Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences
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Prevalence of Tick-Borne Hemoparasites and Associated Ectoparasite Vectors in Dairy Cattle in Githunguri Sub-County, Kenya
No full textAims: Ticks-borne diseases (TBDs) cause significant production loses and welfare concern in livestock. These diseases are transmitted by ticks and sometimes biting flies. The presence of these vectors in animal environment is responsible for the occurrence of TBDs in a given area. This study examined the occurrence of tick-borne hemoparasites (TBPs) affecting dairy cattle in Githunguri sub-county, Kenya.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between August and November 2024. Blood samples were obtained from 402 dairy cattle randomly selected from 113 farms.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi.
Methodology: dairy cattle were selected through random sampling. Each animal underwent physical examination, after which blood and thin smears were stained with Giemsa, and screened for TBPs. Attached ticks were removed, preserved in ethanol, and identified using established morphological keys. Biting flies were trapped on sixty-three farms using sweep nets and baited traps, then sorted and classified by morphological features.
Results: Of the 402 cattle sampled, 129 (32.1%) carried at least one TBP. Anaplasma spp. were found in all positive samples. A. marginale occurred as a single infection in 90 (22.4%) animals, while A. centrale alone was seen in 11 (2.7%). Mixed A. marginale and A. centrale infections were found in 25 (6.2%), and A. marginale with Babesia spp. in 3 (0.7%). Tick attachment was noted on 11 animals (2.7%). From the 47 ticks collected, 45 (95.7%) were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. A total of 441 biting flies were identified, dominated by Stomoxys calcitrans (63.3%), S. niger (23.8%), and S. sitiens (8.2%). Musca domestica accounted for 4.8%.
Conclusion: Anaplasma infections are widespread in Githunguri cattle, and the presence of both tick and fly vectors emphasizes the need for broad, vector control
Access to Market Information for Smallholder Indigenous Chicken Farmers Improvement in Misungwi District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania
No full textAccess to market information by smallholder chicken farmers is most important for involving them in the chicken market. The majority of smallholder chicken farmers do not have access to market information regarding their chicken, such as the price of the chicken at the markets, quality, and quantity of the chicken required at the markets. This study is to review access to market information for smallholder indigenous chicken farmers’ improvement in Misungwi district. This study was carried out in four purposefully selected villages in the Misungwi district. This study used a sample size of forty respondents. The study employed a survey, interview and desk study research design and both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Stakeholders were interviewed, including four traders, four middlemen, and two extension officers. Quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, while qualitative data were analyzed using a content analysis procedure. The result of the study revealed that the price information has an impact on improving the bargaining ability of smallholder chicken farmers. The constraints to accessing market information in the study area are associated with the lack of information services, inadequate number of extension officers, high illiteracy, lack of awareness of the market information services, and lack of means and facilities by which information can be easily accessible. It is therefore suggested that there is a need for the Misungwi district council to place more weight on better practices on access to relevant, current, and appropriate market information for smallholder chicken farmers on prices based on the information provided, which will increase their bargaining power for their chicken
Effect of Mutingia calabura Leaves Extract on the Haematological Properties, Serum Biochemistry, and Intestinal Morphology in Ross Broiler Chickens
No full textIntroduction: Broiler chickens are more prone to diseases therefore, antibiotics are usually used to overcome disease challenges and also in some cases as growth promoter and eventually rise a concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Aims: This experiment evaluated the effects of different levels of Mutingia calabura leaves (MCL) on hematology parameters, serum parameters, and small intestine histomorphology of broiler chickens at 42 days of age.
Study Design: The study design was a completely randomized design.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, between September 2024 and March 2025.
Methodology: A total of 250 Day old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into six treatments with four replications of 10 chicks each. Compounded feed and aqueous Mutingia calabura leaves extract were supplied ad libitum throughout the experiment. Mutingia calabura leaves were harvested from SUA farm, then air dried for three weeks then milled to obtain milled leaves. The treatment groups consisted of T1 (positive control), T2 (0g/L), T3 (2g/L) T4 (4g/L), T5 (6g/L), and T6 (8g/L). Parameters measured were small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) histomorphology (villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height to crypt depth ratio), blood serum biochemistry, and hematology parameters. The recorded data were analyzed under one-way analysis of variance using SAS, and the comparison of means was done using Turkey-test.
Results: Results show that MCL significantly (P=0.05) affects the hematological parameters while lymphocytes, RDW, and MCHC showed no significant differences. Birds treated with T5-6g/L were observed to have higher values of WBC, followed by T4-4g/L, T1-positive control, T3-2g/L, T6-8g/L the least being T1-positive control. RBC and hemoglobin were higher in T5-6g/L, T4-4/g/L, and T3-2g/L while T2-negative control showed least value. Significant differences were observed in total protein and AST. Total protein was high in T5 followed by T4, T6, T3, T2, and least in T1 while, AST was high in T1 but still in the normal range. MCL showed a significant difference in histomorphology parameters and was observed to increase VH, VW and VH/CD as the level of dose increases up to 6g/L (T5).
Conclusion: Conclusively, MCL can be used as feed additive to improve intestinal and blood parameters of broilers
Hematobiochemical and Histological Evaluation of Tissue Biopsies in Calves with Long Bone Fractures Treated Via Internal Fixation
No full textBackground: For better clinical care of long bone fractures in animals, open reduction with plate fixation and wire suture is practical for restoring a fractured limb\u27s functionality.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Hematobiochemistry, histology of tissue biopsies and bacteriology at different post-operative days with long bone fractures with internal fixation in calves.
Methods: The calves were treated with open reduction, internal fixation with bone plate (group- I), and full cerclage SS wire (group- II). On days 0, 14, and 28 following surgeries, the haemato-biochemical, bacterial, histological, and clinical outcomes with or without complications were evaluated.
Results: In this study, there were substantial changes in the neutrophil, lymphocyte, and total leukocyte counts (TLC). Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), C- reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine activities were significantly (P< 0.05) affected in both groups. Bacteriological analysis revealed that complicated fracture sites had acute infections with a substantial number of contaminating bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Tissue biopsies from complicated fracture sites either exhibited infections with plasma cells, lymphocytes, or with a massive number of granulocytes. After clinical and radiographic evaluation, plate fixation was associated with a much greater risk of complications (62.5%), as opposed to the full-cerclage wire, which was associated with a significantly lower incidence of complications.
Conclusions: Based on biochemical and postoperative results, cerclage wire seems to be the preferred method of repairing long bone open fractures in calves, leading to quick secondary bone healing and the return of limb function
Effect of the Combination of Turmeric Powder (Curcuma domestica Val.) and Multi-enzyme Supplementation in Enhancing Broiler Production Performance
No full textAims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val.) powder and multi-enzyme supplementation on the production performance of broiler chickens, particularly focusing on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and production index.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five dietary treatments and five replications for each treatment.
Place and Duration of Study: The field trial was conducted in a closed-house poultry facility located in Kalipare District, Malang, Indonesia, over a 35-day rearing period.
Methodology: This study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and five replications. A total of 300 day-old Lohmann MB202 P broiler chickens were randomly allocated into five dietary treatment groups: P0 (Control): without feed additive supplementation, P1: 0.3% turmeric powder + 0.01% multienzyme, P2: 0.6% turmeric powder + 0.01% multienzyme, P3: 0.9% turmeric powder + 0.01% multienzyme, and P4: 1.2% turmeric powder + 0.01% multienzyme. Each experimental unit consisted of 12 birds housed in a closed-house pen, resulting in a total of 60 birds per treatment group. All birds were reared for 35 days under standard commercial management practices with ad libitum access to feed and water. The basal diet was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of broilers based on standards. Parameters measured included feed intake (g/bird), body weight gain (g/bird), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and production index (PI). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and if significant differences were found (P<0.05) Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used as a post hoc comparison.
Results: The supplementation of turmeric and multi-enzyme did not significantly affect feed intake (P>0.05), which ranged from 3772.37 g (P4) to 3916.53 g (P0). However, highly significant effects (P<0.01) were observed on BWG, FCR, and PI. The best performance was recorded in P4, with the highest BWG (2491.99 g), the most efficient FCR (1.49), and the highest PI (488.18). In contrast, the control group (P0) showed the lowest values in all parameters: BWG (2151.85 g), FCR (1.79), and PI (347.31).
Conclusion: The combination of 1.2% turmeric powder and 0.01% multi-enzyme significantly enhanced broiler production efficiency, particularly in terms of growth rate, feed conversion, and production index, despite not increasing feed intake significantly. These findings suggest that this combination is a safe and effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and is recommended for practical application in sustainable poultry production systems
Prevalence and Occurrence of Various Canine Tick Species in Roma Valley, Lesotho
No full textTicks are ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens to wild and domesticated animals and pose a serious threat to human health. The study aimed to determine the common tick species infesting canines in six villages within the Roma Valley. A cross-sectional study was conducted, during which dogs were randomly selected for tick collection. Approximately 15 dogs from each village were chosen as experimental units, resulting in a total of 90 dogs included in the experiment. The animals were classified by age into three categories: young (below one year of age), middle (puberty stage, between 7 and 10 months), and adults (one year and older). To comprehend the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases, it is essential to identify ticks on dogs of various age groups. This is due to the complex life cycle of ticks, which consists of four stages, each displaying distinct behaviors related to host attachment and feeding duration. Ticks were collected using the hand-picking technique and subsequently transferred to separate bottles containing 70% ethanol. These samples were then transported to the laboratory at the National University of Lesotho for species identification, which was performed using a light microscope. The species exhibited significant differences (p≤0.05) between different villages. The identified species include Hyalomma rufipes, Boophilus decoloratus Koch, Boophilus microplus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus e. evertsi, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes rubicundus, Hyalomma marginatum, and Octobius megnini. Among these, Boophilus microplus was the most prevalent species in Mafefooane at a rate of 57.8%, followed by Boophilus decoloratus at 48.0%. In contrast, Ixodes ricinus was scarce in Tloutle Ha Mpiti (1.3%), while Octobius megnini was the least common at just 0.3%. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in sex ratios, coat color, or predilection sites among the villages (p≥0.05). The presence of these tick species poses a detrimental effect by transmitting pathogens and hindering the growth of dogs. The study concludes that most of the canines found in Roma Valley are affected by the ectoparasites hence its recommend that famers should control the external parasites on canines
Haematological and Biochemical Profiles in Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Different Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal
No full textAims: A study was conducted to identify the Haematological and Biochemical Profiles of Broiler Chickens Fed at Different Levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Place and Duration of Study: The experimental study included the rearing of broiler chickens were conducted at the National Animal Health Research Centre (NAHRC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. Laboratory examination was conducted at, NAHRC, Pathology lab. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days.
Methodology: A total of 144 birds were divided into 4 treatment groups with 3 replications in each group, each replication containing 12 birds. Experimental broiler diets were comprised of no Moringa oleifera (T1); Moringa oleifera 0.5% (T2); Moringa oleifera 1% (T3), and Moringa oleifera 1.5% (T4). Haemoglobin, haematocrit and differential leukocyte count was determined. In the biochemical test, total serum protein (Albumin and Globulin), Glucose and Cholesterol, AST (Aspartate Transaminase), ALT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase), Calcium, Urea and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) were determined. The obtained values were statistically analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Result: Haematocrit, heterophil, monocyte, lymphocyte and eosinophil, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, calcium, AST, ALT, urea and BUN were found to be statistically nonsignificant (p>0.05) among the treatment and control groups throughout the observation period. But Haemoglobin, total protein and globulin was found to be significantly (p< 0.05) affected. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, heterophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and eosinophil values were higher in broiler feeding Moringa oleifera treated diet. Serum glucose level increases in the Moringa oleifera treated diet. The result shows a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol level in Moringa oleifera treated diet.
Conclusion:
It could be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf meal with levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% has a beneficial effect on some haeamatological and serum biochemical indices. The best level occurred by 1% in broiler chicken diets
Testicular Hypoplasia and Associated Scrotal Variations in Nigerian Sahel Bucks: An Abattoir Survey
No full textBreeding soundness in bucks is dependent on how healthy the animal is at the time of evaluation. Sahelian bucks are the predominant breed of goats found in northeastern part of Nigeria. Factors that influence the occurrence of testicular hypoplasia are malnutrition, hormonal imbalance and trauma. 200 Sahel bucks presented for slaughter at Maiduguri central abattoir were assessed for this study. Body condition score, scrotal circumference and scrotal length and shapes were evaluated. Gross examination of the testicles was carried out and those with variation in sizes and shape were identified and further examined after flaying. Scrotal bifida was obtained in this study presenting a prevalence of 0.5%. Both unilateral and bilateral hypoplasia were identified grossly by this study with a prevalence of 3% and 1.5% respectively. Those with gross hypoplasia were collected for histopathological examination. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections revealed absence of spermatogenic activities. Scrotal bifida has no effect on reproductive performance in bucks. In conclusion testicular hypoplasia is still prevalent among Sahel bucks and have been found by this study to decrease spermatogenic activities hence there is a need to further study the detailed causes to boost small ruminant production in the area
Dietary Synbiotic Plus Betaine Modulates Intestinal Microbiota and Organ Development in Broilers Exposed to High Stocking Density Stress
No full textAims: The present study aimed to evaluate dietary supplementation with synbiotic, betaine, and their combination on the gut microbiota balance, internal organ development, and performance of broiler raised under high stocking density.
Study Design: The study was designed to evaluate the impacts of symbiotic plus betaine on broiler chickens subjected to stress from high density, with a focus on gut health, immune organ development, and growth efficiency.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted from June to August 2022, at the experimental facility of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.
Methodology: A total of 225 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb CP 707 strain, initial weight 49.61 ± 0.59 g) were randomly divided into five treatments and five replicates: (1) CONTR- = normal-density rearing (8 birds/m²) + fed with basal diet; CONTR+ = high-density rearing (15 birds/m²) + fed with basal diet; T1 = high-density rearing + fed basal diet supplemented with 1% synbiotic; T2 = high-density rearing + fed basal diet supplemented with 0.2% betaine; T3 = high-density rearing + fed basal diet supplemented with 1% synbiotic + 0.2% betaine.
Results: Results showed that synbiotic + betaine supplementation (T3) significantly increased ileum weight and length (P < .05), enhanced the weights of the bursa fabricius and thymus, and reduced coliform counts while lactic acid bacteria increased. Birds in the T3 group also exhibited higher feed intake and final body weight compared to those raised under high-density without supplementation (P < .05).
Conclusion: The combination of synbiotic and betaine (T3) synergistically improved gut health, immune organ development, and overall performance of broiler chickens under crowded conditions
In vitro Study of Neem Bark Extract on Rumen Fermentation and Biohydrogenation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
No full textAim: An In vitro gas production technique was conducted to assess effects of commercial Neem (Azadirachta indica) bark extract (NBE) on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation (BH) of selected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Study Design: There were three (3) treatments, each made up of a total of 32 incubation bottles i.e. 8 bottles for control (contained basal diet, rumen fluid and buffer solution), 8 bottles (basal diet, rumen fluid, buffer solution and 100 mg/l of NBE), 8 bottles (basal diet, rumen fluid, buffer solution and 200 mg/l of NBE) and 8 bottles (basal diet, rumen fluid, buffer solution and 400 mg/l of NBE).
Methodology: All three (3) treatments were incubated at a temperature of 39oC for 12 hours (treatment 1), 24 hours (treatment 2) and 48 hours (treatment 3). During incubation procedure, gas production was measured by using pressure transducer after 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 hours. Consequently, pH was measured by using pH meter after 12, 24 and 48 hours of fermentation and then incubation was stopped. During this time, digested samples in gas medium were collected for analysis of PUFAs by using gas chromatography. GenStat 15th edition (version 15.1) software was used to analyse collected data in which statistical method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) i.e. one – way ANOVA was used to compare means between treatments.
Results: Results showed that no differences in gas production, pH, changes in concentration and BH of selected PUFAs after 48 hours of in vitro fermentation. However, concentrations (g/100g FA) of linolenic acid at levels of 200 and 400 mg/l of NBE i.e. 0.8 and 0.8 respectively were increased (p< .05) compared to control (0.7). Moreover, NBE at level of 400 mg/l inhibits (p<.05) BH of linolenic acid (92.1%) and docosahexaenoic acid (75.0%) compared to control (92.8%) and (80.3%) respectively.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that, NBE possesses bioactive compounds which affect BH of docosahexaenoic and linolenic acids and has little effect on improving fermentation and modifying ruminal BH of PUFAs