Using bioelectrical impedance analysis for modeling regression and predicting body fat accumulation in dogs in East Thailand

Research (Published online: 28-06-2022)

21. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis for modeling regression and predicting body fat accumulation in dogs in East Thailand

Peera Arreesrisom, Thanmaporn Phichitrasilp, Nattakarn Naimon, Supochana Charoensin, Worawut Rerkamnuaychoke, Jumrueang Panpiansil and Thitichai Jarudecha

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1566-1574

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Obesity in dogs leads to several health problems, such as premature death, and contributes to other diseases. Recently, body fat percentage has been considered to represent the body condition of dogs, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is the most effective method for accurately measuring body fat in dogs. In Thailand, information on the body condition of dogs is limited, and there is no standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs. This study was designed to evaluate and analyze the body fat percentage in dogs through BIA using a handheld instrument. The results of this study can help enhance the quality of life and health of dogs and aid in setting a standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs.

Materials and Methods: The body fat percentage of 340 Thai and mongrel dogs in East Thailand was measured in the standing position, and the body condition score (BCS) (range, 1–5), sex, sterilization status, age, type of diet, and lifestyle were recorded. A linear regression model was developed to compare the variables and the predicted body fat percentage, and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors for body fat increment.

Results: The linear regression model used to estimate the percentage of body fat (y) for each BCS (x) was y = 0.84 + 8.36x (R2 = 0.7219; p < 0.0001); the average body fat percentage was 27.52% for all studied dogs; specifically, 24.83% for the Thai Bangkaew, 26.42% for the Thai Ridgeback, and 27.65% for mongrels. The median body fat percentage was significantly higher in female than in male dogs. We found that as age increases, body fat percentage also increases; this increasing trend begins at the age of 5 years. However, increasing the level of activity and decreasing meal frequency leads to an increase in body fat percentage in neutered male dogs.

Conclusion: The average body fat percentage of dogs in East Thailand is 27.52% and this value is expected to increase when these dogs reach the age of 5 years. BIA is a valid and effective measurement tool for detecting the body fat percentage in dogs.

Keywords: bioelectric impedance analysis, body fat, dog, Thailand.

First report of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis in broiler litter in Tolima, Colombia

Research (Published online: 28-06-2022)

20. First report of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis in broiler litter in Tolima, Colombia

Mayra A. Bonilla-Caballero, María P. Lozano-Puentes, María A. Ospina and Maryeimy Varón-López

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1557-1565

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonella has been identified as one of the most widely distributed zoonotic pathogens in broiler litter. Multidrug-resistant strains have been isolated from salmonellosis outbreaks, compromising the success of their treatment. This study aimed to isolate and identify Salmonella spp. serovars in healthy broiler litter in Tolima (Colombia), determine their resistance to different antimicrobials, and detect genes associated with β-lactam resistance that could be useful to control Salmonella spp. in poultry.

Materials and Methods: In total, 45 broiler litter samples were collected. Salmonella spp. was isolated and identified using selective and differential culture media and biochemical tests. Molecular confirmation of the pathogen was performed with the invA gene and serotyping by Kauffman–White scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 15 antibiotics was determined by Kirby–Bauer method. In cefotaxime-resistant strains, blaCTX-M-F, blaCTX-M-1, blaCMY, and blaTEM genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: In total, 817 presumptive strains were obtained from xylose lysine deoxycholate and Salmonella Shigella agars and subcultured on xylose-lysine-tergitol 4 and MacConkey agars, from which 150 strains were isolated; 29 of these strains were presumptive for Salmonella spp. after performing biochemical tests and 16 were confirmed by PCR as Salmonella Infantis (15) and Gallinarum (1). All strains were found to be multiresistant to antibiotics, showing three different profiles and isolates resistant to cefotaxime, and the blaCTX-M gene was detected.

Conclusion: This is the first study to isolate S. Infantis from broiler litter in Colombia. All isolates exhibited resistance to the evaluated antimicrobials, suggesting the misuse of antimicrobials in small- and medium-sized poultry farms. The presence of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis is a public health problem. Thus, regular monitoring of poultry litter is recommended, as these bacteria can be transmitted to humans through animal products or contaminated environments.

Keywords: antibiotics, cefotaxime, poultry, Salmonella.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds of Colombia

Research (Published online: 27-06-2022)

19. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds of Colombia

Aura Daniela Ortiz-González, H. Alexander Lopez Buitrago, Diana María Bulla-Castañeda, D. Johana Lancheros-Buitrago, Diego Jose Garcia-Corredor, Adriana Maria Díaz-Anaya, Julio Cesar Tobón-Torreglosa, Diego Ortiz-Ortega and Martín Orlando Pulido-Medellín

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1550-1556

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an infectious disease widely distributed globally and is considered the main cause of various reproductive and respiratory tract diseases in cattle and buffaloes. This study aimed to estimate seroprevalence and determine risk factors associated with the presentation of IBR in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Boyacá (Colombia).

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was performed, and the sample size was 1,000 cattle. Blood samples were obtained by coccygeal venipuncture and processed through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Synbiotics® kit (Zoetis, New Jersey, USA) with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 98%, respectively. Data were processed using the statistical program EpiInfo® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia).

Results: A high seroprevalence of 57.5% was established. Seroprevalence was the highest in cattle >4 years of age (65.0% apparent seroprevalence [AS]; 67% true seroprevalence [TS]) and in the Holstein breed (65.5% AS; 67.8% TS). The breed and age of the animals were significantly associated with each other. The Holstein breed, age group >4 years, uncertified semen, and fetal death were established as risk factors for IBR. In comparison, the age groups of <1 and 1–2 years and the Normande breed were established as protective factors against the bovine herpesvirus-1 virus.

Conclusion: Management factors, such as livestock from other owners and animal purchases, which affect disease presentation, are evident. The implementation and development of novel prevention and control measures for IBR at the national level are necessary.

Keywords: cattle, cattle diseases, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.

Hygienic quality of raw and fermented cow milk in the local milk sector of the Liptako-Gourma area in Niger

Research (Published online: 25-06-2022)

18. Hygienic quality of raw and fermented cow milk in the local milk sector of the Liptako-Gourma area in Niger

Mariama Hima Gagara, Philippe Sessou, François S. P. Dossa, Paulin Azokpota, Issaka A. K. Youssao, Soumana Abdoulaye Gouro and Souaibou Farougou

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1541-1549

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk is a food of high nutritional value, which occupies an undeniable place in the human food ration, but is an ideal medium for microbial growth. This study aims to assess the hygienic quality of local raw and fermented milk from the Liptako-Gourma region in Niger.

Materials and Methods: We performed physical and bacteriological analyses on 330 samples of bovine milk from local breeds, including 110 individual milk samples (per cow), 110 fermented milk samples, and 110 blended milk samples. The microbiological parameters were determined using standard methods.

Results: The physical analysis revealed temperatures during sample collection for all milk types between 35.2°C and 37.8°C. The average pH of fermented milk varied between 3.16 and 4.92 and those of individual and blended raw milks between 5.42 and 6.98. The titratable acidity varied from 15° to 18.1°D for raw milk and between 59° and 122°D for fermented milk. The average density of individual and blended milks ranged between 1.028 and 1.035. Regionally, milk samples from Tillaberi had a significantly higher aerobic mesophilic germ (GAM) load (7.42 ± 0.53 × 107 Colony-forming unit/mL; p = 0.0025) compared to the Dosso and Niamey regions. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were 86.36%, 12.73%, and 20.91%, respectively, in fermented milk. Phenotypic identification pointed toward three genera: E. coli (30.76% ± 0.25%), S. aureus (20.58% ± 0.14%), and Salmonella spp. (2.74 ± 0.04%).

Conclusion: The present data suggest that milk samples collected from three regions in Liptako-Gourma had low quality; further, some of the bacteria identified (E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp.) could be potential foodborne pathogens.

Keywords: bovine, fermented milk, microbiological quality, milk, physical parameters.

Effects of farrowing induction using cloprostenol on sow farrowing characteristics

Research (Published online: 25-06-2022)

17. Effects of farrowing induction using cloprostenol on sow farrowing characteristics

Nguyen Hoai Nam, Bui Tran Anh Dao and Peerapol Sukon

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1535-1540

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Previous findings regarding the effects of farrowing induction on the farrowing characteristics of sows are controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farrowing induction on the following characteristics: (1) Proportion of sows that farrowed during working hours, (2) stillbirth rate, (3) number of stillbirths per farrow, (4) dystocia rate per farrow, (5) dystocia rate (the proportion of farrowings that had at least one dystocia event), (6) number of dystocia events per farrow, (6) farrowing duration, (7) birth interval, and (8) birth weight.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight Landrace x Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated into two groups; the control group and the treatment group. In the control group (n = 18), sows farrowed spontaneously. In the treatment group (n = 20), farrowing was induced approximately 2 days earlier than the herd's average length of gestation (7:00 am on day 114) by injecting cloprostenol into the perivulval region. All sows were supervised throughout their farrowing. We recorded the interval between induction and farrowing; total number of births; number of live, stillborn, and mummified piglet births; number of dystocia events; birth interval; farrowing duration; and birth weight. A generalized linear mixed model, a linear mixed-effects model, the Chi-squared test, and Student's t-test were used to compare outcomes between the two groups.

Results: Farrowing induction did not influence the percentage of sows that farrowed during working hours (7 am–5 pm), stillbirth rate, birth weight, and number of dystocia events per farrow. Farrowing induction led to an increase in birth interval, dystocia rate, dystocia per farrow (p < 0.05) and in addition to the percentage of sows that farrowed on the day following induction (60% vs. 27.8%; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Farrowing induction using a single dose of cloprostenol 2 days before the expected farrowing date can be performed with care to concentrate farrowing into a short interval. This can enhance the optimization of cross-fostering and the practice of an all-in-all-out strategy in the swine breeding industry.

Keywords: birth interval, cloprostenol, dystocia, stillbirth.

Reduction of the nematode egg reappearance period in horses after anthelmintic therapy

Research (Published online: 24-06-2022)

16. Reduction of the nematode egg reappearance period in horses after anthelmintic therapy

Maria V. Baranova, Olga A. Panova, Daria N. Polukhina and Daria S. Panova

Veterinary World, 15(6): 1530-1534

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anthelmintics are used to control equine nematodes. However, helminth resistance to regularly used drugs is a well-known challenge. Among tests to assess effective control and monitor resistance, the most common is the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). In the absence of reliable FECRT results, the nematode egg reappearance period (ERP) is taken into account. This study aimed to examine horses from farms around the Moscow Region to assess nematode resistance through ERP after therapy.

Materials and Methods: In the first stage, fecal samples from 280 horses were examined by the flotation method with a sodium nitrate solution. The eggs per gram (EPG) in feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. One hundred and forty out of 280 horses were selected for further work. Five groups were formed: Two groups of horses infected with strongyles (n = 50) and three groups with Parascaris equorum (n = 90). Therapy against strongyles was performed with albendazole and ivermectin. Therapy for parascaridosis was performed with fenbendazole, ivermectin, and aversectin C. Samples from the horses in each group were taken on the 14th day (2 weeks), 28th day (4 weeks), 42nd day (6 weeks), 56th day (8 weeks), and 84th day (12 weeks) after treatment, and the amount of EPG in each sample was determined.

Results: Overall, nematodes were found in 65% of the horses examined. P. equorum was most frequently recorded (42.1%) followed by Strongylidae gen. spp. (27.9%). The strongyles ERP after therapy with albendazole and ivermectin was estimated on 42 days (6 weeks). The growth of P. equorum eggs in the feces was observed from the 56th day (8 weeks) after therapy with fenbendazole, from the 42nd day (6 weeks) after therapy with ivermectin, and was observed from the 84th day (12 weeks) after the use of aversectin.

Conclusion: Our study shows widespread reductions in nematode ERPs across the Moscow Region after ivermectin therapy in horses, suggesting that additional monitoring of these farms is needed for effective control of anthelmintic resistance.

Keywords: anthelmintic resistance, eggs reappearance period, horse parasitic nematodes, Parascaris equorum, strongyles.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sana'a, Yemen

Research (Published online: 23-06-2022)

7. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sana'a, Yemen

Redhwan Ahmed Al-Naggar, Hisham Alshaikhli, Reyadh R. Al-Rashidi and Sharon Murtagh

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 58-69

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The development of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is ongoing. This study aimed to prepare for public acceptance of the vaccine. There is a need to identify the current acceptance and potential barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in Yemen. Understanding the hesitancy and acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine are crucial to develop local evidence-based interventions.

Materials and Methods: Twenty students were interviewed in this study. An interview guide was developed and it addressed the willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine. In-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, and manually analyzed.

Results: The majority of participants agreed that they would take a COVID-19 vaccine for several reasons, including protection for themselves, their families, and others and to stop the spread of COVID-19, for which the vaccine is important, as in other routine vaccinations. However, some participants shared that they would not take the COVID-19 vaccine due to the following reasons: Concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine; feeling fit and healthy, and thus considering themselves to have strong immunity; feeling that the vaccine was manufactured in a rushed manner and thus it would require approval by the World Health Organization; being previously infected with COVID-19 and considering themselves protected, and placing their trust in God and believing no vaccine was needed.

Conclusion: The willingness to receive a future COVID-19 vaccine was high among medical students. However, some students hesitated to take the vaccine. Therefore, mass media interventions are required to maximize vaccine uptake.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, coronavirus, pandemic, vaccine acceptance, vaccine barriers, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine uptake.