Status of theileriosis among herbivores in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Research (Published online: 19-03-2018)

13. Status of theileriosis among herbivores in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Masoud Soosaraei, Mousa Motavalli Haghi, Fariborz Etemadifar, Mahdi Fakhar, Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi, Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi and Shabnam Asfaram

Veterinary World, 11(3): 332-341

ABSTRACT

Aim: Theileriosis is a protozoal disease caused by Theileria spp. mostly in warm-blooded vertebrates worldwide. It is one of the common tick-borne diseases among domestic animals in tropical and sub-tropical regions, which have a variety of unlikable effects on health economy and animal welfare. In the present study, the prevalence of theileriosis among domestic farm animals in Iran was systematically evaluated.

Methods: To identify the related papers, 10 English and Persian databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Medical Subject Headings, Google Scholar, Magiran, Barakatns (formerly Iranmedex), Elm net, and Scientific Information Database, were appraised for articles published throughout 1999-2017.

Results: A total of 56 papers, providing the examination of 11,317 cattle, 9394 sheep, 2991 buffaloes, 1504 horses, 600 goats, and 212 donkeys were analyzed, matching for the prevalence of theileriosis from different parts of Iran were permitted for our allowing checklist. The overall prevalence of theileriosis among domestic herbivores was expected to be 19% (95% confidence interval: 15%, 22%). Our findings highlighted the average of the maximum prevalence in Razavi Khorasan (60.4%) and West Azerbaijan (49.1%) and the minimum in Mazandaran (1.1%) and East Azerbaijan provinces (2.2%), respectively. The high prevalence of Theileriainfection in the herbivores (mainly sheep) verifies the well-known enzootic episode of theileriosis in Iran, predominantly in northeastern and western parts of the country.

Conclusion: Our results suggested updated and imperative information on the true burden of theileriosis in Iran. Moreover, it could be supporting the gaps among monitoring, prevention, and control arrangements to improve the health economy, particularly among dairy farm animals.

Keywords: epidemiology, Iran, livestock, systematic review, Theileria spp.

Serum cortisol level and survival rate of juvenile Epinephelus fuscoguttatus following exposure to different salinities

Research (Published online: 17-03-2018)

12. Serum cortisol level and survival rate of juvenile Epinephelus fuscoguttatus following exposure to different salinities

Diyana Tahir, M. Shariff, Fadhil Syukri and F. M. Yusoff

Veterinary World, 11(3): 327-331

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brown-marbled grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus is a premium marine food fish with high demand in Asia. In fish, stress due to environmental changes such as fluctuations in the salinity can result in increased cortisol level. Stress in fish increases susceptibility to diseases ultimately resulting in death. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the salinity tolerance of E. fuscoguttatus and their survival in lower salinities.

Materials and Methods: In this study, grouper juveniles (92.43±standard error of the mean 0.51 mm) maintained in 31 ppt seawater were transferred into five tanks with seawater diluted to 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5 ppt. The salinity of the control group was not changed and was maintained at 31 ppt. Serum cortisol was measured using ELISA at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after the fish were transferred to the different concentrations of salinity.

Results: The survival percentage was recorded for 14 days following the transfer and the results revealed that serum cortisol of fish in a high change in salinity (15, 10, and 5 ppt) was significantly higher than the control group immediately after exposure. At the high salinity change, the cortisol levels gradually decrease at 30 min and 60 min, until no difference in cortisol concentration was observed at 120 min. No mortality was observed in fish exposed to low salinity change (25 and 20 ppt) while in higher salinity change (5 ppt), the survival percentage was 50%.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the serum cortisol concentration was high initially and continues to decrease to resting cortisol level at 120 min indicating that cortisol hormone is released following acute stress as a primary response in grouper juveniles.

Keywords: cortisol, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, salinity, serum, stress, survival.

The activity of pomegranate extract standardized 40% ellagic acid during the healing process of incision wounds in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Research (Published online: 17-03-2018)

11. The activity of pomegranate extract standardized 40% ellagic acid during the healing process of incision wounds in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Wiwik Misaco Yuniarti, Hardany Primarizky and Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto

Veterinary World, 11(3): 321-326

Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate extract standardized to 40% ellagic acid on the incised wound in albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Fifty albino rats were divided into 10 treatment groups. The five groups were sacrificed on the 8th day, while the others were sacrificed on the 15th day. Two groups of albino rats with incised wound were not treated at all (P0), the other two groups of albino rats with incised wound were treated with Betadine® (P1) ointment, and the rest of the groups were treated with pomegranate extract standardized to 40% ellagic acid with a concentration of 2.5% (P2), 5% (P3), and 7.5% (P4). The treatments were carried out twice a day with an interval of 12 h for 7 and 14 days. At the end of the research, the skin tissue of those albino rats had been taken for histopathologic preparations before H and E staining was performed.

Results: Collagen deposition, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) infiltration, angiogenesis, and fibrosis degree in Group P4 treated with 7.5% pomegranate extract standardized to 40% ellagic acid for 14 days were significantly different from those in Groups P0, P1, P2, and P3, especially in the case of PMN inflammation (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The administration of 7.5% pomegranate extract standardized to 40% ellagic acid for 14 days on incised wounds of those albino rats can accelerate the wound healing process characterized by collagen deposition improvement, PMN infiltration in the wound area, angiogenesis, and fibrosis degree.

Keywords: albino rats, ellagic acid, incision wound, pomegranate, wound healing process.

Prevalence and characterization of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive Staphylococcus aureus in bovine milk in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India

Research (Published online: 16-03-2018)

10. Prevalence and characterization of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive Staphylococcus aureus in bovine milk in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India

Neeraj Shrivastava, Varsha Sharma, Arpita Shrivastav, Anju Nayak and Ajay Kumar Rai

Veterinary World, 11(3): 316-320

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive Staphylococcus aureus in bovine milk due to its public health significance.

Materials and Methods: A total of 400 milk samples of bovines taken from different dairy farms and outlets of Jabalpur were screened for the S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The strains were tested for the PVL gene and antimicrobial sensitivity toward 10 different classes of antimicrobial agents. The PVL-positive S. aureus strains were further characterized by staphylococcal protein A or spa typing.

Results: The prevalence of PVL-positive S. aureus was 10.53%. All the isolates positive for the PVL were resistant to methicillin, while the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolates were negative for the PVL. Five different spa types were found.

Conclusion: The presence of PVL-positive MRSA in bovine milk close to consumer poses a potential public health risk to the community.

Keywords: bovine milk, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Panton-Valentine leukocidin.

Three Strigeid cercariae from Littorina littorea snail, Qarun Lake, Fayoum, Egypt

Research (Published online: 14-03-2018)

9. Three Strigeid cercariae from Littorina littorea snail, Qarun Lake, Fayoum, Egypt

Fayez A. Bakry, Marwa Th. Atwa and Marwa M. Attia

Veterinary World, 11(3): 310-315

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study aims to focus on the role of common marine snails (Littorina littorea) as a vector for some trematode parasites.

Materials and Methods: A total of 327 marine water L. littorea snails were collected during the summer of 2016 from a Qarun lake in the EL-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. The snails were investigated for infection by trematode parthenitae through induction of cercarial shedding by exposure to light and crushing the snails. The species were stored in Search Laboratory of Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University.

Results: Three species of Strigeid littorina cercaria were identified from the infected snails. They are described here and they identified in relation to close-up morphological features and linked to its snail hosts. They give the following names: Cercaria strigeid littorina type 1, C. strigeid littorina type 2, and C. strigeid littorina type 3. The incidence of infection by these cercariae was 33%, 25.7%, and 2.4%, respectively.

Conclusion: This study is clarifying the importance of this marine snail as intermediate hosts for new trematode species.

Keywords: Littorina littorea, Qarun Lake, Strigeid Cercaria.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in Apis melliferaLawang propolis extract gel-treated traumatic ulcers in diabetic rats

Research (Published online: 14-03-2018)

8. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in Apis melliferaLawang propolis extract gel-treated traumatic ulcers in diabetic rats

Diah Savitri Ernawati and Ade Puspa

Veterinary World, 11(3): 304-309

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Apis mellifera propolis extract gel on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in the traumatic ulcers of rats afflicted with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced with DM by injecting 50 mg/kg of Streptozotocin, intraperitoneally, and a traumatic ulcer on their lower lip mucosa. These were divided into eight groups: Four each for control and treatment groups. Each control and treatment group consisted of three rats. The control groups treated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 5% gel and treatment groups were administered with propolis extract gel. The expression of VEGF and MMP-9 was observed on days 3, 5, 7, and 9. Furthermore, mice sacrificed and the lower lip labial mucosa tissue of mice has been taken to make the histopathology anatomy preparation by means of immunohistochemical examination with monoclonal antibodies anti-VEGF and anti-MMP-9.

Results: This experiment revealed higher VEGF expression and lower MMP-9 expression in the treatment group as compared to that of the control group. Analysis of Variance showed significant differences (p<0.01) of both VEGF expression and MMP-9 expression between the two groups. A Tukey's analysis did not find strong contrasts in VEGF and MMP-9 expressions between various treatment groups. However, those between treatment and control groups were found to be considerable.

Conclusion: Propolis extract gel increased the expression of VEGF and decreased that of MMP-9 during the healing process of traumatic ulcers on the oral mucosa of diabetes afflicted Wistar rats (R. norvegicus).

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, matrix metalloproteinase-9, ulcer healing process, vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Meta-analysis of classical swine fever prevalence in pigs in India: A 5-year study

Research (Published online: 13-03-2018)

7. Meta-analysis of classical swine fever prevalence in pigs in India: A 5-year study

S. S. Patil, K. P. Suresh, S. Saha, A. Prajapati, D. Hemadri and P. Roy

Veterinary World, 11(3): 297-303

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the overall prevalence of classical swine fever (CSF) in pigs in India, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data.

Materials and Methods: Consortium for e-Resources in Agriculture, India, Google Scholar, PubMed, annual reports of All India Coordinated Research Project on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance,and All India Animal Disease database of NIVEDI (NADRES) were used for searching and retrieval of CSF prevalence data (seroprevalence, virus antigen, and virus nucleic acid detection) in India using a search strategy combining keywords and related database-specific subject terms from January 2011 to December 2015 in English only.

Results: A total of 22 data reports containing 6,158 samples size from 18 states of India were used for the quantitative synthesis, and overall 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.24, 0.51) CSF prevalence in India was estimated. The data were classified into 4 different geographical zones of the country: 20% (95% CI=0.05, 0.55), 31% (95% CI=0.18, 0.47), 55% (95% CI=0.32, 0.76), and 34% (95% CI=0.14, 0.62). CSF prevalence was estimated in northern, eastern, western, and southern regions, respectively.

Conclusion: This study indicates that overall prevalence of CSF in India is much lower than individual published reports.

Keywords: Classical swine fever, India, meta-analysis, pigs, prevalence.

Giardiasis: Serum antibodies and coproantigens in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies

Research (Published online: 12-03-2018)

6. Giardiasis: Serum antibodies and coproantigens in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies

Keshaw Tiwari, Camille Coomansingh Springer, Alfred Chikweto, Josephine Tang, Yvette Sepulveda, Amanda Leigh Smith, Nia Rametta and Ravindra Nath Sharma

Veterinary World, 11(3): 293-296

ABSTRACT

Aim: Giardia is a serious zoonotic parasite, which causes diarrheal disease in humans and animals including rodents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Giardia spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada.

Materials and Methods: Intestinal contents from 99 and serum samples from 169 brown rats (R. norvegicus) from Grenada were collected. These samples were examined for the Giardia coproantigens using Cryptosporidium/Giardia Quik Chek assay (Tech lab® Inc., USA), and the serum was screened through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit for Giardia antibody (anti-GD) ELISA kit (MyBioSource, San Diego, CA, USA).

Results: Giardia coproantigens were positive in 17.17% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 10.33-26.06%) rats, whereas 55% (95% CI: 47.20-62.68) were positive with serum antibodies (anti-GD) to Giardia.

Conclusion: The prevalence of Giardia spp. in brown rats in Grenada was moderate based on the presence of coproantigens in the intestinal contents and antibody in serum. The findings of Giardia infections and prevalence in brown rats will help veterinarians and physicians to better plan diagnostic and preventative strategies. This is the first report of prevalence of Giardia in brown rats in Grenada.

Keywords: antibody, brown rat, coproantigens, Giardia, Grenada.

Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis: Animal-human health and economic approach with treatment trends in Kombolcha Town, Wollo, Ethiopia

Research (Published online: 07-03-2018)

3. Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis: Animal-human health and economic approach with treatment trends in Kombolcha Town, Wollo, Ethiopia

Aragaw Tegegne, Adem Hiko and Kemal Kedir Elemo

International Journal of One Health, 4: 15-21

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis accounted for parasitic zoonotic implications with economic losses from organ contamination and treatment cost. The disease is common where hygienic conditions are poor and the inhabitants traditionally eat raw or insufficiently cooked meat under inadequate community awareness on the associated risk factors for the occurrences of infections in developing countries such as Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess bovine cysticercosis and Taenia saginata human taeniasis considering animal-human health and economic approach with treatment trends in Kombolcha Town, Wollo, Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in cattle slaughtered at Kombolcha ELFORA abattoir from November 2016 to April 2017. A questionnaire survey was applied for community awareness, exposure risk, and treatment trends for taeniasis assessment in Kombolcha Town with economic losses from organ condemnation, and drug cost for taeniasis treatments were estimated.

Results: Of the 234 examined carcasses, 21 (8.97%) were found infected with bovine cysticercosis. Organ distribution of the cysts showed highest proportions in liver 40 (29.2%), followed by heart 26 (18.9%), tongue 22 (16.1%), masseter muscle 20 (14.6%), triceps 15 (10.9%), diaphragm 9 (6.7%), and lung 5 (3.6%). Both male, i.e., 15 (6.4%), and female, i.e., 6 (12.8%), were infected. Regardless of sample size, Cysticercus bovis infection was found 8 (21.62%) in adults and 13 (6.60%) older aged. Of 110 interviewed individuals, about 31.8% aware of taeniasis and they also have exposure risk for taeniasis with no differences (p>0.05) within studied demography. The majorities (54.3%) of exposed groups use pharmaceutical drugs, while 28.6% use herbal medicine, but 17.2% use both for treatment. Of 31,469 clinical cases in Kombolcha Town, 22 (0.07%) were positive for taeniasis over the year 2016. An inventory of pharmaceutical shops revealed the supply of 6998 adult taenicidal drug doses for a cost of 19,621.00 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) where mebendazole and albendazole were the most frequent. A total annual economic loss of 1,841,311.00 ETB (73,652.44 USD) consisting of 1,831,890.00 ETB from organ condemnation and 19,421.00 ETB from taenicidal drug cost was estimated.

Conclusion: The present finding indicates the need for community awareness creation regarding the disease condition, associated risk factors, and application of environmental hygiene which could bring a paramount reduction of diseases in human and beef industry which prevent the associated economic loss.

Keywords: abattoir, Cysticercus bovis, economic loss, Ethiopia, Kombolcha, taeniasis.

Androctonus genus species in arid regions: Ecological niche models, geographical distributions, and envenomation risk

Research (Published online: 06-03-2018)

5. Androctonus genus species in arid regions: Ecological niche models, geographical distributions, and envenomation risk

Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan, Oulaid Touloun, Abdellah Bouazza, Mehdi Ait Laaradia and Ali Boumezzough

Veterinary World, 11(3): 286-292

ABSTRACT

Aim: The objective of this study was to establish environmental factors related to scorpion species occurrence and their current potential geographic distributions in Morocco, to produce a current envenomation risk map and also to assess the human population at risk of envenomation.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 71 georeferenced points for all scorpion species and nine environmental indicators were used to generate species distribution models in Maxent (maximum entropy modeling of species geographic distributions) version 3.3.3k. The models were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), using the omission error and the binomial probability. With the data generated by Maxent, distribution and envenomation risk maps were produced using the "ESRI® ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Desktop" software.

Results: The models had high predictive success (AUC >0.95±0.025). Altitude, slope and five bioclimatic attributes were found to play a significant role in determining Androctonus scorpion species distribution. Ecological niche models (ENMs) showed high concordance with the known distribution of the species. Produced risk map identified broad risk areas for Androctonus scorpion envenomation, extending along Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Souss-Massa-Draa, and some areas of Doukkala-Abda and Oriental regions.

Conclusion: Considering these findings ENMs could be useful to afford important information on distributions of medically important scorpion species as well as producing scorpion envenomation risk maps.

Keywords: Androctonus genus, ecological niche models, Morocco, risk maps, scorpion envenomation.

Prevalence of American foulbrood in asymptomatic apiaries of Kurdistan, Iran

Research (Published online: 05-03-2018)

4. Prevalence of American foulbrood in asymptomatic apiaries of Kurdistan, Iran

M. Khezri, M. Moharrami, H. Modirrousta, M. Torkaman, B. Rokhzad and H. Khanbabaie

Veterinary World, 11(3): 281-285

ABSTRACT

Aim: Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae is the etiological agent of American foulbrood (AFB), the most virulent bacterial disease of honey bee brood worldwide. In many countries, AFB is a notifiable disease since it is highly contagious, in most cases incurable, and able to kill affected colonies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of P. larvae subsp. larvae in Kurdistan province apiaries by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 samples were randomly purchased from apiaries in Kurdistan, Iran. Apiaries were randomly sampled in accordance with the instructions of the veterinary organization from different provinces and were tested using PCR method and an exclusive primer of 16S rRNA for the presence of P. larvae subsp. larvae.

Results: The results of this study indicated a low level of contamination with P. larvae subsp. larvae in the Kurdistan province. The number of positive samples obtained by PCR was 2%.

Conclusion: Therefore, monitoring programs for this honeybee disease in Kurdistan should be developed and implemented to ensure that it is detected early and managed.

Keywords: American foulbrood, honeybee, Kurdistan province, Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae, polymerase chain reaction.

Prevailing practices in the use of antibiotics by dairy farmers in Eastern Haryana region of India

Research (Published online: 04-03-2018)

3. Prevailing practices in the use of antibiotics by dairy farmers in Eastern Haryana region of India

Vikash Kumar and Jancy Gupta

Veterinary World, 11(3): 274-280

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the antibiotic use in dairy animals and to trace its usage pattern among the small, medium, and large dairy farmers in Eastern Haryana region of India.

Materials and Methods: Karnal and Kurukshetra districts from Eastern region of Haryana state were purposively selected, and four villages from each district were selected randomly. From each village, 21 farmers were selected using stratified random sampling by categorizing into small, medium, and large farmers constituting a total of 168 farmers as respondents. An antibiotic usage index (AUI) was developed to assess usage of antibiotics by dairy farmers.

Results: Frequency of veterinary consultancy was high among large dairy farmers, and they mostly preferred veterinarians over para-veterinarians for treatment of dairy animals. Small farmers demanded low-cost antibiotics from veterinarians whereas large farmers rarely went for it. Antibiotics were used maximum for therapeutic purposes by all categories of farmers. Completion of treatment schedules and follow-up were strictly practiced by the majority of large farmers. AUI revealed that large farmers were more consistent on decision-making about prudent use of antibiotics. Routine use of antibiotics after parturition to prevent disease and sale of milk without adhering to withdrawal period was responsible for aggravating the antibiotic resistance. The extent of antibiotic use by small farmers depended on the severity of disease. The large farmers opted for the prophylactic use of antibiotics at the herd level.

Conclusion: Antibiotic usage practices were judicious among large dairy farmers, moderately prudent by medium dairy farmers and faulty by small farmers. The frequency of veterinary consultancy promoted better veterinary-client relationship among large farmers.

Keywords: antibiotic usage, treatment schedules, veterinary consultancy, withdrawal period.

Semi-nested polymerase chain reaction-based detection of Babesia spp. in small ruminants from Northwest of Iran

Research (Published online: 03-03-2018)

2. Semi-nested polymerase chain reaction-based detection of Babesia spp. in small ruminants from Northwest of Iran

Ahad Bazmani, Amir Abolhooshyar, Abbas Imani-Baran and Hamid Akbari

Veterinary World, 11(3): 268-273

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study aimed to detect Babesia ovis and Babesia motasi in the blood samples of sheep and goats from Northwest of Iran by the semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.

Materials and Methods: A total of 166 whole blood samples (including 123 sheep and 43 goats) were collected. In the first stage, the PCR was performed to amplify a piece of 18S rRNA gene of Babesia and Theileriagenera. Then, semi-nested PCR was carried out on all PCR products to differentiate B. ovis and B. motasi.

Results: The PCR indicated that totally, 19 (11.44%) out of 166 samples were positive for Babesia or Theileria spp. The semi-nested PCR showed that 38 samples (22.89%) were positive only for B. ovis. No significant association was found between the infection rate of B. ovis and age, gender and species of animals.

Conclusion: In the present study, there was no evidence for B. motasi infection in small ruminants from Northwest of Iran. Therefore, B. ovis was the main causative agent of ovine Babesiosis in this region.

Keywords: Babesia motasi, Babesia ovis, Iran, semi-nested polymerase chain reaction, small ruminants.

Modeling the potential risk factors of bovine viral diarrhea prevalence in Egypt using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses

Research (Published online: 02-03-2018)

1. Modeling the potential risk factors of bovine viral diarrhea prevalence in Egypt using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses

Abdelfattah M. Selim, Mahmoud M. Elhaig, Sherif A. Moawed and Ehab El-Nahas

Veterinary World, 11(3): 259-267

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) disease in cattle and buffaloes in Egypt, to model the potential risk factors associated with the disease using logistic regression (LR) models, and to fit the best predictive model for the current data.

Materials and Methods: A total of 740 blood samples were collected within November 2012-March 2013 from animals aged between 6 months and 3 years. The potential risk factors studied were species, age, sex, and herd location. All serum samples were examined with indirect ELIZA test for antibody detection. Data were analyzed with different statistical approaches such as Chi-square test, odds ratios (OR), univariable, and multivariable LR models.

Results: Results revealed a non-significant association between being seropositive with BVDV and all risk factors, except for species of animal. Seroprevalence percentages were 40% and 23% for cattle and buffaloes, respectively. OR for all categories were close to one with the highest OR for cattle relative to buffaloes, which was 2.237. Likelihood ratio tests showed a significant drop of the -2LL from univariable LR to multivariable LR models.

Conclusion: There was an evidence of high seroprevalence of BVDV among cattle as compared with buffaloes with the possibility of infection in different age groups of animals. In addition, multivariable LR model was proved to provide more information for association and prediction purposes relative to univariable LR models and Chi-square tests if we have more than one predictor.

Keywords: bovine viral diarrhea, likelihood ratio test, logistic regression, odds ratio, seroprevalence.

Genetic parameter estimation for pre-weaning growth traits in Jordan Awassi sheep

Research (Published online: 27-02-2018)

27. Genetic parameter estimation for pre-weaning growth traits in Jordan Awassi sheep

Khaleel Jawasreh, Zuhair Bani Ismail, Feizal Iya, Vielka Jeanethe Castaneda-Bustos and Mauricio Valencia-Posadas

Veterinary World, 11(2): 254-258

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations, and the genetic trends for pre-weaning growth traits including the birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), pre-weaning daily gain (PWDG), and weaning age (WA) in Awassi lambs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 5131 Awassi lambs from two Jordanian sheep breeding stations were used. A multitrait animal model and restricted maximum likelihood methods were used to estimate the covariances between the studied traits.

Results: The mean±standard deviation of BWT, WWT, PWDG, and WA was 4.48±0.8 kg, 17.13±0.7 kg, 0.2±0.07 g, and 65.5±0.7 days, respectively. Heritability estimates were 0.30±0.04 for BWT, 0.19±0.04 for WWT and PWDG, and 0.2±0.04 for WA. Positive genetic correlations were obtained between BWT and other traits, while negative correlations were obtained between WWT, PWDG, and WA (-0.50±0.12) and between WWT and WA (-0.67±0.14). The positive phenotypic correlation was obtained between WA and PWDG (0.63±0.01). The highest additive genetic variance was obtained for WA (34.58), while the lowest was estimated for PWDG (6.22E-04). The highest phenotypic variance was obtained for WA (175.5), while the lowest value obtained was for BWT (0.54). Maternal additive variance ranged between 0.13 and 0.03. The genetic trends were around zero for all studied traits.

Conclusion: Selection should be conducted using animals with high estimated breeding values through controlled breeding.

Keywords: Awassi sheep, breeding values, growth traits, heritability.

Effect of levamisole, Vitamin E, and selenium against aflatoxicosis in broilers chicken

Research (Published online: 24-02-2018)

26. Effect of levamisole, Vitamin E, and selenium against aflatoxicosis in broilers chicken

Amjed H. Ulaiwi

Veterinary World, 11(2): 248-253

Aim: The experiment was conducted to determine of levamisole (0.2 ml/kg-BW), Vitamin E (80 mg)+selenium (1.6 mg), and aflatoxin (B1) (positive control) compared with group without aflatoxin (negative control) on some liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase [AST] and alanine transaminase [ALT]), as well as to study the histopathological changes.

Materials and Methods: The experiment included (200) 1-day-old broilers Ross 308 (Turkey source) mixed sexes. They were divided into four equal groups (50 chicks each group). The experimental period was extended to 35 days.

Results: The results revealed that the levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) of all groups at 35 days were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the negative control. Furthermore, the result of histopathological changes in thymus and Harderian gland in different ages of group Vitamin E+selenium showed a reduction in the depletion of the cortex as well as lessening of congestion and hemorrhage and necrosis also decreasing in inflammatory cells in the thymus and Harderian gland.

Conclusion: The study confirmed the protective effect of Vitamin E and levamisole by reducing harmful impacts of aflatoxin through their antioxidant effect as they improved the liver enzymes and histopathological changes due to the toxin.

Keywords: aflatoxin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, broiler, levamisole, Vitamin E and selenium.

The effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the basal diet on the growth performance, carcass traits, and physiological response of broilers

Research (Published online: 24-02-2018)

25. The effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the basal diet on the growth performance, carcass traits, and physiological response of broilers

Sugiharto Sugiharto, Isroli Isroli, Turrini Yudiarti and Endang Widiastuti

Veterinary World, 11(2): 240-247

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the broiler chicken diets on their growth performance, hematological parameters, and carcass traits.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight Lohmann 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four groups, i.e., control (without additional supplementation) and three experimental treatments where basal diet was enriched by 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals, respectively. Blood sampling was conducted on day 28, while the selected organs and eviscerated carcasses were collected on day 42.

Results: Dietary supplementation did not affect (p>0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Supplementation by 0.1% and 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals reduced (p≤0.05) heart relative weight of broilers. Dietary supplementation tended (p=0.07) to increase the relative weight of ileum and pancreas of broilers. Supplemented birds had lower (p≤0.05) numbers of leukocytes and eosinophils compared to unsupplemented birds. There were tendencies that supplementation of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p=0.07) counts of lymphocytes and heterophils when compared with no supplementation. Supplementation by 0.5% of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p≤0.05) serum concentration of uric acid when compared with control. There was no significant effect of dietary supplementation on carcass traits, pH, and drip loss of broiler breast muscles.

Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of commercial broiler feeds with 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals was potential to improve digestive functions and physiological status of broiler chickens.

Keywords: broiler chicks, growth rate, minerals, multistrain probiotics, physiological status, vitamins.

The effect of purified Quercus cortex extract on biochemical parameters of organism and productivity of healthy broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 23-02-2018)

24. The effect of purified Quercus cortex extract on biochemical parameters of organism and productivity of healthy broiler chickens

Galimzhan Kalihanovich Duskaev, Nadezhda Mihajlovna Kazachkova, Alexander Sergeevich Ushakov, Baer Serekpaevich Nurzhanov and Albert Farhitdinovich Rysaev

Veterinary World, 11(2): 235-239

ABSTRACT

Aim: Modern methods of producing poultry meat without the use of antibiotics are known, and it is possible to achieve the desired conditions, including the use of herbal preparations. In addition, it is known that metabolites of medicinal plants are inhibitors of the quorum sensing system in bacteria. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Quercus cortex extract in a reduced dose on the productivity and body state of healthy chicken broilers.

Materials and Methods: For the experiment, 120 heads of 7-day-old healthy broiler chickens were selected, and they were divided into four groups (n=30, 3 replicates of 10 birds in each group) by the analog method. The composition of diets of the experimental Groups I and II additionally included Q. cortex extract and Groups II and III included an enzyme preparation containing glucoamylase and concomitant cellulolytic enzymes. The following methods of study were used; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry, and hematological analysis.

Results: It was established that the increase in live weight of broiler chickens in experimental groups exceeded the analogous indicator in the control group by 3.1-16.6%, and feed intake within the entire experimental period increased by 2.6-15.4%, against a background of decreasing feed consumption for a weight gain of 1 kg of live weight (by 3.7-9.2%). There was an increase in iron concentration in blood of broiler chickens in Groups I and II (7.8-11.8%), in liver (23.7-92.4%, p≤0.05), and in spleen (53.9-77.7%, p≤0.05) against the background of a decrease in muscle tissue. A decreased content of monocytes and granulocytes was found, especially in experimental Group I.

Conclusion: In the experiment, it was shown for the first time that the inclusion of Q. cortex extract in an enzyme-containing diet (anti-quarantine substances) was found to increase the productivity of poultry.

Keywords: blood, broilers, growth, iron, Quercus cortex.

DNA extraction from hydatid cyst protoscolices: Comparison of five different methods

Research (Published online: 22-02-2018)

23. DNA extraction from hydatid cyst protoscolices: Comparison of five different methods

Afshin Barazesh, Bahador Sarkari, Sepideh Ebrahimi and Mehdi Hami

Veterinary World, 11(2): 231-234

ABSTRACT

Aim: The current study aimed to find out a simple, practical and high throughput DNA isolation method for extraction of DNA from hydatid cyst samples.

Materials and Methods: Cattle and sheep isolate of hydatid cysts were obtained from the slaughterhouse, and hydatid fluid and protoscolices were collected in a sterile condition. Protoscolices were washed, 3 times with phosphate buffered saline, and DNA was extracted by different methods including manual extraction with freeze/thawing and phenol-chloroform, Triton X-100 extraction, and by a commercial kit (YTA, Yekta Tajhiz Azma, Iran) with three different modifications in the kit's manufacturer instructions. The obtained DNA from the different methods was evaluated by Nanodrop in terms of the yield of DNA and carbohydrates or protein contaminations. To compare the quality of the extracted DNA, two pieces of the mitochondrial genome of Echinococcus granulosus, cox1, and nad1, were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified, using each of the DNA prepared by different methods. Electrophoresis of PCR products was carried out on the agarose gel.

Results: The DNA extracted by manual method, using phenol/chloroform, had the highest yield, yet with the highest level of protein and carbohydrate contamination. The DNA extracted using two-step incubations, initially at 60°C for 2 h and then overnight at 37°C, was the most purified DNA with the lowest rate of contamination.

Conclusion: Findings of the study demonstrated that modification in the currently available commercially DNA extraction kit resulted in the development of a high throughput DNA isolation method. This method can be recommended for the extraction of DNA from hydatid cysts, especially the cattle isolate where the extraction of DNA in these samples are usually problematic.

Keywords: DNA extraction, hydatid cyst, protoscolices.

Interspecies comparison of probiotics isolated from different animals

Research (Published online: 21-02-2018)

22. Interspecies comparison of probiotics isolated from different animals

Amr M. Abdou, Riham H. Hedia, Shimaa T. Omara, Mohamed Abd El-Fatah Mahmoud, Mai M. Kandil, and M. A. Bakry

Veterinary World, 11(2): 227-230

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the current study was to isolate and identify naturally occurring probiotic Lactobacillus species in different animals with the different environmental background including fish, and farm animals to investigate interspecies differences in probiotics on the species level.

Materials and Methods: A total of 44 fecal and milk samples were collected under aseptic conditions from cattle, buffalo, camel, sheep, goats, and fish. The samples were cultured, and the isolated strains were confirmed biochemically and molecularly using 16S rRNA multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis following DNA extraction from the bacterial isolates.

Results: A total of 31 isolates identified as lactobacilli were isolated from cattle milk, goat feces, sheep feces, fish feces, buffalo milk, camel milk, and goats' milk. Lactobacillus species were identified based on the size of the PCR product. The results showed that different species were different in their lactobacilli content. At the same time, there were some differences between individuals of the same species.

Conclusion: The diversity of probiotic strains isolated from different animal species implies different types of benefits to the host. Although it would be both money - and time-consuming research, discovering the benefit of each of these strains may provide very important information for the health of both human and animal. Furthermore, transferring these beneficial effects either to individuals within the same species or between different species would be of great importance.

Keywords: Lactobacillus, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, probiotics.