Exploring the effects of inclusion of dietary fresh Azolla on the performance of White Pekin broiler ducks

Research (Published online: 14-11-2015)

4. Exploring the effects of inclusion of dietary fresh Azolla on the performance of White Pekin broiler ducks - Parag Acharya, G. P. Mohanty, C. R. Pradhan, S. K. Mishra, N. C. Beura and B. Moharana

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1293-1299

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1293-1299

Abstract

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Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary advantages of inclusion of unconventional nutrient source, i.e., Azolla in the basal diet of White Pekin broilers.

Materials and Methods: All ducklings were randomly distributed into three treatment groups with three replicates each and each replicate having 12 ducklings and were reared in deep litter system. Groups were subjected to three dietary treatments such as G1: Basal diet, G2: Basal diet + 5% fresh Azolla of basal diet, G3: Basal diet + 10% fresh Azolla of basal diet. During experimental period, parameters, such as bodyweight, bodyweight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and economic of production, were recorded.

Results: The result showed that body weights in every week, except the 5^th week, did not differ significantly between groups. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups in any week in terms of absolute body weight gain and feed consumption. As regard to FCR, the 10% Azolla group (G3) showed the best feed efficiency followed by the 5% Azolla group (G2) and the control group (G1). On the basis of profit/bird or profit/kg live weight, each of the Azolla-fed group showed a higher economic efficiency than the control.

Conclusion: From the experiment, it was concluded that Azolla at 5 or 10% level can be included in the diet to economize the White Pekin broiler farming, and it can be great impetus to poultry farming to include unconventional nutrient source as a dietary supplement.

Keywords: Azolla, body weight gain, economic efficiency, feed conversion ratio, White Pekin broilers.

Development and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of Capripoxvirus

Research (Published online: 05-11-2015)

3. Development and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of Capripoxvirus - Kanisht Batra, Aman Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Trilok Nanda, Narender S. Maan and Sushila Maan

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1286-1292

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1286-1292

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Abstract

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Aim: The present study was undertaken to develop a nucleic acid-based diagnostic assay loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) targeting highly conserved genomic regions of Capripoxvirus (CaPVs) and its comparative evaluation with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Material and Methods: Lyophilized vaccine strain of sheeppox virus (SPPV) was used for optimization of LAMP assay. The LAMP assay was designed using envelope immunogenic protein (P32) coding gene targeting highly conserved genomic regions of CaPV responsible for causing sheep pox, goat pox, and lumpy skin disease in sheep, goat and cattle respectively. Serial tenfold dilution of SPPV recombinant plasmid DNA was used for a calculating limit of detection. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were performed.

Results: The test described is quick (30 min), sensitive and specific for detection of CaPVs. The described assay did not show any cross-reactivity to other related viruses that cause apparently similar clinical signs. It was found to be ten times more sensitive than conventional PCR however, 100 times less sensitive than quantitative PCR (qPCR). LAMP assay results were monitored by color change method using picogreen dye and agarose gel electrophoresis.

Conclusion: LAMP assay can be a very good alternative for CaPV detection to other molecular techniques requiring sophisticated equipments.

Keywords: Capripoxvirus, loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, sensitivity, specificity.

Cross antigenicity of immunodominant polypeptides of somatic antigen of Oesophagostomum columbianum with other helminths by western blotting

Research (Published online: 05-11-2015)

2. Cross antigenicity of immunodominant polypeptides of somatic antigen of Oesophagostomum columbianum with other helminths by western blotting - Sunita Dalal, Arvind Prasad, Abdul Nasir and Vijesh Kumar Saini

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1279-1285

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1279-1285

Abstract

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Aim: Oesophagostomum columbianum in small ruminants in India is found as mixed infection commonly in sheep and goat. Haemonchus contortus, an abomasal nematode is found as concurrent infection with it. Eggs of Haemonchus and O. columbianum cannot be easily distinguished. Diagnosis of O. columbianum may only be possible if a non-cross antigenic polypeptide was available for immunodiagnosis.

Materials and Methods: Somatic antigen (SoAg) of O. columbianum was fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunodominant polypeptides were identified by western blotting with homologous hyperimmune serum (HIS) and experimental sera of sheep or goat infected with other helminths.

Results: SoAg of O. columbianum was immunoaffinity purified. Sharp polypeptide bands of 130, 72 and 68 KDa were observed along with several faint bands of lower molecular weight. Western blot of purified SoAg of O. columbianum with homologous HIS showed reaction with all the protein bands of 17, 28, 30, 32, 35, 38, 50, 68, 100, 130, 150, and 170 kDa. For identification of non-cross antigenic polypeptide, immunoaffinity purified SoAg of O. columbianum was reacted to heterologous HIS against H. contortus, Paramphistomum epiclitum, and Fasciola gigantica in western blotting utilizing completely dry method (i-blot). Among high molecular weight polypeptides 100 and 150 kDa were non-cross antigenic and among low molecular weight except 50 kDa polypeptide, 17, 30, 32, 35, and 38 kDa of O. columbianum were not cross antigenic with other helminths.

Conclusions: Hence, polypeptides of 17, 30, 32, 35 and 38 kDa as well as 100 and 150 kDa polypeptides of O. columbianum may be exploited for immunodiagnosis of the infection in sheep and goat with extensive studies on cross antigenicity.

Keywords: cross antigenicity, hyperimmune sera, immunodiagnostic polypeptides, Oesophagostomum columbianum. 

Ileal and jejunal Peyer’s patches in buffalo calves: Histomorphological comparison

Research (Published online: 05-11-2015)

1. Ileal and jejunal Peyer’s patches in buffalo calves: Histomorphological comparison - Kritima Kapoor and Opinder Singh

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1273-1278

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1273-1278

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was aimed to elucidate the histomorphology of ileal and jejunal Peyer’s patches in the small intestine of buffalo calves and their structural comparison.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on neonatal (n=10) and pre-pubertal (n=10) buffalo calves. The age of the postnatal buffalo calves was estimated by their temporary and permanent dentition.
Results: The study revealed that several layers of oval to elongate elliptical lymphoid follicles were observed in submucosa on the anti-mesenteric side in the ileum of early neonatal calves. However, the follicles at this age, in jejunum were of all shapes present within one layer. The interfollicular space was occupied by the interfollicular tissue, which was diffuse and wider around jejunal lymphoid follicles as compared to ileal lymphoid follicles. However, toward the pubertal stage, the number of layers of lymphoid follicles was reduced in ileum due to involution while it remained similar in number in jejunum at this stage.
Conclusion: The ileal Peyer’s patches were found to have started involution more or less around reaching puberty, whereas the jejunal Peyer’s patches appear to be functional throughout the lifespan of the animal.
Keywords: histomorphology, ileum, jejunum, lymphoid follicle, Peyer’s patch.

Assessment of semen quality in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls

Research (Published online: 31-10-2015)

18. Assessment of semen quality in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls - Umesh Kumar, Ajay P. Gawande, Sunil K. Sahatpure, Manoj S. Patil, Chetan K. Lakde, Sachin W. Bonde, Pradnyankur L. Borkar, Ajay J. Poharkar and Baldeo R. Ramteke

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1266-1272

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1266-1272

Abstract

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Aim: To compare the seminal attributes of neat, pre-freeze (at equilibration), and post-freeze (24 h after freezing) semen in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls.

Materials and Methods: Total 36 ejaculates (3 ejaculates from each bull) were collected from 6 pure Jersey and 6 crossbred Jersey bulls and evaluated for various seminal attributes during neat, pre-freeze, and post-freeze semen.

Results: The mean (±standard error [SE]) values of neat semen characteristics in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls were recorded such as volume (ml), color, consistency, mass activity (scale: 0-5), and sperm concentration (millions/ml). The extended semen was further investigated at pre-freeze and post-freeze stages and the mean (±SE) values recorded at neat, pre-freeze, and post-freeze semen were compared between pure and crossbred Jersey bulls; sperm motility (80.55±1.70%, 62.77±1.35%, 46.11±1.43% vs. 80.00±1.80%, 65.00±1.66%, 47.22±1.08%), live sperm count (83.63±1.08%, 71.72±1.09%, 58.67±1.02% vs. 80.00±1.08%, 67.91±1.20%, 51.63±0.97%), total abnormal sperm count (8.38±0.32%, 12.30±0.39%, 16.75±0.42% vs. 9.00±0.45%, 12.19±0.48%, 18.11±0.64%), hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) reacted spermatozoa (71.88±0.77%, 62.05±0.80%, 47.27±1.05% vs. 72.77±1.02%, 62.11±0.89%, 45.94±1.33%), acrosome integrity (89.05±0.83%, 81.33±0.71%, 71.94±0.86% vs. 86.55±0.57%, 78.66±0.42%, 69.38±0.53%), and DNA integrity (99.88±0.07%, 100, 99.66±0.11% vs. 99.94±0.05%, 100, 99.44±0.18%,). The volume, color, consistency, sperm concentration, and initial motility in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The mass activity was significantly (p<0.05) higher in pure Jersey as compare to crossbred Jersey bulls. Live sperm percentage and acrosome integrity was significantly (p<0.01) higher in pure Jersey bulls as compared to crossbred Jersey bulls. However, no statistical difference (p>0.05) was observed in abnormal sperm; HOS reacted spermatozoa and DNA integrity percentage among breeds.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that the quality of pure Jersey bull semen was comparatively better than the crossbred Jersey bulls.

Keywords: acridine orange, acrosomal integrity, crossbred Jersey, DNA integrity, Jersey, semen.

Evaluation of Spirulina platensis extract as natural antivirus against foot and mouth disease virus strains (A, O, SAT2)

Research (Published online: 31-10-2015)

17. Evaluation of Spirulina platensis extract as natural antivirus against foot and mouth disease virus strains (A, O, SAT2) - Hind M. Daoud and Eman M. Soliman

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1260-1265

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1260-1265

Abstract

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Aim: This work was aimed to document the antiviral activates of Spirulina platensis extract against foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) different types to evaluate its replication in Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK) cell culture and in baby mice.

Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity assay studied for S. platensis extract on BHK cells to determine the non-toxic dose. The non-toxic dose of Spirulina extract was mixed with each type of FMDV (A, O, SAT2). Then 10-fold dilutions from each mixture were done. FMDV titer for each type of treated FMDV was calculated to evaluate the antiviral activity of the Spirulina extract against FMDV. Furthermore, old baby Swiss mice were inoculated with 0.1 ml intraperitonially from the mixture of FMDV different types and different concentration of Spirulina extracts. After 48 h post inoculation, all the baby mice examined to evaluate the antiviral action of Spirulina extract.

Results: The result showed that the non-toxic doses of S. platensis (50 ug/ml) revealed 35.7%, 28.5%, and 31% reductions in FMDV titers Type O, A, and SAT2 on BHK cells, respectively. The same non-toxic dose gave 50% of the inhibitory concentration in baby mice without cytotoxic effect.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the biological activity of the ethanol extract of S. platensis against FMDV Types O, A, and SAT2. From the results, S. platensis could be useful as antiviral lead to limitation of infection among animals during outbreaks but further studies need to evaluate the S. platensis on experimental or natural infected farm animals to establish the effective dose side affected period of treatment of S. platensis.

Keywords: antiviral, foot and mouth disease virus, Spirulina platensis.

Application of hyaluronic acid in the healing of non-experimental open wounds: A pilot study on 12 wounds in 10 client-owned dogs

Research (Published online: 28-10-2015)

16. Application of hyaluronic acid in the healing of non-experimental open wounds: A pilot study on 12 wounds in 10 client-owned dogs -Roberta Ferrari, Patrizia Boracchi, Stefano Romussi, Giuliano Ravasio and Damiano Stefanello

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1247-1259

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1247-1259

Abstract

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Aim: Veterinarians have frequently to deal with wounds to the skin, subcutis, and underlying muscle. The aim was to explore the application of hyaluronic acid (HA)-containing dressing on open skin wounds in dogs. The progress of healing was assessed by wound area reduction and two scoring scales applied in human medicine.

Materials and Methods: Ten client-owned dogs with 12 cutaneous open wounds healed by the second intention were included. All wounds were treated using available in commerce HA-containing wound dressing from admission to complete re-epithelialization. At every clinical examination, wound area and scale scoring assessments were performed.

Results: After debridement, an increased wound size was obtained while an improvement was determined by both grading systems. The median numbers of return to the clinic for bandage change were 5 times. The median time to complete wound healing was 34.5 days. The mean wound area at day 7, 14, 21, and 28 were, respectively, 90.4%, 47.7%, 22.4%, and 14.8% of the original size (for linear measurement) and 95.5%, 54.4%, 23.10%, and 14.8% of the original size (for software measurement). Regarding wound healing assessment tools, the agreement between two operators was considered high for both scales.

Conclusions: HA-containing dressing may be a possible wound treatment for cutaneous open wounds in dogs. The assessment of wound quality using scale scoring system could be useful especially in the 1st week and to direct clinical decision-making process.

Keywords: advance wound dressing, canine, wound assessment.

Conventional and fluorescent based semen quality assessment in Karan Fries bulls

Research (Published online: 28-10-2015)

15. Conventional and fluorescent based semen quality assessment in Karan Fries bulls - A. Panmei, A. K. Gupta, P. R. Shivahre, M. Bhakat and A. Upadhyay

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1243-1246

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1243-1246

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was carried out on semen ejaculates of 15 Karan Fries (KF) bulls maintained at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India with an objective to evaluate the relationship between the conventional and fluorescent based semen quality analysis of the bulls.

Materials and Methods: A total of 96 ejaculates were collected from 15 KF (Holstein Friesian [HF] crossbred) bulls. Semen were evaluated for color, volume, mass activity (MA) and percentage of individual motility (IM), sperm concentration, percent live spermatozoa, hypo-osmotic swelling test and acrosome integrity, chromatin integrity, sperm viability, and membrane integrity. Data were analyzed using SPSS software package for descriptive analysis. The correlation between rankings of sires based on conventional and fluorescent semen parameters were calculated by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

Results: The average ejaculates volume (ml), sperm concentration (106/ml), MA, IM (%), live (%), morphological abnormalities (%), host (%), acrosome integrity (%), chromomycin A3 (CMA3) (%), SYBR-PI (%), and fluorescent isothiocyanate-peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) (%) were 4.57±0.36, 1162.98±97.93, 2.95±0.09, 60.8±1.22, 71.41±2.10, 9.31±1.15, 65.5±1.81, 86.6±1.59, 3.53±0.43, 65.39±2.23 and 74.47±2.53, respectively. Rank correlations were found to be significant for SYBR-PI and FITC-PNA with most of the parameters evaluated by conventional methods. Overall, among conventional criteria, IM revealed ranking of bulls almost similar to that of fluorescent criteria.

Conclusion: Overview of our results indicated that, among conventional criteria, MA and IM revealed ranking of bulls almost similar to that of fluorescent criteria.

Keywords: conventional method, fluorescent technique, Karan Fries, semen quality.

A study on the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. and its enterotoxin genes in samples of well water, tap water, and bottled water

Research (Published online: 28-10-2015)

14. A study on the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. and its enterotoxin genes in samples of well water, tap water, and bottled water -Hareesh Didugu, Madhavarao Thirtham, Krishnaiah Nelapati, K Kondal Reddy, Baba Saheb Kumbhar, Anusha Poluru and Guruvishnu Pothanaboyina

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1237-1242

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1237-1242

Abstract

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Aim: The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. and its enterotoxin genes in various water sources.

Materials and Methods: 125 samples (50 from well water, 50 from tap water, and 25 from bottled water) were collected from various sources in and around Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and examined for the presence of aeromonads by both cultural and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Alkaline peptone water with ampicillin was used as enrichment. Aeromonas isolation medium and ampicillin dextrin agar were used as selective media. The boiling and snap chilling method was used for DNA extraction. Primers targeted against 16S rRNA, aer, and ast were used to identify aeromonads and its enterotoxins.

Results: 48%, 18%, and 12% of well water, tap water, and bottled water samples were found positive by cultural assay with an overall prevalence of 28.8%. Aeromonads were detected in 32 % (52% in well water, 20% in tap water, and 16% in bottled water) of samples by PCR assay. Aerolysin (aer) gene was noticed in 34.6%, 20%, and 0% of well water, tap water, and bottled water samples, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 27.5%. Thermostable cytotonic enterotoxin (ast) was observed in 37.5% (42.3% in well water, 30% in tap water, and 25% in bottled mineral water) of samples.

Conclusions: Presence of aeromonads and its toxin genes in various sources of water is of public health concern and emphasizes the need for necessary preventive measures to tackle the problem.

Keywords: Aeromonas spp., enterotoxins, polymerase chain reaction, prevalence, water.

Zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite burden of local dogs in Zaria, Northern Nigeria: Implications for human health

Research (Published online: 25-10-2015)

5. Zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite burden of local dogs in Zaria, Northern Nigeria: Implications for human health - Christopher I. Ogbaje, Raphael A. Ofukwu and Ikwe A. Ajogi

International Journal of One Health, 1: 32-36

Abstract

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Background: Zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs are of the global problem particularly in the developing countries. Dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide and have been reported to be hosts of many intestinal parasites of zoonotic importance globally. In Nigeria, gastrointestinal helminthes of dogs is currently endemic in 20 of the 36 states.

Aim: In general, dogs are the closest animals to humans and for that reason we decided to carry out a survey study to check the incidence of these parasites in dogs and to ascertain the level of environmental contamination in the study area.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from dog patients presented to small animal clinic of Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, dog’s fecal droppings from the streets, and residential Quarters of the University and gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of dogs from dogs slaughtering house at Basawa Barrack, Zaria. Three methods were used in the analysis of the samples; simple flotation, sedimentation, and GIT processing methods within 48 h of collection.

Results: Out of 224 samples analyzed 76(33.9%) were positive of at least one of the parasites. Of the 101 samples from streets and residential quarters of ABU, Zaria, Isospora spp. 12(11.9%) recorded the highest prevalence rate followed by Taenia spp. 6(5.9%), then Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, and Dipylidium caninum were 5.0%, 4.0%, and 1.0%, respectively. Isospora spp. (19.0%) recorded the highest prevalence rate for the 100 samples collected from small animal clinic. Other parasites encountered were T. canis(8.0%), A. caninum (8.0%) and Taenia spp. (5.0%). Parasites observed from the 23 gastrointestinal contents from “dog slaughtered houses” were T. canis (17.3%), Isospora spp.(13.1%) and A. caninum (4.3).

Conclusion: The study revealed that zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs are endemic in Zaria and the general public in the area are at high risk of being infected with these parasites.However, there are no statistically significant differences in the level of zoonotic parasitic infestation in the three sample sites at p<0.05.

Keywords: dog, gastrointestinal, helminthes, parasite, zoonosis.

Evaluation of antigout activity of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extracts on potassium oxonate-induced gout rat model

Research (Published online: 23-10-2015)

13. Evaluation of antigout activity of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extracts on potassium oxonate-induced gout rat model - Vaidehi N. Sarvaiya, Kamlesh A. Sadariya, Prakash G. Pancha, Aswin M. Thaker, Aashish C. Patel and Ankit S. Prajapati

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1230-1236

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1230-1236

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Abstract

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Aim: The present study has been conducted to evaluate antigout activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Phyllanthus emblica fruits following its 28 days repeated oral administration on potassium oxonate-induced gout rat model.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 42 male Sprague-Dawely rats dividing them in seven groups having six rats in each group. Groups I, II, and III served as vehicle control group, gout control group, and standard treatment control group, respectively. Rats of all the groups except vehicle control group were administered potassium oxonate at 250 mg/kg (IP), throughout the study period (28 days) for induction of gout. Groups IV and V received aqueous extract of P. emblica at 200 and 400 mg/kg, and Groups VI and VII received alcoholic extract of P. emblica at 200 and 400 mg/kg (daily oral for 28 days). At the end of study, all the rats were subjected to blood collection; blood and serum sample were analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters, respectively. After collection of blood samples on the 29th day, all the rats were sacrificed and subjected to post mortem examination to determine the presence or absence of gross and histopathological lesions in kidney tissues.

Results: At the end of study, rats of gout control group showed increase in platelets counts, serum creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme level along with alterations in kidney tissues as compared to vehicle control group. Gouty rats treated with aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. emblica at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and standard treatment allopurinol at 5 mg/kg body weight showed reduction in platelets counts, serum creatinine, uric acid, BUN, and XO enzyme level along with significant improvements in histological structure of kidney as compared to rats of gout control group.

Conclusion: Oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. emblica fruits for 28 days has shown protection against gout in dose-dependent manner in rats.

Keywords: antigout activity, gout rat model, Phyllanthus emblica fruits, potassium oxonate.

Clinical and hemato-biochemical studies on fever of unknown origin in buffaloes

Research (Published online: 23-10-2015)

12. Clinical and hemato-biochemical studies on fever of unknown origin in buffaloes - Parmod Kumar, V. K. Jain, Ankit Kumar, Neelesh Sindhu, Tarun Kumar, Gaurav Charaya, Surbhi, Sandeep Kumar, Divya Agnihotri and Sridhar

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1225-1229

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1225-1229

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was undertaken to ascertain the clinical observation and haemato-biochemical studies on fever of unknown origin (FUO) in buffaloes which were presented for treatment at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar.

Materials and Methods: The investigation was conducted on total 106 clinical cases presented at “TVCC, LUVAS, Hisar.” Diseased animals having history of fever and increased rectal temperature were considered for the current study. Diagnosis of FUO was done on the basis of negative parasitological examination, culture examination, fecal and urine test. The cases in which etiology could not be established (such as pneumonia, metritis, traumatic reticuloperitonitis, urinary tract infection, trypanosomosis, diaphragmatic hernia, Brucellosis, and foreign body) were considered as true cases of FUO.

 Results: Out of 106 clinical cases different etiologies were identified in 76 (71.70%) cases including pneumonia, traumatic pericarditis, trypanosomosis, bacteremia, etc. and 30 cases (28.30%) remained undiagnosed even after detailed investigation. The mean rectal temperature (104.43±0.16°F), respiration rate (56.57±1.51/min) and pulse rate (83.40±1.77/min) of animals (n=30) suffering from FUO were significantly higher, whereas ruminal movement (1.00±0.23) was significantly lower compared to healthy control group. The mean value of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and packed cell volume were significantly lower, whereas mean value of neutrophils was significantly higher compared to that of healthy control animals. Mean value of serum levels of glucose, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were found to be significantly higher, whereas mean value of calcium value was significantly lower in all clinically affected animals compared to the healthy control group.

Conclusion: About 28.30% cases of fever in buffaloes were found to be of unknown origin. Haemato-biochemical findings in cases of FUO in buffaloes revealed relative neutrophilia with lymphopenia, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, significantly increased AST, ALT, and CPK along with adversely altered kidney function indicators (elevated BUN and serum creatinine).

Keywords: biochemical parameters, buffaloes, clinical observation, fever of unknown origin haematology.

Efficacy of pine leaves as an alternative bedding material for broiler chicks during summer season

Research (Published online: 22-10-2015)

11. Efficacy of pine leaves as an alternative bedding material for broiler chicks during summer season - Gourav Sharma, Asma Khan, Surender Singh and Ashok Kumar Anand

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1219-1224

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1219-1224

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Abstract

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Aim: The aim was to assess the efficacy of pine leaves as an alternative bedding material on the performance of broiler chicks.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in summer. Total 120, day old Vencobb straight run chicks were procured, and after 5 days of brooding, chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups viz. paddy husk (Group I), paddy straw (Group II), pine leaves (Group III), and combination of paddy straw and pine leaves (Group IV), each having 30 chicks with 3 replicates of 10 chicks each. Chicks were reared under intensive conditions in houses that have a semi-controlled environment, with optimum temperature and adequate ventilation. Food and water were provided as per NRC (1994) requirement.

Results: The average body weight after 6 weeks of the experiment was 2018.83±31.11, 1983.80±33.27, 2007.36±35.73, and 1938.43±36.35 g. The bedding type had no significant effect on the carcass characteristics viz. evisceration rate and proportion of cut-up parts of the carcass except giblet yield. The experiment suggested that performance of broiler chicks reared on paddy straw and pine leaves as litter material, had improved body weight and feed conversion ratio as compared to rearing on paddy husk as bedding material. Bacterial count, parasitic load and the N, P, K value of manure of different bedding material shows no significant difference.

Conclusion: Pine leaves have a potential to be used as an alternative source of litter material to economize poultry production in a sustainable way, so as to make poultry farming as a profitable entrepreneur.

Keywords: litter material, paddy husk, paddy straw, pine leaves.

Factors affecting survivability of local Rohilkhand goats under organized farm

Research (Published online: 22-10-2015)

10. Factors affecting survivability of local Rohilkhand goats under organized farm - D. Upadhyay, B. H. M. Patel, S. Sahu, G. K. Gaur and M. Singh

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1215-1218

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1215-1218

Abstract

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Aim: To study the pattern of mortality as affected by age, season and various diseases in local goats of Rohilkhand region maintained at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly.

Materials and Methods: Post-mortem records of 12 years (2000-01 to 2011-12) were used, and total 243 mortality data were collected and analyzed. The causes of mortality were classified into seven major classes viz. digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal disorder, parasitic disorders, mixed disorders (combination of digestive, respiratory, parasitic, and cardiovascular disorders) and miscellaneous disorders (cold, hypoglycemia, emaciation, endometritis, traumatic injury, etc.).

Results: The average mortality was 10.93%. The overall mortality was more during rainy season followed by winter and summer season. The mortality in 4-6 months of age was high (2.52%) followed by 0-1 month (2.34%) and 2-3 months (1.35%). The average mortality among adult age groups (>12 months) was 3.42%. The mortality showed declining trend with the advancement of age up to 3 months and then again increased in 4-6 months age group. The digestive diseases (3.51%) followed by respiratory diseases (1.89%) and parasitic diseases (1.48%) contributed major share to the total mortality occurred and the remaining disorders were of lesser significance in causing death in goats. There is significant (p<0.01; χ2=55.62) association between year with season and age with the season (p<0.05, χ2=16.083) found in the present study.

Conclusion: This study confirms that overall mortality rate averaged 10.93% (ranged between 1.10% and 25.56%) over 12 years under semi-intensive farm condition. It was generally higher in rainy season. The mortality remains higher in kids particularly under 1 month of age. The digestive diseases contributed major share to overall mortality.

Keywords: digestive disease, goat, mortality, Rohilkhand.

Effect of drinking water temperature on physiological variables of crossbred dairy cattle at high altitude temperate region of Himalayas

Research (Published online: 17-10-2015)

9. Effect of drinking water temperature on physiological variables of crossbred dairy cattle at high altitude temperate region of Himalayas- D. M. Golher, P. Thirumurugan, B. H. M. Patel, V. K. Upadhyay, S. Sahu, G. K. Gaur and S. H. Bhoite

Veterinary World, 8(10): 1210-1214

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1210-1214

Abstract

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Aim: The objective of study was to investigate the effects of drinking water on certain physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and, ruminal motility (RM).

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out on 18 farm bred lactating crossbred cows. The animals selected for the study were divided into three groups of six animals each on the basis of milk yield and parity and were allotted to three treatment group of six each such as ambient drinking water temperature at 10.25±0.28°C (ambient water, T1), drinking water temperature at 15-20°C (T2) and drinking water temperature at 35-40°C (T3). All the managemental practices were kept similar during experiment except drinking water temperatures physiological variables such as HR, RR, RT, and RM of the individual cow was measured and recorded twice in a day at 800 h and again at 1400 h two consecutive days in a week 15 min after providing drinking water.

Result: HR and RR at morning and at evening recorded were within the normal physiological level for all the treatment groups. However, RT at morning was comparable in all the treatments whereas at evening it was significantly (p<0.01) higher for cows consuming in T2and in T3 than cows consumed (T1). The RM during morning among the treatments were non-significant as compared to the rumen motility at evening was significantly higher for (T1) and (T2) than for cows in (T3).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that offering warm drinking water at 35-40°C to crossbred lactating dairy cow is beneficial during winter at high altitude temperate region.

Keywords: ambient, lactating, relative humidity, ruminal motility, temperate region.