Feeding value of sorghum stover fed to tropical hair sheep as complete rations in chop, mash, pellet, and block forms

Research (Published online: 30-08-2021)

38. Feeding value of sorghum stover fed to tropical hair sheep as complete rations in chop, mash, pellet, and block forms

J. Raju, J. Narasimha, N. Nalini Kumari, T. Raghunanadan, V. Chinni Preetam, A. Ashok Kumar and P. Ravi Kanth Reddy

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2273-2281

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Poor palatability, low bulk density, and low nutritive value restrict the utilization of the crop residues as animal feeds. Altering the physical characteristics of feed by blending the roughage and concentrates in the form of complete feed improves the nutrient use efficiency and reduces the feed wastage, feed cost, and labor cost. The study aims to determine suitable processing methods (mash, pellet, or block forms) for efficient utilization of sorghum stover-based complete rations vis-a-vis conventional feeding methods in sheep.

Materials and Methods: The sorghum stover was incorporated in complete rations with roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50 proportion in a growth trial of 120 days. The feed ingredients were chaffed, ground in a hammer mill, passed through expander-extruder, and compressed by feed block machine to prepare chop, mash, pellet, and block form of rations, respectively. Twenty-four male intact growing Nellore×Deccani cross lambs (3.5±0.5 months age, 14.50±0.41 kg (mean ± SD) at the start of the experiment) were divided into four experimental groups of six animals each in a complete randomized design. The experimental rations were randomly allotted to each group and evaluated for their intake, nutrient utilization, and growth performance.

Results: The sheep fed on pellet-based ration consumed a higher (p<0.05) quantity of dry matter. The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber were higher (p<0.05) in processed rations (mash, pellet, or block). Further, the nitrogen balance (g/d) was higher (p<0.05) in the mash, pellet, and block form of rations, compared to chopped ration. The processing method did not influence calcium or phosphorous balance parameters, except for their urinary losses, which showed an increasing trend (p=0.07). The ram lambs fed with pelleted ration showed higher (p<0.05) weight gain than mash, block, or chaff forms. The efficiency of feed utilization in gaining one kg body weight was higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed a pelleted diet. Feeding pelletized ration was more economical to gain one kg body weight. The bulk density was highest for block-based ration followed by pellet, mash, and conventional rations, and the carrying capacity of truck was highest with the least transport cost in block-form of rations.

Conclusion: Physical processing (mash, pellet, and block) of sorghum stover-based complete rations increased the nutrient utilization and growth performance of sheep compared to conventional chopped form. Pelleting the mash with expander-extruder procedure was found to be more profitable. Nevertheless, the cost economics revealed blocks as more preferable forms for transporting the complete rations to larger distances.

Keywords: block, crop residue, digestibility, feed processing, growth, lambs, mash, pellet.

Influence of first colostrum pasteurization on serum immunoglobulin G, iron, and activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase in newborn dairy calves

Research (Published online: 29-08-2021)

37. Influence of first colostrum pasteurization on serum immunoglobulin G, iron, and activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase in newborn dairy calves

Sebastian Ganz, Klaus Failing, Abdulwahed Ahmed Hassan, Michael Bülte and Axel Wehrend

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2267-2272

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Colostrum pasteurization is an established procedure in dairy farms in developed countries. This practice can improve the health status of the offspring by reducing several pathogens. This study aimed to focus on the pasteurization of bovine first colostrum and its influence on certain important bioactive components.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Holstein-Friesian bull calves, which were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 6 L of untreated (UT, n=10) or 6 L of heat-treated (HT, 63.5°C for 30 min, n=10) colostrum from their own dam within the first 12 h after birth. Blood samples were taken before, 24 h, and 48 h after first colostrum intake to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and iron and the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in the serum.

Results: The level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization (p=0.19). However, a slower increase in GGT activity (p<0.05) and a lower serum iron concentration (p=0.04) were observed in the HT group.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that pasteurization influences the absorption of colostrum components and therefore, the passive transfer of immunity, although the level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization in this study.

Keywords: calf, first colostrum, heat treatment, immunoglobulin G, iron deficiency anemia.

The first report on internal transcribed spacer region-based characterization of microfilaria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand

Research (Published online: 28-08-2021)

36. The first report on internal transcribed spacer region-based characterization of microfilaria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand

Choenkwan Pabutta, Nuttapon Bangkaew, Pratthana Inthawong, Pannarai Mahadthai, Waleemas Jairak, Nantana Soda, Manakorn Sukmak and Supaphen Sripiboon

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2260-2266

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Filarial infections can significantly impact the health of both humans and animals. In elephants, filariasis has been associated with cutaneous dermatitis and skin nodules. However, molecular evidence for such infections is limited in Thailand. This study aimed to identify the morphological and molecular characteristics of microfilaria in captive Asian elephants in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Whole blood collected from the ear vein of 129 captive Asian elephants was hematologically analyzed, and the blood parasites were evaluated using three standard techniques: The microcapillary test, thin blood smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Conventional PCR revealed that approximately 17% (22/129) of the sampled elephants were positive for microfilaria. Microscopy revealed that microfilariae are large, unsheathed, with extended nuclei, a short headspace, and a curved tail tapering at the end. Results of internal transcribed spacer region analysis show that the elephant microfilariae are closely related to Onchocerca spp. All of the elephants positive for microfilaria presented with neither skin lesion nor anemic signs. Microfilaria infection was not associated with age; however, microfilariae were more likely to be detected in male elephants due to differences in management systems.

Conclusion: This is the first study to provide both morphological and molecular evidence of microfilaria in Thai elephants. There is an urgent need to investigate the long-term and large-scale effects of microfilaria on the health of elephants.

Keywords: Asian elephant, genotype, internal transcribed spacer, microfilaria, Thailand.

Assessment of wound area reduction on chronic wounds in dogs with photobiomodulation therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Research (Published online: 28-08-2021)

35. Assessment of wound area reduction on chronic wounds in dogs with photobiomodulation therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Somphong Hoisang, Naruepon Kampa, Suvaluk Seesupa and Supranee Jitpean

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2251-2259

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Chronic wounds are a clinical problem and require intensive standard wound care. However, this is sometimes insufficient to promote healing. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve wound healing. Various PBMT devices with different properties and parameter settings as well as different animal species can influence a variety of clinical outcomes. This study aims to assess the use of 830 nm PBMT or simultaneous superpulsed and multiple wavelengths (SPMW; 660, 875, and 905 nm) PBMT on chronic wounds in client-owned dogs.

Materials and Methods: This study included 21 client-owned dogs with chronic wounds allocated into three groups: (1) Control group (C) treated with irrigated saline and without PBMT (n=7); (2) L1 group treated with irrigated saline together with the radiation of 830 nm PBMT (n=7); and (3) L2 group treated with irrigated saline together with the radiation of simultaneous SPMW-PBMT (n=7). Wound healing was assessed on the basis of wound size reduction as a percentage of wound area every 2nd day for 15 days using image analysis software (ImageJ software®, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA).

Results: A significant difference in the percentage of wound area reduction was noted between the C and PBMT groups (L1 and L2; p<0.05). The average percentages of wound area reduction at the end of the study (15 days) were 42.39±20.58, 56.98±24.82, and 61.81±27.18 in the C, L1, and L2 groups, respectively. A steady decrease in wound size was noted in both PBMT and non-PBMT groups, and coefficients were 7.77, 8.95, and 10.01 in the C, L1, and L2 groups, respectively. The percentage of wound area reduction was found to be significantly different between the PBMT and non-BPMT groups on day 7 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, using either 830 nm PBMT or simultaneous SPMW-PBMT can accelerate the chronic wound healing process in dogs with a significant reduction in wound area. Therefore, it can be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve wound healing in dogs with reduced treatment duration.

Keywords: canine, chronic wound, combined wavelength photobiomodulation therapy, low-intensity laser therapy, photobiomodulation therapy.

Immunomodulatory, behavioral, and nutritional response of tryptophan application on poultry

Review (Published online: 28-08-2021)

34. Immunomodulatory, behavioral, and nutritional response of tryptophan application on poultry

Nguyen Thuy Linh, Budi Guntoro and Nguyen Hoang Qui

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2244-2250

ABSTRACT

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for all animals that was discovered through casein hydrolysis. The use of tryptophan as feed additives has been attracting the attention of many nutritionists because it cannot be synthesized enough in an animal's body. Tryptophan or precursor to the vitamin niacin in the diet is important, and its supplementation for poultry is determined to improve the amino acid balance and promote the poultry's growth performance through enhancing appetite, feed efficiency, and protein synthesis. Moreover, poultry in different growth phases, breeding, and conditions require various amounts of tryptophan. In addition, supplemented tryptophan also improves the immune response or the immunomodulatory activity of poultry to various diseases through the kynurenine pathway, especially diseases in the bursa. Furthermore, tryptophan also has a strong relationship with lysine (the ideal tryptophan/lysine ratio) in improving growth performance. However, tryptophan deficiency could affect the behavioral responses (e.g. pecking behavior and poultry stress) because tryptophan serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and the pineal hormone melatonin in the diet. This paper tried to summarize all information about applying tryptophan in the diets and illustrate the roles of tryptophan in the poultry industry.

Keywords: nutrition, poultry's diet, poultry's performance, tryptophan.

Evaluation of pleural fluid parameters related to cardiac diseases in cats

Research (Published online: 27-08-2021)

33. Evaluation of pleural fluid parameters related to cardiac diseases in cats

Nutcha Chobsuk, Panita Pongprasit, Pralphun Puangploy, Monnakarn Bunnag, Luksika Keerativitayanant and Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2238-2243

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cardiac disease is common in cats, and concurrent pleural effusion can worsen the prognosis. However, the definitive diagnosis of feline cardiac disease by echocardiography is limited in some areas. This study was designed to determine the indicators from fluid analysis obtained from pleural effusion to help diagnose cardiac disease in cats.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. Data of 61 cats with pleural effusion were retrieved. The cats were divided into two groups: Cardiac disease (n=34) and non-cardiac disease (n=27) groups. Sex, neuter status, breed, age, weight, physical findings, fluid analysis results, radiographic findings, echocardiographic findings, and the presence of other diseases or conditions were recorded.

Results: The Chi-square test showed the relationship between cardiac disease and the presence of abnormal heart sounds (p=0.0003), the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide-positive result from serum samples (p=0.046), the presence of arterial thromboembolism (p<0.00001), and the presence of radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema (p=0.0002 and 0.001, respectively). The Mann–Whitney U-test showed a significant difference in protein concentration and specific gravity between the cardiac and non-cardiac disease groups (p=0.012 and 0.009, respectively). The decision tree classification method showed that protein concentrations of ≤3 g/dL were related to cardiac disease (sensitivity, 41.2% and specificity, 92.6%).

Conclusion: The protein concentration in the pleural fluid may be used to distinguish cardiac and non-cardiac diseases in cats.

Keywords: cardiac disease, cat, pleural effusion, protein concentration.

Diagnosis of naturally occurring lumpy skin disease virus infection in cattle using virological, molecular, and immunohistopathological assays

Research (Published online: 27-08-2021)

32. Diagnosis of naturally occurring lumpy skin disease virus infection in cattle using virological, molecular, and immunohistopathological assays

Dawlat M. Amin, Gehan Shehab, Rawhya Emran, Rabab T. Hassanien, Gehan N. Alagmy, Naglaa M. Hagag, Mervat I. I. Abd-El-Moniem, Ahmed R. Habashi, Essam M. Ibraheem and Momtaz A. Shahein

Veterinary World, 14(8): 2230-2237

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that has great economic losses among Egyptian breeding flocks. The present study was designed to compare the results of different diagnostic approaches used for the diagnosis of LSD virus (LSDV).

Materials and Methods: A total of 73 skin nodule samples were collected from suspected infected cattle with LSDV from some Egyptian governorates during 2019 and 2020. Trials for virus isolation (VI) and identification on embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) were conducted. Molecular detection, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination were also conducted.

Results: The virus was isolated into ECEs, and 58 samples of 73 were positive and gave a characteristic pock lesion on the chorioallantoic membrane. Twenty-two representative nodular skin specimens of the 58 positive samples were selected to be used for molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) diagnosis. Conventional polymerase chain reaction succeeded in detecting LSDV DNA in all tested 22 skin nodule samples. Histological examination of skins of different cases revealed various alterations depending on the stage of infection. IHC was used as a confirmatory test for detecting LSDV antigen in the tissues of the skin nodules of infected cattle using specific anti-LSDV antibodies. Lumpy skin viral antigen was detected within the cytoplasm of the epidermal basal cells layer and prickle cell and within the cytoplasm of the hair follicles' epithelial outer and inner roots.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the prevalence of LSDV infection in different Egyptian governorates during 2019 and 2020. In addition, histopathology and IHC could be potential methods to confirm Lumpy skin disease infection besidesVI and molecular detection.

Keywords: histopathology, immunohistochemistry, isolation, lumpy skin disease virus, polymerase chain reaction.