Application of statistical process control for monitoring bulk tank milk somatic cell count of smallholder dairy farms

Research (Published online: 13-11-2020)

19. Application of statistical process control for monitoring bulk tank milk somatic cell count of smallholder dairy farms

Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Chalutwan Sansamur, Tawatchai Singhla and Paramintra Vinitchaikul

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2429-2435

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Consistency in producing raw milk with less variation in bulk tank milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) is important for dairy farmers as their profit is highly affected by it in the long run. Statistical process control (SPC) is widely used for monitoring and detecting variations in an industrial process. Published reports on the application of the SPC method to smallholder farm data are very limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the capability of the SPC method for monitoring the variation of BMSCC levels in milk samples collected from smallholder dairy farms.

Materials and Methods: Bulk tank milk samples (n=1302) from 31 farms were collected 3 times/month for 14 consecutive months. The samples were analyzed to determine the BMSCC levels. The SPC charts, including the individual chart (I-chart) and the moving range chart (MR-chart), were created to determine the BMSCC variations, out of control points, and process signals for each farm every month. The interpretation of the SPC charts was reported to dairy cooperative authorities and veterinarians.

Results: Based on a set of BMSCC values as well as their variance from SPC charts, a series of BMSCC data could be classified into different scenarios, including farms with high BMSCC values but with low variations or farms with low BMSCC values and variations. Out of control points and signals or alarms corresponding to the SPC rules, such as trend and shift signals, were observed in some of the selected farms. The information from SPC charts was used by authorities and veterinarians to communicate with dairy farmers to monitor and control BMSCC for each farm.

Conclusion: This study showed that the SPC method can be used to monitor the variation of BMSCC in milk sampled from smallholder farms. Moreover, information obtained from the SPC charts can serve as a guideline for dairy farmers, dairy cooperative boards, and veterinarians to manage somatic cell counts in bulk tanks from smallholder dairy farms.

Keywords: bulk milk somatic cell count, control chart, dairy farm, smallholder, statistical process control.

Comparative analysis of various step-dilution techniques on the quality of frozen Limousin bull semen

Research (Published online: 13-11-2020)

18. Comparative analysis of various step-dilution techniques on the quality of frozen Limousin bull semen

Ani Atul Arif, Tulus Maulana, Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin, Bambang Purwantara, Raden Iis Arifiantini and Erdogan Memili

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2422-2428

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Indonesia has two National Artificial Insemination centers and 17 Regional Artificial Insemination Centers. The frozen semen production techniques differed between the centers, including the type of diluent and semen dilution technique. The aim of the research was to compare the quality of frozen Limousin bull semen diluted using different techniques.

Materials and Methods: Semen was collected from three sexually mature Limousin bulls using an artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, the semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Semen that had >70% motile sperm and <20% sperm abnormality was divided into three tubes and diluted with skim milk-egg yolk (SMEY) using three different dilution techniques: One-step dilution (100% SMEY with 8% glycerol) at room temperature ([RT] 20°C until 25°C) two-step dilution (50% SMEY without glycerol at RT, stored at 5°C; and 50% SMEY with 16% glycerol after 1 h stored at 5°C); and three-step dilution (50% SMEY without glycerol at RT, stored at 5°C; and 50% SMEY with 16% glycerol added twice at 1 h and 1.5 h after being stored at 5°C). The diluted semen was loaded into 0.25 mL mini straws, equilibrated, and frozen using a freezing machine. Sperm motility, viability, membranes, DNA integrity, and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes were evaluated after thawing.

Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences in sperm motility and DNA integrity between dilutions (p>0.05). However, sperm viability and membrane intactness of one-step dilutions were higher than those of three-step dilutions. The concentrations of MDA and AST enzymes of sperm in one-step dilutions were lower than those of three-step dilutions (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that the one-step-dilution technique was better than three-step dilution for cryopreservation of Limousin bull semen.

Keywords: aminotransferase, dilution technique, frozen semen quality, malondialdehyde.

Conservative management of pelvic fractures in dogs and cats in Algiers: Incidence and long-term clinical outcomes

Research (Published online: 12-11-2020)

17. Conservative management of pelvic fractures in dogs and cats in Algiers: Incidence and long-term clinical outcomes

Ryhan Bouabdallah, Fatima-Zohra Meghiref, Naouelle Azzag, Chabha Benmohand, Wahiba Zenad and Myriem Rebouh

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2416-2421

ABSTRACT

Aim: We performed a retrospective study to evaluate clinical complications and outcomes associated with non-operative management of pelvic fractures in dogs and cats and described owner satisfaction.

Materials and Methods: Based on radiographic findings and fracture location, case records were classified into two groups. Group 1 included animals with acetabulum involvement that underwent conservative treatment plus femoral head-and-neck excision. Group 2 included animals without acetabulum involvement that underwent conservative treatment only. Compliance with rest instructions, time to locomotion recovery, and the evaluation of persistent lameness were data collected from the questionnaire. The level of satisfaction was classified as excellent, good, or bad. Clinical outcome was evaluated at least 10 months after the fracture.

Results: Pelvic injuries included sacroiliac luxations (59.52%) and ilial body (35.7%), acetabular (21.4%), pubic (21.4%), and ischial (14.28%) fractures alone or combined. According to the owners, the proposed strategy yielded good to excellent outcomes in dogs and cats in this study, with 95.23% of animals regaining full function of their hind limbs. Two dogs had slight chronic lameness, and some degree of gait abnormality persisted.

Conclusion: Because of financial constraints, the chronicity of fractures, or lack of surgical techniques, the surgical treatment of pelvic fractures may not be possible. Non-operative treatment can then be considered to allow the animal to return to acceptable function.

Keywords: Cats, dogs, nonsurgical management, pelvic fractures.

Detection of Leptospira in urine of apparently healthy dogs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in Haryana, India

Research (Published online: 12-11-2020)

16. Detection of Leptospira in urine of apparently healthy dogs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in Haryana, India

Preeti Rohilla, Rajesh Khurana, Aman Kumar, Kanisht Batra and Renu Gupta

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2411-2415

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The organism can spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. The study was undertaken to detect the pathogenic Leptospira in healthy dogs' urinary shedding by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Materials and Methods: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. To detect the pathogenic Leptospira organisms in dogs' urinary shedding, 239 urine samples were collected from healthy dogs from April 2018 to March 2019 from different areas of Haryana. All the urine samples were processed for DNA extraction and qPCR technique was used to detect the presence of Leptospira.

Results: Out of 239 urine samples of dogs, none of the samples resulted in the detection of DNA of pathogenic Leptospira organisms.

Conclusion: The present study indicated low risk of transmission of Leptospira organisms from dogs' urine to human beings in Haryana.

Keywords: Leptospira, leptospirosis, qPCR, lipL32, Haryana.

Comparative evaluation of decellularized bovine omentum alone and in combination with mitomycin-C in the management of corneal injuries in dogs

Research (Published online: 11-11-2020)

15. Comparative evaluation of decellularized bovine omentum alone and in combination with mitomycin-C in the management of corneal injuries in dogs

A. S. Thajunnisa, Anoop Sainulabdeen, K. M. Dileepkumar, Laiju M. Philip, V. N. Vasudevan and C. B. Devanand

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2401-2410

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ulcerative corneal lesions are common ocular affections encountered in veterinary ophthalmology, having a higher incidence in dogs with brachycephalic conformation. Prompt and effective diagnosis and repair are necessary to avoid corneal perforation and restore vision. Corneal wound healing is a complex phenomenon often resulting in vision impairment as a consequence of corneal fibrosis and pigmentation. The present study investigated the efficacy of decellularized and gamma-irradiated bovine omentum as an extracellular matrix scaffold in the reconstruction of extensive and full-thickness corneal defects, and the cytotoxic effects of mitomycin-C (MMC) to prevent corneal fibrosis and pigmentation.

Materials and Methods: Twelve injured corneas of eleven dogs irrespective of breed, age, and sex were randomly divided into Groups I and II, consisting of six corneas each. Under general anesthesia, corneal grafting with decellularized and gamma-irradiated bovine omentum was carried out in Group I, whereas Group II corneas underwent single time intra-operative application of topical MMC for 2 min before corneal grafting with the same material. Epithelialization of cornea and observations including corneal edema, neovascularization, the extent of pigmentation, corneal clarity, and scarring was recorded on days 7, 14, 21, and 60 postoperatively.

Results: All corneas in Group I showed early epithelialization by day 7 compared to Group II where the MMC delayed epithelialization in 50% of the corneas. Visual function scores improved greatly from 0.17±0.17 in Group II on the day of presentation to 1.0±00 by the end of the observation period compared to Group I (from 0.33±0.15 to 0.88±0.11). Although epithelialization and corneal healing were delayed, 50% of the corneas recovered with undetectable corneal scar and melanosis at the end of the observation period in Group II due to the anti-fibrotic effect of MMC.

Conclusion: From the present study, it was concluded that re-epithelialization of the cornea was enhanced by corneal grafting with decellularized bovine omentum, and application of MMC was effective in delaying corneal fibrosis and pigmentation.

Keywords: biomaterial scaffold graft, corneal ulcer, decellularized bovine omentum, graft assisted corneal healing, mitomycin-C.

Circulation of oxytetracycline- and ciprofloxacin-resistant commensal Escherichia coli strains in broiler chickens and farm environments, Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 10-11-2020)

14. Circulation of oxytetracycline- and ciprofloxacin-resistant commensal Escherichia coli strains in broiler chickens and farm environments, Bangladesh

Avijit Das, Pangkaj Kumar Dhar, Avijit Dutta, Mohammad Shah Jalal, Priya Ghosh, Tridip Das, Himel Barua and Paritosh Kumar Biswas

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2395-2400

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in commensal organism, such as Escherichia coli of food animals, is an alarming issue for global health. It increases the possibility of transmitting AMR determinant(s) to human bacterial pathogens by transferable genetic materials, particularly by plasmids. Hence, it is important to know which resistant genes are being carried by commensal organisms in food chain in a country and their level of temporal loads. As a result, pre-emptive measures can be advocated with an aim to reduce their risks in their primary source of circulation which consequently would benefit the public health.

Materials and Methods: Commensal E. coli strains from broiler chickens on randomly selected 30 farms and the farm environments were examined for the frequencies of isolation of resistant strains to oxytetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Five birds were randomly selected from each farm to collect cloacal swab samples (total of 150 samples). Furthermore, a total of 150 environmental samples comprising one each from feed, water, soil, litter, and litter damping site of each farm were screened for the isolation of commensal E. coli strains. Strains thus obtained were initially tested for their resistance to oxytetracycline and ciprofloxacin by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Oxytetracycline-resistant strains were further screened for the presence of resistance determining genes, namely, tetA, tetB, and tetC by uniplex polymerase chain reactions. Risks associated with the isolation frequency of oxytetracycline- and ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli were also assessed by univariable logistic regression analysis.

Results: The results revealed that all E. coli isolates, regardless of the source of origin, were resistant to oxytetracycline, while 78.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69.1-85.5%) showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. All the randomly selected (20) oxytetracycline-resistant strains harbored the tetA gene, whereas tetB and tetC were reported in three and two isolates, respectively. After univariable analysis, only one variable, that is, strain 1 of broiler chickens compared to two other strains was found to be positively associated with the isolation of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli (odds ratio 12.75 [95% CI 1.0- 157.1], p=0.047).

Conclusion: Resistance emerged against oxytetracycline and ciprofloxacin in commensal E. coli strains circulating in live poultry and farm environments in Bangladesh seems to be very high. Thus, human infection with drug-resistant E. coli strains through food chain will critically compromise the therapeutic measures currently available.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Escherichia coli, farm environment, poultry.

Hematological profile of blood parasitic infected dogs in Southern Thailand

Research (Published online: 10-11-2020)

13. Hematological profile of blood parasitic infected dogs in Southern Thailand

Sorawat Thongsahuan, Usa Chethanond, Siriwat Wasiksiri, Vannarat Saechan, Wichaya Thongtako and Tipayaratn Musikacharoen

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2388-2394

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Tick-borne pathogens such as Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Ehrlichia canis can cause serious disease in canines. Each blood parasite can be associated with different hematological characteristics in infected dogs. Identification of hematological alterations during routine laboratory screening of blood samples from dogs displaying clinical signs is essential for diagnosing blood parasitic infections. This study aimed to evaluate parasitic infections and hematological alterations in blood samples of infected dogs in Southern Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A total of 474 blood samples were collected from dogs presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Prince of Songkla University between 2016 and 2019. An automatic hematology analyzer was used to establish hematological values; peripheral blood films were screened for blood parasites and their detection was associated with hematological alterations to determine the odds ratio (OR).

Results: This study found that E. canis (n=127) was the most common blood parasite infecting dogs in southern Thailand, followed by H. canis (n=100) and B. canis (n=24). Hematological alterations caused by Ehrlichia infections included anemia, thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia (OR=14.64, 17.63, 20.34, and 13.43, respectively; p<0.01). The blood samples of Hepatozoon-infected dogs were characterized by anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and monocytosis (OR=6.35, 3.16, 12.80, 11.11, and 17.37, respectively; p<0.01). Anemia, thrombocytopenia, eosinopenia, and lymphopenia (OR=10.09, 33.00, 20.02, and 66.47 respectively; p<0.01) were associated with B. canis-infected dogs.

Conclusion: These data support the fact that hematological abnormalities are a hallmark for the identification of tick-borne infections. The hematological values, hereby reported, can be used as a guideline for the clinical diagnosis of canine blood parasitic infections in Southern Thailand.

Keywords: blood parasite, dogs, hematological characteristics, Southern Thailand.