Monday 23 February 2015

Studies on incidence and evaluation of the closed medial patellar desmotomy in lateral recumbency in bovines

Research (Published online: 23-02-2015)
17. Studies on incidence and evaluation of the closed medial patellar desmotomy in lateral recumbency in bovines - Ajit Kumar Singh, A. K. Gangwar, Kh. Sangeeta Devi and H. N. Singh
Veterinary World, 8(2): 221-224



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.221-224




Aim: The present study was conducted to find out the incidence and to evaluate the effectiveness of medial patellar desmotomy (MPD) in lateral recumbency in bovines.
Material and Methods: One hundred and fifteen clinical cases of upward fixation of the patella in cattle and buffaloes were treated by closed MPD in lateral recumbency. Probable etiologies, symptoms and site of surgery including disease occurrence with respect to species, sex and season were also recorded.
Results: In the present study, the highest incidence was reported in bullocks. A high success rate was obtained with the closed method in lateral recumbency.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the bullocks were more prone to upward fixation of patella and symptoms were exaggerated in winter season. Closed method of MPD was more suited in both cattle and buffaloes.
Keywords: bovines, desmotomy, incidence, recumbency.

Seroprevalence of Brucella abortus and Leptospira hardjo in cattle

Research (Published online: 23-02-2015)
16. Seroprevalence of Brucella abortus and Leptospira hardjo in cattle - S. Jegaveera Pandian, Pradeep Kumar Ray, P. C. Chandran and Manoj Kumar
Veterinary World, 8(2): 217-220



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.217-220




Aim: The aim was to assess the seroprevalence of B. abortus and Leptospira hardjo in the cattle population of Bihar, this work was carried out.
Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 450 cattle from nine districts of Bihar were serologically screened for antibodies against L. hardjo and B. abortus. DAS-ELISA for leptospira and AB-ELISA for brucella were carried out. Based on the results prevalence in each district and the state are reported herewith.
Results: In this study, it was found that the seroprevalence of L. hardjo was 9.11% and that of B. abortus was 12.2% in Bihar. Indigenous cattle were found to be less susceptible to leptospirosis and brucellosis even though they accounted for 83.11% of the study population.
Conclusion: Although there was no acute disease, antibodies detected against L. hardjo and B. abortus in the cattle population indicated the presence of chronic and subclinical infection, which could challenge the fertility of the animals.
Keywords: brucellosis, cattle, infertility, leptospirosis, seroprevalence.

Effects of β-mercaptoethanol on in vitro maturation and glutathione level of buffalo oocytes

Research (Published online: 23-02-2015)
15. Effects of β-mercaptoethanol on in vitro maturation and glutathione level of buffalo oocytes - Pankaj A. Patel, Sandhya S. Chaudhary, Gopal Puri, Virendra Kumar Singh and Arjun B. Odedara
Veterinary World, 8(2): 213-216


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.213-216





Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) on in vitro maturation rate and glutathione (GSH) level of buffalo oocytes.
Materials and Methods: Oocytes were recovered from buffalo’s ovaries collected from government approved slaughter house (near Kamela darwaza, Surat) of Surat Municipal Corporation. The obtained oocytes were in vitro matured in maturation media supplemented with 0 μM (117 oocytes), 100 μM (46 oocytes) and 200 μM (42 oocytes) concentration of β-ME. After 24 h of incubation, maturation rate of oocytes and intra-cellular GSH level were determined.
Results: The results showed that the presence of β-ME did not influence (p>0.05) the oocyte maturation rate. However, GSH level increased significantly (p<0.05) in matured oocytes when supplemented with 100 μM and 200 μM β-ME (6.19±0.10 and 6.37±0.20 pmol/oocyte) as compared to control media (4.68±0.26 pmol/oocyte).
Conclusion: It was concluded that β-ME may have a potential to increase the meiotic maturation of in vitro cultured oocytes and protect it from oxidative damage.
Keywords: buffalo oocytes, in vitro maturation, β-mercaptoethanol, glutathione.

Saturday 21 February 2015

Ultrasonographic assessment of the equine palmar tendons

Research (Published online: 21-02-2015)
14. Ultrasonographic assessment of the equine palmar tendons - N. R. Padaliya, J. J. Ranpariya, Dharmendra Kumar, C. B. Javia and D. R. Barvalia
Veterinary World, 8(2): 208-212



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.208-212




Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the equine palmar tendon by ultrasonography (USG) in standing the position.
Materials and Methods: USG of palmar tendons was performed in 40 adult horses using linear transducer having frequency of 10-18 MHz (e-soate, My Lab FIVE) and L52 linear array transducer (Titan, SonoSite) with frequencies ranging from 8 to 10 MHz. Palmar tendon was divided into 7 levels from distal to accessory carpal bone up to ergot in transverse scanning and 3 levels in longitudinal scanning.
Results: The USG evaluation was very useful for diagnosis of affections of the conditions such as chronic bowed tendon, suspensory ligament desmitis, carpal sheath tenosynovitis and digital sheath effusions. The mean cross-sectional area (cm2) of affected tendons was significantly increased in affected than normal tendons. The echogenicity was also found reduced in affected tendons and ligaments along with disorganization of fiber alignment depending on the severity of lesion and injury.
Conclusion: USG proved ideal diagnostic tool for diagnosis and post-treatment healing assessment of tendon injuries in horses.
Keywords: cross-sectional area, deep digital flexor tendon, horses, superficial digital flexor tendon, tendon, ultrasonography.

Rumen modulatory effect of thyme, clove and peppermint oils in vitro using buffalo rumen liquor

Research (Published online: 21-02-2015)
13. Rumen modulatory effect of thyme, clove and peppermint oils in vitro using buffalo rumen liquor Debashis Roy, S. K. Tomar and Vinod Kumar
Veterinary World, 8(2): 203-207



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.203-207


Aim: The present study was conducted to examine the rumen modulatory effect of thyme, clove and peppermint oils on rumen fermentation pattern in vitro using roughage based diet.
Materials and Methods: Thyme, clove and peppermint oils were tested at concentration of 0, 30, 300 and 600 mg/l (ppm) of total culture fluid using in vitro gas production technique in wheat straw based diet (concentrate: Wheat straw 50:50). Different in vitroparameters e.g., total gas production, methane production, nutrient degradability, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and ammonia nitrogen concentration were studied using buffalo rumen liquor.
Results: Thyme oil at higher dose level (600 ppm) reduced (p<0.05) total gas production, feed degradability and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration whereas total VFA concentration was significantly lower (p>0.05) in 300 and 600 ppm dose levels. 600 ppm dose level of clove oil reduced (p<0.05) total gas production, feed degradability, total VFA and acetate to propionate ratio. Methane production was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in 300 and 600 ppm dose levels of clove and peppermint oil.
Conclusion: Right combination of these essential oils may prove to enhance performance of animals by reducing methane production and inhibiting protein degradation in rumen.
Keywords: ammonia nitrogen, essential oil, rumen fermentation, methane, wheat straw.

Sunday 15 February 2015

Influence of post hatch dietary supplementation of fat on performance, carcass cuts and biochemical profile in Ven Cobb broiler

Research (Published online: 16-02-2015)
10. Influence of post hatch dietary supplementation of fat on performance, carcass cuts and biochemical profile in Ven Cobb broiler -Komal Prasad Rai, M. K. Gendley, S. P. Tiwari, Tarini Sahu and Surendra Kumar Naik
Veterinary World, 8(2): 187-191



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.187-191

Citation: Rai KP, Gendley MK, Tiwari SP, Sahu T, Naik SK (2015) Influence of post hatch dietary supplementation of fat on performance, carcass cuts and biochemical profile in Ven Cobb broiler, Veterinary World 8(2):187-191.


Aim: The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of post hatch dietary fat supplementation on performance of broiler chicken.
Materials and Methods: A total of 120 day-old Ven Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups of 30 chicks in each (three replicates of 10 birds/treatment). The trial lasted for 35 days. The experimental design was a completely randomized design. Four types of diet were formulated for 1st week: T1, T2, T3 and T4 contained control diet with no added fat, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% fat, respectively. After 1st week post-hatch period chicks were fed ad libitum with the normal basal diet as per Bureau of Indian Standard recommendations till completion of the experiment (8-35 days).
Results: Significantly higher (p<0.05) body weight and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in birds fed 5% dietary fat at the end of the experiment whereas, feed intake was not significantly affected. Significantly (p<0.05) higher dressed weight was observed due to 5% fat supplementation than other groups whereas, it was not significant for other carcass cuts. No significant differences were observed in moisture, protein and lipid content of breast and thigh muscle of broiler due to supplemented fat whereas, 2.5% dietary fat significantly (p<0.05) increase the serum HI titer on day 28th. In biochemical profile, higher serum albumin (g/dl) was recorded due to 5% fat supplementation whereas other biochemical components did not show any significance difference among treatments.
Conclusion: It may be concluded that supplementation of fat in broilers diet improves the overall FCR, dressing percentage and gain more body weight.
Keywords: biochemical profile, broiler, carcass cuts, fat, performance, post hatch.

Chromosomal profile of indigenous pig (Sus scrofa)

Research (Published online: 16-02-2015)
9. Chromosomal profile of indigenous pig (Sus scrofa) - P. Guru Vishnu, B. Punyakumari, B. Ekambaram, M. Gnana Prakash and B. V. Subramanyam
Veterinary World, 8(2): 183-186



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.183-186

Citation: Guruvishnu P, Punyakumari B, Ekambaram B, Prakash MG, Subramanyam BV (2015) Chromosomal profile of indigenous pig (Sus scrofa),Veterinary World, 8(2) 183-186.


Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the chromosomal profile of indigenous pigs by computing morphometric measurements.
Materials and Methods: A cytogenetic study was carried out in 60 indigenous pigs to analyze the chromosomal profile by employing the short term peripheral blood lymphocyte culture technique.
Results: The modal chromosome number (2n) in indigenous pigs was found to be 38 and a fundamental number of 64 as in the exotic. First chromosome was the longest pair, and thirteenth pair was the second largest while Y-chromosome was the smallest in the karyotype of the pig. The mean relative length, arm ratio, centromeric indices and morphological indices of chromosomes varied from 1.99±0.01 to 11.23±0.09, 1.04±0.05 to 2.95±0.02, 0.51±0.14 to 0.75±0.09 and 2.08±0.07 to 8.08±0.15%, respectively in indigenous pigs. Sex had no significant effect (p>0.05) on all the morphometric measurements studied.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that among autosomes first five pairs were sub metacentric, next two pairs were sub telocentric (6-7), subsequent five pairs were metacentric (8-12) and remaining six pairs were telocentric (13-18), while both allosomes were metacentric. The chromosomal number, morphology and various morphometric measurements of the chromosomes of the indigenous pigs were almost similar to those established breeds reported in the literature.
Keywords: chromosomal profile, indigenous pigs, idiogram, morphometric measurements.

Evaluation of egg production after adoption of biosecurity strategies by backyard poultry farmers in West Bengal

Research (Published online: 16-02-2015)
8. Evaluation of egg production after adoption of biosecurity strategies by backyard poultry farmers in West Bengal I. Samanta, S. N. Joardar, D. Ganguli, P. K. Das and U. Sarkar
Veterinary World, 8(2): 177-182



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.177-182

Citation: Samanta I, Joardar SN, Ganguli D, Das PK, Sarkar U (2015) Evaluation of egg production after adoption of biosecurity strategies by backyard poultry farmers in West Bengal, Veterinary World, 8(2):177-182.


Aim: On the basis of identified source of major bacterial infections at four agro-climatic zones in West Bengal the cost-effective biosecurity strategy was formulated for backyard poultry farmers. The aim of the present study was to assess the adoption. So, the study was aimed to detect the adoption level of the formulated biosecurity strategy to mitigate the Salmonella and Escherichia colicontamination level in the sources and its correlation with egg production in West Bengal.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared querying regarding the biosecurity measures presently followed by the farmers, if any and egg production of their birds. Subsequent to the interview the formulated biosecurity strategy was conveyed. After 3 months, the interview with the same questionnaire was conducted to the same farmers to detect their adoption level.
Results: The change in practices were noted in certain parameters which differs significantly (p<0.01 or p<0.05). As a consequence, the average egg production/flock was increased in 3 months after adoption of the strategy (618.2±37.77/flock) in comparison to last 3 months average before adoption of the strategy (495.3±30.00/flock) which also differs significantly (p<0.01).
Conclusion: The present study detected the implementation of the biosecurity strategy in backyard poultry farming in West Bengal can substantially benefit the farmers in terms of increased egg production.
Keywords: adoption, backyard poultry, biosecurity strategy, egg production, West Bengal.

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Fungal biological control agents for integrated management of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of livestock

Research (Published online: 10-02-2015)
5. Fungal biological control agents for integrated management of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of livestock B. W. Narladkar, P. R. Shivpuje and P. C. Harke
Veterinary World, 8(2): 156-163



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.156-163


Aim: Entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana had wide host range against insects and hence these are being exploited as fungal bio-pesticide on a large scale. Both fungi are proved pesticides against many crop pests and farmers are well acquainted with their use on the field. Thus, research was aimed to explore the potency of these fungal spores against larval and adultCulicoides midges, a pest of livestock.
Materials and Methods: In-vitro testing of both fungal biological control agents was undertaken in Petri dishes against field collectedCulicoides larvae, while in plastic beakers against field collected blood-engorged female Culicoides midges. In-vivo testing was undertaken by spraying requisite concentration of fungal spores on the drainage channel against larvae and resting sites of adultCulicoides midges in the cattle shed. Lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values and regression equations were drawn by following probit analysis using SPSS statistical computerized program.
Results: The results of this study revealed LC50 values of 2692 mg and 3837 mg (108 cfu/g) for B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, respectively, against Culicoides spp. larvae. Death of Culicoides larvae due to B. bassiana showed greenish coloration in the middle of the body with head and tail showed intense blackish changes, while infection of M. anisopliae resulted in death of Culicoides larvae with greenish and blackish coloration of body along with total destruction, followed by desquamation of intestinal channel. The death of adultCulicoides midges were caused by both the fungi and after death growth of fungus were very well observed on the dead cadavers proving the efficacy of the fungus.
Conclusion: Preliminary trials with both funguses (M. anisopliae, B. bassiana) showed encouraging results against larvae and adults ofCulicoides spp. Hence, it was ascertained that, these two fungal molecules can form a part of biological control and alternative to chemical control and, therefore, can be inducted in integrated management programs.
Keywords: biocontrol agents, Beauveria bassiana, Culicoides spp, integrated pest management, Metarhizium anisopliae.

Construction and characterization of recombinant human adenovirus type 5 expressing foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid proteins of Indian vaccine strain, O/IND/R2/75

Research (Published online: 10-02-2015)
4. Construction and characterization of recombinant human adenovirus type 5 expressing foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid proteins of Indian vaccine strain, O/IND/R2/75 - Ramesh Kumar, B. P. Sreenivasa and R. P. Tamilselvan
Veterinary World, 8(2): 147-155



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.147-155


Aim: Generation of recombinant human adenovirus type 5 expressing foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) capsid protein genes along with full-length 2B, 3B and 3Cpro and its characterization.
Materials and Methods: FMD viral RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and polymerase chain reaction were performed to synthesize expression cassettes (P1-2AB3BCwt and P1-2AB3BCm) followed by cloning in pShuttle-CMV vector. Chemically competent BJ5183-AD-1 cells were transformed with the recombinant pShuttle-CMV to produce recombinant adenoviral plasmids. HEK-293 cells were transfected with the recombinant adenoviral plasmids to generate recombinant adenoviruses (hAd5/P1-2AB3BCwt and hAd5/P1-2AB3BCm). Expression of the target proteins was analyzed by sandwich ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The recombinant adenoviruses were purified and concentrated by CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation. Growth kinetics and thermostability of the recombinant adenoviruses were compared with that of non-recombinant replication-defective adenovirus (dAd5).
Results: The recombinant adenoviruses containing capsid protein genes of the FMDV O/IND/R2/75 were generated and amplified in HEK-293 cells. The titer of the recombinant adenoviruses was approximately 108, 109.5 and 1011 TCID50/ml in supernatant media, cell lysate and CsCl purified preparation, respectively. Expression of the FMDV capsid protein was detectable in sandwich ELISA and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Growth kinetics of the recombinant adenoviruses did not reveal a significant difference when compared with that of dAd5. A decrement of up to 10-fold at 4°C and 21-fold at 37°C was recorded in the virus titers during 60 h incubation period and found to be statistically significant (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Recombinant adenoviruses expressing capsid proteins of the FMDV O/IND/R2/75 were constructed and produced in high titers. In vitro expression of the target proteins in the adenovirus vector system was detected by sandwich ELISA and immunofluorescence assay.
Keywords: foot-and-mouth disease, growth kinetics, recombinant hAd5, thermostability, virus-like particles.

Monday 9 February 2015

Effects of fetal bovine serum and estrus buffalo serum on maturation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes in vitro

Research (Published online: 09-02-2015)
3. Effects of fetal bovine serum and estrus buffalo serum on maturation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes in vitro - Gopal Puri, S. S. Chaudhary, V. K. Singh and A. K. Sharma
Veterinary World, 8(2): 143-146



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.143-146




Aim: The aim was to assess the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and estrus buffalo serum (EBS) on in vitro maturation rate of oocytes in buffalo.
Materials and Methods: Maturation rate of oocytes was assessed in two maturation media supplemented with 20% FBS and EBS. Oocytes maturation rate was evaluated on the basis of cumulus cell expansion and extrusion of polar body after 24 h of in vitro culture in CO2 incubator.
Results: The average percentage of in vitro matured oocytes in FBS was 83.80%, and EBS was 77.45%, respectively. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in maturation rate of oocytes in FBS than EBS.
Conclusion: Buffalo oocytes were better in vitro matured in FBS than EBS.
Keywords: buffalo oocytes, estrus buffalo serum, fetal bovine serum, in vitro maturation.

Effect of feeding varying levels of groundnut haulms on feed intake and growth performance in broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 09-02-2015)
2. Effect of feeding varying levels of groundnut haulms on feed intake and growth performance in broiler chickens - N. K. Ribadiya, H. H. Savsani, S. S. Patil, D. D. Garg, M. R. Gadariya, V. K. Karangiya and A. P. Gajera
Veterinary World, 8(2): 139-142



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.139-142




Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate groundnut haulms (GNH) as alternate feed source by its incorporation and assessment in terms of feed intake and growth performance in the diets of broilers.
Materials and Methods: A total of 240 1-day-old Cobb-400 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments each with three replicates (n=60). Experimental Birds in group T1 were fed with conventional feed while birds in T2, T3, T4 were fed containing 2%, 4%, and 6% of GNH replacing maize and soyabean on iso-nitrogenous basis.
Results: Feed intake increases significantly (p>0.05) with increasing level of GNH in the diets of experimental birds. Highest feed intake was recorded in T4 (6% GNH), followed by T3 (4% GNH) than T2 (2% GNH) and T1 (control). Birds fed GNH gained significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight than birds fed the control diet. Birds in T4 [6% GNH] gained highest body weight, followed by T3 (4% GNH) than T2 (2% GNH) and T1 (control). However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained non-significant for all treatment groups.
Conclusion: On the basis of the results of this study, it is concluded that supplementation of GNH can successfully replace costly ingredients like maize and soybean meal in the diets of broiler birds up to the level of 6 percent of concentrate mixture without any harmful effects on feed intake, growth and FCR.
Keywords: body weight, broiler chickens, feed intake, groundnut haulms

Comparison of immunochromatographic diagnostic test with heminested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection of rabies virus from brain samples of various species

Research (Published online: 09-02-2015)
1. Comparison of immunochromatographic diagnostic test with heminested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection of rabies virus from brain samples of various species - Pranoti Sharma, C. K. Singh and Deepti Narang
Veterinary World, 8(2): 135-138



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.135-138



Aim: Detection of rabies is a cause of serious concern in developing countries, where dearth of highly equipped laboratories and trained personnel to handle sophisticated investigations is felt. The availability of a diagnostic kit, which can be used in the field, is essential for diagnosis and control programs as well as for epidemiological surveillance of the prevalence of the disease. This study was planned to evaluate anigen rabies Ag test kit for its efficacy to be used for rapid diagnosis of rabies under field conditions. The test results were compared with hemi-nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and with a gold standard fluorescent antibody test.
Materials and Methods: A total of 34 brain samples from different rabies suspected animals including dogs, buffaloes, cow, horse, and cat were examined in this study.
Results: Sensitivity of the kit was found to be 91.66%, specificity 100%, and accuracy was 94.11%.
Conclusion: The study implies that the immunochromatographic diagnostic test kit may be employed for diagnosis of rabies in field conditions.
Keywords: antigen, heminested, immunochromatographic, rabies

Sunday 1 February 2015

The influence of altitude and landforms on some biochemical and hematological parameters in Ouled Djellal ewes from arid area of South East Algeria

Research (Published online: 31-01-2015)
25. The influence of altitude and landforms on some biochemical and hematological parameters in Ouled Djellal ewes from arid area of South East Algeria - Mohammed Titaouine and Toufik Meziane
Veterinary World, 8(1): 130-134



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.130-134




Aim: This study was conducted on Ouled Djellal ewes in arid area of south-east Algeria in order to reveal the influence of altitude and landforms on some hematological and biochemical parameters.
Materials and Methods: A total of 160 ewes having 3-5 years of age, multiparous, non-pregnant, non-lactating and reared in arid areas of South East Algeria were included. Blood samples were divided according to factors of altitude and landform (plain region at 150 m above sea level, tableland region at 600 m above sea level and mountain region at 1000 m above sea level). The whole blood was analyzed for hematology, and plasma samples for biochemical analysis.
Results: The study found lowest glucose concentrations were detected in tableland region at 600 m. In plain region at 150 m, ewes had a higher (p<0.01concentration of cholesterol and triglyceride. Furthermore, a higher concentration of total proteins (p<0.01and urea (p<0.05) were detected in plain region at 150 m. The average blood creatinine concentration in mountain ewes at 1000 m and tableland ewes at 600 m were higher (p<0.05) that in plain ewes at 150 m. The highest calcium concentration was found at the altitude of 150 m and the lowest at the altitude of 1000 m (1.12±0.35 mmol/L vs. 0.52±0.03 mmol/L). Phosphorus levels were higher at altitudes of 150 m than at the altitude of 600 m and 1000 m (0.93±0.42 mmol/L vs. 0.68±0.54 mmol/L, 0.23±0.01 mmol/L). The highest hemoglobin concentration and value of hematocrit were detected in mountain ewes at the altitude of 1000 m (120.61 g/L, 40%) and the lowest at the altitude of 150 m (73.2 g/L, 31%) (p<0.001).
Conclusion: We concluded that hematological and biochemical parameters in Ouled Djellel ewes reared in arid area may be affected by altitude and landforms.
Keywords: altitude, arid area, biochemistry, hematology, landform, Ouled Djallel ewes.