Sunday 4 June 2017

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and nasal carriage isolates from bovines and its antibiogram

Research (Published online: 04-06-2017)
4. Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and nasal carriage 
isolates from bovines and its antibiogram
Alok Kumar, Purushottam Kaushik, Anjay, Pankaj Kumar and Manoj Kumar
Veterinary World, 10(6): 593-597
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant 
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in cattle and buffalo and to study their antibiotic 
resistance pattern.

Materials and Methods: A total of 136 samples (skin and nasal swab) from cattle and buffalo 
were collected. MRSA was identified by conventional bacterial culture techniques which were 
further confirmed by amplification of S. aureus-specific 16S rRNA by polymerase chain reaction 
(PCR). The isolates were further analyzed for the presence of mecA gene by PCR. The 
antimicrobial susceptibility profiling was performed by disc diffusion method.

Results: The prevalence of MRSA in the current study was 28.57% and 34.28% in cattle nasal 
and skin swab, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 31.43% MRSA among cattle. Buffalo 
nasal and skin sample showed MRSA prevalence of 54.55% and 39.4%, respectively, with 46.9% 
overall prevalence. PCR could detect mecA gene in 36.4% and 58% MRSA isolates from cattle 
and buffalo, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility test found MRSA resistant to penicillin and 
oxytetracycline (88% each), cefoxitin (75%), cotrimoxazole (62%), and amoxyclav (50%). 
100% sensitivity was observed against ciprofloxacin, amikacin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin. 
Three (16.7%) MRSA isolates from buffalo were found resistant to vancomycin.

Conclusion: Cattle and buffalo were identified as a potential carrier of MRSA in Bihar (India). 
The isolation of vancomycinresistant S. aureus (VRSA) in the current study indicates the 
emergence of VRSA in animal population which may be transmitted to the human beings 
working in close contact to the animals.

Keywords: antibiogram, bovine, mecA gene, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Saturday 3 June 2017

Traditional treatment of human and animal salmonelloses in Southern Benin: Knowledge of farmers and traditherapists

Research (Published online: 03-06-2017)
3. Traditional treatment of human and animal salmonelloses in Southern Benin: Knowledge of farmers and traditherapists
T. V. Dougnon, E. Deguenon, L. Fah, B. Legba, Y. M. G. Hounmanou, J. Agbankpe, A. Amadou, H. Koudokpon,  K. Fabiyi, A. Aniambossou, P. Assogba, E. Hounsa, M. de Souza, F. Avlessi, T. J. Dougnon, F. Gbaguidi, M. Boko, H. S. Bankole and L. Baba-Moussa
Veterinary World, 10(6): 580-592
ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to report medicinal plants that are likely to be used in the control of salmonellosis.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Benin. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered
to 150 farmers and 100 traditional therapists in seven high municipalities. This step helped to collect plants that are used in the treatment
of animal salmonellosis and typhoid fever in human.

Results: The results revealed a low level of use of medicinal plants among breeders who prefer antibiotics such as oxytetracycline (53.55%),
tylosine + sulfadimerazine (15.30%), and alphaceryl (19.13%). However, plants such as Moringa oleifera (leaves), Carica papaya 
(leaves and seeds), and Vernonia amygdalina (leaves) were mostly used by some farmers. From traditional therapists, 57 plant species of
32 families were identified as typhoid fever cures; among which Leguminosae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae were predominant. 
Persea americana (22.72%), V. amygdalina (7.57%), and Corchorus olitorius (7.57%) were the most cited by traditherapists for the
treatment of typhoid fever in human.

Conclusion: This study provides a database for further studies on the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Benin plant species on 
Salmonella spp. These evaluations will guarantee the availability of new therapeutic solutions for populations.

Keywords: farmers, medicinal plants, salmonellosis, Southern Benin, traditherapists.

Thursday 1 June 2017

Prevalence of paratuberculosis in organized and unorganized dairy cattle herds in West Bengal, India

Research (Published online: 02-06-2017)
2. Prevalence of paratuberculosis in organized and unorganized dairy cattle herds in
West Bengal, India
Jitendrakumar M. Bhutediya, Premanshu Dandapat, Arijit Chakrabarty, Ratan Das, Pramod Kumar
Nanda, Samiran Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Kumar Biswas
Veterinary World, 10(6): 574-579

ABASTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence pattern of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, the causative
agent of paratuberculosis or Johne's disease, in unorganized as well as organized cattle herds in West Bengal.

Materials and Methods: Four organized cattle farms with identical management practice in Nadia (n=3) and South 24 Parganas (n=1)
districts and three unorganized cattle herds, one each from three districts, namely, Burdwan, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Midnapur,
were selected randomly and screened for paratuberculosis by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Of 191 animals tested by DTH, 57 (29.8%) were found to be positive in comparison to 72 (37.7%) by ELISA. In organized farms,
seropositivity varied from 13.3% to 53.1%, whereas in unorganized sector, it ranged from 5% to 6.7% with one area having exceptionally
high prevalence, i.e. 53.3%. The range of positivity detected by DTH both in organized farms and backyard sectors varied from 0% to 46.7%.
By employing both DTH and ELISA together, the positivity of animals in organized and unorganized herds was 19.9% and 8%, respectively.

Conclusion: The results indicate that animals in organized farms are much more prone to paratuberculosis than others.
For screening the herd, both DTH and ELISA should be used simultaneously to increase the test sensitivity in order to minimize its further
spread adopting control programs.

Keywords: cattle, India, Johne's disease, paratuberculosis, prevalence, West Bengal.

Efficacy of early chick nutrition with Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica on gut health and histomorphometry in chicks

Research (Published online: 01-06-2017)
1. Efficacy of early chick nutrition with Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica on gut health and histomorphometry in chicks
Tamilvanan Sujatha, Sivasankar Abhinaya, Jai Sunder, Marudhai Thangapandian and Anandamoy Kundu
Veterinary World, 10(5): 569-573
Aim: This study was conducted with an aim of studying the efficacy of water supplements of Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica (neem) during pre-starter
age (0-2 weeks) on gut health and histomorphometry in Vanaraja chicks.
Materials and Methods: A total of 192 day old Vanaraja chicks were randomly assigned to one of four 
herbal water treatments throughout the experimental pre-starter stage (0-2 weeks) in a completely 
randomized design. Each treatment was given four replicates consisting of 12 chicks per replicate. Water treatments comprised T1: Control with regular antibiotic supplement, T2: 3 ml Aloe juice per chick per day, 
T3: 3 ml neem extract per chick per day, T4: 1.5 ml Aloe and 1.5 ml neem per chick per day. Gut culture 
was done for Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus sps. and gut histomorphometry in 24 gut samples at 14 
days of age.
Results: This study revealed that supplementation of A. vera and neem in water significantly (p<0.05) 
reduced and increased the number of gut E. coli and Lactobacillus sps. Colonies, respectively, as 
compared to that of control groups; Villi was significantly (p<0.05) taller and broader on 14 days of age
across the jejunum of chicks fed with neem supplementation as compared to that of control chicks. 
Significantly lower crypt depth (p<0.05) was observed in the duodenum of Aloe supplementation. 
Villus height: Crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum was significantly (p<0.05) increased neem and 
Aloe supplementation in chicks as compared to their combination and control.
Conclusion: Immediate post hatch supplementation of Aloe juice and neem extract in chicks improved the development and health of their gut.
Keywords: Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, chicks, early chick feeding, gut health, histomorphometry.

Monday 29 May 2017

Immunopathological response of leukocytes against microfilariae and adult worms in white rats infected with Setaria cervi

Research (Published online: 30-05-2017)
16. Immunopathological response of leukocytes against microfilariae and adult 
worms in white rats infected with Setaria cervi
Sharba Kausar and Wajihullah Khan
Veterinary World, 10(5): 562-568
ABSTRACT
Aim: Aim of this study was to see the immunopathological changes against the microfilariae (Mf) and adult worms of a bovine filarid, Setaria cervi in the tissues of vital organs of experimentally infected white rats. The effect of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was also observed on the Mf, as leukocytes especially lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins which opsonize and increase the efficacy of DEC against circulating Mf. Effect of this drug was also assessed on liver enzymes in the microfilaremic rats.
Materials and Methods: Microfilaremia was established by implanting adult worms intraperitoneally and by the infusion of Mf recovered from the uterus of gravid female worms. DEC was administered orally for six consecutive days in the rats having patent infection. Differential leukocyte count was recorded every 3rd day, and liver enzymes were estimated every 10th day in both treated and untreated rats. Pathological changes were observed in HE stained sections of vital organs where Mf or adult worms were trapped.
Results: Destruction and reduction in microfilarial density were noticed in microfilaremic rats treated with DEC. Trapped Mf and embedded worms revealed heavy cellular infiltrations by defensive cells which surrounded and attached with the body surface of the Mf as well as adult worms for their destruction and piece meal clearance. Immune-mediated pathology was observed in the tissue sections of lungs, spleen, and liver. Liver enzymes were elevated during the period of higher parasitemia.
Conclusion: There was a moderate level of immunopathology against the Mf and adult worms by the leukocytes in experimentally infected microfilaremic rats. Mf were in the process of degeneration where they got trapped. Moderate increase in liver enzyme was noticed which was slightly more in untreated group. Although a fraction of Mf gets killed in the peritoneum, majority of them successfully enter the systemic circulation and survive for about 54 days, which is sufficient enough for conducting immunological and chemotherapeutic studies.
Keywords: differential leukocyte count, liver enzymes, microfilariae, pathology, Setaria cervi, white rats.

Saturday 27 May 2017

Prevalence of multiple drug resistant Streptococcus suis in and around Guwahati, India

Research (Published online: 28-05-2017)
15. Prevalence of multiple drug resistant Streptococcus suis in and around Guwahati, India
Mrinalee Devi, Jyoti B. Dutta, Swaraj Rajkhowa, Dhireswar Kalita, Girindra Kumar Saikia, Bipin Chandra Das,
Razibuddin Ahmed Hazarika and Gauranga Mahato
Veterinary World, 10(5): 556-561


ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus suis and their resistance patterns isolated from both clinically healthy carriers and diseased pigs in and around Guwahati, Assam, India.
Materials and Methods: A total of 497 samples were collected during October, 2012, to April, 2014, from clinically healthy (n=67) and diseased (n=230) pigs of varying age and either sex maintained under organized and unorganized farming systems. Samples were processed for isolation and identification of S. suis by biochemical characterization and polymerase chain reaction targeting the housekeeping gene glutamate dehydrogenase. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of the recovered isolates against nine antibiotic groups comprising 17 antimicrobial agents was studied by standard method.
Results: Of the 497 samples examined, 7 (1.41%) isolates were confirmed to be S. suis of which 5 (1.87%) and 2 (0.87%) were derived from clinically healthy and diseased pigs, respectively. All the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin, and erythromycin (100%) followed by the penicillin group and enrofloxacin (85.71%), ceftriaxone, doxycycline HCL, ofloxacin and chloramphenicol (71.43%), to kanamycin, clindamycin and co-trimoxazole (42.85%). The isolates showed least susceptibility to cefalexin, tetracycline and streptomycin (28.57%). All the five S. suis isolates from clinically healthy pigs were susceptible to penicillin G, amoxyclav, doxycycline HCl, gentamicin, amikacin and erythromycin, 80.00% isolates susceptible to ampicillin, enrofloxacin and ofloxacin, 60.00% to ceftriaxone, kanamycin and chloramphenicol, 40% to cefalexin, tetracycline, clindamycin and co-trimoxazole, respectively. Only 20.00% isolates were susceptible to streptomycin. Both the isolates recovered from diseased pigs were susceptible to ampicillin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, amikacin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. On the other hand, both the isolates were resistant to cefalexin, tetracycline, doxycycline HCL, and kanamycin. Altogether five different resistance patterns (multi-drug resistance) were observed. Of the seven S. suis isolates, two isolates were susceptible to all the 17 antimicrobial agents, one isolate was resistant to four antimicrobial agents, two isolates to seven agents, one isolate to nine agents, and one isolate exhibited resistance to 14 antimicrobial agents.
Conclusion: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of S. suis in clinically healthy and diseased pigs and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. All the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin and erythromycin, and most of them were resistant to cefalexin, tetracycline and streptomycin. Five different patterns of antimicrobial resistance (multi-drug resistance) were observed.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, emerging zoonotic pathogen, multiple drug resistance, pathogen prevalence, Streptococcus suis.

Efficacy and efficiency of poultry carcass composting using different mechanical mixing equipment for avian influenza outbreaks

Research (Published online: 27-05-2017)
4Efficacy and efficiency of poultry carcass composting using different mechanical mixing equipment for avian influenza outbreaks - Jennifer Elizabeth Keaten and Mark Hutchinson
International Journal of One Health, 3: 19-27



  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2017.19-27

Abstract

Background and Aim: Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease that caused the largest animal disease outbreak in the history of US agriculture. There are several disposal methods of AI infected poultry carcasses available in the US, which include on-site burial, landfill, incineration, rendering, and composting. Of these methods, composting is the most environmentally friendly and poses a low risk for biosecurity. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a comprehensive plan for composting AI infected carcasses. The current protocols have the potential for areas of anaerobic pockets within the windrow due to inadequate mixing and the large carcass size of whole birds. This could lead to ineffective virus neutralization or prolonged composting times and higher resource costs. The purpose of this project was to determine if using a horizontal mixer (HM) wagon to mix composting ingredients or a vertical mixer (VM) wagon to mix and cut up the compositing ingredients is an economical and timely means to accelerate the tissue break-down and obtain optimal temperatures for poultry carcass composting during an AI outbreak.
Materials and Methods: A replicated trial with three treatments, HM, conventional layering (CL) and VM, and three replications was initiated at the Compost Research and Education Center part of the University of Maine Forest and Agricultural Experimental Station called High Moor Farm. Daily temperatures and screened core sample weights (screen weights) on day 0, 16, and 30 were recorded for each of the compost piles. The time to build each replication was recorded and used to help calculate the cost of each method. Data on equipment, carbon material and labor costs were collected from private contractors from the 2014 to 2016 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) outbreak and used to compare costs between methods.
Results: All treatment methods reached USDA protocol temperatures to neutralize the HPAI virus. Screen weights for both the VM and HM treatments were lower than the CL treatment. Screen weights decreased significantly from day 0 to day 16 for the VM and HM treatments with no significant change from day 16 to day 30. When comparing costs, the mixer wagon methods were the more cost effective than the CL method when using high volume equipment.
Conclusion: The data from this study support the use of a mixer wagon to reduce particle size and mix ingredients for more timely and effective composting of poultry carcasses.
Keywords: carcass management, compost, high pathogenic avian influenza, poultry.

Thursday 25 May 2017

Single-nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic diversity analysis of the Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep breeds

Research (Published online: 26-05-2017)
14. Single-nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic diversity analysis of the Kilakarsal and
Vembur sheep breeds
Rathinasamy Selvam, Nagarajan Murali, A. Kannan Thiruvenkadan, Ramesh Saravanakumar,
Gurusamy Ponnudurai and Thilak Pon Jawahar

Veterinary World, 10(5): 549-555
ABSTRACT
Aim: The present study was thus undertaken to analyze the genetic diversity of Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep breeds using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, 5, 6, 9, and 10 genes.
Materials and Methods: Competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based end-point genotyping was performed using real-time PCR to type the SNPs. Allele discrimination module implemented in real-time PCR was utilized to call the genotypes based on fluorescence intensity recorded for each of the two alleles. Basic diversity indices, namely, gene frequencies, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient (FIS), and testing for Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were estimated using package for elementary analysis of SNP data software program.
Results: Of the 25 SNPs, 22 were found to be polymorphic, whereas two SNPs, namely, TLR3_1081_AC and TLR9_2036_CT, were monomorphic in both Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep populations. The SNP TLR10_1180_AG was monomorphic in Kilakarsal but polymorphic in Vembur sheep. The observed heterozygosities were estimated as 0.289 and 0.309 in Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep, respectively, whereas the expected heterozygosity values were 0.305 and 0.309 in the two breeds, respectively. The overall mean FIS was 0.107 ranging from -0.005 to 0.241 in Kilakarsal sheep and -0.047 ranging from -0.005 to 0.255 in Vembur sheep. In Kilakarsal sheep, the test for HWE revealed TLR9_1308_GC SNP locus with significant deviation (p<0.05) due to heterozygosity deficit. In Vembur sheep, TLR10_82_CT and TLR10_292_CG loci showed significant deviation (p<0.05) due to heterozygosity excess. Other SNP loci did not deviate from HWE (p>0.05) revealing that the population was in HWE proportions.
Conclusion: The SNP markers within five TLR genes (TLR3, TLR5, TLR6, TLR9, and TLR10) utilized for genotyping in this study were highly polymorphic in Kilakarsal and Vembur breeds of sheep. This study on the genetic diversity analysis of the Kilakarsal and Vembur sheep breeds revealed considerable genetic variation within the breeds and it can be utilized to improve desirable traits.
Keywords: allele discrimination module, competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, Kilakarsal, single-nucleotide polymorphism, Toll-like receptor genes, Vembur.

The positive expression of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (Malaysian isolate) in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Research (Published online: 25-05-2017)
13. The positive expression of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (Malaysian isolate) in
Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Lizma Felisha Mazlan, Noor Farhana Bachek, Siti Nor Azizah Mahamud, Lokman Hakim Idris, Tan Sheau Wei,
Abdul Rahman Omar and Mohd Hezmee Mohd Noor
Veterinary World, 10(5): 542-548
ABSTRACT
Aim: Genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is the most predominant NDV strains that circulating in Malaysia; thus, this study was aimed to determine the susceptibility of Japanese quails toward genotype VII NDV. Clinical signs, gross pathological lesions of organs, positive detection of virus in organs and cloacal swabs, as well as the expression of the antibody titer, were used as parameters to assess the susceptibility of Japanese quails following infection of genotype VII NDV.
Materials and Methods: About 20 quails were divided into three groups (n=8 for Groups A and B; n=4 for the control group). The quails in the Groups A and B were infected via intraocular route with 0.03 ml of 103.5 ELD50 and 107.0 ELD50 of NDV strain IBS 002, respectively, while the control group received 1x phosphate-buffered saline. Cloacal swabs and necropsy were taken on day 7 post-infection for all quails were subjected to one-step reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for detection of virus and examination for gross pathological lesion, respectively. Blood serums of infected quails were taken on day 10, 14, and 21 post-day infections and were subjected for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay.
Results: Depression and ruffled feathers, trachea rales, leg paralysis, and torticollis were shown in some of the quails in both infected groups. Based on statistical analysis, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in clinical signs between the infected groups. The results for RT-qPCR were found to be negative for all groups, and no gross pathological lesions of organs observed for quails in both infected groups. Trachea, proventriculus, and cecal tonsil were taken for the detection of NDV by RT-qPCR, and some of the organ samples showed positive detection of virus in both infected groups. HI assay showed an increase in mean titers of antibody across time and between infected groups.
Conclusion: In summary, Japanese quails are susceptible to genotype VII NDV based on parameters assessed.
Keywords: infections, intraocular, Japanese quails, Newcastle disease virus.

Saturday 20 May 2017

Standardization of dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of bovine visceral schistosomiasis

Research (Published online: 21-05-2017)
12. Standardization of dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of bovine visceral schistosomiasis
Kommu Sudhakar, G. S. Sreenivasa Murthy and Gaddam Rajeshwari
Veterinary World, 10(5): 536-541
ABSTRACT
Aim: Bovine visceral schistosomiasis has been reported as an important disease entity as it affects animal health, productivity, causes economic losses due to liver condemnation, and produces a high morbidity. This study was conducted to standardize an easy, reliable dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of visceral schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma spindale and to know the prevalence rate in and around Hyderabad.
Materials and Methods: A dot-ELISA was standardized in the laboratory using whole worm antigen (WWA) and excretory-secretory antigen (ESA) of S. spindale. The standardized test was used for the diagnosis of bovine visceral schistosomiasis at field level. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was compared with counter current immunoelectrophoresis. In total, 288 sera (125 cattle and 163 buffalo) were screened by dot-ELISA.
Results: The dot-ELISA detected 32.63% of infection (94/288) using WWA and 40.62% of infection (117/288) using ESA. In cattle, the prevalence rate was 32.80% (41/125) using WWA and 40.80% (51/125) of infection. Similarly, in buffaloes, the prevalence rate was 32.51% (53/163) using WWA and 40.49% (66/163) of infection using ESA. The overall sensitivity of dot-ELISA was 76.74% and 80.48% with WWA and ESA, respectively, and specificity was 73.3% and 78.57% in WWA and ESA, respectively.
Conclusion: As ante-mortem diagnosis of visceral schistosomiasis is difficult in subclinical conditions, dot-ELISA can be used as a reliable immunodiagnostic test for diagnosis at field level.
Keywords: dot-enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assay, excretory-secretory antigen, Schistosoma spindale, whole worm antigen.

Development of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of canine leptospirosis

Research (Published online: 20-05-2017)
11. Development of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of canine leptospirosis
A. Sathiyamoorthy, G. Selvaraju, K. M. Palanivel and P. Srinivasan
Veterinary World, 10(5): 530-535
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was taken up to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) for screening antibodies against Leptospira spp. in canines.
Materials and Methods: An i-ELISA was developed using outer membrane protein extracted from Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola used for coating the well with concentration of 0.5 μg/μl. A total of 250 serum samples from clinically affected and apparently healthy dogs were collected along with relevant epidemiological data at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, and subjected to i-ELISA.
Results: Out of 250 sera samples, 140 (56.00%) were found to be positive by i-ELISA. All the sera samples were subjected to microagglutination test (MAT) with panel of 12 different serovars. A total of 71 (28.40%) sera samples were positivity to MAT excluding the sera samples positive to L. interrogans serovars canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae in vaccinated dogs. Sensitivity and specificity of i-ELISA were higher in compared with MAT was 91.54% and 58.10%, respectively.
Conclusion: An indirect ELISA developed for the detection of canine antileptospiral antibodies proved to be highly sensitive, rapid and easy to perform and overcome the drawbacks of MAT.
Keywords: canine leptospirosis, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, outer membrane protein, Leptospira canicola, Triton X-114 extraction.

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Comparison of milk production and milk composition for an exotic and a local synthetic rabbit lines

Research (Published online: 16-05-2017)
10. Comparison of milk production and milk composition for an exotic and a local synthetic rabbit lines
Karim El-Sabrout, Sarah Aggag and Alaa El-Raffa
Veterinary World, 10(5): 526-529
ABSTRACT
Aim: Basic objective of this research was to compare two rabbit lines: V-line (exotic line), Alexandria (local synthetic line) for yield and composition of milk product and their effect on productive performance of rabbits.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted on 80 does and their kits. Milk yield (MY) of each doe and milk composition (MC) were recorded at 3rd week of lactation.
Results: The results of MY showed insignificant difference between V-line and Alexandria line. While the results of MC indicated significant differences in milk protein and fat between the two lines. The protein electrophoresis was used for assaying variation in milk proteins between the two lines. The banding protein patterns showed seven protein bands for Alexandria line and six bands for V line. The results demonstrated one specific protein marker at 48 KDa (?-casein) in Alexandria doe's milk. Moreover, the results of individual body weight at weaning age indicated that Alexandria rabbits had significantly higher body weight compared with V-line rabbits (845.33 g, 664.05 g, respectively). Alexandria line had significantly lower mortality rate compared with V-line (1.5%, 2.7%, respectively).
Conclusion: The differences which obtained in Alexandria line milk may play an important role in the productive performance of rabbits.
Keywords: Alexandria line, milk yield, proteins, rabbit performance, V-line.

Friday 12 May 2017

Effects of season and artificial photoperiod on semen and seminal plasma characteristics in bucks of two goat breeds maintained in a semen collection center

Research (Published online: 13-05-2017)
9. Effects of season and artificial photoperiod on semen and seminal plasma characteristics in bucks of two goat breeds maintained in a semen collection center
Francisco Arrebola and Jose-Alfonso Abecia
Veterinary World, 10(5): 521-525
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study quantified the effects of season and photoperiodic treatment on semen and seminal plasma (SP) characteristics in 12 bucks of two Spanish goat breeds (Murciano-Granadina, and Payoya) for the past 1 year.
Materials and Methods: A total of 6 bucks (three of each breed) were exposed to the natural day length and the other six males (three of each breed) were exposed to alternating conditions of 2 months of long days (16 h light) and 2 months of short days (8 h light). Weekly concentrations of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, testosterone, and protein in SP were measured. Reaction time and scrotal circumference were recorded, and plasma testosterone concentrations were measured before semen collection.
Results: Sperm volume, LDH, and potassium concentration in SP, and reaction time did not differ significantly between breeds, seasons, and photoperiodic treatment. Sperm concentrations were higher (p<0.001) in spring and summer than they were in autumn and winter. Mean percentage of positive hypo-osmotic swelling test sperm was the highest in summer and under the artificial photoperiod (p<0.01). GOT/AST concentrations differed (p<0.01) between breeds and seasons. Breed, season, and photoperiod had significant (p<0.001) effects on protein and testosterone levels in SP. Plasma testosterone concentrations were highest in summer (p<0.001), and differed significantly (p<0.01) between breeds. Scrotal perimeter differed significantly (p<0.001) between breeds and photoperiod.
Conclusion: Recognition of those seasonal and breed-specific differences in the performance of bucks should help to improve the management of individual semen samples for use in artificial insemination programs.
Keywords: buck, goat, semen, seminal plasma.