Effects of incorporating oasis by-products on fattening performance and carcass characteristics of Ouled Djellal lamb

Research (Published online: 09-10-2018)

6. Effects of incorporating oasis by-products on fattening performance and carcass characteristics of Ouled Djellal lamb

Abdelhamid Baa, Fodil Arbouche, Rafik Arbouche, Etienne Montaigne, Yasmine Arbouche and Halima Saadia Arbouche

Veterinary World, 11(10): 1397-1403

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of incorporating three local oasis by-products [cull dates (CDs), date pedicels (DPs) treated with urea, and juice from rumen content] into the food ration of Ouled Djellal lambs on fattening performance and carcass characteristics.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out over 105 days, with an adaptation period of 15 days, on four groups each consisting of 10 male Ouled Djellal lambs aged 7-8 months with an average live body weight of 32±1.5 kg, randomly distributed, and raised in tie stalls. The basic rations were formulated at a rate of 0% (control), 50%, 80%, and 100% substitution of barley straw by DPs treated with urea. The additional rations intended for the experimental groups consisted of 100% substitution of corn by CDs. Before distributed, they were sprayed with rumen content extract (RCE) at a rate of 250 ml/kg.

Results: The 100% group displayed a highly significant difference compared to the other groups, with a live body weight of 43 kg (p<0.05), an average daily gain of 191 g, and feed efficiency of 5.08. These three parameters developed in proportion to the rates of incorporation of CDs and pedicels treated with urea. The carcass yield of the 100% group (48.7%) is significantly higher than the other groups while the thickness of back fat is significantly lower. Economically speaking, the profit margin of the 100% group is 30.93 Algerian dinars (DZD) per day per animal.

Conclusion: The use of by-products of the date palm (CDs and pedicels) combined with RCE in animal feed with a view to fattening sheep, in particular in oasis zones, represents an alternative in enhancing growth performances and carcass characteristics and offers a relatively cheap prospect for the availability of red meat for populations with low purchasing power.

Keywords: cull dates, date pedicels, extract of rumen content, sheep fattening.

Demographic aspects of human hydatidosis in Iranian general population based on serology: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Research (Published online: 08-10-2018)

5. Demographic aspects of human hydatidosis in Iranian general population based on serology: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Shirzad Gholami, Asal Tanzifi, Mehdi Sharif, Ahmad Daryani, Mohammad-Taghi Rahimi, Siavash Mirshafiee and Shahabeddin Sarvi

Veterinary World, 11(10): 1385-1396

ABSTRACT

Aim: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus cestodes, is a globally distributed chronic disease that is an important socioeconomic and public health problem in humans and livestock in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the overall seroprevalence of hydatid infection in the general population of Iran.

Materials and Methods: This systematic review began by searching electronic databases in English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and Persian (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, Iran Medex, and Iran Doc).

Results: Our search resulted in a total of 40 reports published from 1995 to 2015. Of 49,460 individuals surveyed, 3090 cases of hydatidosis were reported. Community-based studies showed that the seroprevalence of CE in the Iranian general population was 6.0% (95% confidence interval: 5.0-7.0%). The age group with the highest CE seroprevalence was 20-40 years, and the lowest one was in the under 20 year's group. The seroprevalence of hydatidosis in males was significantly higher than that in females. In addition, the intended rate was significantly higher in rural regions than in urban areas.

Conclusion: Management program for developing more efficient diagnostic tests should be established. Further, cost-effective preventive approaches, including relevant research, should be considered. Finally, hydatid cyst control programs that are important for interrupting the transmission of human CE should be improved.

Keywords: cystic echinococcosis, diagnosis, general population, hydatidosis, Iran, seroprevalence.

Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pettenkoferi isolated from cat in India

Research (Published online: 05-10-2018)

4. Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pettenkoferi isolated from cat in India

Tapan Kumar Dutta, Satyaki Chakraborty, Malay Das, Rajkumari Mandakini, Vanrahmlimphuii, Parimal Roychoudhury, Santanu Ghorai and Suvendu Kumar Behera

Veterinary World, 11(10): 1380-1384

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are considered to be one of the emerging pathogens in human and animals in recent times. Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, a novel pathogen under CoNS, is discovered in 2002 in humans with multiple clinical manifestations in various patients. To date, the pathogens have not yet been reported from any animals. The present study reported the first ever isolation, identification, and characterization of multidrug-resistant S. pettenkoferi from a cat with peritonitis in India.

Materials and Methods: Peritoneal fluid was collected aseptically from 3 years old cat processed for bacteriological culture by standard techniques. Isolates were confirmed by BD PhoenixTM automated bacterial identification system and were subjected to plate and tube coagulase tests. All the isolates were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity profile by disc diffusion assay, extended-spectrum β-lactamase production by double disc diffusion assay, in vitro biofilm production ability by microtiter plate assay, and detection of virulence genes and mecA gene by polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results: A total of five clonally expanded isolates of S. pettenkoferi were isolated from peritoneal fluid of the affected cat. All the isolates were resistant against 36 antimicrobial agents and were also methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Phenotypically, all the isolates were negative for biofilm production but were carrying multiple biofilm-producing genes (icaA, IS257, nuc, and mecA).

Conclusion: Although S. pettenkoferi was previously reported once from animal (cat) environment, this is probably the first ever report of isolation of the organism directly from any animals. This is also probably the first report from any species in India.

Keywords: cat, India, multidrug resistance, Staphylococcus pettenkoferi.

Postmortem detection and histopathological features of canine spirocercosis-induced putative esophageal chondrosarcoma

Research (Published online: 03-10-2018)

3. Postmortem detection and histopathological features of canine spirocercosis-induced putative esophageal chondrosarcoma

H. M. Suranji Wijekoon, D. M. S. Munasinghe, K. A. N. Wijayawardhane, H. M. H. S. Ariyarathna, Neil Horadagoda, Jayanthe Rajapakse and D. D. Niranjala De Silva

Veterinary World, 11(10): 1376-1379

ABSTRACT

Aim: The objective of this study was to describe and characterize the postmortem and histopathological findings of putative esophageal chondrosarcoma associated with Spirocerca lupi.

Materials and Methods: Spirocerca-associated esophageal nodules were collected from 54 dogs at postmortem examination and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Of the cases examined, 15 were selected randomly for further investigation, of which 11 were classified as non-neoplastic nodules while 4 had changes reflecting a neoplastic process.

Results: In all four neoplastic cases, the wall of the esophageal nodules contained islands and nests of highly proliferative atypical chondroblasts within a cartilaginous matrix. However, there was no statistically significant association between gender (p=0.228), age (p=0.568), and breeds (p>0.05) with the occurrence of spirocercosis. Moreover, all esophageal nodules identified were located near the caudal segment, and their diameters ranged from 1 to 6 cm (4.7±1.5 cm). A number of worms in each nodule varied from 5 to 25 (11.3±5).

Conclusion: Histopathology and cytology revealed that the wall of the esophageal nodules contained islands and nests of highly proliferative atypical chondroblasts within a cartilaginous matrix, a rare finding, and clinical challenge in spirocercosis.

Keywords: chondrosarcoma, dog, esophagus, histopathology, Spirocerca lupi, spirocercosis.

Nucleolar organizer region banding in crossbred and non-descript pigs of India

Research (Published online: 01-10-2018)

2. Nucleolar organizer region banding in crossbred and non-descript pigs of India

V. Harshini, K. Sakunthala Devi, B. Punya Kumari and J. Suresh

Veterinary World, 11(10): 1371-1375

ABSTRACT

Aim: The objective of this experiment was to study the nucleolar organizer region (NOR)-banding pattern in Large White Yorkshire (LWY) crossbred and non-descript pigs and finding differences in the number of NORs between animals and between genetic groups.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out on 15 females, and 15 males of LWY crossbred and non-descript pigs to study NOR-banding pattern by employing ammoniacal silver staining technique.

Results: A total of 63 and 65 number of good metaphases were prepared in LWY crossbred, and non-descript pigs and a total of 168 and 143 number of NORs were detected on the 8th and 10th chromosomes in both genetic groups, respectively. The mean number of NORs per metaphase was 2.67 and 2.20 in LWY crossbred and non-descript pigs, respectively. LWY crossbred pig had high mean number of silver-stained NORs (Ag-NORs) per metaphase compared to non-descript pig. In general, it was observed that the highest frequency of metaphases (%) examined had two number of NORs, while the lowest frequency (%) had four number of NORs. The number of NORs observed per metaphase on secondary constrictions of the 8th and 10th chromosome pair in both genetic groups ranged from 2 to 4. The Chi-square test of significance revealed that the observed frequencies do not differ significantly from the expected frequencies.

Conclusion: The results confirmed differences across breeds in occurrence and number of NORs on chromosomes in pigs. The mean numbers of NORs present per metaphase vary between the animals indicating the existence of polymorphism for the number of NORs. A higher number of Ag-NORs were observed on chromosome pair 10 in both the genetic groups. It was concluded that NORs were more morphologically distinct and greater on chromosome pair 10 than on pair 8, which suggests a dominant role of chromosome 10 in the global production of ribosomal RNA.

Keywords: silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions, large white Yorkshire crossbred pig, non-descript pig, silver staining.

Ficus sycomorus latex: An efficient alternative Egyptian source for horseradish peroxidase in labeling with antibodies for immunodiagnostic kits

Research (Published online: 01-10-2018)

1. Ficus sycomorus latex: An efficient alternative Egyptian source for horseradish peroxidase in labeling with antibodies for immunodiagnostic kits

Azza M. Abdel-Aty, Mohamed Belal Hamed, Abdul Aziz M. Gad, Amr E. El-Hakim and Saleh A. Mohamed

Veterinary World, 11(10): 1364-1370

ABSTRACT

Aim: In view of various peroxidase applications, the searching for new sources of unique peroxidase properties is highly desirable. The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the peroxidase of locally grown sycamore latex (POL) for conjugation with antibodies and to study the conjugate optimal conditions, storage stability, and affinity toward different substrates as compared with commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP).

Materials and Methods: Anti-mouse antibodies were prepared in rabbits and purified by protein A sepharose affinity column chromatography. The POL and HRP conjugates were prepared by one-step glutaraldehyde coupling method. The reactivity of the prepared conjugates was examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The optimal enzymatic conditions, storage stability, and affinity toward substrates were also determined for both the conjugates.

Results: The POL showed higher percent recovery (98%) than HRP (78%) over the initial activity after conjugation process. The POL and HRP conjugates showed ELISA titers of 1:120 and 1:80, respectively, demonstrating high binding affinity of POL-conjugate. The POL-conjugate showed high thermal stability up to 70°C compared with HRP-conjugate up to 40°C. After conjugation, POL had wide pH stability (5.0-8.0) compared with HPR (4.5-6.0). Both of the prepared conjugates had a high affinity toward the substrates used in immunoassays with lower Km values. The POL-conjugate showed high storage stability for its enzymatic activity and ELISA titer compared with HRP-conjugate after 1 year at −20°C.

Conclusion: The POL of Ficus sycomorus latex is an efficient source for labeling antibodies and could be utilized in immunodiagnostic kits.

Keywords: conjugation, Ficus sycomorus, horseradish peroxidase, immunodiagnostic assays, latex.

Hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) species of livestock and their seasonal activity in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena cities of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest of Iran

Research (Published online: 30-09-2018)

25. Hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) species of livestock and their seasonal activity in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena cities of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest of Iran

Zohreh Fatemian, Aref Salehzadeh, Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat, Zakieh Telmadarraiy, Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd and Amir Hosein Zahirnia

Veterinary World, 11(9): 1357-1363

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study was carried out to identify the Ixodidae ticks fauna of livestock and their seasonal activity in the cities of Boyer-Ahmad and Dena of Kohgiluyeh Province, south-west of Iran.

Materials and Methods: Hard ticks from sheep, goats, and cattle were collected manually, stored in 70% ethanol, and identified using morphological characters.

Results: During the study, a total of 1273 hard ticks from four genera, including Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis, were collected. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) had the highest frequencies in both cities with 62.08 and 62.88% of collected specimens, followed by Hyalomma scupense with 14.36 and 13.54% in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena, respectively. Furthermore, Hyalomma marginatum with only one sample or 0.12% of collected ticks showed the lowest frequencies in the studied areas. Dermacentor marginatus with three samples or 0.37% was recorded only in Boyer-Ahmad, and Haemaphysalis sulcata with two samples or 0.43% was recorded only in Dena. In both cities, sheep were the most infested ruminant, and the ears in sheep and goats were the most affected areas. The highest activity was observed in spring, and the lowest activity was observed in winter and autumn.

Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera were the most widespread genera in the study areas. Regarding the importance of genera, such as Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis, in transmitting disease agents and the location of Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in the routes of migrant birds, further studies are required to elucidate their exact roles in human and livestock health in these areas.

Keywords: domestic ruminants, fauna, Ixodidae ticks, seasonal activity, tick-borne diseases.