Effect of some non-genetic factors on the productivity and profitability of Holstein Friesian dairy cows

Research (Published online: 27-01-2021)

31. Effect of some non-genetic factors on the productivity and profitability of Holstein Friesian dairy cows

Amira M. Abd-El Hamed and Eman R. Kamel

Veterinary World, 14(1): 242-249

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk yield (MY) is one of the main factors that affect the economic profitability of dairy farms. Thus, increasing the MY per animal and decreasing the feed cost can lead to economic gains, so the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dry period length (DPL), days open (DO), and days in milk (DIM) on the productivity and profitability of dairy cow farms.

Materials and Methods: Data used in this study were taken from 3095 lactation records of Friesian dairy cows of private and governmental sectors. The data were classified into 4 DPL categories: DPL1 <45 days; DPL2 45-60 days; DPL3 61-75 days, and DPL4 >75 days, 3 DO categories: DO1 ≤90 days; DO2 91-110 days and DO3 >111 days, and 8 DIM categories: DIM1 180-210 days; DIM2 211-240 days; DIM3 241-270 days; DIM4 271-300 days; DIM5 301-330 days; DIM6 331-360 days; DIM7 361-447 days; and DIM8 >447 days.

Results: The average net profit (NP) was significantly different (p<0.05) among different categories of DPL, DO, and DIM in both production sectors, where high estimates of NP were calculated for DPL3 (30667.3 EGP), and it was the lowest for DPL1 (19690.6 EGP). DO2 had the highest NP (30754.1 EGP), while DO3 had the lowest NP (24875.5 EGP). DIM3 had the highest NP (29569.3 EGP), while DIM8 had the lowest NP (19528.4 EGP).

Conclusion: Finally, we can conclude that DPL 61-75 days, DO 91-110 days, and DIM 241-270 days had the highest level of total MY, total return, and NP. Private dairy cow farms achieve a higher level of NP than governmental ones under subtropical Egyptian conditions.

Keywords: 305-milk yield, days in milk, days open, dry period length, Holstein Friesian, profitability.

The inclusion of black cumin meal improves the carcass characteristics of growing Awassi lambs

Research (Published online: 26-01-2021)

30. The inclusion of black cumin meal improves the carcass characteristics of growing Awassi lambs

Belal S. Obeidat

Veterinary World, 14(1): 237-241

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Black cumin meal (BCM) is the principal by-product that can be obtained from black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L) after the oil is removed from the fruit and represents 70-75% of the fruit weight. The aim of this experiment was to assess the influence of feeding BCM on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of growing lambs.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Awassi lambs were randomly divided into two dietary treatments. The lambs were penned individually in single pens and provided access to ad libitum feed and water. The dietary treatments were no BCM (control [CON]; n=12) or 150 g BCM/kg (BCM 150; n=12) of dietary dry matter.

Results: Lambs fed BCM had greater (p≤0.01) fasting live BW, and hot and cold carcass weights. Leg fat and eye muscle depth were lower (p≤0.05) in CON versus BCM lambs. Meat whiteness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness did not differ between lambs fed the two diets.

Conclusion: The inclusion of BCM improves lamb carcass characteristics, but does not affect lamb meat quality.

Keywords: Awassi lambs, black cumin meal, carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Profiles of progesterone and bovine interferon-τ in repeat breeding and non-repeat breeding Aceh cows

Research (Published online: 26-01-2021)

29. Profiles of progesterone and bovine interferon-τ in repeat breeding and non-repeat breeding Aceh cows

Husnurrizal Husnurrizal, Tongku Nizwan Siregar, Gholib Gholib, Budianto Panjaitan, Teuku Armansyah and Sri Wahyuni

Veterinary World, 14(1): 230-236

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed at determining the profiles of progesterone and bovine interferon-τ (bIFN-τ) and the correlation between the two in repeat breeding (RB) Aceh cattle and non-RB Aceh cattle.

Materials and Methods: The study was performed on five RB and five non-RB Aceh cows. These cows were subjected to estrous synchronization using the prostaglandin F2 alpha hormone, which was followed by artificial insemination (AI). Serum samples were collected on days 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, and 17 after AI to measure the concentration of progesterone at the beginning and end of the luteal phase and from days 14 to 18 after AI to measure the concentration of bIFN-τ. The concentrations of progesterone and bIFN-τ were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pregnancy examinations were performed by ultrasonography on days 25, 35, 45, and 55 after AI. Data for progesterone and bIFN-τ concentrations were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney and t-tests, and the correlation between progesterone and bIFN-τ was analyzed using the Spearman correlation test.

Results: The average concentration of progesterone in RB Aceh cows tended to be lower than non-RB Aceh cows, but it was not significantly different (p>0.05). Similar results also found in the concentration of bIFN-τ which RB Aceh cows tended to have lower bIFN-τ concentrations compared to non-RB Aceh cows, but it was also not significantly different (p>0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of progesterone and bIFN-τ in RB and non-RB Aceh cows did not show a significant correlation (p>0.05). These results of the ultrasonography showed that non-RB Aceh cows were pregnant from day 25 to day 55 after AI, whereas RB Aceh cows were not pregnant and had early embryonic death.

Conclusion: The concentrations of progesterone and bIFN-τ in non-RB Aceh cows tended to be higher than those in RB Aceh cows, although, it was not significantly different. Non-RB Aceh cows were able to maintain pregnancy until day 55, whereas RB Aceh cows were diagnosed with early embryonic death before day 25 after AI.

Keywords: Aceh cows, bovine interferon-τ, repeat breeding.

Prevalence and phenotypic characterization of Salmonella enterica isolates from three species of wild marine turtles in Grenada, West Indies

Research (Published online: 25-01-2021)

28. Prevalence and phenotypic characterization of Salmonella enterica isolates from three species of wild marine turtles in Grenada, West Indies

Jonnel J. Edwards, Victor A. Amadi, Esteban Soto, Michele T. Jay-Russel, Peiman Aminabadi, Kirsten Kenelty, Kate Charles, Gitanjali Arya, Ketna Mistry, Roxanne Nicholas, Brian P. Butler and David Marancik

Veterinary World, 14(1): 222-229

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Salmonella enterica causes enteric disease in mammals and may potentially be transmitted from marine turtles that shed the pathogen in the environment. Marine turtle-associated human salmonellosis is a potential public health concern in Grenada, as the island supports populations of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) that interface with veterinarians and conservation workers, the local population, and the thousands of visitors that frequent the island yearly. To date, the prevalence of S. enterica has only been examined in a small subset of marine turtles in the Caribbean and no studies have been conducted in Grenada. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of S. enterica in leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles in Grenada, characterize phenotypes and DNA profiles, and explore the potential risk to human health in the region.

Materials and Methods: A total of 102 cloacal swabs were obtained from nesting leatherback turtles and foraging hawksbill and green turtles. Samples were cultured on enrichment and selective media and isolates were phenotypically characterized using serotyping, pulsed-phase gel electrophoresis, and antibiotic susceptibility. Enrichment broths were additionally screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using S. enterica-specific primers.

Results: S. enterica was cultured from 15/57 (26.3%) leatherback turtles, 0/28 hawksbill, and 0/17 green turtles. This included S. enterica serovars Montevideo, S. I:4,5,12:i:-, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Newport, S. I:6,7:-:-, and S. I:4,5,12:-:-. Five/15 leatherback turtles carried multiple serovars. Eight pulsotype groups were identified with multiple clustering; however, there was no clear association between pulsotype group and serotype profile. Five/71 isolates showed resistance to streptomycin or ampicillin. Twenty-one/57 leatherback turtles, 14/28 hawksbill turtles, and 8/17 green turtles tested positive for S. enterica by quantitative PCR.

Conclusion: Nesting leatherback turtles actively shed S. enterica and poses a risk for zoonosis; however, the presence of viable pathogen in green and hawksbill species is unclear. These findings help elucidate the role of marine turtles as potential sources of zoonotic S. enterica and provide baseline data for one health research in Grenada and the wider Caribbean region.

Keywords: antimicrobials, marine turtles, pulsotypes, Salmonella enterica, serotypes, zoonosis.

Antimicrobial uses for livestock production in developing countries

Review (Published online: 25-01-2021)

27. Antimicrobial uses for livestock production in developing countries

Md. Zahangir Hosain, S. M. Lutful Kabir and Md. Mostofa Kamal

Veterinary World, 14(1): 210-221

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial is an indispensable part of veterinary medicine used for the treatment and control of diseases as well as a growth promoter in livestock production. Frequent use of antimicrobials in veterinary practices may lead to the residue in animal originated products and creates some potential problems for human health. The presence of antimicrobial residues in animal originated foods may induce serious health problems such as allergic reaction, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and lead to carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in the human body. The misuse or abuse of antibiotics in human medicine is thought to be a principal cause of AMR but some antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and their resistant genes originating from animals are also responsible for developing AMR. However, the residual effect of antimicrobials in feed and food products of animal origin is undeniable. In developing countries, the community is unaware of this residual effect due to lack of proper information about antibiotic usage, AMR surveillance, and residue monitoring system. It is imperative to reveal the current situation of antimicrobial use in livestock production and its impacts on public health. Moreover, the safety levels of animal feeds and food products of animal origin must be strictly monitored and public awareness should be developed against the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial in animal production. Therefore, the current review summarizes the literature on antimicrobial use in livestock production and its hazardous residual impacts on the human body in developing countries.

Keywords: antimicrobials, human health, livestock production, residue.

Molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from postpartum uterine infection in dairy cattle in India

Research (Published online: 23-01-2021)

26. Molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from postpartum uterine infection in dairy cattle in India

Samiksha Agrawal, Ajay Pratap Singh, Rashmi Singh, Raktim Saikia, Soumen Choudhury, Amit Shukla, Shyama N. Prabhu and Jitendra Agrawal

Veterinary World, 14(1): 200-209

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Selection and dissemination of plasmid-encoded extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) among Enterobacteriaceae confers resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing organisms isolated from dairy cattle with a uterine infection.

Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolates (n=62) were characterized by biochemical test for genus and species determination. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method using panel of antibiotics for initial screening of ESBL organism. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL-suspected strains was done by combination disk method and double-disk method. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for phylogrouping of Escherichia coli isolates as well as for genotyping ESBL genes. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR method was used for genotypic characterization of isolates.

Results: Antibiotic susceptibility profile of E. coli (n=40) isolates showed high rates of resistance for ampicillin (95.0%), cefpodoxime (97.5%), cefotaxime (87.5%), and ceftriaxone (70%). However, low rates of resistance were observed for cefoxitin (25%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20%), ceftazidime (17.5%), gentamicin (10%), and ertapenem (7.5%). A total of 39/40 E. coli isolates were confirmed as ESBL with Epsilometer test as well as the genotypic method and 28 (70%) of them were multidrug-resistant. Genotype blaCTX-M was observed as a predominant beta-lactamase type with the preponderance of CTX-M Group 1. The following combinations were observed: blaTEM + blaCTX-M in 15 (36.2%) isolates, blaTEM / blaSHV in 8 (5.2%) isolates, and blaCTX-M / blaSHV in 6 (5.2%) isolates. The phylogenetic grouping of E. coli strains revealed the highest prevalence for B1 (22.0%) followed by A (20%).

Conclusion: This report shows a high frequency of ESBL E. coli from cattle with postpartum uterine infections. These isolates showed reduced susceptibility to common antibiotics used for the treatment of uterine infections greater affecting the therapeutic outcome.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, cattle, endometritis, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, microbiology.

The emerging SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2: An insight into the viruses zoonotic aspects

Review (Published online: 23-01-2021)

25. The emerging SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2: An insight into the viruses zoonotic aspects

Karima A. Al-Salihi and Jenan Mahmood Khalaf

Veterinary World, 14(1): 190-199

ABSTRACT

Zoonotic coronavirus disease (COVID) has emerged in the past two decades and caused a pandemic that has produced a significant universal health alarm. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2002 and 2012, respectively, provoking severe lower respiratory infection and deadly pneumonia. COVID-19 is a severe respiratory disease caused by the new strain of novel CoV (SARS-CoV-2). The zoonotic aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are highlighted in this article. COVID-19 has rapidly become a pandemic and has spread and infected millions of people worldwide. As of November 19, 2020, the date of submitting this review, the total CoV cases, deaths, and recovered patients are 56,828,218, 1,359,320, and 39,548,923, respectively. In conclusion, COVID-19 has particularly altered the opinion of the significance of zoonotic diseases and their animal origins and the intermediate reservoirs, which may be unknown wild animals. Genetically, the SARS-CoV-2 is related to the SARS-like bat CoVs and shares 85% identity with the SARS-CoV that is derived from the SARS-like bat CoVs. However, the virus is related to a lesser extent to the MERS-CoV. The SARS-CoV-2 uses the same receptor-binding domain receptor of the SARS-CoV – the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; conversely, DPP4 (CD26). It has not been proved that the MERS-CoVs primary receptor is the receptor of the SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: Bats, coronavirus disease-19, pneumonia, RNA viruses, zoonotic.