collected once a week using EE. Placement of the EE probe in the rectum was performed after ultrasound imaging (ultrasonography) to determine the prostate body location. The semen obtained was then evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Three Javan leopards were used for cryopreservation. The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl® (Minitüb)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation. The semen was then packed in a 0.25 mL MiniStraw® (Minitüb) then equilibrated at 4°C for 2 h. After equilibration, the straw was then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen semen was then stored in containers until further evaluation.

Results: The results showed that ejaculation response occurred at all levels of stimulation, while erections did not always occur. The fastest ejaculation and erection occurred at the fourth voltage. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the semen volume was 0.80±0.26 mL, cloudy white, pH 7.44±0.14, and with watery semen consistency. The microscopic evaluation showed that the sperm motility was 66.98±0.39%, with sperm viability of 75.6±1.79%. Sperm concentration was 62.17±46.95×106 mL–1 with a total concentration of 42.14±23.51×106 cells. Normal sperm morphology is only 40.72±6.26%.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards. The characteristics of the semen of the Javan leopard showed moderate semen volume, sperm motility, and viability. Javan leopard showed low sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology.

Keywords: electroejaculator, Javan leopard, semen characteristics, semen cryopreservation.

Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in sympatric mammals in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon

Research (Published online: 25-12-2021)

12. Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in sympatric mammals in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon

Serge-Ely Dibakou, Ulrich Maloueki, Barthélémy Ngoubangoye, Larson Boundenga, Stephan Ntie, Thierry-Audrey Tsoumbou, Cyr Moussadji, Rina Obame Zang, Dikenane Kombila and Didier Basset

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3149-3155

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal parasites identified in the wild can negatively affect host fitness, lower performance, and growth. On the other side, sympatric mammals that share habitat and resources may also cross-transmit parasites, which are often zoonotic and can contribute to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in mammalian hosts in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park.

Materials and Methods: We screened a total of 25 fecal samples collected from nine wild mammalian species, namely, western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans), African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), bay duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis), and red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) as well as people working as trackers (Homo sapiens) using direct microscopic observations following a sedimentation technique to concentrate the fecal material.

Results: Of the total 25 fecal samples screened, 15 (60%) were positive for parasitic gastrointestinal infection. Based on the morphology of parasite eggs and cysts, we identified a rich diversity of nematodes, protozoans, trematodes, and cestodes, including unidentified strongyles (73%), Oesophagostomum spp. (53%), Ancylostoma spp. (27%), Trichuris spp. (13%), Ascaris spp. (13%), Mammomonogamus spp. (13%), Strongyloides spp. (47%), Balantidium coli (20%), Entamoeba coli (20%), Endolimax nana (6%), Fasciola hepatica (6%), Paramphistomum spp. (13%), and Taenia spp. (6%).

Conclusion: All parasites were found at least once in one of the hosts, and most were potentially zoonotic and responsible for several diseases of public health concern. Because of the small sample size, our findings should not be considered conclusive. Nevertheless, they highlight the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in this area.

Keywords: conservation, coprology, gastrointestinal parasites, Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, wildlife mammals.

The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from South Thailand

Research (Published online: 24-12-2021)

11. The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from South Thailand

Sumalee Boonmar, Phirabhat Saengsawang, Watcharapong Mitsuwan, Decha Panjai, Kamchai Kidsin, Chalutwan Sansamur and Ittidet Wichianrat

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3144-3148

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bartonellosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections from animals and humans, including reports from wild and domestic ruminants. However, there has been only one report of Bartonella infection in water buffaloes from the northeastern part of Thailand. Moreover, the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes still remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Bartonella spp. among water buffaloes from South Thailand using molecular and serological techniques.

Materials and Methods: A total of 312 samples (156 blood and 156 sera) of 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms in Phatthalung Province, South Thailand, were collected from January to March 2021. All samples were screened for Bartonella spp. using polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against three Bartonella spp. was 16.03% (25/156, 95% confidence interval: 10.65-22.74%), and among 25 water buffaloes with seroprevalence, 56%, 20%, and 24% were positive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella tamiae, respectively. No significant difference was detected among seroprevalence, gender, age, and ectoparasite infestation.

Conclusion: This is the first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against B. henselae, B. vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and B. tamiae in water buffaloes from South Thailand. Further studies are required on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection among water buffaloes, related personnel, and ectoparasites.

Keywords: Bartonella henselae, Bartonella tamiae, Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, immunofluorescence assay, seroprevalence, water buffaloes.

Detection of microbial contamination in chicken meat from local markets in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 20-12-2021)

10. Detection of microbial contamination in chicken meat from local markets in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Dhandy Koesoemo Wardhana, Ajeng Erika Prihastuti Haskito, Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad Purnama, Devi Ayu Safitri and Suwaibatul Annisa

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3138-3143

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Chicken meat can be contaminated by microorganisms anywhere in the supply chain, from farm to market, and these microorganisms can be transmitted to humans through direct contact, contact with the environment, and food consumption. The microbial contamination has a serious impact on public health. This study aimed to analyze the microbial contamination of chicken meat sampled from local markets in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 samples of fresh chicken meat obtained from 10 traditional markets (six samples per market) were examined for the presence of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli were identified using Gram staining, culturing, and biochemical tests. The most probable number (MPN) method was used to identify E. coli.

Results: Most chicken meat samples were positive for S. aureus (58.3%), Salmonella spp. (48.3%), and E. coli (40%). The samples were considered positive for E. coli if the MPN value was higher than 1×101 CFU/g.

Conclusion: High microbial contamination was found in all the chicken meat sampled from local markets in Surabaya. Such contamination can lead to foodborne diseases so, proper hygiene and sanitation standards should be followed from slaughterhouses to the end-users.

Keywords: chicken meat, local markets, microbial contamination, public health, Surabaya.

Apigenin induces oxidative stress in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells

Research (Published online: 20-12-2021)

9. Apigenin induces oxidative stress in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells

Sathaporn Jittapalapong, Thapanee Poompoung and Samak Sutjarit

Veterinary World, 14(12): 3132-3137

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Apigenin (API) is an estrogenic compound found in many plants. Sertoli cells reside in the testis and are a key target of environmental toxicants. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxicity, especially oxidative stress of API in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells.

Materials and Methods: Mouse Sertoli TM4 cells were treated with 50 and 100 μM API for 48 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, glutathione reductase (GR) activities, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated using various assays.

Results: Treatment with API at both 50 and 100 μM decreased viability and GR activity but increased LDH activity, ROS production, and MDA levels in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells.

Conclusion: Exposure to API induced oxidative stress in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells.

Keywords: apigenin, malondialdehyde, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, TM4 cells.