Polyadenylated tail length variation pattern in ultra-rapid vitrified bovine oocytes

Research (Published online: 14-10-2016)

6. Polyadenylated tail length variation pattern in ultra-rapid vitrified bovine oocytes - D. J. Dutta, Himangshu Raj and Hiramoni Dev

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1070-1074

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1070-1074

Abstract

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Aim: The current study aims at investigating the polyadenylated (poly[A]) tail length of morphologically high and low competent oocytes at different developmental stages. Furthermore, effect of ultra-rapid vitrification on the poly(A) tail length was studied.

Materials and Methods: Fresh bovine cumulus oocyte complexes from abattoir originated ovaries were graded based on morphological characters and matured in vitro. Cryopreservation was done by ultra-rapid vitrification method. mRNA was isolated from different categories of oocyte and subjected to ligation-mediated poly(A) test followed by polymerase chain reaction for determining the poly(A) tail length of β actin, gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), poly(A) polymerase alpha (PAPOLA), and heat shock 70 kDa protein (HSP70) transcripts.

Results: GJA1, PAPOLA, and HSP70 showed significantly higher poly(A) in immature oocytes of higher competence irrespective of vitrification effects as compared to mature oocytes of higher competence.

Conclusion: mRNA poly(A) tail size increases in developmentally high competent immature bovine oocytes. There was limited effect of ultra-rapid vitrification of bovine oocytes on poly(A).

Keywords: ligation-mediated poly(A) test, oocyte, poly-adenylated tail, vitrification.

Molecular identification of Mycoplasma synoviae from seroprevalent commercial breeder farms at Chittagong district, Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 10-10-2016)

5. Molecular identification of Mycoplasma synoviae from seroprevalent commercial breeder farms at Chittagong district, Bangladesh - Md. Inkeyas Uddin, Md. Harisul Abid, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Tofazzal Md. Rakib, Ashim Baran Sen, Shah Mohammed Ziqrul Haq Chowdhury, Md. Nurul Anwar and Kazi Md. Kamaruddin

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1063-1069

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1063-1069

Abstract

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Aim: Worldwide, Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is an important pathogen of poultry, especially for chicken and turkey. It causes respiratory tract infection and infectious sinusitis. The study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of MS infection with associated risk factors and identification of MS organism in unvaccinated flocks of commercial breeder farms of the Chittagong district, Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: A total of 365 serum samples were collected and tested for MS using serum plate agglutination (SPA) test for determination of MS seroprevalence. On the other hand, tracheal swabs were collected from each seropositive flocks for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the presence of MS organism.

Results: Among the farms, the highest prevalence was found to be 69% and the lowest prevalence was 28% with the average 60%. The seroprevalence of MS infection in breeder farms was highest 70% with the flock size >10,000 birds, whereas it was lowest 57% in the flocks ranging from 4000 to 7000. According to age group, the prevalence was found highest 70% in >60 weeks age group of birds and lowest 42% in 10-19 weeks group. The seroprevalence of MS in winter season was found as highest as 64%, whereas it was found lowest 60% in the summer season. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) among the seroprevalence of MS in different breeder farms, flock size, and age groups, but there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the winter, summer, and rainy season. To confirm the presence of MS in the samples, PCR test was applied using specific primers to amplify a 214 bp region of the 16S rRNA gene of the organism. In PCR, all seropositive flocks showed a positive result for MS.

Conclusion: As the plate agglutination test result showed 100% similar with PCR result, it can be suggested that agglutination test is better than molecular and culture techniques for MS detection and it is also cheaper and less time-consuming method.

Keywords: breeder farm, Mycoplasma synoviae, polymerase chain reaction, respiratory infection, risk factors, seroprevalence.

Determination of ceruloplasmin, some other acute phase proteins, and biochemical parameters in cows with endometritis

Research (Published online: 08-10-2016)

4. Determination of ceruloplasmin, some other acute phase proteins, and biochemical parameters in cows with endometritis - S. Kaya, O. Merhan, C. Kacar, A. Colak and K. Bozukluhan

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1056-1062

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1056-1062

Abstract

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Aim: The aim of this study is to determine serum ceruloplasmin levels in cows with endometritis of varying degrees of severity and to establish whether or not there is a correlation between acute phase protein (APP) levels and biochemical parameters.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 100 Brown Swiss cows (3-8 years of age) on days 28-32 postpartum. Cows were divided into endometritis (mild, moderate, and severe endometriosis) and healthy groups based on ultrasonography, vaginoscopy, and cytological examination. Blood samples were collected from all cows. Levels of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin, albumin, and some biochemical parameters were analyzed.

Results: Hp, SAA, and ceruloplasmin levels were higher in cows with endometritis than in healthy cows (p=0.001), and the levels of these APPs increased as endometritis became more severe (p=0.001). Some significant correlations were found between APPs and the biochemical parameters that were analyzed. In conclusion, it was determined that ceruloplasmin levels increase significantly in the presence of endometritis and proportionate to the severity of endometritis. A significant correlation was found between ceruloplasmin levels and Hp and SAA levels.

Conclusion: It was concluded that ceruloplasmin levels can be used in the diagnosis of endometritis as an alternative to Hp and SAA levels.

Keywords: albumin, ceruloplasmin, cow, endometritis, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A.

Expression of heat-shock protein 72 mRNA in relation to heart rate variability of Sahiwal and Karan-Fries in different temperature-humidity indices

Research (Published online: 07-10-2016)

3. Expression of heat-shock protein 72 mRNA in relation to heart rate variability of Sahiwal and Karan-Fries in different temperature-humidity indices - Prava Mayengbam, T. C. Tolenkhomba and R. C. Upadhyay

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1051-1055

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1051-1055

Abstract

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Aim: To investigate the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) on the expression pattern of heat-shock protein 72 (HSP72) mRNA of Sahiwal and Karan-Fries (KF) cattle in different THIs.

Materials and Methods: Five different periods of a year were selected based on combinations of T_max/T_min, viz., P1: <20°C/<10°C; P2: >20°C/<10°C, P3: <30°C/<15°C; P4: >35°C/<20°C, and P5: >35°C/>20°C. The THI was calculated from the records of temperature and relative humidity in different periods. Heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated from electrocardiogram records in different periods. HSP72 mRNA expression was estimated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The THI recorded during P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 were 55.5, 60.3, 70.1, 74.5, and 79.0, respectively. THI in P4 and P5 were stressful to animals. HSP72 mRNA expression increased during cold stress in P1 in Sahiwal and heat stress in P4 and P5 in both Sahiwal and KF. Sahiwal maintained increased HSP72 mRNA expression longer than KF without causing a significant change in HRV.

Conclusion: Both low THI in winter and high THI in summer increased HSP72 mRNA of Sahiwal and KF without significant change in HRV. Thermotolerance of Sahiwal could be due to the maintenance of higher HSP72 expression longer than KF in prolonged heat stress in summer.

Keywords: heat-shock protein 72 mRNA, Karan-Fries, Karnal, Sahiwal, stress, temperature-humidity index.

Zoonotic intestinal protozoan of the wild boars, Sus scrofa, in Persian Gulf’s coastal area (Bushehr province), Southwestern Iran

Research (Published online: 06-10-2016)

2. Zoonotic intestinal protozoan of the wild boars, Sus scrofa, in Persian Gulf’s coastal area (Bushehr province), Southwestern Iran -Kambiz Yaghoobi, Bahador Sarkari, Majid Mansouri and Mohammad Hossein Motazedian

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1047-1050

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1047-1050

Abstract

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Aim: Wild boars, Sus scrofa, are potential reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases, and there are a possibility of transmission of the zoonotic diseases from these animals to humans and also domestic animals. This study aimed to evaluate the protozoan contamination of wild boars in the Persian Gulf’s coastal area (Bushehr Province), southwestern Iran.

Materials and Methods: A total of 25 crossbred boars were collected during a course of vertebrate pest control in Bushehr province, in 2013. Samples were collected from the gastrointestinal tracts of each boar in 5% formalin, Bouin’s solution, sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin, and polyvinyl alcohol fixatives. Fixed stool smears examined by trichrome and Ziehl–Neelsen staining.

Results: Each of the 25 wild boars was infected with at least one of the intestinal protozoans. The rate of contamination with intestinal protozoan was 64% for Balantidium coli, 76% for Iodamoeba sp., 52% for Entamoeba polecki, 44% for Blastocystis sp. and 8% forChilomastix sp. No intestinal coccidian was detected in studied boars when the stool samples were evaluated by Ziehl–Neelsen staining method.

Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrated that wild boars in the Persian Gulf coastal area are contaminated by many protozoans, including zoonotic protozoan, which poses a potential risk to locals as well as the domestic animals of the area.

Keywords: Iran, Persian Gulf, protozoan, wild boars, zoonosis.

Effect of feeding guar meal on nutrient utilization and growth performance in Mahbubnagar local kids

Research (Published online: 04-10-2016)

1. Effect of feeding guar meal on nutrient utilization and growth performance in Mahbubnagar local kids - Razia Sultana Janampet, Kishan Kumar Malavath, Rajanna Neeradi, Satyanarayana Chedurupalli and Raghunandan Thirunahari

Veterinary World, 9(10): 1043-1046

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1043-1046

Abstract

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Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of guar meal, an unconventional

protein-rich feed ingredient in kids in comparison to conventional groundnut cake.

Materials and Methods: A total of 18 kids were randomly allotted to three groups, and T1 group was fed on basal diet, T2 and T3 groups were offered diet replacing groundnut cake at 50% and 100% with guar meal, respectively, for a period of 120-day. At the end of the growth trial, a digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the nutrient utilization.

Results: There was no significant difference in dry matter intake among three groups. Nutrient digestibilities were significantly higher (p<0.05) in kids fed T2 ration with 50% replacement of groundnut cake with guar meal.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that guar meal can be incorporated at 50% level in the concentrate mixture of goats replacing groundnut cake without any adverse effects.

Keywords: growth performance, guar meal, nutrient utilization.

Prevalence and multidrug resistance pattern of Salmonella isolated from resident wild birds of Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 01-10-2016)

7. Prevalence and multidrug resistance pattern of Salmonella isolated from resident wild birds of Bangladesh - Abdullah Al Faruq, Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Mohammad Mejbah Uddin, Mohammad Lutfur Rahman, Tofazzal Md. Rakib, Mahabub Alam and Ariful Islam

International Journal of One Health, 2: 35-41

  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2016.35-41

Abstract

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Aim: Salmonellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases, and the presence of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella in wild birds is global public health threat. Throughout the last decades, multidrug resistance of Salmonella spp. has increased, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and antimicrobial resistance pattern against Salmonella spp. from two species of resident wild birds namely house crow (Corvus splendens) and Asian pied starling (Gracupica contra).

Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from cloacal swabs of house crows and Asian pied starling for isolating Salmonella spp. (bacteriological culture methods) followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing (disk diffusion method) against Salmonella spp. isolates during March to December 2014.

Results: The prevalence of Salmonella in Asian pied starling and house crows were 67% and 65%, respectively. Within the category of samples from different species, the variation in prevalence was not varied significantly (p>0.05). Isolated Salmonella spp. was tested for resistance to six different antimicrobial agents. Among six antimicrobial tested, 100% resistance were found to penicillin, oxacillin, and clindamycin followed by erythromycin (50-93%), kanamycin (7-20%), and cephalothin (30-67%) from both species of birds. Kanamycin remained sensitive in (70-73%), cephalothin (26-70%), and erythromycin appeared to be (0-30%) sensitive against Salmonella spp. isolates. Isolated Salmonella spp. was multidrug resistant up to three of the six antimicrobials tested.

Conclusion: It can be said that the rational use of antimicrobials needs to be adopted in the treatment of disease for livestock, poultry, and human of Bangladesh to limit the emergence of drug resistance toSalmonella spp.

Keywords: antimicrobial, prevalence, resistance, resident wild birds, Salmonella.

Comparative evaluation of polymerase chain reaction assay with microscopy for detection of asymptomatic carrier state of theileriosis in a herd of crossbred cattle

Research (Published online: 30-09-2016)

21. Comparative evaluation of polymerase chain reaction assay with microscopy for detection of asymptomatic carrier state of theileriosis in a herd of crossbred cattle - Gaurav Charaya, N. K. Rakha, Sushila Maan, Aman Kumar, Tarun Kumar and Ricky Jhambh

Veterinary World, 9(9): 1039-1042

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1039-1042

Abstract

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Aim: This study aims to develop and to standardize a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that will diagnose clinical as well as carrier state of the disease and to compare the results with conventional microscopy technique.

Materials and Methods: A herd of crossbred cattle with the previous history of theileriosis in village Lahli, district Rohtak, Haryana, was selected for this study. A total of 29 blood samples were collected randomly from cows including five clinically ill cattle. Blood smears from all animals and lymph node biopsy smears from animal with swollen lymph nodes were examined microscopically after conventional Giemsa staining. Phenol chloroform isoamyl alcohol method was used for extracting DNA from blood. Previously published primers targeting cytochrome b gene sequence of Theileria annulata were used in the PCR assay that was standardized to use in the laboratory.

Results: Out of 29 samples tested,18 (62.06%) were found positive for theileriosis by PCR assay, whereas only 10 (34.48%) samples were detected positive by conventional microscopic technique using Giemsa staining method.

Conclusions: On the basis results of comparative studies, it can be concluded that PCR assay is a more sensitive than microscopic examination for detection of theileriosis. This can be attributed to the ability of PCR assay to detect small amounts of genomic DNA of T. annulata or low parasitemia in cows. Therefore, PCR assay can serve as a more sensitive tool to detect Theileria for detection of theileriosis even in asymptomatic carrier cattle which is important for the implementation of successful control programs.

Keywords: Carrier state, cytochrome b, Giemsa staining, polymerase chain reaction assay, theileriosis, Theileria annulata.

Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica and phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (nicotiamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit I and cytochrome oxidase subunit I) genes from the North-East of Iran

Research (Published online: 29-09-2016)

20. Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica and phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (nicotiamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit I and cytochrome oxidase subunit I) genes from the North-East of Iran - Saber Reaghi, Ali Haghighi, Majid Fasihi Harandi, Adel Spotin, Kourosh Arzamani and Soheila Rouhani

Veterinary World, 9(9): 1034-1038

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1034-1038

Abstract

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Aim: Fascioliasis is one of the most zoonotic diseases with global extension. As the epidemiological distribution of Fasciola may lead to various genetic patterns of the parasite, the aim of this study is to identify Fasciola hepatica based on spermatogenesis, and phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial (nicotiamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit I [ND1] and cytochrome oxidase subunit I) gene marker.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 90 F. hepatica collected from 30 cattle at slaughterhouse located in three different geographical locations in the North-East of Iran were evaluated based on spermatogenetic ability and internal transcribed spacer 1 gene restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern. Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship using mtDNA gene marker for the isolates from the North-East of Iran, and other countries were then analyzed.

Results: Partial sequences of mtDNA showed eight haplotypes in both genes. The phylogenic analysis using neighbor joining as well as maximum likelihood methods showed similar topologies of trees. Pairwise fixation index between different F. hepatica populations calculated from the nucleotide data set of ND1 gene are statistically significant and show the genetic difference.

Conclusion: F. hepatica found in this region of Iran has different genetic structures through the other Fasciola populations in the world.

Keywords: Cytochrome oxidase subunit I, Fasciola hepatica, Iran, molecular characterization, nicotiamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit I, phylogenic.

Seroprevalence of contagious ecthyma in goats of Assam: An analysis by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Research (Published online: 28-09-2016)

19. Seroprevalence of contagious ecthyma in goats of Assam: An analysis by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - Mousumi Bora, Durlav Prasad Bora, Nagendra Nath Barman, Biswajyoti Borah and Sutopa Das

Veterinary World, 9(9): 1028-1033

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1028-1033

Abstract

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Aim: The objective of this study was to screen the prevalence of contagious ecthyma (CE) among the goat population of Assam owing to its high prevalence rate.

Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 231 serum samples were collected from 12 districts of Assam during September 2013 to July 2014. The serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against Orf virus (ORFV) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Indirect ELISA was standardized using purified Orf reference virus produced in bulk in primary lamb testes cells.

Results: Studies on seroprevalence showed 76.62% of goats were seropositive. The total number of animals were divided into different age groups starting from 0-2 months, 2-4 months, 4-6 months, and above 8 months and accordingly highest prevalence of antibodies against ORFV was recorded in the age-group above 8 months of age. Significantly, lower rates of infection were observed in goats of age group 2-4 months. This study recorded that seropositivity from naturally infected animals and in contact apparently healthy animals to be 53.67% and 46.32%, respectively.

Conclusion: The results indicated that CE is a prevalent infection in goats of Assam, and the healthy population is at increased risk of infection.

Keywords: Assam, contagious ecthyma, goats, indirect enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay, serosurveillance.

Detection of Peste des petits ruminants virus and goatpox virus from an outbreak in goats with high mortality in Meghalaya state, India

Research (Published online: 28-09-2016)

18. Detection of Peste des petits ruminants virus and goatpox virus from an outbreak in goats with high mortality in Meghalaya state, India - A. Karim, U. Bhattacharjee, K. Puro, I. Shakuntala, R. Sanjukta, S. Das, S. Ghatak and A. Sen

Veterinary World, 9(9): 1025-1027

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1025-1027

Abstract

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Aim: We describe a laboratory investigation carried out to confirm the etiology of the heavy mortality (37 animals died out of total 44, i.e. 84%) in goats in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, Northeast region of India in December 2015. The clinical signs observed were abortion, diarrhea, high fever (up to 104°F), pox lesion in the skin, and respiratory distress.

Materials and Methods: The samples comprising whole blood, sera, and pox lesion were collected from the animals (n=7) from an outbreak for the screening of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and poxviruses. The whole blood and sera were used for screening of PPR virus (PPRV) by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and antibody by competitive ELISA as well as detection of PPRV partial N gene by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The skin lesions were used for the detection of poxvirus by PCR.

Results: The results showed the presence of PPR antigens (58-80%) in the samples by sandwich ELISA and antibody in all the sera samples ranging from 9% to 41% positivity in competitive ELISA. Four samples were positive for PPRV partial N gene. The skin lesion screened for poxvirus was also found to be positive for I3L gene of goatpox virus.

Conclusion: We confirm the outbreak of disease in goats with high mortality is a case of mixed infection of PPR and goatpox detected for the first time in Northeast India.

Keywords: Capripoxvirus, disease, goat, mortality, Peste des petits ruminants.

Prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in man and domestic animals: A review

Review (Published online: 27-09-2016)

6. Prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in man and domestic animals: A review - P. H. Bamaiyi

International Journal of One Health, 2: 29-34

  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2016.29-34

Abstract

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Brucellosis is the most common worldwide zoonosis with 500,000 new cases every year in humans and infections in millions of animals. This infection is mainly acquired by humans through consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products from infected animals. Exposure can also occur occupationally in those who work closely with animals through contact with aborted fetuses and reproductive secretions. Animals acquire the infection from other infected animals through direct contact and vertical transmission. This infection is prevalent in all continents of the world except Antarctica, but its impact is more felt in developing countries where it is endemic in animals and humans. In certain developed countries where the disease was eradicated, there seem to be a re-emergence of the disease as the disease appears to claim more territory. The risk factors of the disease may vary from country to country and region to region, but most risk factors are similar. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products plays a very important role in the transmission of this infection from animals to humans, in addition to direct contact with infected animals and their secretions. The best way to control this ubiquitous infection is through the One Health approach which involves human health, animal health, and environmental health. This paper reviews the prevalence of brucellosis in some countries in various continents of the world and highlights the risk factors responsible for the persistence of this infection in animals and humans with a view to proffering solution to this age-old zoonosis that has defied eradication for many generations in many parts of the world.

Keywords: animals, brucellosis, human, prevalence, risk factors.

Socio-demographic study on extent of knowledge, awareness, attitude, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock owners in Puducherry region

Research (Published online: 26-09-2016)

17. Socio-demographic study on extent of knowledge, awareness, attitude, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock owners in Puducherry region - K. Rajkumar, A. Bhattacharya, S. David, S. Hari Balaji, R. Hariharan, M. Jayakumar and N. Balaji

Veterinary World, 9(9): 1018-1024

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1018-1024

Abstract

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Aim: This study was conducted to assess the extent of knowledge, awareness, attitude, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock owners in Puducherry region.

Materials and Methods: A total of 250 livestock farmers were selected randomly from eight revenue villages. And each farmer was interviewed with a questionnaire containing both open- and close-ended questions on various aspects of zoonotic diseases, a total of 49 questionnaires were framed to assess the source and transmission of infection to the farmers and to test their knowledge and awareness about zoonotic diseases. The data collected were analyzed by chi-square test using software Graph pad prism, and results were used to assess the relationship between education level and zoonotic disease awareness; risk of zoonotic diseases and its relation with independent variables.

Results: The present survey analysis represents that most of the respondents are belonging to the age group of 41-60 years. About 42.8% of respondents’ household having a graduate. The most of the respondent are small-scale farmers and their monthly income was less than Rs. 10,000. About 61.2% of farmers were keeping their animal shed clean. About 29.6% of the respondents were ignorant about cleaning the dog bitten wound. Only 16.4% of respondents knew that diseases in animals can be transmitted to humans. Only 4.8%, 3.6%, 6.8%, and 22.4% of respondents knew about the zoonotic potential of diseases such as brucellosis, tuberculosis (TB), anthrax, and avian flu, respectively. Only 18% of the respondents were aware about zoonotic diseases from cattle. Regarding the list of zoonotic diseases contracted, 37.7% reported respiratory infection, 31.1% digestive disturbances, 15.5% had dermatological problem, and 15.5% reported indiscrete disease such as fever, body pain, and headache joint pain. From the respondent got the zoonotic disease (n=45), 51.2% of the respondent reported chronic infection and 48.8% of the respondent reported acute form of zoonotic infection. About 30% of the respondents’ farm had an incidence of abortion. Our analyses showed that there was significant in educational level of respondents and treatment of dog bitten animals. Furthermore, there was statistical significance in occurrence of hand and foot lesions in the respondent and occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in their animals.

Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that involvement of educated family members in farming practices can create awareness and improve knowledge toward zoonotic disease. Further creation of awareness toward zoonotic diseases is of utmost important.

Keywords: attitude, awareness, livestock farmers, risk, zoonotic disease.

Genetic evaluation of reproduction performance of Jersey × Red Sindhi crossbred cows

Research (Published online: 26-09-2016)

16. Genetic evaluation of reproduction performance of Jersey × Red Sindhi crossbred cows - S. Vinothraj, A. Subramaniyan, R. Venkataramanan, Cecilia Joseph and S. N. Sivaselvam

Veterinary World, 9(9): 1012-1017

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1012-1017

Abstract

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Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to study the reproduction performance and effect of non-genetic factors on reproduction performance of Jersey crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods: Data on 355 Jersey crossbred cattle maintained at the Post-graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences, Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu, distributed over 30 years (1985 to 2014). The effect of various non-genetic factors including the period of birth, season of birth, period of calving, season of calving and parity were analyzed through least-squares analyses using univariate general linear model. The different (co)variance components for calculation of genetic parameters were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood method by fitting an animal model.

Results: The overall least-squares means (±standard error) of age at first service, age at first calving, weight at first calving, service period, calving interval, dry period, and number of services per conception were 848.06±9.72 days, 1204±12.20 days, 289.81±1.71 kg, 210.01±6.41 days, 489.12±6.45 days, 137.96±5.58 days, 2.50±0.07, respectively. Period of calving had either significant (p<0.05) or highly significant (p<0.01) effect on all reproduction traits studied except service period, calving interval, and dry period. Number of services per conception was affected by season of calving. Parity had significant influence (p<0.05) or highly significant (p<0.01) influence on all the traits studied except service period and dry period. Heritability estimates of age at first service, age at first calving, weight at first calving, service period, calving interval, dry period, and number of services per conception were 0.299, 0.220, 0.017, 0.142, 0.222, 0.177, and 0.042, respectively. The estimates of repeatability for service period, calving interval, dry period, and number of services per conception were 0.219, 0.234, 0.420, and 0.001, respectively.

Conclusions: The reproduction performances of Jersey × Red Sindhi crossbreds were lower when compared to the earlier reports on Jersey crossbreds. Heritability and repeatability values were also low to moderate, indicating limited scope for improvement through selection.

Keywords: genetic parameters, Jersey crossbred, reproductive performance.