Selection signatures and formation of the Samosir goat breed through the cultures of the Batak Toba Tribe in Samosir Island, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 24-04-2022)

30. Selection signatures and formation of the Samosir goat breed through the cultures of the Batak Toba Tribe in Samosir Island, Indonesia

Suhendra Pakpahan, Rini Widayanti and Wayan T. Artama

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1044-1050

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Samosir goat has a high cultural value and is a source of germplasm in Indonesia. This study aimed to reveal the history and selection signatures of the Samosir goat.

Materials and Methods: A total of 25 goats were divided into seven subpopulations of Indonesian goat breeds. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from blood samples was isolated with the use of the gSYNC™ DNA Mini Kit (Geneaid, Taipei, Taiwan). Cytb gene amplification was performed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and the PCR products were sequenced. A phylogenetic tree was constructed by the neighbor-joining method using MEGA 11 software. A questionnaire was used to collect information related to the history and breeding practices of the Samosir goat on Samosir Island.

Results: Samosir goats are divided into four groups based on their coat color: Completely white, white with brown spots, white with black spots, and white with brown and black spots. The body form of the Samosir goat is similar to that of the Kacang goat. The space below a traditional Toba Batak house is used as a goat pen. The genetic difference between the Samosir goat and the Kacang goat based on the Cytb gene was approximately 0.1%.

Conclusion: Phylogenetic analysis between Samosir goats and other indigenous Indonesian goats revealed that Samosir goats form a single clade, with a very close genetic distance from other local goats, such as the Kacang goat. The Toba Batak culture on Samosir Island has significantly influenced the selection and formation of the Samosir goat breed.

Keywords: Batak tribe, ethnobiology, mitochondrial DNA, phylogenetic analysis, Samosir goat.

Breeding of African sheep reared under low-input/output smallholder production systems for trypanotolerance

Review (Published online: 23-04-2022)

29. Breeding of African sheep reared under low-input/output smallholder production systems for trypanotolerance

Dikeledi P. Malatji

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1031-1043

ABSTRACT

Trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by unicellular protozoan parasites. Small ruminants succumb to trypanosomiasis in areas of high tsetse fly challenge, resulting in serious economic loss often to farmers in low-input smallholder systems. At present, trypanosomiasis is treated with trypanocidal drugs, but access to these can be limited, and increasing parasite resistance raises questions about their efficacy. The development of trypanotolerance in small ruminant flocks through targeted breeding strategies is considered a sustainable and economical option for controlling African trypanosomiasis. Recently, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with trypanotolerance traits in sheep have been reported. The results of these studies form the basis for more studies to identify QTLs associated with trypanosomiasis resistance, particularly in African livestock species. For example, signatures of positive selection for trypanotolerance have been identified using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data. However, there are several challenges in performing genetic analyses using data from low-input smallholder systems, including a lack of recorded pedigree and production records and the need for large sample sizes when flock sizes are often fewer than 50 animals. Breeding strategies to improve trypanotolerance should also preserve existing genetic diversity as well as minimize excessive genetic introgression by trypanosusceptible breeds. This review discusses the possibilities of breeding for trypanosome tolerance/resistance in low-input/low-output small ruminant production systems. Potential challenges are outlined, and potential available genetic resources are described as a foundation for future work.

Keywords: Trypanotolerance, animal breeding, small ruminants, trypanocidal drugs.

Effect of crude Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides as a renoprotective agent against carbon tetrachloride-induced early kidney fibrosis in mice

Research (Published online: 23-04-2022)

28. Effect of crude Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides as a renoprotective agent against carbon tetrachloride-induced early kidney fibrosis in mice

Raden Joko Kuncoroningrat Susilo, Dwi Winarni, Suhailah Hayaza, Ruey-An Doong, Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih and Win Darmanto

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1022-1030

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Interstitial fibrosis is the final stage of chronic kidney injury, which begins with an inflammatory process. Crude Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. The potential role of crude G. applanatum polysaccharides in renal fibrosis through pro-inflammatory cytokines needs further investigation. This study aimed to determine the renoprotective effect of crude G. applanatum polysaccharide extract in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced early kidney fibrosis.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted for 4 weeks using 24 male BALB/c mice selected for their metabolic stability. The mice were randomly divided into six groups, including control (CG), model (MG), silymarin group and crude G. applanatum polysaccharide extract groups comprising doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight. After sacrificing the mice, whole blood was analyzed for urea and creatine levels, and kidney tissue was prepared to assess tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin levels, both using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Kidney histology was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, while the extracellular matrix (ECM) components were stained using Masson's trichome staining. The α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) concentration was determined using immunohistochemistry. These parameters were measured to determine the effectiveness of the crude G. applanatum polysaccharide extract in preventing interstitial fibrosis.

Results: Administration of crude G. applanatum polysaccharides effectively prevented increases in kidney weight and physiological enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ECM production compared with those in the MG, as evidenced by the low levels of urea, creatinine, TNF-α, IL-6, HA, and laminin. Histopathological results also showed that crude G. applanatum polysaccharides prevented the occurrence of inflammatory infiltration, desquamated nuclei, cytoplasm debris, rupture at the brush border, dilatation of the glomeruli space and lumen of the proximal tubule, and necrotic cells compared with the MG. Masson's trichrome staining revealed lower collagen levels in the interstitial tubules of kidney tissue than those in the MG. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed low α-SMA expression in the crude G. applanatum polysaccharides treatment groups than that in the MG.

Conclusion: The crude polysaccharide extract of G. applanatum has a protective effect that prevents the progression of kidney fibrosis in mice.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory, carbon tetrachloride, fibrosis, Ganoderma applanatum, kidney.

First study on genetic variability of bovine viral diarrhea virus isolated from Sapera dairy goats with reproductive disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 22-04-2022)

27. First study on genetic variability of bovine viral diarrhea virus isolated from Sapera dairy goats with reproductive disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

N. Retno, H. Wuryastuty, R. Wasito and S. H. Irianingsih

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1015-1021

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus (BVDV) is an important viral pathogen of cattle that can infect diverse artiodactyl species. The clinical manifestations caused by BVDV in heterologous hosts, as they do in cattle, vary, although respiratory and reproductive failures are commonly reported. BVDV infections commonly result in reproductive failure in goats, with abortion being the primary clinical sign. In central Java, Indonesia, BVDV infection has been reported in two clinically healthy local goat species, and the testing indicated infection by BVDV Type 1. However, the genetic diversity of viruses has not been described in healthy or ill goats. The objectives of the present study were as follows: (1) To investigate the genetic variation of BVDV isolated from Sapera dairy goats with naturally occurring reproductive disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) and (2) to study the possible correlation between reproductive disorders and the presence of BVDV in the flock.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected in October 2021 from 39 goats that had been individually reported to have reproductive disorders. The serum samples were subjected to molecular detection and genetic characterization of BVDV based on the 5' UTR of the viral genome, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Viral isolation was performed on BVDV-positive samples to analyze the viral biotypes.

Results: BVDV infection was detected in five out of 39 female goats. The clinical status of the BVDV-infected goats was abortion (n=2), metritis (n=1), and repeated breeding (n=2). All antigen-positive samples were confirmed as BVDV type 1a (BVDV-1a) and noncytopathic (NCP)-BVDV biotype.

Conclusion: The BVDV-1a and NCP biotypes are the main subtypes and biotypes present in Sapera dairy goats exhibiting reproductive failure. This result is consistent with previous results in dairy cattle in Yogyakarta. The reported results can facilitate the design of methods for the prevention and control of BVD circulating in Indonesia.

Keywords: 5'untranslated region, bovine viral diarrhea virus, reproductive disorder, Sapera dairy goats.

Detection of zoonotic-borne parasites in Rattus spp. in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Research (Published online: 22-04-2022)

26. Detection of zoonotic-borne parasites in Rattus spp. in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Firdaus Mohd-Qawiem, Saulol Hamid Nur-Fazila, Raslan Ain-Fatin, Qian Hui Yong, Md Isa Nur-Mahiza and Abd Rahaman Yasmin

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1006-1014

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rattus spp. are the most common animals capable of adapting to their environment. They can be reservoirs or vectors of diseases that facilitate the transmission of zoonotic-borne parasites to humans. Hence, a study on the detection of parasites in rat populations in urban areas is crucial to prepare for emerging zoonosis. Therefore, this study aims to identify blood parasites, ectoparasites, and helminths in Rattus spp. from wet markets located in Klang Valley, an urban area with a high-density human population.

Materials and Methods: A total of 32 rats were trapped in several wet markets in Klang Valley, Malaysia. They were anesthetized for morphometric examination followed by exsanguination. Various parasitological techniques such as perianal tape test, simple flotation, direct examination of the intestine, and fecal smear were performed for intestinal parasite detection; hair plucking, skin scraping, and full body combing for ectoparasite identification; and blood smear, microhematocrit centrifugation, and buffy coat techniques for blood parasite detection.

Results: The rats were identified as Rattus rattus (71.9%) and Rattus norvegicus (28.1%). The only blood protozoan found was Trypanosoma lewisi. The ectoparasites identified belonged to two broad groups, mites (Laelaps spp. and Ornithonyssus spp.) and fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis), known to be parasitic zoonotic disease vectors. The zoonotic intestinal parasites were cestodes (Hymenolepis nana), nematodes (Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., and Syphacia spp.), and intestinal protozoa (coccidian oocysts and Giardia spp.). Microscopic images showing Giardia spp. are the first report of this organism in rats in Malaysia.

Conclusion: Rats caught in this urban area of the Klang Valley harbor parasites can pose a potential zoonotic threat to humans, raising public health concerns because of their proximity to densely populated urban areas.

Keywords: ectoparasites, endoparasites, Klang Valley, rats, zoonosis.

Armed conflict and the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance: The situation in war-ravaged Afghanistan

Review (Published online: 21-04-2022)

5. Armed conflict and the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance: The situation in war-ravaged Afghanistan

Mohammad Aman Ahmadzai, Qiamudin Shinwari, Agharid A. Al-Rasheed and Bashiru Garba

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 43-47

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a serious impediment to the attainment of the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to ensure and promote healthy living among humans and animals. Studies have identified the vulnerability of conflict-affected populations to exposure to antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Resource-limited countries like Afghanistan have suffered for long periods from armed conflicts, and this situation is exacerbated by the already poor or dilapidated healthcare delivery services. The country has suffered human and economic losses due to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections driven by the prolonged war, as well as a limited number of antimicrobials and frequent under dosage. Most reports point to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics as the main reason for building up resistant strains. There is a need for more efforts toward identifying the major contributors and enlightening the public on the importance of AMR. This review aimed to provide a critical appraisal regarding the current situation of AMR in Afghanistan.

Keywords: Afghanistan, antimicrobial resistance, armed conflict, hospital-acquired infection, public health.

Knowledge and perception of veterinary students on One Health: A first nationwide multi-institutional survey in Nepal

Research (Published online: 21-04-2022)

4. Knowledge and perception of veterinary students on One Health: A first nationwide multi-institutional survey in Nepal

Deepak Subedi, Anil Gautam, Deepak Sapkota, Sanju Subedi, Shreeya Sharma, Madinat Abdulkareem, Milan Kandel, Harischandra Ghimire and Ismail A. Odetokun

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 34-42

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: One Health (OH) is a collaborative, multisectoral, and holistic approach for the prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases affecting animals and humans. In Nepal, the OH concept remains rudimentary. However, the recently formed "One Health Strategy" is a ray of hope. Veterinary students are the future of animal health, a major component of OH. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of Nepalese veterinary students toward OH.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among veterinary students in all four veterinary colleges in Nepal to obtain knowledge on OH and zoonotic disease and understand the perception of the benefits of OH obtained using an online survey tool through a convenience sampling technique. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 333 participants, including recent graduates (mean age: 22.3±2.2 years) participated in this study. The mean knowledge score was 19.8±3.8 and about half of the respondents, 185 (55.6%) demonstrated satisfactory scores on OH. Most of the respondents have a positive perception of the benefits of OH as participants largely agreed that the OH approach needs to become a regular, routine, and institutionalized process at the project, program, and policy levels; is useful in addressing complex challenges that threaten human and animal health, food security, poverty, and the environments where diseases flourish; and it creates added value in terms of human and animal health, financial savings or social and environmental benefits from closer professional cooperation. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, educational, and academic levels were significant factors influencing satisfactory knowledge on OH among respondents.

Conclusion: Nepalese veterinary students demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of OH and a good level of perception of the benefits of OH. An apprehensive understanding of the current status of the OH approach in Nepal through studies like this is crucial for the future improvement of public and animal health.

Keywords: knowledge, Nepal, One Health, veterinary students.