Higher omega-3 index after dietary inclusion of omega-3 phospholipids versus omega-3 triglycerides in Alaskan Huskies

Research (Published online: 22-06-2020)

21. Higher omega-3 index after dietary inclusion of omega-3 phospholipids versus omega-3 triglycerides in Alaskan Huskies

Lena Burri, Knut Heggen and Andreas Berg Storsve

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1167-1173

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Numerous studies have found benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely, for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in dogs. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of dietary inclusion of equal amounts of omega-3 FAs in phospholipid (PL) from krill meal to triglyceride structure from fish oil to increase the omega-3 FA profile in red blood cells (RBCs) in dogs.

Materials and Methods: Ten adult Alaskan Huskies of both genders were supplemented with daily 1.7 g EPA and DHA from krill meal for 6 weeks, while another ten dogs received 1.7 g EPA and DHA from fish oil. FA and omega-3 index measurements of the two groups were taken after 0, 3, and 6 weeks for comparison.

Results: It was mainly the EPA levels that increased in the krill meal group (from 1.84% to 4.42%) compared to the fish oil group (from 1.90% to 2.46%) (p<0.001), which drove the group differences in the omega-3 index. This resulted in the krill meal group having a mean omega-3 index increase from 3.9 at baseline to 6.3%, which was significantly greater than the increase from 3.9% to 4.7% observed in the fish oil group (p<0.001). Concomitantly, omega-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, were reduced in RBC membranes and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was significantly more reduced in the krill meal compared to the fish oil group.

Conclusion: The results showed that krill meal supplementation was associated with a reduction of omega-6 PUFAs, which compensated for the increased omega-3 index, suggesting that PLs are efficient delivery molecules of omega-3 PUFAs.

Keywords: dog, fish oil, krill meal, omega-3 index, phospholipids, triglycerides.

Bacteriological quality of water in private wells and boreholes in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 20-06-2020)

13. Bacteriological quality of water in private wells and boreholes in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Ruth Adi Agyo, Raph Agbo Ofukwu, Anthony Ekle J. Okoh and Charity A. Agada

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 76-82

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed at examined the presence of coliform bacteria in private wells and boreholes (BH) in peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, using the approaches of most probable number (MPN) index and coliform count.

Materials and Methods: Seven hundred and sixty-eight water samples were randomly collected during a 1-year period from non-cased wells, burn brick cased wells (BBW), concrete cased wells, and BH in four locations; A, B, C, and D during the wet and dry seasons. One liter of water was obtained from each well at every visit to the four sites, and eight water samples were collected from each visit. The samples were analyzed using multiple tube fermentation methods and pour plate techniques to determine the MPN of coliform/100 ml of water, reading from the MPN statistics table.

Results: One-way analysis of variance statistics was applied using Duncan's new multiple range test to separate the means where there was a significant difference. The result revealed that the MPN index and total coliform counts in all the wells in the locations were above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit for potable water. The highest MPN index of 54.807 was recorded in Location A and followed by 42.679 in Location B. The MPN index in Locations C and D was 36.740 and 30.943, respectively. There was significantly (p=0.000) higher total coliform count in the wet season (41.48±7.09) than in the dry season (38.33±2.83).

Conclusion: This study shows the presence of coliform bacteria isolates in all the wells and BH that exceeded the WHO permissible limits for drinking water. The water from these sources is unsafe for drinking except after dosing with appropriate germicides. Sensitization of the population on the actions they can take to make the water safe for domestic use is suggested.

Keywords: coliform, contamination, Enterobacteriaceae.

The effect of Beauveria bassiana inoculation on plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) repellency of acetone extracts of Tulbaghia violacea

Research (Published online: 20-06-2020)

20. The effect of Beauveria bassiana inoculation on plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) repellency of acetone extracts of Tulbaghia violacea

Pumla Staffa, Nkululeko Nyangiwe, George Msalya, Yakob Petro Nagagi and Felix Nchu

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1159-1166

ABSTRACT

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales) inoculum on plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick repellency of the extracts of Tulbaghia violacea (Amaryllidaceae).

Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old potted seedlings of T. violacea were each inoculated with conidia of B. bassiana (strain SM3) suspended at a concentration of 1×106 conidia mL–1. Tissue colonization by fungal conidia was assessed after 3 weeks. Plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick repellency were assessed after 12 weeks post-treatment.

Results: B. bassiana conidia successfully colonized leaf and root tissues of T. violacea. The growth of fungal hyphae out of the leaf and root sections occurred in 75% and 91.6% of plants, respectively. Inoculation of the plants with B. bassiana significantly (p<0.05) influenced root length and plant height but did not have substantial effects on weights and leaf number of T. violacea. While the fungus did not have significant effects on overall number of the volatile chemical constituents, significant variations in the quantity (area ratio) were observed in at least four compounds that were detected. In the tick repellency bioassay, high concentration (20 w/v%) of acetone extract from fungus-exposed plants produced the least repellent effect on Rhipicephalus appendiculatus larvae (Ixodidae), while at lower concentrations (5 w/v% and 10 w/v%) of acetone extracts of T. violacea, tick repellent activity of the extract of the fungus treatment was significantly improved and was comparable to commercial N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide and the other treatments.

Conclusion: Experimental fungal inoculation positively influenced plant growth in height and root length and tick (R. appendiculatus) repellency of acetone extracts of T. violacea at a concentration of 10 w/v% compared to the control treatment.

Keywords: Beauveria bassiana, fungal endophyte, secondary metabolites, tick repellency, tick toxicity, Tulbaghia violacea.

Detection of esophageal and glandular stomach calcification in cow (Bos taurus)

Research (Published online: 19-06-2020)

19. Detection of esophageal and glandular stomach calcification in cow (Bos taurus)

Esraa Abdul Khaliq Zegyer, Basim Abdullah Al Khuzaee and Ahmed Mahdi Al Badri

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1153-1158

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aims of this study were first to estimate calcification in the esophagus and abomasum of cows and second to quantify its appearance with increasing age using histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques.

Materials and Methods: Esophageal and abomasal samples from 24 healthy cows (Bos taurus) were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin, alizarin red, and von Kossa stains were used for histopathological analysis. Histopathological changes were confirmed with immunohistochemical staining, followed by digital image analysis.

Results: Histological findings revealed the esophagus and abomasum wall comprised four fundamental layers, the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa or adventitia. At 1 year old, calcification was beginning to appear as fine diffused points in mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis of both esophagus and abomasum, appearing as small spots at 2 years old. With advancing age in all animals, this calcification began to appear as medium spots spread throughout all wall layers of these organs at 3 years old. By 4 years old, calcification had evolved into large dark foci spread substantially throughout the tunica submucosa and tunica muscularis. Immunohistochemical results exhibited positive immunoreaction to calcium salts in the esophagus and abomasum layers in all animals, which increased with age.

Conclusion: The current study concluded that calcification is a pathological event appearing spontaneously in various types of soft tissue, significantly increasing with age, either because of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia or secondary to other diseases.

Keywords: abomasum, alizarin red, calcification, esophagus, immunohistochemistry, von Kossa.

Congestive heart failure in cattle; etiology, clinical, and ultrasonographic findings in 67 cases

Research (Published online: 19-06-2020)

18. Congestive heart failure in cattle; etiology, clinical, and ultrasonographic findings in 67 cases

Mustafa Abd El Raouf, Magdy Elgioushy and Shimaa A. Ezzeldein

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1145-1152

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a clinical disorder that results from cardiac dysfunction with subsequent fatal outcomes in most cases. Several diseases are incriminated in occurrence of CHF. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify CHF etiology and associated clinical findings in 67 cows and to investigate the relationship between CHF and the other body organs using ultrasonographic examination.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven cows affected by CHF admitted to the clinic with a history of loss of appetite, decrease in milk production, constipation, and brisket edema were thoroughly investigated clinically and ultrasonographically. In addition, ten apparently healthy cows were used as a control group.

Results: Clinically, cows with CHF manifested jugular engorgement and pulsation (88.1%), brisket and/or intermandibular edema (77.6%), and muffled heart sounds (76.1%). Based on the ultrasonographic examination, traumatic pericarditis (82.1%) was the most prevalent etiology of CHF. Extracardiac etiology of CHF identified were exudative pleurisy (10.4%) and mediastinal abscesses (7.5%). Hepatomegaly (88.1%) and pleural effusion (61.2%) were the most documented consequences.

Conclusion: Both cardiac and extracardiac diseases could be associated with CHF in cattle. Ultrasonographic changes in liver and pleura secondary to CHF were the most common findings. Ultrasonography is a good tool for the diagnosis of cardiac and extracardiac etiologies of CHF in cattle.

Keywords: cattle, congestive heart failure, mediastinal abscess, pericarditis, pleurisy.

Determining highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza clade 2.3.2.1c seroprevalence in ducks, Purbalingga, Central Java, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 18-06-2020)

17. Determining highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza clade 2.3.2.1c seroprevalence in ducks, Purbalingga, Central Java, Indonesia

Imas Yuyun, Hendra Wibawa, Gunawan Setiaji, Tri Anggraeni Kusumastuti, and Widagdo Sri Nugroho

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1138-1144

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In Indonesia, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks in poultry are still reported. The disease causes a decrease in egg production and an increase in mortality; this has an impact on the economic losses of farmers. Several studies have considered that ducks play a role in the HPAI endemicity in the country; however, little is known about whether or not the type of duck farming is associated with HPAI H5 virus infection, particularly within clade 2.3.2.1c, which has been predominantly found in poultry since 2014. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the HPAI seroprevalence for H5 subtype clade 2.3.2.1c in laying ducks that are kept intensively and nomadically and to determine the associated risk factors.

Materials and Methods: Forty-nine duck farmers were randomly selected from ten sub-districts in Purbalingga District, Central Java, Indonesia; a cross-sectional study was implemented to collect field data. Based on an expected HPAI prevalence level of 10%, estimated accuracy of ± 5%, and 95% confidence interval (CI), the total sample size was calculated at 36 individuals. Samples must be multiplied by 7 to reduce bias; thus, 252 ducks were taken as samples in this study. Considering that the maintenance and duck handling were uniform and farmers complained that the effect of activity to take duck samples would reduce egg production, this study only took samples from 245 ducks (oropharyngeal swabs and serum). Those samples were taken from five birds on each farm. Hemagglutination inhibition tests examined the serum samples for HPAI H5 Clade 2.3.2.1c, and pool swab samples (five swabs in one viral media transport) were examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) test for influenza Type A and H5 subtype virus. Information regarding farm management was obtained using a questionnaire; face-to-face interviews were conducted with the duck farmers using native Javanese language.

Results: Serum and swabs from 245 ducks were collected in total. For individual birds, 54.69% (134/245) of serum samples were H5 seropositive. Seroprevalence among nomadic ducks was 59.28% (95% CI: 0.48-0.61), which was higher than among intensively farmed ducks (48.57%, 95% CI: 0.38-0.58). Farm-level seroprevalence was 50% (95% CI: 0.30-0.69) for nomadic ducks but only 28.57% (95% CI: 0.11-0.51) for intensively farmed ducks. The farm-level virus prevalence (proportion of flocks with at least one bird positive for influenza Type A) was 17.85% (95% CI: 0.07-0.35) for nomadic ducks and 4.76% (1/21) for intensively farmed ducks (95% CI: 0.008-0.23). All influenza Type A positive samples were negative for the H5 subtype, indicating that another HA subtype AI viruses might have been circulating in ducks in the study area. A relationship between duck farms that were H5 seropositive and their maintenance system was present; however, this relationship was not significant, the nomadic duck system detected 2 times higher H5-seropositive ducks than the intensive farming system (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 0.33-14.31).

Conclusion: This study found that the seroprevalence of HPAI in the duck population level in Purbalingga was 54.69% and demonstrated that the nomadic duck farming system was more likely to acquire HPAI H5 infection than the intensive farming duck system. Other risk factors should be further investigated as the diversity of the farming system is partially related to HPAI H5 infection.

Keywords: avian influenza, ducks, farming system, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5, risk factors, seroprevalence.

Evaluation of two fixation techniques for direct observation of biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis in situ, on Congo red agar, using scanning electron microscopy

Research (Published online: 18-06-2020)

16. Evaluation of two fixation techniques for direct observation of biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis in situ, on Congo red agar, using scanning electron microscopy

Nadia Mahmoud Tawfiq Jebril

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1133-1137

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Direct observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a common method used for the observations of biofilms. N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide) (EDC) fixation method has proven to be a valuable fixation method in the observation of these biofilms. Still, it entails a method of biofilm fixation that can damage slim structures, leading to the impossible observation of biofilm development. In contrast, alcian blue and lysine (ABL) fixation technique appears more glycocalyx of biofilm, fully preserved samples, which may provide much insight into the development of B. subtilis biofilms.

Materials and Methods: Here, the evaluation of the fixation of ABL technique for the study of B. subtilis biofilms was carried out in situ, on Congo red agar. In doing so, the comparison to commonly use conventional EDC technique for sample fixation, and observation was carried out. Observations were based on SEM over 30 samples.

Results: Overall, ABL technique provided excellent observation of biofilms formed in situ, on Congo red agar, and revealed slime structures, which have not been observed, much in standard EDC fixation or earlier in other studies of these biofilms in B. subtilis.

Conclusion: This study reported the appropriate use of ABL in the fixation technique for the preservation of biofilm of B. subtilis.

Keywords: alcian blue, Bacillus subtilis, biofilm, Congo red agar, scanning electron microscopy.