Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ovine population of Kashmir Valley

Research (Published online: 17-10-2015)

7. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ovine population of Kashmir Valley - S. R. Tramboo, R. A. Shahardar, I. M. Allaie, Z. A. Wani and M. S. Bushra

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1199-1204

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1199-1204

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Abstract

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Aim: Gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasitism is one of the major constraints for profitable sheep production. Due to variations in the prevalence of GI helminths from region to region, it becomes important to map out accurately the parasitic fauna of a particular region for development of suitable control measures.

Materials and Methods: An extensive study of GI helminths was carried out in Budgam district of Kashmir Valley over a period of 1 year. A total of 1200 fresh ovine faecal samples from both sexes of young ones and adults were collected in sterilized plastic bags and examined by standard sedimentation and floatation techniques. Positive faecal samples (15-20%) in each season were examined by Stoll’s dilution method to determine the parasitic load. A total of 120 faecal samples (30 samples in each season) positive for strongyle eggs were subjected to coproculture using Petridish method and the third stage larvae were harvested to find out prevalence of different genera of strongyle worms.

Results: The overall prevalence of GI helminths was found to be 77% with platyhelminths and nemathelminthes in 26.58 and 60.92% animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of mixed GI helminths was found to be 8.67%. Eggs of various helminths encountered in the present study were those of Fasciola spp. (3.58%), Dicrocoelium spp. (11.58%), paramphistomes (4.83%), Moniezia spp. (7.92%), strongyle worms including Nematodirus spp. (57.75%), Strongyloides spp. (1.67%), and Trichuris spp. (1.5%). On coprocultural examination Haemonchus spp. (55%) was found to be most predominant strongyle worm followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (17.5%), Ostertagia spp. (11.67%), Oesophagostomum spp. (9.17%), and Chabertia spp. (6.67%). On seasonal basis, highest prevalence of GI helminths was recorded in summer (83.00%) followed by spring (78.67%), winter (76.33%), and autumn (70.00%), the difference being statistically nonsignificant (p>0.05). The prevalence of platyhelminths (Fasciola spp., Dicrocoelium spp. and Moniezia spp.) was found to be non-significantly higher in winter, but paramphistomes showed the highest prevalence in the summer season. Nemathelminth infection was found highest in summer season and lowest during the winter season. Eggs per gram (EPG) ranged from 0 to 1800, and an average EPG count was found to be 454.35±27.85. EPG was found to be highest in summer (684.00±69.83) and lowest in winter (202.38±18.82). The overall prevalence of GI helminths was found more in adult sheep (83.00%) compared to young ones (53.11%), the difference being statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of helminths was found to be higher in females (78.32%) as compared to males (72.97%), the variation being statistically non-significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Seasonal variation plays an important role in the prevalence of GI helminths in addition to age and sex of the animal.

Keywords: coproculture, gastrointestinal, Kashmir, nemathelminths, ovine, prevalence, platyhelminths.

Comparative study on the immunopotentiator effect of ISA 201, ISA 61, ISA 50, ISA 206 used in trivalent foot and mouth disease vaccine

Research (Published online: 15-10-2015)

6. Comparative study on the immunopotentiator effect of ISA 201, ISA 61, ISA 50, ISA 206 used in trivalent foot and mouth disease vaccine - Ehab El-Sayed Ibrahim, Wael Mossad Gamal, Amr Ismail Hassan, Safy El-Din Mahdy, Akram Zakria Hegazy and Magdy Mahmoud Abdel-Atty

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1189-1198

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1189-1198

Abstract

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Aim: A comparison study was conducted to explore the best internationally available adjuvant that could be used in production of a highly potent foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, that could stimulate a strong immune response and possibly give greater protection against FMD.

Materials and Methods: Four experimental batches of trivalent FMD vaccine were prepared with different available oil adjuvants which included Montanide ISA 201, 206, 61 and 50.

Results: The results indicated that vaccines emulsified using Montanide ISA 201 and Montanide ISA 206 adjuvants elicited a protective humoral immune response from the 2nd week postvaccination (WPV) as for ISA 201 with serum neutralization test (SNT) and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) antibody titers of 1.62±0.047a and 1.8±0.049a, 1.59±0.076a and 1.836±0.077a, and 1.71±0.06band 1.96±0.074b for serotypes O, A, SAT2, respectively, and for ISA 206 at SNT and ELISA antibody titers of 1.5±0.082a and 1.84±0.084a, 1.56±0.037a and 1.818±0.052a, and 1.5±0.106a,b and 1.81±0.104a,b for FMD virus serotypes O, A and SAT2, respectively. For ISA 61 and ISA 50, the protective antibody titer appeared in the 3rd WPV. In the ISA 61 FMD vaccine, SNT and ELISA titer were 1.59±0.076a and 1.9±0.094a, 1.53±0.056a and 1.83±0.070a, and 1.5±0.082a and 1.84±0.094a for serotypes O, A and SAT2, respectively, and in the case of ISA 50 FMD vaccine, the SNT, and ELISA titer were recorded for serotypes O, A and SAT2 respectively, 1.59±0.037a and 1.8±0.030a, 1.68±0.056a,b and 1.916±0.065a,b, and 1.65±0.082a and 1.9±0.09a. On estimating the cellular immune response, the highest delta optical density levels for ISA 201 (0.395-0.460) and ISA 206 (0.375-0.428) were observed on 14 and 21 days post vaccination (DPV) respectively, while the highest levels of lymphoproliferation for ISA 61 (0.375-0.455) and ISA 50 (0.411-0.430) were on 21 and 28 DPV, respectively.

Conclusion: The duration of immunity from Montanide ISA oils (201, 206, 61 and 50) FMD vaccines is a long-lived immunity which ranged between 32 and 38 weeks post vaccination but the Montanide ISA 201 FMD vaccine is superior to the others in the rapid cellular immune response of the vaccinated animals which showed its highest level within 14 days post vaccination.

Keywords: cellular immunity, FMD Montanide ISA vaccines, SNT, ELISA.

Genotyping of major histocompatibility complex Class II DRB gene in Rohilkhandi goats by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing

Research (Published online: 09-10-2015)

5. Genotyping of major histocompatibility complex Class II DRB gene in Rohilkhandi goats by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing - Kush Shrivastava, Pushpendra Kumar, Nihar Ranjan Sahoo, Amod Kumar, Mohd. Faheem Khan, Amit Kumar, Arvind Prasad, B. H. M. Patel, A. Nasir, Bharat Bhushan and Deepak Sharma

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1183-1188

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1183-1188

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Abstract

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Aim: To study the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II DRB1 gene polymorphism in Rohilkhandi goat using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and nucleotide sequencing techniques.

Materials and Methods: DNA was isolated from 127 Rohilkhandi goats maintained at sheep and goat farm, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly. A 284 bp fragment of exon 2 of DRB1 gene was amplified and digested using BsaI and TaqI restriction enzymes. Population genetic parameters were calculated using Popgene v 1.32 and SAS 9.0. The genotypes were then sequenced using Sanger dideoxy chain termination method and were compared with related breeds/species using MEGA 6.0 and Megalign (DNASTAR) software.

Results: TaqI locus showed three and BsaI locus showed two genotypes. Both the loci were found to be in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), however, population genetic parameters suggest that heterozygosity is still maintained in the population at both loci. Percent diversity and divergence matrix, as well as phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MHC Class II DRB1 gene of Rohilkhandi goats was found to be in close cluster with Garole and Scottish blackface sheep breeds as compared to other goat breeds included in the sequence comparison.

Conclusion: The PCR-RFLP patterns showed population to be in HWE and absence of one genotype at one locus (BsaI), both the loci showed excess of one or the other homozygote genotype, however, effective number of alleles showed that allelic diversity is present in the population. Sequence comparison of DRB1 gene of Rohilkhandi goat with other sheep and goat breed assigned Rohilkhandi goat in divergence with Jamanupari and Angora goats.

Keywords: DRB1, major histocompatibility complex Class II, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, Rohilkhandi goat, sequencing.

Hemato-biochemical and pathological changes on avian influenza in naturally infected domestic ducks in Egypt

Research (Published online: 09-10-2015)

4. Hemato-biochemical and pathological changes on avian influenza in naturally infected domestic ducks in Egypt - Essam A. Mahmoud

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1177-1182

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1177-1182

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Abstract

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Aim: Few studies have been made in regard to avian influenza (AI) in ducks, thus the aim of this work was planned to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and pathological changes in domestic Egyptian ducks naturally infected with AI.

Materials and Methods: 30 duck from private backyards 3-month-old 15 were clinically healthy (Group 1) and the other fifteen (Group 2) were naturally diseased with AI (H5N1). The disease was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction as H5N1.

Results: Duck showed cyanosis, subcutaneous edema of head and neck with nervous signs (torticollis). Hematological studies revealed a microcytic hypochromic anemia. Biochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in total protein, albumin and globulin concentration with significant increase of activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, Υ-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactic acid dehydrogenase and creatine phsphokinase. Prominent increase in creatinine and uric acid in addition to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia were significantly detected in the infected ducks. Histopathological finding confirm these investigations.

Conclusion: The highly pathogenic AIV (A/H5N1) became more severe infectious to ducks than before and causes nervous manifestations and blindness which were uncommon in ducks. Besides the significant increases of hepatic enzymes, brain, heart, and renal markers as a response to virus damage to these organs.

Keywords: aminotranseferases, anemia, avian influenza, creatinine, ducks, uric acid.

Effect of incorporation of walnut cake (Juglans regia) in concentrate mixture on degradation of dry matter, organic matter and production of microbial biomass in vitro in goat

Research (Published online: 09-10-2015)

3. Effect of incorporation of walnut cake (Juglans regia) in concentrate mixture on degradation of dry matter, organic matter and production of microbial biomass in vitro in goat - Mohsin Ahmad Mir, R. K. Sharma, Ankur Rastogi and Keshab Barman

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1172-1176

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1172-1176

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Abstract

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Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of incorporation of different level of walnut cake in concentrate mixture on in vitro dry matter degradation in order to determine its level of supplementation in ruminant ration.

Materials and Methods: Walnut cake was used @ 0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% level to formulate an iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The different formulae of concentrate mixtures were used for in vitro gas production studies using goat rumen liquor with wheat straw in 40:60 ratio. Proximate composition, fiber fractionation and calcium and phosphrous content of walnut cake were estimated.

Result: The per cent IVDMD value of T1 and T2 diets was 68.42 ± 1.20 and 67.25 ± 1.37 respectively which was found highest (P<0.05) T3, T4, T5 and T6. Similar trend was also found for TDOM and MBP. Inclusion of walnut cake at 10% level in the concentrate mixture does not affect in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), truly degradable organic matter (TDOM, mg/200 mg DM), total gas production, microbial biomass production (MBP) and efficiency of microbial biomass production (EMP).

Conclusion: It is concluded that walnut cake incorporation up to 10% level in the iso -nitrogenous concentrate mixture has no any negative effect on in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM), TDOM, MBP, EMP and total gas production in goat.

Keywords: concentrate mixture, goat, in vitro dry matter digestibility, microbial biomass production, truly degradable organic matter, walnut cake.

Tick fauna of Malaysian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) in Bangi, Malaysia

Research (Published online: 09-10-2015)

2. Tick fauna of Malaysian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) in Bangi, Malaysia - M. Konto G. I. Fufa, A. Zakaria, S. M. Tukur, M. Watanabe, S. D. Ola-Fadunsin, M. S. Khan, Y. M. Shettima and S. M. A. Babjee

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1167-1171

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1167-1171

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Abstract

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Aim: The red jungle fowl is generally considered as one of the endangered Asian wild Galleopheasants due to manmade encroachment of their habitats, coupled with the effect of disease and disease causing organisms like ticks and tickborne infections. This study aimed to determine the tick fauna of the red jungle fowl and their predilection sites based on developmental stages.

Materials and Methods: A total of 33 jungle fowls were sampled for this study from Bangi area of Selangor State, Peninsular Malaysian. The birds were captured using a locally made trap made-up of loops and bites. Ticks present on their bodies were detached using fine forceps and identified morphologically under a dissecting microscope.

Results: 91% of the jungle fowls were infested with ticks, all of which belongs to the species Haemaphysalis wellingtoni. The ear region appeared to be the most common predilection site (63%) for all the developmental stages in which the larval stages are solely restricted to that region. Nymphal and adult stages were distributed on the comb, wattle, and facial region in addition to the ear region.

Conclusion: This study was the first in its kind and showed a high prevalence of tick infestation among jungle fowls. H. wellingtoni was known to be a vector in transmission of many tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, there is the need for further investigation to identify the various pathogens associated with this tick.

Keywords: Bangi, Malaysia, red jungle fowl, tick fauna.

Relation between antioxidant status and postpartum anestrous condition in Murrah buffalo

Research (Published online: 09-10-2015)

1. Relation between antioxidant status and postpartum anestrous condition in Murrah buffalo - Mayukh Ghosh, Meenakshi Gupta, Rajesh Kumar, Sunil Kumar, A. K. Balhara and Inderjeet Singh

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1163-1166

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1163-1166

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Abstract

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Aim: Objective of the present study was to investigate the relation between antioxidant status and postpartum anestrous (PPA) condition in Murrah buffalo.

Materials and Methods: Jugular blood samples were collected from two different groups of Murrah buffaloes each group consisting of 20 animals. Group I was of PPA and Group II were of cyclic buffaloes. The animals selected were examined for confirmation for cyclic and acyclic condition (>120 days) after calving by routine transrectal ultrasonography. Heard record was also used for cross confirmation.

Results: The analysis of antioxidants in plasma and hemolysates revealed that the levels of vitamin E, β-carotene and reduced glutathione in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hemolysate were significantly higher in cyclic animals than PPA animals. The levels of vitamin C, SOD and glutathione peroxidase in plasma did not show any significant difference among the two groups studied. The low antioxidant level in affected animals may predispose them toward PPA condition.

Conclusion: Stress imposed by pregnancy and lactation affected the reproductive performance in PPA animals which might be inherently more susceptible to these stressors than those who were normal cyclic as all the animals were maintained under similar feeding and management practices.

Keywords: antioxidants, postpartum anestrous, stress.

Replacement of inorganic zinc with lower levels of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate) on performance, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, antioxidants status, and immune responses in rats

Research (Published online: 30-09-2015)

20. Replacement of inorganic zinc with lower levels of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate) on performance, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, antioxidants status, and immune responses in rats - D. Nagalakshmi, K. Sridhar and S. Parashuramulu

Veterinary World, 8(9): 1156-1162

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1156-1162

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Abstract

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Aim: A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate, Zn-nic) supplementation (6, 9, and 12 ppm) compared to inorganic zinc (12 ppm) on growth performance, hematology, serum biochemical constituents oxidative stress, and immunity in weaned female Sprague–Dawley rats.

Material and Methods: A 48 weaned rats (285.20±1.95 g) were randomly distributed to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in each and reared in polypropylene cages for 10 weeks. Basal diet (BD) was formulated with purified ingredients without zinc (Zn). Four dietary treatments were prepared by adding 12 ppm Zn from ZnCO3 (control) and 6, 9, and 12 ppm Zn from Zn-nic to the BD. On 42nd day, blood was collected by retro-orbital puncture for analyzing hematological constituents, glucose, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and globulin and antioxidant enzyme activities. At 43rd day, rats were antigenically challenged with sheep red blood cell (RBC) to assess humoral immune response and on 70th day cell-mediated immune response.

Results: Weekly body weight gains, daily feed intake, blood hematological constituents (white blood cell, RBC, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocyte concentration) and serum glucose, total protein levels were comparable among the rats feed Zn from ZnCO3 and Zn-nic (6, 9, and 12 ppm). Serum cholesterol reduced with organic Zn supplementation at either concentration (6-12 ppm). Serum globulin concentration reduced (p<0.05) with 6 ppm Zn-nic supplementation compared to other dietary treatments. Lipid peroxidation lowered (p<0.05) reduced with 12 ppm organic Zn; thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and protein carbonyls concentrations in liver reduced (p<0.05) with 9 and 12 ppm levels of organic Zn supplementation compared to 12 ppm Zn supplementation from inorganic source. RBC catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities were highest (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with 12 ppm Zn-nic, followed by 9 ppm. Comparable immune response (humoral and cell-mediated) was observed between 12 ppm inorganic Zn and 9 ppm organic Zn and higher (p<0.05) immune response was noticed at 12 ppm Zn-nic supplementation.

Conclusion: Based on the results, it is concluded that dietary Zn concentration can be reduced by 50% (6 ppm) as Zn nicotinate without affecting growth performance, hemato-biochemical constituents, antioxidant status, and immunity. In addition, replacement of 12 ppm inorganic Zn with 12 ppm organic Zn significantly improved antioxidant status and immune response.

Keywords: antioxidants status, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, immune responses, performance, rats, zinc nicotinate.

Effect of selenium supplementation on performance, cost economics, and biochemical profile of Nellore ram lambs

Research (Published online: 30-09-2015)

19. Effect of selenium supplementation on performance, cost economics, and biochemical profile of Nellore ram lambs - K. Sushma, Y. Ramana Reddy, N. Nalini Kumari, P. Baswa Reddy, T. Raghunandan and K. Sridhar

Veterinary World, 8(9): 1150-1155

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1150-1155

Abstract

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Aim: Present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, meat composition, shelflife of meat and biochemical profile in Nellore ram lambs.

Materials and Methods: 24 male Nellore ram lambs (15.75±0.47 kg) were randomly divided into four dietary groups with six lambs in each and reared under uniform management conditions for 120 days. Basal diet was not supplemented with Se and consisted of green fodder (Se 0.09 mg/kg dry matter [DM]), dry roughage (Se 0.11 mg/kg DM) and concentrate mixture (Se 0.019 mg/kg DM) and fed individually. Dietary treatments were prepared by adding graded levels Se (0, 0.45, 0.9, and 1.8 ppm) to concentrate mixture (1% body weight [BW]) from sodium selenite. Feed offered and refusal measured daily; and BWs were measured at fortnight interval to find out average daily gain (g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost economics and plane of nutrition. Serum biochemical profile (concentration of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and hemoglobin) was assessed on 0, 60th, and 120th day. At the end of experiment, the carcass characteristics (dressing percentage, cut-up parts, meat to bone ratio) and meat chemical composition were evaluated. Meat keeping (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) quality from different groups was evaluated on day 0, 3, and 6 post-slaughter.

Results: Dietary Se supplementation did not show any effect on weight gain, FCR, cost economics, plane of nutrition, and serum biochemical profile in Nellore ram lambs. However, Se supplemented lambs had numerically higher weight gain than the unsupplemented lambs. Similarly, carcass characteristics and keeping quality were comparable among the four treatments. However, numerical increase in post-slaughter keeping quality with increasing Se supplementation was observed.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementation of Se in the form of sodium selenite (inorganic source) at different levels did not influence animal performance in growing Nellore ram lambs had no effect on lamb performance, cost economics, carcass characteristics, and serum biochemical profile.

Keywords: biochemical profile, carcass characteristics, Nellore ram lambs, performance, selenium supplementation.

Epidemiological surveillance of capybaras and ticks on warning area for Brazilian spotted fever

Research (Published online: 30-09-2015)

18. Epidemiological surveillance of capybaras and ticks on warning area for Brazilian spotted fever - José Brites-Neto, Jardel Brasil and Keila Maria Roncato Duarte

Veterinary World, 8(9): 1143-1149

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1143-1149

Abstract

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Aim: The vulnerability of tropical developing countries to the emerging disease constitutes a critical phenomenon in which the invasion of wild niches by human hosts, contributes to expansion of zoonotic diseases, such as the Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). This study performed a diagnosis of species occurrence of their hosts (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and vectors (Amblyomma sculptum andAmblyomma dubitatum) on the warning area for this reemerging disease in Brazil.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a warning area for BSF in the city of Americana, São Paulo state. The occurrence of capybaras was registered by use of binoculars and GPS equipment and 24 acarological researches were performed through 180 CO2 traps. Samples of adult ticks were dissected for salivary glands removal, DNA extraction, and evaluation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) being tested by initial gltA-PCR, ompA-PCR, and Rickettsia bellii-specific PCR, with the positive samples subjected to sequencing.

Results: Eleven clusters of capybaras (total of 71 individuals), were observed along the riparian of Ribeirão Quilombo and 7,114 specimens of A. sculptum and 7,198 specimens of A. dubitatum were collected in this same area. About 568 samples of adult ticks were dissected for salivary glands removal, DNA extraction and evaluation by gltA-PCR, with results of 1.94% (11/568) of positive samples. Results for the initial gltA-PCR indicated none positive sample to Rickettsia species into A. sculptum and 11 positive samples to A. dubitatum. These samples were negative to the ompA-PCR and positive to the Rickettsia bellii-specific PCR protocol and subjected to DNA sequencing, whose result indicated 100% similarity to Rickettsia bellii. The distribution of tick species A. sculptum and A. dubitatum was configured regarding to the biotic potential of the riparian areas, measuring the risks for BSF in peri-urban areas of Americana.

Conclusion: These results confirmed a status of epidemiological warning with a strong association of the amplifiers hosts of Rickettsiaand tick vectors for the transmission of BSF to humans in this region.

Keywords: acarological research, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, riparian forests, Rickettsia spp.

Effect of temperature variation on hormonal concentration at various gestation stages in black Bengal goat

Research (Published online: 30-09-2015)

17. Effect of temperature variation on hormonal concentration at various gestation stages in black Bengal goat - Binod Kumar, Ajay Kumar Ishwar, Pankaj Kumar Choudhary and Tanveer Akhatar

Veterinary World, 8(9): 1137-1142

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1137-1142

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of risingtemperature on the metabolic as well as the reproductive performance of the black Bengal goat.

Materials and Methods: A total 27 numbers of non-pregnant black Bengal goats of the same parity comprised the experimental animals. The selected goats were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 9 each, maintaining uniformity in body weight (average 14-18 kg). Goats in Group-I were kept between the temperature ranges of 35-40°C, in Group-II between 20°Cand 27°C, and Group-III were kept under loose housing system and serve as a control. Goats in all the groups were bred naturally. Blood was collected prior to feeding in the morning on the day 1 (estrus), 20, 45, 90, and 135, expected day of parturition and also 2 days after parturition from goats of all the three groups.

Results: It was observed that the level of plasma estrogen decreased (p˂0.05) up to day 45 of gestation, then after increased up to 135 days of gestation and was maximum on expected day of parturition which was significantly (p˂0.05) higher than all the values. Plasma progesterone level increased from day 20 and was the highest on day 90 and then decreased significantly (p˂0.05) on expected date of parturition. The luteinizing hormone value decreased significantly (p˂0.05) on expected day of parturition and day 2 after parturition in all the groups. Follicle stimulating hormone concentration showed a significant (p˂0.05) decrease from day 1 to 2 days after parturition in all the groups. The plasma triiodothyronine (T3) level did not vary between and within the treatment groups at any stage of the experiment. The plasma thyroxine (T4) level varied significantly (p˂0.01) within and (p˂0.05) between groups at all stages of reproduction. A significant (p<0.05) variation in plasma cortisol concentration in all the groups increased significantly until the day of parturition and dropped significantly (p<0.01) in 2 days after parturition in all the groups.

Conclusion: The present experiment revealed that rise in temperature has no any deleterious effect on the metabolic as well as the reproductive hormonal concentrationat variousstages of gestation inblack Bengal goat.

Keywords: black Bengal goat, estrus, hormonal profile, parturition, temperature variation.

Detection and molecular characterization of rabies virus in Mongolia during 2008-2010

Research (Published online: 29-09-2015)

4. Detection and molecular characterization of rabies virus in Mongolia during 2008-2010 - Bumduuren Tuvshintulga, Enkhbaatar Batmagnai, Enkhbold Bazarragchaa, Purevtseren Dulam, Sengee Sugar and Badgar Battsetseg

International Journal of One Health, 1: 26-31

Abstract

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Aim: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of rabies virus (RABV) from wild and domestic animals in Mongolia during 2008-2010.

Materials and Methods: Brain tissue samples were collected from 24 rabid animals in Zavkhan, Omnogovi, Tov, Dundgovi, Govi-Altai, Selenge, Ovorkhangai, and Khentii provinces in Mongolia. Herein, samples were included from 13 domestic animals (dogs, cattle, camels, sheep, and goat) and 11 wild animals (wolves and foxes) in this study. Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed for detection of RABV, and positive samples were further processed for molecular characterization of the virus using nucleoprotein gene. Subsequently, the molecular characterization was determined based on the nucleoprotein gene.

Results: Out of 24 samples, 22 samples were detected positive for RABV by DFA test, and its nucleoprotein gene was amplified in all of the 24 samples by RT-PCR. These Mongolian RABVs were classified within steppe-type virus clade by phylogenetic analysis of nucleoprotein gene sequences. This steppe-type virus clade was clearly divided by two Sub-clades (A and B). The most of Mongolian RABVs belongs to the Sub-clade A in the phylogenetic tree.

Conclusion: These findings have clearly confirmed RABV in domestic and wild animals of Mongolia. Further molecular characterization indicated that this Mongolian strain is steppe-type virus clade consisting of two sub-clades; the Subclade A might be prevalent in Altai, Khangai, Khentii Mountains as a major genotype, whereas the Subclade B seems to be cosmopolitan in the steppe-type virus clade, is spread in northern central Eurasia.

Keywords: detection, molecular characterization, Mongolia, rabies virus, sub-clade A, subclade B.

Immunological, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological studies on cows naturally infected with lumpy skin disease

Research (Published online: 23-09-2015)

16. Immunological, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological studies on cows naturally infected with lumpy skin disease - Ahmed N. F. Neamat-Allah

Veterinary World, 8(9): 1131-1136

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1131-1136

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Abstract

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Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease of cattle caused by an LSD virus (LSDV) of the family Poxviridaecharacterized by skin nodules covering all parts of the body. There are many aspects of LSD remaining unknown, thus immunological, hematological, and biochemical parameters were estimated.

Materials and Methods: During an outbreak of LSD in Sharkia governorate from Egypt, 211 cows aging (2-4 years) were examined clinically for the presence of LSD lesions during the period from July to November 2014. A total of 134 cows from those showed lesions suspected to be LSD.

Results: Recorded clinical signs were pyrexia with the development of skin nodules of varying sizes which ranged from a few to several hundred sometimes coalesced together enlargements of the peripheral lymph nodes. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were noticed in the histopathological examination. Immunological studies revealed a significant decrease of lymphocyte transformation rate, phagocytic % and killing % which was marked within 2 weeks postinfection. LSD resulted in non-significant in hemogram in 1st-2nd day post-infection while a macrocytic hypochromic anemia within 10-14th days post-infection. Leucopenia and lymphopenia were recorded 1st-2ndday post-infection while at 10-14th showed granulocytic leukocytosis. Biochemical analysis revealed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia especially gamma globulins. The significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activities, creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen and creatine phosphokinase

Conclusion: LSDV infected cows in early stages revealed leucopenia. Immunosuppressive effect was pronounced later. In late stage revealed hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis and increase of serum CK, which could aid in diagnosis. Disturbance in liver and kidney function tests have been occurred.

Keywords: biochemistry, cows, hematology, histopathology, lumpy skin disease, virus.

Effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity and antioxidant status of commercial broilers

Research (Published online: 23-09-2015)

15. Effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity and antioxidant status of commercial broilers - Biswal Chichilichi, G. P. Mohanty, S. K. Mishra, C. R. Pradhan, N. C. Behura, A. Das and K. Behera

Veterinary World, 8(9): 1126-1130

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1126-1130

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity of commercial broilers in coastal Odisha.

Materials and Methods: A 180 day-old broiler chicks were distributed in six dietary treatments viz. C1: Basal diet, C2: Basal diet + enzyme, T1: Basal diet +5% protein from Azolla, T2: Basal diet + 5% protein from Azolla + enzyme, T3: Basal diet +10% protein fromAzolla, and T4: Basal diet + 10% protein from Azolla + enzyme. Cutaneous basophilc hypersensitivity (CBH) and humoral immunity response were determined at the 38th day of age. At 42nd day, the weight of lymphoid organs, an antioxidant enzyme, and lipid peroxidation activity were determined.

Results: The CBH response did not differ significantly among the treated groups, but the sheep red blood cells response was significantly higher in T4. The weight of lymphoid organs or immune organs of all the treated groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The erythrocyte catalase level of T4 group was found to be significantly higher than rest of the treated groups except T3.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that supplementation of Azolla at 10% of dietary protein requirement along with enzyme supplementation in an isonitrogenous diet showed a better immune response in broilers.

Keywords: antioxidant, Azolla, broiler, immune response.