Friday 3 July 2015

Effect of infrared lamps to ameliorate cold stress in Vrindavani calves

Research (Published online: 24-06-2015)
16.  Effect of infrared lamps to ameliorate cold stress in Vrindavani calves Showkat A. Bhat, Bharat Bhushan, Sajad A. Sheikh, T. Chandrasekar, Asu Singh Godara, Pranay Bharti and K. Puhle Japheth
Veterinary World, 8(6): 777-782



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.777-782



Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of infrared lamps to ameliorate cold stress in Vrindavani (Holstein Friesian × Brown Swiss × Jersey × Hariana) calves.
Materials and Methods: For the present investigation, ten newborn Vrindavani calves were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of five each. The experiment was conducted from 2nd November to 8th February when the environmental temperature was at the lowest. The calves of G1 were provided with no additional protection while the calves of G2 were protected against the cold weather by providing heat using the infrared lamps. The body weight (kg) of the calves was recorded at weekly interval. The blood samples collected within 6 h of birth and then at fortnightly interval were analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl). Besides, the serum biochemical parameters, viz., Total serum protein (TSP, g/l), albumin (g/l), globulin (g/l), albumin globulin ratio (A:G) and important stress parameters, viz., triiodothyronine (T3, ng/ml), thyroxine (T4, ng/ml) and cortisol (ng/ml) were also estimated.
Results: The calves of G2 showed higher body weight gain as compared to G1. The differences were found to be highly significant (p<0.01). The calves in G1 showed comparatively higher values of PCV and Hb and the differences were found to be significant (p<0.05) on 45th day for PCV and highly significant (p<0.01) on 60th day for PCV and on 45th day for Hb. The values of TSP and albumin were comparatively higher in calves of G1 as compared to G2 and the differences were highly significant (p<0.01) on 45th day for both TSP and albumin and significant (p<0.05) on 60th day for albumin. Significantly (p<0.01) higher values of cortisol and T4 were observed on 15 and 45th day in calves of G1 as compared to G2. The T3 levels were also found higher in calves of G1 than G2 and the differences were significant (p<0.05) on 15 and 30th day and highly significant (p<0.01) on 45th day of the study.
Conclusion: Based on the results, it could be concluded that the infrared lamps are efficient in providing favorable microclimate and hence can be effectively used in calf shed to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter and to improve their body growth performance.
Keywords: body weight, cold stress, infrared lamps, Vrindavani calves.

Partial characterization of a novel anti-inflammatory protein from salivary gland extract of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks

Research (Published online: 24-06-2015)
15.  Partial characterization of a novel anti-inflammatory protein from salivary gland extract of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks - Mayukh Ghosh, Nirmal Sangwan and Arun K. Sangwan
Veterinary World, 8(6): 772-776


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.772-776





Aim: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks transmit Theileria annulata, causative agent of tropical theileriosis to cattle and buffaloes causing a major economic loss in terms of production and mortality in tropical countries. Ticks have evolved several immune evading strategies to circumvent hosts’ rejection and achieve engorgement. Successful feeding of ticks relies on a pharmacy of chemicals located in their complex salivary glands and secreted saliva. These chemicals in saliva could inhibit host inflammatory responses through modulating cytokine secretion and detoxifying reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the present study was aimed to characterize anti-inflammatory peptides from salivary gland extract (SGE) of H. a. anatolicum ticks with a view that this information could be utilized in raising vaccines, designing synthetic peptides or peptidomimetics which can further be developed as novel therapeutics.
Materials and Methods: Salivary glands were dissected out from partially fed adult female H. a. anatolicum ticks and homogenized under the ice to prepare SGE. Gel filtration chromatography was performed using Sephadex G-50 column to fractionate the crude extract. Protein was estimated in each fraction and analyzed for identification of anti-inflammatory activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was run for further characterization of protein in desired fractions.
Results: A novel 28 kDa protein was identified in H. a. anatolicum SGE with pronounced anti-inflammatory activity.
Conclusion: Purification and partial characterization of H. a. anatolicum SGE by size-exclusion chromatography and SDSPAGE depicted a 28 kDa protein with prominent anti-inflammatory activity.
Keywords: anti-inflammatory, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, size-exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, tropical theileriosis. 

Wednesday 1 July 2015

Emerging status of anaplasmosis in cattle in Hisar

Research (Published online: 21-06-2015)
14.  Emerging status of anaplasmosis in cattle in Hisar - Tarun Kumar, Neelesh Sindhu, Gaurav Charaya, Ankit Kumar, Parmod Kumar, Gauri Chandratere, Divya Agnihotri and Rajesh Khurana
Veterinary World, 8(6): 768-771



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.768-771




Aim: Anaplasma marginale is a rickettsial pathogen responsible for progressive anemia in ruminants leading to huge economic losses. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of anaplasmosis and therapeutic evaluation of traditional line of treatment.
Materials and Methods: A total of 168 cattle presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Hisar during the period of 3 months (July-September, 2014) with history of fever, anorexia, reduced milk yield and tick infestation were analyzed for prevalence of hemoprotozoan diseases using classical giemsa stained thin blood smear parasitological method.
Results: Out of these 168 animals, 7 (4.17%) were found to be suffering from anaplasmosis on the basis of presence of dense, rounded, intra-erythrocytic bodies situated on or near the margin of the erythrocytes. Overall prevalence of theileriosis and babesiosis were found to be 42.9% and 1.8%, respectively. Level of parasitemia was noticed to be 1.2%, 0.8% and 0.9% in babesiosis, theileriosis, and anaplasmosis, respectively. The most marked and common clinical signs reported in all the cases were severe anemia (hemoglobin=3-6 g/dl) and history of fever, followed by normal body temperature. Following treatment with oxytetracycline parenterally along with supportive therapy out of seven cases six got recovered without any side-effects.
Conclusion: The current study indicates the emerging status of anaplasmosis in this part of the country as during the past few years there are very few reports showing the prevalence of clinical cases of anaplasmosis. Treatment with oxytetracycline yielded excellent result showing recovery in most of the clinical cases.
Keywords: anaplasmosis, giemsa staining, hemoprotozoan, oxytetracycline.

Zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in relation to knowledge level of dog owners

Research (Published online: 21-06-2015)
13.  Zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in relation to knowledge level of dog owners - Heli S. Raval, J. B. Nayak, B. M. Patel and C. M. Bhadesiya
Veterinary World, 8(6): 763-767



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.763-767



Aim: The present study was undertaken to understand the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis with special reference to the knowledge level of dog owners in urban areas of Gujarat.
Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in randomly selected 120 dog owners of 3 urban cities (viz., Ahmedabad, Anand and Vadodara) of Gujarat state, India. Dog owners (i.e., respondents) were subjected to a detailed interview regarding the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in dogs. Ex-post-facto research design was selected because of the independent variables of the selected respondent population for the study. The crucial method used in collecting data was a field survey to generate null hypothesis (Ho1). Available data was subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: The three independent variables, viz., extension contact (r=0.522**), mass-media exposure (r=0.205*) and management orientation (r=0.264**) had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Other independent variables,viz., education, experience in dog keeping and housing space were observed to have negative and non-significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases.
Conclusion: Extension contact, exposure to extension mass-media, management orientation and innovation proneness among dog owners of 3 urban cities of Gujarat state had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners on zoonotic aspects of canine scabies and dermatophytosis. Data provided new insights on the present status of zoonotic diseaseawareness, which would be an aid to plan preventive measures.
Keywords: canine scabies, dermatophytosis, dog owners, Gujarat, knowledge level, zoonotic importance.

Ethnoecological knowledge of ticks and treatment of tick-borne diseases among Maasai people in Northern Tanzania

Research (Published online: 20-06-2015)
12.  Ethnoecological knowledge of ticks and treatment of tick-borne diseases among Maasai people in Northern Tanzania - John Kioko, Julia Baker, Avery Shannon and Christian Kiffner
Veterinary World, 8(6): 755-762


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.755-762




Aim: The aim of this study was to understand traditional knowledge of tick ecology and remedies for tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among the Maasai people in northern Tanzania.
Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among specific groups likely to be knowledgeable about tick ecology and TBDs in livestock among the Maasai people.
Results: A total of 25 plant species belonging to 18 families were used to treat 8 different TBDs of livestock. Most of the plant species used were of Fabaceae and Burseraceae families. Aloe volkensiiCissus grandifolia, and Terminalia brownii were the most commonly used plant species. The major plant growth form used was trees, while stems and bark were the main plant parts used. Most treatments were taken orally.
Conclusion: Maasai people have substantial knowledge on tick ecology exemplified by their ability to differentiate between different tick species and the range of remedies for each of the TBDs. Because traditional ethnoveterinary remedies are frequently utilized, their effectiveness should be further investigated.
Keywords: ethnoveterinary medicine, Maasai, Tanzania, tick-borne diseases, tick ecology. 

Hematobiochemical alterations of acute chlorpyriphos intoxication in indigenous chicken

Research (Published online: 20-06-2015)
11.  Hematobiochemical alterations of acute chlorpyriphos intoxication in indigenous chicken - Shameem Ara Begum, Tirtha Nath Upadhyaya, Gautam Kumar Baruah, Taibur Rahman, Debesh Chandra Pathak, Kabita Sarma and Rumi Saikia Bora
Veterinary World, 8(6): 750-754



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.750-754



Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to elaborate hematobiochemical alterations of acute chlorpyriphos (CPF) toxicity in indigenous chicken. Since there is no available literature on the detailed hematobiochemical changes of CPF in indigenous chicken, hence, the present study was designed to establish toxicological effect of CPF on blood biochemical parameters of indigenous chicken which are at a great risk of exposure to pesticides. These will help physiologist, pathologist, and poultry scientists for effective production strategy as well as disease control regime.
Materials and Methods: The birds were divided into two major Groups I and II. Group I served as control and Group II was treated with CPF (36 mg/kg). Blood samples were assayed for hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, and biochemical constituents such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholinesterase (CHE), total protein, and uric acid.
Results: Hb, TEC, and TLC levels increased significantly (p<0.01) in toxin fed birds, whereas, lymphocyte percent decreased significantly, and heterophil percent increased significantly. Serum ALP, AST, ALT, and uric acid increased significantly in CPF treated birds. Decreased serum CHE values were observed in CPF fed group. The protein level remained almost same. Uric acid level was found to be increased significantly in the treated group compared to control.
Conclusion: The results indicated that acute CPF intoxication produce changes in hematology and biochemical constituents of the treated birds.
Keywords: acute toxicity, biochemical, chlorpyriphos, hematology.

Sexual behavior and its relationship with semen quality parameters in Sahiwal breeding bulls

Research (Published online: 18-06-2015)
10.  Sexual behavior and its relationship with semen quality parameters in Sahiwal breeding bulls - Shushant Singh, M. Bhakat, T. K. Mohanty, A. Kumar, A. K. Gupta, A. K. Chakravarty and P. Singh
Veterinary World, 8(6): 745-749



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.745-749




Aim: The study was conducted at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, NDRI, Karnal, to determine the sexual behavior and its relationship with semen quality parameters in Sahiwal breeding bulls.
Materials and Methods: A total of 63 ejaculates were collected from six adult Sahiwal bulls (age ~47 mo and bwt ~466 kg), to study the relationship of sexual behavior and semen quality. The degree of association between different variables was estimated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient method.
Results: The results depicted that, sexual aggressiveness showed significantly high positive correlation with libido score (LS) and sexual behavior score (SBS). Reaction time (RT) and total time taken in mounts (TTTM) had a significant negative correlation with LS and SBS. Penile erection score and penile protrusion score (PPS) both had a significant positive correlation with ejaculatory thrust score, mating ability score, and SBS. Results of correlation among seminal attributes and with sexual behavior depicted that ejaculate volume had positive significant correlation with initial progressive motility (IPM), sperm concentration (SCON), head abnormality, total abnormality, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosomal integrity (AI) whereas, mass activity had positive significant correlation with IPM, SCON, non-eosinophilic spermatozoa count (NESC), HOST, AI, RT and TTTM and IPM had positive significant correlation with SCON, NESC, HOST, AI, and TTTM, whereas and HOST had positive significant correlation with AI. Among seminal attributes, SCON had a positive significant correlation with PPS where as head abnormalities had a positive significant correlation with RT and TTTM.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the relationship of sexual behavior and semen quality parameters are reflecting that the sexual behavior of individual bulls is important to harvest good quality and quantity of semen as desired type of sexual preparation can be provided.
Keywords: correlation, Sahiwal bulls, semen quality, sexual behavior.